Thank you for waiting, here is chapter 2. I'm trying something new on this chapter: The text in italics like this is the mind of the character in that situation.

I've been busy with my personal things, so stories might get a little delayed... But without further ado, the story. Hope you enjoy.

Luphine and Skye Chapter 2 - The Club

*Beep beep*

*Beep beep*

*Luphine's mind*

Neagh... The sweet serenade of the alarm going off, again. Time to get up and face reality. I'm beginning to wonder why I keep settin' it in the first place...

It feels like every morning I sleep past my wake up call a little longer. I guess it's pretty easy when there's nowhere you're expected in an hour.

11 am. At least I can still consider it "breakfast" If I get up now. My motivation seems like it's extra low this week: saturday morning and it feels like the the middle of the week still.

Oh wait, I just remembered! Coby invited his friends over today... Watching them get all touchy-feely gets kinda weird, considering we still share a bedroom. Dammit Coby.

Yeah screw that I'm not going to pretend to sleep while they swap saliva and other liquids. At least he's often at their place most of the time, if I'm quick I can dodge a bullet and sneak out the house before having to say hi.

So far so good, no sound of anyone while I was in the kitchen. I can grab a shower when I get back, Though I still didn't work out where I'm going after the escape plan. I may as decide on that now...

My thinking was interrupted by Coby who came into the hallway, in his underwear.

Coby: Hey there's my ray of sunshine, you're looking chipper this morning!

Me: Dammit Coby gimme a heart attack why don't you?! I didn't even know you were home already! Where the HELL are your clothes?! Don't tell me you and your Boyfriend were fucking in my bedroom!

Coby: Hey... That's not very nice, can't a little brother say good morning? Anyway it's OUR bedroom don't forget. Just cause you're there all the time doesn't mean it's yours all day!

Me: Yeah, I get that part, but the only time I see you there is when you're getting fucked by some dude you just met. Excuse me for being a bit bitter: especially when I'm trying to sleep and all I can hear is bed squeaks and Bird Squawks. Is he in there now? Spent and sleeping like a kitten I bet. I might need to grab a few things...

Coby: For your information, It's just you and me at home. That's why I'm in underwear! Don't you ever walk around the house naked when you know no one's watching?

Me: You do it when I'm around to see Cobes...

Coby: Anyway, yeah... my friend? He isn't in there.

Me: When he's getting here then? I just wanna know how long I have the bathroom to myself, before you're being thrown against the glass.

Coby: He isn't coming at all. He dumped me this morning, via text.

Me: Woah, that's awful man. What a jerk way to do it!

Coby: I was wondering, can I spend the day with you? To cheer me up I mean.

Me: He seemed like a nice guy from when him, sorry Coby. You want to hang out? Let me think for a sec, you caught me right when I was going to do something.

*Luphine's mind*

Well... I almost don't have anything else to do, so maybe I should Help him. He seems down, so I probably be a good bro to him... Okay, I'll do something.

Me: Hey Cheer up ok? We'll go do something fun together and you can put that douchebag behind you. Well not behind you... but... Well you know what I'm trying to say.

Coby: I knew I could count on you! You're always there for me, we hardly spend time together these days anyways!

Me: Well you're hardly home, when you're not working, you're crashing at a friend's place. Probably up to no good as usual.

Coby: If you wanted me more around more, you coulda just told me! Remember when we used to share a Queen-size bed together? You couldn't sleep unless I cuddled up next to you!

Me: C'moon that was years ago! Plus it'd be weird now, we aren't kids anymore.

Coby: Doesn't exactly change much to me! Speaking of sharing beds, is there anyone you've been bringing home? are they cute? You certainly seem tired out when I get home! What? I'm just saying!

Me: Don't tease. You know I haven't seen anyone that way, since high school. Even then I never really took my relationships seriously.

Coby: You don't have to take them seriously to have fun and enjoy yourself! Not getting frisky is probably why you've been so mopey lately.

Me: I'm not mopey!

Coby: Pent up then?

Me: It's not that. It's just, not working for a few weeks kinda gets me down is all. I'm gonna have to sell some things soon to afford rent.

Coby: Should have told me you were feeling down! Hey don't you worry about that stuff this week ok? I'll cover the rent this week for spending time with me!

Me: The way you say that makes me sound like a jerk who needs to be compensated for spending time with my step-brother. I love you Cobes, it's just seeing you with boyfriends all the time while I can't seem to find anyone for myself gets a little frustrating.

Coby: Hey it's no sweat off my back! You covered my butt plenty of times when you were working. It's a shame you got laid off though. You seemed like you were good at the store!

Me: Couldn't really help that they downsized the whole department...

Coby: Yeah, it sucks... But, you don't like me bringing friends around you're home? I'll stop inviting them if it's going to frustrate you...

Me: No I love it when you're here. It's just... Well I see you: You're finished school, you're out the house most of the time, working and loving life, exploring your sexuality; and here I am, I'm back at Square one. Ha, I was wondering if I should bathe today, Big Decisions.

Coby: Aww, you're too sweet! You're not that far behind, you just need a kickstart and you're back on track! I can't really help you with the job hunting, but how about you and me goin' to town tonight and check out the clubs? I could use a fresh start myself, especially after this morning.

Me: Well I did say I would spend the day with you, what harm could it do? If it gets boring we'll go, to the movies or do something else instead.

Coby: Awesome! You'll have a ton of fun trust me. Anything you wanna do in the meantime? I picked the night time activity, you get the day time!

Me: Hmm... Gimme a sec to think of something fun.

I was gonna originally clean the garage and maybe do something else. How 'bout we go for a hike and then play games?

*Some time later*

Coby: Hey Luphine, can I use the shower now, or are you gonna make me climb in there with you?

Me: It's all yours. By the way, what should I be wearing to this thing anyway? Is there a theme? I don't have to wear THAT do I?

Coby: If you wanna go in your underwear, I'll be your wingman. "Wingman", get it? But really, wear what ever you want! This place has a flexible dress code. Take your time and pick out something nice while I'm in there, 'kay? Hey on a sidenote, can I borrow that towel? I didn't bring mine over.

Me: Can't you use another one? There's, like, five of them in there!

Coby: That one's my favorite color. Plus you're practically dry now anyway! I'll let you off the hook this time, better swoon me off my feet when I'm back! I'll leave the bathroom door open just a sliver, just in case you need me.

Me: I'm sure I can dress myself... Go get cleaned up, we should get going soon!

Alright, knowing Coby he's gonna be in there for ages. I'll have plenty of time to get ready. Now it's just a matter of figuring out where to start!

I took off my clothes, and Coby just ran out of the bathroom. Both of us were completely naked.

Coby: Hey Luphine, did you move the conditioner? Mine just ran out. Could you sh- Woah!

Me: Do you mind?

Coby: Just letting it hang out while you look for an outfit, huh? Well, for reference, if you came up to me like that and asked me out, I'd be all for it!

Me: Har har. I know you're not getting used to getting dressed, Cobes, but you tend to need to strip down to put new clothes on! Anyway, perv. bird, I'm sure the club has slightly more restrictions on clothing!

Coby: Yeah... It sucks.

The scary thing is, I can't tell if he's joking or not. I guess it would make it easier to tell a few things about someone...

Me: Get back in there and finish up, and stop distracting me!

Coby: Looked like you were admiring yourself in the mirror to me!

Me: And where's your towel, Mr Preachy?

Coby: Guess I didn't think of that! Anyway, I still need to rinse... I can go change in the bathroom if you're not comfortable around me...

Me: You just caught me at an awkward moment is all. Nothing either of us haven't seen before. I saw a new conditioner bottle under the sink, finish up quick, we shouldn't stand around all night like a pair of nudists... I'll have underwear at least by the time you're back, I promise.

Coby: Sounds fair to me! Just don't take forever, or I get to dress you!

I better decide on an outfit before he gets back. Okay, some boxers... Hmm... These will do great.

A white t-shirt with some designs around, yeah definitely. Jeans, why not. Hey I like this black hoodie, I'll take it. I was done, that didn't take long.

Coby: There, you're looking acceptable for the public eye now!

Me: You're not looking bad yourself. Should we go?

Coby: Let's get going!

*Luphine's mind*

I decided to let Coby drive since he knew the way. He was such a regular, and had dated one of the bouncers briefly, that we didn't have to worry about waiting in line when we got there. He was taking the joy out of my car, how did I notice? He was speeding so hard.

It was one of those clubs. Once the staff knew you, you were fine, otherwise you had to be very patient to even see the inside. We drove through the illuminated side of town, the sun now well on its way to setting, nightlife bustling all around us from the bars and waterfront restaurants.

Coby kept reassuring me that I'd have a blast, I think he could read my nerves pretty easily. I'd gotten myself into this without thinking it through: what if the club filled with the type of guys Coby liked to date? He's not always the best judge of character, he can be way too nice to everyone and I'm certainly a bit more picky.

I suppose, technically, Coby had his long distance boyfriend to anchor him these days, but he wasn't exactly looking to head home empty-handed. His boyfriend knew what a free spirit he was, and they had some sort of agreement whilst they were apart. Coby always seemed to find someone who'd take advantage of his carefree attitude though. On the flip side, I should probably try to be more adventurous if I didn't want to spend all my time trying to block out the sound of Coby having fun moaning and groaning with his local boyfriends.

Coby: I have been wondering...

Me: Yeah?

Coby: Is the reason why you keep this car in the out because of the messy garage? You told me that you were about to clean it.

Me: Bro, haven't you ever gone there? It's a complete mess.

Coby: Mess? Is everything there your stuff?

Me: Nah, it belongs the guy who lived there before me. It's mostly empty boxes and some random stuff. I've never actually had the time to sort them.

Coby: How long you've had that house?

Me: About a year, why?

Coby: You haven't had time to clean the garage?

Me: Hey, I was working then! Of course I didn't... Well yeah, now that I'm laid off I could've cleaned it...

Coby: Hmm...

Me: Just focus on the road please! Sheesh, that was close!

Coby: Okay, okay you don't have to yell!

Me: Sorry for shouting, but you're losing your focus, it's not good at this speed. I'm just trying to keep us both alive in this situation.

Coby: True... I guess you're right bro.

*Club Amorous*

We arrived at the club and I saw these guys by some cars, the other was a Supra and the other was a RX-7. They leered at my car and I told Coby to hold the clutch and hit the gas. He did and the roar of the engine turned the stares into a more intimidated look. We got out and one of the guys asked: "Nice car. How much horsepower?"

I looked at him and said: "450 to the wheel. It has the Inline 6 instead of the V8"

He looked at me and said: "Not bad, almost thought that vinyl was for nothin'"

I just shrugged and went to skip the line with Coby, there this bouncer who approached us

Kane: Back of the line kids. If I see another cut in line you'll be kissing the curb.

Coby: Hold up! Dontcha recognize this cutie?

Kane: Ah, Coby! Sorry champ, didn't see you there. You and your friend can come in. But I still need some ID.

We handed our IDs, he looked at them both and just handed them to us.

Coby: Thanks again, big guy! And by the way, he's my Bro!

Me: Woah, that was really cool of him to let us in so easy. I knew you were friends with the bouncers, but I didn't realize it was that close.

Coby: I met him through my friend Vergence. It's a long story, but let's just say he has a soft spot for cute guys.

Me: A simple "I did him a favor" would have been sufficed. I just appreciate you getting us in, I've never been in a club like this!

I wasn't exactly experienced in the club scene at all, honestly, but I didn't want him prodding me about it and psyching myself out.

Coby: Anytime! Hey, I'm gonna go dance for a bit and hopefully catch someone's attention. If you need me, just come find me! Have fun, explore around!

Me: Alright Cobes, go have fun! I'll come see you if I get bored. See ya!

Off he goes, already rocking his hips to the music as he disappears around the corner towards the source of the pulse-quickening beat. I didn't want to smother him, or cock-block him if meeting new people was gonna cheer him up... I might as well look around and figure out what I'll do from there.

I looked around and saw all different kinds of animals. I saw some girls, that I recognized from somewhere... but I couldn't think of where. I saw Coby, in the middle of the dance floor, A DJ Above the dance floor and a Bartender. I decided to start off with a drink.

(Bartender)Jax: Welcome to Amorous! Hottest club in town. I'm Jax and I'll be your Beverage Artistan this evening. *Wink* What can I do for you?

Me: I'll take a drink.

Jax: What did you have in mind?

Me: I'll have a Coke with Ice and no booze, thanks.

Jax: Okay. One Coke, coming up!

He spun the glass around making it flip in the air multiple times, another flip and he filled it with cola, he slid a pad under it quickly and the glass was on top the pad. I was amazed.

Jax: Your drink.

Me: Wow! That was quite the show!

Jax: Always happy to serve and appreciative customer! Is there else I can do for you?

Me: I'm good. Thanks!

I picked up my drink and wandered away from the bar. And then...

I saw this Yellow Fox, and I thought to myself: There's a brightly colored fox sitting by herself here, she seems bored, her head resting on her palm... Wait, isn't she dressed as a Renamon or is that my mind playing tricks? I don't see anyone else with her, I guess there's no harm in seeing if she wants some company?

I slipped in to the booth tentatively, hoping a happy smile would win me a few points with the bored-looking fox girl.

Me: Hey there, sorry to bother you but you looked a little lonely. My name's Luphine, if you wanna talk?

She jolted in her seat as soon as she heard my voice, she was so deep in a daydream I don't think she even noticed me sit down. She quickly corrected her posture to something more ladylike. She's cute, I kinda like her already.

Skye: Oh I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to ignore you... I've just been having a quiet night and I was kinda tuning out. Did you say your name was Luphine?

Me: Yeah, that's me. I know the feeling, I've been having a bit of a quiet night myself. Let me guess, did you get dragged here by a friend as well?

Skye: That obvious, huh? Yeah, sorta got swept along by people's plans, And it was supposed to be my party too...

Me: So, this was your party? At a place you don't even like?

Skye: Yeah... My school friends insisted they treat me and "get me out" by taking me to a club. Don't get any funny ideas, I'm finished with high school and all, they just like to keep in contact every now and then.

Me thinking: Funny ideas? She's the one about to give me a heart attack... I don't see an X on her hand though.

Me: Are they bad friends or something? Or?...

Skye: No, it's not that. They mean well and all, I just don't really have anything in common with them anymore I guess. It's not really my thing to clubbing and get drunk and go hunting for guys and stuff. I was only really friends with them because they were in my classes.

Me: You couldn't get out of it? You must have closer friends right?

Skye: I have close friends! ...they just live far away. I talk to them nearly everyday on the internet. One of them did want to come see me for my birthday, but she was busy... We meet up every few months at these conventions I go to... I'm sorry I'm probably creeping you out with my dorky stuff aren't I?

Me: You're not a dork! There's nothing wrong in having long-distance friends, it's better than hanging out with people who you don't share anything in common with, right? What do you all do when you go to those conventions anyway?

Skye: Thanks for being understanding. Most people here seem to think I'm weird for all the dorky talk and make an excuse to bail on me. I guess it's just because I'm not really looking to jump on a dick if someone so much as flirts with me... Like I said, kinda not really my crowd... God, I'm sorry... I'm pretty bad at these first impression things aren't I? Kinda more thinking what being here says about me than, like... what I should say to people... Let's start over. My name's Skye by the way!

Me: Nice to meet you Skye. Don't worry, I'll resist dragging you off for now. We can both keep guard!

Skye: Hehehe, you're funny Luphine! Thanks again for sitting with me, Who knows how long I'd be sitting around waiting for my friends to finish celebrating on my behalf. I sure can pick 'em can't I? Hey, can I get you a drink or something?

Me: Isn't that something I should be asking you? I came over after all. Plus I have to finish this.

Skye: Oh no. Well I'd appreciate it and everything, I'm just not much of a drinker. Plus my friends need someone to drive us home. It's their car but they'll be too drunk to drive. If they aren't going home with someone else of course, which they probably will be.

Me: Well, okay. Let's both stay sober then, only seems fair. If your friends bail, we can always grab a drink after to celebrate a little freedom? I'm not much of a drinker either, but I sometimes take something little to celebrate something great.

Skye: I guess that's true... Oh yeah! I'm sorry, I kinda go off on tangents a lot. You asked about the cons I go to, right? First, I guess I wanna ask a test question. Do you know why I'm dressed this way at the moment?

Me: Well from the conversation, I assume it's something to do with the cons you go to? Aren't you Renamon, from Digimon?

Skye: That's right! I'm actually a cosplayer, this is one of my outfits that looks like one of my favorite characters! I've always been a big fan of cartoons, comics, video game characters and all sorts of stuff. Dressing up helps me express myself and a lot of my friends say I do it pretty well too! And yes I am Renamon.

Me: You look really cute in that outfit! Honestly, you could pass it off as just a normal outfit, although a little colorful, and.. well, high cut.

Skye: Thanks! And in the interest of returning the compliment... You look great in that outfit too.

Me thinking: Her smile lit up the club. It was a little hard to tell if it was just complimenting the TV show character or her outfit that had done it. I guess they were similar, but the subtle flirtation went over her head a little.

Me: How come you're wearing your costume to a club though? I don't think you'd find someone else in here that's doing the same thing.

Skye: I know, it was a suprise party, my actual birthday was last week and I was experimenting with the fur dye to get the patterns right. My mom pretty much opened my door and told me "Your friends are in the driveway waiting to pick you up!". I wasn't going to go out in my normal clothes while my dye was still fresh!

Me: You didn't have time to quickly change?

Skye: Well, when I cosplay I dye my fur pretty extensively. I didn't want to go through the trouble of trying to explain it to my friends so I just went like this where I could just pretend I was someone else!

Me: I think your friends would have known it's you in an outfit. They did go to your house afterall, right?

Skye: I guess so, huh? Let's just say that it made more sense to go full-hog and wear the outfit to match, rather than just being "Skye, but with yellow fur" or the character on a super casual day... I know it's kinda dumb, but it kinda helps sometimes to be in character, you know? Especially if they're a little cooler or more outgoing. And, hey, it's been a good ice breaker with you so far?

Me: If cosplaying makes you feel more comfortable, then I say do it as much as you want. I just hope you don't feel like you need to hide behind a persona for me, you seem like a nice girl when you're being yourself too...

Skye: Thanks Luphine, you've been really sweet to listen to me go on and on about myself. You seem like a great person and I'd love to get to know more about you. But my friends are gonna kill me if we go somewhere else to talk... they'll think I went off to sleep with someone.

Me: You want me to leave?

Skye: No no! But it's getting late and I was getting ready to leave before you came over. I can't really leave my friends hanging after sulking all night and I promised to drive them home soon... You helped make the night at least a little bit more fun, Luphine, thank you. Do you have an IM I can message you at?

Me: A what?

Skye: Oh, sorry... Hold on, let me give you my mobile number instead. We'll trade instant messages later!

Me thinking: Skye takes the receipt for her drink and quickly scribbles a string of numbers on the back, smiling as she hands it over to me. I guess she beat me to asking her for it, I must've made a pretty good impression...

I looked at Skye who looked forward, with a small amount of anger in her eyes. I looked at the directions where she was looking and saw a few girls with some guys...

Me: Skye, are you... Alright?

Skye: Goddammit. They worry about me leaving with some guy and they are leaving with those guys, are you kidding me?

Skye got a message: "Heeey we are leaving and we got a driver, wanna leave?"

Skye: *Sigh* Could you take me home? My friends are taking our car.

Me: Uhh... Sure, I'll ask something from my bro first.

I noticed a text sent 4 minutes ago, from Coby: "Hey bro! I met this guy and He's taking me to his place. You got the keys to your car, so leave when you want." is what it read.

Me: Yeah it'll be no problem, my bro already left.

Skye: Okay, I'll tell my friends.

Skye turned to her phone and replied to her friend: "Okay leave, I also got a lift."

Skye bounced out of her seat, taking a quick sip from her drink before slipping over to my side of the booth. We both got out the booth, walking past the crowd. She got closer and grabbed my arm, but I didn't mind. I blushed a bit, but it didn't show up. We got outside and walked to my car.

Skye: I think I've seen this car before... Wait, isn't this the car of one of the employees in that electronics store?

Me: Yes it was. I worked there, but not anymore.

Skye: Oh that explains it, but what do you mean: "not anymore"?

Me: *Sigh* I got laid off, I don't know why, It just happened. But I have gotten over it.

Skye: Poor you... Well I wondered why it got quiet.

Me: Hmh? What's that supposed to mean?

Skye: Well since you're the guy who drove to work every weekday... You caused the noise around the neighborhood.

Me: Ooooh, I understand and I'm sorry. It's the car, but it's not broken, the exhaust is a high flow aftermarket one and it gets louder than the stock one.

Skye: I understand, but it doesn't change the fact that it's loud.

I started the car and Skye got a bit startled, I chuckled a bit. But quickly she got into the mindset I had when I drove the car. I decided to take the road that goes along the beach, it was for the view. Hey I have a cute girl in the car with me, so why not? It's a good looking view and I like it. I saw her looking at the horizon. The sun was almost under the sea, I could see the Moon to my left. It seemed like Skye was spacing out.

Me: Hey Skye?

Skye: Hmm?

Me: Liking your view?

Skye: Yeah...

Me: Would you like to go do this for a bit longer some time?

Skye: Yeah, I'd love it. Some time, but not now.

Me: Try to keep yourself awake, I could carry you inside but I'm tired too. Plus I don't know where you live.

Skye: No problem, I'll stay awake.

I drove by the route that I used to take from work to home. I was waiting for Skye to tell me where the house was. The houses were going by so fast, I thought we would reach my place soon. Until finally we got to a house and Skye said: "That's the one, there I live."

I simply nodded and pulled over to the sidewalk.

Skye: How about we meet up again soon? Somewhere more quiet hopefully! That's if you want to of course... You don't have to call me! We can just talk on Discord or something, sometime?

Me: Thanks, Skye, I'll let you know when I'm free.

Skye: Thanks again for chatting, Luphine, I really enjoyed it! The club was making me claustrophobic.

She gave me a quick hug around my shoulders, platonic but grateful, as she walked off out of the car with her head held a little higher and her tail wagging bushily.

I felt good, nothing like this had ever happened. I smiled at her house, looking towards it and decided to head home.

She seems nice, pretty nerdy, which I wasn't expecting from the club, but it makes her even more cute. I'll call her some time.

I got home and went to sleep, I couldn't stop thinking about her...

Wow over 5000 words, I... Didn't expect to write this much. Well that's it for this chapter, just keep holding on and I will make the next one. If you've read this so far, I respect you. Have a good day.