Wyatt stood in front of a full-length mirror, his brow furrowed with indecision. He cast a critical eye over his well-fitted midnight black tuxedo, the fabric smooth against his skin, but doubt still lingered in his expression.
In a flash of crimson, Wyatt went through a carousel of various tuxedos, suits, and combinations. Yet, despite the dizzying array of choices, he found himself returning to the classic elegance of the midnight black tuxedo he had initially chosen.
"I'm really not good at this," he muttered to himself, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice.
With a resigned sigh, he stepped away from his closet and made his way into the gleaming bathroom of his Manhattan apartment. The marble countertops and soft lighting added a touch of sophistication, yet Wyatt felt anything but poised.
He meticulously inspected his brushed hair from every possible angle, striving for that perfect blend of effortless and dapper. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded to his reflection. "Okay, I think I'm Ball ready… I think," he reassured himself, though the hint of anxiety still danced in his eyes.
With his look now decided, Wyatt took a deep breath and stepped out onto his apartment's terrace, where the city sprawled beneath him. He gazed at the bustling streets and the twinkling lights of Manhattan, feeling a mix of exhilaration and anxiety about the evening ahead.
Aware that he had repositioned any nearby cameras to face away from him, he leaped over the railing without hesitation and fell into the open sky. For a brief moment, he surrendered to gravity before a shroud of crimson enveloped him.
Now in his Atomic suit, he began the flight towards Xavier's School for Gifted Individuals.
The day of Charles Xavier's highly anticipated Winter Ball had finally arrived. This formal event, a highlight of the school's social calendar, attracted a number of influential figures who would come together to show their support for the school and the mutant community as a whole.
For Wyatt, attending such a lavish affair was generally far from appealing. He preferred a more casual atmosphere, but when Kitty had asked him to be her date for the night, he found himself with no choice but to procure a suitable tuxedo and carve out time to join the festivities.
The Winter Ball was more than just a gathering; it was a night dedicated to mingling with esteemed guests, raising funds for the school, and fostering new relationships that could benefit both the institution and the overarching cause of mutant rights. Attendees included philanthropists, politicians, and potential wealthy allies of the mutant community, all eager to contribute to the mission of Charles Xavier.
While the event was crucial for Charles and the staff to network and engage with supporters, it also allowed the school's residents to revel in the evening. Students could immerse themselves in the spirit of celebration, whether through dancing to the live band's tunes or savoring the carefully prepared gourmet dishes.
However, many of the younger students had opted out of attending, viewing the affair as dull and overly formal. For them, a night filled with stuffy conversations and fancy attire lacked the appeal they sought in their typical teenage experiences. Conversely, a significant portion of the senior students and the core X-Men team were excited to participate, standing in solidarity with Charles and the cause they all believed in, ready to enjoy the evening while representing their community's future.
But for Wyatt, the Ball held another aspect.
With Kitty's invitation lingering in the air, Wyatt found himself lost in thought, the echo of Scott and Wanda's insightful words bouncing around his mind. Their words had painted a picture of Kitty's deep affections for him.
As days passed, he could feel a mix of excitement and trepidation building within him. Would the night's events show him that his own heart mirrored Kitty's deep feelings?
Before he knew it, Atomic had arrived at the school, where vivid event lights cut through the falling darkness of the evening, creating a dazzling spectacle.
The school's entrance buzzed with activity, as a procession of vehicles, each carrying distinguished guests, streamed into the parking lot. Laughter and conversation mingled in the air, underscoring the palpable excitement as the guests prepared for a memorable night.
After being welcomed, they would embark on a brief tour of the institution's impressive facilities, showcasing the school's academic achievements and vibrant student life. Finally, they would proceed to the back of the building, where the Ball was to be held in the newly constructed addition—a grand structure explicitly designed for events and ceremonies, its tall windows sparkling with reflections of colorful lights.
Outside, an expansive area had been dedicated to festivities, featuring several outdoor stands serving refreshments and dance floors where attendees could enjoy the chill of the December air. Strings of twinkling lights hung above, setting a whimsical ambiance for those who sought an open-air experience beneath the stars.
As Atomic completed his meticulous assessment of the entire event, ensuring he had noted every critical detail and contingency—an instinctual habit of his due to his time spent as a superhero—he shifted the colors of his suit to a deep black, blending seamlessly into the shadows. With purpose, he made his way toward an open skylight on the campus's far west side.
As Atomic drifted gracefully through the skylight, he caught sight of Kurt fidgeting in front of the mirror in his room, adjusting his collar and smoothing down his hair with a worried expression.
In the corner of the room, Evan was already dressed but wore an expression of disinterest as he became absorbed in the glowing screen of his handheld console. At that moment, Atomic appeared, seamlessly transforming his suit back into the sleek midnight black tuxedo. He styled his hair perfectly, giving it a quick brush with his fingers. The flash of light caught Evan's attention, and he stood up to greet his friend.
"Wyatt! What's up!" Evan said as he exchanged a complicated handshake with Wyatt.
"Hey, Evan. Looking sharp," Wyatt joked, earning a disappointed look from Evan.
"Dude, I can't tell you how many times I heard that one tonight," Evan said as he looked Wyatt up and down. "Damn, you look fresh."
"Thanks. Appreciate it," Wyatt smiled in thanks and turned to Kurt, who was still fretting over his appearance. Seemingly not noticing his arrival. "What's up with Kurt?"
"He's just freaking out over the Ball. Don't pay him too much attention. He's been like this for weeks."
"Evan, my dude! Can you check on my hair again? I want to make sure-" Kurt muttered and frantically turned to Evan, only to blink in surprise at Wyatt's presence. "Wyatt! You're here! Wúnderbar! I need help adjusting my tux!"
Wyatt chuckled as Evan sighed in annoyance. "Klar, mein freund," Wyatt said and began to help Kurt iron out all the small details on his appearance. "So, who's the lucky lady, Kurt?"
At his question, Kurt's blue skin became darker as he thought about his date for the night.
"Ladies' man, here is going with Amanda Sefton. A girl he met when we all went out into town one night, and the two just hit it off," Evan grinned teasingly. "Who knew our little elf had game like that?"
"Ugh, shut up, Evan!" Kurt groaned, but the love-struck smile on his face didn't fade. "But yes, I'm going with Amanda! Oh, Wyatt, you have to meet her! She's a beacon of light and happiness!"
"You'll have to introduce me later," Wyatt smiled as the three spent the next ten minutes catching up and chatting over random things.
This continued on until Evan decided to ask Wyatt the question that's been brewing in his and the rest of the X-Men's minds. "So, Wyatt. About you and Kitty… what's going on there?"
Before Wyatt could answer, a knock on their dorm room door interrupted, followed by Rogue stepping inside.
Rogue's hair cascaded gracefully to the middle of her back, creating a stunning contrast with her long, Snow White locks that were elegantly styled in a side sweep, highlighting her delicate features. She wore a dazzling A-line formal dress made from layers of vibrant green and pristine white tulle, the fabric shimmering softly as it caught the light. The dress flared beautifully from her waist, creating a captivating silhouette that perfectly complemented her confident stance. Every detail, from the intricate beading along the bodice to the delicate floral accents woven into the layers of tulle, added to the dress's overall allure.
"Evan, Kurt, how long are you two going to take-" Rogue said in irritation before pausing at the sight of Wyatt. "Whoa. You clean up nice, Big Red." She said with an impressed smile.
"Thanks, Rogue. You look amazing yourself," Wyatt said with a genuine smile. Causing Rogue to blush involuntarily.
"Easy, Lover boy. Save that for your date tonight," Rogue said as she adjusted a strand of hair behind her ear with a gloved hand. "Why was I here? Right. Kurt, Evan. It's time to go. Ororo wants us all downstairs in five minutes."
"Copy that," Evan said lamely, dragging Kurt away from the mirror.
Trailing behind them, Rogue grinned playfully as she walked beside Wyatt in the halls. "So, what's the plan today?"
"The plan?" Wyatt asked. "Well, I was thinking Kitty and I would dance and… talk?"
Rogue stared at him for several seconds. Clearly not impressed. "You gotta do better than that, Wyatt. Kitty's my friend, and I want her to have a good night tonight. You get that?"
"Yeah… I got it," Wyatt replied with a nod, as he and Rogue stepped into the warm glow of the common room. The atmosphere was alive with excitement, filled with the laughter and chatter of senior X-Men members, each decked out in their best attire for the evening's event.
"Don't worry about Kitty. I'm taking this seriously, and I wouldn't dream of doing anything to hurt her. I promise." Wyatt said as he rested a hand on Rogue's bare arm, a gentle gesture that seemed to bridge the gap between them momentarily.
Caught up in the moment's tenderness, Rogue nodded, though her heart raced as Wyatt walked away to greet the others. It wasn't until a moment later that a sudden realization stopped her in her tracks. She froze, her breath catching in her throat as she processed what had just happened.
Wyatt had touched her bare skin without any negative repercussions—no shock, no pain, nothing that had always accompanied any physical contact she'd experienced before.
Her gaze snapped back to him, wide-eyed and filled with disbelief. He was standing there, waiting patiently for Kitty to descend from her room, a vibrant white and blue corsage delicately cradled in his hands, its petals catching the light.
"It can't be," Rogue whispered under her breath, feeling the weight of an unsettling mix of emotions settle heavily in her stomach. The implications of Wyatt's touch sparked a tumult of thoughts and possibilities, each one more daunting than the last. "Wyatt... can touch me?"