April System Mingle

[thespaceopera]

Who: Everyone!
Broadcast: Possibly!
Action: April System
When: Month of April!


[Welcome to the Belt, a huge asteroid belt that's been terraformed for life. Here you can explore the different asteroids, become a rock star, race on some ATVs, enjoy not being underwater.

In other words, it's a mingle! Get in everyone!

> System Info ]

Comments

[reconstitution]

[ It's an easy transition, switching between work and this. He didn't think it would be. Perhaps it's just a Natasha thing. ]

Where would I be without this business? Don't ask me to carry a tune.

[outstandingbalance]

You telling me you don't sing? And here Cisco told me that everyone had to participate in karaoke.

[It is easy. Easy isn't a thing Natasha does't get all that often. Even here, Natasha's still playing a role. It's more for the customers than Barnes, though, which makes it different.

Almost fun, in a way. Like he's in on the secret.]

Still, I think we could find something to keep you busy. Maybe some giddy young singer needs a bodyguard?

[Teasing.]

[reconstitution]

It's not about can't. It's more of a don't. I think Cisco can give me a wave, all things considered.

[ Seeing as how Cisco gets to tinker with his arm, and all. He takes another drink, considering things for a moment. ]

Oh, I don't know if they could afford me for that. I am rather seasoned, it'll cost 'em.

[outstandingbalance]

I know. It's so hard for a girl to pull down the kind of money a dive bar pays out.

[Making herself a drink; let's call it a break. Or not. Either way it's not too busy to chat.]

[reconstitution]

[ Whatever it is, a break or just not letting him drink alone, it's nice. The hum of the background chatter and the band playing, one could almost mistake this for something normal by earth standards. Or what seems like close to normal. This scene isn't made for them. ]

I'm sure she can handle herself. Maybe if she gets into a bind, I'll have to throw someone.

[ Only maybe. He is on a break right now. ]

[outstandingbalance]

[It might not be made for them, but they blend into it. There own little brand of normalcy, such as it is, hidden in plain sight. Maybe she just doesn't know any better, but if she doesn't, it's still as close to good as she often gets.

Her lips twitch as his answer.]

Careful. You say things like that, she might just test you.

[reconstitution]

[ Hiding in plain sight is the best way to go unnoticed. If you act shady, people notice. His eyebrow raises at that, and he leans back a fraction. ]

She could if she wanted, but she may know how that ends, already.

[outstandingbalance]

If she knows you, I suppose she probably has a pretty good idea.

[There's a light in her eyes as they talk. She likes this—the silence between them has been comfortable, easy, and it's not in contrast to what came before that the conversation is satisfying. It's in conjunction with it. It's having the comfortable silence and the banter.

This is fun. Playing. Even if it's this kind of strange game.]

At least, if she knows you.

[reconstitution]

I think she knows me a little better than I'd like.

[ An admission, really. It certainly feels that way, sometimes. She can read him a little better in some situations than he thinks he's projecting. Maybe it's their similar background.

He takes another hearty drink of his beer. It gives him something to do that isn't watching Natasha or the crowd. ]

[outstandingbalance]

That's funny. Because I think she's trying to get to know you better.

[On a whim, she reaches across the counter the brush his arm in passing before she turns away briefly to serve a paying customer. She doesn't try to meet his eyes. He can pretend it didn't happen if he wants.]