Escorting

Katsumi tugged at the small black dress. It didn't do much good and she was regretting this job already. The dress had been chosen for her by her date. It accentuated her curves - not to mention how skinny she still was - and was a bit on the short side. Curse her lack of cash. She wouldn't be wearing the ridiculous thing otherwise. She had a small clutch that had her Henkan inside. No idea if she'd need her magic or not. Katsumi wasn't going to take chances. Not after LAO. Of course, they would come in handy if her date got handsy with her.

Her date, Richard Ravenswood, stepped out of his house. He was dressed to the nines in a neat tux, though the jacket was open. Katsumi had to admit that he did look quite good. If she hadn't been assigned to him for this job, she might have deigned to talk to him at the party. Rich, as he liked to be called, gave her a disdainful once over. "Is that all there is to you? Disappointing. I thought I had a hot date for this thing. You're little more than a waif. Not even fun to look at." He waved a hand at her with a sigh. "Let's go already."

Katsumi seethed as she daintily set her hand on his arm. How dare he treat her like that? She was doing him a favor by even showing up! Rich Ravenswood had a history with women. A history that made no self respecting woman want to go with him to a party. She was starting to see exactly why they had had to hire a mage for this. Ravenswood was the perfect gentleman as he lead her to the carriage. He helped her in and Katsumi was sure his eyes were glued to her backside. Too skinny her butt. Literally. She peeked over her shoulder to catch him in the act. He cleared his throat, trying to turn away inconspicuously. Katsumi debated calling him out on it. It would be fun to make the little prick squirm. Especially after his comments on her appearance earlier. Ravenwood waited until she sat down to climb in himself. He sat across from her and gave directions to the driver.

Katsumi crossed her legs, watching Ravenswood. His eyes were watching her. She propped her chin up on her hand waiting for him to notice she was looking. When he did, the tall dark man blushed with embarrassment. "My, my, Mr. Ravenswood. A girl could get whiplash with you. I believe you called me skinny and unattractive earlier. Yet here you are unable to keep your eyes off of me. Care to tell me which it is?" Katsumi batted her eyelashes sarcastically. "Am I simply more ravishing than you first imagined?" Ravenswood cleared his throat uncomfortably. She had him. "I'm sorry, Ms. Akahoshi. When everyone is watching, you get judged for everything. You're a low level mage. If I didn't treat you with disdain, they would assume I liked slumming it. It would bring dishonor to the family name. I... I can't do that so soon after my mother's death." Katsumi put a hand up to her throat. So that was why he'd been rude. Perhaps there was another reason for his other reputation then.

"Apology accepted, Mr. Ravenswood. However, you shouldn't care what they think of you. Besides, it's clear they don't think much of you anyways since no one would go to this party with you." That was a bit more forward than she usually was but it needed to be said. Ravenswood looked confused for a moment. "What? No I refused to go with anyone, Ms. Akahoshi. One of those girls orchestrated the death of my mother. I wouldn't lay a hand upon any of them." Katsumi sat back in her seat. The motion seemed to draw Ravenswood's attention to her chest. She would have giggled if she wasn't deep in thought.

"I will help you find this woman, Mr. Ravenswood. I plan to be a Rune Knight and this is the kind of thing I'll be doing daily. Leave this one to me!" She smiled. Katsumi was completely unprepared for Ravenswood launching himself across the seats. Her hands scrambled for her clutch before she felt lips against her cheek. "Thank you, Ms. Akahoshi." He murmured in her ear. Katsumi blushed deeply. She'd have to be careful at this upcoming party. If she wasn't, it was likely she'd fall into bed with Ravenswood. That husky voice, hidden vulnerability and good looks pushed all the right buttons. "Y-y-you're welcome, Mr. Ravenswood." She stammered, trying to cover up her blushing cheeks. This was going to be a long night.

WC: 845