THE MOMENT
"Restraint," The violet haired woman nodded politely at the muscular man in a black suit with a white tie as she sat across from him.
"Victoria," Restraint returned the nod, then adjusted his glasses. They did not exchange smiles, nor did either of them plan to fill their 90 seconds with chit chat. Each of them immediately pulled their nodes out to kill time.
They didn't particularly dislike each other; but, they were aware enough to know they didn't have much in common. They worked for different departments of the same corporation in the past. As they ignored each other, the host of the evening made a quick announcement.
"Just a reminder for you single guys and gals, no phones please," he said with his eyes on the table where Restraint and Victoria sat. "We're here to get to know each other." Victoria chuckled as she put her node away.
"You should really know better," Victoria said. Restraint nodded and shrugged.
"Yeah, he's gonna have some words for me later I guess. But, he can't run these without me; he won't be too harsh. So," he sighed at being forced into conversation. "How's the school?" Just because they had to talk didn't mean they had to explore dating. Victoria appreciated the topic.
"It's doing better than I thought. I'm still surprised so many kids show up every day even when they don't have to. Turns out some people like learning stuff," she giggled. Restraint nodded.
"That's good," he said.
"This is what you chose instead of working at Toku-high?" Victoria asked as she gestured at the couples seated around them. Restraint shrugged.
"Shutting down Super powers is one thing; but, Unique abilities are different. I doubt I'd be as useful as Mrs. Sharp hoped."
"You're still a Calavera, just having another one on campus helps the rest," she said.
"Huh," Restraint tilted his head. "You know, I've been working with Supers for so long, I kind of forgot about that; thank you for reminding me," he smiled at Victoria.
"Wait.. really? You forgot?" Victoria giggled. Restraint nodded.
"I didn't learn I was a Unique until I met Ms. Sharp. Before that, I just assumed I was a Super. It's kind of my default mindset." Victoria shook her head, but she smiled.
"Does that mean you're reconsidering?" she asked.
"Yeah, I think so," Restraint nodded. "The spa's been franchised out and doesn't need me. And, I'm getting kind of tired of this job. I'm not even looking to date, but I'm forced to mingle."
"Good," Victoria nodded. "I know Ms. Sharp will be glad to see you on campus," she said.
"Ms.? You mean, Melody. Mrs.," Restraint corrected her. Victoria winked at him, then repeated herself as a buzzer signaled the end of the dating round.
"Ms. Sharp will be glad to see you on campus."