Chương 125: Chapter 130: Party

Music. It had been some time since I last heard music. While it wasn't something I was used to, being alien in more than one way, it was still pleasant to listen to. The beat was catchy and made you want to dance. The alien voice sounded digitized, and not knowing the language probably helped with just going with the flow instead of focusing on the words. I spun Alya around as we danced to the sound of the music. Around us, many more were in the common room having fun.

Some sat on the chairs we had pushed to the edges, while others mingled with drinks in hand, though most were dancing.

"I didn't think you were such a party girl!" I told her as we moved aside, letting an older couple pass by as they retired from the dance floor.

"You don't know me at all then!" she shouted at me while taking a sip from her drink. Chloe had outdone herself. There were lights, music, and food and drinks aplenty. It hadn't even cost that much, and she had managed to scrounge everything up in a matter of a couple of hours. I would give her a raise if I were paying her, but with all this guild business, she would probably be well equipped to help me manage everything, if she was up to it. I drank from my glass too.

The drink was sweet and sour, some kind of fruity thing I had never had before. Actually, no one had, given that it wasn't from Earth. The alcohol content was no joke either. I felt it burn down my throat, warming me up. For tonight, I would just enjoy the victory. I had been about to head to the shop and start working again to better prepare, but I got stopped and forced to party. They were right that maybe I needed a break.

So here I was, half drunk, dancing to an alien tune in the middle of the tutorial, surrounded by people I had known for a week but who felt like I'd known them half my life. Others were complete strangers, but all the same, there was a sense of camaraderie, of unity that I had never felt before. In a way, now that I let my worries go for the night, this last week had been the happiest time of my life. Despite the dangers, the mental exhaustion, and the uncertainty, I was having fun.

"I need a refill!" Alya shouted over the loud music. I nodded and exchanged her glass with mine, then left her to dance while I went to get another one. As I reached a table full of bottles, I bumped into Quinn and Melissa. Both teens were looking around, clearly uncomfortable. Every so often they would glance at each other, only to quickly look away. I approached the boy.

"What the hell are you doing, kid?"

"Huh? Nothing. I'm just not one for dancing."

"Being dark and mysterious won't work tonight. She clearly wants to dance, and you're the only guy her age. But it's the man who has to make the first move." I shout whispered into his ear.

"That's bullshit. If she wants to dance, she should just say so!" He gesticulated wildly while talking. I chuckled.

"I didn't make the rules, Quinn. But have I ever done you wrong? Trust me. Just grab a drink, take her hand, and bring her to dance. You don't even have to say anything." He grumbled something under his breath that I didn't catch. Then he perked up.

"Wait, I can drink?" he asked with wide eyes.

"I'm not your father, Quinn. A drink won't kill you. Just go slow and don't overdo it. Now go." I left the teen to himself as I went to find a bottle that wasn't empty. It wasn't easy, but I found one that was still half full. As I was filling a glass, a hand touched my shoulder. Jerome and Rhea were right behind me, smiling.

"I saw what you did. I tried talking to the boy too, but he only listens to you," said the elegantly dressed man. Rhea was still in a goth ensemble, but now wearing a skirt that was clearly more fitting for the evening. Glancing around, I just noticed that most people had changed into something more appropriate for the party. I was one of the few who hadn't bothered. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

"I knew you were a softie inside!" Rhea shouted at me as she took the bottle from my hand and poured into two more glasses.

"The kid just needed a push. He'll manage from here." I turned to look with them and saw Quinn dragging a smiling Melissa to the dance floor. The boy looked the color of a ripe tomato, but he had done it. Good for him.

"Hey! Did you abandon me?" Alya said as she came closer.

"What are we looking at?" she asked after noticing we weren't paying her attention.

"Damn teens and hormones. They work fast!" she said, laughing. Rhea took her by the hand and spun her around.

"Let's go back to dancing!" Alya tried to protest but was swiftly dragged away, leaving me alone with Jerome. What the hell, Rhea. I'll get you back for that.

"Hey man! Wanna dance?" I knew it.

"I think I'll take a moment, maybe..."

"Oh come on, I know you have it in you!" said the one eyed man, winking at me. It didn't really work with just one eye, but the implication wasn't lost on me. I hated these situations. Nothing I could say would make it better, so it was easier to rip the bandage off quickly.

"Jerome, while I'm flattered, I am not into men," I told him flatly. His expression faltered for a moment, then he smiled again.

"Come on. I was like you before. I thought it was a bad thing. You know, society, family, friends. But when you accept it, it frees you, man!" What was he talking about? We were entering dangerous territory.

"I am not gay, Jerome. Not even a little. I don't even believe sexuality is a spectrum for me. I'm as straight as they come. Sorry."

"Then tell me why, with all these girls around you, you didn't even take a chance?" he said with a smirk, as if he had me all figured out. I thought about it. I knew if I wanted, I could have gone somewhere with Rhea. Alya too, probably. Hell, I could tell Chloe was thirsty as hell, and despite not being that beautiful, in these circumstances I could go for her too. But I didn't. I was so focused on my objective that nothing else mattered. But maybe I could just let go for tonight.

While Jerome was completely off target, he had a point in asking why I hadn't pursued anyone.

"The circumstances, Jerome. They simply weren't right. But now, at least tonight, I can let go. Thanks. Maybe Quinn wasn't the only one who needed a push." I patted his shoulder, took my glass, and headed back to the dance floor. I weaved through drunk people moving about. Men, women, old and young, all letting go for a night. After the horror and trauma they had gone through, they deserved a moment like this.

I walk danced until I found Rhea and Alya dancing with Mary, Chloe, and a couple of other women from the new group. I would have to learn everyone's names soon. These two had clearly gone for the elven bloodline. Their ears were slightly pointed, and they had that top model look.

"What took you so long to come back? Did you have a heart to heart with Jerome?" Rhea said. I swear I will get you for that.

"Very funny. But actually, the conversation was illuminating. Still, I had to leave the man hanging." Alya booed at me, clearly drunk. She was flushed and moving terribly. It was fun seeing this side of her. Usually she was so tightly controlled.

"Poor guy, getting friendzoned like that!" Chloe chuckled.

"How does everyone know about it?" I asked. One of the new members answered, "Even I knew! We're a small group. You can't do anything without everyone noticing. And girls like to gossip, you know?"

"I noticed," I said while moving to the rhythm. I drank more from my glass. This one tasted strange and was less strong than what I had before.

"Speaking of gossip, do you all want to hear something juicy?" asked the other woman. Without waiting for an answer, she continued, "I caught Cole and Beth behind the building going at it!" she screamed, laughing. The girls gasped. Chloe laughed, and the first woman cursed. A couple dancing beside us joined in, asking for details. I had no idea who Beth was or why it mattered, and I didn't really care.

"I feel like throwing up." Alya handed me her drink and moved away. I smelled it. Damn, this was strong stuff. I chugged it down, then went to Rhea and took her hand, pulling her a little aside for some semblance of privacy.

"You owe me for that stunt you pulled," I shouted into her ear. She twirled around me, then I turned and pulled her closer.

"I don't know. Everyone was wondering if under that workaholic persona you were straight or not. You can't fault Jerome for trying." Oh, I can. And I do.

"Did you have any doubt?"

"Nah. I can tell. The other girls too. But you're so reserved that maybe there was a tiny chance." She pinched her fingers close together.

"Uh huh. What about now?" I turned her around and pulled her closer. She started pushing against me, grinding. I drank the rest of my glass and, with a small use of aura, made it float to a table. With my hands free, I took her by the hips and slid them up. Just before reaching her chest, I moved sideways, tracing her arms and taking her hands. We twisted again, dancing, moving, touching. After another turn, I leaned down. She gave me her back, then turned her head toward me.

Our lips nearly touched, but I moved away and went for her neck instead. After a moment, I heard her moan. I pulled back and turned her around again. She pressed herself against me, flushed. She was beautiful. And I wanted her. For all the right reasons. And the wrong ones too.

"I want you," I whispered in her ear. She looked at me, biting her lower lip.

"Follow me."