potus } { of fancy dress parties and staging rescues

[deathlessness]

Stiles: [He was bored. Bored to the bone. He wasn't sure he actually agreed to attend this function, and still believes Cora somehow summoned him, changed him into the suit, and then left him at this bar while she schmoozed with people. At least the waiters walking around with h’orderves had those little bacon wrapped stuffed mushrooms. He loved those things. He may have had ten of them already. But beyond that, he just leaned against the bar, watching Cora flow through the crowd while he sipped his beer and had a stupid smile on his face.]

Freya: There you are. [And Freya swoops over, decked out in her usual schmoozing attire, and lands at Stiles side, face willing him to play along] I've been meaning to try and book an appointment with your boss. [the senator who had been pushing boundaries tries to regain her attention and she holds up her drink to stop him]

Senator: Oh, come on, Freya.

Freya: So sorry. Just give me a moment won't you? [she drapes an arm around Stiles' shoulder, turning him and pulling him away from the bar towards the door and quietly says in his ear] Keep walking, and I'll explain in a minute.

Stiles: Well, you know he is hard to get ahold of. [nope, slips right into that role. He did it a lot for friends in high school. He grabs his beer and walks with her. When they are out of earshot, he'll smile up at her] If he was getting handsy, I could go back and growl at him.

Freya: No, he knows better. It's more his attempts at garnering influence that I couldn't get away from. [she smiles as she turns to face him as they find a table to settle at] We haven't actually met face-to-face. Freya Mikaelson.

Stiles: I thought the voice was familiar. Stiles Stilinski. Pleasure to meet you.

Freya: Nice to meet you as well. Though you don't seem all that thrilled to be here.

Stiles: I don't actually remember being told about this. I think Cora made me appear in this suit magically.

Freya: [she laughs] So are you saying if this was a conscious decision, you would have opted out?

Stiles: I don't even know where this dignitary's country is on the map. Though that's more a failure of the American school system.

Freya: In your defense, the country is very tiny.

Stiles: Thanks. So did Peter abandon you to the crowd too?

Freya: No, I was doing my own schmoozing. And then I ran into Senator Doesn't-Know-How-to-Read-a-Room and needed an exit.

Stiles: Well, it was a good thing Cora left me at the bar. I was positioned perfectly to rescue you.

Freya: You were. And I greatly appreciate it. The least I could do is continue to entertain you.

Stiles: What kind of entertainment were you thinking? [smiles, because he is still a devious little shit]

Freya: [her eyebrow rises] Do you have something in mind?

Stiles: You can fill me in on the gossip of some of these people. I don't know anyone but I'm probably going to attend more of these.

Freya: Oh, I have gossip. But we are going to need more drinks. And maybe snacks. [she waves a hand to flag down one of the roving waiters] Who would you like me to start with?

Stiles: I'm addicted to the bacon wrapped mushrooms.

Freya: I was referring to the targets of gossip.

Stiles: Oh. [and he's embarrassed now] How about Mister can't read a room?

Freya: Oh. So while I won't deny that he was quite handsome when he was much, much younger, he doesn't realize that his charms have not fared well with age. Also he's on his second trophy wife after his first wife who's gone on to outrank him both socially and politically and he spends far too much time trying to overcompensate.

Stiles: [smirks] Socially, politically, or to his wife?

Freya: All of the above? [she grabs them a couple drinks off the tray, as well as appropriates the plate of appetizers] He's a good lawmaker, for all that's worth, but he's ... a product of another time

Stiles: You'd think he'd retire and mentor the next generation.

Freya: That's the problem with politicians. Stepping down and ushering the next generation doesn't agree with their egos.

Stiles: Whereas if they did it, their words and reputation would outlive them.

Freya: But that doesn't necessarily help them now, does it?

Stiles: Nope. No one looks ahead that far.

Freya: Precisely. That's the problem with politics. It's a whole lot of egos. [even the one she's currently seeing, but she's loved him long enough to forgive him for it] It's going to be a shame when President Hale's term is over.

Stiles: Any hints on who may run to take over?

Freya: Oh, there are a few predictable mentions trying to poke their head out. One is currently trying to charm your girlfriend. [She points across the room to a younger (for the crowd) man in a suit. Cora is wearing her "I'm smiling and nodding to be polite" face]

Stiles: Oh, she'll eat him alive.

Freya: I'm sure she will.

Stiles: Hope he knows she's taken. Otherwise I may have to walk over and try to charm him myself.

Freya: Oh, no, he's one of the few good boys. His charm in that instance is purely for political purposes.

Stiles: Okay, so I'll be nice if I meet him. [he looks around the room and points to someone talking to Peter. It's a woman in a long, slinky dress] How about her?

Freya: [her face goes a little flat because of course] That is the wife of one of the Midwest senators. She doesn't come to DC often, but when she does she certainly has a good time.

Stiles: She seems a bit tipsy to me.

Peter: [and he is trying to keep her from pawing him too much. Talia deals with the senators, he distracts the spouses until she's done with them.]

Freya: Oh, likely very. [she raises her eyebrows at him teasingly, but she doesn't interfere. She knows how this game goes and he can take care of himself. And if he decides otherwise, he'll let her know] She loves a good gin and tonic.

Stiles: How are you able to handle sitting there watching that?

Freya: I trust him. [and it's not fun, but she knows Peter well enough to know he isn't about to stray] And I know that when she's had enough gin, she has a very short attention span. He keeps resisting long enough, she'll move on.

Stiles: Good to know. In case I end up in her sights next.

Freya: [she smirks] I think you're safe. You're a little young for her tastes.

Stiles: You never know when a woman can go cougar.

Freya: True. But I also don't think your bank account is large enough.

Stiles: Yeah, a college boy with a GI Bill doesn't go for much.

Freya: She's smart. She's not going to risk her meal ticket without a fully funded back up plan.

Stiles: Maybe I should focus on getting a nice meal ticket. [joking]

Freya: [she laughs] I think you managed to land the meal ticket as far as this room is concerned.

Stiles: Cora isn't a meal ticket. She's so much more than that.

Freya: [well that's curious] Is she?

Stiles: Yeah. [dopey smile as he looks back at her]

Freya: [awww, young love.] Well, I have it under certain authority that she likely feels the same.

Stiles: I'd hope so.

Freya: It's nice, seeing her happy. She's good at faking it for the cameras, but you've certainly made her .... brighter.

Stiles: She does the same for me. Pretty sure I'd still be just another nerd on campus if I didn't meet her.

Freya: I highly doubt that.

Stiles: Oh, you want proof? Derek was my commanding officer at one point.

Freya: And he remembered you. By name.

Stiles: Name and reputation.

Freya: Still, it made an impression. Therefore, I have every faith that even without Cora, you would have found a way to make your own impression on campus.

Stiles: But what kind of impression? [chuckles]

Freya: [she laughs] I suppose that's entirely up to you.

Stiles: So how is it between you and grumpy wolf?

Freya: Is that what we're calling him?

Stiles: He pretty much looks like he wants to growl at me and scare me away anytime he sees me.

Freya: I'm sure he'll be thrilled to hear it.

Stiles: Like I'd ever say it to his face. I do have survival skills.

Freya: Mmm-hmmm. [you do realize you're telling it to his partner in crime though, right Stiles?]

Stiles: [he rescued her. She shouldn't squeal on her allies]

Freya: [she never promised anything of the sort] We're fine. I'm pretty sure we're the only people who could stand each other.

Stiles: You don't seem like it would be hard to spend time with.

Freya: Maybe, but I also work all the time, collect secrets for a living, and sometimes am a bit morally questionable.

Stiles: [blinks] Oh wow you are made for each other.

Freya: [she laughs] So some would say.

Stiles: Congrats, I guess? [smiles]

Freya: [she shrugs] I guess you could say that. I just consider myself fortunate that at some point he was paying attention.

Stiles: Always comes down to timing, huh?

Freya: Yes, it does. And timing can be such a finicky thing.

Stiles: That. It. Is. [and he will go back to look at Cora again]

Cora: [and she'll glance over and give him a small smile and a wave]

Stiles: [and he'll wave back. Yup, puppy in love]

Cora: [and her smile widens before she turns back to her conversation]

Freya: [watches them before glancing to Peter to see how he's doing with his wife problem]

Peter: [and he looks over at her, and he really wants to roll his eyes but that would insult the wife and he can't do that either]

Freya: [raises an eyebrow as though to say is that a "save me" look?]

Peter: [and it will be a curt nod.]

Freya: [and she goes to grab a spare glass of champagne before turning to Stiles] Mind if I abandon you to go make a quick save?

Stiles: Go ahead. It was nice talking to you.

Freya: You too. [nods to Cora] She could probably use a save herself. [and with that she will head over to slide next to Peter] Champagne? [then, as though she's seeing her for the first time] Oh, hello Mrs. Welters. Love the dress.

Welters: Oh, thank you. My husband brought it back from his fishing trip down in the Caymans.

Peter: Thank you. [and he will take it and try to not look like he's downing half the glass in one pull]

Freya: It fits you perfectly. I'm surprised you two weren't late to the party. [with a bit of a sly wink as she lingers next to Peter's side]

Welters: [laughs] You know Marty. It takes a marlin and his blue pill to get excited. I just enjoy the perks of his company. I'm sure you know what I mean. [winks]

Peter: [sighs because, why him?]

Freya: Oh, I certainly know the feeling. [and she reaches back to take Peter's arm] And I hate to do this, but I actually have an urgent matter to discuss with our friend Peter and I'm afraid it can't wait. But perhaps we can catch up another time?

Welters: Of course, Freya. You two have fun.

Peter: [and he will say his goodbyes and let Freya lead him away] Thank you. Another minute of that and I would need to burn my shirt.

Freya: That would be a shame. It's such a nice shirt.

Peter: I'm looking forward to the day these are no longer mandatory for me.

Freya: Are you saying you won't be my arm candy for these fancy Washington events?

Peter: No, of course. But we won't have to attend every single one of them.

Freya: That is true. We can choose our battles.

Peter: And not entertain trophy wives.

Freya: No. You can save me from pushy senators instead.

Peter: I thought Stiles was serving in that capacity now.

Freya: Only because you were busy. And now you're not. How convenient.

Peter: You can have my undivided attention for the rest of the night.

Freya: Fantastic. [glances over his shoulder curiously] Do you have to be here, or can we be very attentive elsewhere?

Peter: [gives the hint of a sly smile] I don't think my sister will miss us.

Freya: [she grins] Your place or mine?

Peter: Mine's closer.

Freya: Yours it is. [and she'll take his hand to pull him towards the door]

Peter: [and he will set his champagne glass down on a table by the exit, following her out the door]

Cora: [and in the meantime, Cora's starting to get bored with these talks and is very much wanting to go home]

Stiles: [and he recognizes the slump of her shoulders and made his way over] I finally found you.

Cora: [glances over with a smile] Hey, you.

Stiles: Hi. I thought I'd come see what you've been up to.

Cora: Oh, just chatting. [her chatting partner has been grabbed by another aide and wanders off, so she turns to face him more] Nothing too interesting. You?

Stiles: I saved Freya from a senator who had no idea when a woman wants them to buzz off.

Cora: I'm sure she was very grateful.

Stiles: She was. But now she's off rescuing Peter from a handsy trophy wife.

Cora: Ah. His lot in life. [she smirks] But a win for me because now I get you all to myself again.

Stiles: Which I appreciate. I'd rather be with you than alone at the bar.

Cora: Sorry. I didn't mean to be gone for so long.

Stiles: It's fine. I'm getting used to it at these kinds of events. Other people want your time too.

Cora: Yeah, but I still wish I was giving all my time to you.

Stiles: I can always reenlist and become your personal bodyguard.

Cora: I think that would be a conflict of interest.

Stiles: How? I'd be ultra-dedicated to protecting you.

Cora: True, but bodyguards generally aren't supposed to sleep with their protectees.

Stiles: Unless they're with Laura?

Cora: Oh, no, when Mom finds out about those, they get "reassigned."

Stiles: But we'll go in with everyone knowing we're sleeping together.

Cora: So they probably won't assign you to me. They'll assign you to someone else. Like my brother.

Stiles: Oh that will go over well. [laughs]

Cora: My thoughts exactly.

Stiles: Guess I'm staying in college.

Cora: Much better plan.

Stiles: You wanna get some air?

Cora: I would love to.

Stiles: [and he will offer her his arm] Shall we, m'lady?

Cora: [grins as she takes it with a nod] We shall.

Stiles: [and he will lead her away to the gardens]

Cora: [and she will take a deep breath of fresh air, resting her head against his shoulder] Thanks for coming out with me tonight.

Stiles: Of course. I'll always be your arm candy when you need it. [smiles]

Cora: It's actually really nice coming to these things knowing that I can let you pull me away if I need it. I never thought about that. [back when she didn't want Stiles to come out with her at all]

Stiles: Oh, so I'm here just for your escape plan? [teasing]

Cora: [she laughs] Also because you look pretty.

Stiles: [pretends to flip hair over his shoulder] Flattery will get you everywhere.

Cora: I would hope so.

Stiles: [and he will lead her into the garden, his hand on top of hers]

Cora: [and she will stay with him, closing her eyes and just taking in the silence] It'll be nice, though, when I don't have to do these anymore.

Stiles: We can just Netflix and Chill for an entire month.

Cora: Mmmm. I'll only have to wear a dress and incredibly tall shoes on truly special occasions.

Stiles: Hey I won't complain if you want to netflix and chill in formal wear. You have a lot of amazing dresses.

Cora: [she smirks] Are you also going to be in formal wear for this Netflix and chill session?

Stiles: I can wear a bowtie.

Cora: [she shakes her head] Nah, I don't think that seems fair.

Stiles: Ok, then you don't have to wear them.

Cora: Besides, it means I get to surprise you.

Stiles: Ooo, I like surprises.

Cora: I thought you might.

Stiles: So, how many websites do you think we'll end up on if I sneak a kiss from you under this tree?

Cora: [she pauses and looks around. Most of this end of the garden is quiet at this point, with everyone supposed to be inside, so she takes his hand and pulls him to the other side of the tree] Not many if we're over here.

Stiles: [and he will go with her, and once they are at her spot, he will press one hand onto the tree, step in and press her against the tree, leaning in to kiss her]

Cora: [and she hums softly as she kisses him back, sliding her arms around his waist to pull him closer]

Stiles: [and they are still in public so he's not going to do anything more than just kiss her, but he is going to give her a deep, needy kiss because she does look amazing in that dress]

Cora: [yep, no adventures in public sex for them until at least two years after her mother's presidency ends, but she will take all of that kiss and give back as much as she can, practically melting against him]

Stiles: [and eventually he will pull back] Would your mother be upset if we just snuck back to my place?

Cora: [she shakes her head] Peter's already left, so if he's bailed than I should be free to go.

Stiles: [kisses her neck, right under her ear] Good, because that dress will look amazing on the floor beside my bed.

Cora: [she laughs] Then lead the way.

Stiles: [which he will, leading her away to a long night of sexy times]