Dancing through the Night

The school bell rings throughout the university halls. It's the final one for the day. The majority of students had already left campus. Only a few unfortunates remain, either forced to take those classes over other options or night owls who prefer it this way.

Samson is one of those students. Chubby in stature, Meissner Lop bunny. Long hanging fluffy ears, dirty blond hair that reaches his shoulders and covers half of his face. He is actually looking forward to the later classes. Not having to worry about waking up early and having fewer people around him are two significant advantages of doing so.  

He slowly collects his things. Not bothering anyone's business, if it just would be the same the other way around. 

"Hey, Sam, you're coming to the party with us!!" A burly lion yells through half the classroom, drawing unwanted attention to the bunny. The booming voice startles Sam and immediately overwhelms him. Shivers run down his spine as he is unsure how to react. An unpleasant prickly sensation ran along his skin.

“Did you not know? He has a job now. Not that he was any fun to begin with.” A slender cheetah enters the one-sided conversation. The rest of the group laughs at that remark. With the exception of one. 

"Greg, leave him alone. He didn’t do anything to deserve this kind of treatment.” A large bull prevents the group from going any further in their teasing. "Besides, do you really want to be late for something like this?" 

The Bull receives no response other than a huff from the Lion. At the very least, he pays attention as he turns around and begins to leave the classroom with the rest of the group. He's already starting a new conversation with everyone else, as if he's completely forgotten what he just did. The bull, Sam remembers his name is Theo, gives a small apologetic bow before catching up with the rest of the group.

Sam can finally relax once he can no longer hear them or their footsteps. He even needs some time to calm down because his heart felt like it was about to leap out of his chest at any moment. He's never been particularly good at this sort of thing, which is why he prefers to spend his time alone. He had a small group of friends in the past, but he was always the shy guy in the background, preferring to enjoy the company silently rather than competing for the main attention among his friends. 

He continues packing the rest of his stuff once he feels he has calmed down fully. If there was one truth in this one-sided conversation, it would be his new job. He started it recently and it turns out to be a place he never thought he would end up in. 

His thoughts still keep spinning as he recalls how everything started. The job description stated that no experience was required and that you should be willing to assist in any way you can. The sum of money was enough for him to show up in the first place.

His thoughts wander as he walks out of campus and down a row of small shops. His gaze is drawn to his own reflection, where he sees himself as he had in the past. Too chubby, unkempt hair, and dark fur. Turtleneck sweaters, simple jeans, and sneakers are the main items of clothing. He's nothing special, or he's never thought of himself as anything special. Simple interests, as so many others have. He has an interest in mechanics and technology, which is how he ended up at the university where he is now.

As he looks at his watch, he lets out a soft huff. He spent far more time than he wanted trying to get out of university. His original plan was to come home, dress, and leave for work. But there is no longer enough time. He walks over to the bus stop. He'll be early for work, but that's better than being late.

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Sam arrives at his destination after a few bus stops and a lot of thoughts. His gaze is drawn to the sky, which is already turning orange as the sun prepares to set and make way for the night. It's a nice day, not too hot or cold, with few clouds. Let's hope this lasts through the night. His gaze is drawn to the large neon sign in front of him. It has a somewhat cheesy name. "Arabian Nights". It's not the most creative choice, but it works.

The bunny walks slowly around the building to the workers' entrance, where he is met by an intimidating-looking bouncer. Sam recalls how terrified he was the first time he came here for the interview. By now he is well aware that the bull terrier appears scarier than he is. 

"Hey, Sam, you're a little early. Is everything all right?" The bouncer raises his dark shade to face him directly. The bunny is softly shaking his head. "Everything is fine. Just ended up staying on campus longer than planned and not having enough time to get home before coming here."  

He nods as he opens the door and welcomes Samson inside. The interiors, as the name suggests, are heavily influenced by every type of old Middle Eastern film you can think of. It can be quite suffocating, but Sam had grown accustomed to it by this point. A couple of coworkers are already running around, greeting him nicely, and he returns them equally friendly. 

He finds his way quickly to the locker room, where he slowly puts his belongings away while taking another deep breath. He never expected to end up in a job like this, and no one would believe him if he told them. 

“Hey sweetie, you are early today.” A big feminine man stands in the locker room door frame. On his lips is a friendly smile. Deep dark lipstick and dressed as if he belonged here. Silk clothes in bright colors that are revealing in all the right places. Sam had never met anyone who was so confident of themselves before meeting him. It is not an exaggeration to say that he is the main cause why Sam did not abandon this job right away.  

"I would have been late if I had gone home before work. So, Sir, I came here right after my class. I'm hoping that's not a problem?"

With a huff, the Caracal enters the locker room. He clearly knows how to present himself; he swings his hip with each step without appearing ridiculous. His hips shaking just the right amount. Nothing too melodramatic or crazy over the top. It looks natural. “Ah shush sweetie. You are welcome here whenever you need a place to stay. And stop calling me Sir all the time. I told you to call me Aria many times. Everyone does.” 

Sam nods as he watches Aria approach and take a seat on the bench next to him. He crosses one leg over the other, hands on his knees. The bunny can’t help but be impressed. The way he is moving, sitting and showing himself off. He is confident, displaying everything he has to offer and appears good doing so. Doesn’t matter that he has a couple pounds too much, it actually looked like it has to be this way.

Samson recalls meeting him for the first time and how nervous he was. Even more so after Aria explained the available jobs and which one he could see Sam in. Thinking about the past causes his heart to race. He has no idea what compelled him to stay and even accept this job. His mind told him that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for whatever reason. Even if he felt like his soul left his body from embarrassment while signing the contract.

“Are you feeling ready to be on the main stage today? I think you showed everyone that you have enough experience to do so. Then again I knew you could handle it from the start.” The Caracal smiles at the bunny, making him blush slightly. He still lacks the confidence to be as direct as his boss is. 

“I’m not sure. It is still a lot for me.” Sam begins to play with his fingers as a shiver runs up his neck, making his hair stand up. As much as he fears the attention, he is also looking forward to it. It's a strange sensation all around. 

“Sam, you don’t need to worry, we are all here and if it gets too much we will all come to the rescue and get you out of there. But you have to start doing the first step or you will not change. You told me you want to be more confident in yourself.” Aria has his head tilted to the side as he waits for an answer; Knowing that it will take some time, he stands up and reaches out, pulling the bunny's bangs out of his face and revealing gorgeous ice blue eyes.  “Are you wearing contact lenses like I told you? You should have gotten those a long time ago.” 

Samson is clearly startled and overwhelmed as the Caracal steps up and moves his hair, still trying to find the right words about his decision for tonight. He can only nod in response. It's strange. Aria hasn't been his boss for long and already treats him more like family than his family does. His parents are not heartless. They genuinely care about him and did everything they could to help him. But Aria cares differently, he shows him how to express himself and break free from his shell. 

“I still think a pair of glasses would be better for you. Would show that adorable face of yours to the world. But we will get there once you are ready.” He steps back and gives Sam a small tap on his adorable nose. “I will wait in your room. I want to show you something. No need to rush, just take your time to get ready.” The Caracal then turns around, leaving Sam alone in the locker room.

The room becomes silent. Sam can only hear his heartbeat and his breathing. After a while, he shakes his head and begins to undress. Aria is eager to show him something, so he will not keep him waiting for too long. 

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Sam is standing in the locker room after a long and thorough shower. His coat is clean and dry. He's only wearing a towel around his hips and a pair of shower sandals. Without a chance to bring clean clothes with him today, he has nothing to wear on the way to his room. Putting on his old clothes feels like undoing all of his recent work.

Contemplating Samson is staring at the front door. His room is not that far away. Actually only 3 doors after turning a corner. Gently nibbling on his lower lip, he finally takes a deep breath before starting to walk. 

Opening the door is another hurdle he tries to ignore as he steps out. Immediately feeling like his heart is jumping out of his chest as a co-worker comes past the door at the same moment. An awkward “Hello” later and Sam continues walking again. His heart is so loud that he believes everyone can hear it.

He is breathing heavily as he finally opens the door to his room. Feeling safe once he steps in, looking around. It is not much.  A small room with a clothes line along the wall, a big couch comfortable enough to sleep on and spot to get ready for work.

"Hello again, I think this is the first time I see you not wearing clothes between the locker room and your room." Aria is sitting on the couch, holding some kind of magazine. He was obviously reading it before he arrived.  “Are you doing fine sweetie?”

Sam needs a moment again, before nodding to that question. “Yeah.” 

"All right, so I've got something for you. I hope you will enjoy it.” The Caracal looks at the table against the room's back wall. It had a box on it. It appears to be both beautiful and expensive. "Open it." His boss says softly, clearly interested in Sam's reaction. 

Samson moves to the box still looking at it. He lets go of his towel and hangs it over the back of a nearby chair before opening it. He's completely naked now, but he's not embarrassed in front of his boss. He can only blink at what he sees as he slowly lifts the lid. He's at a loss for words. 

"You like it?" Aria stands up and approaches him as Sam examines the contents of the box. 

Again, the bunny is speechless. “Is that okay? It looks expensive.” 

“Oh shush you. If it was not okay, I wouldn’t have gotten it in the first place.” His boss is reaching into the box to retrieve a mask. It is simple. A half-face mask of a bunny design. There are no colors other than the natural leather from which it is made. It appears to be of high quality and soft to the touch. Sam had seen some of those before; they were cheaper and usually had ears, but this one only has the face part. Given his own long, floppy ears, it makes sense.

“I think the one you were using was not fitting well, so I wanted to have something made for you."

Sam's gaze returns to the box, where he slowly moves his hands inside and pulls out a dress. To be more specific, a belly dancer's dress. He can tell from the first touch that it is of high quality. The color is a lovely turquoise, with numerous golden ornaments. He had something similar before, but nothing of this quality.  

“Want me to help you with it?” Aria is smiling at the bunny, just noticing the sparkles in his eyes as she looks at his outfit. 

He nods: ”Yes, please.” 

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It took some time, but Samson is finally in the full outfit. He is looking in the mirror at himself. The turquoise contrasts nicely with his dark fur. He can see through the thin silk that was covering him just enough to keep him from being naked, but not enough to leave anything to the imagination. The outfit fits well against his curves, with ornaments adding accents in the right places to complement his figure.

His hair is tied back in a specific way, revealing his beautiful face and eyes. It's too short for a simple ponytail. With the help of some hair clips that matched the aesthetics of his outfit, Aria transformed his hairstyle into something appropriate for his costume. 

When he looks at himself in the mirror, he can only blush at the sight. So many years of hating himself, and now he's enjoying the view. It's an odd, but enjoyable sensation.

"One last thing." Aria approaches him from behind and places the mask on his face. It is perfectly fitting. His eyes sparkle like gemstones. The Caracal is adjusting it slightly so that it is stable enough to allow Sam to move freely. 

Once the outfit is finished, the bunny looks at himself again. They both came up with the mask to help him overcome his shyness. It evolved into a protective barrier that gives him confidence. He begins to turn in front of the mirror, examining himself. His posture shifted dramatically, showing self-assurance. "It looks incredible. Was it really not too expensive?" 

Aria shakes his head, the look on Samon's face is worth every penny. He grabs a lipstick from the table and gently holds Sam's face in place before applying it. Making the whole get up complete. “Seeing you enjoying yourself is worth all of it, don’t worry. So have you decided on making your debut on the main stage today?” 

Sam looks in the mirror again, turning half way around and wagging his adorable little bunny tail before shaking his hips and doing some steps of his choreographed performance. He adores how the dress moves and how the curves of his body bounce in the right way. Even his member moving under the fabric.

"I think I'll give it a shot. I have faith in you to help me when I need it." He looks back at Aria with a big bright smile, which made the Caracal just melt on the spot. 

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“‘Arabian Nights’ is a very unique and specific club in town. The middle eastern aesthetics together with its offers are not seen everywhere. It caters to every taste. Every night of the week has different main acts. Women and men of different physique dancing on stage. You can watch and enjoy the shows, get good and even unique beverages together with a simple variety of food are offered as well. 

Every Wednesday was the night for those who enjoyed curvy men to mark their calendars. It has recently gained popularity among regulars, to the point where word has spread even further.

This was the work of a single dancer. So far, he had not been the main attraction. Nonetheless, he has frequently stolen the show from everyone else. The fact that he never showed his full face and moved alluringly added another layer to the overall experience. I hope to see him on the main stage someday. Which, I'm sure, will be soon.”

A group of young men standing in front of the club. One of the friends just finished reading the recommendation about this place. It appeared cheesy and over-the-top, but positive reviews usually have a reason. 

“So this is the place huh? It looks so fake.”

"Well, something about this must be right, look." A quick nod to the entrance shows that people are lining up. Before anyone can say anything else, a pair of excited girls walks past them. 

"I heard he'll be performing on the main stage today." The owner of this place updated his Instagram stories with the night's changes. ", The first one says.

“I can’t wait to see him again. Maybe we will be able to see everything tonight?”, swooning the second one.

Nothing else is said between the friends, who only look at each other for a moment before getting moving and joining the line. Hoping they are lucky enough to still get in.

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Sam is standing backstage and looking into the room, there are way more customers than usual. Of many different ages and genders too. Usually there are more than enough free spots in the room. The seatings are round islands with pillows around a low table, making everyone sit on the ground. He knows it is more comfortable than it looks. There are a couple spots around the stage itself, but those are usually empty. Which will probably not be the case today. 

He is always nervous before going on stage, but today is way worse. 

“You are holding up well Sam?” Aria steps behind him and places a hand on his back, which makes him freeze up thanks to his nerves. 

“I… just.. Why are there so many today?”  

“I guess your reputation was stronger than I thought. I only changed the schedule and main actors on our website and they started swarming this place shortly after.” His boss smiles at him and starts rubbing gently up and down his back, which helps calm him down a bit. “Don’t think too much about it. Once you are on the stage you will forget where you are again. Just try and stay calm until then.” 

Sam closes his eyes for a moment, taking a couple deep breaths. 

Soon after, the lights start to fade and the stage's spotlights are turned off. That  is his cue. Although he can hear a voice introducing the evening, his brain is not picking up any words. He enters the stage slowly, content that the turned-off light will conceal him until the performance begins.

He is assuming position with his back to the crowd, his eyes closed, and his heart beating rapidly. He is about to perform in front of strangers, nearly completely naked, with only a mask to protect him. His heart is beating faster and faster, as his excitement is rising.

The music begins with its intro part, and his ears twitch. He looks at the stage entrance in surprise, seeing Aria with a smile and a wave before the Caracal quickly vanishes from view with a wink. 

Samson is aware of this tune. He heard it for the stage for the first time though. When he was taught how to dance in this club, he enjoyed dancing to it. He recalls Aria having previously said that it was to Bollywood for the club.

The bunny can only smile as the last of his anxiety fades away. His eyes are once more closed, and he is standing with one foot forward and his hips ready to move. The stage's edge spotlight begins to gradually come on. He shakes hip to one side. He shakes his hip to the other side as the lights, which are still only partially dimmed, reach the full stage of illumination for the performance. Traditional Middle Eastern music gives way to a more contemporary beat in the music. He claps in time with the song's claps.

His eyes open once he completely faces the audience, going into the knee of his main leg and making a half circle with the other foot while turning around. He can't see any faces because of how bright the lights pointed at him are shining. He can still feel the eyes on him, which makes him even more excited. 

He clapped twice more before slowly rising from his knee-high position and shaking his hips left and right in time with the music. He starts to move his hips like he's belly dancing, showcasing his curves and soft belly in the process. Not to mention what is underneath it, with his member still partially concealed by the thin clothes, but everything visible enough to leave nothing for speculation. 

Claps, moves, steps, turns, shaking of the hips. Showing off his belly, hips, butt and everything else. His light blue eyes pierced into the crowd. An excited smile on his lips. He is enjoying himself. Time is forgotten as he demonstrates his skills, what he learned, what he memorized. He can feel every single pair of eyes on his body. Shivers going up and down his spine. He can’t help it, as he gets excited. Feeling the fabrics move as his erection slowly finds its way past the thin layers of clothes. Just as it is about to slip completely free, the lights dimmed down completely again. 

Music fades out and the voice of the announcer comes up. After thanking everyone for the great performance he lets the audience know of the coming break, before the show continues. 

Sam is already moving from the stage, for him it feels like no time has passed at all. But he knows better, the song lasts for more than 15 min and he was actively moving throughout the whole performance.
 
When his brain finally catches up to his senses, he realizes how out of breath he is. He immediately grabs the water bottle that is being held up in front of him and takes a few sips.

"You did fantastic. You gave your best performance yet, in my opinion. Not to mention the usual timing.”, Aria chuckles a little as he examines Sam's body and notices that his erection is now proudly on display. Sam blushes and instinctively tries to cover it up with one of his hands, but he stops midway. “Not sure how you manage to time it so well every time.”

All the bunny can do is shrug. “It just happens, I don’t plan it.” 

As he turns around, the Caracal can only chuckle once more. "Rest for a while; if you're up for it, you can continue after the break, but it's entirely up to you." As his boss walks away, Sam goes to a nearby couch, sits down and takes a deep breath. He has again no idea how he has ended up working here and in this manner. But he does know that he enjoys it a lot.

He is closing his eyes to gather his thoughts and prepare for the next performance. 

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Sam has no idea how much time has passed, but he is pulled out of his thoughts by a rough yank on his mask. He opens his eyes, startled, to see the person who has caused this sudden change.

His brain is unable to comprehend what is happening as worlds that were previously separate collide.

 “I knew it was you, so that is what you are into” A snide voice reached his ears. He knows it just too well, from all the teasing and embarrassments in university. The lion from just earlier is standing in front of him, a wide grin on his face as if he has discovered an old toy, new features to play with. 

Sam reaches out to reclaim the mask. He feels naked without it more than anything else. “No, no, you are not getting this back. Not until I’m finished with you.” 

The bunny’s stomach is turning upside down. So many questions on his mind. Why is he here? How did he even get backstage? He feels his wrist being grabbed and yanked up. “If I'd known you were into this stuff, I would have added you to my collection much sooner.” The lion licks his lips, as another shiver runs down Sam’s spine. He doesn’t even want to know what that means. 

"Get off of him!!" Sam is startled again when he hears the shout. As he sees a hand grab the lion on his shoulder and pull him back, his mind is too slow to comprehend what is going on. The next thing he sees is a fist colliding with his tormentor's face, followed by a crunchy, almost unnatural sound.

“What the fuck dude!! You only had to ask if you wanted a piece." The lion holds his bleeding nose, but Sam doesn't see much of it as his field of vision is soon filled with a view of someone's back. He immediately raises his head, recognizing the person. Theo. The bull who has passively helped him so many times in the past.

“Fuck off Greg.” Theo lets out a snarl. The lion is about to charge but is stopped by two strong hands on his shoulder. The bouncer arrived. 

"We'll definitely make sure he fucks off now." Aria also appears. The lion is in big trouble right now. Samson doesn’t care, he is simply relieved to be out of this situation.  

The Caracal looks at the bunny for a fraction of a second before shifting his gaze to the bull. "Would you be so kind, Mr., and assist Sam to his room? I don’t want him to be alone right now.” 

“Em… yeah sure.” Theo rubs the back of his neck. He looks around, a little lost, before picking something off the ground and holding it out to Sam. It is his mask. 

He grabs it and lets out a soft: “Thanks.” Before he starts walking, the bull follows close. Sam looks back to Aria for a second only to be met with a wave as a sign to keep walking and another wink.  

It doesn't take them long to get to his room. There isn't a single word spoken. Sam approaches the table slowly and places his mask on it. Looking it all over to check if it is damaged in any way,  relieved to discover that the mask is still in good condition. Sam gradually turns around once he is no longer concerned about that. The bull stood in the middle of the room, looking lost. 

“... thanks. But why?” Sam is unsure of what to ask. After hearing the question, Theo looks at him but cannot keep eye contact for long.  

"I saw him sneak away as the break began. At first, I thought he was just going to the bathroom, but I was wrong." He rubs the back of his neck once more. "And I think he's deserving that punch for a while now."

Sam is at a loss for words and simply stares at the bull, trying to figure out what is going on.

"You look great, by the way." When Theo realizes what he just said, he blushes and looks to the side. "I mean naked..." he pauses for a fraction of a second. His eyes are wide open now. “… Shit. No. On the stage. I mean the stage. " Sam feels slowly more at ease when he sees that big muscular bull stumbling over his own words, all shy and awkward.

Samson has no idea what it is, but he can't help but laugh. He huffs after that. “Thank you. I didn’t think people I know would find me here.” 

“Well yeah. I mean one of the guys follows this one dude who is writing stuff about the nightlife in this town, and he mentioned this place. His recommendations are usually spot on, so we came here to try it out. ” Theo is still avoiding eye contact; he tries repeatedly but is unable to maintain it.

“You know I can change into something else, if…”; “NO!!” The bunny simply looks surprised at that strong reaction. 

“I mean, fuck. You know. Uargh.” Theo really is completely lost. Sam notices him taking a deep breath and slapping his own cheeks. It is so loud that he fears the bull actually injured himself.

“I've always thought you were cute. I was playing with the idea of asking you out. But I couldn't find the right time. Now seeing you tonight was a big surprise for me.” It seems like the dam broke, as the bull keeps getting faster with every word.

Sam approaches Theo and takes his hand into his, causing the bull to pause in his words. He gives him a genuine, gorgeous smile. Making the bull even more agitated than he was before. "How about we hold you to it? Once I finish work, we can go to my place. I really don't want to be alone right now. Is that alright with you?" 

“YES!!” Theo's ears seem to wiggle back and forth, as he tries to calm himself down. “I mean yes. I would love to….. God you are so sexy... Did I say that last part out loud?” 

Sam can only chuckle again. “You did and I can tell.” His gaze falls down the bull's body, where he notices what appears to be a throbbing bulge in his pants. It is  kind of encouraging to see that reaction.

“Ah shit, sorry I didn’t…” Theo's sentence comes to a halt as he feels a small kiss on his cheek. Sam turns around and walks to his table again, showing off his back and plump perfectly squeezable butt to the bull.

“It is fine Theo. I take it as a compliment. Now I have to figure out if I can put the mask back on without it falling off too easily.” The bunny smiles as he looks over his shoulder. His little bunny tail wiggles slightly.

Theo smiles, relaxing for what appears to be the first time since entering this room. “Let me help.” 

“Thanks big guy~” Sam looks at his mask, his smile growing larger, unnoticed by Theo, who is unable to see the difference from his current position.

The door to the room is closing behind them, neither of them knowing that someone is watching for a while. With a big smile on his lips Aria is getting back to the stage with what seems a swing in his steps. Knowing Sam is in capable hands now. 

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