It starts at La Dove (for ipaperdoll)
 

Spring had just arrived to the world. Flowers were blooming, the sun was out, more people were enjoying the outside. But that wasn't the fact for a young man name Dante Redd. For he was trap in work. He was looking at a high class fashion boutique called 'La Dove.' It was one of the most classy stores that he had ever been in. He even heard that some people come from all over the world to shop here. But if you think it only sells clothes, you be wrong. For it was also a bar and restaurant. You think that he would be happy that he was working here. It was prety easy and the pay was way beyond minimum wage. So why didn't he liked working so much.

For one thing. It's kind of hard because of his looks. He was such a pretty boy. He wasn't all that tall, just 5' 10", his skin was pale as the moon. As some at the people of the shop would say. His hair was sliky smooth and a lovely color of onyx black. It was short with his bangs combed to the side. His eyes were violet. Like looking into gems. At work he wear the unifoms that looked a little old fashioned, but it wasn't so bad. Another reason was because of his looks. He gets bothered by some of the customers just want him around for arm candy. But those are not the number one reason why he didn't like working here.

It was his boss. The one who owns this store. For some odd reason he kept feeling like he was watching him. Like he was alwats there. At first he thought it was just because of the cameras. But he keeps seeing him no matter what. Somethings just standing there. He can really pay attention for he was with a customer. Who was looking for a dress for a party she was going to tonight.

"Well what do you think?" she asked. Dante looked at her and smiled. "It looks wonderful on you. I haven't seen anyone looks as beautiful as you in it." he said to her in a charming voice. She blushed and even squeled a little. "Okay I'm getting it. By any chance I can take you to the party insend of my husband?" he asked. He only chuckled. "Sorry my lady, but I have plans after work." he told her. "Oh, what a shame." she sighed sadly and went back into the dressing room. Once she was in. The boy sighed. "She's like all other girls. Totally shallow." he thought and sighed.

((for a better idea of what the work uniform looks like. Here's a pic. http://images.absoluteanime.com/toky...mew/wesley.jpg))

The woman stepped out of the changing room and had put on her nirmal clothes. Which were things you seen on a woman who actully had the money. Once she was finished. Dante thought that he was done also until the boss show up and wrapped a shoulder around him. "You are doing a wonderful job. I couldn't be so much prouder." he said. Leaning in closer and sweet talking into his ear. Which made his cheek a little pink. His body was trembling alot. "Aw, don't be afraid, I don't bite...much." he said. That's when he knew what was happening. "Ah, I need to get out of here! I need to find someone and get him away." he thought.

That's when he saw his gateway towards freedom. A man who just had entered. Who was about to leave. "I gotta go! You know, customer." he said. Pulling himself away from his boss. Who was a good looking man. He was really tall, had muscle, lovely hair and had tons of money. He was the man that every house wife wanted. He let go of the boy and he dashed off to the man who was leaving. "Don't leave! Don't leave! Don't leave. Whatever you do, don't leave!" he thought in panic mode. He was rushing down the stairs and almost bumped into other staff members and customers. He wasn't going to let him slip from his grasp.

As soon as Michael opens the door. He could feeling a samll hand, gripping onto the back of his jacket. He was panting. Because on the way down, he twisted his ankle. "Don't go!" he said. As if he was afraid that he would never see him again. Which made his face red. "Okay that sounded really bad. Great I screw up my chances." he thought. Then he took a deep breath and put on his charming smile on. "I'm sorry if no one got to you." he said. Bowing to him in a gentleman way. "My name is Dante and I be more then honored to help you here at La Dove." he said with just poise and well matter.

Dante was baffled when the man grabbed hold onto his hand. As he told him his name. He could of swore he had heard of that name somewhere before. But doesn't remember where. He's not really in the rich people crowd. He was was a simple living guy. Living in an apartment. That was many blocks away from him. Actually towards the bad side of town. "Is nice to meet you, sir." he said with a warm smile. "So, how may I help you?" he asked. Really glad that he was around for him to save his hide from his annoying boss. "Are you here to shop or dine? Are bar doesn't open til 7 at night. Today on the menu is Roasted duck with raspberry glaze. The soup of the day is french onion soup with blue cheese cover." he told him. It was part of his job. Which is odd because he mostly work in the clothes.

"We had a marvelous sale on all Italian suits. Buy one and get the other off for 20% off." he informed Michael. "Would you like for me to take your jacket? It quite warm in here. Also would you care for a drink?" he asked. Inside he wanted to sigh. "I hate being a dog to these rich people. They all seem to forget the simple things in life. It's mostly money, parties and getting drunk." he thought and took a deep breath.

He notice that the man wanted to keep the jacket to himself which was totally fine. When he removed the sunglasses he was in shock. They looked so...beautiful to his eyes. He couldn't stop staring at them. When Emery said that he was sorry for him not looking. He shook his head. "No, I thik they are nice. I've never seen anything like it before." he told him. "You know they are not as bad as you say they are." he told his thoughts to him. When the man asked if he could asked him something. He nodded his head. "Sure, ask away." he said. He was starting to sound like he was starting to open up to him. Like he was an old friend then a customer.

He smile was warm and friendly. It was like you can tell him anything and wouldn't do anything to hurt you or anyone else. When he was thank by Emery. "Don't need to. It just a smae that other people might think that's creepy, but in day and age. If you look the slightest different. You will be know as a outcast. It makes me wonder why I'm in here." he said in a really friendly manner and even chuckled a little. When he finally asked his question. He face turned realy beat red. "He's...asking me out...a sales clerk? Not some ritch jerk....wow." he thought. Having no ides what to say. So he just open his mouth and hoped something came out. "Okay, sure. Sounds good. But you are buying." he told him with a smile.

Then Dante started to feel his heart beating within his cheast. He had never hasd this feeling before. Even when he looked at girls. He never felt like this. It was like his heart was on a trackmill at 70 m.p.h. But there was something he liked about him. Other then his eyes. Now those he really liked.

Dante couldn't help but to laugh at Emery's expression. When he told him that he would pick him up by seven. He nodded his head. "Okay, but my shift ends at five. Hold on." he said. Pulling out a notepad from his left front pocket and a pen in the other one. He starts writing down his address. "Here." he said. Ripping the piece of paper out and handed it to him. "Here's my address. I'm number 7. But if you can;t fugre it out. my name is right next tot he button. I'm the only Dante so it wouldn't be to hard." he told him and smiled.

What the young man didn't know was that he was being watched. None other then his boss. He was hiding behind a pillar. There was a cold glare on his face and was slightly growling. "Even if he's a customer. No one will lay a hand on my little Dante. He works for me, so he is mine." he thought angerly. Before walking away.

Dante looked so bashful when he kissed him on the hand. His lips felt so soft and warm. Yet he felt chills going down his spine. He even felt a little tighter in the pants. Which made his face turn a little red. He actully felt sad that he was leaving already, but he will see him later tonight. Which he couldn't wait. He wonder what they were going to eat. He hoped not here. The less time at work the better. Just then, his pager went off from his back pocket the boss wanted to see him. He sighed sadly and went into his office.

Inside it looked like more of a den then a office. There were animal heads on the wall. Knight armor and an actual fire place. There was also a book self. It was like you can live in here. He opens the door and walks right in. Closing it behind him. "You wanted to see me sir?" he asked. The boss was in his chair glareing at the young man. When frighten him a little. Then he stood up and walked towards him. Making Dante have his back against the wall. Then he slammed his giant plums onto the wall. Next to his head. "I see that you lost a customer, what did you say to him?" he asked. Sounding rather mad. He gulped. "Nothing, sir." he told him then gasped. Foe his boss was touching him between the legs. Then- slap! He was smacked across the face. Leaving a huge red mark on his face. "Get one thing straight,Dante. You are mine. I would trade everyone else if I were to only keep you. So don't you dare think you belong to someone else. Got it?" he asked. The boy was in rather deep shock, but nodded his head. Which made the boss smile and kissed himon the forehead. "Now go, you still have work to do." he said. With that the young man dashed out of there.

With time, he helped some people out and was still being bothered by his boss. The red mark vanished and he wasn't going to tell anyone what happen. But he felt so embarrassed when he touched him. But it was his problem and no one else. Soon it was five. Time to go home. He punched out and dashed to his car. A rusty piece of junk. He drove home and got ready for the date with Emery.

Where young Dante lived was were most people don't want to be at night. There were muggers, hookers, drug dealers, and so on. He spent a whole hour in the show when he first got home. He felt so dirty after what hapen. He try to forget, but it was kind of hard. He thought that he had to deal with his touching his shoulders, but down there. "Snapped out of it!" he scolded at himself. Get got out, but since the date wasn't for awhile. He thought just wearing a tank and shorts would be good enough.

The sooner it got to the date time. He got dressed. What was sad that the only nice think he had was actully his uniform. But he wasn't going near that thing. His place was small. It was one bathroom, one bedroom and a living room. It was all connected. The only doors were the bed room closet and bathroom. The place was cheap. Even if he did had a lot of money in the bank (not as much as Emery of course). So he went to the next best thing. A black polo shirt and darkwash jeans. With a pair of nice white sneakers. As he was combing his hair. He hears the knock at the door. At first he was jumpy then remember that he had plans with the man he had met earlier. Before he answered the door. He took a quick look at himself in the minnor. "Great...I look like trash compare to him. I hope he doesn't get mad." he thought. Taking in a deep breath and opens the door. "Hey." he said with a smile and a friendly tone. "Did you fine the place okay?" he asked.

Dante couldn't help but to laugh at the mugger comment. "Yeah. That is a problem around here." he said. Not telling him that he gets mugged like two times a month around here. Hearing Emery hearing that he looks good tonight. He was about to speak. When he put a finger on his soft tender lips. Making the young lad blush. Sure a lot of people say that he looks good, but he never took them seriously. But hearing it from him, it was really good. What was better was that the rich man kissed him on the hand once more. But what was weird to him was that the way he said it's better then faking it. To him, iy sounded like he was going through the same thing. "I know. But when you are working in a place like La Dove. You kind to act like it." he told him.

When he asked about coming inside to look aroud, he nodded his head. "Sure. I don't see why not. It's small so it would take up time." he said. Moving to the side. "By the way, you also look good tonight. Not that you ddn't look bad earlier." he said with a blush on his face. Feling like he already screw up. Inside the room wasn't all the wonderful. There were huge cracks on the wall, and the window was jammed up. So it was rather cold in here. There were stacks of newspapers in one cornr. Most were wanted ads. Then there were stacks of cans in another. The couch looked rather old. Like great grampa old. It was rip and covered with duct type. Not to metion that the color was awful it was puke green. The kitchen was small and the light above the stove was flickering. No matter how many lightbulbs he puts in, it will still flicker. The floors were hard floor and rather dirty.

Dante actually felt ashame for making him look at the place. "I'm sorry if the place is a mess. I just can;t find the time to clean. La dove is really hard to work at." he said looking a bit sad. He didn't want to show him the rest of the his place. Which would be the bed room and the bathroom. "So ready to go?" he asked.

"I know. People tell me that I should move out of here and find a better place to live. But I will, someday." he told the man. He was saving up money for a new place. But with bills, rent, and other things. He knew that it was going to take a little longer to move on out. When he finally does, his first plan. Leave the couch here. He hated that more then anything, well he liked it more then his boss. Once they were out of the apartment, he started to smile. Emery was so kind to so friendly to him. Since he live on the first floor. It wouldn't take long to step out. Now he wished that he didn't. For right infront of his, was his boss.

Young Dante was frozen on the second stipp down. With a frighen expression on his face. Remembering what happened today. "Why is here here?! He had ever came before." he thought in fear. When his date asked him why he was here. The man smiled. "Good evening you two. I'm here to talk to Mr.Redd or in your case, Dante." he said looking at the young lad. Who was looking away. Emery could see tha he looked upset and frighten. His body was trembling a little. When made the man smiled. Thinking it was cute. "So may I come in?" he asked Dante. "Um...well..." he said in a little voice.

Dante frighten expression soon changed into surprise. For that Emery had stood infront of him. Like he was blocking him off from the young lad. His cheeks were turning a little redder. The man growled. Not really buying his story. All he wanted to do was kocking this guy out and take Dante away. "Yeah." Dante said. "I promise that I would go. He said that he would buy his next suit from us if I came along." he told his boss. Then man calmed down a little. and smiled. Which made the young man's stomach churn uneasy. "Well alright. We'll talk about it first thing in the morning, Dante." he told him. Which he nodded his head. "Yes, Mr.Martinez. I understand." he said. Before they walk away. With that said in done. Martinez got into his limo and drove off. He hit his fist to the seat and thought. "That man will pay and so will Dante for cheating." he thought angerily.

Once Dante and Emery drove off into down. He sat there quietly. He couldn't believe that his boss came over to his house. Now he felt like he had nowhere to run. Heak he was afraid of after this dinner date. Having his elbow resting on the car window seal. He placed his head in his hand and looked out at the lights. Then he looked at the man who was driving. As some of the street lights hit his eyes. It looked like they were sparking. "He really does have nice eyes." he thought. Wishing that he could have his eyes. "Say, Emery. Thanks for back there with him." he said in a small voice.

"I kind of geuss that it was a lie. But it got us out of there." he said with a smile. Without his boss around he felt so much calmer and safe around him. Which also made him feel a little bad. He's a man and he can't stand up to his boss. But he wasn't much of a fighter. He knew that his boss could take him. He wasn't really looking forward to the next morning. As the other man was talking on his phone. He remained quiet. Not wanting to bother him. He listen in. He was even shocked about him trying to keep his boss away from them. "This is to much. I mean I haven;t show him all that much and he's already done so much." he thought.

Once Emery was done talking on the phone. He looked at him. "Emery, I'm going to pay for dinner tonight." he told him. It was the least he can do for him. He actually felt bad that first he saw him nothing more then a tool to use to get freedom from his boss' hold. When they finally arrived. He stepped out and looked at the place with amazment. "Okay...wow." he said. Totally stun from the looks of this place. It was one of those things you see on tv that you could never go to. "Your uncle owns this place?" he asked. "It's really nice." he said. "It's the food good here?" he asked some more.

Dante felt a little sad that they wouldn't have pay for a thing. Now he feels prety much useless. As they entered inside the hotel. Dante felt like he was going to be stumbled upon on by the staff. As they starts listing all they can offer for them. Hearing all they things they could do. He was glad that he lived a simple life. Not that he was hating this. But if he were in the other man's shoes. Dealing with this would make him go crazy. When he told then that they were here told him to eat at Azia. He couldn't belilve that. He had actually heard about that plece. It was a must go place. He was feeling pretty lucky.

Once they arrived into the room. The young man looked around and was amazed by it. "Wow. This place is so nice. He felt like he was in a diffrent place in the world. Like somewhere in Asia. When Emery told him ot sit down on the pillow. He simply nodded his head. For he didn't know what to say. Just lastnight he was eating at the convenience store, now he's eating at aplace that had five stars. "I hope I'm not being punk'd." he thought. The pillow that he was sitting on felt so soft. "Wow. I never felt anything this soft before." he thought.

Just as the waiter came in and brought sake and bread. He couldn't believe it. Actual sake, that was his favorite form of alcohol. Once they were set on the table. He just stared at the sake. Until Emery spoke. He then look look up at him and smiled. "Well, it kind of is. Not that I don't like it here. This place is really nice. But when you grow up on fast food and microwave meals. It's hard to get used to." he said and chuckled. "Besides, who knows how many times I would go to places like this? I'm more of a simple guy. As long I got a roof over my head, food in my stomach, and clothes on my back. I'm a happy man." he told him. Then Dante pointed to the sake. "May I?" he asked. It might be a little silly to asked. Since the waiter broight it for then to enjoy together. He had to ask that when he was at work. Which he didn't want to think about. He wanted to enjoy the moment. "So,Emery. Tell me a little about yourself. I mean I don't know much about you. Except that you uncle runs this place. What do you do for a living to live this life style?" he asked.

He was in shock when he was given a card. It was nice but he handed him the card back. "Thanks for the offer, but I can't take it. It really to much for me. Besides. If I got the chance to eat here everyday at anytime. It would ruined it. It wouldn't be all that special. As much as the offer is nice. I'm not going to take it." he told him as he takes the sake glass. "But I will take the sake. Thanks." he said as he takes the sake cup and takes a sip out of it. "Oh, wow. This is really good." he said with a smile. The was another reason behind why he wouldn't take it. He didn't want to be sucked into this rich life. He was happy with his life. Sure there were issues here and there. But that what makes life a little more interesting. From what he seems. The only issue for the rich were how uch to spend on clothes and cars. But he wasn't going to say that to his face. He thought that it would be totally rude.

He refilled his sake cup as he listens to Emery talk about himself. But as he listens he kept staring his his eyes. With the lighting in the room. They sparkled more then when they were driving. He could feel his pants were getting a little tighter. Which made his face turned a little red. But they loosen up and the blush vanished when he told him that he was married, but his wife passed away. "Oh. I'm sorry to hear that." he said. Taking a big gulp of the sake. Continuing to listen. "Now I know where I heard his name. I seen his father on the news a couple of times. alking about what they are making. But I wonder if he likes working there. Sometimes you need to do something you want to do then what people want you to do. But being a son to a man like him. I guess it's hard." he thought. Finishing another cup of sake.

The thing about Dante is that he's a heavy drinker, but his body was a light drinker. Meaning that he gets drunk a little to fast. His face was already a little pink and you can tell by the expression that he was a bit drunk. Nothing dangerous, but was getting there. "You know, you father doesn't sound like a nice person. Yelling to forget the person you once loved and just take over, just to never remember her. Man I glad he's not my father. I don't think I could get over, but it's not I like girls. They are loud, annoying and they only want guys for money, power and looks. But main point. Loosing someone forever is hard. It's not like an item. Where you brake it you can get something bigger and better. Once the person is gone. They're gone. I bet she loved your eyes as much as I do." he told him. Being a little buzzed. When he asked him about himself. He refilled his cup.

"Well...I mostly grew up alone. I don't really have a family. I have no mother or father. I don't have brothers or sisters. I grew up in a orphanage for awhile. But after so many failed interviews. One night I packed up and run off. I was a street kid. Doing things that I'm not really proud of. I don't want to talk about. When I was 14 I did have someone in my life, but he sadly passed away a few months later. Don't get me wrong. I actually enjoyed it. It was pretty fun, but as I got older. I knew that I had to get more serious. The landlord where I live now offered my a place to live. He even let me stay free of rent after awhile. But during those times were dark. I felt so worthless and useless. But after some time I got hired at La Duh and it's normal since." he told him. There was more to his tale, but he didn't want to tell him because he was afraid that he might hate him. With that, he finished his fourth glass of sake.

With the sake kicking in. He got angry from what se saw and hear. "That's just so wrong!" he yelled. Slamming his palms down to the table. "What kind of father goes and does that to their child. That's just sick and wrong!" he told him. "I swear. If I ever see your old man, I'm going to punch his lights out." he said. Swing his fist tot he side. Almost falling over. Dante's face was getting a little more pinker. Once again refilling his glass. Without really thinking. He was drinking to forget the boss' touch. That's how he deals with something troubling him.

When the rich man told him that he's a better person. He shook his head. "Not really I'm nothing but scum. I mean my real parents didn't want want me, no ne wanted to adopt me as a child. I had to do some things that were against the law. I'm lower then low lives." he told him. Gulping the sake down. Only to fill it up. This time to the brim. When the other man commented on his drinking. He looked down. "Sorry...I've been hogging it. You want some?" he asked. Now looking totally drunk. He picked up the sake to offer him to pour a glass for him, but he dropped it and it spilled all over the table and even some onto Emery.

Dante gasped and stood up. "Oh, man I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to!" he said. Grabbing sopme napkins and starts wiping the sake off the table. He looked upset. This man was just trying to be nice to him and how does he repay him. By getting drunk and spilling sake all over him. "Why am I like this?" he mumbled.

When he saw him bending over. Dante thought that he was going to blow up and hit him. When he came up, he closed his eyes. Getting ready to be hit, but opens them when he heard him laughing. Which made him really confused. Mostly when whatever gets spilled onto suits on rich folks. They get pissed and to the point where they will sue. But hearing him laugh, he lightly chuckled. "You, you are not mad?" he asked. with a drunken smile on his face.