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Jerely at that “Okay”

They headed out—Jere his new in-between boots and peacoat—and Max in a similar outfit, except he wore a casual red button-up over his jeans They hopped on the subway and walked down to the Village froo one stop to Wellesley It was just under the freezing mark, so crisp and a bit icy, but not too cold

Buddies was at the south end of the Village and back toward Yonge Street where they’d gotten off the subway, but Max wanted to take Jereh the heart of the action Even though Toronto was queer-friendly all over, Church and Wellesley was the classic gay area It was, like, historic and shit

Glad Day was on the other side of Church as they headed south, and Max pointed to it “Oldest queer bookstore in the world It started in the seventies and used to be on Yonge Now it has a cafe and bar area at the front They do trivia nights and events It’s a cool spot”

Jere around like a total tourist, but in an adorable way There were groups of people on the sidewalks, so outside bars and restaurants Max motioned to Woody’s across the street “Woody’s is fa time, and it was on that show Queer as Folk You ever watch it? Super white and not great on trans rep, but it has soood stuff Some hot sex scenes”

“I’ve seen a lot of clips I was afraid to stream it for real since my parents would check what I watched on Netflix and stuff Solanced around “This is right where they fil Brian”

“Yep At least you’re nineteen, so if you want to hook up with some thirty-year-old, you’re allowed Dunno if I recoh”

Jererinned “I think Brian would say he enty-nine”

“Oh yeah, he definitely would” Max laughed “That show is old, but some stuff holds up”

They walked on, theout onto the street, laughter and shouts echoing Jereo It’s all just…right here In the open”

“Victoria’s a small city, but it must have a queer scene?”

“Yeah, but I never got up the nerve”

Max loved the s hands pass by Then Max stupidly blurted, “Are your parents really anti-gay? Is that why you were so nervous? Why you don’t really talk to them?”

Of course, Jere He shoved his hands in his coat pockets and looked down at the salty sidewalk “They’re not totally, but… It’s complicated”