Soft clouds passed over London, the bright moon illuminating the streets below. A warm orange glow emanated from a lavish apartment, the sounds of laughter and music echoing from its windows.
Crystal glasses clinked as the rich lavished in their wealth, shimmering dresses and slick suits occupying the floor of the hall. The finest decorations lay about the room, towering ferns and glorious stone statues reflected onto the polished marble floor, adorned with soft rugs. At its centre, a woman dressed in gold stood, surrounded by numerous admirers and companions.
"Adelaide darling, this party is the best one yet! A shame it has to end soon." A woman in red said, sipping from her martini glass.
Adelaide smiled, lifting her own glass, now empty, as her golden dress shimmered with the movement.
"I could not have done it without you Cerise, you have been a wonderful companion this evening" she replied, throwing a small wink towards the woman who giggled loudly.
A small cough sounded from behind her and she turned to see Charleston, her butler and long time friend, with a tray of filled glasses balanced on his metal palm.
"Another drink Miss Fauste?" he asked, the blue lights from his head glowing brightly. Adelaide nodded, exchanging her glass for one on the tray.
"Thank you Charleston, I don't know what I'd do without you." she replied, throwing a heartfelt smile to the Omnic.
"Most likely you would have spent all your money on fine art and wine." he commented smoothly, moving across the room to refill another gentleman's drink. Adelaide shrugged, turning back to her surrounding friends.
"What can I say? He knows me so well!" she joked, earning more chuckles. One man however, looked perplexed.
"But Miss Fauste, how can you let it speak to you like that?" he asked. Adelaide took a small sip of her drink, eyes focused on him with an emotionless gaze.
"He has been my friend for most of my life, thank you Mr Luxton." she clipped, her fingers tightening on her glass.
"Things are difficult enough with the Omnic Crisis in Russia, what if it erupts globally again? What side will your servant be on?" Mr Luxton pressed. The party quietened, gazes locked between its host and her opponent. Charleston wisely chose to move back into the kitchens.
Adelaide sighed, brushing a lock of ginger hair from her shoulder. "Sebastian I can assure you there is nothing to worry about. Things will settle down again and before you know it you'll be back in Greece sipping a cocktail and wondering what all the fuss was about." She gave the man a tentative smile. "Besides, I'm sure the best and brightest are working on the problems in Russia."
"People like Overwatch?" Sebastian commented, a deep frown set on his face. A wave of murmurs surrounded the room. It was at this point that Adelaide realised the mood was irrecoverable.
She put her glass down on a lavishly decorated table. "Overwatch was disbanded over five years ago, everyone knows that." she replied, daring the man to continue.
"But what if-mmppph!" Sebastian cried out as a gloved hand was thrown over his face.
"I do apologise for Mr Luxton's behaviour Miss Fauste!" an elderly gentleman called out, stilling the struggling man in his arms. "It was improper to speak of such things at a party."
Adelaide chuckled. "On the contrary Mr Hawkins, no need to apologise. I believe Mr Luxton has had a few too many wines, and we all know how drink can make a man's mouth run." She winked, and a few hesitant chuckles murmured throughout the room.
With a flurry of gold, Adelaide moved across the room to the marble stairs, embossed in gold. "Now then everyone, I must thank you for coming this evening! I hope you will all think to attend my garden party next month, it would be wonderful to have you all there!" she called, and her guests raised their drinks in thanks.
The party slowed, guests leaving one after the other. Adelaide hid a smile as she watched a sheepish Sebastian walk through the door, his head down whilst mumbling several apologies. As the last guest left, she shut her front door, pressing her head against it with a long sigh.
"I believe the correct expression is 'It could have gone better'" Charleston commented behind her.
She turned, seeing the robot holding an empty metal tray under his arm.
"Yes." she agreed, making for the stairs. "Remind me to cancel Mr Luxton's invitation to next month's party. I swear if that man runs his mouth again…" she rubbed a hand against her forehead before turning back to her butler.
"Wait. You'd already put away the drinks in the kitchen." she stated.
"That is correct madam" Charleston replied.
"So what were you holding that tray for?"
The robot paused.
"Charleston…" Adelaide warned, a pained expression on her face.
"In fairness madam, I would only have hit Mr Luxton with the tray if he decided to lash out at you."
She gaped. Charleston stared back. Sometimes Adelaide wished Omnics had expressions, she was sure Charleston would be fighting back a smile if he could.
"Well don't use that tray!" she said, grinning. "That's part of a set! Besides, I believe Sebastian has at least several brain cells left to know not to do anything of the sort to me in my own home."
Charleston made an unconvincing noise, shrugging slightly.
"I wasn't entirely certain of that fact." he replied. Adelaide chuckled, before letting out a tired sigh.
"Well at least he'll be embarrassed enough for the next several months. I daresay Cerise will make a point of talking about this at her banquet next week." she commented, moving up the stairs towards her quarters. Charleston followed quietly, opening her bedroom door for her and turning on the light.
"Do you miss it madam?" he asked, moving to draw the heavy, white patterned curtains across the rail.
"Miss what?" Adelaide replied, as she sat at her dresser and removed her jewellry.
"Overwatch, madam."
Her hands stilled on a lavish earring, her mouth setting into a thin line.
"No Charleston." she answered, hesitant determination seeping into her words. "I don't miss it at all."
Charleston inclined his head, moving for the door.
"Very well madam. I bid you goodnight."
She nodded at the Omnic through the mirror, watching as he closed the door. Alone in her room, she sighed and made ready for bed. When finished, she moved to her curtains, parting them to stare up at the moon. Her mouth dropped, brows creasing as she tightened her hold on the expensive fabric.
"No." she whispered. "I don't miss it at all."