Page 4 of Testing the Kot'oll Officer

"Good day, my sweetheart." Targoth has the most obnoxious grin on his face, which he probably thinks makes him look good.

I force a smile, hoping I look professional. This is a business, after all, and before he causes trouble, I have to bear with that.

The cost of doing business...

"I've been thinking about you." Targoth leans over the bar, his iridescent scales shimmering under the neon lights. "Your smile lights up the cosmos brighter than a supernova."

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. "What are you having for the evening?" I ask, keeping it professional while scanning the room for an escape route.

"I'd say you." He winks, imagining himself to be a lot more handsome than he actually is. Maybe he's the one for someone, but I'm certain that I'm not that special someone. I just want to be slinging drinks... not to engage with stupidity.

I clear my throat. "How about a drink? Fancy a cocktail?"

"Only if you'll share it with me," he purrs, or at least attempts to. It sounds more like a malfunctioning air filter. "I've got a spaceship that could take us to the most romantic spots on the planet."

As if I don't have a spaceship myself... I'd fly myself to somewhere he can't find me, but that's if I care that much abouthim. He doesn't have such an impact on me. "That's very... generous. But I should mention—"

"Your beauty transcends species," he continues, oblivious to my discomfort. "And I've heard zylions and humans are very compatible—"

I rub the silver ring on my finger, pretending that's an unintentional thing. I'm single, but I usually have the ring on just so I can deter crazy beings. Also, I'm not looking to date any of my patrons, so that has been working, except there are some beings who are apparently blind, like this fucking dumbass standing right in front of me. "I mean, that's generous of you. But trust me, maybe you want to have a drink and enjoy the evening. I have a line to serve."

"But do they have what you deserve to get? Your pull is even stronger than the moon of—"

Someone clears his throat, sounding like a strong male.

I look up, and there stands the big kot'oll, that kot'oll, all his four arms crossed over his chest. He isn't in his uniform, but he is a buff dude regardless. I've always thought that he should buy clothes that are a size larger, but for now, he looks perfect. I've never been so happy to see a traffic officer in my life, especially right after I ran from him mere days ago.

"Is there a problem here?" His deep voice carries that official tone that makes most beings straighten up instinctively.

Before Targoth can respond, I seize my chance. "Oh, you're here! Do you know how much I miss you?" I'm perhaps a bit too enthusiastic. "I was wondering when you'd show up!"

The kot'oll's bronze eyes widen slightly, but to his credit, he catches on quickly. One of his hands moves to rest on the bar counter, closer to where mine is, while another adjusts his belt in what I hope passes for a possessive gesture.

He grunts. "I miss you, too, but apparently, there's some trouble waiting to be solved."

In order to be more convincing, I get out of the counter and invite myself into the kot'oll's arms. I pick the one that's closer to me. He wraps that arm around me, flexes the two upper arms, and rests the remaining one on his waist.

He sends a lot more warmth to me than I expected. His muscles are a bit too comfortable. Imagine if he holds me with all four arms... I may melt.

Targoth's scales seem to lose some of their shine. "You... you two are...?"

"Together. For a while now, actually. Right?" I give kot'oll what should work as a charming smile that's filled with love.

Fuck... I'm so bad at this. I'm only good at flirting with patrons, and...

Even though, in theory, the kot'oll and Targoth are both strangers to me who I don't plan on getting close to, Vatok seems to be a much better choice, that's imagining if I have to date either.

Wait... is that an insult to the kot'oll when he's clearly the winner, so much so there shouldn't even be consideration?

The kot'oll's mouth twitches, fighting what might be either amusement or discomfort. "Indeed. Is there something you need from my mate past a drink for the evening?"

The word 'mate' in his official-sounding voice nearly makes me laugh, but I manage to keep it together. Targoth, meanwhile, looks like he's swallowed something particularly unpleasant.

"I... no, I was just..." His previous swagger evaporates faster than spilled alcohol on a hot day. "I'll have a Nebula Fizz."

I nod and get back to the counter. "Sure, I can get that for you."

As I mix the drink, I catch the kot'oll watching with an expression I can't quite read. His gaze follows my movements, and I find myself putting extra flair into my bartending, letting the liquid arc through the air between shakers.

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