allison argent.

i felt utterly weak. i wanna' feel stronger than that. i wanna' feel powerful.

[jessicaojnes]

Jess raised her eyebrows at the choice of drink, unable to hide her judgement. It was the kind of shit Trish would order, back when they were teens and sneaking into clubs. She supposed it made sense though, as ridiculous as she found it. Allison was clearly a new drinker, and something sweet would suit her better. Jessica, however, needed the hard, burning, tasteless shit. It was the only thing that worked. “Right," she cleared her throat, trying to fix her expression as she turned back to the staff. "A - jug of sangria. For her. She'll start with a red, I guess."

More awkward silence ensued, Jess tapping her fingers against the wood as they waited. There were a few characters around she recognised, but she chose to avoid their gazes. Day drinking wasn’t exactly a proud activity for most, and they showed each other mutual respect by not acknowledging anyone around them. Returning with their drinks, the bartender slid them over the bench and asked for payment. Nodding, Jessica began the familiar task of patting down and rifling through all her pockets, scrambling for change. "— Just a sec. I'll find somethin'."

[allisonargvnt]

Allison smiled in gratitude as Jessica ordered their drinks, although she was disappointed to discover that Maia wasn't currently on shift. Having the presence of someone she knew, another person to contribute to the conversation, would've certainly eased some of the lingering, awkward silence. Instead of allowing it to bother her, Allison tried to convince herself that it would've defeated the purpose of this trip to begin with, which was to make amends. It was just unfortunate that neither of them were well versed in small talk.

As the drinks were placed on the counter, Allison went to open her mouth to say thank you, until she realised Jessica was unable to pay. Before it got too uncomfortable, she raised a hand, gesturing for her to stop searching. "Don't worry, I've got it." Considering she hadn't been intending to visit the Alibi today, at least not this early, Allison also hadn't brought any change with her. She glanced up at the barmaid, a sheepish expression on her face. "Can you place it on the rebel tab? Allison Argent."

It was the first time Allison had used her... privileges, but the woman serving wasn't bothered in the slightest, simply nodding and jotting down the order on a notepad she'd carried in her apron before scuttling off to tend to the next customer. "Huh," Allison replied, shrugging a shoulder before gesturing to the alcohol. "What shall we cheers to?"

[brianfiinch]

“Are you kidding me?” He stared at her blankly for a few moments before breaking out into a grin, tugging his earphones out. “Uh – hell yeah! I’m in, let’s do this, baby! Oh, full discretion, I don’t know a thing about training, but I’m totally willing to learn.” NZT would definitely help with that. He’d have it figured out in no time.

Holding out his balled fist in greeting, his smile remained. “I’m Brian. Thanks for saving me from this Farsi cooking podcast,” Brian continued, lifting his tablet by way of explanation. “I was getting really hungry.”

[allisonargvnt]

“Well you sound very enthusiastic, so that’s definitely a start.” Allison grinned, despite not knowing him, already admiring his spirit. “If you’re new to this, I’ll let you choose where to start. ‘Training’ is broader than you might know of. There’s self defence, archery, hand to hand combat…” She could go on, but she wasn’t sure how much knew, if anything at all, and she didn’t want to sound patronising.

Knocking her fist with his, she laughed at the uncommon greeting. “Allison Argent. And you’re very welcome. Maybe we should get a sandwich before we start. 'Can't have you kicking ass on an empty stomach.”

[paullrovia]

“Sure, I’m in for some training. It’s been a while,” he smiled. He’d had to put his training into practise far more than he’d actually trained as of late thanks to the constant wandering mutts in the outskirts, so working in a far less threatening environment sounded appealing. “Anything in particular you’d like to work on? I guess you’ve got the bow down pat.”

[allisonargvnt]

"I knew I could count on you. Thank you," Allison smiled in return, recalling how helpful Jesus had been last time they'd trained together. At least she was in a better state of mind now, and could actually prove herself useful. "Yeah, I'm all fixed in that department. But... I was thinking maybe more basic survival skills instead of focusing purely on the offence. — What are you good at?” It only just dawned on her that she’d never asked; maybe Jesus had a thing or two he could teach her. 

[blvckphilip]

[jessicaojnes]

Jessica glanced over at her as they walked, wondering why Allison had decided that today, of all days, was a good time to start day drinking. “Guess it’s never too late to start,” she shrugged, figuring the woman wouldn’t tell her the truth anyway. Jess didn’t care enough to get it from her, either. She didn't have the space to carry other people's trauma.

Once they reached the Alibi, Jess made a beeline for the bar, ordering herself a scotch on the rocks from a bored-looking brunette. “What’re you havin’?” She asked Allison without looking at her.

[allisonargvnt]

“I guess not,” Allison shrugged. Outside of Capitol held events, she hadn’t had much opportunity to drink anyway. She was far too driven to distract herself with alcohol, but now there was no goal, no endgame. May as well open herself up to new experiences during her down time. “I’ll have a sangria.” Realising that sounded random, she elaborated, despite doubting that Jessica would care either way. “That was the barmaid’s recommendation, last time I was here.”

[finnnckodair]

“You’re probably right about that,” he snorted, trying to make light of the situation, despite feeling a sense of dread deep in his stomach. “I’ll be here.” As Finn watched her walk away, he berated himself, deciding to get changed as much as he could whilst he was waiting. God forbid one of the infirmary staff caught him half-naked and drinking coffee — he’d never get out of there. Grabbing a jacket Kol had left behind, he zipped it up, and pulled on the drawstring pants patients were forced to wear. It was the best he could do for now, and he made it right on time. Grinning at her joke, a master at masking, he took the cup and sat down. 

“Yeah, me too. I became Kol instead,” he joked, tugging on the zip for a moment. "And thank you for this,” he added, gesturing the coffee toward her before taking a long sip. “I really, really needed it.”

[allisonargvnt]

Allison raised her eyebrows at Finnick’s remark, before she smiled, noting the change of clothes. She and the vampire had never really gotten along, but she couldn’t deny his sense of fashion. The jacket looked good on Finnick, even partnered with some old sweatpants. “Oh god, now there’s two of you. I don’t think the rebellion can handle that.”

“But you’re welcome. It’s the least I could do.” Considering how much of a failure she felt after their losses in the Capitol, she meant that sincerely. Checking in on her friends, helping them in the smallest of ways, felt like the bare minimum after what they’d experienced. “I have to go and see how Lydia’s doing, but… if you need anything else sneaking in, let me know.” 

[kilgravethompsonn]

"Bloody Christ —" he swore, slapping his hand to his neck, killing the bug that had landed there. "I'm this close to having you walk off the edge of a cliff, just so you know. You're leading me in bloody circles here. How much further is it?!" Of course, Kilgrave had not ventured out into the bush on his own, having compelled a gun-wielding fool to guide him. He'd claimed to know the way to Alexandria, a supposed safe haven. If Jessica wasn't there, somebody ought to know of other settlements. But his already thin patience was wearing out, patting frantically at his dirtying suit. His guide stammered, unsure of an answer, and Kilgrave's eyes narrowed, seconds away from saying something he'd later regret. That was, until, an arrow whizzed right past him and thudded into a tree. "Shitting hell! Why are you just standing about? Stop them!" With Kilgrave cowering behind a tree, the guard continued on, approaching the stranger, unflinching. Glancing through the bush, Kevin saw dark, flowing hair. Instantly intrigued, he stepped forward, sure the woman hadn't noticed him yet. "You there," he called out, commanding. "Put that thing down now. Turn to face me." It wasn't Jessica. But it was the first person they'd come across in days. Surely they were close. "Tell me — where are you from?"

[allisonargvnt]

With more strangers entering Alexandria by the day, the residents had slowly begun to notice the strain on resources, predominantly meat. They had Oliver's farm, of course, but the occasional cow or pig was hardly substantial enough for such a large group of people. The wildlife on the outskirts was thinning in population too, either hunted by their own, or the monsters that ran rampant. Allison was starting to understand Gale's point of view. So much so that she agreed to his plan, to split up and venture further out, past the concealment charms. It was the only way they'd have any success, as it was the best way to avoid scaring off game, and to cover more ground before nightfall. Gale had taught her enough that she could handle her own, anyway.

Allison was setting up a snare when she heard rustling in the near distance, her back instantly stiffening. It was either dinner, a friend, or a threat. She withdrew an arrow from her quiver, positioning it into her bow, eyes narrowing as she scanned the treeline. She quickly identified them as a person. An armed one. Not willing to compromise her own safety, Allison fired first, aiming for a non-lethal shot. It missed, a result of their quick reaction, their body twisting to dodge. So she set up again, and locked target onto the man's shoulder, moments away from releasing the elastic when she spotted a second figure emerge from their hiding spot. Now she was outnumbered. She awkwardly fumbled her holding, freeing up a hand so she could press onto her radio. Gale wouldn't be far. But before she had chance to signal for help, the concealed man spoke out, addressing her directly.

Allison's blood seemed to run cold, influenced by a power she didn't understand. He told her to disarm herself, so she did. Her weapon met the leaves beneath her feet, and she turned to face him head on, despite every instinct within her screaming otherwise. "I'm from —" she tried to cut herself off, fight it, but her attempts were futile. The words spilled out as if she were under truth serum. She broke protocol. "I'm from a settlement called Alexandria."

[paullrovia]

With he and Peeta newly confirmed as the recruitment team, Jesus knew it was imperative he keep in peak physical shape and keep expanding his expertise. You didn't get to be as skilled as him by taking long hiatuses. The war had certainly carved a hole into his training schedule, but he could no longer afford to fall behind, well aware how dangerous the outskirts were. One slip up and they'd be dead. As a very private person, he found the early mornings suited him better — the world was quiet and he could be alone. He was just picking out some rope to start off with when he spotted her.

Jesus watched on for a while in silence, attentive and curious. He recognised the woman from the Rebel propaganda but that was as far as his knowledge went. But even with limited information, it was obvious to him that she was struggling, which was exactly why he didn’t want to get in the way. Besides, observing from the sidelines was much more his style. He'd always learnt a lot more that way. But over and over, the arrow missed its mark, and Paul's frown slowly grew.

He watched her technique, saw the strong pull of her shoulders, and could deduce pretty quickly that she was no beginner. Concerned now, he put down the rope and stepped forward, holding out his hands to show he meant no harm.  “— I’m sorry to interrupt," Jesus started, pausing a few steps past the doorway. “It's just... I couldn’t help but notice your technique. You seem to know what you’re doing. Are you feeling okay?”

[allisonargvnt]

Allison jumped as she heard a voice break through her attempt at concentration, not having expected the interruption. She was quick to wave a dismissive hand at the apology, however. If anything, he'd done her a favour, because she'd have kept going until her fingers bruised, and she doubted it would've changed the outcome. She was off form, sloppy, distracted. She hadn't successfully hit enough targets in the Capitol, and that failure had remained with her, scarring her very technique. Placing the bow down, she turned to face the stranger, forcing a smile. "Is that a trick question?"

Allison suspected that she'd have looked like a beginner to anyone who didn't know her, but his words proved her wrong, surprising her. Clearly, he was perceptive by nature. "I used to know what I was doing," she sighed, taking a few steps closer towards him, so they could properly converse. "I'd say I'm fine, but I don't think you'd believe that. I'm not so sure myself. I should be able to do this with my eyes closed, I've been firing arrows since I was in babygrows. But ever since we landed in Alexandria, every time I've tried..." Allison trailed off, gesturing towards the fallen projectiles. "I'm not usually like this. I don't know what's wrong with me."

[jessicaojnes]

Jess raised her eyebrows at the reply, not having expected it. “Didn't have you pegged for a day drinker.” Bummer. She was usually great at reading people. “I have, though. A few times.” She practically lived there. Kev had even let her sleep over a few times, not wanting to risk waking her. “Just.. not with anyone else.” An awkward pause followed, but Jessica hadn’t meant to sound like she was uninviting her. She wouldn’t admit it, but company would be good for her, especially new company. God, she missed Trish. “Free country now, though, right?”

[allisonargvnt]

“I’m actually not. Like — ever.” Allison admitted, shrugging again. The few times in which she'd visited The Alibi had all been during the evening, but it didn't deter her. If anything, she figured she deserved the early break. Alexandria had mainly been quiet outside of a few rogue incidents, and the lack of action was starting to feel repetitive. The security was comforting, until it dwindled into boredom. That, she couldn't handle. Perhaps she and Jessica had that in common. "It sure is, let's get going," she smiled, beginning to walk in the direction of the infamous bar.

[simonlewwis]

“Ah, yep, yep, that’d be it. If you could just order me a lot of that, I’d be very grateful. And I’ll pay you back, of course. Just maybe after I get some tips. If I do.” For the most part, he was joking, though some actual income would be nice to help out his family. Things had been tight for a long time.

“Oh, yeah? Why not? ‘Cause I’m this close to running straight back out that door,” he exhaled, nervous energy causing him to squeeze his hands together. “Is it working? The - relaxing part?” He wouldn’t have described the bar as relaxing, but considering what they’d all just gone through for the last few years, it would certainly do. “Well, I’m happy to be your hired friend in the meantime. My one and only friend isn’t here either, so…”

[allisonargvnt]

"No problem. But don't worry about paying me back, I'll use my rebel discount for it," Allison smiled, planning to pay in full regardless, but aiming to ease Simon's feeling of debt. Considering her father's occupation, and her own work as a guard, she was doing better financially than most. She aimed to help where she could, knowing the small favours made all the difference. "Well, that depends how good you are. Just make sure you leave the tip jar in plain sight, so everyone gets the hint," she teased.

"Because the busiest night is the best time to perform, to show everyone what you've got. You get enough people's attention, and they'll want to invite you back regularly. It'll also help with the tips," Allison noted, aiming to reassure him. "Yes and no. Last time I was here, I had a really nice conversation with the barmaid. Clearly, she's too overworked to talk tonight. But anything is relaxing in comparison to working along the border, so alone or not, I'll take it." That turned out not to be the case, however, with Simon soon offering a solution. It'd be nice to keep eachother company, and Allison was now planning to stick around long enough to hear him play. He'd intrigued her. "Deal. Who's your friend?"

[johnnamason]

“– Yup,” she replied dryly as she walked past, already making a beeline for the training centre, having just left her psychiatrist's office. “I need to punch something.” It'd been a few months since Jo had been tentatively released from the infirmary, but she was still on a strict care plan, one she cared about less and less with each day that passed. It required her to attend two psych appointments and one physical therapy session a week, and she went along to every one, but it didn't mean she actually did anything. Jo and Noah had a care plan of their own, she didn't need anything else. Outside of her appointments, she'd had to promise to no physical exertion, but her and Noah broke that rule daily too. So what was a single training session going to do? Kill her? “Oh, and just so you know?” She continued over her shoulder. “It’s not just the ‘doing nothing’ part that makes you crazy. It’s the ‘sitting around completely alone’ part, too.”

[allisonargvnt]

Allison was unsurprised by Johanna's response, knowing that 'punching something' was how she dealt with stress. After all she'd been through, Allison figured she deserved it, whether it went against medical instruction or not. It'd been a while since she'd last visited Johanna in the infirmary anyway, hearing she'd been dismissed a few months prior, so a single session shouldn't do too much damage. Hopefully, it'd help resolve some of the uncomfortable tension between the pair, considering it was how they'd communicated whilst Johanna had mentored her. "You're not going to take it easy on me, are you?" She questioned, already knowing the answer. She'd also be yelled at if she pulled her own punches. Johanna was not one for sympathy.

Allison began tailing behind her as she spoke up again, eyebrows raised at the statement. "Great. I guess I should find Lydia after this. I'm in no mood to deal with crazy."

[maiaroberrts]

“Can’t get kicked out if you didn’t start it,” she smiled in return. It wasn’t an official rule, but it sounded reasonable enough to her. “Besides, we really only have one rule here." She pointed to the sign that said 'if you fight, you mop' before turning back to continue making drinks. "Oh, since January-ish. I’m.. glad I found you all, though. It was a total accident, and I wouldn’t have stayed if I wasn’t talked round. Guess my luck’s finally beginning to change," she smiled a little, actually quite struck by how far she'd come in only a short few months. It could've been a sarcastic remark but she found herself really meaning it, especially as she remembered a certain blonde's smile. Maia had only met him a few days ago but it already felt like months. “So, I'm assuming you’ve been a part of this since the beginning?”

[allisonargvnt]

Glancing at the sign Maia redirected her eyeline to, Allison smiled in amusement. At least they'd prepared for the inevitably of drunken arguments breaking out in their establishment. "Fair enough. Hopefully it won't come to that, it's supposed to be my night off," she teased, although there was truth behind her statement. She'd be back on guard duty in a few days, which'd give her plenty of opportunity to resume her training. "I'm glad you found us, too. It's much safer here than it is out there. Was it Peeta that talked you into joining us?" Allison knew he'd been working tirelessly to find anyone left stranded, and although she was wary of the people he'd brought inside their walls, she also understood the importance of it. "Yeah. I was reaped for the seventy-fifth. Which... now feels like a life time ago. We were all such different people when this first started."

[finnnckodair]

“That’s how it is,” he repeated with a shrug, a grin lifting his lips once she’d agreed. “Thank you. I certainly owe you one, don’t let me forget it. But yes, it’s good to be up. Another second in there, I would’ve become one with the sheets.” Finnick joked, though his smile slipped completely when she continued on.

“Huh?” The comment had come at such a surprise, he couldn’t help but question it, unable to save himself from any embarrassment. Glancing down, and swearing in his mind, he nodded slowly in reply, trying to recover. Was he really this scattered? “Oh, right. You mean more dressed than I already am. It’s been so long since I’ve been outdoors, clearly I’ve forgotten the norm.”

[allisonargvnt]

Allison smiled sympathetically, sensing Finnick's discomfort. Pain medication, disrupted sleep patterns, the resulting brain fog — she'd been there, as had most of their friends. She understood how quickly easy tasks became complicated, or forgotten altogether. She wasn’t judging. “I don’t think we have a norm here. I’ll be right back.” With a small nod, Allison turned on her heel to retrieve a coffee for both of them.

Returning minutes later, caffeine in hand, she walked up to Finnick and held his drink out for him to take. “Glad to see you didn’t turn into a bedsheet whilst I was away.”

[allisonargvnt]

“There’s nothing to fit into here. There’s no ‘odd one out’, because we all are.” Allison sighed, feeling too exhausted to argue. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to go mourn a few friends. Hopefully next time I see you, you’ll be in a better mood.”

________________________________________________________

[jessicaojnes]

The woman’s response only worsened Jessica’s sour mood, feeling an annoying spike of guilt she definitely didn’t want to deal with. Rolling her eyes in an attempt to shake it off, she crossed her arms and waited for Allison to pass. “Yeah, whatever. Have fun with that.”

//.

[jessicaojnes]

Jessica nodded at the acceptance and introduction, wondering if she’d be forced into small talk now. She probably would be, knowing the Rebels, but now that things between them had been settled, Jess was itching to walk away, drown it out literally. Yet she knew if she did that, the apology she'd worked so hard to muster would be for nothing. She'd be back to square one. She sighed. “Jessica. Jones.”

Clearing her throat after some obvious silence, she glanced around, deciding to voice her discomfort. “Not really… sure what to do here now, to be honest. I just want a drink.”

[allisonargvnt]

It wasn’t a name that she’d heard anybody mention, but Allison nodded at the introduction, glad that their dynamic had shifted. “A drink?” She paused, as if considering it, before shrugging a shoulder. “I could go for a drink. Have you been to The Alibi yet?” The walk there would likely be dragged out by an uncomfortable silence, but Allison figured a shot or two would open them up into a less tense conversation after they'd arrived.

[allisonargvnt]

“ well, how do i look? ” lydia

question prompts.

"You look beautiful, Lydia. You always look beautiful. You're smart enough to know that," Allison teased, unable to suppress her smile. "Your attempts at compliment fishing are getting so much worse."

[allisonargvnt]

“ i’ve got your back, okay? ” bell

question prompts.

Despite her appreciation for the sentiment, Allison's eyes saddened at Bellamy's words. She hated the idea of anyone she loved putting themselves in danger for her. Still, it was a pointless debate, one with no end, because if the situation were reversed, she'd do the same for him. "I know."