Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Valani stared at the letter in his hand. The big, red letters spelling “Overdue” burned right into his eyes. 

He thought he had more time…

This is exactly what he gets for deciding to check his mail before work. Why couldn't he stay patient and look at it after like every sane person?! An exasperated breath escaped his lips as he stuffed the letter into his work bag. He wasn't even sure if it was the electricity or the water bill. 

Valani closed his eyes briefly. 

He would get paid next week — and he was pretty sure he still had around 20 dollars on his card… Hopefully the interest rate wasn't too high.

Or worse. He really didn't want to deal with no water or electricity for a few days. 

He exhaled once again, taking a deep inhale right after. This was fine. He had been in this type of trouble before, back when he lived with him. At the end of the day he always pulled through. Be it picking up extra shifts, begging his boss to pay him earlier or…

He could work extra hard tonight.

Valani scratched the back of his head at the thought. It wasn't that he minded the work but it wasn't often he could actually give his everything. Who could blame him after working an entire shift in a service job right before?

His hand reached up to his face to push his round glasses up while glancing down at his old phone — it had a crack running down the middle of its screen making it a little more difficult to tell the time.

Speaking of time and work, he should probably get goin— 

Fifteen minutes before his shift was about to start.

Run. He should run. He had spent far too much frozen in the spot staring at the overdue notice. 

His blond hair trailed behind him as he started to speed walk to his workplace. He wasn't sure when but somewhere in-between the traffic light and a closed off street he had actually begun to run. Until the familiar coffee shop came into view.

The Vanilla Orchid.

It was a cozy little thing — a staple of a bustling neighborhood. Its large windows were decorated with various plants and flowers, both real and painted onto the glass itself. Outside he could see a few customers enjoying their drinks at old yet ever so charming wooden tables and chairs. Truly, entering this place was like entering a completely new dimension — one filled with warmth and tranquility. Often one could see older people having a nice chat while sharing a drink, students working tirelessly on their laptops or even people simply coming to read books or draw in the nooks and crannies of the café.

Valani could feel his stress slowly wash away as he approached. It wasn't perfect but it was calm — it was like his second home. He opened the doors, a soft sound of wooden wind chimes following in his wake. 

“AHHH—”

“I TOLD YOU TO BE CAREFUL—”

It was sometimes calm.

Valani sighed, shaking his head in amusement as he approached the counter. There, his two coworkers — a woman with long tied back black hair and a teenager with messy brown hair. Currently the latter was holding a torn bag leaking coffee beans all over the ground while the woman was glaring daggers at him with a very unamused expression

Ray and Ginger.

“Guys… you're scaring the customers.” Valani laughed quietly offering the two of them a gentle smile. Just then a set of keys was thrown at him which he quickly caught. 

“Yeah, yeah whatever. Go get ready — you're late.” Ray told him, giving him a halfhearted squint. “And you clean up this mess!” She barked at the young man who straightened up and nodded furiously.

“Aye, aye.” Valani joked, giving her a playful salute which earned him an eyeroll. The two of them had become fast friends back in the day when he had just started working here. With her determination she quickly climbed the ladder, earning her place as the manager of The Vanilla Orchid. Valani meanwhile… kind of marched in place. He wasn't particularly competitive — he enjoyed making good coffee while chatting with customers. Perhaps that was his downfall at the end.

He unlocked the doors to their break room to set his bag down, taking a brief moment to breathe again. The letter weighed heavily in his mind, but maybe he could distract himself with work today? Valani took his almond colored apron off of the wand, tying it swiftly around himself. The myriad of pins that he had collected over the years made a jangling noise as he did. Lastly, with a hair claw he pinned up his long blond hair — as per Ray’s long standing orders.

Finally, he was ready to face the world. 

Once he exited he saw Ginger sweeping the floor frantically while Ray explained to him how to open the bags properly — again.

Ah…

Valani approached with an air of gentleness around him. “I'll finish it, go help the customer.” He told the kid, parting him on the shoulder. He watched as he lit up, basically running to the register to take an order.

“He will never learn if you baby him.”

“He's just a high schooler.” he replied as he picked up a broom left behind by the other. He started to sweep the floor quietly, gaze growing a little distant. 

“I'm going to head out for the day, Ginger said he had to go home early so you're closing alone. If you want I can swing by again and—”

“No need, I can close the shop blindfolded.” He replied with a small smile. 

“Fine… I made you your usual.” She said, gesturing at a large cup of white mocha with blueberry syrup on the counter. “I still think you have weird tastes.”

“Oh!! Thank you!” He lit up at the drink, setting the broom aside to go and get a sip. A hum of deep satisfaction escaped his lips at the taste. “What can I say, I just like blueberries!” He smiled.

“Then eat a blueberry muffin like the rest of us. Don't put it in your coffee, freak.” The woman teased him lightly, patting his back twice.

The two of them chatted for a little while longer until Ray finally bid her goodbye. The key to the break room now hung around his neck as he finished up a latte for a customer.

“Wow!! Valani, how do you do that?” Ginger gasped, peering over his shoulder.

“Hm? The hearts? I have shown you already.” He laughed a little, setting his pitcher aside. 

“Yes, but you do it so effortlessly! I always have to focus super duper hard!” The young man continued in amazement.

“I guess I've just been working here far too long.” He joked, setting the cup on the tray before calling out the name of the customer who had ordered it. “Speaking of working, you should go, your shift ends soon.” He said as he took off the keys around his neck, offering them to his coworker.

Ginger looked at the keys hesitantly before his eyes scanned the busy café. “Are you sure? I can still stay and—”

“Shoo.” Valani replied playfully, waving him away with his hand as he turned to take another order while the other went away to gather his stuff.

“Hi, welcome to The Vanilla Orchid, what would you like today?” he asked politely, offering his best customer service smile to the person in front of him. Said smile fell a little as the person barked out an order at him — without a trace of politeness.

Great.

Just what he needed.

“Okay, that will be $5 please!” He continued, his smile tightening around the edges a little. He watched with mild disbelief as the customer tossed the money onto the counter as if even just doing that wasn't worth their time.

Wow.

“It'll be done in a bit! Meanwhile, here's your change.” Valani continued in the same tone as he picked up a few coins. The temptation to toss them at this wonderfully rude person grew inside of him… but he was an adult man, he wasn't that petty. He had to give a good example to Ginger, he won't stoop to their level.

He placed the money on the counter before walking away to make his hundredth latte of the day. Maybe he should ask one of his coworkers to blindfold him one day so that he can try making one. He was pretty sure he could do it with minimal damage. Then again he could just take off his glasses and get the same effect. 

The thought made him chuckle a little as he foamed some milk. His eyes glanced at the customer who — frankly was making a show of waiting. Valani debated going extra slowly, just to annoy them. Instead, he settled on no latte art — deciding to cover the coffee with a lid to hide his secret little crime.

“Here you go, and have a wonderful da—” the coffee was snatched out of his hand and the customer stomped away. “—day..” he sighed, shaking his head. His gaze shifted towards their little, unchanged tip jar. 

Valani opened it up quickly counting the money inside. If he were to take it all he'd definitely be able to pay off that overdue bill—

“Are you super duper extra sure you don't need help, Valani?” Came a familiar young voice that made him smile. 

“Yes I'm super duper extra sure. You have to study for your tests, it's far more important.” He told the high schooler. He counted the money in his hands again, taking more than half of what they had earned that day. “Here, these are your tips.” He told Ginger, offering it to him.

He watched the young man's eyes light up and sparkle at the amount only for the gaze to turn hesitant as quickly as it came. “Boss, are you sure? This seems like a lot.” He asked, hesitantly.

“Yes I'm sure, I counted it twice.” He reassured the other, placing the money in his hands. 

It wasn't evenly split at all. Valani had given Ginger a far larger portion of the tips — it was reasonable in his mind. The kid worked hard and earned less than him, of course he should get more.

“O-okay!!” He gasped, quickly pocketing the bills. “Thank you! I'll see you again on Tuesday!” He chirped, waving at Valani who offered one back.

“Good luck on your tests, kid! See you Tuesday.” He smiled, watching Ginger rush out of the store with a pep in his step.

Ah, to be that young again.

Valani looked at his leftover tips. Well he won't be paying that overdue bill today. But it was enough for a pick me up dinner after work — maybe he could even get a pack of cigarettes? 

You should really quit.

Came a familiar, deep voice of his friend in the back of his head. He really should… he did at one point but with balancing two jobs and an apartment — who could blame him if he wanted to have a smoke break every now and then, right? Other than his lungs that is.

Valani tapped his hand against the counter as he thought it through. Not that there was any use in overthinking something like this — he hadn't even opened the letter! 

His eyes glanced at the clock. He should probably start cleaning up soon — Ray might murder him if he closed lacklusterly, or worse his other coworkers would have a hard time.

With one big stretch Valani got to work — clearing up the tables, cleaning up their equipment, setting everything back in its place for the sake of the morning shift. He swept the floor as well, humming softly to the sound of music in his head. Maybe he could ask Ray to tell the owner that they should invest in some speakers — thinking more about it, he'd probably waste far too much time dancing around with the broom rather than sweeping. Valani stopped, looking around the cozy, empty store once.

…

Oh wow he felt lonely.

Valani bit the inside of his cheek for a moment before shaking his head. It wasn't like he had the time to date anyway — that's exactly why it didn't work out the last time. But… maybe he should pay him a visit soon? Then again, tomorrow was Saturday which meant he will come by with his son anyway. 

His hold around the broom tightened for a moment. The sound of an alarm on his phone filled the empty, far too quiet coffee shop.

…

They were closed.

Valani was out in no time, making sure twice that he locked everything up. His plan now was simple, he'd rush to the corner store to get dinner (and cigarettes) and then once home he'd have around an hour to get ready and head out to the club for the night.

If his calculations were correct, he should be able to make enough money to pay the club fees as well as the overdue bill. Which meant he couldn't just take off his top and be done with it.

Valani's gaze went over ready made dinners — nothing looked appetizing, yet he didn't have time to cook tonight, or really any night. At the end he picked up whatever was on sale that day, some green pasta with vegetables? He didn't really bother reading anything other than the red price that had been stuck to the box. He also got some fruit as a snack for later, hopefully this time he won't forget about their existence until it was far too late.

What else…

He hated how his hand itched as soon as he came to the register — face to face with boxes of cigarettes. It felt like they were getting more and more expensive by the day. 

He shouldn't.

Yet, almost automatically his hand picked up his favorite brand. Suddenly, his cheap little trip to the corner store turned out.. well.

“Crap.” He muttered as he saw the price flash on screen. He definitely didn't have enough cash for this — he could only hope that there was in fact 20 dollars on his card as he pressed it against the screen.

…

Declined.

“Oh! Would you like to pay another way?” Asked the nice cashier as he stared at the big error message. “Sir?”

“Wh— no, it's okay… you can take the—” his eyes twitched between the cigarettes and food. He swallowed once.

“—the cigarettes. I'll just get the food.” He told the cashier. This time when he paid it went through, thankfully. Great.

Good!

He wanted to quit anyway!! Again!

This was an amazing first step!

He convinced himself as he started his walk home. The path to his apartment was dimly lit, but hey — it was walkable! This was one of the reasons he had moved here, he couldn't afford a car currently so the ability to walk to his work and the little corner shop was absolutely needed. However to get to the club he actually did need a ride — which, naturally, would be deducted from his earnings tonight. Because why would life ever be easy?

Valani exhaled as he set down his grocery bag once inside. Home sweet home. He let his long blond hair down, tossing the hair claw onto the living room couch as he made his way to the bathroom. He looked at himself in the mirror for a few moments, pulling at his cheek. Geez, his eye bags have been getting worse and worse.

Maybe he should coordinate more days off from both jobs to catch up on sleep.

He thought briefly, patting his face a couple of times. Focus. Eat.

With an exhausted exhale Valani went back to pick up his ready made dinner, popping the pasta into a separate bowl. He was pretty sure he had to heat it up but — eh. Speaking of hearing stuff up..

Valani finally picked up his overdue letter that had been burning in the back of his mind the entire day. He flipped it around a couple of times, biding his time. He could still turn on the lights which meant surely it wasn't the electricity! 

Carefully he opened the letter.

His eyes scanned quickly through the words, trying to find the amount he had to pa— 

Oh wow.

Valani let out a deep exhale, setting the letter face down. 

…

He picked it up again, just to make sure he read that correctly and — yup. 

He would need a miracle to pay this off before his water was shut down.

Shit.

He ran his hands through his hair a few times, messing up his light blond strands. Cool. Amazing! His eyes briefly glanced at his food — he really wished he had bought the cigarettes instead. 

Feeling the little bit of hunger he had vanished into thin air he stood up, leaving his poor dinner out and untouched.

Valani walked right back into the bathroom, already having stripped his light blue and yellow sweater on the way there. Now in just a plain shirt he gave himself a glare in the mirror.

…

He squinted his eyes a little harder, pouting his bottom lip. He really was completely unthreatening outside of his persona, was he? 

He set up an alarm on his phone before turning on some random music — he didn't really care what it was as long as it could drown out the ringing in his ears that started once he opened the letter.

Almost automatically his hands started to move through his makeup. He had done this so many times over the year he had worked in the club, it was almost as easy as making coffee. His hips moved a little to the beat of the music as he leaned over his sink to get a closer look in the mirror while putting on his black lipstick — truly a staple.

His makeup was done quickly, dark and threatening. Now when he glared at the mirror he looked like he had shifted into an entirely different person. He could totally pass this look off for Halloween. The thought made him chuckle a little.

Valani looked over at a small box next to the sink — his favorite part. His piercings. 

He was lucky to work in an amazing coffee shop with amazing coworkers but that didn't mean he had total freedom. Face piercings, for some reason, weren't allowed. Which left him only with his invisible ones on his body and his ears. Truly, it was depressing — he liked them!! 

He looked between the two colors of metal he had, gold and silver. Gold was his favorite, yet every time he would go into the club he put his silver jewelry in — just in case anything got lost during the night.

Valani slipped his snake bites, nose piercings, eyebrow and bridge piercings inside of his face. He squinted a little, poking his cheek where theoretical dimples could be. 

If he had the money… dimple piercings could be adorable! Then again if he came into money he'd probably get another tattoo. Plus how could he let them heal if he had to take them out every day for work?

With one swift motion he picked up the black hair spray he had started using recently. He sprayed the edges of his hair, using his fingers to spread the color up his hair — turning his sunshine blond hair into something dirtier and, he'd like to believe, more rugged.

Time to go make some money.

Valani left his apartment in his usual, dark coat while carrying a large duffle bag with him. He would change once he got to the club, it was too big of a hassle to walk into an Uber looking like that. Now he just looked edgy. His teenage emo phase self would've weeped with joy.

He played around with his phone while he waited to be driven to his work. His gaze shifted outside of the window once, watching the buildings change from run down to New as he exited his little neighborhood. The further into the city they went the more the scenery and the people around them changed.

It was a little frustrating, to think about how divided the city truly was when it came to wealth. But, it's not like he held any power or say in it. He was just one of the cogs in the machine.

Or, perhaps two.

Valani exited the car, offering a warm smile to the driver — which looked almost uncanny when he looked like he could eat someone for breakfast. He kind of enjoyed seeing people be surprised whenever he'd smile like this. 

He looked at the club a little ways away. It was bustling with people eagerly waiting to enter. He, meanwhile, took a turn into a dark alley, entering from the side, right into the hallway that led into the changing rooms. Of course you couldn't just enter, no. You had to type in a special code into multiple doors — which honestly, he appreciated. As…questionable… as the morals of this place were when it came to paying its employees the safety he felt was absolutely unmatched.

The changing room was empty — everyone was already outside and entertaining the guests, he got lucky when it came to his work hours. 

Valani checked his make up in the large mirror again, humming softly. Good. Finding nothing wrong with it he went behind the changing screen to get into his outfit for the night. He was going to only bring his loose tank top and shorts but a certain letter drastically changed tonight's plans.

He zipped up his tight, black top up to his neck, smiling a little in amusement. It ended right under his chest and shoulders yet it covered his neck — how scandalous it'd be if he had a V neck!! 

Valani suppressed a giggle at his own bad joke, shaking his head as he put on his black leather shorts and arm fishnets. He walked out, holding his knee high, skin tight boots in his hand — it was absolutely impossible to get them on without sitting down. He sat himself on the bench, taking a deep inhale.

Universe, please help him put on these boots without crying.

Once the battle has settled, with the boots winning for the third time this week, he felt like taking a mental health break. Why did he get these ones?! He could've picked the ones with a zipper but nooo— his clients prefer these monsters!!

Valani glanced down, giving them a little click. Okay, they did look damn good. Even if he wanted to pull his hair whenever putting them on.

But this new frustrated, rugged look only helped his persona! So maybe it was a win! He tried to convince himself as he picked up his black and gold cloak with a big fur collar. 

“VAL— YOU'RE UP SOON!!” Came a voice from a fellow dancer outside of the changing room doors. 

“COMING!” He answered, taking a moment to check himself out in the mirror for the last time. He messed up his hair a little, letting his long bangs fall into his face. With a few moments to collect himself, he let his expression fall into an uninterested glare.

Truthless Recluse — the stage name he had thought of on a fly when applying — walked out of the room. 

This character he made up was a confident man who couldn't be bothered to even look at you. And when he did? His glare was as sharp as his heels, cutting you piece by piece. 

At least Valani liked to believe this was the energy he brought to the table. 

Truthless Recluse walked to the wings of the stage, taking a quick peak at the audience. It was filled with men and women dressed up for something far fancier than a night club.

The Spire Night Club was a staple of the area. 

It was the place where filthy rich people came to party, drink and watch a good show. The floors were checkered with black and dark blue velvet, the tables gilded with silver, couches made out of real leather.

Valani hated it.

But without it he'd not be able to afford his apartment. 

His heels clicked as he walked onto the stage, silencing the room in an instant. Everyone's eyes were glued on him, as if he was the most exotic and rare being they have ever seen. His head turned once towards the crowd, scanning each and every person in it.

He made a point of holding eye contact for a little longer with anyone who would come every night to watch him — usually his regulars. They always sat in the front, the best places in the house. He had heard rumors that people would come as soon as the club opened just to claim the seats closest to his presence.

How silly.

How desperate.

And yet, it wasn't enough. One would think that such people would pay him well — but those were always the greediest. Those were the types of people that wanted to just take and take.

Everyone held their breath as they waited for him. 

This feeling — it was powerful. He hated to admit that he liked it. He liked being the commanding presence of the room — he liked that here he could let his frustrations from his day job out and that the people on the receiving end would cheer and cry his name.

He was the most popular attraction of this place after all. 

His hand grabbed the cold, silver pole.

This was the part he loved. He loved pole dancing. It had been a hobby of his for far longer than stripping ever even came into his mind.

His movements were slow to the quiet beat of the music. He walked around the pole once, the clicks of his heels deafening. It looked like he was teasing the audience, but in reality he wanted to make sure the pole was stable and working — which it was.

With his back turned to the audience he let out a soft exhale, closing his eyes.

He had to give them a good show today. 

Slowly he turned his head, looking over his shoulders into the crowd.

…

The cloak slipped slowly from his shoulders down to his elbow with one perfectly placed roll of his strong shoulders.

The reaction was instant. 

The cheers of people drowned out his music so, until they stopped he didn't move, patiently waiting. Leaving everyone in anticipation. This was his first dance of the night, he was going to keep everyone on their toes. 

Finally, when he felt enough time had passed he started. 

This was another way he was different from other dancers. He had trained and polished his dancing for years. Unlike the rest his focus wasn't stripping off his clothes — yet. It was the performance itself, his smooth movements that seemed like they defied the laws of gravity paired with the way he looked were enough to make anyone in the crowd fall in love with him, regardless of gender.

His first dance of the evening ended with his cloak on the ground, leaving his strong arms and midriff completely exposed.

With his back against the pole he leaned down, to the audience, toying with the zipper of his top. Slowly, it started to go down…and down…

The song ended and with it his zipper went right back up his neck — leaving the people in front of him to whine in disappointment.

Without a second look back he walked off the stage, flipping his long hair once — leaving everyone hungry for more.

Speaking of hunger — he was really regretting not eating before he came here.

“THAT WAS SO COOL VAL!” His coworkers chirped as she moved to cling onto and shake his arm.

“Mhm.” He replied, making his way with her to the break room. “It's just what I always do.” 

“I know!! But it's still so AHHH!! You had me blushing!!” She continued to chatter away, following him.

“Do you have a cigarette?” He suddenly asked, looking down at her. 

“Duh — come let's go take a quick smoke break. You need to tell me how you did that upside down move!” She chatted enthusiastically, making Valani crack a smile.

“Sure, it's really not that hard. It's all about your core strength.” He started to talk, letting his inner self out a little as they went to a private balcony. 

“But you made it look so seamless! Surely there's more to it!” She argued as she handed him a lighter and a cigarette which he more than gladly took.

He took a deep inhale, blowing smoke away from her after a few moments of holding it in. Sweet nicotine.

He will quit tomorrow.

The two of them chatted for a while about different pole dances and moves but at some point Valani had zoned out.

For how long would his life be this? 

He threw away the cigarette bud into the ash tray, leaning over the balcony.

How long will he have to work two drastically different jobs?

Live in fear of being found out by people who looked up to him?

Alone?

If only he had the money… maybe he could actually apply to med school. Make a real difference in the world. Truly help people.

Valani shook his head just as his name was called out again for another dance. 

This time he didn't walk out with his cloak, after all this was only a continuation of the first time.

His eyes scanned the unchanged audience— huh.

Seems like someone had managed to fight his way to the front. Someone who wasn't his regular. Someone new. Someone around his age. Someone wearing a black and white suit with a dumb tie. Someone who was nursing a bottle of far too expensive beer.

Someone with obnoxiously blue hair.

Truthless Recluse held his gaze quietly, ever so slightly tilting his head to the side. 

…

And just like that, Shamil’s heart was caught.

Chapter Text

How interesting.

Changes like these didn't happen often — his regulars always fought tooth and nail to have their seats yet..

Truthless Recluse watched as the other man lowered his bottle while his blue eyes widened a little. It was almost like he wasn't expecting him… but why get the front row seats to a show you don't know anything about? And with such tough competition too.

His head finally turned not a second too late — he always made sure to never spare anyone more than a few seconds when performing. He had done it once, all the way in the beginning and… let's just say security had to get involved. 

But thinking about it, he could probably fold that new guy up in half just with his fingers.

The thought almost made the corners of his lips tug in amusement, but Valani quickly bit the inside of his cheek to keep up the mask of uninterest and coldness. Sometimes he did wonder, though, how would people react if he smiled?

With his back now turned toward the audience he grabbed the pole again, nestling it right under his arm. And then… he waited.

Once again, he held everyone on a thin thread. Everyone watched with their breaths wavered as they waited for the snap.

The music started to play and Truthless Recluse bent backwards slowly, his dirty blond and black hair spilling behind him like a waterfall as he once again looked at the audience. 

The blue haired man caught his attention again — he was like an eyesore. An obnoxiously colorful presence in a sea of dimly lit people. 

Valani stood straight again, sliding his hand further up the pole. With a couple of perfectly timed steps around the pole he was facing everyone again. 

…

He should just ignore his far too eye-catching presence. It'd be bad if he continued glancing at him — he highly doubted that a man his age even had enough money to tip him well anyway.

His eyes fluttered closed for a moment as he grabbed the pole with his other hand as well, higher than the previous. His muscles tensed ever so slightly as he lifted himself off of the ground with one more firm grab of his pole. 

His hips shifted up, allowing him to hook his leg onto the pole — causing him to hang upside down with his back beautifully arched against the cold metal. Valani could feel the muscles in his arms and legs stretch and tighten, if he hadn't been training pole dancing for so many years he knew how much this would hurt.

This move was actually something he was quite proud of, even if it was simple. Back then it cost him countless falls on his head until he learned it. Today? Well it was as easy as making coffee.

Truthless Recluse continued his performance, pulling increasingly more difficult stunts as the music went on and he got into the flow. With his eyes closed Valani could imagine that he was back in the studio again, practicing and learning with his friends.

If he had the money he'd definitely book more classes. He missed it. Valani missed the community.

Hearing that the song was about to come to an end it occurred to him that he should probably start taking off some clothes. It made him look like a tease to always wait so long but in reality, he often simply lost himself in the art — in how his body felt when he moved, in how his emotions dictated what kind of moves he'd dance that day.

He straightened up his position smoothly to climb up higher. Once again, he hooked his leg onto the pole while letting the other one hang for balance, however this time…

Valani inhaled deeply as he pressed the side of his body against the familiar metal. His head fell back, arching his spine in the process while his gaze stayed glued on the floor. 

It was risky, and it might not even look that good… but Valani felt warmed up enough to try such a stunt. 

His hooked leg pressed tighter against the pole, as tightly as he could get it. Then, slowly, one of his hands let go of the pole, moving to gracefully hang down. This was already quite impressive to anyone present —

Valani let go with his other hand as well.

His breath tensed in an instant as he held himself up just by the power of his core strength. He could feel himself slide down subtly with each passing moment.

His now free hands moved over to his top. Smoothly, one grabbed the zipper, pulling it down with painful slowness. His other hand traced his tense body, caressing it from his chest down to his hips.

Truthless Recluse let his top drop onto the ground.

Valani, feeling his ears start to pulsate, grabbed the pole again, steadying himself from sliding down any further. He shifted up a little, feeling himself grow a little dizzy from the blood rushing into his head. 

Or maybe it was the lack of food he had for dinner.

He should finish this before he started to feel ill. 

With one last well timed move his heels hit the ground. He forced himself to slow down his breathing — refusing to let the audience see just how out of breath he was. His exposed chest glistened with subtle sweat as his hand finally left the pole.

Truthless Recluse gave one last look to the audience, expression shifting into something displeased. They were like a pack of wolves wanting to tear him apart. But he wouldn't let them, he—

The blue haired man was standing up now, staring at him with such intensity that he didn't feel in a long while. 

He should snuff out whatever hope the other had.

His eyes moved from the man's face down his body, as if he was checking him out. Which, maybe he was a little bit. Just a little. Secretly.

As his gaze rose up to look at his piercing azure eyes — Truthless Recluse looked away, displeased, disgusted even. His hand flicked his long dirty blond hair on the last beat of the song and he walked away.

…

Valani, now out of the sight of the cheering audience, grabbed a nearby wall to steady himself as his breathing finally became labored. 

“Damn..” he murmured to himself as his fingers pressed against his jugular to feel his heartbeat. His vision was turning a little fuzzy too — he needed food like, now. Maybe his coworkers had some snacks?

Or he could sneak out to the bar and ask for some food — he did know that they definitely sold it. He just hoped he wouldn't have to pay…

Speaking of paying, he should look at his tips once he was fueled up. 

The Spire Nightclub, aside from being a place for rich people was also special in its way the performers there were tipped. You couldn't just stuff a dollar bill into a dancer’s underwear like any old strip club — oh, no, no. You could either tip them through an app, which naturally took a percentage of the said tip because of course a club populated by rich people needed to earn even more, or you could take your pretty bills and stuff them into a special case near your seat. 

I'm all honesty… Valani would've preferred getting a hundred bucks in crusty dollar bills rather than having to pay dumb fees for his hard earned cash.

He couldn't even deposit the money from the app until the next day! It was horribly frustrating — and he wasn't alone on that. 

Valani shook his head, finally peeling himself off of the wall to head back to the changing room. He couldn't really go out like this. 

Once there he dug through his duffle bag, pulling out a slightly cropped, loose gray tank top he'd sometimes wear to the gym. Not that he could afford going there anymore anyways.

His eyes dropped to his heeled boots. He'd likely have to perform a few more times — be it in private rooms or back on stage.

Was he really about to go out in these monsters just because he dreaded taking them off and on again?

…

Yes.

Yes he was.

Valani stuffed his tips from the coffee shop into the side of his boot, just in case he needed to pay for his food after all, and set off.

He slowly snaked his way through the backstage areas, hiding in the shadows as best as he could. Thankfully customers were preoccupied by a double performance on stage or at the designated dance floor. Valani scrunched his nose a little as he stared at them, feeling a sickly feeling pass in his chest.

The longer he worked here the less he trusted any of these people.

After a few minutes of sneaking around he finally made it to the currently mostly empty bar. Still, rather than sitting down, he opened the doors to slide his way behind the bar right next to a well dressed blond man.

“Hey, Simon.” Valani spoke up, causing the blond man, Simon, to almost drop his cocktail shaker.

“TR— WARN A MAN!” He laughed a little, holding his chest for a moment before offering his usual, dazzling smile. “What brings you here, friend?” He asked, while his hands continued to skillfully make a cocktail for a customer.

“Nothin’ much.” Valani replied, leaning against the liquor shelf. 

“Oh? How about a drink then! I saw a peak of your performance earlier.” Simon continued to chat, a friendly, homey aura emanating from him. 

“Mn. I'll skip on the drink unless it's water.” He replied, fanning his face as he tried to keep his expression neutral.

Not many people knew about his real name — or personality. Other than the security guards and his fellow dancers every other employee referred to him as TR. Even those who knew him a bit more personally only knew the name Val.

Valani took careful planning and care to keep this job as separate from his real self as he could. The last thing he wanted was for someone to, god forbid, recognize him during the day.

Just the thought made him shudder.

“Okie, dokie — a nice refreshing glass of lemon water coming right up!” The blond man hummed, already on the job.

“Free?” Valani couldn't help but ask. He knew it was free, but you never truly knew with this place. 

“Of course, it's just water — here ya go!” He smiled as he offered a glass to Valani who gratefully took it. He tipped his head back as he downed the refreshing water in a few seconds flat, feeling his body cool off with every gulp he took.

“Oh wow.” Simon commented, blinking once.

“Sorry—” he apologized, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “—that last dance took a lot out of me.” He admitted as he set his glass down into the sink.

“Phew, tell me about it! I got tired just from taking a glance!” The bartender laughed while Valani let out a small, affirmative hum. 

“Oh did you see what happened after?” Simon asked, green eyes glinting — gossip.

Huh?

“No?” 

“That blue haired fella made quite the fuss! Apparently he had wanted to tip you in person—”

Oh ew.

“—but of course he was stopped. He's a newbie so they told him the rules! And you should've HEARD the rant he went on to! Something about how it was unfair that the full amount of money he intended to tip wouldn't go all to you?”

Valani felt himself ease up a little. Maybe he shouldn't assume the worst from his customers.

 “—I couldn't hear everything but I did see him storm off somewhere up front. I doubt we will see him again.” He shrugged.

“Shame.” He replied in a deadpan voice. 

…

“Did you see how he managed to get a spot all the way in the front?” He asked, unable to keep his curiosity chained up for much longer.

“Nope, sorry — I was busy preparing the drinks for everyone.” Simon said with an apologetic smile.

Valani waved his hand in dismissal, leaning over the bar a little to catch a peak of the stage. They were going to be done soon. He couldn't stand around making small talk for much longer.

“I was wondering if you had any food I could get?” He spoke up hopefully.

“Food? Uh— I have some peanuts and snacks, for real food you should go ask at the restaurant.” Simon replied, already crouching down to get the.

Valani groaned, reaching up to rub his face only to stop himself in the last possible second — he still had makeup on! That was a close one.

“I'm not going there, they always make me pay the full price as if I'm a customer yet they make the food with less effort.” He grumbled, giving a thankful hum to his friend who slid a bowl of peanuts and chips towards him. 

“Yeah, they're kind of snotty when it comes to that. But it's the boss's fault.” 

“I know, I know.” Valani sighed, taking a handful of peanuts.

Sweet, sweet food. Oh how he had missed you. He was never skipping dinner again.

Probably.

Valani grabbed his bowl, shifting over to the furthest corner of the bar before plopping himself down on the ground. This way he'd stay hidden and out of the way.

He ate his snack quietly as he watched Simon greet more customers — performing all sorts of crazy tricks while making their drinks. His dazzling smile never wavered as he chatted up some regulars.

He should've applied for this job too. 

“Simon.” He called again, making the blond look down.

“Hm?”

“When you applied here, did you have prior experience?” He asked, tilting his head to the side.

Simon stared at him for a few beats, a little surprised. In all his time working here TR had never started a conversation on his own like this. Sure he'd indulge his small talk — albeit with short answers. But this was totally new!

Were they finally becoming…friends?!

Simon smiled brightly. 

“Yes! I'm a professionally trained bartender and I worked for a few years in a nice restaurant before applying here.” He explained.

“I see.” 

So he didn't have a chance even if he had applied to be a bartender…

“Why ask?” Simon asked hopefully.

“Dunno. Got curious.” Valani replied in his usual deadpan, stuffing his face with a handful of chips — ending their conversation right then and there.

Valani wasn't sure what kind of an answer he was expecting — even he himself could be considered a professionally trained pole dancer. In a way.

…

His eyes stared up at the blond man again, a longing glint shining in them. The way Simon talked and moved reminded him of how he felt when having a good day back in the Vanilla Orchid. He wished he could do something like that too…

His hand messed around with his stained hair as he leaned back against the wall, exhaling. His head felt a little better now — but his mood was thoroughly ruined. Not that it was good to begin with.

“Simon, have you seen TR?” came a familiar, serious voice from the other side of the bar.

“Oh, him? I haven't—”

“Here.” Valani sighed as he got up, coming face to face with the head security guard that went by Thol.

“Good, come. You have been rented out again.” He said, fixing his hexagon shaped glasses. 

Valani sighed again, rolling his shoulders once to get rid of the stiff feeling that came with being curled up on the floor.

“Sure, let me get dressed up first.” He replied as he walked away from the bar, offering Simon a parting wave. “Do you know who rented me this time?” He asked while the two of them made their way backstage.

“Some newbie.” Thol replied, opening the doors for him. 

“Oh? And the rest?” Valani asked, slipping inside of the dressing room — his gaze shifting over the many communally used outfits they had.

“There is no one else.”

He frowned.

“No one else wanted to get a private performance? I'm surprised.”

“No, you misunderstand—” Thol said, turning his back towards Valani to give him some privacy.

“—the newbie rented you for the entire night.” 

The corset he was holding dropped to the ground.

“What?” He asked, blinking a few times. Surely it wasn't true. He knew his rates — he knew that as the most popular dancer just one private dance from him was worth more than both of his salaries combined.

To rent him for the entire night… that was insane. The longest he had been rented on before was a couple of hours.

“Are you sure?” He asked in disbelief.

“Certain. It has all been paid for already.”

“And you briefed him on my policies?” 

“Naturally.” 

…

Valani felt himself getting dizzy again.

Who was this crazy to throw such a huge amount of money away on him? 

He did have a damn good performance today but it wasn't good enough to justify that.

“I'll be near the doors. If he tries anything you know what to do.” Thol spoke seriously.

“Yes.” He nodded, straightening up a bit.

“Good—” 

…

“—but I doubt he will act up. He looked like a dog wagging its tail when he paid the price.” Thol attempted to joke, seemingly sensing how tense Valani had gotten.

“How many dances is that in total?”

“However many you want, but you have to stretch them out.”

“I see. He didn't specify?”

“No, he only wanted to see you.” 

Valani felt a little shudder go down his spine.

Maybe it wasn't too late to quit, get trained as a bartender and come back? Surely that was a viable option.

…

The big, red letters spelling our overdue flashed in his mind.

“I'm going to fix my makeup and I'll be right out.” He told Thol who nodded and exited the dressing room.

Valani, now alone, finally grimaced. 

Cool.

This was fine.

He just had to entertain one man for an entire night! 

Did he even know enough dances to do that? 

…

Oh god he hoped he did.

Chapter Text

Valani slipped on another layer of his outfit before taking a step back to look at himself in the mirror. He had debated using what he had worn earlier on stage — but there was a chance that this person, whoever he was, already saw it.

And he did have to entertain for the entire night, so why make his bare body accessible so easily? 

His hands moved to adjust the strings of his black leather corset, fixing them up to make them look a little prettier. It wasn't an actual, proper corset — in the back there were buttons he could unsnap for easy removal — but it certainly looked like one. Especially when laying over a long sleeve, high neck, tight black crop top.

All in all, he was showing far less skin now than he had before. 

His eyes scanned himself carefully, feeling a wave of uneasiness. Never had one singular person rented him out like this. He was unsure what to expect in all honesty.

Valani picked up a leather halter belt, tying it up on his chest. His hand reached for another set of bondage-like belts to tie on his thighs — making sure to tighten them up a little extra.

Okay… and now the finishing touch.

He grabbed a long, sheer black fabric. This was something he had been experimenting with backstage — might as well see how well it does now before fully investing into having it in his normal performances.

Carefully he clipped on the fabric at the end of his sleeves as well as the beck of his neck. Stretching out his arms, a satisfied smile crossed his face. It looked as if he had wings — or a very extravagant cape.

“Are you finished?” came Thol’s voice from outside “We need to get going.”

“In a moment!” Valani replied, quickly walking over to one of the vanities they all used. There he took out his black lipstick, reapplying it.

It'll be okay. Surely if this man could rent him for the entire night he will also give great tips!

…

Or he won't give him any at all due to blowing all of his savings on this private dance.

Yeah, that sounded about right actually.

Valani ignored the brief flash of annoyance that rose within him. He needed to refocus, calm down. This was a break! He could just close his eyes and imagine he's in the studio practicing! There would be no cheering of the public or whispers he'd rather not repeat. Hell, he didn't even have to focus on stripping! He could drag that out until the very last minute before the night club closes for the customers.

Feeling himself grow lighter, Valani smiled a little. 

With his newfound calmness and confidence he walked out, his sheer black cape billowing behind him with each step he took.

Thol took one look up and down before giving him the slightest nod of approval, making Valani's chin tip up just a little higher with confidence.

“He got the best room in the house too.” Thol said as they walked down beautifully decorated, dim hallways. The floor was captured in the same velvet that could be found everywhere else and the warm lights that hung from the ceiling made the atmosphere ever so inviting. There wasn't a single window anywhere in there nor in the rooms — it was purposely made to make you lose track of time. 

Valani was sure that if it was allowed the owner would've had the club running 24/7 to keep the customers trapped. It was almost like a cult.

He suppressed a laugh at his last thought. What kind of a cult would have a night club as their base? It was silly.

The pair reached the large doors at the end of the hallway after a couple more minutes of walking. Once again there was a keypad next to the doors — it almost made Valani wonder why even these rooms were locked to outsiders. Yet, again, he was thankful. The last thing he wanted was a random guest barging in.

“Is he inside already?” Valani asked, expression neutral, if not bored.

“Not yet. You'll have time to set up the room before I bring him here.” Thol replied as he unlocked the doors, opening them for Valani.

He walked in, taking in the sight of the room. He had been here before, of course, but usually his audience was way larger. These types of extravagant rooms were often shared between groups of people who would pool in their money to rent it as well as the dancer.

Yet this was just one man.

Perhaps that's why he had been rented out alone? There was no way a person could afford him, this room and then another dancer for the whole night.

Valani walked over to the small stage in the middle of the room, climbing up to check the pole. Should he have a static dance or not? The night was long, so he could always make it spin or stop spinning whenever… but it might be a little awkward? 

He would definitely demand breaks so he could adjust it.

Breaks…

How will they even go? 

For now Valani decided to turn the pole on. Maybe later he could turn it off and try that one move…? It was risky and he didn't have that many chances to practice — so tonight would be a good opportunity. Minus the man who will be watching him.

Valani’s attention shifted towards moving around the leather armchairs in the room, deciding to leave just one in his most optimal position. Briefly his gaze glanced around the room again. 

This being a room usually rented by many it included quite a few activities. There was a nice dark wood table one could use for eating or playing cards, in the corner was a beautiful billiard table — naturally already set up. There was a large flat screen hanging on the wall, currently turned off. 

Valani shuddered at a distant memory. One night him and a couple of his coworkers were rented out by some bachelorette party. Those were usually his favorite to do, it was hard keeping a cool, edgy persona during them. They were just so fun!! But this one time… for some reason the women decided that it'd be fun to do karaoke and for them to strip to it.

Stripping while trying not to lose it laughing was something that he will never forget.

He shook his head, focusing on looking around for a small remote. It was used to control the lights and the ambience of the room. Usually the dancers got it to set the mood — but sometimes the customers would take them too, leaving to…questionable choices.

Having found it, Valani made the room dimmer, deciding to make the stage be the source of most light.

He would come any minute now.

The last thing he did was to put on his dance playlist — selecting it in the audio system that the room had. 

Valani quickly hid the remote near the stage, once again climbing on. His heartbeat quickened as he waited — feeling that every second felt longer and longer.

Why was he so nervous? It was just a private one on one dance. The length of it shouldn't make him nervous.

He swallowed, glancing at the second door at the very end of the room. It branched off into a luxurious bedroom. He himself never offered those services, but he knew that some of his coworkers did. Or well as they said, it was more fun to give a lap dance on the bed.

Maybe he should've locked those doors before he got on stage. But now it felt like it was too late.

…

Valani could hear the buttons outside being pressed as well as muffled talking — was the room really that sound proof?

Click.

Open.

His expression grew deadpan and uninterested the moment the doors opened. As if he slipped on a carefully crafted mask of his persona, hiding any nervousness at all. 

Truthless Recluse made a point of not turning to look at the man entering the room, instead focusing entirely on his pole — even giving it a tap with his black nail.

He could hear the other taking a few steps before pausing. The temptation to glance and see what was taking him so long boiled up inside of him — but he didn't want to even spare him a glance. He wanted the other to know just how bothersome his mere presence was.

It took a couple of excruciatingly long before the other man started walking again. What on earth was he doing? Valani didn't hear a phone being taken out for pictures — not that the club allowed that anyway.

Truthless Recluse straightened up subtly when he heard the other finally take his seat.

…

The music started.

One could cut the tension in the room with a knife — he had expected for the other to speak up yet he was met with silence. Perhaps the man was waiting for him to look his way.

It was a game and neither wanted to lose.

Truthless Recluse grabbed the pole with a firm grip. 

Valani climbed up, exhaling at the familiar feeling. The long black cloth around him followed his movements smoothly just like he had wanted. His legs stretched out and moved as if he was walking mid air — paired with the fabric it was impossible to say if he was holding onto the pole or genuinely flying.

Not once during his breathtaking dance did he look at his customer. Whenever he'd come even close, his hand would fly up, making the sheer cloth block his face, a black veil shielding him from being perceived as a human.

Valani swung a bigger spin, loosening the grip on the pole a little to let himself slide down. His knees met the ground with a smooth slide. His legs spread as he pulled himself forward, grinding once against the pole that was now between his legs.

He heard the other man take a breath.

Hah.

People were so easy. 

Truthless Recluse grabbed the pole right above his head, pulling himself up again with one smooth move. His heels clicked against the stage while his free hand did an abrupt move up, once again making his sheer cloth float around him — making only his silhouette visible.

He arched his back once again, taking a step away from the pole while still holding it.

Valani took one deep breath, making sure that his grip was as firm as it could possibly be. Then, just as the music dropped he swung forward, using the strength of his arms to swing his body back and quickly hook his leg onto the pole — making him hang upside down.

His breath was strained from the move and his muscles let out a weak moan of protest but he ignored them. If he could he'd get off and try this move over and over again until he perfected it.

Truthless Recluse moved his head back, making himself face the floor before he even had the chance to be spun in the man's direction. His stubbornness refused to let him lose this pretend game he had made up in his head.

This was his night. The man in the chair was finally lucky enough that he even got to breathe in his presence, much less observe him.

Valani let himself free afterwards, doing all sorts of moves he could think of — mostly to see how the long fabric would react to them. If he wasn't careful it could get caught on his heels or around the pole. God forbid it somehow slipped into the crack at the bottom and made the pole malfunction. 

He almost hadn't realized that the song was about to end from how focused he was.

Truthless Recluse debated briefly turning his head to look at the newbie who rented him at the very end of the song. But that would mean defeat. How could he let himself be defeated in the first round?

It was childish really — but it was fun. And Valani nowadays took fun wherever he could find it.

So, when the song ended his back was facing the man, hiding his rapidly rising and falling chest.

…

There was silence for a while.

Was that his thing? Will he keep quite the entire night? Not that Valani would complain, but it'd definitely make break time awkward.

“Do you refuse to look at everyone that rents you out for the entire night?” Came a voice. A voice of a young man — he must be the same age as Valani, give or take.

Truthless Recluse didn't answer nor did he turn around.

“The performance was as impressive as I thought it would be.” The man continued to praise. “I just wish you'd look at me again—”

Again?

“—like you did outside.” Valani could hear the smirk in the other's voice. Each word was dipped in smug confidence, spilling out from the man's lips like honey.

Who did he look at outside? He had made a point of gazing at everyone even if for a moment.

…

Valani's eyes widened for a moment. Surely it couldn't be that guy.

“Ah so you don't talk either? It's rude not to introduce yourself to a customer, silly.” The other purred, like this was bringing him joy. As if he was toying with his food.

Truthless Recluse’s eyes darkened for a moment. He wouldn't let himself be spoken with like this.

“And having that veil, oh how you teas—”

“You rented me out for the night yet you don't know my name?” He spoke up finally, cutting the man mid sentence.

“Oh so you do know how to speak!” He could hear a clap of the other's hands. “And can you look at me?” 

Valani heard the other shuffle in his seat. He closed his eyes, taking in a deep inhale. He never thought a customer could make him feel like this. He was a good person — really. But right now he really wanted to put whoever this was back in his place.

“I'll look if I wish to. Your tone suggests that you're someone I cannot be bothered with.” He said in a deadpan voice. 

Valani didn't hear the quiet footsteps sinking into the velvet carpet.

“You're lucky that your demand to rent me for the entire night was accepted.” 

Why wasn't he speaking up again? 

“—I have regulars who will wish to have your head.”

…

Silence.

Did he intimidated him enough? Surely it wasn't that easy. The man was shining dumb confidence just moments before.

Truthless Recluse opened his eyes.

The blue haired man stared right back at him with a wolfish, shit eating grin. 

“Boo.”

Valani took half a step back — swallowing once to calm himself down. If he wasn't so focused, he was sure he'd have jumped away in surprise.

“What? Thought I was glued to that chair?” The man asked with playful sarcasm, a laugh escaping his lips as he tilted his head to the side.

Valani didn't answer. But he didn't turn away either, it'd be childish.

“Tsk, tsk. You won't look at me, you won't tell me your name… Doll, you hurt me so.” He sighed, pressing a hand against his chest and that dumb eye patterned tie. His head shook with faux disappointment.

“I'm not your doll.” Truthless Recluse hissed out, giving him a glare. Yet his glare with the intension the intimidate only delighted the man more.

“Then who are you?” He asked, taking another step towards the stage until his hand was pressed against the floor. Valani was tempted to step on it with his heel.

“Usually, you give your name first before asking for someone else's.” He replied, shifting himself once, his heel clicking against the stage like a warning.

The blue haired man lifted up his hands in playful defensiveness. 

“Ooh touched a nerve there, doll.” He grinned making Valani's jaw tighten. 

Before he had a chance to reply the other continued speaking, his hand pushing back his long black and blue hair over his shoulder. For a moment Valani detected a flicker of hesitation in those azure eyes.

“You can call me…Shamil.” He spoke, looking up expectantly again. “And who is my dolly?” He teased, his grin only curling up further like a wolf showing off his fangs.

“Not a doll and certainly not yours.” He snapped back way quicker than he wished to. This man was pushing every single button Valani had.

“Ah, ah.” He hummed, waving his finger. “Tonight you are mine. But okay, I'll stop calling you that if you give me a name.”

“Tsk. You rent me yet you don't even know who you're renting.” Truthless Recluse scoffed, starting to slowly circle the pole. As soon as he took the first step, the other man followed, circling the stage in the same pace while keeping his eyes glued on Valani's face. Like a predator circling his prey.

“It's my first time visiting this fine establishment, you must cut me some slack.” The man laughed, yet it didn't quite reach his eyes. 

“Truthless Recluse.” Valani finally answered, stopping his circling once he was in front of the chair again. The man — Shamil grinned with delight as he sat right back down.

“Truthless Recluse? Well that's not a name is it?” He purred, resting his hand on his chin. The confidence radiating off of him was almost blinding.

Egoistic rich bastard.

Vakani thought while looking down at him. But this was still better than an extremely perverted or god forbid a violent customer.

Egoistic rich bastards could always be humbled.

“It's what I go by.” He spoke smoothly. “Renting me once for the night doesn't earn you the privilege of knowing me.”

“Ah, so I must rent you multiple nights?” Shamil purred.

“As if you could afford it.” Truthless Recluse scoffed with a mean, small smirk of his own.

“Oh, do— Truthless I can afford it. I can afford to come here every night.” Shamil replied, tapping the arm of his armchair with his his long finger. 

Bluffing.

“Sure you can.” He replied sarcastically.

Truthless Recluse crouched down until his knees met the ground. Slowly, he crawled over to the blue haired man, still elevated by his stage.

His eyes glinted with delight when he noticed how quiet the other got at this sudden action.

His hand reached out, grabbing Shamil's tie. With one swift tug he made the blue haired man lean forward. 

From here he could see the others breath stagger for just a moment — azure eyes flashing once with unsureness before settling back into amusement as that stupid, wolfish grin curled on his lips again.

…

Valani was going to turn this wolf into a dog.

Chapter Text

Valani's head tilted to the side slowly as he continued to hold that dumb tie.

Slowly, he leaned out, bit by bit dragging the other man with him until Shamil was at the edge of his seat — literally. His eyes greedily consumed every staggering breath the previously cocky man let out. He watched those azure eyes dilated under the dim light the longer they stared at each other.

People like this were easy.

Shamil was easy.

Oh how he wished to put this obnoxious man in his place. Never had he felt such a strong feeling towards a customer — somehow Shamil had carefully pressed each one of his buttons, knowing exactly how to get on his nerves.

And Valani prided himself in being a calm person!

Slowly, he started to bring the tie closer to his chest, leaning forward a little himself. He caught how the blue haired man's gaze dropped to look at his black, glossy lips. He saw how his eyes lingered on his gleaming, silver snake bites.

He watched Shamil's breath hitch. He watched him swallow once before his azure eyes shifted up, peering at Truthless Recluse through his long lashes. He could see how his bottom lip trembled, only to steady itself with a press of his teeth.

Valani leaned in closer himself, just by an inch. He could almost feel Shamil's ragged breath on his face. His head tilted further to the side and so did the others. Valani's lips parted. Shamil’s lips followed suit — he was following his actions.

Truthless Recluse felt like he was taming a beast. Slowly and steadily.

His blue and yellow eyes snapped to a slim hand being lifted up. He watched almost in slow motion as the hand moved to try and grab his wrist.

Without a warning, Truthless Recluse let go of the tie, making the poor wolf of a man stumble back into his chair with wide eyes.

“You don't know my name and you clearly haven't read my policies.” He deadpanned as he stood up again, walking to his pole — his long sheer robe trailing behind him like a fluttering veil. Annoyance spiked within him.

To think he was indulging that…that insolent, disrespectful man. It made the hair on the back of his neck stand up. He grabbed the pole, still facing away — he knew that like this he could calm himself down. Perform his emotions away like he did every night.

“I— I didnt—” he heard Shamil stutter from his seat.

Truthless Recluse felt his own jaw tighten as he held his tongue. Briefly he bent down to stop his pole from spinning before straightening up again.

Without a warning, he swung himself onto the pole, using his other hand to climb up higher until he could comfortably hook his leg onto the metal bar. Now, he was facing Shamil again, looking down at him from an incredible height. 

Unreachable.

Untouchable.

Unattainable.

He didn't intend on replying. But seeing the other start to scramble to sit up, he couldn't hold back his tongue. 

“You didn't what? I know that Thol gave you my policies.” he hissed, his glare becoming more genuine by the moment. He hated it, he hated how this man made him feel.

“I thought— aha..” Shamil was stuttering like an idiot — and then… It was like a switch flipped. Suddenly, all the nervousness and panic the other was displaying melted away. Once again he leaned back into his chair, lips curling into a smirk.

“—tell me then… What are your policies.” He spoke smoothly, one hand moving up to comb his black and blue curls spilling over his shoulder.

He dared?!

He should be on his knees apologizing!! 

“I don't have to tell you anything.” His grip on the pole was so tight, he could feel his skin burn.

“Ah but… how am I meant to respect something I don't know?” Shamil asked, batting his long lashes at Truthless Recluse. If it wasn't for his wolfish grin, perhaps he could've seen the sincerity behind his words.

He wanted to kick that man with his heel.

He wanted to hop off of the pole and leave — he knew he could, Thol was right outside. He could yell and he'd come rushing in to kick Shamil out.

But then he'd have to reimburse the club for the money they'd lose by kicking out a client not even half way through the night.

Not even halfway…

How was he going to survive this with a level head?

Valani closed his eyes, taking a deep inhale through his nose and an exhale through his mouth. He repeated this action a couple of more times until his heart started to settle — the only feeling left within him being the familiar stretch of his muscles and the burning of his skin.

This will be okay. It was just one night and he won't have to see that stupidly handsome face again. If he wanted to keep calm and have a decent night he had to indulge Shamil in these games — for both of their sakes.

“Alright.” He said slowly, calmly. Too calmly. It was almost uncanny coming from him when he looked like this. “I'll tell you this once. Disrespect me again and you'll be kicked out.” He warned, ignoring how victorious smug Shamil looked at that moment.

 “First of all, you're not allowed to touch me, at all. Not for any reason. If there's a medical emergency, call the security outside — customers only have the privilege of being in my presence, so know your place.” He said seriously, a brief moment of satisfaction passing through him as he watched the blue haired man deflate.

“Second, you don't get to choose what I perform. I'm the artist and you're just lucky that you got a ticket to my gallery.” Valani loosened his grip on the pole a little, letting him slide down just a bit.

“Third, I don't offer special services nor do I get fully nude. So if that's what you were after I suggest giving your time slot to someone who would appreciate me more.” He scoffed a little, suppressing a smug smile when he saw Shamil's expression growing serious. His azure eyes stayed locked on him yet his mind wasn't all there, like he was calculating what to say next.

Giving up so easily?

“I understand.” Shamil said, folding his hands nearly on his lap.

Somehow, Valani doubted it.

Using his hands he climbed up as high as he could again. He held himself by his hand grim alone as his legs relaxed. Swiftly he wrapped both of them around the cold metal pole, nestling it securely between his thighs. His upper body shifted, pressing his side against the metal while his hands let go of the pole 

His gaze never once left the blue haired man.

“Do you?” He asked.

“Yes…”

But.

“But—” Shamil smirked.

There it was. Valani parted his lips, ready to call Thol.

“—I have been in this world for long enough to know how it works. How people work.” Shamil reached into his pants pocket, pulling out his wallet.

Truthless Recluse gave him a glare.

“Three thousand for you to continue what we started.” He said smoothly, pulling out cash. Actual cash. Who carries three thousand dollars in their wallet?! “And please take it under the table, I have no intention of this… fine… establishment taking a cut of what I consider to be yours.” He added as he waved the thin stack of bills — all hundreds.

Valani briefly felt his breath hitch despite the mean expression he had been trying to hold up.

That would be enough to pay off his overdue bill and get him food for a few days.

“And while there— I'll give you another seven thousand to let me touch your hand like I wanted to.” His grin curled wider — like he had already won. Shamil stood up, taking a step towards the stage where he laid out the initial three thousand. The way his hand moved and spread the money gave an impression of someone who knew their way with cards, it was far too smooth.

…

Valani stared quietly.

Ten thousand. 

Ten thousand.

For someone like him, this was almost life changing. He could pay off all his bills. He could afford to take a couple of days off without that killing him. Maybe he could take a weekend off, finally meet up with the two of them on a Saturday outside of work… it had been so long… 

Maybe they could go get ice cream together like they did all those years ago.

…

“And who knows if you continue to bend your little policies maybe you'll get even more!~ Imagine the possibilities, doll.” Shamil purred, far too confidently. In his mind he had already won as soon as Truthless Recluse spoke up.

People like this were easy.

Truthless Recluse was easy.

Shamil knew that with a flash of a confident smile and a well placed string of words — anyone had a price. He just had to find out what was his. 

He waited, expectantly, waiting to hear the dancer agree. To come crawling back. He didn't even know where their special moment would've led — but he was hungry to find out.

He was starving.

The last thing on Shamil's mind was what the dirty blond man did next. 

He let go of the pole, fully.

For a second he was free falling.

Shamil’s hands were already on the stage, he was moments away from scrambling up to try and catch him. A rush of fear and adrenaline coursed through his heart.

And then Truthless Recluse caught himself by his strong legs in the knick of time — right before he hit the ground. His head hung low for a few moments. Shamil continued to press his hands against the stage, attempting to hide how shaky they still felt. He blinked owlishly as Truthless Recluse let go, rising up.

His stride was as smooth as ever, as if he didn't just fall from such a great height only to be caught with the pure strength of his legs.

The clicks of his talk heels echoed within the quiet room.

“Funny.” The dancer said, stopping right in front of Shamil.

“Funny…?” He repeated, breathless as his head tipped up, white bangs briefly falling out of his face.

“Funny that you think you can buy me.”

What..?

“—do you truly think that you're the first person to offer this? Pah. I've refused way more than a mere ten thousand.” His hand flipped his dirty blond hair — the action that sent a shiver down Shamil's spine.

So the price was higher after all.

His lips stretched into a teasing, biting grin. He knew how to play these games and he knew how to play them well.

“Oh? Does my dolly need more?”

“I'm not your dolly.” Truthless Recluse hissed, shifting his heel dangerously close to his hand. Shamil quickly moved his hands back, deciding to lean back down into his leather chair. 

“I know, I know.” Shamil sighed dramatically, holding his chest while his head shook. “You're no fun, silly!” He pouted playfully, sticking out his bottom lip.

He suppressed a gleeful, smug smile when Truthless Recluse bent down to pick up the money he had laid out earlier. So he would take it but not fulfil the request? Interesting.

Shamil didn't have much longer to decipher before the money landed on his face — having been thrown back at him. He blinked, dumbfoundedly.

“I don't need your filthy money. You're lucky that I even let you sit here and speak to me like this.” Truthless Recluse snapped.

So his mean temper was no joke after all. Yet, Shamil had heard from others today that Truthless Recluse was a man of few words. Seeing him get more and more annoyed — more snappy… well how could that make one's heart not soar?

Oh how he loved toying with his food.

And oh how Truthless Recluse hated his type.

Valani turned around, taking off his long cape with each step he took towards the pole. His legs still burned from catching himself mid fall earlier. It had been a risky move, but at the same time he had been practicing it for a few months now. 

That felt as good a moment as any to try it out — the reaction he had gotten to it was just what he wanted too. He didn't however take into account that the other would regain his composure so easily again.

Valani cursed himself quietly for not taking the money. It would've helped, a lot. But he wasn't about to sell out for so little in retrospect — if he did and word got out… he'd be torn to pieces by his customers. He'd be like a deer, trapped, surrounded by starving wolves.

All because of one, far too confident man who simply made an offer at the right time in his life.

“You still have to entertain me for the night. And I'm starting to get bored.” Shamil called out from his seat. Valani could hear the smirk in his voice.

“I don't have to do anything.” He replied smoothly, turning to look at the insufferable man over his shoulder.

“—either you'll sit there, quietly, and enjoy the show or I am going to call my security to escort you out.” He said seriously. Without the usual bite he gave his persona, without the slight touch of edgy flamboyance.

He was genuinely serious.

And, seeing how Shamil stared at him for a few seconds before adopting a straighter posture, hands again folded politely — he knew that he understood.

Finally, Valani put on the music from the beginning.

Finally, Valani let himself imagine that he's back in the studio, practicing with his peers. 

His moves started off elegant, warming up his muscles again. Only after a while did he start experimenting with more intermediate, if not professional stunts. If he had been alone, he'd have tried new things too — but he didn't want to come off as clumsy. 

Every now and then he'd glance at the blue haired man, who was still sitting there as disciplined as ever. It seemed that being told he'd get kicked out was good enough to shut him up. 

Well of course, this was probably his first and last time having enough money to rent him out. Not to mention, those ten thousand were probably a bluff anyways.

During the night at some point Valani had remembered that he should strip too — which led to him slowly peeling off his clothes, layer by layer. He dragged it out as long as he possibly could.

He ignored with what kind of hunger the blue haired man stared at him. Instead Valani focused on perfecting ways and moves to strip mid performance — just like he had done earlier that night in the very beginning.

His last piece of clothes fell to the ground, leaving him completely shirtless. Having been hanging on the pole this entire time, Valani grabbed it again, grinding up against it once in one smooth move to straighten himself up. His strong, soft chest presses itself against the cold metal — making goosebumps rise on his arms.

His eyes shifted towards his quiet observer — catching him just as he had wiped his lips with the back of his hand.

Valani had to say, he didn't expect the other to truly sit there so obediently. Yet it gave him a brief boost of confidence — the ability to turn the tables in their little game.

He slid off of the pole, taking a moment to roll back his shoulders — cracking them. His muscles were starting to protest from hours and hours of practicing, he needed a break.

He was getting hungry again too.

Valani stepped off of the stage without a word, walking past Shamil and towards the mini bar in the room to grab himself a water. He opened a bottle, swinging his head back and taking a few big gulps, not caring how a couple of drops slid down his chin and onto his bare chest.

He glanced again at Shamil who was staring at him like a hawk, yet oh so quiet. It was almost amusing. 

…

Valani felt a little bad.

“Do you want some too?” He asked, pulling away from the bottle and offering it to the other. Seeing as the blue haired man looked ridiculously rich, sharing a lipstick covered bottle with an exotic dancer was probably out of question. He was secretly looking forward to the others stumble on how to refuse.

“...”

Hm? Oh!

“You're allowed to speak.”

“Yes please.”

Oh? And a please too? 

“There's only this one water. Do you want something else? We have wines, champagne—”

“Water is fine. I want the water.” Shamil replied a little too eagerly, standing up from his seat.

Valani watched as the other walked towards him, peering up at him. All his movements were slow and careful — like he was scared he'd spook away his prey by being too sudden.

He held his breath as Shamil reached out for the bottle, very carefully so as to not let their hands brush against each other. He had learned his lesson.

Just as Valani thought of that he watched the other, now holding the bottle, greedily and far too slowly take a gulp of the water — like he wanted to keep his lips against the rim as long as he possibly could.

He himself swallowed at the display, deciding to start heading back to the stage — Leaving Shamil to his own devices. Having done that…

He missed how Shamil licked the slightest stain of lipstick on the rim of the bottle.

A knock came from the door, catching both of their attentions.

“Mr. M your time is almost up.” Came Thol's voice.

Mr. M? Well he supposed that giving out your full name in a night club wasn't that wise — so good job, Shamil. If that was even his name. 

He glanced back at his customer who all but deflated at the news. Yet, not a moment after he grinned.

“Sure thing! Truthless, doll, we can continue tomorrow, hm?” He purred with a wide grin — Valani instantly missed the quiet. Why did he feel bad for him again?

“As if you can afford me again.” He replied in a deadpan as he gathered up his clothes, folding them neatly. “And I'm not your doll.” He repeated.

“Psh— don't be silly!~ I can afford you every night.”

Bluffing.

Valani thought as he rolled his eyes, slipping on one of his tops.

“Sure you can. First you have to bear everyone else who missed out on me tonight.” He shrugged casually, not catching the serious expression that passed Shamil's face.

“—anyways, come pick up your money.” He said, gesturing at the bills on the floor.

“Pick it up? If I recall that was your tip. You should be the one bent down.” Shamil replied with a wolfish grin.

“It's not my tip, I didn't agree to your terms.” Truthless Recluse scoffed. Yet his gaze was heavy when he looked away from the floor. 

“Well the terms have changed!~ consider it a tip for a wonderful show you put on tonight. A preview of what is to come if you decide to dance to my tune.” Shamil hummed with smug glee, picking up his white coat from where he had left it.

The attitude! 

Before Valani had a moment to snap back, Shamil had already slipped out of the room. He even saw him daringly pat Thol on his shoulder, walking out with a pep on his step.

He blinked a few times. 

Thol came in, glancing down at the money on the ground before looking back at Valani.

Right.

Uhm.

Valani bent down, picking up the cash. He ignored how his cheeks burned with embarrassment. 

At the end of the night… somehow it felt like he lost their game.