there is a subtle smattering of pink that blooms over her shapely cheeks, the bridge of her nose. one of his full brows arcs upward when she dare suggest she knows him and as she prattles her list, confidence dripping from full, glossy lips, he finds himself smiling. 

"i'm pleased you don't seem to enjoy the pleasures of banality," he says, gaze flickering as she shifts, over the white frill of her dress and the cream of her exposed skin. she leans back and he follows suit, though hardly feels the loss of space between them. he gives a once-over of the room. 

the entire time they've been talking, he's taken stock of their surroundings. he sets his glass down and loosens his tie, just a smidge.

"so it should come as no surprise that my work is not in real estate. i was nephew to natalia madistellingmethelastname and though the dragons have since disbanded, well, like i said before - i'm a horrible creature of habit."

confidence oozes from every pore. he's studied her long enough to know that she won't walk away, nevermind talk, not when she's just as folded into the underdark as he is.

Yumi Hasegawa

☉

there is a certain satisfaction in being right. it's a universal feeling, but in moments like this, when the culmination of all of his information results in perfect estimation sweeps a heartless joy through him. there are no wide eyes of shock or disbelief to be found on her face, only a flicker around the room to ensure their safety.

it amuses him.

he tucks the information about her family away. from hardship comes strength. she's a resilient woman. you can't own a casino without being one, but herein is a glimpse of her motivations and aspirations. 

"i'm not an interesting man, miss hasegawa. i was more or less a supervisor. i prefer not to get my hands dirty if i can help it. my stay in hoenn was actually a reluctant accident. you heard about the galarian shipping container from a few months ago?"

one crazed vigilante, still unidentified. a ship blown to smithereens. rocket members found dead along the docks. no witnesses. no one brought in for questioning. 

palamedes had taken care of that. 

"but i'm fortunate enough to have friends in high places. mr cross transferred me per my request. hoenn has...captivated me in a way i haven't been captivated in a very long time." he lifts a brow.

"i wouldn't have known about the casino books," a smile, "without that information and, impressed, i found my way here." 

Yumi Hasegawa

☉

"oh, it certainly takes a great deal of mental fortitude," nikkari agrees and says, "i beg you don't misinterpret my meaning. i'm damn good at what i do, miss hasegawa. it's simply not as glamorous on paper."

but in a way, isn't it? he's handled entire smuggling operations. he's been the point of contact on the field, the jury guiding the hand of the executioner when a deal goes awry. there's something to be said for stratagem and the ability to defuse red tempers with a silver tongue.

"i'm pleased as well. i've no doubt you'll be successful in your endeavors," he says, eyes sparkling with interest, "but i'm curious about your aspirations. you want more than the casino?"

Yumi Hasegawa

☉

"so i've heard." he's stretched further than her casino, of course. he's looked into johto. he's nothing if not thorough. whispers and fables are all he may have had to go off of, but even that is a testament to their prowess. tight-lipped agents hold an empire strong.

'another, mr hect?' anton has returned. nikkari draws back to regard his empty glass and is surprised to see the second bottle drained as well. 

casinos are known for their lotus flower gardens, watered with ever-flowing drinks and tended to with slots and dice and tireless, attentive staff. but avarice and gluttony are not the sins that have held him hostage here. the bar is thinning with the late hour. most anyone still here will continue playing on the floor for the next several hours. she's managed to whittle away his hours with the seductive drawl of idealisms. 

two bottles was, perhaps, not a good idea. 

he checks his watch and tucks a stray lock of white hair behind his ear. "i leave that decision to our lady. it's late and i'd rather not overstay my welcome."

Yumi Hasegawa

☉