Love within the shadows

These Bitches Gay, Good For Them

The dim lights of the stripped club cast a sultry glow across the room as the crowd buzzed with anticipation. It wasn't just any night—tonight, Ace, Shadowblade, Viper, and Diablo were performing a special routine. What had once been a wild experiment had evolved into something bigger, an unapologetic showcase of self-expression. Now, it was more than a show; it was a part of who they were, a unique extension of their personalities and bond.

Backstage, the four band members were in various stages of preparation, their nerves masked by playful banter and adrenaline. Johnny, still riding the high of his recent confession, felt lighter than he had in years. The pressure was off, and tonight he would dance as himself, no pretenses, no masks.

Zacky, meanwhile, was focused but slightly distracted. He couldn't shake the thought of Annie. Ever since that night at the cafe, something about her had lodged itself in his mind. He didn't usually get hung up on anyone—he'd always been more of a live-in-the-moment guy—but Annie was different. Her calm confidence and piercing green eyes had stayed with him, haunting him in the best way.

As the four prepared to head out onto the stage, there was a knock at the door. Johnny looked up from adjusting his costume and grinned as Joeharry entered the room, with Annie at his side. The two had been invited to watch the show, and the look of curiosity and excitement on their faces told the band that they weren't quite sure what to expect.

"Yo!" Johnny called out, waving them over. "Glad you guys could make it!"

Joeharry smiled, his presence a comforting reminder of the journey they'd both been on. Annie, however, was more reserved, her eyes darting between the guys as they prepped for their performance. Zacky's heart skipped a beat when he saw her, and he quickly looked away, hoping she didn't notice how flustered he suddenly felt.

"We wouldn't miss it," Joeharry said with a smirk. "I've never seen you guys perform like this before. Should be... interesting."

Matt chuckled from the corner. "Oh, it's definitely interesting."

Annie, meanwhile, remained quiet but intrigued. She exchanged a glance with Zacky, her expression softening as she smiled slightly. Zacky returned the gesture, feeling an inexplicable warmth spread through him. He wanted to say something, to bridge the gap between them, but before he could, Matt clapped his hands together.

"All right, boys. Showtime."

The stage was set, and the music pulsed through the room, low and rhythmic. The crowd's energy was palpable as the band—dressed in tight-fitting outfits that glittered under the lights—stepped onto the stage. Ace led the routine, his natural charisma drawing the audience's attention, while Shadowblade exuded his usual swagger, each move deliberate and sharp.

Viper and Diablo followed, their movements smooth and synchronized, and for the next few minutes, the room was theirs. The routine was daring but tasteful, filled with a blend of playful innuendo and undeniable artistry. This was their world now—a blend of music, movement, and confidence, all rolled into one.

From the audience, Joeharry watched, a knowing smile on his face. He nudged Annie, who was wide-eyed, clearly impressed by the unexpected performance.

"They're pretty good, huh?" Joeharry whispered.

Annie nodded, her gaze lingering on Viper as he moved effortlessly across the stage. "Yeah... they are."

After the performance, the four band members made their way backstage, exhausted but exhilarated. Johnny was smiling right from ear to ear, the adrenaline still coursing through him, while Matt and Syn high-fived each other, clearly pleased with how the night had gone.

Zacky, though, had his mind elsewhere. He was still thinking about Annie—her smile, the way she'd looked at him during the performance. He barely had time to catch his breath before he saw her approaching backstage, Joeharry trailing slightly behind her.

"You guys were amazing!" Annie said, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

Zacky's heart skipped a beat again. "Thanks," he said, trying to sound casual. "Glad you enjoyed it."

Annie smiled, that same soft, knowing smile that had captivated him from the start. "I didn't expect something like this from you guys. It was... really impressive."

Before Zacky could respond, Joeharry slapped Johnny on the ass and pulled him into a conversation about the performance. Zacky and Annie were left standing a little apart from the others, the air between them charged with something unspoken.

Zacky shifted his weight, feeling suddenly nervous in a way that had nothing to do with being on stage. "So... did you have fun?"

Annie nodded, her eyes locking with his. "Yeah, I did. But I think the part I enjoyed most was watching you."

Zacky blinked, caught off guard. "Me?"

Annie stepped a little closer, her voice lowering slightly. "Yeah. There's something about you, Zacky. I can't really explain it, but... I've been thinking about you since the cafe."

His heart raced. He'd never been the type to get hung up on someone so quickly, but there was something undeniable about the way she was looking at him now, like she saw something deeper than just the guy who had performed on stage.

"I've been thinking about you too," Zacky admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Annie's smile widened, and in that moment, it felt like the world had fallen away, leaving just the two of them standing there in the dim backstage light. Zacky reached out, gently taking her hand, and for a moment, they just stood there, the air thick with anticipation.

"Maybe..." Zacky began, searching for the right words, "maybe we should go grab a coffee sometime. Just the two of us."

Annie's eyes sparkled, and she nodded. "I'd like that."

Later that night, as the club emptied and the lights dimmed, Zacky walked out into the cool evening air with Annie by his side. The conversation flowed easily between them, laughter punctuating the night as they strolled through the quiet streets. It felt effortless, like they'd known each other for far longer than they had.

Meanwhile, back at the club, Johnny and Joeharry shared a knowing glance, both silently acknowledging the journey they had each taken to find themselves. There was a sense of peace in the air, a realization that, no matter where life took them, they were all on a path toward something real.

And as Zacky and Annie disappeared into the night, hand in hand, it was clear that something had shifted. What had started as a wild ride of performances and revelations had turned into something far more meaningful—an adventure of love, acceptance, and the discovery of who they really were.

For Zacky, it seemed, the night had only just begun.