cfdangercvs

[cfdangercvs]

Elbow rested atop the bar's surface, fingertips toying with the wine glass stem while eyes studied the crowd without setting on anyone in particular for more than a brief moment. Places like this were the perfect place to find new girls; that's how she's been brought into the Network's circle after all. The familiar voice made her forget about recruiting fresh blood and gaze drifted from the dance floor towards the woman seated beside her. Lips turning up into a smirk, Ava postponed the answer until after she'd endulged another sip of wine. "The right lighting sometimes can be the least of their problems." She mused. "And I don't need excuses to treat myself with a night out. Do you?"

who: ava rodrigo ( @cfdangercvs ) location: sip happens

various bouts of chatter unfurling in a pacified disarray within the bar, the environment otherwise would've needled at elise had she not been there following a similar guise herself. taking the edge off, abandoning occupational obligations, even if only for just a little while. a syrupy chuckle fluidly slivered from the brunette, setting a shot glass down, relishing in the burning sensation of liquor trickling down her throat. beaming pearly whites in ava's direction, grin containing amiable qualities nothing short of indubitable, she humorously chirped, "the waterworks typically activate when my client's can't get the right lighting. what's your excuse line-up look like?"

[cfdangercvs]

closed starter for @oflifelincs (sami) location: sami & ava's shared place

There was less hustle this time around, at least as long as it related to what news were covering. She had to admit it, though, fixers had done their jobs because there were no mentions of any illegal activity and instead the news focused on the police raid. But raid for what? It was going to raise questions, which would eventually die out without proper explanation.

The same couldn't be said for comfort of her home. From the living room Ava could hear the muffled sounds coming from Sami's room, sounding nothing alike the once she'd grown used to over the time they'd been sharing the place. By the time she'd come home after the exhibition, Ava had already been in bed, but she still heard the door slammed. Tossing her phone on the sofa, she stood up and walked up to the room. "Shall I order chocolate brownies and margaritas?"

[cfdangercvs]

"Ah, the auction," Ava clicked her tongue. Though the event had nothing to do with The Network, it wasn't any less work for them than the previous one. Her phone was blowing up with requests and girls were secretly hoping to get a way in without the need to use their own expanses — at least those interested in art anyway. "I assume you're going since you've mentioned it." For a brief moment Ava studied Alix, despite knowing fully well she won't be allowed past her pretty features. She understood why the blonde had been recruited, though. "Hoping to find something?" She mused, knowing the question was most likely a shot in the dark. But Ava wasn't really interested in the answer either. She was attending mostly out of courtesy and lack of anything better to do, not really interested in the art or auction of stolen goods at all. "I'm curious, though, why are you so surprised I wish to get to know you. It's kind of suspisious, don't you think?"

"You tell me." The words slipped out with a soft laugh, her shoulder lifting in a nonchalant shrug. In what alternate universe was Alix considered Ava's any best call? That would be the million dollar question of the evening, wouldn't it? Perhaps she'd forgotten the lineup of girls under her hand that were quite literally one call away. The thought alone was enough to set Alix on edge, though not that it would ever show beyond that bright smile that rooted firmly in place. "Oh, is that right? Filling me in as an alternative partner in crime is a new one." Tone nothing short of light teasing that she'll allow to slide for now. Once her martini glass was set neatly before her, her attention seemingly shifted for a brief moment as her fingers idly toyed with the cocktail stick. "This about the auction or somethin'?"

[cfdangercvs]

For once Ava had found herself enjoying an event, despite that it may have seemed otherwise during the gala. Maybe an art exhibition wasn't her piece of cake —certainly not when going solo and not many were interested in discussing art anyway, but the auction was a whole other story. She couldn't say the same for Esra, though. She pitied the woman sometimes, having to clean up the mess after all the fun was done. It was even worse than having to clean up the actual mess after a party. "How about a walk out?" Ava smirked, leaning against the door frame. "The world's not going to end, if you take a break, you know?" Maybe someone's could. But the chance for it still stood even if Esra stayed in her office. "Come on, let me treat you to lunch."

Tagged: @bloodnglorystart (0/5) Location: Her office

In the aftermath of frenzy post-disastrous art exhibition, Esra found herself once more at the center of a media blitz to shield multiple attendees from making headlines. Covering Cami had been one ordeal, singularly focused, but now it was harder to draw the public's attention away from the mass clusterfuck which consumed that entire evening. So she spent most of the week playing whack-a-mole, stamping down any names who cropped up in whispers or rumors. Above all, busying herself with a copious amount of work to avoid dwelling on the recent gaping hole in both her phone and her life. When a figure appears in the doorway of her office, she barely glances up to greet them with a half-hearted, "I don't take walk-ins."

[cfdangercvs]

"Sometimes a couple days in the chaos called LA is enough to suck the life out of you." Ava shrugged. Though she didn't show it, she'd noticed Lottie's reservations towards her. She'd hoped they'd warm up to each other over time, but the woman had always been the more cautious one. The type of leader the Network needed for sure. One, who would remain unphased by its inner works. And Ava admired the woman for it. The way she ruled the organization with iron fist and grace at the same time. Fully understanding the entertainment was only a small part of it, the front they needed to do their shady business in peace. "It's not." Not that there wasn't chaos around the upcoming art exhibition, but it was nothing Ava couldn't handle on her own and needing to involve the leaders when she assumed they had bigger matters to care of. "I was thinking of a girl's night. Well, I guess we should call it day, but you know what I mean. I've made a reservation for a full on spa treat. And we may discuss the upcoming event, too, if you insist on making this about work."

The very first lesson that her adoptive father ever taught Lottie was to read people. You read people, you learn how they talk, and what they want, then you have all the power. An strange thing to hear as a teenager who was way in over her head, but advice that led her to where she is now. Ava was a tough one to figure out, she'd been in the business for a while, started from the bottom, now sat in a well-deserved position, but still one of the few people in her team that Lottie hadn't completely figured out.

That was why she couldn't think of relaxing in front of the other woman, rarely ever did these breaks did not come without a cost. "You act like I didn't just land in the chopper from a weekend of R&R just a couple days ago." Sure, she was busy, most leaders were, but that didn't mean she didn't partake in days off more often than not. "I can't drink tonight." Or most nights, really, until the Auction. She never really needed alcohol or drugs to have fun, she, instead, saved them for high pressure situations. "You called me up for a meeting though, so i just assumed it was work related. What do you have in mind? I'll take it."

[cfdangercvs]

Ava rarely allowed the opinion she truly harbored for someone to show, unless it was necessary and the emotion was too strong to be contained. But distrust wasn't that strong of an emotion and she genuinely tried to shake it off in Alix's presence but her sixth sense was sometimes too strong to ignore. Still, she wasn't going to be the one to tell whatever was on her mind directly but rather work her way toward the blonde in her own unique fashion. "Should there be a particular reason?" Ava cocked her head. "Maybe I'm just bored and my usual go-to partner in crime isn't available and you're the second best one to call."

Frankly, Alix was convinced they weren't here just for a casual drink. In her mind, there was no version of reality where Ava invited her out void of some kind of ulterior motive. Especially not in their world. And around those who ranked higher in the Network, Alix moved with practiced precision. Every gesture, every word, carefully curated. The less they knew about her, the better. That was half the fun, wasn't it? There's a quick nod of her head in response to the question. "I'll take a gin martini. Extra dirty." Bright grin in faux innocence as her finger nails tapped at the marble bar. "So, you wanna tell me what this little meet is all about?"

[cfdangercvs]

Oh, she was. She wasn't blindly looking for the bright side, but life has taught her early on to see the advantage of any situation and so she did. If nothing else, tonight was giving her a chance to catch up with people, study the ones she didn't know well enough, mock and test if needed. "So you're a fan of art then?" Ava mused, her words sounding sweet and suggesting genuine curiosity. Her eyes studied him. Not the type she'd suspect to be a fan of the art, but it shouldn't surprise her. There were very few excuses among the guests who weren't drawn in by the exhibition serving as a cover for what some were really in for tonight. "Well, an art exhibition is by far the closest to a quiet night in you can get from a social gathering."

"Not an optimist?" Maybe the dryness in his tone was a little hypocritical when he was hardly someone who looked on the bright side. More like he always saw enough ways a situation could go wrong that it became hard to enjoy anything. Too busy catastrophising to ever be in the moment. "'Fraid it's not a very interesting one. I just came for the art but -" He shrugged, searching for a phrase that wouldn't be too damning. "- not sure it's really my scene." The truth, he'd found it was always easier to stick to something close to honesty. Lying had yet to come naturally to him. "More of a quiet night in kinda guy."

[cfdangercvs]

"Mhm." Ava's response chimed in almost at the same time as he asked. She never cama unprepared and despite not having much information on who or why he'd contacted her, she'd done her best to look into Kojo just enough to know where his alliances laid and that he wasn't seeking her services for his own gain. Well, maybe he had some personal agenda but it wasn't the type Ava was used to. The corner of her lips turned up into a smirk. Miss Coordinator was new. She liked it. How come no one had called her that yet? She could easily get used to it. Taking her time, she brought the glass to her lips, liquid gold pouring in her mouth and sliding down her throat while her eyes studied the man before her. Evaluating just how bad he was at all of this. "Have you ever had a girlfriend before?" Maybe she should start a little further. Had he ever been with a woman before? But that felt a bit too much. It's be tragic if it was true. It'd make this twice harder, not that a little challenge was going to stop her. Nails clicking against the bar surface, thoughtfulness settled on her features. "We need a story. How did we met? Where was our first date? How long have we been together for? You know, the most basic stuff. Once we have the base, it'd be easier to loosen up." Or so she thought. She wasn't trying to completely erase the brute persona he carried, but it wouldn't do him any favour if they acted like complete strangers. "It'd be helpful if you gave me some background on the people we're going to mingle with. That way I'll know what they might look for. But let's start with the basics. How long have we been together for?"

“Manners?” Kojo's eyes narrowed slightly at Ava's retort, but there was a glint of amusement in them. The soldier knew playing the rough around the edges type was a part of the job, and he could appreciate someone who didn't just take his bluntness lying down. His expression remained stoic as he approached Ava, his eyes giving away nothing of his surprise at her quick acceptance. He had expected some form of negotiation or at least a moment of hesitation, but she seemed as unflappable as the whiskey in his glass. "Fair enough," he sighed eventually. Kojo took another sip of his drink, watching her closely as she approached the bar; he noticed the confidence in her voice - It was a rare trait in a world where everyone had something to hide, and it was something that would serve her well in their upcoming masquerade. As the bartender slid her drink over, he shifted slightly in his chair to face her fully.

The mission was already starting to feel like a minefield, and they hadn't even set a foot inside the politician's circle yet. Here was to hope, whoever thought it was a good idea to send the Doberman to this mission wasn’t in for a major disappointment. While he was a quick learner, adaptable, and not above taking advice from a someone, who knew the game better than he did, he was certainly no actor. Leaning against the bar with a casual ease that belied the tension coiled within him, he tried to make the best of this rather uncomfortable situation. “So, what's the plan here, Miss Coordinator?" He asked, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before scanning the room. "You're the expert in playing pretend. Just tell me what you need me to do. How do we make this… work?" The stakes were high, and he wasn’t about to let some politician’s dirty laundry become his own.

[cfdangercvs]

Genuine giggle escaped her lips. "All you need is say I'll spoil you with all the food in the world you desire." Ava chimed in, her voice sweet and lilting and her words followed by a shake of her head. There was something about Raphael's view on life which always fascinated her, even though she should have got used to it by now. Something so genuine, so pure, so innocent. As if the man before her and the one behind the camera were two completly different people. And while she was sure he made enough to endulge himself to anything he desired, she didn't mind doing it. It was the least she could do repay him for all the times he'd brought her little gifts his mother would send him. Taking a deep breath, she took a look around before meeting his gaze again. "I had higher expectations." She sighed. As bad as it sounded, she hoped tonight would bring a rush of adrenaline to the table but so far the evening was proving to be rather uneventful.

there had been a strong difference in raphael's mind, between the different forms of art. for while he enjoyed the artistic quality of mangas and animes, there was a disconnect in the depths of his mind when it came to other forms. like the one that rested on the wall before them. " you think it's all real? " the question had held a double meaning, or rather. raphael had perhaps asked it with two thoughts in his mind. of whether that which the exhibition held was even real, and whether ava believed what was in the back was real. his surprised gaze shifted to her, before the moment slipped by. " for the most part. i mean, the food is really good. i should have brought a container to take some home with me. " he sighed softly, before he grinned. " are you enjoying yourself? "

[cfdangercvs]

"So sure of it." Ava mused, her eyes naturally drifting back towards the brunette. Partially wondering what the woman saw in him, partially wondering if this wasn't just a formal arrangement to ensure they won't end up in uncomfortable conversations. Well, if it was the latter, it wasn't a very successful strategy. "That I see." She was also able to see the truth slipping despite Nico's intentions and it only made her smirk grow bigger. "I'm here to enjoy the art as is everyone else." A lie. Some were here solely for the auction. Was the man here for it or he had a different agenda? She wasn't really keen on figuring that out. "Well, everyone else except you, obviously." She shrugged. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to say hello to someone else." Without waiting, Ava already made a step away from where they stood, taking one final look over her shoulder. "And if I were you, I'd get back to my date before someone else snatched her. A woman like her shouldn't stay alone for long."

THE END.

The questions, or more two questions that had been thrown his way were amusing. Specifically to Nico. That much was obvious, considering the lightening of his expressions. Apparently no longer bored by Ava's presence - it was the furniture of it all, if truth be known. "So, one... no." he paused before, "No one else can handle her." he didn't elaborate intentionally. But there was no way Cel would ever go home with somebody else. She'd rather send him loopy about this specific interaction - one that went hand in hand for Nico, something about jealously issues. "We're not joint at the hip." they were. "and you're here for what? Must have a brain cell in there somewhere, Ava."

[cfdangercvs]

Half of the time they were together Ava could barely figure out what Romeo was trying to say and it was clear this wasn't something that has changed since their break up. No, that wasn't the right word. Drift apart. That's what happened to them, they simply drifted apart from each other at some point. Pushing the thought aside, she let out a light chuckle, followed by a shake of her head. Her eyes followed the trail to a couple on the dance floor. She had long since moved on from working in the sense he'd meant it, but that didn't stop her from mixing business with pleasure. She'd just found other ways to do so. "Depends on what you're about to suggest." Ava replied, eyes turning back to look at him.

When Romeo Barone decided he was going to have a good time ( rarely did he ever not ) there was little that could get in his way. He'd decided too long ago to seek the lighter side of things, often laughing away any problems that came his way and with a laugh as infectious as his, it often made it impossible for others not to get on his level. So when he spotted Ava there was no effort made to hide or duck out of the incoming interaction instead just seeing it as a change of plan for the evening rather than any kind of downer. Easy grin settled onto his features, the expression so frequently on his face that it was practically etched on there. Her words roll over him, twisting them into something else with a chuckle. "Its pyjamas, clearly." Arm was thrown lazily over the back of his seat, making himself even more comfortable than he already was. "Y'know, because I am the cat's pyjamas." The smile on his face was self satisfied, pleased with himself, but attention was quickly caught by the shot girl walking by their table. A tilt of his head clued her in to the idea he'd just had. "You working tonight or you got time for a little letting loose?"

[cfdangercvs]

Seeing as this conversation was turning more like talking to a wall, Ava decided she wasn't going to humor him any further and instead keep her assumptions to herself, giving a single shrug in response to his words before her eyes drifted towards the beautiful brunette. Used to seeing men in all sorts of commitment situation still seek out escort services, she didn't look too phased when she looked back at Nico. "I've got two questions — why are you here and not close to her. You shouldn't be leaving a woman as gorgeous as her alone for too long or she might be going home with someone else." She mused, her voice silky and humorous. "Second, you should know I don't mind the spice. This evening is turning a little boring compared to the rest, don't you think?"

"You tell me." considering she was full of assumptions about him specifically. Ones that he had no intentions of giving her an ounce to. She could believe - or not believe, whatever she wanted. It was no skin off his nose. It was only when she mentioned making a call for him that his attention came to focus on her completely. Amusement touching his expressions subtly as he found humour with the direction this conversation had gone into. "I think the woman I'm with," he made an small, yet obvious, gesture towards where Celestina de la Cruz was stood, "Might have something to say about that." there's a pause before he added, "Wouldn't recommend pissing her off, she's crazy."

[cfdangercvs]

It seemed tonight more than ever she was brought back to old habits and drawn to brooding men. One look was enough to read the desperation written all over the man's face, bringing forth a question — why was he still here if he found this exhibit so boring? It lingered at the tip of her tongue, never making it past her lips. "Might." Ava gave a short nod. "But I doubt it." She was quick to burst the momentary sense of hope building up in the space between them. "Tell me," Ava turned, now fully facing the man beside her. "What's your story? What brings you here tonight?"

The role of spectator had always fitting him more easily than participant and so he'd spent most of the evening trying to avoid getting sucked into as many conversations as possible. But it seemed his method of looking like he wanted to be anywhere else hadn't worked when the woman next to him deemed him worth speaking to. Frown was quick to crease his brow, disapproval at the way she spoke about all of it so flippantly. "Hopefully none of the above." Maybe it was unfair of him not to indulge her but he struggled to find a lighter side to any situation where someone might wind up in danger. "Might be nice to get through a night in this city without anything unexpected." Wishful thinking or hoping in vain maybe, but that didn't change the sentiment.

[cfdangercvs]

"Are you always this stoic?" Ava retorted, her voice somewhere between a tease and a whine It was the nicest way possible to say boring. "Or is it something that comes with the role of a Don?" Responsibility she understood. She could only imagine the mess The Family was right now, after the board was killed off, followed by the last piece of the order they all knew was taken. There was tension and silent stares shared among its members, which hadn't gone unnoticed by her. "You know, I could make a call, if you want. It'd turn your night around, I guarantee." Mischievous glint appeared in her dark hues, studying his face closely. Smirk pulled at the corner of her lips. "Or I can offer my own service."

"No." his return was casual, even despite the mockery in her voice. It begged the question really, didn't it, of why she'd strike a conversation up with him about furniture. Or more, what was she expecting in result? It was a thought he didn't care to think too much on. Her answer seemed obvious to him, especially since he had already categorised those that had walked through this building tonight, specifically those with knowledge he knew the woman beside him had, as lacking in critical thinking skills. Must be nice, or so he thought. "No?" that she couldn't say the same for him. "Why's that?"

[cfdangercvs]

One might feel unease with how casually Simone brought up the recent murders at the yatch party then dismissed the topic as if she was discussing the weather. But not Ava. Having a brush with death made someone numb to the idea of it, perhaps. Or she'd simply made terms with the idea that it was a risk each of them had willing taken once agreeing to join and remain in gang circles. "I think the idea was to show off." Ava replied. "However, it think it's stupid. Why take the risk of losing a valuable piece?" But then again heist were a typical Kutlar move. So... Could this all be just a side track for something big? Maybe. "Anyway, tell me more about that black out situation you mentioned." Usually, Ava wasn't the nosy type. Not even when words piqued her interest. "Thank you. I was going for Athena-The-Goddess-of-Wisdom chic, though. You know, white owl and all. And what was your inspiration? Diamonds are a girl's best friend?"

Simone couldn't help but roll her eyes as she pondered the question, a champagne flute held loosely between her fingers. "God, black outs are so annoying. Like, one time, I lost power in the Hamptons and ended up in a very complicated situation with a lifeguard and a senator’s son. It was not cute," a heavy sigh fell from her lips, and she met Ava's gaze, "but, like, people getting murdered again or whatever would be worse. I guess." She gave a dismissive wave of her hand. "Honestly, if the Kurtlar is stupid enough to get robbed at their own event, maybe they don't have any business trying to throw one in the first place. I mean, what business do they have trying to be couture? That's, like, our whole thing." She finished off her flute, placing it on an empty tray one of the waiters was bringing around. "Whatever. At least it's an excuse to look good. Which -- speaking of, I'm loving the dress. It's like, Turkey-On-Thanksgiving chic."

[cfdangercvs]

She'd heard rumors about the man — seemed like certain positions came with this perk. She'd never actually believed them, of course. She'd always had this idea of the man as someone who knew how to let loose. Maybe he did. Then he decided to take on the leadership, shit happened and he bacame this. Some said he was turning into his father but Ava barely knew Enzo to make the comparison. Nico, on the other hand, she barely knew him either but was disappointment was already taking root inside her mind. "Ah, you must have a personal assistant that deals with it, right?" Ava clicked her tongue, not even trying to hide the mock in her tone. "I am." She took a sip from the glass of wine in her hand. "But I'm not sure I can say the same for you."

As the woman beside him spoke he briefly turned his focus of attention in her direction, unable to prevent that wonder in the back of his mind of why she was talking to him about dark mahogany furniture. It wasn't like he cared. Though his disapproval also wasn't a tellable feature upon his expressions - they remained neutral. His brow, however, broke his stoic stance as it rose momentarily. "I don't believe that's a concern of mine, but I'll keep that in mind." surprisingly, his tone was light. "Enjoying the evening?" he asked, choosing to entertain her small talk until boredom overthrew him.

[cfdangercvs]

closed starter for @oflifelincs (samiye) location: the heritage vault

"If anyone tries to make a move on you, just tell me." Ava doubted tonight would give her any headaches, mostly because she expected this gala to be a sophisticated event like the invitation suggested. Extravagant but sophisticated. So far it proved to be just that but one could never know with so many people walking in and out from the halls, exhibiting the most precious of Kutlar's ownership. Tonight she'd assigned herself as Samiye's personal bodyguard due to the lack of an actual one. And while the thought alone sounded absurd, looks could be deceiving. Especially ones within The Network. Ava was perfectly capable of handling an intruder, she'd done it countless times. The perks of having to fight for your life at an young age. "And in the meantime," she reached to take two glasses of wine, handing one to the brunette. "Enjoy yourself."