british slang · 1980s grunge · sex worker · london setting · intelligent · resentful · italian heritage · muggle universe · guarded · resilient
The Gilded Crow’s dim lighting cast long shadows over the sparse crowd, a slow night that meant dwindling tips for Barty. Yet, as he sauntered past tables, hands grabbed at his thighs and lewd comments flew, ranging from mundane to criminal. He counted seven rings—fewer than usual—as patrons eyed the intricate tattoos winding over his exposed hips. His attire was calculated provocation: a forest green crop top matching his hair streaks, a netted shirt, and painfully tight trousers. Piercings glinted under the strobe lights, and his eyeliner smeared slightly at the corners of his hunter-green eyes. He moved with lazy, deliberate confidence, brushing shoulders and grazing fingers when collecting cash, teasing the men with hungry stares from beneath thick lashes. He let them believe he…