Cass could feel the air shift as he moved into the restaurant proper. Cass had convinced Lucian to let go of his hand, just in case ’something happened’ and he’d need both hands. It had been a tough 2 second conversation, but Lucian had agreed.
That meant that Cass wasn’t being stared at because he was holding another man’s hand. He was being stared at because he was Cass. He was dressed up, after all. A little extra villain-looking. He didn’t understand how everyone was able to see him clearly though, since this was a dark space and most people should be human.
Should be , being the imperative words there.
Lucian was puffing a little bit of smoke from his nostrils next to Cass, a deep growl coming from his lips. He walked at Cass’ side, his shoulders slightly hunched given he was too tall for the space. Granted, he was too tall for most places, it just felt more precarious because of how dark this restaurant was.
"I don’t like this place." He whispered and Cass gave a soft chuckle. He couldn’t exactly blame the guy. This place felt...different. Not like a dungeon or anything that concerning, but...it was dark, dingy, the tables all around them were full of people who looked anxious just seeing Cass’ coat, let alone his face.
The host wasn’t making this moment any better. He was nervously glancing around, keeping an eye on Cass like he was worried Cass was going to explode and do something dangerous. Insane.
It was a rather humbling experience since Cass had been treated so well recently. This was how normal people treated Cass.
Mr. Collins and his companion led the way, by force, since Cass didn’t know where he was going. It was clear that Mr. Collins would have liked to tremble behind Cass in this situation, but Cass wasn’t going to let him.
When they finally got led to the back of the restaurant where a line of enclosed rooms waited, the host showed them to what was, presumably, the biggest room. Mr. Collins got in first, then his partner and then Cass and Lucian.
It felt more like a small dining room in an Asian restaurant then a place that Cass would find in a dark and dingy place like this. The table was lap height once they were sitting on their butts, cushions were provided for extra comfort. A few small tables were pressed against the walls with cups, liquor, things of that nature. It smelled of incense and old cigar smoke.
As soon as the door was closed behind them, Mr. Collins fell face forward, pressing his face, with his glasses, into the floor, his hands neatly stacked on top of each other as he bowed.
"I am so sorry I didn’t inform you earlier!" He was practically shouting. Lucian winced, grumbling as Mr. Collins continued to bow towards Cass. Mr. Collins’ companion looked rather uncomfortable, like he didn’t like Mr. Collins behaving this way.
Cass pulled one of his legs up, wrapping his arm around it as he sat there, staring at Mr. Collins quietly.
"Mr. Collins, I’m not upset that you attempted to defend me. I would never be upset about that. What I am upset about is that you never even considered sending me a simple note to let me know you were planning to do something, and that you were going to do it with one of my aides. That put me in a rather strange position. It caused some rather strange miscommunications and during a time I really didn’t need the distractions." Cass’ smile was a little tight as he stared down at Mr. Collins on the floor.
Mr. Collins’ hands twitched, his fingers curling for a moment before he straightened them out again.
"My deepest apologies, my Lord. I simply forgot. This is no excuse but I am used to working on my own to...turn the public’s opinion of you. I forgot I could rely on you since you are in the city." Mr. Collins’ voice shook. It was clear that he was speaking from his heart and Cass couldn’t find it in himself to get angry. He was too sincere, and it wasn’t like anyone had been hurt.
Everything had come out fine in the end.
"Get up, Mr. Collins. I’m not mad, this is just a gentle reminder that it is important to communicate with me on these matters. I trust you because you are supposed to do that. How can I trust you if you stop?" It was a very casual way to say that if he didn’t get better at communicating with him that Cass would have no choice but to cut him off. Cass worried that Mr. Collins would take it negatively, but he was wrong.
Mr. Collins’ head snapped up, his eyes watering.
"You mean you aren’t cutting me off now?" He asked and Cass stared at him in confusion.
"No? Why would I?" Cass asked and Mr. Collins scrambled to his feet, grabbing Cass’ hand in both of his, squeezing it tightly.
"Hey." Lucian warned but Mr. Collins didn’t seem to notice. Impressive in and of itself.
"Oh, thank you my Lord! Thank you for this second chance! I apologise once more for acting without thinking. I will not do that again!" He promised, his eyes desperate and watery. Something inside Cass twitched, wanting to tease him, but Cass pushed it down.
He let out a soft sigh, staring at the other man, before he glanced towards the two other men in the room. Both of them were as stiff as boards, clearly not liking Cass and Mr. Collins being close. Lucian probably had some wrong opinions forming in his mind because of what Sam had said, while Mr. Collins’ companion didn’t know Cass at all.
"Enough. Did you invite us in to apologise the whole time? I am sure your companion is feeling rather uncomfortable, Mr. Collins. Why don’t you introduce us?" Cass asked, a smile touching his lips.
Lucian sucked in as Mr. Collins nodded seriously, pulling back and shuffling with experience on his knees, towards his companion. He boldly took his hand in his hand and gave it a squeeze, beaming at Cass.
"This is my partner, Christopher Nigel. He’s an investor in smaller businesses and has been a great influence on the middle class." Mr. Collins bragged while Christopher looked like he’d been gut punched. He clearly didn’t expect Mr. Collins to speak of their relationship so openly, and especially not to him.
Cass smiled wider.
"An investor? How interesting. I’m Mr. Collins’ boss, Lord Cassian Blackburn. You may call me my Lord or Lord Blackburn, whichever feels more comfortable." Cass said easily, offering a hand across the table. Christopher took it hesitantly, clearly uncomfortable. "With me today is a member of the hero party, Lucian Draken. He prefers if you call him Lucian." Cass didn’t hint at their relationship, didn’t reveal who Lucian was. While this man may be Mr. Collins’ partner, Cass didn’t know him.
Some things needed to be kept secret.
"Nice to meet you, my Lord and...Lucian." Christopher hesitated for a second. "Forgive me for being so forward, but you aren’t...upset that Mr. Collins and I are...?" He trailed off and Cass blinked. That was a bonus point for him for being so forward. Mr. Collins turned pink.
"C-Christopher!" He scolded quietly but Cass actually liked that he’d had the balls to ask him. He was older, that was sure, and if he was an investor...yeah, you needed to have this level of cockiness to be decent at your job.
"It’s alright, Mr. Collins. He has every right to ask, given my family background." Cass said with a wry smile, glancing at the other man. It was clear that Mr. Collins didn’t feel comfortable with Christopher asking that question, and even Lucian was silent beside him. "The truth is, Christopher, I don’t care as long as my people are loyal and happy. If those two things change, then we have a problem." It was a subtle warning, but one that Christopher heard loud and clear.
Instead of getting angry, like Cass had kind of anticipated, Christopher let out a soft breath before his shoulders relaxed. His body seemed to leak all tension and he let out a slight laugh. His hazel eyes lightened and he shook his head slightly, his darker hair, peppered with his age, shifting in the dim light.
"I am glad that Evan’s words about you weren’t wrong." Christopher said softly. "I had worried, you know, finding out that he was working for the Blackburn family. It’s dangerous for someone like him to be working on his own, and with such a...notorious family. I apologise for testing you, but-" Cass shook his head, cutting off the other man.
"No no, it’s quite alright. If you were doing this out of concern for Mr. Collins, it’s completely understandable. I would do the same if I was in your shoes." Cass told him seriously. Cass kind of had done the same, and found the other side lacking. There was a reason Cass had a beef with both of the other Ducal families.
"Cass." Lucian grumbled, and Cass turned his attention towards the dragon. Like he anticipated from the tone he had spoken with, Lucian was pouting. "You’re paying too much attention to them." Lucian complained. In front of others.
Cass’ jaw fell, his mouth open, and Mr. Collins sucked in a soft gasp. Cass was at a loss. Cass had wanted to hide it, even just for a little bit longer because they didn’t know Christopher from some random guy on the street, but here Lucian was being open about everything.
Lucian’s arm reached out, grabbing onto Cass’ shoulder, giving it a squeeze.
"If we’re going to be in a private room, at least come closer. We don’t even eat this far apart at home." Lucian threw in a pout, for free, and Cass felt his face go red. It wasn’t just from embarrassment, it was also due to the fact that even in this moment, Cass still found the man attractive.
"Lucian." Cass hissed, trying to speak quietly. "We are in front of others." Cass was trying to be quiet, but Mr. Collins and Christopher were being quiet so that they could listen in. Lucian huffed.
"So? I stopped holding your hand like you wanted, but this is our date. My date with you. I want to snuggle while eating. Who else is going to cut up your food so you can eat it?"
"Oh my gods." Mr. Collins soft whisper came and Cass wanted the ground to swallow him up. At least, at the very least, it was just the two of them who had heard.
He hoped, at least.