It had been a long day, combing through various data archives. ATHENA still had much to teach the mutants, and it was Eric's job to find out. As he was about to wrap up for the night, someone knocked on his door. He recognized the little jingle that came from the pattern of knocks on the door. Only one mutant he knew knocked on his door like that.
"Come in Ruby. I was just about to head out anyway."
In came the tall raven mutant with bright red eyes, hence her namesake. She was the Alpha in charge of the research division. While most under her supervision were trying to come up with new technologies through more traditional scientific experimentation, you were the only one left to read the data archives. A job which you begrudgingly did.
"Eric, I'm glad I could catch you before you left. Find anything of value?"
"Nope, more useless human history. I've moved the files to the history archive as per your instruction."
"They are not useless. We must learn from our ancestors if we are to strive forward."
"Yes, I'm sure the history of 21st century fashion will be of great importance to us.
"Look, I know you dislike this job, but I can only have one mutant view ATHENA's archives at a time, and you're the best at it. If it makes you feel any better, I'm looking into swapping your position with someone else relatively soon. Just don't tell anyone about it, or I may have to cancel that notion."
You and Ruby hadn't always seen eye-to-eye on how the research division should operate. As the head scientist, you were basically second in command. Yet you were forced into what you felt was the most mind-numbing task you could be working on. The fact that she was considering reassignment was a breath of fresh air you so desperately needed.
"Thank you. I won't tell anyone. I can assure you, this will be a good decision."
"As you've told me countless times before. Now, enough about work. Are you ready for the Rebirth Festival?"
"You know I'm not one to partake in festivities."
"Come on, you'll enjoy it. Trust me."
"You said that last year. I came, and did not enjoy it."
"True, but this year is different. It's the 10th Rebirth Festival. There will be extra festivities this time."
"No. I'm not going again."
"What if I came as your partner?"
One of the big parts of the Rebirth Festival was the Dance of Bonding, a dance with someone you considered important in your life. It was meant to help keep friendly bonds strong, so usually it was with someone's romantic partner or family member, but you had yet to find either. You believed that's what made you a good scientist. You were free from distractions.
"Ruby, I appreciate it, but..."
"Last time you said the biggest disappointment last year was having to watch everyone else enjoy the Dance of Bonding. My son has found someone else to dance with, so I'm available."
"Look, no offense, but I don't want other mutants thinking we're... something... you know?"
"If anyone does, tell them to ask me. You know my word is respected and believed. If I say it's just to strengthen our work relationship, they'll believe it. Plus, if you come this time, I won't bother you about it again. I promise."
You looked up to her bright red eyes. You didn't want to admit it, but you secretly did have feelings for her. You loved tall mutants, she was gorgeous, and her eyes... you could stare into them for hours. She lost her husband several years ago, but you didn't dare to act. You weren't sure you were good enough, and it didn't seem very professional. But perhaps this could be the subtle first step to make it happen. You just had to keep your feelings from her a bit longer.
*sigh* "Alright, I'll come. But only since it will make you stay quiet about it."
She gave you a perky little smile, another thing you loved about her.
"Great. Meet me at my place at 9:00 tomorrow morning. We'll walk there together from there."
"Got it. Am I good to go now?"
"Oh, yes, of course. Sorry for keeping you here. Have a good night."
"Yeah, you too."
Ruby walked back out the door, leaving you staring at the door in silence. You couldn't believe an opportunity like this just dropped into your lap. You just needed to not squander it.
You walk home and sleep without anything of note happening. You wake up feeling refreshed and ready for what happens today. You finish your morning routine up until you have to pick an outfit.
Dress code for the Rebirth Festival is nonexistant. Mutants came and wore whatever they felt was appropriate. Most younger and/or relaxed mutants wore the casual outfits they wore every other day. Some, especially romantic partners, wore full suits and dresses to display their commitment. Everyone else wore formal attire as they saw fit.
You had all of these options before you. A casual outfit would help ease any suspicion that you two were interested in each other, but would make you not look ery good to Ruby. Although formal attire felt appropriate for the event, you thought it might be a bit too forward. Finally, you had your formal suit. While it may seem too much to many, you believed it could be the right call. Every other work-related event you attended with Ruby called for this suit. Meaning you could easily defend this as being just to look professional and keep things business-only. All in all, you were probably fretting too much over this, especially since the Dance of Bonding isn't even today. In the end, you decide to pick...
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