Lennon sat at his desk, in his office, writing more of his Bordello Manifesto. He had to be careful with the suggestions he made and the programs he wanted to roll out. He wrote a sexual health program, as well as one for savings, childcare and citizenship.
He didn't care that Marcel labelled him as a snowflake social justice warrior because he felt strongly about social justice, and had a passion for the advancement of LGBT+ social rights.
On his desk was his first Bordello ID, a picture taken shortly after he arrived. In the picture, he was smiling broadly with his warm captivating ear to ear smile. His long badly-cut blond hair brushed from his face, his eyes sparkling with warmth and welcome as he beamed for the camera. Now that he led the LGBT groups, they wanted him to be photographed for a new ID soon.
The com on the desk lit up and his assistant said that the two warring LGBT assets were here to see him to resolve their latest dispute, and she didn't want them together in her waiting room.
"Sure, send them in." Lennon said.
After a few moments, two Hispanic Feminine men strutted into Lennon's office and slumped down in front of his desk.
Lennon took his large reading glasses off and looked up from his desk. "What's up, guys?! C'mon! I hear there's been all manner of trouble and drama between you both, culminating in this latest fight over stolen false eyelashes, am I right?" Lennon asked as he rubbed his temples.
"This bitch stole my lashes!" Fifi flamboyantly accused in a very animated and camp fashion.
"Bitch! you are lyin' the house!" The other shouted.
"Huh-uh! You just jelly cause I'm poppin' and you stallin' girl."
Lennon rolled his eyes. "Enough! Fifi, did you steal Lolo's eyelashes?"
"I did no such thing! Gurl wants these cause they expensive and I slay in these!" Fifi announced as he held up the lashes in their box.
Lolo pointed at Fifi. "I'm tellin' you, Lennon, she lyin'! I bought those! I asked Bayani to bring me back a pair from Asia!"
Fifi shouted, "He bought us both back a pair and you broke yours!"
"No! You broke yours so stole mine! Those cost fifty euros!" Lolo shouted back.
Lennon looked thoughtful a moment, then looked back up. "I have two options here girls. I'm gonna go with the second because the first is just confiscating the God damned lashes. What I'm going to do is this..." Lennon started as he got up from his chair.
Fifi and Lolo watched intently.
Lennon paced a moment, then turned to them. "Fifi, you keep those lashes."
Fifi looked overjoyed at his victory as Lolo seemed on the brink of tears.
"Lolo, I'm going to give you one of Chéri's designer Chanel pairs."
Lolo burst into grateful tears. "Really Lennon? You're giving me Chanel lashes?! Oh my, thank you, thank you!"
Fifi looked enraged. "What?! Why can't I have designer lashes?!"
Lennon looked at them both in turn. "This way, if those lashes are yours, Fifi, then you should be happy that you've got them back, and if you stole Lolos, then you're responsible for his getting a designer pair, which would be punishment enough." Lennon shrugged before he looked at Fifi's expression, which made it clear, at least to Lennon, that he had stolen Lolo's lashes.
Lennon got on his phone. "Hey Cher, can you come up to my office and bring a pair of Chanel false lashes? No! We're not doing that! Look, just bring a pair, please! Okay, love you, love you."
☆
At Spangna's shoot and before her scene, she sat down as Lennon smoothed wax onto her braids.
She looked up from her magazine. "Lenn, I wanna ask you a big question."
"Go for it darlin'."
"I know you have a lot on your plate just now, and I'm gonna get shite for this but, do you want to be my manager?"
"Yes." Lennon said without hesitation.
"Really?" Spangna asked.
"Yeah. I mean, I'd like to ease Into the job though." Lennon said.
"Sure whatever you want. I'll give you the standard rate I'm giving my current manager."
"That's great!" Lennon said before he called for Javier to come over.
"Hah! That poor guy, Javier." Spangna said.
"What's poor about him?"
"He's leaving cause he's scared of Marcel." Spangna said. "A lot of people are scared of him. I don't know why as Marcel's a sweetie."
"How can you say that? He's an ugly old bastard who's made a career of the oppression of women! He's got screws loose and has serious mental issues." Lennon said.
"You don't know him like I do, Lenn." Spangna said.
Lennon stopped, then looked at her, "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"
"I love him Lenn, and he's why I joined this house. I've gone to great lengths to get him." Spangna said.
Lennon stared at her a moment, "How the hell did a nice girl like you get wrapped up with him...?"
"Long story, but I had to work fucking hard." Spangna said.
"I'm really sorry you wasted your time on that one. I must be missing something because he's bad-tempered, twice your age and in the flesh trade. I fail to see the attraction." Lennon said.
"You'd never see what I see. Anyway, I've always liked older men. I prefer to date fifty plus, but he is so lush, Lenn. I also love that he's alternative and in the sex industry. He's perfect for me! Even though I think he was born in the wrong century." Spangna said.
"You like to date fifty-plus...? Seriously? Why! And Marcel is gross. I feel sorry you feel that way for him, but there's no accounting for taste. That guy needs another punch or six." Lennon said.
"Oi! You've got some bloody nerve telling me there's no accounting for taste when your boyfriend is bloody Chéri!" Spangna said.
"Hmm. I guess I walked into that one. I know Cher's got problems but he's the sweetest person character-wise. Marcel is horrible inside out. Also, there's somethin' not right with him because he moves all fucked up... like a spider. His limbs are too long as are his fingers, the list just goes on. He's just all fucked up." Lennon said.
"No, he's not! There's a reason he's the way he is, but I find him unique! I see those aspects of him as features. And anyway he says that as a piano player, long fingers are an advantage. I'm sure you can guess what I told him about that. Lenn, he's perfect for me." Spangna said.
"I don't want to know. The idea makes me feel a little ill if I'm honest. But he seems to tick all your boxes, even your weird old person kink."
"Lenn, you're the last person here that I thought would kink-shame me! Older men are better. More worldly, more passionate and far more affluent, though I don't have to worry about affluence now. I'm richer than most men!" Spangna said.
"I just want the best in the world for you, Mercy. I've known you for a short period of time, but I feel like I've known you forever. You really stand out to me as someone special, and I feel quite protective over you. I just wish you were with anyone, but him." Lennon said.
Spangna grabbed both of his hands, "Lenn, you're like a big brother to me, and I know you've always got my back, but you just have to trust me. Honestly, I know Marce can be difficult, but he's had a tough life. But he's told me that I'm the only one he's ever truly loved! And he never says emotional stuff like that." Spangna said.
Lennon shook his head. "He's very, very lucky to have you. Why doesn't he settle down with you?"
Spangna smiled back in a way that showed off her pierced dimples. "I don't think he settles point-blank. I mean he's reached this age and I'm pretty sure he has no children and lives a bit of an odd life. He has strange views about the world."
Lennon turned back to Spangna. "Interesting. How did you two get together?"
Spangna looked up to the ceiling and smiled as she recalled, "It's a very long story but, in short, the first time I ever saw him was in a British expatriates bar/nightclub called The Silver Star. It was shortly after I arrived here on vacation. I was approached and recruited by Javier first there because they'd go to nightclubs looking for the right kind of person to pitch a proposal to, for work here."
"Yeah. Vulnerable girls in trouble." Lennon said.
"Well yeah. Runaways, girls with debt problems, drug problems, known prostitutes and young mothers with children to feed. I found out much later from Marce that those were the groups they were looking for."
Lennon shook his head, "You see, I gotta problem with that. He ain't offerin' real help. He's a puppet master looking for people who are already slaves. So, Javier I imagine was just the young, good-looking bait on the hook of Marcel's line."
"Marce does save people, Lenn. And yes, Javier is very friendly and approachable and easy to feel comfortable with. At the time I knew Hav was there with Marce as I saw him regularly go back and talk to him. I was chatting to Javier, who was trying to feel me out when I saw Marce. He'd just sit there quietly, with a drink and a newspaper as they headhunted talent for here. I felt instantly attracted to him, in his PVC fetish gear and top hat. I'd never seen anything like him in real life." Spangna said.
"But, I've heard from Cher that Marcel's a cold-blooded murderer. He killed some guy called Marzak who apparently stayed here." Lennon said.
"He did that to protect us! Lenn, Marzak was a monster. Marcel is the way he is to protect us all from a worse tyrant taking hold anywhere. You have to be like that to be the AK. I wish you could just understand him and the burdens he carries. I just wish you understood."
Lennon stared back at Spangna, listening attentively.
"Normally my interactions with him here were just when I'd press my panic button and he'd burst Into the room with his massive improvised crossbow, or just beat the living daylights out of someone. Lenn, there's so much I wish you knew, but I don't have the time to explain it right now, but I will."
"Darlin', I get that you're desperately trying to sell him to me, but if he's so great, why aren't you two still together?" Lennon asked.
"I'm not selling anything, Lenn. But our relationship is... difficult sometimes. Especially with some stuff that's happened recently. So, sometimes we're off for a while, then back on." Spangna said.
"But you're dating people on an app?" Lennon asked.
Spangna sighed loudly, "Lenn... I do it to make him jealous. And every time I go on a date with some out-of-shape old man, it reinforces what I already know."
"Which is what exactly?" Lennon asked.
"Why should I drink pisswater when I've been drinking champagne?" Spangna said.
"Mercy, I've heard that he dated a family member here. Is that true?" Lennon asked.
Spangna tilted her head and looked interested, "You heard that? Yes, it's true, it was Selina. But he loves me, and when I think of him with someone else I feel sad and crazy."
"But I see you won him over." Lennon said.
Spangna smiled, "He couldn't resist me after a while. He loved my smarts, look and everything. I also made sure that sleeping with me really popped! I think Selina is boring in bed and I just stole the show."
Lennon's eyes narrowed as he looked back, wondering if he was reading between the lines correctly.
The director called out from the set. "Spangna dear, scene set!"
Lennon leant over and hugged Spangna, "Darlin', we're gonna have to agree to disagree on him. But if he makes you happy, then that's the only good thing about him. As long as you and I are cool." Lennon said.
"Exactly. I don't let politics choose my friends either." Spangna said.
"Good but... I wanna know some more afterwards when you got a moment if that's okay." Lennon said.
Javier walked over to their table holding a clipboard. "What's up, Lennon?"
"Please, call me Lenn. Javier, after today's shoot. Can I have a list of the biggest straight porn distributors?" Lennon asked.
"Sure, why? By the way, you can call me Hav, everyone else does." Javier
"Because I'm Spangna's new manager and I'd like to splice together a showreel of our girl here and send it to all the big production companies. If we can get her as a model on their books it'll be fantastic." Lennon said.
"Err, yeah, sure Lenn. Hmm, Span, they want you on set." Javier said as he looked down on his list and walked away.
Spangna and Lennon started walking towards the set, "Lenn I'm not looking forward to this scene." Spangna said as she readjusted her hair.
"Why?" Lennon asked.
"Him." Spangna said, pointing to an eighteen-year-old boy. "He's my co-star. He doesn't know what the fuck he's doing."
"Why is he co-starring with a big name like you?" Lennon asked shocked.
"A special favour for madam Dolores. This is supposed to be his big break. He's the son of one of her friends, another Bordello owner, Madam Valentina. But, now I've gotta star with an idiot who can barely fuck and when he does he's just rough, he can't eat pussy for shit and he just blocks the camera during the take. We had to use a stunt cock for his money shot cause he cums in ten minutes. The average shoot is five to six hours, with a lot of waiting. They've even tried Viagra. Nothing works."
Lennon rolled his eyes."You shouldn't be doing this." he said."Has Javier spoken to him?" Lennon asked.
"Loads of times. He's just useless and I get injuries with him. We've had to break for about forty minutes so he can try and get a bloody erection." Spangna said.
"What the fuck." Lennon said as he gave her a drink.
"Positions!" Ellie shouted.
Spangna handed Lennon her designer handbag then started to undress and hang her gothic, cyberpunk clothes on Lennon's arm.
"Santiago, can you get on the sofa. She's gonna ride you for five, then switch up." The director said.
"Yeah, sure." Santiago said as he slouched on the sofa, holding his dick.
Spangna climbed on top of him, kneeling on the sofa facing him, while an assistant ran in to pour lube on him as she sat down on him slowly.
"Okay, fuck for a bit, then when your ready we'll roll." The director said.
Javier folded his arms as he stood by Lennon. "This is painful to watch. He's got no charisma, the camera doesn't love him and he's sitting there mute."
"I've got to speak to Momma about this. A favour is a favour, but this is brand damaging." Lennon said.
The director shouted. "Okay! Action!"
Right away, Spangna started moaning loudly and rocking her hips as she sat astride Santiago. She grabbed her backside, pulling her cheeks apart as the cameraman was right behind them.
Santiago was silent and his arms were limp on the sofa as he thrust in and out of her with no rhythm at all. Spangna grinned for the camera while sucking her finger, as she dismounted him, then she waited awkwardly as he got up and looked confused as to what to do next.
"Stop! Stop!" The director shouted.
"For fucks sake." Spangna said to herself silently out of frustration as she walked off to swig water from a bottle.
Lennon walked on set. "Okay, okay, dude c'mere." He said to Santiago.
"Yeah?"
Lennon put his arm around the young man's shoulders, "Listen. This is your big break. If you wanna make it as a porn star you need to have some authority on camera and take direction. Look at the tape! Your hands are limp on the sofa, you're camera blocking too! You need to spread your legs to give a clear shot angle. And, you should be spreading her cheeks for the camera, she shouldn't have to. And well buddy, the list goes on."
"So, then you gonna critique me too?" Santiago asked.
"Nah, I'm just trying to help!" Lennon said. "Hey, Spangna! Would you mind please putting your... underwear back on so I can go through three moves with you, for him?"
"Sure." She said as she pulled on her panties.
Lennon stepped onto the set and walked up to Spangna, "Okay, the first position." Lennon said as he sat on the sofa with his legs spread. Spangna climbed on top of Lennon and sat astride him.
Lennon looked up at Spangna. "What kind of film is this?" He asked.
"Gonzo." She smiled, squeezing on him with her thighs.
"Oh great... okay." Lennon sighed as he rolled his eyes, "The cameraman's between your legs for the shot, so show the world how pretty the lady is." Lennon said as he grabbed Spangna's soft cheeks and pulled on them as Spangna smiled down on him, trying to keep a straight face, "Just now, you were just sitting there. You need to be expressive, watch." Lennon said as he slouched slightly as he sat and moved his hips slightly under her.
"Okay. Got it." Santiago said.
"Put your hand on her throat, lightly and keep fucking her while she seduces the camera and gives it the face shots. Then slap her ass a few times, then suck your finger and stick it up her ass. Lick her neck, do something interesting, anything. A lot of the time, believe it or not, people are looking at the face in porn, so sell yourself!" Lennon said quickly.
"Okay, right." Santiago said.
"How strong are you?" Lennon asked as he rested his hands on Spangna's waist.
Santiago shrugged. "Average strength."
"Good. Then, don't let her get up off you. Grab her ass and stand up while holding her. Fuck her for the camera while standing, then move smoothly to the next position. Flip her over in the air and plant her on her knees back on the sofa facing away from you, pick a hole and fuck her. Just be mindful where the camera is and keep out the way." Lennon said as he stood behind Spangna, who was bent over on the sofa.
Lennon grabbed a fistful of her box braids."Tug her hair backwards gently to pull her head back, then slap her ass a few times. Move your foot up onto the sofa as you stand behind her for the close-up happening behind. Then your face close-up. Eyes closed, head back, mouth open - look like you're really into it but support your back or you'll throw it." Lennon said as he went through the motions, bending at the knees to act out grinding against her.
"You make this all sound easy, sir." Santiago said.
"It is! Just don't cum. You've watched porn right?" Lennon asked.
"Sure, loads." Santiago answered.
"Then own the screen. Shine! Take control! You've gone over the moves with her so she's happy with what you're both doing. Fuck her for heaven's sake, and look confident." Lennon said.
"Okay."
"Now, your face close-up, spit down on your cock to wet it and fuck her, then get down on one knee and give her oral. Then back up, a few strokes..." Lennon said as he quickly went through the motions.
"Got it."
"Now, grab her hand, pull her up and then push down on her shoulders. She'll drop and give you oral. Those are three simple moves from the script that you should focus on first."
"Right, gimme twenty minutes to get ready." Santiago asked.
Spangna stood up and smiled at Lennon as they walked to a corner of the room. "Lenn, I know that Madam Dolores would sign a blank cheque if you did a porno. You must have watched tons of porn."
"No way. I'm not the kind. Anyway, I just know my momma would find out. Just... no."
"That's a shame. I know we're not each other's type, but to work with you on a scene would be fire." Spangna said.
"Nah, I'm crap in bed, or on sofa, or table or floor. Just ask Cher." Lennon said before he laughed.
"You're a bad liar, Lenn!" Spangna said with a smile, "I'm sure you'd be 'straight for the right rate'."
"Nah. I'd be even worse trying to perform with you. I think I'd have a harder time maintaining an erection than that poor kid." Lennon said.
"What if I had Chéri in the corner of the room, naked?" Spangna asked with a smile.
"No." Lennon said.
"Chéri in the corner of the room, naked and jerking off?"
Lennon laughed. "No!"
"Chéri in the corner of the room, naked, jerking off with a massive dildo up his arse?" Spangna asked.
Lennon was in a fit of giggles. "Spangna darlin', that's how he usually is, stood in the corner of a room."
"Oh, God Lenn. You really cheer me up. Now I better go see where superboy is, and if he's going to fuck or not."