The Engine Gator

It started a year ago or so.

The promise of booze and gambling attracted more than a few curious types to a certain underground dive, and never turning down an opportunity to live a little, I count myself included.

I can't play cards to save myself though, so I skipped on that particular vice and watched a bit of the stage performance instead. The topless girls undulating on stage didn't interest me sexually, but occasionally glimpsing the men they titillated getting flustered and aroused was worth the wait, as was throwing back the back alley moonshine. Little did I know at the time, there was a hulking specimen in the corner with his hungry eyes on me as well.

The night drew on and I found myself a little worse for wear thanks to several alcoholic concoctions so I took my leave, managing eventually to stumble my way to the porch of my apartment building.

As I turned the key the entire porch became ingulfed in a thick, heavy shadow, and a bassy growl shook my bones and sent an electric pulse through my entire body. After a second or so of complete shock, that same guttural growl formed words that vibrated inches from the back of my neck.

"Open the door."

I complied, my heart racing. I was stunned into silence as I listened to each thunderous step rattling the floor behind me. As we climbed the stairs, I managed to steal a couple of glances at the hulking shadow that accompanied me; packed to the gills with solid muscle, coated in glistening dark scales and wearing slacks, a white shirt and capped off with a newsboy cap. 

I wondered if this was it - was my time on this world over?

I reached my door and with trembling hands I fumbled with my keys. As i grappled with the lock, a large, calloused reptilian claw wrapped itself around my hip. Well, my entire side in fact - his hand was as large as the rest of him. He softly squeezed my body and his breath became slower, more deliberate.

My accomplice reeked of coal powder, cigar smoke, and the unmistakable twang of seedy back alley moonshine. Piecing it all together, I came to realise what my mystery guest wanted.

I wanted it too.

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Something different for you all! I wanted to try a monochrome piece and also scratch a bit of an itch for me too! The gator boy works on a ship as a coal fireman, and the fox is a failing writer with an interest in the underbelly of the city. Every time the ship docks foxy-boy knows he's in for a midnight visit ;)

Enjoy!