[au style] 'cause we find ourselves in the same old mess singing drunken lullabies;

[cendrawasih]

[Journalism hadn't been Ava's first career choice, not really. If she had any say in it, she would have become a professional musician and stayed that way. But somehow, probably in a fit of teenage rebellion, she'd decided to stop playing professionally and go to Brown for journalism.

Nobody understood it. Not even her. But something about it felt right.

She was still relatively new on the reporting scene, but had landed a decent job for Vanity Fair following Edward Stark's campaign trail. She had a feeling it was more because of her name than her ability, but it was something or than cheap advice columns, so she was more than happy to take it.

Campaign trails sucked, though. They definitely weren't all they were cracked up to be, and a small part of her was regretting it. Lots of cheap hotel rooms, cheap food, no sleep, and she still hadn't really gotten to talk to Edward at all.]

Comments

[particularly]

[It's amazing that Edward Stark gets away with what he does. His father, the titan of industry; his mother, the driving force behind all the good his father does. And Edward himself? Philanthropist second, politician first. If there's a good cause, he's on it.

If there's a good party, he's first in line. First to the girls, first to the drinks, but all in such seeming moderation that no one ever seems to catch on to the wondrously wanton lifestyle he leads.

Tonight, he's making his way to another little get-together. This one's a small affair at a modest hotel, just himself and a handful of distinguished guests. His suit may still be wrinkled from the campaign trail, but he's in the highest of spirits. He even drove there himself, sans bodyguards and everything.]

[cendrawasih]

[Ava was surprised she'd been invited to the party. After all, she was only a small part of the campaign. She wasn't even sure if anyone even knew she was around most of the time. Which suited her just fine, because that meant that it was easier for her to get the information she needed for an interesting article.

But she was Ava Barton, and she was still mildly famous, at least in some circles, for her music career. So maybe it wasn't so surprising after all. Even so, she wasn't expecting anyone to notice her. It was still a good excuse to mingle, and see if she could remember names.]

[particularly]

[Now... when we say distinguished guests we mean "mostly strippers and all the reporters he can muster." He's playing to his crowd. Now, Ava is one of the few female reporters brave enough to take him on. This suits Edward just fine.

See, unbeknowst to Ava, he's had his eye on her for some time. He'd like to give her an exclusive interview, maybe have some exclusive dinner...
Well, she's invited, at least. And as soon as she arrives, he'll make a beeline right for her.]

[cendrawasih]

[Ava's even more surprised about Edward coming toward her than being invited to the party. They'd spoken a few times, but it always always polite conversation, questions and answers for her to throw into campaign blog posts and articles about the man behind the suit, or something like that.

But she smiles a little when she sees him moving toward her, because, well, that's what people do, right? Normal people. People who don't panic when a gorgeous political figure is coming their way and can't be going past them because there's a wall there.]

[particularly]

[He turns on his winning smile as he approaches, grabbing a drink from someone else's hand to offer her.]

Miss Barton, always a pleasure. It is "Miss", isn't it? Or is there a Mister Barton?

[cendrawasih]

[She laughs, and accepts his drink. Really, she thinks she's doing a good job of hiding how freaked out she is right now.]

Only if you're asking about my dad.

[particularly]

I'd certainly like to shake his hand.

[And kiss yours, while he's at it.]

[cendrawasih]

[Edward. You're making her blush.]

He'd probably like to shake yours, too.

[particularly]

You think so? He's done a much better thing than I'll ever do.

[On second thought, he takes the drink he handed her, and hands over his own instead. His is fresh!]

I'm surprised you came.

[cendrawasih]

I don't know about that.

[Wow that is a really lame pickup line and she laughs but jfkda;j what why is she still blushing.]

I am, too.

[Wait, no. That wasn't what she meant to say.]

My roommate talked me into it.

[She nods toward the brunette over there in that tight silver dress and the slutty shoes.]

[particularly]

[He smiles.]

The one in the ugly shoes and the trashy dress?

[cendrawasih]

You could say that about a lot of the girls here. But yeah, that's her. She's nice, though.

[particularly]

Not my type of person, I don't think. She's trying too hard. I have to say, socially? I'm a moderate.

jfldksaj;fsa I thought I answered this :|

[cendrawasih]

She'll be disappointed. She was trying extra hard to get your attention tonight.

[particularly]

She's out of luck. I already cast my vote.

[He knows he's being cheesy; his smile says that easily enough.]

Why don't we go take a little walk once you finish your drink?

[cendrawasih]

Wait, really?

[Really, really? COMPLETELY UNEXPECTED.]

...sure.

[particularly]

Yeah?

[He actually seems a little surprised.]

Looking for an exclusive?

[cendrawasih]

We can talk business, if you want to talk business. But you're the one who asked me.

[particularly]

I like to talk business.

[He's going to lean in a little, lowering his voice.]

I like your dress, too. Really complements your eyes.

[cendrawasih]

[jfdlakfjs;ajsd Mr. Stark, you're going to experience Ava doing a little bit of flailing.]

Um...thank you.

[particularly]

[Actual physical flail?]

[cendrawasih]

[ONLY A LITTLE BIT. Not enough to be too embarrassing.]

[particularly]

[Well, he'll just put a calming hand on her flailing arm, there.]

You're welcome.

[cendrawasih]

[Oh god now he's touching her.]

I think I'm finished with my drink.

[particularly]

Already?

[Gorgeous, it's still full.]