Apr 22 06:05:35 106 PA

From Chronicles

Apr 22 06:05:35 106 PA Kingsdale - Nightingale

Vixen is in early for a drink this Friday, sunk into the booth she's often at with her back against the wall side, her legs up, laid along the seat of the booth. Her mood is low, a slight, vaguely displeased downward curl to her lips. A glass of strawberry tequila is at hand to try lifting it, but in the end it doesn't seem to help much. Half empty, it sits neglected as she huddles into her coat a bit, arms crossed over her chest.

Early drinks and questionable moods might be the buzzword for the day, if Leonard's arrival were to make them both a majority, somehow. Once clear of the door, he make a beeline for the bar, and enhances the change in venue with a alternate choice of poison in the form of scotch.

Vixen actually spots Leo first this time and her mood lifts some in response. As he's moving towards the bar, she slips forward from where she's ensconced herself to approach. Her own drink left behind. Just a bit after his order, she'll come up behind him and slip her arms forward to wrap about his middle from behind for a soft embrace. "Leo.. I could use a good word," she says, weight shifting forward to lean against him.

Leonard is rather unattentive at the moment, and startles at the sudden contact. Once the embracer is announced by her comment, however, he seems to relax. Mostly. "Hey, Vix... A good word on what?" His head turns towards her, enough to give her a slims sideways smile and a lifted brow.

"I dunno.. anything," Vixen replies, squeezing him for a moment before she eases back to actually let him face her. "Lets just say that things aren't really going so well for getting food. Seems like most people don't have much interest in it.. not nearly enough to accomplish my goals," she replies. "Unless someone has a sudden change of heart, anyway. I'm not down, but this is pretty frustrating. I might be gone a bit more soon, cause I got plans to do some trips out to local farms. Nowhere too far out, so don't worry. Still in patrolled lands. Maybe I can get some of the refugees working out there with them. Work for food.. you know how that is."

Leonard turns, retrieving his tumbler as he does so and taking a swallow from it before he replies. "I'm hoping that my efforts will help, somehow, but food does seem scarce. For what they need, at least." His smile slowly grows to something closer to its usual intensity. "Most of them are farmers, yes? Working for their own food might appeal to them more than charity, anyhow. I'm not eager to have you wandering out and about, but I understand."

"Well, I could bring you along if you want. Just didn't know if you'd want to go around like that.. though you'd need some way to travel. My bike doesn't carry two and that's how I planned to make my way around quickly," Vixen replies. She moves to his side, quietly, but firmly maneuvering to get in against his side where she can move an arm behind him and lean again. "I just have to make a few preprations. Maybe make sure my options here are exhausted. Had to stop myself form ranting at these idiots on the View." She looks at him. "Don't they understand? They could be just like that eventually, if the Coalition ever came down on this place. You think people won't hear what happens here with them? Word travels. People are setting an example.. and not one I want applied to me."

Leonard rolls his shoulders before taking another draw from his drink, shifting hands to drape the near arm behind her in kind. "More hiding inside and watching out the window, maybe? I can hardly blame you for wanting to yell." A slight chuckle is given before he eyes his glass. "I'd like to go with you, Vix, but I doubt I'd be much help. You are the persuasive one. Besides, there is my own excursion to be ready for. I've not found any others willing to step outside for that, either, but I'm not the only one looking."

"No, they don't want to encourage refugees to come down this way. But you know what? They're going to anyway. One way or another. They try and strike a balance by letting them stay, but not lifting a finger to help them, but they're still going to die slow if we can't get them something," Vixen states. "Short sighted idiots can't see this is an opportunity. Got a lot of idle hands out there, waiting for something to do. And willing enough to do whatever it takes to survive." She looks to him and nods a little, her arm squeezing just a bit. "Well, I'd come with but I think I'm best here for now.. I'm not a fighter, I document. And do a little fighting when push comes to shove. Otherwise I might go, but since you have it covered, I don't have to go." She grins lightly.

"Now who is building pedestals, hmm?" Leonard's grin grows wide and wry at her squeeze and optimism. "Don't worry, I'm sure that you'll make them see the light, one way or another. For all I know, they're trying to be... political. Not that it would give the Coalition any pause, and their favor isn't the kind of thing anyone should want to cultivate."

"I'm just telling truth, man." Vixen replies lightly, offering an easy grin. "And I'm talking about other places, like Lazlo and such. I might head that way of the Coalition ever roll down this way. I'll not wanting them thinking every Kingsdale person out here is a cheap bastard. I'm gunna lay into them today.. but I won't be doing it angry. Swearing and cursing on the air is bad, but hitting them where it hurts is just how the game is played." She breathes out lowly and shakes her head. "So how you been? Besides not finding fighters anyway." She grins lightly at him.

Leonard nods. "I can see how name-calling might not endear you to the public, and that would make finding friends or deals that much more difficult." His grin mellows and he shrugs at her question, lips hiding behind the glass momentarily with another drink. "Doing my best to walk outside without being struck by lightning too many times, I guess."

"At least someone's not having too hard a time of it," Vixen replies then, giving a light grin as she moves again, turning to face him and lean in close. "Busy tonight?" Now there are times when she's subtle at times when she's not. Considering that she leans in against him with full body contact, her arms both wrapping to squeeze and reinforce that closeness, this is not one of those times. "I could use some cheering up."

"The walking isn't so hard, it's the other part I have difficulties with." Leonard looses half of a sigh before her unsubtle question and comment promptly rekindle his smile. "Well, I'd have to check my schedule, but... I think I can squeeze you in. Cheering you up is a priority, afterall."

Vixen laughs lightly at that, a sly edge coming to her expression. "You'll be the one squeezing in, babe," she murmurs lowly. "But tonight.. as much as I could use the relaxation, I can't give the kinda time I want. But for now this is nice.. better than nursing a drink alone." She does indeed rest against him, leaning in to lightly brush his lips with her own lightly. "You got any ideas? Something to do to get these people settled? I have a feeling getting the a space that isn't in danger from the Coalition or the Federation is going to be rough too."

Leonard considers a moment, then continues to ponder, now with some exagerrated expression. With a shake of his head, he admits, "I think my idea producing shut down after I rearranged my schedule." His grin returns. "You are rather ...distracting..." His lips now purse and he pauses a moment before continuing, more somberly. "I don't know where to suggest, really."

"Well, keep it in mind.. I'm not really sure what to do on a full time basis.. I doubt the powers that be would be happy if I started trying to found a small town in their zone of influence.. maybe Laramy, though they got their own issues to deal with. And I sure as hell can't take those folks to Whykin." Vixen shakes her head a little, seeming unmindful of her distraction level. Her attention turns to him. "Farms are likely our best bet.. for most, at least. Then maybe I need to start feeling out the politicians. I dunno."

Leonard smirks. "Yes, Whykin is out, and I think you're on the right track. Maybe something can be established locally? I admit that I don't know a thing about farming, or much of the geography here." His shoulders roll. "Everyone will always have their own problems, Vix. You don't have to solve them, just... give them a direction to try?"

"I'll have to get in with Emily again.. she seems like a leader or spokesperson for them," Vixen notes. "I suppose if you ever want to get a sense for 'em, you should go looking for her. I'll have to see just how close I am to what she wanted from me and see where we stand.. once I can track her down again." She breathes out lowly and leans her head against his shoulder. "Too many questions, not enough action from certain people."

"I'll remember that," Leonard nods, "although I'm not certain when I might go out there again, myself. All that I've thought of is either too temporary, or too permanent, it seems. Is there anything else that you know of that I might be able to assist with?"

"Well.. keep an eye out for any refugee groups. Might be more coming.. might as well let them know the situation here before they come all the way over, you know? In case they want to try and make for Lazlo instead." Vixen considers. "Right now it's a matter of trying to keep the refugees from dying and getting them some kind of good living situation. After that.. well, which grand, sweeping issue do you want to tackle next?" She grins with dry amusement, her head lifted to gaze at him.

Leonard indulges in the last of his scotch as he listens, setting it aside before looking to her. Her grin is partially mirrored by his own, just not quite as widely. "What are my choices? I'm sure that they'll change by the time we get to them, of course."

"Well, if we master feeding the refugees, maybe we can feed the Dregs people too," Vixen suggests. "And a solution for the Coalition and Tolkeen. And getting me more money so I can build a house and set up a more permanent broadcasting station.. heck, I could probably think of a few more things I'd like to see get done in that direction." Her grin turning more amused, broad and free. "A lot of money would solve a lot of problems."

"Not all of them, of course," Leonard warns, "but nearly so. Is that a hint that I should try and find vast amounts of wealth?" His brows lift in a teasing query. "I thought that I was the one with the expensive tastes?"

"Hey, you're the one that started talking about houses," Vixen counters, a hand lifting from behind him to poke a fingertip at his nose once or twice. "I'd be more interested in a studio, though. But having a little place over it wouldn't be too shabby either." She gives her shoulders a slight roll. "But yeah, everyone has dreams, right?" She smiles and shrugs her shoulders slightly. "Not expecting you to make money for me, I'm up to paying my dues."

Leonard is poked, and can't help but chuckle. "I will gladly take most of the blame, and I should probably be taking notes, too." He prods her back with a fingertip. "There's no doubt that you make your own way, Vix. That doesn't mean I can't want to help, though... How long do you think you'll be out hunting and gathering?"

Vixen grins broadly and will lean her head against his shoulder again. "I don't plan to do more than a day out and back.. will have to try and call ahead for the ones that are a day out. Better to ride out a few hours, hang with them if they'll give me a space for the night, then come back when its light again. The nearer ones will just be a day trip. I don't have no interest in being out in the wilds, even patrolled wilds, at night alone."

Leonard ahs softly. "Somehow, I expect that all those muscled, hearty farmboys will be more than gracious to host you for a night. Should I be worried if you decide to stay a week?" Her waist receives a squeeze, but his head turns to the bar as he nudges his glass across it and motions for a refill.

Vixen laughs lowly at that and shifts her head slightly in something resembling a shake. "Might tease them a bit, but when I go for business, it's business," she murmurs. "And I'm not about to cheat on you, Leo." She lifts her head and gives him a playful little grin. "Boys can look, but they can't touch. I know what its like to be on the receiving end of that sort of stuff. I wouldn't do that to you."

Leonard is grateful for the prompt service and takes the glass. Perhaps he's not had quite enough yet, however. He winces, the twitch expansive enough to be felt, as well as causing the liquor to slop over the edge of the tumbler as it's nearly dropped. "I know..." The words are pushed out softly immediately before he attempts to learn just how quickly he can empty the refill.

Vixen frowns a little as she picks up on the twitch, of sorts. "What's wrong Leo?" That much she can pick up on and she is a bit slow in lifting her hand up to intercept the glass towards the end of its emptying. "That ain't the answer, babe.. why don't you just talk to me? I'm sure whatever it is ain't so bad."

As much as he might think he needs the last of it, Leonard doesn't give her any fight over the lowering of the glass. His eyes follow it along, however. "No, but I had hoped it would be of some help. There are advantages to dulling the mind, at times..." He pauses, admiring the suddenly intriguing shape of the ice cubes in his drink. "I was wrong, Vix. Apparently, I'm no better than all the rest. You were right about flirtation being fun, but I've just stuck you on that other end. Again."

Vixen's expression evens and there is something.. a subtle shift in her mood. Something that gives it a serious edge that wasn't there before. And while she doesn't break off contact, she leans back a little , reducing the intimacy of their closeness distinctly. Her eyes linger on his face and she studies him carefully for a few quiet moments before she says, "You'd best keep talking then. From the top. Everything." Her voice given to that same sense of seriousness. "I'll find out, one way or another, so everything."

"I wasn't intending to hide anything from you, Vix." Leonard sighs and polishes off the last bit and sets the glass aside. "Not that I intended for much of any of this, to be honest..." The rest of him remains against the bar for support, but his eyes finally rise in her direction. "I went to the Alibi for a glass of wine, and met a new face. Some casual conversation, and friendly flirtation. Then, I guess we... I forgot to stop at looking." Now, his eyes veer away as he pauses, but manages to continue. "We were just ... I don't know how to explain it. Carefree?"

Vixen's expression remains firm, but neutral, which could be a good or bad thing. "Forgot?" Her eyes narrow subtly and she asks simply and with a bit more firmness, "How far did you go? Just how 'carefree'?" She leans back a bit more at that, separating herself from him, though just enough to lose physical contact.

Leonard winces again, despite not looking anywhere near her expression. "We had sex, Vix, after pawing at each other all the way to her room..." It isn't any attempt at bragging, considering how soft and tiny his words are. "and that's all it was about. No excuse, but maybe that's why... I don't know."

Vixen doesn't say anything to that. She just stares at him for several long moments before she simply turns and goes, firmly doing up her coat along the way. No backward glance. She could be caught, perhaps, but she seems intent on leaving the Nightingale quickly, short of actually going past a quick walking pace.

"Vix, wait..." Leonard's attention snaps upwards as she steps away, and he moves after. He might not be able to think of a compelling reason to argue why she should, but he goes after her, anyway.

"Wait for what?" Vixen turns on him with those words, snapped at him with anger. "For you to tell me why it's ok that you went and fucked some random chick the first time you met? How that shows how much you love me?" And that neutral expression is gone, replaced with anger, hurt.. a whole range of emotions between the those two extremes. "No.. go away Leo. I don't wanna talk to you right now. And don't come near my place tonight or I'll fucking shoot your ass." She turns away again, determined to go. To no one's surprise, if there is are correct answers to those questions, Leonard sure as hell hasn't found them. The arm raised towards her to halt her in protest never reaches her, dropping limply to his side lest it burst into flames on contact. In the end, he finds himself simply standing there, watching her depart.