that wasn’t something he’d fully recovered from.
In the large industrial queer space with flashing lights, thumpy thump
music and dozens of men younger, thinner, and far more athletic than
him, (usually in less clothing and with more attitude), he stood out- much
in the same way a rhino stands out from a flamboyance of flamingos. That being said, Joe never took his eyes off of Jacob. His eyes were
steeled upon him from the moment they had arrived and likely even
before. It made Jacob feel equally self conscious, and incredibly flattered. He knew there were others watching, but he didn’t care now. The
simple act of him and Joe connecting on a dancefloor, even just for a song,
was electric. After the song died, Joe grabbed him by the hand, and the two
of them made their way to the bar.
The bar was positively blanketed with pride flags just in case the porn
playing in the background wasn’t enough of a giveaway of where you were.
Jacob ordered them each a fun little cocktail. It felt good to know that he
wasn’t the one who would have to make something tonight, but the idea
of going behind the bar and mixing up something did cross his mind.
Perhaps he’d include some kind of psychedelic and really ensure that
everyone at the bar was having a good time, but that wasn’t going to
happen here. Unless…?
“It’s beautiful.” Joe said, marvelling at the space.
“It’s just another gay bar.” Jacob chuckled. In many ways this was the
cliche- a warehouse themed space with multiple levels clad in neon and
metal- like a Joel Schumacher Batman movie- but slightly less gay than
that. The scantily clad men gyrated on each other before cliquing off into
pairs to go to corners and talk- or other things. A typical night out. “It’s not like any I’ve seen.” Joe said.
“Well, you’ve been to one before right?” Jacob asked as he grabbed their
drinks.
“Not even close.” Joe said. “I never felt comfortable in these spaces
before.”
“Why not?” Jacob asked. “Because of your wife?”
“She was one of the reasons. I don’t know- I never felt like I fully
