Sly Fox (Diane Foxington x Original Character)

Chapter 8 - The Gala for Goodness

Third Person Perspective
Sunday Evening, 23/07/2022
L.A. Event Hall, Los Angeles, California

"Oh, there's nothing like fresh evening air before the biggest redeeming event of our lives!" Swift exclaimed as he and Diana walked through the currently empty event area for the Gala for Goodness. They were using the extensive outside entertainment space for this year's Gala for Goodness. This year's theme colours were gold, blue, and white, and they showed through all the decorations and the looming stage at the front of the venue. It was an open-air stage with a brilliant gold floor, a white heart at the peak of the circle closest to the audience, and was backed with long LED bars. In the centre sat a large screen with a donation tally on it, nearing almost one billion dollars. 

Swift and Diane were both in formalwear - Swift adorned a classy black suit with a white shirt and a maroon tie, and Diane sported a classy blue strapless dress. The two had been there earlier in the day with Misty and Wolf, going over all the programs and testing the security for the venue. 

"I wish I could say it's just your lives that this impacts the most-" Diane started with a light tone as she walked towards the bar, Swift in tow. "But my job is on the line here too, so..."

"See? Like I said; big day for both of us!" Swift smiled brightly at Diane as he went behind the bar and grabbed two cans of Coca-Cola. He cracked the first one open as he walked back around and handed it to Diane, then opened his own and sat down on one of the sleek metal barstools. "It looks nice. I'm excited for tonight."

"You look nice, and I'm excited for tonight." Diane flirted, smiling sweetly at Swift.

"Oh quit it-" Swift let out a light laugh and waved Diane off dismissively. "Next thing you're gonna say is 'I want a kiss', and if so - at least take me out to dinner before you make a move like that!"

The two foxes laughed in unison, grinning brightly at each other. Of course, they were both joking - they'd just gotten comfortable living together. That was all.

Wolf soon joined them at the bar, walking from somewhere behind the stage and entering the main audience area with a look of wonderment. The sun was in its early stages of setting, and the pastel sunset was slowly seeping into the bright blue sky. 

"Madam Governor! Swift!" He greeted warmly, spreading his arms. "It's real pretty out here at this time of day, don't'cha think?"

Swift grinned at the sight of Wolf, looking every bit the part for the night. "Have you got your speech ready?" He asked, notepad in hand, running through his final checklist.

Wolf nodded, tapping his jacket pocket. "All set."

Swift checked the last box on his notepad with a satisfied sigh before slipping it into his inner jacket pocket. "That's us sorted, then." The relief was evident in his voice.

The trio stood together for a moment, basking in the stillness of the calm before the storm as the clock ticked closer to six. They watched as staff members bustled around the establishment, making the final minor preparations before the doors were opened to the invited attendees. 

As the clock struck six, the doors to the venue opened, and the first wave of attendees began to flood in, dressed to the nines. The Good Guys, affectionately known as the "Reformed" Bad Guys, were ready for their role in the evening's entertainment. The air was filled with excitement as the night began in earnest.

About an hour into the gala, the stage lights dimmed, and the first soft strums of a guitar drifted through the speakers. The crowd hushed in anticipation as The Good Guys took to the stage, instruments and microphones in hand, and began to play a song for the audience. The song they played, Good Tonight, was lighthearted and upbeat, sending waves of movement and energy through the crowds. Laughter and cheers filled the air as the group performed, their transformation from villains to entertainers on full display.