Harry POV
"How much longer?"
"Just a little longer"
"I can't move my face!"
"Oh stop whining. Be a man!"
I sat in front of the cheeky blonde as he smothers my face with powder. He puts down the big fluffy brush, picking up some eyeshadow palette and a skinny brush. I never wore makeup before in my life so I don't know any correct names or terms when it comes to beauty. So don't come for me. I just can't believe I'm letting Benz apply makeup over my face. He applies eyeshadow over my eyelid, smiling in amusement.
At least he's enjoying himself.
"You're getting such a laugh from this, aren't you?"
"Just a little"
"How terrible of you"
"At least you'll look cute"
"I better be" I muttered, making him snicker as he pats my eyelids with his fingertip.
"How long have you been doing makeup?"
"Since I was a child, I have a faint memory of rummaging through my mother's purse for her red lipstick before I was taken away from child services. It wasn't until I started working as a sex worker about three years ago when I really got into it"
"Did you teach yourself?"
"Mainly yes. I had a few female strippers lend a tip or two, but I learned on my own with Niall" he said, tracing my lips with some lip pencil.
"Well you two have a bond like no other"
"He is like a brother to me after all"
"And looks better in makeup then I do"
"Maybe a little" he teased, making me roll my eyes and smirk.
"Fine okay"
He snorted, covering his mouth with the back of his hand, holding the lip pencil between his fingernails. He picks up the mirror beside us, handing it to me.
"Take a look"
I take the mirror and take a quick look. He lightly chuckles as I observe myself in the mirror, blinking at my sudden transformation. I didn't think rose gold glitter would suit my cheeks at all but I was wrong.
"Do I look pretty?"
"You look beautiful. Your eyeshadow is popping" he chuckles, smiling wide as he bites his bottom lip. It's just an adorable habit of his.
"I don't think my face has ever felt this heavy before. How can you do this every night?"
"Hmm you get use to it. Plus I like to experiment with my looks so I'm okay"
"Well I think you look lovely either way, with or without it, you're beautiful"
"You're too sweet Harry" he smiles softly, pinching my cheek.
"Let's get that off your face now. I wouldn't want you feeling weird or anything when we go out"
He was about to takes out some of Eleanor's makeup removing wipes but I stop him. I place my hand over his wrist, making him look up at me with his shiny hazel eyes. I shook my head, handing him the big fluffy brush as he gives me a confused expression.
"Take me to your world, show me"
Benz slowly smiles, slowly nodding before starts applying some foundation over his face. I smirked, watching him get dolled up with such concentration. He looks at me through the reflection of the mirror, chuckling as I couldn't help but smile wide.
This is the most I've seen the blonde smile truthfully in a whole day. This is the side I want to see of Benz, not depressed.
I grab his face, pulling him close to mine as I muzzled my nose over his cheek. He just yelps, shrieking of laughter as he tries to pull away from my grip. I snickered as puts his hands up, chucking once he manages to move my face away.
"Stop! You're going to ruin my makeup!"
After he was done applying makeup, he rummages through my closet, trying to pick out what I should wear. He shakes his head at a couple shirts and trousers, smacking his lips as he looks at me.
"Your style very flamboyant, but you don't have anything sparkly"
"Sparkles aren't really my thing"
"But you do love floral patterns, very pretty. It's ashamed you don't wear them often" he smiles, looking before his finally picks out a few things.
"This will have to do"
He takes out a long cheetah print trench coat, with a black button up shirt and black skinny trousers. My sister Gemma gave me this coat for my birthday before coming out. I never had the courage to wear it because I thought people would automatically assume I was gay.
Even now that I'm out of the closet, I still never had the confidence to wear what I liked, no matter how much I liked it. I guess I still feel about self conscious due to my insecurities. I let out a shaky breath, silently gulping due to my slight anxiety.
"You'll never know how you'll look if you don't try it. Plus, it only matters if you're comfortable in it, not others"
I look at Benz, running my fingers through my long locks as I take the clothes in my hand. He must've sensed my nervous body language. He has a point. I hold up the coat, making me sigh before nodding to myself. I think I can do it, I'll never know if I don't try.
"Very well, I'll wear it"
"Great! Now get dressed! Eleanor was nice enough to wash my work attire from the other night. I'm going to wear that!"
He squeals, hopping away as he struggles to pull off his shirt. He runs out of my room, squealing like a toddler got a new toy for Christmas. That new toy must be me. I snorted, looking down at the clothes he picked out before I start to undress myself as well. I look to my side, I see familiar lenses. I sighed, walking over before picking it and holding it in my hand. My camera.
This night should be interesting.
=============
"Wow Harry..you look so different"
"Is that a good thing?"
"No, it's a perfect thing"
I look at myself in the mirror, observing my slight transformation. I have to admit, I do look pretty snazzy. I'm actually impressed, I didn't think I would like how I looked, especially in this coat. Benz stands beside me in front of the mirror, smiling at my redecorate as he runs his fingers through his blonde locks.
I look like a damn prostitute...I kinda like it.
"I'm glad I only put minimal makeup on you. I just wanted to contour his face a bit more, just accentuate your good looks. Though, you didn't need much"
"I didn't think I would like this style so much..I'm so use to hoodies and jeans"
"You just have to embrace yourself a bit more. Express who you are" he said, laying his chin over my shoulder.
Yeah..I guess I should.
I turn to him, seeing that he has his sparkly trench coat on with the clothes he wore the night pull kicked him out. Luckily Eleanor found the time to wash it for him while he was sick and depressed. He applied light makeup as well but he added glitter since he doesn't like anything simple. He was glowing.
I lift my arm out towards him, gesturing for him to take it. He smiles, wrapping his arms around mine, biting his bottom lip excitedly before leading him out of the room.
"Where are we going Harry?"
"Anywhere you want us to go"
We head straight to the front door, opening it as he steps out first. I closed the door, locking it before we head down the stairs. I didn't bring my cell phone, I left it. For some reason, I just felt like it wasn't right to have it with me right now. At least no one could interrupt us.
"How about we stroll through Times Square? I never really got to experience it at night"
"If that's where you want to go, then we will"
"Then take me there"
We run over down the streets, holding his hand firmly in mine to make sure I wouldn't lose him. The street lights from the poles shine over us every time we ran under them. Benz's face would shine under it due to the glitter but his beauty always shimmers before me. Thankfully my dorm is close to Times Square.
As we arrived to Times Square, his face lite up at all the lights from the electric advertisements and buildings. He happily gasps, looking at me as he twirls around excitingly.
"It's so bright here! So much activity!"
"It's pretty loud too" I snorted at the sound of cars beeping on the road.
"Not as much as it is during day time"
"You have a point"
"Harry, look!"
Benz runs over to some sunglasses stand, picking up a pair before putting it on me. He steps back and chuckles, giving me a thumbs up as I snorted. Does he even realize that it's night time? I just let him put sunglasses on me for his own amusement. He turns to salesman, pointing at the sunglasses over my face.
"How much?"
"It's Epos brand, so $150"
"$150? Are they even real?" I asked, cocking an eyebrow.
"See for yourself kid"
I take off the pair, Benz taking it from my hands as he observes it himself. He looks at me and nods, making me raise my eyebrows in surprise. Benz wears nothing but name brand clothing, of course he knows weather it's real or not. You can't fool him. He takes out a $100 bill, along with a $50, from his pocket as he hands it to the man. My eyes widen as I take off the sunglasses.
"We'll take it"
"Wait Benz, it's too much money"
"Nothing is too much when you get thrown a couple hundreds. Plus, this my gift to you for helping me"
"You really don't have to"
"You're right I don't, but as you would say, I want to"
I blinked, slightly grinning as I put the glasses back on. He smiles, moving pieces of my hair back as he takes a step back to better observe me. I chuckled, shrugging my shoulders as I slightly posed.
"Am I worth £200 yet?"
"Ehh, you're $45 more in the US"
"I'll take that as a compliment"
He chuckles, taking my hand as we run down the streets of Manhattan. Our dramatic trench coats exposed under the lights, my feet hurting slightly over the platform shoes I was wearing. We had a few vehicles drive by and honk their horns at us, so bystanders sending us odd looks while some whistled and catcalled. But I didn't care, I was just living the moment with him.
"Slow down! I can't really see with these things on!"
"But the night is just getting started! Come on!"
We ran inside one some huge thrift store, I look around and see these different kind of vintage clothing. So many damn patterns and prints from the older centuries. My mouth drops, amazed by the history surrounding us in one single area.
"I came here a lot when I was still living with Paul. This would be the one of my escapes whenever we would argue, I would come here to try some pieces on and I would feel better. You like it?"
"Whoa" I blurted out, still looking around in amazement.
"I'll take that as a yes" he chuckled as I slowly nod.
"You want to try something on?"
"Well uh...yes"
I slowly walk over to some brown fedora hat, picking up as I observe it carefully. I never seen one so old but yet in such great condition, the one I have is already ripped from the sides. I could really use a another one, especially one like this.
"Find something you like?"
I turned around to see Benz leaning over my shoulder, looking down at the hat in my hands. He looks up at me, smiling softly at me. I blank a few times, blushing after catching myself staring. I look away, clearing up throat as I shrugged.
"Yeah, this seems nice"
"Then try it one, lets see how it looks"
After insisting, I put it over my head. Benz grabs my hand, leading me over to some long mirror. I look at my reflection, raising my eyebrows as realize how fit this hat seem to look on me. Benz grins, look over at me as he takes the hat off me.
"I say get it, it look great on you"
"How much is it?"
"It says $30 on the tag"
"$30? Hmm I don't know"
"It's a bargain, cheaper than those sunglasses I bought you. I'll buy it for you"
"No way, enough with the $200 you already spent. I just don't know if it's even worth it" I said, observing the hat some more.
Benz bites his bottom lip, moving his legs back and forth. He looks at me, slightly smirking as he steps closer to me and looks down at the hat. I felt his body closer to mine, his face so close that I could just reach over and kiss the beautiful boy. My heart beats a bit, watching as he traces his finger slowly over the hat.
"You know, Paul has a thing for fedora hats. He has a whole collection in our bedroom"
"Is that so?" I groaned, tightening my lips shut into a straight line to stop myself saying anything rude or obnoxious.
"Yeah, he wears that usually all the time. I thought he look good in them"
"How sweet to hear" I rolled my eyes, close to putting this hat over the rack.
"But even after all these years of witnessing him wear those fedora hats, you still managed to look better in one than he have had"
My head shoots up, looking straight him as he smirks cheekily at me. I felt my heart about to pounce out of my chest once he made such a comment. I gulp, trying to hold in a goofy smile as I play off acting relaxed. A small grin forms across my face as confidence start to bloom inside me.
"Really? You honestly think so?"
"Definitely. Paul could never"
Oh I know he can't, not one bit.
"Ha, if you say so..I'll take it then"
"Good!" He clapped, making me chuckle as he runs around the thrift shop.
Good indeed.
I follow him around as he starts to try on random pieces around the store. I watched as he takes a blazer, gold and black, putting it on as he smiles at his reflection in the mirror. He chuckles, fixing the blazer as twirling around to get a better look.
I watched, not wanting to end his smile, I didn't want it to disappear. I reached into my coat, pulling out my camera as I position myself, looking for the best angle. He smiles, looking down as his runs his fingers through his blonde looks. Snap.
"It's so sparkly Harry, look at it!"
"I know, it looks amazing on you"
"Let's try on some more pieces!"
I grab his hand, stopping him as he turns to look at me. His bright hazel eyes stare into mine, leaving me to feel weak at the knees. There's so much more I want to do to keep that smile over his face. Who knows how long he's been feeling like he's less, like he's useless. He's not, and I want him to know that. I dropped the fedora hat over a rack before walking up to him while he looks through more clothing racks.
"How about we go do something else?"
"Like what?"
I smirked, taking his hand as I start to pull him out of the store. He calls after me, trying to get me to speak to him. I didn't realize he was still holding the jacket until he just tossed it somewhere. I looked back him, chuckling as he tilts his head confusedly but still smiles as we head out to the streets.
More like an adventure.
============
Niall POV
"Thanks, precious"
I took the $50 dollar bill from the old fucker's hand has he grins in hunger for me. I just smile but I know I'm the inside I am screaming. I rather home, cuddling my boyfriend than stripping over this old cunt.
As I twirl over around the pole, I look over at the bar area. I noticed that people were shouting and shoving each other as they yell at the bartenders. They try their best to calm the customers but it does nothing as some random men start pushing bottles to the ground, one even threaten to throw a bar stool. All of this has been happening lately, but it's only because of one reason.
Because Benz Goldmine still isn't here.
Ever since my best mate has been staying with Harry and his roommates, it's like he completely disappeared. I mean it's been more than a week now, and in all fairness, the people come here mainly for Benz Goldmine. He is the Pink Panther, no one can steal his groove or whatever you call it. He runs the show, he keeps everything running. Since I've returned, I've been holding down the fort as much as I could even if I have to fight off men trying to get a night with me.
"AYE! DALLAS JEWEL! YOUR SHIFT IS UP!" shouted one of Paul's bouncers from backstage.
Fucking finally. I finish my dance, grabbing the last bit of money, before leaping off the stage as I counted it. It might not as much as Benz Goldmine makes but it's more than I would usually make. I head over backstage, making my way over to my dressing room. I open the door, closing it behind me so I could get a moment of privacy. I walk over to the vanity table, picking up my phone to see if I got any messages from my best mate. Nothing.
He must be having lots of fun with Harry and his roommates. I admit, I'm a bit jealous since I'm so use to him relying on my company but I couldn't ask for a better person than Harry to be around Justin.
He needed a friend like Harry to appear in his life.
Niall:
'Hey Babe, my shift is over 👌🏽'
After texting Zayn, I start wiping off my makeup with makeup remover before stripping off my sparkly leggings and crop top to put on my comfortable clothing. I put on some sweats and a plain white t-shirt with random converses. Once fully changed, I start packing up my duffel bag before my phone makes a notification sound. I pick it up and smile once I see my boyfriend's name appear on the screen.
Zayn ❤️:
'I'll be right there in 10 min. 😘'
I giggled, butterflies flying inside my stomach. Well one good thing about Justin staying with Harry for the weekend, more time spent with my man. I zip up my duffel bag, putting it over my shoulder as I make my way out. As I closed the door, I hear long banging noises, along with yelling, coming from down the hall. It sounded like it was coming from Paul's office.
Do I really dare to?...Yes.
I gulped, letting out a shaky sigh. I quietly make my way over there, trying hard not to make any noise as I realized the door was slightly cracked open. I stood beside it, leaning my head closer to the doorway to hear the conversation a bit more clearly. I sneakily watch through the small open as the old bastard slams his fists over his desk, talking to a bouncer while his boy toy Cameron sits on a random chair by the desk.
* BANG *
"WHERE IS HE?! AGAIN, HE DIDN'T SHOW UP?!"
"No sir, he has yet to appear for a single performance, not even for private session"
"It's the seventh time this week! Where the hell could he fucking be!? I ordered you all to look for him!"
"We have sir, we've searched day and night but there's no sight of him"
"This is getting ridiculous...THIS IS BULLSHIT!" he growled, throwing his glass of whiskey on the wall as he shatters to pieces.
The sound of glass made Cameron jump slightly, hell it even made me jump. I watched as the old pimp paces back and forth with his tight fist over his mouth. He was fuming, a few stands of his grey hair were messy and his eyes were bulging red. Looks like he hasn't been getting any sleep due to his financial struggles with the club.
"That twink is the only reason why this business keeps running. He's our money maker! Without him, this whole club is down and ruined..I'LL BE RUINED! If that little shit doesn't get found soon, this whole club will be burnt down to flames by those horny old bankers!"
"Can't we just replace him with someone else? There are tons of hoes here that would gladly take his place"
"I can take his place. I would be a thousand times better" Cameron commented, nodding desperately.
I scoffed, shaking my head the slutty home-wrecker. Paul shakes his head, wagging his fingers no as Cameron's hopeful expression falls in disappointment.
"No, no one can. When I say he's our money maker, I mean it. No one can nor could ever do better what that slut does. I have to find him, get his ass here before we go out of business"
"What do you suggest we do sir?"
"Ask the staff, ask anyone where he could be?"
"No one has any idea, the only one who that stripper even speaks to is Dallas Jewel and he just returned today"
As soon as I heard my name, my heart start to pound inside my chest. Paul shoots his head up, stops pacing. He slightly furrows his eyebrows, slowly walking over to the bouncer as he stands closely to the bouncer's face.
"Where is he? Bring him to me"
"His shift just ended sir, he probably left"
"Is that so? Bring him to me. On his next shift, bring him to my office to have a word or two. That Irish cock sucker has to know where he is, I'll even force it out of him if I have to"
"Yes sir, I will notify the others if they see him"
"I don't care how you're going to bring him. Easily or difficultly" he said, walking back over to his desk and taking a seat.
"Unharmed or beat him senseless if you have too. As long as he's alive"
"Yes sir"
I let out a shaky breath, covering my mouth to avoid making any sound. I could feel tears forming in my eyes but I hold them in with all my might. They are going to come after me if Justin doesn't appear, possible beat me senseless. I've decided I heard enough, I needed to get out of here before someone sees me. I start taking steps back slowly, not making any noise.
DING.
My heart just stopped...My phone.
"What was that? Go check see who's at the door!"
I gasped, turning heel as my breath became uneasy. Make a run for it. I run down the hall, hoping that I could still make it out of the club before getting caught. I can see why they tell you to turn your phone off while at work, it's for reasons like this.
"HEY! THERE HE GOES!"
"STOP HIM GRAHAM!"
Shit. I sprint out to the main floor, music blasting in my ears as I push past all the drunk customers in here. I look around, trying to find an exit other than the main entrance. I can't have them follow me home, they'll know where I live.
"HEY! STOP HIM!"
I cursed under my breath once I see Graham almost behind me. I look around quickly and spotted an emergency exit. I gasped, running into a crowd before heading for the exit. As I shoved people out of the way, I push my way through and run towards the door. Once I push open the door, I run down the dark alley to the front of the Pink Panther.
There, I saw Zayn parked with his motorcycle, leaning over it while looking down at his watch. I run over to it, breathing heavily before shouting at the handsome tan fellow.
"ZAYN, TURN ON YOUR MOTORCYCLE!"
"Niall?"
"TURN ON YOUR MOTORCYCLE!"
Zayn immediately turns on the engine, sitting over it as I quickly run over to him. I jump behind him, Zayn handing me a helmet while he put on his. I heard shouting and footsteps getting closer, making my heart pounce in fear as I shake my boyfriend's shoulder.
"GO! GO!"
It didn't take long for Zayn to listen as he presses the gas as we rode off down the street. I look behind me as I see Graham with a few other bouncers standing in the middle of the road, shouting as he throws a fit. I let out a shaky breath, relieved for now. I lay my head over Zayn's shoulder, trying to catch my breath. We stop at a red light, Zayn looking at me over his shoulder.
"Nialler, what's going on? Why were they chasing after you?"
"I'll tell you later. F-For now, just please get us home first"
He nods, turning away as the light turns green. As the motorcycle moves, I hold Zayn close and tight as I was still freaking out over what just happened. The moment keeps replaying in my mind, and thought I escaped now, I know I'll have to face them later. As this because Justin isn't around to make Paul his dirty money.
I have to tell him before the situation gets worse.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
UPDATED! ♥️
Hey Everyone! I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. This is a tough time for us all, but we will get through this no matter what. I hope this update makes your day a bit better at the moment. Sorry that it is late, just having a bit of writers block 😤
Anyways, please excuse any unedited mistakes 😅
Please comment, vote, & follow!
Have a beautiful day, Enjoy! 💕
- DAMARI 😜