Lupin's Bartender

Unexpected friends

Bar Lupin isn't a well-known bar. It's underground, in a shady neighborhood, and its only form of advertisement is the sign outside. However, for those who do know of the place, it's common understanding that if you want something done, moved, or gone, you go to Bar Lupin and talk to the woman with a kind smile.

The Boss had ordered Chuuya to arrange a meeting with the woman. Chuuya had never been to this bar for business before. Only coming here on occasion after a hard day.

As he walked in, a blanket of warmth washed over him. The warm lighting and faint smell of wood soothed the soul, especially one as tormented as Chuuya. He looked behind the bar, and there she was.

She was taller than him, slightly above average for a woman. Her posture was as peaceful and composed as her face. She wore traditional bartender attire: a white button-up blouse, black slacks, a black tie, and a black vest, but when she turned around, he saw the back of it was red.

Her features suited her well, almost entirely perfect.

All in all, She was beautiful.

When Chuuya showed up at the bar, previously, an older man was working. Chuuya had heard that the man was her father, but Chuuya didn't see any family resemblance. Eh, It wasn't any of his business.

Chuuya finally snapped out of his little trance when he heard a greeting from the woman he had just been "analyzing." (His words, not mine)

"Hello, Sir, what can I get for you?"

Damn it. Her voice was fucking beautiful too.

"Sir?"

Chuuya realized he had yet to move or respond, so he walked over and sat on a stool across from her. He pulled out a paper from his pocket and slid it towards her.

"Sorry, I was wondering if you know how to make this? You see, my boss tasked me with finding someone who makes his favorite."

(The boss needs you for a job; when are you available?)

"Ah, yes, but we don't have the liquor needed for this in stock right now; it'll be ready in two weeks."

(Of course, I'll be ready in two weeks.)

"I'll let him know. Thank you. Also, it would be preferred if you could deliver it to the address on that paper.)

(Meet him at headquarters)

"Sure. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

Ah. Fuck it. Why not?

"You could make some time for dinner if you want?"

Chuuya's ears were beat red.

"Oh, um, I'm flattered, but I'm actually married," she replied softly, holding up her left hand.

Chuuya's face was now beat red.

"My apologies."

Getting up to leave and hide from his embarrassment, Chuuya said a hasty goodbye. However, before he could leave, the beautiful married woman grabbed his arm.

"It's alright." she giggled.

She's laughing. That's good.

She doesn't think he's a creep for flirting with a married woman.

"So, Mr. Hat, tell me, why is a top executive doing grunt work?"

Mr. Hat?

"How'd you know?"

"Hear about you from an old friend who was in the mafia."

"Was? As in, he left or-"

"He died."

"Oh, I'm sorry for your loss."

"It's alright. It's been a while since he passed."

Chuuya didn't reply.

"Anyway, he said you liked wine. Want a glass?"

"I would, but I'm on the job. So I'll pass."

"How responsible."

"Well, I better get going."

"Alright, Mr. Hat. Take care of yourself!"

Maybe he'll come by later for that drink.

"Will do."

And that was the start of an unlikely friendship.