Chapter Text
“Rob, it's your sister and this is the last time I'm leaving this message. I'm once again asking for you and your fiancée to come see my show. This is the third week I've done this and if you skip out on it again, don't bother calling to apologise 'cause I won't listen to your excuses this time. Please show.”
Robert groaned in annoyance as he ended Vic's voicemail. It wasn't that he was annoyed with her, but with his fiancée, Chrissie. Each time he brought up going to see Vic's show where she performs as a burlesque girl, Chrissie would complain and whine and find some way to wiggle out of going. Not this time. Robert was excited to see her show and if that meant going alone, then he'd go alone.
“Hi,” Chrissie said sweetly as she came in through the door of their home, arms laden down with shopping bags. “You wanna go out for dinner?”
Robert walked over to her, kissing her cheek and took a few of the bags from her and followed her upstairs to their bedroom. “That sounds nice. We can have dinner and then after we can go watch Vic's show at the Cabaret Lounge.” Chrissie's shoulders tensed and set the bags down on the bed. “Please, Chrissie? She's been begging me to go see her show and I've cancelled on her twice now.”
“I don't want to go and watch you foam at the mouth over half naked women doing a strip tease,” she snapped, kicking off her pair of Gucci stilettos.
“That's not why I want to go,” he said through clenched teeth. “First off it's not that kind of show, it's not burlesque or whatever. Besides, I don't think my sister would invite me to a show like that. She's and singer and dancer and has been begging me to come see her.”
“Fine,” Chrissie huffed, clearly annoyed. “But first sign of you leering at another woman, we leave.”
“Fine. Whatever,” Robert agreed and stopped himself from rolling his eyes. “How was shopping with Rebecca?”
“Alright I suppose,” she stripped out her blue dress, after unzipping it feel fluidly to the floor around her feet, she stepped out of and kicked the dress aside. “But I don't really wanna talk about her. Do you?”
“Not at all,” Robert agrees and takes her into his arms.
****
They have dinner at some posh place where the portions were too small and the wine too expensive but Robert didn't really care. After, they took a taxi across town to the Cabaret Lounge. It was some hole in the wall, probably not even recognisable to most people who don't attend, and you wouldn't even know what it was unless you got up close because the sign telling you what the building pertained to is super small.
“Look at this dump,” Chrissie sneers as she looks around. “There's no way something sleazy isn't going on in that building.”
“Just give it a chance, Chrissie. You might be surprised,” she gives Robert a look that clearly says she'd rather be anywhere else right now, but follows Robert inside anyway.
It's the middle of winter, so the warmth inside the Lounge is very welcome, Robert being able to get some feeling back into his hands. They pay an eccentric man collecting payment by the door, and a woman in a simple black cocktail dress shows them to their table. It's a little further back than Robert wants to be, and he discretely slips the woman twenty quid to be moved up further.
They maneuver their way through tables, the lighting is making it almost difficult to see, and the color of the Lounge doesn't do much to brighten the room. There is a large dance floor in the middle of the room, separating the tables in the back from the front. Soft music is playing overhead, but no couples are on the floor dancing. Everything is done in dark tones, black and crimson red, and even some shades of dark Royal purple. The tables are black, as are the chairs and each table has a small tea candle inside a monogrammed glass jar. It's much more elegant than the outside of the building and Robert finds himself to be pleasantly surprised.
Their hostess takes them to a table a little off center from the stage but still up front. “Thank you,” Robert says as he pulls out Chrissie's chair for her.
“My pleasure,” she says back with an air of professionalism. “Your server will be along in a moment to take your drink orders, and please, enjoy the show.”
“It's much nicer than I expected,” Robert says to Chrissie as he continues to look around. The stage lights are dimmed, but he can see where a band has set up their instruments off to the left side of the stage. The backdrop is black velvet, hiding what's going on behind stage.
Their server, another woman in a black cocktail dress, takes their drink order. Chrissie gets a glass of Merlot and Robert orders whiskey neat. “Do you know when your sister will be on?”
“No, but from what she's told me she's pretty popular here. Her and her stage partner fill up the spots most nights.”
Five minutes later the band comes onto stage, taking their places and get reacquainted with their instruments. After that the lights over the lounge go out and the ones above the stage shine bright. The collective silence that follows is deafening and two people walk out onto stage. “There she is,” Robert says and points at Vic. People break out into applause as the partners take the stage.
She's dressed in black, the dress tight around the middle but looser at the bottom and stops at her knees. Her brunette hair is pulled up tight into a bun on her head. Her partner is dressed in a suit, black and form fitting. He looks about Vic's age, maybe older but that could be because of his facial hair. He's scowling but his body is relaxed. Robert and Chrissie watch as he takes Vic into his arms, one hand firmly planted between her shoulder blades and the other gripping her hand, and Vic's other hand is on his waist.
The music begins and they begin to dance.
When marimba rhythms start to play
Dance with me, make me sway
Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore
Hold me close, sway me more
Robert knows the song, and the lead singer of the band does a good rendition, his voice soft and crooning, but that isn't what captivates Robert. The man and Vic do, they pull focus and keep it. They're in perfect harmony together, neither one looking uncomfortable or out of control as they Tango across the stage.
Like a flower bending in the breeze
Bend with me, sway with ease
When we dance you have a way with me
Stay with me, sway with me
They're chemistry sings out, the way they hold onto each other like if they parted they'd die. It was borderline erotic, the type of dance alone is sensual, but when Vic and her partner are dancing it, the emotions are paramount.
Other dancers may be on the floor
Dear, but my eyes will see only you
Only you have that magic technique
When we sway I go weak
Each step is fluid, practiced, but not overly practiced; natural. Vic has always been a dancer, their mum Sarah had her in a tutu before she could even walk properly. Sarah had tried to get Robert to dance, but he was stuck in the mindset that boys don't dance. Vic's partner was proving him wrong, they could definitely dance.
They did a move, where Vic's partner picked her up and spun her whole body around his shoulders. It happened so quickly but it was enough to make Robert's breath hitch, and he felt Chrissie grab onto his arm. He was surprised to realise he had forgotten she was even there, and he looked over at her and smiled.
The dance and song were over soon after that, and Vic and her partner gave a bow to the crowd who were clapping enthusiastically, Robert and Chrissie among them. Vic was searching the crowd for a moment, and scanned right over Robert and Chrissie but did a double take and her face broke out into a smile, giving a conspicuous wave before her and her partner exited the stage. The band started up another song, and Robert turned to Chrissie.
“I must say,” Chrissie said before Robert could speak, “your sister is exceptional, and her partner as well. They have a lot of sexual chemistry.”
Robert frowned, “I don't want to think about my little sister having sexual chemistry with anyone. But they were good.”
Chrissie asked him to dance with her after that. They moved onto the dance floor, but after watching Vic and that man dance, he felt awkward and clumsy. He's always been swift on his feet, but now he was just surprised he didn't step on Chrissie’s toes. When the song ended, they went back to their table, ordered another round of drinks just as the band started another song.
Out of nowhere, Robert was tackled in his chair by a girl, gripping his shoulders tight and holding on. “I can't believe you actually came,” Vic sounded as if she didn't believe it and Robert felt guilty. He didn't see his family enough and they lived so close together too. She pulled a chair around and joined them at their table. She changed out of her black dress for a red sequined thing, too low cut and too short as well.
“Sorry,” Robert says and means it. “I wish I could've come sooner but with work and what not.” It was a flimsy excuse but Vic waved it away and smiled.
“You're still here. Andy was here with Katie last night.” Robert frowned, glad he had chosen to come on a night when he wouldn't have to see his brother and Andy's wife.
“That man you were dancing with,” Chrissie cut in. “Is he your boyfriend?”
“Aaron? Oh God, no. Aaron actually introduced me to my boyfriend Adam. Him and Aaron are best mates and flatmates.”
“You were amazing up there,” Robert told her. “Mum would be proud of you.”
Vic smiled softly, a little sadly, but still happily. “Thanks.”
Just then the lights dimmed again over the lounge and they grew brighter above the stage. A microphone and stand had been placed center stage away from the band and out walked Vic's dancing partner, Aaron. He was in the same suit, but he'd removed the jacket revealing a white undershirt and black suspenders. The white shirt sleeves had been rolled up to reveal tan muscled arms and if Robert had been alone he might have leered at them longer.
“He sings?” Robert asked offhandedly.
“Amazingly,” Vic provided. Robert would be the judge of that.
The band started up, the music lowly in the background and Aaron began to sing.
Birds flying high
You know how I feel
Sun in the sky
You know how I feel
Reeds driftin' on by
You know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good
I'm feeling good
The band's tempo picked up, but Robert could care less. Robert thought Aaron was a good dancer, but his dancing skills didn't compare to his voice. It was deep, warm and rich, enough so Robert could feel it in his very bones. Vic started clapping and cheering, and while Robert knew she was just being supportive of her mate, he almost had the nerve to shush her.
Fish in the sea
You know how I feel
River running free
You know how I feel
Blossom on the tree
You know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good
On the last line, Aaron placed a hand on his chest and slowly slid it down the middle of his torso and abdomen, just stopping shy of the waistband of his trousers. Robert felt it in his gut, the simmering of arousal that made him flush in the darkness and an image popped into his head of Aaron's hand dipping underneath his waistband to grab at what was underneath. His cock twitched at the the thought and he had to look away from Aaron to calm himself down. It didn't help that Aaron continued to sing in his warm, hypnotic voice.
Eventually Robert was able to look up, thinking it a mistake as soon as he did. Aaron's skin was flushed red under the lights, lips shining wet and inviting. Robert was glad when the song was over - at least he told himself that - and he clapped along politely with the rest of the crowd as Aaron took a bow and exited the stage.
“Told you,” Vic said smugly.
“So why aren't you having sex with that man?” Chrissie asked as her eyes followed Aaron off stage.
“Excuse me?” Robert snapped.
“Oh, come now, darling. No need to worry, I have you after all.” Robert glared at her before rolling his eyes and looking over at Vic who was trying not to laugh. “What?” He growled at her.
“Nothing. It's just, Aaron's gay.” Robert felt like someone punched him with the way the air in his lungs left his body. He was definitely seeing Aaron in a new light. Tangible, reachable. It wouldn't be his first man, wouldn't be his first since he started seeing Chrissie, and he most likely wouldn't be his last, but Aaron just might… be.
“I have to get back now,” Vic says and stands up. She swiftly kisses Robert on the cheek and tells Chrissie it was lovely to see her. “You will stay to the end? We could have a drink together.”
“I'd like that,” Robert said without inquiring with Chrissie. He wanted to spend time with Vic and Chrissie wasn't going to stop him. She could take a taxi home by herself if she didn't wish to stay.
Chrissie lasted through two more songs and a dance number, one of which included rendition of Fever by Peggy Lee that Vic sang. She complained about being tired and wanting to go home, Robert told her he was staying and that he'd see her later.
The ending act was another dance number by Vic and Aaron, it was more fast pace with jauntier music. When it was over, Robert stood along with everyone else that had made it through the night and clapped.
Robert made his way to the bar in the back, ordering one more drink for himself as he waited for Vic to change and join him. It was about thirty minutes before she came out in street clothes, followed closely behind her was Aaron. Robert didn't know how, but he was even more handsome up close, the blue of his eyes striking against his dark hair.
“You stayed,” Robert really hated how surprised she sounded. “Robert this is Aaron, Aaron this is my brother Robert.”
“Hey,” Aaron nodded at him but that was it. Robert wanted to tell him how good he is, but Vic was standing right there and he didn't feel like making a prat of himself. So he offered a “hey” of his own and tuned out Aaron as he ordered himself a drink, and a glass of wine for Vic from the bartender he seemed pretty chummy with.
“There's someone else I want you to meet,” Vic said with a wide smile. “Robert, this is my boyfriend Adam.”
The bartender looked up at him smiled, as he handed over Vic's glass of wine. “So you're the mysterious Robert she's always going on about. It's great to finally meet you.” It wasn't hostile, didn't even sound it, but his eyes did. Like he was judging Robert for not seeing more of Vic.
“Likewise,” Robert sneered.
“Be nice,” Vic scolded him. “So, honest opinion, what did you think of tonight?”
“You were amazing up there,” Robert told her. “I forgot how good you sing.”
“I'm not star worthy but what I do pays the bills,” she shrugs like it doesn't matter but Robert knows Vic better than that. She's doing something she loves and that makes Robert feel damn proud of her.
They talk some more, and as it goes on, Robert finds himself not liking Adam more and more. He has that flippant attitude, like nothing really matters and life's passing him by, always cracking jokes and not being serious. It makes him worry for Vic. Aaron is silent unless asked a direct question or prodded by Adam to speak. His stage presence and real life presence are very different, but Robert feels compelled by both.
Adam goes in the back to check inventory and Vic says she has to be going because of an early day tomorrow. She doesn't leave until making Robert to promise to come to the Cabaret Lounge again and that they have lunch soon. It's an easy promise to make on Robert's part.
When she's gone, only Aaron and Robert are left in the bar. “You're really good,” Robert says before he can stop himself. Aaron looks up from where he was studying his pint and nodded.
“Thanks,” he gruffs out. “Vic's better.” Robert would have to debate that. They're different in their own way, sensational together, but different apart.
“How long have you been working here?”
“Nearly three years. I met Vic a little after a year of working here when they hired her. We hit it off and became stage partners.”
“How long have you been dancing?” Robert doesn't know why he's asking other than the fact that he is truly curious.
“Since I was eight,” Aaron shrugged. “My dad didn't want to put me through lessons, said it was too girly, but my mum pushed for it. He tried to make me stop when my mum left us, but I refused. Dancing was all I really had.”
Aaron didn't say anything other than that, his face took on a dark look when he talked about his family and Robert thought it too rude to push the subject. “Adam's a good bloke,” Aaron said suddenly. “He really cares about Vic.”
“Why are you telling me this?” Robert asked.
“Because I saw the way you looked at him, like you wanted to backhand him every time he opened his mouth.” Robert grimaced but didn't deny it.
“You're his mate, don't you have to say that?”
“No. If I thought he was treating her wrong I'd say something about it, but he's not. So give him chance.” Robert didn't know why but he nodded, agreeing with Aaron. He didn't want to, but Aaron seemed to compel him to.
“What about you?” Robert asked. “Got a boyfriend or whatever?” Way to sound obvious Robert! Aaron raised an eyebrow at him and Robert shrugged. “Vic told me.”
“Right. Er, no.” Robert nodded, smiling on the inside. “What about your fiancée?”
“Chrissie? She's great, for the most part, but she's not everything.” Aaron scoffed and downed his drink, getting up from his barstool. “What?”
“Way to talk about the woman you're planning on marrying,” Aaron growled and tried to move past Robert. He moved in front of Aaron, not sure why he wasn't just letting him go.
“It doesn't mean I don't love her,” Robert shrugged. “But sometimes she's just not enough.”
“And what is “enough?””
“Maybe you could show me,” Robert doesn't miss the way Aaron's eyes flash to his lips before looking back up at Robert.
“Not here,” Aaron turns the other way and goes back towards the toilets and Robert is quick to follow.
It goes fast, Robert taking charge and pushing Aaron up against a row of sinks, kissing him fast and hard. Aaron isn't meek, allows it to happen and gives back just as good and Robert finds himself moaning, wanting to taste more and more of him.
It's quick and fast but coordinate, both of them having done this before with other people. Robert might've wanted all of it in that moment, Aaron spread out beneath him, taking this man who gave Robert a rush whilst he watched Aaron on stage apart until he was going mad with want, but they were in the toilets so instead it was quick handjobs and heavy hot panting into each other's mouths. Robert thought he could watch Aaron come over and over again.
When they were done, they respectably cleaned up and Aaron patted Robert on the shoulder the way you do a mate instead of a someone you just jerked off. “Thanks,” he smirked and left Robert standing there with his trousers still undone and a stupid look on his face.
He's not sure what just happened. He's the one who parts ways without so much as backwards glance, not the other way around. He grinds his teeth, finishes up his trousers and leaves the bathroom feeling used and cheap, wondering who used who in this little scenario.
Aaron was gone, Adam was nowhere to be seen and the band had already shut down for the night. Robert grabbed his drink he left on the bar and finished it before leaving, already making plans to come back again.