Strippers Treat (ManxMan) A Christmas Short Story

Chapter Five

Celebrating Christmas Eve with family, Stephen didn't feel the same joy like his family. His mind wondered to Julian, Stephen wanted to know his story. Making an excuse to leave, Stephen rushed to the club in hopes to see Julian. He quickly recognize the DJ, Stephen remember he's Julian's friend from last night.

"Your the guy from last night, right?" asked Steven as Stephen approached him. Unable to find Julian he decided to ask his friend.

"I am, is Julian working tonight?" Stephen asked. He wanted to see Julian in order to ease his throbbing heart.

"He is actually, he's just finished his shift. What is your name kid? I didn't get a chance to thank you for stopping him from driving" said Steven. Stephen smiled, he's glad Julian have a good friend.

"Stephen" he replies.

"Thank you." said Steven. He doesn't know Stephen personally but the way Julian looked at him last night says otherwise. Stephen smiled seeing Julian walk out of the staff carrying his bag over his shoulder. The man looked exhausted, he didn't look well either and that worried Stephen.

"Leaving already?" asked Steven.

"Got things to do" Julian replied. Avoiding eye contact Julian walked past Stephen. He doesn't understand why Julian refuse to look at him. His heart pained from his sudden act, Stephen knew he shouldn't feel upset. Julian barely knows him, they only exchange a few sentences and nothing more.

"You going to see him, are you?" asked Steven. Julian glared at his friend. Stephen wondered what's bothering Julian, his mind isn't in the right state. Stephen couldn't keep Julian out of his mind, he should be at home celebrating with family and yet he's here wanting to see Julian.

Without a response Julian walked out of the club. Quickly Stephen followed behind, he wasn't sure what he is doing and its like his legs have a mind of its own.

"Stop following me" Julian growled. Julian glared at the twink, why must he continue seeing him. What does he want from him? Julian has no idea why his princess continue this silly act. After finding a hundred dollar note inside his back pocket he knew immediately who it belong to.

He felt anger towards the twink, Julian doesn't know how much he's heard about his brother. All Julian hates is pity from others, its his problem he needs to deal with and doesn't want anyone involved.

"Y-You shouldn't drive Julian, y-you're not yourself" Stephen replied. Standing infront of the car door, Stephen stood his ground making sure Julian doesn't drive.

"Now that you're here I am returning this, I don't need your pity princess" Julian said as he put the hundred bill onto Stephens hand.

"I didn't do it because of pity" Stephen prostested.

"Then why did you give to me without me noticing? I wasn't working princess" Julian replies.

"I did it because I want to help you, I don't need to know your situation. Everyone needs help Julian, allowing someone to help you isn't bad" Stephen replied.

"That's pity love and I don't need it, plus we barely know each other. How can I trust a stranger?" Julian said. Ignoring his throbbing heart Stephen continue to stand his ground. He doesn't know why Julian is acting so cold, it hurts more that Julian doesn't trust himself to tell him. Stephen doesn't blame Julian reacting that way.

"I'm sorry if I offended you, it wasn't my intention. I-I felt like you needed the money" said Stephen.

"I appreciate you caring but ask next time princess. Pity is the last thing I wanted, you don't want to be involved with me love. For your own good, go home and never come back" Julian says. Stephen gasp, how can he say that to him?

"Why do you want me to leave? I-I don't understand Julian" said Stephen. His mind is telling him to go, Stephen is already wasting his time and yet his heart plead him to stay.

"You don't need to understand anything. Stop coming to my shows, you're already haunting my dreams. What more do you want princess?" Julian replied. Stephen doesn't understand his actions either, from the beginning it was just a bet proving to his friends he can come out of his comfortzone. The moment he saw Julian and the way he danced on the pole he didn't care about some silly bet. Before he knew it, he's returning the next night ignoring the security guards warning.

"You shouldn't be here princess, it's Christmas Eve. You should be celebrating with your family not coming to the club" said Julian

"Then why aren't you celebrating with your family?" asked Stephen. He instantly regret asking a personal question, Julian's sad expression is enough for Stephen to feel guilty.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't of said that" Stephen said. Fighting the tears Stephen looked at Julian, the man seem to be deep in thought forgetting Stephen is standing in front of him.