Hello friends! We just wanted to let you all know that we will be hosting Dukexiety week this year (2026) as the usual mods (@dukexietyweek) are not able to! It will be held from March 29-April 4. We hope to see you all there!
Warnings/Content: Genderbend, sex mention, alcohol mention, drunk ree, song fic
Vi works at a night club as a DJ and bartender, and a certain repeat customer has her attention. Reina is a wily, untamed whirlwind of confidence and a knack for getting into trouble, and she wants the hot gothy bartender so bad
---
Sometimes Vi really hated her job, usually the days when she had to help at the bar instead of spinning discs. And it would be no different that night.
She was in her favorite coffee shop, enjoying a blueberry danish and an americano, just listening to her music. The seat in the back away from the windows was the perfect spot to relax and enjoy some time to herself with some not-so-calming Hawthorne Heights.
She was just finishing her treat when a group of women walked in, chattering away excitedly. She recognized them, they were from the only sorority she knew of that didn't party and never hazed pledges. They were nice enough, but Vi tended to avoid them, lest she get swept up into socializing.
There was Peyton Jones, the sweet adorable one who loved pastels and cozy clothes. She was adorable and kind, and she seemed to love wearing her textured hair in twin puffs on top of her head. Then there was Leila Darzi, an Iranian student who chose to study geology. She was well spoken and eager to impart knowledge, except for details about her religion and why she wore a hijab. Vi asked her once, respectfully, how she put it on and kept it in place. Her answer was curt and precise, but she didn't get angry, which Vi considered a win.
Those two were discussing a history assignment while two other women followed them inside. The twins, Romana and Reina Castille Fernandes. Romana was a boisterous theater lover with a soccer scholarship and an ego to match. She was the princess on campus and she wasn't so bad, even if she had a way of grating on Vi’s nerves. They were a trio of upstanding young women.
Which is why Vi was surprised to see Reina with them. Reina was a party animal with a taste for booze and random hook-ups, and she was taking full advantage of her freedom to indulge. It was a miracle that she still had her scholarship and that she wasn't pregnant. And here she was with her hair down, in jeans, a t-shirt, and leather jacket, hanging with the good girls.
Vi didn't bother wondering what was going on, she was sure she would hear all about it later. While she was working.
.
.
Vi was right to think she would be forced into bar duty. Apparently the club managers weren't looking to play any cybergoth beats on their busiest night. It was a shame that she bothered dressing for the occasion—a purple plaid skirt, her favorite hoodie, fingerless gloves, and a tank top with straps across the waist.. It wasn't like she wanted to look good, she wanted to blend in and hide in plain sight.
As the lights flashed and the music blared, Vi was busy making cocktails upon cocktails. But not even the sheer amount of work on her plate could distract her from the infamous duo that strutted into the club.
“What is up bitches!” Remy shouted above the music as she made her way to the dance floor, past the bar and seating area. The woman who was with her, immediately made her way to the bar, through the occupied tables.
Vi was so glad she had her hands full. Reina was back in her element, away from her sister and ready to steal the show. She was wearing the tightest black mini dress with a neon green, leopard print bodice, strappy platform heels, and her favorite leather jacket. Her makeup was bold with green eyeshadow and sharp eyeliner, and her hair was up in a wild ponytail, save for the front that framed her face with skunk flair.
Vi noticed her ordering two drinks from her coworker, and decided to keep her distance. She had a job to do and she could not get distracted by the gay.
She finished pouring the daiquiris she was working on and looked for the people who ordered them. To her dismay, they were right next to Reina.
She regrettably handed them their drinks and froze when a familiar hand grabbed her wrist.
“Hey, cutie,” Reina beamed, “I thought you were supposed to DJ tonight.”
“Plans change,” Vi shrugged, internally screaming. Reina called her cute—but that didn't mean she was interested, she was friendly like that with everyone. And she might have been straight.
“Aw, and I was looking forward to going all Eisenfunk tonight!” Reina pouted, “And you're so much better on stage than Randy!”
“You're just saying that because he sticks to basic bitch house music,” Vi scoffed. Before Reina could respond, another customer flagged Vi down. She had to make a living.
Reina pouted as she left and waited for her drinks. She would still have her fun, even if she wasn't getting the attention she wanted.
After a couple hours, the crowd had thinned out. It was an hour before closing and Vi was handling the bar solo while her coworker cleaned up. She was glad she didn't have too many people to tend to, mainly so she could keep an eye on the disaster a few feet away.
Reina was absolutely smashed, standing on one of the tables and dancing seductively. VI was surprised that she was able to stand, let alone flaunt her body without looking like she had too much to drink.
If she wasn't worried that Reina would get hurt or kidnapped, Vi would have enjoyed the show. There was something about Reina that drew her in. It wasn't her body, not that Vi wasn't interested, she was too interested. It could have been her laugh or impish grin, it could have been her warm brown eyes or her bubbly energy. But Vi knew better.
Reina was confident to the point of brazenness. She thought she was hot shit, the life of the party, the duchess of the club. She wasn't afraid to flirt with anyone in the building, even if they were spoken for or uninterested. And she could do it all despite having way too much alcohol in her system.
Vi spotted Remy leaving with a hot butch jock and sighed. She snuck her phone from her pocket and texted Romana. It was going to be one of those nights she had to take Reina home, or to her place, lest she take to the streets, drunk and still willing to party until dawn. Vi did not want to risk anything, including waking up at 5am to Reina shouting outside her window.
“Hey, Jacks,” Vi said loudly over her shoulder, “I think I might have to get a drunk skunk home.”
Her coworker came out to the front of the bar and wilted. They wanted to go home on time, and that was a challenge if Vi didn't count her till.
“Duchess?”
“Of course.”
“Fine, but next time, get her sister to get her, and don't make me count your stuff.” Jacks sighed. Vi nodded and went to her register. She was counting her bills and glancing at Reina, making sure she was okay. If she worked fast enough, she wouldn't have to fret.
She had to stuff the extra cash in the safe in the back, taking her eyes off Reina for a couple minutes. It was the most stressful few minutes of the night.
When she got back to wipe down the bar one last time, she was met with a cute little imp leaning over the bar. Reina was flushed and a little shaky, probably because she was on her toes so she could lean on her elbows and draw attention to her chest.
“Hey gorgeous~” she purred and blew a kiss. Vi exhaled through her nose and rolled her neck. She was drunk flirting, it didn't really count.
“I'm not pouring you anything else tonight,” she said firmly, making Reina shudder.
“I don't want a drink,” she muttered, “I want you to take me home tonight!”
“I’m clocking out now, so just wait here for a bit,” Vi said, getting Reina to grin. She punched her number into the register computer and tilted her chin at Jacks.
With a nod in return, Vi backed up as far as she could go and ran at the bar. She leapt over it, and stuck the landing on the other side. It would have taken too long to go around the back to meet up with Reina. She had a knack for wandering off.
Reina was gawking as Vi pulled her hoodie on and then pulled Reina to her side, away from the bar. Reina was lucky that Vi’s apartment was a block away, because there was no way she was walking to the subway and then to her dorm in those heels when she was liable to trip.
“You're sleeping over,” Vi said and led Reina to the exit. She hugged Vi around the waist and nuzzled her shoulder.
“I'm finally gonna get to suck Vi tiddy!” she giggled as the cool night air hit them. The city streets were mostly empty, with the occasional car passing by. It was safe enough to get Reina out of harm’s way.
Vi, however, was not safe. She had a bold, drunk woman trying to get under her skirt, and she didn't know if she would be able to handle rejecting the little imp.
“You're not doing that,” Vi sighed and led the way down the street. Reina pouted and whined.
“What do I have to do to get you to notice me?”
“Duchess,” Vi sighed, “If I didn't notice you, I wouldn’t be making sure you're safe.”
“No!” Reina whined and held her tighter, “You don't notice me! What do I have to do to make you want me?”
Vi stayed silent for the rest of the walk. She didn't have a good answer, not for someone who wasn't all the way there. How could she begin to explain that she was second guessing every hint, that she was not the type Reina went for, and that she didn't think she was worth the effort? At least sober Reina had a shred of a filter.
When they got into her apartment, Vi was beet red and flustered. Reina was casually groping her chest and butt, blissfully unaware that she was out of line. Vi had no qualms about throwing her on the couch to get some personal space.
Reina landed on her back with a giggle and sat up. Her smile fell when she realized Vi was walking away instead of joining her.
“Wait!”
“I'll be right back. I need to shower, and you need to rest,” Vi said and made her way to her room. She would be quick, and she would at least get Reina in some pajamas.
As soon as Vi went into her room, which was connected to the bathroom, Reina hiccuped and tears rolled down her cheeks. Vi didn't even want to cuddle her! What if Vi secretly hated her and only put up with her because Romana was making threats?
Reina brought her knees to her chest and sobbed. She really was drunk if she was getting this emotional, but it truly hurt.
Fifteen minutes later, Vi emerged from her room in an old band tee and pajama pants, holding a set of pajamas for her guest. Her hair was still wet, but she could dry it after Reina was in some pajamas and passed out, hopefully in that order.
To her dismay, she found Reina on the couch with bloodshot eyes and running makeup. She was on the phone and clearly upset.
“I'll get an uber—no, she doesn't, she's probably asleep—no, just let me in, I left my ID key!—Ro!” Reina babbled, sounding far less drunk. She huffed and pocketed her phone when she realized her sister hung up on her.
“Reina?” Vi asked hesitantly, getting Reina to jolt.
“I thought you were sleeping,” Reina grumbled. Vi sat next to her and set the pajamas aside.
“I said I was showering and I'd be back,” Vi said softly, “And that you need to rest.”
Reina sniffled and curled into herself.
“I'm sorry,” she breathed, “I'm just making a mess for you. I can go—”
“In the morning,” Vi cut her off firmly, “I don't trust the world with you like this.”
“You're just being nice because Romana’s threatening you,” Reina huffed, “You don't have to deal with me.”
“Duchess,” Vi said after a beat, “Romana won't threaten me, I have twice as many counter threats as her.”
“Then why!?” Reina shouted, “All I do is get in your way because I want you to like me back! I even tried getting help from those bitches and I still don't know how to get you to notice me!”
“You—You like me?” Vi squeaked.
“Yes! I want to cuddle and kiss and fuck you! I want you to be my girlfriend and hold me!” Reina pouted, “But you don't see me like that—”
Without thinking, Vi kissed her forehead and pulled her into a hug.
“All you had to do was get me alone and say it,” she mumbled and stroked Reina’s hair, “I overthink everything unless you're direct.”
“So you want to be my girlfriend?” Reina responded, in complete shock, “Even though I'm a hot mess?”
“You're a mess, you're a wreck. You are perfect,” Vi replied and pulled out of the hug, “But you need to change your clothes. You're not sleeping in that, and if you want to sleep in my bed you need to wear something.”
“Will you help me and ogle my half naked body while you dress me?” Reina asked, perking up a bit. Vi snickered and shook her head.
“I don't need any more excitement tonight,” she said and pulled Reina’s legs onto her lap. The shoes would go first.
“The thought of me in my undies gets you excited?” Reina jeered and giggled.
“Almost as much as the thought that a confident, sexy whirlwind like you would be into someone as bitter as me,” she answered and freed Reina’s feet, tossing the heels to the floor.
Before Reina could pounce, Vi quickly slipped the pajama pants over her ankles and held onto the waistband.
As expected Reina lunged at her and tackled her on her back in a hug. She was a giggling mess as Vi pulled those pants up to her hips.
“Once you're dressed and I dry my hair we can go to bed,” Vi hummed.
“And we'll be girlfriends!”
“Ask me out when you're sober, then we'll be girlfriends,” Vi countered as Reina nuzzled her chest.
Reina sat up and tore off her dress, not caring who saw, except Vi, she wanted Vi to like what she saw—she was proud of her boobies!
Vi, however, was quick to grab the shirt she brought and tug it over Reina’s head, covering her up as fast as she could.
Reina pouted at her. But she couldn't stay upset, not when Vi was blushing so cutely.
“Violetta,” Reina purred, getting Vi to swallow thickly. To be fair, pushing a horny drunk woman away from her probably was nerve-wracking.
“Is it bedtime?”
“Depends, what are you plotting?”
“Cuddles and boob squishes,” Reina giggled, “I get grabby in my sleep!”
Vi exhaled through her nose fondly and shook her head.
“Yeah, it's bedtime. You get settled and I'll join you when I'm done with my hair.”
Reina squealed and kissed her cheek before running to the bedroom. VI had a feeling Reina would be passed out by the time she got there. The Duchess was a hot mess, unstable and fun, obnoxious and beautiful, and she was Vi’s. Or she would be in the morning.
Don't worry, Remus isn't going to kidnap or do anything bad to Virgil, he's just greeting/shaking hands with him in his language/form, which is shaking the leg since he has octopus arms/tentacles.
Virgil does teach him about handshakes after Remus put him back down.
Warnings/Content: Body swap, ftm!Remus, sex mention, injury
Remus is a mad scientist, and he accidentally switches bodies with his roommate, Virgil. They switch back after learning some interesting things about each other.
---
Waking up with a pounding headache was absolutely normal for Virgil. He had the worst job imaginable and his landlord/roommate was a chaotic disaster. If he wasn't dealing with awful customers, he was putting up with the crazy experiments and the messes they made. Moving out was an option, but he was unfairly fond of his roomie and he didn't have to pay rent for his little room.
Of course, he seriously considered leaving when he opened his eyes. He was staring at the green glowing letters on the clock on the nightstand. He didn't have a nightstand, and his clock was supposed to be across the room. It was 3 in the morning, so maybe he was dreaming or confused.
“Where the fuck—?” he said aloud, only to freeze at the sound of his voice. It was too high pitched.
He sat up abruptly and patted himself down with arms that felt too short. He was nude, had a huge rack, and his bulge was missing.
He let out a shrill scream.
Thud
Virgil went rigid as the thumping continued, growing louder and louder. Someone was coming! He had no idea how to fight in this body, he had no idea where he was, and he had no idea who was coming.
The door swung open, casting a beam of light into the room. Virgil winced at the brightness and the tall, bulky figure looming in the doorway.
“Oh damn, I really am adorable!” the figure giggled. Virgil scowled. That was his voice, but not his usual intonation—and he was not a giggly bitch. There was only one person he knew who would say something like that, even if something didn't add up.
“Remus, what the fuck?” Virgil gawked, “Why am I you? Why do you have tits?”
“Virgil?” Remus asked and turned on the light, “Are you Virgil?”
“Who else would I be?!”
“Blimpo or Scrungy! But they probably can't talk, which means, I'm in your body!” Remus shrugged. And then a dastardly grin crossed his (Virgil’s) face.
“Don't you fucking dare!” Virgil snapped as soon as he saw Remus going for his pants.
“Why delay the inevitable? I'm not backing up your kidneys if this body needs to piss! Besides, you can see me in all of my naked glory too! Just look down!
Virgil had no idea how to fight the blush rising to his (Remus') cheeks. He might have been curious before, but with some new insight, he was mortified at the proposition.
“What happened?” he squeaked, trying to sound threatening as he scrambled to cover up with the sheets. This voice was not helping him.
Remus bobbed from side to side and jogged in place, clearly unused to having long limbs.
“Well, you came home from work and showered, and then you ran upstairs to my lab when I screamed because Blimpo went chomp on my fingie—does it still hurt? I disinfected it but rodent teeth are a bitch!—You ran in when I was testing my new invention, accidentally got zapped with me, and then you went to your room and probably passed out in bed.”
“What kind of invention?” Virgil asked and ran a hand through his (Remus') hair. It was surprisingly soft.
“A body swap ray gun!” Remus beamed, setting off every alarm possible in Virgil's mind. Not only did that invention work, but he was stuck in Remus' body, he had a whole different set of parts that could torture him at some point, and Remus' expressions on his face were extra creepy.
“Swap us back!” Virgil yelped and lurched forward, clinging to the sheet hiding his (Remus') body.
“Can I at least pee first? I've never pissed with a dick!” Remus asked and fluttered his lashes. Virgil would never get used to seeing his own face making those expressions.
“What do you mean you never—? Are you telling me that this isn't some side effect of your invention?”
“Nope! Surprise! I'm trans!” Remus giggled, “And you can have as much fun as you want exploring!”
“We're switching back. Now.”
Virgil threw the sheet aside and got to his feet. As long as he didn't look down at his (Remus') body, he could handle throwing on a shirt and pants. Remus already knew what he looked like, so it wasn't worth worrying over if he saw.
Remus was oddly silent as Virgil stalked to the dresser and bent over at the waist to grab some clothes. Contrary to what some might suggest, Remus could not simply look in a mirror and get turned on by his own appearance. Yet here he was, staring at his own sweet booty, feeling a strange ache below the belt.
Virgil managed to get a pair of basketball shorts on before Remus realized what was happening. He wasn't aroused, but Virgil’s body was! Or maybe he was just getting used to the different hormone levels in this body. There was a way to test it!
“Hey, Virge,” Remus said before he could throw a shirt on, “Before you do that, can you squeeze my boobs?”
“What?”
“I need to check to make sure they still have feeling since I bind all the time!” Remus lied flawlessly. Virgil sighed and set the t-shirt on the dresser. This was just a health check.
He carefully cupped his (Remus') tits, all too aware of how sensitive they were, and gently squeezed the flesh in his hands. He was surprised to let out a weak moan from that, and that his urge to pee got worse. He instantly dropped his hands and thought about deserts.
That was all Remus needed to confirm his suspicion. The sight and sound combined made his (Virgil's) cock jump. This would be useful information later.
Virgil quickly finished dressing and dragged Remus out of the room. He wanted his body back before Remus got the chance to mess with it and before he had to use the toilet. All they had to do was get to the ray gun in Remus' lab.
“Uh, Virge,” Remus said as he stumbled up the stairs behind him, “You can't just break in!”
“Why not?” Virgil asked as he reached the steel door blocking access to the lab.
“The alarm system is active and if you don't have the passcodes, you'll get electrocuted,” Remus explained and wiggled to set his lower half right. How did Virgil manage to move with a python between his legs!?
“And let me guess, one of those is specifically related to your body, like a fingerprint scanner.”
“It's a voice scanner!” Remus giggled and reached past him to pull a sliding door aside, revealing a microphone and speaker.
“What do I have to say?”
“Six slick licks to six stiff pricks swiftly makes the six dicks bricks.”
Virgil paused and clicked his tongue. He should have expected something ridiculous from Remus.
“That's it?”
“That's the first one!” Remus chirped, “The second one is an unfiltered moan, and the third one is, ‘Scare Bear’ if you make it that far. Of course you have to hold down the button when you're saying these things for it to register.”
“What do you mean ‘if I make it that far?’” Virgil bristled.
“Can you moan on command?” Remus asked, “If you can't, do I have permission to help you?”
Virgil hated how red his (Remus') face was. Remus was right, he had a mental block about making unnecessary sounds, but he refused to let Remus help. That would involve touching and Virgil was not okay with that.
“Let's just get this over with,” Virgil huffed and leaned towards the microphone. He took a deep breath and pressed the button.
“Six slick licks to six stiff pricks swiftly makes the six dicks bricks.”
He let go of the button and heard a ding. The first key went through.
“Do you want help? I can help without touching if you're worried about that!” Remus said.
Virgil pushed the button and shot him a death glare. Any bitter retort died in his (Remus') throat as he watched Remus peel his (Virgil's) shirt off.
A needy moan escaped him before he could process what was happening. That was his torso, nothing special to him, just a bulky figure with body hair. He wasn't some body builder or particularly chubby, nothing special, but Remus' body instantly reacted vocally, and he remembered that he had to empty his (Remus') bladder soon.
“Told you I wouldn't have to touch!” Remus jeered and pulled his shirt on again.
“I didn't say that you could do that either,” Virgil huffed, “and so we're clear, I wasn't making that noise.”
“Of course not! That was muscle memory! You could argue it was me!” Remus agreed.
Virgil scowled at him before pressing the button and leaning towards the mic.
“Scare Bear,” he droned flatly. A harsh buzz followed and the door remained locked.
“You have to swoon when you say it,” Remus said before Virgil could get angry.
“Why?”
“Because I always swoon when I say it!” he said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. If Virgil were a jealous bitch with no restraint he would have demanded to know who this “Scare Bear” was and how to end them.
He could be upset after he had his own body back. In order to do that, he had to swallow his pride and act like Remus for another minute.
“Scare Bear,” he sighed dreamily into the microphone.
The door beeped and a metallic clank rang out on the other side. Virgil stepped back as the door slid back with a hiss of steam and slid to the side.
Virgil entered first, with Remus stumbling behind him. The poor guy was just not getting used to his height. It was a good thing there was nothing low-hanging to hit his head on.
The lab itself was fairly clean and organized. On one wall there were shelves upon shelves of finished and failed inventions, glistening chromatically under the LED lights. On the opposite wall, there was a workbench and a computer table, complete with a desktop and various tools. And along the back wall there was a curtain hiding a huge rat cage and their supplies.
Remus pushed past Virgil, though unintentionally, and hurried to check on his rats. He flung the curtain open, revealing the large cage full of tubes, ropes, ladders, and hammocks. There was a rat wheel as well and a gray rat was busy running on it.
“I think it worked!” Remus beamed and searched the cage for his other rat, “Scrungy hates the wheel, but look at her go! That has to be Blimpo!”
Virgil let him have fun with his rats and approached the workbench. The ray gun was propped up on a stand and fully charged. The eerie trident-shaped gun was reminiscent of the antimatter laser from the Rocky Horror Picture Show, but the base was thicker. Virgil hesitated to touch it.
“A little help?” Remus giggled sheepishly. Virgil’s body was strong, stronger than Remus was used to. He didn't want to hurt his little buddies by accident!
Virgil sighed and went over to help. He carefully slid his hand in the cage and waited for one of the rats to get curious.
The white and black rat released her jaw and curiously sniffed Virgil's (Remus') hand. She squeaked softly and scurried off.
“Aw, I wanted to switch them back!” Remus whined while Virgil gently stroked the gray rat's back. She released her jaw and went flat against the ground.
“Do that after we're switched back,” Virgil said and dragged both of their hands out of the cage, “And clean that up. I'm not getting sick because you just had to be obnoxious.”
Remus beamed at him and got up. He went to the workbench and grabbed his antibiotic ointment. Virgil closed the cage and curtains and followed him.
“Whenever you're ready I can turn on the machine and switch us back,” Remus said as he applied a couple bandaids, “Of course, you can always let me pee first, because I really want the experience!”
“Keep wanting,” Virgil huffed and glanced at Remus' (Virgil’s) pants, “You won't be able to pee anyway. How the hell did you manage to get that hard without doing anything?”
“I dunno. It's probably because I'm not used to having so much T naturally coursing through me, and because muscle memory is making your body react to my body's pure animalistic appeal!”
Virgil scowled and shook his head. It was probably the former. Sure, he had moments when Remus turned him on, but it never got to the point where he wasn't able to use the bathroom. And he was sure Remus didn't feel the same way about him—his body was more than ready to piss.
“I’m surprised you're not soaked through those shorts,” Remus commented and turned on the ray gun, “I can't help but smile all the time, and your smile does evil things to me!”
“What—?” Virgil asked before the ray gun sent out a blast of plasma that hit both of them in the chest.
Remus immediately fell to his knees, and then the floor. Virgil stared at him, close to panicking, before he collapsed on top of Remus.
A few moments later, Virgil came to with a grunt, there was a weight on his chest that shouldn't have been there. He glanced down to find Remus on top of him, unconscious, but in his own body.
“Shit,” Virgil sighed. He couldn't exactly push Remus to the floor like this, not to mention he liked having Remus curled up to him.
“Mm—Scare Bear,” Remus muttered. Virgil gently stroked his hair to wake him up.
Remus blinked up at him and grinned.
“It worked,” he said, “You're you again, Scare Bear, and I'm me again!”
“‘Scare Bear?’” Virgil pouted.
“Yeah, you!” Remus giggled, refusing to get up, “And now that I know you have a raging boner for me, I can say that without dying a sexy sexy death!”
“You don't get to call me that if I'm the only one who has feelings,” Virgil huffed.
“Why would you think I don't? You were there when I took your shirt off and my body moaned, and you can't tell me you didn't notice that I have the Marianas trench in my pants! You're hot, you can handle the mad scientist goofball roomie, and you care about me—of course I have feelings for you!” Remus pouted.
“Prove it.”
Remus couldn't resist a challenge, and there was a challenge in that beautiful voice.
He crawled up Virgil's chest and grabbed his face. Before Virgil knew what was happening, Remus was covering his face in smooches.
“Remus—?”
A direct kiss on the lips silenced any questions Virgil had. He immediately pulled Remus closer and licked at his lips.
“Mmm—Not in the lab, Scare Bear!” Remus giggled when he pulled away, “I'm one tongue tango away from ripping your clothes off!”
Virgil scooped him up and stood, holding the imp in his arms. He smirked and carried Remus out of the lab, letting him implode for a bit before speaking.
“I’d rather not do anything like that,” he said, “Not unless you're my boyfriend and we go on at least one date.”
“I'll be your boyfriend!” Remus giggled and wrapped his arms around Virgil's shoulders, “Expect me to get extra cuddly and swoon harder!”
@dukexietyweek 2025 Day 6 - Soulmate -or- Dance + Colors
Word Count: 2552 (Ao3)
Rating: T
Characters: Virgil, Ree
Warnings/Content: mtf!Remus, sex mention, murder mention, sensuality
Teaching dance can really grate on Virgil's nerves, especially when soulmate issues and romance are involved. But when a new student shows up for solo lesson, he can't find it in himself to be too annoyed with her flirting.
---
Virgil was never happy to have to deal with people. Unfortunately, his job revolved around exactly that. Teaching dance classes was not exactly his ideal career, but he had the skills and bills to pay.
It was always so annoying to teach a room full of people, half of whom did not want to be there. There were so many husbands who were appeasing their wives, brides and grooms looking to impress, and idiots foolishly hoping to find their soulmates. The fantasy of romance got in the way of actually learning how to move without getting hurt or looking stupid.
As he rifled through his appointment book at the front of the studio, Virgil scoffed at the faded green mark stretching down his arm where his soulmate would touch him for the first time. No one else could see it, but it was still irksome to have to see it for himself.
He truly loathed the idea. Soulmates were just the universe’s way of being a complete bastard. It meant horrible people could lay claim to innocent people, that dating was never serious (though flings were common), that anyone who didn't have a mark had to pretend. And there was no guarantee that anyone would do more than brush against their soulmate in a crowd, never to see them again.
It was as much of a waste of time as solo lessons. Virgil read the name in his appointment book and sighed. “Reina C. Tango.” She was probably just another woman who wanted to get too personal with a young, fit man while she kept searching for “the one,” or making up for “the one” being absolute garbage.
Virgil pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. He just needed to get through this one lesson before he could go home and spend some quality time with Jill, his right hand, the one without the stupid mark.
Ding
Virgil glanced up as the door opened. The woman who walked in was far from the usual solo client. She was definitely under 30, with long, wavy, dark hair, save for a streak of gray in the front. He recognized her as one of his neighbors, the one living across from him. That wasn’t an issue since he never talked to his neighbors, she probably wouldn't recognize him. No, he was only mildly concerned that she was wearing a tight green dress with a flowy skirt and heels. It was best for beginners to wear comfortable workout clothes so they could see how their body had to move.
“Hey there, hot stuff,” she giggled and skipped up to the counter, “I have an appointment!”
“Reina?” he asked and looked at her face rather than her bold outfit that accentuated her plush curves. She had hypnotic hazel eyes and an impish smile.
“That's me!” she beamed, “And what do I get to call a hunk like you?”
“Virgil,” he said flatly and stepped out from behind the counter. Reina’s eyes went wide as she drank in the sights. Virgil was all too used to being eyed like a piece of meat, with the tight black pants and even tighter black t-shirt, he couldn't hide most of his physique.
“If you brought a change of clothes, there's a room in the back you can use,” he said before she started drooling all over the floor.
“Change?” she parroted before snapping out of her trance, “Oh! I didn't bring a change of clothes!”
“Alright, but you might want to consider it next time,” he shrugged and led the way to the main dance floor. Reina followed with a spring in her step.
“Now this is a kinky place for a murder!” she giggled as she looked around the room. Virgil should have been more concerned, but he couldn't argue with her—there were mirrors lining two walls and on the ceiling, and the only raised surface was a stool holding a speaker.
“If you don't mind cleaning up all the blood and glass in the middle of the night, maybe,” Virgil said and faced her. She was vibrating with excitement.
“And if I don't mind, would you be interested in renting this place out?” she jeered and shimmied.
“I'd rather not have cops flooding my studio, thanks,” he pouted. She had the nerve to giggle at him as he pulled out his phone to pick some music.
“So,” he said as he found a good song for beginners, “Have you ever tangoed before or is this your first time?”
“It's my first time not leading,” Reina beamed, “I used to be pretty good at that part, but I want to be ready for my brother's wedding. I have the basics down!”
Virgil paused and stared at her for a moment. Why would a woman like her know the typical male part and not the typical female part? He wasn't judging, there were a number of reasons why, but she had a lot of energy and personality, it would be a shame if she didn't get a chance to show off her flamboyance.
“He found his soulmate?” Virgil asked and played the music, mainly so he wouldn't ask her anything too personal.
“Nope! He and his fiance don't have marks, they're aroace but they want a tax break,” Reina shrugged, “And a big party. And I have to dance with him at least once.”
“So you either want to upstage him or you just don't want to embarrass him,” Virgil said.
“Both!” Reina giggled, “So can I show you what I already know before the lesson?”
“Yeah,” Virgil said and carefully wrapped his left arm around her back to guide her into position.
Reina went rigid and stared at him with tears welling up in her eyes.
“Shit, I'm sorry,” Virgil gasped and tried to step back and give her some space. Reina held his arm in place with one hand and grabbed his free hand with the other.
“I’m okay, you just surprised me,” she said and wrapped her arm around his shoulder, leaning towards him and balancing her weight on her right foot, “Let’s see what you can teach me!”
“Tell me if you need me to stop or slow down at any point,” he responded before carefully stepping forward with his left foot. To his surprise, she moved her right foot at the same time and pace as him.
“You can go faster,” she teased as he walked her back two more steps. He brought his right foot back and turned, having her follow him without any issue.
“You said you had experience leading,” Virgil commented, “How much experience?”
“Regional champion, three years in a row,” she giggled adorably, “But that was years ago, before I had some medical things.”
“Medical things,” he mused and led her sideways across the studio, “Don't take this the wrong way, but are you talking about transitioning?”
“Are you saying I look like a guy?” she pouted, never faltering in her steps.
“No, you don't look like a guy. It's just that regional competitions are annoyingly strict when it comes to gender roles. If I'm wrong that's okay, and if I'm not, you're safe and your secret is safe with me.”
“Since you don't recognize me,” she pouted and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, “Why don't you show me your skills?”
To make her point even clearer, she lifted her left leg and dragged it down his side. Virgil immediately grabbed her thigh at the knee as soon as she started trembling.
“Tell me if you need to stop or slow down,” he said with a far too serious gaze. That hard glare was electric, enough to make Reina’s heart race.
“And what if I don't?” she jeered, smiling impishly. That smile fell from her lips when Virgil twisted his hips and dipped her so she was level with the ground.
“Then I'll quit while I'm ahead,” he said firmly. He was so close that she could smell his breath, a delightful wintermint that sharply contrasted the heat spilling from his lips.
“I’ll behave,” she breathed, absolutely entranced by him. Virgil could see it in her eyes, she was getting the wrong idea, but he was hesitant to correct her. He preferred men, but something about this woman made him consider the possibility.
He swiftly righted them, pulling her to his chest, mainly for balance, but he wouldn't deny that he enjoyed the flustered shock on her face.
“I get the feeling you won't,” he teased with a wry smirk. All her shock melted into a challenging grin.
“How am I supposed to behave when my dance partner is teasing me?” she jeered and cupped his cheek with her right hand.
He took that hand and locked their fingers, pulling it back into position away from their bodies. His brow furrowed slightly and his gaze hardened seriously.
Reina was thrilled when he picked up the pace, taking bolder steps, closer to her legs. They moved across the floor in quick bursts, cut by sharp stops that Reina used to wrap herself around him, flowing like a blade of grass in the wind.
No matter how far she leaned away from him, Virgil leaned towards her, keeping an eye out for any discomfort or struggle. Reina was far from uncomfortable, seductively arching and curling around his frame. She was keeping pace with ease, taking patterned steps that kept her hips swaying as Virgil led her through more complicated patterns that a beginner could never handle.
The studio lights illuminated her dark curls, showing off the red hues hidden in the brown. She was glowing, in her element, and her eyes were sparkling cesspools of radioactive sludge—a gorgeous portrait of chaos. Virgil was so drawn to her, and he was reluctant to fight it.
Then, with a sharp twist of the hips, Reina stuck her left leg out behind her, far enough that she had to bend her other knee. Virgil knew exactly what she was hoping for with this move, and he was set to deliver.
As soon as that left leg lifted off the ground he bent down at the waist. Reina swung her leg up and onto his shoulder, quickly bracing herself on both shoulders with her hands, letting her right leg dangle between them. Virgil immediately grabbed her waist to support her, keeping his eyes on her face. This was more advanced than he was used to teaching, but he could enjoy flexing his skills every so often.
Reina was beaming as he spun her around once. She was a chubby lady, and it took a lot of core strength to hold her up like this. Virgil wasn't straining himself, even when he carefully guided her back down, slowly letting her right foot touch the floor while her left leg slid down his arm. He shifted back to his previous position, holding her hand with the other arm around her back.
“Oh, you are good,” Reina purred as he turned, spinning her on one foot.
“And you don't need me to teach you,” Virgil hummed and let go of her hand for a moment so she could lower her leg, wrapping it around his hip.
“I could still use a partner,” she hummed and leaned into his chest, “Especially one as strong and handsome as you!”
“You can find better,” he responded and dipped her again so he wouldn't get too flustered, “Someone who won't play tricks like this.”
“Maybe I can't,” she giggled as he righted her. She brought her leg down and twisted so her back was pressed against him and his arm was across her waist. They locked their other hands and ghosted across the floor in long, lingering strides.
“What makes you say that?” he mumbled in her ear, his low voice sending chills up her spine. At the same time, Virgil’s heart was hammering against his ribs, all because she was in his arms, so close he could smell the ocean breeze shampoo she used. He didn't want to let her go, even though he knew he had to.
Instead of answering him, Reina let go of his right hand and spun away from him, holding his left hand until she twisted and spun with swift, bold steps, circling him sensually. She paused behind him and wrapped her arms around his chest, slowly dragging herself down his back before snapping away and twirling around him to see his face.
That's when Virgil finally got a look at his left arm. The green mark was glowing on its own. Reina was his soulmate.
Reina wrapped her arms around his shoulders and giggled at his slack jaw.
“Still think I could find better?” she teased and fluttered her lashes. He was so cute when he was stunned!
Virgil pulled her flush against him and stared down at her smiling face.
“Is this why you were crying earlier?”
“Yeah. I never thought you of all people would be my match—you beat me in the state championship three years in a row as kids,” Reina explained and caressed his cheek while she wrapped her left leg around his hip.
“You had a mustache, didn't you?” Virgil asked, wracking his brain for any details he could remember. Reina rubbing his hip and butt was making thinking difficult.
“That's right!” she sang and nuzzled his chest, “I made it look hot!”
“You did. But I think you look better now,” he muttered.
“Aw, you're in luck if you aren't a sausage guy! I look better without clothes!”
Virgil snorted and shook his head. This kind of flirting got people banned from his studio, but he didn't mind when Reina got suggestive with him, at least with no one else around.
“I think you'd look best in your favorite pajama pants and one of my old t-shirts, cozy and comfortable, completely at ease,” he replied and gently guided her hands from his cheek so that he could brush his lips against her knuckles.
Reina squeaked and tried to hide her blushing face in his chest. She was too cute.
“Did you drive here?” he asked.
“I took the bus.”
“If you're not busy, did you want to get some takeout and watch a movie at my place?” he asked, and then panicked, “—It’s right across from your apartment, I'm not trying to lure you into anything dangerous and I'm not a stalker, I swear—”
Reina laughed and hugged him tighter, dropping her leg.
“My soulmate is a sexy dancer and the mystery horror movie fan in 13A!” she cheered, “And he's thoughtful and sweet and funny! The only way this could get better is if you decide to spend the rest of the day shirtless!”
“What?!” Virgil yelped and stumbled back, dragging her with him.
“Skin contact!” she giggled and booped his nose, “And I'll show you my mark if you do that for me! It looks like a big bruise! But it's not nearly as cool as your radioactive arm!”
“Let me lock up and I'll consider it,” Virgil said, certain that he would oblige that request when they were in the safety of his apartment.
“Don't keep me waiting, Virgil,” she purred and released him from her hold. He wouldn't leave her waiting long.