I stood up on the platform and grabbed the pole with both hands, watching Astro as they sat wide-legged in a chair directly facing it.
♡
Astro giggled, "Do you need a drink first" they asked, noticing my hesitation.
"Definitely.." My cheeks flushed from embarrassment as Astro walked to the bar. I sat down on the edge of the platform and watched them return with some drinks.
"I got some extra ones as well" they said, placing them on a small table to the side of a chair.
After finishing the first bottle, I was only a little tipsy so I quickly downed another two. I closed my eyes and let my head fall back, using my arms as support below me.
I wasn't exactly drunk, just in between drunk and tipsy. Drunk enough to dance but sober enough to not lose myself.
I got up with a tiny wobble and walked back to the pole. I placed two hands on it firmly, one above the other.
My back arched as I slid my right leg up the pole, my dress riding up to reveal my shorts underneath in the process. I turned to face Astro with a slight giggle, none of this was serious - it was just a little bit 'silly goofy' as they would say.
I arched my back further as I bent my body back. My hair fell off my shoulders and away from my face before I returned to a normal position in front of the pole.
I grabbed the pole with one hand, stepping to the other side where both my hands gripped it firmly above my head from behind. My back arched of the pole, my legs spread.
I let my hands fall down and grab the pole between my legs, lifting my body off the ground to do a somewhat handstand off of the pole - like an upside down splits position.
I continued to pole dance for a few minutes. By the time I finished I felt light headed and sweaty, I sat on the edge of the platform drinking another bottle of alcohol Astro gave me.
I looked around, there were about 14 men either sitting down on the seats in front of the pole or staring from a far.
"You're really good you know.. maybe you should get back into it?" Astro helped me up and down onto a seat.
The lights, atmosphere, alcohol, dancing, everything gave me a sudden, exciting rush of adrenaline through my body. I felt amazing.
It was when I looked over to the pole on the other side of the room my jaw dropped and what I was drinking almost spilt out my mouth. Astro closed my mouth with a single curled finger and a small smile, "The real Angel Dust" they said, noticing me transfixed on the demon who was giving one hell of a show.
"I.. really?!" I felt myself start to somewhat freak out. "Oh shit that was so embarrassing!!" I covered my face, hoping the demon didn't see me.
I took a deep breath before making my way to the bar to order more drinks.
"Can I have two..." I looked up at the bartender - sky blue hair, deep brown eyes, a perfectly defined nose adorned with light freckles and eyelashes lengthened with dark mascara. I felt my cheeks flush as I admired her features.
"Two...?" She questioned with a sweet voice and soft smile.
"Wait.." I mumbled and squinted, hoping to get a clearer view of her despite being on the edge of wasted. "You're...you...llyris?" I felt my eyes glaze over.
She flashed me an uncertain smile, "uh.. Llyris was my boyfriend. Did you two know each other?" She looked me up and down and I didn't know if it was just me hallucinating from the liquid poison or if a blush really clouded her freckled cheeks.
"I.." I seemed to struggle with my words as tears fell from my eyes and I leaned over the bar, my head in my arms. "I'm over him.." I mumbled to myself.
"Uh.. excuse me but the side is kinda dirty.. you might not want to put your arms or head on it" She gently lifted my head with delicate hands and rubbed her thumbs over my tear-soaked cheeks. Her acrylic nails lightly grazed my skin as she carefully pulled them away.
Her face seemed to redden - like she was about to break out into tears. "However you knew him.. he was great, wasn't he?" I could see her holding back tears. "I loved him.."
I tilted my head slightly, tears no longer falling from my eyes. "Huh?" I said with a small sniff.
"Llyris.. you know.." She could tell I was confused and took a deep breath. "He died, by a demon? Did you not hear..?"
My eyes shot wide open.
Llyris is dead..? I don't know how to react.. uh
Damn I just need a drink right now.. I can think more tomorrow
The blue-haired girl hung her head low before composing herself and grabbing a wet cloth to wipe down the side. "You did well on the pole, I was watching." She smiled as she focused on cleaning.
A smile crept onto my face. "Thank you" What am I doing.. I should hate her, right? My ex-boyfriend cheated on me with her.. but she seems so pretty and so.. kind.. i can't hate her
"Do you have a hobby in pole dancing? Or do you work somewhere..?" She questioned, throwing the cloth through a door where it landed in the sink.
"No.. I used to, I gave up though. I only did it because my friend Astro paid me" I let out a small laugh and she seemed to giggle.
"Well, if you're interested in dancing for money.. there's another bar not far from here who are hiring."
"Oh really?"
"Yeah, I frequent it often.. maybe I could take you there to check it out?" She took a folded piece of paper out of her chest pocket and held it between two fingers.
I smiled, "It wouldn't hurt to at least look around I guess" and she leaned her weight onto her elbow on the bar, holding her hand out with the paper still between her fingers.
I took it gently and put it where I had stored Astro's money. "Back to the drinks I need.."
