Two weeks passed since Toshiro's downright strange encounter with Vendetta, yet she never seemed to leave his thoughts. Trying to reason with himself it was just business, every attempt failed. Though he managed to remain quite professional in the moment, thinking back on the night... he found himself very much attracted to her. Finding her familiar, yet unknown. Though who could blame him- her beauty and style were unmatched, artistic prowess putting her on another level entirely. True legends, immortalized...
Earlier in the week he sent her an email, letting her know that the rest of her list had arrived- her swift reply, she would return in a few days. Toshiro followed up to say the night she came he would bring the Collection- and she could arrange the delivery to her chosen destination. She replied immediately- explaining she had some friends she would bring with her, who would take care of things. But he only had to talk to her.
~
At last, that fateful night had come. Toshiro had spent more time then he cared to admit deciding on what he would wear. The voice in the back of his head giving him grief for even worrying about such things on just another night of work didn't help in the slightest. After going through his entire wardrobe twice over, he had decided on a black dress shirt adorned with blood drop cuff links, crimson tie and blazer, along with black slacks, all tailored in the Japanese style this time. His long black hair had once again been tied back, the scent of spicy cologne mixed with his own.
Standing behind the counter, he gazed out the window at the sliver of starry sky, he found it difficult. He tried to shake away the feeling- akin to a young man getting ready for a date with his girlfriend, reminding himself that this was professional and nothing more. Likely she would come with her friends, pick up her items, then leave. So why did he look so forward to seeing her again?..
~
Vendetta strode down the street- invisible, yet turning heads. Excitement filled her- Toshiro contacted her, informing her that the items she ordered were en route to arrive. And given a date. A date... The thought made her shake her head softly. No way would he think of that like she did; people loved the fantasy, the gloss... but put Vendetta on an unreachable pedestal. Her life- an impossible yet fantastic dream, that could last eternity... it was missing an element. Someone to share it with. And a particular face came to mind...
Ever since that evening, her thoughts kept drifting back to Toshiro. He'd done what all others failed. She tried to tell herself that was it- mere euphoria. But she knew better... His emerald eyes, that soft and icy skin, his mannerisms... Vendetta, control yourself. It's professional- nothing more. Gods, you look like a tart- he's going to laugh. She chose to be... well, bold was a bit of an understatement...
~
Once more, that familiar bell tinkled- carrying in a cool breeze. Hearing the familiar ringing of the bell, Toshiro quickly turned his attention to the door. Once more, crimson leaves tumbled in. And once more, there Vendetta stood. Accompanying her came two men; one of them looking a lot like Toshiro- except with teal accents over crimson. One would swear they were twins... The men stepped inside, brushing themselves off. While Toshiro took note of them, he felt their intense stares- icy and judgmental sizing him up silently. Unnerved as he was, a large smile spread across his face as his eyes landed on Vendetta- the change in colour scheme throwing him off slightly. The crimson certainly stood out more, but she seemed to pull it off with ease- though he doubted there was truly anything she couldn't pull off. Speaking of pulling things off, her coat was removed.
A study of blood and shadows, she channelled that iki style- but in a very different way. Crimson locks gave way to scarlet, though having an ink-dipped effect retaining the original raven black. A gorgeous black leather corset wrapped her frame, massive crimson spiderweb adorning it, setting her assets nicely on display. Elegant, skin-tight sleeves highlighted moonlight-pale skin of her shoulders and throat... A very lovely high-low skirt tempered nicely by blood red leggings all drew the eye down to some killer sharp-heeled black ankle boots. Designed to thrill, visible yet hidden...
Nearly going slack jawed, his gaze roamed along her body, taking her outfit in bit by bit- or so was the reasoning he had given himself. Trying his best to seem respectful- feeling deepening intensity of the twin stares. It certainly didn't seem like a casual outfit, maybe she had somewhere to be after picking up her things? Perhaps with the two who accompanied her? Though it begged the question, why she would bother to remove her coat, when she was merely there to pick up a few items of which he already had set aside... Fangs were displayed this time, ivory framed by dark lips- one had to wonder what Vendetta was up to...
Striding across the floor to the counter, familiar click-clack of her heels, Vendetta's body held what could only be considered a seductive sway. For his eyes, and his alone... Noticing her hips swaying from side to side, the distance from the door to the counter seemed to at least double...
Just like last time, she gave him an elegant bow. How strange she was. "Good Evening, Toshiro~ I was informed my special order has arrived?" Still warm and polite, but with an edge of... lust? Or was he merely imagining things?..
Once more, Toshiro bowed to her. "Good evening, Lady Vendetta- it's good to see you again, and I must say, you're looking quite lovely tonight."
Immediately, Vendetta noticed the spicy cologne. It smelled simply divine, not unlike the one on her own skin... a scent locked into her memory... his. Ruby-dominant gaze took him in. Once more, that silken hair of his tied back, she wanted so much to feel it in her fingers... Like he'd ever let you... You're just a client, the woman beneath undesired. Silencing the inner critic, she did like the crimson and black... the blood drop cuff links were a nice touch, she had to admit. Seemed these two were on a similar wavelength.
"Such sweet words are rather kind, you honour me." Once more she smiled- they had been here before. Toshiro matched it with his own. Presently she looked back, then to Toshiro again with a smile. "I wanted to introduce you to the two who will be taking care of my delivery. This is Dee and Dum- or as I like to call them, the Bloody Twins. Dee, Dum, this is Toshiro- the delightful gentleman I was telling you about. The one whose art adorns my home~"
Elegant as ever, Toshiro gave a deep, respectful bow. The one accenting with teal- who looked somewhat like Toshiro- bowed at the mention of Dee. Dum- the short-haired one- waved gently with a little grin. While he relaxed, his brother retained the same seriousness. Both of them watched him- the silent message clear: Watch yourself.
"I have your things set aside in the back- just allow me one moment to go grab them for you." Disappearing through the door behind the counter, after her nod a light flicked on as Toshiro began searching the shelves. That scathing inner voice telling him off again. You know she almost certainly followed your gaze. She probably thinks you're some sort of pervert after that. Besides, you have no chance- she's just here to grab her things and leave. With them, the Bloody Twins- probably on a date. Spotting the dye and paint she had ordered, he grabbed them and returned to the counter.
In the momentary absence, Vendetta adjusted herself. Smoothing out wrinkles, brushing hair back, trying to look perfect. She was insane, for her thoughts. But, life- like art- was for taking risks. And while it likely would end badly, she just... she had to try. Easily he pulled her order, all elegance as he came back.
"You ordered the Holographic Vanta Paint, and the Silver and Golden Angel Inks, correct? Oh, and we can't forget..." Crouching down behind the counter he unlocked the safe, pulling out the Vampyre's Obsidian Collection. Handling it carefully, he stood back up and set it on the counter top- opening it for examination. "Here it is, the Vampyre's Obsidian Collection."
All thee stepped close, examining in shock. There it was, the item countless souls sought. An intricate collection of the finest pieces anyone could own- within lay a set of brushes, measuring tools, and other miscellaneous pieces. All of them carved from an extremely rare purple obsidian, infused with magick from the original artist. She could see the energies swirling, nearly perfectly preserved for centuries. This was a truly priceless item. One that would only improve with use, as Vendetta came to understand in her research...
Hardly daring to breathe [not that she needed to], Vendetta's fingers brushed over the pieces. The magick immediately stirred under her touch, a dark purple shimmer coming to life from it. Intact, near pristine condition... Whatever he asked, it was not ever going to be enough. So many things came to her mind... "My gods, it's amazing... just like you..." Vendetta froze. Was that the wrong thing to say?
A soft smile graced Toshiro's face once more, as he allowed Vendetta to inspect the collection. Seemingly captivated by its beauty- just as he had been so many years ago, when he first laid eyes on it... Colour once again crept along his pale face, at her compliment. Don't be getting any ideas now, she's merely being nice...
"I- thank you... this is, there's nothing I can give that would be adequate..." Vendetta swallowed gently, then spoke on, body trembling gently. Closing it gently, she gave Dee the case, and Dum the elegant bag holding the remnants of her order. Turning to them, she spoke quietly. "Boys, please ensure you- and this- get back safe. By any means necessary. Once it's in the vault, take the night off. Feel free to use the house. I will be back later."
Dee and Dum bowed deep- even deeper than Toshiro had. They gave Toshiro one last glance, before turning and walking out once more. Bell tinkling came accompanied by a strong wind- Dee's sharp glance looking back inside, one last time. Studying Toshiro... Then they disappeared.
Once more they were alone in Crimson Creations. Vendetta turned to Toshiro, looking... uncomfortable. "Please, forgive me... This is improper, and- I do expect refusal... yet, I..." Words abandoned her, as did her voice in part. She couldn't think of an elegant way to pose her question, so her thoughts tumbled out.
"I haven't been able to stop thinking of you since we met. Not just for all you've done, either. Something about you has attracted me, and... I- I'd love to go on a date with you, after you close... if you have time and- and are willing?..." For her, time froze. She couldn't react, fear paralyzing her. Vendetta cast the dice. No turning back.
A look of disbelief took over Toshiro's features, listening to her confession and request. Even the nagging voice in his head fell silent. Did he hear correctly? Surely, he had to be dreaming... But if he was, he wished that he could remain in such a dream state forever. Taking a few moments to compose himself, a bright smile spread across his face.
"I haven't been able to stop thinking about you either. I tried to tell myself it was merely business, but that couldn't have been farther from the truth. Since sending you the e-mail, I couldn't wait for this night to come, the chance to see you once again overwhelming me. Then when I saw the Twins, I wasn't sure what to expect."
His gaze now fully fixated wholly on her, as if she was the only one left in the world. "...I would love to go on a date with you. There's nothing else I'd rather do. I'll be closing in a little over two hours. Is there somewhere you'd like me to meet you when I'm finished?" How badly tempted he was to just close up early and leave with her right then and there!
He wanted to see her again? And accepted her bold offer?! Vendetta smiled brightly in kind, delighted. "Meet me at Ambrosia, I'll have a space waiting for us. See you in a few hours!" Vendetta waved gently as she vanished once more into the night- so excited, she left her coat behind... Gods, she couldn't wait to spend some time with him, in whatever form that would take...