May 20 15:12:35 106 PA
From Chronicles
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.
The current game time is: Fri May 20 15:12:35 106 PA.
The DJ music night, and Maya has been dancing to the loud music, enjoying her moments of letting her hair down. Now, she is settled at that bench the others like so much, complete with her large drink of purple liquid and ice, her boots up on the seat. Her hair is tied up in bunches, plaited, and around her throat is that dog collar, nearly but not quite covering a love bite. Her toe bounces along with the rhythm of the music, and her eyes are half closed, her mouth curving into a grin despite her lack of company.
The combination of evening and the looming weekend has others in a casual mood, as well. Leonard's hair hasn't lowered any, but his standard of dress certainly has. The past days have been the closest he's had to a work week, so he is beginning to understand the true meaning of 'weekend.' His first stop is initially the bar, which he begins to reconsider as he awaits his turn to order.
Maya is watching the club, despite the half closed eyes, and Leonard's stop at the bar is seen. She gives a moments consideration to moving but settles for a yell of his name and a mad wave. "Leonard!" Keeping to his real name, her dislike of the nickname obvious the day before. She picks up the drink after that, taking a large slurp before settling it down again.
Alistair arrives after a break from teaching probably, and the Alibi is simply close by. He starts on his way to the bar, but pauses, looking at the dance floor for a few moments. His expression turning a little bit pensive at that.
Leonard's head turns at the call given over the music, the source of which he is uncertain of until flailing Maya arm is seen. His initial response is a wide grin which is followed by his pushing away from the bar in favor of moving toward slurping lips, waving hands and bouncing bunches. Steps quickly bring him to her table as he dodges other enthused patrons and his grin turns decidedly impish as his own hand lifting to wave pauses in mid-rise. For once, he decides to pre-empt her, and leans in to give her a sudden hug as his greeting. "Good to see you, Maya."
There is an enthusiastic return to his hug, Maya's delight at not being the first to hug demonstrating itself in a exclaimation of happiness. "You too, Leonard!" The hug goes on a little longer than normal but she releases him, wiggling back against the wall and moving her feet to let him sit next to her. "You look..." She hesitates, teasingly taking her time to pick a word. "Casual." A choice that can't cause offense. She dips her head to slurp at the drink without picking it up, the movement flashing the lovebite at him. Alistair's arrival is unnoticed in the unexpected hugginess.
Alistair steps back from the dance floor, and turns around, almost straying towards the bar, but not quite - rather, a slow aproach, his face red, though there's a small smile on his face ... still somewhat pensive though. He barely catches sight of Leonard going somewhere, though he doesn't recognize him at first.
"Thank you. You look as delectable as ever," Leonard chuckles as he takes a seat at the booth, "and I'm obviously not the only one who thinks so. Not that I'm surprised." His grin returns in force as he points a finger towards her collar and the accessory below it. "It looks like you've been enjoying yourself."
Maya squirms under the pointing finger, her own rising to touch the offending wound. "Yes. Well, we discussed him before." She comments, dropping her feet into his lap, since his seat is where they were. "I figured I like sex, and I like him, and if the manner of asking wasn't to my liking, I changed that by telling him what I want." She picks up the drink, no hint of a blush in her cheeks as she takes a slurp of it. She does, however, finally spot the Alistair and she gives out a bellow, waving frantically at the man.
Alistair is looking that way already fortunately, thought he's a little surprised by someone shouting his name, and the waving arm. He smiles and waves back, coming to the table casually. "Hello Miss Maya, Mr. Leonard" he greets, then noting boots in lap, for a moment adopting an expression of curiosity, a look to Leonard, and then nothing - none of his business after all!
It is Leonard's turn to squirm, but once the reflexive, innate fear of heavy boots in close proximity to tender valuables passes, he seems no worse for the wear. In fact, socked shins make for a convenient and pleasant hand rest as they speak. "So long as you're not coerced in any fashion. Of course, now I am more envious than pitying of him." Alistair's arrival and greeting are responded with a smile and wave of his non-resting hand. "Good evening, Alistair."
Maya wrinkles her nose, shaking her head at the formality. "Maya, please." She replies, "And you have your lady love, Leo, right?" She rolls her eyes, "Casual sex doesn't compare." A tiny hint of the wistful there, but Maya doesn't rest on the topic. "How is she? Still behaving? Or in trouble again? I need to talk to her about the refugees at some time, because I think I found someone to teach them their own healing, which would mean they can..." She trails off, reaching for a slurp of the drink.
Alistair smiles sheepishly at the responses, tilting his head a little, "May I?" he asks, looking from person to person as they speak; he blinks his eyes as the topic turns to sex for a moment, and then it's gone just like that. It's all probably gone over his head anyway.
"Of course." Leonard is quick to offer a casual affirmative to Alistair's request, but follows this with a tip of his head to Maya. "Assuming she doesn't mind." The gesture allows his free hand to join its counterpart atop the comfortably frendly and intertwining arrangement of legs, boots and lap. His smile curls wryly as he responds to Maya's inquiries. "She is well, but not necessarily behaving. Part of the allure, and no one is in trouble."
"Sure!" The enthusiasm is still there, and Maya's grin widens, cheerfully accepting Leonard's hands on her legs, resting in his lap. "Good to hear. I'd hate to have had to drug you for nothing." The obvious tease is delivered with a widening grin. "Moved in and everything..." She comments teasingly to Leonard, tilting her head. "Alistair, are you all settled too? I think everyone but Bek, Seb, the Director and I are all happy couples here."
Alistair sits down, watching the other two. "Settled?" he asks, then the rest of the sentence seems to get him to understand the question. He blushes faintly and smiles, "I think that might be a good way to put it. Cali and I are doing okay and our hearts do not wander ... she just works a lot, but I was wondering if she would like it here."
Coming into the Alibi, Vixen starts looking for that certain someone. Of course, finding that certain someone doesn't have quite the positive appeal this day for her. She'll approach the three slowly, though her attention will be fixed firmly on Maya and Leo, with an expression that could be described as on the cusp of stormy. She makes little illusions, moving right towards the two as she asks firmly, "What's going on here?" An innocuous enough question, were it not for the moment and her tone.
Leonard smirks bemusedly in light of Maya's teasing. "If nothing else, you also saved me the embarassment of a disappointing first impression." Her knee receives a brief pat from slightly beneath the table before he shakes his head at Alistair, still bemused. "You should invite her to join you, preferably somewhere a good distance from the garage. Then you could enjoy the walks to work, at least... Evening, Vix!" He transitions smoothly to her upon her announced arrival, and otherwise doesn't adjust the seating arrangement. Perhaps the past discussion of pre-heating was a lesson quickly, or things are simply more innocuous than they might appear.
Maya gives Alistair a thoughtful look, before nodding, her grin firmly returned to her face just in time for Vixen's question. "Well, I'm drinking my drink, and talking about how all the folks are settled down with their loves, and Leonard here is taking the place of my feet on the bench." The question is answered, and then the tone, "And if I wanted him, I'd not have drugged him that night." A roll of her eyes at Vixen, and she lifts her legs, bending them and moving to give Leonard a hard shove to reclaim her feet's space. That done, she gives Vixen a broad grin and picks up her drink to slurp it again.
Alistair blinks at Maya, "What is it?" he asks curiously, then looks up when Vixen comes in; "Hello Miss Vixen" he smiles, his gaze then turning to Leonard who's apparently getting shoved - that was certainly surprising. His brows hike up a touch and he stays quiet. If nothing else, the situation certainly seems interesting.
"Don't roll your eyes at me, girl. I got reason to be edgy, ok? And you know it." Vixen unapologetic save for that slight explanation. But her tone does lighten and when Maya shoves Leo, she is quick to step forward. Perhaps to try and keep him from falling, though if not to help him back up. "Didn't need to go do that," she states, eyeing Maya.
Leonard is demoted from footrest to seat polisher as he's shoved and slid aside and to Vixen, which is hardly an uncomfortable relocation. Initially, his wry mirth remains, judging by the muttered, "Well, don't I feel loved..." It departs promptly with Vixen's unapologetic and confrontational tone, the edge of which is returned at her. "Would you knock it off? You don't need to bite the head off everyone I choose to speak to."
Maya returns the eyeing with widened eyes. "You got reason, but not with me, girl." She returns fire as good as she gets, speaking bluntly. "I don't poach, its a rule of mine. Not when they are with a friend, nor after." She drops her boots heavily onto the seat, reclaiming it, a hint of irritation in the movement. Leonard's comment is given a brief moment of interest, her eyes returning to Vixen, her face softening for a moment. "I've no interest in your man, Vixen. I have plenty of action, and the type I like."
Alistair sits back in his chair for a moment, looking from one person to the other as the conversation goes on. He bites his lower lip, and looks at Leonard for a few moments, pensively, then at Vixen. For the moment he seems comfortable to be staying out of the way, though his epxression indicates that he may have formed an opinion.
Vixen is a bit startled when Leo snaps at her. That's uncommon and it seems to take some of the steam out of her locomotive. she breathes out lowly and says, "Sorry, I'm on edge a little I guess," she replies to him. Then to Maya she looks. "I know you deserved better than that, I just.. I guess I ain't over some things yet." She turns to Leo, wrapping her arms around him as she goes quiet for the moment, leaning against him.
Her backing down, much less apologizing, isn't exactly common, either. The embrace is completed as Leonard brings his own arms up, exhaling a sigh. "I guess I'm not likely helping matters, either." His own bark may have surprised him as much as Vixen.
Maya gives Vixen a nod and her normal grin returns, turning her gaze away to leave the pair a moment of privacy. She takes up her drink, twisting on the seat to put her feet on the floor with a thud. She rests her elbows on the table, her hands either side of her face as she dips her head to slurp the drink. From the sound of it, she is running low of juice there. "So, Alistair! What is what? My drink? A secret." She nods, giving him a broad grin, cheerful as anything.
Alistair must be having a moment of bluntness, because when Leonard says 'I'm not helping matters either', there's just that brief moment of a 'duh' expression, but also a bit of a relief that what could have been a fight ended quickly, just before his attention is drawn away by Maya. "Oh! It is? I meant the look you gave me, but I suppose I cannot ask about the drink" he smiles, tilting his head a little. "But how can your drink be a secret?" he asks a moment later.
"No.. I need to trust you.. for real." Vixen looks up to Leo. "I keep saying it but.. I guess maybe I ain't really. And you did tell me.. before. You didn't try and hide it. You wouldn't hide anything from me, would you, Leo?" She doesn't try and draw back, but she will look up to him, eyes intent on that last point. "Even the little things. I want you to always be honest with me. And I'll try and trust you more.. and not freak out so much."
Leonard catches a peripheral hint of Alistair's look, but Vixen, quite obviously, holds his attention for the moment. Her eyes are met and his brows lift. "When have I ever hid anything from you?" Now, just in case she happens to have an example to three, it is intended as a rhetorical question. "Little or not, you'll know. Just because I rarely have something to tell doesn't mean I'm withholding. I'm the boring guy, remember?" A half-grin follows.
Alistair's reply makes Maya screw up her face in thought, the grin disappearing for a moment. Then she narrows her hazel eyes at him. "Just another happy couple. You guys are everywhere." A teasing roll of her eyes and her grin returns, brushing the comment aside as a joke as she dips her head to capture the straw again. She ignores the couple, letting them have their talk without meddling, and dodges the question on the drink entirely.
"But you said you aren't jealous" Alistair smiles at Maya, nodding his head a little, perhaps teasing a bit in return. "But you are going to keep me in the dark about the drink too, right?" he asks, brows hiking up a little at that. "I don't even know what girls like to drink. Except for Miss Vixen. She likes the purple one."
Vixen smiles a little. "I guess maybe you ain't.. yet." She squeezes him and murmurs, "Not so boring. And getting better." She will release him then and slip around to the booth. She sidles into Maya's side, scooting herself next to the other woman, giving her a sidelong glance. "I was supposed to be trusting you too," she notes to her. "I hope I didn't screw that up too bad. I really don't got too many that I do trust more than a little bit."
Leonard retakes his former seat, now, potentially free from threats of kicks, shoves, stormy glances or 'duh's. As Vixen addresses Maya, he looks to Alistair. "If it is purple, she probably has it, or found what she wanted and painted it that way."
Maya gives Alistair a look with slightly widened hazel eyes. "Nope, not jealous. I like sex, and I like variety. Only met someone once that I think I could settle with." She grins at him, shaking her head, as Vixen sidles up to her. The woman gets a look with a roll of the petite scientist's eyes. "I get its hard, stoopid." Instead of a full reply, she offers Vixen a large hug, as much enthusiasm as ever. Drawing back, she tilts her head slightly, the movement revealing the lovebite on her neck. "Takes time." She comments softly.
"Oh" Alistair blishes faintly, but doesn't opine on the subject - he doesn't seem to have a problem with that. He looks from person to person again now, and smiles at Leonard, "Oh? Hehe" he nods his head in acknowledgment of Vixen's apprently purple fixation.
Vixen returns the hug, giving Maya a firm squeeze. "Yeah.. I should know it by now," she murmurs lowly as she locks her eyes towards Maya's. She then looks towards Alistair and grins faintly. "Actually, I've taken more to Strawberry Tequila now that I found it again. THe Vrooms were for when I was pulling late hours. that's mostly what they do." She then slips an arm back around Leo's waist. Keeping it casual for company this time around as she leans against him.
"Speaking of meeting and coupling," Leonard leans into Vixen as he attempts a return to prior, and hopefully less worrisome topics, "how is your friend, Maya? Other than bitey, of course." An easy example to all of respective honesty, interest, and/or the lack thereof.
Maya returns Vixen's look steadily, giving her a nod, before she turns back to her drink. Alistair's blush is noted with an amused look as she dips her head to suck at the straw. Leonard's question gives her pause but she drinks for a moment before replying, her face hidden by the movement. When she turns to face Leonard, her grin is in place, "He is fine. Just friends." She shrugs, picking up the drink and shaking it, giving it a frown.
"Bitey?" Vixen glances at Leo, then back to Maya. "You got someone chewing on you, girl?" Her brow furrowed slightly, eyes lingering on her for a few moments before she notes the shaken drink. "I think we need a new round or two here.." Glancing towards Alistair, then Leo to see if they have anything in hand at the moment or if its just Maya.
"Ooh" Alistair nods to Vixen, understanding. "Tequilla" he smiles, and hms softly, setting his hands on the table and standing up, looking as if he's forgotten something. "Excuse me" he says, and straightens his back apparently set to bolt.
Leonard has no drink in hand or nearby, and raises a hand to try and catch the attention of a server. "Well, I imagine it wasn't unwelcome..." His clarification for Vixen sounds quite confident, at first. A notable portion of that certainty is lost with Maya's pause and frown after his own question. "Are you sure everything's fine?" His concern is at least as apparent as Vixen's.
Maya tilts her head, showing the lovebite with a grin, easier with the topic now. She gives both a grin, glancing at Alistair with a flicker of a frown. "I chewed back." She leans forward to give the other two that information, pushing her glass across at Leonard, giving him a broad grin. "Don't worry your head, Leonard. I went to him and made him an offer he couldn't refuse." She pauses, and comments softly, "It isn't like I'm the settling type."
Alistair does just what he looked like he was going to do - he waves at the trio and bolts for the exit. Whoosh! He doesn't seem to manage to bump into anyone, and he even waves bye to the bouncers, then he's gone.
Vixen eyes Maya for a few moments, then shrugs her shoulders a little. "So long as you got it under control, girl. But if you need a hand, you let me know. No one fucks with mine. Except maybe me." She gives the woman a sly grin and nudges her foot over against one of those boots she wears. She looks after Alistair with an arched brow, then looks to Leo, noting his proactive take to drinks. "Tequila for me," she tells Leo. "And whatever Maya's got in her glass." She glances towards it idly.
Leonard barely has a chance to note Alistair's departure as a server shows up. One tequila, a glass of wine, and a refill for Maya later, he turns back to the ladies. "I'm not going to even ask of your offer. Especially as the mere thought apparently frightened Alistair away..." A grin flashes briefly before he nods his agreement with Vixen's statement.
"I'm fine, I am." She lifts her hands, holding them palm up, giving both a look before she glances after Alistair. "He always that shy?" Leonard's ordering gets him a grin, her elbows on the table again, not enlightening either as to what she is drinking. Still, the server seems to know what it is. "Only a simple offer of friends in bed. Sex when we both fancy it, no ties." The three are seated in a booth to the side of the club, the afternoon moving into evening with the DJ playing dance music of his choice. Maya has, for once, got her bunches plaited, and her dog collar doesn't cover the lovebite on her neck.
From the crowd, the radioactive D-Bee known as Kesslan arrives on his way past while doing his usual rounds. Notably however his armor is distinctly different from what he was once known to wear. The over all shape however, at least hints to who it is beneath the EBA Full body armor, but far mor the fact that at least for the moment, the feline is not wearing his helmet, leaving his features clear for all to see. The helmet apparently left somewhere else for the time being. "Still ever the one to problem cause are you Vixen?" the familar (at least to Vixen) voice asks as he pauses a moment near Vixen's table, a hint of ammusement in his voice.
"Oh, you know what she's talking about.. ain't hard to figure," Vixen tells Leo with a casual grin. The arm behind him retracting a bit, her hand hiding between him and the booth's seat, fingertips slid down to dip naughtily. She then nods to Maya and replies, "Always.. makes me wonder sometimes. Don't seem like any boy that's been with Cali for a while should be that shy." The three are all on the same side of the booth, with Vixen in the middle. When Kesslan comes by, she looks to him with a subtle bit of sly coming to her expression. "No trouble here, Kess. Just some friends spending time. Talking about whatever comes to mind."
Leonard nods as the arm no longer needed for ordering slides about Vixen's waist. "Yes, I did have a similar offer, once. I declined, mostly." His own grin forms before he shrugs at the shyness. "They both seem to be quite modest." Then the feline pulls his attenion. "Don't let either of them fool you. They are both trouble."
Kesslan's arrival makes Maya's grin vanish and the scientist sits up abruptly, giving him a curious stare. "Wow." The word is murmured softly, her eyes trailing across him, a scientific interest rather than feminine. "Are you related to the ... to Desmond?" She asks him abruptly, before she offers her hand across the couple next to her. "Maya. I'm a doctor down at Knights. And not trouble at all." She adds the last at Leonard's comment, glancing at him with affectionate amusement in her face.
Kesslan snorts softly at Leonard's response "Then all three of you trouble are!" He declares with stilla hint of humor in his voice, though it's hard to read anywhere else, his eyes a blank solid white, as if he were blind, and yet he clearly manages one way or other, and certainly reacts as if he can infact see just fine. His ears perk up a little at Maya's introduction, the feline d-bee pausing a moment before leaning forward slightly to shake the offered hand. "This one is Spirit Warrior Kesslan Osefice, born to Clan Rasharr, stolen by Clan Atorian Empire, claimd in honourable combat by Clan Jharr-Kath, gifted to Grand Council to honourable military service of." he offers by way of formal introduction. And while his long speach can often bore people, he always keeps the same tone of formality to such a first time introduction (Something Vixen at least may notice that he only ever does the first time introducting himself to some one as he's done it several times around her, and once to her) "This one is not as Desmond. Desmond is born of Clan Coalition States. Desmond is born of this world. Kesslan born is of Seriv." he explains to Maya. "Here does Kesslan work, with Desmond, Aimee part own this place does Kesslan." he pauses a moment as if to add something else before seemingly deciding not to and changing the subject just a little "To duties must Kesslan return, though in future perhaps speak with Maya again shall Kesslan yes?" he offers before turning to regard Vixen "Appologies must this one offer, but allow then Kesslan to drink buy for Vixen and friends yes? Gift of parting untill time Kesslan have to speak with again."
Vixen leans back a little as Maya extends a hand past her, glancing at the other woman with casual amusement before she looks to Leo again. "You'll get trouble if you don't behave," she murmurs, that discreetly indecent hand giving a pinch. She doesn't seem too interested in Kesslan's words per se. Perhaps she's heard them before somewhere. But the drink offer. She grins and nods to him. "Far be it from me to turn down free drinks. You take care of yourself, Kess. Maybe we'll talk later about something." Offering him a casual wave of the hand in parting. You have just received a vote.
"I've already done the difficult task of placing the order." This is offered after the lengthy introduction during which Leonard simply leans into Vixen. Perhaps the feline was right, as Vixen's pinch provokes the hand on her waist to shift lower. "Is that a promise?" He returns the pinch, a brow lifting in querying challenge."
Maya listens to Kesslan's speech with actual interest, her eyes narrowing as she takes note of the list of clans. "I wish you'd come and tell me more when you aren't working." She replies, inclining her head slightly as she takes her hand back. The pair of the others get a glance, and her grin returns, the serious scientist gone, vanished beneath the cheerful dancing girl. In a booth, the three of them are facing the same way for some reason, Maya's hair up in bunches, plaited, a leather dog collar around her throat, not covering the love bite. Beside her, Leonard and Vixen are snuggling, arms around each other.
Vixen reacts to the pinch with a slight twitch, her smirk fixed on Leo. "Always is. But maybe you don't want the sort of trouble i got in mind," she murmurs lowly. Letting Leo decide what to make of it. She then arches a brow slightly when she looks to Maya after. "So what's the interest? You looking to try out one of them animal guys? Or maybe you already have?" Her brows lift slightly. "I can tell you where he lives, if you want to ambush him."
Looking somewhat... out of place in the club, Joachim hesitantly enters the Alibi. Dressed rather conservatively in khaki pants, and a black collared shirt, he checks a hefty club at the door, unhitching it from his belt. With a smoothed-out hesitation, he makes his way slowly to the bar, watching the crowds mix and mingle. As he takes his seat at the bar, he orders a bourbon before returning to face the floor, smiling at nothing in general.
Maya's gaze lingers after Kesslan before Vixen brings her attention back to the table. "I hadn't thought of that, I just was..." She shrugs, dismissing the topic, moving on from her work swiftly. "You two want to be alone? I can scoot and dance a bit." The drinks arrive and she reaches out to take her purple drink, taking a slurp through her straw. The movement brings her gaze up to the bar and she goes still for a moment, her grin fixed before she shakes her head, sitting back again. She glances across at the bar, before she speaks again. "In fact, that is a really good idea!"
Leonard promptly winks, perhaps already expecting Vixen's challenge. A plan seems already formed. "I guess we'll just have to find out, as I'm in a mood to misbehave. Who feels ...like... dancing?" Well, not /all/ of her response was expected, and surprise causes his words to falter. Compared to the the questions and implications between the ladies, his idea seems a pitiful example of misbehavior.
Maya's gaze lingers after Kesslan before Vixen brings her attention back to the table. "I hadn't thought of that, I just was..." She shrugs, dismissing the topic, moving on from her work swiftly. "You two want to be alone? I can scoot and dance a bit." The drinks arrive and she reaches out to take her purple drink, taking a slurp through her straw. The movement brings her gaze up to the bar and she goes still for a moment, her grin fixed before she shakes her head, sitting back again. She glances across at the bar, before she speaks again. "In fact, that is a really good idea!" Leonard's suggestion is taken up, almost eagerly.
Vixen eyes Leo at his ultimate suggestion. "Dancing? I dunno.. bodily injury I can risk, but I don't know about going out to flail in front of a bunch of people. Don't think I can take that." She grins at him, then looks towards Maya, a brow arched slightly at the reiteration of the idea. She glances towards the bar, but can't quite get a bead on what's caught the other woman's attention. "You got your eye on a guy, you don't have to pretend, girl." She then looks to Leo and nudges him in the side. "Scoot out, Maya's got some scoring to do." she'll, of course, follow him out to make way should he move.
Collecting his glass with a warm smile and a tip to the bartender, Joachim seems quite content to let his gaze glide from place to place without too much thought or interest. Some small talk is made with one of the men next to him at the bar, but for the moment he seems content to sip at his drink and do nothing much.
Leonard does, indeed, slide out and hop to his feet to clear the way for the ladies. This was expected and he was already prepared despite the momentary falter. His grin blooms at the partial agreement, then pauses at yet another mild surprise and a glance between the two. "Oh? I suppose I should get out of the line of fire, then. Although, anyone who wishes to join me is welcome, and would have the benefit of appearing highly skilled in comparison."
Maya shakes her head at Vixen, some colour in her cheeks, "No, I just saw a friend. Not that type of friend." But when they scoot, she does too, taking her drink and rising from the table. A brief adjustment of her skirt, and a self conscious touch to the bite, tugging the collar over it, and she turns her feet towards the bar, without a glance behind. A jump and she lands next to Joachim, offering him a hug. "Director!" She greets him, her mouth curving into a broad grin.
"Whatever you say," Vixen murmurs to Maya, the woman's shift in attitude provoking a bit closer attention to how she gets ready. She grins faintly and watches Maya for a moment before she turns towards Leo. "Just a friend," she murmurs with a casual little grin before moving closer to him. She, of course, eyes the dancefloor and considers the current music being played. "So what's it about dancing that people seem to like.. I never really got it myself. I just kinda like watching it sometimes."
Joachim's eyes come to focus on the approaching Maya a few seconds after the greeting - his smile freezing for several seconds as he takes in the scene. After a moment's absorption, his expression unfreezes, the smile remaining. "Hello there, Maya. Havin' a decent night out, are we? Y'can pull up a stool, if you'd like. I'm not doin' anythin' too interestin', but company's always welcome," he offers.
"She does have many friends. My guess is that the hugs help." Leonard turns a wry smirk to Vixen as he helps her close with an arm about her. "Well, it is an entertaining way to flail sweatily about with someone in public, and not be fined or arrested. It's also something different, at least for you and I. A very good warm-up, too, from what I've seen." He winks before noting, with more than a little mischevious taunt, "If you don't wish to join, you can always watch. Maybe I'll find a partner on the floor, to give you more instructional display?"
Maya takes a small step back, the hug indecently quick, her own expression freezing. Then her grin is firmly back in place. "Just chatting to some friends." She makes a small gesture towards the couple, even as she pulls up a stool. She rests her elbow on the bar, fiddling with the glass. "You taking some time out from the hospital? Well, obviously, you are, because you are here, and not there. Unless you are here on business." She stops talking, abrupt, a slight flush to her cheeks. "Anyway." She mumbles, dipping her head to capture the straw.
Vixen almost eyes Leo at that last suggestion. Though she quells it and grins at him. "I prefer private, to be honest. That I know how to do. But yeah.. I don't suppose you jumping around like crazy is going to get you girls hanging off you, so go for it." She giving him a light squeeze that doesn't cling too long.
"Just thought I'd get out, see what everybody else in th'city's up to. My office doesn't have th'best view in the world, after all," Joachim says, chuckling. The hug goes by almost unnoticed, and his eyes shift away from the woman for a moment before he continues, "Everythin's goin' smoothly enough at the hospital for th'moment, but there's always somethin'. Work tends t'pile up - but, there're more entertainin' things t'talk about than work, no?" He sips at his glass, smiling. "Who're your friends, hmm?"
Leonard leans in with the squeeze and brushes Vixen's cheek with his lips. "You might be surprised. The music can always change... but you can always cut in." The whispered comment given before he releases her to move for the floor. It could almost be considered a Maya-like action, save for the fact that he simply steps there briskly , rather than bounce or hop. Once there, he picks up the beat and begins to flail. Questionably, at first, but improving as he begins to incorporate mimicry of those moving about nearby. Such as the buxom blonde in the red mini whose by he starts to near.
Maya twists on her stool so her back is to the bar, giving Joachim her profile as she points over to the couple. "There, Vixen and Leonard. They are very cute together, had some troubles recently when Leonard did something stupid but I think they are coming around." Leonard's movement onto the dance floor widens hazel eyes and she shakes her head, risking a glance at the man at her side. She clears her throat before speaking. "Uh, so that problem I mentioned to you the other day, I've sorted that out. No problem now." The grin she shoots him is a little bright.
Vixen smirks a little to herself as Leo goes off to make a scene. She watches him idly at first, but she feels her curiosity growing as she glances towards Maya and Joa. Only takes a few moments before she heads over, discreetly at first so as not to draw too much attention yet. Her head cocked subtly to favor her right ear as she gets closer.
Joachim takes the description of the two in with another sip and another quiet chuckle - any excess brightness of a smile is lost on the man. "Well, I'm glad you've taken care 'f it. If you've any further problems, I'm more'n happy t'help out. It's one of my jobs, an' all," he says with a wink, likely not noticing Vixen until she makes her presence known.
His chuckle makes the grin even brighter if possible, and as he winks, Maya lifts her glass, hiding her face in it with a large swig. "Thanks. It is nice to know ... I mean, I never doubted you'd help but I didn't need it, not really, and its fine now." Another large swig, perhaps too soon after speaking and she glances away from him, shutting her eyes for a moment before turning back with the broad grin.
"I'd ask you to introduce the friend, but I think we've met before already.. if briefly," Vixen says as she slips up beside Maya, opposite Joachim. She peeks around the other woman to give Joachim a little grin and dip of her head. "Vixen, in case you don't remember. Been a little while." Though her attention moves to Maya after, extra aware of her mannerisms.
With a sip from his bourbon - he still hasn't made a dent in the drink, really - Joachim nods, dipping his head briefly at Vixen. "You were offerin' some sort've publicity, if I'm rememberin' correctly. Pull up a seat, Miss Vixen," he says with a general wave of the hand. "And it's always nice to hear that somebody's got somethin' under control," he says, turning to Maya. "I'll still be around, though, in any event."
Vixen's appearance is a surprise to the other woman and she jumps a little, turning to look at her with a grin. The introductions done, Joachim's promise to be around brings that faint flush to Maya's cheeks, and she returns his look. "Thank you. I know you are busy though, and I can handle it. I mean I am handling it, and there isn't a problem, not that any personal problems would interfere with work anyhow." She stops talking, taking another swig of the drink, her other hand absently adjusting her dog collar to better cover the bite.
Vixen is amused, yes yes. "Problem? Didnt' know there were any problems going around." She pauses then and glances around a little before she shifts, moving around Maya to move to a place near to both of them. Suitable for a little shared discretion. "Came at you about publicity before, right.. though I wonder if the time for that is near." She glances towards Maya at the last. "About what's going on with the refugees." Slipping in the potential for some seriousness, gauging if both are receptive.
Joachim gives a sidelong glance at Maya, nodding congenially along, "I'm sure you'll keep everything under control, an' there won't be any issues," he begins, "And whether it affects your work or not, if it were - hypothetic'ly, of course - t'take a bad turn, I'm more'n willin' to help out. I'm sure it won't be necessary," he adds, "But the offer's always on th' table." If he notices the mark under the collar, he doesn't let on, the turn to more serious business causing him to shift back slightly to get more comfortable. "It'd prob'ly be a good idea t'get somethin' sorted with that. What'd you have in mind?" he asks, warily.
Maya returns Joachim's look, her grin flickering uncertainly for a moment before he turns to Vixen, and she lowers her face into her glass again, smothering a sigh with the movement. When she lifts it again, she glances between the pair, her face carefully schooled. "I've been down there a lot recently, covering the clinic." A sidelong glance and she swiftly covers her behind. "I mean, its not that others don't want the duty, it just seems I have more time on my hands." A flicker of a wince and she just stops talking, tightening her mouth around her next words.
Vixen glances towards Maya and then Joachim, deciding to wade right in. "Things are shifting up," she states simply, keeping her tone discreet. "I got some of 'em jobs, building up wood to trade for food and for building. I'm gunna try and get them building soon. Their own little place near the city. Not sure what you two might wanna do in that case. But since you've got fingers in I want to make sure you know what's going on. Not going to make no decisions for you or ask for anything more or less than what's going on now." She grins a little and adds, "Just figured the moment was good to do a little update. Not looking to dampen the good times or push for anything right now."
"We're not all blessed with such boundless energy levels as you," Joachim says with a grin. "And there's nothin' wrong with bringing it up, now. It's not a bad little thing you've got goin'. If there're no problems with the city about them buildin' a competin' town just outside the gates, well, that's a fairly decent solution, even if some people're prob'ly goin' to get a little worked up about it lookin' permanent," he says with a sigh. "But, if there's anythin' we can do t'help, you really should ask, otherwise how'll we know what you need?"
Maya falls silent, fiddling with her glass as she watches Joachim and Vixen talk. Her grin slows down, fading slightly, as her gaze lingers on the director while he talks about the town. Instead of the grin, a smile curves her lips, and figuring herself unobserved, her gaze might linger a little longer on him than her. However, she buries her face in the glass again, finishing it and turning to order another, giving the others her profile.
"I'm going to try and get permission for it, but I'm not gunna stop of I don't," Vixen notes, her expression firm. "Can't leave them in those tents." She then notes to Joachim, "For Maya's clinic.. what I need to know is if you guys want a building for it or if a tent is ok. First priority is going to be shelter for living, of course." She looks towards Maya and adds, "But I figure even a simple building is better than nothing. And if so, what you might.. need for it." She shrugs her shoulders a bit and adds, "Not really sure what you might need for a place to do what you do."
Joachim nods along to the proposals and the inquiries, smiling an interested smile, his focus fixing on Vixen. "Well, generally you just need two separate rooms, one for triage and waiting, and one for the actual work. We can supply most of the more intricate things, or come up with somebody who can," he says. "And as you say, if there's going to be a permanent settlement, a more permanent building's more desirable."
Maya returns Vixen's look with a steady one of her own, her grin broadening again. "It would help, having somewhere secure. I've been carrying the stuff down and back each day." A hesitation, a moment when she might have babbled to explain further but she bites her lip instead, her forehead wrinkling. "A safe place that can be locked. For drugs and that." Her comment is quiet, her gaze lingering on Joachim for a moment before she puts her glass down on the bar.
Vixen nods to Joachim and murmurs, "I'll put it on the list. I'm trying to get a full idea of what I want before I start pushing and pulling." She then looks to Maya "A lock up? Not sure if the building will be that secure.. just normal wood so a good vibro-blade is all you'd need. Probably not a good idea to leave anything around that's worth stealing. Also, if you need certain drugs and such, might be able to trade some of the spare wood for them. Though when you really need." She grins at Maya. "You got my card, you can drop me a list or notes whenever. I check it every day. Now, I'm not wanting to draw you guys too deep into this.. I know you probably got your hands full with the Dregs. And once we get them in real shelters, they shouldn't need so much attention. But now you know what's in the works."
"We're willing to go wherever there're people who're injured an' in need of treatment. You're not drawin' us into anywhere we don't already want t'be," Joachim says with a smile. "The Dregs is just th'most consistently needful area of th'city, so we like to be available by bein' there. Two separate rooms would be perfect, with the waitin' area somewhat larger. An' as you say," he says with a glance to Maya, "I'm not too sure that security's goin' t'be the most possible thing without really raisin' the expenses, so whatever y'can offer on the cheap is fine. It's not like we're not used to it."
Maya's face is thoughtful, serious, as she turns to take up the glass again, hiding her face in it for a moment. She gives both a nod to acknowledge their points and for a moment sits in silence. "I don't think wood will trade for drugs." There is doubt heavy in her voice, her awareness of the preciousness of them obvious. She puts down her glass on the side, sliding from the stool. "I think I better get some sleep. Long day tomorrow." She comments softly, her gaze flickering between the two.
Vixen nods to Maya as she speaks. She doesn't directly answer the note, but she does move closer to Maya. "If you have to," she offers before leaning in to lightly kiss the other woman's cheek. "Didn't mean to butt in so long. I can go now," she whispers softly by the other woman's ear. She steps back then and notes to Joachim, "I'll see about the building and see what sort of plans we come up with ultimately. As to security.. I think I know who I can talk to about it.. and he'll probably work free if I get the right sense out of him," she notes. She then looks back to Maya, giving her a meaningful look.
Joachim gives a nodding assent to Maya's comment, "Yeah. We're fairly limited on resources when it comes to things like that. If it's somethin' to fight infection, we can supply it. But fightin' pain, things get a little more restricted - if only 'cause we don't have the resources," he says, dropping his gaze briefly. "They needn't need to worry about payin' for any of it, however, unless they're really feelin' like donatin' time, energy, or money." A sip from his glass is taken as Maya begins moving to take her leave, "I'll see you around the hospital. Take care've yourself, an' don't go runnin' yourself into th'ground." Waiting a few moments for the two to say whatever goodbyes or conversations that they might wish, he continues, "We have some security that we can lend, as well. It's just nothin' that'll stay through the night, when we're gone."
Maya gives a small shake of her head in reply to Vixen's question, glancing at Joachim as he continues to discuss the camp. She returns Vixen's kiss on the cheek, turning away from the bar. Her normal step isn't quite as bouncy but she moves with as much energy, heading towards the door quickly, avoiding Leonard on the dance floor. With that, she is gone.
Vixen looks after Maya with a slight frown. But she doesn't dwell too long in the now. "He'll work free. He was thinking to give up his creds to help the Refugees out. I'll talk to him. Don't got too much else to share for now. Progress is made, but there's still too much to do." She breathes out lowly, glancing after Maya a moment before she wonders. "Anything I can do to get you more resources? Don't figure there is anything easy.. since really, if it was you'd have done it already."
Joachim shakes his head, chuckling at Vixen. "There's always too much t'do. That's what happens when you try t'take on all the troubles in th'world, for the most ignored and uncared for people around." He says smirking slightly as he takes a somewhat deeper drink from his glass. "An' we're not doin' too bad for money, right now really. Things're movin' along. It's just that we've got rather finite resources, an' if we were to overstretch, we'd quickly find ourselves without any at all."
"Well, I'll keep an eye out for something to improve that," Vixen replies. "Probably won't find nothing, but it never hurts to keep an eye out." She grins lightly and glances back towards the dance floor and Leo. "Anyway, I don 't got much more to tell you. Should probably go rescue my boy out there before he hurts himself." She smirks a little. "When I got more, I'll drop you a line. YOu get more, just hit up my PO Box."
Joachim nods with a smile, raising his bourbon slightly in parting. "Enjoy your night, an' thanks for takin' the time t'come over to chat. If you two get bored, I'll probably be here a little while longer."
Vixen grins idly. "Oh, I think we've got some things on the agenda," Vix will reply to that. A hand lifted in a casual wave before she turns to head for the dancers. Dipping through exclusively to snag him, brief words shared before she leads him off for other matters.
