Welcome to Tokyo, Japan. January, 1991. The world has entered the technology era, portable phones, home computers, internet, video games. Japan quickly became the epicenter of the latest and greatest. Companies and factories flourished. Where money was, people followed. And while many rose to live a comfortable, happy, and delightful life from this new found money... Others did not. You see, money has this effect on people that can't be outdone. People will do anything for it. And when it starts slipping into the wrong hands, it's impossible to stop. Benethe the day time laborers and the double-shift workers, a seedy underbelly of syndicates exists. Narctics, black market, organized crime, money laundering, you name it and it's been growing as fast as the upper world economy. While many do it just to stay alive, there's those who make it their posh lifestyle. Either way, there's only one question. What would you do if the money was good enough?
JAN 29 2021: Welcome!! ƎLEMENT has been open for two weeks now and we're so happy to see such a bright beginning! If you're new feel free to drop into the discord and say hi before joining.
[attr="class","wordz"]“Come on Francis, stop fussing. Let’s go,” Seiko pesters, throwing her purse over her shoulder. She rolls painted, shimmering eyes, and she feels her false lashes brush against her eyebrows. Francis turns, grabbing his blazer from the chair next to him. He stops again and she groans. “What is it now?” [break]
“Hold on,” he says with a finger up turning to pull something from a drawer. It’s a necklace, likely an item from his family. He has people to impress - it was an event held by his father's company afterall. Standards to uphold. She stands particularly still as he approaches her, reaching his hands behind her neck to clasp it on. Seiko scoffs internally as she feels him pull away from her as quickly as possible. He hated touching her. She knew it felt wrong to him. He hated it. He couldn’t stand women. A misogynistic gay man, just her luck to date really. It was so much worse than she had bargained for but unfortunately this relationship looked good on both. “Alight, let’s go.”
[break][break]
They complimented well, as they usually do. His suit, her dress matched in harmonious tones of maroon, now accompanied by the silver jewels of the Miyano women. The smile behind glossy lips was fake, perhaps a little timid in comparison to how it used to be. They float through the event together, his hand uncomfortably placed on her back. Seiko is careful, only sipping minimally at the alcoholic beverages. She smiles politely when people ask her questions. She looks at Francis for reassurance for her answers – were they enough? There’s a couple of glances she struggles to gauge, so she just faces forward and talks as she should. Time passes, and she spots a familiar face approach. [break]
“Hello Emile, how have you been?” Francis greets warmly in French. Seiko had picked up some of the language, having been with Francis for some years now. Francis’s grandparents always valued the family learning their language. Although, she was far from fluent, better at understanding than speaking. So, she just smiles slightly, and raises her hand in a quiet, polite wave.[break]
“Hello,” Seiko adds, feeling Francis’s hand sit a little firmer on her waist. She shifts her weight from one foot to the other, black pumps clicking gently. It’s uncomfortable, but not because the heels are causing her feet to ache. Her eyes dart to the side, away from Francis, before back to Emile. It has been more difficult for her to mask her emotions recently. Every moment Francis shifts, she feels it. She spends a good few moments analyzing each movement, wondering what each could mean. Was she fulfilling his expectations or was she upsetting him in some way? If he was upset, what would that mean for her at the end of the night? She plays with some of the bracelets absent mindedly, observing cautiously.
Elegance had become a way of life; a necessity. When one caters to the wealthy whose names seem to carry more weight than those of forgotten deities; they must learn to carry themselves in a way that suits them. Abe Chiyoko had become a frequent customer of his; bringing him to all manner of social gatherings. There was a comfort to this little dance; one that returned him to the normalcy of being a hired companion. While the young heiress of the political family was, perhaps, a bit more dominating in her disposition than Emile usually preferred; she had a certain charm.[break][break]
When they were alone; she was to be addressed as Abe-sama; while they were out-and-about, however… He was to call her simply Chi; lacking an honorific to imply that they were, indeed, an item. They dressed in matching shades of blue and charcoal to suit her family; his suits chosen by her for each event. The story given was that Emile was a wealthy foreigner with connections in the technology development market; big names that had ties with Tsumaru; those that would be... unlikely, to be questioned. Not a big business player himself; but one who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Guests would occasionally fawn over his exotic appearance; and many attempted to win his favor so that he would put in a good word for them with his supposed ties. He played the part of a handsome airhead well enough; it wasn’t particularly difficult when he stumbled over his words so frequently.[break][break]
They had a fairly comfortable Dynamic; Emile would escort the bleach-blonde heiress to events, treat her to drinks, lead her in a few romantic dances, and then the two of them were free to mingle. Much like himself; while the woman had a broad taste for companions--she tended to prefer a softer variety. She spent much of the party flitting about and flirting with other young women who had, unfortunately, the same strict appearances to uphold. There was some freedom that came with his work; not having to hide his preferences through the majority of his day was one of them. It was that aspect of himself that had, months ago, drawn him to Francis. [break][break]
Back then, Emile could speak so little Japanese that it was nearly impossible to hold a conversation. Likely, in some attempt to impress the fellow guests; he had managed to overhear the man speaking in French. While it wasn’t his strongest language; Emile spoke it far more fluently than he did Japanese. There was a certain luck in finding a rather striking, wealthy young man who he could actually hold a conversation with. The more they spoke--the more he began to notice a few, familiar tells. In Em’s line of work; one has to be particularly skilled in reading body-language; the silent social cues that people too often overlook. [break][break]
At first; Francis intrigued him. He had suspicions that the man may have a few qualities in-common with Abe-sama and himself… Those suspicions grew; and slowly it was no longer Francis who held the majority of his attention. His companion; Seiko’s body language in tandem with his, was, concerning, to say the least. Over the last few months she seemed to grow more meek and uncertain. His every touch seemed to bring unease to her form; and the way her eyes flit to him so fervently after each movement or sound? He’d seen plenty of that before. Hell, he’d been in that position before--not exactly, of course, but enough to empathise. [break][break]
He checked for the couple each time he attended these extravagant swares; and upon seeing the pair-his eyes lit up as brightly as ocean waters reflecting starlight. He pressed an adoring kiss to the back of his client’s hand. “Chi, my love, I will return to your side before the night’s end.” he cooed to her in French; his displays always a bit more hands-on than was appropriate for Japanese society. Given a pass only due to his status as a Frenchman; stereotypes boundless for his kin. With a knowing smile; Chiyoko dismissed him; her own sights set across the dancefloor to a far more timid creature lurking near the bar. [break][break]
“You’re piling it on a little thick, don’t you think, darling?” A teasing lilt to Chiyoko’s tone as he released her hand. [break][break]
“Never, for you, my Princess,” his own tone playfully reflecting hers, chucking at the rather animated roll of her eyes that he received. The young man whirling around and making his way over to his frequent companions; his duties fulfilled until it was time to retire for the night. [break][break]
“Hello Emile, how have you been?”[break][break]
Emile’s head lilting gently to the side in some soft display of familiarity; a similarly warm smile on his face. Quite fond of the little performance. He quite easily returned the reserved wave; making sure to provide Seiko with that same warmth--in all honesty; the softness in his expression was far more authentic when he turned it towards her; his heart aching as her, far less enjoyable performance carried on.[break][break]
“Hello Francis, Seiko, I’ve been quite well…” His words gentle murmurs in French; vivid azures hooding as he turned his glance to the woman he had arrived with. He kept his body language fluid and lightly flirtatious; his eyes affixed to the other Frenchman; though his true attention was given to Seiko through his peripherals. “I think I’m finally starting to adjust to Japan; though it’s certainly still a bit… much.” he cooed; before folding his hands in front of him; leaning in slightly; a somewhat flirtatious lilt to his tone that, hopefully, the two had become accustomed to. [break][break]
“How about the two of you? Such a beautiful pair; and of course… You look dashing, as always.” His eyes held a mischievous little glint as he spoke; hoping, for just a moment--to be of some distraction--though, remaining attentive to that hand at Seiko’s side. Aware that there was a possibility his attempt to distract could very well just result in more tension--one thing he was careful to avoid repeating each time he slipped up. His heart started to pound in his chest at the prospect of his following thought; something he’d failed to ask… [break][break]
I should separate them. Let the poor thing breathe… [break][break]
Once he had received his response; he gathered the courage to pose a, hopefully, not-too-strange request. As guests paired off and began preparing for the next song; Emile’s lips parted--his tone airy; trying to convey some knowing glance as he looked into Francis’ eyes. “Would you mind if I stole away your companion for the next dance? Perhaps… You could get some air. It’s rather stuffy in here, suffocating, really…” He pried that Francis would take the opportunity to take a break from that performance he and Seiko shared. Emile could finally get some time alone with Seiko. Get to know her a bit; and maybe… be of some assistance, somehow.[break][break]
He turned his gaze to the beautiful young woman, shifting to speaking some broken Japanese. “I am not good with speak; but, understand well. Can be fun, promise. Eh, Seiko-san?” His thick American accent had finally started to dissipate; but his grammar was, lacking. Still; his eyes were earnest; and his tone as smooth as silk. Offering her his hand in a gentleman’s stance. [break][break]
[attr="class","wordz"]Seiko raises her eyebrows, in an attempt to mask the urge to chuckle. It always amused her the flirtatious postures Emile would adorn before Francis. She knew Emile wasn’t quite her partner’s type, but it always amazed her how Francis would navigate these moments. Perhaps it was simply because she’d spent so much time with Francis that she could still see the way men flustered him more than she ever could, no matter how well he covered his tracks. She can feel him stand a little taller, posture up, widen his stance. He so desperately wanted to be the bigger, straighter man. Francis just wanted to be like his father. She had a suspicion he would never make it there. Not the way he’d planned. He already had a ‘secret’ lover, there was no way he would survive marriage.[break]
“Why thank you, Emile. I really owe most of the credit to my suit tailor, but I still feel Sei will always manage to outshine me. You really don’t come across beauty like this every day, do you?” Francis diverts the conversation to emphasising just how attractive he ‘thought’ Seiko was. He smiles at her, and she naturally smiles in return. It had been years of this façade, acting like this came naturally. ‘Nice use of nickname,’ she thinks to herself. It impresses her still how he calculates every word he says. She may not have known every word he said, but she did know that he didn’t mean a single one.
[break][break]
“Would you mind if I stole away your companion for the next dance?” [break][break]
Seiko raises an eyebrow curiously. She had talked to Emile a few times she supposed, but he’d always been more Francis’ conversation partner than her own. Seiko was curious what he wanted from her. Before she moves, she looks at Francis, to gauge how he reacted to the offer. Would he really allow for his date to dance with another man at his family’s party? She can see the moments of calculation on his face but he smiles and gestures for her to take Emile’s hand and he pulls away from her. [break]
“Feel free. I have some others I must greet tonight, so,” Francis turns to Seiko with an expression she could only read as relief. Of course, he would take the first chance he got to avoid touching her. “Go ahead Sei, don’t leave him hanging. Have fun,” he encourages her, switching back to Japanese for her. [break]
“In that case, I’d be happy to,” she accepts, still cautious as she takes Emile’s offered hand. “I’ll see you a bit later, Francis?” Seiko asks him and Francis simply nods before taking off. She watches as he pulls out his phone and heads towards the exit. She hums thoughtfully, having a good feeling who he wanted to say hello too. Francis was going to see him – the only person he couldn’t talk to within sight of anyone else – she was sure. She shakes off the uncomfortable feeling the thought and focuses her attention on Emile. [break][break]
“Please feel free to slip in some French. I may not be confident in my ability to speak it, but I can understand it quite well. I’ve spent my fair share of time with Francis’ family in France,” she assures him as she steps closer, now that she was the actual focus of the conversation. She wasn’t just a side piece now; she could demand more attention.
Emile watched every move carefully; tracked Francis’ every word and Seiko’s every moment of hesitation. The two were all to apt with their little song-and-dance; the performance surely convincing to anyone who had less experience in reading bodies, eyes, and tones of voice. He had to stifle a sigh of relief as Francis made his decision. Instead, he simply greeted Seiko with an open palm and a warm smile. Azures tracking the man as he all-too-quickly bid them farewell. [break][break]
My, my, that certainly didn’t take much debating, did it? [break][break]
He thought to himself; letting his eyes roll slightly once Francis’ back was turned; an angle that would make it difficult for anyone but Seiko to see the gesture. Barely managing to hold back a scoff.[break][break]
If one must perform; they should do so with dignity and respect for their partner.[break][break]
His opinion steadfast; infinitely irritated by the other’s lack of poise. No actor worth their weight should ever breed such a nervous air within their companions. Each glance for approval tallying up in his mind as strikes against the other man.[break][break]
“Thank you Miss Seiko,” he cooed. “I am actually quite the same with Japanese. It’s far easier for me to understand than to speak. So if you’d like, we could really confuse any eaves-droppers by speaking in our natural tongues?” He chuckled as he spoke in French; his countenance shifting slightly. He still held that same playfulness that allowed him to flirt with a taken man for shits and giggles; but he held a more competent air. Seeming perhaps a little less empty-headed.[break][break]
“For when I do speak to you in Japanese; what would you prefer I use as your honorific? I’m still getting used to these things; I didn’t want to be presumptuous and simply call you Seiko.” He posed the question quietly, leading her to the dance floor as he had done with his own companion earlier. In all honesty; he didn’t have much of a plan. He simply wanted to let the woman breathe. To broach such a sensitive subject when he’d barely gotten to share a full conversation with Seiko until now. He hoped to get to know her; whoever she was without such taut strings attached to Francis.
If Seiko wasn’t so cautious all the time, perhaps she would have missed Emile’s fun little emote as Francis made his departure. Glossy lips can’t help but pull into a quick smile, before falling back to their natural stoic state. It’s not the first time Seiko has seen someone express distaste for Francis, but there were very few that expressed it behind a façade of a friendly acquaintance and perceived respect. People were either fooled by his act of confidence or they avoided him at all costs, and were unafraid to make a scene should they be forced to interact. So, it was a little funny to watch Emile struggle not to snicker now that Francis was gone. It made her trust him a little more, knowing that an amount of these friendly interactions wasn’t so much friendly as much as it was bullshit. Francis probably thought Emile respected him, and that thought made Seiko struggle to stifle a chuckle of her own. [break][break]
“Oh absolutely, I think that would be perhaps a little spectacular on our ends. A strangely smooth bilingual conversation... Not to mention, just simply convenient,” Seiko cheers in response, although in the refined way she presents herself. Her tone is definitely a lot more playful, subconsciously aware that Francis wasn’t currently looking over her shoulder. She gladly allows him to take her out to the dance floor. She follows poised, but more relaxed. Her heels click in a more casual confidence with her step, rather than stiff and calculated. Emile didn’t feel particularly intimidating to her, and also not someone she inherently felt an immediate need to debate against. There was enough playfulness, but without being too much, still just refined enough for her to be comfortable to associate with. [break][break]
“Quite honestly, I don’t think it really matters much to me, just make sure to refer to me as Murakami-san around Francis’s family. I don’t want to give them any reason to complain,” Seiko leans in with a cheeky whisper. She complains about them the way anyone would about their in-laws, but chuckles, knowing full well not a whole lot of that is a joke.
