Public Thinking

Lorielle did not feel like doing her job tonight. Being a DJ was fun and all, but sometimes it was more interesting to people-watch in the club. New people come in all the time, as well as familiar ones, but she knew none of them save for the ones she would meet, a guy by the bar for drinks, the manager, and a couple guys who worked with the tech. Not much else was going on tonight anyway, so doing nothing tonight and just hanging out was fine by her standards. She was by no means a loner, but she did not mind her solitude every once in a while. Especially when it came with free drinks, which she had in her hand. Just a root beer, nothing special. The night was turning out to be so nice, she was not even bothered by coming home too late and feel the wrath of her parents. All she could care for is the night to herself and the people as they enjoyed themselves.

However, she did not feel like dancing either. She remained outside the dance floor, just watching everything around her. There really was not too much going on. No friends she knew were here, and even in all this, she did not feel like dropping a line to any of them. No thoughts came to her mind as she just scanned the area not really giving much of a care. Though, something did catch her eye when she noticed a table occupied by a somewhat familiar face. It was Vera. She did not know much else about her, apart from that her and Gabby were clearly friends since they saw each other. She was also a talented fighter. ‘But, her of all people? Here…?’ she thought. From what she remembered, she seemed to be quiet unless Gabby was around, and while that may not be sound reasoning, she just did not strike Lorielle as the club type. Who knows, it could have been her first time; or third and she just had never seen her up until now. Even knowing all that, she would not mind talking to her, though she hesitated, remaining in the same spot not too far from her, and to her knowledge, far enough to where she would not notice her immediately. It was not like Lorielle disliked her; rather, Lorielle assumed Vera did not like her, or anyone of the group she fought with apart from Gabby. Though, it could not hurt to at least ask how she was doing, the battle may have drained her like it drained Lorielle, and possibly the others.

That in mind, she would finish her soda and put the glass on the table near where she was and slowly turn to her direction, and walk at a slow pace, moving around people when necessary, not really in a rush. Honestly, she did not think Vera would appreciate that, and Lorielle felt very mellow herself. She would stand a few seats away and give a small wave to her, and a light smile. “Hello Vera,” she began. “How’ve you been since what happened?” she said in as few words as possible. She assumed Vera would get the obvious meaning behind it, when no one else would save for the small group of people who witnessed it. She would remain standing there casually, with a calm demeanor on her face. It was her first time really saying something outside of the battle to her, so she did not know what to expect.

Lorielle was not particularly surprised when she acted as though she did not remember her. At the same time, she figured the battle would be with everyone’s memory for a while, at least this long, but who knows, maybe she did not care or was forgetful. Either way, she would nod her head in response to Vera’s question, sitting down in the seat not far from Vera when she said she was starting to remember her. However, her last words gave her a slight pause. “I did not expect you to. I had not seen you since then and at the very least, I wanted to thank you for your help for one,” she said. She never had the chance to express some sort of gratitude for her, as unwilling as she seemed to help, and whether she helped her or helped Gabby, she helped everyone. So it counts, after all.

She also caught that she did not answer her question of how she was feeling. Probably something personal, something that Lorielle did not pry into. So perhaps the best way to get something to talk about was something Vera could talk about. But Lorielle knew nothing about her for the most part, and she was not going to mention any other person in particular, but maybe she could say something to get her to talk. “Sorry you did not make it to the party Vera. It would have been nice to have you there,” she said, trying to be friendly.  If anything could get her to talk, perhaps get her to stop thinking of any trouble she might have for just a moment, maybe it could work.

That in mind, she would let out a content sigh and look at Vera. “I did not know you were the type to go to this place,” she said, with one last attempt to grab at a conversation. She did not want to come on too strong and at the same time she was hoping for something to be said. Who knows, maybe something will happen.

“Hm, I suppose gratitude is gratitude. Maybe I would not be as thankful if I didn’t already expect you to do something along those lines, but hey, some of us may have done the same, so who knows,” she said. Man she was really being the doormat one in all this. Lorielle was always the type to just relent after the occasional insult, suggestion, or otherwise. It was the quickest way to perhaps end tension, but the easiest way to let people say what they want to her or walk all over her. It was something she would have a great deal of trouble in getting over, as the ability to refuse just seemed to not exist for her. She could argue about something unrelated to her till the day she died, and yet herself was what she clammed up about? What in the world could she do to get around this?

Lorielle gave a light smirk when she groaned. Clearly she is not the social type. Or at the very least, she would go if it was only Gabby. Why Lori ended up saying that was an odd choice, since it could very well be assumed that she was that type of person. Her comment admittedly was a bit silly, then again, it may have been her submissive nature talking. Whatever the reason, Vera did not seem to be short with her per se, so much as she was blunt with her words. It was good to at least be honest, so that she could admire in an odd way about Vera. Then the big question came from her, what did Lorielle want? Perhaps could have taken the “Blondie” part away, though it was not very insulting, it seemed as though it was either meant to be, or that was all she remembered about her. Lorielle chuckled quietly at that. But Lorielle did take a slight pause in spite of that. There was nothing in particular she wanted from her really in truth, so then why did she talk to her? Surely there was something to take away from all of this. It’d probably be best to offer something of use. “I do not want anything from you really Vera. I don’t know what you want to do now with what you have, I only know we have a common enemy, you, me, and the rest. I am willing to help you if you ask for it,” she said. It was possibly her only chance to perhaps gain a mutual interest established and get something moving forward. She did not hold much hope that Vera was willing, but the chance was worth taking.

Vera seemed as though she was sure of herself when speaking this way. Looking at her, Lorielle was rather patronized when she acted so lax and lazy the way she gestured. Looking at it, it was almost as if she knew something, or rather, she already had something in mind. Lorielle would remain a neutral expression on her face as Vera spoke to her. “You talk as though you know something the rest of us do not. In which case, that’d be impressive. As you know not of what my “enemy “ is,” she said.  Did Vera seriously know something? Even if she did, Lorielle tossed the hopes of learning from her from her head. If she was this hard to communicate with as she seems to see, there would be little to no…rather, no chance that she would tell her. “As for what I am fighting for, I do have an idea of what I want to do. How I shall do it is what I am trying to figure out for the time being,” she said. There really was no way around it, Lorielle did want to use this power for the future of humanity and its preservation. On the other hand, she really has no way how to, so she could not give Vera much, and to be fair, she may not want to, at least not now.

The thought that they may become enemies was a bit sobering. In truth, Lorielle did hope for whatever Vera wanted, however could care less whether she got it or not. She knew nothing of her. ‘Though, having an enemy like her would not be easy times…’ she thought to herself. “My point is, if the option is there to be allies, why not be? Merely just telling you if you need a bit of help, I can. If you don’t, fine. I just wanted to make it clear,” she said. She would then look from her for a bit, sitting back to look at the crowd, at the people dancing. It would be lovely to go back, and enjoy the innocence of life before this happened. At the same time, this new life had changed her, and still is changing her. Maybe if everyone felt the same way, conflict would not arise like this. If that was possible….if that could be done…maybe this power was indeed worth having over life. Maybe there was still the chance.

Vera could not have given a better cop-out response if she tried. She has no proof yet she knows for sure. Not giving a direct response is arguably a worse decision than just saying no, or yes. Even more reason to be suspicious of her. Vera most likely did know something. Though she would also be correct in her advice to be careful, if only because it was common sense, like Vera thought she was speaking to a two-year old. Nonetheless, she would remain silent even when Vera said what she said concerning her ability in battle and how she seemed to be. Normally she may argue her point and try to convince her, however, she had no reason to cause possibly more tension. Once more, she was also one of those types who would most likely fight on her own, and very possibly get herself killed in the process. Though, if that is what she wants, to just do everything herself…

Lorielle would shrug her shoulders a bit. “Alright, fair enough. I won’t try to convince you otherwise,” she said. There really was nothing she could do. Perhaps it was for the best. She had no clue why she seemed to have this distance towards her, though that could be said for everyone she has met apart from Gabby. She wouldn’t know. The music had turned to something more mellow, around the time Lorielle decided she had had enough of the club for one night. Honestly, sleep could be of help for her. Though, Vera would look her dead on, more or less requesting that should they end up as enemies, to not hold back. She would look back and give her a nod. “I wish we do not end as enemies, but if so, I will not hold back. This I promise,” she said calmly. What else would she do if they were enemies? Lorielle felt no remorse in it, particularly uncaring about the apology. It was clear it was an obligation, so what does it matter? Nonetheless, she would nod once more. “Likewise,” she answered before standing up from the club. “See you around,” she would say before giving her a light half-smile, and turning to walk out of the club and on her way home. For some reason, she would feel a bit more tired than usual when approaching her bed for a good night’s sleep.

((Exit))

Two amber colored hues watched the two females converse while standing on the second floor. The young figure had a candy figure in his mouth as he tilted his head and narrowed his eyes in curiosity. The music was rather loud, so hearing their conversation was out of the question, but telling from facial expressions and how the blonde suddenly left the conversation, the figure wondered what they could have been talking about. Well whatever the case, Lorielle packed up and seemed to leave, leaving the purple haired girl to her lonesome. A wide grin would come across the boy's face as he bit into the candy stick that danced on his lips and headed down the staircase. His amber hues made sure the blonde haired young woman had left the scene entirely as he jerked side to side through the crowd towards the violet haired girl. Through his process of reaching the girl, his easy grin turned into that of an innocent smile. That feint twinkle of malicious intent in his eye also turned into that of round innocence that wouldn't hurt a fly. When he made it through the crowd the previous malicious figure was now that of a small boy with puffed cheeks and a box of candy in hand. Walking up to the table the violet girl sat at, he tilted his head to the side and gave her a wide smile. "Depressed-chan, you should cheer up! Want some picky candy? It's good, ya know!" The young pop idol, named Katsu!, extended his arm with the box of candy treats and placed them in the table infront of Ms. Violet.

Pulling out a chair at her same table, he sat down across from her and folded his arms behind his head. His amber hues drifted off towards the crowd, and the direction the blonde had escaped too. "Not saying I was eavesdropping or anything, but that conversation didn't seem to go all to well, huh? I've met Loreal-senpai before! She may be trying hard to be on friendly terms with everyone, but she means well, ya know?" The round faced boy would nod his head before snapping his fingers and giving a wink. "Ya know, you're in the same class as me, right? I'd always remember a pretty face like yours. You're the new girl, Vera Valentina, right? My name's Katsu! Katsu!. Don't think of me as a stalker or something for noticing you before you noticed me, Ehehe! I sit right behind Gabby-chan in class. The tomboyish hawtness herself, Mm! Both Loreal-senpai and Gabby-chan helped me film a commercial before... but now I'm just rambling, upupu!" The pop idol giggled before looking towards Valentina with two amber orbs that seemed to look right through her.

Katsu! gave a sly smile when he heard Vera snap back at his nickname towards her. She said he was rude for an idol, which meant she knew who he was, or atleast alittle about him. His round eyes seemed to twinkle at this realization as he gave an easy smile. "I'm honored such a pretty girl would know me. Could be love at first sight?!" Katsu! blushed as he raised his hands to his cheeks and shook his head. "Oh my, I said it out loud!" He talked with a playful tone as he listened to his fellow classmate openly lie about knowing who the tomboy was that he previously referred too. He could have sworn the hawty Gabby was friends with the hottie Vera. I mean seeing two cute girls like that definitively shot up a buzz of gossip with the boys in the class. Maybe the two girls were going down a rocky road right now? I mean that was normal, right? Katsu! really didn't get it, but that was okay.

Giving an innocent smile, Katsu! would tilt his head and give a sly laugh. "What do I want? We're classmates aren't we, Vera-chan? I just wanted to meet your properly, ya know? I rarely make it to class because of my job, but when I am there I could use more people to talk too." The pop idol nodded to himself before poking his cheek. "Also you seemed upset after your talk with Blondie-senpai, so as your fellow first year, it was my job to make sure you were alright!" Katsu! jabbed his thumb to his chest as he gave a heroic pose, almost like he was some hero from an outdated shonen based anime. This composure soon broke as he reached into his candy and took out another stick. "So Vera-chan, why haven't you been coming to class recently? Even I can tell you've been out for awhile. Is it because of Tomboy-chan, sickness.. or?" He left it opened ended as his eyes rolled around.

The young pop idol tilted his head at her declaration of being bad luck. She sure was against herself when it came to talking to others, huh? Like the fish tempted by a line, Katsu! couldn't help but snap at the bait hanging infront of him. "I think you count yourself short, Vera-chan. If you have bad luck, then that means you must have had some good times before to think anything's bad, ya know? Maybe you just need to get to know the right people to overcome this "bad luck" you feel is looming over your head. The sky is falling, ya know? Life's too short to dwell on the bad when you can find the good all around you. For example, you came to this club but haven't even tried to dance. It could be fun, and could get your mind off things." Katsu! stood from his seat and walked over to Vera's side. Extending his hand to his fellow first year, he'd give an innocent smile and offer to take her to the dance floor. If she accepted, he would lead her to the center of the floor. If she refused, he would give a nod before placing his hands on his hips. But what did she really have to lose by denying him a dance? After all it didn't take a rocket scientist to know Katsu! really wasn't into anyone in that "romantic" sort of way, and only flirted because it was fun. He moved on impulse and that impulse came to him frequently.

When she went on to explain why she was out of school, he tilted his head and gave a few blinks. If she was so sick then why would she be in the middle of this club with loud music and the scent of alcohol in the air? She was obviously lying, but he chose to play along with a slight giggle. "I see. Vera-chan, even in sickness your beauty is simply stunning." Vera went on to break the current conversation and go into one that made his yellow orbs narrow. She wanted to know if he chose to speak with her out of his own accord? Haha, that was a good question and he could only give an easy grin. "Come dance with me, then I'll give you your answer, Vera-chan. Scout's honor." He gave a playful wink to the violet haired female as he awaited her to take his hand.