Summary: Aside from their jobs, what do these two have in common? He's a well-off, respected nightclub worker and she's a crazy, party-loving DJ. Fate really does intertwine the most interesting personas.

Rating: M

Genres: Mature Romance, Comedy, Slice of Life.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Elsword and am not related to the original owners

in any way shape or form.

Author's Note: Based off of an idea I had and a ship that sails all too well with two of my dearest friends. Enjoy! This first chapter is fairly short, but they will get longer as time goes on, don't worry.

Beauty and the Beat

Chapter 1: Standards

"And tonight, we are proud to welcome a club favorite of ours. Everyone, please enjoy your night with the accompanying sounds of DJ Blaze!" A black-haired man dressed in formal attire said into the microphone before taking himself and the microphone off of the stage and opening the curtains. Behind them was a mass of equipment and speakers.

"Yo! Let's get the night started, people!" The woman behind the two rotating disks was none other than DJ Blaze. She was very well-known around these parts and was a club regular at the Triple Ignition Bar, Lounge, and Club. This was the most popular bar around as there was no real competition for miles and they were situated in the center of the city. Blaze put on her headphones and blasted a light Chillstep song to begin the night.

"One of the finest, eh?" A blonde-haired man leaned against the counter after the aforementioned buff man returned back behind the counter. He had light blue eyes with one thin ponytail coming from his mass of spiky hair.

"She sure is, Tal. Anyways, it's time for my second job for the night. Cover my place behind here, yeah?" The man said before taking off his barista apron and placing it on the counter. Tal nodded and placed it under the counter before pulling out a box.

"You know what to do, Eran. Kill it tonight." Tal smiled as he took the necessities and packed them into the box.

"Yeah, let's just hope she doesn't get mad at us at all tonight."

"Well, she seemed happy when she walked in tonight, so I think we're fine."

The two looked over at a blonde-haired woman wearing a revealing red dress across the lounge. This lady was their boss, Rose. She may be shorter and younger, but damn was her attitude rougher. On good days, everyone loved her, and thankfully that was most of the time. But the bad days was similar to an episode of Hell's Kitchen at the Club. Everyone was getting yelled at and nobody was safe from the thorny Rose.

"Well. Here I go then. See you around midnight, bro."

"Best of luck tonight homie. The regulars are already waiting."

Tal chuckled a bit before Eran climbed on top of the stage behind the oval counter. The setup was to have the poles inside of the bar, with the entire counter wrapping around them. Eran switched out with Dre, who had just finished his regular time. Slay and Rek would be coming soon as well, but for now it was just him. His attire was now just a collar with a tie and some pants.

His occupation? A stripper and bartender, but mostly stripper. A damn good one, too.

He eyes for his regulars first, and upon seeing them at their regular position, he gave the ma seductive smirk and wink before placing his traditional red rose into his mouth and swinging around the pole. His regulars consisted of around 12 girls that would come in daily, bidaily, or weekly for him. Tal handled all of the drinks at this point and would always have 12 set up at this time. He watched the crowd behind him with a third eye as he played around with the rose in his mouth and used just his leg to swing around elegantly.

"My man Eran already has them warmed up for us. Come on Slay, we gotta one up this kid and show him how real men get the ladies."

"Hell yeah! Tal, hold my shit. We're going in dry!"

The two other men, one red haired with a ponytail similar to Tal's and an earring on his left ear, and the other with a white tuft amidst the black hair, threw off their clothes as they entered the bar. Tal picked them up with a standard smile. Some girls were already oogling the chiseled features of the new men as they practically leaped from the bar to their respective areas and began to go about their business independent of Eran.

"Competing with me again?"

"More like kicking your lame ass and owning it."

"Wanna bet on that, white-haired boy?"

"Who're you calling a boy?"

The three of them smirked before all resetting to a similar pace and causing various nosebleeds amongst the crowd that was behind the bar and in the lounge. Tal served tens of drinks all around and Rose gave them the thumbs up from the back.

"Let's pump it up! GET LOUDER!" Blaze shouted into the crowd as she began to jump to the beat of her House music. Everyone joined in with the fistpumping, even Sakura, who was usually shy to this kind of stuff. Blaze turned the synths louder and increased the amp volume and even Rose joined in on the fun. After all, having a high-paying job that you enjoy is a goal in life, right?

The bass dropped and even the strippers began to synch their dancing with the beat. The crowd was roaring at this point and there was nobody inside who was still sitting down.

One of the best.

"Well. Tal. It's midnight. Time to close up my shift. Got the stuff?"

"Yep. Right where you left it, no worries. Man, Blaze really fires things up in here. And I thought you couldn't get much more popular than where this place was without her."

"True. I'm glad it works out."

"Oh yeah! Some of your regulars want to chill with you if you want to join them."

"Sure, I'll tend to that. Thanks for the stuff, bud. Tell Dre's white and blue haired looking arse that I said good luck. I'll be in the back if you need me."

"Aight homie."

The two exchanged smiles before Eran headed to the back to change back into his regular formal attire. He put on some deodorant and perfume before putting on a new shirt, tie, and vest. He slipped on the clothing and placed the rest of his stuff back into his bag and locked his small locker that was provided by the bar. He headed back into the multi-colored lights and loud music before making his way out to the outside lounge, where people who did not want to listen to the loud music from the club relaxed. It was lit by only candles and had a beautiful view of the ocean.

A girl clothed in a short dress that clung to her curves signaled for Eran to come join her and her friends. Eran nodded and waved a hand before taking a seat next to her on the couch across from the table.

"Eran doing his job stunningly as usual~"

"Oh hush Ni. I'm just doing my job."

"She's right you know. If it weren't for the fact that you added in this component of pole dancing to the club, then you guys wouldn't've made it this far in the first place."

"Thanks Sera, I'm aware."

The group consisted of Eran, Ni, Sera, Yama, Sura, Windy, Nemmy, and Chi. All of them were regulars to the place, and would often come every night that they could. Rose offered special discounts to them because of their frequency as well. The music inside began to slowly fade out as the group continued talking with the occasional drunk stuttering since Chi was only 21 and her blue dress came off more times than necessary. Eran eyed the clock as it turned to 1 AM and the music stopped. The bar closed at this point, and Tal joined the lot of them, taking a seat next to Nemmy and Sera. Rek and Slay were already presumably with two of their regulars: a purple-haired girl named Void for Slay and a busty blonde named Arc.

"So, Eran. Got your eyes on anyone yet?"

"I don't think people would really want to date a Stripper, you know?"

"By Mother El, Eran. You really think that?!"

"Yeah what nonsense are you spouting? Strippers have such great physique and can basically last forever in bed!"

Eran spit out his margarita on the table and coughed as Ni patted his back. She gave a harsh glare to Sura, who was already giggling at the sight.

"Oh relax Ni, it's not like he was your first."

"W-why would you even mention-"

"She's right, though. When he did it with me, he practically lasted through all seven of mine. And he didn't even finish until I forced him to."

"That's ridiculous."

The group was bickering about pointless things, so Eran excused himself for the night after he got a kiss from each of his clients and got up to grab the rest of his stuff. Tal followed along with Nemmy since Tal and Eran were housemates. Eran walked back inside to the basically empty area. Only a few were left and they were putting on their coats anyways. Rose came over and gave him a smack on the back for a good job.

"Great work today, Eran. We were packed at 11."

"Thanks, boss. I'll be leaving now."

"Sure thing. See you tomorrow at 6!"

Rose smiled before heading to the back to grab the supplies to clean up. Eran shrugged and went back to the DJ Station to check up on Blaze. She often got wasted and tonight was the same as always, though she seemed to be conscious this time. Tal and Nemmy were waiting outside at this point for him.

"Hey Blaze, you need a ride home again today?"

"Huuuuuu…..oh hiiiii Erannn~"

She stumbled towards him, a blush dusting her cheeks as she fell into his arms that he reflexively put up to catch her. He sighed and covered her revealed skin with his jacket and slung her over his shoulder.

"Alright, you're coming home with me. I don't trust you getting home alright anymore."

"Fineeeeee….zzzzzz"

Blaze had already dozed off. Eran sighed and walked into the brisk spring breeze as Tal approached him with a concerned look.

"Again?" He asked worriedly.

"Again." Eran responded.

"Well. Let's get her in, but I don't have time to drive her home, so she's staying with us, alright?" Tal said as the four got into the convertible.

"Yeah, just keep the roof down. She's overheating ridiculously. I bet someone gave her the Ignition Crow Margarita."

"You mean Rose's kill-all drink? Shit dude this is worse than I thought."

"She'll be fine. I'll keep an eye on her."

"Alright homie, good luck."

Throughout the entire conversation, Nemmy knew not to interrupt because of the concern on Tal's face and in his tone. She talked to Tal as he drove them home, playing some light piano music (his favorite) on the way back. Eran kept Blaze laying in his lap. He wasn't sure how bad it would be this time, but Ignition Crows were known for their two flavors: Napalm and Incinerator. Napalm was basically a sex stimulant, and Incinerator gave the consumer a burst of energy. He assumed she got Incinerator since she was down for the count, but if she got Napalm, then it'd be alright, he'd do what he needed to do.

"Alright Eran. Nemmy and I are gonna probably sleep in, so if you need to get some things taken care of, keep it quiet please."

"No problem Tal. Enjoy your night."

"You too, bud."

The group split in half after entering the house, each going to the respective male room. Eran put Blaze on his bed. She was sweating profusely and he took off his clothes and changed into his underwear since sleeping with clothes on was too difficult. He sat next to her and waited for any signs of waking up.

"Nngh...where am I...?"

"Just relax Blaze. You're in my room since I didn't think you'd be alright to go home on your own tonight. You must've had an Ignition drink and felt really wasted."

"I don't know...I feel alright."

Blaze sat up, but she was still drenched in sweat and showed no signs of stopping. Eran got up and grabbed a towel from the closet.

"Here, take a shower. I don't want you dying from overheating in my room. I'll lose my job and my life for sure."

"A s-shower?! H-here?!"

"Yeah? Where else can you go at 2 in the morning? Come on, there's nothing to be embarrassed about except for how you look right now."

Blaze sighed and slowly took off all of her clothing while Eran faced the other way. She wrapped the towel around her body and held it up with one hand. Eran turned back around and guided her to the shower. She nodded and went in. Eran situated himself outside the door with a shirt on and read a book to keep himself awake.

How sweet of him to do this for me…

Blaze thought to herself as the cold water revitalized her senses and eased her heat in a short amount of time. She let her hair get drenched as well since she did not want to ruin any part of the house. She sighed before stepping out.

"Uh, Eran?"

"Yeah?"

"What am I supposed to wear?"

"On your left."

She looked and saw her underwear was clean but her bra was missing and the only other piece of clothing was a loose formal shirt. She put on the clothing with a major blush and opened the door.

"Wh-why so little?!"

"So you don't get hot overnight. This is just precaution."

"R-right…but you can see my panties!"

"Well it's not like I mind. I strip for a living and the panties look really sexy. They're red lace, so obviously you were planning on going home with someone, right?"

"..."

Blaze pouted before Eran grabbed her hand and took her back to the room, leaving her dirtied clothes in the washer. Her face heated up again as she remembered how used to this treatment he must have been. She felt like a burden on him and stopped walking.

"Hm? Are you alright, Blaze? Come on, let's get to bed."

"...Am I...troublesome…?" Blaze held her head down.

"What are you saying? That's nonsense. Come on, let's get to bed. I'm sure you have your own things to do tomorrow anyways." Eran sighed and looked at her cemented feet. He looked at her face and tilted her chin up before hugging her. After releasing her, she silently followed him into bed.

"Thank you….Eran…"

"Hey, it's just my duty as a good friend."

Eran smiled as he turned over in bed and put the blanket over himself. Blaze pulled her side up, but her mind was racing with other thoughts.

Shit...the margarita effect is kicking in…

Blaze waited until she heard Eran's breathing slow and his body relax. She opened up the buttons her loose shirt until it was barely holding her breasts in. One hand slid into the lacey red fabric while the other worked its way around her right nipple. She felt her face heating up again and she bit the pillow to suppress her moans, hoping that Eran wouldn't mind.

Suddenly, Eran shifted and faced her, eyes open with concern.

"Blaze are you al-"

"Nnnn~"

"O-oh. The margarita effect kicked in, huh?"

"Mhmmm…"

Eran let out a deep breath before he opened his eyes again. Blaze was clearly in distress over her current status. Well, he had to do what he had to do. Besides, they were good friends. But that was the problem. He didn't want to ruin their friendship with this.

"Blaze?"

"Y-yeah?"

"I don't want to sound like I'm coming on to you, but would you like me to help you...release your heat?"

"...please?"

Eran sighed with relief as he turned Blaze around and pulled her in closely.

"How would you like it?"

"J-just make it f-fast…"

Eran began by sliding his hand around her and up her shirt, fondling her left breast and kissing her neck while his right hand guided hers inside her undergarment. Her moans were silenced by her own force of will while Eran exponentially increased his pace.

"E-eran…"

"Yes Blaze?"

"I….Nnnn…..lied. Please take it slow…"

Eran slowed down greatly as she turned to face him. He could see the flames in her eyes as she slowly reached into his boxers.

"Blaze?!"

"Oh come on Eran~ It wouldn't be fair if I was the only one getting pleased…"

"B-but-"

"No no, your member says otherwise to whatever denial you have."

Blaze harshly grasped his throbbing member inside and began to stroke it gently. The both were trying to maintain their focus on the other while being pleased. Eran seemed to be winning as he slowly picked up the pace. Blaze leaned in towards his face and kissed it passionately. Eran returned the favor and wrapped his left hand around her derriere and gave it a firm squeeze.

"Oh~?! Someone wants to play rough~"

"Like you could ever be rough on me~"

The two exchanged smirks as Blaze squeezed his member while stroking faster and forcing her tongue into his mouth. Eran fell backwards as Blaze climbed on top of him and used her one arm to support her.

"Looks like I get my turn first then."

"Shit…"

Blaze giggled as she went into the blanket, leaving only her head in view of Eran. He looked down to see her sliding his boxers down his legs. His genitalia popped out and stood straight up.

"My my, someone's quite excited~"

"Like you aren't."

She slowly lowered her head while brushing her hair out of the way from her face and sucked on his member as it pulsated inside of her mouth. She went far enough to the point of gagging and Eran's head flew back in pleasure.

"H-have….ngh….you done this before, B-blaze?"

"Mmm~Yes~"

Eran began to slowly become more and more in pleasure as Blaze's vertical movements increased their speed. She began to rub it with her hands as she went up and spilled saliva all over it while licking the tip. Eran groaned loudly.

"I heard you have great endurance, but yet it seems like you're having trouble with me."

"Oh hush."

"Make me."

Eran's eyes flew open at those two words as he smirked maliciously. Blaze got up with a puzzled look when Eran sat up.

"Well, you asked for it, then."

"Huh-"

Eran grabbed Blaze by the shoulders and roughly threw her against the bedpost. She winced as he positioned himself in front of her.

"So, rough or gently?"

"E-eh?!" Blaze's face returned normal before smirking.

"Go rough on me, I can handle it better than you."

"Oh? You're on then."

Eran slid off her shirt and soon after, her panties. He positioned his erection right in between her legs as her eyes widened. The size seemed larger than before, and even larger when he inserted himself inside of her. He began to thrust relentlessly as she moaned loudly and out of control. Her eyes rolled back as her breathing became panting. Eran began to pick up the pace as the night faded.

"Oh god...what happened….?"

Blaze opened her eyes to see her completely nude body clinging to Eran's. Something was definitely between her legs, and she didn't need to look down to know what it was. She sighed before letting her grip go loose as she rubbed her temple. Eran's body shifted as he woke and sat up.

"Oh? Good morning…?"

"Good isn't the most fitting word right now. My head is killing me right now."

"Ah yes, that's what happens when you get wasted and hungover after, might I say, some really good and rough sex."

"Yeah, I can still feel certain parts of you right now, but I'm not going in for round 2."

"Nor did I mention that. Well, get dressed while I go take a shower. I'll bring you some food and refreshment."

"I can get out of bed, you know."

"If you insist."

"I'll just wait in the living room with Tal and Nem, is that alright?"

"Sure, it'll be just Nem though. Tal helps me cook."

"No problem. Thank you."

"I haven't' even made-"

"For the hospitality dork. I appreciate everything you did for me even though I made a poor life choice."

"Well, it's not like you didn't pay me back somehow."

"...right. I'll get dressed."

"Clothes are on the nightstand. Nem or Tal must've put them in here while we were asleep."

Eran got up and pulled on his boxers and a shirt from the closet before heading out of the room. Blaze was left alone to dress herself and go downstairs.

Damn this headache sucks ass. Why can't there be no consequences for letting yourself go loose for one night out of many. Oh wait…

She sighed as she got out of bed and neatly made it. Her hair was messy and she was not tidied up to put it nicely. Blaze shrugged herself off and put on her undergarments, alongside the shirt and shorts that she'd presume were Nem's. However, the tank top was a bit small and she pulled it higher to show her waist rather than her chest. The shorts fit snugly and she headed down the hallway and stairs to the living room. Nem was dressed similar to her, but less skin. She was drinking some tea as the clattering of pans and the noise of an exhaust fan came from the kitchen area.

"Good Morning, Blaze. How are you feeling?"

"Not much better. Actually worse."

"That's unfortunate to hear. What happened last night?"

Blaze almost choked on the water she was drinking before sputtering out the drops. Nem immediately smirked while rubbing her back.

"You already know, don't you?"

"Me? I was busy with my own things."

"Sure you were. Anyways, you seem to be used to coming here."

"Yeah, Tal often lets me stay with him since my roommates aren't exactly the best."

"Really?"

"Mhm. They're hardcore partiers unlike me, who just enjoys an evening out with the girls and a couple drinks, but never too much."

"Haha…..yeah...never too much…"

The pain amplified.

"Ughhhh…"

"Say, what else do you do other than DJ for a living?"

"Nothing really. I just sleep all day and party all night. It's unhealthy, but it pays well."

"I see."

"Hey! You've been here a lot. What do Tal and Eran do other than work the counter?"

"You don't know? They both teach at an all-girls college."

"Really now?"

"Yeah. Tal teaches the highest level of alchemy classes available there, while Eran teaches the introductory math classes and the highest level combat training. It's quite strange. Professor by day, stripper by night, Eran Ander. Though I heard his students all adore him and Tal gets many love notes from his oldest students."

"You're not jealous?"

"No. I know him and he would never betray me like that. Besides, even his oldest are still younger than me."

"Interesting…"

"I think the most interesting part is how have you not only never heard of their professions after knowing them for this long, but how you also don't realize that they have classes to teach today."

"How the hell was I supposed to know? You think I'm a genius like you? I just make music and DJ, not teach others life morals and lessons."

"Sorry sorry. Anyways, it sounds like they're done with breakfast. Shall we head in?"

"I'm starving…"

As the two sat down in the kitchen, Eran blushed at the sight of Blaze's messy, yet revealing outfit. Tal smiled as he set down all of the plates and took off his apron. Eran filled each plate with what he thought were proper portions. Blaze thanked the both of them and they all sat down to eat at the square table.

"So, Tal. What time we heading in today?"

"I'd say in around an hour we should leave. Today is the day I give the third Unit exam."

"That far already? Jeez, I wish I wasn't stuck with the low level maths. Today's lesson for me is on Arc Length to find the volume of a figure and basically simpleton things."

"What about Combat Training?"

"Ah, right. Today is just a day of learning self-defense."

"Who's your partner?"

"I asked Ni to help me out, but she told me last night that she had an important meeting today, so I need a replacement."

"Why not Blaze?"

All eyes averted to the flustered redhead as she stopped chewing and swallowed.

"M-me?"

"Yeah, come on! It'll be fun. Besides, didn't you major in Magic Swordsmanship? It'd be a nice compliment to my mechanical arm swordsmanship."

"If you don't mind then….sure."

"Sweet! Be sure to grab your training gear, though I know it has been awhile since you picked up a claymore."

"Yeah yeah, just let me swing by my house."

"No problem."

Tal and Nem finished eating. Nem waved goodbye as her and Tal drove off to drop her off and to go to work. Eran and Blaze finished soon after, with Eran getting up to wash the dishes soon after.

"Let me help!"

"You're a guest. I can't."

"Then I'll force myself!"

Blaze tried to squeeze next to Eran to help rinse the dishes, but his massive bulk blocked her from even reaching the sink. Eran smirked as she struggling to push him aside. After a bit of pouting and yelling, she finally thought of an idea. Blaze took her arms and wrapped them around Eran's waist, successfully reaching the plates from behind. Eran seemed startled for a bit, but soon let her do so but didn't give her any plates.

"Oh come on! I just thought I made it!"

"Too bad my arms are longer than yours, right?"

"Shut up jerk. Hmph!"

And with that final remark, Eran spun around and saw Blaze sit on the couch, arms and legs crossed. He laughed as he gathered his belongings.

"Come on, let's get the day started."

"Not until I receive some sort of apology for not letting me help you, jackass."

"Fine. I'm sorry. Now let's go or we'll be late."

"Not good enough."

"Are you serious?!"

"Hmph!"

She closed her eyes and turned her head away from Eran. He sighed and lifted her up and slung her over his shoulder. Her eyes widened as she kicked and struggled to get loose, but Eran used his mechanical arm to hold her there and therefore, did not feel any pain from her fighting.

"I hate you sometimes."

"Oh well. Shouldn't've struggles so much then."

Raven grabbed his coat and his training gear before loading them into the black and red convertible. Blaze took her seat next to him as the hood stayed down. Eran put on his sunglasses as he pulled out of the parking lot.

"How the hell do you make enough money…?"

"Two jobs, and one pays much more than the other, in more ways than one."

Eran smirked as the sun shined brightly on the two. He handed Blaze a pair of red shades in case of this much vitamin D. She graciously put them on and the two sped off, unknowingly starting a new chapter in each of their lives.