Reyna’s first time at a gay bar AU
She had no idea what she was walking into. Reyna had never been to one of these things before, she was curious but also horrifically nervous. The music sounded fine enough and as Reyna stepped inside she wasn’t bombarded with anything over popular.
It seemed like a small enough place. There were a few guys and girls playing pool. Some at a table or two drinking and laughing together. Maybe it wasn’t going to be so bad.
Sighing Reyna adjusted her shirt and made her way to the bar head down where an edgy looking boy was standing. He gave her a sympathetic look noticed the nervous tapping of her fingers.
“Don’t puke on my counter.” He mused a slight smile twitching at the edges of his mouth. “First time to one of these places?”
“Um yeah. Very new to all of this.” Reyna admitted meeting his gaze.
“That’s okay. I remember what it was like for me. This is a fiednlier place than the first gay bar I went to. Oh boy there were too many people. It was way too overwhelming.” The young looking man smiled fully this time.
“Well I guess I’m off to a better start than you were.” This earned her a laugh.
“What do you want to drink? I’ll let you in on a secret, we actually have chocolate milk and orange juice in the back.” Reyna noted his name tag. Nico. Nice name.
“I’ll actually just take something light.” Reyna shrugged.
“Hey Neeks hook me up with another water?” A tall pale figure bounded over to the counter leaning on it expectantly. She had wild choppy black hair and was dressed in black from head to toe. Punk style.
“I have no idea why you come here if you don’t actually drink anything Grace.” Nico sighed earning a laugh from the other girl.
“Grace?” Reyna asked her attention captured by the name. The girl picked up on her question and glanced over at Reyna amusement still in her bright blue eyes that were all too familiar.
“Yeah, my last name.” The girl nodded crossing her arms. Reyna noted the nice muscle definition.
“Do you have a brother?” Reyna asked hesitantly.
“Yeah, do you know him?” The punk questioned skeptically.
“Yeah, I used to date him.” Reyna admitted bashfully. The punk cracked a lopsided smile.
“I’ll be damned I think I recognize you. He showed me a picture or two. Clearly it didn’t work out considering you’re here and he has a new girlfriend. He ever mention me?” She asked sitting down next to Reyna, bouncing her leg spastically.
“Maybe once or twice. Thalia right?” That earned her a nod. “And yeah you’re right. Guess it explains a lot about the break up. You don’t seem very much alike.”
“No, we’re pretty opposite. He’s very much a stiff and me? I’m the wild gay child my parents never wanted and still don’t want.” Thalia cracked another smile despite the grim context of the conversation. “Don’t drink though, it’s why I just get water, Mommy’s a drunk.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Jason never told me.” Reyna frowned.
“It’s not something he likes to talk about.” Thalia shrugged.
“Ladies.” Nico said interrupting the conversation and setting their two glasses in the counter.
“Thanks Neeks, you’re the best.” Thalia smiled.
“Eh don’t mention it.” He smiled going to aid someone else.
“So do you come here often? Met anyone?” Reyna asked just trying to make small talk.
“No.” Thalia shook her head. “I’m a regular but no one catches my eye very much. People think I’m too head strong. The girl’s aren’t looking for a rebel around here.”
“I don’t see why not.” Reyna frowned. Thalia seemed like a wonderful person.
“Thanks.” Thalia laughed. “You have a type you’re looking for?”
“No. I’m new to this whole thing. Including the girls I might like.” Reyna explained shifting nervously.
“That’s okay. We all go through that. You’ll figure it out.” Thalia promised downing her glass of water. “Me? I like people who can keep pace. Ones who won’t slow me down.”
“Am I slowing you down?” Reyna asked hoping the answer was no. Thalia was friendly and Reyna was growing calmer around her.
“Not at all. You seem to be keeping up just fine. Most people would be annoyed by my questions.” Thalia laughed warmly.
“Well I’m glad. I’m a bit more comfortable now. It’s a bit intimidating at first.” Reyna noted glancing around the room and making brief eye contact with a few others who were looking at fresh prey with a bit of interest.
“Don’t mind them. You could handle yourself judging by your biceps. Bet you could beat have the whims here in an arm wrestling contest.” Reyna felt her heart skip a beat at the compliment and laughed.
“Does it get bad around here? Like competition wise? Do people ever fight over each other?” Reyna questioned.
“Oh yeah.” Thalia nodded. “Most people don’t bother me though when I strike up a convo.”
“I’m like the alpha around here. I’ve got seniority. I’ve practically been coming here since it opened. Not to mention I’m not afraid to scrap it out. I’m also the guardian of fresh meat. Anyone’s bothered by some drunk who won’t leave them alone? I’ll step in.” Thalia explained.
“Am I fresh meat?” Reyna mused.
“You don’t look like.” Thalia winked. “I’ll be back, all this water’s made me gotta run to the little girl’s room.”
Reyna laughed watching Thalia walk off quickly, having completely forgotten about her drink. She noticed however that as soon as Thalia left thei nterest of some of the other girls piqued. Reyna wasn’t exactly comfortable with that. She pretended to be distracted by her drink and took a careful sip from it.
“So you’ve met Grace.” A girl said walking over a jacket hanging on her frame.
“She’s not being too pushy is she?” The girl asked fake hair braided to the side, silver jacket looking rather comfy.
“Not at all. Why?” Reyna asked.
“I’ve been watching. From her body language she really liked you. That’s rare.” The girl mused giving Reyna a careful smile.
“Ey, Nightshade back off.” Reyna glanced over the new girl’s shoulder to see Thalia making her way back over.
“Relax. I’m not making a move. I wouldn’t dream of it.” The girl said stepping aside as a new figure with auburn hair tied back in a careful pony tail made her way over.
“Apollo sucks at pool.” She sighed glancing over her shoulder at a blonde boy setting the game up again. “Your turn to play him.”
Thalia snickered at the look of disgust on the dark haired girl’s face. “Go on Zoë. Have fun.”
“Laugh it up all you want.” Zoë glowered at Thalia their chemistry certainly interesting. The auburn haired girl just watched them bicker with a look of amusement before distracting Zoë with a soft kiss.
“Come on, I’ll give you morale support. And laugh when he loses.” Said the auburn haired companion.
“Fine.” Zoë sighed and walked off.
“Who was the other one?” Reyna asked Thalia as she sat down again.
“Artemis. Her twin brother isApollo over there. She and Zoë have been dating for as long as I can even remember. Cute couple. Except they are fierce. I’ve seen them man handle bikers before.” Thalia whistled slightly as if she were picturing a particular scene in her head. “Anyways, I have to get going.”
“Already?” Reyna asked unable to keep from sounding surprised.
“Yeah. Sorry.” Thalia apologized. “Here, you can have my number. I’d love to chat more with you. I don’t typically give it out but…you’re one of a kind.”
Reyna smiled pocketing the carefully scrawled number and watched Thalia leave waving at her through the glass.
“You should take her.” Nico spoke up startling Reyna. “Thalia doesn’t smile much.”
“Yeah, that’s what I mean. It’s the most I’ve seen her smile in a long time. Keep in touch with her. She’s a good person who needs a good influence.” Nico winked at Reyna who reached into her pocket and ran a thumb over the slip of paper.