Chapter Text
If someone told you this is where your life was going, you'd have never believed them.
Growing up in your small town, you always knew exactly what to expect, what your role in society would be – get married, have a family, grow old next to your husband. It's what you were supposed to do. What was proper. What your mother and her mother before her had done.
A stable life perfectly planned out for you, of comforting predictability and predicted boredom.
And your family tried to sell it to you, they really did.
You were brought up around stories of the "degenerate city life", about how people there were cursed and living in depravity, walking around the streets half naked and licking alcohol off each other's bodies at their immoral sex parties.
Growing up, you were horrified. As you got older, you couldn't pretend you weren't just a little bit curious.
But no. Life in the city was for monsters. Not where you belonged at all.
If only you could see your mother's face when you bought that train ticket.
You see, you had believed them completely. You were young, already in love, everything was going great – you'd get married soon, start a life next to the man of your dreams.
Just… he wans't quite the man of your dreams in the end.
You probably should have known when choosing the one man the whole town was scared of that it probably wouldn't end well. But who could blame you – when he looked like that, and you were both young and reckless and too in love.
Or, at least, you were. In love enough to project all your future hopes onto him. In love enough to sleep with him before marriage, something your mother would have chastised you for, had she known.
It wasn't like you regretted it. You just wished the bastard had actually stayed when you asked when the hell he would finally marry you.
Guess you couldn't really blame him for that, though, when you were the one to immediately leave town when his response was a simple scoff and a roll of his crimson eyes.
You should have known better. But it's fine – now you knew.
Now you could have a fresh start.
You arrived in the big city and was immediately frustrated to find out maybe you had grown up hearing half truths. There were no lavishly dressed women smoking cigarettes next to topless, muscly men. No one offering you a drink with a wink and a flirtatious lull. No couples making love in the busy streets.
How disappointing, you thought.
It took you a few days to really get used to life there. It was different from home – the air smelled thin here, there was always noise and people actually drove those four wheeled monstrosities they were calling automobiles.
You much preferred the sounds of horses hooves, of children laughing, of the stream that ran next to your sweethearts lodge.
But just like fate had heard your homesick sighs and decided to intervene – one night, you found somewhere.
Somewhere intriguing.
You were simply walking from another failed job interview – turns out it was hard to secure employment when you were both a woman and unqualified, something you should have probably considered.
And you had promised yourself this would be the last straw. That after weeks living off the little money you had brought, maybe it was time to put your tail between your legs and buy the ticket back home.
But then you saw it.
A tall building with bright lights, covered in drapes of gold and burgundy. A whole line of people waited outside for entry, mostly well dressed men in frocks and expensive looking hats, appearing far too excited for whatever was inside.
But it wasn't just men, you noticed – some had women on their arms, gorgeous ladies covered in the finest silk, wearing long dresses that hugged their figures beautifully, hiding smirks behind ornate handheld fans.
These women didn't look like they cared about societal expectations or norms at all.
You couldn't help staring.
"Here for the show, princess?" called a tall man by the door, who was checking tickets and waving people inside. His suit was as white as his hair, buttons undone at the front revealing toned abs you struggled to keep your eyes from.
He smiled a sugary sweet smile, following your gaze down. You quickly blinked, recomposing yourself. "What's the show?" you asked tentatively, clearing your throat.
The man leaned forwards, messy hair falling over his bright blue eyes as he lowered his voice just for you. "Why don't you come in and find out?" he suggested. "My treat" he winked.
And then he was talking to the people on the queue again, checking their tickets and pretending he didn't see you sneak inside without one.
If you were already impressed by what was outside, nothing could have prepared you for what the building looked like on the inside.
Three floors already full of people excitedly looking at the wooden stage, sitting around round tables with nothing but lamps and glasses of expensive alcohol. The theatre was filled with laughter, loud voices clearly having a great night, waiting in anticipation for whatever was about to happen.
You stepped inside, mouth hung open at the beauty of it, the luxury of it.
Maybe this is what your mother had warned you about.
Finally, you thought with a smile, eyes brightening as they danced around the room, assessing the crowd.
A table full of insanely beautiful men, smoking indoors while sipping straight whisky. Another one, where a pair of sweethearts held hands and whispered to each others ears, smiling so wide it could lit up the room were it not already so bright. A man alone, arms crossed at a table in the corner, dark eyes set on the stage. A table of only women, loud and proud and sounding like they were having the time of their lives already.
You were so curious about them, about this place.
It felt like life suddenly got exciting again.
And then the real show started.
That white haired man appeared again, center stage this time. If he looked handsome outside, right now he looked like some kind of demi-god, lit just right in the middle of a bright spotlight, earning cheers from everyone in the audience.
He was clearly well known.
"We've got one hell of a show tonight" he announced, opening his arms wide, showing off his showmanship skills.
You so wanted to pay attention to all he was saying, to the way he warmed up the crowd so effortlessly. But you were too distracted.
Everyone juts looked so happy.
And when he finally finished talking, the lights changed, the music soared, and the dancers came on stage.
You stood to the side for most of the night, watching the show. Beautiful women wearing practically nothing, dancing seductively and earning loud cheers and whistles from the crowd. Dancing together, dancing solo, wide smiles plastered on their faces as they so easily lured the crowd in.
They looked like they were in complete, utter, control of the situation.
So beautiful.
You didn't dare blink for the whole duration.
And late that night, you stayed. After all the lights were back on and the music dead.
Until everyone left and it was nothing but you and the staff clearing the tables.
"Oh? You're still here?" a familiar voice called, and you noticed the same white haired man, running into you as he was about to head for the door. His face was flush with sweat, and he wore normal street clothes now, probably hoping he would blend in with city life outside.
As if he ever could, with a face like that.
"How can I get a job here?" you asked too eagerly, tugging at his sleeve.
The man immediately let out a full bodied laugh. "Woah there, sweets" he chuckled, putting his hands up. "That's with Mr. Fushiguro right there. I'm just the master of ceremonies"
"Mr. Fushiguro?" you echoed, eyeing the man he was nodding towards. Another tall man with dark hair and a scar on his lips that hinted at the complicated line of business he was in.
But the most impressive thing of all was his size.
The man was fucking huge.
Like his muscles had muscles.
"That's him" he nodded. "I better go. Best of luck, though" the man winked, and then he was gone.
You rolled your shoulders backward, clearing your throat before you approached this Mr. Fushiguro.
"Excuse me" you tried to get his attention, tapping at his broad shoulder. "Mr. Fushiguro?"
The way he had to nod his head all the way down to see you properly was down right comical, revealing a lazy expression he didn't bother hiding.
"Who's askin'?" he drawled.
You introduced yourself, straightening your posture. "I was hoping to talk to you about a business proposal"
"A business proposal, eh?" he smirked, clearly amused at how professional you were trying to sound. "Why don't we step into my office?"
The office in question was a small room just behind the bar, far less grand than anything else had been so far. He took a seat behind the large oak table, and you sat on the chair just in front.
"Mr. Fushigu–"
"Call me Toji, doll" he said, lighting a cigarette unceremoniously. "So what's this business proposal?"
You took a deep, steadying breath. "I'd like a job" you announced, stiff.
Toji threw his head back with a laugh, huffing out smoke. "Your proposal is me hiring you?"
"Well, I'm–" you tried to speak, but he cut you off again.
"What's a country girl like you doing here?" he rose an eyebrow, eyeing you with interest.
You swallowed hard, gathering your strength. "I can dance" you nodded.
"Sure you can, doll" he chuckled. "Do you even know what this place is?"
“Yes” your voice rose, annoyed. “I am good”
“You look like you snuck out of a convent” Toji squinted at you.
You clasped your hands together, tugging at the sleeves of your dress. “I’m new in town, I don’t... have much. Yet.”
This man, Toji, looked severely unimpressed. “So you need a job and think just anyone can do this?” he asked, voice lazy as he took another drag of his cigarette.
Your heart was beating fast, feeling your last chance at your new life slipping away. “Can you please just give me a chance?” you begged.
Maybe it was something in your face when you said it, maybe it was your voice, but Toji exhaled, eyeing you up and down. “All right" he put out the cigarette. "What’s your story then?”
You straightened up, wanting to sound as convincing as possible. “I just got here” you started explaining. “Trying to get as far away from my shitty little town as possible”
“Running away from somewhere, huh?” he smirked like he approved. “Or someone?”
Your shoulders tensed immediately. “Bullseye, hm?” Toji laughed. “If you think you gonna become a damn dancer to get back at an ex–”
“I’m not getting back at him” you said. “It’s not like that”
Toji leaned back, crossing his arms. “Then what is it like?”
You swallowed thickly, embarrassed but glad you had at least caught his attention. “He broke my heart” you exhaled, regretting your honesty as soon as the words left your lips.
“Did he now?” Toji cocked his head, amused.
“Yes” you gritted your teeth. “I loved him. Maybe I still do. And he... gods, he was a fucking asshole”
“Language, doll” Toji teased. “He hurt you?”
“That’s one way of putting it” you scoffed.
“That’s not what I’m asking” Toji shook his head. “He ever put hands on you?”
“No! No–” you explained too fast. “Nothing like that”
“Good” Toji exhaled, leaning forwards. “Then I’m not killing anyone tonight”
The way he said it made you believe him, and you huffed out a laugh yourself. “Are you being nice to me, Mr. Fushiguro?”
“Have I not been nice this whole time, doll?” he asked with that lazy smirk.
You hated what that smug expression did to you.
"Of course" you smiled a little, hoping he wouldn't notice the blush in your cheeks.
There was clearly something passing between the two of you, though you weren't quite sure what. He eyed you with curiosity, exhaling through his nose like he was just trying to pierce it all together himself.
"This ex of yours" he started. "Is he trouble?"
You thought about how everyone else had been so scared of him, though you couldn't quite say he was ever scary to you. "He can be" you admitted.
You still weren't sure what he'd do when he realised you were gone.
And you sure as hell didn't want to be there to find out.
Toji exhaled sharply, like he had finally made a decision. "You can work the bar" he announced, standing up.
"The bar?" you asked, getting up to follow him. "I promise I can dance–"
"Nah" he clicked his tongue, not even looking back as he walked down the corridor. "You're too young"
"I'm twenty two" you corrected him. For your little town standards, you were practically a grandma already. An unmarried grandma, which was even worse.
"Too young" he repeated, giving you a side eye.
"I'm literally not–" you started protesting.
"You're young and a brat" Toji interrupted, rolling his eyes. "You start tomorrow at seven. Be here or you're gone, got it?"
Toji didn't even wait for a reply, just kept walking straight back to the foyer.
Well, it might not have been the job you wanted, but it was still a job.
And it permitted you to stay in the city, for just a bit longer.
Life working as a waitress wasn't too bad. You were still close enough to the action, still got to befriend the performers, learn that man's name was Satoru Gojo, and how though not technically a performer himself, he was one of the most popular members of the club.
Master of Ceremonies. Always making everyone laugh, working the crowd.
It should have been you he was announcing, though.
You could dance – that wasn't a lie. Your ex had taught you well enough, always encouraging you to express yourself with your body, learning how to roll your hips and move like you weren't ashamed of being yourself.
And week after week, month after month, you just kept wishing it was you up there.
One evening, you approached Mr. Fushiguro after the show. He was always the last one there, and you could always find him sitting in the stalls, feet up as he lazily smoked another cigarette, eyes fixed on the empty stage.
What was it he was always thinking about, you wondered?
As close as you had gotten to everyone in the club, he was always a mystery to you.
Though you were happy to say you could call him a friend.
"Toji" you called, approaching him with a bottle of the good stuff one client hadn't finished.
"Still here, doll?" he turned his head idly to you. "Know I'm not paying ya overtime, right?"
"I know" you laughed, sitting next to him with two glasses. "Have a drink with me?"
"You paying for that bottle?" he squinted his eyes at you.
"The customers left it" you said, hoping he wouldn't tell you off.
Toji just laughed though. "Good girl" he winked, accepting the glass. "How you finding the job?" he asked, the first time in weeks he had actually asked you that.
"It's fun" you confirmed, taking a sip of the alcohol and trying to pretend it wasn't way too bitter. "I still want to dance, though"
Toji grunted, throwing his head back. "Again with this?" he complained. "Already told you, you're–"
"I'm not too young" you protested again. "I have experience, I–"
"You've danced before?" he rose an eyebrow.
"Well" you gulped. "Not to an audience or anything"
"That's what I mean" he exhaled. "I don't care if you danced for your shitty little boyfriend or how much experience you have" he mocked. "You get on stage, it's different"
"Why is it different?" you blinked your eyes.
"You might think you want the attention" he said. "But maybe ya don't"
"I can handle it" you nodded.
"Doll" Toji leaned forwards, locking his dark eyes with yours. "I'm protecting you"
You couldn't help the blush that crept up your cheeks at his words. "I moved across the country to be here, Toji" you started, voice softer. "I'm not as weak as I look"
"I know that" he hummed in approval. "Saw you throw out those guys the other night. Good job" he winked, stretching his arms on the back of the chair.
"You saw that?" you blinked at him, a little shy. "They were making the girls uncomfortable" you explained.
"Well done" Toji approved. "But see what I mean? Unwanted attention"
"I know" you exhaled. And you knew he had a point, saw how men approached the dancers after the show, how they look at them during it. But everything in you still called you to that stage. "But I also know I can outdance every girl in that chorus" you said.
Toji whistled, suddenly interested. "Now you're talking big" he muttered.
"I can prove it" you rolled your shoulders back.
Toji finished his drink, sliding the glass back on the table for you to pour some more. "Can you?"
"Yes" you said immediately, pouring the two of you another drink. "Just give me ten minutes, I can–"
"Five" he interrupted. "And I'm counting already"
You stood up too quick, running back to the record player you had left ready in the corner for this exact moment.
The opening song slowly started drifting from it, filling the empty room, as you walked on stage.
It was weird how many times you had pictured standing right here, and now actually doing it in front of no one but Mr. Fushiguro, watching you with intent eyes, jaw locked tight.
But you knew exactly what you were doing. Had not only seen the girls perform too many times, but had also practiced in your tiny room, day in and day out, imagining it was you under the spotlight.
It all started with a smile. Your arms flowed upwards, framing your face, winking at your friend below but imagining a whole crowd watching, wide eyed and entertained.
You moved your hips seductively, extending your legs to the side and slowly tracing every curve of your ankle, your calf, your thighs. Slowly dragging the fabric of your dress upwards to reveal the tights you wore underneath, before letting go completely so it would flow around you.
The trick was teasing them, one of the girls had explained once. Always leave them wanting more.
You were sure you didn't need to be half naked to make a man wish you were.
As soon as the dress fell, you kicked your leg straight up again, catching it in an uncomfortable stretch you had spent too long practicing, before letting go into a lunge, arms following behind like you were carrying feathers instead of just air.
Toji watched you the whole way through, but something had changed.
All judgement was gone. Replaced by…something warmer.
You turned so you were facing the other way, circling your hips, repeating the steps you had watched the dancers follow in every opening routine. Imagining Satoru next to you, there to catch you if you fell from your spin.
You wouldn't, though. You had practiced it too many times.
By the time the record died out, the whole ten minutes had ellapsed. Toji didn't bother stopping you after only five.
Surely this was a good sign, right?
You turned to him, cheeks flushed and chest heaving up and down with the exhaustion from the routine, and stumbled back to the table where he was sitting.
Toji still hadn't said a word.
"So?" you said too quick, standing next to him. "You like it?"
Toji rolled his eyes, taking another sip of his drink, refusing to look you in your face.
Maybe it was the alcohol, maybe it was the high of knowing you had just done a damn good performance, but you were definitely feeling bold.
Instead of waiting for him to face you, you could simply just make him look at you. You walked closer, right to where his legs where extended on the other chair, and lifted one leg over his.
He was looking at you then, waiting to see what you were about to do.
So you lowered down, hovering right above his lap. "Did I do good, Mr. Fushiguro?" you teased, lowering your voice and bringing your body forwards.
His response was a hand to your waist, bringing you down onto his lap fully. "Brat" he hummed in annoyance, but you were both smiling.
"Is that a yes?" you giggled, clasping your hands behind his neck.
Toji leaned his body forwards, completely encompassing you, bringing his scarred lips to your neck and placing a warm kiss there, his hands still holding you in place.
"Is that a way to speak to your boss?" he clicked his tongue, rolling his hips against yours.
You let out an involuntary moan, feeling his bulge press against your clit. You knew Toji was an absurdly beautiful man, had even pictured him once or twice before… that, plus the fact you hadn't had sex in literal months, was close to driving you insane.
"T-Toji" you whimpered his name, digging your nails to the skin of his broad shoulders.
"Shit" he muttered, biting into your neck, pressing you against him more firmly.
His hands slowly trailed down your back, resting on the curve of your hips, holding you so tight they might bruise, all while his hips kept rolling into you, pressing against your clit deliciously again and again and again.
You wrapped your arms completely around his shoulders, pulling Toji into you fully and allowing him to continue the wet kisses to your ear, down your neck, excited for that scarred lip to finally find your mouth.
When he suddenly stopped, lowering his forehead to your collarbone with a long, resigned exhale.
"What's wrong?" you asked, blinking your eyes at him.
"I don't fuck my staff, doll" he huffed out, still holding on to your waist however. "Especially not the dancers" he added, reluctantly.
"Wait" you yelped, jumping upwards so fast it almost startled him. "Are you saying I'm–"
"Yeah yeah yeah" Toji rolled his eyes, leaning back on his chair finally. "You win"
His annoyed smirk didn't have any bite to it, however.
"I won't disappoint you, Mr. Fushiguro" you beamed.
Toji laughed, rolling his head back. "Haven't I told you to call me Toji?"
"Fine" you smiled. "I won't disappoint you, Toji"
You were so happy you could have exploded.
With an excited little leap, you threw yourself back on his lap, placing a kiss you couldn't help right on his scarred lips.
One of Toji's hands shifted to the back of your head, tangling around your hair as you parted your lips to welcome his tongue.
Toji tasted like cigarettes, alcohol, and victory.
And he kissed you like he could consume you.
But neither of you allowed it to take too long. "I'm good, aren't I?" you smiled, pulling back from the kiss but still far too close, breathing hot air against his skin.
Toji exhaled, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. "Too good for your own good, doll" he smiled. "You're gonna give me a headache"
"I can handle it, I promise" you said excitedly, leaning back, but leaving your hands on his chest.
"I know you can" he exhaled. "You're starting on the chorus. No solos until I say so, got it?"
"Got it" you nodded, excitedly.
"Good" Toji hummed. "Now get off me. Rehearsals start early tomorrow"
You jumped up, brushing your dress down. "I won't disappoint you, Toji"
He nodded, lighting another cigarette. "I know you won't" he muttered.
You left him there to finish his drink and his smoke, eagerly running out the wide doors and to your little apartment.
You needed to make sure you were well rested before the big day tomorrow.