Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2003 09:35:14 -0500 From: Jacob Adams Subject: Welcome to the Family / Chapter 2 The following is a work of fiction which contains consensual sexual acts between adult males. If you are offended by this, or if it is illegal where you are please do not read any further. All copy writes are held by the author. Please to not duplicate, print, distribute or re-submit this story without permission from the author. Please contact me for comments at jakeadams@verizon.net Welcome to the Family JT Adams Chapter 2 Jeff followed the directions Daniel provided and found The Palace in no time. It was definitely not what he was expecting. The first thought that came to mind was "What a dump!" From the looks of the place it could have been an old roadside saloon at one time, complete with wood siding, front porch and split rail fencing. He turned off the street and followed the drive along the side of the building to a large parking lot in the rear. He was in awe not only of its run down appearance, but also of its size. "This small town may have a gay life after all!" He thought to himself. The parking lot was not very full, but then again it was only barely Ten O Clock. But, having a few beers in a slow bar was still better then sitting alone watching thirty year old sitcoms. As he nervously approached the entrance he felt his extremities begin to sweat. He has actually only been to a few other gay bars and was still uneasy with this lifestyle. It was the imminent unknown that was the source of his tension. He knew that once inside, and a few beers inside him, that his nervousness would subside. He wipes his palms against his jeans then timidly opens the door. Upon entering new territory all his Marine Corp training, all the toughening up, all the courage he was supposed to have gained suddenly disappeared. He walked through the door to find that the interior of the establishment was no better looking then the exterior. He found himself in what he guessed was a vestibule. It had a badly scuffed concrete floor the same rough sawn plywood siding that not only covered the exterior of the building but apparently the walls of the interior as well. Most of the once white ceiling tiles were a dingy brownish yellow from the smoke. There was a low wall leading him up to where there was a cash register, it made him feel as if he was in a corral. Above the register was a low wattage spot light, the only source of illumination. Directly under was a sigh that read: "$3.00 cover, have ID ready." Getting his courage back he headed up the corral stopping in front of the cash register. A short fellow with long curly blond hair stood with his back to Jeff, he was moving in rhythm to dance music which was emanating from a doorway just in front of him. He was standing next to another man with whom he was carrying on a conversation. Upon seeing Jeff his eyes opened wide and his jaw dropped, instantly getting the attention of the blond who quickly turned around. Jeff wondered how he was able to see as his long curly bangs hanging in front of his face. He held his lips so the lower was further out, he exhaled which blew the curly hair momentarily from directly in front of his eyes. Upon seeing Jeff he stood us straight, squeezed in his gut, drew back his shoulders pushing forward his chest, or what chest he had. He licked his lips then in high pitched voice with more then just a slight lisp said "Hi, $3.00 and I need to see an ID." Jeff pulled his billfold from his back pocket and fished out the cash and his driver's license and placed them into eagerly awaiting hands. The guy made an attempt at conversation. "I don't think I've seen you before, is this your first time here?" "Uh, yeah." Jeff said bluntly, not really wanting conversation. The doorman looked over Jeff's license really good before handing it back and taking the three one dollar bills. "Ah, Jeff so you're from out of town, welcome to our humble little establishment. You have an easy name to remember, I have two ex-husbands named Jeff." Jeff just smiled; he wanted to say `so what?' but refrained himself. "My name is Brian, but you can call me as Briana." Brian said as he extended his hand, which Jeff reluctantly shook and thought to himself about this being a stereotypical limp wristed faggot. "The main bar and dance floor are through here." Brian said pointed over his right shoulder to a doorway through which Jeff heard the typical gay bar music. "The showroom and leather bar both open at eleven." He pointed at two other doors leading off the vestibule. "You look butch enough that you may fit in there." He licked his lips again. "We have a show at Midnight, Moi may be performing. You'll have to be sure and check it out. My sisters always have a reserved VIP table up front. If I see you there, I may perform especially for you." "Thanks." Jeff said cordially returning a smile as he made his way through a turnstile. As he was turning to head through the doorway towards the music, Brian's friend adjusted his weight to slightly block Jeff's passage. "I'm Michael," he said, "I'm the DJ, if you have any special requests just come see me. I'll play whatever you want." "Call her Michelle." Brian volunteered. "Mary you need to stop, Michelle is on vacation." Michael said back to Brian. These were the kind of guys that Jeff despised. Why must so many gay men insist on altering their names to sound effeminate? And why is it that if a man is gay it's "Michael" but most straight men go by "Mike?" Just like he's never known a gay man who goes by "Bob" it's always Rob or Robert. Just some of the wonders of the universe he guessed. He hoped that the men that he has met so far weren't typical of this city. He was into real men, and he would definitely be calling it a night and heading back to his hotel to be entertained by his right hand if it didn't get any better. "That's nice." He managed to say as he passed, probably a little more sarcastic then it needed to be. As he went through the doorway towards the music he heard the two behind him in conversation about him. "Wow girl fresh meat and talk about H. O. double T hot!" one voice said. He really couldn't distinguish whether it was Brian or Michael over the music, and honestly could care less. He passed the empty dance floor as well as lots of empty tables as he made his way to the bar that was at the other end of a long narrow chamber. There were a few people here, maybe a half dozen. And he could see all heads turn towards him, he felt like such a piece of meat. Yet at the same time this gave him an much needed ego boost, his confidence was slowly returning. He sat at a barstool and saw two men behind the bar. One was mixing a drink and talking to another patron sitting a few stools down. Jeff took the opportunity to check him out. He was a couple inches taller then Jeff, and a few pounds heavier yet weren't really what most people would consider fat. He and was wearing jeans that looked like that had been through the washer quite a few times and a bright red tank top that hugged his body just a bit too tight. Jeff guessed that he was probably in his early thirties. From the looks of his arms and shoulders this was probably the only exercise he got, not bad now, but Jeff guessed he was probably pretty hot ten years ago, not that he's bad now. He had, dark somewhat curly hair cut short with a bald spot in the back and a slight hint at a receding hairline. Jeff noticed he had a nice smile and spoke in a friendly tone. The other guy was turned around and appeared to be putting supplies in a tote. He was wearing jeans that Jeff could see was ripped in several strategic locations, a leather harness and nothing else. As he stood and turned the first thing Jeff noticed was that he stood at least six-foot-five. His head was shaved bald and he sported a full goatee to compliment his very hairy chest. Jeff also couldn't help but notice the very large bulge in the guy's jeans. At this point Jeff already decided that even though this was the only real man he had seen so far, he wasn't interested. As the bartender finished the drink for the other customer and took his money, a process that took longer then it should have due to the active conversation. But Jeff realized they probably knew each other and was catching up on the latest local gossip. As the other customer was picking up his drink and turning to walk away Jeff saw Michael, the DJ come bouncing up to the bar and grabbed the bartender's attention. Michael said something to the bartender then they both looked at Jeff. The bartender reached into a cooler and took out two beers which he handed to Michael then came down to Jeff. "What can I get you this evening?" He asked with a smile. Jeff had to admit to himself this guy wasn't bad looking. And he was only the second person tonight who did not seem to be missing a few male hormones. "Looks like you've got an admirer buying your first drink." He motioned his eyes down to where Michael was standing. Jeff looked down at Michael, who smiled and gave him a half wave. While Jeff appreciated the free drink, he wasn't sure he wanted to owe this guy anything. "Bud Light" he said turning his attention back to the bartender. The bartender reached back into the cooler and returned with the ice cold longneck. He twisted it open and placed it on a napkin on the bar in front of Jeff. He then returned to Michael who handed some him some cash. They exchange a few words which Jeff could not hear over the loud music before Michael blows a kiss towards Jeff then turns and skips away with two beers. The leather harnessed man finished loading his tote. He placed it on a cart with a few cased of beer and headed away. As Jeff scanned the crowd he could tell that everybody was checking him out. Some was being obvious while others would be looking his way, then quickly turning away if he looked towards them. "Everything OK?" Jeff heard the voice of the bartender behind him. "Um, yeah, sure." Jeff turned back around to face. "Michael tells me this is your first time here, I'm Jake." He says with a smile that Jeff determines to be real. As opposed to the cartoon smiles he had received from every one else he had so far met this evening. "Jeff," he says returning the smile. "And this is Andy and Rick," Jake says pointing at the two guys who was sitting on the bar next to Jeff, that to this point had been involved in their own conversation and hadn't noticed Jeff, or at least hadn't cared. They said `hi' then went back to their conversation. "It's not as bad as it looks here, where bouts you from?" He asks. "Effingham," Jeff replies, it's not true, but it was the closest city that he thought Jake may have heard of. Besides, he would rather remain vague. "We quite get a few from Illinois in here," Jake says, "I guess there are not too many places to go over there." This manages to bring a smile to Jeff's face, "No, there isn't, none I'm even aware of anywhere near home." "I have some friends in Illinois who go over to St. Louis a lot. It's a further drive, but better clubs." "Really?" Jeff asks, "I've never been there." He thinks about the possibility of heading over there for a weekend. He and Jake make small talk for a few minutes until a few people approach the bar for drinks. Jake goes back to work and stays busy a steady stream of customers. Jeff notices how he seems to know everybody, or at least treats them like he does. Over the next half hour Jake manages to break away from the serve line a couple times to check up on his customers sitting at the bar. Several of the guys did start to make their over and spoke to Jeff. But nobody was able to keep his interest. But their attempts at conversation soon bored Jeff. The topics were usually limited to the normal: "Where are you from?" "Have I seen you here before?" and, the biggest turn off, "Are you a top or a bottom?" Luckily they would be interrupted by someone with another lame conversation before he had to get too in depth with anyone. The interruptions were usually from someone who knew the person he was speaking with hoping to be introduced. The tried to push the first talked out of the way using the same tired lines all the others before him had tried. He wasn't sure it was worth it being the new meat. Apparently this was a small enough of a town where all the gay men knew each other and him being somebody different stood out. Word must have started to spread as to his name and that he was from Illinois as people began starting conversations with something along the line of "Oh, my best friend used to live in (enter name of town) do you know him?" Luckily so far he hadn't, and he was not so sure he would admit it if he did. When he got to a point where he thought he had spoke to everybody in the bar, including the couple dozen new patrons who had made their appearance since his. And the current conversation was more small talk then he could handle he decided to excuse himself and wander around. When he approached the entryway he saw that the door leading to what the doorman had earlier told him was a leather bar was open. Apparently whoever decorated this room must have been attempting to a dungeon on a budget with a little Martha Stewart thrown in for kicks. It still had the same concrete floor as the rest of the building as well as the same rough sawn plywood walls as the lobby area. You could almost feel claustrophobic with the drop ceiling painted black, and only about a foot overhead. It was kind of dark and ominous with the only light in the room was above the two pool tables and some colored track lighting above the bar. Tending the bar was the bald and chained man he had seen talking Jake earlier. There were booths along one wall that looks like they must have come out of an old café. There were a few patrons sitting in the booths and a few more playing pool that he had not previously seen. There were a couple girls that he assumed were lesbians and a guy playing pool. He hopped onto a barstool and started watching the game. While he has played pool he was never more then a mediocre player. He considered it a spectator sport though and enjoyed watching others. After watching a few shots he decided that they were about as good at the game as he was. But they was joking and having a good time, a few times Jeff chuckled to a comment that one of them made. During the game he noticed that it was the guy who was playing with one of the lesbians while the other watched. Then the game was over of the lesbians looked up and asked Jeff if he wanted to play. "We'd like to play doubles and need a fourth player," she says to him. He smiles as he jumps from the stool and heads over to the table. He hadn't planned on playing, but it beats just sitting around. "I'm Michelle," the one who invited him says, "this is my lover Cindyke, and her husband Josh." "Jeff" he says walking over. As they all exchange greetings Michelle notices the confusion on Jeff's face. "Husband?" He asks and they all laugh. "Yeah, you heard right." She reaches down and grabs Cindyke's hand to show a wedding ring. "These crazy ass faggots done got married, legally even." He finds out that Josh is a student at the college and didn't like living in a dorm and couldn't afford to live in his own apartment. The university owns some apartments in the neighborhoods around campus they rent to students. He had checked into them, but they assign you roommates, usually four to a two bedroom apartment. He didn't like that idea either. So one night when they were all drunk they decided to get married. Then they could rent a couple's apartment, and didn't have to worry about roommates. "That sounds, interesting." Jeff managed to say looking over his new friends, not sure what to think about this interesting living arrangement. Josh though was an interesting person. Tall, medium build, with dark brown hair parted on the side. He had on loose fitting jeans that did well at hiding what kind of endowment he may have. It looked like he was wearing a black t-shirt covered with a dark plaid flannel shirt that he had rolled up to just below the elbows. Overall he had a "Sunday School Teacher" look to him. But when he spoke he had a definite effeminate lisp. Jeff normally didn't like effeminate acting men, but something about Josh was different. "She has her wife and I have my husband, we hang out when necessary for appearances then go cheat with our lovers." They way he flung his arms around it made Jeff wonder how he could ever pass for straight. "Cheat?" Jeff asked, wondering how that would play into this. "Of course," Cindyke says, "we're married, legally husband and wife, so if we're messing around with anyone other then each other it's cheating." Josh walks over and puts his arm around his wife and gives her a kiss on the cheek and says, "I told Cindyke on our wedding night she's free to mess around with anyone she wants to mess around with as long as she doesn't mess around with me." The whole group gets a laugh out of this. Josh takes his arm from Cindyke to make a shot. He sinks two balls at one in the corner pocket. Jeff could stand it no longer, "Cindyke?" he asks. She caught the meaning of his inquiry, "it's really Cindy," she says. "But everybody insists on the nickname. I think that faggot there started it, I should really kick is ass for that." She points at Josh who's laughing hysterically. "But it's so cute," Michelle says, grabbing Cindy from behind and giving her a hug and a slight peck on the cheek. "So is `Mike the Dyke.'" Cindy says tilting her head at Michelle, "But you get pissed when people call you that." "Hey, cut that out," was the reply. "Just because Michelle is the effeminate of Michael doesn't mean they're interchangeable." They all laughed. Michelle releases Cindy who turns around. They hug each other and kiss. Jeff is amused hearing the reverse of the situation he had encountered earlier in the hall with the doorman and the DJ. Jeff found out through the conversation that Michelle and Cindy had been together for a couple years. They met when Cindy was a student at the college, which is also how she hooked up with Josh. She had since dropped out of school and has a full time job at a local factory. Said she just wasn't cut out for the student thing. Jeff was thinking that this was definitely a mixed up group, but he liked them. And the conversation was more interesting then the lame pick up lines people was using on him at the other bar, and definitely more entertaining then reruns of "The Brady Bunch." Jeff backs up and leans against the wall just inside the doorway. As he stood just inside the doorway He became aware of the conversation out the door and in the entryway. "Good evening girls," he heard a familiar voice say. "And how are you Miss Thang?" he heard the doorman ask. "Girlfriend I am in serious lust, I had a guest check in this evening that was just too hot for is own good. My gaydar kicked in big time and sure enough he asks for directions here." "Girl you better stop right there." He head the doorman say. "Un-a Mary, I have every intention of getting me a piece of that. Perhaps you've seen him, about this tall, blonde, large chest, nice arms." "If you're talking about who I think you're talking about you need to stand in line girl, I think everybody in this place has made a pass at him already and he ain't a given any of us the time of day." "Pulls your claws back in Mary, you have a husband, I on the other hand am single, available, lonely, and going to find my man. Um, do you know where he is?" Jeff banged his head against the wall. "Oh, Shit! Just what I need!" Somehow he has a feeling this one may be harder to brush off then the others. "Last time I saw him he was up by Jake at the bar." "Thank goodness," Jeff thought, "this may buy me some time." Apparently the doorman didn't see him slip into this room earlier. He managed to make small talk for a few more minutes while taking turns shooting. They had paired up with Josh and Cindy on a team playing doubles against Jeff and Michelle. While there were no prospects here for a date for the evening he was at least clicking with this group and wouldn't mind having them as friends. Jeff usually didn't like effeminate men, but Josh was fun to be around. And while he had made a few comments here and there, he had not come out and made an actual pass. The peace could only last so long before a very loud "Why there you are!" came from the doorway. All four pool players turned to see Daniel. He had changed cloths since quitting work. He had ditched the black slacks, white shirt and black tie for khaki shorts and a very brightly colored shirt. Jeff just raised his eyebrows and gave him a "do I know you?" look. "I'm Daniel, from the Knight's Inn, come on it's only been a couple hours, surely you haven't forgotten me already." "No, but I tried." Jeff said under his breath. Michelle was the only one who heard him. She had to turn around to conceal her laugh. Daniel walked, actually skipped over and tried to give Jeff a hug. Jeff felt like a deer caught in headlights as the arms surrounded him. "I see you found it, I knew you would. GIRL," he said, he was being much more flamboyant then he was at the hotel. Jeff wasn't sure how much of this he could handle. "I have to let you know you won me $20, I told Donna you were gay and she just refused to believe me. So she made me a bet, as soon as I got off the phone when you called and asked for directions I called her, she had already gotten off work to let her know she lost." This went on and on. Jeff looked at his new friends and asked; "does this guy ever inhale?" He knew it was rude, but he had already decided that he did not like the guy and really wanted him to leave. "You're up," Michelle says to Jeff, momentarily distracting Daniel and breaking his chain of thought. It's not long before he goes right back to talking a mile a minute. Jeff was no longer paying attention; yet Danny was distracting enough to break his concentration. After he missed what should have been a very easy shot he looked at the group wide eyed with a "save me" look. It was the bartender that came to his rescue. "Hey Danny," "Yeah Chuck." "Can you run up front and tell Jake I need a keg of Bud." "Uh, sure" he turns and leaves. "I can't stand that guy." The bartender says smiling at Jeff. "Thank you, he was getting on my nerves." Jeff says. "He was getting on all our nerves." Cindy says. "No doubt." Michelle says. "He and I don't get along; as long as you stay back here he won't be a problem." And he was right. Any time the rest of the evening that Daniel came to that room, once he started making a pest of himself Chuck the bartender would say something that would piss him off and he would leave. The gang was well into their third game and Jeff was enjoying the gang and was content enough that he wasn't even paying attention to the crowd any longer. He was lining up a shot when he out of the corner of his eyes he saw somebody walk in and up to Josh. Jeff lost his concentration and missed the shot. As he was standing up the new guy looked his way and their eyes met. All time stopped for a moment as they both felt a charge go through their bodies. Jeff felt his heart rate increase and sweat on his extremities as they broke their gaze. Josh saw the new guy and opened his arms for a hug. "Where's the beard? And I'm not talking about this fuzz." Josh says, as they release their embrace he runs his hands across the new guys cheek." "Like it?" The new guy asks. "I dropped her off hours ago, said she had to study." "You sound disappointed." Josh says. "I'm just not sure I should be doing this, she's a nice girl and all." "It works for me." "I'm not touching that one." "Damon," Josh says, "I still don't know why you didn't hook up with a dyke, things are so much less complicated." "Yeah, but I want a husband, not a wife." "Don't we all, Mary, Don't we all." Jeff felt a stirring in his crotch at the sight of this guy, he was in serious lust. This newcomer stood just a bit taller then Jeff's six foot one. He had a rather lanky build with a narrow waist that tapered up to a well defined but not overly developed chest. The tight black T-shirt brought attention to his broad shoulders and toned but not overly muscular arms. He was wearing a pair of well faded jeans that fit so tight they didn't leave much to the imagination. He had dark brown, almost black hair that was cut short with sideburns that extended several inches below his ears. His chiseled cheeks were covered with small amount of stubble that results from a couple days with out a razor. Jeff noticed that had the cutest dimples when he smiled. But the one thing that Jeff noticed more then anything was that he had the brightest green eyes that he had ever seen. Jeff had never believed in love at first sight, but was quickly changing his mind. Jeff was listening but had no idea what they were talking about, they didn't offer an explanation and since it was none if his business he didn't ask. He was only half listening anyway, instead staring at this newcomer to their group, oblivious even to the fact that that his stare was being returned. Little did Jeff know, but this guy found Jeff as attractive as Jeff found him. It was Michelle who realized this as Josh had continued talking and broke the ice. "Jeff this is Damon." Michelle says, interrupting Josh. "You must be the boyfriend." Jeff said, smiling and extending his hand and he was jolted back to reality. "Boyfriend?" Damon asked confused as his hand met Jeff's for a shake. As soon as their hands met they both felt a slight shock and quickly withdrew. "Static," Damon says smiling. He couldn't take his gaze away from Jeff's eyes. They were like nothing he had even seen before. So blue, so bright, so sensual. Jeff looks back and forth between Josh and Damon, "yeah," he says, "Josh.." "No Jeff, Damon isn't Josh's boyfriend." Michelle is laughing as she interrupts. She is joined in laughter by Cindy and Josh who realize Jeff's mistake. Damon is still a bit clueless since he wasn't there to hear the earlier conversation. But he found the thought of Josh with a boyfriend amusing. This brings a smile to his face as he gives Josh a friendly slug on the shoulder. "You have a boyfriend?" he looks at Josh with fake surprise." "Oh God I hope not," Josh says with a limp wristed hand over his chest. "I'm sorry, I thought I heard something about one while ago." Jeff says. This brought more laughter. This time it was Cindy who filled him in. "Uh, what we said was husband, or sugar daddy would be a better term." Jeff just had a confused look on his face. He had heard the term, but was still a bit naïve on some things. "You see," Michelle says, "John is like this sixty-year-old troll who has the hots for Josh. Every once in a while he comes around when he's horny, Josh takes care of him, and in return the old man gives him what he wants, within reason." "Yeah, well we still won't get me that BMW I've been asking for." Josh says as he lines up a shot. "Any other time he's the biggest slut in town." Damon manages to squeeze in. "Gee guys, don't give him a bad impression of me, he doesn't even know me that well yet." Josh says. "He'll figure out I'm just a step above trailer park trash soon enough." "You said it my dear," Cindy says kissing his cheek. "Yeah, well if you hadn't agreed to marry me I'd be living in Knob Hill right now with Grams, in a single wide at that." "Pretending to be butch all the time wouldn't be becoming of you." Cindy says. "Tell me about it, that place is too redneck for me." Damon moves next to Josh that puts his arm around him and says, "Aww, he's a good guy, better be, has been my best friend since I moved here." He makes a fist and rubs his knuckles on the top of Josh's head. "Ouch, the hair girlfriend, watch the hair." Damon released Josh from his grip, but remained with his arms around his friends shoulder. Josh took the opportunity to plant a kiss on Damon's cheek. "Then why is it you and I have never hooked up?" Josh asks, and then lowers his free hand to make an obvious grab at Damon's ass. "I could never go to bed with my own sister?" This time it's he who places the kiss on Josh's cheek. "Aww, paleese." Josh says puckering up his lip, raising his eyes and putting his head on Damon's shoulder. "Besides incest is best." "Relatively speaking," Michelle says. "It's keeping it in the family." Cindy joins in. "But think of how out children would turn out." Damon says, bringing laughs from the whole group. Another group had ventured in and was waiting for the pool table. So attention was turned back to finishing the game in progress. Josh dropped the eight ball and the game was over. The girls say they are going to dance and head out to the dance floor area. "I think I need a drink, anybody else?" Damon asks looking alternately at Jeff and Josh. "I'm ready for one," Josh says guzzling down the last of his Michelob. "I'm fine," Jeff says. "Sure are," Damon responds. He turns towards the bar before he gets a response; he is embarrassed and can't believe he just said that, even though he meant it. "Two beers Chuck." The bartender obviously knows his customer's, he doesn't even ask what brand as he opens two bottles and puts them on the counter. "No shots?" Chuck asks. "Not yet." Damon says as he counts out some one dollar bills and hands them to the bald leather man bartender. "Danke schon," Damon says as he turns around. Jeff hears this and watches as the bartender turns around and puts the change into his tip jar. "Yeah, whatever." Chuck says. "Sprechen Sie Deutsch?" Jeff says to Damon, who's eyebrow raises in recognition as he hands a beer to Josh, then raises his hand, holds his thumb and forefinger to indicate small. "Ein wenig," he says to Jeff. Josh just rolls his eyes, "Oh God, another one. If you two are going to do this, I'm going to see who's here, I'm feeling lucky tonight." He turns and walks to the door. "Auf Wiedersehen mein Freund, sehen du später." Damon says towards him. Josh doesn't even turn around, he just raises his hands in an "I give up." Expression and walks out. Jeff and Damon look at each other and laugh. "He hates it when I speak German; I think all he understands is prost." Damon says. With that Jeff raises his beer to Damon and says "Prost." Damon smiles and raises his beer as well. "So you new here? I don't think I've seen you around, but then again I don't get out much myself." Damon says. "Nah, I don't make it to town much, I'm just in visiting relatives this weekend." Damon took a drink while the two watched the pool table. Another group had taken it over by now, and older guy with a gray beard wearing a leather vest broke. "Where are you from?" "Effingham," Jeff gave his standard response. "A great place to be FROM." Jeff nearly spit his beer out at that, "you got that right." It was a few more minutes and most of a game before Damon spoke again, "So, do you have a lover in Effingham?" Jeff thinks he likes where this is going, "No," he responds smiling. "Gut," Damon says returning the smile, "bereit?" he says holding up he bottle. This was a German word Jeff didn't immediately recognize, but understood what Damon meant by his body language. "Sure." He responds. He follows Damon to the bar, "two more Chuck, and shots this time." The bartender doesn't even question but puts two beers on the counter, then puts two shot glasses on the counter and takes a bottle from the upper shelf on the wall behind the bar. Jeff doesn't recognize what the bartender is pouring. As Damon hands him the money for his drinks the bartender takes it, smiles at Damon and says "donkey shit." "Funny," Damon responds, not impressed with Chuck butchering what he himself had said a few minutes earlier. He takes one beer and one shot glass and hands them to Jeff, then grabs the others for himself. "What is this?" Jeff asks. "Jaegermeister, of course." "Oh," Damon raises his shot glass motioning Jeff to do the same, "Prost." They both say at the same time then down the shots. Jeff makes a grimacing look as the liquor burns its way down his throat. Damon laughs realizing Jeff must not be used to his favorite shot. "Da-amn." Was all Jeff could say. "A virgin huh?" Chuck says smiling as he takes the empty shot glasses. At first Jeff didn't catch it and was about to protest, as realizes he smiles back, "On the drink, yes." "It's the best," Damon says, "It took me forever to get the cheap ass manager here to carry it." "And you're still the only one who orders it." Chuck says as he turns to wait on another customer. Daniel had walked through the doorway just in time to see the shot and walked over to the object of his affection. "Watch out Jeff, this guy will try to get you drunk and take advantage of you." "I'm not sure that would be all that bad." Jeff says smiling, never taking his eyes off Damon. Making one more effort to get Jeff's undivided attention he stands between the other two. "The show is about to start, I have a table with some friends who would like to meet you sitting at a table at the front of the showroom, why don't you come join us before I lose, THE SEAT, I was saving for you." Daniel made the emphasis on "the" since he did not want Damon to join them. "Show?" Jeff asks, still looking at Damon. "Drag queens," Damon says. Jeff raises his lip and snarls his nose, "Let someone else have it, I don't get into drag shows." "You don't get into drag shows? Gee Miss Thang, what kind of homosexual are you?" "One who doesn't watch men dressed as women prancing around lip syncing badly to ancient torch songs." Jeff responds, flashing a grimacing look in Daniel's direction, clearly meant to convey "get lost." "Whatever." Daniel says as he turns to leave. They hear clapping from behind, Jeff and Damon turn to see the bartender smiling. "Bravo, your next beer is on me for that one." "That guy has been such a pain all night long," Jeff says. "He must have the hots for ya," "Yeah, well he can get over it, he is definitely not my type and is getting nowhere with me." "So," Damon says, he take a swig of his beer, sits is on it napkin on the bar. He then turns so that his eyes meet Jeff's, "tell me. what is your type?" "Tall dark and handsome." "Hmm." "Do you play pool?" Jeff asks to break the tension as he notices the table is once again empty. "Occasionally, I'm not very good. I usually only play when Josh and the girls need a fourth, and can't find anybody better, therefore forcing me." He paused, but only momentarily. He wanted to change the subject before Jeff insisted he played and had to embarrass himself. Do you dance?" "Definitely." "Wanna?" "Sure." They waved goodbye to Chuck then head to the dance floor. They both loved to dance, once they hit the dance floor, and the rhythm overtook their bodies they were in their own world. Their eyes seldom left the other's as they moved to the music and flashing lights. They didn't even notice Mike the CJ making a dedication to Jeff. They both become lost in their thoughts as they danced. Both having a strong physical desire for the other. Both longing to get to know the other better. It wasn't long before they began sweating on the warm and crowded dance floor. Damon pulled the t-shirt out that had been tucked in. Jeff removed the turquoise button down shirt and tossed it aside, he was not only wearing only black the tank top which was now soaked with sweat and sticking to his muscular torso. Damon lost his concentration in the lust of the moment; he was totally oblivious to anyone else that may have been on the dance floor as he couldn't take his eyes off Jeff. Not only was this new guy incredibly gorgeous, but he had a nice tight muscular body like he liked. Damon was someone who didn't go home with very many men, preferring to be a bit choosy. But he had every intention of going home with this man, this evening. The feeling was mutual; Jeff had not been with many guys. What with being from a small redneck town where he's sure he was the first gay person ever, then joining the Marines where any hint of being gay was grounds for trouble. But he knew what he liked, and the man he was dancing with fit the bill perfectly. He watched as his hopeful partner danced. "Damn he can move." He thought. He remembered a friend who once told him that a man who has good moves on the dance floor, usually also has good moves in the bed as well. They stayed like this until a slow song started. They looked at each other, both wanting to be close to the other, yet at the same time waiting for the other to make the first move. When neither did, they finally left the dance floor. They joined Josh who they noticed standing talking to a guy near the bar. Josh introduced him as Nick and the four made small talk for a time while having another beer. Jake commented about Jeff making friends fast as he opened a couple beers and sat them on the bar. Sensing that Josh wanted to be alone with Nick, Jeff and Damon left them and made through the now thick crowd. Stopping a few times as Damon introduced Jeff to someone who knew. Jeff couldn't believe how busy the place had become. Damon made a pit stop to relieve his bladder of the rented beer while Jeff went back to the pool room looking for the girls. Michelle and Cindy were walking out as he walked into the lobby. Cindy asked where Josh was and just rolled her eyes when she found out he was `busy'. She was about to ask Jeff to tell him she and Michelle was heading home when Josh walked up with Nick. The girls said their goodbyes and walked out the door hand in hand. Josh said they were going to check out the show. As they walked towards the showroom Nick turned his head to check out Jeff and winked. Jeff smiled back as he turned and went to the bar and ordered a couple beers. Chuck put two beers as well as a couple more shots on the counter. Jeff tried to hand him some money, but Chuck pushed it away. "I told you earlier the next one is on me," Jeff gave him a smile and placed the cash in his hand in the tip jar. Damon walked up and Jeff handed him one of the shot glasses. "Prost" they both said as they downed the Jagermeister. They say the empty shot glasses on the bar and grabbed the beers. Damon motioned over to a booth against the back wall and headed in that direction with Jeff following. He motioned for Jeff to have a seat; Jeff eased his way onto the red vinyl covered bench seat expecting Damon to sit across from him. He was surprised but not upset when Damon sat down next to him. Jeff scooted over all the way to give Damon room. "So where is everybody?" Jeff asked. "Michelle and Cindy left and Josh said to keep you entertained for a bit while he and that Nick guy checked out the show." Damon took a drink of his beer, then with a devilish grin looked to Jeff, winked his eyebrows and said, "So, entertain me." Jeff stopped in mid gulp and put his beer on the table. He was not going to let this opportunity pass by. Without a hint of hesitation he leaned towards Damon, who leaned as well until their lips met. They had a quick kiss, and then separated, staring into each other's eyes from a few brief moments before diving into one another, and a much more passionate kiss. Sparks were flying as both men were enjoying feelings and sensations they had never before experienced. As the kiss intensified, their hands began to slowly explore the other man's body. They were so involved in their passion that they never noticed Josh and Nick slide into the booth across the table from them. While Josh was glad to see his friend getting some, he had to admit he was experiencing some jealousy. What he wouldn't have done to be with either of these hunks himself. Nick wanted to see if he could have the same experience with Josh and leaned over. But ended up only giving him a peck on the cheek as Josh's full attention was still on his best friend and the man he had introduced him to only a couple hours earlier. "My God, why don't you two get a room?" Josh finally said with heavy sarcasm. This sudden interruption stopped the kiss, but Jeff and Damon only momentarily looked across the table before looking back at each other. "I've already got one." Jeff said smiling. "Is this and invitation?" Damon asked. "You better believe it." "I'm ready." They had a quick kiss, more of a peck on the cheek. "Catch ya later." Damon smiled at Josh as he disembarked the booth with Jeff right behind him. They held hands as Damon looked to the bartender, "Goodnight Chuck."