Micheal woke up sometime later and rolled over, feeling as if he had a hang over. He frowned, shook his head and slowly got up and stumbled for the shower. He had no idea what time it was, nor remembered when he got home. He knew the sun was too bright, attacking his dark sanctuary like it had every right. He groaned and made his way slowly into the shower, letting the first spray of excruciatingly cold water attack his skin. This brought him to his senses a little more and he shuddered, begging the hot water to hurry up and heat up. He shook his head and washed his face and hair quickly, jumping out as soon as he could.
He grabbed a towel, dried off and threw on a pair of boxers and headed to make some very strong coffee. While the coffee brewed he found an old duffel bag sitting in the bottom of his closet. He threw a few jeans, t-shirts, a nice jacket, two pairs of shoes and other odds and ends. He then slowly slid a small stuffed wolf into the bag, hiding it in a jacket pocket. He had the small wolf since his parents had died and he didn't want to leave it behind just in case someone broke in to his apartment. After he felt well enough packed he went back for his coffee. He filled a large travel mug that had paw prints all around it and simply said “I would rather see the wolf then hear his friends.” He dressed, pulled on his shoes, threw his bag over his shoulder and walked out the door, coffee in hand like an Olympic torch.
He sipped his coffee as he walked, blinking into the glaring afternoon sun. He sighed and looked around, then made his way for the hidden door from where he had seen Sarah the first time. He finally made his way to the broken stairs and headed down into the shadows, the sun at his back. He knocked on the large door and the small whole opened and the blue eye of Bruce glared through. Soon the door opened and Micheal headed in, still feeling that annoying chill go up the back of his spine as he made his way past the massive doorman.
Micheal nodded, not speaking to him and made his way past Bruce and into the small bar area and looked around, willing his eyes to hurry up and adjust to the light. He squinted through the fluorescent light that assaulted his vision and had to close his eyes for a few moments. When he opened them, Sarah was in the doorway, watching him. She smiled a little and motioned for him to follow her. Without waiting she turned and headed down the hall, making sure to avoid the massive double doors that belonged to Alex.
Micheal followed her, still not speaking. It was odd to hear only his shoes squeaking and clattering on the hard floor. Sarah, even in high heels, moved like a cat leaving no noise in her wake. This slightly bothered him, making him feel like a bull in a china shop. He sighed, and hefted his back a little more, shoving the now empty coffee mug into an empty pocket on the side. Soon Sarah stopped and opened a door and stood next to it. “This is your quarters.” She replied, finally breaking the silence. Micheal almost jumped, not expecting it. “It has it's own shower, bed, and bathroom. There is a wet bar on the side fully stocked. A mini fridge with snacks. The kitchen is behind the bar. If you mess anything up, you clean it up. We are all responsible for our own messes. Wednesdays you will leave your clothing outside your door. It will be collected, washed and delivered back that afternoon. If you feel you need to go out, check in with me or Michelle, whom you will meet later.”
Micheal just nodded, feeling like he was going to a boarding school instead of a job. “Check in?” He asked, slightly caught off guard.
Sarah nodded. “If we need someone to fill a shift we like to know who is in and out at any given time.” She replied, without missed a beat. “So yes, check out. You don't and it creates trouble. Trouble for one is trouble for all and you will make enemies quick.” She snorted and leaned against the frame.
Micheal moved into the room and looked around. He was instantly surprised. It was fairly large and well furnished. A bar stood in the corner, complete with glasses and flutes. A large bed stood in the center of the room, a large red leather couch sat against a wall with a large flat screen television across from it. There was a writing desk, and more that he could not see without exploring. He would do that later. He looked back at Sarah, dropping his duffel bag on the floor. He sighed. “Thanks...its nice.” He felt stupid saying it was nice but didn't know what else to say. He figured amazing would make him seem like a pauper.
Sarah chuckled. “If you need anything else let me know.” She replied. “I'll be in the kitchen, I am starving and its past my lunch time.” She smiled and left him to get acclimated to his new quarters. She remembered the first time she had received her quarters and just about squealed at all the things. She had come from a poor family and this was all she had ever dreamed about. She was happy here and hoped he would be too. She headed out of the room and down the hall, soon disappearing around the corner.
Micheal grabbed his bag from the floor and tossed it on the massive bed. It sank just a little and he ran his hand along the cover. It felt so soft, as it if were filled with down. He shuddered just a little and unpacked, putting his wolf on the pillows. He then found a dresser and tucked his few clothing items in drawers and went to see where the bathroom was and if it were as well furnished as the main room.
He walked into the bathroom and almost stumbled when he entered. The lights were almost of a chandelier forbidden, with crystal drops hanging from it. He blinked again, seeing engraved towels with the second sunrise logo on it. He rubbed his hands across a towel and they were soft, and a beautiful blue. He sighed and leaned against the light yellow colored walls and closed his eyes for a moment. He had never hurt for money but this was almost like movie star quality. It caught him off guard to an extreme content. After a few short moments he regained his composure and saw the footed tub and stand alone shower. A massive mirror, surrounded by silver decoration stood in the center of the wall, over a large marble sink. He turned the faucet on and splashed water onto his face then used one of the hanging towels to dry himself. After that he left the bathroom, turning off the light as he exited. He closed his eyes again shaking his head then left his room. He was actually a little hungry and Sarah mentioning food had made him realize that.
He made his way into the dining bar area and sniffed, smelling steak, or at least something that smelled a lot like steak. He swallowed, feeling himself drool. He chuckled slightly thinking of Pavlov's dogs then walked into the kitchen. Sarah stood behind a grill, a pink frilly apron around her middle. He had to bite back a laugh. A woman, dressed in all black, with skulls and tattoos all over standing cooking, wearing a pink frilly apron. He swallowed, almost afraid of getting hit with a spatula and smiled, crossing his arms and leaning against he wall.
“Smells great,” he spoke, breaking the silence. He looked around the kitchen and smiled slightly. It was big for a bar. It was restaurant quality if nothing else.
Sarah chuckled. “Umm...thanks.” She replied smiling, and set out two steaks, french fries and something that smelled like soda and orange juice.
Micheal laughed a little and pulled up a stool. Sarah frowned. “Umm...we have tables...”She replied, staring at him, cocking her head just a little. “Grab a plate and eat in the restaurant area...not in here.” She grabbed her plate and drink and walked past him, slinging her apron on a hook near the door.
He nodded and followed her, plate in hand, drooling a little. He had not realized he was really hungry till he smelled food. He took a seat at one of the tables, seeing Sarah sit down across from him. “I cooked you do dishes.” She stated, cutting into her steak.
He frowned. “Umm...yeah..sure...”He murmured, a little off guard at the order. He was used to cleaning up after himself. This was going to take some getting used to. He cut into his steak and stared as the juices ran out like a red syrup. He swallowed hard, then shrugged and dug in. He usually liked his steak well done but was not going to complain over the offered food.
Sarah watched him. “You don't like it you make it next time.” She stated, already half way through her steak. “I cook it how most of 'em here eat it. So, if its not like you like it, just next time step in and make it.”
Micheal frowned and shrugged. 'No, no..its fine.” He murmured. “Just I have never eaten it like this. Its actually quite good.”
She smiled and sat back, drinking from her glass. “We open at nine tonight. So be dressed and ready.” She told him, watching him. “You will more than likely be watching the door. So, Bruce will be giving you a run through and showing you what to do. Then based on your night shift performance we will decide if you are day or night shift for the door duty.”
Micheal nodded, still catching up. “Bruce?” He asked, thinking to himself. “Oh ,the big guy from the other day. Okay, that shouldn't be too bad.”
Sarah nodded and they finished their meals in silence. After dinner was complete, she got up and walked off, heading for her room. Micheal got up and cleared the table and went to make himself knowledgeable with the kitchen. A short while later he finished his clean up duty and leaned against the wall. This was going so fast. He had not known that all this was going to happen, especially after meeting a woman a few days before.
After his clean up he went back to his room, staring at the walls and floor as he moved. The wood was polished and almost shown. It had to be true hardwood. He was surprised it was not even knicked or scratched. He found his room, walked in and sat down to contemplate his new employment.
Micheal took a deep breath and studied some of the people in the club, as the music vibrated through his body. The pulse of the beat made the place here feel alive and it was odd, not a bad odd, but odd. The light changed and danced with the beat as it drummed out it's base. Feeling odd just standing near the door, Micheal steeled himself and slowly made his way into the mass of bodies on the floor below. He kept his eyes open, looking for Sarah. Looking around, he didn't notice the woman moving towards him and jumped when he felt a high heel grind into his shoe. He gasped and growled under his breath, then stopped as he looked down, seeing cleavage right in his field of vision. Slowly he trailed his eyes up and swallowed, staring at a very pale, very intriguing female. He took a simple, single step back.
The woman chuckled and licked her lips, tossed her hair over her shoulder and turned walking away. She gave a single glance over her shoulder then disappeared into the throng of bodies. Micheal could feel his heart pounding in his chest and shook his head. He swallowed hard, then resumed his trek into the club, determined to find Sarah, if this was her kind of game. He snorted and then stopped as the music stopped all together and massive curtains pulled back from a hidden stage in the back of the club. Everyone stopped and looked at the sliding curtains and the stage as mist and fog poured off the stage.
A murmur went through the crowd and a few females giggled and rushed the stage. A set of massive body guards stopped the females from climbing the stage. It was clear to Micheal that the females wanted whatever was about to appear on stage. He hoped it was better than a few theatrics. Sarah soon appeared, smiled and gave a big smile to the crowd. “Welcome you all!” She stated, her voice carrying over a microphone through the crowd who screamed in response. Micheal was just confused.
“I am glad to see such a large crowd this night,”She continued. “I know that its not me you all came to see, but most of you know the formalities.” She gave a bright smile, flashing her teeth and laughed. She opened her arms and the fog covered her. She melted away in a echoing laugh and the fog grew thicker.
Screams went up through the crowd and the women up at the front were raising their hands. They were bouncing and the bouncers clearly had their hands full. They were holding some of the females by their arms, and just glared, which surprised Micheal. All those breasts in his face he would have been having a hard time at just standing there straight faced. The fog started to clear and where Sarah had stood earlier a tall figure now stood. It was obviously male and had its head tilted down, a large top hat above what appeared to be light blonde hair. Slowly the figure stood and smiled looking out and a handsome face stared at the crowd, removed his hat and gave a long low bow.
Sighs and screams echoed through the crowd again, as if every movement the male made from the stage affected all those around him. It confused Micheal and he remained silent, watching those around him with wide eyes. He had never seen anything like this before. The man on stage stood up fully once more and replaced his hat over long blonde hair that was tied back with what looked to be a black velvet ribbon. He wore a full suit, complete with tails and a white shirt with a cravat and silver cufflinks. He moved slowly towards the edge of the stage and opened his arms, his left hand holding a large, long black cane. He bowed again. “Welcome to the Second Sunrise, my patrons. I hope this wonderful night is long and wondrous.” His voice sounded like velvet and brushed along everyone's skin. Even Micheal felt the effect and rubbed his arms as if someone were touching him.
“Enjoy the music, the drinks, and those of you that are chosen can enjoy my company.” He smiled again and slowly backed away, and Sarah walked back out onto the stage and grinned.
“Let the night begin!” She replied and lept off the stage, a bouncer catching her and setting her down. The crowd screamed again and the music started thrumming once more.
Sarah slowly started making her way through the crowd, men and women reaching out to touch her and she left them, brushing past them, sometimes letting her fingers trail down arms, necks, or shoulders. She didn't stay near any one person for long but soon came to stand in front of Micheal and smiled. “Hope you enjoyed the small show,” she stated once she was in front of the stunned looking man.
Micheal licked his lips and shrugged, not sure what to say. “It...was ok,” He replied, not sure what to say. He still felt like his skin was tingling. Sarah chuckled and took his hand and slowly started leading him through the crazed frenzy of bodies.
Soon they were through the dance floor and Micheal looked around. “I didn't know there was more,” he told her honestly as they stepped out onto solid oak floors and into what appeared to be a bar and dining area combined.
Sarah chuckled. “Of course there is. It wouldn't be all that fun if it was just a dance floor.” She chided. “We have the dance floor, the stage, the bar, and a small restaurant here. Don't want the patrons passing out now do we?”
Micheal simply shook his head and allowed himself to be lead. He felt like a lamb leaving the flock and didn't know if he felt safe at that analogy or worried. He shook the thought out of his head and didn't want to worry. Soon he saw a massive booth in the back and noticed that was where she was leading him. He swallowed and Sarah looked back up at him and gave a small reassuring smile. She didn't speak and soon stopped in front of the table.
The man from the stage was sitting at the booth, dressed now in a poet's top and leather pants. He had boots on that came to at least his knee and his hair was down, falling over his shoulders. He looked up and smiled, boots propped up on the table as he leaned back, a cigarette in his long fingers. He took a deep draw and then set the fag down on a crystal ash tray. Sarah pushed Micheal into a seat and slid in beside him. Micheal didn't want to sit, but knew it would be foolish to struggle so he allowed himself to be seated and looked at the man across from him.
The blonde smiled gently and studied Micheal. “Welcome to the Second Sunrise,” he stated, his voice once again like velvet. Micheal shuddered slightly and nodded. “I hope you are enjoying yourself,” he continued. “Sarah has informed me this is your first time here...or better yet your second. But if you do not remember the first we will call this the second.”
Micheal just nodded and didn't speak. The blonde male leaned forward offering his hand. “My name is Alexander Nightingale. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
“I'm Micheal.” He replied and took the offered hand, not wanting to feel like he was being antisocial. “Micheal Santos.”
Alex nodded and finally sat back. “Well Micheal Santos, I was asking for your” here he picked up his cigarette once more and took a long draw, “because I was curious if you were seeking employment.”
Micheal was completely caught off guard. He had no need for a source of income and never had a job just fall into his lap. He swallowed and sat back, closing his eyes. After a few seconds he opened his eyes and nodded. “I could use something to break the boredom.” He had grown bored at home and classes were not set to start up again for a few months. He thought to himself that this could help the summer pass by quicker.
Alexander chuckled and snuffed out the cigarette and nodded. “Sarah will show you what to do, starting tomorrow.” he replied. “I would prefer if you remained on the premises. We will provide everything you might need.” He continued.
Micheal frowned and stared. “I..have a home.” He interjected and swallowed.
Alexander nodded. “I am sure you do. But due to the nature of the job, it would be better if you just stay here.” He gestured with his hands, “We have a full kitchen, showers, and you may have your own quarters.” He stared at Micheal with ocean blue eyes and gave another smile. “But for now, go and enjoy the party.” Alex slowly stood, pulling his feet from the table and getting up almost like he were made of water. He nodded once more and headed for the dance floor.
Micheal blinked a little confused but stared at Sarah. She smiled. “Come. Let's go enjoy the night.” She grabbed his hand before he could complain or say 'no' and dragged him back to the fray. After what seemed like mere moments Sarah smiled. “Go home, get some rest.” She told him. “Come back about four pm.” She told him as the club was starting to close. Alexander was no where to be seen.
Micheal looked around. Finally he started feeling tired, and nodded, stifling a yawn. “Wow...what time is it?” he murmured.
Sarah smiled. “About six am.” She replied, chuckling. “I'll see ya in the morning.” She turned and started cleaning the now empty club.
Micheal then left and stumbled for home, the feel of exhaustion slowly creeping up on him. He made it home, undressed and collapsed on the bed, sound asleep before long.
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