The Boy I Knew

TW: HOMOPHOBIA

I sighed as we walked into the first bar, immediately regretting my decision to agree with the trip. The booz smell was obviously strong, and there were many drunken fools throwing themselves around the establishment like they just turned 21. I cleared my mind, mentally preparing myself for the shitstorm inside.

"Damn, this place is packed!" Larry smiled, flashing his signature gap toothed grin. I simply nodded, scooting closer to Brendan as people weaved between the crowd. Suddenly I felt someone tap my shoulder, I figured 'probably an accident' until I felt it once again. I turned to face the person tapping me to see a male around my age.

"I couldn't help but immediately notice you when you came in." He smiled slyly, running his fingers through his hair for a moment before pursing his lips. "Would you like to get a drink?" He asked.

"Uh.." I deadpanned really not knowing how to reply.

"He would love to!" Brendan exclaimed, coming up behind me and slinging an arm around my shoulder.

"Y-Yeah. What he said." I nodded, walking over to the bar with the man. It felt off, but whatever. He ordered a drink for the both of us, and we got to chatting.

"Let's cut to the chase. You know that guy over there?" The man asked in a straight forward manner, point over at Larry. I was taken aback, and just stared for a moment.

"I-uh.. yes? Um, may I ask why?" I incredibly puzzled; maybe he was just using me to get to Larry?

"Well, him and I have got a bit of beef. I need a bit of dirt dug up on him, and I'm willing to pay anyone with a shovel. Maybe that someone could be you." He shrugged, taking a sip of whatever beverage he ordered.

"Larry is my friend, why would I try to hurt him? Look, I'm sorry; but I don't even know your name, let alone anything about you." I shook my head, getting out of my seat to head over to Lar. Something stopped me though, a strong hand coiling itself around my wrist and preventing me from moving any further. "The hell dude, get off!" I growled, turning back to him while attempting to yank my wrist away.

"You don't seem to fully understand the situation at hand. Ya see, I need this dirt. Even if it's just a little bit! He broke my sisters heart, so I wanna break his mind. You picking up what I'm putting down?" The man snapped, tightening his grip on my arm.

"Fuck you! You don't seem fully understand the situation! I've known that man most of my life, and while he's hurt me before I will never stoop to the level of blackmail." I spat out, looking around for Larry to signal for him to help me the fuck out.

"Oh come the fuck on, you ain't gunna be the one hurting him! I will be! It's no skin off your back! Just anything, anything at all! DUIs, kleptomania, womanizing! Anything!" She pleaded, my wrist bone nearly snapping with the force he held onto it with.

"I said NO!" I shouted, managing to kick him in the shin. He loosened his grip just enough for me to wiggle out of it and quickly disappear into the crowd. As fast as I possibly could I ran outside for some air, putting my hands on my knees to try and catch my breath. "It's not your fault... you did nothing wrong.. he was in the wrong why the FUCK are you blaming yourself?!?" I screamed, turning and hurtling my fist into the side of the brick building. Peopled stopped and stared for a moment as blood dripped down my knuckles- nothing was broken or going to swell, but it sure hurt like a son of a bitch.

After wrapping my head around things I walked back into the bar, mainly to grab one of the sand paper like napkins for my hand- better than nothing, I guess. I snagged one of the napkins and placed it gently over the jagged wound, waiting out the bleeding. I don't want to bother the boys and ruin their fun, so I guess I'll wait till we decide to inevitably bar hop.