All characters are 18 or older.
All similarities to persons living or dead are purely coincidental.
No really. Honest!
"I'm so glad you came with me! You're the best boyfriend ever!"
I smile up at Madison. I always have to look up at her a little when she is next to me, but today, as she's wearing her favorite boots, she's a good two inches taller than usual -- four inches taller than me. And she's hot. She really dressed up: Hot Pants, sequinned crop top. I might get jealous, but it seems I really Am the best boyfriend. At least when it comes to joining your girlfriend to the Cutter Quick concert - the line we are in consists pretty much of women only, for what I can see of it. I'm sure there's a guy somewhere back there in between the women. And when I say women, I mean it -- no girls, it was weird to see the concert has a strict 18+ age limit -- everyone here is an adult... Luckily I did get Madison the tickets for her 18th birthday, which I myself have passed more a year ago, so we're all good.
Still. Weird.
"Sir -- will you step out of the line, please?"
"Is something wrong?"
Madison looks at the security women - all security personnel seem to be women, at least the ones out in the open. Probably to make sure the mostly female audience doesn't feel intimated.
"No, everything's OK, you'll get to the concert in time, Ma'am. As a matter of fact, this may help you skip the line, really. Just standard procedure."
"I don't see you doing this to anyone else"
"Shh!"
Madison looks at me sternly as I object. I get it, she just wants to get through the check and into the stadium. But...
"Standard procedure for the male guests, that is. Sir."
I raise my eyebrow as I follow the two women. Or rather follow Madison, who pulls me after them by the arm, very determined to get this over with.
"What?"
"You've heard about the cancelled concert last year, I'm sure"
"Sure. Bomb threat... You don't think..."
I open my eyes wide. If they cancel this one, Madison will be devastated. So will I - the tickets cost me a fortune. I can't imagine the consequences if I ruin this for her.
"No, don't worry, everything's all right, we just upped the security measures ever since. To be on the safe side."
"For men only, though?"
I tip my head.
"Well. Yes..."
The taller security lady grins.
"You see, not only did the bomb threat come from a guy, pretty much every threat situation, from the severe ones down to online bullying or harassment of fans or Ms. Quick herself comes down to men."
I open my mouth, unsure what to say. That sounds... unfair. Also - perfectly legit. Men can the worst.
"Don't worry. It's nothing personal, we're sure you're absolutely harmless. You Do seem harmless."
"Oh, he is!"
Madison comes to my defense. I think. Not sure if being called that by my girlfriend is flattering, but I guess it helps. The two women nod.
"Cutter is VERY appreciative of every male fan of hers, few as there are, but still. The majority here are women, just trying to have the best time of their life. I'm sure you'll support us as good as you can in making that happen. For your... girlfriend?"
Madison nods. A bit hesitantly. She still doesn't seem comfortable to being called that in public, despite us being together for a few months now. I sigh, softly, then nod. Obviously, I would do anything to make her happy. Making a fuss that prevents us from getting into the biggest event in this city since - forever, the one she had talked about for weeks, would be... Not ideal. I nod.
"Sure. What do you want me to do?"
"We need you to strip"
I blink. Clearly I must have having misunderstood the taller security guard.
"Huh?"
"Not the smartest, is he?
Madison giggles at the guard's comment and I clench my teeth. Can't think of a good reply anyway.
"Get naked! Right now!"
"You want to strip search me?"
The two women look at one another then giggle.
"'Want' is way to strong a word, it's not that we're enjoying this, trust me. Seeing you guys naked is not the highlight of the job. But yes. Among other things, we have to see you naked. But it's not a strip search, that would imply you get your clothes back. Which won't happen! Not before the end of the concert."
My mouth drops open, even Madison looks perplexed now.
"You can't mean... that's... I'm to go to the concert - naked?"
"Not just you, obviously. Standard regulation for all men beyond this point. Making sure you can't sneak anything in. Makes everyone feel safer. Every woman that is. Cutter included. And your girlfriend, I'd assume."
"But that's preposterous!"
"Wow, what a big word. Maybe he's smarter than he looks. Would you like to call your lawyer?"
The two women chuckle.
"Look, it's as easy as that: Of course you don't have to do it, but then we'd have to ask you to leave. This is a private event location, house rules apply without exceptions. And the house rule for men... well... males today is..."
"I will not get naked!"
The taller one nods.
"You're at liberty to refuse, in which case we'll be happy to accompany you to the nearest exit, Sir. Naturally your companion can stay, if she wishes."
"Of course I'll stay!"
I stare at Madison, probably looking more pouty than I meant to.
"Oh come on, it's Cutter Quick!"
Yeah, I get it. I would have wished for some more support but it Is a huge event. And the worst case would be me just -- not seeing it with her.
"But.."
"I mean... if you want to come, you can. It's not a big deal..."
"Not a big... Getting in there naked in front of everyone?"
She shrugs, giggles.
"I mean... If All the men do it..."
The security women nod.
"You'd actually be the odd one out if we'd let you in clothed. Which we won't, just so you know."