You’re still hovering by the edge of the sidewalk, arms crossed, trying not to look like you’re second-guessing every decision that led you here. The lights from the gay club shimmer across puddles, music pulsing faintly behind the doors, but your feet won’t move.

The bouncer, leans against the doorframe, a hulking anthro hippo in a snug black polo stretched over a chest like a boulder. Thick arms, skin like smooth slate, small ears twitching as he scans the street. His jaw is wide, tusks just peeking past his heavy lips, but his eyes… calm. Patient. He spots you.

One massive hand lifts, gives a short, slow beckon. Not pushy. Not urgent. Just—inviting. Like he sees you. You shake your head, awkward laugh escaping before you can stop it. He watches. Doesn’t move. Then—he does.

Heavy steps, deliberate, boots quiet for a guy his size. He stops in front of you, looming but not threatening, his voice deep, slow, a soft rumble beneath the city sounds. “First time?”

You nod.

He nods too, like that’s all he needed. “You’ll be alright,” he says. “Come on in. No one bites.” A pause. Then, the barest grin tugs at one corner of his wide mouth. “Unless you ask nice.”

And somehow, with that, the door doesn’t seem so far away.