What Happens in Vegas?

Chapter 8

It took Stede a ridiculously long time to sort out his wardrobe, even though he'd brought a very limited selection.

"You should see me when I've got access to my full closet," said Stede as he tried on his third shirt. He settled for blue Bermuda shorts and a loud floral pink-dominant short-sleeve button-up, tucked in, with a tan belt.

Ed opted for a pair of white denim shorts too short and too tight for the office, a black studded belt, a black scoop neck tank top, and a button-up in deep purple with a subtle floral pattern. He'd learned his lesson from their last foray out into the desert heat and had taken a bit more care to artfully pile his hair into a bun on top of his head.

Eventually, they got out the door and to the Sahara, which housed the venue for the Magic Mike show. They were ushered in and given a stack of fake money.

"I suppose if you're selling tickets, it'd be a bit unfair to also expect a lot of tips," said Stede. "But I feel like we should tip your friend at least, seeing as he got us the tickets."

"Seems like he wasn't lying about the bus tour," said Ed as he moved through the ticket queue and presented the QR code Travis had sent him. There were still a few groups of women, but the majority were what appeared to be gay men around their age or perhaps a bit older.

"Oh, are we really way down here? Oh my...this is em...close to the stage," said Stede as he clutched both sets of fake money and they moved through the crowd of bus tour queers to their seat right up against the square stage in the middle of the room.

"Shit, yeah, I just assumed they'd be bad seats. But...I suppose there's some benefit to having friendly people sitting against the stage."

Stede smiled a bit too broadly as he settled himself into his seat. It took him three tries to get properly comfortable and he crossed and uncrossed his legs twice.

Ed knew his friend-turned-lover well enough to recognize the nervous energy for what it is. He smiled and gently touched Stede's chin. "I'll get us some ridiculously overpriced drinks."

"All right," said Stede.

Ed barely made it back to their seats by the time the show started in an explosion of lights, thumping music, and a parade of shirtless men.

The hoots and hollers from the crowd started immediately, as did a shower of Monopoly money.

"Which one is Travis?" Stede shouted into Ed's ear.

The strobing lights, smoke, and the ball hats most of the men were wearing for the opening number made it difficult to spot him. But Travis soon made himself known by dropping to his knees in front of them and undulating his body in a way that made every muscle in his immaculately toned core flex. He winked at them both before dropping into a backflip that he made look completely effortless.

It took about two numbers for Stede to unwind, and for Ed to release some tension in turn. Ed stopped watching him and started watching the show.

By the third show of sexy b-boy acrobatics, Stede was well and truly into it. He'd turn to Ed every now and again to say 'oh wow!' or 'did you see that?' and 'at my most fit, I don't think I could do their easiest move.'

Ed would come to realize later that he spent more of the evening watching Stede to make sure he was having a good time than he did the thirteen absolutely built young men putting on a show with athleticism and sex appeal on full display.

Love does funny things to a person.

Ed didn't truly relax until one of the dancers approached Stede and he consented to a lapdance. He smiled up at the well-built young man the whole time he moved his body to the music and braced himself against Stede's hips and the arms of his chair.