[ semi-closed ]

[revlon]

Who: Peggy Carter (revlon) & Various
What: Overflow for the winter gala and general catch-all for January
When: mid-Dec and all of Jan
Where: South Outpost, more to follow
Warning(s): N/A

[ captcha is the devil so the party is moving on. also: the mysterious jan plot will likely go in here. ]

Comments

byerly vorrutyer | gala

[revlon]

cont.

[ She hums softly in lieu of a laugh, and slants her gaze over at him. ]

Yes, [ comes the slow answer. ] But I meant — what makes you think I'd be interested in what you're offering? Especially since you mentioned trades.

[vorrutyer]

[ A cheery, casual shrug. ]

Nothing you'd miss. A bit of money in return for my information, now and again. Just enough to keep me happy. Perhaps a bit of protection sometimes - it's a dangerous world out there, especially for gadflies like me who have no muscles to speak of. Certainly no trades that would prick at that conscience of yours.

[revlon]

[ Peggy's expression remains unchanged, her tone nonchalant. ]

Yes, but you still haven't said why I'd be interested. Gossip is one thing. Information — good information — is another.

[vorrutyer]

[ He spreads his hands. ]

True enough. But I can say that my information is top-notch - and if I'm deluded and my information is uninteresting, then you can easily walk away from it.

[revlon]

Then I'll consider your offer on a case-by-case basis.

[ Her brows raise. ]

That's only fair.

[vorrutyer]

I wouldn't have it any other way. An upstanding guardswoman like you ought never trust a rascal like me.

[revlon]

[ There's a pause of consideration, and then: ]

That's not exactly a ringing endorsement. And why me?

[vorrutyer]

Why not you? Are you dishonest? Malicious? Scheming?

[revlon]

[ Peggy leans an arm on the railing, her free hand resting on her hip. It's almost deliberately theatrical, particularly with the way she cocks an eyebrow. ]

Do you think I'd tell you if I was?

[vorrutyer]

[ He spreads his hands in an elegant what-can-you-do gesture. ]

Fair point. But when it comes to wickedness, I've sampled every single variety. I'm a gourmand of human evil. And having had a nibble of you, you simply don't have the taste. Pardon the metaphor. [ He drops his hands. ] Sometimes even a dissolute creature like me likes to play the hero, and you seem able to facilitate that.

[revlon]

[ The face she pulls makes it quite clear what she thinks of having been nibbled, thanks, pardon or no pardon. Luckily not in any literal sense and certainly not by him, but the feeling remains. Still, she shakes her head, dropping the hand from her hip and turning back to lean her weight on the railing. ]

Well, if you say so.

[ Men always seem to believe they have a read on her — whether it was the boys back at the SSR offices (secretary, damsel-in-distress, girl on the pedestal, stray kitten, daft whore, girl scout. Ultimately, Byerly isn't wrong, but there have been moments. The war taught her to walk in shades of grey. ]

[vorrutyer]

[ His smile is wry. ]

Am I wrong, madamoiselle officer? Or do you dislike the truth? Or is it simply that you don't feel I'm entitled to give voice to that truth?

[revlon]

[ She smiles in return, although it's tailored to give nothing away. ]

Since you seem to know me so well, why don't you choose your best answer?

[vorrutyer]

Ooh, passive-aggressive. I like you better aggressive-aggressive.

[revlon]

[ Without missing a beat, rather blithely, ]

Not in this dress.

[vorrutyer]

Then what about some other time?

[ He tilts his head to the side. ]

I don't suppose you know your way around a sword.

[revlon]

Well, I grasp the basics; sharp bit goes into the soft bits, and so on. Hard not to when you see people training with the things at the palace.

[ She's dabbled a little in fencing, but nothing terribly serious. That was more Mr Jarvis' speed than her own. She much prefers guns. ]

But beyond that? No.

[vorrutyer]

Martial arts?

[revlon]

You know the answer to that.

[ A solid right hook, courtesy of her brother's patient tutelage. That's her story and she's sticking to it; it's partially true, anyway. ]

Why?

[vorrutyer]

[ He lowers his long eyelashes at her. ]

Sometimes a fellow likes to be hit.

[revlon]

[ She pulls a face at that. ]

I think that's my cue to head back inside and find my date.

[vorrutyer]

[ With a little laugh - ]

Practicing, dear lady. A fellow needs to practice. Besides, you might learn a few things - you'll never have encountered my style of self-defense before.

[revlon]

I'm sure that's true.

[ "Let her stick around, maybe she'll learn something." Doesn't that sound familiar. ]

You're welcome to contact me after the holidays if the offer still stands. But as for tonight, I'm only interested in one partner.

[vorrutyer]

Alcohol?

[ He lifts his drink to her. ]

[revlon]

[ She chuckles, shaking her head. ]

No, thank you. I've had quite enough for one night. Maybe another time.