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Majima had been… off lately, Yuki decided. His eye was distant. He didn’t even have a snappy comeback when she’d said earlier that he looked good… for 40. Like. C’mon! That was asking for one of his clever lines. Instead he had sighed and moved on with his work. He still did fine as a manager, but something was definitely up. Yuki knew better than to ask. By this point she was pretty sure he was tied up with some pretty hairy yakuza business. The less details, the better, she figured.
But she couldn’t just stand by while he was like this. No one deserved to be this stressed. Okay. So maybe whatever crusty old yakuza boss who wanted to cut off all Majima’s toes or something who was causing all this deserved it. But not Majima. She knew better than to tell him he works too hard, or to relax. He’d blown her off the past few times. “You worry too much.” Or maybe no one worries about you enough , she’d had to stop herself from saying.
Either way. She needed a plan. He would need to be tricked into relaxing or not at all. Something… out of the ordinary. That’d entice him. Maybe. Yuki climbed the stairs up to the roof. Fresh air is the bed of inspiration, after all. She opened the roof access door and– hm .
Last night, she’d caught Majima up there taking a smoke break after the club closed. She watched him shake his long hair out of the ponytail, transfixed as it tumbled down his shoulders. Majima was… pretty? She’d never really thought of it that way. Yuki’s eyes refocused. Pretty . That was it.
____
Ai giggled. “You think Majima-san will go for that? I guess he is kind of a wildcard .”
“If he says no, I’ll dare him to! NO BALLS!” interjected Saki.
Yuki took a deep breath. “Okay, okay. We’re making this happen . But under one condition. Youda-san does not find out, ” she said. They all nodded.
They walked to the other side of the club and found Majima setting glasses back at the bar.
“Ya ladies… need something? Oh, no. Is this about healthcare benefits or somethin’?”
Yuki couldn’t help but laugh. “Hah– no.”
“Then whaddaya got me cornered for?”
“We were thinking about doing a Sunshine girls’ night out,” said Ai.
“Y’know ya don’t need my permission to plan these kinds of things, right?”
“But like, with you, Majima-san,” replied Yuki.
“Ain’t really a girls’ night then, is it?”
“We can fix that,” said Saki, with a sly grin.
Majima’s eye widened. “Do ya mean–”
“Yes. We do,” said Saki. Yuki clenched her teeth. He’s gonna get mad –
“Sure. Why not. Doin’ the makeup will be good practice for ya too. Knock yourselves out.”
Yuki covered her mouth but still let out a squeak. Her and Ai met eyes for a second. Holy crap . Just like that, too.
“We won’t let you down, Majima-san!” Yuki declared.
He chuckled. “Whatever ya say.”
____
Saki put a dress back on the rack. “Metallic pink isn’t really Majima-san’s color, is it?”
Yuki shook her head. “There’s gotta be something in here.”
“Probably nothing backless so as not to expose his tattoo,” mused Saki.
“Hmm.. but I kinda wanna see…” said Yuki.
“Wait. Tattoo?” asked Ai.
“Yeah? Don’t yakuzas all have those intricate backpieces?” replied Saki.
Ai gasped. “Majima-san is yakuza? But? He’s so sweet?”
Yuki giggled. “Did you think he just really liked baseball?”
“And that he never let go of his childhood dream of being a pirate? ” Saki added, full-on laughing.
“You’re telling me those weird bug-eating vibes I got from him were actually criminal vibes?” Ai said, absolutely devastated.
“I mean. I also wouldn’t put it past him to eat bugs,” said Yuki.
The door to Club Sunshine’s back room swung open and there he was. Speak of the Devil.
“What’s up, ladies?”
“Get out!” said Yuki, “Only girls allowed here! And you’re not one yet!”
“You can’t see the outfit until it’s ready!” explained Ai.
“Easy, Yuki-chan, ain’t like I’m marrying myself or nothin’.”
“It’s a surprise , Majima-san. Those are fun,” Yuki said, rolling her eyes.
“They ain’t. Unexpected shit comes up and ya end up losing an eye.”
“It’s clothes, Majima-san. No one’s gonna cut off your toes,” said Yuki.
“Toes. Yuki-chan,” said Majima.
“What. Is that not what they do. In the yakuza. Toes. If you– if you make a mistake.”
Yuki could barely hear herself over Majima’s laughter. “ Isn’t that why you wear those gaudy steel-tipped shoes?” she finished.
“Oh, excuse me, Yuki-chan, now my iconic shoes are gaudy ?”
“I mean. They kinda are,” said Saki.
“They’re fashionable ,” he insisted.
“Yeah, maybe in 1985,” Saki shot back.
“Well, I was about to give you a pass for protecting your toes from your bosses but APPARENTLY they DON’T EVEN DO THAT,” said Yuki.
“You gals are harsh sometimes, y’know that?”
“We only learned from the best,” retorted Yuki.
“But see, Majima-san, this is exactly why we’re picking out the clothes. Don’t you have important manager stuff to do anyway?” said Ai.
“Alright. Alright. You win. I’m outta here.” He exited the way he came. Saki was already back at it.
“What about this ?” she held up a black, silky dress.
Yuki and Ai turned to look and gasped. It was perfect .
“Not too revealing…” murmured Ai. It was pretty long, but with a slit up the side. Majima-san did have legs for days, after all. Would make it easier to walk in, too.
“Elegant…” said Yuki. It was black and she could just see how well it would pair with a few strings of pearls.
“And it’s sleeveless, so we don’t have to worry about finding something that’ll fit Majima-san’s shoulders,” said Saki. She made her way over to the shoe cabinet. Her eyes followed the line of shoes, organized by size. “I don’t think any of these are gonna fit him… That’s a problem.”
“I could run out and see if I could find some that would work at a store,” Yuki volunteered.
“Alright! Just make sure nothing too high… We don’t want him to break his ankles…”
____
Yuki threw open the door. She triumphantly held up the bag containing the sparkly black heels she’d managed to procure. Not too high. They were even on discount. “I’m back! Wasn’t easy but I found ‘em. These should w– Oh. ”
There she sat, in the Sunshine makeup chair, in the black dress, long black silk gloves, three strands of pearls, hair down, lightly curled, and swept over her right shoulder. Deep purple shawl with gold embroidery demurely covering her shoulders. Demure wasn’t a word Yuki would ever use for Majima, but for her… For a moment, Yuki could vividly see that gloved hand reaching down to her from Cinderella’s carriage, offering to help her in. She shook her head. Get a hold of yourself, Yuki. Where the hell did that even come from?
“Oi, Yuki-chan! You’re just in time for them letting me see what I look like. Probably pretty good based on your face right now, though.”
“The– You guys did such a good job with the makeup!” marveled Yuki, staring. Did Majima-san always have such plush lips? No... Had to be trick of the deep red lipstick, right? Right?
“You think so? Thanks, Yuki-chan! Of course, Ai brought out two sets of fake lashes to start out,” said Saki.
“I forgot , okay?” said Ai. They both laughed.
“You're killin’ me with the suspense. Lemme see already!” said Majima.
____
Ai spun the chair around so it was facing the mirror. Holy hell. The woman staring back at Majima was… There weren't even really words, for this kinda thing, were there?
“Majima-san?” Yuki's voice said, from somewhere.
“Goromi,” Majima said. A name that never even occurred to him until now but felt like he'd known for years. “Majima-san ain't here tonight.”
“Ah– Goromi-chan,” said Yuki. Hell, it even sounded great coming from her. Goromi. Could get used to that.
“I got the shoes,” she continued, “hopefully they'll fit.”
Goromi kicked her foot up, carefree. “Why don't ya do the honors, Yuki-chan?”
“You want me to?”
“C’mon! Make a gal feel like Cinderella!”
Yuki nodded and bent down. She took the sparkly black pumps out of the bag and carefully put each one in its rightful place. Goromi stood up with a flourish. “Thanks, darling.”
Yuki stared up at her with huge eyes. “You’re– ah– you’re welcome.” Was she feelin’ alright?
“How do the shoes feel?” asked Ai.
“Just fine.” They were comfy enough. Yuki managed to get the right size, it seemed. She felt pretty steady on her feet. Took a step. Foot landed a little funky.
Saki sprung into action. “Here’s how you do it! We made sure not to get you crazy high heels, ‘cause well, you don’t really need ‘em, do you?” She demonstrated the technique. Made sense. Smaller steps, straighter legs. Weight off the heel. Couldn't be harder than learnin’ to breakdance-fight. Her first few steps were a bit unsteady but she fell into the rhythm of it, walking the perimeter of Sunshine’s back room a few times.
“She’s a natural!” said Saki.
“Only ‘cause ya did a great job instructin’ me!” replied Goromi.
“Are we all ready to head out then?” asked Ai.
“Yes– but wait, won't Goromi-chan freeze wearing just that on the way over?” said Yuki.
Goromi smiled. “I think I've got just the thing.” She made her way over to the closet and reached all the way back and pulled out a decadent fur coat.
“Where did that come from?” asked Saki.
“I know some of the other girls got fancy gifts to come work here, but damn,” said Yuki.
“When do we get fancy gifts?” demanded Ai.
Goromi doesn't answer manager questions , she decided, and moved on with the original inquiry.
“So I see this lady getting held up by some punks on the street. And naturally, I beat the tar out of them and hand her purse back and she insists I take her coat. And I'm like lady, what am I supposed to do with this ? But I bring it back here, and whaddaya know? Turns out I just didn't know who it was for yet.” She pulled the coat over her shoulders. A little tight, but it would do.
“Hold on a second. This dress ain’t got pockets ? What the hell?” said Goromi.
Ai laughed. “Saki will find a purse for you in a second.”
“Just make sure it’s got room for my tanto and we’re good.”
____
Inside Maharaja, under the disco lights, Yuki's friends looked dazzling .
“Everyone's so gorgeous tonight!” she remarked.
“I'd expect Sunshine's top girls to do no less than light up the club,” replied Goromi.
Yuki looked down. “You too… Goromi-chan.”
The group made their way to the bar. “Drinks are on me, ladies!” announced Goromi.
Before she knew it, Yuki had a fruity cocktail in her hand. She sipped, savoring the expensiveness of it all. Should she have her pinky up? She giggled at the thought.
She looked up and noticed Goromi already finished her drink. She watched transfixed as Goromi clasped the fingers of her glove in her teeth and pulled it off so she could… fish the cherry out of her glass? The light glinted off the fruit and her shiny deep red acrylic nails. Hypnotic. Saki and Ai had really gone all out, hadn't they? She thought maybe she heard Ai say something but she was pretty sure nothing short of a gunshot in the club could’ve taken her eyes off her. Goromi met Yuki's gaze.
“Yuki-chan? Ya want this? I never liked cherries.” Yuki nodded, slack-jawed. Before she could reach out to accept it, she found it presented in front of her face, daintily between Goromi’s index and thumb. Am I supposed to – ? Goromi grinned.
Yuki closed her eyes- why - and accepted the offering. Sweetest Maraschino cherry she’d ever tasted. How could anything taste this good? She looked away, chewing.
Saki laughed. “Looks like your drink’s already getting to ya, Yuki-chan?”
“Huh?”
“You’re already flushed as hell!”
“H–ah yeah… These mixed drinks’ll be the death of me!” she said, managing a laugh.
She dared to look back but Goromi was gone. To the dance floor, presumably. Yuki exhaled. What was that, even?
“Where's Ai?” she asked.
“Didn't you hear her say she was gonna go dance?”
Yuki smiled sheepishly. Of course I heard her.
____
Goromi hit the dancefloor like a Category 4 typhoon. Was that arrogant to think? She didn't care. She hadn't felt like this in - she couldn't even say. Definitely not since the hole and maybe not even since- fuck that . Fuck the past. Tonight was about now. And now? was incredible. The music moved her; her and the music were one. And, sure. She’d been to this exact club before, heard this exact song, but something was different. Felt lighter. Less heavy. Free. That was it. Sotenbori was a cage but only for Goro Majima . And he wasn’t in this disco.
Was this how Cinderella felt? No. This was better. No stepsister could be uglier than Futoshi fucking Shimano. She spun and threw her arms out, letting the thoughts fly off with the centrifugal force. Couldn’t pull too many cool breaker moves in this getup, but that was alright. Ain’t like she was trying to prove anything anyhow. She’d glimpsed Saki and Ai on the floor a few times in her rhapsody but- where was Yuki? Gal could be a little shy, but she was doin’ a great job at movin’ past that. Come to think of it, she did seem a little off tonight. Maybe she just needed that extra push. Goromi sauntered up to the DJ.
She batted her eyelashes for good measure. “Could I request a song?”
The DJ nodded. “Sure thing. What’ll it be?”
“Koi no Disco Queen .” That was Yuki’s jam . No way she could stay on the sidelines when her song ’ s playin’.
“You got it!”
Goromi scanned the edges of the dance floor. She spotted Yuki, looking a little zoned out, with her arms crossed. Can’t have that!
____
Yuki heard the drum fill intro and looked up to see Goromi right in front of her.
“Yuki-chan, ain’t this your song ?” she said. Before Yuki had the time to say anything, or think about Goromi remembering her favorite song, she felt Goromi’s hand close around hers and tug gently. “C’mon, it ain’t a disco girls’ night out if you don’t dance.”
Yuki looked up and met her eye. Probably the most happy and relaxed she’d ever seen that eye. She grinned back. “Okay, Goromi-chan. For you.”
“Right on!” said Goromi, using her height advantage to pull Yuki into an effortless twirl. She moved with the music, watching Goromi’s hair bounce in time, and all her insecurities melted away. Maybe she looked ridiculous. She didn’t care. Couldn’t remember the last time she felt this confident, actually. Goromi met her gaze during the chorus. Something possessed Yuki to sing along softly. Anata dake no.
They struck stupid poses at the end of the song and walked off the dance floor flushed from laughing so hard. Yuki’s face hurt from smiling. But her smile disappeared when she spotted him. A guy approached them. She knew the look in his eyes all too well. He edged his way towards Goromi.
“Say, why don’t you ditch your little friend here and come with me, huh?” he said, trying way too hard to affect smoothness. Yuki rolled her eyes. She saw Goromi’s fist clench. Yuki stepped forward.
“Surprised they give you enough time off from running your booth at the Clown Convention to come to a place like this,” she said, crossing her arms.
“Who asked you, bitch ?” he spat at her.
“I believe you did, fucknuts,” replied Goromi, “when you decided to come over here and interrupt our perfectly good night.”
“Oh, is it discounted drinks for ugly whores night?” he shot back.
“Aren’t you the one who propositioned her in the first place?” asked Yuki. Normally she wouldn’t talk back this much at a time like this but… knowing Goromi could easily drop this guy emboldened her.
“Only– cause– she looks cheap,” he stammered.
“Cause that’s all you can afford, right?” laughed Goromi.
“Whatever. Bitches.” He turned and walked away from them. Saki and Ai appeared behind them.
“Are you guys okay? We saw that creep and ran right over!” said Saki.
“I’d say we handled him just fine. A team effort, really,” said Goromi, smiling at Yuki. “But seriously, are guys always like this?”
“Unfortunately,” replied Yuki.
“You gals should’ve seen her, she went straight for the jugular on that fucker, right Yuki?” said Goromi.
Yuki looked down and felt her face get hot again. “You were great too!”
“Sounds like someone deserves another drink!” said Saki, motioning for Yuki to follow her to the bar.
____
Goromi took a step to follow them but Ai blocked her path. “Goromi-chan. A word?”
“What is it, Ai-chan?” Ai looked straight-up troubled .
“You’re gonna break that poor girl’s heart .”
“What? Yuki-chan? We already established she ain’t into me!”
“Have you seen how she’s been looking at you all night? And you’re just playing with her. ”
“Whaddaya mean playing with her? I thought this is just how girls interact?”
“You fed her a cherry out of your hand .”
“That ain’t– She wouldn’t interpret that as– alright I can kinda see where you're comin’ from there.”
Ai shook her head. “Now do you see?”
Goromi sighed. “I promise I won’t hurt Yuki-chan, alright? I’ll talk to her if I gotta. Sunshine can’t have its top girl down and out over somethin’ as dumb as heartbreak after all!”
“God, you’re just as bad as regular Majima-san!”
They both laughed.
____
Yuki motioned to Saki to help her with the zipper of her dress. They had some time before the club opened for the night.
“So, Goromi, huh ?” teased Saki, obliging her.
“Shut up! You all thought she was beautiful!”
“Yeah, but–”
“But what ?”
Saki only giggled in response. Yuki spotted Majima approaching. Shit. She could see the look on his face, too. Already knew what he was gonna say. She wanted to be anywhere else .
“Saki-chan, could ya give us a moment?”
Saki nodded, only laughing harder and excused herself, wandering over to help Koizumi with makeup.
Majima’s eye avoided Yuki’s. “So, uh. ‘Bout last night. I’m real sorry, Yuki-chan. You and I can’t– uh. I don’t want ya to get the wrong idea about–”
“Seriously?”
“Yuki-chan, I–”
“Majima-san. No offense. But ew. You don’t have to let me down gentle or something. Why–” She paused for a second as memories of last night flooded back. “I'm. Not sure what happened, honestly.”
He met her gaze after staying quiet for a moment. “Was it because I was a lady then?”
His voice was soft and his eye, softer. Not even a hint of the teasing she'd gotten from Saki earlier. All the same she swore. “Shit.” This could not be happening. That would mean… Mari-chan from middle school… Kaori-chan from high school book club… the mama at that one bar who always remembered her name… her college roommate Kiyoko-chan… She always did like Oscar more than Andre watching Rose of Versailles... No. She turned and let her feet carry her out, away from there, away from him and his insight.
____
“Yuki!” he called out after her. But it was no use. She nearly knocked poor Junko down on her way out. He started in that direction but ran into Saki.
“Saki-chan. No more teasin’ Yuki-chan about this.”
“But it’s so funny ! The girl version of her boss .”
“She’s got excellent taste, what can I say? But I’m serious. Give her a break. Ain't every day ya figure out important shit about yerself.”
“Alright, alright.”
His progress was halted once again, this time by Ai.
“What did you do, Majima-san?”
“My goddamn best and I intend to continue, if ya don't mind,” he said, making for the door.
“Please make sure she is safe!” Ai called after him.
Yuki hadn't made it far. He spotted her having a smoke next to the Dream Machine on the corner right outside the club.
She whipped around at the sound of his footsteps, eyes like a deer in headlights.
“Majima-san…”
“Hey. Listen. It’s gonna be okay, ya hear me?”
She looked up at him. “Is it?”
“‘Course it is. There are a lot worse things you could be than lesbian, Yuki-chan. For example: straight. A yakuza. Coincidentally I only have experience with one of those.”
“Majima-san?”
He grinned. “What, surprised?”
“Not really. Would be a rare kind of straight guy to be that natural as a man and as a woman.”
“Man, don’t even get me started on that.”
“Plus, you never made a pass at any of us…”
“Hey . That’s cause I’m a professional. Ain’t right to hit on your employees! That’s besides the point, though. What I’m tryin’ to say is, ya got me in your corner on this. If anyone gives ya trouble over this they deal with me too, okay?”
Yuki nodded and looked down. “C’mere,” he said, pulling her into a hug. “I know this is a lot to process. But you're gonna get through it. And one day, you’ll even find a nice gal who’s a lady full time! I want ya to always remember, though. I’m here if ya need to talk about anything.”
She returned the hug and rested her forehead on his shoulder. “Thanks… nii-san. ”
He tightened his hold for a moment and then let her go. “Now let’s get ya back inside, you're gonna freeze out here. Feel free to take the night off, though. Full pay. My gift to you for your trouble.”
She smiled. “How ironic, though. Turning out like that, working a job like this.”
They walked towards Club Sunshine's entrance. “I don't think so at all, actually. Just means you're never at risk for fallin’ for a customer.”
That one got a laugh. “I dunno, Majima-san, was anyone ever? You seen half the guys that come in here?”
“Hey, now. Those are our payin’ customers. And believe me, you ain't seen the full spectrum of male ugliness until you've seen my bosses. ”
They laughed together. “Although,” he added, “You would run the risk of fallin’ for your co-workers.”
“Huh?”
“Look, all I’m sayin’ is I witnessed Ai gettin’ awfully protective over you last night.”
“You’re kidding.”
“I ain’t! But let’s get you back inside, alright?”
Yuki grinned. “Alright.”
He opened the door and watched as she walked through. She really deserved the entire world and he had no doubt in his mind that one day, she'd have it.