Chapter Text
Naib sighs, walking through winding, decorated hallways. It’s a large, lavish estate he’s in. He passes intricate, glass vases, each filled with fresh roses, every few feet. There are large paintings hung on the walls, each unique and detailed. Despite all the lovely furnishings, he doesn’t spare any of them a glance, much too used to the sight of them.
He takes the same route everyday, the path ingrained in his bones, he could feel the solid weight of that knowledge weighing him down. He’s been here too long.
It was only supposed to be a few weeks, a month or two at most. Naib had been here for nearly seven months. A new record that he hadn’t been looking to break.
He shakes his head as he finally reaches his destination, giving a single knock before pushing the door open to a neat study. “Sir, I need to-”
“Clarity, there you are.” The man sitting at the desk grins, beckoning the shorter male closer. “I missed you, dear.”
Naib sighs, walking up to the desk with a slight frown, “Svengali, it’s-”
The other man cuts in, interrupting Naib, “Jack. What is it?”
“Svengali," The blue haired male is undeterred as he continues, “My contract is ending soon. I wanted to remind you of that.”
Jack hums, gaze falling as he shifts the papers on his desk. “Was that so soon? If I recall correctly, we extended it.”
“We did.” Naib says simply, “And now we’ve reached the end. You did hire another person, yes?”
“Well, dear-”
It’s Naib’s turn to cut him off, “Clarity. And if you’re about to tell me you still need me around, I’d rather you didn’t. You never really did need protection, you and I both know that.” He glances pointedly at the claws on a side table nearby.
Svengali was known for his bloodlust, his choice of weaponry scaring most enemies off. It was a mistake to trust the man’s words and take this job. Naib grits his teeth, being paid to sit around and do nothing had been grating on his nerves.
“Protection.. no, but company–?”
“No.” Naib tugs his hood lower before crossing his arms. “I’m not some.. pretty little pet , for you to keep around.” A hint of disdain bled through his words, unable to remain as aloof as he hoped. “You hired me as a bodyguard but you hardly leave your estate, and when you do, you’re perfectly fine on your own; telling me to stay back and let you handle things.”
“Please, I never saw you as a pet.” Jack shrugs, “Though, I never did claim to hire you for your strength.” He taps a little tune on the desk as he tilts his head, “..Is there really no way you’ll stay?”
The hooded man sighs, turning away, “You know I can’t. There’s a reason why I take short-term contracts.”
“That may be true but, at least tell me this: did you enjoy your time here with me even the slightest bit?”
Naib blinks, pausing before speaking truthfully, “I did, you’re far from the worst client I’ve had.”
Jack sighs, “A client, hm? Well, it’s clear I can’t keep you here, my dear Clarity. I apologize for anything I might have done to push you away."
He shakes his head, “Thank you for your hospitality these past few months, and if you ever actually need me.. you know where to find me.” With that, Naib gives a short bow and turns to leave.
Jack sighs, “I–” He cuts himself off, “And if you ever tire of throwing yourself into danger, you’re always welcome here.”
Naib waves a hand as he leaves, not looking back/
“Well, you’re here early today. Did Svengali finally let you go?” Demi cracks a smile as she wipes down the counters of her bar. It’s midday, the building empty as it’s hardly the time for drinks.
Naib groans, slumping down in his seat by the bar, his hood hiding his face. “Yeah, I’m finally free of his stupidly large manor.”
“I thought it was beautiful?” Demi hums as she begins preparing a drink.
“Sure it was, but it felt like a pretty cage after the first two months.” He sighs, propping his head up to watch Demi work. “He didn’t need me around, and you knew it, didn’t you?”
Demi sighs, “I thought something less stressful would be nice for you to take on after you recover. I’ll admit, I didn’t expect you to stay around him for so long.”
“It’s not like I had much of a choice, the wrong words at the wrong time would’ve sealed my fate.”
“Sweetie, he wouldn’t have been able to lay a claw on you.”
Naib rolls his eyes, “I’ve seen him impale others for saying less. I’m flattered you’d think I could take him on in a head on fight, it’s true I’m more built for speed but.. It was a miracle I never got him angry while I worked for him.”
The barmaid laughs, “Oh no, I wasn’t talking about a brawl. I’d imagine he’s more sad than mad right now.”
He furrows his brow, “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing, dear.” Demi slides him a glass of something colorful. She pulls his hood off to ruffle up the blue hair underneath it.
Naib sighs and takes the drink, knowing there won’t be any alcohol in it. “Fine, keep your secrets.” He bats at her hands. “Got any interesting jobs for me?”
“Well~” Demi slides a stack of files towards Naib, “You’re quite popular, aren’t you ‘Clarity’? A couple of these are outdated since your contract with Svengali was supposed to end earlier.”
He hums, opening the first folder and begins flipping through it. “I’m assuming this stack is the people who are still looking to hire me?”
“Not like taking out the other requests did much to the stack.” Demi shrugs, “Like I said, you’re popular. I heard a couple of rumours that you’d stay with Svengali.”
Naib shakes his head, “You know me, Demi, I don’t like being tied down for long.”
He flips through the pages, pausing when he spots a familiar name. “Lady Thirteen? Doesn’t Martha work for her still?”
"Ah yes, Nostalgia. You two were partners once, right?” Demi tilts her head to read the file from behind the bar.
“Mhm, it’s been awhile since we’ve worked together.” Naib had mentored the younger woman for awhile, they’ve kept in contact and she has said she enjoyed working for Lady Thirteen. “Maybe I’ll–"
He’s cut off by a loud voice from the back.
A man with a mechanical arm walks in, looking exhausted, “Demi! I need help with-”
Naib laughs, “Hey Baden. Sorry, but you’ll have to get in line.”
“Ah! Naib Subedar himself, here at this time of day? I must be dreaming.” José grins, walking up to pat the other man’s back.
“Nope, I’m finally free from my last contract. I’m looking for another right now.”
Demi nods, “Looks like Clarity and Nostalgia are going to be partnering up again for a bit.” She reaches for Lady Thirteen’s contract. “I can let her know and set up a meeting as usual.”
“Wait wait!” José slams his hands onto the bar, causing the other two to freeze and stare at him. “You’re free right now? Come work with me instead! Having someone hire both you and Martha wouldn’t be very fair, right? You two are an unstoppable duo.”
Naib snorts, “Maybe so, but it’s been a long time since I’ve worked with her. I haven’t been able to see her much lately either.” Martha had been texting him nonstop about someone named Vera. While it was endlessly amusing, he did miss being able to talk to her in person.
“But wouldn’t you want to do your best bud a favor and work with him? Please , I need help keeping Campbell safe. He’s been attracting more attention lately, and I know you like new challenges.”
“Who?”
Demi cuts in, “A certain Mr. Mole. He’s been rising up the ranks relatively quickly. José has a point, if you’re looking for a challenge then that’d be the person I recommend.”
Naib sighs, “It would be interesting to work with you.. And you’re right, I do want a challenge. After seven months at Svengali’s, I’m sick of just standing around doing nothing.”
José grins, slinging an arm around Naib’s shoulders, “I knew it! C’mon, I have his request sheet right here.” He sets a file down on the table.
Demi laughs at their antics as she mixes up a drink for José. “He’s an interesting man, you two will probably get along.”
Naib hums, “As long as he actually needs a bodyguard.”
“Oh he does, I’ve got my hands full trying to keep him from doing stupid things.” José sighs, “It’ll be easier with you.”
“Three idiots,” Demi nods with a smile, “What could possibly go wrong?”