Line dancing event.
Aidric suggests social activity.
What alternate universe have I entered?
We all freeze—a collective pause as brains process what he just suggested, whether we heard correctly, and if this is an elaborate prank.
"Wait, what?" Calder's question articulates everyone's confusion.
Aidric's face flushes—color spreading from neck upward, embarrassment evident despite attempt at casual demeanor.
He mutters defensively.
"I owe Wendolyn a date, don't I? So let's attend the line dancing event. Satisfy obligation while participating in community activity or whatever."
Date.
AIDRIC JUST ASKED ME ON A DATE.
ACTUAL DATE.
WITH WITNESSES.
THIS IS NOT A DRILL.
"DID CHIEF AIDRIC HAWTHORNE JUST ASK ME OUT ON A DATE?!"
My shriek probably violates noise ordinances, volume completely disproportionate to the situation, but utterly justified by the magnitude of this development.
HE ASKED.
VOLUNTARILY.
WITHOUT EXTENSIVE COERCION.
MIRACLE.
"Don't be so loud!" Aidric's protest is immediate, his hands coming up in a futile attempt to quiet my enthusiasm.
Too late—my squeal of pure joy echoes across training grounds, catching the attention of firefighters conducting drills in a distant field.
EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW.
THIS IS A HISTORIC MOMENT.
GRUMPY ALPHA ASKED ME ON A DATE.
I'm literally bouncing—jumping with childlike excitement that's completely unprofessional but absolutely warranted, hands clasped together in a gesture of pure delight.
Aidric's embarrassment intensifies as crew members turn to investigate the commotion, curious about what's causing their co-chief to celebrate with such enthusiasm.
"I'm leaving," he declares with wounded dignity, already turning away. "This was a mistake. Rescinding invitation."
"NO TAKE-BACKS!" I shout after his retreating form, unwilling to let him escape the commitment he just made.
Calder laughs—bright, genuine sound of amusement at Aidric's discomfort, at my excessive reaction, at the entire absurd situation.
He jogs after Aidric, clearly planning to tease him mercilessly about this voluntary display of romantic interest.
