Gala [Other You, Other Rory & Other Coda]

Your fingers brush theirs as you reach for a glass of water, hand nearly knocking theirs into the precarious tower of prosecco glasses."Oh, God, I'm sorry," you say, heart hammering when you realize what nearly happened. Christ, that'd be just your luck - first time at one of these fancy galas and you knock over the alcohol tower. Typical. The person beside you, your almost-partner-in-crime, laughs in a rich, happy way that makes you double-take. "Close call! I almost embarrassed my mother. Again. For the millionth time tonight."You can't help but smile, relief filling you. "Same, but my father-in-law." You offer your hand to the person and they take it in a firm but pleasant shake. It gives you a moment to really look at them without feeling weird about it. They're lovely. A large dark halo of coiled hair wraps around their bared shoulders and the thin gold bodice of their dress. Brown eyes glint reddish in the bright lights of the ballroom."Oh? Who's the lucky father-in-law?" they ask instead of offering their name."Oh, ah, Constantine Maeson. He's-""Oh, that joyless prick?"You snort - it's a little too loud to be polite, but your new ally grins widely, pleased. "You know him?""Mhmm. Better than I'd like," they sigh, releasing your hand. "I'm Sororia Alonso, she/they."It's your turn for recognition. "Sororia Alonso? As in-""The Concurrent heir, yes," she smiles. "And your name?""Oh, shit, sorry, I'm-"A hand finds your shoulder and you hear your best friend's voice in your ear. "I need to get the fuck out of here now. Dad's threatening to introduce me to that Concurrent woman and I'd rather ki-""Coda!" you exclaim a little louder than necessary, moving aside and clearing your throat. You can't tell if Sororia heard, but she might have. She's smirking like she did. "Coda, this is Sororia Alonso - they were just saving me from my own clumsiness and your dad's ire. Sororia, this is Coda Maeson. My spouse.""You two are stunning together," Sororia says and they sound like they mean it. They shake Coda's hand, adding, "And you two can just call me Rory. Only my mom uses my full name.""Rory," Coda repeats, smiling. "Nice to meet you. Sorry for-"Coda's pocket buzzes and you both stiffen with knowing. It's their dad. It has to be.Rory picks up on the tension and glances around. "Start for the door and don't look back. I'll cover your escape." She winks and nudges you both before turning back to the table.You're both heading to the door at a too-quick-to-be-entirely-polite clip when a crash of tinkling glass reaches your ears. All eyes are drawn to the refreshment tables.You can't help but look back.Rory is standing, golden and gorgeous, amid broken glass and spilled prosecco with an innocently bewildered expression on their face. Oh nooo, how did this happen?You and Coda make it out of the gala unnoticed - without your coats, but that's no big deal. You can always buy new ones.