The Aces

3. The Banquet

We were sat in our usual hangout spot in the bunker, discussing our plans for our royalty themed dance. Well, actually I was the one discussing.

"Can you guys be more excited about the banquet? We get to finally dress up and look expensive!" I said excitedly.

"It's dress shopping. Dress shopping is stressful. You have a number of ladies asking you all kinds of questions and trying to get you fitted. It's honestly annoying. But at the same time I want to look like rich queen." Gaby stated.

"Bitch, you're already a whole ass queen. And you're right, it is a hassle. But it's worth it! We've never had this kind of event before, it should be very heart wrenching and exciting!" I said eagerly. "The notice is a little bit late, it's in 4 days. So.... let's go shopping today!"

Disappointed and lazy groans sounded through the room. There was only one other person that was excited as me.

"I'm down! I want to get a new green tie. Preferably satin or silk." Jonah said excitedly.

Everyone but me gave him a silencing look. We decided to head out to buy our outfits.

Every time we exit our facility, we have to act like a Micro or we will definitely be in immense danger. Luckily, even Micros have their own prom. Even though they have no emotions, they manage to get dates. I don't understand that but if they're making babies then it's whatever.

"Hello, welcome to Kait's Boutique. If you need any assistance, please don't hesitate to ask." One of the workers said as she motioned to the dresses. I couldn't help but stare at her dark, emotionless eyes. They were empty and soulless, like the bittery cold land of Antarctica.

I shivered at the thought of having no emotions or control of your own decisions. I snapped out of my negative thoughts and quickly went to find the perfect princess dress.

We shopped for over an hour due to my indecisive self but I finally settled for a royal blue, satin ball gown. It had a lace top, it made me feel the confidence I've never felt before. Gaby settled for a burgundy flowy ball gown, it had a lovely bejeweled top that complimented her chest. The boys settled for a traditional black suit with different colored ties. Khai picked a pastel yellow tie, Adrian with a red tie, and Khai with a green tie. They all had sashes that corresponded with their ties.

We quickly left the shop, in a hurry due to the worry of exposing ourselves.

***

It was finally the night of the dance. The moment we've all been waiting for, actually scratch that. Just me and maybe Jonah.

"Are you guys ready yet? You've been in there for over 3 hours!" Adrian yelled. I could hear Khai groaning impatiently in the background.

"I'm making a beautiful piece of artwork an even better piece of artwork, so please be patient and shut the fuck up!" I yelled lightheartedly back. I turned towards Gaby. "Oh my god, hun, you look so beautiful."

Gaby stood from the seat she was sitting in for an hour. I'm very meticulous with my makeup work, it has to look perfect.

She gasped as she took a glance at herself in the mirror. "Yo, is that really me? I'd fuck me."

I laughed back at her and repeatedly complimented her. It was 3:50pm, and the banquet started at four so it was our queue to leave. We quickly left the room and received a lot of complaints for the duration we took to get ready.

"Oh stop complaining. You boys are looking pretty expensive right now, let me see those catwalks babes." I said, teasingly. And of course, Adrian was the first one to show off his fit. A very confident sashay.

Gaby wolf-whistled. "Damn, you come here often?"

"Wow, you guys look beautiful. You all look amazing." Jonah innocently smiled with big eyes.

"Aww, thank you Jonah. You look great too." I smiled back. He was like a innocent puppy, he reminded me of when I first entered ACES.

We finally reached the banquet hall. The room was decorated beautifully, as if it was an actual royal ballroom. It had a small stage for the ceremony and a soothing orchestra played. Sparkling chandeliers draped from the ceiling with red velvet curtains, the ceramic floors were covered in golds and silvers, and it had a mesmerizing aura. I was lost in awe and didn't notice that my friends left me to gape stupidly at our alluring setting. I looked around to find where they ran off to and sure enough, Adrian was already flirting with a girl. Now that's not a surprising occurrence. Gaby and Khai were sitting at the tables talking to another team in our facility and Jonah was taking pictures of the chandeliers with the camera he'll never leave behind.

"Well, you look very ravishing tonight." A british voice called from behind me. A very tall dark haired young man stood with a pearly white smile. He looked like a real life prince.

"Hi, Draymond. You're not looking so bad yourself, you look just like a real prince" I beamed brightly at him. It's not like I didn't have a not so subtle crush on this british, light skinned, and extremely good looking man for the past two years. What even are feelings?

"Why thank you, but you look as stunning as real royalty." He chuckled deeply and grabbed my hand lightly. "Would you like to dance with me, princess?"

You're damn right I took that seizing opportunity but unfortunately, it didn't last long. Our sweet moment was rudely interrupted by an announcement for the awards ceremony. Fuck, I forgot about that. I'm not crying at all.

"Hello, as you all know I am Elijah Grayus. It's been over ten years since this place has been established along with my lovely long life partner, Lukas Popov. As I look at your bright faces, it makes me emotional to see how far we've come and how much we've become a family. Every life saved, happiness ensues. I'm very proud to lead an amazing, talented group of people. For tonight, I want to award you all but specifically the people that have done everything they could to contribute to our home. People that would sacrifice their lives to protect us in any way possible. I would like to call up Katie Hwang, Khai Lahey, Gaby Cortez, and Adrian Larobis first." Our leader stated proudly.

I stared wide eyed at my teammates. They all looked astonished but touched. We slowly stood up and went up the stage as an applause sounded through the room.

"This team has done so much for this facility. They brought in new lives that needed help every two weeks. They haven't given up in the past four active years. I present them with this award and congratulate them for all the work they've done so far." Our leader beamed brightly. Appreciative whistles and the sound of applause rang.

I happily passed our awards to each one of us and signaled for us to bow.

Suddenly, Mr. Grayus spoke into the microphone again but in a dark and grave voice."I also have one more thing I'd like to announce."

He snapped his fingers and all hell broke loose.