A l i v e

                        The very second Charlie stepped inside he almost turned tail and walked right back out. Shit, the last person he ever wanted to see or deal with was standing right there, getting in the way of Charlie and his phone, which ultimately meant Charlie and his freedom. Why were things turning out so sour? It’s almost as if he’s being played with by fate. When he saw the blonde, Charlie halted in his tracks, mouth snapping shut where it had been opening to speak out. He noticeably groaned under his breath, expression revealing his disdain for the situation he is currently stuck in and the man he is currently staring right at.

Stiffening his shoulders, Charlie slapped a mask over his face, though some irritation bled through. “Yes, I am,” he stated flatly, taking one or two more steps but making sure not to stray too close. He did not want to get doused again…….Though, he might have preferred a second hose down than hearing the words that came out of the taller man’s mouth. Charlie did a double-take, making a choked sort of noise. “W-What?” He took a step forward, using his hands. “That’s-ridiculous! Just give me back my phone! You have no right to keep it-” Charlie stopped, thoroughly insulted and livid. “You’re irritated at me?! Oh that’s just rich! You didn’t get humiliated and soaked because of an asshole bastard bartender! You deserved to be slapped.” Oh great, and now his temper was flaring uncontrollably, with no intentions of cooling down. 

"This is my club and if you think calling the police is going to help you then you are dead wrong. They know my rules and they go by them as well." It was a place to get away from their wives so of course they weren't going to shut it down or drag him away. Even if they did he had the money to get out in minutes -- no seconds. "So, what's it going to be? Empty handed or are you gonna suck it up and work?"

Especially when, tho and behold, Charlie realizes that he’s left his cell at the club. Rising panic starts to form. He doesn’t want to go back, he doesn’t want to even look at that bastard again. But-he has no choice, because he needshis phone. Well, maybe, if he returns tomorrow, he’ll get to deal with someone else, perhaps the manager or something. Yes, that makes him feel a little better-but not by much.

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It isn’t until the afternoon of the next day that Charlie goes back. He actually drove this time, making sure he wouldn’t have to walk again in case something unfortunate occurred. With a slightly better mood, Charlie enters the establishment, finding it weird that the place is so empty compared to last night. With a straight face, Charlie enters, looking around. 

"Let me guess. You've come to put up your phone?" He asked as he dried his hands off with the towel that he was holding. He was dressed in comfortable clothes, something he could get dirty in. The male stepped from around the bar and leaned on the corner. "If you want it back then you're going to have to work for it." He said with a shrug of his shoulders before pushing himself off the edge and walking toward the back. "My place - my rules. Plus, I am a little irritated that you slapped me. So I hope you have some time, pretty boy."

Charlie didn’t notice the negative response he received from the request, too busy looking elsewhere. Ignorantly thinking he was about to get a glass of water for his efforts, Charlie glanced forward just as the man held up the sprayer, confusion splitting his anger in two for that short second before all hell broke loose. It happened so quickly that Charlie was left stunned and soaked, flinching sharply in shock. “……..—-”  He stared, eyes wide and disbelieving. But all of a sudden everything became hyper aware; humiliation burned through Charlie like acid, bringing forth the stinging knowledge that many eyes were on him, causing shame and anger to very quickly follow suit. The water felt hot on his flesh.

Charlie’s throat seized tightly, pushing the incredible urge to cry into his eyes, but the singer forced them down as best he could. Furious, Charlie slammed his hands down on the bar top, shoving his stool back with a loud screech. He stood, teeth grinding together as he threw a dangerous yet emotional glare at the other man, rearing back his hand to harshly slap him across the face. “You…You fucking jerk-!”

The lion was soon closing up for the night and heading home. Looking up at the sky he closed his eyes. The night air was so nice yet so lonely. He didn't even want to go home because there was nothing for him to do there. So turning back on his heels the man headed back to his closed bar. Who said he couldn't go in and enjoy himself? No one. He owned the place which gave him the right to do whatever he wanted. It beat home by a long shot.

     You never come with us!

          Don’t be so stingy, Charlie, you’ll have lots of fun!

              Come on, just this once? Please?

Normally Charlie would decline all of them, no matter how persistent or impatient they got with him. Going out just wasn’t his thing, nor will it probably ever be. Too much noise, too many people, too much activity that Charlie had no interests in. Doing other things, productive things, was much more enticing. And yet….for some reason, their goading managed to slip through his defenses just enough that he begrudgingly agreed.

And now, sitting at the popular club’s bar, trying his very best to block out the booming music reverberating into his bones and most surely deafening him, Charlie was wishing he hadn’t of come. There’s nothing to do here at all, and God knows he isn’t going go onto the dance floor. Sighing heavily to himself, Charlie rubbed at one eye tiredly, hoping to avoid any headache. He leaned his arms on the counter, eyes flickering to the bartender. He wanted to ask for some water, but he doubted his voice would be heard over the noise.

The familiar was shaking a drink when he felt eyes on his person. Glancing down a cute little thing was put in his sights. Nathan grinned to himself as he finished the drink and served it, then slid down the way. "Ya look like ya need somethin'?" He asked as he leaned forward. Unlike most of the men within the place Nathan was well dressed and cleaned up, and had a wild yet alluring smell. A dangerous man indeed. "Would ya like somethin' girly?" He asked, clearly teasing the other male. He always liked finding someone who would give him a good show.