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Helga had lived in Berlin for a while now, struggling to find her footing with her new job. She could barely afford rent, so the Kit Kat Club had become a place to call home. It wasn't ideal or comfortable, but she managed. It was dirty work, she hated it, but she didn't have any other choice, she'd have to have a stable income and place to live before applying for any better jobs. It seems she'd have to get used to it.
As she stepped out of the club, the echo of her heels hitting against the pavement rang through the street as she walked. She sighed, shivering against her thin coat as the cold air pierced through it. As she walked the streets, she observed the lively scenes around her -people having fun, smoking and dancing on the terraces, singing drinking songs, and laughing into the night. The sight made Helga feel a bit warmer. She often found herself smiling at the rowdy sailors near the pub, making immature jokes and being loud. She yearned for connections like that, she didn't really talk to many of her coworkers besides Texas, Bobby, Fritzie and Sally, though, Sally conversed with everyone, wether they liked her or not. Helga found Sally's presence comforting, even if the others found her obnoxious and overbearing. She seemed older and wiser, even if she was just a few years older than Helga. She was someone to look up to.
Helga made her way to her usual spot, mentally preparing herself for the night ahead. She lit a cigarette and opened her coat, trying to attract customers. It wasn't long before an old man approached, brushing his fingers through Helga's hair and whispering disgusting things to her. Just another night, Helga thought. She earned a decent amount of marks from the man.
After a few hours, Helga made her way back to the club. When she approached the backstage door, she heard commotion coming from inside. She stopped in her tracks, listening carefully. She could tell it was Max losing his temper at someone. Frowning, she stepped back. Soon, the door burst open, and The Emcee stormed out, slamming the door behind him and cursing as he kicked a nearby bin. He calmed down and caught his breath before tearing up, whimpering slightly as he searched his pockets for a lighter. Helga watched from around the corner, frowning at his state. Max was awful. She couldn't imagine what he could've done to make the most confident person she knew react like this.
The Emcee sat down by the small stairs leading to the backstage door. He sniffled and fidgeted with his lighter. Helga decided to approach him. She stepped out from around the corner and sat next to him, keeping a respectful distance. The Emcee huffed softly as he noticed her approach, quickly wiping his tears with his sleeve and giving her a faint smile.
"Hey, kid," he said, only glancing at her briefly before looking back at his hands and the lighter. "Everything all right?"
Helga stayed silent, she stared at him "...yeah, I'm alright.. what about yourself?" She answered softly, hugging herself as the wind grew stronger.
The Emcee chuckled, but it was a bitter sound. "I'm fine, Liebling. Though, I'm always worried about you girls." He continued to fidget with his lighter, his eyes studying her carefully for any hint of worry or hurt.
Helga nodded as she sat with him, shivering slightly. The Emcee noticed this and shifted, taking off his own coat and placing it gently around Helga's shoulders. Beneath his coat, he wore a worn-out shirt, barely buttoned up toward the collar. He huffed and shifted again, crossing his arms.
Helga couldn't help but smile at the mans generosity. She didn't talk to him a lot, only interacting during shows, but right now she felt safe and oddly warm. They sat in silence for a moment, the city's commotion bustling around them. Soon, The Emcee broke the silence.
"That's a shame.. the cats aren't here tonight.." He mumbled to himself thoughtfully.
Helga raised her eyebrows as she looked at him. "What?" She chuckled softly.
"I feed the stray cats that hang around these parts, they usually come out when I sit here." The Emcee spoke up. He bounced his leg subconsciously as he continued fidgeting with the lighter. He didn't glance over at Helga once, seemingly lost in thought.
Helga nodded and tilted her head as she looked around the alley. It was a dimly lit shit hole. She felt bad for the kitties. And she felt intrigued by the man's soft nature, she would've never guessed someone with such a rowdy stage persona would be so gentle off duty.
"Maybe they're being fed by someone else tonight.. who knows.." Helga said gently, shrugging and looking to The Emcee with a soft smile.