Sue_52: The Charity Ball, early 1986

[Megan]

“Do you guys have smart person telepathy or something?”

[Teja]

"Hush, you. We maybe exchanged some looks and cryptic words. I mean, Ashton is like a blank space. I think he wants to be mayor more than he actually knows what to do if he is. For someone like Adrian who doesn't want to be mayor but knows exactly what the mayor should do..."

[Megan]

“Are you hoping to work with Adrian or steal his gig as shadow puppeteer of the western world?” Megan asked, equal parts sly and genuinely a little accusatory.

[Teja]

"Why are you asking me that, as if I could do either?" she retorted defensively.

[Megan]

“I work for him," Megan pointed out, "and God knows I fell backwards into that gig."

She rubbed her face, apparently unconsciously, where the sharp-looking little pink scar was still silvery-bright and deep enough to make a little channel. She wasn't crying now, but the tears tended to divert toward her mouth now when she did.

"And Micaela... well. I don't know if anyone tries to work with him. I think things just fling certain people at him."

[Teja]

"Well, if I work with him it won't be because he's stupid handsome," said Teja grudgingly. "If I work with Ashton, though... Can't make any promises." She sighed and leaned on her friend's arm briefly while they were walking, then burst into laughter.

[Megan]

"Hey- hey, wait, no, that's not why I'm- honestly, he has kind of a weird face if you pay close enough attention-"

But no one was paying Adrian Veidt much attention when they returned to the party regardless. A small circle of people had gathered to listen to Lukas Ashton animatedly telling a story that seemed to involve a great deal of gesturing and emphasis, with polite laughter here and there. Veidt was frowning and preoccupied with his phone, occasionally tipping water into his wine before drinking it.

"Hello, boys," said Megan as she took her seat by Veidt, who gave her a quiet nod of acknowledgement.

[Loki Odinsson]

"You're back!" Ashton said brightly. "Er- ladies, gentlemen, if you'll excuse me-"

He stood up and intercepted Teja before she could sit.

"That is- if you'd still like to-"

[Teja]

This time, Teja did not look to Megan for any permission. Later she would regret she had not been more modest and shy; instead she touched him on the arm and said, "Take a walk with you? Of course-"

[Loki Odinsson]

There was a little jealous whispering as they left, which made Ashton grin and nudge her as they left.

"Boring party anyway."

[Teja]

"Maybe that's your fault," she said with a quick smile. "Seeing as you're apparently the center of it."

[Loki Odinsson]

"Flatterer," he said, grinning at her, all earnest eyes and bright teeth and a not insignificant amount of forehead. "I suppose mysteriously vanishing with a lovely young woman will not lessen the impact."

[Teja]

"It probably wouldn't," she said, and her smile widened to show teeth. "But if any such a woman comes near you I'm not planning on letting her cut in."

[Loki Odinsson]

Ashton seemed to have to take a moment to process that one, though he laughed again once he had.

“You- Teja, was it-“

[Teja]

"Oh, you remembered?"