Good Help Is Hard To Find

Xavier Darnai: World intrigue was part of the business; it was incredible what a little threat of war could cover up. Some people called them war profiteers, others called them bastards, but the truth of it was that weapons dealers had to be very careful at the onset of a conflict. Too close and you look responsible for it, too far away and you're so uninvolved that the people who really need your services aren't even going to think of you. As Xavier sat at the corner table in the common eating area where he could watch people coming in or walking by the front window, he had a few documents laid out in front of him beside the perfectly done sirloin slowly growing cold. A glass of Scotch was held in the bandaged left hand, slowly stirring around as he read over details of troop movements and armament requests. Putin's balls were too big for his pants, and it was going to cause problems. The request to try and reduce the threat through back channels was reasonable, but the problem with the Queen on a chess board was that they thought they were in charge. With a heavy sigh, he brought the glass up and took another sip of the amber liquid, closing his eyes for a moment as he thought of a time where his life was simpler, even if the world was more of a mess.

Strange Hex: The world was a mess no matter how busy one was trying to move all the pieces into a perfect placement for the game. Despite being human, Alexanda blamed stupid humans as the bane of the planet's existence. However, much like religion and politics, it was another topic she preferred stay away from in most company. Not all. None of that brought her to the diner tonight. No instead something far more simple brought the Ford F450 to pull up into the parking lot of the Belyi. She drove the thing like a high priced Cadillac even though it could drive through or over most anything. Damn thing was a tank. It wasn't one door that opened on the driver's side, but two doors that opened; one on either side. Alexandra, dressed in typical dark colored garb, slid down from the driver's seat, shoved the door closed and headed for the entrance of the diner. Ze was the other to get out, dressed in worn out, faded jeans and a white under shirt beneath a funky green military jacket. His nearly finishsed cirgarette taken down to the butt before he flicked it off away from the truck and followed Hex inside. With Ze not quite at her heels Alexandra nodded to Natasha and went straight for Xavier's booth. Normal felt good. Time to invade.

Xavier Darnai: There was no reason for him to feel as though he needed to keep watch over the Belyi. Of the many places he had made a regular habit of visiting, it was in fact the one he was the least concerned about. The family that operated it could most definitely take care of themselves. But old habits died hard, and so the sound of the door did in fact catch his attention. Looking to Hex and the young marksman that entered with her, he gave them both a nod before setting his glass down on the table and skewering another cut piece of his steak, chewing away as they approached. With his fork down, resting atop another bite waiting to be had, he started to stack up various bits of paperwork into a single pile before bringing the most prevalent folder to rest at the top of the stack. CKIB SOO's profile and history. Alexandra he didn't feel the need to offer a seat to, he knew she'd take one, but his left hand motioned to the other chair at the table as he looked to Ze.

Strange Hex: Alexandra was one who'd simply take a seat whether she was invited to or not. It was part of her charm and general lack of caring whether she was a welcome guest or not. Fairly sure she'd never not been welcome to Xavier's table, though. The chair pulled away from the table, she dropped down onto the seat with the least amount of chalance she could possibly have. "Xavier, you know Ze."

[Ze Tandon]: The teen male nodded in greeting to Xavier, and thanks for the offered seat, which he promptly took. "How goes it, man?" He had a very subtle Brooklyn lilt, one he'd practiced to make more subtle for whatever reason he'd deemed necessary.

Strange Hex: "Good to see you eating something other than coffee, Xavier." Apparently that would be what she picked on tonight.

Xavier Darnai: Hex' little snark about the coffee was let go with a mildly amused smirk, though he did pick up his glass of Scotch and bring it up for a quick sniff as he regarded Ze for a moment. The young man had shown plenty of talent, and his performance in Australia had been exemplary considering the circumstances. Granted, the boy was quite relaxed and absent of the typical profile that went with marksmen of his caliber, but there was always an exception that proved the rule. "Well enough, mate. I'm sure Hex told you what it is I've got in the works that you'd be assisting me with." The weight of his statements were the sort that rarely seemed to be questions, but it was hard to deny they seemed fit for a response.

Strange Hex: Though not much older than Ze, herself, Alexandra blamed his youth for his appearance. She'd conned him into getting some slightly more professional clothes, but they were only for when needed situations. She simply accepted it and ignored his attire. Waving down a passing waitress, she requested a glass of vodka for herself. Ze asked for a glass of chocolate milk before turning his attention to Xavier with a nod.

[Ze Tandon]: "Yup, she has. Sounds like a real thrill. She also mentioned those items that you're hoping to acquire." I was that topic for which she brought him. She'd rather they discuss such a thing in person and not play the middle man to the topic.

Xavier Darnai: "See-Kib isn't typically one to decommission weapons, and when they do it's rarely a manufacturing fault. They're thorough these days, making sure everything's up to par before it leaves the factory. The ear I've got on the situation says that the Vee Kay Esses they're pulling out've rotation have more to do with support costs and maintenance than bad hardware." Picking up the documents on the top of the pile, he set it down in front of the kid before stirring his glass again. "On most occasions, acquiring these with a proper shift of finances'd be an option, but there's more than one barb on this." Eyes leveled on Ze for the moment as he took another sip of his drink, curious about his opinions on the black acquisition.

[Ze Tandon]: The file was pulled closer and opened up for Ze to read over the contents while listening to what Xavier had to say. "S'a damn good rifle. Seein' 'em used gives me wet dreams."

Strange Hex: That was another thing she was trying to work on with him. He really needed to come up with different ways of describing his excitement. Surely the waitress had her own thoughts hearing that as she dropped off the requested drinks. "Cheers." Alexandra just smiled to her and returned her ear to the conversation.

[Ze Tandon]: "What calibur are you interested in. I've been tracking down a pair of SC-130s. Ufortunately the man's like a kangaroo, hopping from place to place." He grabbed up the glass of chocolate milk and took a drink.

Xavier Darnai: "...right." His time in the military left him plenty accustomed to those with a filterless mouth, but it was still a particularly vulgar image, and while he didn't care one way or another about the boy's proclivities it did leave Xavier without any sort of a proper response. "Every job has the right tool, it isn't about a specific caliber in this case. There're plenty've rifles on the market and picking up more than a few've'em'd definitely help shore up quartermastery, but in this particular case I need these Vee Kay Esses to be off've the board. If they're being held in storage after decommission, it means that someone's intending to sell them, and I'd rather that not happen. By the same flip've the coin, I'd rather no one be aware that they've fallen into my possession either." As lovely a gun as it was, this was not going to be anyone's gold plated mantlepiece. "Means out've the ten we're intercepting, we're only keeping seven're eight've'em." Two or three were going to need to look like the damaged parts of ten of them.

Strange Hex: Alexandra and Ze both listened quietly to what Xavier had to say. Though Alexandra was more interested in her drink, or so it would seem, leaving the conversation between the two men.

[Ze Tandon]: Ze nodded, withdrawing a pack of Marlboro Reds from the outer breast pocket of the military issued jacket her wore. "If they're up on the market for purchase, then they should be pretty easy to find through the right channels. Probably have word on 'em in a day or two." When it came to firearms, the man had connections far and wide, despite his youth. For Alexandra, that spoke volumes of not only his skill, but his abilities to get things accomplished. He lifted the glas of chocolate milk and took another drink, then set the glass down and looked at Xavier just as the filter end of a cigarette was pinched between his lips. "'nless ya got a name already." Cheap bic was used to ignite the end of the cancer stick, the pack he offered to Xavier, if he so wanted one.

Xavier Darnai: As of late he hadn't been sticking to a particular brand, and so when the box was offered the overwhelming strength of the addict within nodded his thanks and reached forward to take one of the reds. "Finding out who their perspective buyers're going to be's just added gravy on top've it all. If nothing else it'll tell us who's looking to run similar frames've operation, give us a better lay've the land. To be honest I haven't bothered looking into it yet." Xavier was a deliberate man. If he had not taken the time to do something so beneficial, there was typically a reason behind it. A fleeting glance to Hex was made before turning his attention back to Ze as he gave the boy a nod, fishing for his own lighter while the cigarette was held between his lips. "By all means, see what you can find. I've got the travel plans've the truck that'll be carrying the goods. The rifles won't be the only thing on the docket, so it'll be easy to make it look like something else was the intended target." Collateral damage as a cover was a favorite strategy, after all. His lighter was found and produced, snapped to life in his left hand while he took his attention off all other things and watched the fire for the brief seconds required to light the cigarette and take in the first hit. Shaking it out, he dropped the lighter to the table next to his plate for the time being.

[Ze Tandon]: Once Xavier took the offering, the pack was tucked back into the same pocket, and his lighter went into its own pockets. He went back to looking over the file. The reason he'd mentioned a name was that because he hadn't seen a specific holder's name in the file, perhaps he'd over looked it, but it was highly unlikely. Xavier confirmed as much verbally. The file was closed up and left on the table for the time being as he leaned back in his chair. Legs extended under the table, the cigarette was clasped between first and second fingers, a long inhale taken before it was plucked from between his lips. "Sure. I can look into that for ya. I'll have their whereabouts by Wednesay at the latest if they're on the market. If not...eh..." He shrugged. "Prob'ly still have the current whereabouts for ya."

Strange Hex: Alexandra saw the look from Xavier. Her smirk might have been a result of that look, or perhaps Ze's confidence. It was hard to tell. Especially since she just sealed her silence with another drink of vodka.

Xavier Darnai: "That'll do brilliantly. Can't imagine that a buyer isn't in the process've bein secured already, though they're bound to be disappointed." Considering the state of things, moving weapons of such high caliber and purpose was going to draw a lot of flags. Any such deal would have to be either exceptionally brash, or particularly quiet. He was interested in seeing what Ze was able to accomplish, wholly willing to let him do it all on his own. Taking another long drag off the cigarette, he reached for the nearby tray, flicking the initial ash build up into it before, taking his glass in hand again for another sip of the Scotch. Lips pulled back lightly as he appreciated the flavor and burn of it, giving a slow stir of the tumbler as he nodded. "Anything that you can carry's welcome to salvage outside of our target, consider it a performance bonus. Typically guidelines'll apply as far as En Dee Ay, and I'll be covering your typical contract fees directly. We'll be going in live on the truck, so consider hazard pay guaranteed."

[Ze Tandon]: Ze nodded and ashed the tip of his cigarette after Xavier did, and took another drag. Smoke emitted as he spoke, his grin wide with that obvious excitement that Alexandra had commented on more than once when Ze was included in something he deemed to be fun. "I'll get it taken care of. I'll have everything ya need by the time it's go time." The butt of his cigarette perched at the corner of his mouth, he rubbed his palms together with eagerness. He was practically bouncing in his seat.

Strange Hex: It was enough to garner an amused expression from Alexandra who'd mostly been watching out the window the last few minutes. Her phone pulled from a pocket of her jacket, she shot off a text, then laid the phone to rest on her lap for the time being.

Xavier Darnai: For Xavier, everything was an audition and a test. It was his firm belief that seeing how well a person could manage to prepare themselves with the expected and as few details provided as possible would tell him a great deal about who he could rely on in the future when there were higher stakes. So far, Ze had been exactly as advertised, and he knew that meant he was reliable enough for the task at hand. "Once you've got the names, we'll see about making travel arrangements. After it's done, the two've you're likely to be coming back without me. I'll have other business in the area to attend to that'll be best handled directly. You don't look the type to have a lot've questions about what it is you'll be up to, but if you've any that I can answer, now'd be the time to ask." Taking another hit off the cigarette and exhaling slowly around him, he kept his eyes on the young man for the moment while he waited. Reaching down to the tray once more, he let it rest there as he took the fork in hand again and skewered another bite of the steak that had gone cold.

[Ze Tandon]: Ze, for being nothing more than a teen with a good eye and steady trigger finger, didn't put on airs about what he was or what he wasn't. He was what he was and he knew it was worth a lot to the right person.

Strange Hex: For now, that person was Alexandra. Xavier indirectly. Alexandra's phone chimed softly, she brushed her finger over the surface of the screen, reading the contents of the returned text while keeping an ear on the conversation.

[Ze Tandon]: Ze took another hit from the cigarette then smashed the burning end into the ashtray, not quite half burned up. "You've given me the information I need. The rest will be found. I'll give Hex a copy of the information when I get it." So that she could get it to Xavier, since it was unlikely Ze would have contact with the man prior to the trip they were taking.

Xavier Darnai: True enough, but of no fault of either of theirs really. Xavier was an incredibly busy man these days, and with the world gearing up for possible hostilities he was doubly so. There was no thanks or well wishing, after all he was paying the boy for this. It was a job, not a favor. Picking up his own cigarette for a final, lengthy drag, he exhaled slowly as he crushed it out in the tray. "Right." It was as close as the man got to being simply dismissive, really. Not unwelcoming, not a suggestion to get away from him, just a subtle reminder that their own business had been concluded for the time being. Lifting his nearly empty glass, he drained off the rest of it, setting it back down on the table before looking around to see who might be making the rounds at the moment.

Strange Hex: No one faulted him for not seeing him that often. Afterall, that was part of the reason he had people like Alexandra to deligate things to. As it seemed that particular business was tended to and done with, Alexandra dug her keys from her pocket and offered them to Ze. "Here. As we discussed, please." Taking up the file in one hand and the keys in the other, Ze stood and saluted them both. "I will be in touch later, Ze."

[Ze Tandon]: "I'll keep the Beast safe." He swung the keys around his finger on his way to the door, whistling some random song that came to his head.

Strange Hex: "You excited him far too much, Xavier. Now I'll get to listen to it every time I speak with him." Chided the man with a dryly teasing tone.

Xavier Darnai: There was a touch of a smirk as he spotted someone, flagging them down before lifting his glass and using it as a sort of signal. He'd have another. "Keeping the children calm's never my responsibility, Alexandra, you know that." Leaning back in from the side, he sat back in the chair and switched his legs, resting his left ankle on his right knee with the same muted thunk. "He's eager." It wasn't a knock against the boy, not by a long shot. No, if anything it spoke to his belief that Ze was in fact the right person for the job. This job did require a certain level of cowboy, after all, and the person he would have typically relied on for such a thing was going to be off limits for some time.

Strange Hex: A subtle smirk donned, she nodded. "I know. I'll record it for you so you can listen to it, too." Her phone slid back into her pocket, she finished off the contents of her glass and flagged down a server for a refill. "Francia spotted one of those black SUVs, like the one I informed you of a couple nights passed." The reason she had Ze take her F450. Franica was keeping an eye on things from not too far away and would have word for Hex by the time she left the Belyi. "Your lack of response leads me to believe that you will not be attending the Galleria event that Lady DeValois invited you to." No need to dwell on the topic of black SUVs. It was mentioned as an FYI more than anything else, because she liked to share information.

Xavier Darnai: "I'd been hoping to convince a third to join us, but there're other conflicts with the issue. It'll be just the two've us." Tapping lightly at the table top, he brushed a finger along his jawline as he sighed lightly. It was a sheer sign of disappointment, and he did not show disappointment often. The last bite of cold meat was skewered by his fork in a quick sign of grace and slight of hand, munched quickly after. "I'm assuming it's black tie." He set the fork back down on the empty plate with a light clatter as he gave a slight twist of his head. Whatever it had been had gotten under his skin.

Strange Hex: "A third for what role?" She might be able to make a suggestion if he was really that intent on a third, depending on the role he was hoping to fill. The serving person was thanked with a quiet mutter for the delivering of her refilled drink, but a nod initially responded to Xavier's comment. "That it is." She was never all that keen on getting all dolled up for a formal venue, but she would if it was required. Her lack of enthusiasm, while not expressed visually, could be heard in the tone of her voice as she verbally confirmed his suspicions of the event.

Xavier Darnai: "Distraction, mostly. And the occasional identification. There're a few people I trust in that sort've venue above all others. It's been a while since I've had to brush up against the self important." Bandaged fingers continued the same idle pace against the table top as he straightened up again. "As it is, it would've been useful, but not required. And likely why my hopeful third backed out, believe they felt they'd been taken advantage of." To an extent they were, and he could agree with the sentiment, though it hadn't been intentional. Still, there were very few people he could so whole-heartedly fail at playing.

Strange Hex: Distraction she might have had a suggestion for. Identification was something else. A subtle gesture of her hand was made in dismissive manner. "If nothing else, I can always have Francia in my ear watching through a hidden device." Clearly, it was nothing more than an option. Whether it was just the two of them or a third included, it was bound to be dreadfully boring if it was going to be exactly what DeValois made it sound to be. An art expo for a new artist at one of her galleries. Alexandra was already practicing her polite yawns.

Xavier Darnai: "Worth considering." Francia had proven herself, but there were other concerns that he had about using her a second time in such close proximity to DeValois. There was something about the woman's demeanor that struck him as familiar, capable of being the vindictive type simply because she believed herself above reproach. It was, however, a brief reading. They'd only spent a few moments together. "All else considered equal, it wouldn't be the first time I've had to deal with that sort." A lifetime away, he'd had to prepare for a task that had gone utterly sideways. "Get the equipment ready, but be prepared for me to wave her off. Sometimes the best way to measure the consequences is to step into the trap alone."

Elliot J Young: It wasn't an SUV, but it was a land yacht. And it was black. The 2014 Lincoln Town Car rolled into the lot and was parked taking up two spaces. Yes he was one of those dicks. Elliot slid out and glanced around, taking in the area before he crossed the lot for the door to the diner. The interior was given the same careful scrutiny that the parking lot and surrounding area had received. He gave the hostess a smile as she seated him, the menu left alone for a moment as he stripped out of his coat and folded it over the back of the seat. The menu was pulled over and there he paused, the pocket square pulled from his breast pocket and shaken out as the other hand pulled his glasses from his face. His glasses were given a good wiping down and then slid back onto his face. The pocket square was refolded and tucked back into his breast pocket and then the menu was flipped open.

Strange Hex: Little more than a nod responded to the consideration. Francia was good at what she did. Alexandra had faith in her, even if DeValois had already somehow managed to get close to her. It was what it was. Alexandra took it as little more than a brief puffing of feathers, so to speak. Francia wouldn't make the same mistake twice. "I'll have her on standby." She'd speak to Francia when Franica came to pick up her, since Ze was in Alexandra's truck. The open of the door drew the attention of dark eyes beneath an uneven hedge of black-blue-black layered bangs to watch the newly arrived male follow the hostess to a seat. Only the beginning of his ritual of comfort was watched before her glass took her attention once more. "I suppose I should do some shopping for appropriate attire. I assume you will be wearing black?" Slight rise of her brow, she regarded Xavier expectantly.

Xavier Darnai: The only response he could offer was a raise of both brows as he watched the waitress fill his glass again. Nodding his thanks, he wrapped bandaged fingers around the rim and brought it up for a quick sniff. A tilt followed as he took a quick pull, rust red eyes glancing to the window quickly enough to spot the reflection of the new attendee. Gauging the man's worth and purpose at the diner for a moment, he paused just long enough to catalogue the details available. Carried himself with some importance despite a relatively laid back appearance, but with more than a minor concern to his grooming. Accessories were of some import, adding to the weight he put on his own sense of style and appearance. Not unique for their clientele considering the suit Xavier was wearing, but it wasn't enough to lay him in a similar field of business, and until that could be determined it meant more careful admissions. The newcomer's reactions to the Daily Specials would tell him more. "Couldn't hurt. Don't be afraid to let your colors show. Never hurts to have that type off balance when trying to get a proper read."

Strange Hex: Alexandra kept an ear on the man at the other table, picking up anything that was given away. Her own assessment might have been slightly off from Xavier's; she took the newest enrtant as a self involved man, but that didn't make him any less worth keeping some amount of attention to. "You should take care with statements like that. I might show up in canary yellow or '70s turquoise if you're not careful." She'd never, ever show up in anything like that, but it was worth making the point for here.

Elliot J Young: Elliot browsed the menu for several long moments, the daily special was skipped over, he wanted the rib eye, rare, and a scotch to go with it. The Macallan would do. He smiled to the girl taking his order, and then handed her the menu back with one hand as the other popped the buttons on his suit coat. He then reached into his pocket and pulled his phone, thumb sliding over the lock screen before entering his code. His glasses were adjusted with his free hand as he regarded the screen.

Xavier Darnai: Well, that was enough at least. Regulars in the industry knew to look at the Daily Specials for possible work, which meant he wasn't here for work. Still, the rib-eye would be done properly by Yuri-- he was capable --and the staff would bring him the Macallan without too much of a wait. Turning the majority of his attention back to Hex, he gave her a bit of a grin and wave of two bandaged fingers as he brought the glass of Scotch up again. "Yes, and we both know I've never been one to take any measure've flash when it comes to my presence." After all, the best way to hide was when everyone was looking at you for exactly the wrong reason. The Kansas City Shuffle, get them looking to the left for what they're expecting, because you told them to look there, when what they should have been looking for is on the right.

Strange Hex: A man just after a meal. A subtle nod to herself when the odd man out made his meal request, she picked up her untouched glass of vodka with a hint of a smile showing. "Perhaps you haven't, but maybe I will this time." It was all part of the game, after all. He'd already voiced his desire-- though not necessity --for a distraction. She could offer that much without any problem. Women usually could. Despite her dislike of formal occasions, she was quite well versed in participating in them and rubbing elbows with the self-important, drawing attention to herself without making it out-rightly obvious that she was doing so. "So, when will we be leaving? A girl has to have ample time to prepare." The glass tilted for a small drink of its clear contents, and held in hand rather than returned to the table's surface.

Elliot J Young: Misdirection was often useful. Elliot was rather familiar with it himself. When the Macallan was set to the table, he took up the glass, phone turned in hand face down as he smiled to the waitress and plucked the glass up with his free hand. He studied the glass, letting the scotch roll about the glass as he studied it, and then he finally took a sip, and set the glass back down. With the waitress gone, he gave the room and its occupants another brief study.

Xavier Darnai: "That'll depend on whether're not you're intending to be the pilot, or just a passenger." Another sip of the Scotch was taken as he leaned forward and placed both elbows on the table, giving her a light point with his glass hand. "Imagine either way around I've no intention for being in Spain longer than absolutely necessary." He was not fond of the place for reasons unspoken, much like her and Greece. There was history there he had no desire to rehash with others.

Strange Hex: Mouth twisted thoughtfully, briefly, before a light shake of her head was given. "I think it'd be better if I was a passenger. For appearance's sake." There was no way to be sure that DeValois wouldn't have some means of watching them pre or post flight and, for some reason, it just seemed the better option that she look the passenger. "Of course, there's always the fact that's nice to ride without having to drive. Or, fly, in this case." Grin quirked at the corners of her mouth. Yes, there was always that, too. Not that she didn't love flying. She did. As much as she loved to shoot a weapon.

Elliot J Young: His gaze flicked between the two at the other table, before he looked back down at his phone. One message deleted. The next read. The following one just had him staring at his phone for a long moment, before his lips twitched upward and he fired off a reply. He would hold her to that, and she may well regret the offer later. His eyes lifted from the screen again and looked around the room, and then out the windows, taking in the lot. When the waitress arrived with his meal, he slid his phone back into his inner pocket and leaned back, giving her the room to settle his meal to the table.

Xavier Darnai: Her sense behind it was reasonable, and for the sake of appearances it was also best that she not be involved in the pre-flight details. "Unless you've a stand-in that can manage, I'll arrange for a pilot and make sure the Shortbow has clearance for the flight." It wouldn't be sensible for him to avoid taking his own plane simply because his usual pilot was unavailable, that would raise even more flags. Occasionally he glanced to the windows, looking at the surface more than the streets on the other side. Not so crass as to watch the man eat, he'd at least keep tabs on the new clientele. It never hurt to have advanced warning. Another sip of the Scotch before he set the glass down, reaching into his suit to pull out the pack of cigarettes and fish one free. Holding it between his lips, he picked up his lighter again, snapping it to life and letting that hold his whole attention for the brief amount of time it took him to light up. Shaking the lighter out, he dropped the lighter to the table again.

Strange Hex: Glass rose for a small intake amount of the vodka, she shook her head. "I leave travel details to you." She left it at that, but there were multiple reasons for that, which she was sure he'd pick up on his own, and likely agree with. Given the circumstances of their arrival to the event, and not at all in home field advantage, a not so well informed pilot would be a better choice. If this was a trap, it was better to have the prepared though not quite ignorant as their travel means. Let Xavier disclose what he wished their pilot to know. He could make arrangements and she'd make distractions. It worked out well that way. Even from periphery vision, she watched Xavier watching the odd man out and smirked. She'd learned well to read most of his habits over the years. "You should speak scotch with him. Perhaps you'll have a bromance blooming soon." Because Xavier needed more friends. Her glass tipped towards him in a 'cheers' fashion, another mouthful of the clear liquid was gone from the vessel.

Elliot J Young: It wasn't unusual to look about at one's fellow diners. Staring, of course would be rude and Elliot would do no such thing. There was a mild curiosity for his surrounding exhibited. The place was new to him. The food was excellent, the steak all but melting in his mouth and the service top notch. And they had a wide variety of scotch. That was always a plus in his book. He pushed his plate back, fork and knife laid aside as he reached for his glass, and took another sip, his gaze once more slipping past the windows to what lay beyond.

Xavier Darnai: Turning his eyes back to Alexandra, he just sort of stared in a dull silence for a moment. Xavier needed more friends like he needed to lose his right arm. Lifting his glass for a prolonged sip as he flicked the excess burn off into the nearby tray, he lowered the glass and cleared his mouth of the flavor. "Is that what they're calling it now." Bromance. If Xavier knew what such a thing was, he certainly didn't seem familiar. Bouncing his brows once, he started to turn the glass on the table top. "Besides, here I'd grown so fond've our dinners together." Dry wit was easy to miss, but Hex had certainly experienced her fair share of it.

Strange Hex: Little more than a nod confirmed the term Bromance for Xavier as she took another drink, then set the glass down. Dry wit or not, she found Xavier to be amusing in his own right, if one could make heads or tails of his humor. "I'm sure you have, but I won't always be around to grace you with my presence for you dinners. Besides, a male companion to speak scotch with wouldn't be a bad thing." It was a liquor she had little care for. She only indulged in it on the rare occasion that Xavier felt the need to share with her. The cross of her legs switched from one direction to the other, she leaned forward to prop an elbow on the table, vague amusement readably expressed. "Xavier, I couldn't pay for entertainment as genuine as your sense of humor." She felt the need to share that with him. He should know.

Elliot J Young: As his dinner was being cleared away, Elliot glanced once more out the windows, taking his time, and then he nodded to the offer of a refill. He drained his glass and then set it down on the edge of the table to be taken for a refill. With that done, his attention then wandered back to the other table, the pair given brief study, before his phone vibrated in his pocket and he was once more reaching for it.

Xavier Darnai: "I do have one've those, when he isn't looking to hang me out to dry." Though to be fair he hadn't spoken to the man in quite some time. The nature of their relationship had been strained because Xavier was... well, himself. Most people found that a touch too much to deal with at real length. Reasonably so, at that. With a quarter smile, he brought the cigarette up for another drag, pushing the smoke out through his nose shortly after as he nodded slowly in acknowledgement of Hex' opinion of his humor. The statement could be taken a pair of ways, which just made it that much more amusing. "I always did think you were too smart for your own good, Alexandra. Suppose that'd be why I thought to bring you on, neh?"

Strange Hex: "More than one never hurts." She wagged a finger at him in jest. Mostly in jest. Xavier was the only person she teased the way she did. He needed it. It was healthy for him. Slight rise of her brow followed his statement, but the nod she gave was all too cocky. "Of course it was. You've got a good eye when you use it." Shifting to lean back in her seat, she huffed a breath on the shortly manicured nails of her right hand and polished them on her shirt, because she was just that way. "And you must have had foresight to how dull life would be without me. Mad props for that." Sounding oh so serious.

Elliot J Young: Elliot listened to the voice on the other end, his expression unchanging, even as he rose, and headed for the men's room. "Hayir Sanirim görünürde ona sahip ne zaman size bildirecektir. Bildiginiz gibi bu seyler narin." His voice faded as he moved further away and stepped into the mens' room.

Xavier Darnai: Eyes jumped to the man making his way into the men's room as he caught the familiar weight and cadence. Narrowing his eyes for a moment, he paused before looking back to Hex. "Certainly had the foresight for something." A new piece of information always changed his thought patterns on any specific piece of intel, whether it was useful or not. Turkish was not typically a language one heard out of someone of the man's skin tone. It may have seemed prejudice, or a little short sighted for some of the more progressive thinkers, but in Xavier's time he had learned that stereotypes could mean the difference between assuming someone was harmless and being shot at. Business, from the sound of things. He couldn't hear the voice on the other end of the phone, and only paid enough attention to the tail end of it to be able to place the sentiment. Still, appearances and deception went hand in hand. "Besides, something tells me that I wouldn't have a terrible amount I'd be capable of discussing with him." Competitors tended to keep tight lips in other's presence, everything could be an advantage.

Strange Hex: When facing her, it was easy enough to tell she was paying some amount of attention to the lone man. Her head tilted and eyes slanted down and off to the side as he made his way into the restroom, taking in what was said. Her Turkish was far from fluent, but she knew enough to pick up some of the less fine details of the tail end of the conversation before the man retreated too far away. Her own response being a simple, "Hmph." sound as dark eyes rose and cast to Xavier once more with a nod. "I believe I only mentioned discussing scotch." Nothing more, nothing less. "But, it seems it all works out the way it's meant to. I might miss you terribly if you found yourself a bromance. Then I might get jealous and do something rash and crazy. That simply wouldn't do at all." Shaking her head to punctuate the statement.

Xavier Darnai: A quiet scoff passed as the closest thing to the laugh he was going to offer at the joke. "Already had someone shoot at me once out've jealousy. Not sure it'd be as fun the second time about." One last hit was taken off of the cigarette before he snuffed it out in the tray. Stirring his glass around slowly, a slight tilt and twist of his head was offered as punctuation to the joke. "Though I imagine it'd hurt less this time. You're much too clean a shot." Brows lift as he took another pull of the Scotch, letting the amber liquid pour out until the glass was empty. Setting it down on the table top, he drummed the bandaged fingers against the table once each for a quick four-beat. Debating a third, he looked to his empty plate and pressed his right hand to his chest.

Elliot J Young: Once inside the restroom, Elliot checked it to make certain he was alone, then pulled a bug sweeper and checked for any devices that may be present. He wouldn't take any chances that the conversation even one sided could be picked up. The phone itself was encrypted.

Strange Hex: She managed a passive expression, until the notion that she'd shoot him came up to topic. "Who said anything about shooting you?" Brow brows perked curiously, though otherwise her expression remained completely passive. "Well, to be fair, I might use a bullet to slow you down." She'd give him that much. Of course, none of the banter was serious in the least. Jealousy wasn't her niche. She couldn't imagine being jealous over anything, especially something like that. Still, though, the mental visuals were somewhat comical. Especially in chibi-vision cartoon style.

Xavier Darnai: Elliot may have been unaware, but the Petranovics had a reputation for facilitation, and if he'd perhaps paid a bit closer attention to the Daily Specials he might have picked up on hints of it at least. No one here was going to do anything so short sighted as keep tabs on the business of their customers, especially considering their typical customers' business. "Clever girl." Another four-beat of fingers was quickly drummed out as he looked to the glass again with a bit of longing before pulling his eyes off of it to give her a more thorough look over to distract himself from the withdrawals he was damned to suffer with. Hex was not nearly as much a creature of habit as he was, but spotting her with the vodka was unusual enough to make note of. Lightly waving his right hand at her glass, he rest his arm down on the table after. "Annoyed, or just experimenting."

Elliot J Young: Trust, but verify. Words to live by. Those in his profession didn't take anything for granted. Elliot continued his conversation and when he was done, he slipped his phone back into his pocket, then stepped up to the sink and washed up. Once he'd dried his hands he adjusted his tie and then stepped out, heading back for his table. Retaking his seat, he motioned for a refill of his glass.

Strange Hex: She wasn't going to comment on how clever she was. She'd spoken her quota of cocky for the night. Instead, she looked at the nearly empty glass when it was gestured to, tipping it to the side with an upward pop of her shoulders. "I like variety. It's the spice of life. Or so I've heard." Routine and habit had their places, but she didn't have ages to be around. Being human, despite her gifts, made her fragile enough. Add to that her occupation...tomorrow was never a guarantee, so she experimented and tried all the things she wanted to whenever the whim struck to do so. As long as it didn't get in the way of said occupation, because she loved her job. "Would you like a glass?" She grinned. She'd been watching him debate a third glass for about ten minutes now. Though she was amused, she'd not lost track of the lone man, or missed his return to his table.

Xavier Darnai: "Drinking vodka... that's... that's a different lifetime." The truth of the statement was beyond complex and multi-layered. Xavier hadn't had a glass of vodka in quite some time, and it was very much on the downward spiral of things. Still, he looked to his own glass and there was a twitch in his lip. As strong as his own willpower was on so many things, addiction managed to show itself in horrible ways, especially when fulfilling the addiction did absolutely nothing to relieve the craving. A double edged sword, really. He drank now because he wanted to, and felt he should, and because he missed it horribly. Still, he jumped back to what he thought her actual question had been about. "I would, but I'd hate to waste it." After all, he had expensive tastes.

Elliot J Young: When his refreshed glass was sat before him, Elliot gave the waitress as smile before he lifted it, letting it roll and admiring it as it did so. His gaze slid back to the other table and held there briefly, before he looked back out the window. It was almost time. He lifted the glass and took a drink.

Strange Hex: It was only a handful of times she'd ever recall hearing his stumble over his own words. She could count that on one hand, in fact. So to hear it now... She tilted her head a bit, watching him silently. She might have offered him the remains of what was in her glass, but that likely would have been an insult to his taste buds. Him and his expensive tastes. However, he wasn't the only one with expensive taste buds. She too had favored flavors. Or, perhaps, she'd just been hanging around him too long. Unfortunately, her preferred bottle of choice wasn't there. It was where she currently called home. "I won't insult you by offering a simple top shelf brand of vodka, so you might as well have another glass of scotch." That sense of eyes drew her attention to the lone man, looking across his shoulder to cast a glance in his direction and polite nod, then returned to Xavier.

Xavier Darnai: Once more his eyes turned to the surface of the windows, watching the reflections of the diner's common eating area slightly off focus. Peripheral vision was the sort of thing that he had trained as a survival mechanism from childhood. No longer feeling the need to watch being watched, he turned his attention back to Hex again, taking in a long and slow breath. "For the best, really. I've never been a pleasant person while drinking vodka." The Crutch had been a particularly brutal drink, one he used with the express purpose of forgetting his day, long before he learned better than that. Sobriety had changed him in frightening ways. About as quickly as he realized he was doing it, he took up his glass and raised it off the table with two fingers up, flagging down the waitress for another pour of the Glenfiddich.

Strange Hex: He was turning into a glum old man right there before her very eyes. Of which narrowed ever so slightly while she regarded him. "If I was worried about how pleasant you'd be, I'd not suggest a third glass of anything." Any further commentary was silenced at the feeling of her phone buzzing from her pocket. The small, flat device was pulled free and her thumb brushed over the surface to access the message that had been sent. A quick reply was sent back, the device tucked away in her jacket and she looked back to Xavier. "My ride's here." The glass was picked up and remaining contents quickly swallowed, she stood and returned the glass to the table top. "Don't look so blue, old man. You have so much to look forward to in the next week or two." On rare occasions, she'd have offered her words of wisdom with a pat on the shoulder, but tonight it was by passed. Instead, she glanced down to him. "Don't miss me too much. Send me the whens of our travel plans." With that, she was zipping up the leather jacket en route to the door, just as the back CRX pulled up out front.

Elliot J Young: The nod was returned before he looked back out the window, and he studied the lot before checking his watch. He drained his glass as he rose once more, leaving cash on the table for his meal and tip. He gathered up his coat and slid into it, before he headed for the door. He met the woman there, and gave her a smile as he pulled the door open it and held it for her. He'd follow her out, and then head for the Town Car.

Xavier Darnai: Watching both of them make their way out as his glass was refilled, he gave the waitress a brief nod. "Go ahead and bring the check love." With business done for the evening of a sort, he wasn't likely to sit around too long looking morose. Hex' own assessment of his attitude wasn't terribly far off, but she was right. There was a lot to see to in the coming weeks. Bringing the glass back, he took a long haul of it and sat back in his chair, looking around at the mostly empty eating area. So many moving pieces on the board...