caim // shine bright

[ATLANTA MAE TISZA]

OUTFIT

Since Halloween fell in the middle of the week this year, Atlanta was required to dress up every night for a week at the bar. She had a different costume for every night. Tonight she was an Indian princess and warrior. She had a genie and a cop lined up, but then she'd have to find some moe things to wear. As it happened though, she was supposed to get her period this week, and considering the dancing, singing and costumes, it was a bad week for business f=if she was unavailable for sex.

As such, Atlanta figured she'd get some herbs to take, since they always worked so much better than the birth control you got from doctors. Humans were really stupid to have switched in her opinion. She parked her powder blue VW bug outside and shut the door with a thump. It wasn't a great car, nor was it very sexy, but it worked and it had been her transportation the whole time she'd been here.

She went into the shop, a bell announcing her presence, the beads on her outfit bouncing against each other to create more sound She was even more obvious in this get up. Things still seemed to be in the same place, so she gather the few herbs that she knew, in combination would help her out and went to the counter.

It seemed that since almost no one was in the shop, the girl she knew worked here had to be doing something in the back since there wasn't much demand. Atlanta rang the bell on the desk lightly.

[CAIM VENUS HYSSOP]

outfit

The shop had been busy. Non-stop. All day. There were trays of mini-brownies covered in Halloween shaped sprinkles. Bits of pumpkin pie on tooth picks. Juice boxes. And, of course, bowls of candy corn. Kids had come in and out, in costumes, holding their parents hands. They ate candy and sweets while their parents shopped, and a lot of the adults talked to Key – also non-stop. “You're doing such a great job Key.” “You look good, is your hair different.” “Your mom would be really proud.”

Key took every compliment with a polite smile, and made superficial small talk- There were too many people coming at too fast a rate for her to actually be invested in any conversation. Faces were starting to blur. This was also the pinnacle time of tourists, so Key got a bunch of new people, most of whom were health freaks. She explained minute details about how the ingredients were grown, potential side-effects, and proper use. Half the time, Key found it very difficult to explain “how” her products worked, and she had to restrain herself from saying “it's magic.”

And because of Halloween's inconvenient timing this year (on a Wednesday) this fiasco would be going on all week. However, the shop closed at 4 pm all throughout the week because of the festival. That part was cool.

The shop had miraculously been empty for five whole minutes. Key was in the back adjusting her boots. The boots and jeans were part of her Buffy costume – the top had been too revealing and not at all professional, so she opted for a t-shirt during work hours. Now that she had a moment to herself, a though that had been pushed to the peripheral all during work was moved to the forefront – she was seeing Mason tonight.

Her heart sped up.

Then the bell rang, and Key rushed to the front of the store. Clearly hoping for more than five minutes to herself was pushing it.

When she materialized in the front of the shop, she did a double-take and froze. The most attractive woman ever was standing at the counter - in costume. Key was pretty sure she was straight, but she momentarily questioned that. “I'm sorry.” Key stammered, apologizing for randomly stopping mid-step. “I had this random thought that I had just walked into a bizarre porno.”

She started ringing up the items and then paused. “That probably wasn't the best thing to say to a customer.” she said to herself aloud. Looking up at Atlanta apologetically she explained, “I'm sorry, it's been a hectic day. Week.”

Key motioned to the platter of brownies at the counter. “Please have as many as you'd like.” Hopefully this would help molify the situation.

Finishing ringing everything up and placing the items in a paper bag, Key looked Atlanta politely. “Is that everything?” she asked in her best professional voice.

[ATLANTA MAE TISZA]

Atlanta couldn't help but give her a knowing smile. "You'd be surprised how many times I've gotten that." She smiled, glancing around as to a clue of the girl's name... Her eyes fell on a stack of business cards. "So no worries Caim." She said, hoping she pronounced it correctly. Of course, being Atlanta, people said that when they saw her in her underwear, biting her lower lip with her hands on their waistbands. Caim was pretty really, so Atlanta wouldn't have been opposed to a porno with her, but she figured she should keep her mouth shut on the subject unless she was going to sing about it.

She knew she was sort of considered a slut around here, but her powers influenced it, she wasn't some sex crazed idiot or anything. Not really. "I hear ya, I have to come up with a new costume every day this week." Atlanta said with a smile. Halloweek was already crazy but she could roll with it, Halloween was an occasion to be even sluttier than usual. "I still have a few more days to account for." She chuckled with a shake of her head.

Atlanta took a brownie and bit into it. It was pretty good. She loved food, and thanks to either a side effect of her powers or just good metabolism, she always gained weight mostly in her butt and chest and her waist stayed proportionally small. She gave Caim a half smile and a little thumbs up, s she was still chewing.

"Yup, that's it," Atlanta said with a nod. Caim wasn't an idiot, so she probably knew why Atlanta was buying what she bought. "Can't afford to not get laid this week." She chuckled. "More people come to the bar if they hear other people got lucky." She winked lightly.

[CAIM VENUS HYSSOP]

Key looked up at Atlanta just to make sure she wasn't kidding. The knowing smile was convincing and Key could definitely believe it. She smiled slightly, glad that her lapse in speech filtering did not land her in an awkward exchange. “Key-em.” she corrected, smiling kindly. “It's Gaelic, and like all Gaelic words: it looks nothing like how you say it.” The Irish, while being awesome, had to be slightly complex like that.

Key nodded to her, feeling a sense of solidarity considering they were both working girls whose work was made unusual by the holidays. They had something in common and something to talk about – that was something. Key was thinking of more things to say, but she couldn't help but be mesmerized with Atlanta's lips as she bit into the brownie. “Seven costumes – wow.” she finally managed, giving Atlanta total props. “I had enough trouble coming up with one.”

“12.50.” Key said, reading from the register.

More people come to the bar if they hear other people got luckyAs though the whole situation couldn't get any more bizarre. Key had never been in a situation where people just talk about things like that. Aloud. She wasn't sure what to say. She blinked and then chuckled a little, shaking her head slightly in disbelief. “Um, wow. That's some dedicated customer service.”

Key couldn't stop stealing glances at Atlanta – face and body – and she was smart enough to recognize magic when she saw it. “You're a charmer, aren't you?”

“Because until a minute ago, I was sure I was straight.” This was typical around charmers – as Key remembered all too well from high school in Heatherfeild.

[ATLANTA MAE TISZA]

"Ah," She said witha a little apologetic smile. "I'm Atlanta, sing at the bar..." Atlanta motioned over her shoulder with her thumb as if to point at the bar. Honestly she couldn't tell you hat direction it actually was, but either way you had to go out the door first right? She was from a little town in the south, she certainly know anything about Gaelic words.

"Yeah, Indian princess tonight, genie tomorrow, mermaid the night after that... I might have a slutty Cinderella lying around somewhere..." Atlanta said, listing off her costume plans. She certainly couldn't make her costumes really, so she either had to buy them or modify clothes she already had. Either way, she didn't have a lot of time to come up with the rest of the week.

At the cost, Atlanta dug around in her small leather purse, pulling out a twenty dollar bill as she searched for two quarters she probably had in there somewhere. At Caim's comment, she chuckled and shrugged. "A girl's got needs too." Atlanta liked sex, and after singing so much, she wanted it. It wouldn't be a problem. She found two quarters and placed them on the counter.

Charmer? "Is that what y'all call it?" She said with a chuckle. "I guess so, but usually I have to sing first to get people all wound up.... well, I mean, more wound up." Atlanta wasn't an idiot, she knew she was attractive and people wanted to get with her before she sang. And of course after she sang, most people wanted to get with anyone.

Atlanta chuckled at Caim's last comment with a winning smile. "I tend to have that effect on people." Atlanta did a little twirl, as if to prove it to Caim.

[CAIM VENUS HYSSOP]

Atlanta was a pretty name. Singing at the bar sounded like a fun occupation. Altogether, even just that was so enchanting. Atlanta sings at the bar Key mused in her head. It sounded melodeous. Atlanta clearly belonged in a fairy tale. With a very lucky white knight tending to her every need.

Sam had said that “those girls” didn't exist. The kinds that probably washed cars in bikinis. He clearly was wrong. Atlanta was living proof. As she listed off all the costumes she was wearing, Key imagined her in every one. Part of Key was mesmerized, and part of her felt inspired. There was something to Atlanta that didn't make her feel inferior or jealous – it was like Atlanta was a celebration of beauty.

"A girl's got needs too." Key laughed appreciatively along, and then shook her head. “Tell me about it.” With the work and nights home alone, Key was feeling increasingly sexually frustrated – it didn't help that she had an incredibly attractive object of fixation. Anytime alone when she thought of Mason … Key resisted the urge to sigh as she got Atlanta her change. “Eight dollars is your change.” she said with a smile, holding out a five and three singles.

Y'all? “You didn't grow up here, did ya?” Key speculated with a knowing smile. “But yeah, that's what we amazing locals call it.” The "amazing locals" part was a bit sarcastic.

Key watched Atlanta twirl and shook her head in mock disbelief. “Damn girl.” she said, with a smile. This was the kind of girl who could get anyone. With a frown, Key realized Atlanta could probably easily seduce Mason, too. “Could you tell me …” Key started slowly. She hesitated, wondering if it was too weird to ask advice of a basic stranger. But she already started the question …

“... how to um ...” Key struggled with the wording. It wasn't like she was unused hooking up with guys or dating men, but her previous limit was hooking up with a guy 26 years old. Key gave up on the question and restated. “I like a guy seven years older than me. I'm 22 and he's almost thirty. And I've been with older men, but he's almost thirty – which feels like a completely different period in a person's life. And while we really get along and have things in common, I keep worrying if I should even be trying.”

Key was surprised with how all that just came out. She hoped she didn't sound too desperate.

[ATLANTA MAE TISZA]

Atlanta had expected Caim to be bashful, but she laughed along, acknowledging that she too had unfulfilled needs. Atlanta would have told her just to go out and find someone but sometimes it was hard in a little town like this, if Caim had seemed more adventurous Atlanta might have invited her to a threesome, Caim was pretty...

Atlanta took her change and put it in her little purse. "No, I didn't." And she left it at that. Atlanta hated talking about where she grew up, and usually colloquialisms didn't pop out but she'd been spending too much time with Ethan, His Texan accent was rubbing off. Home was filled with too much hurt and fear. Granted, April had found her, so what was the harm in having people know...

Thankfully Caim had gone in a different direction. Boy trouble? Atlanta smiled. If there was a problem she knew how to fix, it was with men, granted she had a bit of a weapon on her side, but no reason her tactics couldn't work for her either. "Ooo an older man, I like it." Atlanta said with a smile, her eyes flashing. "Of course you should be trying, most guys like younger women." She said with a nod, tucking a bit of loose hair behind her ear. "I should know, I'm only 20."

Atlanta looked at Caim carefully and nodded. "I mean, you're very pretty too, and run a business, its not as if you're a child. And the rule is half your age plus 7 is the youngest you can date, respectably. So half of thirty is 15, plus seven is 22. And you said he's not even thirty yet."

[CAIM VENUS HYSSOP]

Key picked up a bit of defensive attitude at the issue of origin, but she knew better than to inquire. But then Atlanta was reassuring her with all the things making her feel better about the situation. Most men like younger women. That was nice to know. Of course essentially Key didn't care what most men liked – she wanted to know what Mason liked. But because she couldn't outright ask him, she had to rely and speculate on larger group tendencies.

Then Atlanta said something that blew Caim's mind.

“You're only 20?” Key looked Atlanta up and down once again. Key rephrased. “I'm older than you?” That seemed to be the most troubling point. There was no way. If Key dressed in extremely baggy clothing, she could still pass for a teenager. Atlanta's curves would probably never allow that. Atlanta was pure woman through and through.

Key also felt a little embarrassed having just spilled her deep insecurities to someone younger than her. She had assumed Atlanta was like 25 or so. “How do you work at a bar?” Key wondered aloud, still trying to process the very odd information.

She beamed slightly when Atlanta called her pretty and valued the props she got for her work. She chuckled a bit at the dating rule. “That rule's actually legit?” she asked, partially buying it and partially remembering it was something that was said in high school. And after graduating high school and going to college, all high school knowledge was deemed invalid.

[ATLANTA MAE TISZA]

Atlanta laughed as Caim's eyes got wide. "Yup." She nodded. Atlanta just grew into her body well, probably with the help of her tempting powers, she had to have a body to match. She figured her excellent weight distribution and metabolism were also due to her powers.

At her question of how she worked in the bar Atlanta raised her eyebrows. "Do I have to spin around again?" Sh teased. No one ever really asked her, she was happy she was sexy, could sing and they always served her. "The boobs really help." She admitted, turning to Caim a little more. "So does attitude though, never underestimate that." Atlanta said, feeling she could talk to Caim, woman to woman. She seemed to have her head squarely on her shoulders in most senses, but Atlanta was sure she knew more when it came to bars and men.

"They referenced it on Parks and Recreation so it must be true," Atlanta gave Caim a wink. "But most people I've met in life unofficially agree on that. It doesn't matter if he does or not because you're within the boundaries."

[CAIM VENUS HYSSOP]

Key laughed, taking back her previous question. Atlanta could probably get a job anywhere – she'd flaunt any uniform. Nurse … waitress … maid … “Nope. I'm convinced.” Key assured her. And then Atlanta showed off her impeccable cleavage. Key blinked. “Yeah, I bet they do.” she said a little breathlessly, mostly impressed. Key was small boned and petite – if she had Atlanta's boobs she'd be very off balance. “I will never underestimate attitude.” Key promised Atlanta solemnly. Atlanta was clearly the reincarnation of Aphrodite, and Caim was going to listen to every word she said.

At the mention of Parks and Recreation, Key laughed. She knew it was a show, though no idea what about. “Well that makes it official.” she agreed though. Of course TV was the great reference of the modern day.

“Thanks really.” Key said sincerely. “I feel better about my whole endeavor.”

“So you can stop seducing me now.” Key added. That wink was definitely packed with magic, even if Atlanta didn't mean it. “Otherwise I'm going to have to ask if I can kiss you.”

[ATLANTA MAE TISZA]

Atlanta chuckled appropriately at Caim. "Sure thing." She really was happy to help. Ever since April appeared asking for her help, she felt much more willing to give advice, and Caim was going to be her friend. Atlanta was interested in her, her story... and she wanted to know what happened with her man. "I want to hear all about what happens with your guy." She demanded, in a friendly way of course.

Atlanta laughed and shook her head. "I'm really not doing anything," She insisted. Singing was what put people into a stupor. Just seeing her only did what you would normally do, right? She did have a tendancy to make people a little off their usual of course, but she wasn't purposely doing anything to them.

"I swing both ways so thats not much of a threat," Atlanta teased with a light smile. Caim was pretty... they could practice for her older man. "But I'll try, just for you."She said, but everything sounded like a come on, she was gearing up to get singing and it felt good.

"You should take a night off sometime and come to the bar, I'd bet you'd have fun." And if she brought her man, Caim would probably get laid.

[CAIM VENUS HYSSOP]

Key laughed. “Sure thing.” she said, echoing Atlanta's previous response. Now apart from Sam and Ethan, she had Atlanta to report back to on her romantic conquests. After feeling alone, it was a bit peculiar to feel like she had so many friends (or at least friend potentials.) It felt to Key like she was wearing a wool sweater – it was a little itchy, but it made her feel all warm inside. It was almost like having a family again…

Key blinked, looking away and clearing her throat – brushing away the moment with nonchalance.

At the news of Atlanta's romantic flexibility, Key couldn't help but feel overly interested. She took in Atlanta anew and felt a little flustered. “Really?” she asked, very curious. Key couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to kiss those impossible plump lips. Atlanta looked like any part of her would be soft to the touch. Key wondered from time to time, what it would be like being close to a woman. She wasn't opposed to the idea at all.

“I will.” she responded, trying to think of other things. Thinking about Mason was no good because it only made her feel more turned on. “Coming to the bar, with a friend, sounds like lots of fun.”

"So long as you don't make me sing with you." Key warned.

[ATLANTA MAE TISZA]

Atlanta smiled. She like love stories, maybe because otherwise she would doubt that real love happened in real life. For her, it ha mostly been an illusion. One night, or a farmers son who thought you could teach him how to kiss a girl. Maybe that was just her life, and maybe that was okay, but she was happy Caim could have more. "Good." She nodded.

At caim's wide eyed question, Atlanta had to laugh. "Yes, really." Was it so hard to believe? Atlanta was pretty, and when she sang, she made people feel like sex not even just with her, with whoever was nearby, an Atlanta found confidence in the endorphins coming back at her. Lust didn't care much for gender really.

Atlanta grinned. "Good, bring your guy. I can basically guarantee that if you make a move it'll work." She said raising her eyebrows. But Caim wasn't done and Atlanta found herself laughing brightly. "Don't worry, you won't have to sing, I promise." She said with a smile. Atlanta liked Caim, she was real. Maybe they could hang out sometime.

"Well, I'll let you get back to it then, I have to get to work... Happy Halloween!" Atlanta said. She hasn't gotten to celebrate Halloween back at home, some pagan nonsense.