Naiomi takes a step back, shaking her head. I sigh and take a step away from the patrons jostling for a spot to get into Luz Oscura.

"I'm not going in there," She says, adamant as ever. Can't she make anything easy? Gods, woman. A little cooperation goes a long way.

"Oh, come on, girl," I protest. "I even wore my good jacket. It's my social one. You need a night off. We locked the tavern up tight and nobody's gonna break in there. Plus, they love you here."

"That's the problem," Naiomi says. "I'll say it again: no, Namonai."

"Pleeeaaase?"

"No." I rarely beg, it's humiliating. And degrading. Other people beg around me, though. That's actually a very interesting story—focus Namonai. I'll do anything to get her in that club. I lift my mask and it only takes a second for her shoulders to slump. "Fine," the Kitsune reluctantly agrees through her teeth. "But I'm not staying longer than an hour. One hour, Namonai," She holds up one index finger, "No more."

I slip my mask back down with a smile and grab her by her hand, elbowing my way through the line. Someone tries to grab me and pull me back. I snarl in their direction. They retract their hand, and I continue forcing my way through the crowd. Everything needs to go perfect tonight; I won't let anybody ruin it.

"Hey Namonai!" The bouncer greets us with a big smile. "Long time no see, man."

"Same," I respond with a nod. He ushers us into the crowded club. Naiomi's ears twitch at the influx of volume. At least it isn't crowded; Naiomi doesn't do well in crowds. Or around people. Maybe this wasn't a good idea...

Luz Oscura is the perfect mix of sleazy and classy. It's not the most popular club in Malor, but it's the best outside of Westend. It's the kind of place where nobody will remember your face tomorrow, but will give you a night that you won't forget.

"Namonai! Naiomi!" A small man weaves through the crowd towards us. He's garbed in colorful, billowing silks. The rings and piercings on his face jingle with every step. "It's so good to see you!" He stands on his tip-toes just to make eye contact. Naiomi makes a face when he kisses both her cheeks. He turns to me, and just pats me on the shoulder. What, no kiss for me?

"Hey, Chin," I greet. "How's business?"

"Good! Good. It's good!" He nods enthusiastically. His long, wavy, hair shakes with every movement. His skin almost looks like gold in the warm lights of the club. His eyes sparkle every time he looks at you. Chin is the perfect host.

"I'm here to speak with Maximón, can you please get him?"

"Sure!" Chin turns to the crowd. "Maximón, dear, Namonai is here!" He shouts over the music, but gets no response. I notice an elderly man by the stage, moving his arms and keeping his eyes closed. I've never seen a Muse in person. They create any sound they can imagine with just their minds. They're a highly sought after commodity in Malor. "Let me grab him for you," Chin says with a smile. He calls Maximón's name again, weaving his lithe body through the crowd.

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"And while I talk to him, you can relax," I set Naiomi down in front of the stage. I swipe a drink from one of the platters being carried around the room and hand it to her.

"I'm not sitting here or drinking anything," Naiomi says in her same strict tone. Maybe that's just her normal voice? It can be a bit difficult to tell. I back away when she tries to hand me the drink back. You're going to have fun tonight, Naiomi, whether you want it or not.

"Loosen up," I grin underneath my mask, "You can't leave now, the show is about to start," I reply as the velvet curtains on the stage slowly draw open. The music shifts in tone while the lights focus on stage. A young dancer slowly steps out on stage, clad only in a few pieces of leather, a dark mask, and black feathers accessorizing everything. The dance turns tantalizing while the music croons to the ears, beckoning you to the stage. I look down to see Naiomi's eyes glued to the dancer. She downs her glass and grabs another without looking away. Perfect. "You like the dance?" She doesn't even look at me.

"It's...okay." She swallows hard, following the lead dancer as others file out. The lead's eyes follow me while I walk towards Chin, who is jumping and waving at me. I give the thumbs up to the dancer. Ghelly cleans up nice.

"Nice to see you again," Maximón greets. His voice rolls out like the smoothest scotch. Even indoors, he wears black glasses. The tawny Immortal doesn't make a move when Chin drapes several colorful garlands and beads around his spotless vest and tie. He looks at the small host, who simply beams up at him.

"I'll leave you two to chat." Chin gives Maximón a peck on the cheek before disappearing into the crowd once more.

"You're a lucky man," I compliment. He takes a seat on one of the plush bar stools and I do the same. He orders for me, rings of tattoos circling his fingers. Designs arch down his exposed skin. I wonder if Chin follows them with his lips...Snap out of it Namonai! I accept the drink and take a sip. Oh, that's good.

"I know," He replies with a smirk. Maximón runs a hand back through his slick hair. After sipping his own drink, he turns to me, the crisp folds of his suit pants rustling. "I'm afraid your boy is more popular than I expected." I frown and set the glass down.

"We had a deal, Maximón," My tone is stern, but I don't think he's taking me seriously. I can be stern! Sometimes. Hey, be nice; he has all the cards, remember? Play nice tonight. "I bring Naiomi, make you a nice profit with Ghelly, and then you turn him back over to me. Naiomi sees how great a dancer he is, and brings him to the tavern. That was the deal." Maximón sips his drink again.

"Deals change my friend."

"I thought you were a saint," I grumble. He smirks and stands. Several shadowy figures move in and out of a room behind the bar. They all have patches of a white fist above a broken red crown on their shoulders. Ah hell Maximón, what have you got caught up in this time?

"Only to some."

"What about to those who help you and your..." I look at the men and women behind the bar, "friends?" The Immortal turns back to me, leaning on the counter.

"I'm listening." His voice is barely a whisper.

"You need something done, right? I'll get it done."

"And in return you want your boy back?" He asks. I smile behind my mask. Not so fast Maximón, I'm not conned that easily.

"And the Muse." Maximón frowns, leaning back.

"You want Baer?" He looks to the elderly musician next to the stage, uncertain. "Chin likes him. The old man can't hear a thing, but, still. A happy man means a happy land," He says gesturing to the club.

"Something important then," I bargain. Maximón sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. He'll take the deal. Sure, I'm not professional, nice, or clean. Or tolerable. But I get my job done every time.

"You screw this up, and even I can't save you," He warns. I wave my hand dismissively.

"Since when has that stopped me?" Maximón grins, nodding.

"Alright. Go down to the docks. Your contact will fill you in on the details." I look to Naiomi, who's officially sloshed.

"What about her?"

"Chin will see that Naiomi, Baer, and your boy are safe. No harm will come to them in the club." I nod, downing the last of my drink. Maybe the crisp sea air will do me some good.