Must Be Spring

[Michael Miller]

It had to be Spring. If the season could make animals go crazy, looking for mates, why couldn’t it have the same effect on men? It had to be the explanation as to why this guy couldn’t get the hint and kept pressing himself against Michael. That, or the young man attracted the perverts of the world. He was ready to believe either of those.

Still, having an explanation did not make the problem any less bothersome. Were they at the bar, he would have blown him off and left but they were on the dance floor and even when Michael moved away, he found him soon enough by his side. Michael tried to find himself another partner but he only ended up near couples who didn’t one a third person to butt in. As a result, Michael, who only wanted to dance his thoughts away, had grown disgusted of the dance floor. It had to be a crime to push someone to that. Not interested in dancing anymore, Michael could just tell the guy was following him. He didn’t even need to turn his head, he was sure of it. And he didn’t want that, because he knew he’d just be cornered and harassed once they’d be able to better talk to each other. He had to find an escape route and fast.

Walking towards the bar, Michael sat next to the first person he could see. “Hey, how about paying me a drink?” he asked the person. He didn’t even bother looking at them in the eyes. Instead, he risked a look around to spot his stalker. Yep, there he was. “Just get me water or whatever, you’re mine for... we’ll see for how long. Hopefully, not too long.”

[Axel Jonasen]

Spring always made Axel feel a little bit lighter. Well, as light as he could feel. He wasn't too big on emotions, but he couldn't deny the energy that came with the changing of the seasons. The sun was out for longer, the air was fresher, and the nightlife of Kalispell was picking up again. This was good news for him.

The nightlife shifting to the busy season meant that the club was packed. The dance floor was at capacity, and liquor was flowing. The bartenders were making good tips. Axel sipped his drink from his spot at the bar. It was a good night. He was relaxed. The annoying muscle knots in his back had been hammered out after a good massage therapy appointment. Overall, the beginning of spring felt pretty good.

However, the exasperated stranger sitting next to him threw a bit of a shadow over his good mood. He didn't much like being approached by random people. But, he could see that the guy wasn't paying too much attention to who he was addressing. Axel glanced at the bartender, who immediately responded to his gaze. Axel pointed at the stranger, and then lazily flicked his wrist at the top shelf whiskey. That's what Axel was drinking. 

The drink was in front of the stranger, neatly poured whiskey on the rocks, in a flash. The service was quick, but Axel expected nothing less.

He was the club owner, after all.

[Michael Miller]

Michael looked at the man he ended up with and refrained himself from wincing. The man was far from his type and looked rather taciturn, but he could also see how this worked as an advantage in his current situation. No doubt one look at the man who ordered Michael a drink would have his little fan walk the other way. Considering it was the reason why he even bothered the lone man in the first place, he figured he couldn’t be too picky on who he ended up with. But it would have been nice to get a cute one. Oh well, at least he got a free drink.

He looked down at what the bartender put in front of him. Michael was more cocktail really than strong liquor on ice but he did say anything. And a drink right about now would be great. He raised the glass, watched the liquid twirl in it before taking a sip. It burned down his throat but he tried not to let it show. It was why he preferred cocktails. It basically meant getting drunk without feeling it.

Once that done, he turned again towards the man. He had yet said anything, which, to Michael, meant he was fine being used by him. It also meant Michael had a harder time sizing him up. He didn’t look as though he wholly enjoyed being here. “Not strong on words, are we?” he said, his eyes narrowing. Why people narrowed their eyes while trying to read a person? Did it really help focusing on one point in particular? Michael doubted it but he still did like everyone does and squinted while staring at the man. “I do appreciate you being here but you don’t look like you’re having much fun, so why bother being here in the first place?”