His stomach was a mix of excitement and fear, and it was impossible to untangle the two. There was a good showing of people out tonight. Smoke, alcohol and high pitched laughter wafting around through the air. The light turned green and he stepped out with the waiting crowd off the curb to cross the street. Part of them, but apart. His hands and feet were buzzing. Am I really doing this?
He looked eagerly at each person who walked past him, trying to tease out their secrets in a glance. What's YOUR story? Because he was sure that everyone had one.
This was it. Hand on the cold door handle, the pit of his stomach dropped to his feet. I am walking into a gay bar. I can do this. This is who I am.
One deep breath and he pulled door open and stepped inside. There was the usual clinking and chatter going on like any bar anywhere, and there were both men and women. There were so many more men though, cute men. Did I really just think that to myself without freaking the hell out?... Yes, lots of cute men. After he got past the smell of beer and transient smoke from outside, he could smell that the room was full of men too. It made him giddy.
Scotch in hand he found a quiet area where he could look around and sat down. Okay. Having a drink at the gay bar. Everyone here KNOWS. They KNOW. And it's okay. Deep breath, and another swig. Letting the fiery drink start to take him he swayed with the music just slightly in his seat. Two more drinks and an uncountable number of songs later, he was still sitting there, quietly buzzing, and quietly thrilled that he was there. I'm out.
Mr. TallDarkAndHandsome from across the bar had been looking over at him on and off for a while. Mr. stood up and came over, never breaking eye contact, a slight smile on his pretty mouth. Oh. My. God. This is happening.
"Hey, I'm Nick." Thick, strong fingers extended.
"I'm James." A shy smile. James couldn't hear himself saying his own name, his heartbeat was too loud in his own ears. Nick's hand felt electric when he touched it.
Nick slid down in the chair opposite, smirked and said "Mind if I have a seat?"
"Not at all." James' hands were on the table next to his drink, playing with a small, cool smudge of condensation. Scared to look up. Deep breath. You can do this.