Business As Usual

[Tasha Blackwell]

She couldn’t exactly tell when it was night or day here. It was always dark and dreary, and the most light that came in looked gray. It was quiet and gloomy, almost haunting. There was a cold and metallic ambience here, and even the Lusty Lekku felt more welcoming.

Tasha couldn’t deny the bed was comfortable though. It was possibly the most expensive bed she had ever been in, and she had been here a few times now. It was an easy arrangement between them, and one that began with her getting paid a large sum of credits. There was a mutual understanding, and no questions asked. There were no strings, no attachments (at least on the surface), and it was kept rather simple.

She was on that bed now, coming into consciousness in that same dreary room. Her yellow eyes took in her surroundings, catching the tall ceiling and the window with the heavy curtains that let in just a sliver of dim light. She rolled over to face the edge of the bed, spotting that it was almost midday. Tasha groaned, having overslept. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes, looking at the chrono that told her the time. Next to it was a photo frame faced the other way. Tasha had to scoff at that, “Do you face that the other way every time I come over?”

 

[Constantine Drast]

Constantine was on the other side of the bed, his legs already swung over the side and leaving him sitting on the edge. He already pulled on some loose but comfortable sweats, giving him some cover but leaving the rest of his body exposed. He didn't realize what she was talking about first before he tilted his head slightly to look over, catching the frame that remained on the nearby table but turned. Constantine was silent for a moment or two before finally shrugging his shoulders, "No, that's it's designated position. You can say I've never had the heart to remove it." With a simple lift of his finger, the frame would spin around and face towards Tasha, letting her see the pristine photo within it.

It was one of his family, his father, and mother sitting side by side with each other as Constantine and Jeremiah stood behind both of them. Both of his parents had a slight smile in the photo while he and Jeremiah shared an unemotional face, iterating their relationship even in a still frame. "Say hello to the family." Constantine murmured softly to Tasha, his gaze locked on the photo with no warmth in his voice. It was clear who took from who, his father a broader and muscular man that Jeriamah took after while Constantine shared his mother's sharp and angular features. He only let both of them gaze at the photo for a few more moments before he flipped the picture back around with the force.

Constantine's hazel orbs then slowly traveled down to the clothless Tasha in his bed. He didn't know when it progressed to this, usually preferring his solitude in the little tower he had. But even he needed comfort and it started between them with the transaction of money but now Tasha usually came to his place when she pleased or when he summoned her, either of them having a bad day and just needing something to take their mind off of it. This was one of the rare times that she actually stayed in his bed and he was surprised that he didn't mind at all, rather enjoying the morning conversation with someone other than a business associate over the phone. "Care for breakfast?" Constantine asked softly, his gaze now lifted to meet and lock with Tasha's as he asked the question.

 

[Tasha Blackwell]

Tasha stretched and rose to sit up, yawning. Her blue skin was a stark contrast against the light sheets, her fiery red hair messily falling around her back. His answer to her question was deadpan as usual, and he spun the frame around for her to see. Tasha glanced at it, her jaw tightening at spotting Jeremiah. He had escaped that night, and she had been injured. She wanted to hunt him down, but he had gone entirely off the grid.

Tasha was distracted by Constantine’s next words, and she looked at him with a quirked eyebrow, “Breakfast?” She asked curiously, “I think that’s the first time you’ve suggested that,” Tasha grinned, shifting so her feet planted on the ground. She rose to stand and began to pick up her clothing, sliding on the skirt and blouse once more.

“Normally I’m out of here before the sun is fully up,” Tasha remarked. That was how she liked it. She had her fun with him and then she left before he even finished getting ready for work. It was a quiet understanding, and neither bothered to mention anything about it. Tasha finished buttoning up her blouse and put her watch on, glancing down at the meetings she had for the day. She put her heels on.

“I suppose I can do breakfast,” Tasha didn’t have anything till late afternoon today, and her associates could handle the rest. She fixed up her hair, tying it back as she looked at him, “What did you have in mind? Some personal chef called in to do it or perhaps a trip to a Drast owned restaurant?” Tasha had to laugh. He lived a surreal life, and everything came all too easy. She couldn’t fathom why he was always so gloomy or sullen in spite of it all.

 

[Constantine Drast]

Constantine watched as she stepped out from his bed and started to slip on her clothing. He felt the flash of anger through her at spotting Jeremiah and he didn't blame her, the scar on her shoulder still visible along her blue skin. "One of the first times you stayed." He shot back with his own grin before standing up from his bed and stretching as well, feeling the muscles in his lean frame appreciate it for a few moments before he returned to normal. Hearing her remark that she was out before even the sun was up made him smirk, "Hopefully I don't disappoint then." Constantine reached for his black shirt, sliding it on as it fit him snuggly while he made his way towards the door.

When he reached it and put his hand on the knob, Constantine couldn't help but chuckle softly, "I was just planning on using the kitchen myself. I hope you aren't dissuaded by my simple ways." He usually cooked for himself in the morning, finding it much faster and simpler than heading out to find a meal or forcing someone to go get it for him. Constantine opened the door for her, letting her step out first into the expansive penthouse. He closed it behind him before making his way to the kitchen, already reaching into certain cabinets and other places as this was a practiced notion for years. "Please make yourself comfortable." Constantine gestured to one of the chairs that sat against the counter, giving her the perfect view towards the kitchen and him.

When Constantine got everything needed and let his pan start to heat up, he turned back towards Tasha before walking over and stopping on the other side of the counter. He reached for two glasses before filling them both with water and handing one to her. Constantine took a sip from his glass as his eyes gazed into her, locking around her exposed neck for a second before meeting her gaze. "How are you appreciating your new lifestyle? Everything you hoped and wished for?" Constantine never really had the time to congratulate her for her promotion in society, working at the Lusty Leku to now running her own business. He wasn't that shocked, Constantine could spot the hunger in Tasha's eyes the moment he saw her and he just wondered when it would be a matter of time for her.

 

[Tasha Blackwell]

She wanted to quip back that she had simply overslept, but it didn’t come. Tasha only overslept when she was comfortable, and that was a strange realization for her. She took some time to freshen up in the bathroom and re-apply her makeup. Tasha may have stopped dancing, but that didn’t mean she didn’t like to look perfect at all times. She wasn’t quite to the point where she could simply use his shower as she pleased, but this would do for now.

Tasha walked back out, surprised when he mentioned he would be using the kitchen himself, “You...know how to make food?” There was genuine surprise in her voice. Any Drast she had ever run into had no concept of basic life skills. They had servants for everything, and she couldn’t imagine any of them ever knowing to do anything for themselves. She doubted most of them even knew what the lower value credit chits looked like.

She walked out ahead, making her way towards the expansive kitchen. The penthouse was entirely too big for one person, but it was clear he was the only person that ever spent any time here. Tasha sat at the counter, watching as he got to work, taking her glass of water, “Not a fan of caf in the morning?” She remarked, noting how perfectly happy he was with just the water.

His question had her thinking for a moment, “It’s certainly more empowering than my last gig. Now I get to pick which men I have touching me,” Tasha gave him a wink. Constantine had been the only one entirely unsurprised by her change in careers, and he had been one of the first investors in her business. In many ways, she owed him more than she could ever repay, though they never discussed it.

“Leaving the Sith Order for good was...difficult,” Tasha said quietly, looking up to meet his gaze, “I suppose that means we’re not entirely on the same side of the war anymore,” She had never seen him entirely too engaged with Sith activities himself, “What do you make of our new Emperor and a united Sith? I think your family name might be in trouble…” There had been cries for an end to the Drast regime and for a new name to take its place. After the recent failures of Drast rulers, the people’s faith was shaken.

 

[Constantine Drast]

Constantine's gaze went back to her when he heard the shock in her voice about his ability to make food. "I also know how to shower by myself too." He gave a swift cock of his head towards her with a smirk before continuing in the kitchen. He understood her surprise, most likely assuming he would have servants to do every one of his biddings. Constantine was actually just a picky eater, resulting in him often as a child being in his family kitchen's as the chefs prepared the meals. They were happy to help and see him when he was there, actually happy to see a willing student or just fearing for their lives at the possibility that he would tell his father if they didn't help him. Either way, Constantine eagerly watched as they taught him how to make his own meals to his taste and liking.

Constantine glanced down at his own glass before shrugging his shoulders again, "Never tastes bad, I know what to expect." He waited as Tasha now thought about her answer to his question. When she gave him her wink Constantine chuckled softly, "Hopefully it's a finer selection." He guessed he could consider himself part of her numerous selection, knowing exactly how Tasha was. Even though he had been keeping a distant eye on Tasha's business affairs as of late but Constantine could already assume that Tasha was fitting into her new "gig" very well. He was careful with his money and he knew that Tasha would be a safe investment and he wasn't wrong. The woman quickly carved herself her own space into the business world and her company was becoming a name for itself. It was already rumored that her personal network of friends and some of them in very high places, not surprising Constantine either.

Constantine tilted his head slightly when she mentioned that leaving the Order was difficult. He wondered exactly what she went through to separate herself from it. The Order wasn't that forgiving when someone wanted to leave its grasp. But then she pointed out that they were on the wrong side of the war now because of it. He supposed it was true but he never cared for the war, having not participated in any of the battles or even make a name himself outside of the business atmosphere. Constantine was consolidating his power and extending his influence, he would need it in the future. He thought about giving Tasha an answer that he worried about a likely future purge to his family but then he thought the truth was just better.

The Drast took another sip of his water before clicking his tongue softly, "As long as the Emperor doesn't personally knock on my door, then I wish him the best of luck. If everything in my future turns well, it won't really matter what the Sith do or what happens to my family." Tasha would find there wasn't really any concern in his voice, holding a more carefree attitude. Constantine held his gaze with Tasha's for a few moments, silence falling between them until he eventually turned around and began to place ingredients into the pan as the smell of fresh food spread throughout the kitchen. As he continued preparing the meal for them, he asked her a question still facing the other way, "What was difficult about leaving it?"

 

[Tasha Blackwell]

Tasha said nothing as he made his comment about the finer selection, though her eyes gleamed slightly at the thought. She loved how simple things were with him - she often got to experience a taste of luxury, and he had no real demands of her. Even before her business became successful, she could taste the life he lived with all of its conveniences. His wealth was insurmountable, and he had no one to spend it on but himself.

She always marveled at how nonchalant he was about the Sith and the Empire. The Drasts were almost always in the news in some capacity, and there had even been social parties and charities that had a lot of Drast attendance. Constantine was always absent from those, preferring to be reclusive. He was an enigma to her, and even despite the intimacy they shared, she didn’t quite know him.

Tasha met his gaze when he looked at her, moments before he returned to cooking. The smell made her hungry, and she was still surprised to find him cooking at all. Tasha hopped off her seat and walked over closer to him to make herself some caf, not satisfied with just water. She pondered over his question, shrugging, “I had a sense of belonging with the Sith. A clear goal and purpose. I wasn’t used to defining my own purpose. Being in the Sith it was always fighting for someone else’s cause and vision. Whether it be the Drast vision or Varyn Rask’s,” Tasha paused for a moment, her thoughts briefly lingering on him, “And I knew my skills would get rusty.”

She grabbed her caf and took a sip, turning to face him, “So is a lady staying over a few hours later all it takes for you to cook for them?” Tasha grinned at him, “I would have done this a long time ago if that’s the case,” Somehow she couldn’t imagine this was a regular habit of his. He always made a point to keep his distance and detach.

 

[Constantine Drast]

Constantine could smell Tasha's perfume as she stepped closer and he tilted his head slightly to look at her, noting that despite already having woken up she was pampered and already having a mask of perfection. His eyes then went to the coffee that she was beginning to make for herself, Constantine mostly grimacing to himself at the sight. Coffee was not something that appealed to him but he knew multitudes of people held it dear to their heart. Constantine listened as Tasha gave her answer, casually flipping the eggs before bringing his gaze to her. He knew what she was thinking of, having gone through the same process when he first joined the Order. Constantine was never fond of it and the moment he was initiated he was trying to leave, preferring to go his own way even if he had no idea where it would take him.

Constantine chuckled when she said her skills were getting rusty, "Your skills getting rusty? You're perfecting your craft as we speak." While he knew Tasha could certainly handle herself, her forte was in her silver tongue. His eyes glanced down at her hands before back up to her gaze, "When you're in your position, you can use other people for that type of work." While the food was beginning to thoroughly cook through, Constantine put down his spatula before turning fully to face towards Tasha, his water still in his other hand as he offered a grin right back. He lifted his glass of water up like a toast before tapping it lightly against her cup of coffee, "Consider it your full congratulatory gift on becoming CEO." Constantine took a swig of his water as if it was some alcohol before putting it down on the counter. "But if you decided to stay for more cooking then I wouldn't mind. My mornings get quite lonely." He offered her a smirk before turning back to the food, finding it ready and cooked.

Constantine reached for some plates past Tasha before scooping up the eggs and putting them evenly on the plate. It was a simple breakfast as he also put some bacon and toast on her plate while his just remained with eggs. Putting both plates on the counter for them, he got two forks and sunk one into her eggs before starting to dig into his. Steam slowly rose from their plate, Constantine using his fork to spread it out and cool it faster. Putting his back to the counter to face Tasha, he arched his eyebrow at her, "I hope this is up to par with the fancy breakfasts and brunches you have now." Constantine stabbed his fork into his meal before starting to eat.

 

[Tasha Blackwell]

Tasha had to grin as he mentioned she was perfecting her craft, “Is it working?” She asked coyly, watching him cook for her. Perhaps he was right - she saw very little need for actual combat nowadays. It was far more empowering to influence others to do what she needed. Tasha reached her fingers up to lightly brush away a few strands of his hair from his forehead, barely grazing along his skin, “And what use can I get out of you with my words?”

She drew back from him, letting him finish up his cooking. Tasha helped with the plates, still not used to anyone doing all this for her. She enjoyed a few more luxuries now that she owned a business and had assistants, but this was far different than having someone fetch her a coffee. Her mind lingered on his words about his mornings being lonely, “Why do you keep it so dark and dreary here? You’ll chase off most girls with it, you know,” Tasha looked out at the decor - all of it dark or black.

Tasha sat down to eat, marveling at the flavor. It was all far better than she would have expected from him. After a few bites, she glanced up at him, “It’s much better than that,” She grinned, “It’s homemade,” It felt strange to be here like this, eating a homecooked breakfast from Constantine of all people. He was always detached from everything and everyone. She had a suspicion that she was one of the few that he let in, and even then she barely knew him.

She kept her gaze on him for a moment in between bites, eyeing him curiously, “Why do you stay so alone if you get lonely?” Tasha had wondered for a long time, but she had never been comfortable enough to ask, “You can have anything and anyone you want.”

 

[Constantine Drast]

Constantine chuckled softly at her question before glancing over at her, "I am cooking for you right now, aren't I?" It wasn't rare that he would cook for himself, that was quite often actually but it was rare he would share his meals with anyone else. He didn't think much of it as he returned his attention to the food but then he suddenly felt Tasha's finger graze along his skin, making his hands stop whatever they were doing as he returned his hazel gaze to her. "I would imagine quite a lot but I would also imagine it would be a dangerous game." There wasn't any hostility or any warning in his voice, more just stating it matter of factly before adding, "The rewards were would be great though."

Tasha drew away and they set up their plates and food, Constantine began to dig into the eggs, finding that they were cooked just the way he appreciated them. Before he could continue, however, Tasha asked another question and it made him glance around his abode, chuckling softly at the nature of her question before he looked back down at his plate while he answered, "The point is to chase most people off but you'd be surprised how many girls love the black on black." Constantine wasn't one for attention, he was rather straight to the point and usually didn't like to daddle around. The whole shtick of it being colored black mostly helped that notion and it didn't hurt that he liked the color. While Tasha sat down, he remained leaning against the counter, preferring to stand and using his legs while he ate.

Tasha complimented his cooking skills and he gave her a nod with a smirk before lifting his fork with some egg on it, "Please, you're making me blush." It didn't really but she would understand the sentiment. Both of them ate in silence for a few moments, Constantine enjoying his breakfast before Tasha asked another question, making him arch his eyebrow at her, "You're quite curious today." But he went silent after that, clearly thinking about his answer for a few moments before exhaling softly and just answering, "To be quite honest, I can't stand most people. I know quite a few say that but I mean it. You find out life is quite simple when you don't involve that many people within it." Constantine held his gaze with hers, answering truthfully as he took another bite of his food. "I don't feel too lonely that much but I admit sometimes I do crave..." Constantine thought for a second before adding, "contact." It was even surprising to him how long he could go without contact to the outside world without having a care but sometimes even he needed to step out of his shell. Taking another bite of his meal, he chewed and swallowed before taking his turn for the question, "Have you ever had a breakfast like this with a previous client before?" Constantine was genuinely curious and he wondered if his craft was working.

 

[Tasha Blackwell]

Tasha was more than a little surprised to find him actually answering her questions. When he pointed out that she was curious, she half expected him to cut off the topic right there. She wasn’t at all surprised when he admitted he didn’t like most people. Even the very first time he had walked into the Lekku, he had arrived entirely alone and preferred to have his own space. The tower housed only him, and he preferred to cook for himself instead of having another attendant to bother with.

She had to grin at his comment about contact, continuing to eat her meal as she thought back to their various trysts. Tasha didn’t keep track of when it stopped being a business exchange. She found his company oddly pleasant and peaceful. He asked very little of her, and it helped that he was a great lover atop everything. Tasha finished up her meal, checking her chrono once more as she received a few messages from work. She ignored them for now, glancing back up at Constantine.

When he asked if she had breakfast like this, she was taken by surprise. Tasha stared at him a moment, drinking from her water as she pondered the question. She had to laugh softly, “Well, most of the time I’m the breakfast,” Tasha gave him a wink then, not unlike the fire in her eyes that burned the very first night they met. He had been the one holding a glass in his hand, and she did some tricks with the ice in his drink.

“But no, I usually like to keep a measure of distance,” Tasha looked away for a moment, thinking about how different this little ‘arrangement’ truly was, “You’ve become a part of my….habit I guess. I’m not sure when it happened or what it is, but it simply is,” Tasha shrugged, glancing back at him, “And you?” She eyed him curiously, “Isn’t this a bit close for comfort for you?”

 

[Constantine Drast]

Constantine saw the mini-shock that went through Tasha at him answering her questions. He was surprised himself, finding that the truth was much easier to tell then continuing to deflect or form a lie about it. She had already been in his bed multiple times and knew what he was like, so it shouldn't be too much of a shock of how he was like. Tasha laughed at his question, making him arch an eyebrow at her once more as he continued to eat from his plate. When she commented afterward that she was usually the breakfast, Constantine chuckled softly before swallowing down his food, "Who could turn down a five-star meal?" He's already feasted before and he knew how exquisite it was. Giving him another wink, catching the energy behind it and only causing him to smirk slightly in response.

Tasha continued with her answer, clarifying that she was more like him in her own way. The two of them certainly weren't keeping distance and he wondered if it secretly crawled under her skin whether she knew it or not. Constantine couldn't help but grin when she described him as a normal habit now, nearly making him laugh as he had never heard someone describe him like that before. Tasha asked if it was too close for comfort for him when he was done with his plate, Constantine placing it in the sink as he went silent for a moment. He didn't really know what to answer at first, knowing that it was but at the same time finding that he didn't find that he minded nearly with other people. It was confusing for him but he stepped out from the kitchen as he ran a hand through his black hair, "It's different but I'm figuring it out." It was the best he could put it.

Constantine stood where he was for a moment, staring down at Tasha as she remained seated. He didn't say anything again for a few moments before he stepped forward, a couple of feet between them as he reached for her plate and put it behind the counter and on the kitchen's side to be cleaned for later. After that was done he returned his gaze to her, standing still in his spot before he lifted a hand to her cheek and cupped it softly. His thumb slid across her smooth skin before arriving at Tasha's bottom lip, pushing against it softly. "Would you consider me a bad habit or good habit?" Constantine stared down at her with his head tilted slightly, his hazel gaze burning into her ferocious golden one. His voice was deep as he asked the question, wondering what she was going to answer. Whatever her answer was about him it would be a clear indication whether she knew him or not.

 

[Tasha Blackwell]

Tasha had to grin at his words. Where most women would have blushed at such a blatant admission, she only had a smug look on her face. She had no qualms with discussing exactly what kind of ‘relationship’ they had. Neither were shy about it, and they kept it simple. She watched him as he thought about her own words, most likely not used to anyone addressing him as such.

She knew he had a lover once before, and whatever happened there damaged him permanently. While it sounded tragic and whatnot, it suited her just fine as it meant he was in no rush to attach strings. Tasha said nothing as he put the plates away, still marveling at all the meander tasks he was doing while being someone so powerful.

Tasha gazed at him as his hand rested along her face, his touch surprisingly warm. She felt that familiar sense of desire pooling within her as his thumb brushed against her lip, “There’s absolutely nothing good about you,” Tasha grinned, meeting his gaze. She rose from her seat, her hand sliding along his warm and firm chest. The gesture was almost possessive, as if he belonged to her in some capacity. A lone finger slid down the front of his torso, pausing to hook into the rim of his sweats. She tugged just gently before releasing it again, “But I do find myself coming back for more.”

Tasha gazed up at him again, drawing her hand away, “I have meetings today, you know..” She muttered quietly.

 

[Constantine Drast]

Constantine chuckled at her answer, glad to know that she could at least see it and what she was dipping her feet into. She rose from her seat and her hand traveled up his chest along with her. His gaze remained on hers, the fire that was her in her eyes now lit in his as he watched her smooth movements. Constantine didn't move, letting her hand explore before she slid a finger down to his pants and tugged them back and making his hunger for her ignite. Commenting that she kept coming back for more, a smirk couldn't help but form on his lips as he stared at her. But when she muttered that she had meetings, Constantine instantly stepped towards her as one of his hands slid to the opposite side of her face, pulling her at the same time.

Tasha would feel his lips press against her neck before beginning to travel up to her ear, his other arm sliding around her waist as he pulled her in tighter. Constantine reached her ear and whispered softly, "You'll find that once you're the boss, you're able to skip the meetings." Without adding anything else, he lifted her up before spinning on his heel and planting her on the counter. Constantine's hands slid to her thighs, pulling her in tight against him as he kissed her for a few moments before murmuring, "It's one of the many perks." Constantine was feeling hungry for a second course and Tasha had already pointed out that she hadn't minded being breakfast before. He kissed her hungrily again, his hands hiking up her skirt now before he started to lower himself, ready for his meal.

---​

Constantine laid in his bed once more, shirtless once more as well as the sheets were slightly drawn just below his waistline. He was cushioned in an assortment of pillows, letting him lay back and stare up at the ceiling as he thought to himself. Tasha was in his bathroom, taking a shower or just finishing one which gave him the opportunity to just lay there. He had a silver ornate pen in his right hand, spinning it between his fingers as he lost track of the present. Constantine had been staying in slumber long enough, it was time for him to put the foundation of his plan in action and he hoped he had the key for it right in the room with him.

When Tasha stepped out the shower Constantine's gaze remained on the ceiling but he immediately asked, "You work in the weapons industry. Have any of your clients or associates spoken of bioweapons... before?" He chose his next words carefully as he turned his head to look at her, "Of the soldier variety if I say so." Constantine knew what he really wanted and it was the infamous abominations. He would need an army and since he was doing this from scratch, he needed to skip the whole process of conscripting men and would rather just use monsters. They didn't demand pay or benefits, all they needed was some food.

 

[Tasha Blackwell]

She missed her late afternoon meetings, but he was right about her having more luxury as CEO to skip out of things when she wanted. There was no doubt the work would pile up later, but she had her fix for now. Tasha actually did use the shower this time, coming out of it with her hair wrapped in a towel. She wore nothing else for now, her smooth sapphire skin still carrying some droplets of water that traveled down her frame.

Tasha stepped out of the bathroom, the cool air causing goosebumps along her skin. She only had her business attire to wear again, though she made sure it didn’t get roughed up during their...activities. Tasha spotted Constantine at once, watching him lost in his thoughts and fiddling with a pen between his fingers. He looked as if he could casually hang out there all day and suffer no repercussions.

Meanwhile, Tasha began to put her clothing on again, intending to keep them on this time. He had managed to delay her for the day, and she would have to make up for it. She paused what she was doing when he spoke, eyeing him curiously, “Nothing beyond your run of the mill poisons and darts,” Tasha took the towel from her hair and began to dry her hair with it, “Why? If you have a request, you’ll need to supply the credits,” She grinned at him, “Just because we have...this going on, doesn’t mean you get any freebies.”