I Know What I‘m Doing, Right?

There was a small stage at the front, currently empty but ready for tonight's performance, a decently sized bar along the side where Kori and Roy sat, and a few scattered tall tables where groups of friends gathered.

Jason's target was by the speakers in the far corner, swaying lightly to the music as he sat on a tall bar stool and laughing with a couple friends. Jason knew they were friends because he’d been helplessly studying the guy all evening.

The guy’s hair was pulled back in a short ponytail that earlier today Jason would have called ridiculous (let it go long like Roy or cropped like Jason's, nothing in-between) and yet, on this guy, it worked. His flannel shirt was loose and too big, but Jason had watched him earlier dancing with his friends and knew the guy was actually fit, wearing a slim dark shirt and tight jeans. The jeans had absolutely been what caught Jason's eye initially.

Nerves bubbled up as Jason approached the table– he was decently sure someone who dressed and danced the way this guy did wouldn't be offended by the ask, but rejection wasn't a fun feeling.

Just as he got close, close enough some members of the table had now looked up and noticed him, a familiar string of cords strummed out the speaker. Jason started in place, looking back towards the bar. Roy was smirking as he high-fived the bar tender and Jason's face flushed as Kori mouthed ‘confidence’ at him.

Jason took a breath and turned back, just in time for heat to slam into him.

Blue eyes, bright with excitement, peered wildly up at him from where the guy had crashed into him. “Oh my god, this is the song! I've been waiting for them to play it all night long,” the guy said in a rush, practically vibrating in place.

Jason blinked, opened his mouth to say *something* but the guy continued quickly.

“Come on! You want to dance?”

Desire swelled in him and Jason's mouth snapped shut as he nodded. The guy's smile grew bigger and suddenly his hand was in Jason's, tugging him out onto the floor. It was dry and warm against Jason’s skin and all of Jason’s focus narrowed in on the sensation.

His hand fit perfectly against Jason’s and as they began to move through the steps, he melded into Jason’s embrace like he belonged there. The song played on but Jason tuned it out to instead focus on his partner, the way the lights above caught his hair, his smile as he mouthed the words, his hands that stayed on Jason the whole time. The contact was thrilling, sinking into Jason’s skin and radiating through his body.

“I'm Tim,” he introduced himself as the vocals cut off and the guitar riff played.

“Jason.”

“Sorry for waylaying you,” Tim said, not looking the least bit contrite. “I just love this song.”

Jason nodded, watching the plush lips form the words. Tim’s tongue darted out to wet them and Jason’s mind blanked with want.

Then Tim's head was tilting in a way that indicated he'd asked a question that Jason had missed.

“Sorry what?”

Tim laughed and Jason was entranced watching his throat bob.

“I said, do you like this song?”

Jason felt his face heat as he shrugged.

“Oh come on,” Tim goaded. “It's the hottest local band right now. Not super well known but–”

“They're playing tonight,” Jason said, either finishing the sentence or cutting Tim off, but answering all the same.

Tim's face lit up as he nodded. His mouth opened with another comment and then slipped into a pout as the song ended. Jason didn't let go.

“Think they'd play it again if I asked?” Tim looked hopefully over at the bar.

Jason followed his eyes and saw Kori and Roy smirking and waving him over. It was time.

“Hey,” Jason said, catching Tim’s bright gaze again. “I have to go, but listen, if I get it played again, would you meet me after?”

Tim gave him a good humored smile, pout fully retreating under Jason’s attention. “Meet you after what?”

“Deal?” Jason said instead of answering. He felt the adrenaline starting to kick in, making him feel brash and restless as he leaned closer, pressing Tim for an answer.

Tim pushed up against him, smile still in place as their faces drew close together. “Sure, deal,” Tim said quietly, lips brushing against Jason’s. Then he closed the distance and kissed him, dry and warm as his hand had been earlier.

Time stood still for half a moment as Jason pressed into the embrace, letting the hunger take over his actions– then the mic on stage squealed as the music cut off. Jason pulled back with a groan, noticing the equally affected Tim, and shot him a wink. "Don't forget the deal," he said before he turned to make his way to the stage.

“Hi everyone,” Roy said into his left stage microphone as he adjusted the straps on his bass guitar. “We're the Outlaws. Thanks for coming out tonight.”

The crowd's excited murmurs began crushing closer as they pushed near to the stage. Kori sat at her drums, watching with amusement as Jason pulled himself up on the raised platform. The crowd grew louder as the lights changed to focus on the band.