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Kyoko feels naked, not to mention vulnerable. The worst part about disguises is how necessary they are. If she showed up to the club wearing a trenchcoat she'd never get past the bouncer.
The dress's neckline is too low to hide a knife vest. The best she got is a modified one that only covers her abdomen. Hopefully tonight doesn't require any fights. Never hurts to be prepared though, a can of mace and telescopic baton in her handbag for the occasion. Hidden in a secret compartment so the bouncer didn't get suspicious when he searched her bag.
The entrance is just a maze of stairways that lead into the lower levels of Towa City. The music grows more present and the detective feels the ground vibrate as bass strikes like a sledgehammer. Soon she arrives to a heavy pair of metal doors, smoke and shifting neon lights creep out from under the cracks. Kyoko flips open her makeup mirror, a final check to ensure she looks like another party goer. Her eyes remain the problem, sharp focused and severe.
Kyoko practices several different expressions, each looking more forced than the last. She was taught to look invisible not blend in. A problem when you'd be where everyone was looking. She debates using sunglasses but that would only draw more eyes.
The doors are flung open, sending a young man and the pulsing light of the club spilling onto the floor. The man hops up, his face red with embarrassment or alcohol, Kyoko can't tell yet. She goes back to her thoughts as the new arrival walks up to her.
"I'm sorry, you're not hurt are you?"
"I'm fine, you should be more careful."
"Yeah I'm just kind of clumsy." The man runs a hand through his spiky brown hair, one part seeming to defy gravity as it stays raised. "Honestly I'm not much of a party guy and this got me kind of nervous. I guess I needed some air but...hehehe."
Kyoko grunts not really listening to the uninvited explanation. She analyzes the man's outfit. Skinny black jeans and a collared Tee. He'd blend in perfectly.
"Oh I'm Makoto." He offers a hand.
"Kyoko." The detective answers.
Makoto awkwardly brings his hand to his head when it becomes apparent that she won't shake it. Rather than running off he remains before her. Grooving slightly to the music from behind the doors.
"Do you need something?" Kyoko asks.
"Well you looked kinda nervous. I imagine you don't go to the club very often."
"Nope." Kyoko clicks her tongue, dressing for the look doesn't make up for body language. If this man could tell she's out of place then her quarry will spot her immediately.
"If you'd like I could go in with you." He gasps, catching Kyoko off guard. "I don't mean like holding your hand or anything, I'm talking about how when your nervous sometimes having another person can make things better." He smiles sheepishly as Kyoko tries to get a read on the man.
It doesn't feel like this is some cheesey pickup line. He's not fishing for information like security would. He's just...genuinely offering help...help.
"If you wouldn't mind." Kyoko siddles up to the man, his face growing more red. Perhaps surprised she took him up on his offer. "I wouldn't mind you accompanying me tonight."
Grabbing his hand she leads him to the door. Pulling it open Kyoko's senses are overwhelmed.
Hammering beat. Smell of booze and BO. Vibrant colors cycling rhythmically. She grits her teeth and pushes forward. No one pays her any mind, just a girl on a date.
She checks over her shoulder, her guide bobbing his head to the music. He catches her staring and begins moving more. Swaying their linked hands in an attempt to get her to dance. She rolls her eyes pulling her hand away. Arriving at the edge of their current level Kyoko surveys the area.
The club is segmented into three levels. The top floor seems to be for the exits and private booths. In the four corners seem to be dancing spots for those more reserved, or seeking privacy.
Second floor is tables, both for drinking and dancers it seems. The bar is located at the south wall, she fights the urge to get a stiff drink to help her nerves.
Finally the bottom floor. Covered in vibrant glowing tiles, the dance floor dominates the landing. A raised DJ booth with a girl going absolutely wild behind the machine. A few raised podiums for the brave or inebriated to flaunt their skills. One podium hosting her target.
Junko Enoshima could pass for a professional contortionist. The way her body tweaks and bends with the music. Her expression of pure ecstasy is big enough to be seen from so far away.
"Kyoko!" Makoto screams over the club. "Do you wanna dance?"
Kyoko looks at the man. He awkwardly shuffles his body, slightly off beat. Hands clapping awkwardly to the music as he flashes a nervous smile. He truly has no experience at clubs.
"Not really." She goes over to the railing by the stairs. It provides a good overlook of the entire club. She counts eight security guards and spots a few that could be working undercover. Not to mention Junko's sister, Mukuro, is standing on guard by her lively twin. Mukuro briefly glances towards Kyoko and the pair lock eyes.
Mukuro looks away, seemingly uninterested. Kyoko attributes it to Makoto, who had been dancing foolishly behind her.
The lights cut, the only source of light from the bar and the glowing paint on some of the dancers. They blast pitch white slowly fading to their pulsing blue, as the next song comes on. Kyoko sees spots, her pupils struggling to adjust. She scans the floor for Junko and sees her head to a private room on the third floor.
"Makoto." Kyoko grabs the shoulder of her eccentric partner. "Let's dance somewhere else."
Her partner smiles and motions for her to lead the way.
Kyoko underestimated her own dancing skills. She figured it would just be moving her body to the beat. Turns out it's harder to keep up than she thought. At least with Makoto she doesn't feel out of place. Two idiots flailing in the corner.
Kyoko stops pretending to dance and catches her breath. She fans herself and looks towards the other end of the level. In one of the glass walled private rooms, Junko is meeting with a member of the Kuzryu clan. She seems to be taking notes on a notepad.
Jackpot. All that's left is to wait.
"Hey." Kyoko turns, having forgotten about her partner. He grabs her hand and before she can pull away he brings her back to the dance floor. "Don't feel shy let's dance."
Rigid movements that remind her of rusty hinges. A nervous smile you'd find on a high schooler. The way his voice cracks are awkwardly shifts pitch. Honestly he's probably aware of how foolish he looks. Yet here he is dancing for her. "There's no reason to feel embarrassed!" He yells doing a meager twirl. "I think you look great when you dance."
Kyoko recoils, pulling her hand free. She hisses at him but it was drowned by the atmosphere. A strange warmth in her cheeks.
"Come on." Makoto begins to clap to the beat. People are starting to stare at him. "Let's dance."
Kyoko is about to abandon him, he's not worth the attention...but. Does he really think she looks great when she dances? Some cold faced woman stiffly moving side to side.
Makoto continues to dance. Flailing. Skipping. Clapping. Filled with more energy than someone his skill level should show...it's endearing.
Kyoko now realizes her head has been bobbing and hips swaying to his claps. There's a shy smile on her pale face. Soon her arms join in spinning over her head. Hesitant legs begin to carry her around Makoto. Maybe one dance won't hurt.
The lights cut and when they come back on Makoto sees a blur of lavender. Kyoko has her eyes closed entire body moving like a flowing river, her long hair flying just before his face like a teasing spirit. On her lips is a reserved smile but it outshines every light in the club.
"Beautiful!"
Kyoko's eyes shoot open telling Makoto that she must have heard him. But the smile is still there...well in for a penny...
"Go Kyoko!" He cheers growing more animated to match her energy. "You look amazing!"
It's cute. She can't tell if he's trying to impress her, or if he's trying to look equally ridiculous to boost her confidence. Either way, there are worse dance partners.
Makoto slowly gets closer to Kyoko, he seems to move whenever she turns to watch Junko. Eventually she finds him almost pressed up to her. A welcome surprise.
"Are you having fun?" He asks. The two occasionally bumping against the other as they find their rhythm.
"I suppose." Kyoko nods, surprised that it's not a complete lie.
"You're a good dancer!"
"Not to bad yourself!" The lights cut. When they come back Makoto is inches from her with a big smile on his lips. Kyoko now fully aware of how she must be smiling in return.
Makoto's movements grow more bold and it seems to infect Kyoko. The viollete backs up to the glass railing and calls the brunette over with a gesture of her index finger. He follows, heart pumping with adrenaline and nerves.
She grabs his shoulders and a bounces with him. Her touch sends electric currents to his chest. He puts his hands on her hips, feeling like he just grabbed a live cable. Whenever a passing ray of light hits Kyoko's face, it seems to highlight her ever nearing lips. Makoto's heart beats faster than he's ever felt.
"Can I get your number? I wanna see you more!" The words rush past his common sense and anxieties. Kyoko just smiles and jumps more, oblivious to his question. Makoto sighs with relief and resumes their dance.
'Why did that happen?' Kyoko still feels the strange palpitation in her chest. Hearing Makoto ask for her number... 'Yes!' She wants to scream to keep dancing with him to forget about the job and...JOB!
Junko!
She breaks away and whips around. Junko and the short blonde man are leaving the meeting room. There's only a single security guard at the door and Junko didn't take the notebook. This is the best and only chance she'll get.
Makoto's chest seizes up as his partner quickly dashes away. Regardless of how tired his legs are he gives chase. Weaving through passerby and staff alike. He can't let this end, this...feeling when around Kyoko
"Kyoko." He pants having found her by some of the private rooms. "Did I do something wrong?"
She seems confused, and checks over her shoulder. There's a stocky man with an earpiece before one of the doors. Makoto's head swims with questions but they disappear when Kyoko says his name.
"Makoto." Her chest rising and falling as she takes a quick breath. "I need your help."
'I can't believe I just did that.' Makoto grips the railing tightly as he descends to the second floor.
He fights the urge to look behind him back at Kyoko. He has to focuse he can be dumbstruck later. His legs reluctantly bring him to the dance floor.
His heart beats louder than the speakers, they move with such force they look like they might burst. His heart shares a similar sentiment. The way it pounds against his ribs makes them feel fractured.
Standing before one of the podiums his body freezes up. No one else besides the blonde is on the podium. When he gets up there everyone will be watching him...a perfect distraction.
"A distraction!" Makoto cries.
Kyoko quickly shushes Makaoto as if *he* were the loudest thing on the club. "A-are you a thief?" Kyoko doesn't answer which isn't a good sign.
Makoto let's out a groan, his luck with women seems to be going great. Thankfully Kyoko shakes her head. She *claims* to be a detective, but didn't bring any proof with her. She *claims* to be undercover investigating a drug deal. Makoto barely processes half the things she tells him.
"The point is." She says, her voice betraying no sign of worry. "I need to get past that guard and see what's on the notepad. I can't do that alone."
"So you need me to make a distraction! I need to be the single thing of focus for the *entire* club! I can't just spill a drink on the guard or something?"
"That'd be too suspicious. But if you got up and danced on one of those." Makoto's heart nearly stops when he follows her finger to the podiums. "It should provide enough focus for me to get in..."
Kyoko trails off she can see in Makoto's fearful eyes...it's no use. Not that she blames him, some strange girl asks you to make a fool of yourself so she can do something dubious. It was a stupid idea she needs to-
"Okay Kyoko." Makoto takes a shaky breath. "I'll trust you."
"What?" Kyoko blinks, her mask failing to hide the shock plastered on her face.
"I...I know it's silly, b-but I trust you." He offers his pinky and a sheepish smile. It takes Kyoko a beat to understand what it is.
She links her pinky in his and gives it a firm shake.
"For what it's worth Makoto." Kyoko is unable to look him in the eye. "I *would* like to give you my number. And I'm not just saying that-"
Her lips start to form into a smile. Something about this man is coaxing her from her shell. Suddenly she's pulled out entirely as Makoto slams his lips against hers.
Her breath catches as she gasps into the brunette's mouth. She steadies herself on a nearby table as her legs forget to function. Makoto pulls away leaving the pair breathless.
"F-f-for g-good luck." The crimson Makoto says before descending the stairs.
'I can't believe I just did that.'
The feeling of her lips. Soft tender lips that he didn't expect her to have. He didn't expect to kiss, let alone get away with one without being slapped. He tentatively brushes his lips...'well now I owe her a distraction'.
The lights cut. There's a mix of gasps and cheers as they flip back on. A brown haired man with some strange antenna is going nuts on the podium.
Laughter. Cheers. Jeers. Makoto ignores it all he focuses on one thing. The lavender haired detective. The enchanting and intoxicating presence of Kyoko. And the various ideas he has for their first date.
The guard is one of those cheering Makoto. Visibly pumping his hand in the air and shaking his head. His strange pompadour bouncing wildly. Kyoko fights the urge to support Makoto, sending a silent thank you as she sneaks in into the room.
Using the light from her phone she navigates the table. Anyone looking inside will see that she's not meant to be in here. She dashes to where Junko say finding a blank notepad. There's sign of a page being torn recently. Kyoko fishes out a stub of charcoal and shades the entire page. Clear writing. Names. Locations dates.
She doesn't bother reading further ripping the piece and stuffing it into her handbag. She bolts from the room as silently as she can manage. Kyoko closes the door behind her and dashes off just as the guard turns.
She locks onto Makoto he's now joined by other dancers. The club itself seems livelier. People dancing wildly, not caring how stupid they look. Yet it seems Makoto is still the star...or rather he's the only thing Kyoko's lavender eyes truly focus on. She stirs from her trance and motions for Makoto.
'Oh thank God'. Makoto leaps off the podium, quickly replaced by another dancer. He rushes up to Kyoko and finds her smiling.
"So you got it I take it?"
Her smile disappears, almost as if the woman just noticed it. She nods and grabs his hand. The pair escaping the club and into the night.
After the time spent in the club the busy downtown noise seems muted. The constant darkness broken by yellow lights. The pair waiting for the colors to change. As they travel down a few blocks the rush of the club wears off.
"Woah." Makoto says. "Man it's so quiet now I-"
Kyoko grabs the collar of his shirt and pulls his lips to hers. Unlike last time, where she was caught off guard, Kyoko is able to drink in the sensation.
How her ears seem to pop. The way her body desperately presses into his. His moans, and how they sound like honey. She pulls away with a large pop, the man red like a tomato.
"That was nice." She adjusts her outfit and clears her throat.
"Uhm..."
"It's only fair," Kyoko fiddles with her braid. "You caught me off guard and not many people can do that."
"Uhm..."
"I also wanted to show how grateful I am. That I wasn't just using you to help me."
"Uhm..."
"As for my number it's...Makoto are you listening?"
"Uhm..." He shakes his head. Looks around to gain his bearings then locks eyes with her. "Did you just kiss me?"
"Yes." Kyoko nods.
"D-do you wanna do it again?"
Makoto can hardly believe he said that. Kyoko can hardly believe it worked.