she's left to her own vices, open

[Nicole Millet]

The sun had only just set, and Nicole's head was already spinning from too much drink. These seedier parts of the city were her usual haunts, and despite the danger, here she could find anything she could ever possibly want: games of chance, cheap booze, women, and a general populace who didn't care so much if she flaunted the fact that she was actually a woman dressed like a man. Not that she did flaunt it, but she could likely get away with it.

The night had already been wildly exciting. The chaos around her was always wonderful, but some of that chaos had projected itself on to her. One man had mistaken her for a young boy and made advances on her. This wasn't the first time something like that had happened. And her interactions with the whores were always interesting. They had a tendency toward sexual forwardness that was always suddenly dropped when they realized that Nicole (or anyone) had no money to spend.

Tonight Nicole shied away from the alcohol and gambling. After all, there was already alcohol in her blood, and she didn't have enough coin to allow herself to waste it on games of chance. What she sought was female companionship, though she carefully avoided the whores. Part of her reasoning was that she likely couldn't afford one and the other part was she was confident that she could find a woman with loose enough morals to go with her for free.

Nicole had developed something of a talent for spotting these women. Though there were always exception, she found that they were usually more forward than proper women, but less so than prostitutes and rarely dressed as outrageously. With her eyes open and hr body craving company, Nicole wandered the shadier streets.

[Nicholle Loillet]

Nicholle was never merrier than when her purse was full, and for a long time her purse had not been so full as this. A rich client was a favourite client- and even in this age of 'equality', of wealth bringing no favours- there was not a whore alive who'd spend two hours with a baker over a rich young man. And that young knave was favoured ever the more when he fell asleep- and in his rooms alone she had picked herself up what felt like a small fortune. She almost looked as if she were dancing down the street, such was the spring in her step. As alcohol affected some, sex, money and conning an innocent young man so exhilarated her.


Her dress was casual and not elegant- her skirt was someone bedraggled and creased- but she still maintained her alluring quality in her dancing eyes and tightly busked waist, most of her breasts upon display. She sang to as she walked along the dark
street, the bawdy tavern songs she had known since childhood.


But someone was appraoching in the distance, although the darkness made it difficult to dicipher who it was.

"'Allo?" She called, uncaring if she knew them or not.

[Nicole Millet]

"Evenin' miss," Nicole said with an inflection that was more gentlemanly than feminine, yet still playful. "You know, it's not all that safe for a lovely thing like yourself to be out alone after sundown." She was far from serious, as the still-playful tone in her voice clearly showed. After all, this was only a bit of flirtation, seriousness could wait for another time.

So, Nicole had broken the promise she made to herself about staying away from prostitutes, or at least she thought she had. Well, this woman certainly looked whorish, but she was still wildly enchanting. Her carefree attitude was nothing short of refreshing, and she certainly had a lot going for her in terms of looks. Nicole made no attempt to hide her fascination. Subtlety was not one of her strengths.

Despite her interest, Nicole knew that this would likely get no further than this playful flirtation. If she was right about this woman being a whore, she simply would not be able to afford her services. Still, after drinking even flirting was exciting, as was the androgyny game: leaving them guessing about what was underneath her masculine clothes.

"Oh," she went on, "miss, you know, you don't have to be alone."

[Nicholle Loillet]

At first glance she thought she was being addressed by a man- but was she? As she drew closer, a pleasant expression on her face, she felt some confusion. The figure wasn't feminine, nor the hair, but there was a softness in the face and tone that suggested otherwise. No- she decided, she would hazard a guess at female. But what an unusual one! Nicholle was somewhat charmed by her, so different from the rest of the species. And if the stranger was merely a highly effeminate male, they were still rather lovely with their delicate features and colouring. Either way, Nicholle wasn't troubled- although she did not particularly seek out women, she was nevertheless sexually liberal. She smiled slightly at the thought; Lady Liberty, indeed! That was another factor that added to her exuberane; come the following morning, she had more work.

"Why, thank you, good stranger," she replied lightly, eyes sparkling. "So good to know there are those about concerned for their fellow beings. Although I'm sure I'll be fine- I know these streets well. But company is always welcome. And what might you be called?"

She had purposely not indicated the other was of any particular sex, for fear of offending- but on the other hand, it didn't look as if this were one easy to offend. Nicholle recognised some form of admirtation in the others eyes, and her own expression responded; she felt very charmed indeed by this delicate being.

[Nicole Millet]

Nicole smiled coyly. She had a good feeling that this other woman was unsure about her gender, even though her only evidence was that she had neither been addressed as 'sir' or 'miss.' Though, that was just as likely to be a slip of the manners, or there was even the possibility that the woman was only playing along. Whatever it was, Nicole intended to keep going with this strange little game.

"Well," she answered, "I supposed you can call me anything you like, but if you want a name, then it's Nic." Nicole had intentionally given the most androgynous form of her name. She stepped up closer, very close, and softly caressed the other woman's cheek. "And as for keeping you company, I would be honored to, my dear."

Nicole held herself back and made no further moves. Just as subtlety was not a strong point of hers, neither was holding back, though sh had learned it was best to be more patient wit women whose interest she was unsure of. It took a good deal of self control not to lean in for a kiss, but Nicole managed to keep that desire to herself. Instead, she laughed softly and gently pulled her hand away from the woman's face.

[Nicholle Loillet]

Although not easily surprised, Nicholle raised her eyebrows. How coincidental- another Nic, just like herself! Although this, of course, led her no closer to her new friends gender. What a fix to be in! Nicholle, although blunt, was not usually quite so rude on introduction that she would easily ask, excuse me, are you a man or a woman?


"Nic? Well, well- a lucky chance. Nicholle Loillet- Nic, or Col, if you will- at your service." She smiled her broad, friendly, and somewhat lusty smile. That in itself wasn't a flirtation device- merely her natural expression!


At the touch of the others hand, Nicholle's confusion heightened. Feminine hands- but then, some men had hands as such, if manual labour was not their profession- but a masculine gesture. Nevertheless, it was a tender touch, and Nicholle had not felt such a touch for a fair amount of time. She found herself naturally responding, her body leaning in slightly to the others, enchanted by the gentle laugh.


"Why- so bold with your hand."

[Nicole Millet]

"Lucky chance, indeed," Nicole answered, a coy smile on her face. Well, it was amusing at the least, finding another one with your same name. What was even more amusing was that she couldn't yet say whether or not the other woman had figured out what Nic stood for. She had to try hard not to laugh just a little at the thought. Nicole was still not planning on dropping any obvious hints about her gender.

"And another thing, Miss Nicholle, I think I owe you an apology. I assumed that you were a whore, and if you think that this--" Nicole made the same gesture again, only more forward, using both of her hands and leaning in much closer "--is bold, then I must be mistaken. And I guess that you should also be grateful I didn't do all of what I thought of doing" Nicole finally released her grip and inched back, just a bit. That coy smile came back to her face, combined with a hint of mischievousness. Oh, this one was fun, hopefully she'd keep that up for a while.

"Oh, and that brings up another matter! Do you like my boldness, or does it intimidate you?"

[Nicholle Loillet]

"Oh, but you assume correctly-" she replied, her expression as coy as the others. "But not in working hours- or at least, not proposistioned as such. Unless of course, you care to make me one."


Surely, surely- this must be a man? Nicholle shrugged off her thoughts on the matter. It was so much more common for a man to act as such. More comfortable for Nicholle, also, to believe the stranger to be a man. Ah, well- what troubles could she meet either way?


"Do I like it? Well, well- it's faster than a furtive glance. Perhaps less romantic- but who has time for romance in this day and age?"

Under the decision the stranger was a man, she found her own body reacting more naturally- tilting in slightly, eyebrows slanting flirtatiously.

[Nicole Millet]

"I would love to, my dear," she said softly," but I don't think that I could afford it, unless I cut out meals for a few days." Nicole suddenly dropped the coy act in favor of something more genuine. She still made an effort to hide what she was thinking and feeling: that she found the whore very attractive, and that if she was still naive enough to confuse love and lust, she might have thought that she had feelings for her as well.

"Though if you're willing to do it for free, that'd be a different matter. Not that I expect you to or anything, I know what it's like to need money." Nicole bit her lip. She fully expected this woman to do what all other prostitutes seemed to do upon finding out that a potential client was dead broke: drop the flirtatious act and slowly back away. This was nothing worth getting nervous over. There were plenty of women she could have for free, and a handful who would pay her for it, too.

[Nicholle Loillet]

"Oh, but we can't have that!" She said lightly, teasingly. She generally cared little for the discomfort of others- the world did not look out for her, so why should she look out for the world? Not that Nicholle was an uncaring and somewhat self-concerned soul, of course. Nothing of the sort. "We can't have a lovely thing like you starve, can we?"


At the others next statement she gave a short, amused laugh. Her voice was quiet, almost breathy, upon response. "Oh, Nic- so very bold indeed! But perhaps tonight I am free-" she jingled the coins in her purse. "For not one hour since, some young knave feel asleep beside me, and in his rooms I found more than I might care to earn in two weeks."

[Nicole Millet]

Nicole chuckled lightly. Her face took on a pleasant glow; it certainly seemed that luck was on her side. "Well, my little whore," and she used the term playfully, "I think you're nearly as bold as I am, admitting theft to a total stranger. I could go and turn you in for it." Nicole tried to make it clear that she was only joking. "But since you've got what I want, you don't have anything worry about."

She soon became even bolder, lightly placing her hands on the other woman's waist and leaning in for a quick, gentle kiss. Nicole found it incredibly thrilling, not just the action but the fact that they were out in public. Of course, it was far from obvious to any passer-by that they were two women, but it still made her feel like an exhibitionist. That was definitely an advantage of the androgynous appearance: it allowed for a little more sexual openness.

When she spoke again, she was still very close to the other Nic, and her voice was soft and much more feminine than before. "Tell me, do you have a place in mind, or will we have to find one?"

[Nicholle Loillet]

"You could turn me in," she agreed, aware the other was joking but taking the moment to make something quite clear. "But I think it's perhaps better for my head if you don't. Although I'm sure you would never, I'm not to be toyed with. Remember that." She softened the words with one of her enchanting smiles. There was a strength, however, in her eyes- Nicholle had determined long ago that if there was playing to be done, it would be her work.


The slight kiss intrigued Nicholle; it was soft and almost tender, which didn't quite seem to match Nic's personality.

"I have a place- my room in a tavern, not far from her. Ten minutes walk, at most ."

[Nicole Millet]

"That'll do nicely," Nicole answered with a pleasant smile as she again reached out to caresses the other woman's cheek again. It was still a gentle gesture, but more sensual this time. She let her fingertips linger around a bit longer, and they traced a line along Nicholle's jaw and down the side of her neck before she slowly pulled them away.

Nicole maneuvered around to stand beside the other woman and firmly wrapped an arm around her waist. This gesture certainly contrasted the other one; it was more assertive, less tender, and definitely more masculine. "Well, lead the way."

The promise of intimacy was beginning to make her excited. Her heart began to flutter, and the blood in her veins took on a subtle and pleasant warmth. Adding to her excitement was the secrecy she had kept around her gender. Nicole was well aware that she hadn't explicitly said anything about it, and the possibility that her partner might not know she was dealing with another woman until she began to undress was quite an exciting thought.