[Mingle]

[randomly_modding]

[So you're in the studio and the camera crew has instructed your characters to break into your teams to discuss 1) the client's personal fashion comfort zone and preferences, and 2) how to give them the Stylecation makeover they obviously need, while 3) working in the episode theme of "animal".]

[Or that's what you're supposed to be talking about, to obey the host.]

[Please don't mind the cameras focused on you at all times, even following you to the snack table to grab coffee and danishes and donuts. But feel free to crash one of the other team mingles!]

Comments

[sizing]

[She'd hoped, with the change in setting, with all the looking around she's doing in the studio and whatever other areas were accessible... Cassie hoped she could have still found him. But Scott Lang wasn't anywhere she looked, small or not. He wasn't there.]

[So despite herself, and knowing the cameras (and any one else from the teams) are there to catch it and see it, embarrassing or not--for just a moment she can't help but crumble a little. To just be sad, bite back curses, and miss him.]

Dad... [Damn it.]

[buymorelifer]

[ He is attempting to put the (empty) coffee pot back surreptitiously enough that no one will see him and get mad at him. But he hears the girl and his heart hurts a little... for her and himself. ]

H, hey... are you okay?

[sizing]

[She glances up quickly and with some effort manages to reign in her expression a little. But ffff.]

... no, I'll be fine. It's just -- my dad was here with everyone else before but he disappeared. He didn't show up here this time, either.

[buymorelifer]

[ Sad face. ]

Oh.... that sucks. I'm sorry. He didn't get hurt or anything, did he? Or, I mean, he's okay at home, right?

[sizing]

He should be. [As much as any of them are ever okay, maybe more if he really did get to stay alive. Tries to smile a little, she just misses him.] I am glad about that much.

Thanks, um... I'm Cassie.

[buymorelifer]

[ He coughs, a little. There must be something in the air, because it's gotten in his eye. But he smiles back and holds his hand out. ]

I'm Chuck. Nice to meet you, Cassie.

[sizing]

You, too.

[... Reaches out to take his hand, not saying anything if she notices the way he's affected, but giving a grateful at at once sympathetic squeeze.]

[buymorelifer]

[ ... squeezes back. She seems like a really nice person. He really does hope her dad is all right.

Okay, Bartowski, time to push past the sad and move forward. It's what Casey would tell him, anyway. So, he smiles a bit more. ]

So! Ah, do you know anything about fashion? What team are you on?

[sizing]

If jeans and a t-shirt count as fashion, sure. [There is a little strain in her laugh and the joke but not insincerely, trying to keep that smile too.] I'm on Lucina's team.

[buymorelifer]

[ It's easier to laugh at that. ]

Same here. I've worn a tuxedo once, I think.

[ Lucina's team, right! ]

I'm the judge for Sif's. Though I don't really know what I'm doing.

[everwalking]

[when he realizes what he's seeing -- the girl in the corner, curled in on herself, looking miserable -- he can't just ignore her, and even less can he ignore the fact that one of those recording devices is pointed directly at her]

[so in one smooth gesture Allen shoves the rest of the eclair in his mouth (priorities) and then skins out of his jacket and drapes it over her shoulders... and head]

[sizing]

[Oh, Allen. Cassie for a moment is a visibly startled lump under the cover of his jacket, but despite this initial surprise... she doesn't say anything right away and then just curls up a little more. Almost seems to become smaller overall just slightly, while giving a grateful mumble.]

... Thank you. Sorry, I'm--

[everwalking]

It's all right. Take your time. [gently] You just -- looked like you needed a moment to yourself. [and a modicum of privacy and human decency, though he's pretending he doesn't even see the cameras]

I'm going to get you something to drink. [so if you need that moment to cry or calm yourself or whatever it is you need, he won't know, and he'll discreetly return in a few minutes with tea and a chocolate donut]

[sizing]

[She definitely did need that moment and mumbled another "Thanks" even more choked up than before as he goes, but sincerely glad for the gesture. And when Allen comes back, she's ready to peek out from under the jacket and sounds more herself.]

Hi. [Mmm donut.] That looks great.

[ijustlovethat]

[oh goodness, a young girl looking upset--! she looks like so many of Effie's past tributes that Effie just can't help going up to her and placing a hand on her shoulder. she has experience with this~!]

There, there. You're going to be on television! Isn't that exciting? Are you nervous? That's all right, you know. Most people are. You'll get used to it! [smiling. she's honestly trying here, and very sincerely]

[sizing]

[Jumps just a little at the contact and words from Effie and, even though her gut reaction makes it difficult for that kind of sincerity to work well (teenage girls, man) she tries to relax.]

It's not really that exciting. [... The words are sullen but she almost immediately regrets the tone, breathing out a little. It's selfish, but,] I mean -- I just wish my dad was still around.

[ijustlovethat]

Oh. [it's things like this that make her job so hard. for a while, she was good at ignoring it, but as the years had gone by, her resolve had started to erode]

[trying her best (sorry, Cassie, as Effie's best is...a bit odd)] Well... I'm sure he's proud of you. And watching. And cheering you on!

[at least the odds are good that you won't die on this show??]

[sizing]

[Don't jinx them! Cassie does sort of realize she's just trying to help at least. Her shoulders drop a little.]

Do you think there are really people watching us...? [She wonders aloud, honestly not sure. Also maybe talking about Scott hurts too much to focus on just then.]

[ijustlovethat]

Oh, yes. Well, maybe not right now, except for the camera crew. But they will once it airs! [is her evident excitement distraction enough?

[cleanedslate]

The audience at home is loving this.

[ emotional sensitivity hovers right around 2 out of 10, but his voice is lowered, amiable and yet tense. just a reminder that you're being broadcast, if you'd rather not be emotionally vulnerable for other people's entertainment. ]