Chapter Text
Her phone buzzed with a new notification but the accompanying tone the soldier had set for this contact made Anita narrow her eyes in suspicion. She had just completed a Duos match with Seer and faced off till sudden death against Octane, Wattson and Gibraltar. Surely the Syndicate wouldn’t be expecting her in the next set of games so soon. The soldier checked the message and groaned. Now Anita wished it was another game invitation; instead the message gleefully announced there was a social event that was mandatory for all Legends to attend. She scrolled to the end of the message and yup there it was, a dress code: black tie.
“Just my luck,” Anita muttered as she slouched further into her sofa mulling over suitable excuses or accidents she could orchestrate to get herself out of it. She wasn’t in the mood to see how beautiful Loba looked on Kairi’s arm. Another vibration in her hand diverted the depressing thought as another message came through but from a very different sender:
[Did you see the invite to the party?] - Renee
Anita exhaled in amusement at the message. She didn’t always see eye to eye with the dark Legend but ever since they had become partners she was starting to enjoy their friendship; especially in moments like these. Renee could almost rival Anita’s disdain for forced socialising.
[I was hoping it was another game so I could put a bullet in someone.] Anita replied swiftly.
[You barely made it out of your Arenas match. They probably had to throw the party to give your team a rest from carrying you.] Anita chuckled at the jab, the Skirmisher had jokes,who knew?
[I’m feeling very attacked right now and all I did was win all of my matches. Why can’t you be happy for me?] Anita laughed at her response. It was rare for either of them to be silly but considering the gravity of the situation ahead of them, it was the only way to survive.
[Because you would hate that. Let’s go together.] Anita raised her eyebrows at the text. Yes she would hate Renee being happy for her and it was interesting that the shorter Legend wanted to attend with her.
[Sure but what about Natalie?] As far as she knew, Anita was the only Legend with obvious relationship struggles.
[She’s going with Park. Wear black] Was the short reply.
[Copy that.] Anita finished the exchange and rested her head back to stare up at the ceiling.
So her friend was also dealing with relationship woes. Part of Anita felt guilty that she hadn’t picked up on it earlier but she had been so engrossed in being ignored by Loba that the soldier barely had headspace for much else. Sighing loudly, Anita thought about the amount of research Renee had been doing lately. They still hadn’t made much progress but it was reassuring to have someone by her side as she trudged through old IMC files. Anita focused on the ceiling, willing some kind of breakthrough to suddenly materialise but the only words that appeared was Renee’s final message to wear black.
The soldier scoffed to herself, like there was anything else she would rather wear. Loba had introduced her to more colours but matching with her gothic partner whilst they got drunk in the corner sounded far more appealing. Anita pulled herself off of the sofa and threw open her wardrobe, there was no time to gripe, she had a party to prepare for!
A parade of syndicate cars made their way through Solace transporting each Legend in privacy, style and a complete lack of care for expense or the environment. Anita sat up smartly in the plush leather seats, careful not to crease her outfit just yet. She had gone with an outfit that she had classed as the black tie version of her loungewear. Anita was wearing high waisted black trousers that were tailored to her legs perfectly, a sleeveless high collared white shirt finished with a cropped black dress jacket and sleek ankle boots. In her jacket pocket was a purple handkerchief and her signature dog tags hung from her neck, freshly polished.
The cars slowed as they reached their destination and Anita found herself unusually relaxed. This kind of event wasn’t her scene and the fact she would have to interact with Loba at some point should have made the soldier extra grumpy but her rankings were at an all time high so she wouldn’t have to bother schmoozing. Instead, Anita would be free to bother Renee, an idea that pleased her to no end.
Her door was opened for her and the soldier stepped onto the red carpet. The paperazzi turned their lenses away from Ajay who was free to slip inside the venue and onto Anita who stood tall. She threw a serious look this way and that and finished off the montage with a catchphrase:
“Nothing like cold steel on a hot day!” She kissed her dog tags as an extra flare and the crowd behind the media crew cheered. Anita chuckled as she followed Ajay’s footsteps to the bar.
“Ey look what the cat dragged in!” Ajay greeted, dressed in a short pink dress that puffed out mid thigh with layers of ruffles all coloured as though it had been hit with Ramya’s paintballs.
“Yo chica! You wanna spare me some legs?” Octavio whistled as he took in all 6 ft of Anita. He was sporting a surprisingly classic leather jacket over a bright green shirt and black shorts.
“Just for you to blow them off again? Don’t think so Silva but I like the jacket.” Anita hugged them both. Ajay grabbed a nearby waiter for the entire tray of drinks and canapes he was holding. Anita chuckled at the waiter’s shocked expression as they quickly downed the drinks and the pathetic excuse for food. For all of the fanfare the Syndicate never provided them with real food at these gigs.
“We’ll take another 2 of these, thanks amigo!” Octavio ordered the stunned waiter on his way and the trio took in their surroundings. The hall was brightly lit as it had each of the Legends’ banners highlighted in digital screens around the room, each had a replay button of previous games for guests to enjoy. In the middle there was the smooth surface of a dancefloor and another bar on the far side.
“At least we won’t be short on drinks tonight,” Anita commented as Natalie and Tae Joon entered next. Tae Joon was wearing his maroon coloured suit with a black shirt and shoes. His black hair was immaculately styled as always. Natalie was wearing a long maroon dress with black flowers printed diagonally from one bare shoulder to her hip. Their colour scheme made Anita down the next glass that Octavio supplied her with. Renee was not going to be happy.
“Oh ho! The Sarge is going hard tonight!” Octavio cheered as he replaced Anita’s drink yet again as another couple followed suit to the sounds of very loud screams: Loba and Kairi. Anita sighed at the sight of Loba in a flowing turquoise dress that spilled from her body. The dangerously low neckline and exposed back had Anita searching for another drink.
“I’m glad the Syndicate made sure we had rides home tonight. A don’t feel like carrying yuh in these shoes.” Ajay nudged Anita playfully as she tried to disrupt the obvious longing on the soldier’s face.
“Pfft if they didn’t want me to drink they wouldn’t bring drinks! Plus I’m trying to get a headstart on Renee.” Anita chuckled as she popped another canape in her mouth. Trust the Skirmisher to be last in. However Anita did note with a hint of smugness that Kairi wasn’t completely matching with Loba, having gone with her signature red for her suit.
“Renee eh? Now I’m extra glad we all have rides home.” Ajay quipped, “I heard her and Nat weren’t doing so well.”
“Yeah little Watty can’t decide between a stick in the mud with a dick or the one with a- ow chica!” Octavia complained, jumping to one side as though Ajay had actually punched him rather than jab him with her other elbow.
“Yuh be nice now Silva.” Ajay admonished the green haired Legend. Anita furrowed her brow, damn if Octavio had an incling of Renee’s relationship troubles, the soldier had been extra oblivious. The room was almost filled with guests when Renee finally sauntered through the entrance wearing a shimmering black jumpsuit. The smooth white skin of her arms and chest glowed as the black of the jumpsuit was draped from her shoulders to meet at her solar plexus then wound around her waist then flowed softly down her legs until it tapered at the height of laced heels. Renee’s hair was up in her usual bun but she had left some hair free to frame her face. To finish her look was hints of purple makeup on her eyes and lips.
“Damn Blasey.” Anita walked up to the final Legend and extended her arm.
“How much have you had to drink already?” Renee questioned but slid her arm with Anita’s all the same, “Why are you wearing purple?”
“I’ve had a few because someone took their time and purple to match you.” Anita replied simply, leading them back through the guests towards the bar. Ignoring the looks from Wattson and Loba as they passed.
“I only said black.” Renee said again before tipping her head back with her first drink of the night.
“I do notice some things.” Anita said as she grabbed some canapes for her partner.
“Thanks,” Renee replied whilst taking the food, “You clean up nice. Wasn’t sure if you owned anything else other than a tank top.”
“I consider this to be a fancy tank top,” Anita laughed as she pulled back her jacket to reveal that her shirt was also sleeveless. The alcohol was working quicker than expected but Anita wasn’t concerned. Like Ajay said they had a way home tonight.
“You’re ridiculous,” Renee rolled her eyes but the smile lingered on her lips as more liquid slipped past them. Music started playing around them and they groaned. It was the classy, sophisticated nonsense the Syndicate liked to play to encourage Legends to network and gather more sponsorships which ultimately meant more money being invested into the games.
“What’s ridiculous is that you asked to come to this thing with me instead of Natalie. What’s going on?” Anita pressed as she watched Mirage and Fuse start off their sales pitches. The soldier could see Kairi leaning in to whisper something to the thief, she laughed, and Anita drank some more.
“She doesn’t know what path she wants to be on, that's all.” Renee offered with a sigh, another canape disappeared from the plate.
“Sounds shit,” Anita sympathised as she looked down at Renee.
“You would know.” Renee accepted as she moved her chin in the direction of Loba and Kairi who had moved towards a group of sponsors. Anita clinked her glass with Renee.
“I know my shit. I’m glad you finally realise that.” The Skirmisher laughed and for a moment looked relaxed before her signature scowl returned.
“What now?” Anita challenged and leant over the bar to wave for more drinks.
“I really should be doing that,” Renee gestured to the chatting Legends and their potential partners. The dark haired Legend lingered on Natalie who was socialising with ease. The French woman’s amicable nature made her easy to talk to and sponsors loved that. Natalie was never short on sponsors either but regardless she still chatted and sponsors really loved that.
“Are your ratings that bad?” Anita handed Renee a tall glass of something she didn’t recognise but she accepted it all the same.
“I thought you noticed things,” Renee mocked as she sipped her drink.
“You wound me,” Anita pretended to hold her chest in pain, laughing as Renee’s scowl deepened.
“What’s the quickest way to get sponsors and get you out of this bad mood? We can drink and be grumpy any other night when I’m wearing a tank top.” Renee chuckled, Anita really did live in tank tops.
“I’d probably have to do something showy, something unexpected. Don’t suppose I can portal the party to the middle of a prowler den?” Renee offered towards her tall partner who was taking a moment too long to consider her joke.
“No.” Anita began as she mulled over an idea in her mouth or was she trying to dislodge food from her teeth, Renee wasn’t sure, “You need to dance.” Renee coughed as she choked on her drink.
“You are out of your mind. I’m cutting you off.” Renee stated in disbelief and turned to the bar.
“Don’t you dare Blasey. It’s the only thing keeping me from losing my mind over Miss have you ever tried looking up?” Anita quoted angrily as she grabbed Renee’s hand and pulled the Skirmisher back to face her.
“I can’t dance.” Renee glared at Anita, whom she had to give credit for not starting anything with Kairi so far. Before the Skirmisher had arrived she was deciding whether or not she should say something to Tae Joon.
“Everyone can dance!” Anita pressed again, her body was tingling pleasantly from the alcohol and from the desire to help her friend. Renee had been trying hard to help her with Jackson for a while so if a little encouragement was all she needed to fix her ratings, Anita could do that!
“Everyone can dance,” Renee repeated slowly looking at their entwined hands, another sign alcohol was influencing Anita. The only time they exchanged physical touch was when they were sparring.
“That’s what I’m saying Blasey. You got this.” Anita said, nodding too enthusiastically.
“No. We got this.” Renee grinned, squeezing Anita’s hand. How long had they been holding hands for?
“I can ask Natalie for you?” Anita asked as her nodding took on a slight edge of concern. Renee laughed.
“Oh no. If I’m going to dance, it’s with you.” Anita’s stomach twisted and she made eyes with the bartender.
“I can’t dance.” Anita whispered weakly. Two more drinks slide across the bar to them, ice cubes clinking against the glasses.
“Everyone can dance.” Renee repeated the soldier’s words back to her and held on to her hand as Anita tried to pull away.
“Ah you know what Renee? My back is super sore. I would just hold you back!” Anita pleaded. The rather inebriated pair continued to debate completely unaware they were being watched from across the room.
“Anita and Renee look rather friendly, no?” Natalie commented unhappily in between Tae Joon and Loba, her drink forgotten behind her.
“I didn’t even know they were talking to each other,” Loba added, her eyes narrowing as jealousy flared inside of her.
“Yeah, let alone holding hands!” Kairi added unhelpfully.
Ajay and Octavio were just off to the side of the couples hiding their laughter.
“Chica!” Octavio giggled, “They’re going to do something stupid ! I can feel it!” The speedster ran on the spot in excitement. He was always the first to call these events boring and usually bringing the stupid was his trick but the prospect of it being Anita and Renee, the two most serious Legends, doing it instead was insane!
“Get ready Silva.” Ajay laughed with him, “This is going to be a night tuh rememba!”
“I didn’t know you were such a coward Anita,” Renee was clutching at straws and not the ones in their drinks, the drunk soldier had left her no choice than to challenge her ego.
“You take that back!” Anita gasped in horror, “I just came here for a good time and I feel so attacked right now.” The soldier lamented as she slumped against the bar.
“Anita Williams, listen to me.” Renee barked, the soldier righted herself at the use of her full name. “We dance. Here and now.” Anita opened her mouth to protest but Renee tugged on her hand to refocus her, “We dance, we make Loba and Natalie jealous and increase our ratings. It’s the perfect plan.”
“Shit, it is perfect.” Anita conceded, why was she blessed with such intellect? “Alright Blasey. Let’s do this!” Renee released their hands so the pair could have one final drink. Anita looked across the way until she met eyes with the only Legend she could trust for this next part.
“Chica!” Octavio jumped up and down as Anita made eyes with Ajay, “It’s happening!”
“Now you can neva call me a stick in the mud ya hear?” Ajay chastised as she walked past the four suspicious Legends to the DJ booth. Ajay shooed the DJ away from the decks and took hold of the mic.
“Esteemed guests, Legends and our dear sponsors. Please can you welcome to the floor Wraith and Bangalore who would like to entertain us all tonight with a very special performance!” The room burst into cheers and applause from everyone except Loba and Natalie.
Anita and Renee walked to the centre of the room and faced each other, heartbeats thundering in their ears.
“Don’t drop me.” Renee said as music slowly began around them and a spotlight was fired on them.
“No promises Blasey.” Anita grinned as they came together in an elegant waltz. Renee was short, even with her heels making her less short she still only reached Anita’s midriff. However, it only added to the drama as it meant the soldier had to hold the ex scientist closer. Their left hands were entwined once more as Renee placed her trust on Anita’s bicep and allowed the soldier to support her lower back. They moved in time with Anita leading, Ajay was doing a good job with the music so far of allowing them to relax under the crowd’s gaze.
Anita guided them around the room with either liquid courage or the practice of someone who had attended a number of formal events in say a military career? Renee laughed as her friend pushed her back only to spin her back into their hold and move again.
“You have done this before,” Renee whispered as Anita held them close to match the change of the music. It was picking up now.
“So have you.” Anita smiled charmingly, “Can’t be IMC without knowing how to dance.” Loba took a long sip of her drink and ordered another. Anita’s outfit was wonderful in this light.
“But I don’t remember,” Renee wanted to close off at the thought but Anita lifted her high into the air. The roar of the crowd and her sudden weightlessness had the Skirmisher laughing, a sound that pulled on Natalie’s heart.
“Your body does.Trust it and me.” Anita reaffirmed and Renee wondered how Loba could have chosen to be away from the soldier. Anita pushed them apart and shrugged off her jacket and the crowd screamed again. The soldier picked out Silva from the audience and threw her jacket towards him and he was only too happy to dart out and catch it.
“I need you to be angry and try kicking out when I move you,” Anita instructed, standing full height, arms free to display her strength. The music turned moody and with a tinge of electric passion of the tango? Something in Renee responded and she matched her partner’s energy as they circled. Following the beat, the Legends met again but this time they held each other’s gaze as their hips darted to the left, right, kicking legs threaded between them.
“Okay so I’m not the only one picking up more than friend vibes right? Or does the Sergeant do this with everyone?” Kairi hissed but Loba slapped her on the shoulder. Would Anita have danced with her like that if given the chance? The thief was left wondering.
Anita placed a hand gently on Renee’s cheek and guided her into a spin but this time pulled her backwards so they were looking out to the audience together. Renee felt Anita’s hands move to her hips but she didn’t need help with this step. Renee leant back into the soldier, arms cradling her neck and rotated her hips in time with Anita’s to the building music.
“Kick your left leg up,” Anita instructed and Renee let go of her neck and kicked up. Anita caught Renee’s left thigh in one hand and hooked her right hand under the Skirmisher’s right breast and spun them in another lift. The crowd didn’t cheer this time, all of them were holding their breath at the beauty of the Legends in front of them and because the music was peaking. Natalie couldn’t do much to hide the astonishment from her face as Renee dismounted from Anita’s hold smoothly.
They were back where they had started, facing each other but now they were panting heavily. Anita was focused on Renee, just one more move and they would be done. Her arms were tiring but she knew they could do it. The soldier just needed Blasey to believe!
“You got this Blasey.” Anita breathed to the room, one hand extended towards her partner. Renee stared back at the soldier, her stupid, ridiculous friend who exceeded her expectations of their dance.
“No.” The audience gasped, “We got this.” They cheered as Renee rushed forward and jumped one last time. Anita grinned as she bent her knees and lifted Renee from her hips upwards and held. The Skirmisher spread herself out like a star and the room exploded with excitement. Anita held on for one more beat before bringing Renee back down to Solace.
“Was that a performance or what Solace?” Ajay shouted over the mic, “If yuh ain’t sponsoring Bangalore and Wraith what are yuh doing! Also we’ll be taking sign ups for Bangalore’s dance classes real soon follow the feed for updates!” Ajay finished her advertising and relinquished control to the DJ who changed the music to get the rest of the guests on the dancefloor.
Anita laughed as she fist bumped Renee, “Think we pulled it off?” Renee scanned the audience and caught a pair of jealous looking Legends and a horde of sponsors heading their way.
“Definitely. But let’s grab a table to sign all of our new sponsorships.” Renee said one hand on Anita’s shoulder to lead her off of the dancefloor. However the soldier stumbled and fell to the floor. The music cut and the audience gasped once more.
“What? Is the room not spinning for anyone else?” Anita looked up at Renee through bleary eyes.
“No! How long has it been spinning for Anita?” Renee shouted, fear spiking in her soul.
“Uhh before we danced?” The soldier admitted sheepishly.
“Anita! I can’t believe I trusted you!” Renee huffed as she pulled her friend onto a chair and sat opposite the laughing Sargeant. The music restarted and the party resumed around the Legends, however the sponsors seemed more inclined to talk to Wraith now.
“Yeah me neither Blasey. That’s on you.” Anita smiled as Renee rolled her eyes and muttered something about her being an asshole.
“Or I just made sure you got more sponsors than I did tonight. But who knows?” Anita smirked as she stood up from the table and left for the bar without a single wobble.