Special Needs by K.A. Merikan Page B

day, as it gave him numerous opportunities to peek at the bulging front of his pants.
    “Yeah? No cold feet?” Liam winked at him with a lazy grin. Many of the places they were going to visit today were gay friendly, and Liam informed him that they would be keeping their eyes open.
    “I am a bit stressed, but it’s nothing. They can already see I’m a freak. I don’t look like a Mormon missionary and then give them a BDSM hotel flyer.” Ryan wore a tight fitting t-shirt with a My Little Pony version of Edward Scissorhands and had worked on his hair so that it was nicely lifted and immaculate.
    “Don’t worry, you wouldn’t attract those who go for the boy next door type anyway.” Liam helped him into the car and soon, they were driving south to San Diego.
    Some places they visited that day rejected their request and didn’t take any flyers, others were interested in an exchange and packed Ryan’s lap full of their own promotional materials. Altogether, it was a satisfying day, that was to end at their top destination - The Cave, the biggest fetish night club in the county. If Ryan got them to take the flyers and posters, it might really get the hotel into serious business.
    When they arrived, it was already late, and Ryan could feel the heavy beat of music coursing through his body as they approached the entrance. Liam pushed his chair towards the door and surprisingly, the big, leather-clad bouncer smiled at them.
    “Long time no see.”
    Ryan blinked and let his head fall back to look at his caretaker. Liam had never mentioned being a regular... or being friends with a bouncer at a fetish club for that matter. Not that they knew each other all that long, but it seemed relevant.
    “Been busy,” Liam replied. Thankfully, there were no stairs and he didn’t have to carry Ryan in. As welcome as it normally was, Ryan was determined to make a professional impression, which was hard enough in his situation, even without being carried around like a Disney princess.
    The bouncer squatted in front of Ryan as if he were a little kid. “Can I see your ID?”
    Ryan pouted, but complied. His only hope was that he wasn’t going red. The situation was embarrassing enough for his liking. Why did people always have to bend over or kneel when they talked to him? “I’m twenty five.”
    “Well, you’re lucky enough to look underage. Good for you.” The bouncer returned his ID after a brief look at his date of birth.
    “Why? You into age play?” Ryan grinned at him, intent on behaving like he believed any other customer would.
    The man gave him the evil eye. “Get going, big mouth.”
    Ryan looked back at Liam with a smug smile as they entered the pulsing club.
    “Someone’s got attitude today,” Liam commented loud enough to speak over the music as he pushed Ryan through the dark corridor, towards the main room.
    The Cave was raw, with gray, undecorated walls and a low ceiling. It reminded Ryan of a bomb shelter, only with a huge bar, with what looked like thick, rusty chains wrapped over the counter. Red light added to the surreal atmosphere, adding color to the black leather and latex that so many of the patrons were wearing.
    “Liam, we have to ask for the manager.” Ryan pouted, looking around the main room. He couldn’t help the feeling that the number of men was disproportionately large. And some of the women were taller than the average female. Maybe because of those Lady Gagaesque platform shoes that seemed to be all the rage.
    “That’s where we’re going,” Liam screamed back into Ryan’s ear, pushing the chair past a group of leathermen, who were sipping their beers and chatting. The place wasn’t that full yet and Ryan was able to see a barmaid giving him a quick once-over. Her eyes darted away the moment she saw him looking back.
    “You know... I don’t think I stand out here that much.” He turned his head to Liam again, when they entered a smaller room, where the music wasn’t that loud.