He hadn't actually been in a bar or club for a long time -- the boys' nights out had always kept to the rules and been movies and pizza places. A Shirley Temple might be a bit too girly, he concluded, so he ordered a Virgin Mary, and then wondered what to do. He'd always been high before. Dilly's even looked different from his last experience here. He must look different, too -- last time he was here he was thrown out and banned -- but no one had queried him at the door. He squirmed. He was pretty sure he wouldn't throw up on a sir's boots this time. Unless he got really nervous. And he definitely would not pass out in the bathroom.
He perched on a barstool, and watched a pair of boys playing pool. They were mostly just wagging their asses at the top at the other end of the bar. Shit. He'd have to put his glasses back on to play pool. That would spoil everything. He swished his celery stalk and peered at his drink. He didn't actually like tomato juice so at least his drink would last a good long time.
Man, going out was boring. The place was pretty busy, but he was already done with scoping the crowd. There was no one interesting. And even if there were, well fuck. He needed someone to dish with, but he had no single friends anymore. Perhaps Dr. Fell would let Dave come with him next week?
This sucked. At least he could tell Dr. Fell he'd tried. He took a token sip of his drink, slid off his bar stool, and headed for the exit.
"Leaving already, boy? Did you get stood up?"
Charlie tried to keep moving. He'd made up his mind; he was done here.
"Boy!"
Oooh. Now that edge and rumble made his belly flutter. He stopped and turned back.
"Sorry, sir. Didn't realize you were talking to me."
He risked a peek from under his respectful eyelashes. Oooh. A big old bear. Heavy, dark chest hair with a crossed leather harness. He lifted his head a bit. Close trimmed beard and a leather cap. And a stern gaze.
He hung his head again.
"I asked you a question, boy."
"Yes, sir. Leaving, sir. Not stood up. Just--"
"I didn't ask for an explanation. Just an answer. Well, now you're not leaving. Sit next to me, and be quiet. Jones! Get this boy a Shirley Temple. I get the feeling that's what he really wanted."
Charlie smothered a giggle. Papa Bear must have been watching him. He felt better already. The bartender winked at him, and added an extra cherry to his drink. And an umbrella! Who knew leather bars had pink parasol drink frouthage! Charlie felt his perk return and got ready to flirt.
"Quiet," said Papa Bear preemptively.
Charlie pouted. Man. How did he give himself away? Tops must have some kinda Charlie-chatter-dar. Well, that would be silly. He opened his mouth to ask, and was subjected to a frown.
"Boy, I've told you already, sit next to me and be quiet. Once I've finished here, I'll take you home. Then you can make as much noise as you want."
Charlie squirmed and took a good sip of his drink. Oooh. Yummy! Nice and sweet. Ben wouldn't approve. He took another swallow.
His bear was having a growly conference with a big scary looking man. Charlie beamed serenely at them both, and fished a cherry out of his drink. Nom! Big scary guy shook his head in, Charlie was sure, amusement, and kept growling away with Papa Bear. Charlie resisted the urge to make his bar stool swivel and instead just wriggled his toes. He had a nice big man next to him. He wasn't alone. He didn't even need attention. Just someone to be sitting with and sheltered by.
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