Chapter Four – The Dance

The next day, Alex laid on her bed recovering from the wound she received from Kano. As she suspected, the wound did need stitches, though not as many as she initially thought. Special Forces had given her a few days off from duty so that she could recover.

Sonya came into the room that morning. "Hey, how are you?" she greeted.

Alex looked at her shoulder. "I'm all right now." The she started to feel a bit of shame as she looked up at her friend. "Sonya, I'm really sorry… I had Kano in my sights and-"

"Don't worry about it," Sonya assured her right away. "Kano got away from me plenty of times in the past. I know it's frustrating, but… don't let it get you down."

Alex nodded.

Sonya sat down in the chair at Alex's desk. "Good thing Kenshi found you when he did. Slowly bleeding to death is definitely not a good way to go.

"Yeah…" Alex replied under her breath.

Sonya tilted her head at that. "Speaking of Kenshi…" Sonya noticed how Alex turned her head to her at mention of his name. The blond-haired woman managed to hold back the sly grin that attempt to develop on her face. She continued. "I've noticed you two have been spending a little time together."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "So? I spend time with you, Jax, and Cyrax all the time. That doesn't really mean anything."

Sonya shrugged. "Okay, you got me there… but what I mean is… Kenshi isn't exactly the most social person in the world. He even declined going to the bar with Jax and a couple of buddies a few days ago. Today, Cyrax told me you two went out for dinner prior to the robbery."

Alex eyed her. "It's like I've told Cyrax… I just want to get to know him."

Sonya nodded. "Sure, I get that. By the way, I thought it was sweet how his used his blindfold to cover the wound on your shoulder."

Alex let out an exasperated sigh. "It was all he had on him to stop the bleeding. I don't know what you're implying, Sonya, but I highly doubt he'd be interested in me like that if that's what you're thinking."

Sonya chuckled, realizing that she was starting to get a rise out of the younger woman. "Okay, okay. Hey, I wanted to mention… the annual Special Forces Ball is planned for next week if you want to go."

"Sounds like fun," Alex said. "You said its next week? I'm sure I'll fully recover by then, though I'm sure I'll have a new scar to show off. What should I wear."

"A gown of sorts," Sonya replied. "The ball is a very formal occasion."

Alex snorted. "I haven't worn a gown since my high school prom. I actually hate them."

"Me too," Sonya agreed. "But it's hard to find a really nice formal wear that comes with pants. Here's a deal… I'll wear a dress if you wear one."

Alex chuckled. "Okay, deal."

Later that afternoon, Kenshi and Jax were playing a game of pool in the Special Forces lodge. Jax hit the white ball, which rolled to the other side of the pool table. It hit a striped blue ball, but it only rolled a few of times before stopping.

"A ball?" Kenshi asked after Jax told him about the yearly Special Forces Ball.

"Yeah," Jax replied. "Unfortunately, it's one of those fancy things where women dress in evening gowns and men wear tuxedos. I can't even fit into the sleeves of the tuxedos because of my arms."

"Um," Kenshi said. "Have you considered taking them off just for the one occasion?"

"Never!" Jax yelled out in defiance. "I have strength because of these! I would never take them off!"

Even blind, it was a though Kenshi was staring right at him. "Whatever you say."

Kenshi aimed the white ball with his pool stick. Then, he hit the ball. Perfectly, the ball rolled towards a solid green ball, hits it, and rolled into a hole in one of the corner holes.

"Any ways," said Jax. "Do you have a tuxedo to wear?"

Kenshi snorted. "With the life I've lived, do you really think I've ever considered getting one?"

Jax chuckled. "Good point. I hate shopping, but I guess we might as well shop for a few new clothes for you and rent you a tuxedo. It's better than going with Sonya, trust me."

Kenshi shrugged. "She seems detail oriented in her work. I imagine she's the same way when it comes to shopping."

Jax laughed. "You have no idea." The Major suddenly grinned. "Heh, but on the bright said, you'll got you the chance to impress Alex."

Kenshi raised an eyebrow from underneath his blindfold. "What do you mean?"

Jax hit the white ball, which rolled around and didn't even hit anything. "Come on, Kenshi. You're around each other every chance the two of you get."

Kenshi swallowed. "Well, she's been nice since we met, but I'm not sure about any more than that."

"You're kidding right?" Jax asked but then he shrugged. "Guess you haven't realized it yet."

"Why haven't I realized?" Kenshi asked aiming the ball.

Jax sighed. "You'll figure it out."

Then, Kenshi hit the ball. The ball hit the remaining solid balls and they all go into the holes. Then, the white ball hit the eight ball and fell into a corner hole.

"You suck!" Jax cried out realizing that Kenshi won the pool game.

"I suck? How could I suck when I won the game? You're the one who sucks!"

Jax laughed. "Okay, okay… well, any ways, just think about it."

"About what?"

"You and Alex."

"...It's not like that."

"Maybe not now, but something tells me it will be." Jax laughed a little bit.

Kenshi sighed as he decided that he was not in the mood to argue about it. "Whatever you say…"

One week later

Sitting at her desk in her room, Alex looked at herself through a small mirror. It was the first time in years that she's actually dressed more like a girl instead of her usually tomboyish clothes. This time, she wore a light blue evening gown and wore her dark hair up in a single bun, letting a couple of strands fall down on either side of her face. This was all because tonight is the Special Forces Dinner Ball.

As she waited for Sonya, many thoughts filled her mind. 'I really hate dressing up. Why am I dressed up any ways?' she thought. 'Who is it that I'm trying to impress?'

The truth was that the only person she wanted to impress was blind. That thought once again surprised her, but she didn't stop there.

'I wonder what would've happened if Kenshi wasn't blind? Would I attempt to make myself look… better? '

She let out a sigh. Her mother once told her that looks weren't everything and it's what's inside that counted. Sometimes, Alex believed that, and sometimes, she didn't. Tonight, she found herself stuck in between.

'Oh well,' she thought once more as she decided to push the thoughts out of her head.

Then, she heard the door knock. Alex turned her head towards the door, knowing that it was unlocked. "Come in, Sonya."

The door opened and Sonya stepped into the room. She wore a simple black evening gown and left her shoulder-length blond hair down from her usual ponytail.

"Hey Alex," Sonya said with a smile. "Are you ready?"

Alex stood up from her chair. "Yeah, I'm ready."

As they headed towards the gymnasium where the party was taking place, Alex thought that softer music would be playing, like an orchestra or a jazz band. As she and Sonya reached the ballroom, she was surprised to hear a live DJ playing real dance music.

"Wow," Alex said. "I didn't think that they would play this type of music!"

"Oh we do," Sonya replied. "If not, I don't think there would be any party here at all."

"I see." Alex began to look around the ballroom. Everyone seemed to be having tons of fun; dancing to the music, talking and chatting, and mostly getting drunk. It may have been a formal occasion looks-wise, but the other soldiers in the room had other ideas.

"That's funny," said Sonya. "Usually, Jax would get here first before I would."

"He's probably still trying to get his tuxedo jacket over those bulky arms of his," replied Alex. Sonya laughed at the comment.

Alex turned around and noticed Hsu Hao standing by the punch stand. A chill ran up her spine. He stood there in an eerie way, like he was spying on someone.

'Maybe Jax and Cyrax are right about Hsu Hao being up to something,' she thought.

Alex turned her head again. She saw Cyrax coming into the ballroom. She almost laughed when she saw that he was wearing a tuxedo with a yellow cumber bum. She walked over to him. "Cyrax, you made it!"

"I never miss a party," Cyrax said. "Where's the bar?"

"Over there," Alex replied pointing to the back corner where the bar was located.

"Thanks Alex." Cyrax began heading over to the bar area.

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Can cyborgs get drunk?"

Sonya sighed. "I have a feeling that we'll find out soon enough. Hopefully, he'll be careful," She turned back to Alex. "So what do you want to do?"

Alex turned her head towards the gymnasium entrance. Her suddenly felt her heart flutter a little as she spotted Kenshi coming in with Jax. His dark hair was gelled into little spikes and he wore a black tuxedo with a red cumber bum and a red bow tie. Instead of his blindfold, Kenshi wore black sunglasses over his eyes.

'Jax must've given those to him,' Alex thought.

"Alex?" Sonya asked waving her hand in front of the brunette's face. Then, Sonya spotted Kenshi and Jax coming up to them. Sonya almost laughed when she saw that Jax ripped the sleeves of his tuxedo showing off his metallic arms.

"There you guys are!" Sonya said. She and Alex began walking over to the two male agents.

"Wow, you actually got here first!" Jax asked in shock.

"Yeah, we got here before you," Sonya answered. "What took so long?"

"Jax didn't want to take off his 'arms,'" said Kenshi. "So after some struggle, he finally ripped the sleeves off."

"I had no choice," Jax deadpanned.

"Well," said Alex. "You could at least have them off just for one night."

Kenshi smirked a little bit as he heard her voice. "Hey, Alex."

Alex smirked. "Hey, Kenshi."

A new song from the DJ started playing then. "So let's get the party started!" Jax cried out and jogged towards the dance floor.

Sonya looked at Kenshi and Alex. "Well, have fun!" Then, she followed Jax to the dance floor.

Alex laughed a little. 'Suddenly, I feel like I'm at my prom!'

"So, do you want to get a drink?" asked Kenshi.

"Sure," Alex said. "I'll lead the way."

When they get there, Alex ordered two cups of red wine. Normally, Alex would order a martini or a tequila shot, but tonight, she didn't want to overindulge herself with alcohol.

"So how's the party so far?" Kenshi asked.

Alex shrugged. "It's all right so far. I mean, it's only the beginning."

"True."

"And honestly, it's not my thing, but when your superiors ask you to go, how could I say no?"

The bartender gave them their drinks. Alex took both cups and gave one to Kenshi.

"Hmm, I wonder what kind of toast we can make," Kenshi said.

"Let's see," Alex replied and it didn't take long for her to figure out one. "How about… to our friendship?"

"Okay. To our friendship." Kenshi and Alex tap their cups together and began drinking out of them. Kenshi couldn't understand it in that moment, but for some reason, felt a little disappointed when she said 'friendship.' 'Maybe she doesn't like me like that,' he thought. 'The others were just making assumptions anyway.'

For two hours, people partied and had fun. Kenshi and Alex spent most of it talking and laughing. After all of the fast-paced songs, a slow song came on. Alex looked over at the swordsman and made a daring decision.

"Have you ever danced before?" Alex asked.

Kenshi swallowed, having a feeling where this was going. "No."

Alex took his hand. "Let this be your first then."

"Um-" Kenshi tried to speak, but then he felt Alex pulled him up from his seat.

"Don't worry," Alex said. "I dance like crap myself. If I remember correctly, when it comes to slow songs like this one, all you really have to do is rock from side to side very slowly while holding your partner."

Alex led Kenshi to the middle dance floor. After stopping, she turned to him before resting her arms on his shoulders. Kenshi wasn't sure what to do with his hands for a moment, but eventually he settled with placing them on either side of her waist.

"This is easier than I thought," Kenshi said after a moment giving Alex a little smile.

"I thought so too.," Alex replied.

For most of the dance, Kenshi listened to the words of the song being played for a bit. He also got a better idea of some of Alex's features… she was shorter than he expected, the top of her head ending just below his chin. Her build was definitely that of an average military woman, soft but well-toned and fit. He could also smell the light scent of the same perfume from the last time he was this close to her.

"You're quiet," Alex whispered.

Kenshi took a deep breath. "I'm just… enjoying this."

Alex smiled. "Glad to hear it."

To his surprise, he could feel Alex bringing her body closer to him. She placed her chin on his shoulder and her hands moved to her upper back. Instinctively, Kenshi wrapped his arms around her more, his own hands resting on the small of her back.

Both of them danced for the rest of the song like this, even when Cyrax ran and screamed across the dance floor, obviously drunk, and knocked a few dancers down. Apparently, cyborgs can get drunk.

Kenshi couldn't remember the last time being intimately close with someone like this in a physical sense. It was always hard for him to trust people ever since he became a swordsman. His lack of trust in people was one of the reasons why he went rogue all those years ago.

Still, would it be so bad to let one person get close to him?