Halloween nights
1. Halloween nights
Friday, October 31st, Dublin. A magical city, it’s late at night and the rain is falling again, yet no one seems to care. People wander the streets, untouched by the warm raindrops on their skin and the cold wind tousling their hair.
Bars remain open, and through the windows, you can see groups of friends laughing and celebrating together as if there’s no tomorrow. The music pulses loudly along the main street, drawing in even the shyest souls, who let go of their inhibitions, at least for tonight. It’s Halloween, a night when you can step outside your usual self. Just don some heavy makeup and a mask, play it cool, and enjoy the wildness of the dark hours. Tomorrow will come, bringing reality back, but for now, it’s all about the magic of the night.
Yet even on this enchanting evening, loners, deep thinkers, and outsiders linger at the edges, observing from afar. They stand alone at tables or drift along with the flow of the crowd, quietly watching as others revel in the festivities.
Vanessa was one of the few who didn’t quite fit the mold; she wasn’t a loner or an overthinker, yet here she was on her favorite day of the year, alone. Despite lacking friends around her, she reveled in the vibrant atmosphere. This wasn’t the first time she found herself in solitude, she had grown accustomed to it. Back in her old university, she had been well-known and beloved, surrounded by friends. But now, starting over felt like an exciting challenge rather than a setback. To her, it was a fresh start, a new beginning, much like two years ago when she moved away from her hometown to study in Milan.
Right now, Vanessa was staring intently at the guys playing on the small stage. The bass player had a peculiar tattoo that covered the lower half of his forearm and part of his hand. Even beneath all that ink, a scar was visible, raised against his skin. It appeared to be old, and since the edges weren’t straight, it was definitely not from a surgical incision. It was likely from a burn during a car or motorbike accident. As she shifted her focus, Vanessa noticed that the man had similar scars on his chest and legs slightly different, but somehow connected. Yes, definitely a bike accident, she thought. But what she couldn’t quite figure out yet were the burn marks on his arm and chest. Vanessa was lost in thought, trying to gather as many details as possible before moving on to observe someone new.
“Can I get you something else?” the bartender asked Vanessa, pulling her back into the real world and out of her thoughts. “Ehmm... Sorry, what?” Vanessa replied, turning her attention from the bass player to the bartender. “I know their music is great; I didn’t mean to interrupt your listening, but I noticed your glass was empty. Would you like a refill?”
Vanessa paused for a moment, then gave a small smile, pushing her empty glass toward the bartender. “Sure, I’ll take a refill, thanks. And by the way, I’m Vanessa,” she said, glancing over Astra’s way as she started pouring.
Astra’s green eyes lingered on Vanessa, the hint of a smirk playing on her lips. “Astra,” she replied, leaning in slightly as she slid the glass back over, closer than necessary. “So, Vanessa, you seem pretty interested in the band. Are you a fan, or is it just the music that’s got you so captivated?” Vanessa chuckled softly, feeling the warmth of Astra’s gaze. “Honestly, I’m new in town, just trying to get a feel for the place. But the band’s not bad.” She nodded toward the bass player. “I was actually wondering about him noticed those scars on his arm and chest. Looked like he’s been through something intense.” Astra’s eyes flicked over to the stage before returning to Vanessa, her expression more serious. “Yeah, you could say that. He had a pretty bad accident last year. It was a bike crash. He’s lucky he even made it through.” Astra’s voice softened, but her gaze remained fixed on Vanessa, studying her reaction.
Vanessa raised an eyebrow, leaning in a little closer, intrigued. “That explains a lot. I couldn’t help but notice the burn scars... like there was more to the story.” Astra’s smirk returned, and she leaned closer over the counter, closing the gap between them. “You’ve got a sharp eye, Vanessa. Not many people notice the details like that. You’d make a great detective.” She paused, her voice lowering just a bit, as if sharing a secret. “But some stories are better told over more than just a refill, don’t you think?” Vanessa felt a flicker of heat between them, the electricity in Astra’s gaze making her smile widen. “Maybe I’ll stick around for another round, then,” she replied, her voice teasing, as their eyes locked for a moment longer than necessary.
Just as the moment lingered, a voice crackled over the bar’s speaker, breaking the tension. “Astra, can you head to the tables and take some orders?” her boss called from the other side of the bar. Astra sighed, casting a reluctant glance at the crowd. “Duty calls,” she said, straightening up but not before giving Vanessa a lingering look that suggested this wasn’t the last she’d see of her. “I’ll be back. Don’t disappear on me.” With a playful smile, Vanessa replied, “I’ll be right here. You know where to find me.“As Astra moved away, Vanessa shifted her attention back to the band, but her curiosity about the people around her soon took over. She began scanning the Halloween crowd, her mind buzzing with speculation. The bar was packed with revelers in costumes, their voices mingling with the music. At a nearby table, a couple caught her eye. The woman wore a striking red wig and a witch’s hat that matched her bright yellow dress, her painted-on smile glowing under the dim lights. Her partner, dressed as a classic vampire with a flowing cape, bared his fake fangs in an exaggerated laugh. Vanessa wondered if they were celebrating something special or just enjoying the thrill of Halloween night on the lively streets near Trinity College.
Then her gaze landed on a man sitting alone in the corner, nursing a drink. He had deep-set eyes that seemed to tell a story of their own, a mix of sadness and determination. She noticed the way he absentmindedly traced the rim of his glass with his finger, lost in thought. What had brought him here tonight? Was he waiting for someone, or was he trying to forget something?
Her attention shifted again to a group of friends at the bar, all dressed up for the Halloween party. One of them, a tall guy dressed as a pirate with a tricorn hat and a faux-leather jacket, was in the middle of an animated story, waving a plastic sword as he recounted an adventure that seemed both ridiculous and thrilling. His friends, a mix of costumed characters—a werewolf, a zombie, and a princess with a tiara slightly askew leaned in, laughing loudly and cheering him on, their camaraderie evident in every gesture.Vanessa’s mind raced with possibilities, each person a puzzle she wanted to solve. She loved diving into their narratives, piecing together fragments of their lives from fleeting expressions, subtle gestures, and snippets of conversation. It was a game of sorts, a way to connect with the world around her. But then, as the pirate wrapped up his story, Vanessa overheard the tail end of a hushed conversation between the group.“Bet you ten euros he gets rejected if he tries to ask her out,” one of the guys muttered, nudging his friend and nodding toward Vanessa. “No way she’s into his corny pirate act.” The pirate, catching the challenge, grinned, a playful yet determined glint in his eye. He straightened his hat and sauntered over to Vanessa, clearly aiming to prove his friends wrong. As he approached, his smile was confident, the kind that could easily charm someone unprepared. “Hey, you look like you could use some company on a night like this,” he said, leaning casually against the counter next to her. “What do you say we grab a drink and I tell you an even better story?” Before Vanessa could respond, Astra appeared at her side, sliding in with a smoothness that suggested she’d done this before. She placed a fresh drink in front of Vanessa and shot the pirate a knowing look, her expression somewhere between amused and protective. “Sorry, mate,” Astra said with a smirk. “I’ve got this one covered. Besides, don’t you have a bet to lose?” She glanced over his shoulder at his friends, who quickly looked away, trying to stifle their laughter. The pirate’s confident facade faltered for a second, but he forced a smile, shrugging as if it didn’t matter. “Alright, alright, I’ll back off. No hard feelings,” he said, tipping his hat in mock defeat before retreating to his friends, who greeted him with a chorus of playful jeers. Vanessa raised an eyebrow at Astra, half-amused, half-curious. “You know him?” Astra rolled her eyes, leaning closer to Vanessa with a conspiratorial whisper. “Is your inner detective striking again? Yes, I know him. He’s a charmer, but he’s trouble. You dodged a bullet there, trust me.” Her tone softened, a small, genuine smile curving her lips. “Figured I’d step in before he got too full of himself. “Vanessa’s smile widened, grateful for Astra’s intervention and feeling the unspoken warmth between them deepen. “Well, consider me saved, then,” she replied, her voice teasing, as the music from the stage picked up again, wrapping them in the lively atmosphere of Halloween night. Astra settled back against the counter beside Vanessa, her posture relaxed but her eyes keenly observing the crowd. Vanessa couldn’t help but be drawn in by her confidence. They shared a moment of quiet amusement as the pirate slinked back to his friends, who greeted him with exaggerated sympathy and a few playful punches to the arm.“Thanks for the assist,” Vanessa said, turning back to Astra. “He seemed like he might’ve been a little too... persistent.” Astra chuckled softly, glancing over at the pirate, who had now launched into a dramatic retelling of his ‘near victory’ with Vanessa. “Oh, trust me, you don’t want to get wrapped up with him. He’s got a reputation for being a bit too smooth with the ladies—and not in a good way. Let’s just say I’ve had to rescue a few newcomers like you from him before.” She paused, a playful grin forming on her lips. “Though, I have to admit, he does make a decent pirate.” Vanessa laughed, taking a sip of her drink. “Yeah, I’m new, but I’m not that easy to fool. Thanks for the heads-up, though. So, do you know a lot of people around here? Is he a regular?“”Regular enough to cause some headaches now and then,” Astra replied, rolling her eyes with an affectionate sort of exasperation. “But yeah, I’ve been here a while. A lot of familiar faces pass through these doors. You get to know people, their quirks, their stories... like the guy on stage.” She nodded toward the bass player. “He’s had it rough since that accident. Used to be a bit more... carefree, you know? Before the crash.” Vanessa’s curiosity piqued, she glanced at the bass player, his fingers expertly gliding over the strings despite the scars. “It must’ve been tough. I can’t imagine bouncing back after something like that.” Astra shrugged, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. “Yeah, it was. He’s not the same, but he’s got guts. A lot of people would’ve given up, but he’s still here, playing every weekend like nothing’s changed. It’s kinda inspiring, in a way.” She paused, then shot Vanessa a sidelong glance, her tone turning lighter. “But hey, enough of the heavy stuff. What about you? I just know your namefor now. Where are you from? What brings you to Dublin? Just chasing the thrill of Halloween, or is there something else that brought you all the way here?” Vanessa smiled, a little shyly. “Well, I’m from Naples, Italy, and yes I’m actually here for school, at Trinity College. Just got settled in this week. So, I guess you could say I’m still finding my footing.” She hesitated for a moment, then added with a chuckle, “And, honestly, I would have never spent my favorite celebration with just me and my textbooks. Thought I’d try to have some fun before reality sets in. “Astra laughed, a warm sound that made Vanessa feel a bit more at ease. “Wow! from the accent I would have never guessed that you were from Italy. I always wanted to visit there. Smart move, tho. You’ve got to balance out the studying with some real-life experiences, especially on nights like this. You’d be surprised how many students from Trinity come through here. They all think they’re getting away from campus life, but they always end up back here, sharing the same stories. “Vanessa leaned in, her curiosity sparked. “Yeah? What kind of stories do they share? Any good gossip you’d care to spill?” Astra smirked, tapping a finger on the counter thoughtfully. “Let’s see... Well, there was this one guy who tried to impress a girl by reciting some epic poem he’d memorized. Thought he was being all romantic, but he got it completely wrong and ended up reciting something that sounded more like a grocery list. She actually left with the bartender after that one not me, tho, my friend who used to work here. That guy still won’t show his face around here!” Vanessa burst out laughing, shaking her head. “Oh, that’s brutal. Poor guy. I guess it’s better to just be yourself, right?” Astra’s smile softened, and she shrugged. “Yeah, I think so. People see through the act sooner or later.” She glanced back toward the pirate, who had moved on to chatting up a new group. “Though, some people just never learn.“Vanessa grinned, feeling a growing sense of ease around Astra. She took a sip of her drink, feeling the warmth of the night seep in, the buzz of the music and the energy of the crowd all around them. “I think I’ll stick with just being myself, then,” she said, her voice carrying a playful edge. “Seems like I might be in good company for it.“Astra met her gaze, her expression turning just a bit more serious, though her smile never faded. “Yeah, I think you might be, too. And if you’re looking for a guide around Dublin, someone who knows where the real fun is well, I might know a few places.“Vanessa felt a flutter of excitement at the suggestion, but she kept her tone light. “I’ll keep that in mind. Who knows? Maybe I’ll need a tour guide sooner than I thought.“Astra’s eyes glinted, and she leaned a little closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Just say the word, Vanessa. I promise, I know how to make a night memorable.” They shared a lingering look, the air between them thick with an unspoken promise, as the band played on and the Halloween night continued outside, filled with stories yet to be told.
As the evening rolled on, the connection between Vanessa and Astra deepened, threading its way through their small talk, shared smiles, and the subtle, lingering glances that neither seemed in a hurry to hide. Even when Astra moved away to serve other tables, Vanessa caught her watching from the corner of her eye, a secret smile playing on her lips as she delivered drinks with practiced ease. Astra’s gaze would drift back to Vanessa, her expression softening whenever their eyes met, as if they shared a private conversation amid the noisy crowd.Vanessa found herself tracing the outline of her glass absentmindedly, watching Astra navigate the bar’s chaos. She admired the way Astra moved through the crowd confident, at ease, yet with an attentiveness that made each customer feel seen. But every now and then, Vanessa would catch that little shift in Astra’s demeanor when their eyes met again, a warmth that seemed meant just for her, cutting through the noise and the distance.Astra returned to the bar with a tray of empty glasses, pausing in front of Vanessa. She leaned in, her tone casual but her gaze anything but. “Still sticking around, huh? Not tired of this place yet?“Vanessa smirked, tilting her head slightly, allowing her own gaze to linger on Astra’s face. “I think the company’s grown on me. Hard to leave when I’ve got such an entertaining guide.” Her voice carried a teasing lilt, but there was an edge of sincerity beneath it that Astra didn’t miss.Astra’s lips curled into a smile that she tried to hide behind a sip of her own drink, but the warmth in her eyes betrayed her. “Well, I do aim to please. Just don’t let the pirate hear that he’s got a fragile ego, you know.“Vanessa chuckled, shaking her head. “I think he’s already moved on to his next target. Besides, I’m not really in the market for pirates tonight. “Astra raised an eyebrow, leaning in a little closer. “Oh, no? And what exactly are you in the market for?” Vanessa met her eyes, feeling the charged air between them. She let the question hang for a moment, her smile turning just a bit mysterious. “Guess you’ll just have to stick around to find out. “Astra held her gaze for a beat longer before she was called away by another patron needing a refill. But even as she moved around the bar, there was an energy between them that refused to fade. Vanessa’s thoughts kept drifting back to Astra, to the way her smile lingered at the edge of her lips, to the playful glint in her eyes. She watched Astra work, noting the way her expression softened whenever she glanced back, catching Vanessa watching her. And Vanessa, for her part, found herself wondering if this unexpected connection was something more than just a fleeting flirtation. She wasn’t sure what to make of the intensity she felt—it had caught her off guard, but she wasn’t about to shy away from it. Instead, she settled in at the bar, making herself comfortable, and decided to wait. As the night wore on, the Halloween crowd began to thin out. The laughter and noise dulled, leaving just a few stragglers and those who weren’t quite ready for the night to end. Astra returned behind the bar, catching Vanessa’s eye once again, the two exchanging a knowing look. Vanessa stayed put, even as the minutes ticked by, the last of the costumed patrons stumbling out the door into the cool Dublin night.Astra glanced up at the clock, then back to Vanessa, a question in her eyes as she began tidying up the counter. “You’re really waiting around for me?” she asked, a note of curiosity laced in her voice, though the faint blush on her cheeks hinted she already knew the answer.Vanessa shrugged with a soft smile, playing with the edge of her empty glass. “Figured I’d keep you company. Didn’t want the night to end just yet.“Astra’s lips curved into a slow, genuine smile, and she shook her head with a quiet laugh. “Well, you’re definitely full of surprises, aren’t you?” She wiped down the last of the bar, her movements slowing as if she, too, was reluctant for the evening to end.Vanessa leaned forward, resting her chin in her hand, her eyes never leaving Astra. “Guess that makes two of us.“Astra’s smile lingered as she finished her work, glancing up at Vanessa with a look that felt like a promise. And when she finally untied her apron, tossing it behind the counter, she walked over to where Vanessa was waiting, her expression open, curious, and just a little bit nervous. “Alright, my shift’s done. So, what now, Vanessa? What’s your next move?“Vanessa slid off the barstool, feeling the thrill of the unknown that lay ahead. She looked at Astra, meeting her gaze head-on, feeling the energy between them sharpen as the bar door closed behind the last patron. “How about you show me a bit more of Dublin? I’m sure you know a place or two that’s still open.“Astra’s smile turned into a full grin, and she nodded toward the door. “You’re in luck, I know just the spot. Let’s get out of here.“And with that, they stepped out into the Halloween night together, the warmth of their connection chasing away the chill in the air, as the quiet Dublin streets stretched out before them, full of possibilities.
