Feb 25 01:25:43 107 PA - Having a good time at the Alibi

From Chronicles

The current game time is: Sat Feb 25 01:25:43 107 PA

The club is a liberal mix of modern and classic styles with a dark, warm lean to the hardwood and metal decor, dressed up with velvet and leather. Set up about the stage with attached DJ station and dance floor at the center, the entrance is set to one end of this, the bar to the other. The entrance itself is tightly controlled. There are always two well dressed people at the front, a bouncer to check each person coming in and another watching the drum and closet lockers that hold all patron weapons.

A broad , semi circular stage extends from the center of the widest wall, rising two feet, with lights rimming the edge and hidden in scaffolds high above. A rich red velvet curtain lies ready to sweep about and veil the stage itself from view. The DJ booth is set up right next to the stage, set into the same wall. With a thick window and biometric locks on the two side doors, one to the stage and the other to a set of stairs down, the equipment within is secure. Within a C shaped desk and racks hold the sound equipment, all linked into a central computer. All done up in sleek, dark cases, mixing well with the warm, wood paneling of the booth's exterior.

A dance floor is central to the club, laid out in a broad circle before the stage. Laid out in a semi circle opposite the stage side of the dance floor are a series of round tables, with smaller two person sized ones at the edge, with larger four person tables in the next row and a few grand six to eight person tables on the outer edge. All staggered to make for the best view for all to the dance floor and stage. To one side of this central focus is the bar, a broad affair taking up much of the shorter wall in width. The bar itself is a mix of modern and classic, with the simple, elegant hardwood design of the bar itself mixing with the display of alcohol behind it, opaque plastic shelves lit from within to highlight the wide selection of common and uncommon liquors for sale. The barstools themselves, lined up in a neat row, mix dark metallic stems with comfy red leather seats.

Outside the clouds have dumped a load of snow into the gusts of wind, which scatter it playfully about the streets. The moon is up and the evening is in full swing - a Friday night, and the DJ is playing tonight. Aimee's set is done and she is sitting at the bar, her legs crossed, a glass in her hand. She has company - a bar owner is rarely alone - and this time it is a man in a suit, and her expression is grave, the topic clearly serious.

Erica has run in to the club out of the snowy weather outside. She brushed off the snow from her hair and coat before delving deeper into the club. Unbundling herself she makes her way to the bar and climbs up on a bar stool noticing Aimee sitting at the bar she gives the other woman a familiar nod as well as a look of concern for Aimee's expression.

Aimee returns the nod quickly, with a slightly smile, and then reaches out a hand to press on top of the suit's, an expression of sympathy, or understanding. Then she slides from the stool, taking his arm, and leading him out to the back exit of the club. He talks for a brief while before she sends him off, and turns back to the bar. She returns, abandoning the glass of wine and summoning a bottle of amber liquid, good quality whiskey. "And how are you, ma petite?"

Erica turns to the bartender and gnaws on her lower lip while she ponders her drink choices for a moment. Finally she orders a cold beer in a bottle and takes it from the bartender with a warm smile. She takes a quick sip of the beer and starts looking around the bar. At Aimee's rearrival she turns to the other woman and offers her a quick smile. "Oh I'm well Aimee. How about yourself? I just got back into town after a hunt."

"This dragon hunt? I hear the brave Sebastien is in hospital." There is a brief flicker of concern in her green eyes as she settles on the next stool, pouring another whiskey and tossing it back. "The gossip mills have been very busy. I heard about you all triumphing over the dragon, about the explosion...it is keeping my bar staff very interested." Her tone is light, as if people being hospitalised and blown up are only important where it interferes with business.

Erica nods her head slightly. "Well he is only in the hospital because of his actions. He commited a few stupid and reckless acts that put him there." Her lips curl into a slight frown before she shrugs her shoulders. "Well nothing super exciting just some unfortunate buisness." She says before taking another sip of her beer. "So how is the Alibi?"

"Sebastien is a very reckless man. He enjoys taking risks, I think." Aimee glances across the bar as she pours another drink, tossing it back quickly. "It is busy. The gangs, they have a good deal to talk about these days." She tilts her head, giving Erica a thoughtful look. "You think that was unfortunate?"

"Well I just hope his actions don't kill anyone." Erica says with a look of concern before sipping on her beer again. "I just don't like having to kill. So when I am forced to I think it is unfortunate. But are the gangs causeing you problems?"

"Me? Non, they do not cause me troubles but their troubles, they sometimes spill over to other people." Aimee turns to lean on the bar, pouring another drink, with a quick questioning look at Erica, an offer to share. "The explosion, it has unbalanced things in the Dregs, and now, me, I think there will be more deaths and more bodies before they are balanced again."

Erica nods her head slightly as she idly swirls the beer around in her bottle. "I heard about the explosion, but I didn't really hear about what happened. Why has it caused unbalance?" She asks as she leans on her arm while taking another sip of her beer.

Aimee leans forward, her finger tracing a shape in the damp on the bar. "Because where you have three powers, fighting each other, and one is hurt badly, it causes unbalance. It makes it so that the others will try and take their power from them." Aimee's smile is feline, lacking humour, "And we are told a vigilante runner did this alone."

Erica is sitting at the bar across from an attractive and glamorous woman who is drinking whisky. Erica has a beer in one hand and her other hand is supporting her lean against the bar. "Well that doesn't actually answer my question becuase I don't relaly know what was blown up and why. So I don't know why they are fighting." She shrugs her shoulders again as she takes another sip of her cold beer.

Aimee nods, her finger moving across the bar lightly, drawing pictures in the spilt beer. She raises her gaze to Erica, her expression both amused and curious. "You have not heard then? Some little girl walked into the Clash headquarters with a large bomb. And poof, they are in chaos." She tosses the whiskey down her throat, reaching for the bottle before she finishes the movement. "And as for why, it depends who you ask, but the answer is power or money or both."

Erica frowns slightly as she shakes her head. "That girl better watch out. I bet a few people are going to be out looking for revenge or some nasty payback." She keeps shaking her head as she swirls the last of the beer around in her bottle. "I hope the fighting doesn't break out into a full out war. Too many people will get hurt."

Zero slips into the Alibi quickly, having nothing to give the men at the door. He's got a new look about him, but the lightness of his step and the ease of his mood remains unchanged. He's on his game as well, giving a young woman he passes a grin and incline of his head. She doesn't look so interested, but he seems pleased with the brush past and continues along his way towards the bar. When he arrives, he dips his head to Erica after he calls out lightly, "And there you are. How goes the evening?" HIs eyes shift to Aimee and he arches a brow. "And who's the friend? I feel almost privileged running into the two of you." His hands are sunk into his pockets and a light moisture on his coat lingers from melted snow.

"Rumour has it she is dead, but rumour also says she is off, heading to Chi-Town with plenty of money to run scams there." Aimee's tone is light, amused, and she shakes her head. "Who knows? Me, I think the information will come out." The man joining them brings amusement back into her eyes and she lifts the glass to him. "Erica, ma petite, have you been holding out on me? Is this your boy? He is very pretty." Her tone is lightly mocking, and the smile is pure feline. "I am Aimee. You are in my club." One eyebrow arches slightly, questioningly.

Erica laughs softly and shakes her head. "You know better then that Aimee. No one is interested in me. This is Zero he is with a girl named Sofiya." She finishes off her beer and sets it on the bar while signaling to the bartender for another one. Turning her head she regards Zero for a moment before shrugging her shoulders. "Well just another evening. It is going well I guess. Zero this is Aimee. It is her club."

Zero grins at Aimee and nods his head, letting his head turn to take in the place before it settling his attention back on her. "That doesn't surprise me, you look classy enough to be owning something. And this is a pretty classy place." He then grins idly at Erica and shakes his head. "Don't be saying that, you know I've got interests." HIs tone causally playful. He then offers a hand to Aimee. "As you have heard, the name is Zero. Or Zee if you like."

There is a brief flicker of interest in the lift of her eyebrow and Aimee takes Zero's hand, her grip firm enough. "This one, ma petite, she underestimates herself." Aimee shrugs lightly, studying Zero's face for a long moment before she pulls her hand back. "We do our best here to be classy." She uses the reclaimed hand to pour whiskey, but this time she takes her time with it, savouring the flavour.

Erica eyes Zero for a moment before shaking her head slowly with a bemused look. "Zero your intrest in me was likely only to use me to get closer to Sofiya. And your plan seemed to work so good for you. But you don't have to keep up with the front." She turns to smile at the bartender as she gets another beer and takes a long pull from the cold lager. "It is a very lovely place. I like it a lot. Although I have been spending a little time at the Nightingale lately."

Zero nods to Aimee at her assessment of Erica. "I know, right? I think she just needs to find what she wants and reach out for it," he opines before looking towards the woman herself. "You think I planned that thing at the Rec? Trust me, I didn't. You were a good person to ask for some womanly advice and my offer to come give opinions on that corset was genuine. I don't play around with things like that, you know. Or I guess you don't, but trust me, I don't." He glances towards Aimee a moment, considering her before a sly little grin comes to him and he looks back to Erica. "I don't put up a front. I tell girls what I'm thinking. Not what I want them to think."

"Erica, ma petite, are you leaving me for that place? I am wounded to my very heart." The comment is given with a pout, and Aimee places her hand on her heart, her gaze resting on Erica teasingly. "Do they sing to you, petite? Is that it?" Aimee returns the considering look at Zero, her eyes narrowing. "Erica, you took this man shopping for another girl's underwear? Will she let you see her in it?" She is lightly teasing the other woman but her gaze are narrowed on Zero's face, a lightly less than friendly glint in them.

Erica rolls her eyes as she keeps shaking her head all the while looking bemused. "Whatever you say Zero, but you used me if you admit it or not." Sipping on her beer she turns to Aimee and reaches out to pat the other woman on the hand affectionatly. "I'm sorry Aimee, but sometimes I do not feel like coming down to the dregs. It is safer in town sometimes, and I do not wish to walk as far. But the Alibi will always be my big love." She pauses for a moment to take another sip of her drink. "Nope I don't get to see Sofiya in it. In fact I don't think she likes me since Zero used me to make her jealous."

Zero grins at Aimee, unruffled. "I asked Erica to give me some ideas on things to get for her, cause I got some credits and wanted to spend a little for fun. Offered to get her something too for the trouble. She got a nice pink corset, even wore it at the shop to show. Nothing too naughty, but she kept some clothes on." He grins at Erica. "After we were done I offered to go with her for a full show." He glances at Erica and shakes his head, then continues. "She said no, so we went down to the Rec to play some basketball. Or that was the plan. Didn't expect Sofi would be there. And Erica decided to ruin the surprise gift, which got Sofi pissed. Sort of ruined the basketball plans cause I was trying to calm Sofi down. THough that was my fault, cause she didn't want me to buy her anything before, though getting her something sensible as plan B would go better, but.." He shrugs, obviously accepting of the failure. "I really didn't plan for Erica to tell her, cause I was hoping to wait for a better moment to offer it to her."

He pauses a moment in his recounting, looking to Erica. "So I asked her to take the stuff with her, I was planning to have Erica hide it for a bit to let Sofi think I took it back, so I could try again later. That's nice that you did it, too. I am thankful for you helping me out with that." He smiles and looks to Aimee as he continues. "So she.. uh, Sofi freaked out and tried to walk home in the sleet. I tried to get her to accept a ride back, but she wuldn't let me so I ended up just manhadling her into the truck carefully. Got a had kick for that. She was mad, sure. But managed to smooth things over."

He then looks to Erica and adds, "Getting close with her wasn't exactly planned either. I never really plan for that sort of thing cause before, it's always worked out bad. It might work out the same this time around.. we'll see in time. But if you think I set you up for all that, you give me more credit than I deserve, cause the only thing I planned was to get some gifts, play some basketball with you, then hide the stuff in my truck until I could figure out a good time and place to offer one of them up. What happened was really out of my plan for the day." He pauses, then grins a little and says, "Well, yeah.. hey, barkeep! A brew?" All that talking has gotten him parched.

Aimee leans an elbow on the bar, giving Zero a steady look, her chin in her hand. "So you used the little Erica to get another girl into your bed? That is not so kind of you." Her tone is lightly scolding, and her gaze flickers between the pair thoughtfully. "And then you manhandled this girl into your truck? You are very smooth, young man." She waves the barman away with a smile and reaches for a cold beer herself, opening it before she places it in front of him. "And then you come into the bar and explain in so very much detail." Aimee shrugs lightly, dismissing the topic. "Perhaps the Dregs is not the time to be hanging around in for the moment, ma petite, to give the trouble some time to settle. At least until they find this girl and deal with her, non?" Her advice is directed to Erica with a smile.

Erica shrugs her shoulders at Aimee and gives her a warm smile. "Well can't be more dangerous then a dragon, and I missed your singing Aimee. I wish you would make a cd or two for me to listen to. I would love to jack you into my headjack to listen to while I'm working on my new apartment." She takes a long drink of her beer before turning to Zero. "You put an interesting spin on matters. You told me you were interested in me, but you neglected to mention how serious your relationship was with Sofiya. You are being disingenuous, but whatever I'm not going to argue with you Zero. You got what you wanted in the end and that is what matters."

"I don't see how I used Erica," Zero replies, an honest bemusement showing. "I asked her to help me, that's all." He then grins at Erica. "To be honest, I didn't really know things were that serious for me and Sofi before. She's great, don't get me wrong. BUt at the time, we were just good friends with some benefits. She's the one that was reaching and I didn't see any reason not to reach back when she did. She doesn't really have any bad feelings about you and I don't either. I was thinking we'd still be friends." He then notes to Aimee, "I did what I felt I had to to keep her from getting sick because of me. She was mad because of me and she went into the sleet because of me. And I took a kick to the balls to try and keep her from getting hurt. She's a real spitfire, let me tell you." The topic of Dregs trouble is left untouched by him.

Aimee is watching the pair, amused, her eyes thoughtful. "Erica, ma petite, perhaps he is telling the truth. Perhaps not. He is male, and those you cannot trust." Her mouth curves into a smile and she straightens, taking the bottle of whiskey with her. "Erica, I shall record something for you, perhaps, just to be listened to in your bedroom." She winks, the smile turning distinctly feminine and she blows the pair a kiss before she turns to leave. "Business, ma petite."

Erica lets out a sigh and shakes her head slowly. "Zero I really don't give a flying fuck. You did what you did. Did I ask you to explain it to me in such detail? No. So don't worry about it." She picks up her beer and takes a long drink of it finishing it off quickly enough. Raising her hand up she looks over to the bartender for another drink. "I'm not one to hold grudges. Anyways I'm here to have a drink not to be reminded of failures in my personal life." Turning back to Aimee after catching the bartender's attention she gives the other woman a grateful smile. "Thank you Aimee. I would love to listen to that." She sticks out her lip in a little pout as the other woman makes to leave. "Aww Aimee I never get to talk to you enough. See you later."

Zero arches a brow at Aimee, but seems amused and not at all insulted by her words. "At least I know where I stand with you. Have a good one, Aimee," he says lightly, handling the beer he was given lightly as he lifts it for a swallow. He then looks back to Erica and considers her. "I suppose I can accept that, so long as we remain friends. I just don't like people thinking I'm playing lying games when I just play life as it comes. I've seen playing games and lying gets you into more trouble than just taking things as they come. I might get slapped a few times for being honest, but that heals easy, you know?" He grins lightly.

Aimee blows Erica a light kiss as she leaves, winking. "I will come back later, but business is business, ma petite." She is soon to be seen circulating, meeting and greeting, her smile coming light and easy, the green eyes

Erica nods to the bartender as she gets another beer from the bartender. "Don't worry about it Zero. I don't care anymore. I don't know why I bother with trying to meet people. It is pretty obvious I'm only good at one thing." She takes a sip of her bottle of beer before continuing. "But anyways what have you been doing with yourself Zero?"

Zero shifts a bit to take up the space that Aimee left, leaning against the bar. "You know, it really brings me down when you talk like that. Cause I know part of the problem is you're always convincing yourself that its true, when part of what you gotta do is just.. stop thinking that way. Thinking is a powerful thing, you know. ONe reason I keep positive is because it can make things positive. Not always, but enough times to make it worth it." He grins and adds, "Me? I'm doing fine. Just taking what comes my way and not sweating what doesn't. That's the key to living good. At least, its worked for me so far."

Erica laughs and shakes her head with a little smirk on her lips. "Positive thinking is a crock of shit. I don't think things better. I make them better. I'm not going to delude myself with some fantasy that things are always good." She keeps shaking her head while sipping on her drink. "You get that work done on your truck yet? Or find yourself an apartment cowboy?"

Zero grins a little and shakes his head. "I don't think things good. If that worked, I'd have a job that I get paid richly for for doing nothing and not want for a thing," he says. "What I do is accept how things go and not let failure get me down. I've been turned down by lots of women over time, you know. And the two relationships I've had before didn't end up very good. But I'm not giving up on things. Maybe being with Sofi will work out. Maybe not. If not, I'll keep looking and give it a try again next time it pops up. Key is to not sweat it when things don't turn out how you want them to. Cause there is always another chance." He nods his head to that. "Truck is still a junker, but she's still running, so no problems there. Still looking for a job so far. Guys are dragging their feet, but again, that'll end eventually. I'm not letting it get me down. Sofi did decide to get a place at Cheapo and a better job for it. NOt the job she wants, I'm sure. But I bet we'll find her something better. THings will work out in the end, just have to keep pushing and when you see what you want, you snag it. That's the key to living, rather than just surviving."

Erica shrugs her shoulders quickly before speaking. "Well think what you want Zero. I'm not sweating anything. I have a bunch of credits now. Enough to get myself a pretty big gun I guess." She shrugs her shoulders again before adding. "Sides you don't know the full story. People use me left and right not just you. Least they could do is give me a thank you, but most of the time they don't. Oh well. I should have enough to start my soup kitchen soon." She picks up her beer and takes a long pull off of it. "You chould get that truck looked at before something more serious goes wrong with it. Well having an apartment is a step up at least."

"You're sweating it when you say no one will ever love you, Erica," Zero notes. "That kind of thing doesn't just stay in your head, it shows outside too. Its one of those.." he pauses, considering. "Self fulfilling things. Maybe you don't want to lean on it, but you know, things might have been real differnt if you'd have accepted my offer that day. I'm not saying anything for sure, but you never know. Choices get made, things happen." He shrugs. "You made a choice cause of what you thought of me. LIkely half right. I like women and I like being with them. I'm a bit more exclusive now I suppose, but before that.. not at all. You should relax a little. Maybe try using a few guys for a change or something. Flip things around, you know? I think it might help. Though I guess I'm not the wisest guy around, truth be told."

Erica raises an eyebrow as she keeps shaking her head. "Did I say that Zero? Cause I'm pretty sure I would remember if I said something like that. So don't put words in my mouth." She lets out a little sigh before staking a sip from her bottle of beer. "And you don't know why I made the choice I made either Zero. Don't presume to know things that you don't know. I didn't make that choice for the reason you think." She keeps shaking her head and eyes her beer for a moment.

"What was the reason then?" Zero asks with a simple curiosity. "I know what you think about me.. I assumed, but well.. just like I like to tell my truth, I like learning the truth others have for me." He motions towards her. "Maybe we aren't real close yet, but I like making women happy. Even if its just giving them a smile. So I'm thinking about you that way. How to make you happy. So let me know what you had on your mind then." HIs bottle comes up for a casual pull.

"Yah you make a lot of assumptions Zero." Erica says with a sly look and a little grin. "I just wanted to play some basketball first, but I guess that was the right decision in the end cause now your with Sofiya." She takes another sip of her beer before continuing. "Oh I'm sure you like making people happy."

Zero gives that some thought, then shakes his head and says, "No, the ends don't say what's right or wrong. Cause if you had made another decision, maybe another ends would have happened. Maybe it would have been just a fling between us. I admit, that was likely. But it might have also ended up with things just being a fling between Sofi and me, had certain things not happened as they did. Might have ended up as more than a fling too. I'm not making no assumptions on that cause I live better without stressing too much over the future. You let go a little too easy, I think. Maybe you should try being a little more aggressive, a little more greedy."

Erica laughs softly to herself. "You are real good at putting words into my mouth Zero. I didn't say the ends justified the means. I just meant that it worked out because your with the girl you wanted anyhow." She pauses to lean forward and put her beer back on the bar. "Well thanks for that uh advice I guess. I don't think I'll follow it, but I know you mean well Zero. But I am not agreessive and I am not greedy. I'm not going to change who I am.

Zero grins a little. "Yeah, I'm with her. For now. Hopefully it will work out, she does seem the sort of girl for me in a few ways. Feels a little rushed, but when the rush starts, I go with the flow. See how things will be. Seems alright so far." He motions to her. "Nothing wrong with being a little greedy if you see someone that you really like. I mean, you'd have to let the guy know you like him, right? Otherwise how would he know?"

Erica shrugs her shoulders slightly. "Eh it's a moot point anyhow. All the people I know are in relationships, so there isn't much point in worrying about it. I'm sure it will work out well between you and Sofiya. You both seem a lot alike." She picks up her beer off of the bar and takes a little sip of it. "Well I guess Nemain or Vadania ain't but neither of them are interested, so like I said no point in worring about it."

Zero arches a brow at the feminine names spoken of. He grins in a decidedly mischievous way, though doesn't lean too much on it besides that. "Time to make new friends, then," he suggests. "It matters. A lot of fish out there, Erica. Gotta get your pole out and keep your hook in so when a bite comes, you're ready. One thing I've found, sometimes you find interesting things when you least expect it." He nods, lifting his bottle for another swallow.

Erica laughs softly and shakes her head. "Well actually no there isn't a lot of fish out there. I've met most of them. But I don't know why I'm bothering to talk to you about it anyways." Taking another sip of her beer she shrugs her shoulders before continuing. "But anywasy lets talk about something else. I'm tired of hearing cliches."

Zero shrugs. "I'll just send any guys I meet your way. Met a nice pair of twins the other day. They're a real interesting pair. I think I'll let them know there's a lonely lady out here, looking for friends." He grins playfully. "What do you wanna talk about. I was thinking of trying to get a job at the gunnery. Maybe be their goto guy for.. whatever. I know my way around weapons, after all. Can't use them all, but I can maintain whatever I get my hands on."

Erica lets out a sigh and takes a drink from the bottle of beer. "I don't think you sending guys my way would be a good idea at all." She shakes her head slightly as she leans back in her barstool. "The gunnery is a nice place. I've been there looking for a good heavy weapon. A plasma rifle or a railgun. Still haven't quite decided on what I'll get." She shrugs her shoulders quickly before finishing off her beer. "Those the twins that have been fighting with each other? You make some interesting friends Zero."

Zero grins and says, "Well, I wouldn't send them per se, but you know us guys. We talk about pretty girls all the time." His playful grin lingers as he takes a swallow. He nods then and says, "Looks like a good place. Good enough for a steady job. And those are the guys. They sound pretty interesting, that's true. Had a talk with them before?"

Erica shakes her head and shrugs her shoulders. "Nope haven't met them, but I hear a lot of rumours. I keep up on the intelligence that gets around after all. Sort of my job." She finishes off the last of the beer in the bottle and looks at it thoughtfully while trying to decide if she should buy another one. "Yah guys are pretty big gossips."

Zero grins idly and nods. "You should get some time with 'em. They're pretty cool guys. Got a lot of interesting stories to tell, but I get the feeling they might get a bit rowdy over the details. Maybe they need a nice, calming female influence to calm then down." He lifts a hand to rub his chin lightly as he considers Erica carefully. "Or they just might get more competitive with you between them. Which could be interesting." He grins.

Erica rolls her eyes slightly before turning her head to consider Zero. "And you consider me a calming influence? I go out and hunt dragons. I'm about to go take a Coalition camp. I think that might not be super calming." She laughs softly in her little high voice before ordering another beer. "Well maybe at some point you can introduce me to them. We will have to see."

The petite teenager arrives in the bar, carefully slipping through the security with a smile. She removes her coat, laying it over her arm, revealing a red and black dress that is figure hugging, flared from the waist, with a neckline that is low. She moves quickly, her boots barely causing a problem with that low a heel, and heads towards the bar. She is looking for someone, moving slowly through the crowd, her gaze moving around.

Zero's brows lift and he grins. "Really?" The mention of a twin does indeed make him perk. "That's interesting. Though I'd like to see the two of you side by side to verify, of course." HIs tone casually playful. He's focused on Erica for the moment, so the seeking young woman isn't noted as he adds, "Sorry, Erica. I'm just thinking about how to get you happy. Or happier, since I suspect you'll tell me you're happy. And you seem to be in general. But everyone can use more happy and more chill, you know?"

Erica shakes her head as she rolls her eyes. She gestures at Zero with a beer. "Yah well good luck with that because she lives in Lazlo. She is a techno-wizard up there." She takes a sip of her beer before turning around in her stool so that her back is against the bar. "Well then I won't bother telling you if I'm happy or not then. That makes things easier." She says with a little smirk while looking around the bar. She spots the girl in the red dress but doesn't seem to recognize her.

Sofiya gives Erica a brief nod, hesitating before she begins to move across, and her grin appears as she realises Zero is with Erica. She takes a little while to get through the crowd to them, and she brushes Zero's shoulder lightly as she goes to the bar. An attempt to get served wins out and she orders three beers, glancing over her shoulder at them, giving Zero a warm smile.

Zero chuckles and shakes his head. "I guess I'll have to hope next time you visit home, I can drive you up there," he replies, his playful nature undaunted by Erica's rolling eyes. He shakes his head and as he gets brushed, he looks back towards who it is instinctively. His eyes lingering a moment, but then away. Recognition not instant. Indeed, he even starts talking a bit after. "Anyway, we should still get some game in, but I'm not really feel.." He pauses then and his brow crinkles. He looks back towards Sofia and actually looks this time. Then his brows go up. "Now that's a nice look for you, Chipmunk. Don't tell me you had that number hidden away in that trailer." He grins, posture shifting to lean his back rather than his side against the bar, to balance his attention between the two young women.

Erica's expression turns into a slight smile as Sofiya's nod helps Erica recognise the other woman. She says nothing though and turns around to face Zero. "Well I don't think I'll be traveling through the war zone again to go to Lazlo anytime soon." She smirks slightly as Zero doesn't recognize Sofiya at first but instead of saying anything she takes a long drink from her beer.

Sofiya is oddly pleased by his lack of recognition, as she turns to put the beers in front of them, keeping her own. "My ma made it. I told her everything." Her accent is stronger tonight, spending time with the native speakers of a language does that to a person. She moves to offer Zero a quick kiss, informal, not lingering. "Hi Erica. You like it then?" She puts her beer down, hands behind her as she turns to show Zero and Erica the outfit. "She thought it was a change."

Zero chuckles and leans over to receive the brief kis before straightening and responding, "Real new, Sofi. I like the look a lot. I'm a little surprised your mother would make you something like that. Did you tell her it was for the other guy?" His expression playful. He then notes to Erica, "We should play basketball for real some time. Seen the gym up north, they probably have good facilities for it, I bet." HIs prior thought finished. "Good exercise. A lot better than football, but then being like I am, football is a pretty big challenge with a bunch of big bruisers."

Erica looks over the dress with a critical eye and then looks up to smile at Sofiya. "You look great Sofiya. It really suits you well. And your mother is a great seamstress." She lifts up and gestures to the girl with her beer. "Cheers to looking good." She says with a little giggle before taking a sip of her drink. She shrugs her shoulders quickly at Zero. "Yah I usually go to that gym to exercise. Sure we can play sometime."

Sofiya gives Erica a warm grin, reaching out to take up her beer again. "She is. Zee, she is working on your trousers but she needs your inside leg." The corners of her mouth barely twitch at all, and she keeps her gaze away from the man, struggling not to laugh. "Don't let him cheat and change the rules at basketball."

Zero grins idly as he considers Sofi. "I'm sure she'll take the moment to inspect me for anything 'wrong'." He chuckles and considers her again before he smiles and looks back to Erica. "You know, I think I should get a book on the rules of basketball so Sofi can stop telling everyone I cheat at sports. I only cheat when I'm going up against guys that are bigger than me. Have to even it up somehow." He winks.

Erica rolls her eyes again as she shakes her head ruefully. "Uh huh keep dreaming Zero. Well I'm sure there is a book on the rules in the library, but won't do you much good since most people can't read. So how will they know you aren't cheating?" She asks with a little smirk as she takes another sip of her beer.

"I'll help and read it to them." Sofi offers, shooting Zero a sweet smile, before she replies to his comment about her mother. "She said you are to come over without me so she can find out about this boy I am spending time with." Her voice is singsong, mimicking her mother's strong accent before she adds, so very casually. "And I bumped into Sebastien. He is going to see if he can find out what is going on." She tilts her head back, drinking the beer quickly.

Zero gives Erica an odd look. "Keep dreaming about what?" He not seeming too sure just what she's referring to with that. Though he does look to Sofi and grins a little. "I guess I don't have to ask if you know how to read then. Working with computers and such required it for me." He grins, an arm lifted to slip over her shoulders lightly. Though he considers the rest and wonders, "Should I be worried about being alone with your mother in this case? She looks stronger than me." His brows lift slightly. The note about Seb he just nods to and no more.

"Oh I'm glad Sebastien is feeling better. I hope he learned from the mistakes he made." Erica says with a little shake of her head. "Maybe you could get some teams together or something Zero if you like this basketball so much." She offers as she idly swirls the beer around in her beer bottle. "I hope you survive the encounter with her mother Zero, but if you die I'll make sure to come to your funeral." She says with a little giggle.

"Just make sure you don't say anything disrespectful." Sofiya's mouth is definitely twitching now, as she adds. "Oh, and try not to end up with us married or anything." She puts her empty bottle down, shooting Erica a grin. "I have to go." She doesn't explain that need further, bending to kiss Zero once more. "Sebastien makes mistakes? You wouldn't know it." That brief flash of cocky humour gone, she heads towards the door, shrugging a coat that Zero wouldn't have seen before over her dress.

Zero chuckles and shakes his head. "Oh, I don't think she'll kill me. At least.. not unless she can convince Sofi it was an accident." He pauses, glancing towards Sofi as if to see if she might agree. Her words prompt a grin and he says, "Trust me, I'm going to be watching myself close with her. Should be a bit of a challenge." THe kiss he returns lightly and he lets her go without complaint. "See you later, Sofi. I got the shower done, new head and everything, so give it a shot when you get in." Sent after her as he considers her briefly during her walk away. THen he looks back to Erica. "Not too worried about teams though. For basketball. Used to join in with some of the other boys back home and when I was training up, but it was casual for me. I just like shooting baskets mostly. I think the only reason I got picked is I'm a decent shot with the ball."

Erica raises a hand to give Sofiya a little departing wave as the other girl starts leaving. "It was nice seeing you again Sofiya. You do look good in a dress." Turning back to Zero after Sofiya leaves she gives him a quick smile. "Well seems like you and her are doing very well. Well then don't do teams. Whatever you want to do it is your sport after all."

Zero grins and nods to Erica. "And I told you she's not holding a grudge. She probably would have held it with me, cause I'm the one who did the wrong thing. You actually said, in her view, the right think I bet." He nods to her, then adds, "Just some shooting when there is an open basket. It's relaxing to me. Just focusing on the ball and where its supposed to go. Actually playing the game is a bit more stressful because you have to worry about all the other players, you know? It's fun, don't mistake me. But if I want to relax, I just shoot baskets."

Erica shrugs her shoulders. "Maybe, although who knows she could just be being polite. But I'm not worried." She licks her lips quickly before taking a sip of her beer and then setting it back on the bar. "Well I guess that sounds like a nice way to relax. I spend my time relaxing reading books or hanging out at the bars, or just talking to firends. To each there own."

"You might try just shooting. I saw you were before.. what'd you think of it," Zero asks. "Looks like you could use some practice, but that's how it usually is. Getting a sense for how much you have to put into it to get it just right is something you learn from doing. Like walking, I guess. No one can tell you how to do it. Just give a few tips on improving what you develop."

Erica gnaws on her lower lip and thinks for a moment before answering. "Uh it seemed fine I guess. I mean it is putting a ball through a hoop, so doesn't seem a lot to it. Well I guess you could try teaching me how to play it. I have been told that I make a good student and an ok teacher as well."

Zero nods his head. "That's why its so relaxing. It's just the ball and the basket. NOt much to think about, you can let your mind do what it wants while you put the ball in the hole." He shrugs his shoulders a little and adds, "More just showing you the rules. THose are pretty easy to pick up on. I'm no star player myself. Fast, but not so light on my feet. A decent aim and no mass. And not seven feet tall. Being tall is good in competitive basketball, since height is a big advantage in a real game."

Erica ponders it for a moment and shrugs her shoulders. "Well usually I like using my mind. That is why I do a lot of reading. Well I'll give it a try sometime. We can play it a little and see if I enjoy it." She takes a long drink of her beer and finishes it off before setting it back on the bar. "Only sport I competted in was gymnastics."

"Mmm, gymnastics. Flexibility is a big plus," he notes with a little slyness to his grin. "Never was too flexible myself, but well.." He grins and shakes his head as he says, "Sometimes its nice not to think. Or.. to do something that lets you think about anything but what you're doing. With the body buy, you can clear the mind, sort of. Or it works for me, anyway. Get into this kinda.. focused state if there aren't too many distractions. Good for pondering and such."

Erica rolls her eyes as she shakes her head slowly. "Always with your mind on sex." She lets out a little sigh bewfore continuing. "Well I guess that is nice. Sounds like a bit of a meditative state. I like to keep my mind focused I guess. So I would think it would depend on the person."

"At least I'm honest," Zero notes with a grin. "But don't worry, I won't try and seduce you." His voice lightly jesting. He nods a little. "I don't read to o much these days myself. Music is good for relaxing too. You ever just turn on some good music and settle and let your mind go where it wants to? Well, I guess it depends what sort of music you like. Metal isn't so good for that."

"Oh I'm not worried. And I don't see what honesty has to do with anything." Erica says as she shakes her head a little bit, but her expression is one of amusement. "I come here for the music. The music they play and Aimee's singing is pretty good as well. You should try reading. There are some good books at the the library. Go take a look some times. I enjoy all sorts of music even the stuff they play at the Nut and Bolt. Well depending on my mood."

"Oh, I do when I have to, but I don't like sitting still for it much. Sitting still for music is different, but otherwise I like being active," Zero replies with a grin. He then nods his head and says, "Well, you know what's on my mind, so you don't ever have to worry about that. And I'd like to hope you know when I say certain things, I'm not really reaching.. its said cause I see it as true. Not like I can reach for anything anyway, right? So ulterior motives don't even factor."

Erica raises an eyebrow and looks at Zero curiously. "Well your sitting still drinking a beer with me. That isn't very active." She says with a little smile. "That is what you keep saying that you don't have any ulterior motives. I'm not so sure of that, but oh well." She looks at the bar and gnaws on her lower lip to see if she will have another drink. "Well Zero I think that is enough beer for me for one night. I think I'll be going."

"Yeah, but we're talking. So I'm not real still," Zero notes, lifting his bottle to take another swallow. "Reading is different." He chuckles then and says, "You think I'm still trying to get you into bed? I know we've got a boundary there and I'm fine with it. Want proof? I'll drive you home if you want. And I won't even ask for a good night kiss." He grins idly. "Seriously though, you want a ride back?"

Erica shakes her head slightly as she gives Zero a warm smile. "Naw thanks. I can make it back on my own ok. I think you should go and see your Sofiya." She giggles softly as she fishes a few credits out of her purse and pays her tab. "Thanks for the offer though. And I'm pretty sure you are going to be loyal to Sofiya

"I have quite a few reasons to be," Zero says with a nod and a casual grin. "Its an open offer, especially after you've been drinking," Zero notes. "One thing you should know about me, I don't do things to passed out girls. Mostly because its not as fun as when they're awake, but also cause its rude. So, you know.. if you're ever feeling real out of it, I'll make sure you're alright. You be safe out there, catch you later, Erica." He grins, lifting his bottle towards her.

"Yes Zero we went over that already." Erica says with a little grin. She picks up her purse and climbs down from her bar stool. "Sure I'll keep that in mind, but I think I'll be ok for tonight at least. See you later Zero. Have a good rest of the night"