Unperturbed by the man's threatening gaze, Jason shrugged, [b]"No ambush here, just a curious bystander. I mean no offense," [/b]His words were distorted by his half-sarcastic tone and mischievous, challenging smirk. 

[i]“Excuse me for being blunt but it is not wise to approach me that way, freshmen," [/i]the apparently older male responded. Jason was about to retort when a new face entered the scene, cutting him off. 

[i]"Ace, would you like to go and get some food? I've not eaten all day. Oh, hello. If you'll excuse us, I have to steal away my roommate. We're positively starved."[/i] 

Jason briefly glanced at the newcomer, quickly assessing a first impression before returning his attention to the emerald-clad man. She appeared to want to save the Damsel, or Ace as it would seem, but she could have just been hungry. It was always difficult to distinguish the difference between hunger and every other motivation. He let out a short sigh, [b]"I wouldn't bother with that now, this gentlemen was just about to leave," [/b]his grin returned, [b]"Weren't you?"[/b]

Jason was sure he'd lose if a fight broke out, but he wasn't about to back down now, not when things were finally getting exciting. Unfortunately, an authority figure arrived, effectively killing the conflict before it started. She must have had a decent amount of influence at this school if she could deter him with a few words. As the Green Man left, Jason couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret, like something was stolen from him. 

[i]“I apologize. There are many upperclassmen who continue to crash this gathering in hopes of evading capture. This happens every year and their manners continue to dwindle,” [/i]the woman informed them. She clearly had prior experience and had attended several of these sorts of events, but Jason couldn't pinpoint her actual status at the school even after she explained that she wrote the invitations. 

[b]"Lumen?"[/b] Jason tested the name out after she introduced herself, deciding if he liked it or not. He tapped his chin lightly before adding, [b]"It's a pretty name," [/b]He didn't bother attempting to seem grateful for her intervention, but his comment was genuine for what it was worth. 

The Not-So-Damsel-In-Distress seemed relatively aggravated by something as she excused herself, not even accepting her roommate's offer. Was it something he said? Nope. Probably not. He squeezed in a small goodbye to her before she was out of hearing distance, but whether or not she actually heard him didn't matter. As his company diminished, Jason now turned to the angelic-looking brunette and wondered if she too would escape from him. 

[i]“Excluding the mishap I do hope you are all enjoying your time here so far…Dinner will be served shortly," [/i]Lumen mentioned, though she seemed somewhat distracted. 

[b]"It's been nice, you guys sure know how to party,"[/b] he laughed, [b]"The upperclassmen keep it interesting, I imagine,"[/b] Jason yawned a bit at the end, unintentionally sprinkling his point with irony. With nothing to occupy his attention, Jason could feel his body aching, longing for a bed. It was getting late, at least by his standards, and he needed to get some sleep. Perhaps more distraction would suffice. [b]"Before dinner arrives, would you like to dance?" [/b]He casually extended his hand toward the abandoned roommate, [b]"It'll build up your appetite."[/b]