Heads or Tails

A night of chance

“Thanks for calling out to me, but I really have to get back to my friends,” giggled Valeria nervously, as she slipped among the people and headed for the bar. Fadenna, the Succubares’ bartender, looked at her sour expression and chuckled as she walked up to receive Valeria at the bar.

“Night not going so hot?” She asked as she put a small glass on the counter. Valeria looked at her with more relaxed features as she shook her head to the tiny shot glass. Fadenna took the glass and was reaching for a pint glass when Valeria stopped her.

“I’m not ready to start drinking the night away just yet, ma’am. I’m determined to find someone to hold a decent enough conversation. Just a glass of the sweetest thing you have to offset all these dry people here. Valeria took a seat at the empty bar stool, while the Au’ra behind the counter prepared her drink. The glass of colorful Pixelberry Tea sat right in front of Valeria and she began to sip on it as Fadenna swayed her hips to the music of the Club. Fadenna leaned in and spoke in a whisper as Valeria continued to savor her drink.

“Just between you and me, decent conversation isn’t something our guests particularly excel at unless they’re paying for our ‘services’ here. But you’re welcome to keep trying. I’m sure there’s a good catch out there for you tonight. It’s always worth a shot.” Valeria finished her drink and left a tip by the glass. Fadenna winked at her as she got up and continued her night of conversation and so far, disappointment.

“How’s the night treating you so far,” came a familiar voice behind Valeria as she made it to the balcony overlooking the dance floor and she turned around to see her friend Aira. She sighed and shook her head and Aira smirked at her. “Maybe try to be a little less critical of all the people around here, you stick in the mud. People come here to hook up, not to discuss philosophy. Who knows, you might even be able to get yourself a man or two tonight with how cute you look right now.”

“Maybe I’m looking for more than just getting plowed, Aira. But I’m sure you wouldn’t know about that.” bit back Valeria with a look of annoyance, and Aira welcomed the retort with a laugh, before starting to walk back to the group Valeria had come with.

“You know I’m just looking out for you, hun. You should live a little. It won’t kill you to loosen up a bit. And please try to have fun, that’s the whole point of all of us being here.” Aira replied before leaving Valeria alone to her thoughts and whatever stranger might next approach her.

A scowl still adorned Valeria’s face as she thought of what Aira said. There was truth in it, but Valeria wanted more than just some hook up. It’d been a while since she met anyone worth talking to more than once after waking up next to them.

“Maybe it’s a one night stand type of evening.” Valeria thought to herself defeatedly as she combed the crowd. A passerby’s look of confusion reminded her that she was still scowling, and Valeria quickly turned to look away, blushing profusely as she put on a pretty but almost fake smile. She wasn’t ready to give up just yet though. I’ll give it one last shot she said as she walked slowly on her way to the dance floor.

“Hey sexy, you looking for a stud tonight? Because I’m sure I can make a bunny like you howl tonight.” came a suave voice of a Hyur. He approached Valeria and had her backing into a wall before she knew it. Valeria was mildly annoyed, but she kept her pretty smile and cool temperament under wraps as she replied.

“I’m sorry sir, I’m not one of the call girls of the establishment. And I’m very much not the one night stand type right now.” He put an arm around her shoulder and got very close, at this point Valeria could smell the strong stench of alcohol on his breath.

“Look sexy, we’re both at the Insomnium. You’re obviously here to mingle, Might as well have a fun night, if you know what I mean.” Valeria sighed softly, before sliding out from under his arm gently and placing a firm hand on his shoulder and squeezing a bit. The Hyur winced in pain and for a split second he appeared just the tiniest bit more sober.

“Listen darling, I’m not here for a ‘fun night’ as you say. I’m just here to meet people, not to f**k,” Valeria released her grip and propped him up rightly. “You should talk to a call girl and have a sweet night. There’s so many beauties working here. That Miqo’te on stage has a free schedule and a soft spot for strong men like you, Tiger. Go get’em.”

“I, uh… may have come on a little too strong. Sorry about that. Maybe I can snatch up that little kitten before anyone else. Excuse me, Miss.” replied the Hyur as he walked toward the stage with his chest out. Valeria gave a bemused smirk and looked to the stairs. She’d officially run out of patience, and was ready to leave and give up tonight.

“Hey Aira, I’m gonna head out. I’m just not feeling too social tonight. It’s a down night for me.” Valeria said as she met with her friends before leaving the club. Aira could hear the dejection and weariness of her voice and gave her a small hug.

“We can come out again some night just us girls and see if we can’t find some decent club goers. Just don’t get too down about tonight. It’s just the people are super dry tonight. Trust me it’s not about how you look.” Aira gave Valeria’s butt a light smack, and Valeria gave her an angry blush accompanied by a light slap on the arm. Aira giggled, and Valeria turned to the stairs leading up to the balcony.

Valeria began up the stairs, her eyes still searching the room despite her defeated mind telling her it was time to go home. Everywhere she looked people were either scantily clothed or not clothed at all at this adult club. Before she could let out a final sigh and head out, her eyes stopped. On a balcony seat sat a Viera who was neither topless nor was she socializing much. Valeria tried to take her eyes away so she could leave, but before she even thought about it she found herself right before the girl in question.

“Having a good time so far?” left Valeria’s lips before she could even think about what her body was doing. The Viera threw her the briefest of glances, and turned back to look over the dance floor.

“I don’t yet. I’m still thinking about it.” Came a calm voice from the Viera. “I haven’t been here long enough to decide if it’s been good or bad yet. What about you?”

“It’s been alright so far. Lots of drinks, lots of dancing, lots of people. Some of which can be a surprise, either pleasant or painful. Mind if I have a seat?” The Viera nodded, still not turning to look at Valeria properly. Valeria took a seat beside her but made sure to not get too close to make her uncomfortable. As Valeria pondered on what to say next, the Viera spoke again.
“So which one are you, a pleasant surprise or a painful one?” Valeria sat silently for a moment. The question hit her hard, being that it was the first real question aside from ‘Wanna get a room?’ she’d gotten all night. She took a breath and turned to gaze out at the dance floor with her new acquaintance while occasionally throwing glances at her direction.

“It really depends on what people want me to be. I try to be a good girl and a pleasant surprise, but I can be painful if that’s what they want.” The Viera’s hand came up to her chin and she tilted her head in a second of thought.

“How are you a painful surprise? The thought alone is intriguing to me that someone can be considered painful.” Valeria thought about it herself for a moment. She didn’t expect so many questions from anyone tonight, but it seemed she had finally found someone worth talking to. It filled her with a bit more resolve and she decided to take a bit of a bolder shot in that moment.

“It’s a lot like good cop, bad cop with me. I can be as sweet as you want me to be, like a good cop. But if you want a bad cop, I don’t mind stepping on you.” She finished with a slight giggle. She threw a glance at the Viera, but was immediately stunned. She was finally turned toward Valeria looking at her, a mix of amusement and interest in her face. Valeria felt a blush creeping on her face but fought it back and kept her gaze on the Viera as a gesture of courtesy.

“That’s not what I expected at all. It was so straightforward… but I can’t say I don’t like that at all. I’m Cecilia.” The words pricked at Valeria’s ears. Had she just made a fool of herself trying to shoot her shot? It was either time to retreat or double down, and after the night she had just had, Valeria swallowed her anxiety and decided to go big or go home.

“Oh is that so? I didn’t mean to be so unpredictable? Have I subverted your expectations?... or perhaps have I exceeded them?” Valeria asked with a giggle, determined to probe a little more, even if it meant this would end poorly. Her night was over after this conversation anyway. A finger rested on Cecilia’s cheek as she looked Valeria over, before she responded.

“I don’t know yet. But I will say, you have my attention now. It’s been hard to find a decent conversation other than people asking me to bed.” Valeria giggled and sighed in relief. It seems her persistence had finally paid off, and it felt good.

“Ah, you too? It’s been so hard to find a decent conversation tonight, so this is finally a breath of fresh air talking to you.” Valeria looked at the dance floor for a moment, before placing her eyes back on Cecilia.

“It’s like they don’t understand the fun of the chase. They just want to get down and dirty without having any fun. It gets to be a bit overbearing and exhausting.” Cecilia finally giggled in return. Valeria pulled a knee up to her chest and got comfortable on the cushion of the balcony.

“I can’t tell you how much better my night just got now that someone understands. I think I want to be friends if that’s fine with you. So now I have to start bombarding you with questions,” Valeria mocked playfully. “Is this your first time here at the Succubares’ Insomnium?”

“Was it that obvious? I try not to stick out so bad.” Cecilia responded, crossing her arms slightly defensively but still along with the mood.

“I wouldn’t say obvious. Just a question I always start with. This is a pretty pristine club with a nice atmosphere and a decent bar. A good place to just hang out or hook up,” Valeria stated as she pointed at some of the things she talked about. Cecilia followed her finger and took it all in before turning back, and Valeria continued. “What do you like to do for fun?”

“Hmm,” Cecilia muttered looking at the ceiling. A minute passed as she sat in thoughtful silence, but Valeria didn’t break away from her the whole time, enraptured by the possibilities of her answers. Valeria didn’t want to miss learning anything about her new friend “Being completely honest here? A-and don’t laugh okay. I love listening. Hearing people talk, getting to know all about them, what makes them different, unique, if you know what I mean. It’s like reading a book. I can get lost in listening to people, and making mental images and notes about them.” Valeria looked at her with great approval.

“You’re so meticulous, and thought provoking. I really like that. And of course after hearing a response like that, I simply must talk about myself for you. So you can learn the caliber of person I am. I hope I don’t disappoint.”

“Considering how this conversation has been going so far. I don’t think it’ll be much of a disappointment. I’m rather interested to see what you have to say,” Cecilia shifted in her seat turning herself to face Valeria completely. Giving full attention with her body language.

“Well aside from coming out to clubs like this and having fun mingling. I actually love to write. Any little idea that comes to my mind I put on paper. The only problem with that is that they’re never coherent connected ideas. They’re so wild and all over the place that it can only really be called brainstorming. So… I’m a professional Brainstormer.” Valeria chuckled nervously, but her tension was eased as Cecilia laughed along with her joke.

  “I’m a lot like that myself. But I never write any of it down. It’s just daydreaming. Professional Daydreamer, as you say. But between my everyday stuff and brainstorming I usually get a little pent up, so I come to places like these to relax, unwind and people watch.”

“I hope talking with me hasn’t gotten in the way of any of that.” Valeria whimpered teasingly. Cecilia shook her head and gave her a smile.

“Not at all. If anything, talking with you has been very relaxing and has helped me unwind a lot. Didn’t expect to run into someone like you tonight.”

“That’s good, although the only people watching has been me.” Valeria thought for a second, she felt slightly dumbfounded by her own sentence but in a second Cecilia cut in, her face shifting in slight confusion.

“Am I missing something, or did that sentence not make any sense to me? Could you please explain?” Valeria opened her mouth soundlessly a few times realizing that she had just tripped over her own words royally.

“I-I… W-what I mean-...” Valeria stuttered as her tongue was tied. She took a moment to clear the throat before attempting to speak again. “I’m glad you’re relaxing and unwinding while talking to me. But it seems I have gotten in the way of your people watching since you only seem to be looking at me.” Valeria spoke slowly and clearly to not mess up, but a blush adorned her face as she realized she was speaking like Cecilia was a child.

“I don’t have a problem with that. Do you?” Cecilia asked very directly, knocking Valeria senseless. With her wits nowhere around, Valeria answered very honestly.

“It’s a little embarrassing to say, but I honestly am rather fond of it. It makes me feel special and good about myself, knowing there’s all these people in the room and you choose to only look at me. Am I really holding your attention that much?”