Chapter Text
It should be ridiculous how many resumes and interviews Shadow has gone through.
All just to get nowhere.
Some rejected him right away. Apparently his qualities were just not up to their standards.
How idiotic.
Who in their right minds would not want him in the team?
There wasn’t anything he could not do.
Others could sense the problem right away.
He was just too cold. Too quiet. He made them wither in fear and goosebumps when he entered the room to sit down for his interview; Ignoring the already obvious signs.
They said no. Of course. And yet he still grew surprised at their automatic decision.
Their protocols instructed that the customer was always right even if they were in the wrong, and that employees should always wear a smile on their face all the time. They must always be joyful all the time, and have a sense of warmth. And humour.
Some didn’t even bother responding. Or even acknowledge his existence.
This was going nowhere at all.
It was starting to get on his damn nerves.
“Fucking Christ.”
“Said no again?”
”Mm.”
”Well what does it say?” Rouge hummed, head peeking over Shadow’s shoulder to take a glance of the response email from the latest company the hybrid hedgehog had applied to.
“Thank you for applying blah blah. We can’t give you money. We already gave the position to someone else bullshit. We just don’t like you. Good luck trying to find a job someplace else because we just talked shit about you to everyone else.” Shadow hissed in annoyance, ruby eyes rolling into the back of his head as he shut his laptop close.
“I don’t think that’s what it says.”
“I’m tired of this.” Shadow sighed to himself, burying his face in his hands as he splayed over the table; defeated and exhausted by his failure once again. “It’s not my fault I can’t pretend to be happy. And smile until I grow wrinkles.”
“I bet that’s why you see young mobians with wrinkles and eye bags on their faces. It’s because they’re being forced to show their teeth all year long by these companies. They’re tweaking out their minds.”
“I doubt that’s the problem. Maybe you just weren’t polite.” Rouge argued, hopping onto the table and opening her newspaper to resume reading, one leg propped over the other one.
“To be clear, I was polite. Even when they asked ridiculous questions about scenarios just don’t make any sense.” Shadow clarified back, head shooting up to glare at the nonchalant bat sitting on top of the table. “I don’t even know why I bother. I’ll just steal from schools.”
“Why not come and work at my club?”
“Are you insane? I don’t think I wanna be a prostitute. Thanks Rouge, but no thanks actually.”
“You won’t be a sex worker.” It was Rouge’s turn to sigh now. “You can be a waiter, delivering orders to mobians. Waiters have different uniforms from the occasional sex workers so that the guests don’t get confused. Besides, I got guys and cameras all around the club. You won’t get in any trouble.”
It almost seems too good to be true to Shadow. It was suspicious.
“How do I know you’re not trying to trick me into becoming a body for those disgusting mobians to use?”
“You really think I would do that to you? Jeez Shads.” Rouge groaned in exasperation as if a migraine had just pierced her skull. “Look at the instagram account dedicated to my club.” Rouge carelessly threw her phone at Shadow’s hand, the screen already opened on her club’s own instagram account.
The page had loads of employees in the very known and popular revealing uniforms, all of them seemed to be content, comfortable and happy in the photos; Laughing and joking about.
Waiters would have to wear a bunny costume with a red tight corset, black fishnet leggings, red stilettos and a pair of black bunny ears. They would also have to wear a name tag on their uniforms just above their right shoulder. They could also wear a mask if they wished to but it wasn’t necessary.
Sex workers instead just wore lingerie accommodated and chosen by the guest they would be spending the night with.
Or even nothing at all. Is what Rouge had to add in because social media had a guide line of not allowing nudity on their platforms.
They wouldn’t be running around like the bunny waiters. They were hidden in the back rooms that were used as bedrooms, far away from the rest of the club.
But Rouge made it clear that there would be cameras and bodyguards all around. Simple but effective safety measures.
And the club did have really good reviews. From both past employers and occasional guests.
Why the hell not?
“Is there anything else I should know about?” Shadow insisted on knowing if there were other protocols and procedures Rouge was keeping from him. He was not trying to get finessed.
“Bunny waiters do perform sometimes.” “Perform?”
“Yeah, You know. Pole dance.”
Shit.
“No worries. The guests are never allowed to touch you. They can only throw cash at you.”
“I hope you’re not being cheeky. You are ultimately my last hope.” Shadow said with sincerity, hands beginning to shake from the nerves building up in his chest as Rouge reached for her phone back. “Trust me honey. Everything will be okay. My bodyguards are well versed. In karate and military training.”
So am I.
Shadow wanted to say out loud but he kept his tongue in his mouth. Biting it till it started to taste like metal in his mouth.
“Come in tomorrow, I’ll show you how things run properly around there before you actually start. I’ll need your details too though so don’t forget to bring your phone, wallet and identification in.”
“You know everything about me, Rouge.” “It’s just work preparation, honey. Welcome to the family.” Rouge winked at him with her teeth visible, reaching forward to pet the top of his quills.
”Hands off. Just because I don’t want other people touching me doesn’t mean you have the right to.” The hybrid hedgehog’s lip curled up in displeasure, swatting the bat’s hands away.
It wasn’t Shadow’s first time at Rouge’s club. But it was his first time there as potentially a future employee.
Which sort of made him feel like throwing up.
“So, like I said. You won’t be a sex worker because they’re all in the bedrooms. Back of the club where it’s hidden. Guards are protecting the entrance there so no one can just rock up without booking an appointment. You’ll just be taking guests’ orders and delivering them drinks. Easy enough job right?”
Yeah. Minus the bunny suit.
“Bunnies do perform on the poles here. But you don’t have to if you don’t feel comfortable with that. They just get tipped more by doing so. And the guests are never allowed to touch you, they can only watch and throw cash at ya.” Rouge explained as she led Shadow around the club. Allowing him to take in the new home he could possibly be staying at.
“Why not follow me and say hi to your family?” Rouge beamed behind Shadow who was too stunned by the sight of the poles. “They’re all in the dressing room, getting ready for the night.” She said as she interlocked her arm with Shadow’s, tugging him away from the main area of the club and down the narrow hallway.
“Wait,”
“Yeah?” Rouge turned her head as Shadow stiffened under her hold.
“Don’t I need to pay for a bunny suit? I don’t have any money, Rouge.”
“Don’t make me laugh, honey. Bunnies don’t need to buy their uniforms. They’re for free. I wouldn’t do that to my children.” Rouge huffed her chest out and tugged Shadow harder as they finally reached the dressing room where the bunny waiters would stay in as they got ready for their shifts.
Shadow found it a little odd how Rouge kept affectionately referring to the team as a family, teams weren’t family. They were co-workers. Sometimes even friends if they got along.
But Rouge made it clear that the team was more than just co workers as she threw the door open to the dressing room and exclaimed with a happy laugh, “Hello children! Mother would like for you to meet your new baby brother! Please take good care of him! He’ll need lots of guidance.”
Baby brother?
That was just insulting.
Shadow’s thoughts grumbled at Rouge’s over the top commentary, shooting her a glare from the corner of his eye. He didn’t notice his co-workers hopping off their chairs, makeup half done and still in their casual clothes to greet their new brother; Excited smiles planted on their faces.
“How cute he is!” One squealed.
“I’ve always wanted a baby brother! Don’t worry! Your sisters will take good care of you!”
“I love his highlights!” Another bunny gasped.
Shadow had never felt so embarrassed in his entire existence.
He couldn’t tell if his co-workers were taking the piss, playing along with the whole idea of house and teasing him. Until they gently took his arms and helped him into one of the chairs and stood a foot away, sensing that their new brother was overwhelmed with the energy surrounding the situation.
“Need some water?”
“That’d be nice. Thanks.”
“Would you like me to find a uniform in your size?” A bunny delicately poked his shoulder.
Shadow nodded in response awkwardly, hands shaking a little as he reached to collect the cup of water from one of his co-workers, downing it in one go.
Who knew being embarrassed could quench his thirst?
“Found one! How lucky!”
The bunny squealed as she returned from searching through the lockers, propping the bunny suit in his lap so he could see it for himself. “If it’s still too big I’m sure we can fix it for you. Some of us are familiar with sewing.”
Shadow held the bunny suit up in the air, inspecting it closely; Trying to imagine himself in it.
It would have to do.
He had no other choice.
“It should be fine. Thank you.” Shadow replied, turning to fold his new uniform up so it wouldn’t get ruffled.
His attention shifted from the bunny suit and towards the bat when he could feel her body moving into his side, her hand patting his shoulder as she looked down at him with a small smile. “What do you say, honey? You can still back out if you want. I haven’t included your details just yet.”
Sure, being a bunny waiter and possibly dancer at his best friend’s club wasn’t his preferred preference for a job, And shaking his ass for strangers made him want to die but Rouge said it wasn’t necessary.
He didn’t have much of a choice anyway.
And he couldn’t be fucked having to go through more responses and interviews just to get rejected.
He was tired of it all.
Besides, his co-workers seemed nice. And understanding. It was better than being in a team of people who hated each other’s guts. He just couldn’t get used to it.
He and his big sister Maria were always understanding and supportive of each other, always showing respect for each other.
That’s how friends and families worked.
Even if his family wasn’t around anymore.
He took a deep breath in and exhaled out heavily, head shooting up to look Rouge in the eye before nodding confidently, lips curling up in a soft smile. He said yes. There was no going back now.
He needed to learn to be grateful for Rouge's actions. Taking him in when no one else would..
A pair of arms wrapping around his torso startled Shadow, Rouge’s makeup caked cheek pressing against Shadow’s as she bounced on her feet in joy. ”We’re so happy to have you on board Shadow dear!”
‘I am too. I think.’
His first day went okay. Surprisingly.
No one stepped out of line when Shadow took their orders. Sure they eyed him up and down but that was expected.
He just didn’t want anyone’s hands on him. That was all.
They would thank him when he dropped their drinks off. Some would compliment him and just leave it at that.
It felt too weird for not having any of the guests trying to lay their hands on him.
Well. They couldn’t even if they wanted to because the club was guarded with numerous bulked up bodyguards. All standing nearby stern and ready to be prepared for any incoming attackers.
Rouge really did make it difficult for those creeps who wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to get their hands on the co-workers.
“Do you dance?” A mobian asked Shadow as the hybrid was just finishing up on placing everyone’s orders on the table, body stiffening as his mind began to race with all sorts of different answers.
‘No you weirdo. I can’t dance.’
‘Sure. I’m a shit dancer though but as long as you give me tips right?’
None of them sounded right. And he didn’t want to be exactly rude. It seemed like a respectful question.
They were used to bunny waiters performing on the stage and on the poles when they didn’t have any other orders to take care of. Shadow was just not used to it yet.
“I’m afraid not yet. It’s my first shift.” Shadow mumbled, his heart racing at all possibilities in which this situation could end up badly. Some of them where he could clearly see mobians’ faces soaking in blood.
‘Just breathe and relax. Get a co-worker to dance for them if they ask.’
“That’s alright. We can see how stressed you look. You’re not too good at hiding it.” The mobian hummed as they took a sip of their martini. “You’ll get comfortable eventually. Take it easy, young man.” And that was it.
The actual fuck?
The hybrid stared at the group of mobians sipping on their drinks, eyes glued and attention fixated on his co-workers now entering the front stage to perform on the poles; Wallets full and bulging with cash in their hands ready to throw their expenses at his co-workers, siblings? Family now?
Was it really that simple? And easy?
He bowed to them his thanks, slipping the holder underneath his arm and moving away from their couple so they could watch his co-workers dance with him out of their vision.
He couldn’t shake the strange feeling off him. He had read so many events on the news where bad things always happened at these kinds of places.
Main reason why he was so hesitant on taking the offer up.
But everyone was on their best behaviour. It felt so weird.
“I can hear you thinking, honey.” Rouge’s voice startled Shadow out of his thoughts, hands occupied with brewing numerous alcoholic beverages. Effortlessly using one hand to use the shaker and streamer while the other one scooped up ice from the bottom of the bar counter.
“I didn’t think it would be possible that I wouldn’t end up getting fired and having the floor swim in blood. I was so ready to beat up those who were planning to attack us.” Shadow murmured as he stood by the bar stools, patiently waiting for Rouge to finish up on the orders.
“Nothing bad ever happens at my club. I’m not stupid.” Rouge huffed, body moving quickly to take a glance at the upcoming orders before placing the drinks on Shadow’s holder. “Fix your headband. It’s falling a little.”
He hummed in response, readjusting his headband quickly before pulling lightly at the uncomfortable fishnets that were touching his legs. “Thanks.” He brushed the dust and any spilled drink off his red corset, grabbing his now filled up holder and strutting away to the other tables with his dangerously high stilettos to drop their drinks off.
This wasn’t so bad after all.
He could get used to it. For sure.
His second day however, didn’t go very well.
Shadow had just finished watching his favourite show and felt saddened that it was over.
He would have to binge all over again.
Shadow wasn’t planning to tell his best friend that his favourite show is my little pony and that it ended if she ended up sensing his sour expression as he worked through his shift.
He didn't want to get laughed at.
And now the vehicle behind him wouldn’t leave him alone.
“I’m going as fast as I can, dickhead.” Shadow grumbled as he shot a glare at the car behind him through the viewfinder, hands gripping the wheel tightly.
He didn’t need to deal with an asshole on his way to work. He was absolutely exhausted. And yet each time the car would get in a little too close to his bumper he could feel his blood rising up to his face.
He reached the traffic lights, pressing his foot firmly on the pedal as the lights flashed from green to yellow to finally red. He glanced around his car, searching for his lipgloss to pat onto his mouth. His lipgloss from earlier was already washing off the more Shadow sank his teeth into his bottom lip to keep from lashing out.
Shadow finally found his lipgloss in the cup holders and quickly popped it open to smear it across his lips, smacking them together and then shutting his mirror shut before the traffic lights turned green.
Even so. The car was clearly not a kind person if they began to honk obnoxiously from behind, repeatedly doing so just to get on Shadow’s nerves it seems. “The light just turned green, fucking prick.” Shadow hissed, switching his heels quickly to begin driving.
He wasn’t so sure how much longer he could keep it in. Why was this guy trying to piss him off?
The faster he drove along the road, the more the car behind him would behave and stop shoving themselves up Shadow’s ass.
But just how fast could he go? It didn’t seem safe at all.
Especially when he was entering a 40 zone.
The car behind him started to get closer once again, and this time the front of it hit the bumper of Shadow’s car, causing Shadow to gasp in disbelief as he felt his body shake from the bump.
That was the last straw.
He didn’t even bother turning his signal on and instead drove off to the side, stepping out and shutting his door a bit too hard from his fuming anger. He waved the driver of the car over, jaw and teeth clenched as the car actually slowed down and stopped behind his car instead of just driving off like most would.
Oh? Did they wanna fight?
Shadow was never one to say no.
He strutted to the window of the driver’s seat, pounding it with his fist and crossing his arms over his chest as he impatiently waited for the mobian to start rolling their window open.
Oh, fantastic.
Another hedgehog.
“You realise this is a school’s zone right? I’m just following the fucking rules.”
“It’s Saturday actually. Kids aren’t in school today.”
Oh? What a smart ass this prick of a hedgehog was trying to make himself look.
“So fucking what? Just follow the rules, you blue freak!”
The hedgehog raised an eyebrow, seeming unimpressed at Shadow’s outburst. He rolled his eyes, tongue in his cheek before stepping out of his unappealing car and bumping past Shadow to get a look at the front of his car, gasping and turning back around to glare at the hybrid.
“Nice one. You hit into my fucking car.”
“What are you on about? You HIT my FUCKING car.”
The hedgehog ignored the hybrid, shoving his hands into the pockets inside his jacket, “Pay for it. And then I won’t have to beat your ass up.” The hedgehog spat out, back leaning against the car door on the driver’s side.
Cars were flashing on by them through the night, getting to their destinations while Shadow and the hedgehog shot lasers at each other through their eyes.
“I can’t pay for it, you dick. I don’t have any money. Tonight’s my second shift. I don’t get paid for a month!”
The hedgehog raised his eyebrow again, head tilting to the side curiously as he finally took in what Shadow was wearing and how ridiculous he looked lashing out while in his fishnet leggings and bunny headband that moved along with his head. “Do you work at Club Rouge’s?”
Why the hell was this hedgehog changing the topic?
“No.” The hybrid hissed, teeth bared. The hedgehog didn’t even flinch.
“Then why are you dressed like that?”
Why did he even care?
“It’s none of your damn business, blue weirdo.”
“You call me weird yet you’re dressed like this.”
The hedgehog laughed with sarcasm and a bit of irony in his voice, reaching behind to open the driver’s door and leaning back to sit in his seat as he dangled a leg over his other one. Emerald eyes narrowing dangerously at him. “Come here.”
What? Was he planning to murder him right in front of mobians passing by?
Is this guy crazy?
Shadow’s eyebrows furrowed down at the hedgehog, his position shifting into a stance that had his fists raised up to his chest; ready to attack and throw punches at this annoying creature. “I’m not gonna hurt you, Fucking hell.” The hedgehog sighed out loud, hips shifting in his seat a lot more comfortably and spreading his legs out.
The hybrid had no idea what was happening.
If this asshole of a hedgehog didn’t wanna fight then what did he want?
His waist was sternly tugged by the hedgehog’s hands, pulling him in close so that the hybrid was standing in between his legs earning a sound that seemed offended.
The hedgehog planted his hands on Shadow’s visible hips, caressing the corset that sat nicely on his torso before leaning up to take a sniff from Shadow’s chest while a hand travelled down to grasp onto Shadow’s tail that began to wag anxiously. “Hey! Hands off!”
”I need payment somehow.”
“If you can’t pay for the damages then you can pay me for something else.” The hedgehog continued, tongue peeking out and lapping at the sweat forming from Shadow’s fur. “I told you. I don’t have money right now!”
”Who said anything about money?” The hedgehog’s face pulled away from Shadow’s chest fluff, a small wicked smile growing on his face as he snapped the latex against Shadow’s plump hips with a fingertip.
Was he really gonna do this right now?
No way!
He would rather be caught dead than engage in any sort of activity with this weird hedgehog!
Absolutely ridiculous! Shame! SHAME on him!
Shameful and broken sounds of pleasure vibrated from Shadow’s throat as the hedgehog lapped at his damp cunt. The insides of his thighs pressed hard against the sides of the hedgehog’s head each time his wicked tongue flicked over his clit.
It was dirty. It was disgusting.
It was amazing.
“If you don’t do what I ask then I’ll get you arrested for a hit and run.” The hedgehog spat up into Shadow’s dripping cunt. His folds damp and swollen the more the hedgehog rubbed his face into it as if to breathe and smell like the hybrid
Shadow muffled a no around the hedgehog’s cock, angry eyebrows furrowing as he tried to turn his head over his shoulder to shoot the hedgehog a glare.
“I can’t hear you when your mouth is full of cock.”
The hedgehog grasped Shadow’s hips closer, arms wrapped around the small of his back to keep him there from squirming; His orgasm on the way.
Shadow wasn’t so sure just how exactly the hedgehog knew how close he was.
However, Like the mobians at the club said. He was shit at trying to hide how he really felt inside. And how things affected him.
The hedgehog’s muzzle nestled in between his swollen and soft folds, tongue flicking over his sensitive nub that rested on top of his cunt, mouth slurping up all the saliva and slick that was dripping and swimming from the hybrid’s cunt.
The quicker this hedgehog’s talented tongue flicked against the hybrid’s swollen clit, the harder Shadow’s toes would curl up into. Ecstasy and pain washing over the top of his head first. Electrocuting his mind. And then travelling to pierce through his body.
He could taste it in the back of his head and in the air. Like sea salt.
It was gross. Disgusting. Shameful.
It was beautiful.
The hedgehog lapped at the incoming storm that was Shadow’s dripping and wet pussy, swallowing down to every drop and not leaving one area untouched as he squeezed the top of Shadow’s tail. “You taste like Bubblegum.”
Shadow could feel his limp body being moved like a rag doll and his bunny suit being dressed back onto him. The hedgehog’s hands locked around Shadow’s ankles so he could slip his feet into his red stilettos, cheekily pressing a kiss to each stiletto as he did so. ”Wanna be my Bubblegum bitch?”
Shadow could hardly make out whatever the fuck this hedgehog was saying, his vision still blurry and hazy as he looked up at the creature lifting him up without his permission and popping him back into the drivers seat of his car.
“You look like you’re drunk.” A little muffled chuckle came from the hedgehog’s mouth, head throwing back as Shadow slumped back in his seat trying to catch his breath.
Why was his orgasm still taking over him?
“You might need a few minutes. Drive safe, Bubblegum bitch.” The hedgehog took Shadow by the top of his suit to plant a kiss on his mouth before winking at him and skipping happily back to his car to get into, driving away in a blur.
The hedgehog was right about one thing.
Shadow needed at least twenty minutes before finally going to work.
“Why did you arrive later than usual? Everything okay?” Rouge had asked him when she caught him dazed out at the bar.
“Sorry.” Shadow sighed, rubbing the insides of his eyes with his hand before grabbing ahold of his holder to drop the guests’ orders off. “I was stuck on watching something and lost track of time probably.”
Lame ass excuse. No doubt.
Rouge could see through him that something was wrong. But now wasn’t the best to intervene and ask what was actually wrong.
The club was busier than ever tonight.
Now that the weekend was finally here.
“Here you go, Ladies.” Shadow greeted a group of girl mobians talking amongst themselves, heads thrown back and giggling so loudly over the booming music.
He didn’t bother trying to get them to say their thanks, he couldn’t care less actually. Money was the only thing that mattered to him right now.
He gave them their drinks and turned on his heels, holder underneath his arm to collect another group’s orders.
Till he could feel a finger sneak into one of the holes of his fishnet leggings and snap it against his fur; alerting and shaking the hybrid out of his racing thoughts.
“Hey! What’s your deal-“
”I knew you worked here!”
That familiar voice.
Please no.
“You’re a big liar. You know.”
No no no.
The annoying hedgehog from before beamed up at Shadow, cheek resting in his hands with that wicked smile creeping up on his face.
“Oh god. What the fuck are you doing here?”