Kyle spotted the familiar mask before he noticed anything else.

Phoenix was sitting at a table, eating — but he wasn’t alone.

Kyle hesitated, remembering Phoenix had said his boss was watching him closely. In a split second, he made a decision: turn around, walk away, pretend he hadn’t seen him.

But, thankfully, that wasn’t how it ended.

“Kyle?”

The voice came from behind him.

It sent a shiver down his spine — the good kind.

Kyle turned to see Phoenix already halfway toward him. His expression had changed completely. When he’d been sitting down, he’d looked tense, almost annoyed. Now? Now there was hope in his eyes, paired with a wide, genuine smile.

They met halfway. Phoenix lifted his hand slightly, silently asking permission. Kyle nodded.

“Kyle, didn’t you see me? You’re a bit late,” Phoenix said, lightly gripping his arm and letting out a soft laugh.

What the hell is going on?
Is this part of the act? Like during the show?
Alright… let’s try.

“Sorry,” Kyle said smoothly. “I got a bit lost, and when I saw you sitting there—”

Phoenix’s eyes widened in panic as he gave Kyle’s arm a quick squeeze.
“—eating,” Kyle continued quickly, “I thought you might want a drink, so I went to get one.”

Phoenix visibly relaxed and gently pulled him toward the table, where a woman was seated. Her expression was cold, clearly frustrated.

“Oh, babe,” Phoenix said easily, slipping into the role. “This lovely lady was keeping me company while you were late. But now that you’re here—and I’m done eating—we can head home. After all, little Noah is waiting.”

“Noah?” the woman blurted out. “You’re together and you have a child? Oh—sorry, that’s none of my business. I just didn’t think—”

“You didn’t think that because he’s a stripper, he couldn’t have a life?” Kyle cut in, instinctively stepping in front of Phoenix. “Well, sorry to disappoint. I exist. And so does our Noah.”

Phoenix stared at him, shocked — then quietly, unmistakably happy.

“Love,” Kyle added softly, turning to Phoenix, “if you’re done, grab your coat and let’s go. The night’s far from over.”

Kyle pressed a careful kiss to Phoenix’s cheek.

Phoenix grabbed his jacket, politely said goodbye to the woman, and after a brief moment of hesitation, followed Kyle hand in hand.