Free Semi Precious Weapons by Clancy Nacht Page A

hoped he didn’t agree to something he'd regret.
    As he shook hands with non-descript people, Sebastian mouthed the word “ designer .” Chris smiled and carried on the polite pantomime conveying his pleasure at meeting them.
    This seemed par for the course. He wondered if anyone had real conversations in New York. But then, so many creative things happened here, someone had to be talking to someone somewhere. Just not in this club.
    When Chris's ice cubes ran dry, Sebastian provided him with a fresh drink. After a few burning sips of real scotch, Chris realized he didn't care for it. He'd thought ordering it would make him seem manly. Gagging, however, was not manly at all.
    He wasn't sure how long he'd been glad-handing the movers and shakers of the fashion world when he turned to find he'd been back to back with the infamous blond. Jason wore something completely different now: a hot pink satin bolero jacket with exaggerated puff sleeves and a collar that stood halfway up his scalp. From here, Chris could see the close cut up the back and a very unusual diagonal crop where his hair had been smoothed straight and hung over his ear.
    Chris consulted his glass, wondering how long Jason's quick-change had taken.
    Jason whirled to face him, staring Chris down, his eyes now rimmed with ornate flowers and swords trailing down his perfect, airbrushed cheeks.
    "Hold my purse."
    "What?" Without waiting for Chris to agree, Jason shoved the bejeweled pistol-shaped bag into his free hand. "But I…"
    Too late. Jason swirled away, squealing in delight and hugging one of the designers Chris had met two minutes earlier. The designer seemed wary at first but didn't protest. Whatever Jason said with his extravagant gestures hit the right note. Soon the designer smiled and nodded.
    Though Chris had met the industry people present just moments before, it wasn't until they realized he was carrying Jason's purse that they truly noticed him. Some appeared jealous; some wore looks of pity. Sebastian pressed his lips together and shook his head.
    When Chris, still holding the purse, held up his hands , in a gesture of helplessness something in the bag knocked against the side.
    "That's a gun, I hope you know," Sebastian yelled even though he was close enough to Chris to be heard from a few feet away.
    "I see that."
    "No, I mean inside the purse. He carries a gun." Sebastian gave Jason a meaningful nod.
    What could Chris say to that? He'd grown up in Texas. A gun in someone's purse? Not unusual. Sneaking a gun into a club, however, was impressive.
    "Why does he carry a gun?"
    Sebastian gestured at Jason as if the answer was obvious.
    When they'd started this discussion, Jason had been out of earshot. Now he stood right there, watching them with a tight-lipped smile. The look was armed with full-power semi-automatic snark.
    "Sebastian!" Jason's overenthusiastic voice attracted attention from the crowd. "How are you and that tiny cock of yours? Did the surgery do anything for it? You know, I've heard a penis pump might work. I bet I could track one down for you, sweetie."
    The flashing lights of the club couldn't disguise Sebastian's furious flush. His fists balled at his sides. Without missing a beat, Jason ducked in and hugged him like a long-lost friend and didn't let go. Though it wasn't necessary, he shouted every word for the benefit of his audience.
    "Oh honey, I know you're getting older, but did you mean to put on those extra pounds?" Jason pulled back, holding his arms out as if he'd grabbed something huge. He puffed out his cheeks a moment and then exhaled with a kiss. "But never you mind, Sebby . I think all that blubber looks good on you. More to love!"
    Sebastian crossed his arms. He shook with restraint. "I hate you."
    Jason batted his lashes. "Hate you too, baby doll. Kiss, kiss."
    Sebastian narrowed his eyes, and his lips formed a hard, impenetrable line.
    Jason stretched his arm across Chris's shoulders and pulled him toward the