1920’s secret gay bars
Send me a decade and two word prompts
1920 (the way this makes me wanna watch Chicago...) I had to do a little research for this as I'm not too familiar with the topic, you'll have to forgive me if it comes off too much like a speakeasy. my attempt to write this with some gender fluid flavor to it because it seems the clubs of the 20s-30s were places that allowed individuals spaces for free expression when they could not do so readily in their everyday lives.
tw light use of the slur 'fairie'
Steve was nervously fiddling with his cufflinks, tugging at his overly starched white collar. Why did he agree to come here with Robin? He wasn't some 'fairie'. He wasn't like these people. These people sure were something else. Painted faces. Men with rouged lips and high arching eyebrows. Women in pinstriped suits and pant legs. Wigs. Feather boas. Silk scarves. Tassles. Flappers.
There was no semblance of order. Who was a man? Who was a woman? Steve couldn't tell. "That's the entire deal!" Robin told Steve. He looked at her like she was crazy. How could people be happy in so much chaos?
Handing Steve a stiff drink, Robin pushed him into a seat and introduced him to the regulars. Steve politely greeted each of them, lighting cigarettes and shaking hands.
The room darkened and a spotlight centered on the stage as the long drawling whine of a trumpet kicked up. The whole club quieted as a single leg entered the limelight, tan and supple.
The spotlight widened, revealing a blonde in a gilded gown that tapered at their mid-thigh but was adorned with a train's length of golden tassels.
"Who's that?" Steve blurted aloud, only to be harshly hushed by multiple people including Robin.
The band struck up as this individual raised a silk-gloved hand and began.
They were like a songbird, beautiful and delicate. Steve was captivated, hanging on every note that they uttered. He was dazzled.
The song ended too quickly, Steve startling when the crowd burst into uproarious applause.
"Isn't he so lovely?" Robin asked, still clapping. "He?" asked Steve, not taking his eyes away from the stage as the performer took their bows.
"Yes," Robin said, "Would you like to meet him?"
Steve shook his head, "No that's quite alright... I-"
Robin was already pulling them from the stage by the arm. They were suddenly larger and looked more masculine and intimidating to Steve up close. He wanted to turn tail and run.
"You must meet my good friend," Robin stated, patting them on the hand, "This is Steve. It's his first time." Robin whispered the last part in their ear.
Steve could feel his face heating, "Was Robin telling them something good about him? Hopefully." He held out his hand in a gentlemanly fashion, "Pleasure to make your acquaintance."
They placed their hand in his, giving it a small squeeze, "Billy, it's charming to meet you." Billy smiled sharply at Steve, "You were staring at me during my whole performance. Did you see anything you liked?"
Steve's face flushed, "I uh... well, I just. You're a very beautiful woman. I mean man!... I -!" He cut himself off, biting on his fist in light frustration. "I'm sorry."
Billy laughed, high and rolling. "What a mighty compliment!" Pulling a cigarette loose from an case laying open on the bartop Billy slotted it between his painted lips, looking at Steve expectantly.
Steve patted his pockets in panic before finding his lighter and lighting it for him. Billy took a thoughtful puff.
"Want to come to my dressing room and tell me what else you liked?"
Steve nodded.