[ not even sip of champagne kate had partaken in immediately after did anything to abate the lingering taste of artificial sugar in her mouth. alas, these are the beds we make, and thus resign ourselves to lie in.

she reaches over and gives barty's stomach a friendly little pat, her smile sweet. ]

I can give you my exercise regimen if you ever want to go back to indulging. You're fine with pilates and chasing street criminals, right?

[ with her hand still along his torso she gently maneuvers them closer to the walls, weaving past chatty donors. she doesn't have to lower her voice nearly as much once they're a bit more tucked away. this also gives them a view to the doors that'll ultimately lead them to the mask. ]

Yeah it felt like there was a significant lack of evil dictator energy in the room.

[ she shifts to stand in front of barty, pretending to adjust his tie. ]

What do you think? Now seems as good a time as any.