Fine Dining for Free!

Sage knew this was a campaigning event, and he knew it was one he might not be able to top - at least, not in the cost area. Dorian was rich. He could afford things in five minutes that Sage hadn't earned the money for in 17 years. However, he tried not to let that discourage him. Sage's impoverished background taught him how to create something beautiful with the least amount of money necessary. He knew what he was doing. He'd won elections before.

His competitive nature didn't mean he wasn't supportive of his competition.

His frugal nature didn't mean he wasn't fond of expensive things.

Honestly, expensive things made him very, very happy. Especially when they were food. Especially when this food was absolutely delicious.

Sage waved to Dorian, his face full of bright smiled and his body decked in pastels. He carried a plate of foods he was never rich enough to even learn the names of, but that smelled wonderful all the same. He approached the table in a positive air and sat close enough to speak. "Some event you're throwing, huh?" Sage asked, sipping some sort of sparkling apple-y something he only ever got on special occasions. "It's beautiful what you've done in here. Very generous. You'll make a fine member of Student Council, I believe!"

Sage blinked at the sudden barrage of questions, but his smile never wavered. He was used to the scrutiny. It wouldn't get under his skin. Plus, his pastels weren't all that bright. He had on his favorite sweater, yes, which was certainly the centerpiece of his outfit, but the dark jeans balanced it all well. Sage met Dorian's attention with interest of his own. He wouldn't be intimidated.

"Yes, I'm new, but it's not so surprising for me, really. I've been on student council for the past three years at my old school, VP first and President the following two. I suppose the experience is comforting in this situation - as, no, I haven't quite discovered all the island has to offer - but really, I just like to support my school and community." Sage's posture was easy but confident as he answered, and every word was genuine. "Helping is what I do best. I suppose that's my only angle?"

Sage's smile never wavered, but inside, his eyes were narrowed. Such kind words from a stranger, and his competition no less. He was beginning to think Dorian was the one with the angle here, and that definitely wasn't a ridiculous hunch. Maybe he was wrong, but he was picking up some nice sarcasm towards the end. Still, Sage didn't let that effect him outwardly. He just kept up his positive vibes.

"Certainly not. I'm as human as everyone else. Mistakes can and do happen, just as with everyone," he said. "I may be idealistic at times, but I know how the world words, and I know that no two neighborhoods are the same. Of course, that means differences in politics as well, does it not? If even every street is unique."

Sage wasn't an idiot, no matter how optimistic he may have seemed about life. He noticed things. He wasn't oblivious, but it appeared as though he was giving the impression he was. Sage didn't want to give too much away. He didn't need to intimidate, and with his opponent's wealth and apparent stature, he wasn't even sure he could. Still, Sage was not okay with seeming like a joke. New and young he may have been, but he wasn't ignorant, and he wasn't naive.

Sage wasn't going to follow Dorian's example and grow snippy, but he did admit to being a little put off. If this was the way Dorian treated all of his competition, all of his peers, he was going to have some trouble with the presidency.

"I never assumed I had it all figured out," he said, maintaining his composure with a practiced ease. "I've already stated that I don't know everything there is to know about the island, and that there's a high chance I won't take president. You seem to be making quite an impression yourself. I won't be surprised at all if you end up with the position. My ideal spot may be President, but I'm aiming for the Council in general. I'd be just as happy with Treasurer or Secretary. Also, my actions are in no way a power move. I don't need control to feel important. I just want to make a difference in whatever way I can."

Logan lingered on the sidelines in quiet amusement, containing the giggles that threatened to bubble up by stuffing his face with creampuffs. It would be quite inelegant of him to have a fit of laughter when dressed up in a nice blue suit and scheduled to play beautiful piano music after the violinists. He had to stay respectable, not fully slip into his schoolboy popular kid instincts. Lord, though, it was difficult when Dorian was full on snark interrogating someone.

Sage Sinclair. He'd just joined up with one of Logan's clubs, but he didn't know him. He didn't like the attitude he was taking here, however, trying to sound like some kind of wise adult when he was the same age as him-- and new meat. Personally, Logan could handle it if that was earned, but this was Manta Carlos, not his old school. It didn't matter here if he'd been on Council before, and they didn't have a way to know if he'd been any good at it back then. This kid was an unknown uppity factor.

The tearing down went further. It was brutal. Logan was in love, and had to calm his heartbeat, keep it subtle. Sage on the other hand had been on the defensive and look at how good natured I am side this whole interaction. Logan popped another cream puff in his mouth and stepped to the right of Dorian, standing instead of sitting to emphasize his height, smiling charmingly.

"Hello, Sinclair," he greeted, voice as soft and pleasantly accented as it ever was. "I see we're having a little candidate meet and greet here, getting to know each other, are we? I'll be Dorian's vice-president. And ah, you know, don't worry about being so new on the island. You can watch us, be taught how things work here. We know what we're doing. Cream puff?" He offered one.

Dedicated and aware of the taunts as he was, Sage wasn't unreasonable. He was considering what they were saying fairly, because in the end, they were strong points. Whether or not he did well in his old town wasn't so important, because as he'd relented before, politics were always different. And, this time, he'd probably be dealing with real politics too, to some degree... Not just the fake legislation and gossip of an ordinary high school. These points only served to back up a few of his previous ideas — ideas that said he wasn't ready to take on the torch of presidency on this new island, that he should wait a bit to attempt it. Perhaps until the second semester. All things considered, Sage knew he was talented, but he was maybe still too green to really be Student Body President. Besides, Dorian was intimidating, probably overpowering competition. Sage knew deep down that he was going to win if they went head to head.

Nevertheless, Sage knew he was talented enough for Student Council. It was wasn't for President just yet.

No, Sage needed to aim for Treasurer. He knew about money. He'd dealt with it his entire life, and the thing about money was that it was constant. Money matters didn't change with politics unless the economy of the place was in question. Currency was currency, cash was cash, and a lifetime experience with penny pinching may very well be perfect for the job.

New revelations in mind, he didn't even bother to be annoyed with Logan's quite frank taunting. Instead, he just offered a smile - nothing blinding, he was done with the ridiculous flattery, but something friendly all the same. After all, there was no need to be hostile. They may very well be on Student Council together.

"No thanks on the cream puff, but I appreciate the offer. On both accounts. I think that learning from the both of you may very well be a benefit. You're both reasonable. You'll make fine Student Body leaders," Sage said, relenting his place in the argument. They were right. He'd acted to quickly before.

"Reconsidering, I don't think I examined my place in this election well enough before entering, I agree. Treasurer, though, is something more reasonable to aim for. Money is money when you look at the basics, and money is something I know how to work with. Politics, though, just as Dorian said, change dramatically."