Well and not well at the same time

“... and that’s the long and short of it,” Shuichi finally finished after over ten minutes of explanations. “I know it’s a little far-fetched, but… it’s the truth.”

“I see… so you wound up getting involved with the Yakuza of all people right under my nose.” Kirumi sat back in her chair as she processed what she had just been told. “I am disappointed in you that you took that money so recklessly, and that you didn’t tell me about any of this. Furthermore, you are incredibly lucky that I was not pulled into this scandal, seeing as I was the one who picked you up from the casino and could theoretically have been identified.”

Shuichi grimaced at that; he was expecting her to scold him, but even then, it still hurt.

“But… at the same time, I do feel quite proud of you as well.” Kirumi leaned forward in her chair again. “You not only took responsibility for your mistake, but you managed to stop the oncoming gang war and saved dozens, if not hundreds, of lives. To say that you deserved to have a servant after doing something so selfless would be an understatement.”

Shuichi sat up in surprise. “Wait, so… you’re not angry at me?”

“Perhaps, somewhere in the back of my mind, I am, but to be honest, I am mostly just overjoyed that you managed to get out of that unscathed.” Kirumi stood up and walked around the table towards Peko. “I would also be lying if I said that I was not excited about the opportunity this presents.”

“Huh?” Peko stared at Kirumi in shock as the CEO got down onto her knees and took Peko’s hand into hers.

“After all, it is not every day that I meet someone who wishes to serve my Master with as much dedication as I do,” Kirumi said as she looked Peko in the eye.

“H-hang on a second! Does that mean…” Peko trailed off and glanced toward Shuichi. “You two have that kind of relationship?”

“Uh… don’t misunderstand! We just, uh… have a close professional relationship!” Shuichi said, a bright blush on his face.

“...you two fuck, don’t you?” Peko asked bluntly. “In fact, judging by the look on your face, I’d wager that you two do that all the time. I’m surprised that you let me in on such a potentially-damaging secret.”

“Of course; like I said before, I sensed no insincerity in your dedication to serve, and I believe now more than ever that you will do anything to serve our dear Master Saihara,” Kirumi explained. “As such, there’s no need for any more secrets between fellow servants, and I promise to do everything in my power to ensure that your dedication goes uninterrupted.”

“Uninterrupted?” Shuichi felt his heart stop for a moment. “Then, does that mean that she’s…?”

“Yes; as of this moment, Ms. Pekoyama is a real, certified intern of C.O. Inc.” Kirumi walked over to her computer and made the necessary changes to the employee registrar. “Though, the position will be unpaid, of course.”

“That’s fine; I have more than enough money to get by for now,” Peko replied, just barely holding back a smile. “But still, this is wonderful! Did you hear that, Master?! From now on, I’ll be able to serve you day in, and day out, without any fear of interruption!”

“Er, yeah, that’s… totally great. Yay.” Shuichi scratched his face nervously. “Although, maybe it really would be for the best if Peko did leave. I mean, people might still get suspicious, and my cubicle is a bit cramped for just the two of us.”

“If that is a problem, then I can arrange something more appropriate for you,” Kirumi interjected. “Ever since her visit to the company, Togami has been attempting to poach my best talent to try and weaken us. It won’t work in the end, obviously, but this has left a few offices that were previously occupied empty, and they will likely remain unoccupied until I find proper replacements for those positions.”

“A private office? That would be appreciated, for sure.” Peko subtly shot a glance towards Shuichi’s groin, who nervously covered it with his hands.

“B-but she’s a criminal! If we keep her here, we could get targeted by the police, or worse!” Shuichi desperately pointed out.

“Maybe, but the same thing could technically be used to describe yourself, couldn’t it? After all the scandals you’ve apparently been involved in,” Kirumi pointed out. “Do not worry, Master Saihara. I know that a change like this will be a little hard to get used to, but there is no reason to hold yourself back. With everything you’ve been through lately, you could use the extra hand.”

“Yeah, I… I guess you have a point,” Shuichi finally relented.

“Excellent; then I will have Ms. Shinguji and my secretary help you transition to your new office.” Kirumi unlocked the doors to her office and pushed them open, revealing a very relieved Azura sitting at her desk on the other side. “It should only take a few minutes, and if anyone asks, just tell them the truth about how you got it because someone quit. They’ll just assume it’s an extra incentive to keep people in the company.”

“Thank you again for your generosity, Ms. Tojo. It appears I am in your debt as well.” Peko bowed to Kirumi and then left to get Shuichi’s things from his cubicle.

“Well… I suppose things could have turned out worse,” Shuichi said to himself with a tired shrug. “Time to get back to work then, I suppose.”

“Wait.” Shuichi was interrupted by Kirumi’s hand on his shoulder. “I have one more thing I’d like to tell you.”

Shuichi flinched a little as he felt Kirumi position her mouth right behind his ear.

“I know I said that I would respect your wishes when able, but… if you ever find yourself in that kind of trouble again, let me know immediately.”

Shuichi shivered as Kirumi proved that, when she wanted to be, she could be the most commanding person Shuichi knew.

“Of course, ma’am. I promise, if I’m in trouble, you’ll be the first one to know,” Shuichi reassured her.

“Very good.” She released her grip on his shoulder. “Now go ahead to your new office; I have some very important calls I need to make.”

A few minutes later and Shuichi was standing outside his new office with his computer in his hands. In front of him, Peko had just finished setting up her desk next to his, making sure to face it toward the door so she could see anyone who came inside. Shuichi’s desk itself was twice as big as his old one and hidden behind privacy walls - so even if someone were to peek inside, they wouldn’t see what – or who – he was really doing. Behind him, he could hear several of his coworkers jealously whisper to each other.

“Man, I can’t believe he got a lackey and a new office? Fuck, some guys get all the luck!” Kazuichi grumbled.

“Yeah, tell me about it.. I’d give an arm for an upgrade like that!” Makoto said in the crowd. “Plus, I’ll miss sitting next to him every day.”

“Yeah… I guess today I really am lucky,” Shuichi thought to himself as he stepped inside. “Then… why don’t I feel like it?”

“Alright, that should be all of it!” Azura announced as she plugged in Shuichi’s desk lamp. “Good luck in your new office, and let us know if you need anything else!”

“Yeah… thanks a lot, Azura,” Shuichi said as he walked in. “I’m honored to get such an unexpected gift.”

“And we’re honored to have you work for us, Mr. Saihara,” Azura said with a professional bow. “I won’t keep you any longer, though; good luck on your work!”

“Right, of course.” Shuichi sat down and booted up his computer - but just as he was about to start working, the financial documents he was working on were suddenly snatched right off his desk. “H-hey!”

“Don’t trouble yourself, Master; I’ll handle the basic work for you,” Peko said as she turned on her computer and began typing away. “You focus on your project and the harder stuff… and if you ever feel the need to take a break, then go right ahead.”

“If you say so…” Shuichi sighed and brought up the files for his presentation. “But you know that you’re technically doing my job, right?”

“Don’t worry, Master; I promise you’ll get the credit either way,” Peko replied. Despite her kind tone, it didn’t make Shuichi feel any better.

A few more hours later, work finally ended, and it was time to head home. He bid his coworkers goodbye, hoping they didn’t feel too jealous of his new accommodations, and headed out to his convertible to drive home and relax, only to find Peko waiting for him patiently in his passenger seat.“Gah! Peko! What are you doing here!?” Shuichi gasped, careful to keep his voice quiet.

“To go home with you, of course,” Peko replied flatly. “You did say that I could serve you all I wanted when you returned home, and that offer is still valid.”

“Y-yes, but people might get the wrong idea if they see us leave together!” Shuichi pointed out.

“Ah, I see. Very well.” Peko got out of the car. “Shall I insert myself into your trunk instead?”

“What!? No, I… augh, never mind. If anyone asks, I’ll just say you live in the same apartment complex.” Shuichi got into his car and drove back home on his usual route.

“May I ask what you’d like for dinner, my Master?” Peko asked as they walked up the stairs to his place. “Perhaps something high in protein or fiber? Or should I take it upon myself to anticipate what you want or need?”

“It’s okay, Peko; you don’t have to stress over it,” Shuichi insisted. “I’m sure I can just order us something cheap and- gah!?”

Shuichi cut himself off as they both turned a corner and found none other than CEO Kirumi Tojo standing between him and his apartment, staring into an open doorway.

“M-Ms. Tojo!? Is that you?” Shuichi asked. “What are you doing here? Is something wrong?”

“Ah, so the end of the workday has come already.” Kirumi turned toward them and bowed. “Do not worry; nothing is wrong, though I had hoped to finish all the preparations for my gift before you arrived.”

“Gift? What are you talking about?” Shuichi asked. “You didn’t buy me something, did you?”

“Of course not; I only rented,” Kirumi answered. “Come and have a look.”

Holding the door open, Kirumi directed Shuichi and Peko to look inside his next door apartment, and what they saw made Shuichi’s jaw hit the floor. Instead of being an empty and unrented unit, the room was filled wall-to-wall with Victorian-style furniture, decorations, and even several beds. There were also a lot of cleaning supplies, some cooking supplies, and some food being put into the refrigerator by a familiar woman in a maid uniform - Edith, a.k.a. Tendou Saki.

“W-what!?” Shuichi’s eyelid twitched as he felt his brain short-circuit. “Kirumi… what the hell is this!?”

“Isn’t it obvious? It’s a servants’ quarters,” Kirumi answered. “Since you have taken the step of having your own personal servant, it is only appropriate that there be a proper place for them to stay and store everything that they might need to serve you. Plus, it will grant you both more privacy, especially if you were to have guests over who you do not wish to know about your servants.”

“And… what about Edith? Did you convince her to help out with this too?” asked Shuichi.

“No, actually.” Kirumi shook her head. “I ran into her on the way up here, and she insisted on volunteering to be your servant as well.”

“It’s good practice for the maid cafe, and it’s a lot of fun too!” Edith said as she finished preparing the room. “I’m ready to serve you whenever you wish, Master Saihara.”

“Gnh…” Shuichi grit his teeth. “I… appreciate your generosity, Ms. Tojo, but I told you before that I don’t want any more gifts from you. Is this really necessary?”

“Perhaps, perhaps not,” Kirumi replied. “However, you only specified monetary gifts, and…” She grabbed Shuichi by the shoulder once again and leaned forward. “After nearly losing your life twice because of your lapses in judgment over these last few days, I think you could forgive me for believing that you need some extra supervision.”

Shuichi felt a sudden wave of embarrassment and guilt overwhelm him.

“Y-yeah, I suppose you have a point.” Shuichi sighed for what felt like the millionth time that day. “Then I suppose I have **** but to accept.”

“Excellent.” Kirumi released his shoulder. “Then, since I’m here, why don’t I see how good of a servant this ‘Peko’ truly is. Ms. Pekoyama; please prepare for us a chicken dinner seasoned with rosemary and with a side of salad, post-haste.”

“Ah!” Peko snapped out of her amazed stupor and bowed. “Right away, ma’am.”

Forty-five minutes later, Shuichi, Edith, Kirumi, and Peko were all crowded around his dining table, eating their chicken and salad.

“Hmm… you did an adequate job, but you didn’t marinate the chicken quite long enough,” Kirumi said after a bite. “You also could have improved your presentation somewhat; you didn’t even tell us that the chicken was cooked with love, or that you prepared the salad with care.”

“Thank you; I appreciate the advice,” Peko replied. “But with all due respect, I will prepare the meals to our Master’s standards, not yours.”

“Good - it’s nice to hear that, above all else, you hold the principles of servitude above all else,” Kirumi praised.

“Well, if you ask me, you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself when Kirumi criticizes your cooking,” Edith said through a mouthful of food. “Her standards are impossibly high.”

“Maybe so, but where else would I get my drive to improve myself for the sake of my masters if not for having lofty goals?” Kirumi rebutted.

“I know, it’s part of your whole schtick, and it’s very admirable, but you’re going to give a maid at the cafe a complex eventually,” Edith half-joked. “Anyways, how are you feeling, Master Saihara? Three beautiful maids eating with you, ready to serve your every whim… this has got to be your dream come true, right?”

“I mean… this is all very nice,” Shuichi reluctantly admitted. “I never thought I’d be this pampered in a million years.”

“Well, I’m afraid that it’s only going to be for one year,” said Peko. “But even so, I promise to make sure this year is the best of your entire life. No matter how big or small, I promise to fulfill your every wish.”

“Thank you, but, really, you don’t have to go that far!” Shuichi said, putting up his hands.

“Hey, don’t be so modest! That’s what we’re all here to do, you know; we wouldn’t be here if it didn’t make us happy,” teased Edith. “Although, I can’t help but wonder if Peko here is really sincere when she says ‘anything.’”

“I suppose there is one easy way to test that; we could all have sex,” Kirumi said bluntly.

“Pffft!” Shuichi spat out his food on reflex.

“Oooh, it’s been so long since I’ve actually done something like that myself!” Edith said excitedly as she preemptively reached for her panties underneath her skirt. “Plus, it’ll give the new girl some good laundry practice after we’re done messing up the sheets!”

“Ha-hang on one moment! I did not consent to any of this!” Shuichi said, raising his voice. “I mean, it’s not that any of you are unattractive; it’s just… I sorta have someplace I need to be after dinner.”

“Oh, I see… that is a shame.” Kirumi wiped her mouth with her napkin and stood up from the table. “But if you ever need comfort from any of us, you know how to contact us.”

Edith whistled and nudged Shuichi with her elbow. “Impressive… I don’t know if you can tell, but that’s the closest you’re going to get to Ms. Tojo begging to get fucked without you ordering her to do it. I bet she’s so horny that she’s not even wearing panties… hell, she might have even skimped on the diaphragm!”

“Is… is that true?” Shuichi asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

“I… ahem.” Kirumi coughed into her hand and turned to the door. “I will see you tomorrow, Master Saihara.”

“Heh, she didn’t deny it!” Edith said smugly as she stood up. “Regardless, I’ll be next door or in my apartment if you need me, Master! So long!”

With that, she left the room and left Shuichi alone with Peko. A tense silence descended upon the room as Shuichi wondered exactly what to say to her.

“So, uh… thanks for making me dinner, but I should start getting ready to go,” Shuichi said, heading toward his bedroom. “After all, Maki and Mukuro will be expecting me to meet with them to work out again.”

“Ah, right; the two women who stopped me from murdering you. Of course,” Peko replied. “Allow me to prepare you for your workout.”

Shuichi sighed. “Let me guess… you want to give me another shower?”

“It is the natural thing to do; you don’t want to get your pores clogged when you work out. You could get acne,” Peko advised. She was already taking off all her clothes.

“Fine, but… please keep your ‘extra’ washing to a minimum, okay?” Shuichi said as he entered the bathroom.

“Of course, Master,” Peko said, turning on the water. “Let us begin.”