Synthetic

#2

What she was really interested in, was a tall flaxen haired man sitting at the bar in a corner of the ravishing suite. With a sharp blue suit, neon red rimmed tinted shades, and the bearing of a prince, he sat there talking to a Dryad. Corsov and Staulker.

Their faces were turned away from each other, but their lips told Zarya that they were having a conversation. They had been at it for the past half hour, and she couldn’t tell whether the talk was going well or not. Taking a sip of her drink she eyed the reflection for a moment more before looking down at the glass in her hand. She wasn’t there to be nosy, only do her job should things go poorly.

A trading agreement with House Azramon would be beneficial for House Gryta, and that was all she was there for. Movement behind her made her glance at the reflection once more, a figure looming into view as she shifted, cocking a hip to rest her elbow on.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you at a party… About three months to be exact.”

She didn’t deign to turn, instead swirling the hot pink liquid in her glass around as she stated, “I don’t do parties often, though how you noticed me after three months is a surprise.”

“I can always remember a pretty girl, especially one who stands apart from the crowd and doesn’t dance.”

A breath of air wafted by Zarya, and glancing to her right she found a young Dryad there, his pointed ears adorned with gold rings and studs, his angular face illuminated by the lights to show off his chiseled jawline. In an oversized jacket that had its collar lit up by a line of bright green lights, and dreadlocks that were orange and green, he looked right at home. His brown skin practically glowed as he turned to face her, a half smile on his face as he spoke once more. “My name’s Jaes.”

Zarya eyed the window, a wave of annoyance sweeping through her. Why everyone had to make introductions, had to somehow get to know the other people at the party, was beyond her. Couldn’t they simply tell that if someone stood alone they did not want to be bothered? And why was it a custom to give a name in return for one?

“Zarya.” She replied shortly, willing Jaes to leave.

“Pretty name for a pretty girl I see.” He offered, leaning forward till she was forced to turn her head and look at him.

His golden eyes were bright with interest, and the smile seemed genuine as he held out a hand. Forcing herself to not grit her teeth she placed her right hand in his, watching as he swiftly brought it to his lips for a heartbeat and then lowered it graciously. As he straightened, she couldn’t help but feel as if this interaction might last longer than she cared for. Dimly aware of the change in music, she took one last glance at the reflection in the glass, noting how Corsov was still in deep conversation with Staulker.

Turning to her new companion she asked, “So, Jaes, what made you decide to come and introduce yourself this time?”

He gave her a lopsided smile, eyes on her face as he offered, “Well, I figured I wouldn’t get a third chance, so I better make good of the second one.”

She nodded, taking a sip of her drink, her lower jaw whirring as she did so. She had gone without the silicone ‘skin’ tonight, so her mechanical parts, wherever they were, were out in the open air. There were plenty of people who would stay away from her simply because she was a cyborg, but tonight that didn’t seem to be affecting her image to Jaes.

“The city does look beautiful tonight doesn’t it?” He asked, turning to look out the window.

She kept her eyes on him, tilting her head as she considered the question. On the one hand, she felt as if Jaes was genuine with the question, but on the other, she felt him awkwardly stalling.