ATLSB Ch 2 - Dancing in the Dark
#3 of A Transplanted Lily Shall Bloom
Hi again! Boy oh boy, I was hoping to write enough to get a buffer before posting this, but I wasn't happy with the whole second half...so it all had to be rewritten! Hopefully it was worth it. Now I begin chapter 3 and write as fast as I can for you lovely people! As always, reviews are welcome and desired. If there's a tag that you think I've missed, let me know! I hope you are enjoying reading Lilith's journey as much as I am enjoying writing it!
"What do you mean you're 'going out'?" Lilith's dad cocked his head to the side. "Where are you going? Your mother wanted everyone to stay home while Gareth's here." He sighed heavily. "I wish you wouldn't antagonize her so much."
Lilith was about to let loose a retort when Jackson and Gareth thumped down the stairs. "Hey dad!" Gareth said cheerily. "Jacks and I are heading out. See you later, like...probably tomorrow morning." He paused in thought. "Actually, probably tomorrow afternoon." He patted his dad's shoulder as he breezed out the door, quickly followed by Jackson. In the whirlwind confusion the two young men made, Lilith slipped out behind them.
"Hey guys!" She called out, running after them. "Can I catch a ride? I don't care where you're going. Please?" She looked at Jackson expectantly. He grinned as he watched her run up.
Gareth pulled away from Jackson as Lilith rounded the corner, his cheeks flushed red. Jackson smirked at him and opened the front passenger-side door with a flourish. "As long as you don't mind riding up front, mi'lady," he chuckled. "I was wondering how you were going to get passed the door guard."
Gareth pulled up short. "Seriously? Lilith, why can't you stay home?" His voice was almost whiny, but he couldn't bring himself to whine to his little sister. "Jacks, come on man. I don't want to show up late because we had to drop her somewhere!"
"Relax, Gareth," Jackson sighed. "She's going to the same place we are, aren't you Lilith? I take it you opened my present?" He pointed to the backseat without taking his eyes off Lilith. "Get your foxy ass in the car, Gareth. Trust me, she won't go spilling any secrets. Will you?" He reached over and stroked her cheek. She felt her knees go weak and she barely kept the whine quiet. "You little minx," Jackson whispered in her ear before heading around the car to the driver's seat.
Gareth grumbled but slid into the back seat. "Could you guys pretend you aren't screwing each other, too? It's creepy."
Jackson spun around in the driver seat, his eyes narrowed but unable to hide the playful twinkle. "What? You jealous?" He sat back down, revved the car engine and pulled out of the driveway without waiting for Gareth to buckle up. There was a disgruntled OOMPH from the backseat, but Jackson just turned up the music and drove towards the city.
Lilith was too focused on wiggling out of her jeans and revealing the ruffled miniskirt underneath them to realize a similar endeavor was happening in the back seat. Jackson was shedding his baggy jeans and struggling into a pair that looked painted on. He unbuttoned his flannel shirt, leaving it open to frame his chest and the fox red hair that trailed down his tummy. Lilith struggled out of her sweater. Underneath was a shimmery halter top that hugged her every curve. Jackson's eyes flicked from over Lilith before watching the last of Gareth's struggle. "Jesus! You guys seriously need a life!" He adjusted himself and muttered quietly, "and I need something to stick my dick in. Fuckin A!"
"I could take care of that for you, you know," Lilith teased, leaning over to rub her cheek against Jackson's. He grinned and rubbed back against her, but his eyes kept popping to the rear view mirror and finally, she couldn't take the curiosity anymore. Lilith popped down the sun visor and angled it into the back seat. She whistled loudly. "Hot damn, Gareth! Who are you hoping to catch tonight?"
The angle of the mirror gave Gareth a slightly distorted view of his sister's change in attire. "I'd ask you the same if you weren't still such a baby!" He narrowed his eyes and leaned forwards. "How are you even going to get in? You don't exactly look 21 or older. Gareth's cousin runs this place. He just goes in through the side. Are you hoping to dart between people's legs, runt?"
Lilith snapped open her wristlet and fished out the fake ID. "Read it and weep. I'm nearly as old as you. Celebrating my 21st birthday tonight. Just turned 21 a few days ago." She smiled sweetly and leaned over to trail her fingers up Jackson's thigh. "Besides," she called over her shoulder, "you're barely taller than I am!"
"Oy! That's enough. I'm driving. And anyways" He took her hand in his, squeezed it, then placed it back in her lap, "I'm taller than both of you." He looked over at Lilith and stroked her cheek. "Remember, show your ID when they ask for it, not before. Don't be too eager. Go easy at the bar. Don't accept drinks from strangers."
"And no strange dick." Lilith practically purred the words. "I know." She enjoyed the annoyed huff from the backseat.
They drove into the city. Lilith couldn't contain her excitement and had to be warned several more times to keep her paws off of the driver. They pulled up outside the club - 360 Vertigo. "Out you both get. Leave anything you don't want to carry around in the car. It'll be in employee parking. I'll send a text when it's time to go. Anyone not at the meeting place 15 minutes after that gets to walk home!" Jackson put the car in park and booted them both out.
She hadn't expected walking in on her own. Lilith stood on the sidewalk for a moment as Jackson drove away. She squared her shoulders and sauntered over to the line. Vaguely aware of Gareth's presence, she was both nervous and glad that he'd held back, putting a few people between them. It was still early in the night and the line moved quickly. Humans, anthros, and every shade in between stood in line. She saw no less than three couples hook up and decide to catch a party somewhere else. She was so wrapped up in people watching that she jumped when the door guard asked for her ID. She pulled it out quickly and handed it to him. He glared at the card and at her and back at the card. "21, huh?" He eyed the card again. "How'd you get an adult ID so quickly. Usually takes awhile after you turn 21." He looked over her small stature, her large eyes and ears making her look much younger.
Lilith almost quit right then, but she knew she'd never live it down if Jackson knew she gave up so easily. "Yeah, I'm short! Like I haven't heard that for most of life," she growled at the barrel-chested human who was blocking her entrance. "You think it's easy looking like a kit for most of your life? Why do you think it was so important to me to get an adult ID right away!" She was speaking quickly, flying by the seat of her pants. "I just want to go in and have a nice 21st celebration like anyone else! What's so wrong with that?" She looked up at him and bit her lower lip gently and leaned forwards just enough so the taller man could see down her top if he so chose.
The security guard blushed as her tirade subsided. "Uh, yes. No, I understand." He looked the ID over again. Well, he tried to look it over again. His eyes kept drifting downwards. "Alright, looks good!" He said quickly. "In you go."
She took the ID back and stepped through the door with a smile back at the guard. The hallway inside was black with fluorescent paint splashed and swirled over the walls. She pushed her way through the next door and into a whirl of color and sound. The bass, barely audible from outside, was suddenly thumping through her body. Her heart synced with its rhythm and her hips swayed in time with the music. The floor seemed to slope away from her in every direction and she stumbled a few times until she realized it was all an illusion. The dance floor looked like it sat at the bottom of a giant translucent technicolor bubble. Lilith shook her head to clear it and walked over to the bar. She leaned over and waited for the bartender to notice. "Vodka cranberry, please," she purred and thanked him. Lilith was soon sipping her cocktail and watching the dance floor.
So enthralled was she by the mass of moving bodies and swirling colors that she nearly missed Jackson's arrival. He melted out of the dance floor and wrapped her in a tight hug. He held it for a long time, breathing in her scent. "You having a good time, Lilith?"
"I'm having a great time, now that you're here," she answered, rising up on tiptoe to kiss him quickly. "What took you so long? I nearly finished my first drink already." She wiggled the mostly empty glass at him. "No offense meant to your cousin or whatever, but the bartender makes em kinda weak."
Jackson laughed and took her hand. "Well, this might help with that," he said as he fastened a plastic bracelet around her wrist. The band was holographic rainbow spirals and made her a little dizzy to look at. "This lets the bartender know you're a VIP. Drinks are on the house tonight, Lilith. I want you to have a good time and not worry about anything." He pushed her over to the bar again and held her wrist over a frosted Plexiglas half dome. It glowed red and the bartender grinned. "Let's have Long Island Iced Tea this time." The bartender nodded and pulled some bottles down from the high shelf. Jackson kissed her on the nose. "You're special. Never let anyone beat you down."
She danced and she drank. She danced some more. The press of bodies was intoxicating. She lost track of Jackson after a while. She lost track of her drink more than once, but she just got a new one. She knew she was getting drunk. She could feel it. It felt great. Another drink would be great, but finding Jackson would be even better. She just had this feeling that if she could find him, get him alone, she could make him see she was ready.
The music thumped and pulsed as Jackson drifted away from Lilith. Let her have some fun tonight, he thought with a grin. He wound his way through the dancers until he found Gareth again. "There you are!" he called out with a grin. "C'mere!" He grabbed the smaller guy by the waist and ground his hips against his ass. "See? I told you bringing her wouldn't make us late."
Gareth spun in his arms, a playful bashful smile creasing his lips. "Yeah, I know. It's just...no one knows. About us, I mean. I kinda need to keep it that way for awhile longer." He groaned as he felt Jackson's hardness pressing against his jeans.
Jackson scowled in the flashing club lights. "Why? You're practically moved out already!" He huffed and crossed his arms. "I know your mom doesn't like me, but your dad is pretty cool. And Lilith is a hell of a kid. She could use a place away from your parents. Your mom's got a serious beef with that kid." He turned away, his brow creasing in frustration. He didn't want to be distracted by Gareth's lithe form moving to the heavy beat at the moment. He almost regretted bringing them both here tonight. Gareth lit a fire in his loins like nobody's business, but Lilith had always occupied a tender spot in his heart. So sweet, but such a spitfire. He could feel Gareth move up behind him as the DJ slowed things down for a moment. His slender hands slid up under Jackson's t-shirt and around his waist. "You're trying to distract me," he murmured, barely audible over the music.
"I am," Gareth chuckled. "Is it working?" He slid his hands over Jackson's stomach and down over the front of his jeans, cupping the bulge he found there. "You said you needed something to stick your dick in. Maybe I can help with that!" One hand slid down into Jackson's boxers, stroking his hard member eagerly. Jackson's head tipped back with a needy moan and Gareth stretch out to nibble on his ear.
Lilith's head spun with excitement...and more than a little alcohol. Jackson was right. After she'd presented the bracelet, the bartender had made the drinks much stronger. Her vision slid and jumped in the push of people grinding to the club's music. She was looking for Jackson and kept catching glimpses of him, but she wasn't used to the press of the crowd. She hadn't learned to let the ebb and flow move her where she wanted to go. She almost called out for him before she spied two delicate hands making their way down his body. Her vision went red as she started to shove through the people. I'm going to END whoever is touching him," the thought angrily. Just before she pushed past the last people, just as the hand had slipped in and was stroking him and sending her anger even high - that was HER job! - Gareth's head appeared over Jackson's shoulder. Her stomach twisted and she ground to a halt. She watched, dumbstruck, as Gareth nibbled on Jackson's ear and Jackson...he liked it? She swallowed hard as her mind struggled to catch up through the haze of alcohol. She needed air...or maybe another drink!
She turned and started shoving her way through the crowd again, making a beeline for the bar. Her mind was already making excuses and explanations for what she'd seen. They are really good friends, she thought quickly. I mean, Gareth is nice enough looking and it's not like he was with some girl! She knew all about people who liked all genders and species. She risked a small hopeful thought...Maybe he's just super accepting of everyone! She made it to the bar and scanned her ID bracelet. She found the bartender arrived quicker if she scanned it before ordering.
"What can I get you, Miss?" the weasel bartender had refused to call her by name all evening, even though she knew that it popped up when she scanned her bracelet. "Perhaps some water. You look a little shaken. Is everything alright?"
"No! I mean, uh yes. I'm not sure, actually," Lilith mumbled, leaning on the bar. Despite seeing more impressive cleavage on a nightly basis, the weasel had to work at keeping his eyes up and his professional demeanor on. "There was this guy and I really like him and he likes me too! I'm sure of it..." She trailed off for a moment. "Not water. Definitely something stronger! I'm not sure I really want to remember what I just saw."
The bartender quirked an eyebrow at her. "This gentleman must be something special if you're willing to forget what seems to be a terrible act on his part, if you don't mind my saying so." He turned around and pulled a few bottles down from the shelf. "Tell you what, Miss. How about I make you a Lights Out? It's one of my specialities," he said, his voice full of conspiracy. He looked over his shoulder and waggled his eyebrows. Lilith couldn't help but giggle as she agreed. He turned back and, after studying the bottle for a few seconds, tapped his finger against his ear. "Can I get an Aux call to the bar please?"
A few moments later, a large black labrador melted out of the clubgoers and appeared at Lilith's side. She turned from the bar and looked up at him, her eyes wide as she took in his size. He blinked a few times, looking from the bartender to Lilith and back again. He coughed and put on a smile. "I hear you've had a less than spectacular night, ma'am. As one of our VIPs, it's important to us that you have the best experience possible. We have a private spa in the back where we hope you can toss aside whatever has caused you concern tonight." He smiled at her as he reached passed and took the drink offered by the bartender. "Please, have a sip and then I'll take you back."
Lilith took the cocktail glass full of clear liquid. "Uh...thank you. Yes, I think that might be nice," she said, trying to recover from staring at the security guard. She took a sip from the glass and pulled a face. It was so salty! "This is a...a...what did you call it?" She turned to the bartender as she took a big gulp to try and get it down.
"It's called a Lights Out, Miss," the weasel said with a grin, "because after a sip or two that's what happens to you." He chuckled softly as Lilith tried to stop in the middle of another drink. "Too late to stop it now. Might as well get the full effect." He flicked his eyes to the labrador as Lilith's body began to go slack. "Don't drop this one, Cole!" he hissed.
The labrador startled and reached forward to catch the kitsunemimi before she slid off the bar completely. "Sorry, Manny," he whispered, barely audible over the thumping club. "It's just...I'm not sure about this one. She seems awful little." He swept Lilith's body up into his arms and spoke louder, "Don't worry, we'll let your party know you are resting in the back." She was so little in his arms and he cast a worried glance back to the bartender.
Manny rolled his eyes. "You don't have to be on auxilium calls if you don't want to be, but I didn't hear you complaining about the last bonus on your paycheck." He cast his eyes over Lilith thoughtfully. "Here, let's double check." He grabbed Lilith's purse and removed her phone and ID. He turned the phone off and threw it in the "Lost and Found" box under the bar. He scrutinized the ID carefully. "Either it's a really good fake or she's definitely 21," he finally replied. "Now, would you stop standing around holding her? You look weird!" He shooed the other anthro away as he slipped the ID back into the purse and threw everything into the trash bin. He watched the security guard walk towards the back. Shame really...sometimes he didn't mix it as strong and he was able to "help" with the young lady or gent to get them to the back without fuss. That girl was pretty small, though. He must have overestimated the dose. Missed opportunities, eh?
Cole took his charge through the staff door to the back and started walking through the maze of hallways. He looked down at the girl in his arms and shook his head. His daughter had a friend at school who was a fennec. Their ages were tricky, but she looked about the same age as that friend. He exited the last door and into the balmy night air. A generic dark sedan sat by the loading dock. A 'mimi raccoon boy ran around and opened the back door, making sure to flick the child locks in place. "Hey Reggie, you should probably take this one to Doc's before processing." Cole tried to keep his voice professional. "There might be special considerations to take note of," he said, hoping the raccoon wouldn't get any funny ideas on the way there.
"What like, health and stuff?" the raccoon asked, not paying all that much attention. He'd had to pick up from Cole before and everyone was getting to learn that the labrador had too big of a soft spot. He wouldn't be surprised if Cole was rotated off pretty soon; didn't want to pick at his morals too much or he might talk.
"Like, I dunno, maybe age? She's definitely part fennec and they're tricky. I'd be surprised if she was even 18, let alone 21." Cole shifted uncomfortably before sliding Lilith's limp form into the backseat.
The driver's ears perked up. "Age huh? You think we got a youngin?" He looked over at Cole and tried to cover his eagerness. "Because, yeah, that'll take extra care and attention. Have no worries, Cole. She'll arrive safe and sound!" He patted the labrador's arm reassuringly and closed the car door. "Did you get that treatment for your wife scheduled yet? I heard the waitlist can get a little long for that specialist you were looking at."
Cole nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, yeah...it can get long, but we were able to get in. Her doctor wants to start treatments right away. Thanks for asking, Reggie." Reggie sighed in relief as Cole's demeanor picked up. A little reminder of why he was here would probably do wonders.
Reggie waved the labrador off back to work and slid into the driver's seat. Manny must've dosed this one good, he thought. She ain't movin at all! He could barely see the shallow breaths signaling life, so he drove on into the night. The sooner she was delivered and processed, the better.