âÂżA dĂłnde se fue el hombre araña? âobedeciĂł y, en lugar de apartar el trapo, lo sostuvo con fuerza. El anciano tenĂa razĂłn; ofrecĂa un alivio extraño a pesar del horrible aroma.
âEse hombre que me rescatĂł. ÂżDĂłnde se fue? âDaniel bromeaba a medias, pero incluso su mente, a medio funcionar, parecĂa rechazar la idea de que fuera el viejo conserje quien hizo semejante proezaâ. ÂżFue usted? ... No puede ser.
Los brazos del señor Miyagi le invitaron a volver a intentarlo, esta vez con la seguridad de que no se iba a caer sobre la cama si no tenĂa la fuerza. Por un momento, se sintiĂł como un niño pequeño al que ayuda su padre. La calidez y firmeza de sus manos transmitĂan una extraña mezcla de seguridad y respeto.
En la mente de Daniel, la imagen del hombre mayor en un Dojo de Karate parecĂa imposible. Las luces titilaban ligeramente, creando un ambiente casi mĂstico mientras Miyagi hablaba.
Daniel asintiĂł. HabĂa algo realmente sagrado en esa explicaciĂłn, siglos de enseñanza de padres a hijos que le intrigaron, se sentĂa como algo grande e importante de lo cual formar parte.
Daniel cambiĂł la tela de mano y, mientras comprobaba que en efecto la mandĂbula le dolĂa al abrirla, se jalĂł el binder un poco para intentar respirar mejor.
âNo se ofenda, señor Miachi, pero no creo que entienda mi problema.
âÂżAmigos? Ah, sĂ, esos chicos. âAhora que la hierba habĂa hecho su trabajo, Daniel se entretuvo buscando daños en su rostro. Su madre iba a estar mortificada cuando lo viera.
âProblema actitud.
âNo, el problema es que me patean el trasero cada dos dĂas, ese es el problema.
La cara le dolĂa, justo arriba del ojo, y al tocarse notĂł que le habĂa limpiado la herida y puesto un curita donde la piel se habĂa abierto por los golpes.
âSĂ, porque chicos tener mala actitud... Karate solo para defensa.
âNo es lo que a ellos les enseñan.
Se metiĂł la mano entre el binder y las costillas para tomar aire, como si eso ayudara.
âEntender. No haber malos estudiantes, haber mal maestro. Maestro decir, ellos hacer.
El señor Miyagi volvió a un semblante serio, solemne.
âKarate aquĂ âseñalĂł con su mano a su cabezaâ, karate aquĂ âseñalĂł su corazĂłn, y por Ășltimo, se volviĂł a sostener el cinturĂłnâ, karate nunca aquĂ. ÂżEntiendes?
âDaniel-san... ÂżEsa prenda bajo tu playera? ÂżEstar lastimado antes?
Daniel se quedĂł congelado un momento. El miedo comenzĂł a subir por su garganta mientras se llevaba la mano al hombro, donde metiĂł los dedos entre el binder y su piel nerviosamente. Ahora que habĂa conseguido un aliado, era el peor momento para quedar asĂ de expuesto. ÂżSe negarĂa el señor Miyagi a ayudarlo cuando le contara la verdad? Nadie fuera de su familia sabĂa, ni sus amigos mĂĄs cercanos en New Jersey. Y aquĂ, a kilĂłmetros de su hogar, en una ciudad llena de extraños hostiles y adolescentes intentando matarlo, era seguramente el lugar menos probable para encontrar alguien que pudiera entenderlo. Una gota resbalĂł desde la tela que sostenĂa contra su rostro hasta su mejilla y cerrĂł los ojos un momento. El lĂquido permanecĂa tibio y ese terrible olor a hierba le picaba directo en la nariz, pero le hacĂa sentir seguro. Deseaba tanto sentir que podĂa dejar de pretender con alguien que comenzĂł a hablar antes de poder pensarlo mejor.
âLo uso porque... mire, es un tema complicado, pero soy un tipo de chico diferente, Âżentiende? Eso me ayuda a ocultar algunas formas que mi cuerpo no deberĂa tener...
Miyagi se quedĂł en silencio, esperando que continuara con su explicaciĂłn, y cuando pasado un buen rato no lo hizo, volviĂł a insistir.
âDaniel-san, no ser tan viejo como para no entender...
Daniel habĂa estado jugando con su pie mientras el señor Miyagi pensaba. Ahora no habĂa vuelta atrĂĄs, y el temor de haberse equivocado arañaba su estĂłmago con cada bocanada de aire. Pero sus palabras, tan simples como eran, fueron las primeras de aceptaciĂłn sincera que recibĂa en toda su vida. Si no le doliera cada mĂșsculo de su cuerpo, lo hubiera abrazado.
âNo, nadie puede. âCon una sonrisa, ahora sĂ continuĂł su camino hacia la puertaâ. Buenas noches, señor Miachi... Miyagi, Miyagi... ÂżMañana por la mañana?
âA las 10 en punto.
âBien... Amm gracias por ayudarme con mis "amigos" esta noche.
Con cuidado, Daniel cerró la puerta y dejó solo al señor Miyagi.
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The wind coming from the docks was cold tonight, Cub noted, as he made his way over to Willie's. It wouldn't matter, though, the club would be warm enough once he was inside. He was running a little late though, but it wouldn't matter. It was still early. Willie could handle things just fine.
The boardwalk was strange at this hour. The sun was rapidly setting, and the restaurants were just starting to open. A few early folk were around, but mostly it was quiet and empty. It wouldn't be in an hour or so, though.
One Eyed Willie's club was tucked away down a side alley and upstairs above a seafood restaurant that was also, technically, part of the club. Cub didn't work there, though. He was upstairs behind the bar, mixing the best cocktails this side of town. The restaurant was just there to keep all the straight people away from the leather bar above them.
-
Willie was waiting for him by the bar when Cub arrived, and he brought him into a tight hug that Cub was glad to reciprocate. God, he loved him. He hadn't been looking for any kind of relationship when he met Willie, given how happy he was with Scar, but a trans butch leather dyke who'd done spear fishing and pearl diving and sailed all over the world was not someone Cub could pass up conversation with.
-
"We expecting many tonight? Weather's not great out there right now," Cub said.
"We'll get the regulars just fine. Though if I could get you to do inventory before things get really busy, that'd be great. I need to do orders tomorrow and if we need any more drinks for the bar, now's the time to tell me, okay?" Willie said.
"Will do, will do," Cub said.
"Good boy." Willie smiled, and pulled at Cub's hips, drawing him close.
"Oh, feeling like that, are we? I see, I see how it is," Cub said.
Willie kissed him softly. "Well, you did say you were free this week."
"Yes, I did. Bring the trident. I miss her," Cub said.
"She misses you too. Don't worry, you won't be able to walk by the time I'm done with you." Willie kissed him once more, this time more teasingly, before he pulled away. "Alright, get to work, now. There'll be time to play later, alright?"
"Yes, boss!" Cub said, knowing what was coming once the night was over.
-
Sure enough, an hour later, the club was getting full. Cub had served so many drinks already, and seen a few of his friends, who always tried to get discounted drinks off him, a move which sometimes worked, depending on whether Cub felt he could get away with it or not. They were getting a few drinks in before heading over to drag bingo at Ren's, which Cub would have gone to as well if he hadn't been working. Ahh well. Next time.
-
"Oh, hey, there you are! Weren't you meant to be here an hour ago?" Cub said, seeing Scar scurrying behind the bar.
"Sorry, sorry, got stuck in traffic again, you know how it is this time of night! What needs doing?" Scar said, switching his jacket for an apron that was hung on a hook in a room just off from the bar.
"Drinks need doing. Go clear the tables, I haven't really had enough time to do that so far," Cub said.
"On it," Scar said and hurried off.
-
Cub didn't really stop until 1am. He'd like to open a bit later, but zoning laws, noise issues, it was all just not worth the hassle. And it always took an hour to clean up after everyone had gone, and finish up the banking.
"What do you even see in Willie anyway? I'd never have pegged you for him being your type," Scar said as he leaned on the bar, watching Cub finish up.
Cub shrugged. "I dunno, we just clicked, I guess. I mean, you like him too, right?"
"Oh, sure, sure! I wouldn't be here if I didn't. He just wasn't someone I expected you to get with, that's all. But don't worry, I'm not jealous! I just think it's fascinating, that's all," Scar said.
Cub smiled. "He's just... I dunno. He's really cool. And I think I just saw him for who he was, you know? Didn't make judgements, just let him be. The trident's also very good."
Scar laughed. "You masochist, you."
"That's me, yessir," Cub said.
"What have you done this time, hey?" Willie said, wrapping an arm around Cub's shoulders. "Nearly done? I'm dying to get out of here."
"Nearly done. Just need your signatures on the deposits and then we can stash these away and go," Cub said.
"Scar, you coming tonight? You know there's always an open invitation for you at mine if you ever want it. We're just gonna watch movies and crash, how does that sound?" Willie said.
"You know what? That sounds great, yeah! I could do with that after the rush tonight. Who knew Ren would just send everyone here after bingo!" Scar said with a laugh.
"I mean, he did give us a head's up about that, but we don't mind. It was good to see the club really packed. We'll get a few more regulars out of that I reckon. Anyway. I'm done with this, let's get out of here," Cub said.
There were no disagreements.
-
Willie had the biggest bed Cub had ever seen, and it was a good thing, because it meant he and Scar could snuggle up either side of him as they watched some trashy movie Willie had picked out to wind down the night. The kind of dumb action movie you didn't really need to pay attention to.
Was it what he and Willie initially planned for this evening? Not really. But did it matter? Not really. Cub was with his two favourite people. What more did he need in life than this?
đłïžâđ Rock Hudsonâs Parties, Chapter 3 (Jadore/Biadore) - Imafuckinglibra
Summary: A fresh faced young man gets off a bus in New York to move in with an estranged college friend, now a broadway star. Old flames flare up again but are potentially derailed when an older manâs temptations threaten to come between them.
Fair Warning : Nothing! This chapter is just a good time and weâre all happy and enjoying some uhâŠbonding timeâŠhehe
âWho knew a C-list celebrity would have to go out THIS much,â Danny fussed into his cocktail the following Wednesday night. âWhy, Iâm missing Iâve Got a Secret.â
He put his glass down, examined the area around him and realized that yet again, nobody at the table had been paying attention to him.Â
He felt the corners of his mouth twisting into a pout, but he knew if he let it show heâd just be giving in to those same feelings of inadequacy he did in Azusa.Â
âYouâre better now,â he reminded himself.
âI say, dollâŠâ He tried running his fingers along Jinx's knuckles, earning a dismissive wave of her manicured hand with the cigarette between her fingers. His tone rose in frustration as he tried her again, âI SAID, Jinkx, Iâm missing this weekâs Iâve Got a Secret! And I heard a rumor Lana Turner is gonna be on this week to talk about her daught-â
His whining got halted by an eruption of raucous laughter from the table of cronies whoâd just been ignoring him. Making snide remarks under their drunken giggles about the sort of people who follow those fanatic magazines full of false stories.
âStop being such a girl about it,â she said, poking a sore spot. âGo fetch me another drink and Iâll make up for whatever little show youâre missing later. Deal?â she purred into his ear, giving him a peck on the cheek.
He groaned under his breath, unamused by the gaggle of girls swooning over Jinkx yet again, but he decided to swallow his pride.Â
He stood up with a heavy sigh and put-upon smile, giving her hand a small kiss to feign forgiveness. âWhy of course, dear. Right away.â
âTsk, tsk, tsk,â Roy and Raja clucked in unison as he approached them by the bar, the pair like a flock of hungry vultures watching the group by the table. The only hungry vultures, it seemed, who bothered entertaining him these days, as Jinkxâs debut as Essie Whimple drew closer.
The same vultures heâd avoided like the plague before, but heâd finally settled in, finally stopped staring into the mirror trying to find what was wrong with him - mostly. He still felt a certain sense of unease around Roy specifically but he seemingly couldnât care less anymore about, well, you know. Their little misunderstanding.Â
âI say, well handled, son,â Roy mocked. Placing a proud hand on his shoulder, his other hand clutching his dark maroon tie as if he was Jim Anderson himself. âA happy wife is a happy life, right, my boy?â
âGet bent.â Danny tried acting serious, paying no mind to Roy cackling loudly at his own joke.
âForget Bozo here, Iâll get that drink for you while Iâm back here.â Raja, who was most definitely breaking at least 3 work place rules, took Jinkxâs empty wine glass and refilled it.
âYou staying a while? I heard some serious scoop on tonightâs episode of I've Got a Secret.â Roy leaned over the bar where the three of them could gossip.
âNo!â Danny gasped, following suit, taking the already poured red wine originally intended for Jinkx as his own. âIs it Lana Turner?â
âWhat? No. Itâs Walter Slezak, and I heardâŠLana T-â he interrupted himself to sneer at Danny in bewilderment. âLana Turner? Who gave you that idea?â
Danny flashed a scowl at Raja, who was casually whistling in the opposite direction to avoid eye contact before Royâs words sank in.
âWalter Slezak!â Raja and Dannyâs eyes went wide in unison.
Raja enthusiastically slapped Dannyâs hand like a giddy secretary with some juicy story about the boss. âBoy, heâs amazing. Did you catch him in Born to Kill?â
âWasnât he great?â
âTo die for,â she swooned. âDid you see him in Lifeboat? Gave me chills for weeks - oof.â She shuddered, an imaginary shiver running down her spine.
âLike this?â Roy teased, sliding an ice cube down the exposed back of her signature gold fitted dress.Â
âFucking - piece of shit!â she hissed at him, trying to keep her voice down. Luckily the rest of the bar was too lively with music, Danny the only one close enough to actually hear her shrieks. She turned to him, growling, âIf you laugh, so help me!â
âI didnât -â Danny tried defending himself with his hands raised, but his loud belly laughing got the better of him. Raja playfully threw the ice cube in his direction, not helping curb his amusement, making her break face too.
âRaja! Thereâs people waiting by the door, go take their coats!â Kameron, one of the busgirls, whistled in their direction when she passed with a tray of empty plates from the dining hall.
âUgh.â Raja dropped her cheery disposition, slugging the last of her Chardonnay. âComing!â
She waved another finger in their direction as a threat, muttering some more, presumably obscenities, in a language Danny couldnât recognize, and sauntered off to go greet the newest clientele for the evening. Leaving our little protagonist and his friend at the bar alone.
This wasnât a rare occurrence though. In fact, it had become his favorite part of the day, ever since Roy agreed to keep his little secret. Some days, heâd satisfy himself just being there to watch Roy mingle with folks. Even when he was doing his own mingling with the Broadway elites (and elite followers) by Jinkxâs side. Playing her little show poodle when she required a domestic air for an interview or meeting.Â
Theyâd always at least manage to catch each other's eye and give a sympathetic smile.
âGosh,â he sighed, content, noticing a hint of Royâs dimples as he greeted a regular customer waving from another table.Â
He really was so devastatingly beautiful. It was hard not to see him as the picture-perfect man, with his devil-may-care attitude and utterly fashionable taste in clothes. The catalyst for their friendly banter was that Roy would always fill him in on that nightâs episodes he missed, or behind the scenes tidbits heâd heard from industry friends.
It started that very night last week, at the table while they waited for everyone to return. Roy made a joke about Dannyâs hands being smaller than Katherine Hepburnâs in an attempt to lighten the mood. Clearly, he wasnât prepared for the onslaught of questions regarding the movie star, nor the ungodly amount of fan trivia he seemed to know about her and her fellow celebrities.Â
Their conversation and gossiping lasted well into the night once Jinkxâs new director left, even after they made their way over to a group of club singers so Jinkx could catch up with her former coworkers.
âBeg pardon?â Roy turned around, hearing the little escaped whisper.
âNothing,â he smiled, innocence dripping from every pore.
âYeah riiiiightâŠâ Roy dragged out, eyeing him suspiciously. âYouâre not playing with a full deck, are you?â
âOh yeah?â Danny huffed, âwell uhâŠâÂ
âDammit!â He tried to remember any, literally any single reasonable response to his but his impulse for childish comebacks got the better of him.Â
âI think somebody blew your pilot light out, Haylock.â He crossed his arms and dropped himself against the bar. Unknowingly sticking his bottom lip out in a pout.
âThey did what?â Roy slapped the table. He burst out into a loud laughing fit with his hand on his chest. âMy -âÂ
âYouâve got splinters in the windmill of your mind!â Danny reiterated, his confidence growing every time Royâs laugh would pick up again.
âIâm too drunk for this shit,â Roy exhaled, trying to wipe a tear from the corner of his eye.
âWell then,â Danny reached over for a new glass under the counter. âFill her up, letâs even it out.â
âOoooh,â Roy pursed his lips, tutting and shaking his head. âThatâs not such a good idea there, partner.â
âOh yeah? Why not? Scared I can out-drink you?â
Danny felt brave, irresponsibly brave. Like just maybe he might be able to actually turn his night around, maybe even finally see the always-put-together Roy properly hammered. No pun intended, of course.
Sure, heâd probably be late for work again in the morning, but he could always find a special way to make up for that.
Or better yet, maybe heâd have to spend the whole day ârecoveringâ with Roy. Just the two of themâŠ
âWhat am I thinking?â he panicked when he realized what he was fantasizing about.
âHello?â Roy tapped his index finger on Dannyâs forehead. âKnock knock, your drinkâs ready.â
âRight.â Danny practically inhaled the scotch Roy had given him. It burned all the way down to his stomach.
âFucking hell -â Roy started but another small chuckle interrupted his words. âNow whoâs the one playing hockey with a warped puck?â
âWhat does that one even mean?â Danny giggled, already feeling his bravery being replaced by downright giddiness.
âIt means, clean your own damn house before you come clean mine.â Roy stood serious. His hands against the bar as if he was waiting for Danny to come back with another retort.Â
âHuh?â
Roy leaned in closer whispering, âit means youâre lucky youâre cute because you definitely ainât smart.â
Dannyâs heart shot straight up to his throat. Unsure how to process or what to say when all he could feel was his head going dizzy and his cheeks growing warm.Â
He even debated another snippy comeback when suddenly, a lightbulb went off above Royâs head.Â
âSay! Lady Bunny just got a television set in her office, I could sneak you in to go watch the episode-â
Without missing a beat, Danny sprang up, ready to bolt towards the back room, only stopped by his motherâs voice in his head.
âYou need to stop getting so worked up about everything, people will think youâre some mental deficit!â
He covered his open mouth with a cough and pretended to straighten his pants.
âWell?â Roy slammed his drink down and slapped him on the flat of his back, asking, âDo you need a pistol shot or something? Go! Hurry!â
âTo hell with her,â he stood up for himself.
And just like that, they were off, scurrying to the back office without a second thought about Jinkx, her drink, or the laughing lackeys still keeping her attention.
âWaitâŠNo...â Roy tilted his head in confusion when a loud moan echoed from behind the big red door, just as he was about to turn the handle. âIs thatâŠ?â
âIt canât beâŠâ Danny failed to hide a giggle. âIt actually worked.â
Roy scrunched his forehead, concentrating with his ear to the door. Confirming it with a placid, âCourtney.âÂ
âWell yeah, and Dan.â
âWho the -'' Roy realized how loud they were speaking, changing his tone to an aggressive whisper, âWho the fuck is Dan?â
âDan P. Donigan! My boss!â he declared, lowering his own voice too.Â
âWhyâs your boss banging my Courtney?â Roy asked, clearly somewhat amused by this revelation
âI needed to make up for the days I missed!â
âWhat?â Roy tilted his head.
âI had to make up for the day I missed with you, andâŠsome others,â he mumbled, âand when I let it slip to Courtney she said she could soften him up for me before I apologized,â Danny clarified as if this was a reasonable answer.
âWhich Iâm assuming was tonight?âÂ
Suddenly Danny felt like he was being interrogated by a school principal. âYes, sirâŠâ
âHey!â Roy prodded a finger into his chest, making him wince, his teeth snared. âStop pimping out MY slut to your coworkers!â
âIâm not! Iâm pimping out MY coworkers to your slut!â He watched Royâs expression intently. Trying to piece together what was happening in his mind as his brows stayed contorted in anger but his lips softened into a stifled grin.Â
âYou two, heaven help me.â Roy gave in, rubbing his eyes. Gesturing with his head and a pat on Dannyâs back towards the bar. âC'mon, Iâll make you a drink.â
Before they could reach the bar, Raja grabbed his attention while Roy rushed to make up for the orders he missed.Â
âWhat? Whatâd I do?â Danny stumbled a bit thanks to how hard she yanked on his sleeve. Â
âNothinâ, Jinkxy just left. She said sorry she missed you but sheâs going to an after party with those little devils that follow her,â Raja casually said while gesturing with her fingers towards the bar.Â
âOh...â Danny blinked. His eyes trailed across the lounge part of the bar, examining every spot he usually found Jinkx in, but she really had left without him.
âThank you, baby.â Rajaâs voice interrupted his focused scanning. The familiar clink of the glasses on the serving tray telling him heâd been zoned out at least long enough for Raja to reach Roy, place the drink order and Roy to make it.Â
âIf anyone complains, tell them it took so long because we wanted to get a fresh bottle for them or some shit.âÂ
âGuess Iâm not invited.â Danny dropped onto one of the barstools, feeling suddenly like he did in middle school when heâd get picked last in gym class.
He gazed longingly at the door like a lost puppy waiting for its owner to return to the shelter, his mood dropping nearly as low as his slumped shoulders.
âYou didnât want to go anyway,â Roy reminded him, rolling his eyes, wiping down the bar.Â
He was right. But Danny was much too proud to admit it, obviously.Â
âI supposeâŠâÂ
Dammit.
Roy, despite his best attempt at a hard exterior, did that thing again where heâd soften his approach whenever Danny grew wistful.Â
âForget it. Iâll make you something on the house. Whatâs your poison tonight?â
âYou hopefully,â slipped from Dannyâs mouth before his brain had time to filter it.
âWhat?â
âWhat?â He quickly coughed, trying to save what he could from the situation as if his throat was too dry to finish the sentence. Gesturing feebly to his collar. âWhatâŠever, you can make the fastest.â
He spun around on his barstool slowly, trying to remain casual as he made eye contact with Roy, assuming heâd turn back to the bar.
Instead, he had once again caught him in a staring contest, his eyes narrowed. Clearly not buying whatever bullshit Danny was trying to sell him.Â
âGod, his eyes are beautifulâŠâ he thought absentmindedly.Â
Lost in the deep browns of his eyes he tried his best to fight against swooning, wondering if heâd pick up on it. But how could he not see it?
Roy was so focused on watching him, Danny began to feel like the last piece of turkey on Thanksgiving dinner. Surely he knew what he was doing, surely he wantedâ
âThat your boss?â Roy nodded his head, snapping Danny back to reality. His face was pulled in an odd confusion, as if he was trying to figure out what Courtney saw in him.
âWhere?â Danny swung the stool in the direction of Bunnyâs office.
âHeâs smiling pretty big; if I was a betting man, Iâd say youâre off the hook,â Roy started but Danny was still trying to find Dan in the wrong direction. He grabbed his head and turned him towards the entrance. âOver there you idiot!â
âWait, is he really smiling?â he perked up, finally the right way. Just in time to catch Courtney kiss Dan goodbye before he smugly plopped his hat on his head and swagger out with all the overconfidence of a cat who just ate the canary, the cage and the goldfish for good measure.
âAtta girl, Court!â he cheered, after Dan finally walked out.
âYepâŠat-ta girl.â Roy sarcastically clapped in her direction.Â
âDetails, all the details!â he exclaimed, waving her over.
âYeah, come here, my little Court-esan.â Roy curled his index finger inwards, beckoning to her as if she was a rotten child walking towards a spanking. âCome tell me what you did this time.â
Although he acted pretty peeved, Danny could tell Roy didnât mean it. In all his time there, and in all the different ways heâd heard or seen Courtney getting screwed, never once had Roy made a mean remark about it.Â
In fact, heâd never seen him make any harsh (untrue) comments towards her like he often did with others. Calling a performerâs voice one night a dead ringer for âWhat can only be described as how syphilis sores feels.â
No, the two of them mustâve been old friends. It was obvious, not just by their banter and affectionate little pets but the way Roy seemed so protective over her. Like an older brother or even a father figure would be.Â
He also came to the conclusion that of the three of them, SHE mightâve been the best read. It was almost impressive how she floated about between lovers and managed to carry on the most interesting conversations known to man in one breath. Only stopping to powder her nose between the two.
For all their teasing, he had to give it to her. She wasnât a slut, she was just built that way. Good for her.
âBunnyâs gonnaâ kill you, you know!â Roy put his hands on his hips.
âWhy?â Courtney, who had hopped up to sit on the bar, asked.Â
âDo you want a list?â Roy scoffed. âWhere should we start? You were late for - stop it.â He swatted at one of her legs when she tried to wiggle her foot against his rib cage.
âCanât we just-â
âNo,â Roy shut her down.
âFine-uh,â Courtney whined. She pulled her leg back from poking him and hooked it over her other one, making her dress lift just enough Danny swore he could see a run in her stockings. Almost as if someoneâs fingernails grabbed at them.Â
Danny tugged at his tight collar. The temperature in the room mustâve raised a solid 20 degrees as the likelihood of said fingernails belonging to his uptight, no-nonsense boss dawned on him.Â
He originally assumed by âbuttering him up,â Courtney meant maybe a little extra flirting, maybe even a kiss or some heavy petting if she was feeling extra generous.
And the office rendezvous caught him off guard, sure, but ripped tights and what looked like a hickey below her earlobe? Absolutely above and beyond service.
âI should get her a thank you presentâŠI wonder if she likes chocolate?â Danny considered. Inadvertently staring at her as he tried to remember the heart shaped boxes of chocolates he passed in a window not long ago.Â
âTake a picture, love.â Courtney smiled sweetly, hiking her skirt up just enough that he could admire her thighs in all their glory.
âOh! I wasnâtâŠI didnât meanâŠIâŠâ Danny stuttered, looking at Roy first for help before he regained his train of thought. âSure, if you insist.â
âSee what youâve done? Hasnât he had a hard enough night?â Roy finally took the attention off of him.
âOh come off it,â Courtney gave a little titter. âHeâs a nice big boy, he can tell me when heâs had enough.â She patted his shoulder. âSo, you want a picture, huh?â
âWellâŠâ Danny realized it was finally his turn to speak but no words came out. Courtneyâs hand slid down, curving over his collarbone before going back up.Â
âDown, beast!â Roy scolded, cracking the dishcloth he had nearby against her forearm. âStop stalling and tell me about thisâŠâ he impatiently snapped his fingers.
âDan,â they both answered.
âDan, right. What do we know about this guy?â
âWell, heâs 6â2â, maybe 6â4â. Works at Dannyâs bank, obviously, and I think aboutâŠâ Courtney pursed her lips, holding her palms facing each other out in front of her, âabout this-â
âThatâll do,â Roy picked up on what she was doing.
âAbout uhâŠâ She found a length she liked. âThis long I reckon.â
âUgh, I said thatâll do, Court!â Royâs voice raised in frustration. Finally getting her attention. âCan we not have one night in this joint without you discussing your excursions?â
Danny decided this wasnât his battle to fight so he kept his distance, hiding his muffled giggling behind his hand so the bickering pair wouldnât catch on.Â
âItâs impolite to write personal things down about other people.â She put her hands on her hips, âSo if I didnât tell you, Iâd forget their pros and cons, and I canât make that mistake again, can I?â
âThis is why I donât take you to industry parties with me,â Roy facepalmed, rubbing his tired eyes with his thumb and index finger.Â
âNo, you donât take me because-â
âThatâs 5.5 inches,â Danny declared with a satisfied nod. Sure in his math until he noticed the pair had stopped bickering and were looking at him in complete confusion.
âHow - what?â Roy tried hiding his laughter. âIs this what you went to college for?â
âNo, let him finish, this could be useful,â Courtney said in all seriousness, raising her brows in Royâs direction, but he shook his head at her.Â
âThose types of acts stopped showing publicly in the carny days, before even vaudeville thank you very much.â
âYouâd know, you were there,â Danny mumbled under his breath, upset that Roy didnât find his accurate measuring impressive.
âOh Iâm sorry, are we feeling a little testy again, Mister âI cried when the man stopped drawing the deer in Bambiâ?â teased Roy.
âI donât know, do we think weâre funny, Mister âI got rejected to be the 6th Marx brotherâ?â Danny challenged. Refusing to let Roy win this round.Â
âBoys, boys, boys,â Courtney chimed between them, her tone more exasperated this time, rolling her eyes. âJust whip them out already and get a rulerâŠor a room.â She tilted her head towards the back of the club with a smirk. âOr an office.â
âNobody asked you.â Roy shot her a warning look, the same expression he normally gave right before heâd yell at one of the servers for screwing up. âJust get back to work, please.â
âOh I donât mind,â she turned to Danny with her hand on her chest. âIf you guys want to, you know⊠â she clicked her tongue in the back roomâs direction.Â
âOkay, thatâs enough!â Roy shouted, pushing her off the bar top while she wasnât looking. âThanks for dropping in, get to steppinâ, buh bye.â
Danny didnât know whether to laugh at her falling or the way Roy was waving his towel as he continued arguing with her about fixing her make up before her next set.Â
âFine! How âbout next time I just put a box over my head and you can draw some lipstick on it!â Courtney yelled over her shoulder. She tried to get the last word in as she made her way to the tiny dressing room hidden behind the stage.Â
âIt would be an improvement!â Roy yelled back. âWhat the-âÂ
Danny flicked one of the peanuts that had fallen out the bowl in front of him, hitting Roy square on the chin.
âOh you son of a bitch!â Roy exclaimed when a second one hit his cheek. âJust for that, youâre buying me a drink.â
âWorth it,â Danny grinned. He swiveled around on his stool, victorious for once, watching Roy dig around in the bottles beneath them.Â
âActually, you know what Iâd kill for right now? I worked on a picture with Guy Madison last year and he gave me this really terrific bottle of bourbon,â he began as he poured them each a glass of scotch. âIf you ever actually come see my place, you should have a drink.â
âSee your place?â Danny swallowed.Â
âOh god what does he mean? Whatâs he implying?â He started panicking. âWe agreed it was all a misunderstanding but does heâŠdoes he actually want me now? Is this a real invitation?â
His mind was spiraling, and Roy taking his sweet time to pour each glass wasnât helping matters. Danny wondered if he should shoot down the offer right there, but before he could make up his mind, Roy finally slid the glass his way.
âI mean, if you guys want to come over for dinner or something.â
âOh, of course he wasnât talking aboutâŠme,â Danny realized. He could feel his shoulders slump forward again in an oddly disappointed way. He couldnât show it however, not there in front of Roy.Â
âDinner?â Danny frowned, hiding his true feelings. âYou can cook?â
Roy took a sip from his drink. âOf course I can cook, what do you mean?â
âOh yeah? And what are you gonna give us? Indigestion?â
âFine,â Roy conceded, smacking his lips. âOr you can come by for tailoring. We really need to get you out of those shitty little Hooverville suits.â He curled his top lip, looking him over. âIâd say no offense but they really do look hideous.â
âHeeeey,â Danny whined, clutching his lapels as if they could hear the insult. âThese are catalog.â
Roy stood taller and pinched a piece of his pants to show Danny the seams. âAnd this is custom-made by the same guy who tailors costumes for Rosalind Russell, you see my point?â
âRosalindâŠRussell?â Dannyâs eyes went wide, reaching for the bit he was holding to feel the texture of the higher quality fabric.Â
When his hand touched Royâs thigh he swore he could feel his breath hitch, followed by Royâs eyes panning down, presumably also aware of how intimate the moment had unwittingly become.Â
âShit.â He realized he had gotten a tad too close for comfort and pulled back.Â
He sat down innocently as if nothing had happened, like when you get pulled over for driving over the limit and brace yourself to compliment your way out of it. âBoy, you know youâre everything I want to be when Iâm 57.â
âWhy I oughta-â Roy gasped. Pulling his best Joan Crawford impression, he leaned down close to him. âLook, so help me, Iâm gonna slug you.â
âThere's a name for you ladies, but it isn't used in high society...outside of a kennel,â he retorted, proud of himself for not only remembering the line from The Women but also for making Royâs dimples deepen when he said it.Â
âTry me,â Roy challenged, shooting Danny with a peanut right between the eyes.
âOw! Danny furiously tried to rub the sore spot better on his forehead. âHey-uh! That was a dirty trick!â he whined.
He must have looked absolutely pathetic, as Royâs face flashed all the way from pity straight into hysterics.Â
âOh, you poor little simple thing, donât ever change.â Roy grasped his shoulder, his laughs turning higher pitched than Danny had heard before. He wiped at his eye with the back of his hand. âGod, Iâd be bored without you here.â
âWhat?â Danny perked up, unsure if he heard that right.
âI said,â Royâs laughter started calming down. âOh nevermind. Forget it. I need a piss.âÂ
Many hours and many, many drinks later, Danny figured he had enough liquid courage in him to finally go see Royâs apartment. Platonically, of course.
âIâm heading home soon, I was wondering if youâd like a stroll?â he asked Roy at the end of the night, when the last tipsy crowd began to trickle out.
âSure, yeah. Iâd love to, but I gotta go take inventory and lock up some stuff. Would you mind helping out?â Roy barely even looked up from writing down some numbers of reservations for the next night. As if the revelation of Dannyâs intentions hadnât hit him yet. Not that he had any intentions. Maybe.
âCounting? Please, it's my job.â
Finally, Roy lifted his head, dropping an elbow on the counter, resting his head in his hand as he looked on in astonishment. âI always forget that, Iâm amazed when you bring it up.âÂ
âWhat? My job?â Danny blushed. His parents had told him a job at a bank would be respectable, but he didnât see it, until now maybe.Â
âNo.â Roy laughed suddenly, dropping the act just as quick and standing up straight. âThat you can count.â
âThis piece of work.â Danny thought. He was caught off guard by his mockery but didnât want to give Roy the satisfaction of knowing that.Â
âBang zoom, Haylock! Youâre going to the moon!â he mimicked Ralph Kramden, hoping the little reference would earn at least a chuckle from the equally fanatical Roy.
âGood one,â he praised, looking up at the fist Danny still held in his face. He gave it a playful tap with his pen, his own little version of a gold star.Â
âSuccess.â
Thanks to that little pick-me-up, the inventory they had to do went by, as Roy noted, faster than usual, both men forgetting about the time as they waved off the last of the wait staff and performers.
âAll Iâm saying is, knowing her, it was a stunt.â Roy threw his hands up, his pen nearly hitting a passing waitress.
âKnowing her,â Danny blew a raspberry. âI know you think your shit donât stink, but thereâs no way you know Joan Crawford.â
âI didnât say I know her personally,â Roy defended.
Danny, annoyed at Roy for missing the point, batted his eyelashes at him before trying again. âFine. You know what the tabloids say about her, thatâs my point! I think at the â46 Academy Awards, she and everyone there knew there was no way she would lose.â
âBut then why wasnât she there?â Roy slammed his fist on the table, clearly fed up with how long this conversation had gone on.
Danny however, was not prepared to give in just yet, enjoying their little argument and seeing Roy get so flustered far too much.Â
âBecause sheâs a deeply paranoid and emotional person, who doesnât want to show her weak side because that way people canât use it against her the way she uses their weaknesses against them!â he finally exhaled.Â
âOh brother,â Roy rolled his eyes. âSo sheâs just a bitch, is your excuse?â
âPot meet kettle.â Danny waved his hands in Royâs direction, making his dimples deepen in that tell-tale âyou got meâ grin heâd grown so fond of.Â
âFine,â Roy conceded, taking another sip from his now lukewarm drink. âUgh, this is worse than your fashion sense,â he pulled a face, scooting the drink away. âBut for the record, I do know Joan Crawford, semi-personally, and she would pull a stunt like that.â
âYouâre such a fucking liar,â Danny spat like an annoyed teenager. âI bet youâre just making that up again so -â
âBoys!â Courtney tottered into the storage room where theyâd been counting bottles. Clearly one too many deep herself. âHave one of you still not pinned the other against the milk crates?â
âShut up, Courtney!â they both shouted in unison, Danny not even registering what she was saying thanks to his own impeded thinking.
âDanny, my love.â She threw an arm over his shoulder, pulling him in close to not-so-subtly whisper in his ear. âMake him show you howâŠyou know, express what he's got.â
âShut up, Courtney,â Roy repeated.
âMake me.â She licked her lip, lunging forward to grab both of them in a big bear hug. âActually donât, Iâm on my way out with Morgan and Kameron.â
âYuck.â Danny scoffed under his breath, trying to pretend it didnât turn him on just a little bitâŠa lotta bitâŠ
âCrushed between all those musclesâŠRoy,â she turned to him, cooing, âIf tonight is the night I finally go, write that I died happy on my tombstone.â
âWrite it yourself!â Roy pushed her away with his elbow. âAnd quit distracting us. I want to go home and this idiot can barely count to 12 without getting lost.â
âHey!â
âListen, you little shit, youâve been counting the same stack of tequila for 14 minutes and you still havenât gotten past the 2nd shelf.â
âOh?â Danny looked at the shelves. Realizing that Roy had been right, he sheepishly smiled at him with a pathetic, âOops?â
Courtney tutted, shaking her blonde hair over her shoulders. âI guess youâll have to teach him a lesson. I recommend a good wallop across the bum.â
âI recommend a cup of coffee and a cold shower.â Roy crossed his arms at her like a disappointed father.Â
âAnd why would I listen to you?â she challenged, mirroring his stance even down to the way his left brow was raised.Â
âBecause sometimes, SOMETIMES, only once in a blue moonâŠIâm wrong. I canât be wrong twice in one night, can I?â
âIs this your way of apologizing for being an ass?â Courtney asked, throwing her hands around his neck for a hug.
âMaybe,â Roy hugged her back, pulling her tightly into his arms till she stood on her tippy toes. âDo you forgive me?â
âOnly if you buy me a big box of chocolates.âÂ
âDefinitely likes chocolates,â Danny noted to himself.
âDeal. Now go with your little toys,â Roy let her go, âand when youâre done, drink lots of water. Love you, be safe.â
The pair exchanged quick air kisses. Danny couldnât help himself but smile at how lovingly Roy doted over her, making sure she listened to him before he shoved her away into the waiting arms of Kameron.Â
âYou know,â Danny sat down in his makeshift seat, lighting them cigarettes. âYou two would make a cute couple if you werenât,â he swallowed, âyou know...â
âGee thanks.â Roy took his cigarette from him, shoving his seat away so he could count the tequila instead.
âHey, what did Courtney mean-â Danny tried asking about Courtneyâs earlier statement about the office but Roy shushed him.Â
â10, 12, 14âŠâ Roy kept counting under his breath. His brows tightly furrowed, concentrating on every label. â16, 18âŠ19?â He curled his top lip at the tequila bottles.Â
â20.â Danny held up the bottle Roy had poured himself a drink out of when they started counting bottles.Â
âKnew I kept you around for a reason,â Roy let out a relieved sigh. â20. Beautiful, done.â
Roy put the bottle back carefully onto the shelf, wrote down the number on his clipboard and hooked his pen over the sheet of paper. Finally! Their cue to hit the road.
Dannyâs stomach was in knots, boozy butterflies floating about at the anticipation of more intimate alone time. The thought made him nauseous with doubt but it was too enticing to pass up, just like those enormous Ferris wheels his parents took him to when he was a little boy.
Every time heâd question his decision, heâd look to his left towards Roy for some new motivation, reminding himself that he wasnât doing anything wrong. Just walking side by side as theyâd done many a night, simply without Jinkx in the middle this time, and if he had to be honest it felt freeing.Â
Liberating even.Â
âWell then, who do you think shouldâve won?â Roy asked, turning the corner to their block.
âSeriously? Such an easy answer,â Danny raised his shoulders in exasperation. It seemed like every time they reached the Best Actress category in their little debates Roy would scoff at his answers just to get a rise out of him, even some of the ones he, sometimes reluctantly, agreed with. âJudy Garland, obviously.â
Roy scrunched up his nose as if he was thinking over Dannyâs answer before he sighed, âI donât know-â
âOh brother, what do you have against Judy mother-fucking Garland?â Danny interrupted him, using the same phrase Roy had used for Deborah Kerr earlier against himself.
âGrace - you asshole.â Roy fumbled over his words, hiding a proud chuckle. âGrace Kelly deserved it, I think they voted for the right bitch.â
âWell I think youâre wrong,â Danny huffed. âAnd I think if Courtney was here sheâd agree with me.â
âIs that so?â
âAnd sheâd call you a dickhead!â He tried his best to imitate her Australian accent but just couldnât quite get it right, causing him to laugh at his own joke.Â
âWell, well,â Roy swayed towards him, bumping their shoulders together. âCareful, someone might say the club is rubbing off on you.âÂ
He was right, obviously. Even Danny could feel the shift in his personality since he moved to New York just a few weeks earlier. Specifically since he started hanging out at the club with Roy and the others.Â
âWould that be so bad?â he asked out loud, more to himself than anyone else truth be told.
âIt would make you right more often.âÂ
âI am right. Judy shouldâve won.â
âAs much as I would like to agree with you, I can't. Why do you think she shouldâve won, huh? Because sheâs been around so long? Because sheâŠâ Roy gestured with over the top quotation marks, ââovercameâ her struggles to make a good goddamn movie? Because it was an absolutely terrific movie, don't get me wrong, she damn near made me shed a tear.â
âWellâŠthen why donât you think she shouldâve won?â Danny came to a standstill, confused by Royâs argument.Â
âThink about it.â Roy stopped walking as well, stepping back a few steps to be equal with Danny again. âThose are all amazing qualities, but you canât just up and say âI did my best so I deserve the thing I wantâ, you have to be able to show people youâre in it for the long run, Judy isnât that girl anymore but Grace Kelly is.â
âBut she did show up!â Danny tried reasoning back. âMaybe not the way you wanted her too but she tried.â
âThatâs show business for you,â Roy shrugged.
âJames Mason didnât win either, which is complete bullshit,â Danny scoffed, resuming his walking.
âThat I can agree with.âÂ
âSoâŠthanks for letting me hang around all night, you sure I wasnât a bother?â Danny finally asked when they reached Royâs apartment door. Just before they began to discuss that yearâs winners.
Before he answered, Roy took the time to dig in his thick black coatâs pocket and pull out a couple of cigarettes, lighting one for each of them between his teeth. A little habit Danny had grown quite fond of him doing when he didnât think people would notice.Â
âYou know, I actually had a good time. I really appreciated the help, thanks.â
âYouâre very welcome, Iâd do it again any- any time really.â He stumbled over his words a bit. Royâs lips were too distracting as he took a big drag of his cigarette.
âWith the amount of scotch you had, I probably donât have to ask if you had a good time?â Roy teased, his lips twisting into a faint smile.Â
Danny couldnât help but blush, especially since Roy covered most of the drinks he ended up having. An act of kindness he appreciated; his wallet was looking a little too thin as it was tonight, with Jinkx skipping out before the tab could be paid.Â
âI wish I could repay at least one or two,â he began. Feeling around in his pockets for any change he might have left.
âYeah, I bet you do.â Roy looked up at him, halting his movements with a firm pat on the shoulder. Another habit Danny liked. At this point he started an imaginary list.Â
Danny could still feel his heart racing at the contact, even one so innocent. He wondered what Roy was thinking while they looked at each other, his face illuminated only by the soft glow of the street lamps scattered about .
âYou know-â Roy inhaled, raising his hand to hold Dannyâs cheek tenderly, lost in thought.Â
âHm?â Visions of them together began swirling in his mind. Glorious visions. And then -Â
âNothinâ. You had some lint. Go back to your doll face, sheâll want you home when she gets in,â Roy slurred slightly. A lazy smile on his face as if the night was growing long, but he didnât want it to end yet. âItâs getting late.â
âOh,â he breathed. Saying he felt let down was the understatement of the year. He didnât want to fight the issue though, hell he didnât even know how.Â
What could he say that wouldnât ruin any progress theyâd made as friends, or come out sounding just plain foolish? So he accepted his refusal and turned around to walk away back to his apartment.
âCâmon, be a man!â he scolded himself. Turning on his heels when heâd taken no more than 5 steps to face Roy with new self-assuredness.Â
âYou donât want to invite me in for that bourbon?â he asked, raising his shoulders, the ash heâd forgotten about from his cigarette falling onto his shoes.
âI donât think you need another drink tonight, do you?â
âUm, IâŠ.â Danny struggled to decide. So much for that confidence he had built up.Â
âExactly. So itâs probably better if I donât and we call it a night.â Roy flashed that devilishly delicious smile.Â
That smile that made his knees weak and his stomach do somersaults, even if his words made his heart drop nearly out of his body.
âRightâŠbut -â He wanted to protest and demand a reason, feeling his blood boil like when your high school crush rejects you.Â
âItâs nothing you - you hear that, right? Her stomping? God sheâs loud.â Roy turned around to gesture to the source.Â
Danny recognized Courtney almost immediately, her usual little skip run in those tiny dresses she wore nearly as recognizable as her accent.
âI lost my keys!â she laughed, running a little faster towards them. âAnd Delaâs out with her new boyfriend. Who, by the way, did I tell you his mustache is ah-mazing.â
âWhereâs your dates?â Roy shrugged off her rambling.Â
âUgh, donât get me started. Kameron got cold feet and Morgan, well, letâs just say some Scots donât hold their liquor as well as advertised.â She blinked as if she was trying to get rid of some unpleasant memories. âI got them a taxi, they're fine.â
âSeriously,â Roy pointed to her heels when she finally reached him, already holding the apartment buildingâs door open for her. âWalk like a man, why donât yah?â
âFuck me like one,â Courtney retorted with a tease in her voice, tousling Dannyâs hair, saying, âYou can even bring him.â
Dannyâs eyes flicked back and forth between the pair, unsure what to think. Or even what to say. Hell, even unsure if she was being serious or not. All he could see was red.Â
âHeâs not interested.â Royâs focus switched to Danny. His expression was unreadable, as if he didn't even know what he was thinking. âRight?â
Danny swallowed, muttering, ââŠright.âÂ
âGoodnight, Danny,â Courtney sang, walking past Roy into his apartment building. Throwing a last little finger wave his way before taking the edge of Royâs collar in her hand and tugging.Â
âComing, dollface,â Roy smirked, following her lead.
He stood dumbfounded. Baffled by this turn of events. The ONE time heâd made the first move and THIS is what he got for it?Â
âWhy thatâŠthatâŠ.â he huffed, unable to process rational thoughts he took a puff from his cigarette before throwing it on the ground. Storming off in the direction of his apartment with heavy, angry stomps. âThat slut! Jezebel! That absoluteâŠTRAMP!â
@missrefridgefreetorator this got too long for replies so I'm making it a text post -- I've often said I'm gonna write an AU of pretty in pink where Duckie is a baby butch who's pining hard for her best friend, Andy, who's chubby and awkward and has great fashion sense but is generally confused about who she is as a person & her sexuality & everything. Suddenly this cute boy is coming onto her and taking her out, though, and she thinks maybe she's gonna get to live the dream and be typically pretty with a hot bf. And then he ghosts her so hard and she's crying over it, and iona, who's a cool ass older queer woman who changes her styles to suit her moods but never her dates, tells her that what she was looking for was actually a really toxic fantasy. And that andy has everything she needs within herself. She doesn't need to get skinny or dress a certain way to deserve love. And fuck it, she should go to the prom!!
And Andy goes and makes a really cool dress at the last minute and calls Duckie, who in spite of her pining has been really supportive throughout all of this, and asks if they could go to prom together. And Duckie says yes, and when she sees Andy you can see her heart popping out of her chest like FUCK I'M SO IN LOVE. And Andy looks at her and does a double take bc she's never realized anyone could look at her like that, and also umm Duckie looks pretty good too??
And the shitty rich boy is there and tries to make amends with Andy, but she looks over her shoulder at Duckie and says thanks but no thanks and then Andy's taking Duckie's face in her hands and telling her she's pretty amazing and Duckie being like, "do you maybe wanna kiss someone who's pretty amazing, or?" And the music swells over their kiss and the entire theater full of gays fucking cries into their popcorn bc this is the movie we deserve!!!
Andy is still working class!! She and Duckie are weirdos in this town where they feel like nothing will ever change!!!
I'm very passionate about it, but my follow thru is shit so I've never done more than write a scene once and yell about the idea in text posts.
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Rock Hudsonâs Parties, Chapter 2 (Jadore/Biadore) - Imafuckinglibra
Summary: A fresh faced young man gets off a bus in New York to move in with an estranged college friend, now a broadway star. Old flames flare up again but are potentially derailed when an older manâs temptations threaten to come between them.
Fair Warning : There is actually smut in this one yay! Including a little illustration to go with it but tbh it's pretty sfw - no bits or anything. Brief mentions of death & that's about it me thinks.
A week. A whole week Danny had been in New York already and he still hadnât adjusted. He still didnât feel any more in control of his life than he did in Azusa.
âDammit.â He winced when his razor nicked a bit of skin below his lip. He stared at it, watching where the tiny bubble of blood came up.
Right below where he felt Royâs lips brush past before he walked off into the night. As if absolutely nothing had happened.
âNothing did happen. If you donât think about him he doesnât exist,â he scolded himself. Repeating the same mantra he did every time he walked past Royâs apartment building as if he was the boogeyman. âFocus.â
He drew his attention back to his reflection in the mirror. What he thought was his reflection at least.
He looked somewhat unrecognizable to himself. He couldnât pinpoint what it was, but it reminded him of a saying his mother used to throw around.
âI can't put my finger on it, but if I could - Iâd have to wash my hands!â
Maybe it was just nerves, some lingering stress from being the new kid on the block at work that made him uneasy. The alienation he felt was palpable. Between you and me though, it was most likely the fact that it was Monday morning before the sun had even come up and his head was still buzzing from the âquickâ cocktail party heâd attended with Jinkx the previous night. Was it the previous night?
He swore they left the apartment on Saturday night, yet he didnât remember coming home till just a few hours ago, when he fell into his bed at long last. Drowning happily in a flurry of warm blankets and Jinkx's limbs sprawled over him where she had passed out, too drunk and too lazy to go find her own bedroom.
He settled on the pang in his stomach and his throbbing head being the cause of the discomfort he felt, and made his way to the kitchen for relief.
Coffee, thatâs what would fix him. Coffee and the absolutely glorious spread of greasy breakfast foods Jinkx had made - bacon, sausages, eggs - butter smothered on everything, even the poor pan-seared potatoes Jinkx placed next to him as she sat down finally.
âYou know,â Jinkx lulled, twirling a loose strand of hair from Dannyâs forehead between her fingers. Unraveling all the hard work heâd done to finesse his unruly hair flat despite him swatting at her hand, âShangie mightâve been right the other night. Youâd make a gorgeous girl. Absolutely adorable.â
âYeah? You think?â Danny gulped. âWhat does that mean? Is it something I do or, or how I sit?â
He slurped down another gulp of orange juice, the only unbuttered item on the menu. Not that heâd put it past Jinkx to experiment with that type of thing.
Although she was a great cook, every now and then sheâd slip something in that she whipped up all by herself without the help of ladiesâ magazines or cookbooks.
He wasnât much better though. Outside the usual toast or bowl of cereal he made himself, he never had gotten the hang of cooking.
Not for lack of trying. His first morning there he had tried earning his keep by assisting with breakfast, assuming Jinkx would be far too sloshed to be any good, but she had very quickly put him in his place. She reminded him that as the lady of the house, sheâd be taking up the housework and meal preparation before going to rehearsals; all he had to do was bring home a (not fat but at least plump) paycheck.
And maybe screw her brains out when she so politely asked him of course, like a proper friend should.
âOf course not, dear. Itâs perfectly natural to want to play in girlsâ clothes once in a while, didnât Fred Mertz even dress up for an episode of I Love Lucy about some club thing?â
âThat was different.â He scrunched his top lip. âAnd Iâll have you know it was the Ricky Asks For a Raise episode and they ALL dressed up.â
She shook her head, unamused. âYou watch too much television; itâs gonna rot your brain one of these days.â
âItâs gonna rot your mep mep mep,â Danny sarcastically mimicked her disapproval with his hand, making her laugh as he did most mornings.
âYou suuuuuure you never dabbled? Never played in your motherâs makeup or put on her shoes? Not even a brassiere?â she kept teasing, "You've always had such a fondness for breasts, I assumed you'd have some complex, dear.â
âNo. Never.â Danny laughed uncomfortably, blushing at the implication. âI told you my father wouldâve, well. I mean, he was in both wars, you know those guys. They canât help it, different generations.â
He didnât really want to think of his father too much. He didnât openly hate him or anything, he was just sort of scared of him. Heâd have violent fits of rage if the coffee had been burnt, if Danny flunked a test or even if a dog barked too loud.
Itâs difficult for a child to bond with a man like that, or any parent for that matter, always tip-toeing around any small confrontation where even praise could be taken negatively. Suspicious you were out to get him at every word.
His brothers werenât like that though. They were kind and gentle souls, till enlistment day. When a naĂŻve 9 year old Danny watched them all join the service, dutifully joining their father fighting in the Pacific.
Donât get me wrong, he admired them, idolized them for their bravery and their ability to come back and still see the good in humanity. However, he envied them. Heâd never dare say it out loud though, especially considering how one of them, Charlie, never made it back.
Still, he saw the way they got a pat on the shoulder from every neighbor when they came home, or the praise and attention heâd always longed for from their parents - he couldnât help but feel jealous.
Fine. Maybe there were some issues there, but heâd deal with them his own way. âEventually,â he lied to himself, like we all do.
Heâd gotten so lost in his thoughts, he hadnât even noticed at first how Jinkxâs eyes had glazed over. As if she was still there, just perhaps not as present. Even so, she kept her chipper smile, taking a big bite of runny eggs on toast.
âYou know? Uh, the way those military men are?â he repeated. Â
She snorted, âThat I do.â
âSay here. How is your family? Folks doing alright?â he asked, trying to make polite conversation rather than openly intrude. âI can only imagine how excited your mother must be to have a daughter.â
âYeahâŠâ
âMust have been strange for you, Iâm sure to, toâŠam I stepping on some toes?â
âOh heavens no, I just havenât talked about it in ages. I wasnât ready yet.â She shook her ginger hair to lay perfectly against her shoulders, sat up straight with her hands folded in front of her, and smiled her best attempt at a pageant smile. âGo ahead, ask me again.â
Danny quickly swept his hair flat with his palms and mimicked her straight back demeanor, going at it again but this time as if he was asking a colleague about the weekend. âOkay. How is your family, dear?â
âI donât know.â Her eyes flicked around aimlessly before back at him. Probably trying to avoid thinking too hard. âI havenât spoken to them in over 4 years.â
Uh oh, she was curt.
âOh. I just always assumed your mother would be understanding.â
He wasnât quite sure if he should keep pressing the issue, but Jinkx was casually eating her breakfast with the same vigor and gleeful energy as she had before the conversation shifted, so he assumed she was okay with it. Besides, heâd known her long enough. At least, when he used to know her âbefore Jinkx,â heâd known her well enough that sheâd never hide anything from him.
Could it really be that maybe he missed something? Maybe she was struggling all those years heâd pushed her away and he never saw past himself to reach out. He assumed sheâd be strong enough to handle anything without him, it never even occurred to him to stop and just ask. Just check in at least once.
âShe was.â
Without missing a beat, she stood up to put the tin coffee pot on the stove and flick the burners on.
âI sent my parents a letter and a photograph, of me, obviously. You know. I explained everything. My mother called me first. She told me that she didnât quite understand it yet but that she loved me regardless.â
Danny studied her face, on the edge of his seat as her eyes hinted at a tearful glimmer. Her face turned back to stone before he could even register it happening.
âLater that night my father called me. Heâd shot her dead.â
Dannyâs heart sank. He instinctively reached for his shirt buttons, fiddling with them, twisting them - anything he could do to keep himself distracted from processing the horror of it just yet.
She swallowed, then went on. âAnd, he was planning on shooting himself too because he couldnât get to me. One of us had to go, he said, but they arrested him before he had the nerve to go through with it. Worthless coward. Coffee?â
âHow-â He knew she wouldnât want sympathy or a show of weakness, at least the old Jinkx wouldnât, so instead he followed her lead and swallowed his pity. âAbsolutely, Iâd love some.â
The room had stalled quiet after her revelation, except for the noise of water bubbling in the pot, the traffic outside the window gearing up as people left their home to start the day, and a gentle hum from the neighborâs radio.
Danny watched Jinkx prepare another cup of coffee for each of them, wondering what was going through her head as she tapped her long beige claws rhythmically against the countertop. Like she was tapping herself a little beat.
He felt a very heavy knot of guilt in the pit of his stomach. Like he shouldâve known better, not just about inquiring so much but about the way he abandoned her for so many years after college. Never even a letter or anything.
As usual, someone else had to make the move for him before heâd finally pull himself together. He knew which letter she was referring to; heâd gotten a similar one 2 and a half years after âsheâ dropped out of college.
He didnât recognize the name on the envelope at first, but he knew the handwriting anywhere, heâd spent enough time studying it while copying notes sheâd taken in their shared classes.
He understood what her mother meant; he didnât understand it either. He couldnât process it for weeks, couldnât decide what to do. Heâd spend hours and hours after class just staring at her photo.
All he could remember thinking was, âLook at how happy she is.â
One day, he got brave enough to call her like sheâd asked, and it was amazing. It was like heâd blinked and sheâd blossomed, not just the noticeable things. Her laugh - even her energy seemed happier, vibrant and alive.
It didnât feel like talking to his college roommate, it felt like a whole new person. Never putting the two of them together in his mind, maybe he didnât want to, maybe he wanted to keep them separated just enough he wouldnât have to deal with the consequences of his feelings.
Maybe he just wanted to enjoy having her and what she brought into his life as a ânewâ friend. Including the butterflies you get seeing them laugh for the first time. The little smile you get thinking back on a joke theyâd told you just knew would become a lifelong memory.
Even learning new details about her he never knew before - she liked white chocolates more than milk, she liked red wine more than white, she preferred coffee over tea but only on rehearsal days, she liked when your hand would caress the back of her neck but not her thigh.
Fine, yes. He may have explored more than just her mind after so many outings together, where theyâd met in San Francisco one night. He couldnât tell you how it happened the first time, and to be honest neither could I.
These things never have a beginning, itâs the way it goes when two friends finally get brave enough to acknowledge what theyâve both been feeling.
âBesides,â Danny had told himself. âIâve done it with girlfriends in the past, sheâs a girl and my friend. Why not? Would this really be that different?â
âOh god.â He realized he had spiraled down a tangent. The knot in his stomach turning tighter as it hit him that never once during their letters, calls, dates, what have you - never once did he ask her about her parents. Â
Theyâd never discussed their families much before so it never hit him till now that she was unusually vague about them. He assumed that well, so was he during that time so what gave him the right to push her on the matter.
âDammit.â
âSay, IâŠI really am so sorry, I didnât mean -â
âOh no. Iâm fine, mean it.â She dropped herself back into her seat and resumed eating some bacon. âSee, people complain about how the poor dear family must weep for losing their son or daughter. Why must they suffer so having lost ONE family member? Nobody stops to think maybe the son or daughter has to grieve too, not just for themselves but, but for their family. Even the supportive ones.â
Danny found himself remembering a very different Jinkx, whoâd made a very similarly grand speech to keep themselves from crying in school when theyâd been caught cheating on a math test.
âWhy must we quarrel so over x = y or 2 + 2 doesnât equal 3 when there are STILL children in this country starved. Not just for food, neigh, for nourishment of the mind, of the heart and soul. NotâŠalgebra. After all, time goes byâŠso slowlyâŠ'
It made him happy thinking of those days, right when theyâd met as college freshmen, and more importantly, before Jinkx dropped out to move away and change her life, leaving him behind. Back when it was just them, best friends daydreaming together in their own world.
âFor what itâs worth,â he finally began, breaking the awkward sounds of a lonely knife and fork sliding over the plate. âI am very, very grateful I didnât lose you.â
He stared up from his own plate to see Jinkx watching in shock at the sudden display of affection. The corners of her mouth twisting into a sincere smile, her brow furrowing as if she was holding back too many emotions to think about right now. And just as suddenly as you could say blink, she was back to herself.
âThank you, dear. Now finish up; the bus wonât wait for you and if you miss another day what will they think?â
âYouâre right.â He beamed, happy to see the color return to her cheeks.
He downed the last quick cup of coffee she made, despite the stinging burn it caused down his throat, and reached for the coat and hat combo that sheâd purchased for him, so heâd look more professional. He foraged around some bills and newspaper clippings sheâd left on the small desk by the door, trying to locate the briefcase heâd forgotten there on Friday.
âDoes it bother you?â
âYou kiddinâ, not at all. I like reading your reviews between breaks. It gives me something to look forward to in meetings. Makes me feel like Lucy Ricardo if Iâm honest with you.â
âDaniel,â she spoke seriously. Halting his movements with a firm grip on his wrist so heâd look at her while she stayed seated in the old, painted blue dining chair. âDoes it bother you? Me?â
âOh.â He finally caught on. âWhy no. Why would it?â
âItâs just that since youâve gotten here, every time we fuck...You seemâŠdistant. I know weâre not exactly going steady or anything, but Iâd like it if you were a little more attentive once in a while when you made love to me. Properly.â
âYou meanâŠâ Danny inhaled hard, fixing his tie.
He couldnât particularly say why this bothered him so much, but suddenly this talk felt like something he shouldnât be a part of. It terrified the shit out of him. Maybe heâd made a romantic gesture that heâd missed sooner.
âI mean, if youâre so unbothered, would you mind looking at me, or touching me, or kissing me? Not that I donât enjoy getting straight to it. Maybe we could justâŠtry it?â
âOh.â He nodded, considering her sincere words. Not just thinking about them but really, really taking in what she was asking of him. Intimacy. A connection, anything. Not a proposal, just some comfort. It certainly wasnât unreasonable; it was realistic.
She eventually dropped her head and her hand, clearly fed up with him taking so long to answer. âYouâre right. Forget what I said, old friend.â
Shit. The last time Jinkx made an effort towards a deeper connection, he chickened out. He didnât want to make the same mistake, he had to be more reasonable now.
âDollface," he tried salvaging the situation, dropping to his knees in front of her so he could look at her face. âWhat time does your rehearsal end tonight, huh? Iâll try to pick you up and weâll go out, make a night of it. Nice place to eat, maybe dance a little and then we can come home and, and Iâll - Iâll do whatever makes you happy? Okay?â
Jinkxâs frown began twitching back into a smile without her intending to, unable to keep a straight face at the big hazel eyes staring up at her with such empty promises and well intentions.
âSure. Iâll call you at work.â She rolled her eyes. âNow go before you miss the bus.â
âSwell.â He jumped up, planting a big wet kiss on her forehead before he rushed out the front door and down the hall to the elevator.
He was sure sheâd see through his façade, but heâd managed to pull it off and keep his cool under the pressure. Once he got on his bus though, he couldnât help but drop his head in his hands as that knot of guilt dug itself deeper into his soul. His miserable, pathetic, black soul, he punished himself.
Thinking about her parents, which made him think about his own dead brother. Thinking about Jinkx and how she mustâve felt. Reaching out for the one thing we all want, a connection. It wasnât all lies thoughâhe did love Jinkx, but merely as a friend. Maybe. He couldnât tell anymore.
Sure itâs swell having someone looking after you, cooking and cleaning for you, sucking your dick for you. Once or twice, theyâd even come home drunk from the club together and heâd fucked her, which was enjoyable, make no mistake. Something had changed since their stolen moments together before moving to New York, and he couldnât quite get his heart or his head to be as eager about it anymore.
He blamed Courtney and the Pink Flamingo Club. And Roy. And Morgan thatâŠstupid emcee with the big muscles and even bigger breasts whoâd walk around in slacks one night and a skirt the next. And Raja with their deep voice, short, fringed dresses and non-existent breasts that still somehow aroused him.
âIâll be damned, she's right, I do have a complex,â he groaned internally.
âPenny for your thoughts?â He heard a, strangely familiar, rough voice next to him.
âNo. Iâm scum, and Iâm broke. Iâm broke scum,â he whined, rubbing his eyes furiously with the back of his knuckles before he sat up. His mother would scold him for talking to strangers like this if she could but so be it, he deserved it.
âIâve seen scummier,â Roy cackled from his chest next to him, clearly amused by his childishness. Wait, Roy?
âRoy!â he recognized, face draining white in a panic. âOh...Roy. I- I-â He began to stutter, his breathing picking up.
Roy darted his eyes around to see if the people around them had noticed, then quickly leaned in, pretending to lift his coat tail out from under him as he whispered, âShh, itâs fine. Not here.â
Danny knew what he meant. Not in public, not this open. This wasnât the time to regret curious questions in a bar or a kiss with a man you donât even know past a first name.
He took Royâs lead and turned it around, grabbing his hand with both of his for a vigorous, masculine shake. âGood t-to see you again, chum, howâs the mi- I mean howâs it going?â
He could tell despite the stern expression at first Roy was hiding a small smile behind it. The dimples in his cheeks noticeably deepening when their hands touched.Â
A touch Danny dropped as soon as possible, unsure how long was the appropriate time for acting natural and cool.
âShit. Has he been waiting for me? Is he mad? Should I say something?â
His panic began bubbling to the surface again. His hands reaching up to nervously fix his tie, his collar, fiddle with the buttons on his shirt - anything.
âI started a new job,â he blurted out, âat the bank.â
Roy nodded along with him, clearly unsure of where this was going at first too. âAnd youâve been too busy to call or stop by the bar at the club orâŠwalk down the street and wave at me?â
âYeah.â He smiled his best âget out of jailâ grin. âSomething like that.â
âMeaning, you and I are okay then?â
âYes?â Danny swallowed. Unsure what he meant by âokayâ but he didnât want to risk pushing the issue any further and explaining why he couldnât wave to him or dare see him at the club.
His very presence haunting his sober brain with images of their inebriated kiss replaying in his mind over and over.
Roy coughed, maybe not so subtly, to get his attention back from his momentary daydreaming. Smoothing his thick black hair under his hat. âNow, itâs not the âbankâ getting you down, is it?â
Danny shook his head no.
âThen whatâs got you so blue?â
âGirl troubles, roommate troubles. Both I suppose.â
Roy leaned back in his seat, nostrils flared, scraping some lint from his pants. âI see. I didnât realize you and Jinkx were going steady.â
âNo, weâre not. I donât think we are. I mean, I - see, why do women have to be so damn complicated!â he huffed, crossing his arms like a rotten child. âYou know a girl over eight years, she insists that all she wants is to stay your friend. Promises you nothing will come out of it and then bam!â He smacked his hands together. âSuddenly she wants flowers and dinners and rings.â Hyperbole of course, but Roy didnât know that.
âSounds like you need a drink,â he tried sympathetically suggesting. Drumming his fingers on his knee while he waited for Danny to deny his request, but when neither could think of a good reason not to they settled it.
Roy stood up and pulled on the lever, asking the driver to stop the bus, directing Danny to come with him.
Danny was a bit hesitant about missing another day of work, but Roy reasoned with him that as long as he called them from the phone both outside the club and claimed he had a terrible cold, what could they do? Itâs not like all of New York would come to a standstill because one bank teller had to miss a dayâs work.
Besides, it was easy, he realized, mimicking Royâs speech to his own employer, the same woeful little cough and clogged nose bit that a school boy would try with their mother.
âI thought you made costumes for movies?â Danny asked, confused when they finally made their way inside a depressing little dive bar tucked between two restaurants.
Roy hadnât called a company or studio like he anticipated; he called the owner of the Pink Flamingo Club, pathetically promising to work every opening and closing shift for the rest of the week.
âThatâs just Jinkx being facetious. Most of the time, I work behind the bar at the Pink Flamingo. A friend of mine who works in pictures calls me up to do jobs when something comes up thatâs up my alley. Then I go back to the bar, so I can earn enough to last me till the next picture, rent a new closet to live in and sling drinks to keep from being broke. Or bored to death in some godforsaken office job.â
âWow.â Danny gasped, amazed either way by how much more impressive his job description sounded than his own. As if every job didnât sound more impressive than his own. âYouâre like a superhero with a double life.â
Royâs face completely broke at the seriousness in his compliment, making Danny click just how absurd what he said sounded. It was nice though, seeing him so happy, it made you feel at ease with the lightheartedness.
âIâm no Clark Kent, kid.â He kept cackling loudly even when the bartender slid their drinks over. âI just like to work while I can, you know. And be grateful for it.â
âI guessâŠâ he sighed.
The shift in his attitude mustâve been a lot more noticeable than he believed as suddenly Royâs tone softened. Guiding him to go sit in the back corner of the bar where they were hidden in the shadows, free to discuss all his woes with their 8am liquor.
First, he was a bit reluctant to share, so he asked Roy some questions about his own life, and where he came from. Roy told him about immigrating from Cuba, to which Danny had to bite his tongue to stop himself from asking like Desi.
However, Roy obviously either got that question regularly, or knew Danny well enough at that point, and acknowledged it before he could with a snippy, âNot like Desi. We were poor and Papi didnât own half the fucking countryâŠbut I do like their rum.â
He talked about the few movies heâd worked on, talked about the actresses and actors he got to meet that made Danny swoon. He even mentioned how he'd been a veteran of the war, stationed in France during the invasion and then Australia - Danny made a note to ask him if he knew Courtney's elusive serviceman at a later date.
Eventually, as Danny grew more comfortable, it was more give than take. He began rattling off every single life event since his first day in kindergarten, when a little boy kicked sand onto his apple, but Roy listened and gave his input on everything. Praising his honesty, encouraging him to open up more.
Heâd reached a boiling point he didnât know he had and once he let it all out, he let it ALL out. For hours, he nursed the same 2 Irish coffees, too busy talking to even take a drink anyway. It was remarkable, the conversation flowing between them as freely and naturally as lifelong friends.
He told Roy about how he rushed home the day his father and brothers returned from war, how excited he was to finally tell them about everything theyâd missed, how he wanted to hug them, kiss them - anything. Something he assumed Royâs own loved ones must have been feeling.
Instead all they did that day was plan Charlieâs funeral. All the things he wanted to share about his budding adolescent firsts seemed so small and inconsequential as he watched his mother stoically browse through caskets.
âHow did they find him?â Roy asked solemnly, his warm hand hovering over Dannyâs knuckles hidden beneath the table, soothing him softly, carefully.
Danny took a sip from the dismal remains of his coffee, pulling a face at the bitter bland taste before he acknowledged the question. The fact that Roy wasnât just listening but openly and patiently inquiring into what he was saying finally gave him the courage to say the words out loud.
âHe managed to make it through 3 years of fighting in the Pacific, just to crash the truck he was driving back to the base. Isnât that just like life sometimes?â He chuckled halfheartedly to keep his voice from breaking. He couldnât help himself from clutching at the hand still holding his, desperate for a bit of human warmth. His eyes locking with Royâs. âJust when you think youâre gonna be okay, something knocks you down.â
Maybe it was the poor ventilation in the bar, or the alcohol heâd sipped on without eating anything besides breakfast that day, but suddenly Danny felt his head go dizzy. Everything around him was almost standing still in a fog as he watched Royâs lips.
Pondering how he got to this moment in his life, where the only thing he wanted was for him to kiss it all better.
âIâm very sorry for your loss.â Roy broke the silence, making Danny quickly fall back into his seat, frantically rubbing his face and smoothing out his hair as if heâd just woken up from a bad dream.
âWhat time is it?â He flailed around, looking for the watch heâd forgotten to put on this morning when he spotted a familiar blond man standing in front of the club at the bus stop.
âShit!â
âWhat? What is it?â Roy tried asking.
âThatâs Willam, shit, heâs a coworker. If he sees me here, heâll think IâmâŠIâm -â
Royâs eyes narrowed. âThink youâre what?â
âYou know!â Danny exclaimed, throwing up his hands in exasperation. âHeâll think IâmâŠlike you!â
âLike me, eh?â Roy retorted, sitting back in his seat with an unreadable expression, shooting back the last of his own drink before taking out a cigarette.
Danny was frozen; he didnât know whether to run or hide. He didnât want Willam to see him skipping out on work and report him, but without ever having to say the word out loud he knew what he meant, and he knew he couldnât escape it this time.
âI thought that tur-â Roy started, taking a deep breath to calm himself. Looking around at the other four people in the bar. âI thought you were implying something different.â
âI - I never implied anything.â
âYes you did and you know it.â He gritted his teeth as if he was holding something back. âI guess I was wrong about you though, huh? Or did you just get off on the idea of messing with me? Having a nice laugh at me giving you my number.â
âNo.â
âOh, so I wasnât wrong then? You liked it?â
âNo!â
Theyâd once again met at that pond, lost deep, deep in some repressed memories Danny held where their eyes met, predator and prey. Kicking himself for letting this happen again.
âHold on." He approached the subject slowly, taking a deep breath. Palms defensibly held out by his hips. âYes. I had a momentary lapse of judgment but Iâm-Iâm pretty sure, Iâm not like, you know,â he swallowed, âthat.â
Either it worked, or Roy had gotten too good at putting on a face as he seemed to return to his usual composed self. His expression, however, still felt as if he knew more than he was letting on, like he was 10 steps ahead in a game Danny didnât even know how to play. âOkay.â
âHuh?â
âOkay,â he repeated, taking a long drag from his cigarette as he stood up, throwing some cash on the table. âIf you say so. Iâll be at the club tonight though if you want to not talk about it some more.â
âI canât, Iâm taking Jinkx outâŠâ
âSure you are.â He patted Dannyâs chest one last time and left. Leaving him there on his own, unsure of what to do.
Luckily, he managed to sneak home just in time to avoid being caught for his little day off escapades. But when he crossed the threshold, he suddenly had the urge to wash off something dirty from his soul and immediately hopped into the small shower.
Scrubbing for ages to try and cleanse something tainted from his hair, his skin, his very spirit maybe. The water turned cold by the time he realized how shriveled his fingers and toes had grown.
âHey!â He heard Jinkx running into the living room, followed by shoes being kicked off, a coat thrown haphazardly onto something making it rustle, and then she reached his bedroom.
Heâd been standing in front of the bed with his clothes all spread out, wondering what to wear but too lost in thoughts of what Roy had said. His spirit still dirty despite the raw skin.
âWell hell-o,â she teased by digging a finger into his briefâs waistband, not so subtly looking down at his ass.
âHello to you too.â He feigned a sense of normalcy, reaching around to give her a quick cheek peck and a big fat hug. Her boundless enthusiasm was too much for him to contain, however, as she ran out before he could fully close his arms.
Heading towards her bedroom to change into an evening dress, he gathered, by the big closet doorâs signature hinge squeak.
âListen. I know you were so sweet to promise a date for tonight but I have a show business thing I have to do.â
âThank god.â
âYou can come though! I need to meet the new director and go over some things with him, so I suggested we meet at the club.â
âShit!â
âActually, I would just feel like Iâm in your way, dollface. Why donât you go alone?â he tried to argue, leaning against the doorway, forgetting he was still in his underwear.
âNonsense! Iâll buy you a drink and you can talk to the band boys about that audition. Itâll be great. Once you get dressed. Hop to it.â She snapped her fingers.
âGreat for who?â he mumbled, almost certain she heard it.
By the time theyâd met up with the director at the club, Dannyâs heart felt like it was going to fall out of his ass. It was beating violently, making him nauseous, knowing Roy would take this as a win.
He tried fighting Jinkx on the matter but she seemed so insistent he come along that he couldnât say no.
Fine, he didnât fight that hard. He barely fought at all; he wanted to see Roy. Despite what he said, he still wanted to see him. He couldnât stop seeing him every time he closed his eyes and he needed the real thing.
âThank god,â he praised under his breath when they walked in and Roy was nowhere to be seen. He could relax. Coming to terms with this being some joke the older man had tried playing on him meant soon enough he could breathe normally again.
The rest of the night went great. They chatted, danced a few numbers, had a great meal and again, more than a fair share of drinks.
He felt so at ease, so affirmed in his role as the straight-laced man of the house his parents had expected of him. Jinkx was in her element, flattering the director with grace and elegance, buttering him up with invitations to dinners at their apartment as she lazily played with the button on his sleeve all night.
He finally felt like things might be all right. Ish. As always though, when things were going a little too great, he came back from the bathroom to see who but Roy and that nightâs singer, Trinity, at their table.
Roy positioned, coincidentally of course, in the seat next to his acting as if he hadnât seen him in ages. Shaking his hand and dropping a phony, âDaniel right?â
A name he knew good and goddamn well from their discussions that day that only 2 people called him - Jinkx and his mother.
Trying to keep his composure, Danny politely nodded, shaking his hand before he sat back down. Unable to follow the rest of the conversation that took place about singers, back up dancers and even costuming.
His only contribution being when Trinity asked what he did and if he was also in show business. He didnât hear her at first due to Royâs leg pressing against his, causing a momentary brain lapse.
âBanker.â He coughed. âWell, bank - um bank teller.â
âOh please.â Jinkx cackled, patting his hand. âThatâs just temporary, he's the best singer around here, besides myself and Miss Bonet of course.â
âIs that so?â Trinity inquired, shooting Roy a brief glance.
âY-â
âOf course!â His drunk roommate interrupted again, making Danny purse his lips into a forced smile. âHe also plays three instruments AND writes his own songs. I keep telling him he should audition for the band here but heâs a little shy.â
âThatâs enough, dear.â He tried to play it cool through his blushing, struggling to tell her to shut up without using so many words.
âWhy didnât you say so? I got this little thing her first gig here, I can get you one,â Roy nonchalantly commented from next to him.
âOh sure,â he thought, but the rest of the table began encouraging him to go for it. Words of affirmation made it too embarrassing to reject the offer so he agreed and followed Roy out to the back of the stage where, allegedly, the club owner liked to work alone.
âBunny?â Roy knocked on the big red door before he pushed it open, examining the empty office space. âGuess sheâs not here.â
Even if he tried, Danny couldnât tell you what came over him, he grabbed Roy by the perfectly starched collar and slammed him against a wall. âWhat the hell do you think youâre doing?â
âWhat?â
âYou can get me a gig, really? And that leg thing, what's wrong with you?â
âWhat?â Roy asked, seeming genuinely taken aback. âI thought I was helping you? I thought we were friendly? What leg thing?â
ââŠoh.â Danny tried pulling away, suddenly feeling very silly, but his head was too clouded by the realization that he still had Roy pinned beneath him. Worse, that he had Roy pinned beneath him with a growing erection.
Roy had obviously noticed the bulge pressed against his thigh, as anyone would, and smirked with a slight glint in his eyes. âNot like me, huh?â
âIt doesnât mean anything.â He quickly let go, shooting to the other side of the small room like a frightened deer with his hands desperately covering his crotch.
âIâm sure it doesnât,â Roy teased, scratching his chin awkwardly pretending to look away. âBut, the offer still-uh, still stands. About Bunny, not the debauchery, or the number, as youâve pointed out.â
âI wanted to call, um, but -â Danny tried defending but it felt pointless. He felt tired, unsure of what to do or say. Instead he just shook his head and buttoned his jacket back up to hide his embarrassment.
âI donât understand you?â Roy crossed his arms, turning further away from him, this time with his whole body.
âWhat?â
âYou asked me those things at the bar which, Iâll admit I took the wrong way. ClearlyâŠâ He tilted his head in Dannyâs direction but kept his eyes on the wall. âBut you sat with me all day, I mean, I genuinely thought maybe you liked me.â
âOh,â he repeated. He hadnât considered that. Hadnât taken Royâs feelings into account, instead trying to think how he could still win this fight.
âWhy are you hiding now though?â
âIâm not.â He was. Talking about your parents all day will have that effect on you, bringing that recognizable self-loathing back in a person. Even making him a little sheepish at that moment. "I don't want to talk about it."
"Fine. Better get back to the table then,â Roy exhaled, holding the door open for him.
He nodded, leaving Roy alone in the office.
As he made his way back to the table, defeated, he was intercepted by Jinkx going towards the bathroom, the two of them colliding into each other with a thud. Danny managed to grab hold of her by the shoulders and steady them both.
âSorry, Doll, I didn't think to check where I was going.â
âI see that. Blood rushed somewhere else maybe?â she joked, eyeing between them where the bigger than usual bulge was still poking through.
âShit.â
âI guess it justâŠreally likes running into you,â Danny quickly recovered, trying to save face before she asked too many questions.
Jinkx smiled a big grin and leaned into his ear with a husky tone, âDidnât know you were such a romantic, why donât I take care of that for you before we go back?â
Her whispers sent shivers up and down his back and straight to his groin, making his underwear painfully tight and his head painfully cluttered. How could he say no though? He needed to forget this day, he needed someone safe and familiar to hold onto till his world stopped spinning.
They rushed out the back door where heâd witnessed the spectacle with Courtney and a certain set of lovers, checking first this time that they were in fact alone.
They wasted no time, crashing into one another the second they established they were out of sight. Frantic kisses landing on exposed necks, lips, ears, wherever they could.
Dannyâs hands cupping her face aggressively to pull her in for a passionate open-mouthed kiss. Hearing her moan, her cheeks and neck growing hot against his lips as he finally gave her the attention sheâd asked for. Even if he knew it wasnât for her, his mind could barely keep track of who it was picturing, Roy flashing into it every so often as he fought against his temptations.
âMy my,â Jinkx moaned, dropping to her knees to wrestle his belt off. âPoor baby, you look like youâre fit to burst.â
âMaybe youâre just - aaah, that amazing,â he cried out when she took his thick cock into her mouth. Biting into his knuckles when the sensation overwhelmed him.
She didnât seem to notice, or react if she did. Her red hair jostled wildly as she moved her head. Enveloping him fully, causing the thick vein on the side of his cock to pulse and his legs turn to jelly.
He held onto the wall behind them, bare palms flattened against it for support as his hips bucked wildly into her mouth. Groaning and cursing so loud and without care, he didnât hear the door next to them open.
Barely enough for the light to poke through but enough that once he noticed, he caught Royâs eyes watching them. His mouth opened as if he was about to say something before he saw them. An unreadable expression plastered across his sculpted face.
âDammit to hell,â he cursed mentally, wishing Roy would be more animated like Jinkx with her heart on her sleeve. Itâs tough enough trying to figure out whatâs going on in your head let alone someone elseâs.
Regardless, his own mind told him to stop, to immediately pull out and pretend nothing happened, maybe even confront Roy. Call him a bastard, a pervert, anything. He couldnât.
He grabbed Jinkx and quickly spun her around, unable to contain himself any longer, spitting a good glob of saliva into his hand and onto his cock while she lifted her many skirt layers, reading his overzealous intentions all too well. Giggling like a lovesick schoolgirl, eager to please on prom night.
âDonât bother being gentle,â she growled against the wall, arching her back to let him slide in and push her chest further into the bricks.
Trying to get on his tippy toes for easier access, he cursed her high heels vehemently before he grabbed onto her hips finally and dropped his forehead against the nape of her neck. Success! Sweet, sweet success.
Jinkx moaned loudly, unabashedly enjoying the moment. Distracting him briefly from the onlooker who caused this peep show to begin with.
His face tilted to the left where he could keep an eye on Roy, Jinkx pushed her hips back further with another loud wail, his own lips parting into a silent scream as her tight asshole stretched over his cock.
âThatâs it. Like that,â she praised when his hips resumed their furious humping, hooking her fingers with his, unaware that while she was moaning out his name he was too busy saying silent prayers to Roy to even register.
His teeth gritted, eyes straining against the poor light so he could watch Roy for just a little longer. Studying the way his dark eyes sparkled in the softest bit of glow coming through. Heâd pressed his lips into an acknowledging smile and started moving back towards the noise of the club when Danny shook his head no.
âThis is wrong.â
He knew it was. But his body craved the familiar, that human warmth again. His tipsy, confused mess of a mind however wanted the thrill of it.
He wanted Roy to see that his cock mightâve been inside Jinkx at that minute but not his mind. His mind was his to play with, to live in, not hers.
He couldnât hold it any more, too filled with lust to care if he couldnât last long enough, he furrowed his brows and tilted his head down as he grunted one last time. Slamming his hip bones flat against Jinkxâs round ass cheeks as he came.
Dropping his heels back down onto the ground with his twitching, limp dick sliding back out of her. His body felt as spent and tired as his soul, saying one last prayer to whoever would listen. Even if it was Roy or Jinkx. Anyone willing to hear.
âSorry.â He whispered tentatively into her back, not just for what a mess heâd made between her legs but well, you know.
He didnât have to say it, he didnât have it in him yet.
âItâs okay, baby,â she reassured with a gentle lilt, taking the handkerchief heâd handed her to wipe them both clean. âYou know I love it when you donât hold back.â She turned to face him, adding, âSo animalistic.â
He wondered if he should laugh at her dirty little comment but some shame still hung heavy on his shoulders. âDid you, um, should I?â
âNo dear, you did good. You did very very goooood,â she praised seductively, planting a barrage of kisses on his face. Smothering him with the compliments he needed to soothe his ego.
Danny felt that pang of guilt again. Lavishing in the giddy affection he was receiving from her despite knowing that mere moments ago he pushed her aside, no pun intended, so he could focus on his fantasies again. Worried that if she ever found out, sheâd think this was some sick joke he was playing on her.
When they went back inside, the director and Trinity were still chatting at the bar, presumably none the wiser of what had just occurred. No one knew, it seemed. Except Roy. Roy was sitting down in his chair with the most smug, shit eating grin plastered on his face as Danny sat down next to him.
âWhereâs your little friend?â he asked, lighting two cigarettes between his teeth.
âSheâs powdering her nose,â he responded, trying to avoid eye contact.
More lies. He was getting good at this, what would his mother say if she saw him?
âWhen are you gonna man up and take responsibility?â
âOf course she is.â Roy leaned over to place one of the cigarettes he just lit into his mouth before the others returned. âSaw everything at Rock Hudsonâs parties huh?â
âYeah,â he winced, taking a big puff, still keeping his eyes straight ahead rather than acknowledging him.
âYeahâŠâ
âDonât tell anyone,â Danny whimpered like a scared child, unexpectedly reaching his hand over, desperately gripping Royâs hand before the others came back. Just a small act of comradery to assure him they were still okay.
âIâŠwonât.â Roy shifted uncomfortably in his seat briefly before snapping back to his laid back persona again. Patting Danny on the shoulder reassuringly, instructing him to follow suit. âJust act normalâŠâ
i just want a whole month of queer AUs. like make every story we grew up reading or watching queer. all of them. queer up the fuck out of literally everything.