Page 24 of Testing the Kot'oll Officer

Julie

The bar hums alive the later it gets in the evening. Today, Vatok isn't here with me. There are patrons around the bar counter, waiting for their drinks. I keep serving their orders, but without Vatok around, something feels off. It has been a while since we started pretending to be mates and it has been good, except... sometimes, it still feels wrong in some way.

The familiar blend of laughter and distant chatter amplifies in Vatok's absence, which doesn’t sit right with me. I wipe my brow, feeling the warmth of the bustling crowd on my skin while the air is thick with the sweet and spicy aroma of ingredients for different drinks mingling together.

I stare at the bottles sitting in front of me, stealing the moment of the empty counter to...

Is Vatok fine?

I know his job is demanding, but he seems to be getting more tired recently. Is everything still good?

That night... Since the night, when he was too tired to talk to me or stay with me, it feels like something isn't right anymore. But he isn't telling me anything.

Now that I think about it... He and I... Even though we stay together now, is that... real?

I know he's real. I can hug him and feel his warmth. His... thick cock is real too, yet...

For him, is everything fake?

I swallow when my throat tightens at the thought. Our relationship's meant to be fake. Maybe he remembers that better than me. Sometimes, I no longer know what's real and what's not.

Was the kiss we shared when we left for our respective work real? Was the peck on the forehead before bed real?

Is everything fake, like how it's supposed to be?

But...

I take a breath. There's a time and place to be thinking about that, which isn't now.

Not to mention, there's no reason I have to think about what's in his mind that much. Even though what we have between us is muddy, it doesn't get to interfere with my work. I can function perfectly fine regardless.

Or... that's supposed to be the case.

I tilt my head back for a brief moment, allowing the energy of the room to wash over me. I've been fine even before Vatok and I get close with each other and there's no reason for me to be slacking off just because he isn't around.

Even though I like the guy, I can't let him have such power over me.

“Two Galactic Colas and a Nebula Lemonade!” I call out, sliding the drinks down the counter towards a table of giggling winged ones who are energetically debating the best planet to vacation on. Their cheers ring in my ears, and I give them a grateful smile, even when the weight of the night starts pulling at my eyelids.

As I pour another drink, a more persistent patron sidles up to me, leaning in too close with a smirk that sends a shiver down my spine. “So, Julie, how about I take you out for a drink sometime? Just the two of us? I know all the best spots in the galaxy.”

My pulse quickens, frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. “Thanks, but I’m with someone already. Don't want to make him mad."

His smirk falters, but he leans even closer, oblivious to the spark of annoyance flaring in my chest. “Oh really? I don’t see him around here. Are you sure he's not just another one of those ‘party boys’ who won’t appreciate the finer things in life?”

I roll my eyes, plastering a charming smile on my face despite the irritation. “Trust me, my guy sure knows how to enjoy a night out. He’d likely put you in your place before you even had a chance to finish that drink.” I grab a cocktail shaker, shaking my head as I add a colorful swirl to the mix. “Maybe someone else will be interested in you; I've got work to do.”

He huffs, but steps back, clearly not enjoying the lack of attention. As he disappears into the crowd, I let out a sigh of relief, shaking off the tension that had begun to creep up my spine.

But the moment of victory is short-lived. The bar continues to thrum with life, laughter, and chatter, yet my heart feels strangely unsettled. I can’t help but glance at the entrance, hoping to see that familiar outline of Vatok cutting through the chaos. Maybe it’s more than just the fun times he brings; his presence is a comfort against the tide of unwanted advances and the general absurdity of the evening.

But I'm not supposed to do that. I don't want to rely on him for my sense of safety. That one time I asked him to pretend tobe my mate is meant to be... a one-time thing. It was for the convenience, yet...

I really should put myself together and deal with creepers with my own hands. Or at times, with the help of the bouncer, who is a strong guy too.

I pour a Nebula Punch and set it in front of a small, multi-horned being who gives a genuine grin in return. Even though some patrons are creeps, most of them are nice beings who are just here to have fun with their friends.

As I try to focus on the positive interactions, I find my mind drifting again, replaying the moments Vatok and I shared. it feels like our relationship has turned into something more, something real, but...

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