abo nonsense

[oohforeshadowing]

Some clubs are, of course, only for humans or only for non-humans - not that there's ever official rules about these thing, but people tend to just know. A place has a certain name, a venue in a certain part of the city, and these things alone make it clear who is and isn't welcome. 

Crimson, on the other hand, has always been for customers of all varieties - although it tends to only attract the most adventurous Betas. Double Trouble has been a co-owner for the past couple of years now, but that does not mean they're about to avoid availing themselves of the client-facing experience.

So to speak. 

They're lounging alone - holding a glass of wine, lightly scented with cologne and Alpha sweat - when they first spot the newcomer.

Comments

[bleak_midwinter]

He tilts his head and makes sure he has the right idea- and when he does, he lifts his glass, shakes it, wordlessly asking them if they would like to have something. On him.

[oohforeshadowing]

Trouble flashes their teeth, briefly, then nods at Tommy's glass and raises two fingers.

They'll have what he's having, please and thank you.

[bleak_midwinter]

He gets another whiskey, and then goes to bring it over. Alpha behavior, at the very least, especially with the way he holds the glass out to them.

"Don't know if I'm late or early, seeing as you're still alone while everyone is going hard."

[oohforeshadowing]

"Oh, it gets harder than this," Trouble murmurs, accepting the glass - letting their fingers brush. Alpha assertiveness, but no scent - an absence that says suppression, not Beta. "I've never seen you here before."

[bleak_midwinter]

He smiles at them, then holds out his hand. A businesslike little flirtation, if they take it, since he lets his thumb rub over their skin. He isn't sure how things work with shapeshifter, but he definitely can't scent anything on them.

"Thomas. So you're here enough to recognize the regulars?"

[oohforeshadowing]

They take it. More a lingering clasp than a shake, with a hint of sharp points to fingernails that were definitely claws once.

"It's just good business to know who my money's coming from," they murmur, and shift a little to make more space for Thomas. An unspoken invitation.

[bleak_midwinter]

He takes it, leaning a hip against the bar. He's already found out he's queer in many ways, and he thinks he can include shapeshifters in the non-human category. There's something about Trouble's confidence and poise that's getting to him.

"Do I have the honor of speaking to the owner, then?"

[oohforeshadowing]

"Co-owner. My partner doesn't really use the facilities," they admit. "Call me Double."

Most shapeshifters have pseudonyms more than names. It's an odd cultural thing, an artefact of a harder time, when shifters were harshly distrusted and identifiable family ties were dangerous.

[bleak_midwinter]

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Double" he says, smiling- he means it.

"I own the Garrisson and the Gold Club, if you know 'em."

The latter, especially, was rather viciously taken over six months ago. The Shelby company, as a result, has something of a... reputation.

[oohforeshadowing]

"I do," Trouble says, and their eyes glitter. "Which must make you Thomas Shelby. And that makes me wonder if you're here for business or pleasure, darling."

[bleak_midwinter]

Oh, he likes that look on them. He sips his drink, eyes crinkled at the corners.

"Do I have to choose one, really?"

He didn't think Double would be a big supporter of either/or.

[oohforeshadowing]

"You don't. But if you're planning on a hostile takeover, I'll feel very silly if I was...overly welcoming."

The tip of their tail traces up Tommy's calf.

"As much as I'd like to extend a warm welcome to a new customer, you understand."

[bleak_midwinter]

He shivers, smiles, and hides it behind his glass.

"Not to worry. I'm here for inspiration. I'd likely come by during business hours if I had nefarious plans."

[oohforeshadowing]

"I appreciate your honesty."

They sip from the glass Tommy gave them. It wouldn't be their usual choice, but it's good, and they savor the heat of it.

Their eyes narrow just a smidgen.

"So. How inspired are you feeling so far?"

The club has aggressive air circulation, for obvious reasons, but even then it's becoming obvious that inhibitions are falling fast. Across the room, Trouble can see two Omegas on their knees for an Alpha wolf, kissing hot and wet around the head of his thick cock.

[bleak_midwinter]

His eyes follow theirs, and he takes in the entire scene- even if he doesn't normally submit, seeing a lovely submissive Omega is pleasant, and that big dick is just as pleasant a sight.

He unconsciously licks his lips, looks at a beautiful fae woman being bent backwards over a table before looking back at Trouble.

"I'd say my inspiration levels are rising quickly," he murmurs.

[oohforeshadowing]

Trouble bites their bottom lip.

"So why don't you tell me what you're looking for tonight, Thomas?"

[bleak_midwinter]

His eyes drop to their mouth, then move back up to their eyes.

"I'm looking to get off. And I don't want to get fucked."

In case they've heard the rumors, or they're wondering. He's not here to submit to some Alpha, spread his legs. But he does want to- and need to- fuck.

[oohforeshadowing]

Trouble sips their whiskey again, and smiles, tilting their head.

"You're an Omega, but you don't want to be romanced or dominated like one," is their interpretation of that. Explains the assertive approach, the carefully medicated-out scent. Humans in particular, they've found, have some odd ideas about Omegas behave in in other arenas of life. He looks like he's sick of it, poor thing.

[bleak_midwinter]

He takes another sip, considers them, and lets out a low sigh and nods. He isn't in denial about what he is, but he isn't letting just anyone between his legs the first time.

"I was going to go for something nice and anonymous, but I've rather ruined that for myself."

[oohforeshadowing]

"I wouldn't be in this kind of work if I couldn't keep a man's confidences, darling," Trouble all but purrs. "You'll be pleased to know that I don't come here with any presumptions clouding my head."

[bleak_midwinter]

"Well- why don't we talk about what presumptions you do have?"

He steps a little closer still, arm against Trouble's.

[oohforeshadowing]

"Right now? I'm presuming that you don't really know what I've got in my pants, but you're at least somewhat interested in finding out."

[bleak_midwinter]

He laughs at that and knocks his drink back. "I'm very interested. Never really branched out that far in the community. And I'm perhaps less interested in your pants and more in how you like it."

[oohforeshadowing]

"Well, that depends on the person, the mood, the phase of the moon - but tonight? With you? I think I'd like to see how you take what you want."

Tip of their tail light against the inside of his knee, now.

[bleak_midwinter]

He turns his back to the room and puts a hand on their lower back.

"Anything I ought to know?"