Scene 1:
[Setting: The strip club is quiet now, the music off and the lights dimmed. The air still hums faintly with the night’s energy. Innu lounges on a plush sofa, her neon cocktail in hand, while Aurora perches gracefully on a barstool. Candi sits cross-legged on the stage, sipping her soda. Finn leans against the bar, his posture casual, though his eyes flicker occasionally toward Aurora. In his lap rests Solace, Innu’s ever-indifferent cat, purring softly as its tail flicks lazily.]
Candi (grinning at Aurora):
“You know, I’ve gotta ask—what’s the story with that choker you always wear? It’s gorgeous, but I swear it looks different every time I see it.”
[Aurora’s hand brushes the choker, her smile softening. The design seems to catch the dim light, shimmering with an almost ethereal quality. Innu’s gaze sharpens, her smile curling like smoke. Solace shifts slightly in Finn’s lap, stretching luxuriously, its tail brushing against his hand.]
Innu, God of Innuendo (leaning forward, voice honeyed with mischief):
“Oh, yes, Aurora, do tell. Such an elegant piece for such a hardworking performer. Surely it has some… special meaning?”
[Aurora tilts her head slightly, her fingers lingering on the choker as she lets the faintest hint of a blush color her cheeks.]
Aurora (with a playful lilt):
“Maybe it does. Maybe it doesn’t. A little mystery never hurt anyone, right?”
[Finn shifts slightly, his face flushing just enough to be noticeable. He ducks his head, pretending to focus on his drink as he absently strokes Solace’s fur.]
Innu (studying the choker, murmuring almost to herself):
“Interesting choice… it suits you.”
[A flicker of something unreadable crosses Aurora’s face—too fleeting to pin down, but enough to catch Finn’s eye. Solace lets out a contented purr, its calm presence contrasting with the subtle tension in the room. Candi looks between them, her brow furrowing slightly before her expression brightens.]
Candi (grinning):
“You two have a way of filling a room, even when you’re quiet. It’s… kinda nice.”
[Finn coughs quietly into his drink, his ears reddening. Aurora’s lips curve into a soft smile, her gaze briefly meeting Finn’s before she turns her attention back to Innu.]
Innu (smirking, her voice dropping into a teasing purr):
“Mystery, indeed. Tell me, darling, does this balance you speak of lean more toward freedom or… restraint?”
[Aurora’s eyes glimmer with mischief as she turns her attention fully to Innu. She leans forward just slightly, her voice playful and teasing.]
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
Aurora (coquettishly):
“Why don’t you take a guess?”
[Innu lets out a delighted laugh, clapping her hands softly. Candi chuckles along, oblivious to the undertone. Finn’s hand tightens slightly in Solace’s fur, his knuckles pale as he keeps his gaze resolutely downward. Solace flicks its tail, seemingly oblivious to Finn’s discomfort, but its presence grounds him.]
Candi (lightly):
“Whatever it means, it’s stunning. You’ve got great taste, Aurora.”
Innu (grinning wickedly):
“Oh, I have no doubt she does. Taste, restraint, balance—it’s all so… fitting, don’t you think, Finn?”
[Finn blanches, his drink freezing halfway to his lips. Aurora arches a delicate brow at him, her smile now impossibly serene.]
Aurora (softly, a touch of coyness):
“Some things are just… instinct, I suppose.”
[Innu hums thoughtfully, her eyes flicking between Finn and Aurora, clearly enjoying herself. Solace shifts in Finn’s lap, curling up more snugly as the conversation shifts to Candi’s latest tattoo. Innu’s smile lingers, even as she sips her cocktail.]
Scene Shift: Innu and Finn (With Solace)
[Later, the others have left. Finn sits on a barstool, still slightly flushed, while Innu perches nearby, her posture relaxed but her eyes alight with curiosity. Solace remains in Finn’s lap, purring softly as he absently scratches behind its ears.]
Innu (idly swirling her drink):
“You know, Finn, it’s almost endearing. The way you freeze up whenever she teases you.”
Finn (gruffly, scratching Solace’s head):
“She wasn’t teasing.”
Innu (arching a brow, smirking):
“Oh, wasn’t she? And what about me, darling? Was I teasing?”
[Finn sighs, his hand stilling on Solace’s fur. The cat stretches slightly, letting out a small, contented sound before settling again.]
Innu (gently):
“She’s good for you, you know. And you’re good for her, even if you don’t see it yet.”
Finn (quietly):
“I know.”
Innu (leaning closer, her tone softer but still playful):
“But do you? I mean, you’re you—the God of Inadequacies, with a past full of ‘almosts’ and ‘not-quites.’ And then there’s her. All grace, poise, and that delicious little edge. It’s a wonder you haven’t run screaming yet.”
[Finn winces slightly, his fingers tightening around Solace’s fur. The cat flicks its tail, as if punctuating Innu’s words.]
Finn (low):
“Every time, I see the cracks. I can’t help it. It’s like I’m waiting for things to break.”
Innu (with mock seriousness):
“Tried what? Relationships? Dominance? Or just existing without second-guessing yourself?”
[Finn doesn’t respond immediately, his jaw tightening. Solace shifts in his lap, nudging his hand as if to remind him of its presence. Innu sighs, setting her glass down.]
Innu:
“Listen, Finn. You’re the God of Inadequacies, not the God of ‘Screwing Everything Up Forever.’ You see the cracks because that’s your nature. But you also know how to fill them. That’s your gift.”
[Finn glances at her, his lips twitching in a faint, self-deprecating smile.]
Finn:
“You make it sound so simple.”
Innu (grinning):
“It is. The question isn’t whether you can—it’s whether you want to. You’ve already made a choice, Finn. You just haven’t acted on it yet.”
[Finn’s gaze softens, though he doesn’t answer. Solace shifts again, curling up snugly as Finn absently strokes its fur. Innu leans back, raising her glass in a casual toast.]
Innu:
“To inadequacies, darling. And the wonderful chaos they create.”
[Finn clinks his glass against hers, his expression unreadable but faintly lighter as the scene fades.]
[End Scene]
[retcon:1]