Feel My Heart Beat

Chapter 8: Dance

Getting out of the limo and standing on the busy side walk reminded Akihito of their trip to Annisa. Except for the name Dracaena that was up in lights on the front of the building, the atmosphere was similar. Plenty of looks being thrown from the people lining up as they stepped out of the limo, Asami guiding him by a hand on the small of his back and them being waved right through, jumping the long queue and receiving jealous stares as they were bowed in by the security. The biggest difference was the thumping base that could be heard even from outside. Asami was probably used to receiving this kind of service where ever he went but it drew a lot of attention that Akihito wasn't particularly comfortable with. They had barely made it through the door when a rather flamboyantly dressed man came over and bowed to Asami. He had longish blonde hair looking stylishly casual, blue eyes and a small beauty mark just under the left side on his lips.

"Asami-sama, I am delighted that you stopped by the club personally." He must be the manager then.

"It would have been preferable if I wasn't required to stop by in person, Sudou." Akihito winced internally at the cold tone of Asami's voice. He was used to a more relaxed Asami, this must be the businessman side that he hasn't gotten to see yet.

"Of course, I apologise for the necessity. If you will please follow me to the VIP section, I'm sure we can make it an enjoyable visit regardless." The manager, Sudou, completely ignored Akihito and gestured off to the side toward a stairwell. Relieved at not being forced to be the centre of attention just because he was Asami's companion, Akihito took the opportunity get take a quick look around.

The club was packed even though it was a Sunday night, he could see a crowded bar off to the left, tables and alcoves lined the walls with a DJ booth and a dance floor set right in the middle of the room. The lights were dim with some coloured lights over the dance floor and the air was thick with perfume and smoke. At the top of the stairs they were led through a glass door set in a huge glass panel. The VIP room was filled with plushy looking alcoves and tables, its own bar and the music from the dance floor was muted down to a dull thumping. A glance to the side showed huge floor to ceiling glass window panes allowing a good view over the dance floor and the rest of the club. Akihito could see that on the opposite side of the building was another stairwell and more booths and tables lined a second floor balcony although that just had a railing instead of the glass that the VIP room had, presumably it was for the soundproofing that was dulling the sound of the driving beat. The two sections were divided by a series of black looking glass panels that couldn't be seen through. Possibly the manager's office, it would give a good view of most of the club if it was one way glass. Everything was red, black and chrome. It walked a very fine line between classy and tacky yet somehow the club pulled it off. He could see what Asami meant by a younger crowd. Most were around Akihito's age which would explain the music and the large dance floor. Unlike the few clubs Akihito had been dragged to previously, everyone here was dressed to impress with glittering jewellery and expensive brand labels.

They were ushered into a half circle shaped booth with very comfortable padding. Asami reclined at the very middle of the booth, the closest point to the wall and had pulled Akihito in so that he was pressed up against his side and moved his arm so it was resting along the padding behind Akihito. A waitress with long dark hair and a tight fitting, high cut black dress that showed little but suggested a lot, served Asami a tumbler of amber liquid and asked Akihito what he would like. After Akihito floundered for a few seconds, Asami ordered for him with a small chuckle, effectively cutting off Sudou, who had slipped into the booth on Asami's other side, midsentence. He glanced over and caught the glare from the manager before his expression smoothed over when Asami turned back towards him.

"Seina will be looking after you for the evening, please let her know if you need anything."

Sudou gestured to the waitress who gave a small bow before leaving to get whatever Asami had just ordered for him. Sudou started to talk again but it was business and Akihito didn't bother trying to make sense of it, it wasn't particularly interesting anyway. He looked around a little more to try and make sure he had his bearings. It was dim and the air was thick with smoke and waitresses all dressed in matching tight black dresses and tall heels swanned around the VIP room, serving drinks and chatting with the guests. Seina came back with what appeared to be a beer bottle and a glass. She poured out a glass and passed the bottle and the glass over to Akihito. He took a sip and sighed. It was a beer, imported judging from the label in a language he couldn't read, and it had a dark almost nutty flavour.