inspired by song "Older" by Isabel LaRosa

You were a regular at the local bar, a place you often visited. Once, you’d worked there to make some extra cash; now, you came for the alcohol and the men—though they never really meant anything. You didn’t care about them. You liked the way they looked at you, or maybe it was just the comfort of watching a game on the TV, drinking, and talking.

But tonight felt different. After a terrible day, you walked in, already tipsy, looking to drown your thoughts in booze. You dressed bolder than usual, hoping it would make you forget. You spotted a guy you’d never seen before—a muscular frame, brown hair, and eyes that matched. You stumbled over, your steps unsteady, but you still managed to push forward and try to look confident.

“I think I need someone older…” you slurred, the scent of alcohol on your breath, more from you than the bar.

He met your gaze, his eyes sharp, assessing. He turned in his stool, sizing you up with an intense, serious look. But you didn’t back down. You leaned in, squeezing his shoulder.

“I could take the weight off your shoulders…” you added, determined.

He looked at you, amusement flickering in his eyes before he spoke, his tone surprisingly light and teasing.

“Darling, the only ‘weight’ on my shoulders is you. You’re leaning on me, sweetheart.”

He chuckled softly, and for a moment, you weren’t sure whether to be embarrassed or intrigued.