Realistic or Modern The Roaring Twenties - IC [ENDED]

[Misty Gray]

The Roaring Twenties
IC Start Date: Friday 14th August 1925

IC THREAD


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This RP will follow the lives of a rich and powerful organised crime family residing in Queens, NYC. With the ageing patriarch, Dante Russo, rumoured to be stepping down in the coming years, attention has turned to who will replace him in the family business. Between his children and trusted underboss, any one of them could take his place. The challenge is to receive both his recommendation and the support of most others within the organisation.

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Rules:

1. Please only join if you can commit to posting at least once per week and don’t plan on leaving any time soon!
2. Romance is encouraged, but fade to black if things become sexual.
3. This is an advanced/literate RP. Please write 2+ paragraphs per post.
4. Profanity is acceptable, within reason. No need to make it excessive.
5. Please be aware, the RP will deal with mature themes (violence, threats, and other subjects you'd expect from this genre).

Chapter Index

Chapter 1: A United Front​

Current Active Cast: Active Cast: Misty Gray Qwertycakes mother of sorrows neverbackdown strawberryspiral Lost Martian NUSKI

 

[Misty Gray]

Chapter 1 - A United Front
- Friday 14th August 1925 -
Evening - Warm, Clear Skies

***************

Dante Russo's House
- Queens, New York -

Margaret Russo​

Margaret had invited all of her sons over to the house for dinner this evening, having always demanded they all sat down together as a family as often as they could. With so much business and other work going on for her family, she'd never see them all together if she didn't command it. Frustratingly, Benjamin had made other plans, but given his were also family-oriented she decided to let it go on this occasion.

When Anastasia has stopped by to collect her dress which Margaret had altered for her, the older woman talked her into staying for dinner that evening. There was always room for more guests. "Has anyone else been giving you trouble at the club?" Margaret asked, aware of the stalker Earnest had helped her deal with. "Because the next time anyone does, you call me over and I'll sort them out myself. Then they'll only wish to be in jail."

"No. No more trouble," Anastasia assured her, laughing at the older woman's comment. Whilst the thought was amusing, she believed the woman really would act on it. "Now, you go join Dante and Frank in the living room. Tell Christy and Jacob to come see me in the kitchen."

As Margaret tended to chopping some vegetables, she waited for the two men to join her. She always like to show her soft, concerned side to them, but knew better than to expect them to respond openly when in the same room as Dante.

Setting the knife down on the chopping board, she turned to face her two sons once they joined her. "I'm glad you could both make it. I know there's places most of us would rather be on a Friday night, but this was the only time I could get most of you here. Now, tell me. How are you both doing? Tell me it all. Any lucky young women yet? My two granddaughters are adults now and I miss children running around the place!" She then looked directly to Jacob. "When is your next show? I want a front row seat."

Interactions: Lost Martian (Jacob) strawberryspiral (Christian)

Anastasia Robinson​

Anastasia couldn't help but enjoy her visits to the Russo household. Even if Benjamin and Frank were having a heated dispute, or Dante was laying down the law to his sons, it still always felt like home in a way. Despite the complicated craziness of the Russo bunch, their house felt like more accommodating than living alone with her mother had ever felt. So when Margaret encouraged her to stick around for dinner that evening, it felt so easy to agree.

After leaving the kitchen and passing on the older woman's instructions, Anastasia sat on the sofa in the living room, where Dante and Frank remained. Dante had always been good to her, to the point where she grew to see him as the closest thing to a father figure after her real father died all of those years ago. Frank was always interesting to be around, with her often wondering how the unpredictable man would conduct himself on each occasion. With Benjamin absent, she at least expected a little less tension this evening, though that still wasn't a certainty with Frank. Regardless, with only positive personal experiences of both men, she sent them a warm smile, anticipating which man would speak up first and set the tone of the conversation...

Interactions: Qwertycakes (Dante) neverbackdown (Frank)

Benjamin Russo's House
- Queens, New York -

Benjamin Russo​

Two days ago...

Michael had invited Benjamin to his office with the intention of trying to get through to his nephew about taking his engagement to Sylvia seriously.

"If this is going to work, you need to start making more of an effort with your wife-to-be," Michael firmly told his eldest nephew. "We both know you had nothing to do with Rosemary's murder, but for as long as her murder goes unsolved, there'll always be someone ready to bring your name into question all over again. People don't forget, not when even the smallest details are on record. Facts like you never taking your daughters bowling before the evening she was killed. Leaving Rose alone and you with a clear alibi."

"Let them. They'll find no evidence for such offensive accusations," Benjamin calmly argued, interlinking his fingers as he rested his hands on his lap. "I have no intention of replacing Rose, the mother of my daughters, and people will see through that fallacy."

"They will if you don't put in the effort. If you're ever going to take over the Russo family business, then you have to honour the arrangement and make people believe your marriage to Sylvia is genuine. It will not only distract your critics, but it will work in your favour. Sylvia's philanthropy will serve to present you and this family in a brighter light. You can take advantage of the charitable links to shine the Russo name in a more positive light. Of course, there will be judgement over an interracial marriage, but you're tough enough to stick to your guns. Nobody with half a brain questions this family and you could win over a lot of people if you're seen to stand by Sylvia. This is a way for you to strengthen your reputation and present as a good guy to the outside world. If behind closed doors, you feel nothing for her, then that's just a secret the two of you will have to keep," he asserted. "You're not replacing Rose, but it's beyond time to move on. The girls aren't kids anymore, so they'll just have to accept it!"

Presently...

Michael's words had resonated with Benjamin. In all areas of his life, he was able to be cold and ruthless, yet with his daughters he believed he was too soft. They were going to have to get used to him remarrying and so it was time they learned to accept Sylvia as a part of their family. As such, he'd invited his wife-to-be to the house and commanded his daughters to be present for the whole evening.

With dinner in the oven and Sylvia due to arrive at any moment, Benjamin called his daughters into the living room. This was the first time the four of them would sit down together properly and he intended on the evening running smoothly.

"Okay, girls. Sylvia is due to arrive shortly. It's important you make her feel welcome and that dinner is a success. I'm going to marry her and nothing will change that. Are we clear?" he firmly asked them.

Interactions: mother of sorrows (Magdalena) neverbackdown (Kathryn) strawberryspiral (Sylvia)

Precision Shipping Co. Terminal
- Brooklyn, New York -

Elijah Wilson​

Over recent weeks, it had been noticed that various shipments coming into the Brooklyn terminal had reached the Russo warehouses short of contraband. Be it spirits, expensive watches, or weaponry, there had been shortfalls. Investigations had whittled it down to the anomalies occurring after goods had been unloaded from the ships and before reaching the warehouse in Brooklyn.

Tonight was now the second attempt at trapping those responsible, with Elijah, Vincent, and Rollie being put on surveillance. They hoped this would be the night to catch the culprits read-handed. Elijah was sure he wasn't the only one who shared his suspicions, but his instincts only pointed in the direction of it being an inside job. If that was the case, it raised the stakes of betrayal much higher. The bastard couldn't get the easy way out that one of Rollie's bullets would deliver. They needed answers.

As they hid out on the second floor of the warehouse, Elijah looked through his binoculars to see the ship approaching the dock, as expected. There were four men standing by waiting to accept the deliveries. Two were direct Russo employees and the others very low level hires.

"For their sakes, they'd better not be the ones," Elijah quietly spoke up to Vincent and Rollie. With his own rifle over his shoulder, he continued to watch through the binoculars. "If it is them, then we keep one of them alive to talk. Marcus is the most senior of that bunch, so would have the most insight to be dragged out of him. Agreed?" he asked his two associates.

Interactions: NUSKI (Vincent) Qwertycakes (Rollie)

The Diamond Club
- Manhattan, New York -

Michael Harrington​

Whilst Michael was a serious and highly professional man in business, when it came to his free time, he thrived on socialising in bustling atmospheres. This evening, he'd decided to head to Dante's nightclub and see what entertainment was on offer. On this occasion, he'd asked Johnny to join him, so made a conscious note to keep his wandering eyes to a minimum. Whilst he hadn't slept with anyone other than his wife, it didn't stop him from flirting and sweet-taking other women. He saw nothing wrong with light-hearted banter and having a good look along the way. But not with his son present.

Returning from the bar with their drinks, he set the two glasses down on the table before sitting across from Johnny again. In some ways, his son shared the interests of Margaret. His sister was also interested in art and literature; attributes that had bored him to tears when they grew up together under the same roof. Whilst he had more respect for the arts in his older years, he still failed to see how Johnny's interests would benefit their position in the Russo business. Michael still wasn't entirely sure which of Benjamin or Frank was the better horse to back for the long-term, but what he did know was that he'd appreciate his son playing a more direct part in it all.

"What have you got for me, son?" he bluntly asked as he lit a cigarette. "I need your head in the game. When was the last time you caught up with any of your cousins? Benjamin could do with a push in the right direction. Rose has been dead and buried for a decade, so it's time everyone moved on."

Interactions: mother of sorrows (Johnny)


-- strawberryspiral (Earnest) -and- Qwertycakes (Clementine) Feel free to place them in the nightclub too, suggest which scene you think they may fit into, or hold off if I've given you enough to work with already --

Active Cast: Misty Gray Qwertycakes mother of sorrows neverbackdown strawberryspiral Lost Martian NUSKI

 

[NUSKI]

VINCENT LANGFORD​

Brooklyn, New York​

---

On evenings such as these, Vincent would savour a rich, dark espresso, letting the bold and bittersweet notes linger on his tongue. The moment the streaming brew hit his nostrils, he would settle back in his favourite leather armchair, just in front of a crackling fireplace. The earthy aroma filled the air, and the velvety smooth finish invited another indulgent sip.

Alas, such comforts were far from his reach this evening. Instead of the comforting confines of his study, Vincent found himself in the drafty and overly familiar setting of the Precision Shipping terminal, in the company of Elijah and Rollie. He sighed as he limped towards the former, longing for the delicate pastry that would normally accompany his evening ritual, his tailored suit and polished leather shoes a stark contrast to the surrounding industrial environment.

Vincent's jaw tightened with growing irritation as he watched the ship pull into the dock. "Of course, Mr. Wilson," he responded dryly. "Because clearly, the best use of our collective talents is to play cat and mouse with petty thieves." He dug the tip of his cane into the ground, the sharp click of wood and steel throughout the factory floor. "Scurrying around like... I assure you, I could have handled this situation... with far more finesse and discretion..." Vincent paused to eye the man's rifle, frowning at the feeling of his own revolver tucked away beneath his black overcoat. The weight of it felt foreign, despite his time in the army. It was just another reminder of how far removed he was from his day-to-day work of invoices and balance sheets.

Glancing over at Roland, Vincent felt a twinge of unease. He was no fool; he knew full well what the man was capable of and it only made him wonder what would happen if they were unable to track down the thieves. Sooner or later, eyes would begin to fall on him.

...And we can't have that, can we?

Swallowing his apprehension, Vincent straightened his posture and wiped a bead of sweat off his forehead. "...But I suppose... since we're all here now, I am in agreement. Let's hope our presence doesn't spook the little rats before we can corner them." His voice carried a forced nonchalance, almost masking the churning worry in his gut. Failure was not an option, especially not when his reputation was on the line.

---

Misty Gray (Elijah) Qwertycakes (Rollie)

 

[strawberryspiral]

Chapter 1 - A United Front
- Friday 14th August 1925 -
Evening - Warm, Clear Skies

***************​

Dante Russo's House​

- Queens, New York -
​

Christian Russo ​

​

It had taken Christian almost an hour to commute the Friday evening traffic of the city but he knew the annoying drive would pay off. Especially when he heard his mother would be cooking for them herself. He hadn’t had a home cooked meal in awhile, living off of the jars of olives he used for his dirty martinis.

It seemed like things were in full swing back home, his mother at ease as he and Jacob approached her. Pausing the cutting of vegetables to catch up with the boys. She began to ask about potential daughter in laws and grand children as his mother usually does.

Christian was reaching that age when being a bachelor could make people ask questions. It was probably in his best interest, like with Benjamin to build a family of his own. Having a family made a man seem legit, more reliable, and admittedly Christian had always liked kids. He can still remember how excited he’d been when he found out he’d finally get a little brother. There was something to be said about the feeling of holding a baby. A little bundle of pure innocence untainted by the world’s misery.

That didn’t mean that Christian was ready to face this conversation head on though. Liking babies is one thing, but finding a woman willing to actually put up with him is a whole other issue all together. No one wanted a husband riddled with health issues, plus many people viewed survivors of the Spanish Flu as permanently contaminated. Not that he could blame them with the way he’d suddenly erupt into coughing fits.

“Ah, well, you know how it is Mom. Business has me in a bit of a choke hold right now. Guns seem to be in higher demand than gold-” He stops, realizing he’s rambling and really should avoid talking business right here in front of Jacob. His little brother had issues with the… Morality of their chosen avenues of revenue.

Throat tightening a bit, he nudges Jacob in the side as his mother mentions seeing a show. He’s happy to take the attention off his own conversational misstep. He didn’t want to make Jacob feel awkward. “Yeah, let us know when the next show is. I’ll drag Ben and Franky to see it. Can you imagine? Those two sitting side by side, forced to be silent for two whole hours? I think they’d go mad,” He’s laughing a little too hard at his own joke.

Christian can’t help it, picturing either of them sitting still long enough to catch a whole show was amusing. Sure, Benjamin might at least try and seem interested. Sometimes his oldest brother surprised him with his refined palate, a play could be right up his bougie alley. Frank though was a whole other beast, he’d probably complain and ask questions the whole time. That’s if the two didn’t start arguing the moment they sat down next to each other. They’re like fire and water, the two of them always bumped heads on every little thing.


Interactions: Lost Martian (Jacob) Misty Gray (Margaret)

---

Benjamin Russo's House​

- Queens, New York -​

Sylvia Van Hoffe​

​

Sylvia’s lips shine with red rouge in the reflection of her compact mirror. Standing just outside Benjamin Russo’s front door she takes one final moment to herself in order to prepare for the dinner to come. Though she’s starving from spending all day buried in legal paperwork at the Courthouse downtown her stomach is in knots. She’d met Benjamin’s daughters briefly in the past, Magdalena seemed to be the more reserved of the two. While Kathryn had more of a fiery spirit and natural charm about her like her father.

Seeing them both made her think about Rosemary, she’d never met her. But, there’d been photographs in passing, just off looks Sylvia could tell she was lovely. Her smile seemed so genuine, radiant in a way. Pressing both lips together and lifting the compact to get a good view of her hair, she fixes a few stray strands of curls that seem to have a mind of their own Sylvia takes a deep inhale. Long lashes fluttering shut as she shoves the compact back into her purse, a plethora of nagging voices blaring through her subconscious as she tried to release all the stress she'd been carrying that day. It was starting to wear on her, though certain aspects of her work were enjoyable. Seeing a case she’d put lots of effort into winning, or finding that one frayed strand of information that blew a case wide open made the tediousness of it all worth something. Still, there were other things she could do without.

For instance the way her boss- District Attorney Phillip Montgomery insisted it was her job to clean up after all the other men in her office when they made a mess in the employee lounge. Or how he just always liked to compliment her by saying she reminded him of the black woman who raised him up back home in Georgia. The implications of that sentiment didn't fly over her head, but neither did the fact that he was almost seventy years old and definitely around long enough to know better. According to her father she shouldn’t even let those things get to her.

Marco Van Hoffe always held his head high as a Dutch immigrant of darker complexion.

“Dig deep Sylvi. All you can do is work hard and prove them wrong.”

His words circled on repeat in her mind as she straightened the hem of the sunflower yellow dress she wore. With one gloved hand going to rub the elaborate string of gems resting at her collar bones. It had been a present from her father, along with the diamond earrings she wore. Both given as an apology for putting his only child in an contractually arranged engagement.

“Shoulders back Sylvi, smile, remember- you're a Van Hoffe. You’re my daughter which means you will be nothing short of extraordinary. Don’t you dare embarrass me, I’ve sacrificed too much already.” Her father’s strict warning loomed over head and she pinched both cheeks, knocking lightly on the front door.

It swung open and one of the staff who worked for Benjamin’s family invited her in. Sylvia followed with carefully calculated steps, her dutiful tutor’s tutting voice rings out somewhere in the distance.

“Women don’t stomp Miss Van Hoffe, we float.”

Mrs. Ericsson’s sharp yet soft Swedish accent present in Sylvia’s mind as she floated down halls of shining floorboards. She tried to think of the good things, to distract herself.

At least Benjamin would be there to mitigate, though she knew little about him. He did seem reasonable, not the sort of man to raise his hand at a woman or degrade her endlessly for a small mistake which could be hard to come by in the environment she grew up in. Men of high societal standing usually had even bigger egos and tempers to match. From what she’d observed he at least knew how to keep his inner demons from spilling out onto his daughters. Which was more than she could say for her father who could flip a lid at the drop of a hat. Realistically, things would be just fine, she had to choose to believe that. As long as she remained polite and positive, things would turn out. Besides, Sylvia remembers being a their age. She’s sure they’ll have plenty to talk about or that’s what she hopes.

Those were thoughts for another time, for now Sylvia forced a wide smile on her face. Took deep, intentional breaths, and acted as if she were walking into a celebration instead of a high pressure situation. Hopefully, she’d be able to maneuver her way through this with the grace and charm Mrs. Ericsson trained into her since she could walk. Otherwise, Sylvia would be absolutely skewered alive by her father. Who somehow always seemed to be in the know when it came to her arranged relationship with the eldest Russo son. According to him he had eyes everywhere, but she’s pretty sure he just talked a lot with his business associate Mr. Harrington- Benjamin’s uncle. Rearranging the shawl at her shoulders, Sylvia entered the dining room using the happiest tone of voice she could manage.

"Benjamin, how have you been? Magdalena, Kathryn, it's so good to see you again, it’s about time we had a chance to catch up." Sylvia’s eyes flit around the room trying not to let her smile crack.


Interactions: Misty Gray (Benjamin) neverbackdown (Kathryn) mother of sorrows (Magdalena)

---

TBD Russo Nightclub​

​

- Manhattan, New York -​

Earnest Johnson​

​

Dark brown eyes scanned over the dense Friday night crowd gathered in the nightclub. It wasn’t unusual for Earnest to grab a nightcap at this place, it’s a frequent haunt for all the Russo’s and those affiliated. Usually he caught up with some associates and made himself familiar with the rookies who used the nightclub as a place to unwind. Today he comes with a purpose related less to his position in the family and more leaning into his day job. Anastasia Robinson, a sweet young lady with a voice like honey was being targeted. She was fairly popular, made money as a Lounge singer. Performing at some of the classier joints in town.

Some nights ago she’d had a nasty run in with a suspicious individual. Apparently, she’d noticed him following her home from this very club. The stranger attempted to rush her and get into her place, luckily she’d locked the door just in time. That morning she would open her front door to find a strange letter. Written in fanciful cursive, with romantic suggestions, and some vague threats. When she’d come to the station to file a report Earnest had jumped on the case. Immediately recognizing Ana from seeing her in the background at several Russo family gatherings. Seeing how close she was to Margaret and Dante, like a daughter practically, he came to only one conclusion. Family takes care of each other, he’d find the creep, and teach him a little lesson about respect.

Scanning the nightclub carefully he watches as couples sway to music with arms wrapped tightly around each other on the dance floor. Some women gathering at tables of underlings in hushed conversation in far corners of the club begin flirting back and forth with the young men. Obviously flattered by the attention as nearby glasses clink. The sound snaps him back into place as he continues searching the crowd for anything suspicious.

The man he was looking for was probably a loner, guys like this usually are. But there’d been a few times when he’d been surprised by a well adjusted gentleman of socialite status with twisted obsessions. Jaw clenching he people watches, eyes following the ebb and flow of young people coming and going through the front and back exit.

Earnest had seen his fair share of demented souls. Being promoted to Lieutenant Detective for the Violent Crimes Unit meant that was almost all he saw on the daily as of late. Cops often put cases like this on the back burner, indifferent to preventing crime. They were more focused on catching criminals after they’d already done something. But Earn had his own sort of method, some people needed to be put in their place. Especially predators who preyed on women and children, they were the worst. Even for a thug like him there were lines, Dante was the same. In the Russo family you treat kids and women with respect. Unless, you wanna know what it feels like to have a knife in your gut.

Nursing the scotch in his hand he leans against the bar. Sliding a bill over to the bartender and speaking with a subtle southern twang, “Top me off when ya get the chance, thanks.”

From the corner of his eye he spots Michael, Margaret’s brother talking with his son. He attempts to catch Harrington’s eye, raising his glass to the Irishman with a nod. If he wanted to chat he'd wave him over, if not, Earnest was perfectly fine observing the world around him with a watchful eye. There was a no good scumbag on the loose after all, the quicker he caught the guy, the less dangerous these streets would be for the common folk. Besides, stalkers are bad for business, and anything bad for business needed to be ripped out at the root like the weed it was. Dante taught him that and Earnest was a firm believer in what goes around come around.

---

Interactions: Misty Gray (Michael)

 

[mother of sorrows]

MAGDALENA 'MAGGIE' RUSSO.

the living thing in a slaughterhouse.

♡coded by uxie♡

She had been planning for this a week before, but when the time actually came, Magdalena was rattled by her own efforts.

How ugly, how blunt, meaningless and feeble. Magdalena is half in shock over how the cake she had gotten earlier this morning had melted half into sand - white meringue falling into itself like a big clumsy swan, the fleshy sponge soaked through. The flowers she vased were unusally crude in the low evening light, something she didn't anticipate. And the table - that grand polished oak wood - has a scratch on it that she only discovered a few minutes ago. Not an inch wide, but white like lighting and eye-striking once you notice it. She prays Sylvia doesn't.

Not that she thinks Sylvia would mind, but Magdalena wants to make a good impression. She's not so sure she will make one now, and her skull feels like it's throbbing with the anxiety of it all. Her dress seems at once too plain and her perfume too gaudy, like the rogue on her lips makes them seem like a split blood wound. Magdalena only realises she's been hunching in her seat when her dad speaks up; she glances up at him, half-startled, giving a thin smile.

He does not seem concerned. Or if he is, he would not show it; all Benjamin's mind seems to be stuck on is this dinner and the success of it. Magdalena wants to grab his wrist, ask if this is really alright, if this will not go painfully wrong, if they're not making some kind of transgression by moving on.

The woman does no such thing. She only clears her throat, standing up.

''Of course. I mean, why would it not...''

Magdalena shoots up, giving a nervous glance at Kathryn as if to plead with her to agree. She's not quite sure it will work. Kathryn might be her sister, but she's bullish at times, worse than a house fire when she sets her mind on something. Magdalena is not sure how Kathryn feels about this business, but she supposes she will find out if it turns out she's not a fan of it.

''Oh! Sylvia!'' Magdalena does not get to finish her thought. The door is slid open, split by the figure of the woman of the hour. Nerves knot themselves in Magdalena's stomach as she squeezes out a smile, being the first one to offer her hand, a bit too early to be considered refined. Sylvia's eyes graze over them, like black ponds of night; unreadable, but not unkind. The guest woman's stance is refined like fine caligraphy or a knife, and Magdalena isn't sure whether to be envious or intimidated again. ''There you are. Welcome. Are you well? We...''

Perhaps she should let her dad talk, after all. It's his dinner date, not hers. Magdalena turns to Benjamin, awkwardly shutting up.

strawberryspiral Misty Gray neverbackdown

 

[mother of sorrows]

JOHNNY HARRINGTON

the mongoose you keep for when the snake comes by.

♡coded by uxie♡

The place smells like fine leather, like carefully cleaned blood, dark spice and an underlying grit. If Johnny has to visit a club, then this one is a far cry from the dens of drugs and stale paint he's usually forced into.

The last artist he visited yesterday had been sprawled over a love-seat, her mouth stained with pale white vomit and her hands spasming. Yowling, I gave birth to something, but I couldn't see what it was. Didn't work on the painting much, like Johnny anticipated. The lone canvas had been laid over the table like a disassambled corpse, its blacks and whites and reds and golds still elementary. A minor setback he could fix himself. The artist had sobbed, hiccuped, and Johnny had watched coldly. When he suspected she would not die, he left.

This place has none of that. No bruise-eyed women on their last smiles, no men out of their minds laying on the tables. No stench of the most wretched types, the ones that threw money and power aside for dreams. It's a classy sort, like anything Dante Russo would approve; the man would probably burn the place down before letting it be reduced. No wonder his father prefers it, when he does go out.

Michael is out in the crowd, somewhere, in the half-dimmed walls and fine smoke. But when he appears again, Johnny notices immediately.

'You can always tell which ones are gonna be the worst.' A dog breeder had once joked to Johnny, showing off an imported bloodhound. 'They have this bad look in their eyes.'

Perhaps it's not exactly good filial piety to always think of that when he sees his father. Some men were born to burn, and some men were made to strike the match; and only a fool would look at Michael Harrington and not think of the latter. Johnny straightens his shoulders, drawing himself out of his murky thoughts when his father joins him. The glasses their drinks are served in gleam like exposed bone and Johnny mumbles a thank you, his face going firm and vaguely polite.

'What have you got for me, son?' Johnny watches the fire of his father's lighter burn. Glances away for only a second, two, weighting the words in his mouth. Johnny's brain cycles through what to say like oiled machinery, the silence falling heavy for a heartbeat. Then;

''What are we talking about right now? Me or Benjamin?'' Most likely both. All his father seems to talk about is the wedding, these days. Sylvia van Hoffe is a golden goose that Johnny hasn't even properly met yet, and he's not sure he can really answer anything related to that no matter how much his father interrogates him. And Benjamin needing a push - or a kick - to the right direction...

Johnny's mouth twitches. The gesture is gone as fast as it was there, his expression impassive yet alert. What direction? If it's not a direction for the Harringtons, then Johnny thinks Benjamin can manage his life just fine. Benjamin's going to have the weight of remarriage on his consciousness, not anyone else. He can deal without Johnny babysitting him this once. ''And...''

His eyes flicker to a figure, at the other end of the room. A familiar one. Earnest Johnson, sitting like a ghost to his haunt, shoulders set with the casual danger of a man on the prowl. A quick glance and you could easily overlook the form of someone used to combat. Johnny takes a sip of burning alcohol, glancing back at Michael. ''Ah. Nevermind that. We have company.'' Johnny is not particularily close to Earnest, but he thinks his father would be interested in talking, at least.


Misty Gray strawberryspiral

 

[neverbackdown]

Benjamin Russo's House
- Queens, New York -

Kathryn Russo
​

An unimpressed expression played on her features as Kathryn looked at her father standing in front of them warning them to behave. He had directed it towards both of the siblings but Kat knew it was intended for her, after all her sister had spent the week preparing for this whole event, blowing it all out of proportion with cake, the flowers and even dressing up for the supposed informal dinner at their home. She loved her sister dearly but Kat never understood her desire to have things so perfect, to go out of her way for a simple dinner.

An air of annoyance surrounded Kathryn as she crossed her arms, she still didn't understand why she had to cancel her own plans to play happy families with her fathers bride-to-be. If they didn't have a choice then why did it matter what she thought or if she was involved. She had briefly met Sylvia before and the woman was nice, a bit too perfect verging on fake in all honesty for Kat's liking but nice all the same. If her father wished to remarry he was free to do so, but Sylvia would never be her "mother", she would be her father's wife and that was all there was too it.

Kat noticed her sisters worried glance towards her, a silent plea to behave and put in the effort and as much as Kat wanted to tell them where to shove it and leave the house she didn't want to put anymore stress on her sister who seemed inches away from a mental breakdown of her own and so instead, Kat simply nodded and put on the sweetest smile she could muster. One that both her father and sister would see was entirely fake.

Before anything else could be said Sylvia walked into the living room and Kat watched as her sister almost stumbled over herself in her attempt to greet her. It took everything in Kat to push down the eyeroll and smirk threatening to spill over as she uncrossed her arms to seem more "inviting or welcoming" or whatever her father would request. She glanced towards her father, relaying through expression that this was the best he was going to get from her before she turned her attention back to their guest.

"Hi Sylvia, you look lovely" she greeted easily, the sweet smile still plastered on her lips as she stood up from her seat "would you like a drink of anything or want me to take your shawl?" she asked as she began to slowly make her way towards the kitchen to get out of this awkward interaction and before the woman could try and hug her, after all she heard she was a bit over the top in that way. Besides this dinner would go a lot easier with alcohol involved and it seemed now was as good as any to get started.


****************
Int;-
Misty Gray - Benjamin
strawberryspiral - Sylvia
mother of sorrows - Magdalena

 

[Misty Gray]

Benjamin Russo's House
- Queens, New York -

Benjamin Russo​

Benjamin could tell Magdalena was anxious about how the cake had reduced to a mess and the flowers were somewhat underwhelming. Mainly, he could tell because the mess of it grated on him. He knew he'd be kicking himself in her shoes. However, this wasn't his daughter's fault and he certainly wasn't going to draw attention to it. That would make her feel worse and he would not have his daughters upset, certainly not by his own critical standards. Those were matters for business, not around the family dinner table. Still, the mess of it all was difficult to unsee.

When Sylvia entered the living room, Benjamin looked across to her and managed a smile. "I've been great. And yourself?" he answered her. Great was an overstatement. Life had been consumed by business but otherwise lacking. He was hardly going to be bluntly honest and make her feel uncomfortable. The woman maintained a smile, one which was first rewarded by Magdalena's greeting as his daughter offered her hand. For the moment, Benjamin was happy to step back. After all, this dinner was to further acquaint his daughters with Sylvia than it was for him to.

His eyes then landed on Kathryn, the more challenging of his daughters. For the sake of saving him from having to deliver a lecture once Sylvia had left, Kathryn had better be on her best behaviour. She could sulk with him all she wanted, but he wouldn't have her take it out on their guest. Thankfully, his youngest was polite and offered the woman a drink.

"Come on, ladies, dinner is almost ready," he said, placing a hand on Sylvia's back as he walked her to the dining room, with Magdalena following. When they reached the rectangular table, he pulled out a chair for Sylvia and helped her be seated. He then sat himself next to her, with his daughters expected to sit across from them.

Benjamin would usually make dinner himself, but he admittedly didn't have a lot of range when it came to cooking. That was why he'd asked one of his staff to deal with dinner this evening. Besides Michael insisting he made a good impression, he also knew his attention would mostly be focused in the kitchen and his perfectionism in making dinner, at the cost of paying attention to Sylvia and his daughters. On second thought, perhaps that's what he should have done! As it stood, he wasn't convinced the evening would be an easy one.

Once they had their drinks and everyone was in their seats, Benjamin decided to get the conversation started. "Sylvia, perhaps you could tell the girls about what you do for a living. Magdalena and Kathryn can then tell you about their interests," he prompted them. He could feel himself heading towards the lure of conducting the interaction like he would a meeting, but that was a more natural state for him.

Interactions: mother of sorrows (Magdalena) neverbackdown (Kathryn) strawberryspiral (Sylvia)

 

[strawberryspiral]

Benjamin Russo's House​

- Queens, New York -​

Sylvia Van Hoffe​

Upon entering the all three sets of eyes snap to her, silence taking them over for the briefest pause before Magdalena exclaims her name.

“Magdalena,” She responds with the young woman’s name in kind.

Watching as Magdalena draws out into a rather awkward welcome before her mouth suddenly snaps shut and she looks to her father. It’s endearing in a way, Kathryn is quick to greet her- taking her shawl with a smile that comes off as slightly forced but more natural than the cut off greeting of pleasantries her sister attempted to initiate. Benjamin is quick to step in, attempting to push the conversation into natural ebb and flow. Asking her how she’s been, in a restrained yet pleasant tone of voice.

“I’ve been well,” Sylvia looks between father and daughter as Magdalena gives her father a pleading look.

It’s endearing in a way, Kathryn is quick to greet her- taking her shawl with a smile that comes off as slightly forced but more natural than the cut off greeting of pleasantries her sister attempted to initiate.

Kathryn even offers to get Sylvia a drink, “I'd like some water, actually. Thankyou Kathryn.” She smiles in her direction gratefully as Benjamin steers her and his daughters to sit at the dining table.

Once seated she gets a better view of the table, there’s a simple set up of flowers and a soaked sponge cake with a sink hole of meringue at the center. Not that cake needs to look pretty to taste good, her own ventures in baking had taught her that. Syliva always ended up with chocolate chip cakes instead of cookies, probably too much flour now that she thinks about it…

There’s a slight ache in her bones, maybe she’s just getting old. Or it could be how out of body this all feels, meeting Benjamin’s family. It made the engagement real- in the future, if things went well. She’d be sitting across from his daughters during meal times, bumping into them in hallways. It’s not something she’s used to either, her family didn’t really get along. Her own father was barely ever home, let alone in the same country as her because of his constant traveling for business and the like. This is nice, even if it’s different- she’s always thought it’d have been fun to have siblings growing up, or family to spend time with at all really.

Benjamin asks her something about her work and it makes a lump form in her throat. She could really use that water about now. Her father had mentioned quite a few times that the Russo family was involved in business of the nefarious sorts- which meant he was as well. Part of the whole reason she’d been pulled into this contractual engagement, her reputation, and ties to the District Attorney's Office would make him look better in the light of the law.

“Well, I do accounting downtown at the Courthouse for the DA. It’s mostly boring paperwork and listening to lawyers bicker while taking notes. What about you two? Any interests- hobbies?” Sylvia tries to maintain a neutral smile on her face as her eyes drift over to Benjamin beside her.

He seems so sure of himself, like always. Even under such uncomfortable circumstances, she'd always been a fake it ‘till you make it sort of person. So him acting as if this dinner was the easiest thing he’d ever faced did put her at ease. It was something she’d always noticed about the eldest Russo, he seemed to have an air of steadiness about him that felt almost contagious.

Interactions: mother of sorrows (Magdelena) neverbackdown (Kathryn) Misty Gray (Benjamin)

---

 

[Qwertycakes]

Dante Russo's House
- Queens, New York -

Dante Russo

​

Dante tipped back his snifter of grappa, staring contentedly out the front window as the firewater pleasantly burned its way down his throat. Though he would never say so aloud, he was happy as a clam. Happy to have his boys back home for a few hours, to be surrounded by family.

He must be going soft in his old age. Normally, Dante would have been foaming at the mouth to get down to the shipping terminal, and possibly hook a couple two-bit crooks that were running their own little scheme at his expense. He would’ve been there with bells on, to personally see to it that his own brand of justice was meted out on the rat bastards.

It was a damn shame he wouldn't get the satisfaction of snuffing the problem out himself, but he knew Eli and the boys were more than capable of handling it. So Dante would revel in this evening with his family. With so many enemies and the cops perpetually on his ass, there was no telling how many of those he might even have left. He heaved a gratified sigh before tossing back the last swallow of his drink, quietly enjoying the company of his son as Frank relaxed in the lounge with him. The only thing that could have lifted his spirits any further was if Benjamin and the girls could’ve made it too.

Unfortunately, his peace was interrupted upon overhearing Margaret in the next room, chatting away with their two youngest. She cheerfully asked Jacob when they could look forward to his next performance, and it instantly set his teeth on edge. Gritting them, it was all he could do to keep his feet planted firmly on the fine hardwood floor. He did so to keep from pivoting towards the kitchen and launching himself headlong into the conversation, guns and unwanted opinions blazing. In Dante's mind, prancing around on stage was not a fitting profession for a real man, and he never missed an opportunity to let the boy know it.

He was considering himself lucky though, being sequestered in the parlor for the moment. If the old man had any sense left in him, he’d stay put until the chatter moved in a different direction. Better to avoid saying anything to piss off his wife, or muck up the beautiful dinner she’d so meticulously planned.

He turned at the sound of soft footsteps approaching, breaking into a warm grin at sight of a young brunette; his daughter essentially, even if not by blood. “Hey, Kitten!” Dante cheered merrily, holding his arms out wide for her to hop into. “There's my girl. Ah, che faccia bella,” He declared, pinching her cheek lovingly. Punctuating his words with a quick peck on her forehead before turning the girl loose.

“Take a load off,” Dante insisted in his thick New York accent, gesturing to the nearest sofa. “Can I getcha a drink?” Ambling over to the bar that was set up in the corner of the room, fully stocked with more booze than any prohibition-choked peasant could ever dream of. He positioned himself behind it like a proper barkeep, patiently awaiting the lady’s drink order.

“Nobody's been botherin’ ya down at the Diamond again, have they? Earn tells me some new gavone was sniffin’ around,” Dante snarled, brow furrowed angrily at the thought of some slimeball trying anything with his surrogate daughter. Before she could even answer, he turned his gaze from Anastasia to shoot an accusatory glare at Frank. “Uffa, marone. What kinda place you been running, Frankie?? You gotta stay on top of these things,” Dante huffed at the idea of his swanky nightclub falling into disarray. “Don't make me come down there and start crackin’ skulls.”

---

Interactions:

Misty Gray - Anastasia

neverbackdown - Frank

 

[neverbackdown]

Dante Russo's House
- Queens, New York -

Frank Russo​

Dinner at the Russo's family home was normally mandatory so Frank was surprised to discover that his older brother and nieces were not present. However, when his Mum finally told him what Benjamin was doing instead, it took everything in him not to laugh at his brother's predicament. For once it seemed that not being the eldest was benefiting him as he didn't need to worry about an arranged marriage being set up in his future. Although, he wouldn't allow that to happen either, if he eventually settled down it would be of his own accord to a person he chose himself.

His mind did cast to his nieces and he wondered how they were taking the news about their fathers engagement. Their mother, Rose, was an incredible woman and Frank always had a lot of time for her, he could understand why the girls could be against this new woman stepping into their lives. He came to the conclusion that Magdalena was probably doing her best to make this woman feel welcome in their home, whilst Kathryn was most certainly trying to make her fathers life miserable. The idea alone, made Frank smirk as he thought on his youngest nieces' attitude and how he would not want to be in Benji's shoes dealing with her.

Anastasias' voice broke Frank from his thoughts as she entered the room and Frank gave her a smile and nod in greeting. She relayed that their mother wanted Christian and Jacob in the kitchen and Frank smirked as he glanced towards his father to gauge his reaction. It was much like he expected, disgust and annoyance which only seemed to grow as his mother could be heard asking about Jacob's next show. To be honest, it never bothered Frank that his youngest brother was an actor, he had always been too soft for this world and besides it meant one less person gunning for the family business. This way Jacob was safe and out of the way.

As his father turned his attention to him, Frank looked at him with his eyebrows raised as he slowly lifted his hands in defense. "Jumping a bit here are we not? Ana didn't even answer you!" he commented as he placed his glass of scotch down on the side table "maybe let her answer before dissing my well run establishment". Many would call him a brave man for speaking to his father like that, others would say he was an idiot but Frank wanted to show he was ready to run this business and he believed that being afraid of his father and bending over backwards for him would only show him as incapable as a man.

****
Int;-
Qwertycakes - Dante
Misty Gray - Anastasia

 

[Misty Gray]

The Diamond Club
- Manhattan, New York -

Michael Harrington​

Michael took another drag of his cigarette whilst eyeing his son. "I'm talking about both of you," he bluntly replied. "You knew Rose too, back when you were all kids. Hell, for a time I even thought you had a crush on the girl. So perhaps you telling Ben it's perfectly fine to move on from her will help." For as long as the woman's killer wasn't known, people would always wonder if Benjamin or the Russos in general had been linked to her death. The family could be seen as cold and ruthless. Benjamin was an energetic, motivated, and highly self-confident man when it came to business. But with people, he came across as aloof and disinterested. So if Benjamin could play the part as a happy husband-to-be and with a personable woman like Sylvia, Michael believed it could paint the man in a more human light. It would help make the thought of him being involved in Rose's murder seem more implausible.

Before he could shift his focus onto Johnny, he noticed Earnest nearby. He didn't immediately wave the man over. "You need to do more, Johnny. I want to know that when I'm dead and buried, you have your feet firmly planted. The Russo business is the best placed for you to take root. Margaret loves you dearly, but my sister won't be able to hand that to you. Earn it, son," he suggested, flashing a smile at him.

Michael made sure he still had Earnest's attention before waving the man over to join him and his son. "Good evening, Detective. Is this a social visit or are you out solving a case?" he asked, his tone now upbeat and welcoming compared to the serious way he'd been speaking just moments ago. "You know my son, don't ya?" he asked, giving Johnny and Earnest time to greet each other.

"Come on, take a seat," he offered the empty chair to him. "Tell us, what do you know?" he asked. It wasn't so much said in a way of digging for information, but more to invite the Detective to open up about what he wanted to.

Interactions: mother of sorrows (Johnny) strawberryspiral (Earnest)

 

[Misty Gray]

Dante Russo's House
- Queens, New York -

Anastasia Robinson​

Although when her father had been alive, Anastasia had been close to him, the man died when she was just nine years old. Added to how her mother had always been cold and distant towards her, it meant that there had been a void as far as parental love went in her life. Thankfully, the Russo family had always been a constant in her life and had become the closest thing to family since she left her toxic mother behind. So when Dante greeted her as if she were his own, it all felt natural to her after growing close over the years. He was the closest thing to a father or even a parent for her. She didn't hesitate to hug him and couldn't help the blushing of her cheeks when he pinched one of them. The man may be scary and intimidating to many, but she never had to feel that way about him or his family.

"A gin and tonic would be lovely, thank you," she accepted his offer of a drink. When asked about her stalker problem, she quickly shook her head. Not a lot of time had passed since it had all escalated, so she didn't feel comfortable enough yet to lower her vigilance on that front. Honestly, it was distracting at times, standing on stage singing whilst wondering if any of the men sitting in the crowd were a threat or not. She was about to try assure the men everything was in hand though, not wanting to add further weight onto Dante and his business. Instead, her surrogate further addressed Frank to apparently berate him for letting it happen in the club. Anastasia briefly glanced downwards at the awkward situation, not wanting Frank to be in trouble because of her, even if it wasn't her fault.

Her eyes quickly focused on Frank when he answered, telling Dante not to speak badly of the club and to let her answer first. "There hasn't been any trouble since Earn stepped in," she told them. Granted, she wasn't yet comfortable the ordeal was completely over. "I think it will all be okay," she tried to calm the situation. "Lloyd didn't exactly stand out as being a creep to look at," she explained, having learned the stalker's name. "He dressed smartly and fit into the crowd, so I'm sure nobody could have seen the warning signs," she said, trying to be diplomatic and alleviate any of the blame from Frank.

Interactions: Qwertycakes (Dante) neverbackdown (Frank)

 

[strawberryspiral]

The Diamond Club​

- Manhattan, New York -​

Earnest Johnson​

Harrington's eyes catch Earn's for a brief moment at a distance and he watches the man's mouth continue to move, speaking to his son with a rather stoic look on his face. Until, he suddenly breaks out into a smile. Michael's hand raises and he waves Earnest over, sliding by a few young people, with a nod as he approaches father and son with smile of his own.

"Good evening, Detective. Is this a social visit or are you out solving a case?" Michael asks in a rather jovial tone that Earnest mirror's as dark eyes scan over the fluctuating crowds of party goers in the background.

"Oh, ya know how it is- I'm just out here keepin' my eyes peeled and ears open. Like usual." He glances to Harrington's son as the man gestures for him to take a seat with them.

"Not sure I have, feel like I know him. Margaret talks about ya enough Johnny right? Earnest Johnson-" He sticks a hand out to shake with Michael's son. "-Nice to finally put a face to the name."

Taking a seat with ease, Earnest sees no harm in it. Not like anyone would bat an eye at a black man sitting with a white man at a Russo club, this place wasn't like the other backwards establishments around town. Besides, it'll make him look less suspicious- he had some time to spare, this was a sort of sit and wait investigation. The rats always came out to play late at night.

Michael asks something about what Earnest knows and he just flashes a weary smile, "What do I know? Probably too damn much, but not damn near enough. What about you? How's things?"

Hooded eyes search for the familiar face of Clem, one of the cigarette girls at the club. If anyone would know what was really going on in the hidden crevices of this place it was her, she was resourceful- quick as a whip, and had a tongue twice as sharp too. Earnest could rely on her to always be up to date with even the dirtiest of alleyway gossip. Clementine's proved to be a reliable informant in the past, maybe she'll have something on that creeper Leon, or anything going down tonight in general. Earn's got a taste for action and something in the air smells like trouble.

---

Misty Gray (Michael Harrington) mother of sorrows (Johnny Harrington)

 

[mother of sorrows]

MAGDALENA 'MAGGIE' RUSSO.

the living thing in a slaughterhouse.

♡coded by uxie♡

Sylvia smiles unperturbed. If she notices the corners of mess, she doesn't flay Magdalena alive for it; there is just a quiet polite distance to her, like the inches away from you and a painting behind a glass case. Kathyrn's sullen look from before melts into practiced charm so fast it's almost disturbing. Magdalena watches the interaction between the two with a startled relief, thanking whatever beings look over them that Kathyrn decided this evening shall go well after all.

If only their dad doesn't do something to step on Kathyrn's toes, this should be smooth sailing. He has a tendecy to do that.

Magdalena sits at the table, the wood digging into her exposed elbows. She gives a perk of a smile when prompted, her heart pushing up to her throat when she's asked to introduce her interests. Interests! It felt more like bait to be thrown to the sharks than the start of a conversation. She gives her sister a glance, just one, like a distress signal; but Sylvia is already speaking. Accounting. She does accounting. What a dry, tasteless job for her. Looking at Sylvia, even with only or two meetings, Magdalena would put her more to working as one of those women politicians with careful, stoic eyes - or anything, really, that would allow her to be on any sort of glossy magazine cover. Though, it is often more bother than not to let into those roles.

''That's...'' And what is Magdalena supposed to ask, really? Her expression goes blank like boiled paper. ''Do you enjoy it?''

It's a stupid question, she knows. It's quite obvious Sylvia isn't singing her job's praises. But what else is she supposed to say? She's never done accounting, much less entered a courthouse for long. When the limelight is turnt to her and Kathyrn, then, she goes silent. For a bit too long, her hands squeezing together with unspent nerves on the table. ''Oh, nothing much. I was taught sewing, embroidery, some singing. And Kathyrn...'' Magdalena sets her tight smile on her sister now, desperately pleading through any way Kathyrn might understand to not decide on sarcasm now, when it all seems to be going just alright.

Misty Gray strawberryspiral neverbackdown

 

[Qwertycakes]

Precision Shipping Co. Terminal
- Brooklyn, New York -

Rollie Bishop

Rollie stood quietly in the dimness of the warehouse, ears perked as Elijah spoke up to give confirmation that the ship was now coming into view through his binoculars. The young man tensed, a hand automatically finding its way to rest upon the grip of the pistol concealed at his own hip. An errant bead of perspiration clung to his forehead, caught in the brim of his cap before it could trickle down and mess with his cool-as-a-cucumber exterior. While spending his evening hiding in a sweltering warehouse wasn't exactly his idea of a good time, it was all part of the job. And Rollie took his job very seriously.

While Vincent and Elijah were bickering slightly, Rollie was stonefaced and silent. The opposite of Vincent's prickly irritation, content to wait patiently for the job he was there to carry out. In truth, he didn't mind these night jobs so much. Evenings alone, left to his own devices, seemed to highlight his loneliness in the worst way these days. The only cure for it seemed to be drowning his sorrows in copious amounts of alcohol, proving him far more like his father than he ever wanted to admit.

Lately, it was feeling more and more like the job was all he had. Meeting people wasn't the problem. He could easily pick up some floozy at the Diamond for a fun night together, but the idea of another meaningless tryst just didn't hold the same appeal as it used to.

And on the rare occasion he'd cross paths with somebody special, the girl next door type from all his lonely fantasies–well, the slippery fuck would pull his famous disappearing act as soon as he sensed she was interested in him beyond a casual date or two. No sense saddling some poor girl with the reality of his lifestyle choices. Even he didn't wanna think about all that if he didn't have to.

“Agreed,” Rollie replied to Elijah with a single nod, idly shifting position where he stood. Honey brown eyes flickering over to the dark-haired fellow, curiously awaiting his response to the fuss Vincent was making over their carefully laid plan of action. [/SIZE]

---

Interactions:

NUSKI - Vincent

Misty Gray - Elijah

 

[neverbackdown]

Benjamin Russo's House
- Queens, New York -

Kathryn Russo
​

Kat nodded as Sylvia asked for water, the sickeningly sweet smile never leaving her lips even as she internally fought against the eye roll that was threatening to spill out. Water ... how boring she thought to herself as she moved towards the kitchen to get their guest her desired drink. She knew it was cruel to judge a person on their drink and to be honest, Kat wasn't judging her per say, rather it was just fueling the fire of her annoyance at cancelling her own plans for this boring dinner party.

By the time Kat had filled up the glass of water, her father had already moved them to the table. Upon realizing that her father had purposely chosen the seats so that the siblings were directly across from him and Sylvia made her groan internally, not that she wanted to sit beside anyone else it just seemed to be one of them nights where everything was an annoyance to her.

Kat placed the glass in front of Sylvia before taking a seat beside her sister. To hear Sylvia worked at the DA's office spiked Kat's interest and she glanced towards her father with a raised eyebrow. She knew this engagement couldn't possibly be through a love match considering how quickly it all came on but she hadn't expected the relationship to be purely for the benefit of the family and now she really didn't know how to feel about it. A part of her felt sorry for her father being in an arranged marriage but the rest of her realized he was a grown man who didn't deserve pity for his own decisions. She was so lost in her own thoughts that Kathryn barely heard her sister call her name.

She turned towards Maggie for a moment with a look of confusion as she tried to piece together what she may have been asked before her brain seemed to kick in to gear and she looked towards her father and Sylvia again "oh I like dancing and singing" she commented a small smirk tugging at her lips as she thought about the parties that she normally danced and sang at. The parties that normally were the topic of many of Kat's fights with her dad, she glanced towards him with an almost smugness to her but seeing as she wished to sneak out to one of those parties tonight she decided against trying to annoy him. "I also like star gazing, I know some of the constellations but there's still so many undiscovered which is incredible" a rare genuine smile played on her lips as she spoke about her interest but quickly dropped from her lips as the moment passed and she remembered where she was.

"So how did you's too meet?" she questioned them "Do you's share any interests?" she asked hoping that she could get their attention of her and her sister before Maggie had a nervous breakdown.


************
Int;-

Misty Gray - Benhamin
strawberryspiral - Sylvia
mother of sorrows - Magdalena

 

[Misty Gray]

Benjamin Russo's House
- Queens, New York -

Benjamin Russo​

When Sylvia spoke of what she did for work, Benjamin nodded along. He already knew what she did, but this was for the benefit of his daughters learning more about the woman. Her career had certainly been a factor in her being the one he was engaged to. He couldn't help but scoff in amusement at her comment about listening to lawyers bickering. They were some of the lowest scum, in his eyes, and he found them to be a pain when it came to business. Of course, Sylvia could help bridge that gap, make lawyers seem more tolerable or at least make it easier for him to stomach dealing with them. "I've been in a room with bickering lawyers myself. Granted, I may have contributed to one or two arguments erupting to begin with," he lightly remarked. "But Sylvia here must have the patience of a saint to spend so much time in a room with lawyers."

All three of the women at the table seem to have some kind of discomfort or anxiety at the situation they were presently in. It wasn't an ideal situation and he wasn't overly comfortable himself. However, Benjamin had spent many years perfecting the art of putting on a mask and holding back his true feeling when needed to. Being involved in the business he was, it was easier to maintain a confident and firm façade than to appear weak if he were to let his mask slip. This evening was much like that. He now needed to appear strong to set an example.

Magdalena's question to Sylvia was hardly creative or inspired, but Benjamin didn't flinch or raise an eyebrow to it, instead allowing Sylvia to answer how best she saw fit. Benjamin reached for the bottle of wine int he centre of the table, offering the women a glass before pouring one for himself. The smell of dinner in the kitchen continued to boost his appetite, so for now he appeased it with a sip of alcohol. It became a larger drink than intended as his youngest daughter spoke of her interests. Sewing and embroidery felt like the girl was underselling herself, or at the very least priming herself for the role of a simple housewife. Of course, he had no problem with the idea of women being housewives and their husbands going out to work, being the head of the house, and the rest of it. But that didn't extend to his daughters. The rules were different for the Russos and he wanted more from his daughters than what society taught them.

Benjamin's eyes shifted to Kathryn when it was her turn to speak. Dancing and singing were the first things she came up with, followed by mention of stargazing. "Well, our universe is vast and amazing, so I see the lure of it all," he said by his way of encouraging his challenging daughter. He then turned to look at Sylvia before his next words. "Magdalena and Kathryn are young, with a whole future ahead of them. Here on Earth. So I have every confidence they can excel at whatever they put their minds to. They will be considering making the most of the opportunities being a Russo has to offer them," he said, looking back towards his daughters on his last words. Underachieving was not an option, so they would know he wanted more out of them than sewing or staring at the stars.

When Kathryn asked him and Sylvia how they met, Benjamin chose not to go into the arrangements of the marriage and any conversations that happened before they officially met. "Our paths had crossed for business on occasions," he answered. "Then Uncle Michael formally introduced us at the Diamond Club," he said, turning to Sylvia and managing a smile. It had been an awkward meeting given the arrangement. One which had become more comfortable when Michael and others had left them in peace.

Benjamin glanced to the table when asked if they shared any interests. The answer should have been easy and natural, but he momentarily found himself searching his mind. When he did think of something, he spoke with his usual confident certainty. "We both like animals. And were both fond of a good party," he added, turning to the woman in question with a smile. As he looked at her, he willed her to continue for them. She came across as more personable and familiar with this kind of conversation, even if they were being questioned by his daughters. Things with Rose had been natural, whereas this engagement was still very much a work in progress.

Interactions: strawberryspiral (Sylvia) mother of sorrows (Magdalena) neverbackdown (Kathryn)

 

[Misty Gray]

Precision Shipping Co. Terminal
- Brooklyn, New York -

Elijah Wilson​

"Well, by all means, you handle this and we'll leave you to it. I wish you the best of luck," Elijah sarcastically replied to Vincent. He liked the man, but that didn't mean he wasn't going to respond in kind - he was sure they both could take it on the chin. But when it came down to it, he couldn't leave as he'd been commanded to help deal with the situation. So whether Vincent liked it or not, he was staying put. Besides, Elijah knew it benefitted the man to get to the bottom of this problem, given it was occurring at a terminal he ran. "If we get Marcus, you can be as discreet as you want in getting him to talk," he suggested. Personally, he'd drag the truth out of anyone who betrayed the Russos, with any force and brutality necessary.

At least Vincent was soon in agreement and the three of them could work together to hopefully sort out the problem fast. Rollie didn't put up any arguments either. All being well this would be straightforward.

The men silently watched as the four men shifted a crates from the ship and onto the dock, ready to then load into the warehouse. After a while of patiently observing the unloading, the three men saw the ship set off moving again, likely onto its next drop-off point. Alfred and one of the low-level hires finally began moving one of the pallets of crates to the warehouse so they could put the contraband securely into Russo storage. The other unknown hire remained standing watch on the dockyard. Meanwhile, Marcus took the opportunity to wheel a crate of boxes off course, out of sight of Alfred who was by then in warehouse, so he could load the contents of the boxes into the back of his own van. "Well, there's our thieving rat," Elijah commented, gripping his binoculars as he watched the scene unfold.

Marcus stealing the goods hadn't really been a surprise, but what happened next was. Taken by surprise, Marcus had been disturbed by Alfred who it became clear wasn't involved and had caught his colleague red-headed. Without warning, Marcus plunged a knife deep into Alfred's chest and twisted the blade to make sure the job was done. "Okay. I think this is our cue," Elijah urgently announced, figuring they had all of the evidence they needed. Not only was Marcus willing to steal from the business, but he would kill another employee to do it. The two outside hires, meanwhile, seemed undisturbed by the situation, suggesting they were in on Marcus' dodgy dealing too.

"I can deal with the two lackeys if you both want to get hold of Marcus, alive?" Elijah suggested. As far as Marcus' two friends were concerned, they were nothing a couple of bullets and a one-way ticket to the bottom of the bay wouldn't fix, Elijah figured.

Interactions: NUSKI (Vincent) Qwertycakes (Rollie)

 

[strawberryspiral]

Benjamin Russo's House​

- Queens, New York -​

Sylvia Van Hoffe​

A confused look plays across Magdalena’s face as she asks about Sylvia’s feelings towards her career. She’s unsure of how to respond without sounding a bit indulgent, obviously searching for something even slightly of interest to young women involving law.

“Oh- well, the paperwork is boring, but there’s a certain thrill to the environment. Everything is a debate to these people. It’s better than any moving picture. There’s rivals, romance, and I’ve even seen a few fist fights breakout in the middle of court.”

Sylvi knows realistically that the drama is only a small fraction of her job, she tries to lean on the glamor of court. When she mentioned her job most were reminded of the heated arguments held before a judge or jury and violent crimes. But a lot of what she did was sit and rewrite the same thing over and over again. At times she found herself interviewing suspects and witnesses, or even visiting crime scenes. Usually in place of her lazy employer who had a rather large aversion to people- unless he was performing in court before them. His energy went into piercing puzzles together and hers into memorizing law and all its minute nuances.

She takes a few sips of the water placed in front of her, and doesn’t object to the wine poured in an empty glass before her. Though she isn’t really one for drinking, a few sips might make this dinner go by faster at the least.

Magdalena speaks of sewing and embroidery, something Sylvia was taught but never could get quite right. “I’ve always found embroidery impressive. Anytime I pick up a needle I just end up drawing blood,” She laughs at her own misery as Benjamin's eldest daughter mentions her own interests and hobbies.

Kathryn speaks of singing, and dancing; parties are something Sylvia’s always found herself drawn to since young. Preferring a large celebration to the cold and empty home she had been confined to as a child. When the eldest of the two Russo girls mentions stars a smile crosses her lips, outer space had always been a subject of interest for her as well. Back in the old country while seeing family in the Netherlands she’d spend hours staring up at the clear night sky.

"Magdalena and Kathryn are young, with a whole future ahead of them. Here on Earth. So I have every confidence they can excel at whatever they put their minds to. They will be considering making the most of the opportunities being a Russo has to offer them," Benjamin said, looking back towards his daughters proudly.

She understands that sentiment, her own father has great expectations for her still as a full grown adult. Still, Sylvia wishes she’d spent more time growing up trying to figure herself out instead of fulfill her father’s wishes. So, while she does agree with Benjamin’s point of view she still understands what it means to be young. To feel aimless and directionless in life, as if nothing on this big blue planet can make one heartbeat with purpose.

“While I can’t readily name any constellations, I can tell you one of the best places to see stars is in the Netherlands. No light pollution, so you can see clouds of distant nebulas, and even some planets. Plus, the aura borealis is visible most of the year, it’s beautiful. We should make a trip of it one day, I bet you’d both enjoy it.”

Sylvia smiles as Kathryn goes on to ask about how she and Benjamin met- what similarities they share. Thankfully, he seems to handle the probing questions with ease, mentioning their first meeting at the Diamond Club through Michael Harrington, her father’s business associate. He even goes as far as to talk about their mutual interest in social gatherings and animals. Her own mind spins through a few options for response before settling on something simple they have in common.

“Well, I’m a bit of a neat freak- and your father is similar from what I could tell. The first time we officially met at the Diamond, he was busy using a handkerchief to get smudges off a glass.” She lets out a soft giggle at the memory.

Interactions: Misty Gray (Benjamin) mother of sorrows (Magdalena) neverbackdown (Kathryn)

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