Harvest Moon
On most nights, these streets would be deserted. Perhaps a few lone homeless vagabonds or a lone couple walking at a quick clip, but tonight the streets were anything but empty. Harvey had never quite understood why the full moon had the power it did: from petty thefts to murder-suicides, they always seemed to peak on these nights. Tonight was not just a full moon, but a harvest moon as well and evidently it had piqued her interest.
The vines lazily moved aside as he strode down the alleyway, stepping carefully over large trailing creepers and ducking underneath the hanging canopy.
"And what brings you here, Harvey dear." Her voice was sulky and inviting, everything that Ivy was not.
"Evening Red," Harvey smiled, talking into the greenery that surrounded him. He couldn't see her, but she could definitely see him. Her gaze was palpable. "Don't mind me, I'm just passing through."
He felt her arms grasp his shoulders from behind, and he tensed a moment before realizing it was her and not a plant. Her grip was firm, "You look good, Harvey." He could feel the heat of her breath against his ear, her hands trailing down his arms.
"Thanks Red," Jesus why couldn't he just have kept moving? He should've taken another alley as soon as he'd seen she'd claimed this one. But no, he just had to flip for it. "You enjoying the Harvest Moon tonight?"
He turned to look at her, making sure his hands were obviously empty. No need to spook Ivy on her own territory. Her long flowery skirt shimmered beneath the moonlight as the leaves and vines trailed up her waist to cover her breasts and shoulders. A bright pink hibiscus flower bloomed slowly in her auburn hair. It was a surprisingly modest outfit for Ivy, especially if she was on the job.
"Yes, I always celebrate the autumn equinox. My babies love it."
She trailed her fingers over his chest, leaning slightly against him. He didn't feel anything creeping up his legs surprisingly. "You trying to catch a Bat or something?"
"Not tonight. This is my night off, and nobody ever bothers this alley normally. At least nobody that would report it." She smiled, ruby lips smirking.
Ivy stood up on her toes to reach him, but her kiss came suddenly all the same. Harvey pushed her off almost as quickly, spitting onto the ground. "Shit, Ivy!"
She laughed; the sound bouncing up the grimy walls. "Oh, I didn't poison you dear. No need to be so paranoid. I just wanted a taste before you headed off into the night." She moved to trail her fingers down his marred face, but he caught her wrist.
"No, Ivy. I'm not falling for that," he turned, and made his way through the obstacle course of plants that pulled out of his way this time. Ivy had almost looked disappointed as he left. The full moon really did bring out the animal in people.