Auspicious Evenings

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Ryder stood at the back of the large brick building swaying lightly. It was New Years Eve and that meant the military's annual party. Since most men worked in the military in the city, much of the city usually attended. Including Ryder who had to bribe the bouncers at the door since she had no ties to the military. Every year was more and more extravagant. The building housed a bar in the back corner and a stage front and center that held the night's disc jockey and a couple strobe lights that were aimed directly at a plywood dance floor. Strands of twinkling lights of all colors were string all around the inside of the make-shift club. Only a couple people had shown up so far and were dispersed between the bar and some tables that were set up around the dance floor. Ryder looked up at a television screen that they had managed to hang high above the stage with the official countdown until midnight. There were still a couple hours to go, so she sat down at the bar to wait.

Miles followed along and began to walk beside her. "Were you rescued?" he asked.

Ryder nodded, "Yeah. Once everything started to screw up, we lived in a shelter underground. Then from there the military brought us to this oasis." She shrugged nonchalantly and looked over at him, "You?"

"The same, I assume the majority of us would have had to retreated underground to have survived." Miles responded.

Ryder nodded and looked over at the row of apartment buildings. "This is it," She muttered and walked over to one. She stood at the front doors and looked over at Miles. "Do you want to come up?"

"I don't mind." Miles answered and followed her up into her apartment. "Do you live alone?"

Ryder walked inside her apartment and immediately kicked off her shoes. "Yep," She replied, "It's just me."

"Why?" Miles wondered. "You're social, and not bad looking."

Ryder shrugged and sat down on the couch, turning on the TV. "I just prefer living alone."

"So you do have a boyfriend?" Miles suggested and sat beside her.

Ryder shook her head, "Nope."

Miles blinked. "That's odd." He shrugged and leaned back. "Why not If you don't mind me asking."

"Just not interested in anyone, I guess," Ryder replied and changed the channel on the TV to something more festive. "What about you?"

"I had a bad experience with it." Miles chuckled a bit.

Ryder chuckled and leaned back. "Doesn't everyone at some point?" She asked rhetorically and crossed her arms loosely over her chest. "New Year, new beginnings, huh?"

Miles chuckled and leaned in next to her.

"I'll be back," Ryder muttered and walked off to her room to change into some more comfortable clothing. She returned shortly after and sat back down on the couch.

"How long do you want me to stay?" Miles offered.

Ryder shrugged, "Whenever you decide to go. I've not got anything planned for the rest of the night."

Miles looked at her and slowly leaned in to kiss her gently.

Ryder raised her brow in surprise and instinctively leaned in and kiss him back.

Miles pulled away after a moment and looked at her quietly.

Ryder looked over at him, then leaned back against a throw pillow and yawned.

"Was that awkward?" Miles wondered.

Ryder chuckled and shook her head, "No, just unexpected."

Miles grinned and looked away.