#Katydid Ladle

[mosneakers]

Upon entering the bustling lounge, Coraleye is surrounded by a gathering of prestigious guests, each handpicked by the potential president-elect herself. Many are close relatives of Jill Smith, and thus also of Tycho, which Coraleye finds comforting.

She soon spots Tycho's cousin, Nova Curious, with her boyfriend, Lewis, dancing and laughing with a lively group of friends. Nova gleefully introduced Coraleye to each of them.

Nova: Coraleye, this is my best friend, Katydid. K, this is Coraleye. You're gonna love her. She'd be my new bestie if it weren't for you.

[Mutual laughter]

Katydid: Hey girlie! Oh my mod, you look INCREDIBLE! Here I am, blinged out in fifteen pounds of jewels like I robbed a damn jewelry store, and I still don't outshine you! Nova: Don't mind her, she's always so self-deprecating, despite me constantly reminding her she's literally perfect in every way.

Coraleye: Well, you both look beautiful too. I love your dress!

Katydid: Oh, this damn thing? [Scoffs] Girl, let me tell you. I ordered it online, aiming for Golden Bejeweled Goddess, like in the pictures, but when I got it in the mail, it's giving Ugly Pee-Yellow!

Coraleye: Well I happen to prefer it this way. Yellow is a very special color to me. [Smiles] Katydid: Yeah? [Glances down] Well maybe it's not so bad after all. You got me changing my mind over here! But it's still not attracting cute strangers like yours is... I think you might have an admirer, girl! [Winks and subtly gestures behind Coraleye]

Tycho: Excuse me, miss? Coraleye: Huh? Oh! Hello...

Tycho: Pardon the interruption, but I just had to tell you. When you walked in, you seemed to have taken my breath away, and I don't take kindly to thieves. I'm going to need that back.

Lewis, excited to see Tycho, greets him with a hearty tap on the shoulder. Tycho politely but swiftly acknowledges Lewis with a smile, his attention still on Coraleye as he twirls her around.

Coraleye: [Giggles] You are so corny. Tycho: Something like that...

Nova notices the confusion on Katydid's face as she tries to interpret the interaction in front of her. Nova: Don't worry, he's not actually a stranger. That's my cousin, Tycho. He's attempting to do a bit.

Tycho: Mind if I steal you away for a moment? I've missed you so much. Coraleye: I don't know, I... I don't really take kindly to thieves. Tycho: I don't expect you to be kind tonight.

Coraleye: Well then... take me away.