You Had Me At Hello Contest – It's Complicated

Title: It's Complicated – Contest Story
Author: xRebel666x
Game: Mass Effect
Characters/Pairing: Xora Patrone (my human female OC) and Giselle (greviousgirl17 on deviantart's human female OC)

Usually I stay away from bars during the afternoon but today I really needed to get away from my crew. Just a few days ago Lyrik confessed his love for me… and now Hal has decided to join in on that bandwagon. It didn't help that I was drunk for each encounter. Especially since they told me that I'm "friendlier" with alcohol in my system. I could blame liquor for causing these headaches but it wouldn't really solve anything. I should sober up and see what happens… Yet, here I am, drinking.

The glowing red lights from the bar reflected against my empty glass. I summoned the bartender to come over but he ignored me. Typical. I tried again, this time succeeding in getting his attention.

"Another?" he asked, about to pour me my fifth shot.

The moment it was topped off, I slammed it down. The burn going down my throat, causing me to cringe, "You might as well leave me the whole bottle, I'll be here a while."

"Suit yourself," leaving the near-full bottle and walking away to attend to the other patrons.

I pour the next shot and stare at it. Trying to determine how the clear liquid could be so comforting yet so destructive.

Is this really the cause of my problems? Or am I just not the person I think I am?

In one gulp, it was gone. I hunched over the bar, cupping the empty shot glass in my hands. I took a look at my surroundings, scoping the activities of the other dwellers. One in particular caught my attention.

She was a petite human female with freckled skin, carrying a bright white backpack and wearing neon green and black clothing. She stood at the entrance with a curious look, must have been her first time at this hole in the wall. As she scanned the area, our eyes met and she gleefully smiled at me. I immediately turned away.

Please don't come over. Please don't come over. Please don't come…

"Hi! Is this seat taken?" I heard over my shoulder.

I tilted my head towards her. Her welcoming grin and bright green eyes were begging for my response. I don't know if it was the alcohol causing me to be "friendly" or if I just couldn't resist her cheery nature, but I said, "It's not, take a seat."

She bounced onto the stool and looked carefully at the selection of poisons available.

"What do you suggest?"

I just held up my bottle.

"That looks strong."

"It's only as strong as you want it to be."

She gave me a confused look, immediately giving away that she hasn't been drinking for very long. So I explained, "If you are looking to get drunk, it doesn't matter if you want an ale or whiskey. All that matters is how much you want to drink to get there. Like I can sip on this shot or put in some sort of juice and slowly become intoxicated. But I would rather skip all that foolishness and drown out my memories as soon as humanly possible."

The bartender noticed the new customer and wandered over, asking, "What'll be?"

"Actually, I think I'll have what she's having," pointing at the combination in front of me. Without hesitation, he gave her a shot glass and a bottle. She began pouring the liquor into the glass but only filled it halfway. She brought it to her lips and swallowed it in one gulp, "UCK!"

"It'll get easier with each one."

"I hope so, that was horrible!" She put the glass down, wiped her hands on her pants, and brought it up to shake hands, "Name's Giselle."

"Xora," as I gave her a firm handshake.

"Nice to meet you."

I just nodded and sat there quietly. Giselle continued to look around, she seemed to be so full of energy.

"So…" she started, rocking in her seat, "What do you do Xora?"

I poured myself another shot and chugged it down. She noticed and did the same, filling it halfway again. The face she made as the liquor crawled down her throat made me chuckle. I shared, "Well, it depends on the day but I guess I would call myself a captain."

"You're a captain? How exciting! I'm just a receptionist."

"What brings a receptionist into this bar in the middle of the afternoon?"

"I felt like exploring… that and I like to people watch. Also I'm kind of scared of the dark so I don't like going out too late at night, so hence why I'm here during the day."

I shook my head at the idea of being afraid of the dark, mentioning, "The only thing I fear is death… yet I play with my chances every day by doing this." I pulled up my bottle and refilled my shot glass, taking a swig. I went to do a double and noticed Giselle mimicking my moves, still only filling hers up halfway. I had to ask, "What's up with the half shots?"

"If I drink too much, I vomit."

"You haven't been drinking long, have you?"

"No, not really."

"How old are you?"

"I'm only 22."

"Damn," I scoffed, "I'm getting old. I'm turning 30 next month."

"Really? Well, happy early birthday to you."

I slightly raised my glass in celebration and swallowed it.

"Any plans for it?" she asked, curiously.

"Not at the moment."

"Maybe you have someone special in your life that'll take you to dinner?"

"And that is where my troubles lie…" I sighed.

She apologetically held up her hands, "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."

"It's okay Giselle. You didn't know, in fact no one really knows. My relationship status is… complicated."

"Mine too… Do you want to talk about it?" she asked, tilting her head.

I quietly stared at her, trying to decide if I should share my issues with this complete stranger. Her green eyes reminded me of Lyrik's, only darker. They had the same piercing quality. They also seemed to have the ability to make me feel comfortable in confining in her.

"It's just that," I tried to find the words but couldn't. Sighing, "It's not supposed to be this difficult. I was completely against interspecies relationships but now I find myself on the verge of being in one. For the first time in my life, I have no idea what to do. I mean, I care about them but…"

"Them?"

"There entails the problem. Two of my crew members have admitted their feelings for me. One of them already told me that it could never happen, so I'm trying to close that door but I cannot help but feel bad for him. The other… well, he's been my best friend for so long and I trust him more than anyone… but…"

"Do you feel different around him?"

"Yeah."

"Do you feel like you love him too?"

I nodded.

"Then I think you already have your answer."

I grinned, "You know what, I like you Giselle."

"I like you too. I guess I can say you had me at hello."

"But I didn't say hello, you did."

"Oh yeah," she smiled.