After Midnight

[DrStein]

OOC: This is a one-on-one furry thread in which I'm looking for one woman to play that part of the vixen Champagne.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r108/elvenchild03/champagne.jpg

PM me before posting, please.

Shadow was panting like a true coyote out in the desert rather than the anthromorph he was. A stagehand handed him a bottle of water that he greedily gulped down. He was tempted to splash a little on his face to cool off, but decided against it. He needed to be back on stage in a minute. This was the penultimate performance of his World of Rock stage show. Tomorrow was the last show for another month. It was a taxing show, two hours of pure performance art in which he did his magic without speaking a word, letting the music do the work there. But god damn was it worth it.

Shadow gave himself a once-over. His black trousers, dancing shoes, and the red shirt he wore were a little touched with sweat, but still fine. He had unbuttoned the shirt down to the third button to ventilate a little bit. By the time they came to the final song, he would be shirtless out of necessity more than anything.

"Mr. Valazquez," a stagehand with a headset and clipboard set, approaching the coyote furry. "You're on in 30 seconds!"

Shadow nodded once and shook out his nerves. The lights came on and the applause started. The drum intro of Dir en Grey's song Umbrella started up and Shadow dashed onto stage to begin. It was an intense set, moving from one effect to the next trying to progress at a similar pace to the song. Shadow didn't even see the audience. Partly because he was blinded by the stage lights, but also because he was so focused on his magic.

World of Rock was one of his more unusual concepts. He went to great pains to secure the rights to use two hours of music from rock and metal bands from around the world. Dir en Grey from Japan, After Forever from The Netherlands, Nightwish from Finland, Rata Blanca from Argentina, Peter Gabriel from England, Rush from Canada, The Michael Schenker Group from Germany, Dungeon from Australia... the list just went on. Shadow was a firm believer that art was a universal language, so he combined his love of magic and music in this stage spectacle.

The performance continued for another 45 minutes, showing off the best effects of Shadow's own creation as well as those he had learned from his peers. The finale was set to Dungeon's song Against the Wind. At the final chorus, shirtless (he had removed the shirt completely earlier in the song during a stunt recreating Houdini's water torture escape) and bathed in blue light, Shadow lifted off the ground with his arms spread at waist level and floated out over the audience and stepping forward as if walking on the air itself amidst a sea of gasps and cheers. It had taken him almost ten years to work out this effect since he first imagined it when he was a 16-year-old punk busking illegally on the streets.

Shadow drifted back to the stage and settled down softly on his feet as the song drew to a close and he practically folded himself in half in a deep bow as the music faded out and was swiftly drowned out by the applause.

Shadow slowly stood upright and raked a hand back through the still-damp locks of dark hair that hung over his face. The streak of black fur running from his muzzle to the tip of his tail had actually been the source of the name given to him by the Hopi doctor who had delivered him. He grew out the dark hair on his head into a curtain of straight black locks. His white teeth and the earrings in his canine ears glinted in the light as he raised one hand up in a rock fist to the audience.

He took a final bow and dashed off-stage. An open water bottle was waiting for him which he once more gulped down until it threatened to make him sick. He draped a towel over his shoulders and smiled as the applause outside continued. He retreated to his dressing room to quickly dry off and get changed. Though he would admit it to no one out loud, the intense work he'd put into this show was leaving him feeling drained... and that meant the confusion was starting to surface again.

There were only so many solutions to the problem, and he intended to go out and try and find one. His first stop: every lounge he could think of where beautiful women frequented. He needed company right now, and not simply of the carnal nature. And it wasn't that he was desperate for companionship or a relationshipt. No... it was more complicated than that unfortunately. But it still needed to be done.

 

[InnerKitty]

The crowd sounded large tonight. Champagne could hear the noise of their talking and laughter through her dressing room door.
She looked in the mirror at her reflection. Her eyes were the bright blue of the sky, and her slender snout ended in a perfect little black button nose. She smiled, her teeth were white and shiny and straight. Her long blond hair was still in large rollers and her make-up hadn't been applied, but she was still pretty. "Like the girl next door," she whispered to herself unsmiling. She reached into the makeup bag and began the transformation that would hide her real self from the audience.
A little red lipstick, a little rouge, and just a touch of gold over her eyes. Then the fake lashes and mascara. Finally her hair, "Kathleen?" A young racoon came over to her, "Yes Champagne? Ready for your hair to be done up?" Champagne smiled at the pretty girl, "Yes, I go on in 15 minutes." With that the racoon began removing the rollers and piling large golden ringlets upon Champagnes head, leaving some long strands to fall down her back. The girl was an excellent hair dresser and Champagne always tipped her for her skill. "Geez Kathleen, I wish I had you around all the time, I'd never want for gentleman callers! Great job as always." she touched the girls arm, "you are gifted, you should open your own salon, not work back here you whole life."
To her credit the young racoon blushed, "M-mmiss Champagne, you flatter me, your hair is just so easy to style, that is all. But maybe someday..." She smiled and left the room.

Champagne stood up, her pink dressing gown swooshing around her ankles, and walked in front of the full length mirror. She dropped the dressing gown and stared at herself. Her breasts were full and high, she'd been working out to keep them that way, and her stomach had a little tummy, but not a belly. Her legs were well proportioned and strong looking. She was wearing a gold beaded g-string. the strands laying gently on her bottom. She took a brush and fluffed her tail, "that's better" she said.

"Five Minutes Champagne!" she heard the stage manager call.
"Okay, I'm on the way!" she answered back. Quickly she pulled on glimmering thigh high stockings- she liked that she'd not have to wear a garter with them as they had elastic in the top. Then slipped on the gold lamé halter gown. It was low cut in the front (nearly to her navel) to show of her cleavage, and the rest of the gown fit her snugly, every curve outlined in gold. A single slit up the right side to her hip, showed her leg and allowed room for walking. she slid on clear four inch sandals and left the room. One of the young stage hands ran up to her "Miss Champagne! This was left for you at the door! Mr. Choates sends his regards."
Mr Choats was one of her regular clients. The old schnazuer had to be a great-grandpa of someone, however he was here every week to see her. But he was kind and generous and not too much of a boor. He'd see the show and then have her on his arm the rest of the night. She never let him take her home, she wasn't that kind of woman, but she'd be his companion till the wee hours at any function or party. He seemed to enjoy her company as well as have her on his arm. And every month a eight hundred dollar check would be deposited to her bank account. He wasn't the only one, but the richest and classiest of all her clients.

She took the box from Riley.

'Thank you Riley" The young labrador nearly tripped over himself as he went back to his duties. She smiled, he was a great kid. She opened the box and inside found a pair of chocolate silk opera gloves with tiny gold roses embridered on the wrists and up the arm. They were beautiful. She slid them on, of course they were a perfect fit. She held up her hands to admire them.

"Miss Champagne!, you're on!" She heard Riley call. Yes, there was her opening music, a deep jazz blues mix in a low key the rhytm slow and seductive. She slowed her heart and gracefully walked out on to the stage, to the sound of applause.

"Good evening everyone," she said in a sultry voice, "I'd like to sing you a little song, if that's okay?" She smiled at the crowd, they gave their permission with loud calls and whistles. She smiled even bigger, then drew herself in to sing.

Her voice was a low and rich alto, her song from the deepest depths of her soul, and the crowd sat enchanted as she began.

Morning, morning's not far away....
And here we are, here we are...
Moonlight, we can't make it stay...
Here in our arms, in our arms....

Near the end of the song she turned her back to the audience, her gown falling at her feet, she turned to give them a half glimpse of her chest-her gloved hand over the nipple, and a quick coy smile, and slowly walked back into the shadows of the stage.

The crowd on their feet chanted her name, she smiled and darted through the curtian.
It was time for a costume change, the next call would be in fifteen minutes.

"Great job Miss Champagne! you really knocked them dead!" Riley exclaimed as she walked to her dressing room. "thanks riley! you are very sweet!"She answered.

Running into her dressing room and reaching for her next costume, she caught herself in the mirror. Just for a second, she felt a stranger stared back, as if she really wasn't that petite fox in the mirror, but someone outside herself.

She shook it off, she didn't have time to daydream. She added green feathers to her hair, and put on the green satin corset, changing her stockings and g-string to match. Her black pumps finished the outfit. She put on a white tear away gown, it looked very prim and proper and she smiled at herself in the mirror, knowing what she wore under it was anything but proper. It would get ripped off during the next set as part of the show... very naughty indeed.

"Miss Champagne!, three minutes!" she heard Riley call through her door.
"Thanks Riley" she answered.
She was ready.

 

[DrStein]

Shadow was looking very dapper considering the show he had put on. He had on his best shoes and slacks and was wearing a wine red silk button-down shirt. He had a ring on each hand, three earrings in each ear, and a pair of eagle feathers woven into his black locks. Combined with the medicine pouch around his neck, he stood out rather noticeably as a strange combination of modern style and tribal romanticism. He drew further attention in the way he carried himself. He was only 5'4" tall, but he walked with a graceful swagger and kept his head tilted back slightly so that it appeared he was looking down his nose even at those taller than him.

He calmly strode into The Black & White Club, a very upscale lounge and gentleman's club. The clientelle here were generally well-off, but only a handful of them were the truly wealthy. They considered themselves sophisticated and cultured, no matter how untrue that may have been in some cases. Shadow actually started out a reputation performing seance magic for some of these people. They thought they were too good for regular magic, but theater in their living room...

He took a look around. The club had a host of beautiful young women in its employ, and thus was Shadow's first stop on his little mission. He took a seat at the bar and ordered a cranberry juice with peach schnapps. Getting drunk this early in the evening would be a bad idea, so he decided to keep it light.

He let his eyes sweep the room. He spotted a slender bunny girl, a buxom tigress, and a curvy skunk girl. There was certainly no shortage of lovely young women, but the approach was always the difficult part. Even after years of cold approaches as a street magician, Shadow freely admitted that the approach was always the toughest part of any social encounter.

He looked toward the stage and lifted a brow as a platinum blonde vixen took the stage. She was exceptionally beautiful and seemed to be a favorite of the clientelle. Shadow sat back and watched her show, deciding then and there that he'd have to find a chance to speak to her later.

 

[InnerKitty]

Whoosh! a sudden blast of air as the tall cheetah, her dance partner for the show, ripped off the white gown, she wheeled away looking oh, so ever surprised! She fell back only to be caught and thrown (lifted) back into the dance with the cheeta sailor/dancer. (The music was fast and from some part of the WWII era.)They clasped hands and she kissed him, he let go of her and "fainted" his other sailor buddies catching him and pretending to fan him and bring him back from his faint. Three other sailors came up on Champagnes right, mouths agape and toungs lolling all jostling to dance with her next. Two dogs and a monkey, The monkey won, He spun her around, using his tail to spin her out and back (it had taken a while to get that down!) and they danced a jitterbug. The monkey threw her in the air reaching up to catch her, but the cheetah stepped in and they finished the dance.

The crowd cheered and they took their bows, breathing heavily. She looked at Stan the cheetah and smiled, "we did good, listen to them" The dancers left the stage and she waved good-bye to the audience, kicking up her heel and blowing them a kiss.

Her part of the show was over, she was free to mingle with the clientele.

Back in her dressing room she showerd quickly and then put her hair into a high upswept pony tail. She tied a brown velvet ribbon around the hair band to hide it, tucking the ends in. She had a golden velvet gown that she now put on. It came just below her ankles and fit her very snugly, showing every curve and muscle outline of her body in detail. The thin gold chain straps sparkled against her fur and she put on a simple gold rose pendant. She dabbed a little rosymusk perfume in her cleavage and behind her ears. Smiling she picked up the gloves Mr. Choats had given her and slid them on. . . perfect! A little deep red lipstick and a touch of mascara and she was gone out the door.

Coming out of the employees door, she scanned the room, ah across the room was Mr. Choats and he was waving her to him, smiling, his énterage of assocates watched expectantly as she crossed the floor passing the bar and throwing the boar behind the bar a kiss. "Hi Charlie, busy night?" he handed her a merlot, "Not too bad, not too bad. Good show by the way, I love the green number you were wearing!" with that he winked, smiling.
"Oh now Charlie, there you go again making me sorry you're a married hog!" She chuckled, smiled and winked at him. As she was turning from the bar, she noticed a tall dark coyote at the bar. He looked exotic... maybe a bit dangerous... but very confident. If he wasn't an alpha, she was loosing her touch. For just a moment she allowed herself to look at him, to watch the way his hands moved as he brought the glass to his mouth, to watch how his lips moved as he drank.

"Champagne! over here!" It was Mr. Choats voice that brought her out of her daydream. She quickly turned to him smiling and waving. "I'm coming!" she wove her way through the crowd of tables, shaking hands, waving, hugging and kissing cheeks as she went. As she approached the table, Mr. Choats, and therefore all the men at the table with him, stood. She reached out to him first, giving him a deep hug, and kissing him on the cheek, when he grabbed a handful of her left cheek, she laughed and looked him in the eyes. "Oh Mr Choats, I have to watch out for you all the time!" They both laughed and then they all sat down, she nearest Mr. Choats.

"Mr. Choats, thank you for these beautiful gloves, they are exquisite!" She kissed his cheek again.

"Well, Champagne, I was so glad to see you wearing them onstage. Thank you my dear, for making this old dog happy!" he smiled gleefully, "Now, I'd like you to meet my associates...."

 

[DrStein]

Shadow watched from the corner of his eye as Champagne went over to a group of older men whom she seemed very friendly with. By the look of things, they were a very tight-knit group, so it would take some creativity and charm to work his way into the table and meet the vixen. There were plenty of other girls, true. But this one seemed like a challenge that he just couldn't pass up.

He waited a moment until they were seated again and he kept his eyes on the table. He swore he saw a familiar face amongst the table and sure enough it clicked. An otter in a pristine white suit and fedora, Mr. Geoffrey Roberts. Shadow had done a Christmas show for his company a year ago. Now he had an in. He had a few props with him as well, and the wheels in his head began turning almost immediately.

As he paid for his drink, Shadow asked the bartender for a favor. He collected his props and stepped forward to the table. "Geoffrey, good to see you again."

The otter looked up and jumped slightly before beaming brightly. "Shadow! Haven't seen you since the holidays. How are you doing?"

"Well enough," Shadow shrugged. "And yourself?"

"As well as can be expected. Have you met my associates?"

 

[InnerKitty]

The entire table turned to look at the coyote that Mr. Roberts was talking to.
Geoffry, introduced everyone, well, the men, around to the dark coyote. After some small talk, the coyote, Shadow, was asked to sit with the group.

Champagne took the time to look the newcomer over. He was the same fellow at the bar that had caught her eye. Mr. Choats caught her staring, he leaned in close to her, putting a hand high on her thigh, and whispered, "He is quite handsome don't you think?" his hand stroking her leg gently, "you want me to introduce you?" Champagne turned to the older man. He smiled and winked a knowing wink at her squeezing her knee, "Of course you do, my dear Champagne," he stroked her face gently, ending at her mouth, "you are young and beautiful, and so is he" Mr. Choats turned and cleared his throat, "Excuse me Shadow, but my dear Geoffry, has failed to introduce you to the most beautiful girl in the joint." He gestured to Champagne, "This is Champagne, entertainer extrodinare!" he winked at shadow, a conspiring smile on his face.

Mr Choats loved his grand gestures. Champagne checked herself and smiled openly, looking up through her long eyelashes at the dark stranger and extending her gloved hand, "It's my pleasure... Mr. Shadow."
To her left Mr. Choates chuckled.

 

[DrStein]

Shadow took her hand and kissed it in a very gentlemanly manner. "Mr. Velazqez would be the proper address, but Shadow is acceptable."

Shadow leaned back slightly and smiled as Mr. Roberts proceded to tell everyone about the show he put on for Roberts' company's Christmas party. A monkey asked him for a demonstration of his skills, leading the coyote to smile to himself. The shot he ordered a moment ago was brought over to the table in an almost uncanny fashion along with several cocktail napkins. Shadow took the shot down and wiped it clean.

"Here's a little trick I learned. Doesn't have to do with drinking, but basketball, believe it or not." He wrapped a cocktail napkin around the upside-down shot glass and checked it to make sure it fit. He took a small crocheted red ball out of his pocket and rolled it across the table from one hand to the next. He passed it back and forth between his hands a couple times before blowing on the hand holding the ball to show it empty.

"Two points." He lifted the glass to show the ball underneath the glass. He showed off the ball for a second before pocketing it.

"Three point shot from the pocket." He lifted the glass to show it once again had the ball underneath. He stuffed the ball in his opposite pocket and smirked.

"The fowl shot." He lifted the glass and kicked out a ball that was much larger than the first one and must have barely fit in the glass. Everyone at the table was laughing as Shadow pocketed the ball.

"Of course, the really weird thing is..." He slammed his hand down on the napkin, squashing it flat as the glass underneath had somehow vanished. "I don't actually have the glass." He proceded to tear up the napkin and looked directly at the old schnauzzer sitting a few feet away. "Although the bartender might appreciate you giving it back. Your jacket pocket."

Mr. Choats looked at Shadow in slight bafflement before reaching into his jacket pocket and producing the shot glass. Shadow merely lifted a brow and half-smiled as he looked around the table at the laughing faces before settling on Champagne.

She was gorgeous up close. And she seemed so warm, a complete sweetheart. He knew then that she could help him.

 

[InnerKitty]

Champagne blushed beneath her fur and her ears twitched a bit in confused embarrassment at his rebuttal. But she smiled her prettiest smile at Shadow... Velazqez..."

As he began his trick, she became mesmerized and caught up in his show. When Mr. Choates pulled the glass from his jacket, she clapped excitedly and laughed delightedly. ShadowVelazqez was amazing! Eyes full of excitement, she said, "Wow, Mr. Velazqez, that was incredible!" Turning to her client, the schnauzzer, she asked full of wonder, "Mr. Choates! Wasn't he just amazing?!"

The old schnauzzer, nodded in agreement. He looked at Shadow for a moment, seeming to notice the coyote's interest, and then smiled at Champagne, thinking...
"Yes, my dear, he was trully amazing."

Champagne noticed his odd look. "What?" she asked.

He just smiled back. "Nothing Champagne... I'm just thinking... do you want another drink?" Without waiting for her answer, he snapped his fingers at a waitress to get her attention and ordered another Merlot. "There now, Champagne," he said patting her hand, "got you all fixed up." He grinned a huge grin at her, and she kissed him on the cheek. He always loved taking care of her, "Thank you, you handsome dog..." she whispered. Then they both burst out laughing.

Turning back to Shadow, Champagne wondered if he would do another trick or if that kind of thing drove him crazy. She stared at him thoughtfully, he was quite handsome.. and for some reason she really liked the feathers. She smiled as his eyes met hers.

"Ah, here is you Merlot." Mr. Choates interruped, her thoughts, and taking the glass from the waitress, placed it in front of Champagne. She turned to him smiling, "Why thank you, thank you very much!" and took a large swallow of her wine not wasting a drop. She patted her lips dry with a napkin and leaned back in the seat and snuggled to Mr. Choats arm, as was usual. She, with everyone else, watched to see what Shadow would do, or say next.

 

[DrStein]

"So what have you been up to lately," the monkey, Mr. King asked. He, like others at the table seemed to be sizing the coyote up as a potential entertainer for their own events.

"I'm just finishing up my World of Rock show," Shadow explained. He told them about the show patiently while at the same time clearly looking very proud of himself. He had every right to be as well. It allowed him to finally bring to the stage a number of illusions that he had planned out for years.

"I don't suppose there are still tickets available?" Mr. Roberts inquired.

Shadow merely reached up and took the white fedora from the otter's head. He shook it next to his ear like a child trying to guess what was inside a Christmas present. He held it over the table, giving it another shake with both hands before using one to tap the top. Tickets dropped out of the hat onto the prisitne table cloth. Shadow spread them out a little and counted off enough for everyone present. "I was wondering where those went."

Shadow was a firm believe in the method school of acting. His mentor as a young boy had taught him that it was Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin who first said that a magician is an actor who must play the part of a conjurer. Influenced by early 20th century magicians like Max Malini and Alexander Herrmann who pursued this philosophy to a greater extent, Shadow was always in character. He never passed up a chance to do some random, ordinary thing magically, and it had helped his reputation immensely.

"Tomorrow is my final performance of the show for another year. I'd be delighted to see you all in the audience."

 

[InnerKitty]

Everyone at the table grabbed a ticket, Mr Choats grabbed three. He handed one to Champagne and pocketed the other two, eyeing her sidelong. The other one was for his wife, Champagne was sure. She smiled sweetly and looked at the ticket.

The time for Mr Velazqez's show would overlap the time she had to be here at work, she'd not be able to go to the show. Her heart sank and she frowned, but only for a moment. In the time it took to breathe a single breath, her smile was back in place. She looked around the table and noticed that Mr. King didn't have a ticket and was eyeing Mr. Choats. There had only been enough for each of us and the old dog had just snactched two. she thought. With a big smile, she turned to the Monkey, "Mr. King, I seem to have an extra ticket, I am afraid dear Mr. Choats accidentally picked up more than our fair share." she smiled her prettiest smile and slid the ticket over to the monkey. "There, now everyone has a ticket. Mr Velazqez. that was such a generous thing for you to do. You are very kind." The monkey smiled at her, nodded his head, pocketed the ticket, then turned back to Shadow.

Champagne, sat back in the seat bringing her legs up beneath her and wrapping her tail around herself. Figiting with her tail, she began to ignore what the men were saying and watched the end of the last set of the night, finishing off her Merlot.

 

[DrStein]

Shadow nodded slowly. "Kindness is an unfortunately scarce commodity in modern society," he mused softly. Wasn't that just the plain old truth? Growing up near the reservation, Shadow saw the pain and suffering of poverty every day, etched into every broken window, every crack on the sidewalk, and every gloomy face. He allowed himself only a moment to dwell on such thoughts however.

He looked back up at Champagne, contemplating whether or not to push the issue as he truly wanted to see her again. "I suppose this means you won't be gracing us all with your presence tomorrow evening?"

 

[InnerKitty]

She smiled a sad smile. "Well unfortunately, Mr Velazqez, I have to be here getting ready for the show, just about the time you've gotten good and warmed up, so .... no." She saw what she thought might be disappointment in his face and she gave him her biggest smile, "But I have really enjoyed meeting you tonight, and thank you again for showing me... um, us a little of your magic. Perhaps I can catch you on you next tour." as she was saying this, she reached across the table as if to take his hand.

The floor shows were over for the night and light piped in music played in the background. Almost imperceptably, the lights dimmed, the sound of hushed laughter and private conversation wafted around the room. She drew her hand back to her lap. At her side, Mr. Choats had taken up a lively conversation with the Monkey, and Mr. Roberts seemed caught up in what they were saying. Only... Shadow seemed still amoungst the group of men she sat with. There was some mystery that intrigued her about him. He seemed unlike anyone she'd met in a long time, yet there was something about him... she just couldn't put her finger on it. Something in his eyes.......

Champagne suddenly felt very lonely...

 

[DrStein]

Shadow nodded slowly in understanding. The atmosphere in the club seemed to change, creating a gentler and more inviting air. He saw in Champagne's eyes a look he recognized from countless mornings of getting out of bed only to see himself in the mirror. He held a hand out to her invitingly. "Then perhaps you would like to join me tonight after your shift."

His offer was gentle, but hinted at a sincerity that there was more to it than met the eye. The implication was nothing sinister, but more akin to the invitation of a journeyman to one seeking excitement... promising adventure.

As if in a trance, he had moved the two of them to a more private corner of the bar where he took her hands and said softly so that no eavesdroppers could hear, "I'm going to be perfectly honest. I have a... condition. And I would greatly appreciate your company tonight." His request was neither lecherous nor suspicious. His voice carried only honesty, vaguely hinting at a deeper pain that he had learned to hide over the years.

 

[InnerKitty]

"I'm going to be perfectly honest. I have a... condition. And I would greatly appreciate your company tonight."

The words brought her out of a daze. She realized that Shadow was holding her hands in his, and she looked into his face. Such sincerity, with a darkened deeper side,-he was hiding something- but he didn't seem to want to. she felt he was judging her by her response, her body language.... she tried to remain physically relaxed as her mind raced, a pretty, friendly smile on her face. How did she get to the bar? She'd been sitting with Mr. Choates and looking at Shadow-she didn't remember getting up from the table.

She looked toward the table. They didn't seem to even notice her absence.

Looking back at Shadow she asked, "Are you asking me to sleep with you Mr. Velasquez?"

 

[DrStein]

The corner of Shadow's lip tugged down slightly. "No..."

He closed his eyes as the memories flooded his mind. He remembered it all so vividly. The smell of the rain... the halos of yellow-orange around the street lights... the scream of twisted metal... the feeling of non-pain in his wounds as he slipped into shock...

"No," he repeated after a lengthy pause. "I just don't want to be alone tonight." It was unclear whether or not he had intended to say that out loud. His eyes were still closed, and a deeper pain he was hiding began to flit across the surface of his features.

 

[InnerKitty]

Champagne pulled her right hand from his grasp and gently laid it along his jawline. "Please forgive me for being so forward, I mean you no disrespect. I just had to know what was happening here. I don't want to mislead you or make you think I am something I am not." She hesitated, then continued, "I do not sleep with my clients... and you and I just met... and well, " she laughed nervously, "you did just ask me to spend the night with you." She felt that perhaps she was saying too much, or maybe nothing important. But she worried that she'd offened Shadow, and for some deep hidden reason, she didn't want him disappointed in her.
She leaned closer to him and said in a quiet voice, "so if we were not to sleep together... then tell me, what were your plans for us?"

 

[DrStein]

Shadow reached a hand up to hold the one of hers on his jaw. He considered what he was doing a moment and lowered her hand. "I have no intention of taking advantage of you or any other woman...

"All I ask is that you accompany me tonight. I'm going for a late meal at The Adventurers' Club. After that, I'll be going back to my apartment. I ask nothing of you except for pleasant conversation and company." He paused to consider his next words carefully. It was a facet of his life he seldom divulged many details about. To this day, he had never given anyone the whole story.

"I'll explain more later. This isn't a vrey good place to get into it."

 

[InnerKitty]

As Shadow finished his sentence, Mr Choates walked up. He shook Shadows hand, smiling openly, "Was a pleasure my boy, a real pleasure, and thanks for the tickets, I look forward to your show tomorrow night!" Turning to Champange he took her hand and kissed it, "Till next time my dear, great show tonight," He leaned in to hug her and whispered in her ear, "He is handsome, isn't he?" he stood upright, smiling a knowing smile, "Now you two kids have a good time tonight! Us old folks have gotta turn in!" He laughed with his companions at his joke and they left the cabaret waving good-byes.

For a moment Champange stared at the doorway, then turned back to Shadow, "Well, it does seem I am free for the rest of the evening, I accept you invitation." She smiled her warmest smile, "Am I dressed okay? or should I change? I'm afraid I don't have my toothbrush with me... I hadn't expected a sleep over." her smile faltered, "Um.. anyhow, I'll need to go get my purse."

 

[DrStein]

A genuine smile crossed Shadow's muzzle as he nodded. "Take your time. I'll be right here."

Relief washed over him. He thought for a minute his forwardness had put her off. But it seemed she trusted him enough and the two of them seemed to have the blessing of her elderly patron and friend Mr. Choates. He ran a hand back through his black locks and straightened himself out slightly as he waited for the vixen to return.

Already, the night seemed a little brighter.

 

[InnerKitty]

Back in her dressingroom, Champagne considered what Shadow was wearing. She removed her gloves, added a golden bangle braclet and a simple garnet ring on her right hand. Looking through her costumes and dresses, she found a deep burgundy halter dress whose hem fell just below her knee. Putting it on, she realized that it did show her shape quite nicely. She let her hair down, the golden curls cascading over her shoulder and down her back, and fingerbrushed it neatly behind her ears. Taking her brush, she brushed out her tail till the fur was smooth and shiny. A touch of wine coloring around her eyes and on her lips then a pair of strappy black high heeled sandals, her purse and she was ready to go.

She stepped out into the bar area and walked across the floor to Shadow. He seemed a bit more relaxed than before, but he seemed to be thinking about something too.
She reached out a hand touching his arm hoping not to startle him, "You know, you are quite handsome when you smile, you should do it more." She smiled openly at him as she moved within his line of vision. "well," she said quietly, "I'm all ready to go." She half sat on a stool, waiting, unconciously curling her tail into her lap.

 

[DrStein]

Shadow gave her a knowing grin at her comment of his smiling. He paid for the drinks he had ordered earlier and took Champagne's hand. "Have you ever been to The Adventurers' Club before?" he asked as they left together. It was a balmy summer evening, but not too warm or humid thankfully.

Shadow walked over to his car, a red Hyundai and opened the passenger door for Champagne. He had gotten the car two years ago as his carreer was really starting to take off and he kept it in very good condition since, so it still felt like it was hot off the lot. Quantity of possessions was never a concern for him so much as quality was. He hated the attitude among many successful people that prosperity allowed for disposable commodities.

His car was also an unusual sight amongst all of the BMWs and Mini-Coopers and Mercedes still in the parking lot. Much like Shadow himself, it stood out very noticeably in the crowd.

The drive to The Adventurers' Club was quiet and short. Shadow made no excessive attempts at conversation, saving it up for the time in the restaurant and at his apartment. He filled the silence by playing a little David Bowie on the car stereo.

The Adventurers' Club itself was a massive theme restaurant and club that was open 24/7. The kitchens closed shortly after midnight, but the club continued to run until dawn. There was little crossover between the two sections, which is what allowed its unusual schedule. It was dressed up in the manner of a club for Victorian explorers and the like. A staff of entertainers in period garb were always around in character, ready to rattle off jokes and stories.

Shadow himself worked as the house magician early on. These days, he did the occassional stage show for them. Nevertheless, he was a frequent customer as he loved the ambience of the place.

The host in the restaurant that night was a human man who recognized the coyote immediately. "Mr. Velazquez, welcome back!" he said enthusiastically. "Table for two?"

 

[InnerKitty]

The drive had been quiet, except for the David Bowie music playing... she actully loved Bowie and was content to sit and listen instead of talking. She did think it odd, but after all the times she had to make conversation.. for her clients, to just sit in silence, except for the music, was nice.

The resturant/club was very neat, everywhere she looked she saw something of interest. She smiled delightedly, her eyes bright with the wonder most assciated with a child at disney land.
As the waiter came up and spoke Shadows name, he led them to a table, she took Shadows elbow, wanting to keep up with him, and followed her tail swishing behind her.

"Shadow, this place is just so cool!" she whispered across the table as they were seated. "How did you find this place?"

 

[DrStein]

"I did some publicity stunts for the owner's brother who runs a gym. They wanted me to be the house magician for a time." Shadow moved quickly away from the topic of himself. Talking about himself always led to questions he hated to answer. "But tell me... what's your story?"

He settled into his chair and perked his ears to hear her better. An oil lamp votive sat in the center of their table, casting soft shadows across their respective features. As he listened to her, he admired the way the light seemed to make her hair shimmer and also took a certain appreciation of the way her smile lit up her face.

 

[InnerKitty]

"It's nothing too grand. I wanted to be in show biz..." she chuckles, her features full of amusement, "I answered and ad for a dancer/singer. Prospective applicants met with the, um, talent scout, in an old abandoned warehouse on 8th street. There were like 4 judges sitting behind a long table and this guy standing there in this outlandish striped leotard." she laughed at the memory, "There was about 10 of us, 6 girls and 4 guys and the leotard guy gave us some step to learn right then, right there. It was kinda hard, but I caught on quick. They didn't even ask our names, they'd just call us out by what we were wearing. We did this for about an hour and a half, we were nearly all dead tired by the time we were done, and they pulled out 6 people, there was just me, one other girl and two guys. It was wild, they told the others they could just leave." Champagne made a dismissive gesture with her hand as she told the story, "The four of us left didn't dare show how tired we were. So now, they wanted us to sing...They gave us a tune and the words and we had five minutes to learn the tune, catch our breath and then perform. It was nuts! But all four of us did it." She laughed to herself. "In the end us four were chosen to work for these folks, but in different establishments. I and Stan, the cheetah I did the last set with, were chosen to work at Josie's Caberet, where we had to prove ourselves again. But with a twist, I was asked If I would do partial nudity... or a least suggestive nudity... They would give me an extra $100 a night. I agreed, but with stipulations, I never do full frontal, and all the important stuff is covered. It is a big tease mostly. They agreed." She leaned in whispering, "but let me tell you this, the first time I got on stage and lost my dress... I nearly froze!" she sat back in her chair and stretched, "It got easier, and it got me some side jobs as arm candy. Mr Choats, who you met tonight, is my best client. He is married, and loves his wife very much, but she is hard to live with and she rarely treats him with any consideration, she is very caught up in herself and her own inner world. So he goes out with "the boys" once or twice a week, and comes and sees me. Mostly I sit and talk with him, joke go to an occasional party when she is out of town. We flirt, joke and generally have a good time, but that is all it is. Beyond perhaps love of a friend... I let him treat me like a lady without any strings attached, and I treat him like a man-without any strings attached. We don't expect anything beyond the moment." She'd kind of gotten quiet and she picked distractedly at her napkin.

The noise of the resturant seemed very far away as Champagne realized how lonely she'd felt.. and for how long.

Someone at another table coughed and snapped her out of her thoughts. She sat up, and smiling at Shadow with at touch of embarrassment, put her hands in her lap, "Oh, Shadow, I'm sorry, I just kind of phased out there and got lost in thought.
Anyway like I said, not much to tell. So...tell me a bit about yourself."

 

[DrStein]

Shadow was genuinely intrigued by her story, and empathized with her sentiments of being on stage. Performing in front of people, especially the sort of show she had to do, was an act of incredible nerve and courage. He stared at her a moment as she drifted into her thoughts. At that moment, he wanted to reach over and hold her hand, take her in his arms. Anything to help alleviate that look in her eye that he had recognized in the mirror so many times before.

Champagne seemed to snap out of her trance before he had the chance to act though. His ears drooped slightly as she asked him to tell of himself. It would be rude not to answer her... but he still hated only giving an edited version of the story.

"Well... humble beginnings as is usually the case with performance artists. I grew up in a slum just outside of a Hopi reservation. I took up magic when I was only six years old after a busker I saw agreed to give me lessons."

He leaned back in his chair and decided to cut the story short... for now. "I started out busking on the streets. No license. I moved up to doing publicity stunts, restaurant work... Eventually started doing stage shows and seance theater. The last few years is when things have really started falling into place for me."

Fortunately, their server came by and Shadow took advantage of the distraction. For himself, he ordered a salad and steak, also requesting a bottle of wine be brought to the table.