Disclaimer : Voltron characters and places belong to WEP. However my characters belong to me. Believe me, they let me know it every day. Thanks to everyone who reads and reviews my work it means a lot. To the DrunkenWritersCouncil, love you guys and the next bottle is on me. KAEX, thanks for all the encouragement. And to WarzonePrez, my editor. Words cannot express how thankful I am for you editing and help getting my ideas out.
Chapter 3 : In and Around Dradin
Back at the hotel, Lance came into the suite he shared with the force. He noticed Keith had just got out of the shower and was getting dressed in black jeans and black t-shirt.
"I know that look," Keith said. "You got into trouble again, didn't you. Okay how much damage control do I have to do this time?"
"No, mon capitain," Lance replied. "I didn't' this time. We just finalized your bachelor party plans." Hunk came in holding a sandwich and a beer alternating back and forth between both. Pidge came out of the room sleep tousled. "I'd thought we do some gambling while waiting for the girls. When they're shopping, who knows what time they get back. Besides, we've got dinner plans at seven in the Lions Den." Sven was trying hard to keep the smile off his face as he thought back to earlier in the day when they were taking to the girls.
Earlier that day
After leaving the Burley Q, Lance and Sven had barged into the shop where Romelle was trying on a black lace dress that was cut in a low V shape with a slinky skirt that skimmed her body. Allura looked over at Romelle, who shrugged her shoulders, then turned to face her love.
"How do I look, handsome?" she asked. Sven grinned
"You look stunning," he replied, "and it will look just as good on the floor of our room later."
"You smooth talker," Romelle said. "Tell me some more." She then kissed him. Lance pulled Allura to the side and handed her an embossed business card. He couldn't stop grinning as he told her what he discovered.
"Remember a few weeks ago we were talking in the Rec Area you told me that you didn't' know what to get Keith for his wedding present?" he asked her. "I think I found what you are looking for. You said you wanted to do something special for him on your wedding night. This club offers classes on dancing. It's something called 'Burlesque', and I think you would enjoy it." Lance grinned. Allura stared down at the card in her hand and smiled.
"Ever wanted to learn a new skill to please your man," it read, "yet have fun at the same time? This is your place!"
"Lance," she said, "as usual, you know me better than I know myself half the time." She hugged him, then yelled to Romelle. "Okay you two, get a room why don't you!" She then walked over and handed the card to Romelle. "I'll do it if you will."
"It's worth a shot," Romelle replied. "I am very curious myself." She then looked over at Sven. "What do you think?" Sven kissed her
"Sounds good to me," he said. "However, I get a private performance later."
"You got it," she replied. They kissed again.
"I need to change," Allura said, looking down at her t-shirt and leggings.
"No you don't," Romelle said. "What your wearing is perfect. It could work up a sweat, and you wouldn't want to ruin anything."
20 Minutes Later
After Romelle had changed out of the dress and purchased it, they said goodbye to the guys and headed off in the direction of the club.
"I didn't find a dress," Allura said.
"Don't worry," Romelle replied, "we still got time for that." She squeezed her cousin's arm. Allura hadn't been this nervous in a long while. Not since before she told Keith that she loved him. She and Romelle stopped in front of the address Lance indicated. They opened the door to the club. It was done up in Purple and Silver Deco.
"Can I help you?" a voice spoke.
"Yes," Allura replied. "We were told that you teach something called 'burlesque' dance class."
"Why yes, we do," he said. "You would want to talk to our manger, Jessica. In fact, there she is now." They turned to look at the woman who had come out of the back room. She then went over to fling open another door that revealed an office and shut it. The woman then turned to face them.
"This could be a few minutes," the woman said, "so why don't you sit down and I'll get you something to drink. I'm Marie Christine, one of the dancers. I also bartend." She stared at them. "Are you sure you're in the right place?"
Jessica Matherson stormed through the door, green eyes blazing as she stood in front of Lysette's terminal. Her red hair was coiled up on her head secured with a jeweled clip. She wore leggings and a cami top, which was what she usually wore when practicing her routine.
"Why in the hell did you not tell me you were resigning management of the club?" she asked. "I had to hear on the Dradin grapevine!"
"Well, hello to you too," Lysette replied. "If you would let me explain, rather than putting a new hole in the wall…"
"I've know you for over 20 years," Jessica said. "Whitney as well. Ever since we went to boarding school together. And you didn't' have the guts to tell me." Lysette stood up and paused the entries on her terminal in front of her.
"I secured leave so I could come back and tell you," Lysette said. "In fact, you and Whitney are now the owners and management." She picked up a chip and handed it over to her. "Here are your new contracts, and the deed." Jessica's jaw dropped as she sat down in the chair and stared in shock.
"You are giving up control, miss 'balls to the walls' Fabrere?" Jessica asked.
"I haven't heard that nickname in years," Lysette said. "Not since we graduated, and before I left for the Academy." Whitney came in to the office, toweling off after a grueling practice session. Her café au late skin glistened along with her black hair pulled back in a ponytail.
"They discontinued your favorite lipstick again, didn't they," Whitney said. Lysette smiled.
"I was just telling Jessica, that you and her are now the proud owners of Burley Q," Lysette replied. "I came back to tell you in person. I've got my orders and I'm going on my first posting, not sure where yet though. So I can no longer come back on weekends as I'll be on duty full time. I will still have a financial stake and you two have my authority for day to day. Manset will also be here for protection if needed, and he can get a hold of me if an emergency and I'm out of touch. Once I know where I'll be, you guys will be told." Whitney looked down.
"Knew this was coming," Whitney said, "when you said you were heading to the Academy for training." Jessica looked up.
"Your not mad she didn't tell us first," Jessica said.
"No," Whitney replied, "she came here to tell us, but you had to run your mouth off, and it was already insinuated weeks ago. I think she will do great. Her manipulation skills were honed to perfection. After all any woman can be a stripper, but it takes a lady to do it with dignity." Lysette laughed for the first time in a long time. She put her hands under her chin and watched the two bicker back and forth before calling time out. Suddenly they all went still as the door opened.
"Excuse me," a soft voice spoke. "I was told to speak to a Jessica Matherson, that this was the office to inquire about classes."
"I'm Jessica," Jessica said, holding out her hand. She motioned the other woman standing next to her. "That's Whitney. We're the managers of this club. At the moment, we do have some time if you want to start right away. It usually don't' get busy until seven." She motioned to Romelle. "I have some workout gear I can loan you so you don't ruin your clothes." She then looked at them. "Did anyone explain to you what we do here?"
"Something called burlesque dancing,"Allura replied. Jessica and Whitney looked at each other before turning to face them.
"I think we need to all sit down and have a talk before we get started," Jessica said. As they all exited the office Lysette whistled slowly.
"The Princess of Arus, in her club, and the Princess of Pollux," she whispered softly. "Were in trouble now."
