Chapter 14 #4
They didn’t have places like this back home.
There were a few bars that had gay nights and events, and one that was full-time gay and was strictly for men. It was frustrating because it was already a fight to be seen as a gay man while living in such a conservative area; Luka never felt like he was welcome in those spaces.
But here, the crowd was mixed with all different kinds of people, and he only leaned against the bar waiting for his drink for a few minutes before a tall man slid up next to him and asked if he wanted anything.
When Luka explained he was just there to dance that night, the man looked him up and down but left with no comment other than an obvious wink.
He’d never been hit on by a stranger in a gay club before, especially not a handsome one like that, but before he could process it, another man asked if he could buy him a drink. Luka looked at the full drink in his hand and laughed awkwardly, saying he was okay.
A comment on his accent, a compliment for his hair, a brush of hands, and a whisper too close to his neck, and Luka started to realize that he was desired by these men crowding around him, one after another.
Luka kept turning them away, and once he finished his drink, he clapped his hands together, got down from the stool, and said he was going to get back to dancing. He wished them all a good night and slipped through the crowd before anyone could follow.
He laughed to himself, openly and freely, high on the fact that he’d found somewhere he fit in, finally. And, not just fit in, but was wanted.
He wondered if Reno would come with him next time.
If Reno’s life allowed him to put on another dress and a wig and kiss Luka on the dance floor in front of everyone.
The music changed to something softer and Luka felt himself slow with everyone around him, swaying as the pop artist’s clear voice played over the speakers.
He checked his phone, opened the camera app to take some photos to send to his friends, and found no new texts from Reno. It wasn’t surprising; he knew how focused Reno got when he was writing music.
Making his way to the back of the club, he found the outdoor bar for smokers and got himself a second drink, but when he went to pay for it, the bartender said it had been taken care of by the man in the white hoodie.
Luka looked down the bar and the stranger in the hoodie waved at him. Luka waved back, unsure of what to do.
Before Luka could make a choice, the man walked over to him.
“What’s your name?”
“Luka. Thanks for the drink," he replied, still feeling friendly enough to remember his manners. “I have a boyfriend, though.”
As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he felt himself flush and had to take a drink to recenter himself.
“You’re American?” The man leaned against the bar, crowding into Luka’s space. “I’m sure your boyfriend won’t mind if you pick up a British boyfriend on your vacation.”
“You’re making a lot of assumptions,” Luka snapped, the friendliness draining away. His voice felt sharper now, matching the annoyance creeping up his back. “I’d back up if I were you.”
He did not budge, instead saying, “I bought you that drink.”
“So what? I have to suck your cock in gratitude?”
“That’d be nice,” he sneered, letting his eyes roam over Luka's body.
A manicured hand tapped the man on the shoulder. “Oi, bastard.”
He snapped around, and when he looked at the person behind him, he visibly winced.
“Bloke said to leave him be. Back off, or I’ll come for ya.”
The stranger in the hoodie took off, and when he moved away, Luka could see his protector.
She was ridiculously tall, yet she still wore heels that looked sharp enough to stab through someone’s foot if she stepped on them.
Her extremely long, platinum-blonde hair was slicked back into a high ponytail, and her light, crystal-blue eyes were framed by long, black lashes.
She was so pale that she almost looked translucent.
When she looked down at Luka, she smacked her gum, popping it against glossy lips, and even such a tasteless action managed to look sensual on her instead.
“You okay? Who are you?” she asked and held out her slender hand for Luka to take. Luka shook it and found her palm cool to the touch.
“Luka, and yeah. Coulda handled that myself, but I appreciate it nonetheless.”
“Eh, Mac’s pretty relentless when he sees a new twink hanging around. Come sit with me and my girls, we got a table.” She motioned by sticking out her thumb and jerking it over her shoulder to point out where the table was, her bangles clacking together in the process.
“Ah.” Luka looked at the table she’d motioned to. “Sure, why not?”
Luka followed her to the table and took the open seat. The blonde woman motioned to the other two at the table in turn. Luka was suddenly extra grateful he’d taken an outfit from Reno’s closet; the women were so glamorous.
“This is Rosé.” She pointed at a tall woman wearing a light blue, sparkling dress that perfectly complemented her dark skin tone. Her voice was buttery-smooth and deep when she offered her hand.
“A pleasure," she said, and Luka locked eyes with her and felt the moment they clocked each other. He smiled, instantly feeling more comfortable knowing he was sitting with someone similar to himself.
“This is Jan.”
“Janet," she corrected the blonde, tucking her dark, curly hair behind an ear with several piercings through the cartilage. She wore blue lipstick, the same color as Rosé’s dress and Luka wondered if they were dating.
“Only my mother calls me Jan.” She shuddered, like it was an awful thing her mom had a nickname for her.
Luka looked between them both and was grateful to be at a table between beautiful lesbians instead of being crowded at the bar by hungry men. He said, “It’s great to meet you both. I’m Luka.”
Luka’s savior took a seat and crossed one leg over the other, stretching the silver silk of her dress tight across her thighs, “ Nice to meet you, Luka. I’m Joy.”
1 Good morning.
2 What time is it?
3 8:15
4 So it is/ I agree
5 30 minutes
6 Yes, teacher.
7 chocolate croissant?
8 Yes, thank you,