Chapter Text
It's an underground show. Literally. It's almost hidden, down a narrow stairwell on the side of a desolate alleyway. Any innocuous visitor would be met with an alluring sight upon opening the doors: a dimly lit club with a grand spotlight focused on the stage, draped with large and tasseled curtains like a renowned theatre, and of course, only the most dazzling performers gracing the audience with their presence.
“Ladies and gentlemen…” The man on stage began, adorned with a top hat, bow tie and a vibrant red suit. Standard. His lower half is where it turned scandalous. Pants cut off around his upper thigh, the rest of him covered in sheer, striped nylons and tall leather boots.
His words barely registered to the detective shuffling through the crowd of enthusiastic young men and women, their tables topped with playing cards, ash trays and stained glasses filled with alcohol. He found himself a seat near the rear end corner, a good view of the stage, but also the other patrons.
This was ‘The Bird and the Cage’, huh? Not a bad atmosphere. The detective pondered, his trenchcoat spilling under the backseat of the chair.
He ordered a whiskey. Might as well take advantage of their illegal possession of it. The ice clinked against the glass as the waiter, rather, the barman (due to short-staff, they were one and the same) set it down on the table in front of him.
The music cued and the curtains unfurled, spotlight set on a lone, gorgeous woman on stage. Her pale hair cascaded over her shoulders, a pristine white fur boa draped around her figure.
Swaying the glass in his hands, the detective hummed in tune with her melody before finally taking a hefty swig, downing half the thing in one go.
The second he set it back down, his chest tightened. This wasn't the burn of alcohol, it was something worse. His heart rate picked up as he frantically gazed around the club—hoping for someone's attention.
The last thing he saw as his vision blurred was the host's impish smile.
…
Thud.
“Nikolai, don't you think there's been too many inspections lately? It might be time to switch places… or lay low for a bit”
“You’re so silly, Sigma. Can't you see I've got it taken care of?” Nikolai chuckled, dragging the detective's corpse up the stairs. “Grab him by the arms, won't you?”
The shorter man's face turned into a grimace as he reluctantly followed Nikolai's orders, hoisting up the limp body. They made it one more step before the body tumbled out of Sigma's arms, a loud thud resounding throughout the metal staircase as it hit his forehead.
“Try not to make a racket—Someone might come to see what's up” Nikolai scoffed.
“His head bumped against every step when you were carrying him by the legs earlier…” Sigma complained as they reached the top of the stairs.
Nikolai dropped him to the ground, taking a heavy breath.
“You got the trash bag?”
“Yeah,” Sigma answered him, spreading it out on the ground.
Grabbing the body's arms, Nikolai pressed them to its side—A task made difficult by how rigid and stiff the muscles had become.
“Ugh. Sigma, why do dead bodies refuse to stay put?”
“I believe it's…. Rigor mortis, sir”
“Well I'm rigorously annoyed by it” Nikolai sighed, continuing to carefully wrap the body. He made sure it was snug, but not quite so tight it would be obvious it's a corpse to an unassuming garbage man.
He firmly pressed down on the covered body with the heel of his boot for leverage as he tied it tightly across the torso and legs, making sure it wouldn't unravel.
Sigma, on cue, opened the lid just as Nikolai heaved the body up in his arms. He gathered his strength, managing a steady grip before hauling it straight into the dumpster, the noise of it banging against the metal cushioned by the rest of the trash inside and the lid loudly snapping shut.
Nikolai dusted his hands off, a proud smile on his face.
“Alright, Agatha better still be on stage” He turned on his heel and rushed down the stairs, murmuring something about ‘needing his cane’. Sigma was left to slowly follow behind and return to his spot at the bar.
As he snuck his way backstage, Nikolai ran into the showgirl herself.
“Ugh, you smell like you've been in the dumpster” Agatha scoffed, exhaling the smoke from her long pipe.
“Don't worry, these clothes will be coming off soon”
He passed by her, abruptly tugged back by the sleeve. There wasn't room for questions as Agatha dragged him over to her vanity, flicking open the cabinet and rummaging through, a small perfume vial soon appearing in her hands.
She sprayed it twice onto Nikolai's neck, leaving him smelling like strong lavender and jasmine. He preferred warmer scents.
“There you go, darling” She hummed, throwing the old perfume back in the cabinet and shutting it closed with a tilt of her hip.
Nikolai nodded in thanks before running back onto the stage, the crowd applauding at his appearance.
He was adored by the public. Women cheered at his theatricalities, and Nikolai—the showman—always indulged, winking at them from above to which he earned shy giggles and kisses blown back at him.
“Piece of work”, muttered the deep voice of a man beside Sigma. As he vigorously shook the cocktail, he was dreadfully aware it was far from an insult.
How did he end up working in this place anyway? Sigma wasn't sure. It's like Nikolai found him on the street, and ever since then, has been treating him like his little assistant. He's hardly any memory of what life was like before.
It wasn't bad here though, was it? His pay was…fine, and he liked his coworkers. Well, most of them. Except Fyodor. That pianist freaked him out.
He slept half the day and worked here till 3 am, or longer. A most abnormal schedule, but Sigma's never known any better.
“Can I get the Bee's Knees?” A familiar voice spoke up next to him. Lucy.
“Aren't you supposed to be up soon?” Sigma questioned, nonetheless reaching for the bottle of poor quality bathtub gin. Prohibition made it difficult to acquire, but Nikolai knew a guy who knew a guy…
“Look at ‘im” She gestured at Nikolai in the center of the spotlight, , “He's not gonna be getting offstage for another 20 minutes I bet”
Sigma shrugged in half-approval, drizzling the honey syrup with dexterous hands.
“Besides,” She continued, “we all know he's the real star of the show”
“Eyecatcher, isn't he?” Sigma smiled, a fond chuckle escaping his lips.
“Now you're talking like you wanna fuck him” Lucy pointed out.
“What?” Sigma blundered mid squeeze of a lemon. Lucy acted like she didn't say anything, and he silently placed the glass in front of her.
✦ ⟢ ✦
“Of all your plans, this is the stupidest yet. What if he tries to… make a move on you?” The blond complained, uttering the last bit in a hesitant, almost prudish manner.
“Pshh—He’d never fuck his own performers” Dazai responded, puckering his lips to apply a deep red lipstick.
He went silent for a moment before pushing his glasses up, “I don't see how dressing up as a lady will help in the investigation”
An offended expression graced Dazai's face as he turned around, pushing up his bralette. “I don't tell you how to do your job”
He sat up, tugging the edge of the dress down below his knees and adjusting the small bag on his shoulder. “I'm off”
The clack of his heels echoed in the hall.
Though he knew the address, Dazai still had a bit of trouble navigating himself—After all, this was his first time paying a visit. That must be the right stairwell, he noted to himself as he pranced down. From outside the door he could already hear the piano. This was definitely the right place.
When he walked in, he spotted him. Nikolai Gogol. Right on stage. And much to his luck, he rushed off it soon after.
Waving his arm, Dazai stopped him in his tracks “Excuse me! Gogol, sir”
Nikolai’s expression turned to a surprised intrigue when he set his eyes on Dazai. “And where did a pretty thing like yourself learn my name, hmm?”
“Er…” Dazai murmured, realised his voice was too deep and hastily pitched it up, “I got a referral! Heard you're looking for performers?”
“Uh, no.” Nikolai smiled.
Dazai stared at him dumbfounded.
“If it's my attention you want, I'll gladly offer”, Nikolai continued, a sly glint in his eye as he leaned towards him, “I'm sure the girls wouldn't mind if you joined them, come”
His hand found itself on Dazai's waist as he spun around and guided him around the bar. It took a lot of strength for Dazai not to slap that hand away. Shouldn't allow such a dangerous man so close.
“Lucy!” He waved enthusiastically at the red haired girl sipping on her drink, leisurely leaning against the bar. Her brow raised upon setting her eyes on the newcomer.
“This is…” Nikolai paused before tilting his head at Dazai. “What's your name, sweetheart?”
Dazai hurriedly blurred out, “Daniel” —FUCK.
“Danielle, eh?” His smile widened, patting her on the shoulder.
It was Lucy who asked first. “So, what's with her?”
“She’s interested in joining our little cabaret here” He proudly gestured at Dazai while ignoring the judgemental look Sigma was giving him.
“Excuse me?” Lucy's tone dropped, looking between Danielle, who gave an awkward smile and a small wave, and the ever enthusiastic Nikolai next to her.
“Don't be rude, now, Lucy. I know you're gonna miss being the newcomer, but you're still dear to all of us” He taunted, pinching her cheek.
“How’s this gonna affect our schedule?”
“Not much, I'm sure… If anything it'll ease the workload on you gals” He explained as Lucy sat up and prepared to go up on stage.
When she strutted away, he turned to Dazai, eyeing him(her?) up curiously. “Take a seat” He elegantly gestured towards the barstool.
Dazai complied, perching onto the tall seat, Nikolai quick to do the same. Turning to the barman, he held up two fingers. Without further question he began to pour their drinks.
“Tell me,” Nikolai began, leaning in way too close, “How come you're interested in our… fine establishment?”
It was time for Dazai to turn the charm up.
“I've never been here before, y'know… I'm looking for a job to pay the bills” He began, trying to draw pity, “And you, sir, seem like a very nice man…”
Just as he realized flirtations might backfire on him, the bartender set the two drinks in front of them.
“You flatter me” Nikolai recoiled, hand on his chest and a giddy smile. He picked up his glass and took one dainty sip of it.
Dazai’s chin lay in his palm while he carefully observed his expression. It's no wonder he's gotten away with so much, he was devilishly charming. But Dazai could use that to his advantage. One slip-up and he'll have all the evidence he needs.
And, well, maybe he was doing this for the fun of it, too—But that was secondary.
Pinching the base of the glass between his fingers, Dazai took a swig of the bitter gin which burned at the back of his throat. “So?”
“Well, I want nothing more than to help out a woman in need. But I still need to know your talents, darling”
That's the other thing. If he was gonna be a showgirl, Dazai needed to know how to do the show.
“I can sing,” Dazai twirled the glass around, the clear liquid sloshing around as the ice gently clinked, “I've been told I have the dancing skills of a giraffe”
Nikolai broke out into a high-pitched cackle. “Is that so? How about acting? Can you act?”
“Oh, I am a very good actor, sir”
“I'll believe it when I see it”
Just as Dazai opened his mouth to speak, Nikolai abruptly sat up, coattail flying behind him. “I'm sorry, but I believe I have business to attend to”
His glass of gin remained half full on the counter.
“He doesn't expect me to pay for this, does he?” Dazai chuckled at Sigma, who was distracted gazing at the other side of the club.
When he finally glanced over, he just muttered “I'll add it to his tab”
Dazai wasn't sure, but he had a feeling Sigma didn't like him very much.
Without much else to do, he watched the show. Quite entertaining he must say. Despite the relatively low number of staff and environment no bigger than the average cellar, it made for a comfortable atmosphere. Some of the ladies equipped themselves with small fans and Dazai was quickly starting to understand why—It got stuffy without many windows.
After Lucy's act finished, Nikolai graced the stage with his presence once more. What a character. He surpassed even Dazai's expectations; up till now he'd only ever heard talk of him—Ominous rumors and sinister connections. Safe to say he was a much friendlier face in person. This game, for however long it must drag out for, would certainly be fun while it lasted. The thought was enough for a fond smirk to appear on his face.
Nikolai seemed to catch that expression, his gaze locking itself on Dazai as he spoke.
“May I ask the miss to come up on stage?” He announced, projecting his voice so it would reach the bar.
Noticing Dazai's obliviousness, Sigma nudged him. “I think he's talking about you”
“Me?” Dazai whispered, pointing at himself
“Yes, you, mademoiselle!” Nikolai shouted, waving an arm. “It's getting lonely up here, you know?”
What the hell was he playing at?
Dazai hid his wariness as he grabbed the hem of his dress and climbed off the stool, awkwardly making his way to the front while a dozen heads turned as he passed. An outstretched hand helped him up, fondly smiling at him when they were both up on stage.
“Show me how well you can act.” Nikolai whispered into his ear.
Hesitantly nodding along, Dazai gripped his bag close to him, knowing there was a loaded pistol in it should things take a turn for the worse.
“This here is Danielle” Nikolai spoke theatrically, presenting Dazai to the crowd with a dramatic wave of his arm, “A gorgeous woman, but oh, so lonely”
Shoved into the middle of an impromptu act, Dazai would have to improvise the best he could. What a mischievous man Nikolai proved himself to be after all…
“For so long, she's been looking for love… Tell us, Danielle, what does the man of your dreams look like?”
“Tall, charming, kind and well-dressed” Dazai began in a sing-songy manner, following the simple melody of the piano.
“Yes?” He nodded along.
“Always on time and a poet at heart”
“Mhm?”
“Clean-shaven”
“No stubble?”
“None.”
“Seems our Danielle isn't picky, then…” Nikolai chuckled before positioning himself behind Dazai, hands on his shoulders.
“She's walking home, late at night” He told, guiding Dazai across the stage, “Little does she know—”
With a flick of an arm he spun Dazai around, shoving him toward the front of the stage while distancing himself about two large steps back. “In the street hides a terrifying, vicious, merciless serial killer!” He dramatically emphasized each word, and quite frankly, Dazai was worried what this show was turning into.
Playing his part, Dazai pretended to be scared, glancing around, knees buckling under him (well, that part might just be his imbalance on heels)
“Will our sweet Danielle notice she's being followed?” Nikolai’s voice lowered as he carefully approached Dazai, a dagger gripped tightly in his hand, hidden just behind his back.
He swung Dazai around, the stage lights shining on the metal blade before he had any time to process it. “Or will she be murdered in the blink of an eye?”
The blade plunged into Dazai's chest. And it retracted. Nikolai's manic gaze delighted in that split second of panic in Dazai's eyes, who meekly gripped him by the arms, caught off-guard.
“But,” Nikolai exclaimed, the ‘knife’ still embedded in the poor lady's heart. “At that moment, Danielle realized she had found her true love at last!”
Dazai smiled dumbfoundedly before Nikolai gently whispered “What does Danielle say, sweetheart?”
If that's how he's gonna play, Dazai can play along.
His hand gently reached into his small bag.
“If I die, you shall come with me, my Romeo!” He whipped his head back dramatically, allowing Nikolai to dip him backward as he pressed the barrel of the gun to his heart. Dazai's finger was not on the trigger.
An applause was soon to follow. Nikolai grabbed Dazai's hand and bowed in tandem, thoroughly pleased by the stunt he pulled.
He led Dazai off stage. “I know just how to make use of you… Come in a few hours early tomorrow for a bit of rehearsal, m'kay?”
“I didn't think you were so easy to impress” He hummed, running a hand through his own hair.
“I'm not” Nikolai smiled, “Consider yourself lucky”
