Panhandling Patty

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DOWNTOWN OUTSKIRTS
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--Patty
The Honda motorbike was in dire need of a tune up. It was already thirty years old, so it slipped when changing gears and complained about any attempt to gun it. Seeing that she was going nowhere fast right now, Patty conceded and pulled to the curb, patting it out of respect. "I know old girl. I haven't treated you right. I promise, some day I'll get you fixed up proper.

She managed to swing by the YWCA and get a shower, but still smelled like cigarette smoke and engine oil. That suited her, at least. She was tired of smelling like body odor and vomit. Her mousy brown hair had been slicked back wet and pulled into a makeshift ponytail, but it's natural curl left it puffed into a pom pom.

It looked like she was just not going to have any way to let off some steam tonight. She was a half-pint, scrawny on top and bottom-heavy with big hazel doe-like eyes and a teddy boy shirt with ripped jeans. No booze, no smokes, no ladies, no gents. She was alone, sober and broke with no ride. Life is the shits.

She makes an effort to panhandle, never her forte, "Hey, you got a cigarette I can borrow? Maybe some bus fare? I gotta get home."

--Kira
*She had gotten quite a ways when a girl up ahead began to bug some other pedestrians. Looking for money, apparently. Weren’t they all.*

*Kira knew the logical thing to do would be simply walk right on by. It would be easier considering her own situation and lower her chances of getting a shiv in the leg. However... she wanted to help. If she wasn’t getting assistance, maybe she could change that for someone else.*

*Approaching Patty, Kira got her attention.* “Excuse me...” *And offered her a ten-dollar bill.* “You sound like you could use this.”

--Patty
Patty turned, blinking. Holy shit, it actually worked for once. She takes the bill and holds it for a moment, looking as if it were some kind of magic trick, then stuffs it in her back pocket. "Well.. shit. I.. thanks?" Her hazel eyes were wide with astonishment, then that little nagging voice in the back of her mind kicked in. She makes to say something to Kira, then stops, turning to walk away.

"Goddamnit." She stops, turns right back around and hands the ten dollars back to her. "I'm fuckin' lying, lady. I'm going to buy some Thunderbird and cheap smokes and get shit-faced. I can't lie to you. Go ahead and take this back." She looks a bit scrawny at this point, once toned and muscled but now wasting away without proper nutrition. "Thanks for the offer though."

--Kira
*Kira blinked at the brutal honesty that followed. Taking the bill and putting it away again she have a slow nod.* “Of course...” *She was reminded of Lady Strathmore’s scolding not too long ago, of everyone being scorpions that had to act to their natures. Perhaps she as too trusting. Or maybe it was her nature to do so.*

“Have a good evening, then.” *Kira managed a small smile in her direction yet again before turning to leave.*

--Patty
Kira would find an arm around her shoulder, unbidden, and the half-pint next to her smelling overwhelmingly of engine grease. Her nails were chipped and blackened, hands rough for such a young age. "Now if you're going out for a beer or two, I wouldn't say no to that at all!" She grinned widely, seeming to not quite get the idea of personal space. "I'm Patty, by the way. You headed somewhere special, or you just handing out money 'cause it's burning a hole in your pocket?" Though slight, her voice was a deep contralto, a rasp that was not improved with chain smoking.

--Kira
*Saying she wasn’t surprised by this display would be a lie. Kira clearly didn’t expect the girl to suddenly wrap an arm around her shoulder as she had tried to leave. Still, she made an effort to appear friendly, even though she wasn’t looking for the same type of drink patty was.* “Ah, Kira. And I’ve just been looking for a place to spend my evening... nowhere in particular.” *Despite knowing this wasn’t the best idea, she couldn’t deny not needing the company.* “Would you like to join me?”

--Patty
She smiles brightly at that, genuinely feeling happy to be included. "Fuck yeah I would! This isn't my town, so you'll have to show me all the best dives and worst food."

She would notice Patty giving her a little side-eye now, which may be expected for new acquaintances. After a moment she shrugs it off, and seems to have made her decision about it.

"...Just don't be expecting me to jump in the sack with you on the first date, just cause we grab a beer together. You're cute* and all, but I hardly know ya, right?" Her accent was so thick you could cut it with a knife, practically a stereotype of Queens.

--Kira
*Kira was about to explain that she didn’t have to accept her offer when she jumped at the chance. Well... she didn’t mind buying a few drinks tonight.*

”I...” *Patty’s choice of words caused her to verbally stumble a bit before recovering.* “I invited you after all. Is there a place you normally go?”

--Patty
"Hey, this is your town. I'm at your mercy!" She snorts, slapping Kira on the back. "Don't need fine wine and dining, just a beer or two. I'll keep you company for a while. Just met somebody who's trying to hook me up with a job at this club in Santa Monica, I'll have to find her later and see if I can get a couch to crash on."

Patty stuffs her hands in her pockets, walking along the street. "I mean, I guess it wasn't a complete lie. I don't exactly have a bed of my own, just my bike and not a dime to my name. Hey, it's the Hollywood dream though, right? Play the Viper Room, I'm gonna be Lita if it kills me."