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Like so many charity galas, it's not the why so much as the what that fills seats and sells expensive plates; it's the chance for people of means to mingle with their own and look good while they do it. To that end, Able is wearing a stylish suit and dinner jacket that have been cut to accentuate his lean frame. Paired with an expensive watch and cuff links plus a white rose for his boutonniere, the combined effect shows that he enjoys the finer things without being flashy about it.
Though he's located his seat, he's stayed standing to mingle and enjoy himself. There's a glass of champagne in his hand that's nearly empty as he crosses the banquet hall toward one of several bars that are situated against the walls. The bulk of the open space is taken up by circular dining tables and a dance floor, with a stage at the head of the room.
*
Janet Van Dyne is never one to miss on a extravagance, so certainly she made sure to attend the gala. Dressed in a showy red halter dress, and daring heels of her own design that bring her to a whooping 5'7". Though it still leaves room to be desired when compared with a towering fellow such as Able. He stands out so much, that he captured Janet's attention, and she meets him halfway to the bar to get something for herself. "How's the weather up there?" She asks in a playful manner of breaking the ice.
"
*
Able's champagne is finished and set on a passing server's tray with the casual ease of someone who's performed the motion a thousand times. The query elicits a small, crooked smile. "The air's a little thin, but it'll do," he replies. His voice is accented, but faintly enough that it's difficult to place. He nods in the direction of the bar and continues on.
When he reaches it he leans rather than sits. "Schnapps," he orders succinctly. It's proper schnapps, too. German, clear, and potent. He picks the glass up and gives it an appreciative sniff. "And how about at your latitude? Warm, if your dress is any indication. You look lovely."
*
"You sure the thin air doesn't affect your quick thinking?" Janet asks with a mischevious grin, "I mean, you could have a fun drink, rather than a hammer." Laughing, she shifs to sit by his side, inviting herself without asking if he'd mind. "I'd say, you have a keen eye, it's my own design." When she has the bartender's attention, she orders herself a daiquiri.
*
Her drink arrives just as fast as his did. Once she has it, Able offers his glass in a brief salute. "Sometimes a hammer is exactly what a person needs," he quips. "It reminds me of home." He takes a healthy sip and then sets his schnapps down. "Ms. Van Dyne, I presume." It's not a question. "Pleasure to meet you."
*
"That so? Trouble falling asleep?" Janet muses a guess at why Able might favor such a heavy drink. She smiles at the sight of her glass set before her, and reaches to twirl the little umbrella about. "You recognize me? Don't tell me you read fashion magazines! That would be too much…so what's your name? Just so we're on even ground…"
*
"No, fashion magazines are a bit outside my wheelhouse," he admits. "But you have a very recognizable face. My name is Able." He takes Janet's free hand and raises it near to his lips without touching them while he bows his head. Rather than flirtatious, the gesture has a precise, boarding school-practiced sort of execution, as does the nod he gives her as he lets go. "As far as sleep goes, I'm told the wicked among us will do that when we're dead."
*
"Whew, you had me worried for a moment," Janet says before reaching for a sip of her drink, only to stop when her free hand is taken, making her look at Able's gesture with surprise. "You're a true gentleman, aren't you? So why are you considering yourself wicked?"
*
"The two aren't mutually exclusive." Able shrugs. "But I'm a trauma physician. My work often calls for odd hours. Sleep is sometimes a luxury for me." He picks his drink back up and takes a second, longer sip. "We all need a break, yes? Even doctors. So here I am."
*
Janet furrows her brow as she takes on a puzzled look on her visage, "they aren't? I thought gentlemen are supposed to be perfectly well mannered guys, no?" She grants him the point for the profession, however, before quipping, "I like to mostly enjoy breaks…though I do some really important work."
*
Now Able lets out a quiet chuckle. "Being perfectly mannered and being wicked aren't mutually exclusive, either. So I've learned, anyway." His drink is finished and he signals for another. While he waits, he turns to face Janet. "I like to think I do important work as well. But don't we all?"
*
"Are you being tough on me on purpose?" Janet coos, tilting her head as she seems to be taking a measure of Able. "I'm sure everyone think what they do is important," says the fashion designer. She takes another sip of her drink, over half of it still lingering in the tall glass. "Did you get to treat anyone famous?"
*
"Oh, I can't tell you that." Able tsks as his second schnapps arrives. Like the first, he raises it before he sips. "Doctor-patient confidentiality, you know," he elaborates. "But I can say that I've seen some interesting faces under interesting circumstances."
*
Janet turns sideways to face Able, as she takes the glass in hand and sips from her straw, before asking, "any as interesting as mine?" Not so much a serious question as fishing for more flattery, what can you do? She's an addict.
*
Another chuckle from Able, then he finishes his second drink far more expediently than the first. Afterward, he pauses while he considers both her and her question. "Yes," he finally responds. "But not often." There's another bow of his head, then he steps away.
*