The Stray Sheep [Joachim]

[Deleted]

Elise would be the first to admit that she was running herself into the ground. She knew this, she acknowledged this. It was something that she never tried to hide. She just couldn’t stop working, couldn’t stop trying so hard to make her boss proud. Perhaps it was some sort of sickness, or maybe OCD that compelled her to nearly kill herself trying to do better than everyone else. Time off was probably a good thing. She could pull herself together, get some good me time in. Maybe have a good soak in the bath with candles or whatever people did when they had free time and needed to relax. Solitude, she needed to hole herself up in her apartment, be surrounded by ice cream and her pets. Elise was relaxing just thinking about it.

What she didn’t need was to be dragged out by her colleagues to some club. What did they call it? A host club? Didn’t she watch an anime about a host club back in high school? It didn’t sound that appealing to her. For one she didn’t like going out. Secondly she hated spending money. Third and last of all, she didn’t even really like these women. To be totally honest, she didn’t even know the tall brunette’s name till tonight. Somehow they talked her into going, and the five women headed to Dalston. At least they weren’t going to a night club. If she sat in the corner perhaps she could be ignored.

When the taxi pulled up in front of the building she nearly exploded with laughter. The Stray Sheep? Seriously? Were they being serious right now? She’d rather go to the night club now. She allowed them to drag her out of the car and towards the building. There seemed to be quite the line outside the building. The tall brunette that organized their outing, Laura, went straight to the bouncer outside. They laughed about something and he moved aside to let them in. As Elise went towards the door the man put his hand out to stop her. With a sigh she took out her ID, and handed it to the bouncer. He inspected it carefully, then with a nod handed it back to her and allowed her inside.

Once inside the girls laughed about how young Elise looked and she actually joined in with the laugh. Okay, perhaps she could learn to enjoy this, it wasn’t that bad. They’d have a few drinks with some cute guys and go home. A little fun might help her get rid of some stress, or she could just get really drunk. Both options sounded nice, and a real smile actually graced her lips. These girls weren’t all bad, and it was nice to be included. They stood waiting at the entrance for their hosts to arrive, giggling like school girls. It kind of confused her, was this actually a strip club? But then someone said something about the top host and they all started giggling again. Ahh, he must be a looker then.

Suddenly Laura grabbed her arm and pointed to a man coming towards them, quietly squealing in delight. Elise turned to look and her whole body went cold, knowing who it was and wishing she never joined them. She'd recognize that ridiculously good looking face from anywhere. After all, she spent most of her childhood being in love with it. Panic and feelings she didn’t want to acknowledge right now swamped her for a second and she nearly ran out, but forced herself to stay there, forced herself to hide how she was feeling. A calm, pleasant smile formed and she pretended to share in their excitement. It was okay, she had been in worst situations before. She’d just keep excusing herself, pretending her hand hurt or something. Maybe she’d even sneak out after a bit. Damn her rotten luck.

The last person she wanted to see what that stupid cousin of hers.

ARIZONA of BACK TO NEVERLAND

[Deleted]

Joachim was their king.

It was a night like all any other; started out with the same slow hum of dusk that became a buzz of restlessness and anticipation when the streets lights came on. As it was with most urban cities nowadays, one can only truly see London's shine under the veil of darkness. It was at night when the city breathed.

Then the ladies came - fresh faces and loyal customers, all who came for the gentlemen who'd gladly serve. Regardless of who they might be to the world outside, it was an unspoken rule understood by all, that any lady to cross the threshold of club was a princess, and no less. It was what Joachim really enjoyed about this gig. Sure, it might not be seen as an elite job, but it was one that involved bringing smiles to lovely faces everyday, and that itself was immensely satisfying.

And hey, the side perks weren't so bad either.

Overall, Joachim liked being a host, and as is with most of what he sets his mind to, he excelled in this area as well. Ladies all arrive, with their sweet voices singing his calling card. His smile made them swoon, and his words snared them like honey. It was effortless to make them laugh and adore him, and soon they'd be addicted, just like how he was addicted to their attention. This place was filled with princesses, and Joachim was their king.

A bid came from the manager, and with a kiss as an apology and a hidden whispered promise, Joachim departed from one of his loyal clients to receive a new group of girls. They weren't first timers, he could tell, save one. It was easy to pick out the weak link of the pack; the littlest of them all, a young lady who gazed at everywhere but him. Even as he and his partner introduced themselves (his name was pronounced as zho-ah-keem), her eyes still remained steadfast to the marble tiles. Such a nervous little lass. It was a gentleman's duty to ensure a princess's utmost comfort, non? As the other host led them away to a corner spot, Joachim took his place at the rear, right next to the stubborn delight. With a smile and a soft chuckle at her stiffness, he lifted her hand to brush a kiss across her knuckles.

"Good evening, my little stray sheep. Let's enjoy ourselves tonight."

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[Deleted]

It took every ounce of will power she had to not punch him in the face.

As soon as his lips brushed her knuckles Elise clamped her teeth hard and tried to breathe calmly. What a suave little shit he thought he was. She smiled at him but quickly snatched her hand back, following the rest of the girls. “Yes, sure.” Was all she could reply with, keeping her eyes on everything but him. Oh my god, stray sheep. She was so close to dying from laughter.

She realized now that unknowingly she had placed herself in this kind of situation, and now she was kicking herself in the ass because of it. How the fuck did she forget to blend? That was like breathing to her. No, she froze up and forgot and made herself a target. And now her cousin was hitting on her like she was any old girl that walked in.

To add insult to injury he didn't recognize her.

Fuck you Joa, she scowled internally, but kept the look on her face neutral but pleasant. A normal girl would blush and giggle but right now she couldn't stomach doing that. This was Joachim, she grew up with the conceited asshole. How could he not know it was her? She knew it was him instantly. Had she really changed that much? When was the last time she saw him anyways. Right before her Uncle sent for her, when she was 13? Goodness, it had been 8 years already. He was still the same; so very full of himself.

Elise had the advantage though. Joachim was always very clever, but he vastly underestimated her when they were growing up. It was her greatest strength against him. If he hadn't figure out it was her yet, she still had time to get out of here without it being obvious. Sitting with him, watching him flirt was the last thing she wanted to do. Knowing Joa, it wouldn't take very long for him to figure it out, if he hadn't already. No, she needed to get out and fast. She sat herself at the end of the booth so it would be much easier to leave when she felt the time was right. There went that fun evening.

ARIZONA of BACK TO NEVERLAND

[Deleted]

What a curious instantaneous reaction.

A hitch in her breath, a spike in her pulse and the almost insusceptible narrowing of her eyes (in that single brief moment when she actually looked at him) revealed that the young thing before Joachim had either a desire to snog him or smack him.

What a curious instantaneous reaction.

Eyes trained on her as she slid back into the safe circle of her companions, he subtly did a thorough once-over, taking in all the surface details he could get off her. Petite in stature, approximate height and weight of 155ish and 50kg respectively (he can't get exactly certain), fair skin of European colourings and brown eyes with blonde hair just a few shades lighter. This sweet miss couldn't be more than 22, at the very most.

His assessment continued as he lightly placed a hand on the small of her back and led her to the corner seats, intentionally wedging her between a friend and himself on the couch. Smile fake and tight, arms stiff and posture tense; she did not seem to be on very familiar terms with the rest of her acquaintances, or surely she would have sought more comfort from them by now. Were they colleagues? Or friends of friends? There were so many questions and Joachim had to admit, he was intrigued. There was just something about the rigid lady that tickled the back of his brain, like a memory from long ago, gazed through a foggy window. The smell of grass, the pealing of childish laughter and innocence, the familiar curve of a pout.

It was like clockwork, all steadily clicking into place.

"So, this is your first time, oui? I can tell. What are your thoughts about our humble establishment?" He queried, shifting to address her directly. He had repositioned his hand to align next to hers, gently brushing against without invading too much of her personal space.

coded by DESTINY of BTN