[ the applause had absolutely been appreciated, whether or not anyone else joined in, and jayce had probably been able to see as much - sam's smile wasn't one he generally hid, after all. but it had also drawn attention to jayce, to the familiar way he and viktor were sitting together, and it didn't take much for sam to at least put together that they were friends. from home, most likely.

( and yes, some part of him was glad for it - that viktor had a friend, especially someone who seemed just as well versed in the ways of social interactions as this man was. )

it does mean that sam is somewhat prepared when he's approached afterwards - and when the introductions begin, sam's got his hand outstretched to shake. ]

Please- just call me Sam, really. [ mr wilson is just. too much like his dad, and even when sam had moved out and was on his own, it tended to just be wilson. but he knows it's polite, and he hopes jayce will take the hint. ] And I do know Viktor, yeah. He's actually working on something for me with another guy I know- [ sam glances around briefly, like he's trying to pinpoint the man in question, but gives up after another moment. ] You met Tony Stark yet?

[ when jayce brings up his concerns, though, a part of that easy lighthearted welcoming air about sam settles into something more professional, something a little more straight-backed. ] The way these factions are set up are so you do end up feeling that way. They each want us on their sides, to help with their own goals. Only way to combat it is to be aware of it. [ and then, as jayce continues to list off his resume, sam's seriousness eases away a bit into a small, impressed smile, both his brows lifting at the list. ]

And did you leave room to sleep somewhere in there, or are you and Viktor on that same "sleep is for the weak" mindset? [ it's obviously a joke, from the way sam asks, but part of him is equally curious as he is relieved. the politician part of it wasn't expected, necessarily, but sam can see the signs - the way he holds himself, the confidence in which he speaks, hell - he's handsome enough that anyone would want him in front of a crowd. and then there is the rest of that list which explains his partnership with viktor. ]

But I'll take the compliment. Speeches and all that weren't usually my thing- [ at least, they weren't before he took the shield. before cap got added to his titles. but it's something he's pretty seamlessly stepped into and he doesn't really mind all that much. ] -but someone's got to step up. And if it's not one of us, well.

[ sam...considers if he wants to bring up marlo specifically, or even goro at that point. if it's worth mentioning the way that the rest of this continent and these kingdoms will keep moving, and won't think twice about trying to sweep as many summoned up in it as they can.

but at the same time - goro is there, right on the other side of the house, and sam's not looking to start anything. plus, this was more of a first step meeting anyway, an acknowledgement of a choice that many summoned might not think they have. the deeper discussions of all this, the reality of what is going on, that can be saved for later. and sam gets the feeling that with jayce, there will be a later - something he's glad for, if only because there's someone else to share the burden.

for now, though, sam figures that unless jayce has specific questions, the least he can do is friendly conversation.

( extroverts need extrovert friends too, you know. ) ]

So- tell me. How exactly did you and Viktor end up partners? 'cause, no offense, but he seems a lot more like the type to take to everything alone.