Chapter Text
Fashion pressed her finger on remote control to disarm car alarm, but it didn’t work. Neither she heard usual signal nor saw headlights flash. That wasn’t the thing that normally happens to such a brand new vehicle as her electrocar. Then suddenly a pair of 8-bit eyes appeared on the automobile, headlights flashed four times and somehow – the car spoke with a robot voice effect.
“Tried to ignore me?”
“Certainly not. I was just waiting for your show-off moment.”
She turned around and smiled politely to Technical Boy. He had his hair ash gold and styled asymmetrically in the way that reminded Fashion of the Sydney Opera House exterior. He was wearing a metallic silver vest with neon green stitches over a black-and-white T-shirt that had a circular illusion print.
Tech Boy, never saying goodbye to his vape, made a hexagon of smoke fly towards Fashion. ‘Who could ignore or avoid this? He’s literally everywhere,’ she thought.
“It’s been a while,” he said quite lightheartedly and leaned onto her car letting his elbow rest on its roof.
“Yeah, for sure. I can see both of us have been doing great since we worked together,” Fashion nodded and made a step forward, trying not to look uncertain. It was still strange that he approached her without a warning and didn’t text instead. Perhaps something serious happened.
“You’ve benefited, now you’re flourishing more than ever. But,” he made a pause to inhale smoke once more, “you haven’t been seen recently. For fuck’s sake, it’s weird. Spacing out and being AFK during your best days, why?”
“Well, I might want to relax from time to time, you know. Let’s call it a vacation. I’m not as new as you and need some rest,” she stretched her arms up as if she had just woken up.
Technical Boy grimaced, obviously disgusted by just a thought that a new god could be tired.
“Hm,” he didn’t look fully convinced or maybe that enormous amount of smoke added confusion. “Anyway, you’re invited.”
“Cool, I love parties,” Fashion felt a bit relieved that the reason for this visit was that simple and mirrored Tech Boy’s gestures putting her elbow on the roof of her car. “Where and when? And, of course, what is the dress code?”
“Follow me.”
Tech Boy turned and started walking, and a thread of smoke was calling for Fashion to come after. It didn’t seem like Technical Boy was going to let her drive to the party herself as he stood near his limo staring impatiently at Fashion. She decided to hurry up and not to waste time on her usual catwalk pacing.
The smoke dissolved as Technical Boy smiled rather darkly. When Fashion moved closer she realized that her previous worries had actually been correct. Something strange was going on.
“This isn’t about hanging out, right?”
“You better spend more fucking time with the others,” he snarled. “Who knows what’s gonna happen.”
“Why? Is something wrong?” Fashion stayed calm. Sometimes her image of carefree and dreamy person was incredibly useful.
“Fuck duh”.
“Could you, please, explain me the general idea of what’s happening?” Fashion asked as casually as she could.
“Well, one old motherfucker is planning something dumb. Not like he’s a threat, but we all should stick together. Show him his place,” Tech Boy hissed through his teeth.
“Old guy? Like a pagan god?”
“Don’t be complete 404. Shit. You would know it if you didn’t stay offline.”
So, the party was going to be a gathering of the New Gods. The thing was that Fashion didn’t really wish to get involved into anything except for her own trendy duties. However, there seemed to be no choice. Avoiding her kind in such a situation could lead to arguments. And Fashion adored peace more than anything.
She looked at Technical Boy, who was already losing his patience while waiting for her to get into the limo. In fact, no more than a second passed, but for his speed of thinking that was a century. Fashion noticed that whatever the issue with the Old Gods was, it made him extremely furious. It was better to change the topic. Although they respected each other due to successful cooperation a few years ago, it didn’t mean that Technical Boy couldn’t be aggressive with her when angry.
“Just one thing,” she said calmly, finally getting into the limo and tapping the door with sparkling fingernails, “your hair makes me damn proud.”
Followed by the most charming smile Fashion was able to produce, the words worked slightly. Although he didn’t smile back or express any gratitude for the compliment, Tech Boy now looked more relaxed. At least he stopped clenching his fists.
Fashion sat comfortably and hoped the issue with the old gods wasn’t that complicated.