Regulus flashed a badge at the giant green door where the bouncer sized them up. He twitched his nose and flexed the wolf tattoo on his arm before reaching for the door. Regulus pocketed the card and rubbed his hands together while glancing back at the others.
Remus didn't like the look of this place. The name was missing from the outside. There was no advertising on what could be going on inside. It wasn't until they entered the dark entrance that they were greeted.
"Back again, Mr. Black?" A woman dressed in a sleek black outfit asked.
Sirius arched his eyebrow at the woman. "A cat?" he questioned about her mask that was tucked among her wiry hair.
She giggled and held out her hand. "Meow, stranger."
"Lovely, could you get us our attire? We are meeting Mr. Lockhart," Regulus purred with a smirk.
The woman nodded once and turned to the cabinet. "All of our masks for guests are made by hand. Once someone has applied for a membership, their answers in the questionnaire let us customize their masks. Those are held in the V.I.P. Lounge," she explained while grasping three different masks.
"What is this place?" Remus hissed to Regulus.
Regulus took his and tied it on. "Have a bit of courage, Gryffindor."
Sirius shifted and placed on his own mask. "Well, Moony, I guarantee you, you've never seen it before."
"All of our shows are developed with three choreographers who help form a well rounded evening of entertainment. All of our entertainers are clean, fit, and required to keep full anonymity," the woman explained as she opened the door to the left. "Let me take you to your reserved table where Mr. Lockhart will meet you there."
"Full anonymity? Why is that?" Remus questioned as they shuffled through the door.
"In order for Blame to create the full-formed escape, none of our entertainers are allowed to break from character. Meaning that who you become while employed at Blame is a different person completely."
"In other words, you're creating fantasies," Regulus noted with a nod.
The woman opened the curtain at the end of the hall, and Sirius smirked as the music poured in. "Well, seems busy tonight."
Remus shifted his mask as he followed the others. "We're at a strip club," he groaned.
"Don't be so pissy, Remus. We're going to be entertained," Regulus retorted.
The woman slunk by tables were men waved and greeted her. She would wink or blow kisses at them only to return to her vital guests. Once they were at the larger table next to the stage, the woman set down a massive gold coin. "Now you gentleman settle in and relax. I'll have one of our Muses come by and bring you our specialty drinks for the evening."
"Muses?" Remus asked.
The hostess winked and pursed her lips. "They don't speak, just leave a bit of inspiration."
She flitted away, and Regulus grinned and bent over the table. "Look how filled this place is," he whispered.
Sirius craned his head around, and indeed the room was filled almost to capacity. Men that were nearly panting in their designer clothing and intricate details that announced they all had wealth. It was remarkably disgusting, but hey, if they want to waste their money on hot girls, who was he to judge.
You could plainly see who was and who wasn't a member. Those that were members had beautiful masks in the designs of animals. Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my. Sirius remembered thoroughly enjoying himself last time and knew it wasn't going to be any different this go.
"I feel grimy," Remus sighed.
"Don't, these girls make more money than I do selling expensive art pieces," Regulus assured him.
"What if one of my students is up there and recognizes me?" Remus hissed.
Sirius snorted and flicked Remus's mask. "Anonymity, Moony."
Soon one of the scantly clad girls came over and bent down with her ass clearly in Regulus's face. He grinned over at Sirius as she unloaded the tray of drinks. It was three different types, one of each for them. When she stood up, she smirked while holding the plate.
"Come here, darling," Regulus beckoned while digging through his breast pocket. "For you."
She shifted her mask and leaned toward him, nearing his face while snagging the note from his fingers. The Muse nearly kissed him as she ran the bill down his chest and straightened. Sirius rolled his eyes while grinning as the woman strutted off. "Alright, Reggie, I have to admit it. This is a nice place."
"It's expensive to run a place like this," Remus huffed.
"Very true, but Lockhart was telling me that the club runs itself on membership dues," Regulus insisted.
Remus twitched his nose and scratched his chin. "Do you consider this empowering or degrading? That is a philosophical question to ask."
"I find the women that work here feel very empowered," A higher voice declared. They all directed their attention to the man with the gold mask. Ugh, of course. Lockhart grinned as he sat down in the empty chair. "Good evening, Regulus, Sirius, Remus."
"Nice place you have," Sirius snickered.
Lockhart's white teeth almost glowed in the low light. "I know. Wait until the show starts. We have a great line up tonight."
"Different than other nights?" Remus asked.
"Well, when one of our members has a birthday coming up, we like to be sure to celebrate it for them."
Sirius snagged one of the drinks and raised it. "Cheers to that."
The lights flickered, and Lockhart raised his hand, gesturing at one of the girls walking by. "I want a drink. My usual, sweetheart."
She bowed her head and walked off toward the bar. "Seems everyone has their role," Regulus mused.
"Oh yes," Gilderoy chuckled.
The music faded as the Muse brought him over a glass of champagne with strawberries. An odd drink if Remus didn't say so himself. Lockhart just smirked at his hidden question while raising his glass. "You'll see," he murmured.
Suddenly a rough guitar started. Sirius glanced toward the stage to see several girls pour out from each side. They strode with confidence and sex oozing from each of them as the song referenced a bad girlfriend. There were six of them two on poles on each side. The four without a prop used each other, and the floor work was essential.
They were in typical wears. Nothing too excitable over the wardrobe, but they all had a sync that was hypnotic, even at such a fast-paced song. Tits and asses glistened in the light as they moved. Even Remus dropped his evident protested posture and gawked at the women.
Slapping asses as they shook, while the rough song played. Each woman had masks on with different-colored hair. In the bridge of the song, a woman in a mesh gold dress strode out and waved as the ladies crawled around her. Once the song concluded, the woman laughed and waved.
"Good evening, gentlemen. Aren't my girls delicious tonight?" She asked as the ladies slunk from the floor.
There were a few whistles and claps. "Oh, I know, I know. We tease. But no one here is going to Blame us, right?" The woman snickered.
It was a simple gesture, but her hand fluttered, and the women dancing filed off the stage. "Excellent, while my new girls have a chance to introduce themselves, I'm going to let our Lil Miss Diamond in the ruff take you all on an adventure. As always, I'm Sherry, here to keep the Blame on us."
The hostess stepped down the staircase as one of the girls made her way to their table. "Good evening, boss," she said with a smirk.
"Ah, gentlemen, this is our little Candy. She's just started on the weekends," Lockhart announced as he gestured to the woman in pink lacy knickers.
Candy touched her long, aqua hair and waved. "Yes, I just wanted to thank you for letting me have a spot tonight. Is there anything I can do for you?"
Gilderoy cleared his throat and waved. "No, go make your money, darling."
Sirius snorted and waved his fingers. "Goodbye, Candy. You look edible."
She giggled and tilted her head. "So do you, have a great evening."
Candy wiggled off with a stride, and Remus huffed. "Young enough to be your daughter," He hissed into Sirius's ear.
"I don't give a fuck, Moony. Enjoy the attention, won't you? They're paid to be a fantasy."
Lockhart grimaced as the next entertainer took the stage. "Remus, you have to understand, these girls like what they do. They get paid well, and some of them only have to work one night a week to get more than enough money to live off of."
"I have to say, they're remarkably high class," Regulus mused.
Diamond started when a softer song played as she had some exciting routine with the center pole. It was beautiful and sensuous as her dark skin was highlighted with the white outfit. However, the latest conversation dampened their amusement.
When she had finished her strip and Diamond was clad for the world, the lights dimmed on the stage. Lockhart waved for the men to stand. "Let's have our chat before the second half of the show. That's always my favorite part."
They had collaborated for some time in the lounge where the window held a view over the crowd and stage. Gilderoy gave them the rundown of finances, profits, and even concepts for the last seven years of the club's existence. It was a sound venture financially.
Remus even had to admit, he took care of his employees well, and they must love their job because he had several since the beginning. Quite a few of the women even went on to get degrees in dance choreography. They stayed for the love of Blame. It was an interesting thing to get his brain around.
"Why now?" Sirius asked.
Lockhart exhaled and waved his hand. "I love this place, but I've grown tired of this portion of my business life. I want to move on to a bit more visual workings. Film production has always tickled my fancy."
Regulus nodded and hummed as he finished his drink. "Well, we will have a meeting this week after we've come to a consensus. My brother and I always make joint decisions on business. Remus, god love him, is our brain for moral and financial logic."
"Well, everyone is usually on the fence about if this place is worth the investment until the second half of the show. Let's go down and see if my girls can jut you in the direction I'm hoping for," Lockhart snickered and gestured to the door.
They filed back into their seats as Sherry was turning on her mic. "Well, darlings, it's that time. We always love to celebrate our members. Our Dukes of Deviancy, our Lords of Lechery," she paused.
"Princes of Perversion," Sirius snickered.
Sherry grinned at him and nodded. "Oh, yes. We have an extraordinary prince tonight. When asked what his birthday wish was, he only said one thing; Strawberry Champagne."
Sherry giggled as the men in the club murmured and huffed. Alright, so obviously that was a code? Sirius glanced around, and a larger man stood up as the hostess wriggled her index finger at him. "Don't be shy. We have a seat just for you."
He was coming up the staircase and rubbing his hands. "Why not a private dance? She's too good to be wasted," Regulus whispered to Gilderoy.
"She?" Remus asked.
Lockhart waved them off and sighed. "Just watch."
Men were filing closer into seats by the stage. It was apparent this was an exceptional show. Sherry pressed her finger to her lips with a grin at the men. "Too good to just savor, my Strawberry Champagne," she whispered into the mic before leaving the stage.
The lights flickered, and Sirius's neck felt warmer. Sherry was good. She built just enough anticipation. It was silent, and then purple lights hit the corner of the stage. Appropriate as fuck, Prince's Kiss started just as her leg came into view.
Every man in that room watched the goddess enter the light. An altered school girl uniform this woman donned with wild pink hair. She strode around the man sitting on the stage, casting a long leg over his lap while pressing her pert chest to his face.
It was a sexy routine as she brushed and caressed the man to the extended version of the song. Strawberry was stripping in his lap and ghosted his hand over her while he assisted taking off the clothing. Soon the woman was on the floor, shaking her ass and glancing back at him with a bright grin.
The masked man was very much into it as he clicked his teeth at her with a smile. She giggled and crawled on the floor, nearly nude. When she edged the end of the stage, she pivoted and addressed the men panting and waving notes for her to retrieve. Strawberry sunk close to the man holding a more substantial bill and pressed her chest toward his face.
Remus tilted his head as his mouth had dislodged from its fix position. This woman was electric and knew it. She prowled the stage, winking and gyrating for the greedy men. The routine was coming to a close, and Strawberry rolled to her feet and sauntered toward the man bouncing in his chair.
She glanced back at the crowd and smirked before unlatching her top and wiggled it at Mr. Birthday bugger's face. He groaned and slumped just as the song ended. Strawberry turned to the crowd and blew kisses as she walked the platform, picking up lingering notes and tucking them in her g-string.
"Strawberry, let me have a sip! I want a dance too," One of the men voiced as she blew more kisses.
"Later, darling. I have to cool down after how hot all of you made me," She purred with a sultry tone.
The woman strolled back to the man and stroked his cheek as she wandered around him. Strawberry leaned over him, her chest in perfect view. She kissed his cheek, leaving a red lip print. They exchanged a few words, and she caressed his face before waving. Strawberry left the stage, and Sherry appeared.
"Well, we hope we made your birthday," she laughed.
The man nodded. "Oh yes," he huffed and stood up.
"Well, get yourself something to drink, and maybe Strawberry Champagne will give you something else to crave later," Sherry excused him with a smile.
Sirius glanced over at Lockhart, who rose his glass. "Like I said. The second half is always worth the wait."
"Is she coming on again? I want a closer look," Regulus mumbled.
Lockhart laughed and nodded. "Oh, yes. She will be doing three more routines. She doesn't usually partake in private dances on Fridays, but if you come back tomorrow, she will the first half of the night."
"I'm glad I'm not drunk this time. I must have missed how good she was last I was here," Sirius confessed.
"You won't forget her now," Regulus snickered.
Each man sitting at the table waited and watched, now fully engrossed. Each set that Strawberry Champagne did, every man in the audience was entranced. She had them eating out of her hands and knew it. Even the unmistakable white hair of Lucius Malfoy was pawing to get her attention.
Sirius, by the last routine, was watching the men, trying his best to void out how randy the dancer made him. He observed their reaction and could see most of them came mostly for her. The fucking golden goose was on stage. It ended, and this time, her nude form slunk in her heels while absorbing the praises of the men while she took their money.
Strawberry spoke in quiet tones to them as she bent down and smiled, which was genuine even though her black mask. The woman made out like a god damn bandit. Not that it wasn't deserving; her pole work was exceptional.
She blew one more kiss and beamed. "Good night, my lords."
Her luscious ass disappeared behind the curtain, and Sirius snapped his view to Regulus. "She's a fucking elf."
"Yes," Regulus grunted as he tugged at his collar. "Very skilled in the art of anticipation."
Gilderoy laughed and finished his drink. "Well, I'm going to check on the girls. Help yourselves to the bar and maybe buy a dance," he declared.
"We'll call you this week," Sirius nodded.
Remus ran a hand over his beard and huffed. "Yes, we have plenty to talk about."
"Goodnight, gents," Lockhart snickered and waved.
Sherry was up on the stage and waved at the hungry men. "Alright, gentlemen. It's lady's choice for the remainder of the evening. If a girl isn't dancing, see if she wants to dance for you. Remember, it's half price on dances if you decide to put a deposit down on your membership today. Have a wonderful evening, and for the love of everything wicked, Blame us."
Regulus sat straighter and reached for his drink. "Alright, are we going to stick around or," he didn't finish.
Strawberry Champagne walked out into the room and shuffled to their table in a red dress. When she sat down, she waved to one of the Muses and turned to the men. "So, Gilderoy told me you enjoyed the show," she said in a sexy tone.
Remus swallowed and eyed the golden coin on the table. Now V.I.P. made sense. "Very much. You're quite skilled," he mumbled.
"You're a fucking rockstar," Sirius snickered as he glanced around to view the envied glares they were receiving.
The Muse set down an old-fashion and nodded. "Thank you, darling. I'll see you after work," Strawberry declared. "I appreciate that, but rockstar, I'm not. Just a girl with a great smile," She snickered with a grin.
Regulus arched an eyebrow. "So, you have quite a few fans."
"I do," she replied.
"Do you have a preference?" Sirius asked and cleared his throat. "I meant for routines."
Strawberry bent toward the table, and the men followed suit. "Honestly, I enjoy a bit more privacy. If your interested, I'll make a point to fit you in tomorrow," she whispered with a smile.
Remus exhaled and pursed his lips. "I, unfortunately, have prior obligations."
"That's alright. I'll make it up to you next time," she said while reaching across the table to touch his hand.
Oh, she was good. Sirius enjoyed the blood rushing to his friend's face. "Next weekend, I'll bring him back," he teased.
"I look forward to it. How about you both? Come see me tomorrow? I'll make it worth the, wait," she implored while glancing at the Black brothers.
Regulus lifted his hand as she released Remus. "May I?"
Strawberry nodded, and Regulus moved her pink curls from her shoulder. "Tell me something, Strawberry Champagne, do you adore being doted on by hungry, rich men?" He whispered with a smirk.
The cool and sexy demeanor she wore had melted as her cheeks tinted with color. "It happens to be my favorite," she breathed with a curl to her lips.
"Good, we'll make music together," Regulus chuckled as he ran a thumb on her chin.
Strawberry regained her cool and lifted her drink. "To good fortune, great friends, and a wonderful night of deviance."
"To deviance," Sirius snickered and raised his glass.
Remus rose his glass and gulped it down. "I honestly wasn't expecting this."
"Well, how about I find you a few lovely ladies to watch dance, and we'll be seeing each other soon?" Strawberry asked as she caressed Sirius's arm.
"If you recommend them, I'm positive they will suffice until we meet again," Sirius said with a flirtatious tone as he took her hand to his lips.
Strawberry giggled and stroked his face. "Aren't you charming? I don't say this often, but I do hope you gentleman come back. It was quite fun," she finished and turned to Regulus.
"Oh, we will," Regulus declared.
Remus licked his lips, which only made it more evident he was starstruck. He settled on a smile and nodded once.
Strawberry stood up and ran her fingers over Regulus's arm before bending next to Remus. "Don't be a stranger," she whispered and kissed his cheek.
The nymph strode off to meet her adoring fans, and the V.I.P.s just watched. She was a deity among the nobility. It didn't take her long to speak to three girls around a few men. Strawberry pointed back at them before circulating.
"Alright, I won't drink, but I want a bloody dance," Sirius huffed as he dug through his coat.
Remus snagged up another beverage and downed it as the women santered over. Regulus smirked as they crowded them. "Strawberry said to take extra care of you gentlemen tonight," one of them announced.
Sirius pulled out his cash. "No, this one's on her," the woman in green hair smirked.
"Well, tipping is a currency here," Regulus remarked.
The girls giggled and nodded. "Of course, Sir."
"Let's have some fun," Sirius said while rubbing his hands together.
Remus was hesitant but motioned agreement. "Alright."
Sirius nudged his friend and stood up. It was going to be a great end to the evening.
Author Notes: Fun? Maybe? I'm having a blast, so don't forget to tell me what you think!