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It wasn't usual for Rafe to be out and about admist the people selling their wares on the street. Commonly, he'd ask his driver to take him elsewhere, away from the hubbub and chaos that nightmares much less fortunate than him decided to peruse.

Today, though, he felt a bit...adventurous. The demon's keen eye swept through all the mediocrity and the unpolished designs. It had been an hour already but he was starting to get bored, very bored. One booth caught his eye though and he wandered up. The clothes weren't anything that he'd wear.

But the person behind the counter had good looks. They leaned a hand on the table and gave them their signature smile although their gaze was still hard, much like a predator surveying his prey. "Nice wears you have here." He drawled, leaning forward. "Although the first thing that attracted me was your beauty." He took out one of his cards from his pocket and slid it over towards the other nightmare. "I might have a business proposition for you. Can I take you out to lunch today?" Preferably soon. He had a feeling that the more he stayed here, the more he was likely to step in a piece of gum. Ew.

The day had been surprisingly good thus far, the petite nightmare had sold a few pieces and even managed to take on some extra work tailoring. Dabbing a bit of sweat from his brow Maeko turned to offer a kind smile to the new figure..though the words made him flush noticeably. “Thank you. I’m studying design in college....a business proposition? What kind?” Brows furrowing a bit worriedly Maeko turned to read the card, his free hand idly smoothing the small stack of scarves he had for sale. Business propositions could mean anything, good things or bad things could occur. Uncertain if the stranger meant something good and legal he was decidedly cautious. “My name is Maeko..You’ll have to wait until I take my things home.” Lunch did sound nice; still he had an inkling there was something more going on. Flirtation wasn’t his strong suite.

His eyes went towards the other male's hand curiously. They were hot. No kidding. The outside was a terrible place to do business. He hadn't been out for long, but he even wanted to go back inside to either his carriage or a shop that had AC. Sweat was not a pretty site, nor was it good to feel on his skin unless he was purposefully working out.

"Design in college hm?" His mouth unfurled into a grin, eyes becoming hooded. "I already thought you were a professional, what you have is pretty great." It could use some modification. But they could get there later. His tweaks could happen after the contract was filed and sent in. "I'd like to invest in your fashion. To start your own clothing line. How does that sound?" It might fall through. It was likely to fall through. Most ideas never came to fruition. For every success there has always been one hundred failures.

Did Maeko need to know that? No. "My names Rafe. It's a pleasure to meet you, Maeko." He nearly purred out the word, outstretching his hand to give him a hearty hand shake. And it nearly fell. "Okay," he didn't like waiting. His lips twitched but he tried not to show his annoyance. "I can always have a few people from my company help you, if you prefer."

Head nodding idly Maeko turned to grin brightly at a freshling who paused to peek at the wares he was selling. Giving a gentle pat to the youngsters head the male held out a small candy, giggling as the child skipped off back to their parent. “Invest in my fashion? I’m still learning..most of what I make now is for fun and to test out new ideas honestly. I’m sure with more training I can make even more beautiful pieces.” That was the dream at least. The reason Maeko worked so hard from morning till night sketching and sewing until his fingers bled. Nothing would keep him from his dream! Eyes distant for a moment the male began packing his stuff up, even if the other was a con man he couldn’t turn down an offer to further his career. “Patience is a virtue Rafe..the portal is close by.” Voice soft & even Maeko managed to get all his stuff together rather quickly. It was no easy feat to heft the table and bags but he refused assistance and lugged the items away. A quick trip home, then he was back..a small bag slung over one shoulder. “Ready?”

Damned freshlings. He watched, his eyes slightly more cold and narrow as a little one went up to Maeko and interrupted their conversation. That was rude. Their parents should have trained them to have better manners. Couldn't the child see that they were in the middle of a conversation. Needless to say, Rafe's eye's watched the freshling go with relief before turning back to Maeko.

"Yes, invest in your fashion. My company could use a brand like yours. You have a lot of potential." Maeko just needed to be trained the right way. Under his team's care, of course. School could only teach basic theory. Business and the real world were completely different than what school had to offer. "In joining my establishment, I'd provide you the materials to experiment as well as pay for any help that you would need." That is, if Maeko really was good enough. He at least had the basics down. It wasn't as if his clothes and trinkets were shabby.

Rafe couldn't help but snort, clicking his fingers to have his guards help the male pack up the rest of the belongings. He never was a patient man. "Time is also a virtue. Why waste more of it when there's free help?" He gave the hybrid a grin before settling down in Maeko's chair for a while, idly watching everyone pack up. He wasn't about to help with that. It was too hot, and he was too ahead in life to bother helping with cleaning. He'd hire other people to do that for him.

Eventually, everything was packed. The demon had instructed his guards to help Maeko with the load, but when he refused their help, he snapped his fingers for them to go tell his driver to come up and pick them up. By the time Maeko had come back, he was in the vehicle, carriage door wide open for Maeko. "I am indeed. Where to, Maeko?" He patted the seat next to him. "I can take you anywhere within the city that you'd like to eat. My treat."

While he’d not wished for his things to be touched or misplaced Maeko was more at ease once within the carriage. Straightening his clothes the male peered out at the world.....mind jumbling eventually his soft voice spoke up. “There’s a lovely little place, a simple cafe they serve rather elegant petite dishes.” Eyes dreamy Maeko remembered with fondness nibbling the small finger sandwiches and sipping lightly sweetened fruit tea. “I’d be honored to have support in my work but, there’d need to be a contract and I will continue my classes as well as my small booth on weekends.” Despite his sweet shy nature Maeko was strict with his passion, he’d never give up or let others trample him. Even if it meant turning down a wild opportunity “I have to remain true to myself.” Pointing out the directions to the small quaint cafe the male sat straighter, a finger idly drawing upon his thigh. “You’ll have to excuse me Rafe. When it comes to design and sewing I’m rather strict..” Not feeling the crushing weight of his shyness Maeko was content to gaze upon Rafe, lips partially parted; cheeks pink. It was odd to be this close to someone muscled & attractive. Someone who was clearly powerful.

Rafe outstretched one of his arms and placed it over Maeko's shoulder's comfortably, fingers massaging the hybrid's shoulder, but didn't bother at looking at Maeko, more focused on the driver in front of them. "It sounds delectible." He'd find that out for himself. Not many places fit his taste but he knew how to fake enjoyment. and especially, he knew how to please his company. If there was one good thing Rafe was good at, it was pleasing customers.

A deep, honest laugh left Rafe's lips and he looked at Maeko from the side. "Of course there's going to be a contract. I'm an entrepreneur. I'm not going to promise something without having it in writing for the both of us. " Working on the weekends. He frowned. They'd get to it when they get to it. "School should be no issue. Your education is important. And I could always give you the weekends free to work in that dinky booth. Although, I hope you'd want to have your own store someday." He rose a brow. The demon made a mental note into looking into street vending. Maybe he could contract a few others to help out with the small stand while it lasted...

"Every artist has their own style," he shrugged. "I do have many contacts that could help you refine your style, big company names. You don't have to accept their advice. Think of it as another resource to use." The man gave a half hearted shrug and sighed wistfully. A nice part of town. Thank the dieties.

Uncertainty filled the slender males body from head to tail; his body carefully pressing away from Rafe. It felt very unprofessional but, he once again did not wish to risk losing a potentially worthwhile business deal. Something about Rafe was pushing up warning bells and making him uneasy. Why did he seem so snooty? “My booth is not dinky. I don’t appreciate that, sir.” Eyes sharpening momentarily he fully shrugged the others arm off his slender shoulders..pleased when the carriage came to a halt. The elegant cafe beckoned, without waiting for the door to be opened Maeko hopped out..trying to calm the waves of rage within him. Dinky. His booth was special! He’d worked tirelessly for months preparing it; saving..doing odd jobs whilst working tirelessly at his classes..then working long hours on the weekends! Tail lashing the air dangerously his spirit calmed only once he had passed the threshold of the small establishment. Beautiful music played at a respectable volume, the scents of freshly baked goods and warm drinks soothed him. The decor was more on the ‘feminine’ side with it’s lace and soft pastel colors, warm wood tables with an antique old feel made it all more homey..not too sterile or forced. “Table for two please!” Tail slowly calming to a more delicate sway the man made sure Rafe followed along to the quaint table..his fingers idly touching the soft lace table cloth. “I did not mean to snap. My booth is my pride..it took a lot of work to build up customers and to even make the booth possible.” It had not been easy to earn folks trust, to have them leave special garments in his care to be tailored or mended. Keeping a tight hold on the quality he put out versus quantity. “I’d love to have a store of course however I’ll not sacrifice the quality of my work just to earn more.”

What was this? Rafe's thin lips fell into a frown, his fingers flexing around the hybrid's shoulder unconsciously before slowly and reluctantly removing his arm from his shoulders. What had Maeko's knickers in such a twist?

Oh.

Oh.

He had misspoken and used the wrong word. That was offly foolish of him to do. "Apologies." He coughed into his hand and placed it on his own thigh. He was about to explain himself, to right the situation, but the carriage had already slowed down to a stop. This lunch date was going to be harder than he imagined.

Rafe got out and waved his men off. There was no need for them to be here. They all deserved lunch. This meeting was just a bit too intimate to allow them to come along with. The demon would beckon them back with a call when the time was right. His hard gaze looked at Maeko's tail warily. Hopefully it wouldn't be soon.
The demon followed the hybrid into the establishment and took a seet where they were directed to. The place didn't look half bad at least, even though it wasn't his exact aesthetic. A small smile unfurled on his lips, the usual hard gaze that he sported softening apologetically. "I didn't mean it in a bad way. It's very....small. Quaint. It's okay to have pride in your work. Your customers will follow you into any store that you invest in, I'm sure." He took the napkin on the table and unfurled it, putting it on his lap. "Although you are more than welcome to keep your booth when that time comes. I am not saying to get rid of it." It was just going to become difficult to deal with for Maeko, having to juggle their own shop, designs, and the booth. Not without some help. One of rafe's legs moved over to brush Maeko's. "I would rather you produce quality and own a store. I want to invest in you because I see great potential quality. Not a fast worker. If I wanted someone who made a lot of designs, I would ask a regular person off the street indiscriminately. I've looked at your wares."

Accepting the apology for now his fingers delicately shook out a napkin, smoothing it over his lap. “Then I’ll accept your apology..Everything depends on a lot of what ifs. I appreciate your kind words...I’m just a bit wary. When things sound too good to be true; in this industry it’s difficult to make it.” Eyes distant he only looked more alert when the small menus were handed to them. This place was quite the destination in his mind, everything he adored plus delicious food how could that be wrong? Brightening his order was quick and to the point..mind buzzing with nee found energy. “I’d love the usual please! Also the tea of the month, my customer told me it’s to die for.” Cheeks flushed with excitement Maeko opened his bag to retrieve a small sketch pad and a finely sharpened pencil. With a hum he started doodling..eyes glancing at Rafe for long moments. “So tell me more about your company and business dealings. Have you dealt much with the fashion world?”

Rafe raised a brow. Accept his apology? Was there any other option? He was the one paying for their meal. Even if in disagreement, one should always accept. But he was just getting to know Maeko, it was best not to state so. "I am willing to answer any of your what if questions to the best of my ability." He drawled, hands clasped on his lap as he smiled, attempting to be approachable. "It's not every day that I see a skill set like yours." He eyed him. "You're cute, you know what you want, and you have an eye in design. If I don't snatch you up, someone else may." Okay, the designs were decent. And he wassn't sure if it was going to pan out. But that was a majority of designers he met. He was sure that he could fine tune things, make them into perfection. The industry is difficult, I do agree." Rafe gave him a keen eye. "But I do believe you'd be a great asset to my team. "

He looked at the waiter, momentarily distracted from his thoughts. "I'll have what he's having as well as a glass of water." In case this tea really wasn't to his tastes. Not many could make tea the proper way after all. His gaze went back to Maeko. And his sketch pad. Curiously, he leaned over to get a better look. "Just what are you drawing." he murmured, mainly to himself.

He didn't expect Maeko to look up at him. "Oh." he gestured to himself. "How rude of me. I'm sorry. My company specializes in making a variety of shoes and other clotheswear. We're one of the top supplies in the below and above."

Continuing to draw the males eyes brightened..a small smile forming as he let Rafe see the sketch he was working on. He’d been loosely doodling a trench coat that would suit the business mans form. “The weather is ever changing however coats still elude me..I’ve been sketching designs though!” Determind to not be beaten by the difficulties of outerwear Maeko continued to sketch until their meal arrived in full. Many delicate & small sandwiches lined the plates, some with fresh super thinly sliced vegetables or finely shaved pieces of meat. “Ah it’s here! Thank you.” Smiling at their waiter the man went straight to eating, hand carefully choosing a sandwich. Eating as elegantly as possible Maeko offered another curious look to Rafe. Once the first bite of delectable sandwich had been swallowed more questions came. “Hmm. Where are you located? What kinds of clothes would your company wish for me to make? I’ve never done shoes and as I said outerwear is still mildly difficult for me to pull off.”

Rafe's eyes looked over the drawing critically. "It's quite good." he mused, at least, it was good for a start. Ultimately, he wouldn't know until it was made. Materials were key to a customers comfort, not design. Although, he did have to admit, if the pockets were less outwward, he wouldn't mind wearing something like what was sketched. Rafe went to pour himself a cup of tea, sipping quietly on the beverage.

The demon took up a sandwhich in turn, taking it in one small bite at a time. The food...wasn't half bad either. Surprising. "We're in this city." He chuckled, mainly to himself. Where else would a big company be? They had to be at the center of where most of their business would come from. He raised a brow. "What you've been making is fine. I don't just make athletic shoes." He chuckled, more to himself. That was silly. "When I said shoes, I meant, in general. I don't specialize just in one sort of shoe. My expansions into clotheswear are...flexible."

Giggling softly Maeko continued to eat, only occasionally pausing to sip his tea or doodle some more. “I’m glad you like it, I made it with you in mind..well your body proportions. Though it would be easier if I could more accurately measure you.” Eyes flickering closed Maeko took another long drink of the fruit sweetened tea, at ease despite the serious conversation. “Interesting. If all these things are true and the contract looks good then...then I’d like to do it. As long as there’s a mutual respect and understanding.” Eyes opening once more he grinned, cheeks flushed with unbridled excitement. Maybe this would end well, a chance to become well know..a chance to be more, to learn more! Maeko would fight tooth and nail to get further even if he was a more shy, seemingly naive man..he knew how to fight. “I’d do anything to make my dream come true.”

His body proportions?! Rafe glanced over towards the drawing that Maeko had been working on. It seemed like it could fit. he wouldn't mind trying it. "You're more than welcome to measure me. I have no problem being nude in front of such a great, not to mention cute, artist." Rafe gave him a smirk, brushing his hands across Maeko's hand. "I'm excited to try it." Then again he was always excited for new opportunities.

He rose a brow and brandished another card from his pocket. There were plenty for him to give, at least. Having such a successful business meant that he got these practically for free. "You're more than welcome to look me up if you don't trust me." it wasn't like he had anything to hide online. Rafe prided himself in his image too much to let anything heinous get to the press. "I should have a contract within a few days." He gave him a friendly smile in an attempt to be sympathetic. "I'm not good at making solid contracts by myself which is why I consult with my lawyers, but it will be fair."

"I hope we can obtain your dreams."