[center][h2][color=ff991c]Silmeria Magnusson[/color]
[color=a95c68]Jacqueline Leroux[/color][/h2][/center][hr]
[@Izurich] [@SilverPaw]

At night following [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/5352555]this[/url].

Matrix2077, the stylistic letters and numbers emblazoned on a futuristic neon sign attached just outside the building, and inside...

Dim lighting combined with strobes of colorful spotlights, an all-encompassing beat assaulting the ears, a dance floor occupied by a mosh pit of people randomly shaking about, a pool table at one side, and... one confused young-adult standing in befuddled silence. 

[color=ff991c][i]What... am I doing here?[/i][/color]

Silmeria questioned herself, questioned her own judgment, a part of her starting to be convinced that she might have bitten more than she could chew. She had never gone to a bar before, let alone [i]this[/i] kind of bar. This was the place where people waste their money and body away, right? Forking over their hard-earning money for drugs and alcohol that'd fuck up their insides, make them age 30 years, and all with a drunken smile on their faces. 

...and she was about to subject herself into such a fate.

Ah, maybe she was overthinking this. It was time to live a little, right? 

Entering the club's main lounge floor, she started scanning the place for Jacqueline, a difficult task in normal circumstances considering the crowd and strobing lights, but alleviated by the fact that her line of work required her to spot people even through a myriad of obstacles.

Jacqueline was perched on a barstool, with her back to the counter, partially leaning on it as she chatted to some of her neighbours. Every once in a while, her gaze swept across the premises; she was plainly waiting for someone. Given her good vantage point, and the fact that anyone entering the premises had to descend into the locale - either via the stairs or the ramp - she had a good view of all the newcomers entering. Someone like Silmeria, who stood out as a discomfited newbie, was especially easy to spot. Once Jacqueline's gaze landed on her coworker, she knocked back the drink she'd held in hand, left it on the bartop, and sauntered her way.

She weaved her way through the crowd expertly, not minding the press of bodies she had to squeeze through here and there. The two met on the periphery of the main floor, where the number of people was lesser. Upon Jacqueline's approach, Silmeria would see the woman's choice of dress; artfully ripped denim shorts in black, silver sequin halter top, an unzipped sleeveless leather jacket over it, strapped platform shoes, and a small black purse slung over her shoulder. 

When she was close enough, she offered a short greeting. [color=a95c68]"Hey, there,"[/color] she smirked. Jacqueline was in a better mood than the last time they'd seen each other, and clearly comfortable in this kind of environment, carrying herself with confidence. [color=a95c68]"Glad you've found your way here."[/color] There was almost a predatory glint in her eyes as she reached for Silmeria, linking arms with her fellow agent. [color=a95c68]"So, let's get a drink or two in you first, hm? My treat on the first round."[/color] Saying so, she led Silmeria through the throng of people, heading back to counters.

It was only a matter of time until she spotted someone who fitted Jacqueline's face and build, and the fact that the person in question was making eye contact while walking towards her confirmed that she had found her. Unlike the other agent, Silmeria's choice of apparel clearly showed that she was playing it safe, a white shirt, black shorts, and a long-sleeved dark hoodie, a conservative route that'd fit in all but the most thematic of establishments. As a result, while the brunette didn't look like a circus clown in the club, her inexperience was plain to see. This extended to her general behavior too, those subtle nuances in a person's demeanor that showed how unused they were in whatever place they found themselves in.

That realization that she didn't really know anyone from work on a personal level reared again when Merry took in Jackie's current attire, a far cry from how professional she dressed for work. [color=ff991c][b]"Hey..."[/b][/color] The technically-taller girl worked up a smile, through her eyes occasionally made quick darts as if watching her surroundings for any funny business, [color=ff991c][b]"Aaah... yeah, I couldn't believe it myself either."[/b][/color] She murmured, half-hoping that her voice was too low to be heard. Jacqueline's low laughter immediately dashed that hope.

She stiffened up for a brief moment when Jacqueline linked her arm with hers but relaxed soon after, not protesting as she's led through the party people, [color=ff991c][b]"Oh yeah, about that, I turned 21 just last month so no worries ‘bout that."[/b][/color] … Aaaaaaaah! What the fuck?! "I turned 21", really? Who the fuck cares?! Seventeen year olds drink beer all the time and no one gives a fuck, especially not in Pax Septimus where they had far bigger things to worry about than underage drinking. Her face red - thank Odin for the dim lighting - she sat down on one of the stools next to Jackie.

As Silmeria blushed, Jacqueline had the fleeting thought that she was surprisingly cute. Though it was a 'my kid sister' type of cute rather than a 'could go out with' type. Not that she had siblings or anyone else that'd fit the description, but the feeling was close enough. Rather than growing weirdly protective of her, though, Jacqueline just thought that the woman could use some loosening up. [color=a95c68]"So, can I take that to mean you've at least had [i]some[/i] alcohol in that time? Or should I get ready for any and all inadvertent reactions?"[/color] she teased.

[color=ff991c][b]"I did, technically illegally... hehe..."[/b][/color] The younger one of the pair attempted some amount of humor, but that sure sounded a lot better in her head, [color=ff991c][b]"I think it's better to be safe than sorry so just treat me as if this is my first time."[/b][/color] ...which was technically true if by first time meaning having an alcoholic drinks in a nightlife bar.

[b]"So, what can I getcha, ladies?"[/b] A 20-something Japanese-American young man dressed in a similar fashion as Johnny Silverhand - minus the prosthetic left arm - placed his arms on top of the counter, his name tag read 'Gen Watanabe', [b]"Tonight's special is the Arasaka Augment, a cocktail of Japanese sake and American whiskey, invented by yours truly."[/b]

Jacqueline nodded at the bartender; she'd been there enough times to recognize him by appearance. [color=a95c68]"Sure,"[/color] she confirmed, raising two fingers, so he'd get one for each. She'd not bothered checking in with Silmeria, because she doubted her coworker would know what to get anyhow. 

[b]"Two shots of Arasaka Augments coming right up!"[/b] Gen announced, noticing that one patron was a regular while the other was clearly fresh meat, but he's a professional, no need to point that out. Instead, the bartended did what he does best, concocting two cocktails, a blend of Japanese and American drinks, just like his heritage. Soon enough, two shot glass filled with clear golden liquid were served before the contrasting duo. [b]"Enjoy."[/b] He then went over to serve other patrons.

Once they received their drinks, Jacqueline warned, [color=a95c68]"Slow, small sips."[/color] To ensure the other one wouldn't do something ridiculous like spew out the alcohol because she'd underestimated how sharp it'd be, she showed her how to go about it by drinking cautiously herself. Anticipating a potentially funny reaction nonetheless, Jacqueline watched Silmeria's face.

[color=ff991c][b]"Thanks..."[/b][/color] The brunette gulped once as she received the glass, turning at Jacqueline for some points as the older woman seemed to read her mind. Inhaling once, she took small sips, slightly wincing with closed eyes as the cocktail stimulated her taste buds before swallowing as it warms her throat. She found it... surprisingly delicious. [color=ff991c][b]"I... I like it..."[/b][/color] She took more sips before pausing, remembering something she said earlier in the day, [color=ff991c][b]"Also uh.. I have to say that I've never actually gotten drunk before... but you already knew that, didn't you?"[/b][/color]

[color=a95c68]"Wonderful news,"[/color] Jacqueline smiled at Silmeria's pronouncement of approval. It looked like at the very least, things wouldn't be difficult from the get go. [color=a95c68]"Yeah, I could guess you haven't. I'll watch out for ya if that's what you're worried about,"[/color] she rose her glass at Silmeria, and finished it off easily. Since her companion was still drinking, she just ordered an energy coctail for herself. It'd be a good way to get a boost for the hours of dancing and related activities she was anticipating.

[color=ff991c][b]"Thanks, Jacque... Jackie."[/b][/color] Silmeria curled a small smile as her calloused fingers fidgeted slightly with the tiny glass in-between them, [color=ff991c][b]"You can just call me 'Sil' by the way since my name is kinda a mouthful, or Merry works if 'Sil' sounds too close to Silhouette, hehe..."[/b][/color] She's... feeling good, yes, that rising feeling of [i]genuine[/i] joy. Oh man, had she been missing out? She could do with a more... 'sophisticated' music, more lighting, and less shaking about though, but other than that, this is... fun, something that she had never felt for a while. 

Jacquelien didn't mind the shortening of her name. Wasn't the first time someone called her Jackie, wouldn't be the last one. [color=a95c68]"Yeah, think I'll go with Sil. Not like I'd use a nickname for him on the job,"[/color] she commented.

Thus, more drinks were served and after half-downing another shot of hard liquor, Silmeria blinked twice as she mentally decided to be one of those 'nosy' people for once, [color=ff991c][b]"So... what's your story, Jackie? What brings you here?"[/b][/color]

Jacqueline threw her head back and laughed, startled at the question. [color=a95c68]"Story? Where'd you learn that corny pick-up line?"[/color] she wondered, shaking her head in bemusement. [color=a95c68]"For real, though, no story. Just a gal looking to have some fun."[/color] While there were folk out there trying to drown their sorrows or forget their worries, she didn't consider herself to be one of them. This just happened to be one of the things she liked to do. [color=a95c68]"Never mind that, I think we've warmed up enough for some dancing, hm?"[/color] she forked over several bills to the bartender, standing up as she invited Silmeria to the dance floor.

[color=ff991c][b]"Huh? But that's now what I-... eeeh?!"[/b][/color] Tangerine eyes widened in authentic shock as Jackie completely misunderstood what Sil asked, which was then followed by the latter being invited onto the dance floor. She didn't even know how, nor like, to dance! She was a sniper for Loki's sake, she was meant to not move around too much if she could help it, wait, wait, what did that have anything to do with a leisure activity? Aaaagh! The point being that she didn't want to dance, but against her better judgment, she followed the dark-haired off-duty agent just so she could straighten things out. 

Once at the dance floor, Silmeria's body looked to be mostly focused on staying out of anyone's way instead of actually dancing, [color=ff991c][b]"I meant what brings you to Pax Septimus, doing what you do!"[/b][/color] She inadvertently raised her voice to compensate for the loud music, oh god, she changed her mind... oh no wait, she did mention that she'd prefer a quieter, brighter place to hang out in!

Jacqueline disregarded Silmeria's flustered state, tugging her along as they moved. Once they joined the dancers, her coworker decided to voice her correction. Jacqueline nodded to show she'd heard, and understood, but just shouted, [color=a95c68]"Later! Now move!"[/color] Since Silmeria was just about the only person there standing so awkwardly, Jacqueline decided to assist. She put one hand around the agent's waist, and wrapped the other around her back, and did her best to encourage some movement on the other woman's part. [color=a95c68]"C'mon, try and follow my lead!"[/color]

[color=ff991c][b]"Eeeh?!"[/b][/color] It was painfully obvious that the sniper was truly out of her element here, she'd do a better job at engaging monsters in melee than... whatever this was. They called this “dancing” but the first thing that came to her mind when thinking of the word was ballet or tango, coordinated sets of movements performed by trained actors, not these random seizures! If they were trying to emulate a stroke patient, they were doing a convincing job. To make things worse, Jacqueline seemed to be one of them, so that meant it exponentially harder for Silmeria to simply scoff off this kind of “‘dance” as anything but a sham; if her coworker was enjoying it, then that meant it had to have [i]something[/i], right?

[color=ff991c][b]"Nnngh..."[/b][/color] Frowning her blushing face and pursing her lips, Silmeria broke eye contact but tried her best to just follow along, like someone who was riding a bike for the first time, being assisted by another person holding said bike steady from behind. The ride would be incredibly awkward and stiff, but it was [i]moving[/i], inch by inch. [color=ff991c][b]"Is there some kind of rule for this?! Like a waltz?!"[/b][/color] She wasn't expecting much, but no harm asking at this point.

There wasn't really a discernable pattern for Silmeria to follow. Jacqueline moved a few steps here, a few steps there, swayed her body, shook her hips, and even twirled them around when she felt like it. Since she was holding onto her coworker, there wasn't much for her to do with her hands except do her best to guide Silmeria. [color=a95c68]"No rule! Listen to the music! Find the rythm! Do what you like - no restraint! See?"[/color] She pointed out to the crowd around them. Some had a blast rubbing against each other in what was, despite everyone involved being more-or-less clothed, a pretty explicit manner. There were just as many who simply did whatever else they liked on their own, or even in groups, though. Essentially, the point was to have fun, which was what Jacqueline was hoping to convey.

The "dance" was getting Silmeria uncomfortable as she's rocked back and forth, but at least Jackie was being gentler than the others around her. [color=ff991c][b]"T-... then that's not danciiiing!"[/b][/color] The brunette protested, that's just randomly shaking your body, just like rules are also the difference between singing and incoherent screaming into the mic! Was this no-fucks-given principle what allowed those mumble "rappers" to claim themselves as artists?! 

When the younger agent saw the crowd around them, she had an opposite reaction, yep, she was sure that she wouldn't have a good time doing what they do right now, [i]especially[/i] those who were grinding on each other like a malfunctioning pair of gears. [color=ff991c][b]"Mmmgh..."[/b][/color] Not being able to 'get' it but also hesitant to risk upsetting Jacqueline, Silmeria decided to bite the bullet and just endure this until the other woman was satisfied. Surely she couldn't dance [i]forever[/i], ...r-right?

In the end, they stayed there for about three songs. When Jacqueline determined Silmeria's silently suffering disposition wouldn't improve by staying, she slung an arm over Sil's shoulder, and departed for the pool tables. They took one in as quiet of a spot as possible, given they were in a club during prime time. [color=a95c68]"That part's not for you, huh?"[/color] Jacqueline concluded, referring to the dancing. [color=a95c68]"Let's go a few games instead,"[/color] so saying, she set up a table.

Finally, [i]finally[/i] the purgatory was over. Silmeria groaned as she hobbled over to one of the vacant spots around a pool table. A feeling similar to workout relief washed over her, like someone who had just pushed themselves to run 40 kilometers and succeeded at it; she felt exhausted sure, but that joy of success at beating the challenge was enough to balance it out. The brunette was content to watch Jackie set up the balls while she caught her breath. Once the older agent was done, the junior would fetch a cue stick. Now this was a leisurely game that she could enjoy without treating it like a gauntlet. 

As the host, she'd let Jacqueline have the first move. [color=ff991c][b]"So uh, like I said before, what brings you to Gem?"[/b][/color] Silmeria returned to where she was so rudely interrupted even as she lined up a shot once it's her turn.

[color=a95c68]"Hm, mostly they just contacted me first. Told me what's what. Saw no reason not to join them,"[/color] she shrugged. [color=a95c68]"But if you're asking my ideals, or whatever? I'm not really as - dedicated,"[/color] this was a politer way of saying obsessed, [color=a95c68]"as you are. Still...It's pretty clear monsters are invaders in our world, so. Pretty natural to want 'em gone,"[/color] she said. Jacqueline didn't mention that she also enjoyed using her esper powers to go against them. It might be obvious anyhow, but to openly claim it as a reason seemed in poor taste. [color=a95c68]"I feel like I already have a good idea about [i]your[/i] reasons, but still...Tell me about it,"[/color] she added. Jacqueline did hope Silmeria wouldn't be [i]too[/i] eager to go on about it, though. She didn't particularly want to talk about their work all that much.

[color=ff991c][b]"I see..."[/b][/color] The brunette lent her ear to what Jacqueline had to say, the older agent didn't say much, but there was really no reason to splurge words when a few could already convey the message. So in some ways, they had a similar history when it came to GEMINI, they stumbled upon a grimoire then got contacted by the organization, and here they were. [color=ff991c][b]"Oh, well... it's a... long story..."[/b][/color] Silmeria murmured at Jackie's quip about her dedication to the job, but the more she thought about it, was it [i]really[/i] a long story? Couldn't she just condense it into a few sentences like what Jacqueline just did? Well, there's no harm trying.

[color=ff991c][b]"Well, basically... monsters killed my sister, crippled my father, and fucked up my future... I was dumpster-diving when I found my grimoire, a few hours before GEMINi contacted me."[/b][/color] Silmeria dryly chuckled once, [color=ff991c][b]"Basically, y-yeah... if I could save others from the same fate, it'd be irresponsible of me to not do so."[/b][/color] She ended the story at that. Hey, she did it after all. Good job, Sil.

[color=ff991c][b]"Anyway, do they have one of those liquid nitrogen ice cream thing here? Now that's a 'futuristic' dish if I ever heard one~"[/b][/color]

Thus, the two coworkers continued their night of leisurely fun, drinking, cuing, and conversing, although no more dancing for sure. Silmeria felt that she could get used to this, a good method to reaffirm her convictions that there were still good people in the world, that not everyone was willing to sell out their own kind for personal gain. Thus, in order to make this world a safe place to live for those who were worthy, she must banish those who weren't for as long as she drew breath.