Chapter Text

Today would normally be a boring, average day for Tye. Just as every day of their fourteen year lifespan had been boring and average, so too would this one have been. It would have been, were it not for the envelope Dr. Xaveria had presented them a few days earlier.

Inside there was an invitation, for something called prom. What it was didn't really matter to Tye. What mattered was that Tye was being allowed to meet the friends that they had been talking to for years, Iris and Z. And not just them either, but several other kids that lived on the same facility! It was going to take place in two weeks, so Tye had lots of time to chat with their friends about the event.

TYE: i can't believe they're going to let us meet! and at a party!

IRIS: I've been reading about prom online. There's all these weird rituals humans used to do to prepare. But then, once you get there, nothing special really happens? So I don't know what the point is of all the preparation.

TYE: like what

IRIS: Well, first of all, the boy does all the hard work and the girl just has to look pretty! So weird. If they're going together, why don't they both pitch in equally? So the boy is suppose to rent a fancy car called a limo, which is a really big vehicle, even though it's just the two of them. And he also has to buy flowers and sometimes a dress for the girl.

TYE: what about me?

IRIS: I guess this is one of those times in human history when gender was really important.

TYE: hmm

IRIS: But this is our prom Tye! We can do whatever we want.

TYE: true! and i still can't believe i'll get to see YOU! i mean, i've seen your picture, but it's not the same...

IRIS: Yeah! I wonder how many other kids will be there. Maybe I'll ask Dr. Q.

The conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Dr. Xaveria. She held a bundle of hangers in her hand, and attached were several outfits the likes of which Tye had never seen before. "Tye. I've brought you a selection of outfits for the prom."

Tye glanced back to the computer, anxious to talk more with Iris, but knowing it was unwise to ignore their doctor. After all, they wouldn't want to upset her and end up banned from prom. That would literally be the worst thing in the world. Besides, once they met Iris in person, the two of them could talk all night – and face to face! The idea made Tye nervous, and they found themselves feeling a little shaky as they made their way to Dr. Xaveria to examine the outfits.

Xaveria was currently laying out the selections on the bench where Tye usually sat for examinations. They looked down, scowling thoughtfully as they tried to decide which one Iris might like best. Which only distracted them with thoughts of what Iris might be wearing, and what Iris might look like in any of these outfits.

"Tye?" Dr. Xaveria broke them from their thoughts. "Which one do you want to wear to the prom?"

Tye looked down at the elegant dress shirt and matching black pants, then over to a more casual red blouse with a long dark skirt, next to that a beautiful sparkly green dress, and lastly an equally sparkly pink low cut v-neck shirt with a short black skirt.

"Hmm." Tye rubbed their chin as they thoughtfully looked at each outfit. They reached for one, and then were distracted by another, taking time to reach toward each as indecisiveness reigned. Tye picked up the pink shirt, holding it up on themselves to get a better look. Xaveria watched closely, but offered no assistance.

They picked up the match skirt, holding it with their other hand to compare. The outfit looked really nice – they all did – but it didn't feel right. Tye set both clothing pieces down and picked up the pair of pants. Tye was used to wearing shorts though, so the shorter of the skirts seemed like the most fitting choice. The shirt it was paired with was a great color, but far too revealing for them to be comfortable.

Tye laid out the clothes again, hoping to get a better sense of their style. Tye had worn basically the same thing every day as far back as they could remember. Actually having a choice was new and exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time. They picked up various articles of clothing, separating them into two piles, one a bit more organized than the other. When they were finished, they placed their hands on their hips, satisfied with the outfit they had chosen.

Dr. Xaveria roved her eyes over the outfit, observing the selection. "Very well, Tye. This is the outfit that suits you?"

They nodded with certainty. "Yep!"

"Alright. Now I must perform your daily exams." As usual, she asked Tye questions about the current goings on in their life, which was never really much as Tye was confined to a single room. Once she was finished, Xaveria wordlessly gathered up the unchosen clothing items, but left the hangers with Tye.

After she was gone, Tye looked again at the chosen outfit. They wanted to put it on now, but felt like they should wait until the night of the party. It was so neat to have something new and different to wear. Tye decided to see if Iris was still on to chat.

TYE: Iris?

No answer. Tye puffed a breath of air through their cheeks. They really enjoyed talking with Iris. It was always disappointing when one of them was distracted or the compies shut off the chat room. Maybe Iris was picking out her own outfit for the prom. Tye's mind was still reeling that they were actually going to meet her, for real!