FULL STORY TO APPEAR IN THE JULY 2010 ISSUE!
Dyson was once again aware of the crowded streets, and his boyfriend’s hand still in his, and now his hot breath on his neck. He pulled away.
“Why are you so nervous?” Avery asked. “I think you can handle a bunch of drag queens, Wain. I mean, you’ve slain dragons after all.”
“Just the one.”
“And that’s still one more dragon than most people have even seen.”
“Keep it down, please?” Dyson whispered, eyeing the others standing nearby waiting for the light to change. “I don’t want the entire city knowing what I do.”
“I think it’s cool.”
“Well, most people don’t feel the same. They would freak if they found out fairies existed.”
“Yeah, well, being imprisoned by a witch with a penchant for human sacrifice tends to put things in perspective.” Avery winked then added, “Not to mention the dwarves.”
Dyson glared at Avery trying to quiet him.
“What’s got you so worked up?” his boyfriend asked. “Is this because of the drag show? You act like you’ve never been to one before.”
Dyson didn’t reply but stood silently waiting for the light to turn. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Avery studying him.
The reporter’s eyes grew wide. “Wain, you have been to a drag show before, haven’t you?”
After a pause, Dyson replied, “It’s not that big a –”
“Oh my god!” Avery exclaimed. “You’ve been sucking dick how long now and you’ve never been to a drag show?”
“Sh!” Dyson snapped.
A loud cackling startled him. Standing behind them was a gaggle of young men dressed for a night out clubbing. They looked at Dyson, laughing.
“Please!” he pleaded with Avery between gritted teeth. “Don’t make a big deal out of this.”
“How is it not a big deal? Drag shows are a rite of passage for gay men.”
“That’s right, guuurl!” one member of the group commented. “It’s time you pop that cherry!” His friends chortled as the light turned and they crossed the street.
Dyson glared at Avery. “Thanks. A lot,” he said as he stepped off the curb and followed behind the boys.
“Wain, wait up!” Avery chased after him. “So some twinks laugh at you, what’s the big deal?”
Dyson didn’t reply but groaned as he watched the group of “twinks” pull out their IDs and cover charge, offering them to the bouncer at the club’s door. He moved into line behind them.
As the final one’s hand was stamped, he flashed a smile in Dyson’s direction and announced to the bouncer, “Be sure to check this one’s ID reeeeal good. He may not look it, but word is: he’s young enough to be a virgin!” Gales of laughter from his friends welcomed the young man inside. Dyson felt a rush of heat flood his face as snickers sounded from the line behind him.
“Uh, here you go,” Avery said, pulling the cover charge from his wallet along with his ID. He took Dyson’s ID and offered it to the smirking bouncer.
The man’s smile brightened as he read Avery’s driver’s license. “Mr. Cooper, they’ve been waiting for you.” He handed the cover charge back along with their IDs and said, “Tyrone should be at the bar.”
“See, isn’t it nice having V.I.P. status?” Avery commented, doing his best to ease the tension between them.
Dyson considered telling Avery exactly where he could shove his V.I.P. status. Even if he had, though, it wouldn’t have been heard above the noise bombarding them as they stepped inside the club. The music was deafening.
They stopped in front of the dance floor splashed in roving colored lights. Twin lit glass bars stood on either side of the club. Avery studied the crowd for a moment then signaled Dyson to the bar on the right. He approached a middle-aged bald man dressed in a black shirt and slacks talking to the bartender. Dyson guessed this must be Tyrone. Before there was a chance for introductions however the man kissed Avery on either cheek and whisked him away to meet the other judges. Dyson watched in horror as his boyfriend abandoned him, casually promising he’d return soon.
“What’ll it be?” the bartender asked. His t-shirt was tight enough to display his areolas. His cut-off shorts dared Dyson to guess his heritage.
Dyson ordered a beer and drank off half of it as he scanned the room nervously, watching the crowd form. He hadn’t been entirely truthful with Avery. This wasn’t just Dyson’s first drag show. This was his first time in a gay club. Ever.
Collective Fallout Magazine 