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At one time, Enzo might’ve found himself at a place like Walpurgisnacht readily and enthusiastically. That was a relic of a bygone era. At what point his desire to go clubbing had diminished, Enzo couldn’t rightfully say for sure. All he knew now as he passed through the doors to the darkened space was that he felt old. He had plans with Kosei Kiryu later, and was eager for the laidback aspect of it.[break][break]

It also felt important, however, to carve out some time to interact with Yumi Hasegawa in a setting that wasn’t The Nimbus itself. Enzo simply hadn’t factored in the apparent development that he was now boring.[break][break]

“No particular reason.” Enzo shrugged loosely as his own gaze traveled over the interior decor. “It is nearby, and I’ve never bothered to visit. Perhaps curiosity, if anything.”[break][break]

It certainly wasn’t his flavor of aesthetic, though at one time it might have been. He might’ve suggested that it was an opportunity to scope out the competition that the Nimbus might have within Mossdeep when it came to choice in drinking establishment, but:[break][break]

1) This was meant to be off the clock socializing.[break]
2) He didn’t feel particularly concerned. The ‘vibes’ were totally different—as the kids liked to say.[break][break]

Once again, he was struck with the sense that he was getting old. The kids?? “Want anything in particular?” he asked, head tilting toward the crowded bar.

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“After you,” he murmured with a sweep of his hand, though Yumi hardly needed the prompting. It was a forthrightness he appreciated, the gesture drawing a smirk across his lips as he listened in.[break][break]

“Never heard of it,” he said with a loose shrug. Though it did sound a hell of a lot like something he might’ve had when he was in his early twenties. “First time for everything.”[break][break]

The latter phrase was directed at the bartender with a casually polite smile. “You’re right, I wasn’t there. Which is a bit unfortunate. I think I might’ve enjoyed it quite a bit.” He used to harp Kosei Kiryu when they were younger for not taking the time to balance work and rest and play.[break][break]

And yet now, he’d somehow become more of a workaholic. Often too reluctant to leave the Nimbus for long. He simply needed someone he actually trusted to place longer term care in their hands.[break][break]

He said none of that, however. His only explanation was given as the gravedigger was handed to him, and he tipped his glass in her direction with an amused scoff.[break][break]

“Ain’t no rest for the wicked, or so it goes.”

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Enzo nodded at the bartender as his own gravedigger was handed over, exchanging it for a tip of folded bills. He didn’t immediately drink, instead glancing sidelong back to Yumi before turning to her fully.[break][break]

“It certainly seems you enjoyed yourself,” he remarked as she gushed, his smile hooking up crookedly, “If your review was good, I suppose I’ll have to take time away from work to attend if there’s another in the future.”[break][break]

While she searched for the photos she wanted, he took a tentative sip. His nose immediately wrinkled, though not wholly in distaste. Yeah, this was definitely something he would have chugged like juice when he was, say…twenty-one.[break][break]

He would still drink it now too, however. Though probably just the one.[break][break]

Enzo leaned back slightly as she shoved the phone out (a very dad-like movement,) before focusing on the photos. “Ah, you look stunning.
A fine choice.” His lips twisted in a smirk, “But I’m quite sure you already knew that.”[break][break]

“Of course I know the play,” he agreed with a nod, “You might be onto something. Who knows— perhaps if you put together a project plan, it might be an event you are assigned to oversee and coordinate.” Not a lightly offered suggestion.[break][break]

He stared down at the bright contents in his glass, “I don’t disagree. I prefer smokier tones, myself. But this sees to be more suited to this location, I figure.”

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“Oh. well, of course. I would want to see your handiwork, and its obvious success.”[break][break]

He was careful in saying so, careful to make it about her rather than the fact that he attended nearly every formal event held at the Nimbus. It would have been nice, when he was starting out the same as her, to have had someone older encourage his more obvious skills.[break][break]

And apparently, he cared enough to do that for Yumi. Even if she didn’t, or claimed to not, need it. Ach, it seemed he was going soft in the center of his chest. How unseemly and un-cutthroat of him.[break][break]

“Right on it! We’ll have a meeting and presentation panel as soon as you’re prepared.” It wasn’t a surprise for her to have leapt on the opportunity, nor to see the sharpness there. It was the clever thing, the smart thing. If he was going to have a protege, it was for the better that she was quick and kept up.[break][break]

“We’re not at work, so in this case, Enzo is fine,” he remarked with a laugh, crooked smile hanging on his mouth as he followed. “As it happens, I’ve brought something for you as well.”[break][break]

From the inner pocket of his suit coat, he produced a long, thin box. Sleek and dark, secured with a dark red ribbon.

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If he was only boosting her ego in prematurely saying so, Enzo didn’t mind. Certainly, to this point she’d proven her mettle, so he spoke with a degree of confidence. Her pride was earned. And at the very least, he tried to make the situation a bearable one— that dislike for being under another’s authority was yet another shared trait. So if anything, this could be a better learning experience than the familial grievances she often spoke of on her media pages.[break][break]

Yes, he would come down on her if she grew flippant in her work, but that hadn’t been an issue thusfar. And he had the sneaking suspicion it would continue to be alright. He recognized that cutthroat desire to climb higher. To see how far she could go and prove a point.[break][break]

And Enzo lauded her for it. He could genuinely say he looked forward to seeing how she improved. Not just in business, but in other areas of Rocket, which was why there was duality in his own gift.[break][break]

He smiled slightly as she insisted, setting the box down on the table to open her bag. Popping open the case, his smile widened at the sight of the cuff links. “Oh, these are lovely. You have good taste.” He would definitely be making use of these.[break][break]

“Now this can have a few different uses, should you be in need of it,” he said (very fatherly so, end him,) and slid the box toward her.[break][break]

Upon opening, there would be a gold, thin, but sturdy decorative hairpin. Serpent-like inlay decorated along the length of it, and adorned with satin pink gem blossoms and tasseled teardrop pearls. The pointed end intentionally, and exceptionally sharp.[break][break]

Swiss Army knife of accessories, if you will.

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“Hopefully not,” he agreed with a slight nod of his head before he sipped his drink again. Once more, the sweetness made his nose wrinkle. “But one can never be too prepared.”[break][break]

Well now, didn’t he sound like an old fuddy duddy?[break][break]

It would be a shame, though. She was right about that. Stingy as he could be, the price hadn’t mattered to him in this instance if it meant it further solidified their connection as mentor and protege. It had been one of his more thoughtful gifts, truly.[break][break]

Somewhere, in the back of his childhood memory—he recalled the delight of a little sister when he’d once presented her with a ladybug hairclip. Cheaply made, and definitely stolen with his sticky fingers because when he was young he couldn’t afford even that.[break][break]

As Yumi excitedly tucked the hairpin through her long, dark hair, the feeling that the sight and memory combined felt much the same. A little sister. He’d had those once.[break][break]

A region away. In another life.[break][break]

Enzo smiled lightly, and pushed the recollection of his younger, past self away. There was no use in going so soft—particularly when he’d left all of that behind by choice. “It looks lovely. Very fitting for you.”