bakerstreet | Brothel AU

Entry tags:

Brothel AU

the brothel AU meme

If sex work is the world's oldest profession, then the brothel may be among the world's oldest businesses. The scene could be anywhere: the modern world, a riff on Middle Earth, a futuristic space colony. Wherever you go, there will always be a demand for your services... and whether you're a high-class escort to the elite or the jewel of the slums, it's a living.

How to Play

1. Top level with your preference: sex worker, client, or either
2. Pick your prompt/s and set a scene, or just wing it!
3. Tag around!

Prompts

1. old pro
You're a proper professional with an active client base and a reputation for your skills. Can you leverage that experience to your advantage?

2. newbie
You're new to this profession and still finding your footing. Some clients find that charming, and other workers may take you under their wing.

3. demonstration
This is a special job: you're putting on a show for an audience, or maybe you're showing a new worker the ropes.

4. forbidden love
Sex workers know better than to fall for a client, and clients know better than to fall for a sex worker. Perhaps even more fraught is a relationship between two workers. This time, however... you just can't help yourself.

5. SO experience
Your job isn't just about the sex. You provide the entire girl/boyfriend experience: doting words, public appearances, accepting gifts. And yet, it's just a job... right?

6. something extra
Kink, monsters, transformation, and magic, oh my! There's something a little different about the services you offer.

7. getaway
You're ready to break away from this life, whether it's on your own or with someone you've grown close to.

8. wildcard
Anything goes!

[ Get Memes! ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only | Expand All

[ the room that ratio had encountered aventurine in was a thing of nightmares. aventurine nearly acts as if nothing has happened at all, from the unspeakable atrocities he’s experienced down to the obvious beating he took. despite that, it is clearly not the case. ratio only hopes to offer a quiet space for aventurine to finally settle.

he offers aventurine a refill of his cup. he intends the bath to be a short affair with a meal to follow. he has already placed a delivery order. after that — rest.

the direct response is precisely what ratio is wanting; he doesn’t want to make a mistake with assumptions as much as he doesn’t want aventurine to feel pressured to bathe with him now or not have the option later. ]

Very well, [ he agrees and he begins to undress without further preamble, clearly not perturbed by aventurine’s’s decision. ] We shouldn’t linger too long tonight or our food will be cold.

[ aventurine will find that ratio is still dutifully wearing his ring. his gaze has avoided aventurine’s hands, truthfully not expecting such appalling people to leave aventurine with even a small comfort, much less one that could mean more credits in their pockets. ]

[ aventurine feels relieved at ratio's answer, and the way he does not hesitate to undress. his eyes fall on the ring, which aventurine had not truly expected ratio to keep wearing - though, when he thinks about it, it is exactly the earnest sort of thing ratio would do. aventurine remembers the feeling of the one he had been entrusted with, and while he is not wearing it... ]

Hey, Doc. Do you have a pair of scissors on you?

[ there are three important things aventurine owns. one of them, the ring he promised to reunite with its original owner. he is a man of his word - when he wants to be - and while he has not been able to wear it, he has not lost it, nor allowed it to be taken from him.

he does not want to take too long, but this seems a rather important thing to address. ]

[ the ring was plain, admittedly. if he knew the ring would have ended up on aventurine’s finger, his choice might have been different. when he does not see it sitting on aventurine’s hand, he does not think it’s aventurine’s doing. he expects it has been taken and pawned. mention of it does not leave ratio’s mouth as the gambler needs no reminder of the many things he has lost.

the mention of scissors catches ratio entirely offguard, however, and he pauses on the last button of his shirt, undoing it and raising a surprised brow. ]

Certainly. [ he divests himself of his shirt, the item finding its way into the laundry hamper as he returns to the medicine cabinet. he retrieves bandage scissors and hands them over to aventurine. ]

Is now the time for this? If you cannot remove something, I surely am able.

[ he asks, truly not seeing what aventurine could need scissors for when their bath is hot and bubbly and nearly ready for them. ]

[ aventurine knows well how to hide things from prying eyes. honestly, it is one of the oldest tricks in the book, but sometimes the smallest sleight of hand is the one that proves most effective. the scissors snip through a bit of thread, and he fishes the ring out of the hem of his shirt.

he did not intend to lose it, after all. he may not have many things — particularly not now — but he has never been one to let go of important possessions.

setting aside the scissors, he holds the ring out for ratio. call him sentimental, but this is the first thing aventurine has been given since he was a child that he has sincerely wanted to keep. ]

Here. I’ll take my bath now.

[ it feels sort of like a small triumph, that he was able to do this small thing. ridiculous, maybe. ratio makes him do ridiculous things. ]

[ it is the very last thing ratio expects when aventurine takes the scissors to the hem of his shirt, snipping a bit of thread just to — pluck out the ring ratio has presumed gone. he is impressed at the trick, but more than that, he feels a wash of fondness for the gambler. he hid the ring as if he meant for no one to find it, as if it truly did mean something to him.

and for the second time, he drops it off into ratio’s hand. he supposes, like he’d told aventurine. to come back with the ring and return to him.

the ring may be plain, but it shines something lovely in his hand. ratio’s chest squeezes so tight he worries he can breath. ]

You should keep it. You’ve kept it safe this long, haven’t you?

[ his gaze flicks up to aventurine, gauging him as he takes one of aventurine’s hands in his with every intention of sliding the ring back onto a finger. it’s far from marriage, but perhaps a promise wouldn’t be so bad. ]

[ aventurine supposes he is not surprised that ratio wants him to keep the ring. he… wants to keep it, admittedly. he will not say so outright, so it is a bit of a relief when ratio suggests he keep it. aventurine it not even surprised when ratio takes his hand, clearly intending to slide the ring on his finger.

he is surprised at how tight it makes his chest feel. there’s a warmth on his face that aventurine is not used to, and it spreads down, settling in his chest. he does not pull his hand away. ]

…you are still wearing yours too, I see. Sentimental?

[ and yet, who is aventurine to talk? he was never able to get himself to sell the jewelry his mother had left him, nor get rid of his father’s shirt. maybe this is the same. ]

[ aventurine doesn’t protest. he lets ratio take his hand and when no objection comes, he slides the ring home onto aventurine’s finger, where it sits shining pretty. ratio couldn’t have expected how tight his throat gets as he does it. better than anything extravagant, their rings look lovely together.

he finds himself almost explaining his thoughts, with little prompting. ]

It is a promise, I believe.

[ not in the traditional romantic sense, perhaps, but for them… there is a promise. ratio has told aventurine to return to him with this ring. he expects the same now; aventurine to return to him.

perhaps it’s even something of a good luck charm. it did bring them back together, twice now. ]

[ rather than a small, lopsided thing, aventurine's smile is wide and genuine. ratio is cute, he thinks, and the weight of the metal on his finger, the pressure of it, is something he admittedly missed. he hasn't taken the ring out since hiding it, but it looks just as bright as ever, matching the one on ratio's finger.

he's turned into a sentimental fool despite himself. ah well; he supposes the old aventurine is dead, and the cynicism along with him. ]

What's the promise this time? Since I've returned the ring, and you have given me my bath.

[ and he's back to teasing. flirting, a little. he likes the idea of this small, significant good luck charm. ]

[ it is terribly contagious, that bright smile on aventurine. ratio is smiling something smaller, but no less sweet. despite the many bruises on aventurine, he’s alive. that is a comfort like no other.

there are things in this world that are worth more than monetary value for the memory that they spark. if that is sentimental, ratio is certainly guilty. it is very good to hear aventurine’s teasing voice, but does not quite keep ratio from exhaling a huff.

he smiles down at the ring on aventurine’s hand and his own glinting just as brilliant and gold beside it. the promise? ]

Quite simple, [ the answer comes easily, ]

To keep this fool alive.

[ oh, ratio's smile is something aventurine wants to lock up and keep forever. it makes his chest ache, and for the first time in a very long while, aventurine tentatively allows himself to feel... happy? hopeful? he laughs softly. ]

You know this fool likes working against you.

[ but ratio has kept his promise so far. aventurine is not dead; he is a bit worse for wear, but it is nothing time will not heal. the deeper, darker things will take longer to stitch together, but ratio is the only person aventurine would trust to help him through it, at this point.

he squeezes ratio's hand, and resists the very real urge to kiss him. ]

Take a bath with me.

[ it has not escaped his notice that aventurine seems to invite danger; the fool is certainly working against him.

he is… tentatively optimistic for aventurine, the shadow of doubt and nagging worry is something he forces himself to work past. the squeeze to his hand is a soft, warm thing that ratio returns with a small squeeze back.

the incredible urge to kiss aventurine is a mutual one, but one he does not have to immediately indulge because now the two of them have time. time is not working against them, ticking down to morning. they have as much as they need. as is, aventurine needs plenty of it to heal. ]

I thought I had already promised as much…

[ rather than returning to undressing himself, his hands find the end hem of aventurine’s shirt. ]

I do hope you won’t be wearing all this.

[ a near tease before he begins pulling the shirt up, helping to rid aventurine of the thing. ]

[ aventurine is more or less helpful, lifting his arms to assist in the removal of his shirt. it's a threadbare thing; he has only been allowed nicer clothes to 'borrow' when a client called for it, when he was meant to impress and make money. the outfit he had been wearing when he had met ratio in the hotel room was one such outfit. his old things, the clothing he had worn as aventurine, was no doubt sold off. ]

If I had known you were coming today, I would have made myself look a bit more presentable.

[ it is a joke at his own expense; obviously, there was very little aventurine could have done to make himself look any better than he does now. he is dirty, bloody, bruised; his hair is unkempt and there are probably more knots than there should be. why would they allow him to groom himself while he was unpresentable for clients?

it is, honestly, a little embarrassing. aventurine has been dirty before, but he would have liked ratio to find him in a better state. to find him attractive, for one thing, and to not look as pathetic as he feels. ]

[ he sees the shirt off of aventurine, only needing that small aid of aventurine raising his arms up for him. it comes off and ratio does not immediately see it to the trash, but it’s tossed beside the hamper, where it will eventually find its way home in the trash bin. aventurine, the peacock that he is, makes comment about his looks.

ratio is not the least concerned with how unkempt aventurine is; he is not so sensitive or shallow. his gaze does drop to examine the bruises, eyes roaming over the fuller extent of aventurine’s beating. that is what he likes least to see. he does not like to know that he was denied basic decency while already forced into unthinkable circumstances… but the dirty clothes and grime and tangled hair are far easier to fix. ]

A good thing I am already very charmed.

[ his fondness for aventurine is not damaged by dirt or by bruises. under the bit of grime, he knows how lovely aventurine is. he reaches out, a hand cupping aventurine’s cheek. ]

A useless thing, regardless. Making yourself presentable for a bath?

[ a good thing, yes. if ratio had first met aventurine in this state, what would he have thought? aventurine may not have been given a second glance, though he knows ratio is not a shallow man. still, he is, as ratio likes to think, a peacock, and takes pride in the way he looks. or he used to. it will be nice when aventurine at least feels presentable. ]

When it is with someone you wish to impress? Not so absurd.

[ he'll admit it, he wants to impress ratio. he has for quite a long time. that hand on his cheek is warm, and aventurine allows himself to lean into it, just a slight amount. it would not do to look too needy, but it is very hard to resist the warmth of ratio's palm. ]

You may think me foolish, but when has that not been the case? You need a fool to offset that big brain of yours.

[ ratio would see a man in a disadvantageous situation, if he had met aventurine looking so untidy. a man’s troubles does not make him. he can only hope that in that alternative universe, they would still come to this.

what in the world does aventurine think he needs to impress him with? ratio has seen how gorgeous aventurine is and has seen how smart he is. he does not need impressing. as he says, he’s already charmed, aventurine can relax. that, he suspects, may be more than difficult for the gambler.

he swiped his thumb over aventurine’s cheek, giving in to the warmth flooding in his chest when aventurine only tips his head slightly into his hand. ]

Flattery will get you nowhere. [ he says, as though aventurine will not be in the tub with him in a moment. ] …But perhaps it would be advantageous to have a someone with a different view around.

[ as tempting as aventurine is, he is in dire need of hydration and nourishment and a decent amount of first aid. ratio sets himself back on task, pulling away to make quick work of his slacks, stepping out of his pants in a moment. ]

Regardless, I would say I must be suitably impressed to have you in the bath with me. Unless you think I invite anyone?

[ it would be rude to stare, and it is probably a bad time for that, but aventurine cannot help the way his eyes linger on ratio as he undresses. he’s just admiring! the man is like a sculpture, and aventurine likes pretty things. ]

I seem to recall you having discerning tastes, so I should be flattered.

[ and he is, really. to know that ratio thinks of him in such a way, and has chosen aventurine to share a bath with — among other things — really is flattering. it makes aventurine want to preen, if he were in better condition. perhaps when he has washed some of the blood off. when his hair is combed. ]

But you know, I am a little vain. Is there something terribly wrong with wanting to look good for a person you admire?

[ now he is the one doing the flattering, though he knows ratio does not care about that sort of thing the way others might. a little bit of teasing; he can’t help it. aventurine missed being able to talk to someone like this. ]

[ ratio is not a shy man and does not pay the attention any mind. he quite used to the all eyes on him attention from his lectures, but this is a different more intimate attention. certainly welcome. it is intentionally superfluous to mention that aventurine should be flattered for bath sharing when it’s much deeper than that. truthfully, there has been no one else like this for ratio.

discerning tastes, indeed.

and it has very little to do with how pretty aventurine looks. that may be a harder thing to convince the gambler of, but there is no rush now. irregardless, aventurine only needs a little soap and water to shine and he does not doubt, even with the remaining injuries, he will feel better. ]

Then let us preen your feathers together.

[ he squats then, before aventurine — not a foreign position — to help the gambler out of his trousers. ]

I know firsthand how your feathers shine with a little care. Perhaps I should be the one flattered.

[ aventurine is not a shy man either, but it makes his face warm to have ratio down before him like that, and he has to push away the feeling of embarrassment and inadequacy. aventurine's feathers have long been false; all those expensive outfits he had adorned himself in, the jewelry, the bravado. as a man who oozes self-confidence most of the time, at the heart of him is insecurity and a deep lack of self-worth, so he has never had an issue putting his life on the line in his gambles.

but now there is someone who does. someone who had genuinely mourned him, and who came to his aid when he needed it. aventurine struggles to pull back that confidence, the mask he is most comfortable wearing, wanting to keep it firmly in place. ]

There is enough flattery for the both of us to share, apparently. And I know you will protest, but I do want to remind you that you need not help me undress.

[ that said, aventurine allows it, because he likes the attention, and the way it feels to be doted upon by ratio. ]

[ as much as aventurine sees all his fluff and feathers as false, ratio sees the man under it all and is enamored. the fluff is unnecessary. aventurine is just lovely as he is. the gambler clearly doesn’t understand the value of his own life… another thing that ratio has no chance of remedying right now, but he intends to address.

aventurine allows the utterly indulgent undressing and ratio continues to do just so, stripping his clothes, sliding them off his feet. he is grateful that aventurine is alive and he is able to do this so called unnecessary task. ]

I nearly thought you were going to complain about me disrobing you. Did it occur to you that perhaps I enjoy it?

[ a mild attempt to draw aventurine’s focus away from the caring ratio is doing, a simple thing that never fails to unsettle aventurine. being taken care of. ratio does enjoy this. when he stands again, he fusses again with their bath, stopping the water as it already steamy and full of frothing bubbles. ]

Hold tight, [ is all the warning that aventurine gets before ratio is picking him up again. this time is short, the scant time it takes for ratio to lift him and then settle him into the bath, ratio following and settling behind him again, a mirror of their first bath. The heat on his tired body feels utterly divine and he does hope it will soothe some of aventurine’s aches, as much as that may be asking too much. ]

How is this? [ he asks, inquiring about a vague and all encompassing everything. their position, the water, his body — all of it. ]

You enjoy undressing me, hm?

[ another teasing comment, but aventurine welcomes the distraction from getting stuck in his own thoughts. he does honestly like being doted on by ratio, even if he feels undeserving and awkward about it; if ratio sincerely likes undressing aventurine, then he will not complain.

least of all when he is suddenly lifted again, warm arms lifting him easily, and it is almost disappointing when he is settled in the bath just as quickly without having time to enjoy himself. at least there is minimal jostling of his injuries, and right away, the heat is soothing on aches and bruises.

it feels divine, but even better is the feeling when ratio settles in behind him. it is oddly safe, even though aventurine generally prefers not to leave his back open to someone. ratio is… always a special case.

without waiting, aventurine shifts himself back, almost enough to lean against ratio’s chest, but not quite. ]

You know, I think I’m starting to understand why you like baths so much.

[ an understandable and guarded notion, to not leave one’s rear defenseless and exposed. ratio does hope that aventurine trusts him enough to know that is not the case with him. presumably so, given their previous encounter and the enjoyment aventurine had seemed to take in lounging against him. he is reminded of just that when aventurine shifts back to nearly do so again.

the response does draw a soft, warm rumbling chuckle out of ratio. he can assume the warm water is having a positive effect. ]

It is a wondrous thing.

[ his chest is there for aventurine, his head more than welcome. unfortunately, ratio beats him, grabbing a bottle of conditioner and squirting a generous amount into his hand before applying to aventurine’s hair with wet hands, slowly working the product in to help work out the knots. ]

Now, did you think it was a chore, undressing you?

[ ratio’s hands feel heavenly, and aventurine realizes that this, and their encounter before, is the first kind touch he has felt in quite a while. he lets his eyes close, both to avoid any stray soap, and to indulge in the feeling. it is a rare thing for aventurine to be completely content. ]

Well, for most people it would be. But we have kissed, so maybe it’s different.

[ he wants to lean back against that chest, but will wait patiently for once as ratio washes his hair. already, it feels so much better than it had before. he won’t even complain if fingers snag in knots. ]

[ as much as he would care to scrape his fingers across aventurine’s scalp in a soothing massage, he instead finds his fingers gently coercing tangles out of his hair with the aid of the conditioner. he ensures the soap stays away from aventurine’s face while he works, the knotted catches in his hair starting to work loose.

even without the kissing, even without the attraction— ratio would not find it a burden to aid someone with something they needed assistance with. he cares about aventurine, if it helps to bend down and do something himself, ratio will. ]

It is not a chore, even if we had not kissed.

[ likewise, it was no chore to see aventurine free. it was as obligatory as breathing. ]

I believe the book reading will have to wait until next time. When was the last time you ate?

[ aventurine is, perhaps, too cynical. ratio is a kind person; of course he would assist someone who needs it. that's what this might be... had they not kissed. aventurine certainly hopes it is more than that. not an act of charity or pity, though aventurine has been feeling quite pitiful of late.

the question brings him out of his thoughts. ]

Well, meals there are quite forgettable.

[ which is not untrue; the bare minimum, and sometimes less. that said, aventurine does not remember which day he was last fed; they all sort of bled together in that room, and he was being punished, so care was even lower than usual.

he has been subsisting off the thought of that meal he'd had with ratio, but it's not as though he isn't used to going hungry. ]

[ aventurine is not wrong in his hopes; this is an act of loyalty. there is no charity or pity involved. he is attending to aventurine because the gambler means something to him. that attraction is more than skin deep, so he is not just here when aventurine looks his prettiest.

he huffs at how casually dismissive aventurine is of the meals or lack there of. he can look at him and tell the meals have been scant. ]

In that case, I’m afraid you’ll find tonight’s meal forgettable. I ordered what I thought would be easy on your stomach.

[ he gently urges aventurine to move so he can rinse out the conditioner without getting his eyes. his hands follows the water through, rinsing his hair clean and soft and tangle free. when he finishes, he chases the excess water away. ]

There.

[ bruises aside, he looks more familiar now. ]

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