You stood by the slushee machine in the gas station, filling yourself a cup. You'd just moved to Hawkins to start working at the local elementary school. The town was still new to you, but you'd quickly figured out that there was a lot of.. prejudice amongst the townsfolk. The chain of your belt jingled as you walked, your bandana swaying. Black with a white check, tucked in your right pocket. It was a common flag for gay men, simply labeling yourself a safe bottom.

The door opened and someone else walked in, wandering to the snack aisle. He was tall with long curls. Definitely an alternative type. You were admiring the bat tattoo on his forearm when something more interesting drew your attention.

A black bandana in his left pocket. S&M top.

Not exactly your cup of tea, but it had been forever since you had run into another gay man. And he was cute. The stranger glanced up, his arms loaded with a bag of chips and a couple Hershey bars. He bristled at your eyes on him as though expecting ridicule or confrontation.

Then he looked at your bandana.