Silent

3. A lamb amongst the hungry wolves

Everything would be easier if he had a boyfriend, Michael had decided, someone who would understand, hold him, and assure him that everything would work out. It would probably be easier to handle the situation if he had someone to count on, and he didn't know where else to look for such a person than this club for men he had sometimes heard others mockingly speak of.

It felt uncomfortable to approach such a strange place all by himself. He wished that he could have had someone with him, but there was no one to ask. And honestly, If he had such a person in his life, then there wouldn't even be the need to go there to find comfort.

Michael arrived early enough at the club so that there wasn't much of a line yet. Still, his heart pounded madly as he approached the doorman and did his best to look confident. Still, under that cold amused gaze, he felt so small and insecure. One had to be twenty-one to get in, he knew that, but he hoped he would look old enough to fool the usher.

Michael forced a smile upon his face, trying to swallow any insecurities he felt from showing. It was difficult to say if the man had any suspicions or if he was taking a knowing risk when he nodded approvingly and showed him in. The man seemed to be grinning at him, almost laughing, perhaps sensing how lost the boy would be in a place filled with grown, horny men.

Michael swallowed. It was difficult to find his confidence, now. He was only a youngster still, desperately wanting to step into bigger boots already. In his school he had once been the king, but here he was a fish on dry land, a lamb amongst the hungry wolves.

His insecurity must have been visible, for the looks of strange men on his body felt too intrusive. He felt like turning around and going back home. Still, his mind would not allow such cowardice. He brought his chin up, gritted his teeth; he had to be determined and calm.

However, the first touch on his bottom quickly made him seek for a place to sit. He had never felt as insecure, as fearful. Strange faces sneered around him, laughing and winking, looking his way with meanings he wasn't certain of.

Many had seen him, many were curious, but Michael had woken interest in one man particular. Michael hadn't noticed him at first – there were too many new things that stole his attention. It was only a matter of time when someone would approach.

Finally Michael felt the intense stare on his skin and turned. The man smiled and tilted his head, curiously watching his reaction. Michael answered with a smile more shy than he intended.

The man was handsome, no doubt about that. He wore a gray suit. The top buttons of his shirt were open. His dark hair was combed neatly, a light bristle framing his angled face. His clothes fitted on him perfectly, revealing that, underneath, one would probably find a well-trained, muscular body. The man was a lot older, over thirty at least, perhaps closer to forty? Michael estimated and couldn't help but feel curiosity towards the stranger, so intensive was his gaze, somehow mysterious?

Finally the man approached. He lowered his glass on the table and smiled.

"Where's your date?" he asked politely and Michael's attention was drawn to his accent, he wasn't from England.

"I'm alone," Michael replied, smiling slightly.

"Really?" the man asked with a surprised tone."Mind if I join your company, unless you're expecting someone else?"

"No, I'm not expecting anyone," Michael answered hesitantly, "wouldn't mind the company." He smiled, silently admiring the strangers' looks.

"Perhaps you would like a drink?" the man suggested.

"Thank you... Beer?" Michael said, keeping his observing gaze on the man who nodded and smiled almost gently.

"I'll return to you soon," the stranger said and left towards the counter. He didn't take long to return to him. He set the beer in front of Michael.