Miscreant

by **Narrator** » Mon Dec 20, 2021 9:50 pm

Located in Lambeth not far from the Lambeth North station was Miscreant, a club that preferred to call itself an 'Adult Venue' to avoid the inherent misogyny in the title 'gentleman's club'. Known for being staffed primarily by mutants, Miscreant was steadily becoming the 'it' place for tourists and transients looking to add a bit of 'alternative flavour' to their otherwise standard trip to London.

The entrance the Miscreant looked like an other nightclub. Just a neon sign (purple text with a vivid pink M) above double doors, spaced out and labeled for entry and exit. A few people lingered outside who looked like the could be night club patrons, smoking cigarettes. Some were, some were not.

The exterior of the building was tall enough to suggest the interior was two story, and that was correct. The entrance on the north side of the building came in under a balcony which ran along the north, west, and east walls, overlooking the festivities below. In the southern portion of the upstairs above the offices and talent dressing rooms was the DJ's booth where the DJ could be seen, though physically they were kept away from the patrons, probably to keep drunks from requesting Free Bird or the latest mumble-rap track that really didn't suit a club atmosphere.

Below the west balcony were private rooms, places for dancers and clients to be alone and do whatever it was they wanted to do, within legal limits. These rooms were of course being recorded to make sure things stayed on the level, but at the very least they filtered out sound for a more one and one setting between the dancer and the client.

Under the east balcony (which acted as the VIP section) was the walk up bar with a dumb waiter to make serving VIP club visitors quicker and more efficient. Here patrons could wait to be served directly, though not for lack of wait staff. There were attractive mutants of all kinds hoofing it around the club dressed in uniforms of sorts. Everyone wore the same thing above the waist, a ruffled tuxedo top and a black vest with a bow tie that was the same bright pink as the M on the sign. The black matching bottoms seemed to be dealer's choice: ridiculously tight trousers, hot pants, or a a side slit mini skirt. No gender seemed to be forcibly tied to any of the bottoms. The shoes too seemed to come in a variety of options based on wearers preference, though all were black vinyl with a reflective shine and kept within the theme.

Outside of the talent, the stage layout was the other thing that made Miscreant stand out. From the back stage area was a catwalk leading into a three tiered dance stage, each section honey-combed off from the other by a mirrored surface that allowed for multiple dancers to be working in the somewhat crowded space, and for the customers to be able to get a view of the dancers from each angle.

The catwalk would lead the dancer onto the first stage, where they could do their warm up routines, and the walk up bar patrons could get a look at who was about to take center stage. After two songs worth of 'warm ups', the mirrored door onto center stage would swing open and let the dancer move to center stage.

Center stage the largest space to work in and the only stage with a pole. With stage to ceiling length, the more daring performers may even find themselves at the top, but that was a feat only for the brave (and those with mutations to prevent what might happen if they slipped).

Once a performer had done their two song set on center stage, the door onto third stage opened and the dancer moved there for cool down routines. The third stage had become something of a warzone for clientele, upon which 'tipping wars' happened between those hoping to snag the dancer's attention for the night, or at the very least, some time in a private room. Once they were done there, the dancer would be released into the wild for the night to do their work as they saw fit.

Cash money on the stages was strictly prohibited for performer safety, but all stations were affixed with a tap card station to collect tips either directly from one's personal card, or off a preloaded 'tipcard' which could be filled by cash purchase with any of the wait-staff. On the other side of the station was a screen displaying tip value to allow the dancer to gauge exactly how much effort they were going to put into things and who they might want to hang around for the evening. And once the dancer's were off stage, rarely did any of them say no to a taking a pound note they didn't have to claim on their taxes.

by **Drake Martin** » Mon Dec 20, 2021 10:32 pm

Drake strode into the club in a striking black long-coat, carrying himself like he owned the place. The club was like the ones back home he had sneaked off to enjoy when he had the chance. He got himself a drink and began to carouse, giving various dancers and other patrons an appraising eye as if to find someone worthy of his attention.

by **Hatter** » Mon Dec 20, 2021 11:57 pm

Not long after one act wrapped up, the DJ dimmed the stage lighting for the next. A fanfare played that would be fitting for a royal court, then a song began to play.

"Introducing her royal highness," announced the figure in the booth wearing a giant teddy bear head, her accent passably British, "First of her name, future queen of all she surveys, friend to all cute forest critters, and general very sexy lady, Princess Anastasia!"

by **Narrator** » Tue Dec 21, 2021 12:07 am

A lithe, blonde haired, blue eye'd woman dressed in flowing chiffon lingerie, delicate fantasy jewelry pieces on her hands and feet, and a diadem took center stage, which immediately erupted in a vision of a forest glen. The pole took on the guise of a birch as she touched it. Bathed in illusionary sunlight, she was joined by little 'birds' which would fly around her and occasionally perch upon her whenever she stopped long enough that the might reasonably do so.

by **Drake Martin** » Tue Dec 21, 2021 12:23 am

Drake was immediately rapt, giving the dancer his full and undivided attention as he found a seat. He quickly decided to give a tip with his preloaded card and threw her a smile.

by **Narrator** » Tue Dec 21, 2021 12:58 am

She wouldn't notice Drake's tip until she slid down again, and wouldn't entirely put together just yet who left it for her, the card information only saying 'Drake' With a dragon emoji next to it. When she looked up again and noticed Drake watching her, she winked and went back to work, the song changing over to her second in her set..

by **Drake Martin** » Tue Dec 21, 2021 1:14 am

And so the mighty dragon kept watch over the maiden as she frolicked, lest some knight came to snatch her away. He was quite pleased.

Who could have guessed his princess fantasy would be appeased.

by **Basil Benson** » Tue Dec 21, 2021 1:33 am

All too quickly, Drake's princess was in another castle, almost too quickly for him to notice thanks to being captivated by her spell. The next dancer stepping onto stage seemed to be masculine, though it was hard to tell what with them being invisible.

by **Hatter** » Tue Dec 21, 2021 2:08 am

"And now a new act to titillate and tantalize, whose face you'll have to visualize. Introducing one to whom the proper order of things is often a mystery, that curious cat, Cheshire! "

by **Basil Benson** » Tue Dec 21, 2021 2:34 am

As the next performer took the stage, a few patrons actually moved from the walk up bar to follow the new face they'd seen warming up on the first stage. Gone were the illusions, which was probably for the better, as they would have distracted from the reflective images of the dancer themselves, which were rather imperative to the performance in his case. The dancer himself was invisible, but glimpses of him visage could be seen in the mirrors surrounding the dance stage that were normally meant to give the audience other angles of the dancer themselves. In fact, his dances were making excessive use of the thing, which gave Drake a plenty clear view of his face.

by **Alice** » Tue Dec 21, 2021 4:44 am

The black-haired girl put her serving tray down at the end of the bar and began to remove the glasses, placing them in the plastic rack to get them ready to load into the washer under the counter.

"I need two pale draughts, a Guinness, a bramble, and a black & tan. Extra head on one of the draughts, asshole keeps grabbing my thigh every time I walk past." The pale flesh of her legs was visible between the black miniskirt and the little black strappy sandals she wore, and was apparently too tempting a target for one customer. She set her handheld POS down on the tray and dipped far enough behind the bar to grab the coffee pot and pour herself another cup.

by **Drake Martin** » Tue Dec 21, 2021 1:30 pm

It took him a second to register Basil in that entirely different context, but when he did he did a double-take.

"What th- Basil?!" he said, mouth nearly gaping in surprise, "Why the hell are you working here?"

by **Narrator** » Tue Dec 21, 2021 2:27 pm

The bartender, who was wearing a rose gold name-tag that said 'Peter' glanced over at Alice who came into his space.

"That's what security is for Alice, we've discussed this." He replied, starting to prepare the drinks she requested. "Passive aggressive barbs and ill mixed drinks don't do anything to help the situation, but big beefy hands escorting them out does."

Once he realized exactly what she was doing in his space his expression soured quickly. " And you being too weak-willed to talk to a fucking security guard does not warrant you the reward of a coffee break!" He snapped, vaguely swatting her away.

by **Basil Benson** » Tue Dec 21, 2021 4:19 pm

Drake Martin wrote:It took him a second to register Basil in that entirely different context, but when he did he did a double-take.

"What th- Basil?!" he said, mouth nearly gaping in surprise, "Why the hell are you working here?"

Drake wasn't going to be getting his answer any time soon it seemed, as the invisible man was rather involved in work at the moment. When he slid down the pole during the closing refrain and faced the small audience he had assembled close to the stage, Drake could get a better view of what exactly he was wearing. A black dress shirt, black dance slacks, and hot pink tie in a colour matching to the wait staff, but not in the same style. His shoes gave an indication on what might be under all the clothes, the design of which was clearly a boot.

As he loomed above the three or four people hanging around the edge of the stage, the invisible man became visible, his cold glance appraising the few before him while trying to determine whom was whom. With a dexterous flick of his wrist he hinted over the music how they could ID themselves to him. The truly interested followed his lead, and when he was satisfied he'd put faces to names, he reached up to his tie knot to pull it loose and pop the first button on his collar between song transitions to give them a better taste for what they were getting themselves into. Under his tie and shirt collar was a collar of another sort, a ring collar with a bell on it. He smiled as he tossed the tie to one of his onlookers, and gauged reactions, slowly beginning his second act. The song selection and his movements (particularly the herky jerky movements at the words 'pull my strings') gave those watching him more or less an idea of what sort of fantasy he was trading on.

by **Drake Martin** » Tue Dec 21, 2021 10:45 pm

Drake was flexible enough that he could have enjoyed the dance, but having met a dancer in regular life and in such a different role made it weird. Yet he couldn't look away. Being ignored didn't sit well either.

by **Hatter** » Tue Dec 21, 2021 10:50 pm

From her vantage point, Hatter could see Cheshire hitting it off with the patrons. Especially that sketchy-looking winged lizard in the Matrix coat.

Good for you, kiddo. But don't make too much of a splash.

by **Basil Benson** » Tue Dec 21, 2021 11:08 pm

Once his set had ended, 'Basil' moved onto the third stage to cool down and figure out exactly who he was going to be working with this evening. Hatter announced another dancer and the song changed over for her, though the former librarian was still dancing to it on stage three while he was watching to see who'd follow him over here.

by **Drake Martin** » Tue Dec 21, 2021 11:37 pm

Drake followed.

"Dude, I get it. You're on the clock and you can't talk right now. I just didn't expect you to be here of all places."

by **Basil Benson** » Tue Dec 21, 2021 11:45 pm

Cheshire shook his head and tapped his ear at the draconian, indicating he couldn't hear what he was saying. Whether this was genuine or not, who knew. He did however make the same 'flick of the wrist' motion he had at the others, indicating if Drake wanted his full attention, he was going to have to pay for it, same as the others.

by **Drake Martin** » Wed Dec 22, 2021 12:21 am

Sure this was weird, but was it worth paying for to satisfy his curiosity?

Apparently yes, as he forked over a nice tip.

by **Alice** » Wed Dec 22, 2021 12:30 am

Narrator wrote:The bartender, who was wearing a rose gold name-tag that said 'Peter' glanced over at Alice who came into his space.

"That's what security is for Alice, we've discussed this." He replied, starting to prepare the drinks she requested. "Passive aggressive barbs and ill mixed drinks don't do anything to help the situation, but big beefy hands escorting them out does."

Once he realized exactly what she was doing in his space his expression soured quickly. " And you being too weak-willed to talk to a fucking security guard does not warrant you the reward of a coffee break!" He snapped, vaguely swatting her away.

"No, it's not that bad yet, I can handle it." Alice said with a sigh, able to speak at less than a yell thanks to the distance from the stage and main speakers. "Besides, any one of these people could be a lead. If I got them thrown out before we had a chance to put two and two together, then everything will have been for nothing."

The girl squeaks and swatted back at "Peter's" hand, balancing on her stomach as she used her other hand to hold her cup steady. "Stobbit! I'm allowed a sip while I'm waiting! If you don't want me drinking it then stop making me wait so long for my order!"

by **Basil Benson** » Wed Dec 22, 2021 12:51 am

Cheshire watched as the tips rolled in to vie for his attention, though he did notice this 'Drake, dragon emoji' seemed very intrigued to meet with him. But so was a young dark haired woman in a tight vinyl outfit, and after a moment, 'Basil's ' attention wavered slightly as she tapped her card to tip him. His expression seemed as though Drake had just been outbid, and said everything he couldn't over the changing music.

'Are you going to take that from her?'

by **Narrator** » Wed Dec 22, 2021 12:59 am

Alice wrote:"No, it's not that bad yet, I can handle it." Alice said with a sigh, able to speak at less than a yell thanks to the distance from the stage and main speakers. "Besides, any one of these people could be a lead. If I got them thrown out before we had a chance to put two and two together, then everything will have been for nothing."

The girl squeaks and swatted back at "Peter's" hand, balancing on her stomach as she used her other hand to hold her cup steady. "Stobbit! I'm allowed a sip while I'm waiting! If you don't want me drinking it then stop making me wait so long for my order!"

" I can't focus while you've got your ass in the air like you're waiting for your shower buddy. and I argue that if they are smart, grabbing said ass is not behavior they should be engaging it. That completely gives them away." He replied, going back to his work and letting Alice balance herself on her tummy on the bar. Not like he could stop their weirdo for being weird.

by **Drake Martin** » Wed Dec 22, 2021 1:12 am

He mentally sighed and bid again.

Why am I doing this again?

by **Basil Benson** » Wed Dec 22, 2021 1:21 am

Ches thought he knew the answer to that question, but as his last song wrapped up and he stepped off stage to meet with Drake, he'd soon find out he was gravely mistaken.

"Well luv, looks like you've got me for awhile. You springing for a private room, or are you wanting to be seen with me to make others jealous?"

by **Drake Martin** » Wed Dec 22, 2021 1:26 am

Drake raised a brow.

"Fine. I'll play along. Let's hang somewhere private, hot stuff."

by **Basil Benson** » Wed Dec 22, 2021 1:36 am

"Whatever you say, stud." The guy that Drake swore was Basil took him gently by the hand and lead him away to a private room. He stopped next to the door, explaining the procedure as he stood at attention next to the pay panel and patiently awaiting Drake's next payment.

"You have to swipe your card to unlock it. There will be cameras inside, but there's no sound to them. No point in it with the music."

by **Drake Martin** » Wed Dec 22, 2021 1:51 am

I'm so getting fleeced. But whatever.

Drake reluctantly parted with yet more cash and entered the room.

by **Basil Benson** » Wed Dec 22, 2021 2:03 am

Cheshire made himself comfortable on the couch inside, his eyes casually appraising Drake as he laid his arm across the back of the couch.

"Ana's going to be as red as you when she finds out I snagged you away.

I'm Cheshire, in case you didn't catch it. And you are?"

by **Drake Martin** » Wed Dec 22, 2021 2:16 am

"You hit your head or something library boy? There's no way I didn't leave an impression," he said, ego on the verge of being bruised.

by **Basil Benson** » Wed Dec 22, 2021 2:20 am

"Oh no, I definitely wouldn't have forgotten you." He replied, flirting in hopes to sooth Drake's ego. He presumed he wouldn't give his name simply because he didn't want to. And Cheshire was fine with that. Not knowing who he was made this easier.

"Buy me a drink and I'm sure I can pretend I know things about books. I've read a few."

by **Alice** » Wed Dec 22, 2021 4:49 am

Narrator wrote:" I can't focus while you've got your ass in the air like you're waiting for your shower buddy. and I argue that if they are smart, grabbing said ass is not behavior they should be engaging it. That completely gives them away." He replied, going back to his work and letting Alice balance herself on her tummy on the bar. Not like he could stop their weirdo for being weird.

"If my ass is what you're looking at, then the dancers aren't doing their jobs." Alice retorted, dropping back onto her feet and nursing the cup in her hands. Oh, how she'd missed this stuff. Once her tray was full she set the cup back down on the bar and got back to work, scooping it up off of the bar and heading back out onto the floor to deliver the drinks to her waiting patrons. She gave Cheshire a grin in passing as he led their patron toward one of the private rooms but kept her mouth shut.

by **Drake Martin** » Wed Dec 22, 2021 1:56 pm

"No, this isn't roleplay. It's..."

I can see in his eyes that he doesn't know me from Adam. But how? Is he a telepath making me think he looks like the pretty boy from the library? I should have this place looked into. But first...

"Ah, forget it. Might as well get my money's worth. So..." he said, taking on his human shape because lizard lips aren't suited to this sort of thing, "Where does 'Cheshire' want to start?"

Gods, I'm such a himbo.

by **Basil Benson** » Wed Dec 22, 2021 2:16 pm

Cheshire cocked a brow and tilted his head curiously, shifting a bit in his spot.

"I think it's better if we decide what you're wanting out of Cheshire, because honestly, I think you might not be entirely certain yourself." He replied.

by **Drake Martin** » Wed Dec 22, 2021 10:24 pm

"What? No. Your uncanny similarity to an acquaintance just threw me."

Truthfully though, while he had been in a strip club before he had never sprung for a private room before.

"But rules for such engagements are likely quite different in Genosha. How physical are we allowed to get?"

by **Basil Benson** » Wed Dec 22, 2021 10:33 pm

Pretending he was becoming bored, Cheshire started analyzing his nail bed. The Court had really dolled him up for outside work and he'd be lying if he didn't say he didn't enjoy it. Haircut, manicure, and enough exfoliating and shaving products to take off every bit of body hair down to his eyebrows, had he a mind to it. Mostly though, it was keeping up his face he cared about. A once a week shave under Tweedle supervision wasn't nearly enough.

"We can sit and talk, I can dance, take off a few more of these clothes.

If you're a very good boy and need a long cry I can hold you, let you sit in my lap, that sort of thing.

But if you're looking to get your anything into my anything, you're in the wrong place mate. That's not my line." He looked at Drake to make sure he was listening and clarified- "Not our line."

by **Drake Martin** » Wed Dec 22, 2021 10:46 pm

"Hey now, I pride myself on being a gentleman," he said, not quite miffed by the clarification.

"A dance will do splendidly, for starters."

by **Basil Benson** » Wed Dec 22, 2021 11:01 pm

Cheshire turned away to a touch screen on the wall in the private room, used for song selection and ordering drinks.

"Hope you don't mind retro, I have an unusual preoccupation for synthesizers." He commented conversationally, then asked. "Do you want to stow the face? It seems to be concerning to you."

by **Drake Martin** » Thu Dec 23, 2021 12:44 am

"As weird as this is, I didn't spend that much cash just to watch clothes dance around."

by **Basil Benson** » Thu Dec 23, 2021 12:52 am

Cheshire chuckled as a song queued up, his back turned to Drake. "Not knowing is half the fun of it luv. I could be anywhere, here-" As he said the last line, Cheshire disappeared entirely into thin air.

Drake would feel the slightest weight of movement around him, but before he could react, Cheshire reappeared inches from his face, his arms leaning into the couch on either side of Drake's head.

"Or here." He added as he began to sway his hips in time.

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