⠀⠀ “Guess it’s a little late to grow a 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞.” -𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐨- A Consummate Professional

—slams the glass down, shaking his head. “Place is kinda eerie when it’s empty. Still beautiful, maybe more so, but eerie.”

Raising the glass, he pauses before taking a drink. Moving it towards her, a chuckle escaped him. “Heres to you, then. For not kicking me out, and for not sparing the good stuff.” Raising it once more, he completely throws the drink back with with a grin. Delicious. He almost—

—everyone around your finger. Can’t really blame them. Think you could crumble empires with that smile of yours.” Setting a few gil on the counter, he’d take a seat. “How’s about a drink? For both of us.”

He had taken notice. Noticing that the other bees weren’t quick to ask him to leave, he’d make his way to the bar as the other patrons flooded out. Leaning himself against the bar top, he’d look to the lone queen. “Busy night? Couldn’t help but notice how easily you wrapped—

—whatever the show was this evening. He had his hopes, but he’d wait and see.

—Emma, he made sure to have her thank Diana. He also made sure she received the two thousand gil tip, just for her trouble. Dealing with so many drunkard and “ugly son” patrons could only be so interesting. Taking the drink in hand, he’d thank Emma and ready himself for—

Of course not, nor would he expect her to. She was in high demand, a favorite and a draw to most of the patrons. The drinks and show were one thing, but the way he saw others falling over themselves for her? It was almost as entertaining as the show. Receiving the drink from—

—around the glass, looking across the floor for her.

He wouldn’t steal as many glances as he did the night prior. Looking her way only once, he flashed her the same confident grin her had. She’d make her way over to him eventually, right? As the show drew closer, he was on his third drink, holding the glass. He swirled the liquid—

—celebrating in their own way. He had found himself wanting…more alcohol, and a show. He waited to be served, not making direct eye contact with anyone if he could help it. An attempt to make them less intimidated.

He made sure he was one of the last ones out, only catching Diana’s gaze once. He’d make it a point to thank Lydia, her service was exceptional, even if she was a bit meek. The next night he was back in that same booth at roughly the same time. Just him. The others were—

—his head as he watched her. “Not my best material, but, hey. Glad you noticed.”

“A man of many talents.” He’d place five gold gil pieces into her hand. Five thousand. A decent tip, probably not what she was used to, but it was quite generous to almost everyone else. He remained silent, taking another sip from the green glass. He sighed contently, tilting—

—of your busy schedule to check on me? You’re too kind.” Fingers wrapped around the glass, pulling it closer to him. He took a sip, letting that sweet, hot flavor pour down his throat. “I’m sure it’s out of interest, and nothing else.” A light smirk tugged at his lips.

He watched her approach, immediately looking away from the show. The show was in full swing, on point and as creative as he had seen prior, but that wasn’t his interest, at least at the moment. His hand on his empty glass, he watched as she offered him another. “Taking time out—

—the next drink as Lydia dropped it off. He’d act as if nothing happened, treating Lydia as he said he would. Even kept the flirting to a…minimum.

A laugh escaped him, watching her walk away. Green hues watched her as she went about her business. A shimmering star, that was obvious. Think, regardless of how anything else went tonight, he wouldn’t stop grinning whenever they stole glances. “Diana.” He’d mutter, accepting—

—don’t scare you. I’ll still tip her very well.”

—should’ve. “I’m not here on business. I wasn’t kidding about this place having the best drinks, and the service is great.” His grin grew all the larger. “If you think it’s best, maybe the sweet honeybee can work on someone less imposing, and maybe you deal with me? Since I—

“No, I didn’t think I would. You aren’t as meek and shy as these little bees, are you? I see you as more the protective “Queen bee”, if I had to assume. Something similar, maybe.” Out of everything she said, her light compliment was all that stuck. Stroked his ego more than it—