“Will anyone else be out tonight?” he asks. “Or will it just be the four of us?”
“Another couple, Lisa and Riley, they’re fun and I think you’ll get along with them. Riley is non-binary and uses ‘they/them’ pronouns, just so you know in advance.”
“Thanks, Beth is always going on at me about pronouns, I know I need to pay more attention. I guess it was never something I thought about before.”
“Yeah, I think it’s something everyone needs to get better at. Riley’s very open though and loves talking about all things gender so won’t be offended if you ask questions.”
“Cool, although, judging by the volume of that music we won’t be talking much!”
I let out a laugh. He’s right, the club is up ahead, and the music is blaring from here. I stop walking when I notice he’s not keeping up with me anymore.
“You okay?” I ask.
“Yeah,” he nods, and his face breaks into a grin as he stares at the club in awe. “I’ve never been to a gay club before, and seeing it all lit up like a rainbow, it’s amazing.”
I chuckle, “It will look even better inside, come on!”
It doesn’t take us long to find the others, and I make introductions but it’s too loud to have much of a conversation. Lisa signals that they’re heading to the dance floor via the bar, so we tag along. It’s cocktail night and Jamie orders Piña Coladas for everyone. Donovan seems a bit nervous as he holds the drink, but he takes a few hesitant sips and a huge smile crosses his face.
I lean close so he can hear me, close enough that I can also feel his hair stroking my cheek.
“Good?” I ask.
“Delicious!” he says, standing on tip toes to reach my ear.
I laugh, and nod towards the dance floor where the others have found a spot. “Wanna dance?”
He nods and lets me guide him through the crowd. I’m not known here as I’ve not been often, and Donovan is brand new, so we both turn heads. People are probably wondering if we’re together, or if we’re available; so many guys are checking out Donovan and it makes my chest feel tight. He could easily meet someone, kiss them, even hook up. The thought makes me feel physically sick; I want more than anything to pull him to me so everyone knows he’s mine, but I can’t.
We dance as a group, laughing when one of us does something silly, and cheering if we do something particularly impressive. Max is notorious for pulling out the robot dance moves and not doing a good job of it. Whereas Jamie is a dancer so makes everything look amazing, he treats the dance floor like his own personal stage. But together you couldn’t see a happier couple, except maybe Lisa and Riley. They don’t flaunt it as they’re not big on PDA, but the way they’re alwayschecking in with each other, making sure the other is okay, they’re gorgeous together.
Donovan’s face must be hurting because of how much he’s been smiling and laughing, it’s amazing to see. From everything he’s said, this is probably the first time he’s ever been in a room where he can look around and feel safe, see other people who are like him enjoying themselves and having fun. Everyone deserves that and it makes me feel good to know I’ve helped him find this.
As I’m watching him, his smile suddenly vanishes and I’m immediately on high alert. I look in the direction he was facing and see the cause of his distress… Kyle. I gently grip his elbow and bring him closer to me.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
He nods and gives me a smile, but it’s weak, not like the one he’s had all night.
“We don’t have to stay, we can leave if you want,” I say.
He shakes his head and leans in. “No, I don’t want to leave because of him, it just caught me off guard.”
“Okay, stay close to me though, and if you want to go at any time, just say.”
We continue dancing with the others, but the mood has shifted, and I hate that Kyle has made Donovan feel like this. That’s two first experiences he’s tainted now. I’m trying not to let my anger build, but every time I think of them alone in his room my blood boils.
I was annoyed when Kyle hurt Jamie and Max, but something about him hurting Donovan is making me furious. Whenever I’ve seen Kyle on campus this week, laughing and joking with his friends, it’s taken everything not to stride over and say something. But it’s not my place, so I’ve stopped myself, but now I’m wishing I had.
Riley signals that they need air, and it sounds like a great idea, so we follow to the outdoor part of the club. There’s no music here, and it’s got a much more relaxed vibe.
“Are you having fun, Donovan?” Riley asks.
“Yeah, this has been great,” he says, “a perfect first time in a gay club!”
Max and Jamie chuckle as Lisa says, “And hopefully the first of many more!”
We all lift our drinks in a toast.
