#rich james

Notorious doorkeeper Marc Beneke evaluates the line of anxious guests - Studio 54 [3/3] :

Studio 54 was a place where the broke and marginalized could rub shoulders (and probably more) with the rich and famous, the club's ethos being that money didn't matter but personality, outlook, style and - above all - enthusiasm for life did. Andy Warhol, Liza Minnelli, Elizabeth Taylor, Debbie Harry, Grace Jones, Michael Jackson, Calvin Klein, Elton John, Rick James, Truman Capote, Freddie Mercury, Ric Flair, Lou Reed, Al Pacino, Cher, David Bowie, Salvador Dalí, Robin Williams and Jackie Kennedy Onassis were all regulars, and that doesn't even put a dent in the list. Studio 54 was viewed as a safe haven by trans people. At a time when members of the LGBT community risked being beaten up or killed on the streets of Hell's Kitchen, the atmosphere inside the club was one free of judgment or prejudice. Many people saw their first gay kiss on the dance floor at Studio 54. Getting in wasn't easy as Steve Rubell ruled with an iron fist at the door to decide who was allowed entry and who was not.

"James?" 

"Yes, love?" James replied, leaning across the counter.  His hazel eyes glinted mischievously, even as an innocent smile stretched across his face. 

Regulus sighed, setting a large pile of books on the counter. "Mind explaining?" The books blocked James' view of Regulus, so he moved it aside, careful not to let the tower topple over. James supposed he could explain. Yet, noticing the tired and exasperated look on his boyfriend's face, he decided that it might not be the best idea. 

"Well," He started, dragging the end of the word so that it hung in the air. "They're your birthday presents!" He eventually cheered, grinning at Regulus. They were not, in fact, Regulus's birthday presents. Regulus's birthday was in December, and currently? It was still hot, sunny, July. 

Regulus's grey eyes narrowed dangerously, "Oh, really?" He challenged, "Want to try again?" 

"They really are your-" James started, before faltering at the look on Regulus's face. "Alright, fine. They're just regular gifts for you. Like any boyfriend would do for their lover!" 

Regulus sighed once more, "How many times have I told you, I don't need you to do this? I might not be a part of the Black family anymore, but I can still support myself! If there's anything I need, I can get it myself, James." His lips dipped into a frown, an almost hurt expression in his eyes. 

Now it was James's turn to sigh. Yes, Regulus might've been able to support himself, but that was still a big difference between supporting, and being able to spend freely. Had he still been a part of his family, money would've been no problem. Yet now, James knew he was barely managing to pay rent, but Regulus's pride refused to let him ask for help. So, James knew, Regulus hadn't been getting himself anything but the essentials for the past three months. 

"Look, love. I'm not trying to say you're struggling," James paused, trying to figure out the best way to phrase the next few words, without having an angry boyfriend for the rest of the night. "I just want to spoil you a little, okay? Let me do that for you?" He pleaded, turning puppy eyes on his lover. 

Regulus's frown lessened slightly, a reluctant smile crossing his face. 

James stayed silent, already knowing he had won this battle. 

But not the war.