The car was warm and cosy, giving the impression they were both enclosed in their own little world.

John gazed into Guy’s eyes, wondering if that had been an invitation. Was Guy waiting for John to kiss him? He started to lean forward.

But— “Are you supposed to be working right now?” asked Guy cheerfully, interrupting John’s plans. “Or have you got time to come in and listen to some music?” He nodded in the direction of the After Dark Club.

What? John blinked. That’s probably a good idea. We should get to know each other more, before rushing into the physical stuff, his sensible side cautioned, firmly putting the lid on his more rebellious thoughts. John sighed. Though, if he was honest, he was far too old to be making out in a car in middle of the street!

“I guess I could come in for a while,” he answered, reaching for the door handle. “Who’s playing tonight?”

“Violet and the Green Girlz,” answered Guy, leading the way. “They’re good, you’ll like them.”

John had never heard of them.

Stepping into the darkened hall after paying the ten dollar admission fee, it took John precisely two seconds to realise the crowd inside was predominantly from the gay and lesbian community. A young woman with a shaved head was setting up on the stage, and colourfully dressed people of all genders were milling about in small groups, chatting and drinking as they waited for the show to start.

Guy raised an eyebrow and grinned at him. “You find us a spot to sit, and I’ll get the drinks.”

John hesitated for a moment—he hadn’t been to a gay bar for years—and then thought, What the hell! What have I got to lose? It might be fun.

John had just found a small table and snaffled an extra chair when Guy came back carrying two glasses of red wine.

“Cheers!”

They had just taken their first sip, when...“John?” asked an incredulous voice.

John whirled around to discover his partner, Alison, standing there, staring. She was wearing jeans with a sparkly teeshirt, and a young woman dressed as a biker with a green headband was hovering possessively at her side. John and Alison’s mutual expressions of dismayed shock, had Guy biting his lips to keep from laughing. Ooops!

Alison recovered her voice first. “Hi John. This is my friend, Shelly. She’s one of the Green Girlz and she’ll be performing later this evening. I didn’t know you were a fan of Violet and the Girlz!” she added, her brows raised in a question.

“I-uh,” stammered John. “Pleased to meet you,” he managed finally, getting to his feet and shaking hands. “This is my first time here. I haven’t actually heard the group before.”

“John’s my partner at work, he’s another detective,” Alison explained to Shelly, who was looking from one to the other with a slight frown. Her face cleared.

“And I’m Guy,” smiled Guy, realising John was too flustered for introductions. “I’m so pleased to meet you,” he told Shelly. “I love your band, I’ve brought John here to widen his... musical horizons.”

Alison was frowning slightly as she studied Guy, trying to work out where she had seen him before. Recognition dawned.

“Aren’t you...?” her voice trailed away. Batman? What the hell was John doing here with the man he’d tried to arrest less than a month ago? The very gay man he’d tried to arrest. Even though Guy was dressed as conservatively tonight as anyone, she couldn’t be mistaken. It was Batman.

Alison stopped worrying about herself and stared at John, her jaw dropping slightly, her expression turning into one big question mark.

Guy stepped in smoothly, before the silence became too awkward.

He smiled at Alison and Shelly. “I made a deal with John. He comes to the Club with me tonight for an hour or so, and I won’t lodge a claim for false arrest. I figured some exposure to my world would open up his mind a little.” That should cover it, he thought. No need for anyone to admit anything.

“My mind is quite open already, thank you very much!” argued John, feeling insulted.

Alison knew Guy had already sussed out her relationship with Shelly. Maybe it was time to speak up, it wasn’t as if she had anything to be ashamed about. She couldn’t hope for a better lead-in. Alison took a deep breath and took the plunge. “I’m glad to hear you’re open minded, John, because now I can tell you that Shelly is more than just my friend. She’s my girlfriend and we’re thinking of moving in together.” She waited for his reaction, a hesitant smile on her lips.

Shelly slung an arm around Alison’s shoulders, and grinned at the two men.

Without hesitating, John replied, “Congratulations!” he smiled back. “And as a matter of fact, I’d like to tell you that I’m really hoping Guy and I are going to become more than friends!” As Alison returned his smile, albeit with a slight widening of her eyes, John felt as if a huge weight had fallen from his shoulders

“A lot more than friends,” he said, pulling Guy firmly to his side and planting a hard kiss on Guy’s surprised lips.

“The guys at the station are never going to believe this,” murmured Alison, with a huge grin of delight.