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Jeff followed the directions Daniel had provided and found The Palace in no time. It was definitely not what he had been 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 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 was still a little uneasy with this lifestyle and was always edgy when entering a gay bar. It was the imminent unknown that was the source of his tension. He knew that once he was inside the building and had a few beers inside him, the tension would subside. He wiped his palms against his jeans then timidly opened the door. Upon entering new this new place, territory, and environment, 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 than what he had seen on the exterior. He found himself in what he guessed was a vestibule with 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. The setup made him feel as if he was in a corral. Above the register was a low wattage spot light, the only source of illumination in the room other then an aging cigarette vending machine. The spot light shown on a sign which 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 young man with whom he was carrying on a conversation. It was the second one that saw Jeff first. His eyes opened wide and his jaw dropped, instantly attracting the attention of the blond, who quickly turned around. Jeff wondered how he was able to see through his long curly bangs which hung in front of his face. He held his lips so the lower lip was further out. He exhaled, which blew the curly hair momentarily away from the front of his eyes. Upon seeing Jeff, he stood up straight, squeezed in his gut, drew back his shoulders, pushing forward his chest, or what chest he had.

He licked his lips and then in a high pitched voice, with more than 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 well 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 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 and pointed over his right shoulder to the 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 scolded his friend.

These were the kind of guys that Jeff despised. Why must so many gay men insist on altering their names to sound feminine? Why is it that if a man is gay it's "Michael" while most straight men go by "Mike"? It's 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 head back to his hotel to entertain himself with his left hand if it didn't get any better.

"That's nice." He managed to say as he passed, probably a little more sarcastic then need 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 and there, maybe a half dozen give or take. He kept his gaze forward, but could feel all heads turning towards him. He felt like such a piece of meat; yet, at the same time this gave him a huge ego boost. Still, he decided to proceed cautiously. He approached the long bar and had his choice of stools. Only three of the dozen or so available were taken. The three seated were together next to the serving area, so he chose to leave one empty stool and take the next. There were two men behind the bar, who he assumed to be the bartenders. One was mixing a drink and talking to the other patrons sitting at the bar. Jeff took the opportunity, while the bartender was distracted, to check him out. He was a couple inches taller than Jeff and a few pounds heavier, but wasn't really what most people would consider fat. He was wearing jeans that looked like that they 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. Jeff guessed he was probably pretty hot ten years ago, not that he's bad now, but his dark, somewhat curly hair cut short showed a bald spot in the back and there was a slight hint at a receding hairline Jeff noticed he had a nice smile and spoke in a friendly tone. The other man behind the bar was turned around and appeared to be putting supplies in a tote. He was wearing jeans that Jeff could see were 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 complement his very hairy chest. Jeff also couldn't help but notice the very large bulge in the guy's jeans. "Too butch for me," Jeff thought, as he directed his attention away before he could be caught checking the man out. The bartender finished the drink for the other customer and took his money, a process that took longer than it should have due to the active conversation, but Jeff realized they probably knew each other and were catching up on the latest local gossip. Jeff eagerly waited to place his order for a beer and thought it was his turn, but as the other customer picked up his drink and turned to walk away, Michael, the DJ, bounced up to the bar and grabbed the bartender's attention. Michael said something to the bartender and then they both looked at Jeff. The bartender reached into a cooler and took out two beers, one which he handed to Michael and 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 who promptly reached back into the cooler and returned with the ice cold longneck. He twisted it open and placed it on a napkin in front of Jeff. He then returned to Michael who handed him some cash. They exchange a few words which Jeff could not hear over the loud music, before Michael blew a kiss in his direction and then quickly turned and skipped away with the two beers. The leather harnessed man finished loading his tote and placed it on a cart with a few cases of beer and headed away.

As Jeff scanned the crowd he could tell that everybody was checking him out. Some were being obvious, while others would be looking his way, but then quickly turned 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 the bartender.

"Michael tells me this is your first time here; I'm Aaron." He says with a smile that Jeff determined to be real, as opposed to the cartoon smiles he had received from every one else he had so far met that evening.

"Jeff," he returned the smile, making sure to hold eye contact.

"These two goons are Andy and Rick," Aaron broke the gaze and pointing at the two sitting next to Jeff. They had been involved in their own conversation and hadn't noticed Jeff, or at least didn't seem to care. They said 'hi' then went back to their conversation. "It's not as bad as it looks here. Where are you from?" Aaron asked.

"Effingham," Jeff replied. Well, it wasn't entirely true, but it was the closest city that he thought Aaron may have heard of. Besides, he would rather remain vague.

"We quite get a few from Illinois in here; I guess there's not too many places there for PLU."

"Huh?" Jeff was confused by the term.

"PLU, you know, people like us."

This managed to bring a smile to Jeff's face, "No, there aren't. As far as I'm even aware of, there are none anywhere near my home town."

"I have some friends in Illinois who go over to St. Louis a lot. It's a further drive, but better clubs."

"Really?" Jeff asked, "I've never been there." He thought about the possibility of heading over there for a weekend road trip to check it out. He and Aaron made small talk for a few minutes until a few people approached the bar for drinks and Aaron went back to work and stayed busy with a steady stream of customers. Jeff noticed how he seemed to know everybody, or at least treated them like he did. Over the next half hour, Aaron managed to break away from the serve line only a couple times to check up on his customers sitting at the bar.

Several of the guys did start to make their way over and spoke to Jeff, but nobody was able to keep his interest for long as their lame attempts at conversation quickly bored Jeff. The topics were usually limited to the normal gay bar pick up line: "Where are you from?" "Have I seen you here before?" and, the biggest turn off, "Are you a top or a bottom?" Luckily, before it ever went too far they would be interrupted by someone, usually with an equally lame line of conversation so the process would start over. Jeff thought it humorous that the interruptions were usually from someone who knew the person to whom he was speaking with and hoping to be introduced. After the introductions were made, the new person then tried to push the first 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 wasn't so sure he would admit it if he did. When he got to a point where he thought he had spoken to everybody in the bar, including the couple dozen new patrons who had made their appearance since his, he decided to excuse himself and wander around, since conversation had become small talk.

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. He crossed the vestibule, ignoring comments from the doorman and cautiously entered the new room. Apparently, whoever decorated the so called leather bar must have been attempting to do 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 bar was the bald chain-clad individual he had seen talking to Aaron earlier. He smiled and waved at Jeff as he entered. There were booths along one wall that looks like they must have come out of an old café.

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 had 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. As they were joking and having a good time, Jeff couldn't help but to chuckle to a comment one would make. During the game, he noticed that it was the guy who was playing with one of the lesbians while the other watched. When then the game was over one of the ladies looked up and asked Jeff if he wanted to play.

"We'd like to play doubles and need a fourth player."

He smiled as he jumped from the stool and headed over to the table. He hadn't planned on playing, but it beats just sitting around.

"I'm Michelle," the one who invited him extended her hand, "this is my lover Cindyke, and her husband Josh."

"Jeff." He returned the smile and met for a shake. As they all exchanged greetings, Michelle noticed the confusion on Jeff's face.

"Husband?"

"Yeah, you heard right." She reached down and grabbed Cindyke's hand to show a wedding ring. "These crazy ass faggots done got married, legally even." He found out that Josh was 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 owned 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 and that idea didn't appeal to him either. So one night when they were all drunk, they decided to get married so they could rent a couple's apartment, and didn't have to worry about roommates. They also considered it a big "FUCK YOU" to the establishment which didn't think gays should marry.

"That sounds, interesting." Jeff managed to say, looking over his new friends, not sure what to think about this unusual 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." The 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 put her hands on her hips in a butch stance, "we're married, legally husband and wife, so, if we're messing around with anyone other then each other, it's cheating."

Josh walked over and put his arm around his wife and gave her a kiss on the cheek, "I told Cindyke on our wedding night she's free to mess around with whoever she wants as long as she doesn't mess around with me." The group broke into laughter. Josh took his arm from Cindyke to make a shot sinking two balls at once in the corner pocket.

Jeff could stand it no longer, "Cindyke?" He questioned.

She caught the meaning of his inquiry, "it's really Cindy," she smiled. "But everybody insists on the nickname. I think that faggot there started it. I should really kick his ass for it." She pointed at Josh, who was laughing hysterically.

"But it's so cute," Michelle grabbing Cindy from behind and giving her a hug and a slight peck on the cheek.

"So is 'Mike the Dyke.'" Cindy tilted 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 released Cindy, who turned around so they could hug each other and have a quick 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 three years. They met when Cindy was a student at the college, which was also how she hooked up with Josh. When her parents found out she was a lesbian, they cut off her support and told her to never come home again. She has since dropped out of school and has a full time job at a local factory. She just wasn't cut out for the student thing anyway. She was from Jeffersonville, a couple hours away and has only been back to see her family once, and took Josh and introduced him as her husband, but as soon as Josh started acting like himself, the family caught on and asked them to leave.

Jeff was thinking that this was definitely a mixed up group, but he appreciated that and felt he found a group of people he liked. Besides, the conversation was more interesting than what he had encountered at the other bar and definitely more entertaining than reruns of "The Brady Bunch."

Jeff backed up and leaned against the wall just inside the doorway. He soon became aware of a conversation 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 his own good. My gaydar kicked in big time and sure enough, he asked for directions here."

"Girl, you better stop right there." the doorman said.

"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."

"Pull 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 had a feeling this one may be harder to brush off than the others.

"Last time I saw him he was up by Aaron at the bar."

"Thank goodness," Jeff thought, "this may buy me some time."

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 still no real prospects for a date for the evening, he was at least clicking with this group and having a good time. Jeff usually didn't like effeminate men, but Josh was fun to be around and while Josh had made a few comments here and there, he had not come out and made an actual pass, which gave Jeff mixed emotions. On one hand, Josh wasn't his type, but on the other he did have a pleasant enough personality to be considered. "Did I just think that?" Jeff silently wondered. "I must be getting soft or something."

The peace could only last so long before a very loud "Well there you are!" came from the doorway. All four pool players turned to see Daniel. He had changed from his work clothes to khaki shorts and a very brightly colored shirt and was standing in the doorway with a beer in one hand, and the other raised waving. 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 and 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 than 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 went right back to talking a mile a minute. Jeff was no longer paying attention, yet Daniel 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 Aaron I need a keg of Bud."

"Uh, sure" he turned and left skipping out the door.

"I can't stand that guy." The bartender smiled at Jeff.

"Thank you. He was getting on my nerves." Jeff shook his head in disgust.

"He was getting on all our nerves." Cindy said.

"No doubt." Michelle added.

"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 content enough that he was no longer paying attention to the crowd of onlookers vying for his attention. He was bent over lining up a shot, when he out of the corner of his eyes, he could see somebody walk in and up next to Josh. He lost his concentration and missed the shot. As he returned upright, the new guy looked his way and their eyes met. All time stopped as they held their gaze and looked into each other's soul. Momentarily everything else around them was blocked out as they both felt a charge go through their bodies. As the gaze broke, Jeff took a few deep breaths and felt his heart rate increase and sweat breaking out on his extremities causing him to wonder "What the hell just happened?"

When Josh noticed the new guy, he opened his arms for a hug. "Where's the beard? And I'm not talking about this fuzz." As they released their embrace Josh ran his hands across the new guy's cheek.

"Like it?" The new guy raised his hand and played with his own stubble. "I dropped her off hours ago, said she had to study."

"You sound disappointed." Josh raised his eyebrows to his friend.

"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 said as he put his arms around his wife, "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, and knew he was in serious lust. This newcomer stood just about six foot one with a lanky build. He had a narrow waist that tapered up to a well defined, but not overly developed chest that was clearly visible in his tight black T-shirt that also 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. His chiseled cheeks were covered with small amount of stubble that results from a couple days without a razor. Jeff noticed that he 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 he stared at this newcomer to their group, oblivious even to the fact that that his stare was being returned. Little did Jeff know, but this handsome new arrival 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 interrupting Josh.

"You must be the boyfriend." Jeff smiled 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 said 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 looked back and forth between Josh and Damon, "yeah, Josh..."

"No, Jeff, Damon isn't Josh's boyfriend." Michelle laughed as she interrupted joined by Cindy and Josh who realized 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 and gave his pal a friendly slug on the shoulder. "You have a boyfriend?" He gave Josh a look of fake surprise and then looked back at Jeff breaking into a smile, which caused the Marine to melt.

"Oh God I hope not," Josh held his limp-wristed hand over his chest.

"I'm sorry, I thought I heard something about one awhile ago." Jeff said trying to not look stupid in front of Damon.

After another round of laughter, Cindy 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 filled him in, "John is like this 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 he still won't get me that BMW I've been asking for." Josh was bent over the table lining up a shot with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth.

"Any other time, he's the biggest slut in town." Damon managed to squeeze in.

"Gee guys, don't give him a bad impression. He doesn't even know me that well yet." Josh took the shot and missed. "He'll figure out soon enough I'm just a step above trailer park trash."

"You said it my dear," Cindy kissed 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." He shuddered.

"Pretending to be butch all the time wouldn't be becoming of you." Cindy laughed.

"Tell me about it, that place is too redneck for me."

Damon moved next to Josh and put his arm around Josh, "Aww, he's a good guy; he better be, as he has been my best friend since I moved here." He made a fist and rubbed his knuckles on the top of Josh's head.

"Ouch, the hair girlfriend, watch the hair." Damon released Josh from his grip, but kept 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 asked, 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?" Damon jumped then stepped away to avoid any more ass grabs.

"Aww, paleese." Josh puckering up his lips, raising his eyes and putting his head on Damon's shoulder. "They say incest is best."

"Relatively speaking," Michelle added.

"It's keeping it in the family." Cindy joins in.

"But think of how our children would turn out." Damon's comment brought more laughs from the group of friends.

Another group had ventured in and was waiting for the table so attention was turned back to finishing the game in progress. Soon Josh dropped the eight ball, probably on purpose and the game was over. The girls said they were going to dance and headed out to the dance floor area with their arms around each other.

"I think I need a drink, anybody else?" Damon asked looking alternately at Jeff and Josh.

"I'm ready for one," Josh quickly guzzled down the last of his Michelob.

"I'm fine," Jeff said.

"Sure are," Damon responded then quickly turned towards the bar before he got a response. He was embarrassed and couldn't believe he just said that, even though he meant it.

"Two beers Chuck." The bartender obviously knew his customer's choice, and didn't even ask what brand as he opened two bottles and placed them on the counter.

"No shots?" Chuck asked.

"Not yet." Damon said as he counted out some one dollar bills and handed them to the bartender.

"Danke schon," Damon said as he turned around. Jeff heard and watched as the bartender turned around and put the change into his tip jar.

"Yeah, whatever." Chuck gave Damon a 'whatever' look.

"Sprechen Sie Deutsch?" Jeff asked. Damon raised an eyebrow in recognition after he handed a beer to Josh he raised his hand, holding his thumb and forefinger to indicate small.

"Ein wenig," he replied to Jeff.

Josh just rolled 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 turned and walked towards the door.

"Auf Wiedersehen mein Freund, sehen du später." Damon called towards his friend.

Josh didn't even turn around, he just raised his hands in an "I give up." expression and walked out. Jeff and Damon looked at each other and laughed.

"He hates it when I speak German. I think all he understands is prost." Damon said, once again captivated by the blonde's bright blue eyes.

With that Jeff raises his beer, "Prost!" Damon smiled and raised 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 these days." Damon broke eye contact to take a swig from his beer.

"Nah, I don't make it to town much, I'm just in visiting relatives this weekend."

"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 before Damon broke the silence, "So, do you have a lover in Effingham?"

Jeff liked where he thought this could be going, "No," he smiled.

"Gut," Damon returned 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 followed Damon to the bar, "two more Chuck, and shots this time." The bartender didn't even question before putting two beers and two shot glasses on the counter then took a bottle from the upper shelf on the wall behind the bar. Jeff didn't recognize what the bartender poured. Once the drinks were poured, Damon handed him the money for his drinks the bartender took it, smiled at Damon and said "donkey shit."

"Funny," Damon responded, not impressed with Chuck butchering his German. He took one beer and one shot glass and handed them to Jeff, then grabbed the others for himself.

"What is this?"

"Jaegermeister, of course."

"Oh,"

Damon raised his shot glass motioning Jeff to do the same, "Prost." They both said at the same time, and then downed the shots. Jeff made a grimacing look as the liquor burned its way down his throat. Damon laughed realizing Jeff must not be used to his favorite shot.

"Da-amn." Was all Jeff could say.

"A virgin huh?" Chuck smiled as he took the empty shot glasses.

At first Jeff didn't catch it and was about to protest, but realized Chuck's meaning and smiled back, "On the drink, yes."

"It's the best," Damon said, "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 said as he turned 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 smiled and raised his brows, never taking his eyes off Damon.

Making one more effort to get Jeff's undivided attention, Daniel moved into position between the other two. "The show is about to start, I have a table with some friends who want to meet you sitting at a table at the front, 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 asked, still looking at Damon.

"Drag queens," Damon responded.

Jeff raised his lip and snarled 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's getting really annoyed with your whiney ass bugging me."

Daniel gave him a look of disgust then turned to Damon. He was about to leave when Jeff shouted "GET LOST. Go watch your freakin' drag queens and leave me the hell alone." Daniel hung his head and looked like he was going to cry as he walked away.

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 said.

"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 looked at Jeff, took another swig of his beer and neatly sat it on a napkin on the bar. He turned so that his eyes once again met Jeff's before continuing, "tell me Jeff, what is your type?"

"Tall, dark and handsome."

"Hmm."

"Do you play pool?" Jeff asked to break the tension as he noticed one of the tables was 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 as they headed to the dance floor. They both loved to dance, so once they hit the dance floor, it wasn't long before the rhythm overtook their bodies and they were in their own world. Their eyes seldom left one another's as they moved to the music and flashing lights. They didn't even notice Mike, the DJ, making a dedication to Jeff. They both became lost in their thoughts as they danced. Both men had a strong physical desire for the other, each 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 now 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. With being from a small redneck town where he was sure he was the first gay person ever, he didn't even know he was gay himself until he joined the Marines and there, any hint of being gay was grounds for trouble. He held his desires at bay, 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. Aaron 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 he 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 were heading home when Josh walked up with a rather attractive guy. 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 sat 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?" Damon asked.

"Michelle and Cindy left and Josh said to keep you entertained for a bit while he and some 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 eventually separated, staring into each other's eyes for a few brief moments before diving into one another, for 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 company slide into the booth across 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. Josh's 'friend' 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 an invitation?" Damon asked.

"You better believe it."

"I'm ready." They shared a quick kiss, more of a peck of affection. "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."