Matchmaker

1) Black Panther

(Alex: Above)

      I felt like I could pull my hair out of my head, a twisting knot of concern, worry and stress situated in my gut. It was almost time.
Carefully, I pulled on my dress, the cool fabric raising the hairs on my skin. The silk glided up my body and I held the dress in place as my partner started lacing up the back. "I can't believe I can't go to the party," she said, her attention still focused on my back. I sucked in a breath and let it out so she had more room to work as I exhaled. "Probably for the best." I said with a slight smile, I used the fake smile so often it became a habit. "Turn around," she said, guiding my shoulders to square up with her. "You look amazing," she smiled and rested her hands on her hips. Without warning, she leaned in and squeezed me into a hug. My body froze and I reacted by stiffly patting her arm as my movement was restricted.
"Bye," I finally said, pushing her away softly and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Just remember the plan." She nodded, "How could I forget?" Alex said, backing away with her shoes clipping against the marble and her body moving gracefully in the all leather suit.
"Ten o-clock."

The doors swung open. They were three times taller than I, heavy and grand like a royal itself. My heels clicked against the cold floor, drawing eyes to my figure accentuated by the gold dress I wore. Again, I put on the fake smile I was so familiar with. Some women smiled back, and some judged with cat like eyes. Men's eyes traveled along my body as I perfected my gate, owning the room that I walked into. The ceiling tall and ever rising, pillars with strands of gold snaking through marble, and black icy smooth floor under me. My eyes gracefully scanned the room, I made myself as casual as possible. I took in the surrounding scene, people dressed up with champagne in they're hands, talking with a fake poised look. All of them careful not to make even the slightest wrong move. They turned their heads as I glided past, with effort I pushed all the confidence I had to the surface, holding my head high.
Soon enough my eyes found their way to a clock on the wall, time to crash this party.
9:45. I looked for the four corners of the room, just as Alex said. Four doors, all leading the balconies which hung over the party. Then from the overhangs view, I traced a line to the center of the room.
The key. She had it on her at all times, never removing it and trusted no one else with it. The only mission in my brain, get close enough in fifteen minutes. I glanced down at my bracelet and hit the switch. Fifteen minutes.
I mingled my way into the center outside circle, smiling and swaying gracefully. I've learned to use my charm as a weapon. I got more judging looks, and some changed to interest then respect. This society valued looks way too much. Soon, I had her in view. The "queen" as people call her. Next, I was flirting my way closer, guys swarmed around her and hung on her arms. She laughed gracefully and perfectly, her blonde locks tied on top of her head. Her teeth as white as snow, and eyes as blue as the sky. I licked my teeth and smiled, glueing the fake happiness to my face. I locked eyes with her for a split second, her confidence didn't waver. Although I know I'm in her brain, she noticed me. I try to act casual, weaving my way into conversations and making fast friends. It was like taking over a kingdom, once your on the inside you work your way up to the very top. Then take it over once you have the right amount of trust. My eyes darted to the clock as I remembered the time.
9:55. Five minutes. My stomach flipped, but my stance remained unwavering. Soon enough, I stalked towards her until I was in the small circle of her friends. One of the guys took an interest in me and pulled me in as I hung in his arm. His intoxicating smell of cologne filled my nose. I pretended not to notice.
10:00. Close enough. The sound of Ringing filled the room at the mark of an hour. No one flinched. I waited for my move, then the plan swung into action.
First the lights. It took a second for panic to spread throughout the room. I noticed the slight surprise in her face, the way she exposed herself for only a second. Her composure regained quickly.
Next, gun shots. The distraction worked as she looked around the room for the source. Swiftly, I swung my body into motion, rounding by her side. In the dark she couldn't tell who I was. I knew where it is, and I'm not letting it go again. I carefully slip my hand up the fold of her dress on her waist and pull out the thin slip of metal. For only a moment her eyes lock with mine, I let go of the fake smile and let my feral instincts guide my expressions. I felt the fire swimming in my eyes and she backed away as I strode past her.
I tucked the chip into my dress, down into a compartment in my suit underneath. A wild smile played on my lips, fire started erupting from the walls, and screams echoed through the building. Alex didn't lie, a black panther, my favorite motorcycle waited at the bottom of the steps. I swiftly walked out, the cold air rushing against my skin and fueling the adrenaline rush I already had. I flew down the steps, my gold dress unraveling behind me as I pulled the back draw string. I revealed my sleek leather suit underneath and took a relieving breath as my face burned with revenge. At the bottom of the stairs I swung one leather covered leg over the motorcycle, throwing my weight for the quickest getaway. The engine roared to life as flames billowed from the building and people flooded out. With one last glance behind me I pushed with a leg and sped through the rows of expensive cars lined up. Another motorcycle joined me by my side and Alex flipped up the shade on her helmet, "Safety?" She mouthed, pointing to my head. I smiled and shook my head, waving away her worries. This wasn't our first time. Screams were drowned out by our bikes racing down the road, kicking up dust. We turned onto the highway, perfectly synchronized with each other. Our motorcycles weaved through the cars and I felt the wind against my face, whipping through my short hair, and cooling my skin from the terribly hot dress. I hate sparkles anyway.