"You almost ready? We're gunna be late if you don't hurry up."

Xilonen huffed, tracing her black eyeliner over the lower lip of her eyelid. "Obviously. But I still need to finish up my makeup and throw on my outfit. I'm not showing up at the club half put together."

Mavuika cracked a teasing grin, leaning against the door. "You probably wouldn't be in this dilemma if you didn't take a four-hour nap right before the evening started." She chuckled as Xilonen moved her eyeliner brush to the other eye. "You could have spent that time, I don't know... eating the dinner I made and putting on your makeup sooner than the very last minute."

"Mualani can cover until I get there."

"You were the one who insisted on being the DJ tonight."

"And the DJ can make mistakes," Xilonen huffed again. Her hand painted the black liquid over her eyes, sharpening the deep gold of her eyeshadow. "Though my nap wasn't a mistake. It was wonderful and worth skipping dinner."

The biker tapped her finger against her umber cheek. "And what will you eat in the meantime."

"There's energy drinks in the fridge, and I know Mualani has granola bars in the break room." Now done with her eyeliner, the DJ grabbed her body glitter tube from the counter, dabbing the golden sparkles along her cheekbones. Her fingertips, minding the claw-like black nails, spread the rest of the glitter along the warm, tawny brown skin her outfit didn't cover. "And I can eat the leftovers when we get home."

"At 3AM?"

"I like a late dinner."

Mavuika shook her head. "Does that still count as dinner, or is it an early breakfast?"

"I have no time to answer philosophical questions."

"Again, you should have skipped the nap, or set an alarm to wake up earlier..."

A surly pout appeared on the other woman's face. "You're enough of an alarm," she grumbled, lightly tossing the glitter tube back onto the counter. Her hands fluffed up her tight blonde curls, and she peered into the mirror, examining her makeup. "Could you grab my bag and overclothes? I just need one more minute."

Mavuika couldn't stop the smirk from pulling at her mouth. "'Course, wildcat. I already packed your backpack, and your baggy sweats and leather jacket are laid out on the couch for you."

Xilonen turned her body, studying the body glitter over her stomach and legs. "I hate that my work is going to go to waste," she sighed.

"It's either that or freezing to death on the back of my bike."

"We can't take ride in a car?"

"Nope," Mavuika said, popping the 'p'. "I paid good money for my bike, and you love working on it more than you care to admit." As Xilonen put a hand to her hip, the biker waved for the DJ to follow her. "Come on, it's time to hit the road." She reached into her own leather jacket pocket and twirled her key ring around her finger. "Saddle up, cause I'll try and make up for lost time."

"Ugh... alright, lemme get my outer clothes on."

Xilonen pushed past Mavuika, darting for the apartment's living room. She beelined for the worn couch pushed up against the wall, scooping up the leather jacket and throwing it around her shoulders. With a hiss, she yanked the zipper up over her chest, already shivering at the ride's promised frigid temperatures.

Then again, Mavuika wasn't exactly better, what with her leather pants and leather shirt with a chunky zipper running up the entire middle of the top. It looked great against her dark black skin and it would offer more protection against the cold than Xilonen's outfit, but it would be a nightmare getting the skin-tight pants off of her later.

Well... she was at least more covered than the DJ was.

Mavuika couldn't help herself. Her eyes roamed over Xilonen, fondly sighing at the woman's body. The DJ had known they were going to take Mavuika's bike but still chose high-waisted, booty-short jeans with rips at the ends. Add on the party-perfect yet highly impractical bra-shirt Xilonen saved for all her club performances, and it was a wonder why the woman didn't save putting on her outfit for when she got to the club.

It was the way Xilonen stepped gingerly into the baggy sweatpants, careful not to smear the body glitter on her legs, that left Mavuika staring at her girlfriend with goofy fondness.

She was absolutely gorgeous and so was her party outfit... but it looked so silly watching her shuffle into her protection against the cold.

"I know you're laughing at me," Xilonen grumbled. She hoisted the pants, then yanked the strings tight. "I don't have time to grab my makeup and put it on in the club's break room."

"I know." Mavuika shook her head, crossing her arms over her chest. "I just hope you didn't put on lip gloss."

"I ride behind you. Any bugs hit you first."

The biker gestured to her waist-length, tight curls, highlighting the reds, oranges, and yellows of her flame-like hair. "I don't need lip gloss making a mess of this before we get to the party."

"Shut up," Xilonen huffed, exasperation in the words. She grabbed the backpack resting against the couch. "It wouldn't be a problem if you tucked all of your hair into your helmet."

"I don't like to hide my flames," Mavuika teased. "Besides, my helmet can't fit all this hair under it without making it unsafe. Can't go against the safety regulations you insisted upon."

A heavy sigh, one that sounded like it came from the depths of Xilonen's whole body, left the DJ. Stomping her chunky heels across the wooden floor, she pushed past Mavuika, past the open kitchen still smelling like the food Mavuika had cooked hours before, and rushed for the front door. "You packed my skates, right?"

"Yep, and a fruit-infused water bottle."

"Not touching that."

"I have your bra and a clean pair of underwear for when you're done for the night."

"Good."

"The thumbdrive with all my songs for the night?"

"Front top pocket."

Xilonen yanked open the front door, grumbling under her breath. "Come on. Let's just get this over with."

Mavuika followed her, lost in the spicy perfume Xilonen left behind. "'Course, wildcat. Let's see how much time I can cut off..."

"Xilonen!" Chasca called, barely audible over the club's loud music. "You're late again. Mualani can only cover you for so long."

"Yeah, yeah." Xilonen shivered, fluffing her hair to fight against the helmet's unfortunate effects. "Gimme five more minutes to grab my stuff from the break room. Mualani can help herself to whatever leftovers Mavuika secretly packed me in my backpack for her service."

Chasca shook her head, but nodded to the staff only door. "Make it quick."

Xilonen darted off, unzipping the backpack as she went.

Mavuika sighed, then looked to Chasca. "How's everything been tonight?"

"Not exactly the greatest, but we've been holding down the fort." The organizer crossed her scarred brown arms over her sheer, breezy top. "Kinich is on shift tonight for drinks, so grab your drinks while you can. Granted, Xilonen's the main event for the night and that's already dragging people to the dance floor, but until she gets into her groove, Kinich is going to be swamped."

Mavuika nodded. "Got it. Oh, and let Mualani know she's welcome to drop by during the next week." The biker stuffed her hands into her jacket pockets. "I still have the surfboard she lent me three weeks ago, and I want to give it to her over a dinner at our apartment."

Chasca gave a little salute, knocking the tip of her hat. "Aye-aye." She turned, paused, then looked back at Mavuika. "You don't have to stay if you don't want to you know."

As much as Mavuika wanted to drive home to work on her new hobby, she didn't need the excuse.

"Nah, I'm good." With a wave, Mavuika started for the bar. "Good luck with managing tonight."

The club manager gave the biker a curt nod, then slipped into the crowd of people tearing up the dancefloor.

It was a magnificent sight. The club was a cross between a desert canyon and mechanical paradise, something completely unique to the city. Rocky walls bearing steadying colors -- warm reds, browns, and oranges -- contrasted the gear-shaped tables and futuristic DJ booth. Instead of a disco ball, an enormous mining drill hung over everyone's heads. It stretched from one wall to the other, giving the illusion of cutting into the canyon's stone, slowly turning a rainbow of colors of lights across the club.

If there was any place worth its word in how much of a party it held, the Children of the Echoes club was the place to be.

Mavuika stepped up the ramp and slipped into the open pocket that held the bar. Positioned at one of the back corners of the club, the bar was a circular room made for those who wanted conversations or a break from the intensity of the club. Soundproof panels lined the walls, taking away some of the pounding noise of the music. Dim yellow lights beamed from the ceiling, giving enough light to see, but not enough to overwhelm. The chairs and tables were built more for comfort than aesthetic, and several were at different heights for people of all abilities. Black curtains hung around the entrance to the room. The entrance was small, no bigger than a double door, but it allowed for an excellent view of the dancefloor and the DJ stage taking up the rest of the club.

It was a perfect place for Mavuika to grab a drink and watch her girlfriend without having to elbow people on the dancefloor for an inch of space.

When she reached the bar, a crescent structure fitting with the smooth space of the room, Kinich looked up from the couple he was currently serving. He nodded, acknowledging Mavuika, then turned his focus back to the couple. Russet-colored fingers shook the mixer harshly, and with a theatrical throw behind his back, he caught the shaker in his other hand.

The couple oohed and ahhed. Kinich didn't change the bored look on his face, but not many regulars cared. When it came to Kinich, it didn't matter how bored his look was, he meant well and served top-quality drinks you couldn't get anywhere else.

Mavuika took a seat at one of the barstools near one side of the bar. Situated at the perfect angle, away from the noise of the club but with a perfect view of the DJ stage, it was a wonderful way to watch her girlfriend while enjoying a drink.

She breathed in a content sigh and leaned her elbows against the wooden countertop.

Out of the corner of her eye, Kinich finished with the couple. He scooped up the dollar tip, tucked it into his apron, and slipped over to Mavuika.

"How's it hanging, Kinich?"

"Mm. Not too bad tonight." Kinich pressed a hand against his forehead, ruffling the shaggy black hair. "Granny's kicked out three people tonight, so she's been keeping my station safe. Tips are pretty decent tonight too."

"I don't always mean work," the biker grinned. "How's it been in the non-nightlife part of your life? Any roommate problems?"

A beat of quiet passed before Kinich spoke. "Ajaw's been a pain in the ass, but it isn't anything out of the ordinary."

"Still helping Mualani out with her sister?"

"Yeah. Kachina's been hanging out at the community center this summer, and every day I see her she's got something new to gush about."

"Anything else going on?"

Kinich shook his head and shrugged.

He wasn't much for conversation, but that was just the way he was. Just like the rest of the club's regulars, Mavuika wouldn't want it any other way.

Mavuika chuckled, tapping her nails against the wood. "Alright, if everything's pretty good for now..." She glanced at the rows of bottles on the shelves behind the bar. "Could I get a Bicicletta? I'll order a water for after since I'm driving, but I think I can have a drink before the night gets too late."

Kinich nodded, then went back to his station.

With a flip of her curls, she looked back to the DJ stage.

Cheers rose up from the dancefloor as Xilonen finally hopped up onto the stage and ducked behind the DJ booth. Gone were the sweatpants and leather jacket; the party bra and jean shorts were back. Cat ears, fake but fluffy, poked out from the top of her head. A long cheetah tail ran down from her belt, giving her the allusion of a cat-like appearance. Roller blades replaced the heels she had worn earlier. A tiny smile graced her face. Finally in her element, the DJ leaned to the mic, cutting out the music for just a moment.

"How's everyone doing tonight?!"

The crowd roared with fervor.

Xilonen tapped buttons on her board, raising her other hand. "That's good to hear, but by the time I'm done, I'll have you all too worn out to lift a finger."

Another excited roar left the dancefloor.

"Now, let's get this party started!"

The DJ jabbed a finger against one of the buttons, and the mix she had slaved over the past week flared to life. People rode the beginning waves, raising drink glasses over their heads and grinding against their dance floor partner. Xilonen dropped her hand at the same time the beat dropped, working her body to the rhythm of the music.

She was absolutely incredible on the stage.

"Excuse me?"

Mavuika drew her attention away from her girlfriend. Her eyes drifted to the tall Black man taking a seat at the stool next to her. A tight black shirt paired with deep gray jeans tucked into dark boots. A soft smile was framed by a strong jawline, but his face and left arm had warped and distorted skin, indicating deep burns from a prior accident.

His voice was deep and carried authority, but Mavuika could pick up the nervous energy underlying his words. He cleared his throat, shifting slightly on his seat. "If it isn't too much, could I buy you a drink? Or a second one, if you already ordered one."

There was something about him, something a lot more authentic and polite than many of the other guys that tried their luck with Mauvika, that showed he meant well.

"Sorry, mate." Mavuika smiled, a good-natured tone in her voice. "I'm already taken in terms of romance."

Tucking his long twists behind his ear, the man chuckled and matched her good-natured tone. "I wasn't that obvious, was I?"

"It's just the nature of being femme." Mavuika waved her hand at the other tables around the room. "I've had more than a few people try their luck with me."

He chuckled again. "Well... it was worth a shot..."

"Got your drink, Mavuika." With a mock flourish, Kinich set down the glass, letting the bright orange color catch the bar's light. "Another person wanted to talk to me, so it took me an extra minute to get it done."

"That's fine." Mavuika pulled out her wallet, putting the bills against the bar. "Thanks, Kinich. This should cover it, including a tip."

A mumbled 'Thanks' left Kinich's mouth before he was called away by another customer.

The man stayed where he was. He didn't give off a pushy air, and he looked a little lost when he eyed the rest of the bar. Blue eyes met Mavuika's orange ones. "If it isn't too much either... could I sit with you? I didn't really come here to meet anyone romantically, not intentionally. I don't really know anyone here either." He ducked his head, smiling bashfully. "I could use a friend if you're up for my company."

"Now that, I can do." Mavuika lifted her glass, tipping at the man before taking a sip. "I'm always happy to welcome someone new to the Children of the Echoes. Just be sure you can handle me gushing about my girlfriend the whole time."

"Now that, I can do," the man parroted, a twinkle in his eye.

He lifted his hand, catching Kinich's eye. Once the bartender was done with his customer, Kinch made his way back to their end. "What can I get you?" Kinich asked.

"Could I get a White Port and Tonic, please?"

A shadow of a smile pulled at Kinich's mouth. His eyes flicked to Mavuika, sparkling with mischief. "You've got a lot more manners that some of the patrons who come here."

The biker stuck out part of her tongue and winked. "I know you too well to have manners."

Kinich nodded to the other man. "Coming right up, sir."

As the bartender stepped away, Mavuika held out her hand. "You already heard my name, but... Mavuika."

He shook her hand, a comfortable strength in his fingers. "Thrain." Some of his twists fell over his shoulder as he turned his torso. "So, who is the girlfriend you're going to gush about."

When he turned back to face her, Mavuika simply pointed a finger to the DJ booth above the dancefloor.

Xilonen danced with the crowd, bopping with the booming music. She glowed under the lights. Her body glitter made her light brown skin sparkle. One of her knees pushed onto a bare space on her DJ board, lifting her up to pump her fist with the crowd. The songs effortlessly mixed one after another, perfectly transitioned at every turn, showcasing Xilonen's incredible skill.

The crowd screamed and shouted and flung themselves into the party's intense wave.

"I didn't have a chance," Thrain laughed.

"You'll have better luck elsewhere." She bumped his shoulder, nodding to Kinich. "If you come here often enough and need help meeting someone, some of us can keep an extra eye out for you."

He rapped his knuckles against the wood. "I appreciate it. But for now, I'm just next to a friend tonight."

Mavuika sipped her drink, enjoying the touch of liquor on her tongue.

"Your White Port and Tonic, sir."

Thrain moved his arms, leaning back and pulling his wallet from the back pocket of his jeans. He pulled out a few bills, counting under his breath, and slipped them across the bar top. "Thank you, and I added a tip there too."

The bartender nodded, and then he was off.

The two partygoers sipped at their drinks. Both looked to the dancefloor, watching the throngs of frenzied people dance under the club lights. Other patrons of the bar finished their drinks, waving to Kinich as they slipped out to the main part of the club. Energy and excitement infused every inch of the place.

Xilonen knew how to work the crowd better than anyone else.

"So, how did you two meet?"

Mavuika kept her eyes on her girlfriend. "I have a motorcycle; always wanted one since I was a little girl. It broke down one day, so I, of course, had to take it to the mechanic's."

"Let me guess... she was the mechanic?"

A grin flashed on her face. "Perfect guess."

Thrain hummed. "Not too rare for women mechanics these days, and you look like the type to go for the smart ones."

"Damn straight she is," Mavuika laughed. "Not when it comes to taking care of herself, but give her any vehicle and she'll fix and tune it up until you can barely recognize it from the hunk of junk it was before."

She could still remember that day. The way Xilonen had slid out from under a lifted car, her jeans and white strapped tank top covered in oil stains. No makeup, a wrap over her head to protect her hair, and grease up and down her arms...

And she had still been beautiful enough to steal Mavuika's breath away.

"She did a lot for me. Still kinda does a lot for me. For the longest time, we flirted with each other, but whenever I came in with an idea for my bike, she always did it no matter how grouchy she felt that day. Xilonen's always saying yes to whatever I need, so these days, I try to be there for her as much as she's been for me."

Thrain nodded to the rest of the club. "Does that mean you're going to dance tonight?"

"At some point, but not right now." She took another sip. Twirling an orange slice, she went on. "I wasn't really up for a party tonight. I started painting recently, and I really wanted to stay home and work on it." She nodded to her girlfriend. "But she had a set tonight, so I couldn't say no."

"It's good that you do a lot for her."

"I'm only doing what she would do for me."

Beyond the bar room, Xilonen whipped the crowd into the height of a frenzy. Her body glowed, and as a white light shined up behind her, she ran her right arm over to her left. Her left hand rose over the DJ turntable. All of her body glitter marked up sharp lines over her stomach and arms, almost looking like her soul was on fire.

"To the Echoes of the Valley!" she roared, slamming her fist down to the turntable.

The beat dropped, and the walls came alive. Hidden lights lining the rocky walls pulsed with techno lights. Partygoers leapt with everything they had in them, lost in the energy of their dance, lost to the night's untamable soul.

It was the height of humanity's passion for life.

Thrain laughed. "You really lucked out with her."

"Yeah," Mavuika sighed. Her eyes stayed locked on Xilonen, and that familiar love burned in her heart. "I really did, didn't I?"

Song Inspo: "Party's in my Head" by September

I don't know why this one tickled my brain as much as it did, but man, I had so much fun writing this. I really do need to try and write more for these two.