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Ike adjusted the collar of his formal attire, feeling distinctly uncomfortable in the stiff fabric of the suit. Ike was usually found wearing his thick shirts with even thicker armor, and if not dressed for battle, he would be dressed in clothes not unlike what one would expect from a mercenary. Samus stood beside him, tall and composed, wearing a long, dark blue, skin-tight ball gown. They were both dressed perfectly for the occasion, but Ike (and most likely Samus as well) couldn't help but feel out of place amidst the sea of elegantly dressed guests. They were attending a fancy gala hosted by the Hyrule family, so best behavior was expected.
As they entered the grand ballroom, the air was filled with the sound of lively chatter and soft music. Ike glanced around, unsure of how to navigate the intricate social dynamics of the event. He was never the type to like all the "fancy, high-class stuff," as he liked to call it. Samus, while also preferring less stiff and formal events, was more poised despite her elaborate surroundings.
"Okay, Ike, just like Zelda said," Samus whispered, her voice barely audible over the din of the crowd, "remember... Just smile and nod."
Ike nodded, knowing full well his straightforward nature would prove to be a hindrance in the world of polite conversation. "So, uh, what do you do?" He asked a distinguished-looking gentleman, oblivious to the fact that he was addressing the President of the Hyrule Royal Council. Samus turned around, facepalming.
The man blinked in surprise, taken aback by Ike's directness. "I, uh, oversee legislative affairs for the entire kingdom," he replied, struggling to maintain his composure.
"Wow, that sounds important," Ike remarked, scratching his head.
A group of socialites approached the two, eager to know more about Samus' mysterious background. "So, Samus, darling, tell us about your travels across the cosmos," one of them said, sipping her champagne delicately.
"'Darling...'" Samus whispered to Ike. "Who does she think she is?" Her eyebrows furrowed.
"Don't freak out," Ike elbowed her.
Samus shifted uncomfortably, unused to discussing her adventures in such a public setting. "I, uh, have been known to... explore various planetary systems," she replied evasively, hoping to steer the conversation away from her more dangerous exploits. But her attempts at deflection only seemed to pique the interest of the other guests, who bombarded her with questions about her encounters with space pirates and alien creatures.
Ike, standing around her, suddenly became very impatient with the group. Hoping to leave, he decided to offer her a dance.
"Huh?" Samus raised her eyebrows, looking at Ike. "A dance?"
"If you would give me the pleasure, that is..." Ike smiled, reaching his hand out to her. His demeanor had seemed to change, utterly confusing her. The other socialites smiled, realizing the moment between them, and watched them off as Ike held Samus' hand, guiding her into the crowd, with the gentle smile never leaving his face.
Suddenly Ike's shoulder dropped and he let out a big sigh. "Ugh... finally. They were so annoying."
Samus sighed in relief, realizing Ike hadn't just snapped and changed, but was still the same old, blunt-and-impatient Ike. She quickly realized Ike's plan.
"I was just trying to get us out of there," Ike admitted, although knowing Samus already knew.
He then looked up, and eye contacted with Samus, almost as if he just had an epiphany of how beautiful Samus really was today. The way her hair was done, untied and long, golden and bright. The way it draped over her shoulder, accentuating its shape. The way her orange tinted lips seemed to match her eye shadow. The way her blue eyes complemented her dress that fit her figure like a glove. The way her hand gently tucked her hair over her ear as she looked at him.
"Although... would you like a dance?"