A Glimmer in the Darkness (Translucentfeathers&ScarletQueen)

[translucentfeathers]

The thrum of the music in the club was intoxicating, bright lights flashing, cutting through the darkness as he moved, body slipping through the heavy rhythm and heart pounding bass as Adam rolled and dipped his hips in time with the song. The air was thick with lust and excitement, the attention and eyes focusing in on him caused his blood to sing as he reveled in the spotlight, letting himself get a little lost in the motions. Every slight turn, every erotic roll was sensual as he performed. Sweat slicking his sunkissed skin, the olive tones almost giving him an exotic air that captured the attention and imagination of rhe crows ans granted him an almost mysterious air. There was dark smokey kohl lining his eyes, a shimmering sheer glitter spread artfully over the sharp cheekbones, the curve of his clavicle, the cut of his hips and dip of his spine and under the curves of his buttocks, drawing the eyes of patrons to the tempting areas, while dusting and highlighting the lean muscle that came from years of dancing with a flash and shine.

Adam could get lost in this, just drown within the motions and seduction of his moves as the clothing slowly fell from his slender form, dropping to the stage piece by tantalizing piece. He had never been one for the poprock candy style stripping, where the clothes were wrenched off within the first thirty seconds and simply followed by a series of pelvic thrusts and violent gyrations. He took his time with it, teasing and edging the crowd. For him it was like sex, foreplay, the slow heavy seduction and care, focusing on minute details that got the customers blood boiling-a lot of his coworkers had lost the motivation for it, just going through the motions. He made most of his money from the private lap dance requests and repeat customers who became regulars that he knew how to play like a finely tuned violin.

When the song ended, the lights went out and Adam took in a sharp breath, gathering his things, hidden by the shadows that fell over his stage as the focus turned to another dancer who was being announced at the stage across the room. By the time Adam made his way back to the large changing room he slumped, exhausted in a stool, glancing over his face to fix up any smudged make up or misplaced glitter before he stopped, freezing slightly. The bruising that ran along his hairline was showing through the thick concealer he had used to try and hide it. He must have smudged the make up when he had run his hand through his hair on stage. Adam's face went cold, the charming smile dropping as he stared silently at his reflection. Sharp features covering his face, slender build hunched with his shoulders turned inward, Adam looked small, his normally bright eyes becoming hooded as memories of the morning flashed through his mind, hitting him like a freight train.

His name was shouted though and Adam stood, brushing the dark almost black, brown hair down so it covered his forehead not bothering to reapply the concealer, the locks of his hair having grown long enough to hang to his eyes and curl around his ears in a messy, sex tossed mop hopefully would hide it easily enough. There had been a request for a private lap dance, like clockwork, only ten minutes after his performance. Adam shifted to the wardrobe rack, pushing aside clothing to find something simple, nothing too flashy for the private dances, not like the more risque get ups he wore on stage full of shimmer and sheer.

Settling on a loosely fitted button up and tight pair of black slacks and belt, Adam dressed quickly, slipping the clothing on while leaving the shirt half untucked as he hurried down the hall to the room he had been directed his client was waiting for him. He paused at the door for a split second to suck in a breath and shake off the prior thoughts, the mask of a flashy smile getting pulled back into place as his hand fell to the door handle, twisting it and pushing open the door open to slip into the dimly lit room. "Hope you haven't been kept waiting too long," he purred softly as he entered.

 

[ScarletQueen]

Another day, another life saved, another date stood up one too many times. Thomas knew being an E.R. doctor wouldn't be an easy job. What he never imagined was how much more than sleepless nights and student loans it would cost him. Saying anything at this point wouldn't matter. They had only been dating for two months. Out of which, he had skipped five Friday nights together. It took young Dr. Evans less than two years in his profession to realize that saving a life was no excuse for letting his die.

As his lover shouted and made demands, the tall, handsome man didn't speak a word. There were no words that could make this better. The only moment he looked away from the younger, ginger haired man was when he reached into his pocket to light a cigarette, which was promptly snatched away by his furious boyfriend. As soon as it started was as soon as it ended and, once again, the young doctor was left alone with his thoughts, which he was quick to drown in a glass of vodka.

There was no need to stress over it. It didn't mean anything, nor was it anything new. All he needed to do was go out and unwind. What better place than his favorite strip club for that? It was already late into the night, but he was certain that he'd be just in time to catch the fun. If there was one thing he loved about New York was how it never seemed to sleep. Bright lights, cars, clubs, they all gave a fun, vibrant light to the night. And after so many years in medical school, who needs to sleep? You learn to run on coffee and adrenaline. That's the best life money can buy.

Hopping into the car, Thomas made his way downtown and into the club where he greeted his drinking buddies, none of which were even acquainted but recognized each other by sight. It's not as if he was ready to bare himself to the world just yet. His forest green eyes were quick to scan the stage, but to his dismay, he only caught the last couple of minutes of Adam's dance.

"Bullocks...", he cursed under his breath, an exasperated sigh escaping his lips. "I knew this day would be rubbish." The doctor's voice was dark and husky, marked by a thick London accent. His companions were quick to make fun of him in their drunken state, but he paid them no mind. He had something far more important to do. Being a regular since his arrival to the states two years ago, Thomas had a habit of visiting the club on and off between lovers. A good paying patron like him was always well received and he need only flash some cash to buy himself a little extra time with his favorite dancer.

As soon as he paid, he was led to a private room. Dimly lit, soft music, comfortable couch, it all added to the ambience. The exhausted man was quick to drop on the cough, legs spread and arms resting on the back of the couch, his head leaning back and staring at the roof as he waited. It felt like hours, the few minutes he was alone. A place like that? With continuous music and no access to any windows, it was a brilliant way to make people lose track of time.

"Same antics as a casino..."

His thoughts were interrupted as soon as Adam made it into the room and the older man's eyes were quick to scan him head to toe, fixing his posture and leaning forward slightly in anticipation. The way Adam moved, the way his eyes lit up when he was dancing, he could tell the man really loved being on the stage. He wasn't a drone, like the other dancers. He had life, passion. There was a time when Thomas' own eyes lit up like that, too. Though that was a long time ago.

"I'd wait forever for you." The doctor's eyes followed the younger man's every movement. He took in the sight of that bare patch of skin where his opened buttons failed to cover him. He looked at his stride, his smile, his eyes. There seemed to be something different about him tonight, but such thoughts were unnecessary at the moment.

"I've had the most ludicrous of nights tonight. Won't you help me feel better?", he requested, giving him a halfhearted smile. "You're the sexiest man alive. But you know that already, don't you?"

 

[translucentfeathers]

Adam chuckled, a bright noise that left a sincere smile on his face when he recognized the man currently waiting for him. Doctor, British, good tipper and respectful-not hard on the eyes either. Adam walked over slowly, hips swaying gently as he fixed the man with a half lidded gaze. "Mmm, baby, you know I always look forward to seeing you," Adam teased, as he approached, hand reaching out to run a single finger along Thomas' jaw in a feather light sweep. What was frightening was the way that the other man had become a customer that Adam genuinely enjoyed performing for. Withdrawing his hand, the music over the speaker system in the room switched on and his movements began to become more fluid. He tsk'd his tongue playfully, "And darling, it doesn't matter what I know, just so long as you know it," he hummed warmly.

Tan hands slipped up over his body as he rolled his hips slowly, beginning to sway and move with the music. He could see a bit of pain and exhaustion in the half hearted smile Thomas offered, and Adam slowly began unbuttoning his shirt, the front falling open slowly to reveal the long stretch of sunkissed skin. "Tell me how I can help you feel better, hm?" He asked with a soft hum, his body shifting as he tipped his head to the side, a teasing smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Adam's eyes roamed over Thomas as he licked his lips softly before his teeth sank into the swell of his bottom lip. "Been so long since I last saw you," he purred as he finished the last button. Nimble fingers slowly began unhooking the belt cinched tightly around his waist before he dragged the long, black strap of leather out in a single pull before tossing it around the back of Thomas neck, using it to drag him in. "Missed hearing the pretty voice of my friend from across the pond," he murmured as Adam bent down to stare at the upturned face, those gorgeous green eyes before releasing his grip on the belt and dropping it on the ground.

Adam stood there, pants slung low on his hips, shirt open a single shoulder slipping down in a tempting way as the white fabric hung from his shoulders and revealing his lithe form to the man in front of him as he began really pouring himself into the music now, a soft sigh leaving his parted lips as his head tipped further a teasing wicked smile on his face.

 

[ScarletQueen]

Just the light touch to his jaw, the playful tone in the other's voice was enough to squeeze a genuine smile out of Thomas. He was sure that comment was just a selling line for his customers, but even so he greatly enjoyed it. The lively, playful, flirtatious vibe that characterized Adam was something he genuinely found very attractive. Topped off with a sense of humor and an amazing chest? What was there not to like?

As if hypnotized, the doctor's eyes didn't lose track of any movement. Every sway of his hips, every bend of his fingers, every step and smile and tease, it all took him to another world. One where his life wasn't so shitty and he could just relax and enjoy himself. With none of his dates had he ever felt so relax. And when he was asked what could make him feel better, he held back from admitting he already was.

The way his belt was pulled, almost like a whip, made Thomas's heart flutter. How he wished this was a real session where he was in control instead of just helplessly watching his desire be dangled in front of him, with no chance of actually taking it. It took great self control from the doctor as he was pulled closer with the leather strap to not just wrap his hand around the other's neck and order him to bend to his will. Fantasy began to play out in his mind, and he bit his lower lip in a vain attempt to keep himself grounded. Adam wasn't even fully undressed and his dishelved frame was enough for Thomas to start feeling his pants tighten.

"If you keep flirting so much, I might not be able to resist.", the doctor warned, reaching into his pocket to bring out his wallet, waving a 20 for him. "I want it all off." usually polite and respectful, the man was looking for more of a thrill tonight and he decided to test his luck, letting his hand grab the other's hip. Touching was off limits, and he was well aware he was breaking the rules, but there was no denying how attracted he was to the dancer and how much he'd been wanting him for all this time.

"Say... Are you dating? I wouldn't want to indecently proposition a taken man."

 

[translucentfeathers]

The grip on his hip should have ended things, should have sent Adam back out the door, instead? It sent a sharp, intense wave of arousal through him and Adam found himself dangerously wondering how it would feel to have those hands roaming over his tan heated skin. Adam bit his lip as he listened to the man's comment and request, a low hum slipping past his lips as he took the twenty and tucked it into the back pocket of the slacks he wore before his hands slid around to his front, smoothing down to unbutton the slacks and slide the zipper down easly. They fell from his hips, pooling around his ankles, his head tilting to the side as he smiled.

"Maybe I don't want you to be able to resist me," he purred, using the excuse of stepping out of his pants to climb onto the couch, straddling the doctor's lap, a knee on either side as he held himself over the doctor, keeping a few inches of space between their bodies, hands coming down to rest behind the other man's shoulders, fingers curling around the back of the couch. The question about if he was taken snapped his wicked fantasies back into place, the sharp image of a dark glare and violent presence pressing at the back of his mind, threatening to rip the smile from his face. Adam kept his composure though and leaned in, bresth brushing the shell of Thomas' ear as he whispered softly to him, "Let's forget about everything and everyone outside of this room for a while." It was a safe way to skirt personal questions, an trick he ployed when someone tried to scratch beneath the surface though this time? He wasn't using it to try and keep the other man at bay, secretly wishing he could get to know this client a bit better. This time he used it to fight off the memories and pain from earlier that day.

His hips dipped, just faintly grazing the fabric spread so tightly across Thomas' hips, not fully grinding down or granting them friction as he leaned back, shoulders rolling in time with the music to let the large white shirt slip from his arms and fall to the floor at Thomas feet. His hands braced himself on the foreign man's knees a wicked smile hiding the hurt and pain riddling at the stretch of his shoulders that blossomed from more bruising he carefully covered along his left rib cage with borrowed make up from one of the girls with a similar complexion. The black, tightly cut briefs fit over the lines of his hips, sharp muted gold outlining the hemlines and offering a contrast that complimented his sunkissed skin.

Adam used his hands stabilizing himself on those knees behind him to balance as he arched his spine a little more showing off the lithe frame and slender muscles, hips rolling and swaying temptingly, just over the doctors crotch, keeping a thin buffer between them that was occasionally breached by subtle brushes and gentle sweeps of his ass. A part of him was tempted to cross the line, to push and his eyes settled on the bright sharp green gaze in front of him. The club owners were strict about the no touching rules, only granting exceptions to regulars if the dancers agreed and were comfortable with it in the privacy of a one on one dance. It wasn't a common thing, but they turned a blind eye to it and for the first time Adam wanted to take advantage of that. "Feel free to touch," he said softly, with a slight nod of permission. "Just don't grab my dick and I won't cry wolf," he said simply, winking slightly.

 

[ScarletQueen]

This man was temptation incarnate. The way he moved, the way he avoided grazing against him with such careful calculation. He was a tease, and nothing ever drove Thomas over the edge more than sexual teasing. For a few seconds, the man didn't even bother looking at the tempting, athletic body in front of him, instead focusing on those eyes. Mesmerizing eyes that at the moment looked cloudy and troubled, despite the smile masking his eyes. He was so beautiful, with that sun kissed skin and those thin lips that drove him crazy. The only reason Thomas even snapped out of it was thanks to the invitation.

Though his warning brought a chuckle to his lips, Thomas wasn't one to let such an offer go to waste. Without hesitation, he was quick to grab Adam's thighs, letting his hands trail them up and down, his grip strong, tight, but just enough to show his desire, not wanting to hurt him. His eyes finally began to wander, and they followed his touch, from his thighs to his hips, his ribs.

"What about kissing?", he asked, a lustful look in his eyes. "What if I want to kiss you?"

Without waiting for an answer, the doctor took the liberty to kiss Adam's shoulder blade, his hands going around Adam to grope his ass, his kisses trailing his chest down to his nipple, where he gave a playful, soft bite. The sticky feeling on Thomas' hand what tipped him off to the makeup. His eyes were quick to look at the way the base covered his hands as he touched and, thanks to Adam's sweat, it rubbed off on him, making his pale hands a few shades darker while simultaneously revealing Adam's bruises. The sight of the hematoma brought his excitement to a halt, and his cring, physician side took over.

"What is this?", he wondered, his hands tracing the bruises softly, rubbing the makeup off gently. "Let me have a look."

 

[translucentfeathers]

There was no hesitstation as the other man slipped his hands around to firmly grip his thighs and it only added to the rolls and dips of his hips, showing the other man just how flexible and lithe he could be when the situation called for it. The kisses pressed along his shoulder were taken before he had a chance to protest, a chance to even respond to the question, and it had his eyes sliding shut as a soft sigh left his lips, feeling a little guilty when he realized he never really intended on telling the other man no.

Those teasing lips of Thomas' trailed down his torso and when they focused in on his nipple, teeth grazing playfully, Adam let out a noise, one of his hands coming up to smooth through the doctor's hair, fingers burying themselves in the soft strands. Those firm hands were gripping his ass and it forced a shudder through his body, a soft gasp leaving his lips, eyes slipping shut.

Those hands kept moving upwards, and he flinched, face twisting in pain at the sudden sharp shock of Thomas hand smoothing over the dark, deep mottled bruising on his ribcage. Adam's eyes flew open and he saw that the other man had noticed the make up, felt the difference in texture between it and his bare skin and the heated arousal came to a screeching halt when he watched as Thomas rubbed away the make up.

Adam swallowed thickly, unsure as how to answer, the sudden shift having thrown him, catching him off guard and he began growing nervous. "Just an accident," he supplied quickly, the hand in Thomas hair dropping away to smooth thrown Adam's own jet black mop, smoothing the long locks away from his face, not realizing he was revealing another bruise, the one he had failed to reapply make up to along his hairline.

"It's nothing," he said, voice dropping to a purr as he tried to salvage what was left of their prior heat, though his heart wasn't in it now, mind racing anxiously as he felt out of his element, hating it. "C'mon, doc, we were having fun," he insisted, spare hand slipping down to curl a finger under Thomas chin to tilt his head up and force that gorgeous green gaze up to his own soft brown one. "It was an accident and I don't break easily," he lied with a fake, teasing smile.

 

[ScarletQueen]

"An accident?", Thomas repeated, a dry, professional tone in the seconds ago desperate, husky voice. "Yes, I've heard that before."

His hands trailed the bruises some more, noticing the different colors, the different stages of healing. As he made a quick examination in the dimly lit room, he could still tell this was by no means an accident, unless this accident had a habit of repeating itself often. As his hands trailed, feeling how swollen and painful his skin was, he took the time to explain what each color meant.

"This are here? It's blue. It means it happened no more than a few hours ago. It looks that way because the blood that leaked from your injured blood vessels lost the oxygen it was carrying. It was likely before you came to work it just looked red. Now, these here look darker. They're likely purple by now, which means you got them about two to three days ago. This color occurred as red blood cells broke down and iron was released into the injured area. On your ribs, you see this greenish tone? The green color is due to the presence of a hemoglobin breakdown product called biliverdin. The yellow color around this are means these bruises are in the last stage of healing. The yellow color is from the final breakdown product of hemoglobin in your skin, that chemical called bilirubin. The yellow fades as your body clears away the last of the debris from the bleed, leaving you with bruise-free skin that is none the worse for the wear. Of course, by the time it dissipates, my best guess is you'll have red and purple one's all over you once again.

The doctor only stopped his rant as Adam tilted his head up, though it only served for him to notice the bruises on his head. With his hair pushed back, there was nothing to hide it, not even the faded makeup that he'd neglected to reapply. It was obvious this man was being beaten. Only one question remained: was his embarrassment due to someone discovering his kink, or was he actively being abused?

"You need to apply an ice pack to that. And you should drop by the E.R. I need to check if you have any fractures. And, Adam...?" With a soft tone and en even gentler look in his eyes, Thomas cupped the other man's chin, pulling him closer and stealing a quick, soft kiss. He'd learned his name from the regulars at the club, though he had never really called it before. The way it rolled out of his lips was pleasant, and it brought a smile to him, enjoying the warmth, the taste of the other's lips. "You don't need to smile until you mean it."

It didn't cost him any effort to pick Adam up, carrying him out of the room. He could only guess where the dressing rooms were located, but he tried to find them regardless, throwing Adam's shirt over him to shield him from sight. He didn't want him to feel any more flustered than he already was. "Let me ask again, as a professional. How did you get these? Is someone hitting you? Did someone beat you up? Was it a bar fight? A lover? Did you get these in a dungeon?"

 

[translucentfeathers]

Adam had listened to the doctor, his professional break down of the bruises on his ribs, the light concerned touches and were so...he wasn't used to such care and gentleness. Adam knew he had made a mistake when he lifted the other man's head up when those sharp eyes narrowed in on his hairline and the mark he had forgotten. He shifted, feeling more exposed by the marks and abuse than he ever did when he was dancing.

Adam hung his head, desperately trying to calm himself, eyes focusing on anything aside from Thomas face, hearing the doctor's orders, almost wanting to laugh if he didn't feel so anxious before he felt a gentle pale hand cup his chin and suddenly that gorgeous voice was saying his name, his actual name, in an almost endearing way that had Adam's heart skipping a beat. His eyes locked with Thomas' before he felt soft lips pressing to his and permission, a promise, that Adam didn't need to pretend or fake it in front of this man.

Adam's arms wrapped around Thomas neck when he was lifted up, eyes a bit wide while the other man carried him back to the dressing rooms. When Thomas repeated the question as to the source of his injuries, Adam knew the other man wouldn't believe his standard lies or excuses and he subconsciously curled into his arms a little bit more, reveling in the way those arms wrapped around him, finding himself not wanting to lie to this man who was showing him such sweet affection and concern. The possiblities he listed pulled a sharp mirthless laugh from him though and when they reached his room he shifted in the pale man's grip, slipping free to open the door for him.

"Haven't been to a dungeon in over a year," he said with a shake of is head and tired shake of his head as he turned on the lights, fingers fiddling with the shirt he had been wearing earlier. He hadn't been permitted to go to his old haunts since he had met Collin, the other man's dark face swarming to mind. It wasn't like Adam was trying to cheat or meet someone new, he even asked the other man to go with him; aside from work and approved errands though, Collin rarely allowed Adam to leave their place and if he ignored the rules? Well, a dark blush of shame colored his cheeks at the memory of the beatings. "It was...a disagreement between my boyfriend and I," he said with a slow raise of a shoulder and slight grimace.

"Look, doc, I really appreciate the sentiment here," Adam offered, a sad smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "But your dance was my last for the night and I can't stay out past my shift ending." If he did Adam, didn't want to think what would happen if he came home late, it would only end in more bruises or worse and the bit of fear clawing at his throat had him looking up at Thomas wistfully.

 

[ScarletQueen]

On their way to the dressing room, Thomas didn't say a word. He could feel how uncomfortable the younger man was, and how strong a front he was attempting to put. The way he avoided eye contact almost begged him to say no more, but he couldn't just leave it there. Not when there was a possibility that Adam could be seriously hurt. A displeased grimace and an annoyed glare were directed at the dancer when he left the comfort and protection of the doctor's arms to get the door, and he couldn't contain himself from sighing. He really did try so hard. Denial was such a terrible thing. Following him with his eyes, but staying put there, he finally put his thoughts into words, though not in the most pleasant of tones.

"A disagreement?", he repeated, a bad habit he had developed over the years as he grew tired of hearing baseless excuses. There was no denying, a little bit of rough play could be fun and even healthy in a relationship so long as both parties were in agreement. However, this didn't seem to be the case. Adam's shame, his guilt were obvious and there was little that upset Thomas more than a toxic, violent relationship. It gave people like him a bad name.

"Are all of your disagreements this... passionate? Let me ask you a question: what are you so afraid of? Why won't you come with me? Do you have no medical insurance? Do you think this is just a rouse to get close to you? Or do you have a curfew?"

Not accepting no for an answer, Thomas threw the shirt over Adam's shoulder, buttoning it up and rummaging around to find some pants, not giving him the option to say no.

"You're coming with me. End of story. And if your boyfriend doesn't like it he can come at me. He'll find I can give as good as I get. Even better."

 

[translucentfeathers]

Adam could hear the disapproval in Thomas voice, glancing up at the other man, his warm brown eyes taking in the doctor as he continued on very clearly unwiling to listen to any excuses. It caused him to lower his head, mouth twisting into a frown as he struggled to sort through his emotions. Something about the way that Thomas seemed so insulted on his behalf stirred something within Adam, snapping him out of the shame and embarrassment. "It wasn't like I signed up for this," he countered to the questions, pulling away when the doctor started to button the shirt for him, choosing to do it for himself instead.

"It isn't as simple as you make it sound-this is my life you are interjecting yourself into, something you know next to nothing about. We share a place, I moved in with him months ago," Adam said with a shake of his head. "And there is a lot more involved between us than just a shared living space and some bruising." Collin held Adam's life hostage, controlling everything from Adam's paycheck to his relationships and interactions with friends and family. The man had slowly slipped into his life, leaking into every piece and staining it with the blight and abuse.

Adam shook his head quietly. "You don't get it," he said quietly. "This isn't just some asshole who got rough after too many beers-then again you mentioned dungeons so maybe you do," he muttered, glancing up with an arched eyebrow. "I chose to be with this asshole, and turned a blind eye to him just taking over every inch of my life. I have no where I can go if this falls apart, and he isn't just going to accept me ending things, the bastard thinks he owns me, I am his submissive." He had been such an idiot, such a fool to let it all just slip this far, his life had spiraled out of control and he hid behind the smiles and charm to try and mask the pain.

He studied Thomas face for moment before his resolve settled and he felt himself come to a decision. The doctor was right and Adam slipped by him to grab his bag, fishing out a pair of worn jeans, sliding on the faded denim before working the fastenings. He didn't bother changing out of the shirt, mind stumbling to catch up with the decision his heart made. He couldn't live like this anymore, he would use his cash from tonight for a hotel or find an empty lot to park his car for the night once he finished up at the hospital. "You...you are right though and I was scared but I will go with you," he said after he tugged on his socks, slipping his shoes onto his feet one at a time. "If this is going to happen, then let's get one thing clear, I am going with you because I chose to, not because you made me."

Adam let out a brief short breath before standing and nodding to the door, "Lets go then, doc," he hummed, a hand patting the other man's chest briefly as he passed him. "But if you think you are getting a refund for tonight's dance, you're dead wrong since you ended it, not me," he teased, glancing back with a wink as he held the door for Thomas.

 

[ScarletQueen]

Thomas's eyes followed Adam around the room, taking a step inside and closing the door, both to keep his privacy and to block his exit, not wanting his resolve to waver. Quietly and without any unnecessary bouts of emotion, the doctor listened to everything the young man had to say, his expression softening until his anger had melted away and all that remained was a desire to care for him and comfort him. He would've reached out to him and held him, but he didn't want Adam, in his turmoil of emotion, to confuse his empathy with pity. It was easy to make that misconception when you felt broken, and he tried to carefully calculate his words and actions to avoid such thoughts.

Never having been in that position himself, it was difficult for Thomas to understand what Adam was going through; to understand the fear, the helplessness, the desperation. Whoever this man was and whatever he was doing was certainly unhealthy and it made him sick to his stomach for Adam to call himself his submissive. By the sound of it, he was more like a slave. An unwilling one, at that. The dominant's responsibility is to make all the decisions, but also to take all responsibility for them. The suffering of his submissive was his fault, and by continuing his reckless and violent behavior he was avoiding that responsibility. A coward, that's what that man was. A greedy, entitled little coward.

As Adam brushed his hands away and buttoned up his shirt himself, Thomas couldn't help but smile. His outburst, his anger, it meant that he was trying to build himself up. Even broken people can fight, and he greatly admired someone who tried to claw their way out of the darkness. Though his thoughts might have been inappropriate at the moment Thomas couldn't help but find Adam so attractive, even at his lowest, even when he was scared and wounded. It made him want to teach him better, to claim him for his own. Pushing his selfishness aside, he stepped back and allowed Adam through the door, chuckling at his playful, teasing banter.

"Is that so?", he asked, a soft smile on his lips. "Then I might have to charge you for my services as well. It's only fair, isn't it?"

Sweeping him off his feet, the doctor picked him up and carried him out to his black Mercedes, setting him down in order to open the door. He stayed there, right next to him, until he got into the passenger seat, his eyes sharp and on the lookout for anyone approaching them. He knew very well cases like these never ended so easily, and truth be told he feared for Adam's life. Though he hadn't said anything, he didn't mean for Adam to stay in a hotel. Spending the night alone while his jilted, violent lover was out looking for him would be both reckless and dangerous.

"Now, let's make something clear. You're coming to the hospital because you chose to. But you're coming to my apartment because I am telling you to. I won't try to have sex with you. And I won't expect anything in exchange. If this man is as violent as your bruises led me to think, it'd be dangerous for you to be out on your own. We have to go to the police, press charges and ask for a restraining order. After that, I will take you to the bank and we will close your account, terminate your rent contract and completely cut him off. When we do, things will get even more dangerous for you. And as scared as you are, you'll have to be firm or you'll never reclaim your life. Now, is that something you want to do, Adam? Because no one can make that choice for you. Not me, not him, not anyone."

 

[translucentfeathers]

Adam laughed chuckled brightly when he heard Thomas attempt to rebuttle, his remark about charging Adam in return for his assistance helping in calming his shattered nerves. The playful back and forth was helping him get his feet on the ground, figuratively reestablishing his balance. "You would charge me for services you are insisting upon me?" He asked, a light laugh escaping his lips when Thomas swept him off of his feet to carry out of the club like some twisted fairy tale knight carrying of a distressed damsel. Adam tipped his head to the side with a playful hum. "Perhaps we could reach a compromise then. I agree to subject myself to your hands and care, doctor, and in return while I won't offer you a refund? The next dance is free of charge."

When the other man finally set him down, Adam's eyes widened slightly at the expensive Mercedes he was being tucked into, fingers idly tracing the dark stitching on the seats before glancing back up at the other man. At the request, no...demands, Adam felt his breath hitch in the back of his throat slightly while Thomas explained how things were going to play out tonight in that dark, accented voice that just sent the dancer's pulse into overdrive. It was ridiculous, given the circumstances, for Adam to be finding the commanding tone and very clearly dominant tendencies attractive, but he did. It settled him even more when paired with the gentle touches the doctor had offered while examining his hurts, seeing that softer side that held concern and empathy. It was an angle that Collin had always been missing, there was no compassion to even out the wicked force and assertion, no softness or light to balance out the hard edges and the dark.

Adam leaned back in the seat, eyes settling on those beautiful green iris's as he listened to Thomas continue, laying out exactly what he felt that Adam should do in order to truly free himself and not get sucked back into Collin's twisted games. "Yes," he said almost as easy as breathing, enjoying the way it felt like relief just washed over him in waves to agree to cut the other man out of his life completely. He was sure there were those who would struggle, who would panic and withdraw, but Adam had never been the type to back down once he started onto a path, regardless of how difficult it became. He did what he needed to in order to survive the choices he made, and he wasn't so proud as to recognize that his recent choices leading him to this situation had been poorly chosen and that he would not survive much longer on this path he has carved, regardless of what he did. "Yes," he repeated with a brief nod before continuing, "It is something I want to do, will do."

The fact he had fallen into this, had managed to bring his whole world crashing down around him was overwhelming. Never in a million years did he think he would be sitting in a clients care, about to go to be examined and then to the police station to file a report and take out a restraining order against his boyfriend...though now he supposed the man would be deemed an ex. Adam wasn't quite sure when he had lost his footing and slipped down the slippery slope before him and gone from treading water to drowning in an undercurrent that had been dragging him out to deep water. It was frightening if he was being perfectly honest, that he had somehow lost track and let this happen, but he could recognize an opportunity and chance for redemption when it came. Leaning back further in the seat he let his eyes roam over the other man a little as a smart, wicked smile slipped over his face, shoving back the turmoil and mixed feelings for something familiar, somethingg easier and lighter. "Too bad about the sex bit, though," he hummed playfully as he stretched. "You wouldn't have needed to have tried all that hard." With that he tugged on the doorhandle to shut his door with a smirk.

 

[ScarletQueen]

Taken back by Adam's flirtatiousness, Thomas smiled and got in the car, driving to the Bellevue hospital, where he worked. Though it was his day off, he still had his coat in the car and, as soon as he parked in a spot reserved to his name, he opened the door for Adam and led him out. "I'm not on shift, so I'll need to have a word with the hospital director. He owes me a favor, so I'm sure it'll be no problem. Just stay in the waiting room, I'll come get you.", he explained, heading to the nurse's station, saying his hellos before he talked to the boss. It didn't take long for things to be sorted out, and, after just a few minutes, he was back to escort Adam to a "room".

Of course, working in an E.R. meant a room was just a space divided by curtains, but he figured a bit of privacy was better than nothing. "I'll need you to take your shirt off.", he requested, wanting to further examine his bruises. They kept a portable X-Ray machine at bay, so with any luck, they wouldn't need to do any in-depth testing. As the nurses arrived, he requested they take some blood samples and place an I.V. with saline, just in case. "Adam, are you allergic to any medications? Do you suffer from any conditions I should be aware of? Are you currently under any medications?"

It felt a bit odd, having to be so distant and professional around him, and it made Thomas wonder if this was how Adam felt around him as well. Still, they didn't have any sort of relationship, so this kind of professionalism was what anyone would expect. Secretly worried, he didn't waste any time in starting to carefully inspect his injuries. Under the dim lights at the club he couldn't even try to make an accurate assessment of the gravity of it, but now in the hospital it was far simpler. "Does it hurt when I touch here?"

 

[translucentfeathers]

The drive went relatively quickly and with a soft hum, Adam waited patiently, eyes scanning over the crowd around him as he shifted on his feet in the waiting room of the hospital for Thomas. It wasn't long before he was being settled into a bed in the back of the curtained sectionals, hopping onto the white starched mobile bed, watching quietly as a few nurses entered and busied themselves about him at Thomas direction. It was unnerving, the fluorescent lighting was flickering and blaring overhead, and he felt anxious, exposed like he had when the other man first spotted his injuries, more naked sitting topless than he ever had been while stripping for a full house.

Adam did what he knew best though, hid the tense insecurities with a flashing smile and idle flirting, teasing the nurses who went about drawing blood and chatting them up as he could, gaining blushes or laughter as he did. It felt him feel more at ease, more settled to do so, focusing on his charm and entertaining the people around him. Once the nurses had finished and he was hooked up to an IV he glanced up at Thomas, shaking his head easily. "No known allergies," he said with a slight shrug, "And I took some Tylenol before work." Adam shrugged and bit back the wince, having learned from being on stage how to hide the reactions to the pain that came from movement.

The doctor seemed distant, and it felt almost unnerving and Adam struggled not to try and see him as a customer who needed his day to be brightened, shoving the desire to make the doctor feel good down while writing it off as simply struggling to get his head out of work. It was easier than admitting the fact that he may just want to hear the smile in the other man's voice again simply for the sake of hearing it. Adam watched Thomas as the other man came closer and began to assess his injuries without the dim lighting and make up to hide behind. The mottled bruising along his ribs and back was the worst, though the sharp blow he had taken to the head still left him feeling dizzy at times.

It was odd, feeling the other man's hands trace over the hurts on his skin in such a soothing professional manner, remembering that not long ago there had been such a different more lust fueled intent behind those searching fingers. As the gentle pressure was applied along the bruising and the question was asked he nodded, mouth twisting into a frown. "A bit, it's been worse though," he said with a shake of his head, glancing up at Thomas. It was then that he heard his phone start to go off, a hand snagging the small device out of his back pocket to stare at the contact name flashing across the screen. Biting his lip Adam's brow furrowed before shutting the damn thing off, dropping the phone onto the bed next to him before glancing back up at Thomas. His face smoothed out as he offered the doctor a blinding trademark smile more for himself than Thomas' sake. "So doc, do I get a clean bill of health? Or am I stuck here for more poking and prodding...if so, I will be demanding jello. cherry though, none of that toxic waste, green slime," he winked, easily sliding back into deflection and charm.

 

[ScarletQueen]

It was refreshing, having Adam be so energetic, so charming even when he wasn't feeling well. Thomas couldn't help but wonder how much effort he had to put in to keep up a smile, or if maybe he had been exaggerating and it truly hadn't been that bad from the beginning. It was hard to tell, specially because of the way Adam made his heart beat fast, clouding his judgement and turning him into the one thing he didn't think he was: an emotional person. Still, it brought a smile to his lips and, after examining him, he didn't deem it necessary to take the x-rays, deciding that keeping an eye on him and making him rest should be enough.

"Well... there is one more thing I need to check." Shining a light over his eyes and watching for rapid eye movement was a simple test that would help him check if Adam had a concussion, which could be dangerous given the case. With careful observation, he watched his pupils dilate and he watched him follow the light from side to side, showing no problems with the simple task.

"You don't seem to have a concussion.", he explained, his hands still moving, taking his blood pressure, using his stethoscope to check his heart and lungs. "All of your injuries seem to be minor. I just need to have one last look at that bump on your head before I give you a clean bill of health. Hot and cold compresses will help with the pain and swelling but I could also prescribe some pain medication if you feel it gets in the way of your work." Cupping his chin, Thomas brushed Adam's hair back carefully with his fingers, trying not to aggravate the swollen area more than it was. His fingers lingered a bit more than it was professional, tracing his jaw, his cheek, feeling his soft strands of hair slip through his fingers. For a fraction of a second he stole a look straight into his patient's eyes, and it made his heart flutter, making him feign being busier than he was just to turn around and evade that gaze.

A damp gauze, wet with sterile solution was used to carefully clean away any makeup left over the bruise, ad he tried to check if he might need stitches or if the bump was too swelled. "How did this happen, Adam...?, he asked, a hint of concern in his voice. "Don't worry, if you keep behaving so well I'll buy you the cherry jello myself."

 

[translucentfeathers]

Adam leaned back on his arms, shrugging his shoulders with a small grin, "All right, do your worst," he hummed as he waited for the Doctor to finish up the last part of the exam before he could be cleared. The light was a little blinding, but the relief he felt at the reassurance that he did not have a concussion and that none of the injuries he currently sported were all that dangerous was worth the temporary flash of light and light headedness he got from the checking of his eyes. The doctors hands continued to move, even as Thomas spoke, that accented voice sounding more and more comforting as time went on when Adam realized just how soothing the other man's tone and gentle ministrations were.

There was confidence behind the doctor's movements, no touch lacking effeciency or certainty and it reminded him of when Adam himself got up on stage to dance. Of course, the actual things they did were different, but competence was sexy. It was always something that caught Adam's eye, seeing someone in their element, comfortable and doing their own sort of performance. "It hurts to do certain moves," he said once his head caught up with the inquiries and suggestions Thomas was making. "I have done more with worse," the dark haired man offered with a gentle shrug. "Tylenol has always worked well enough for me." That and pain killers, the heavier kind that needed a doctors signature always left him feeling cloudy, like he was wrapped in a fog and he hated that loss of his senses.

Adam tilted his head gently when he felt a gentle hand cupping his chin, fingers smoothing through his hair. It was just a part of the examination, he knew, but he couldn't help the warmth that seemed to spread into his very bones at the soft, affectionate touches. It felt so foreign to be handled with such care, and even though he craved rougher contact from his partners to the point of almost brutality within a dominant and submissive lifestyle, this? This felt like heaven. Adam's head tipped subconsciously against the gentle smoothing of the other man's fingers over his cheek, the dark strands of his hair being carded through. Adam lifted his eyes, catching the doctors gaze for a brief moment, a slight smile twisting over his lips as he arched an eyebrow when Thomas quickly looked broke the intense hold, watching as he turned and busied himself.

Adam watched, keeping silent as the other man cleaned what remained of the make up and sweat from his hairline, eyeing the skin intently. The question had him shaking his head a bit, the smile becoming a bit more strained. "We...I told you we had a fight," he supplied simply with a roll of his shoulders as he shifted on the small hospital bed. "This morning, he got upset over something and I-" he stopped, a bit of a blush flaring over his cheeks. He had brought it on himself, really, he should have known better than to fight back. "-I was stupid and when he started laying into me over it I got smart and snapped back and got cracked over the head with a bottle." Adam should have known better, should have just kept his damn mouth shut. He hung his head a bit, the normal shine and charm dropping hard as his shoulders slumped slightly.

"It was idiotic to fight back but I just couldn't take it anymore and started yelling and that's when he cracked me over the head with the bottle," Adam said with a wince. "He then caught me in the ribs with a few kicks before smacking me around a bit and shoving me, but the rest didn't bruise. If I show up with too many marks at works and I can't perform," he responded with a shake of his head at the twisted almost silent agreement, the only one that still stood between him and his current ex.

Adam looked up at Thomas, uncertain what he would find in the other man's eyes. Pity? Disgust? Disappointment? Surely he had ruined the fantasy for this man, whatever mystery and allure that had been there and caught the doctor's attentions in the first place. Adam felt weak and he despised it. "It...it isn't like he just woke up like this and did a one-eighty, but it wasn't like that in the beginning." Somewhere along the lines the pain that was laced so expertly with pleasure had shifted, changed, the dynamics slowly bleeding out of the bedroom into something darker and more sinister, losing all aspects of respect until it coated every inch of his entangled life with that man.