[A/N: I just wanted to remind everyone out there that everyone’s journey to acceptance and understanding of their gender identity differs vastly and no matter what, you and your journey are valid. Love each and everyone of you and I hope you’re staying safe in these difficult times.]

Cora put the finishing touches on her makeup, a bright red lipstick that she hoped would draw the eyes of everyone around. She straightened her short black dress and turned to make sure a bulge wasn’t visible in the slightest. A tall pair of heels to accentuate her legs completed her outfit and she was ready to go.

The bar that she was going to had low lighting and a smokey haze obscured the air. It was still early in the night, so it was fairly empty. She gazed around the room looking for someone to end this night with. There were two guys sat at the bar - one in the middle and one at the end. The tables mostly held groups and couples so Cora ignored them completely.

The man in the middle of the bar looked to be about average in every way. Average face, average build, beige-y hair color, and drinking whatever was on tap. Cora ignored him. Average wasn’t what she wanted tonight. Not when she was dressed like this.

The guy at the end of the bar wore a shirt just a smidge too tight. His arms were stacked. Each muscle a kissable swell. His hair was dark and curled around his ears. Stubble darkened his chin and cheeks. He didn’t exactly look like someone who came out to get picked up, but the worst that could happen was him telling Cora to leave him alone.

She repeated that to herself again. The worst that could happen is he turned her down. She took a steadying breath and strode forward.

The guy glanced over from where he’d been watching the football game on the tv. His lips curled into a slow smile and his eyes raked down Cora’s body. He took a drink from the beer sitting in front of him. Cora shivered under that look. “Isn’t it a little cold to be out in a dress like that?”

“I was hoping I could find someone to keep me warm tonight.” It wasn’t cold out, but the dress was pretty short.

His grin grew and his eyes crinkled with laughter. It was charming and Cora relaxed a bit in his presence. “What’s your name, sweetheart?”

Butterflies burst to life inside her. She was passing! It was working! Cora barely kept her giggle inside. “Cora.”

“James.”

James. A lovely name. A perfect name to be crying out later but here and now, Cora was stumped. Did she tell him now that she was genderfluid and he wouldn’t be getting lucky with a person who had a vagina? Did she wait until they left? Nervous and angry at herself for not figuring stuff out, she cleared her throat. “Buy me a drink?” She was jumping too far ahead. Just focus on the now.

“You got it, babe.” He flagged down the sole bartender. “Something sweet?”

Cora laughed. “How’d you know?”

He ordered her a daiquiri, then turned in his seat so his spread thighs could easily fit around her trim waist if she’d just take a step or two forward. James sipped his beer, his dark eyes were daring her to approach more, to fit herself against him so nicely.

Her courage was fading though. It was her first time out like this. First time approaching a guy like this. She forced a grin on her face and stepped forward. His thighs closed just enough so his inner knees brushed against her waist. The heat from them soaked through her thin dress and went straight to her gut. She could feel her dick starting to plump up where she had it tucked back.

“What brought you here tonight?”

She didn’t feel right saying her friend told her this bar was usually pretty quiet on Sunday’s. She especially didn’t feel comfortable saying her friend told her she’d be safe doing this in this bar, even if it wasn’t technically an LGBT bar. Instead she smiled and fluttered her lashes. “I heard it’s the best place to pick up attractive men.”

He laughed deep in his chest. “Very forward.”

Oh. Shit, too forward? Her stomach swooped and her smile twitched as she was again hit with the realization that she had no idea what she was doing.