13116/Seems Like Old Tymes

Seems Like Old Tymes
Date of Scene:	19 October 2022
Location:	Lobby - Hellfire Club
Synopsis:	The First Blake Convention ends on a high note.
Cast of Characters:	Thomas Blake, Blake Riviere, Zinda Blake

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Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake's Tuesday night game ended early, early on Wednesday morning. It ended quite well since that fellow from Brazil wasn't nearly as good a player as Thomas. He apparently wasn't as good in a couple other areas. That was judging from the looks his partner gave the former criminal. In the end, Thomas even acquired the ornate belt buckle the Brazilian wore with the logo 'O Gato.' There were some habits he found hard to break.

The lover was disappointed. Thomas was taken, he could never hurt Megan by cheating. Nevertheless he felt high on life, changed into his Inner Circle togs and prepared to enter the lounge for the Inner Circle. He'd been trying to hook up with Blake for a few days.

Blake Riviere has posed:
Blake however, was out in the public lounge and dressed as such. Instead of the corset and g-string it appears that she was wrapped in a backless black designer dress, her hair up and a small silver necklace with red gemstones adding to the formal look while she herself awaits with a small glass of wine in her hand.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake is a little nonplussed seeing Blake lounging about. The glass of wine gets a small wry smile from him. He leans in to give her a peck on her smooth cheek and whispers, "I have what you want. We need some privacy." Well that can mean a lot of things. In this case he means the photos and small flash stick in his pocket. He withdraws from Blake's personal space, he doesn't want to be rude after all. Fortunately his clothes are the usual hunter's outfit and not too odd, even on the street.

Blake Riviere has posed:
"Oh, I know," she muses lightly, lifting her glass to her lips as he pulls back with a little smirk of amusement. Vampire queens of information could apparently be a little smug. Still, she draws up a hand to beckon for him to take a seat, shrugging her shoulders. "You may leave it in the VIP section, if you wish."

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake laughs a little. "It seems a little careless to treat it so laxly. If you knew what I had to do to get it. But as you say. Anyway, I have no idea where you'd carry it in that outfit." He chin taps thoughtfully. Then again leaving it with instructions to give it to Blake will practically guarantee staff will get it to her, seeking favor. Then again, they might seek favor from Shaw or some other worthy.

Blake Riviere has posed:
A little smirk, she offers a hand out for the memory stick at least and then oh-so-casually tucks it down her neckline. Pockets weren't exactly available in the dress. The rest could be sent away, but given what was coming had already been planned for and expected? Hopefully others would consider before trying anything reckless...or at least fear the Squire herself finding out they'd played with her plans.

"So, successful...I trust the night finds you well then?"

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake feels a little emboldened by his successes and Blake is quite lovely. He presumes a little on their association to slip an arm around her. In any case it is good misdirection. His former tastes were quite well known here. It's not like he advertises he's unavailable. It helps he has little concern with dying. He's nuzzled big cats affectionately. He killed one who took issue with him. The affection of a predator was an intoxicating thing.

"You are looking exceptionally lovely this morning."

Blake Riviere has posed:
And a presumption it is, but one she'd tolerate for the handoff, the woman gives a little chuckle before lifting her glass to her lips. "Charming as ever," she muses lightly before tilting her head. "It is a shame you were not here the night prior. I brought someone quite close to me in to see the place myself."

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake looks around and ponders before speaking. "This is all, not what I expected. It seems a lot of the VIPs are just cosplayers who get hammered and wild with each other. I'm not judging but I don't need all this to get that if I wanted it." He does release the Vampire Queen after a moment but stays closer than before. "Add to that, I don't take orders well or bow, ever. I'm debating going my own way."

Blake Riviere has posed:
A litttle soft laugh, Blake nods, leaning forwards lightly to his words. "I understand what you're saying...but it is different games for the two of us. I play the games I play because I have nothing but time, and well...those of them that would stretch out to control things?" She leans in lightly. "Why not ensure that the song sung is my own."

Zinda's arrival? That does indeed bring a little tilt of her head and light inhaled breath.

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake saw the message from Thomas pretty late, having spent a good portion of last night out 'socializing'. That, and she still hasn't figured out all the notifications on her phone. The blonde pilot has remarkable stamina, but even after a quick shower and change she is still pretty lit. She arrives in the Lobby of the Hellfire Club, dressed in her double-breasted Blackhawks jacket, cap, ultra-short skirt and knee boots. Sauntering boldly into the Lobby, she looks around for Thomas.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Being raised a Blake left Thomas (most Blakes really) kind of awkward in some situations, those requiring forethought, discretion, poise. However, they all were left with an innate sense when one of them was lit up in their proximity. call it a survival instinct. You also learned how to cold cock a drunk relative when you hit puberty. Survival training there. "Pardon me for a moment, I believe, I know that lady..." He takes his leave of Blake for the moment to confront his ageless aunt and with perfect form give her a hug that ends with his arm firmly around her waist. Yup, she's lit.

Being lit does not diminish her charm. It does make her a hazard. He steers her towards Blake. "Hello, Auntie Biscuit. I'm glad we met. I want you to meet an associate of mine... this way... easy does it." The pure affection he has for the aviatrix might make him unrecognized in some quarters.

Okay, leaving her to watch some moron try to pick her up would definitely be fun, but she is family.

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake's eyes brighten a moment before she's hugged, and the legendary pilot returns the embrace with enthusiasm. "Thomas! Well, now, ain't you dressed up fancy!" she exclaims. Shower or not, she still smells like a brewery... a little TOO bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

The Auntie Biscuit comment goes RIGHT over her head, and she keeps one arm around him as she turns towards the other woman. She leans on him... just a little bit, now! It's the floor... and flashes one of her best smiles.

"Well hey there, honey." she greets, in a thick Georgia accent. "Zinda Blake, at yer service." That even warrants a hat-tip.

Blake Riviere has posed:
Curiousity alike, but that little comment and introduction brings a little soft exclaimation from the raven-haired woman before she moves forwards and folds her arms under her bust once more. "Zinda Blake...how very curious..." she offers lightly before extending a hand towards the other woman. "Blake Riviere. A pleasure to meet you...."

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake looks from one to the other. There's something to suss out here. Zinda's condition is ill timed for meeting a vampire. Though Blake is pretty controlled from what Thomas has seen. "Maybe we should go somewhere a little more private?" he suggests. He's suddenly realized realized, he probably can't just clock Zinda if she goes off the rail. He has her in too high a regard. Also sh's a veteran, from THE good war. "You might want to talk." He's also a little upset at her condition. Drinking can't solve your problems but it can make them go away for a while. He settles into a snug hold on her, capitalizing on her love of hugs.

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake focuses her attention on Blake, now. "Blake Riviere... sorta like the French Rivierra, right? I knew a French gal with a name like that, back in th' day. Maybe y'all are related..?" From the way Zinda is squinting it's clear that she's digging waaaay back in her memory. Which, given her condition, probably is going to take some time. "She sure as hell didn't dress much like you, though."

Blake Riviere has posed:
"Something like that I'm sure..." she offers lightly, a grin on her lips before she gestures towards one of the private booths. "And well, modern fashions, no?" With mischief alight in her french tones she makes to turn, the woman in the backless designer gown moving to the space of privacy with her wine glass set aside for the time being.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Zinda should talk, climbing into planes in that outfit is what Thomas thinks immediately. He bites his tongue. He does wonder how many planes Zinda grounded due to mishaps caused by ground crew around her. She must have worn coveralls for safety's sake. Her comments about Blake makes him smile. The downside of beer goggles. So to speak. He doesn't think any Blake was capable of holding enough beer to get more than buzzed. They had livers a Kryptonian would envy. "Did you drive or fly here," he asks. He makes one mistake, leading Zinda, he sits down first. The aviatrix totters and then topples onto his lap. On the bright side, she seems to be secure there -but this is pretty awkward. It must be to even register as awkward to him.

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake is half-looking to Thomas while trying to keep eye contact with Blake while he leads her. He sits and she topples, but at least she manages to stay upright instead of going 'ass over teakettle'... which with THAT skirt, would be scandalous. "Whoop!" she calls out, nearly going over backwards. Those long legs stretch out for balance and she teeters a moment before wrapping her arms tightly around Thomas. "Scuze me there! Musta' slipped on somethin'. Like my pride." She gives Thomas an amused look when he asks how she got there, adjusting her pilot's cap. "How'd I get here? I took a taxi, like any respectable person. Ain't too comfortable with them 'Tubers', or whatever the heck they're called. Back in MY day, you didn't just get into a car with somebody you don't know."

Blake Riviere has posed:
A quirk of her lips and Blake manages to hide her amusement with a raise of her glass once more, even if she wasn't acutally drinking it. Still the raven haired woman comes to shrug lightly. Maybe it was some of her nostalgia...or maybe it was a scandalous glimpse. "Perhaps this place is far too 'stuffy' for the mood of drink you seek? Soldiers like to celebrate after all."

Zinda Blake has posed:
Having managed to right herself, Zinda balances more or less stably on her nephew's lap. Her blue eyes are bright and she laughs at Blake's suggestion. "Oh honey, this place ain't stuffy at all. Not that I'd wanna start a fight here or nothin', because I do sorta get the idea that THAT sorta tomfoolery wouldn't be looked on favorably." On the subject of another drink, Zinda lifts a hand and shakes her head. "I may jus' sit the next round out, actually." She pauses, then adds. "Well mebbe a Bloody Mary. A little one."

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake gets tangled in Zinda's embrace. Almost nose to nose with the tall woman he says, "You slipped on your pride? Feels more like you landed on it, Auntie. Zinda is known for flying and victory celebrations. And she wins a whole lot," he explains to Blake. He peers at the petite woman and says, "This is really amusing you." Thomas is left with his legs out and Zinda on them. But she seems content. He gives her a peck on her cheek. "You gonna stay there? I mean we're a close family of two but this is ridiculous." And awkward.

Blake Riviere has posed:
"Are you so close?" Blake muses teasingly before gesturing with her other hand to gesture with a beckoning finger towards Zinda. "Well, you're welcome to come over here and celebrate...if you're so inclined..." she purrs lightly before she suddenly comes to look towards Thomas before she sips her drink lightly. Of course, he may well have concerns given he knew her nature.

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake looks from Thomas to Blake and back again. Does she seem like her position is awkward? Apparently not, but even drunk-Zinda can read a few hints. Managing to get her feet under her this time, the blonde pilot carefully rises... one hand still on her nephew's shoulder. One step, then another, and Zinda manages to find a seat closer to Blake. "Thanks, honey. Don't mind if I do." She doesn't sit ON Blake's lap, but close enough to be hip-to-hip on one of the sofas. "Thomas, were you referrin' to the time I kissed that trophy gal after a race?" Apparently the rumors on that are true. She gives an absent sort of wave, then. "So tell me, Blake, it ain't a coincidence that you look a lot like somebody I knew in France durin' the War."

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake reaches over to take Zinda's hand. "That story wasn't passed down. If you want to talk, anytime, let me know. And by awkward..." He points to his thigh. "I have my keys in a front pocket." Yeeeeah.

"You two sound like you have stuff to talk about, which is nice. So talk, I'll listen." Zinda is full of surprises, it seems.

Blake Riviere has posed:
"Depending on the year, that might have been more frowned upon back then..." Blake muses, the hip-to-hip contact brought about seems comfortable enough, but the vampiress chuckles lightly at the question of her resemblance...to herself. "No, I suppose not. One would imagine that she was a difficult woman to forget, though it is far more strange perhaps that -you- are here as you are. Perhaps we should offer an exchange. A story for a story."

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake laughs softly at Blake's comment, tossing her head a little as well. "Oh honey, it was DEFINITELY frowned on." she replies, voice lowering a little. Her smile becomes more mischievous as well, and she wriggles her hips to half turn and face Blake more directly. "Yeah, that other Riviere gal was definitely one-of-a-kind." she offers, looking Blake over closely.

There's a moment of silence, the Zinda continues. "It was 1945, an' I was flyin' a routine patrol close to Japan. Came across a couple Zekes and a Betty, so I throttled up to pursue. I splashed one Zero and the bomber but took a hit, losing my port-side engine. With me on only one prop, the last Zeke was faster so I ducked into a cloud bank. When I came out again, it was just a few years ago and Japanese Air Patrol scrambled F-16's to intercept me."

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake frowns behind Zinda's back. She's a lousy story teller. A Joe Friday. Well, a Jane Friday. "That... how did you not keep shooting? The flags were Japanese. You must have thought ... they were those secret weapons everyone was talking about back then. Anyway... I'm glad you made it to land... or did you?" He puts an arm around Zinda.

Blake Riviere has posed:
"Ahhhh," Blake offers, a little pur in her accented tones, "Another mystery of magic and wonder then..." she speaks before looking to Thomas, a little tutt of her tongue and a tilt of her head. "Let her finish, if there was more to say..."

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake shoots Thomas a knowing smile, laughing softly as well. "Even with one engine smokin', I was turnin' to engage when someone started squawkin' on my radio. Apparently they recognized the Blackhawk colors." She settles back into the cushions. "So we had us a nice little chat an' nobody did anything stupid. Them boys escorted me back to Osaka air base, an' I signed their helmets fer luck."

Zinda stretches out her long legs, crossing at the ankles before turning to Blake. "So what's your story, honey?"

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake orders a drink for himself. White Russian, fresh milk. He lets Zinda go, and listens, his fingers steepled. When he had a gang. He was a good leader. He bailed the boys out, got them attorneys. He even let them go over his plans and offer feedback. One thing they did learn. When the boss does that with his fingers, he's thinking. Let him alone.

Blake Riviere has posed:
"Less mystery perhaps, but with its own version of magics..." A beat, a smile shrug from Blake before she rests one elbow against the table, her hand against her own cheek as her painted lips pull to a smile. She'd looked different back then after all, a resistance fighter rather than an aristocrat as she looked now, but she -did- look the same.

"I was already centuries old when I met you in France...I'd returned to the land I'd been born in to help its fight against...well, evil. And I admit Zinda Blake, I -do- remember you quite vividly."

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake lifts a blonde brow at the mention of magics, giving Blake her full attention. Blue eyes squint when the much-older woman admits to her longevity, and Zinda laughs out loud.

"Hah! So it -was- you! Or rather it -is- you... well, y'know what I mean." She leans back a little, taking a longer look at Blake. "The years sure have been kind to ya', honey, whatever your secret. But I'm curious, now jus' HOW y'all remember me. Surely I ain't the first woman you ever saw in France."

Blake Riviere has posed:
"Something better discussed in even more privacy than this booth can offer, secrets are just that after all..." Still leaning, the question of memory brings yet another little noise of amusement from the raven-haired immortal. "Oh certainly...but as for how many of them were american women at that time? Well..."

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake's eyes are still bright but she nods sagely at the mention of secret-secrets. She leans in closer to Blake as well, voice lowering. "Well I know I was the only woman in a Blackhawk uniform, that's fer sure. Took me a long time to even earn THAT. Borrowed a German '109 in North Africa an' flew it for a while to prove myself." She gives another nod, punctuating it with a wink as well. "We'll hafta catch up somewhere proper, then. Over drinks."

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake gets up. "I think you two should definitely talk, and whatever else comes to mind. There's no time like the present. Heh. I have nothing to contribute to this talk, so I'm going to see about another card game for myself. Or a couple more drinks at least. I'll see you both later. Be safe Zinda." He gives the Blackhawk a peck on the cheek and turns to go. One thing a criminal learns is when to make an exit.

Blake Riviere has posed:
A soft grin, Blake herself comes to straighten up as Thomas excuses himself, a little gesture lightly towards Zinda's form. "Just so..." she agrees before chuckling softly. "I'd quite like that, but it seems you have a head start on me. So I'll have to wait till next time on baited breath. Unless you'd like to join me for a little walk..."

With that and a little wink offered, Zinda was left with the choice of which 'Blake' to follow. Or perhaps she'd simply stay behind and drink a little more. The choice was hers!

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake tilts her head a little for the kiss on the cheek, reaching up to pat Thomas on his cheek in return. "I'm always safe, sugah, even if I ain't always careful." she replies. Back to Blake, then, her smile becomes a little sheepish at being called out for drinking. She doesn't protest, at least. "I like the idea of a walk, actually. A lil' air would do us both good, I think." Another glance along Blake's attire follows. "Even in them heels."

With that, Zinda rises and manages to do so without swaying. Much.