As a treat, and because it's too good not to post somewhere, this is more or less where the inspiration for Smoke and Mirrors had come from. There was a beyblade bingo challenge that I had wanted to partake in and stripping was one of the spaces for the bingo card. Kat, like with the entirety of the fic, helped me write this out back in 2020 and somehow we managed to make an entire fic just due to this lemony one-shot.
Hope y'all enjoy! Till next time!
Crimson eyes danced along through the one-way paned glass, high above the upbeat crowd as the music a floor down vibrated the glass with each loud beat. The lights were dimmed down below, only being cut through by the lime greens, vibrant purples, and neon pink theater lights. Each strategically placed around the main stage and smaller five others along the bottom floor, singular metal poles reaching from the ceiling to the center of each smaller stage while the main had two.
Sipping at his whisky where he stood, Kai Hiwatari continued to take in the on-goings a floor below him in his Gentleman's club. His eyes raking across the buzzed and drunken fools with disinterest, scoffing at them who were stupid enough to throw money down on one of his girls for the night, paying his mortgage, car, and keeping the place up and running while his girls used their share for whatever they needed or wanted.
It wasn't the biggest place in town, but it was the most popular with sold out shows almost every night. He was quite proud of it himself, prided himself in how the place ran and had actually befriended his girls and other staff. They trusted him, he kept them well fed and protected when a drunk bastard decided to try and break house rule number one; no touching anyone, and that included the other staff who weren't part of the shows.
On the main stage Hilary was strutting out to do her routine where more men crowded around, bills in hand and waiting to throw it all down at her feet. She was one of the favorites, popular by demand, and professionally trained. As the music kicked up louder, the lights coming down to focus on her and the one-way glass vibrated harder, he turned his attention away from her and the main stage.
With his own small buzz in his head his eyes shifted towards the bar that was swarmed with more fools grabbing another drink while more of his staff was busy picking up and placing orders. Behind the bar there were three men working, filling and finishing up orders as fast as they could with how busy the place was tonight.
Crimson eyes locked onto long dark-purple hair that was pulled back into a high-ponytail that reached the back of the man's legs. He was one of the new ones Kai had recently hired on after having to fire his head bartender, Johnny, after he caught him breaking the house rules. Though to Kai, he really wasn't all that sore over the whole thing, not when something had stirred uncomfortably in his gut three months ago when he hired Ray on.
Kai had to give it to him, he was easy on the eyes, a pleasant conversationalist and all the girls loved him. He even dazzled some of the drunks that came in, raking in more tips than the more seasoned bartenders Kai had on for the past several years since he opened the place up.
The uncomfortable feeling stirred harder about two weeks ago when he had overheard a conversation between Ray and Mariah, it could have been a slip of the tongue and while lost in the moment before closing hours, but it had turned out that Ray wasn't there to watch the girls like some of his other staff. He was there to work and not interested in the opposite sex by a long shot, something the two of them had in common at least and was probably why the girls liked him so much; they didn't have to fear him after the entire Johnny incident.
Kai on the other hand did fear him, feared what he had done to him the moment they had met. As hard as he had tried he couldn't get Ray out of his head, and it was like this almost every night now where he'd stand up in his office, whiskey in hand, and just watched Ray at work.
He had never wanted so badly to break his own house rules, never had the inclination to do so before either. This was as new to him as when he first started the place up, feeling all sorts of nervousness and doubt. Ray had done something to him in a way no one else really had, and the worst part was they had only met a few months back, barely knew the other aside from their positions within the club and their names. Which was odd in of itself because he had good relations with all his staff.
Maybe tonight that could change, then again maybe not if he kept keeping himself holed away in his office every night Ray was down there working. The least he could do was praise him a little, but even then doing that he feared more of what the outcome of such a simple conversation could do to him.
In one way or another he was going to crack; he knew that much. It was just a matter of when and how and if he cracked the right way or not.
Too far gone in his own head at the moment he hadn't heard the knock on his door, only turning when he caught the handle moving and watched as Ming-Ming slipped into his office with him, a dark-blue money bag in hand and covered in her puffy baby-blue robe and heels.
Kai cleared his throat a little, seeing the confused look on her face. "Just put it on the desk, I'll get to it in a minute."
"Okay." She chirped and placed the bag where he had instructed, subtly taking him in where he was stood.
It wasn't all that odd to find him there, but over the past few weeks that's where she'd always find him now instead of downstairs with them like he used to be.
"Is everything okay, Kai?" She asked gently as she came to stand beside him.
"Of course." He stated in a defensive tone quickly.
Ming-Ming just stared at him for a minute before her own big amber eyes shifted past his shoulder and to the bar where he had been staring. Now there were more men surrounding the bar, Ray and Tala taking back shots quickly with the patrons before slamming the glasses down and going about getting the drinks that were ordered as the two of them were doused in bills.
"Why don't you come down tonight before we close? I'm fixing to go on and you've always come down to watch before." She suggested as her eyes made their way back to his.
"Not tonight."
Her cheeks puffed slightly at the dismissal, though shrugged her slim shoulders anyways. "Suit yourself then."
She turned on her heels and went to take her leave, the uneasy feeling getting stronger in his gut the closer she got to his door when he cleared his throat again.
"Can you deliver a message for me?"
Ming-Ming turned back around just shy of the door, the confused look coming back over her face before she nodded back to him.
Kai panicked for a split second, though it was really now or never. And never was a long time.
Motioning for her to wait, holding up a finger, he rushed to his desk and jerked one of the drawers open before pulling out a notebook and tore off the edge from a blank page. Quickly he scribbled down something on it and folded it in half, holding it out to her and felt a sweat form on his skin.
"Can you give this to Ray?" He asked, his voice slightly cracking as if he were a school boy trying to pass on a note to his crush.
Ming-Ming's blue brow rose though she nodded back, stepping back to the desk and took the folded-up paper from him. Taking notice of his slight trembling hand though said nothing about it, smiling at him with a wink.
"As you wish." She sashayed back out the door, closing him back up in his office.
Smoothing out his shirt, running a hand through his slate colored bangs, he straightened himself up and snatched his whiskey glass off his desk before taking back up his post by the window while downing the glass almost in one go. His heart in his throat as it beat harder and harder, it about ready to burst when he saw Ming-Ming make her way up to the bar, the sea of bodies parting for her as she slipped up to the counter.
The small sweat he had felt start earlier got more intense, popping the top button of his shirt to hopefully cool himself down as Ming-Ming handed the paper to Ray across the counter.
Not taking his eyes off of the two on the bottom floor he knocked back what was left of his whiskey, it burning his throat without helping his nerves as he watched Ray opening the paper and read it before his head lifted and looked towards the glass. Kai had never been more thankful for the one-way glass than he was now, and even if Ray didn't know they had locked eyes he did, and it made his knees get weak without him wanting them too.
They only got weaker when he watched Ray smile politely to Ming-Ming, taking a pen out from his shirt pocket and scribbling something down on the paper. As Ming-Ming was handed the paper back and turned away from the counter, Kai spun himself away from the window and rushed to his desk where he sat down to look as though he hadn't been staring and watching the exchange taking place.
It wasn't long before Ming-Ming knocked on the door and he called for her to enter. Strutting back into the office she held out the paper to him and gave him another wink before taking herself back out without a word to him, closing him back up in his office to go and start her routine on the main stage.
Sweating bullets he peeled away the folds of the paper, taking in Ray's response as his heart somersaulted in his rib cage and the whiskey in his stomach churned slightly.
Ray had agreed to stay after hours once the place was closed, just a simple okay written out under Kai's chicken scratch of asking him to come to the office once everyone went home.
Like a pregnant woman nesting, he bolted out of his chair to try and tidy up the place even though it was already immaculate; he only had an hour left.
The last hour before the place closed down went by so fast he hadn't had time to properly go through what he wanted to say, what it was he was really looking out of this but either way it was still a start. He just wasn't sure what kind of start it was going to be but held out some hope it'd become a common re-occurrence.
With a knock on his door Kai's heart thumped in his chest to the same rhythm, swallowing hard to clear his throat as he made himself as relaxed as he possibly could in his chair behind his desk before he called out.
Golden eyes peeked in, followed by a toothy smile and Kai had never been more thankful that he decided to sit in his life.
"You wanted to see me?" Ray questioned as he stepped into the office, shutting the door behind him before approaching the desk.
"Y-yeah, um… For your mid-monthly evaluation." Kai bullshitted as he sat up in his chair, gesturing to the one he pulled up on the opposite side.
"Oh?" Ray gave a confused look though moved to sit down in the chair, "Am I in trouble?"
"NO!" Kai fired out before he reeled it in, "I mean, no. You're doing just… Fine…" He hoped his staring wasn't as obvious as it felt at the moment, another sweat coming over his skin that he couldn't control.
"Fine?" Ray repeated with a slight frown, "Well, if there's something I can do to improve-" "That's not what I meant, you've done exceptional." Kai cut over him quickly, gaining another confused look from the other male.
Ray seemed to breathe out a sigh of relief at that, relaxing in his own chair and crossed a leg over the other.
Kai began to sweat just a bit more, unable to tear his eyes away and not understanding why such a simple, fluid, motion like that had bothered him so much.
Clearing his throat and resisting the urge to pull at the collar of his shirt, Kai leaned forward to rest his arms on the top of his desk; if he felt supported by something then maybe he wouldn't risk coming off as a complete idiot.
"I actually wanted to talk to you outside of work, if that's okay?"
"Sure?" Ray nodded, that confused look still stuck to his face.
It was such a simple, carefree, answer that had been given but to Kai it felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders at just hearing it. Now that he had the okay though, he clammed back up.
At seeing the hesitation on Kai's face and the silence that started to fill back between him Ray's lips twitched into a small smile.
"Would you like to grab some breakfast with me?"
Kai stared like a deer in the headlights, his brain working overtime to process what had come out of those beautiful lips that he'd just realized he had been staring at for way too long.
The hell did he just say?!
"I'm sorry?"
Ray chuckled back at him; he was adorable. "Breakfast, seeing as how it's…" He checked his watch on his wrist, "Close to four, I normally go down to this café that's near my place if you'd want to come with me. I'll buy."
"Yes." Kai answered before his brain could overheat on him and make him a bumbling mess of nerves again.
"Then let's go, place opens in an hour." Ray informed as he stood up from the chair.
Kai followed after him, heart threatening to break out of his chest while his mind ran circles around the entire scenario that was suddenly going on. Grabbing his jacket and shrugging it on he continued to follow Ray out of the now empty club, taking the back doors out into the early morning air.
"Just ride with me, I'll bring you back to pick up your car." Ray called to him as Kai parted away to his own car.
Kai looked between his car and then to Ray's for a minute before all he could manage to do was nod back to him, edging himself back towards him and slid into the passenger seat beside Ray.
The car quickly went silent aside from the soft rock music coming from the speakers around them, Ray's focus on the road stretched out before them while Kai continued to sweat bullets and his heart wouldn't slow the fuck down.
He knew he was being ridiculous, acting like a little school boy with a crush and didn't know what to do about it. He was twenty-seven for heaven's sake! He shouldn't be acting like this. Scolding and mentally slapping himself he finally shifted to look at Ray beside him, praying he could say something without looking like a fool.
"How're you liking it so far, working at the club?" Not what he wanted to start with, but maybe if they talked shop it would make this easier.
"Oh, I love it. Everyone else is really nice, Tala is hysterical, and the pay is good. So much better than my last job." Ray answered with a smile curling on his lips.
"I'm glad, if you ever have any problems my door is always open." Kai supplied, smiling with him.
There, that wasn't so hard. What was he flapping about earlier for?!
"Thank you, I appreciate it." Ray said as they pulled up to a red light, quickly flashing Kai his gorgeous smile.
And he was back to being reduced to a love sick teenage boy all over again. He had it baaaaaadddddd.
"A-anytime." He squeaked back, wanting to smack himself in the face for real this time.
"What makes this better than your old job?" He asked quickly, hoping that didn't come off as him wanting Ray to just stroke his ego. Not that he wouldn't mind it, he took great pride in his establishment and all he had put into it. A little praise never hurt anyone.
"Well… It's clean, the patrons aren't scumbags. My co-workers and I get along a lot better than my old ones and I ever did, I don't have to split my tips…" Ray started, the car moving forward again as the light turned green and he looked to go into thought for a moment.
"And my boss is pretty easy on the eyes." He quipped; his smile replaced with a smirk.
Kai's mouth went dry quickly, blinking a few times before his own smirk took over. Oh, he was smooth.
"Not so bad yourself."
"Thank you." Ray chuckled, "Now that's out of the way, should we just go to my place and skip breakfast?"
Ohhhhhh, he was really smooth.
Before Kai could nod till he broke his neck, he cleared his throat and shoved down all the dirty images his mind came up with.
"What kind of man would I be if I didn't treat you to food first?"
"Ah, a man with standards. I like that." Ray grinned at him, "Alright, food first and then maybe my place."
"Sounds good."
Settling back into his seat while Ray drove them to the café he'd talked about, the silence that fell between them wasn't so hard to bear anymore. They had plenty of time to talk once they got to the café, and talk they did until almost ten in the morning when they finally got too tired to try and stay awake any longer despite the several cups of coffee in their system.
Taking Kai back to the club to pick up his car the two parted ways by noon, nothing happening between them aside from a cordial goodbye and simple wave at one another. Then again, this was just step one. It was a big, shaky and uncertain step, but at least now it was out of the way and now maybe he could breathe easier.
For the remainder of the month they fell into a routine, every morning after closing Ray would wait for Kai to come down from his office and the two would head over to the same café for breakfast and coffee and talk until they couldn't keep their eyes open anymore. Each conversation different, light, and a bit flirtatious but deep down they both felt a comfort in knowing the other wasn't pushing too fast and too quickly just yet.
During their conversations Kai had learned a bit more about Ray's background, he'd come from a small town in the mountains of China. Left when he was seventeen to explore the world until he ran out of money two years later and took up a job as a male stripper at a shady establishment three cities over. The money was good, but it wasn't something he really enjoyed doing so moved onto bartending six years later, having more joy in that than anything once he got his license. Having found himself in need of a better job he landed in Kai's lap (as he put it) and the rest for him was history.
Kai's story was more intriguing to Ray than he thought his had been. Coming from a well off family he hadn't wanted to take on the mantel of CEO and distanced himself from his controlling grandfather at twenty, though was unsure what he wanted to do for the longest time until he started up his club all because he had a dream of owning one and ran with it.
Every word that passed the other's mouth during their talks they hung onto every word, losing track of the time often and not caring at the same time.
Four months in the same routine every morning, Ray finally caved and kissed him goodbye when they parted ways. Only to have Kai slam him against his car door and near enough ravish him there in the back-parking lot. After that the kissing became part of their morning routine that neither were complaining about, even if their bodies begged for a decent sleep at some point between it all.
Another month passed them by without them having even realized it, everything seemed too perfect to notice and what was just the icing on the cake was nobody in the club had a damn clue.
That was until a certain redhead pulled up for his shift a few minutes earlier than usual to catch the two of them lip locked against Kai's car out back.
Noticing the headlights the two had quickly pulled apart from each other, their hearts threatening to burst from their chests at potentially being caught, and they thought they were in the clear with Tala's casual 'Evenin' fellas,' as he walked by them to the back entrance.
But in fact, he'd seen everything. And with a wolfish grin sitting on his face as he poured a patron another drink an hour into their shift, he couldn't keep tight lipped anymore. He had to pry.
"So, you get up to much earlier today, Ray?"
"Um. No, just sleeping." Ray answered as he worked around him behind the counters, passing off another drink across the bar while his face tinted pink like the liquid in the glass.
He had seen them, their little private bubble now popped, and they were left exposed. Though Ray wasn't about to just out himself and Kai, not until Tala actually admitted he knew. He just hoped this didn't ruin their friendship.
If Tala looked at it as him sleeping with the boss for a higher pay he was going to be sorely mistaking, seeing as how he and Kai hadn't gone past first base at all yet. Nor did he just want Kai for his money, he was well off on his own.
Tala just hummed as he accepted his answer, taking payment for the drink he'd just passed over the bar and slot the notes in the cash register.
"How long you been here for now?" He then asked, red brows furrowed some, "Several months now, right?"
"Eight, going on nine months." Ray answered quickly, still refusing to look at him and was grateful another patron walked up to order something from him.
Hearing the order Tala picked up the glass needed for the cocktail and held it out in front of him as Ray had turned to grab one for himself, a slight flustered look on his face as he accepted the glass whilst Tala's remained plain. Though, slightly smug.
"Long time.." He mused, watching Ray fix up the drink before swapping it for bills from the customer.
"Long enough for a decent friendship right? You'd agree we get along pretty well?"
"Well yeah, of course." Ray chuckled nervously, feeling like he was fixing to get interrogated by the police for a heinous crime.
"So then why are fucking lying to me?" Tala sent back without hesitation; his baby blues locked on the male beside him.
"Sleeping? Pah!" He scoffed; his lips curled up into a smirk as he dried off one of the glasses with a small towel, "I saw you and boss man out back you set of sneaks. So how longs that been going on for?"
Ray's face went redder as his mouth gaped open and a small sweat formed on his brow. Eventually he managed to close his mouth, finally having looked at Tala while his mind ran over what he'd said to him.
Quickly he looked over his shoulders, making sure none of their other co-workers were around and stepped in Tala's space.
"Look, I wasn't lying. All I did was sleep after we left the cafe this morning. And it's been going on for five months, almost six. Okay? But please, don't say anything." He begged in a whisper, his entire face pleading.
Seeing the desperation on his face only made the smirk on Tala's grow. Ooooh he loved a scandal.
"Why's it a secret?" He mock whispered back to him cupping his hand over his mouth and doing an exaggerated look from side to side.
Ray stuttered out something, but it was neither Chinese nor English as he tried to explain. He always did get along with Tala well, being placed on the same shifts since he started working there, but right now he was slowly starting to dislike him.
What did it really matter, in the grand scheme of things if they all did know? They just didn't care to tell them; it wasn't anyone's business what they did off the clock. So what that Kai was his boss, there wasn't a house rule that said they couldn't date one another...
Right? Maybe he should have asked.
Placing the rag down behind the counter Tala let a small laugh escape his nose, "Look, I know it isn't my business, and I get how it could look from an outside perspective especially after the whole Johnny fiasco..
"But we're a family here. You both shouldn't feel like you have to sneak around like you're doing something wrong. No one's gonna judge you guys.. And besides it'd be nice to have the guy back down here with us once in a while."
It was then that the penny dropped. Putting two and two together, noting that when Kai had stopped hanging out with the staff was shortly after Ray had started.
A grin appeared on his lips again, though it remained unseen as Ray was placing clean glasses back up on the bar shelves. He then took a glance up to the mirrored windows to Kai's office. He really must have it bad for this guy.. Cute.
Through the one-way mirror, crimson clashed with blue from high above. Kai's back tensing as he narrowed his back at Tala, even if the redhead couldn't see.
Just what the hell was going on down there? Clearly Tala knew but was he stupid enough to think Ray would squeal on them?
Wasn't like he had told Ray he couldn't tell anyone, though. He just liked the privacy that no one knew, and it wasn't anyone's business either.
From where he stood, trying to figure out just what Tala was up to, he shifted his feet as he saw Tala grin up at the window before shaking his head and getting back to work. Whatever that was about made Kai's stomach churn. He didn't like that look, he never had.
But now came the bigger question; just what was he going to do about him?
Ray continued with his shift. Mindlessly taking drink orders, accepting cash and pocketing tips. Tala's words repeating in his head from earlier.
'You both shouldn't feel like you have to sneak around like you're doing something wrong."
No they shouldn't, so why didn't they just make it known then?
At first he hadn't wanted to look like he was just sleeping his way up the pay grade. But this wasn't just some fling. If it was, Kai would have said forget the waffles and would have just gone straight to his place that morning he'd bit the bullet and invited him over all those months ago. He'd practically offered himself on a plate, but Kai didn't bite. They'd just sat in the cafe, drank coffee, and spoke until mid-morning and had done the same for all the weeks after that.
Built a genuine relationship.
What they had was probably the most real thing a place like this had ever seen. With all the bright lights, the smoke and mirrors.. Hell, none of the girls even used their actual names on stage it was just all false. Just some made up fantasy for the lonely saps who walked through the door.
Tala was right. They were a big family, and it was time for Kai to be reunited with them all. Sure he knew he was a private and a quiet kinda guy, but from the stories his fellow bar colleagues had told him, he wasn't the life of the party per se, but was definitely a valued player. He wanted to see that side to him.
Checking his watch after finally having moved from the window some time ago, when Ming-Ming had brought in the last till of the night, Kai sat back with his eyes trained on his office door.
Again, he hadn't once set foot outside his office. The only bit of human interaction he got was when of his girls came in to inform him of something important, though each instance was brief and nothing all that exciting.
What was exciting was when his watch ticked down to 3:40, closing time, which for him meant another coffee and waffle date.
Making himself more presentable where he sat before his door opened, like he knew it would, he shifted some papers around on his desk and then folded his hands over the empty top to wait.
"Morning." Ray greeted a little dully, walking fully into the office with his jacket on and backpack over one shoulder.
"Ready to go?"
Kai smiled at him, heart fluttering like it always did, though fell when he caught onto Ray's dull tone.
"Everything okay?" He asked, remaining where he sat and motioned for Ray to come into the room.
"Mhm, why wouldn't it be?" He replied walking further in and taking a look out of the windows to see a small handful of staff clearing tables and sweeping up the floors. Three of the working girls also staying behind counting their nights earnings and joking around.
Kai didn't really know, he just felt something was off all of the sudden. And he didn't like it.
"Sit down, been on your feet all night. Don't have to leave just yet." He offered him, leaning back in his own chair as a clear indication they weren't going just yet; not until he got to the bottom of this.
"Why? So none of them see us leaving together?" Ray snapped back in a tone Kai had never heard before, "I'm fine. I'll stand."
Kai blinked a little at the outburst, his heart coming to a screeching halt to the point it winded him slightly.
"No!" He jumped up from his chair, having to use his desk to support his weight. "That's not it, you've been on your feet all night. I just wanted you to rest for a bit before we left, that's all. What did I do wrong?" He spewed out in a nervous tone.
Ray's expression softened as he turned to him, the genuine look of concern in his crimson eyes that were fixed on him making him instantly regret the way he'd spoken to him just now.
"Nothing.." He sighed out, shaking whatever he was feeling off before sending him a forced smile.
"Forget about it.."
Taking the seat in front of the desk, he shifted his backpack off his shoulder to the carpeted floor and sat down. He had been on his feet the entire evening. A few minutes rest wouldn't hurt.
If Kai was going to be honest, as much as he was relieved Ray came in and sat, he was also cut from the accusation that had been thrown at him.
He eased himself down into his chair again, not taking his eyes off Ray just opposite him.
Did he want people to know? If that was the case then all he had to do was say so.
"Ray." He called gently, getting the others attention drawn to him.
"If you want to tell people I don't care, I really don't. Yes, I liked it where nobody knew because then nobody was making a big deal about it. There wasn't a pressure for us to do anything and just go at our own pace. But if you want them to know then tell them." He said in that same gentle tone, not wanting to risk riling him up and ruining their morning routine.
A small wave of relief washed over him as Kai reluctantly or not seemed to give him his blessing. Not that he needed his permission, but he had felt like he'd gone behind his back letting slip to Tala behind the bar earlier. This unspoken vow of secrecy that neither of them issued though had followed it religiously regardless.
"I just got this crazy idea you were wanting to hide us or something, I don't know.." Ray seemed to shrug off, his gaze down low in his lap.
"I get not wanting to make it front page news but the sneaking around, making out in the back, waiting until everyone's left before we do.." His voice trailed off, feeling like he'd given him enough ample reasons as to why he felt the way he did.
"Tala got to you, didn't he?" Kai asked in a knowing tone.
Golden eyes shot up to the other sat across the desk from him. Busted..
"Maybe.." He admitted sheepishly, his gaze breaking off from his again.
"Of course." Kai groaned and dragged a hand down his face.
Of course he had, because he had seen it happen!
"What'd he say?"
"Nothing bad!" He blurted out, defending his red headed companion. "Actually said there's no need for us to be sneaking round like what we're doing is wrong.. And that it'd be nice to see you more. Think he just misses you to be honest."
Kai arched a brow at the last statement, shifting in his chair as if he was a naughty child who'd done something bad.
"Oh..." Was all he offered, adverting his gaze down at his neatly cleaned desk. "I didn't... I didn't know." He said sheepishly. Now he really did feel like a bad child, and even worse, a terrible boss and friend.
It was then, as if almost on cue, the devil himself called up the stairs to let them know they were all heading home. The girls having already gone a few minutes prior and the cleaners taking their leave out back, the place spotless and set up for the shift come Monday.
Ray turned his head to the office door that had been left ajar when he'd walked in though stayed silent, looking to Kai to respond to him. Kai looked from Ray to the door and back again, easing himself out of his chair and opening the door more.
"Okay, see you Monday! Be safe!" He called out from the opened doorway.
With the club empty now Ray picked up his backpack and too stood up from his chair. "We should get going ourselves. Place'll be opening soon."
Kai looked back at him and nodded, Ray was right, and he was starving. Quickly getting his things from behind his desk, throwing his own jacket over his shoulders, he was ready to go though hesitated back at the door.
"Are we okay?" He asked uneasily.
Ray sent him a smile, walking up to him before cupping his jaw and pressing a soft kiss upon his lips.
"That answer your question?"
Kai's face went a little dumb, an even dumber grin spreading along his still tingling lips. "What was the question?" He asked in a dazed tone.
Playfully hitting his arm Ray sent him a smirk. "Go on you, let's get out of here."
Kai's dumb grin spread the length of his face, taking up Ray's hand with one and carefully taking his backpack off his shoulder and hoisting it up onto his own. Holding hands between them they descended the stairs, heading for the back door like always.
"What do you want for breakfast today?" He asked with a light bounce in his step.
Ray hummed in thought as he let Kai lead him to his car. Depends.. Was he on the menu today?
"Maybe pancakes.. With some maple syrup.." He settled on licking his lips at the thought, "What are you fancying?"
"Figure it out when we get there." Kai mused and reached into his pocket for his keys, his face falling as he was met with an empty pocket instead of a full one.
"Shit, left my keys inside." He grumbled and turned the two of them around, it was too cold for Ray to stand outside and wait for him.
Ray continued to follow behind, Kai's fair hand still entwined with his gently pulling him along. The crisp early morning air welcome in his lungs after having being breathing in the clubs stuffy smoke-filled air most of the night, though it was short lived as the two ventured back inside through the heavy metal doors.
Kai flicked on the lights, the whole place lighting up giving off a completely different feel to the circus it was a mere hour ago. No ounce of mystery now as every seedy corner was illuminated and it looked just like an ordinary room now with a bar.
Their hands then lost contact as the other headed back up to his office to retrieve his keys whilst Ray aimlessly took a wander around, his eyes fixing upon the main pole in the centre of the stage.
It had been a good while since he'd twirled around one of these things and he had nothing but the upmost respect for any performer who did. Whilst it was often seen to be a sleazy act and only for 'tramps and whores' what most don't know is the amount of strength it takes for one to hold themselves up on one of these things.
With Kai long gone up the stairs he took it upon himself to ease himself up on the stage, taking a firm hold of the pole before doing a simple turn around it. Amber eyes then took a glance over to the DJ booth before trailing up to the one-way glass, a wicked idea coming to his mind shortly after.
Digging through his desk drawers like a mad person, going to the other side of his desk to shift through the papers in search of his blasted keys, he jumped as his skin pricked when life came back to the club with the usual boom of the music downstairs suddenly.
Papers scattered as he faltered, some getting thrown to the floor as he had jumped when the music kicked on. Gathering himself back up, ignoring the mess he had made of his desk and floor he went to the one-way mirror that looked out over the first floor.
The lights were kicked down low, only a soft red glow focused on the main stage now where Ray was walking circles around the main pole. Kai's stomach fizzed as a smirk spread along his face. He hazard a guess they weren't going for breakfast now, and his stupid vanishing keys could wait.
Coming back down the stairs he slowly made his way to the side of the stage, picking up a chair off the table near it and sat it down, the entire time his focus on Ray still walking around the pole and sat down to enjoy the show a bit more.
Seeing some movement off the floor where the red lights didn't quiet reach off stage, Ray noticed he had an audience now. Perfect, he'd have hated for his show to go to waste.
Taking hold of the pole with both hands he jumped up, hooking his feet around also as he let gravity do the work, simultaneously spinning round but slowly sliding back down to the floor. Was like riding a bike, no matter how many years you've been off one you never forget how to ride it.
Kai felt his mouth go a little dry, licking his lips while his eyes stayed trained on Ray above him. This was exactly why he hadn't opened up a gay club, he'd have been too distracted to work, but watching Ray up there he was starting to wonder if he should host a night every other week now. He knew he wouldn't mind it, especially if Ray wanted to dance up there.
With his feet back on the ground Ray did another simple walk around before straining his eyes some to try and focus on Kai in the darkness. He sent him a little flirty wave, a slight smirk on his lips as he did another twirl around.
He couldn't fully see his expression from the lights, but he could tell his vision was fixed on him. The dark red aura he'd created only making his already crimson eyes look that much more alluring.
When he'd first come to work here he had wrongly assumed that Kai was just another typical sleaze who ran a strip joint, probably fucked all the girls on the side and had a disgusting ego that was over compensating for something else.
But during his interview it was apparent he wasn't that typical asshole at all. He came across as kind, gentle almost, and the way they had progressed over the past few months it was clear he was a complete gentleman.
Too bad he wasn't.
Facing into the audience his back leaning against the pole, Ray's hands snaked around himself before settling on the zipper of his jacket. Slowly pulling it down, the material opening up he shook it off his shoulders before throwing it in Kai's general direction.
He lifted his hand and fanned himself, over exaggerating that it was warm in here, trying to pass off his next move just as innocent as the first as he reached down to lift off his shirt, though stopped as he got to his chest, leaving his toned abs on show.
'Yes? No?' He mouthed to him.
Kai's brain was a little too overheated to really understand what the question was, again, and he had a sneaking suspicion he was going to fail Mr. Kon's class by the end of the night.
He nodded though, even if he didn't know what he was nodding for and thankful for the jacket that covered his lap and smelt like Ray.
Lifting off his shirt Ray then fed it between his legs flossing it back and forth against his crotch before too discarding of it, throwing it into Kai's face. With a smirk fixed to his lips now he lowered himself completely to the floor on all fours, crawling along like a prowling tiger where he then beckoned for Kai to come closer with a single finger.
Brain gone and out of order, Kai looked over his shoulders as if there were other people in the club with them still. Seeing as how they were the only ones in there and he realized Ray wanted him closer, like a magnetic pull his ass lifted off the chair while clutching the discarded fabric Ray had tossed at him before.
There was a pain between his legs that made it a little difficult to move, luckily he hadn't sat that far from the bottom of the stage, but still staggered closer. A pleased and almost trance like look across his face, hands finally dropping the clothes to settle over the railing that encompassed the edge of the stage and gripped the cold bar tightly.
A tanned hand caressed Kai's jawline before running through the darker hairs at the back of his head. Pulling him in close he spoke into his ear so he could be heard over the music.
"Hey there.. You can call me Jay.. What's your name?" He was in a playful mood now, being able to see Kai's deer in head lights expression now that he was closer to him, he wanted to play a game.
"Frank." Kai answered through the shiver that tingled its way down his spine.
Ray just sent him a look before leaning into his ear again. "Nice to meet you.. Frank." He pressed his lips together to try and suppress the laugh threatening to come out of him.
"Say.. Have you ever had a dance lesson before?"
"Can't say I have, no." Kai answered in a dumb tone, that wonderful tingling sensation running back down his spine and electrifying every nerve in his body.
His fingers twitched, wanting to touch, he wanted to something fierce but there was a house rule. He wasn't allowed to touch, and it was torture.
"Well today's your lucky day sir," Ray responded with his same confidence he'd held since he got on stage.
"See the stairs to the right there? Why don't you take yourself over and meet up here hm?"
And with that Ray slithered himself off him and lifted himself to his feet, sashaying over to the pole again whilst he waited for Kai to join him. He could tell the other worked out but let's just see how much strength were really in those muscular arms of his.
Kai glanced at the stairs Ray had pointed at but fuck the stairs. Fuck the damn house rule. It was after hours, there were no rules now.
Gripping the railing tighter and tensing his muscles, Kai heaved himself off his feet as he pushed his body up, getting his long leg up the side of the stage and then the other almost fluidly. Only having to straighten his shirt once he was stood up tall again.
"Or you could do that.." Ray smirked as Kai approached him at the pole.
"So first things first Frank we're gonna need to remove some clothes.. Helps you move better with less, restrictions." He explained walking his fingers up Kai's chest.
He wanted him less dressed, then Ray's wish was his command.
Not breaking the eye contact they held, Kai's hands went to his own shirt and popped the buttons quickly. The bit of pale skin peeking between the fabric now as he left it on his shoulders, his body practically begging for Ray to touch him again.
And lucky for him house rules states the performers aren't so locked down with their constraints.
Ray's hands wasted no time in pressing against Kai's chest and easing the shirt off his shoulders and down his arms, drinking up the sight like he hadn't had a drop of fluid all day.
"Perfect.." He trailed off, though with the music still beating Kai could only lip read.
Kai held in the groan at being touched, the electricity turning to a burning fire along his skin.
He didn't know why but his feet move him forward with a hard step, forcing Ray back against the pole behind him. His own hand and arm reaching over the top of Ray's head where he grabbed the pole, pinning him to it. With his other hand he put his fingers under Ray's chin, tilting it back slowly as he leaned in.
Lips met briefly between the two, just a gentle touch that weakened him at the same time. Using the pole to help support his weight so he didn't come crashing forward into Ray's body.
The cold pole against his skin was a blessing as the second Kai's lips touched his, a raging heat coursed through him. He melted, too thankful for the support behind him though wanted more. Craved more.
He'd wanted to do this the moment he'd first laid his eyes on him, feeling like it was his birthday the day their lips had first connected. Tonight though, he intended on making it Christmas for the both of them.
He pulled on Kai's hips bringing him closer and in turn deepening the kiss between them, his lips parting allowing their tongues to dance along to the music that was still blasting out of the speakers.
He was aware of all the rules usually in place within this industry: no touching, no meeting outside of work, and definitely no fucking but sometimes, rules just had to be broken.
"Ray..." Kai gasped into the kiss, hands holding him now instead of the pole.
He'd always tried to take it slow with him, wanted something to last between them. Despite Ray's first attempt at getting him to bed it was all he had really thought about since, though it had never been brought up again between them.
Of all the places to do it, work was not on the list but somehow fitting all the same.
"Are you sure?" He asked in a hard pant once he forced himself to pull away from him.
Unless he was reading this all wrong then he more than likely had just kicked himself in the ass, but with how heavy the air felt around them he was sure he hadn't read this wrong at all.
Ray prized his eyes open when Kai pulled away from him and locked with those deep garnet orbs he often got lost in. He sent him a nod, an almost shy one considering how brazen he'd been thus far. He'd never been so sure of anything in his life before. Never wanted anything as much but to have him inside him.
He pulled him in again, their bare chests pressing against each other with his arms wrapping around his neck. He wouldn't push him though; he'd let Kai do what he wanted and go as far as he wanted. He was all his, the choice really was his at this point.
"Okay." Was all that Kai said before grabbing Ray up into his arms, there was a couch in his office that would be more comfortable than anywhere else in the place; there was no time to go home.
With his legs slightly straining after the climb up the stairs, making his way back into his office he stopped at the front of the couch in the corner of the room opposite his desk and let Ray down gently.
Falling to his own knees in front of him on the floor, his breath coming in harder on him as he leaned up and placed hot but delicate kisses along Ray's exposed chest and stomach. His hands rubbed and ran across Ray's legs and thighs that he was knelt between.
His tanned skin tingled at the kisses, each causing his cock to twitch in his ever-growing tight pants. His fingers running through the slate head of hair that was getting lower and lower down his body making him writhe underneath him.
"Kai.." He breathed out, his eyes falling closed on him as he sank into the couch.
This time the groan fought its way from Kai's throat, his fingers curling into Ray's jeans at the sound of his voice. Nipping at Ray's toned stomach and chest, going back down to make sure he'd kissed every inch of him that he could, his hands ran up closer to the button and zipper. Only tearing his face away from Ray's body to lock eyes with him again, make sure this was still okay and that he could continue.
Seeing the answer in Ray's hazed over eyes, Kai's fingers got to work quickly. Popping the button and dragging the zipper down slowly. The tent that had been pushing against Ray's jeans finally being set free, making Kai's hunger grow for him when his eyes darted down to take it all in.
Hooking his fingers in the rim of Ray's jeans, leaning back himself while Ray lifted his hips on command, Kai dragged the heavy fabric off his legs and dropped them to the side.
Keeping his eyes on the prize, Kai lowered his head back down and dragged his tongue up along the underside of Ray's shaft to the tip where it laid against his stomach.
Perfect white teeth sank into his lower lip as he watched with half open eyes, his cock twitching once more begging for further contact from the other.
They'd locked the door right? Ugh, who cares, the music still playing downstairs would drown him out if anyone were to come in here, and with that in mind he was intending on being as loud as he wanted.
Taking another trip up Ray's cock with the tip of his tongue, Kai's lips encased over the head and slowly inched it further into his mouth till it nudged the back of his throat.
Instantly the other's mouth dropped open and his eyes rolled back to a close, his fingers taking a hold of slate hair and resting there as Kai began to slowly bob up and down him. A soft moan escaped his throat and Ray willed himself not to buck his hips up so as not to choke him.
Best. Boss. Ever.
While keeping a steady pace up and down Ray's cock, dragging his tongue along the underside of it again in intervals and lapping at the precum around the slit when he reached the tip, Kai groaned as his mouth filled with the taste of Ray assaulting him like a drug.
Truth be told he forgot the last time he'd even had a cock this good tasting in his mouth, not that it mattered in the here in now because this was the one he wanted for life. All of him.
He kept going, not wanting stop as Ray continued to writhe and moan under him. He had told himself he would be slow, gentle with him even, but his own resolve was slowly slipping away.
He'd never pushed him before, for anything, always careful with him, but after the events that had led up to them being where they were he wanted to be everything but gentle with him now.
Licking up the rest of the precum that was leaking out, he came away with a pop and a string of saliva on his lower lip. Jaw a little sore but nothing that would hinder him.
"Wait here." Was his only command as he stood, going to his desk on the other side of the room.
In the very far back of the bottom drawer, to the point it had almost been forgotten, laid a bottle of lube that he was thankful to himself for not throwing out when he had the chance.
Stepping out of his own jeans as he approached the couch again, he sat down on the cushion beside Ray and beckoned him over like Ray had down on stage. His own cock erect and laying against his stomach as he sat, it throbbing painfully after being ignored but hoped to change that very quickly.
Ray shifted himself over to him, having to turn the lights back on in his mind as there was a short circuit the moment Kai's cock had appeared from his clothes.
Wouldn't mind drizzling some maple syrup on that...
He bobbed his head down, teasing him the same way Kai had done by trailing his tongue all the way up his shaft, keeping his eyes locked up to him as he did so.
"You like that?" He asked taking a hold of him in one hand as his tongue then circled around the tip of him.
"Fuck, yes." Kai hissed out in pleasure between his teeth, thighs tensing as he tried to stay still.
Was not the game plan he had in mind when he sat down beside him, having expected Ray to just come and sit down on his throne and go to town on him but he wasn't going to complain.
Taking him whole, sliding down his shaft, he bobbed up and down slowly a few times savoring the taste of him. He'd known what Kai had wanted when he'd beckoned him over, but Ray had wanted a mouth full of him the moment he'd sat down for his interview but had to just push those thoughts to one side.
"And why do you want this job?"
He'd had to think of something quick as 'so I can stare at you all day', wasn't an appropriate answer.
He continued to suck and lap him up like a lollipop not being able to get enough of the taste. If they could add this to their morning routine that'd be great..
Kai's head went back, eyes closing and falling deep into the waves of pleasure that continued to wash and cover him. Nerves on fire to the point he felt like he was boiling alive, fingers curling in Ray's hair and caressing his scalp.
"R-Ray..." His voice shook out of his drying throat, almost in a begging whine.
"Mm?" He hummed into his mouthful, the vibrations from his throat adding another layer of sensation.
He then let him fall out of his mouth with a pop though kept his hand firmly around him and continued to pump him up and down. His eyes remaining fixed on the task at hand as he spoke to him, holding a mesmerized gaze, staring almost lovingly at his cock.
"You taste so good.." Was all he purred out before taking him whole again.
"Fuck!" Kai gasped again as his body jolted, his hips rising without him wanting him too and sinking himself further down Ray's beautiful throat.
Thankfully Ray had anticipated the sudden movement and had adjusted himself accordingly, taking a hand and pressing Kai's hips down to restrain him some.
He only bobbed another three more times before releasing him again, wiping his lips and crawling up to be inches from his face.
"Still wanting to continue?" He breathed out, trailing kisses along his jawline and resting in the crook of his neck.
Kai shivered at the hot breath that tickled his flustered and sweaty skin, only able to nod back almost incoherently. He wanted him, badly, he'd never wanted anything more in his life than to have Ray bouncing on his cock.
"Please." He panted out.
Ray smirked into the delicate flesh before latching on and sucking for a moment, leaving a small red mark behind when he pulled himself back. Swinging a leg over to straddle Kai's hips he leant down to connect his lips with his once more before speaking to him again in a seductive tone.
"Care to do the honors?" He asked, gesturing to the tube Kai had been mindlessly holding this entire time.
"Mhmm." Came the mindless reply, his thumb flicking the cap open and leaning up to capture Ray's lips with his again.
Blindly he coated his fingers, cock twitching, and reached under Ray's ass where he carefully teased his entrance.
"Ready?" He asked against his lips, entire body burning now.
A noise came from Ray's throat giving him the go ahead as he pressed his lips against his, relaxing himself as a single digit slowly entered him soon after. The two continued to work their mouths against each other, aiding in a slight distraction as Ray got accustomed to the welcomed intrusion. He moaned into their kiss some, before breaking apart though kept his face close, his hot breath caressing Kai's skin as he whined.
"Keep going."
Kai obeyed, adding in his middle finger to spread him wider. Moving his wrist in fast but gentle pushes. He wanted him ready but didn't want to hurt him either. It was going to be a tight fit regardless though.
After four more thrusts with his fingers, his cock straining to the point it was painful and leaking from the built-up pressure, he slipped his fingers out and quickly grabbed the lube again.
Lost in the moment he snatched another quick kiss, tongue darting past Ray's surprised lips before he had a chance to really react or push back into it while he lathered his cock underneath him.
"Whenever you're ready." He informed once he was ready, holding his cock steady with one hand and the other on Ray's hip.
Ray steadied himself, one hand on Kai's shoulder and the other on his chest as he slowly lowered himself down at his own pace, feeling himself stretching out as he sunk to the base.
He bit onto his lower lip, trying to relax and quickly get used to the feeling so he could go to town on him, using his thighs to slowly lift himself and lower himself on Kai's shaft.
Kai's eyes stayed open, watching Ray's face scrunch some in the pain and pleasure until it evened out and he found a rhythm he was comfortable with. The pressure in his cock barely being relieved as those crashing waves of his own pleasure knocked into him again.
Both hands steadied Ray's hips, doing nothing more than to balance him so he didn't fall off and land on the floor. As Ray's hips got into a more faster pace the will and fight to keep his eyes open was lost, his head falling back along the top of the couch and groped at the tan flesh under his needy fingertips. He couldn't believe he waited six months for this, but it was well worth the wait.
"Ah fuck." Ray panted out, his own head tilting back as the burn had simmered down now and the pleasure had started to build up within him.
Kai's mouth gaped in a silent moan, hips rising to try and sink Ray in deeper. His walls tightening around him and strangling him in a vice grip.
"God... Ray!" He moaned, head still back and neck exposed with sweat trailing down his pale skin that was alight with a slight pink hue.
Pushing open the large metal door to the club icy-blue eyes narrowed as the thumping sound of music met his ears.
What on earth?
He glanced around the place, trying to see if it was just one of the girls practicing a routine though once he'd got no response to his drawled out 'hello's' he flicked on the lights, the regular white lights mixing with the red ones that had been left on from earlier.
Tala continued to look around, picking up his phone from behind the bar which was the sole reason he'd come back here in the first place.
Heading towards the DJ booth to turn off the music he saw what he recognized to be Ray's jacket and shirt randomly on the floor along with a single chair in the audience.. A white shirt too sat on the stage.
What the fuck was going on?
He went to investigate further, turning to his right, pushing open the door and heading up the flight of stairs to Kai's office.
Relentlessly Ray bounced on Kai's cock, their moans and pants filling the air around them to the point it drowned out any other noise.
Sweat trickled down their faces and the backs of their necks. Every push down it only tipped them closer to the end.
"I-I'm coming! Oh God, Kai!" Ray whined, head thrown back while he kept his hold around Kai's neck and lent back some and brought his hips down harder than before.
Kai was no better off, the pit of his stomach tightening and continued to hold onto Ray's hips tightly to bring him up and back down while his own hips lifted to smack into him again and again.
"C'mon baby, almost there." He panted out hard, another chest shaking moan ripping through him the second after when his release snapped.
Forcing Ray down harder while his cock pulsed and spilled inside him, Ray's mouth gaped itself as his body tensed and shook. That one single push sending him over the edge after Kai, erupting over Kai's stomach and his own while the high hit him and knocked him back down.
Tala's back had slammed so fast against the wall to the side of the open door and remained glued there, retreating instantly from view after once again getting an eye full just had he had done at the start of his damn shift because of these two.
Fuck his liiiiife!
His heart was threatening to rip from his chest as the two male's moans tore through their throats and settled in his ears. He wasn't even into guys but even he had to admit that was hot.
Daring to take another look he peeked around and into the office to see Ray's body limp against Kai's, two fair arms wrapped around him panting heavily against each other.
Beside himself he licked his lips before peeling away from the scene in the office, sneaking back down the stairs and rearranging his jeans some..
Pressing his face into Ray's neck, peppering the wet skin with light kisses, Kai hummed in his throat as his own high ebbed away but wasn't ready to move just yet.
"I love you."
Ray's heart skipped a beat at what he thought he'd just heard. "What?" He asked, his eyes fixed on him, still trying to catch his breath back, his chest heaving in and out.
Kai froze up, his own heart coming to a standstill but didn't look away from him. "I love you." He repeated a bit firmer, hoping to any higher power out there that he hadn't just ruined everything.
Golden eyes began to glisten as he took Kai's face with both hands and crashed his lips into his. Pulling apart a few moments later he rested his forehead on the other, the happiness he felt right now making his heart swell.
"I love you too."
A dumb smile came over Kai's face and dry lips, holding Ray around the back closer. "How about those pancakes now then? Can make you some at my place."
Ray sent him a nod, his own grin dancing on his lips. "Sounds like a plan."