Chapter Text
My breath came out in labored pants as I landed in my final pose, legs spread in a perfect split. The crowd erupted in loud cheers, dollar bills littered the stage around me like green rain and I made sure to keep a smile on my face as a lent over to pluck them from the glittery stage, sticking my butt out and flaunting it. I felt the unmistakable feel of a cash being tucked into the waistband of my shorts.
Blowing a final kiss to the audience I scampered off the stage to the back room of the bar. The smell of smoke and sweat clung to the walls, but it was the quietest place in the building which helped sooth my aching head. As an omega the scent of sweaty, drunk, out of control alphas was sometimes just too overwhelming, it helped pull a better performance out of me as the omega within took over and gave a show, but in the end it was almost a physical strain on my nose and caused the worst headaches, all alphas smelt the same to me now.
“Nice job tonight, Eros~” a voice cheered in my ear, startling me. Phichit of course.
“Phichit, we are in private, you don’t need to call me by my stage name back here,” I smiled at him. Phichit was my best friend and the one that landed me the job as a pole dancer at Black Ice. He was a friendly beta I gained in my short time at college and I couldn’t imagine my life without him, loyal to the end. In my dying struggles to get by, he was there to pick me back up again.
“I know, I know! But it suits you too well, I say we get it legally changed!” He teased, handing me my blue framed glasses. I slid them on my nose, happy to be able to see again. Phichit was dressed in his casual clothing, all his performances done for the night. We promised years ago to never leave the other alone after shows so we could walk home together; “it’s never safe for an omega to walk the streets at 4 AM alone,” he told me.
“You’re not funny,” but I laughed anyway, pulling on my sweats and thick blue sweater and jacket, “Lets head out, I’m exhausted.”
Phichit gave a half hearted salute and slipped out the main door a moment to check us out. Turning to the mirror I grabbed a makeup wipe and quickly rubbed away the black eyeliner and grey eyeshadow from my face. I ran my fingers through my slicked back hair, loosening the black strands till my fringe fell just above my eyes. I sighed, regular boring old Yuuri once again. Just before Phichit walked back in I spritzed my neck with scent blocker just to be safe.
The late night air was chilly through my layers and I walked closer to Phichit to block the wind.
“How’s Mai, by the way? She started skating a few weeks ago right?” Phichit tapped away at his smart phone, posting photos on instagram no doubt to show off today’s dances.
“She’s beautiful as always, I’m amazed she picked it up so quickly,” I praised.
“Well she is your daughter, and you’re graceful in almost everything you do.”
“Who’s the one that tripped over the speaker cord two days ago and knocked over hundreds of dollars worth of alcohol?” I stared at him with an eyebrow raised.
“Hey, I said almost everything. Just be glad Chris found it funny and spared you the debt.” Phichit laughed and tucked his phone away in his pocket. Looking over at me his gaze became soft, “Honestly though, how are you both?”
I huffed, the hot air turned white in the cold weather, “Better, not living the golden life, but we are happy.” It wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t the full truth either.
Phichit stared at me, eyes crinkling at the edges in that way that showed he didn’t believe a word I said, but he let it drop, “Know I’m always here to help you, Yuuri. I love that little kiddo like an uncle, and I know Chris is starting to take a liking to her too. You’re not alone in the universe you know, you can rely on us.”
I looked down at the wet pavement and glared at it, “I know, Phichit, thanks.”
Once we reached the usual cross roads I hugged Phichit and we split ways. It was a short walk to the Klinks Apartments but the silence always unnerved me, quickening my pace I made it to my building in two minutes flat. Remembering Mai inside I opened the door as quietly as the squeaky hinges would allow and snuck inside. The apartment was a small studio with one bathroom and tiny kitchen, the walls were chipping paint, the paneling was missing in the bathroom nearest the toilet, but we covered the worst areas with posters of their favorite skaters, movies, and Mai’s homemade drawings. The stained carpet floors were covered in donated rugs from Phichit, and there was only one lamp, that was currently lit, near the legless futon in the corner. There was no TV but a decent sized stereo with a mountain of CDs took it’s spot. Pulling off my shoes, hanging my coat, and tucking tonight’s tips in the savings box I crept up quietly to the mountain of blankets and pillows littering the floor futon. Smiling I knelt down and tucked Mai’s long dark brown hair behind her ear. She slept with her mouth open and hands tucked under her cheek, breathing softly. She was my little angel, making my dark world bright again, leaning down I kissed her exposed cheek and slowly slipped into the pile of blankets with her, curling my arms around her protectively. She squirmed slightly and opened one chocolate eye to look at me confused.
“Daddy?” she groaned out.
“Shhh, go back to sleep, angel.” I shushed her, kissing her forehead. She smiled at me and immediately fell back into deep sleep.
Tucking us deeper into the warmth of the blankets I stared at the peeling walls. Chewing my lip I looked back to my daughter, fearing for her. I hated myself for not being able to give her more, she deserved so much. A shabby apartment with a pole dancing father barely able to keep up with rent in tips was not a life for a five year old girl with such a positive outlook on life. But I just didn’t know how to help her. Having to drop out of college was a huge sacrifice I had to make so that I could take care of Mai, and giving up figure skating over all was the hardest decision of my life. No career and lacking college degree made it near impossible to land a well paying job. Black Ice was a high quality club that was generous on tips and I made a decent wage, not to mention I got to keep dancing, but it’s just not enough to afford a better place to live. I thanked my lucky stars it was enough to educate Mai and allow her skating lessons. I only wish I could provide her the world.
A tear slid down my cheek and I quickly wiped it away on the pillow beneath our heads. I have to be strong for her I told myself over and over.
“I promise I’ll give you a better life, Mai. I won’t let anyone hurt you.” I whispered drowsily. Exhausted from the night’s performances I let Mai’s breathing lull me to sleep.