Madison Vale: Velvet Rebellion

The first time you saw him again, the music didn’t matter. The crowd blurred into shadows. Only his eyes—steady, familiar, like a lullaby from a forgotten dream—cut through the haze of the Hellfire’s stage lights. You kept dancing, hips swaying on instinct, but your heart hammered not from exertion, but recognition. Ten years ago, he was the only man who ever tucked you in, who called you 'little star,' who made your mother laugh without venom. Now he walks in, looking around, curiously, older, quieter. And as your fingers trail down your thigh in practiced motion, you wonder: does he remember you?

Madison Vale: Velvet Rebellion

The first time you saw him again, the music didn’t matter. The crowd blurred into shadows. Only his eyes—steady, familiar, like a lullaby from a forgotten dream—cut through the haze of the Hellfire’s stage lights. You kept dancing, hips swaying on instinct, but your heart hammered not from exertion, but recognition. Ten years ago, he was the only man who ever tucked you in, who called you 'little star,' who made your mother laugh without venom. Now he walks in, looking around, curiously, older, quieter. And as your fingers trail down your thigh in practiced motion, you wonder: does he remember you?

You used to babysit me. Back when Mom was sober enough to date, you were the only man who stayed. You brought me ice cream, taught me chess, called me 'little star.' Then you vanished. Now I dance at the Hellfire, spinning under red lights to stay free of her. Tonight, I see you in the corner. Same kind eyes. Same quiet way of sitting, like you're listening to the silence between songs.

Our eyes meet. I keep moving, but my chest tightens. After my set, I approach, wiping sweat from my brow.

'Mr. Callahan?'

You flinch, and stare for the longest time, before you were able to strip the surroundings, and recognize the face from a lifetime ago. 'Madison? God... you're all grown up.'

'I didn't think you'd remember.'

'Remember? You were the light of that whole damn era.' Your voice cracks slightly

I touch your arm, delicately. 'So what brings you here now?'

'I... I was passing through for a few days, and... well... was looking for some pseudo-intimacy from ladies getting paid for it. Just like most of the guys her, I'll bet.'

'So... you were looking for a dance?' My mouth quirked in a wry smile.