This story is now published. Get the full version of The Bartender on Amazon. Please check Author's bio for more information. ~~~~ TW: Homophobia, Self-harm, Drug-use and insinuations of SA are heavily present in this story. Please tread carefully. ~~~~ "I'm not gay." "Sure, you're not." Not once in Aiden's life has he believed that bullying a gay kid is wrong. Especially not when he believes that all gay people deserve to go to hell. But when his best friend comes out to him, and he uncovers a very scandalous secret about his own family, Aiden is left confused and terrified. It also doesn't help that amidst all his troubles, all Aiden can think about is just how hot The Bartender in the local bar across town is and just how much he wants to kiss him. ~~~~ You will hate Aiden in the beginning, trust me. But, please do give him a chance if you read this story. You'll love him, I promise. Kindly keep negative comments to a minimum.

When Desmond Mellow transfers to an elite all-boys high school, he immediately gets a bad impression of his new deskmate, Ivan Moonrich. Gorgeous, mysterious, and menacing, Ivan is exactly what Desmond doesn't need in his life - or so he thinks... ***** After causing trouble in his previous high school, Desmond is struggling to adapt to his new environment at Ivory High and to stop living in the shadow of his perfect older brother. As usual, trouble follows Desmond wherever he goes and nothing is going well. To make matters worse, he seems to have attracted the attention of The Class Prince, aka the infamous Ivan Moonrich. But despite their rocky start, Desmond begins to grow feelings for Ivan, discovering a new side of his identity that he never thought to experience. [[word count: 50,000 - 60,000]] Cover designed by Joe Resch