I love a challenge.

I knew I was putting myself in position to get a hell of a headache. I knew there were easier girls out there. Hell, I knew with just a tiny bit of work I could probably be in some other girl's room fucking her brains out.

...but I decided not to take the easy way out. Maybe it was the thrill of having a challenge; maybe it was something else. Hell, if I was being honest with myself I'd have to admit that at least part of it is that I loved her hair.

Luckily I didn't have to look at her to use my little trick; a girl as timid as she was, she'd've bolted away if she thought I was staring. I made a show of watching a nearby couple snuggling up together on a couch - subtly assisted by me, of course - as I considered the redheaded girl's mind. If only I could read thoughts instead of just pushing them, it would be a lot easier - maybe with practice. For now, though, I was limited to trial and error...

}Look at those two,{ I sent to the redhead; indeed, it was hard for anyone in the area NOT to look at the pair on the couch. They were kissing passionately, the girl squirming on her boyfriend's lap as he tentatively reached up to touch the swell of her breast. }I wouldn't mind having someone to kiss like that...{

Surprisingly, that thought slid in without a moment's hesitation, no resistance at all. She was obviously shy, but just as obviously that didn't stop her from wishing and hoping... some reinforcement, though, couldn't hurt. }I wish I wasn't so shy.{ That thought didn't just slide home without resistance - it was almost sucked into her mind, echoing her own thoughts, strengthening them.

}If I ever want to be kissed like that, I'll have to get over my shyness at least a little bit.{ A touch of resistance, but nothing worth paying attention to - fear, that was, not disagreement.

}I should talk to someone. It's not like I have anything to be ashamed of.{ My head swam with pain, and I knew I was swaying in my seat, even if I couldn't see it.It seemed like the thought was slipping through, and then it was like a wall came down. Is that it? Was it not shyness, but shame? More than anything, now, I wanted to get this girl to open up - not just because it would get me laid, but also because I felt bad for her. She seemed... damaged, somehow.

}I want to talk to someone.{ Easier. That one hit home.

}That guy there, the one in the next chair over... he's sort of cute.{ A speck of resistance, but the thought wormed its way into her mind. I took a chance, glanced her way, smiled at her.

}Hey, he's got a cute smile.{ The way that thought encountered no resistance was a balm to my ego. }Maybe he'd be okay to talk to.{ Stiffer resistance, but the thought slipped in. There was a chink showing in her armor.

}Besides, if he's obnoxious I bet I could beat him up, he's not exactly a jock.{ If you can't poke fun at yourself, who can you poke fun at, right? I was rewarded with a soft giggle as the thought slid home.

}I will talk to him. He's kind of cute.{ A bit of resistance. I felt like if I pushed it, she would eventually relent, but instead I let it slide and took a different tack. }If he talks to me, I'll talk to him. He's kind of cute.{ Less resistance that way, I felt, as the thought clicked into her mind.

I took a few moments to let the thoughts settle for her - and for my head to stop aching - before I glanced her way. The couple on the couch opposite were still necking, and they'd inspired a few other couples to try the same; we weren't the only two in the Lounge not making out, but we were definitely in the minority.

"Hi," I murmured to the redhead, smiling a crooked smile. A bevy of cheesy lines crossed my mind, and I discarded them all immediately; a calmer, quieter greeting seemed in order. Coming on too strong would only push the shy girl away.

"Oh! Um. H-hi?" She blushed almost as red as her hair, and my smile widened.

}It's okay; he seems nice.{ A bit of reassurance seemed in order, I judged, as I introduced herself. }Maybe just this once it would be okay to take a chance. Just this once.{

She hesitated, true, but after a moment her lips curled in an adorable smile. "I'm Kelly McConnell. It's nice to meet you."

I could still lose her at this point, I knew... but so far things seemed to be working out wonderfully. If I could avoid pushing her too far, too fast... she'd be mine.