I'll look for Mikko and give Scarlet some space.

Scarlet nods and sits down on a nearby bench. She waves you away so you get out as quickly as possible without looking like you’re in a rush. Truth be told, you can’t help but wonder what’s got her so worked up. There’s a side of you that pity her, but you know you aren’t in a position to do anything that could help her. You sigh inwardly and search for Mikko’s stand; at least you can provide something instead of nothing.

Scarlet nods and sits down on a nearby bench. She waves you away so you get out as quickly as possible without looking like you’re in a rush. Truth be told, you can’t help but wonder what’s got her so worked up. There’s a side of you that pity her, but you know you aren’t in a position to do anything that could help her. You sigh inwardly and search for Mikko’s stand; at least you can provide something instead of nothing.

You feel like you stick out in your gear as you push through the wandering crowds, but no one seems to care, which is fine by you. When you reach Mikko’s stand, you see her manning the cashier. She sees you, too. When your eyes meet, she smiles brightly and jumps slightly in place. She’s dressed up like a skimpy vampire, which catches you off guard.

Once you’re close enough, you inquire about her uniform, and she looks down as if she didn’t overthink it. When she looks up, you notice her face has gone slightly more pink. “What about it?”

You suppose the costume isn’t revealing, but somehow, you see it has teasing. “I wasn’t expecting you to be dressed that way, I guess? Why are you dressed like that?”

Mikko glanced back. Behind her were all the lines of clothes, both seductive and casual—designs of the park, devil horns, bloody masks, and plastic pitchforks. “It’s what my stand is selling. I grab whatever the people want and sell it to them.”

When you get to the counter, you peer inside, more interested in what Mikko is wearing and not so much what is hanging behind her. The tight black sleeve dress she’s wearing is much sexier up-close. It hangs onto her curves well, and the tail cut-out contrasts nicely with the fabric. Her wrists have bracelets, and her hair has been dyed black to match the aesthetics of a 1980s vampire mistress. Mikko’s even been given contact lenses, so they’re crimson red. The only part she didn’t need help with was her canines.

The only thing that’s not changed about Mikko is her tail, ears, and complexion. You guess there wasn’t much they could do to hide that she wasn’t all human. Perhaps this was a selling point for a place like this?

“You look good,” you remark, leaning into the counter. Mikko blushes and leans in, too.

“Really? You think so?” She seems amused with your mark and plays her part as a mature vampire. Her red eyes fixate on your gaze. “I felt kind of cute putting this on. I’m glad you’re a fan.”

A double take… “Who wouldn’t be?”

A small laugh leaves your mouth as it leaves her. A hungry stare comes from both sides of the party. Mikko tights her hand into a fist and clears her throat. “My shift is about over. Want to walk around or something?”

“Still technically working,” you say, remembering Scarlet’s sudden mood change and wondering if you’ll be returning to her anytime soon. “But, I’m pretty sure I could walk around with you. Might be a little bit of an early Halloween.”

A playful smile spreads across her lips when you mention the holiday. She probably remembers the last time it was Halloween. At least now, whatever you do, it’ll be more exclusive, a growing desire for all the girls. At this rate, they’re probably talking about who deserves you more.

A moment passes. “I suppose I haven’t spoiled you in a while, haven’t I?”

Mikko nods vigorously. “It has been a while!”

“Well, how about I let you pick what we do? Can’t waste a moment like this by simply walking, can we?”