Social Butterfly

"Are you really going to sit in a corner being a grump all night?" Gaia asked as he approached Fleet.

Fleet gave him a withering look. "You already know how I do around large crowds." He huffed. "I'm not sure what you expected to happen."

"It's a celebration though!" Gaia spread his arms wide. "Everyone is having a good time and here you are." He poked a finger on Fleet's chest. "Hanging out by the wall, ignoring everyone at best and scaring them off at worst."

"Not all of us can be social butterflies." Fleet growled.

Gaia gave him a flat look. "Fleet. Love of my life-" Fleet gave him a sharp look and he held his hands up in surrender. "You know me well. I may be better at dealing with social situations than you, but I'm far from a 'social butterfly'." He chuckled to himself. "I much prefer to have quiet time to myself, or with a few people I really care about."

"So why are we even here then?" Fleet crossed his arms.

"Well two things." Gaia held up two fingers. "One, I was asked to perform at least a couple songs. Gotta have music at a thing like this ya know?" He put his hand down and gestured broadly as music for some sort of live band drifted through the air. "Two, this is a big deal. A real big celebration. I feel like everyone is here." He put an arm around Fleet's shoulders, he was pleasantly surprised and pleased when the other xero didn't throw him off. "Plus we're here to have fun, so let's actually have some fun. Both of us. I've done my obligation for the night."

Fleet sighed heavily. "Fine, but when I say I'm done..."

"You're done. I know." Gaia grinned. "Don't worry I got you. I can do my best to protect you from any awful social engagement." He chuckled.

"My hero." Fleet said, voice heavy with sarcasm.

"Happy to help!" Gaia laughed as he led his reluctant partner out into the festivities proper. Just like he thought Fleet stuck close to his side. Gaia greeted a few familiar faces, and even unfamiliar, as they walked around. He was able to skillfully pull everyone's attention away from Fleet and keep it solely on himself. The things he did because of love... One thing that did get Fleet to open up at least a little was trying some of the food. There was a large variety and Gaia knew that Fleet really enjoyed trying new things. Whether he ended up liking them or not. Though Fleet would quietly comment on some of the dishes listing out information that Gaia had no idea about. All sorts of things about how something was prepared, where the ingredients come from, and whatever other interesting information Fleet happened to know. 

Gaia had a small smile on his face the entire time. His partner always seemed like his truest self in times like this. Not held back by his own hang ups. Just in the moment and enjoying something he was passionate about. It was part of the reason he'd fallen in love in the first place. Gaia knew he couldn't bare to spend his life with anyone else; not after the first time he'd seen Fleet like this. He'd probably try and pull Fleet away for some more private time as the night wore on, but for now he was content to be at his side and help them both navigate the party.