@cabalofbastards @asherrean
The Broken Heart Club was humming with anticipation. The doorman noticed more than a few of their younger regulars from the dance nights drift past him all abuzz. Word had spread that tonight's performance was going to be a bit different from what the Kaldorie Songstress usually served up. For starters the full jazz band was already playing, and the normal grand piano swapped out for something a bit more compact and having an almost organ-ish sound (obviously of gnomeish design). The small dance floor was made larger by pushing back the tables near the front. So far no one was dancing though. Everyone seemed to be... waiting.
The hands of the clock had barely touched the top of the evening hour when the tone of the band changed, the clarinet breaking into an upbeat solo. That was all it took. Several scrambled to the dance floor not even noticing the draped figure step from the shadows just as the sax started in. She took her place on the small stage behind the mic. A snap of her fingers resounded like a gunshot, bringing all eyes to Peejee, her pink skin seeming to glow from around the shadow dark cloth draped around her like a robe. As the band joined in she swayed side to side, a playful smile on her lips as her blue glowing eyes skimmed the dancers before seeming to pick out a suited male still sitting at a table and pointed, her disapproving voice cutting through the air:
Hey, brother, what you thinking? Leave that old record spinning You feel the rhythm, going
Another snap of her fingers, and the whole club seemed to pulse slightly with the energy of the music, a couple jumping up to dance, others tapping their toes. The goblin and troll in the band called out:
(They call it lonely digging)
Purple lips curved into a grin as she continued, eyes now casting around the club:
Let's end your time to lay low Your knees a-bending, so It's time to get up and let go (You're gonna come undone)
Peejee spied a female shyly dancing in her chair:
Hey, mama, how's it going? Can't see your body moving Don't leave the party dying (They call it lonely digging)
Another wave of her hand, snap of her fingers; again the yearning to jump up and dance coursed through the club. The Songstress wasn't asking.
Your booty shaking, you know Your head has no right to say no Tonight it's ready, set, go
The music paused for a second. Peejee shifted as the music did, tossing back the dark cloak that vanished into the shadows to reveal her blazing bright blue and purple flapper dress. Rhinestones and sequence catching the light as her voice came out rapid and commanding:
Baby can you move it round the rhythm So we can get with 'em To the ground and get us a rock and roll round Just a downtown body body coming with a super-hottie Let's go, yes, no, hell no Baby can you move it round the rhythm 'Cause you know we're living in the fast lane, speed up It ain't no game, just turn up all the beams when I come up on the scene
As the trumpet cut in for the bridge Peejee grinned from ear to ear. She stepped back and started to dance, kicking her legs back in the Charlesten cow tail, swinging her arms. More people rose from their tables, grinning as they joined the dance floor.
Once more a hand snapped up to point at a male still stubbornly sitting at a table, music changing as Peejee started to sing.
Hey, brother, what you thinking? That good ol' sound is ringing They don't know what they're missing (They call it lonely digging) Let's end your time to lay low Your knees a-bending, so It's time to get up and let go Hey, brother, nice and steady Put down your drink, you ready It's hard when things get messy (They call it lonely digging) Your booty shaking, you know Your head has no right to say no Tonight it's ready, set, go
A few more dance steps then Peejee reached out to grab the mic stand. As she started to rapidly sing again she threw it to the side, making like she would catch it with a hooked leg but the mic seemed to vanish. Her voice still carried through the club like nothing had changed though now she danced as she sung, swinging her arms, kicking her legs:
Baby can you move it round the rhythm So we can get with 'em To the ground and get us a rock and roll round Just a downtown body body coming with a super-hottie Let's go, yes, no, hell no Baby can you move it round the rhythm 'Cause you know we're living in the fast lane, speed up It ain't no game, just turn up all the beams when I come up on the scene
As the note drifted off she jumped down to the dance floor, letting the band shift tone. They built in a slow crescendo while Peejee took turns with the dancers. Her infectious smile making them all feel the energy of the music. Then, just as the sax cut in and the music picked back up they all turned towards the bar and started to dance in sync. Swinging arms and kicking their legs as one, somehow each knowing exactly what moves to make at just the right time.
Then as Peejee's voice cut through they all broke off, turning to each other and riding the energetic high.
Baby can you move it round the rhythm So we can get with 'em To the ground and get us a rock and roll round Just a downtown body body coming with a super-hottie Let's go, yes, no, hell no Baby can you move it round the rhythm 'Cause you know we're living in the fast lane, speed up It ain't no game, just turn up all the beams when I come up on the scene
As the music started to fade off Peejee danced her way back to the stage and hopped upon it. Cheers resounded as the dancers finally slowed to a stop. The songstress turned to blow a kiss and wave at the patrons before gesturing to the band. While they took their bows Peejee slipped off the stage and faded back into the shadows.
After the last set Peejee found herself sitting on a rickety stool in the small closet-like dressing room backstage. She was in the middle of balancing a mirror with one hand while wiping off her stage makeup with the other when he found her. Ash softly closed the door behind him as he watched her work in silence. She waited for him to mention it. To tell her how imprudent she'd been. After what felt like an eternity of silence she put the mirror down and cast him a glance. It'd been their way for as long as they had known each other. A single look could contain an entire conversation. Trust with concern met willfulness with caution.
"You were amazing out there tonight." His voice was so soft she barely heard him.
She flashed him a brilliant smile, "Thanks for helping me make it happen. You put up with that 'infernal contraption' quite well. I doubt anyone out there could tell you hated it."
A simple shrug of his shoulders was his only reply.
Finished with removing her makeup, Peejee stood up and reached for the zipper along her back. A grin spread across her lips when she felt her hands gently brushed away. Fingertips grazed her skin as the zipper dragged down.
"Be careful, Peej. Talent like yours is liable to attract attention." She could see his reflection in the small mirror and knew what he meant. The people they worked for might want more than just her singing voice if they found out. Ash's chess partner seemed to know who he was. Did they know about her?
Her eyes closed as she shivered, though from the touch or the thought she wasn't sure.
The soft sound of the door closing was all that told her she was alone to wrestle with the answer.
