Chapter Twenty-Eight

Baran

Baran and Daddy Darien stepped into the cozy warmth of Miss Charlotte’s kitchen, the savory aroma of roasted chicken and herbs wrapping around him like a welcoming hug. She stood by the stove, her gray hair trimmed short, humming a tune he didn’t recognize.

“Sit down, boys,” she said, motioning to the small round table already set with a red Christmas tablecloth and a flickering candle. “Dinner’s almost ready.”

Daddy Darien and Baran slid into their usual chairs, both stretching their legs beneath the table, then playing footsie.

“You didn’t have to go all out, Miss Charlotte,” Daddy Darien said.

“Oh, nonsense. Growing boys like you two need a proper meal. And I know you’ve got plans tonight. You’ll need your energy,” she teased, turning with a smile and setting the steaming platter in front of them.

Baran fiddled with the edge of his napkin. “Darien’s just taking me out dancing.”

“Mm-hmm,” Miss Charlotte replied, settling into her chair across from Daddy Darien. “You two deserve a night of fun. Working at the shelter all day—you’re both too young to be this serious.”

“It’s not so bad,” Baran said, scooping a bite of buttery mashed potatoes onto his fork. “Besides, it’s nice knowing we’re helping people. I want to be just like Darien.”

“Miss Archer called and asked me if I would talk to you about hiring her back. She’s really sorry.”

“I can’t take her back. She was meddling in my business and mistreated Baran, so there’s no way. I’d already been thinking about it before Baran was involved anyway.”

“I figured you would say that and you’re right, she was all over your personal life.”

“It’s too bad because she did her job well,” Darien added.

“You didn’t have to fire on my account,” Baran interjected.

“She was a problem before you,” Daddy Darien said.

Miss Charlotte nodded in agreement with Daddy Darien, her gaze softening. “A little dancing might do wonders for both of you.”

“This will be our first dance,” Daddy Darien said.

Baran chuckled, shaking his head. “I can’t wait.”

“Then I want you two to have a special evening.”

Daddy Darian grinned, cheeks warm from her words and the cozy atmosphere. “We will.”

After they finished the delicious dinner, they showered together and changed into fresh clothes.

“You look so hot tonight,” Daddy Darien said.

“So do you.” Baran felt his face warming.

They each gave Miss Charlotte a goodnight kiss, and then headed out into the vibrant city, ready for a night of dancing and revelry at the gay club. Daddy Darien had planned to order his driver so he could have alcohol. Then he seemed to remember Baran couldn’t drink, so he drove his own car. When they got there, Daddy Darien parked the car and led Baran to the entrance, his hand firm on Baran’s shoulder as they navigated through the crowd. A bouncer stood by the door and made Baran show his ID, which was a Turkish one.

“I can’t read it, so you’re not drinking.” The bouncer put a red band around his wrist to indicate no alcohol.

The Glitter Box Club was a sensory explosion. They were greeted by a dazzling display of Christmas lights framing the stage and the walls. Neon lights pulsed to the rhythm of the music, casting vibrant hues of pink, blue, and green across the dance floor. The air was thick with the scent of sweat, cologne, and something faintly sweet—maybe spilled drinks or haze from the smoke machine. People moved like a collective heartbeat, the energy electric and contagious.

“Let’s grab a table first,” Daddy Darien shouted over the music, pointing to a small, high-top table near the edge of the dance floor.

Baran perched on one of the stools, taking in the scene. The bass reverberated through his chest, and the flashing lights made everything feel surreal. Daddy Darien slid into the seat across from him, leaning close to be heard. “I want us to take some time off before you start school. What would you like to see? Somewhere with a beach, maybe?”

Baran laughed, resting his elbows on the table. “Beach without snow?”

Daddy Darien shrugged, grinning. “We can fly to Hawaii for a week. Besides, you can’t work at the shelter forever without a break. It’s not healthy.”

Baran hesitated, his gaze drifting to the dance floor. “I’ve always wanted to see Hawaii.”

“Anywhere is good with me, as long as it’s with you,” Daddy Darien teased, winking.

Baran rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile. “You’re impossible.”

Daddy Darien stood abruptly, extending a hand. “Come on, Mr. Impossible. Time to dance.”

Baran hesitated, but eventually let Daddy Darien pull him to his feet. The music seemed louder now; the beat was undeniable as they found a spot amidst the throng of dancers. Daddy Darien moved effortlessly, his confidence infectious, while Baran tried to keep up, his movements stiff at first but gradually loosening.

“See? You’re a natural,” Daddy Darien said, leaning close as they danced.

Baran laughed, shaking his head. “A natural disaster, maybe.”

“You’re doing great,” Daddy Darien assured him, his voice warm and encouraging. “Just feel the music.”

Baran closed his eyes for a moment, letting the rhythm guide him. When he opened them, Daddy Darien was smiling at him, his expression full of pride.

“Better,” Daddy Darien said, spinning him suddenly, earning a surprised laugh from Baran. He stole a few kisses while they danced.

As the night went on, they danced and talked, their conversation weaving through the beats of the music. The music was loud and festive, and the dancers on the stage were wearing red and green elf outfits that sparkled under the spotlights. The club was packed with people enjoying the show, cheering and clapping along. The server noticed Daddy Darien waving him over and took their order of two Cokes. They sat and waited, absorbing the warmth and excitement of the club. The server returned with their drinks, then they turned their attention to the stage, where the dancers were doing a remix of “Jingle Bell Rock.”

“I come here every year to see their Christmas show,” Daddy Darien said.

A man, his eyes twinkling with mischief, approached the table with a confident stride. “It’s good to see you, Darien.”

“I wouldn’t miss it. This is my boy, Baran.”

“Hi, Baran. I’m Andrei Baranov. My husband, who is my boy too, is dancing on stage.”

“Nice to meet you,” Baran said.

“Sit down for a bit with us?” Daddy Darien asked.

When the stage show ended, a young dancer came to the table.

“I’m Daniel Baranov.”

Andrei introduced him to Daniel.

“Baran will be attending New York University during the spring semester,” Daddy Darien said.

“I go there too. Give me your number, and we can get together,” Daniel said to Baran.

They exchanged numbers, then Daniel had to leave to change his outfit.

“We’ll all have to get together soon,” Andrei said.

“Yes, we definitely will and thank you for the generous donation to Rainbow Haven.”

“Any time. Nice meeting you, Baran.” Andrei left them.

Baran sat with Darien at their table while the club was still alive with energy, its neon lights casting a colorful glow across the room. He stared at the walls adorned with glittering decorations.

The dance floor was packed with people once again, their movements fluid and joyful. A stage at the far end of the club would showcase the talented performers again in thirty minutes. Baran felt a thrill being in such an animated environment, surrounded by the buzz of laughter and conversation.

He turned to Daddy Darien with a smile. “I can’t wait to start college and make some new friends. It was so great meeting Daniel, the dancer. He’s so talented and friendly.”

Darien nodded, his eyes reflecting the colorful lights of the club. “You’ll meet a lot of interesting people in college. It’s a great opportunity to build connections and explore new things.”

Baran took a sip of his drink, feeling a sense of anticipation for the future. “I’m really looking forward to it. And it’s amazing to think about all the people I’ll get to know. It makes everything feel so much more exciting.”

Darien smiled. “You’re going to thrive, Baran. Just be yourself and take every opportunity that comes your way.”

Baran leaned in closer, feeling a rush of affection for Daddy Darien. “And speaking of opportunities, I’ve been thinking about our Hawaii vacation. I’ve always wanted to see the beaches and try surfing.”

Daddy Darien’s face lit up with excitement. “Hawaii is incredible. The beaches are beautiful, and there’s so much to do. We can go snorkeling, hiking, and of course, surfing. It’ll be the perfect getaway.”

Baran’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “It’ll be our first big trip together, and it sounds like it’ll be unforgettable.”

As they continued to chat about their upcoming vacation, the energy of the club buzzed around them, adding to the sense of adventure and possibility. Baran felt a profound sense of happiness and excitement. Knowing Daddy Darien was by his side, the future was filled with endless opportunities and shared dreams.