"What?"
"I'm asking if you want some…"
"Is that weed?"
"The devil's lettuce, you mean?" The girl smirked, gesturing to the young boy if he wanted a hit. Her eyes were bloodshot and she smelled like absolute skunky garbage. But at the same time, her pleasurable expression caused the boy's mind to whirl for a second longer than it should have.
"Nah…" Silas pushed the blunt away. "I'm good."
The girl, appearing to be around 16 years old, had a striking presence with her long, lustrous black hair cascading down her back in gentle waves. Her eyes were a mesmerizing sight, with crescent-shaped dark-gray pupils that added an enigmatic touch to her gaze as if capturing the secrets of the night.
She was elegantly attired in a distinctive steampunk ensemble, showcasing her unique sense of style. Her outfit featured a fitted, tailored corset with intricate detailing, its deep black fabric adorned with brass buckles, gears, and ornate filigree. The corset emphasized her slender figure and accentuated her steampunk flair.
Below the corset, she wore a layered, high-waisted skirt that fell gracefully to her knees, constructed from a combination of rich, dark fabrics. The layers of black lace and tulle, along with accents of deep crimson and dusky purple, created a captivating contrast that added depth to her ensemble.
Her choice of footwear was equally intriguing, as she sported lace-up, ankle-high boots adorned with brass accents and leather straps. The boots provided both style and practicality for a night of revelry.
Accessories were a key element of her look. She wore a pair of leather gloves that reached her forearms, featuring intricate brass embellishments and a series of tiny gears sewn into the fabric. A steampunk-inspired choker adorned her neck, with a unique pendant that bore an intricate timepiece design.
Completing her ensemble, she wore a set of mismatched earrings, one featuring a miniature hourglass and the other a tiny pair of goggles. These accessories reflected her fascination with the steampunk aesthetic and her appreciation for the fusion of art and technology.
"So, what's a kid like you doin' here?" The girl asked, blowing another stream of smoke.
"You're not much older than me… I could ask you the same thing."
"I'm only here because my parents made me come. I got school tomorrow anyway. I don't know what they were thinkin'." The girl eyed the quiet Silas for a bit before grabbing his attention with a blow of smoke to his face.
"Ah, you dickhead," Silas swiftly rubbed his face, the stench practically crawling up his nose and digging through his sinuses. "What do you want?"
"Wanna get out of here?"
"Uhhhh, not really-" Before Silas could finish his sentence, the girl grabbed his wrist and they dashed through the crowd, nimbly evading the towering adults who were all intoxicated to the brim.
"What's your name?!" The girl laughed through the booming music.
"Silas!"
"I'm Marlene! Nice to meet you!"
Silas and Marlene, their faces flushed from the club's intoxicating ambiance, slipped through the backdoor of Eclipse Noir. As they exited, the thumping bass and the chatter of the rich clientele faded into the background. They found themselves in a dimly lit alleyway, a stark contrast to the opulence they had left behind.
In the alley, a couple of patrons from the club had sought refuge in the night air, taking drags from their cigarettes, their exhalations forming brief, ghostly plumes in the darkness. Some were engaged in passionate embraces, their silhouettes intertwining in the shadows, creating moments of fleeting intimacy. The alleyway's ambiance was filled with hushed whispers, laughter, and the soft rustle of clothing.
Silas and Marlene navigated through this scene, their footsteps muffled by the cobblestone ground. The aroma of cigarette smoke and the subtle undertone of cologne and perfume hung in the air. The cool breeze of the evening gently played with the strands of Marlene's long black hair, and her crescent-shaped dark-gray pupils seemed to absorb the essence of the alleyway's amorous encounters.
As they made their way deeper into the alley, which simultaneously led them deeper into the city, the ambient sounds of the club gave way to the urban serenade of the night and the rhythmic heartbeat of the city.
"Huff… huff… huff… phew, I'm already out of breath," The girl chuckled, collapsing into a seated position on the ground, her blunt still intertwined within her fingers.
"Maybe you should stop-"
Marlene flicked the last remaining tip of her blunt into the boy's face, causing him to swat it away quickly. His expression was a complete opposite to the girl's who seemed to be on the brink of another planet.
"Fuck… I might just skip tomorrow…" The girl couldn't stop smiling as she fell backward, her back instantly hitting the dirty bronze street below.
Silas carefully guided Marlene to sit against the side of the nightclub, her intoxicating high making her movements slow and unsteady. She leaned back against the club's brick wall, her eyes half-lidded and a blissful smile gracing her lips.
Passersby glanced at the odd pair sitting on the dirty bronze street, some offering curious or judgmental looks, but Silas paid them little attention. He took a seat beside Marlene, his back against the same wall, and simply watched over her as she continued to revel in her altered state.
Marlene's gaze seemed fixed on something far beyond the earthly realm, her thoughts and perceptions drifting in the haze of her high. Silas sighed and ran a hand through his hair, the night air feeling crisp and cool against his skin. He couldn't help but wonder how he had gone from the Academy to this peculiar encounter with a girl named Marlene, sharing a quiet moment in an alleyway as she journeyed through the depths of her euphoria.
"*sigh*... what the hell am I doing?" Silas chuckled, a light smile stretching across his face as he bathed in the calm evening moonlight.