I want money, power and glory

Roman Sionis, 40, Black maskHead of the Sionis empire, crime lord and owner of the Black Mask Club.

[blackmaask]

Dinah knew this trick, the one where he would say yes only so long as you stayed on his good side, something in the past she had always done. To Roman, she was his perfect little bird, smart yet silent never one to ruffle any feathers but all of that changed when Harley stumbled into their life. She’d shown her the side of Roman that she didn’t know existed which led to her betrayal. “Desirable traits? You used to say you loved everything about me” She replied before moving her hands to slowly trace up to his neck to turn his head towards her giving her his full attention whispering against his lips “Do you desire your songbird back? As for losing heads just don’t lose yours and maybe I’ll stick around” she replied allowing him to stand and take the bottle from the table, a private drink with Roman meant few things depending on who followed him but for tonight she didn’t want to think about all the bad as she stood following after him “You did ask so nicely, and it been a while since I’ve had the good stuff”

Roman scoffed, “almost everything,” he corrected. Roman wasn’t overly fond of her rebellious streak he prefered it if his birds fell into line. The crime lord subtly made sure Dinah was following before walking upstairs towards the private area he’d built for him and associates to enjoy when he’d grown tired of his drunken clients' incessant talking. When they entered the room, Roman noticed a couple of his men gathered in the corner playing poker. “Get out,” he ordered leaving no room for arguments. “If Victor comes back, tell him I don’t want to be disturbed,” he advised. “I don’t think I need to tell you to make yourself comfortable,” he said, walking over to the bar. He poured them both a drink, adding a generous amount to both glasses, before walking over to Dinah and handing her one. “Admit it, you might hate me, but I part of you missed this, missed me.”

[blackmaask]

     “I’ll remember this” she promised, accepting the address before tucking it into her jacket pocket. She almost felt inclined to say that she totally owed him one, but you could never be too sure what kind of favour you could find yourself called in for in this City and Hensley had little interest in getting her hands any dirtier. “Enjoy the rest of your evening, it was a pleasure meeting you” she told him sweetly enough. It was an odd feeling. She had no real reason to distrust him, in fact, the man had even gone to the effort to help her just moment after meeting her and yet she just couldn’t seem to shake the feeling that she needed to approach with caution. That being said, that tended to be her approach to most people these days. 

“You’re very welcome,” he said, watching as the girl walked away. Roman waited until she had left the club before calling one of his men over. “Keep a casual eye on that one,” he ordered. The crime lord didn’t see her as a threat, per se, but he wasn’t stupid enough to be fooled by a pretty face and a naive attitude. It never hurt to be one step ahead of the game, and the only way to do that was to watch everyone - so that one they did put a toe out of line on his terttioirty he knew about, and he acted. Roman finished his drink, looking down at his watch - that was a cute distraction, but it was about time for his business associates to show up, playtime was over. -END-

[blackmaask]

“Let’s just say there’s been a change of plans and I’m going to be on the market very soon.  Better get an offer while it’s hot. ” she smiled as her hand lit up in fire. Ugh. Puns? Really? Twice just laughed to herself. She loved puns. They were her favorite form of entertainment.  She extinguished the flame. “I’m loyal to those who are loyal to their followers. BK hasn’t been treating me very well. Makes me upset.” the other lied. Rowan may not have believed her, but that was okay. She already had Babs. But two was always better than one. “ Think about it Roro. “

“Oh is that so?” Roman said intrigued. He never turned down the opportunity to pull someone onside from another team: usually, they had insider information that was useful to Roman. However, he wouldn’t make the blonde an offer, unless he was sure he was a good fit. The crime lord was particular when it came to who he allowed on his team. “You know, if you're lying to me, I’ll cut that pretty face of yours off,” he said, the air turning cold. “What would Kean think of me telling her one of her faithful was trying to crawl up to the enemy?” Roman had no intention of asking Barbara any such thing, but he wanted to see her reaction.

[blackmaask]

     “Here I am again,” he smirked to himself. “at the edge of a knife. I love it.” Jack sighed happily. He could feel the cold blade, ripping into the fabric of his shirt. The edge pushing into his flesh, creating a small cut that bled through his white dress shirt. “The only downside is ruining a perfectly pressed shirt.” Gesturing to the spot it had created, his smirk turning into a small frown. “It’s disappointing.”  

{@fallengothamstarters​}

Roman rolled his eyes when he entered the room, “well look what the cat dragged in,” he said, waving his hand to call his bodyguard off. “You should be more careful, my my men are trained to kill on site,” he smirked. He hadn’t seen Jack in a while, preoccupied with Dinah and her birds. “You didn’t need to sneak in unless of course, you’ve done something, not to my liking,” As much as the man was fond of Jack, and thought of him in a lot of ways as a son, he could easily turn on a dime if the younger crossed him.

[blackmaask]

   “I see. I don’t think I have to tell you that there can be more to people than meets the eye” she explained. Several people had made the mistake of presuming she was small and harmless before, only to learn they’d made a grave mistake. Her intention was never to hurt anybody, though. Only if it was truly necessary. “That…would actually be very nice, thank you” she told him, trying not to focus on his phrasing too much. Not everybody in the City said one thing and meant another, surely. 

“Anything to help a new face,” he said. He pulled out a pen from his breast pocket and wrote down the address of the motel just a block away. “Just tell the owner, Roman sent you, he’ll know what to do.” Roman wanted to press more about how she was, but he could tell he wasn’t going to get anything out of the girl, and if he was being honest he didn’t care enough, if at all. The Black Mask saw a lot of young faces pass through, some hiding from the police, others from their families, some hoping for a fresh start. He couldn’t be bothered to remember them all. Those that stuck around eventually pledged their loyalty, and the others, well they blue away on the same current that had landed them in his bar in the first place. 

[blackmaask]

“God knows why. All they do is cry and spend money.” Twice fake gagged. I like kids… Veroncia said inside their head and Twice rolled her eyes. “No one asked you.” she said out right. When he told her she should leave, she pouted. “What if I don’t wanna? I just got here.” she whined. The woman was nearly thirty, but being locked away for years, her maturity level just wasn’t at the level of most her age. “I’m on who ever benefits me best. So how can you benefit me?” she asked. Right now she was loyal to babs and those who knew of her knew she was a powerhouse.

Roman gave the blonde an inquisitive look, “aren’t you one of Barbara Kean’s girls? Should you be asking me that?” he asked. If Roman had been bored, he’d have enjoyed nothing more than attempting to steal the girl away from the redhead, nothing would give him more than seeing the realising on Barbara’s face. But Roman wasn’t in the mood to start an open war with the woman, at least not today. “I own half this city, there isn’t anything my people want that I don’t give them if they play their cards right,” he said. “But that depends on their loyalty, are you loyal Veronica?”

[blackmaask]

Dinah smirked at Roman, the male had always treated her kindly until she saw his true face one night, how his anger wasn’t always founded and how he could be truly cruel when the mood took him. But then again so could plenty of people in this world they lived in Gotham you couldn’t find a darker place to live within these streets you took care of yourself. But despite all of that Dinah had heart, she cared for the wayward souls that were worth saving, that deserved the break from all the bad they got a day in and out hence why she took up the Black Canary mantel once again, she couldn’t turn a blind eye to suffering any longer. The song fell from her lips as if she was born to be on stage and sing to entertain others. She gave a soft smile placing the mic back in its holder when she heard Roman speak once again. “Another drink? My someone might think you’re getting sweet on me, I suppose in honor of old times, I’ll take you up on that drink….If you call off the hit, I’d rather not be disturbed tonight while things are just getting so interesting.”

Roman titled his head, pretending to think about the proposition for a moment before he answered. “Alright, for now,” Roman relented. He missed his little bird in his bed, preferably underneath him. He would never grantee in the long term because for all he knew she’d piss him off again tomorrow, and he’d want her head on a platter. Promises in the long term never worked out, so Roman had learned a long time ago not make them. “I’ll admit you have desirable traits about you,” he smirked. “You’re not going to disappoint me again, are you? My little songbird? You know I do hate it. Someone may just lose their head.” Preferably one Harley Quinn, that girl had outlived her sell-by date by a mile. However, Roman kept that to himself. He grabbed the bottle of bourbon he had been drinking, standing up from his chair. He then began to walk towards the back. “Well, are you joining?” he asked, turning back to face Dinah.

[blackmaask]

“The sound of you breathing hits a nerve,” Babs said, with a shrug. She took another sip of the booze before setting the bottle on the counter. She rolled her eyes at the abrupt change of topic, though it was something she was used to. “Well, you leaving always brightens up a room,” she said dryly. “Why, were you thinking a something a little less Great Gatsby meets Beetlejuice?”

“Don’t be bitter dear because I wouldn’t let you use my interior designer... I was thinking of something that looked more expensive, more upmarket. But perhaps I’m better of buying next door and opening a separate lounge.” While the Black Mask had its upmarket customers, it also served a seedier crowd, who undoubtedly would be turned off by a more upmarket renovation. “Perhaps a members-only club. Nothing like keeping the poor out to make the rich feel better about themselves.”

[blackmaask]

   “That’s an awfully kind assumption having just met me” she pointed out, although, she certainly didn’t have any issues with being perceived as able to handle herself. It wasn’t always strictly true, but that wasn’t something he needed to know. “And as lovely as this is, I should really be going…” she explained. First she had to figure out where the hell she even was. 

Roman clucked his tongue, “I have a good eye when it comes to people,” he explained. Perhaps his choice of words at made the woman uncomfortable, not that he cared - others feelings always came second to his own. “So soon,” he asked. “Well if you must, let me at least recommend a motel - I could get you a killer discount,” only because the owner was scared shitless of Roman’s men’s ransacking the place again. In all fairness he did warn him, pay the Sonis tax, or lose your business. It was simple really.

[blackmaask]

“You don’t know what qualifies as my kinda place.” Jax told him, though it was clear the the man knew of him. Good. Let him know. Jax typically didn’t leave any man alive when it came to those he picked fights with. Smoke hung off his victims almost as it it were the Reaper’s calling card. Thick and black like the touch of death. “I’m not really the friends kinda guy.” He told the Black Mask. It was true that Jax was the kind of person who was friendly to everyone he met, but he didn’t like keeping people close. The closest two people to him were Mike, who couldn’t die and Jason, someone who was better than him in every regard. He didn’t need worry too much about him. The man had quite the reputation himself. He was dangerous and well-respected and more importantly he had too many men for Jax to handle. Especially right now.

He asked the bartender for something strong before glancing at the other. “So, uh… what made you want to become a ruthless crime lord? Is there somethin’ behind that or just seem like a fun choice?”  

Roman put his index to his mouth, his lips forming a frown. “I’d reconsider the way you speak to me kiddo, you’re outnumbered on my turf and I have no problem with them taking you out,” he said shortly. In reality did Roman really care how Jax spoke to him, fuck no, it was of no interest to him, as long as the younger man had money. But he was bored, and stirring shit up entertained him, especially within the safety of his own territory. Roman poured himself another drink, his gazing falling on the barmaid, watching her as she moved. She may have been useless, but she was a sight to stare at. 

“Power and money, obviously,” he scoffed. “That’s why most people, do most things.” He’d found in his town running parts of the city, that many people, in fact, were willing to die for those two things. Money and power meant you could virtually do whatever you wanted: which suited Roman just fun. He lived by his own rules.

[blackmaask]

     “Oh, cool” she smiled, taking the opportunity to look around at the place for a few moments before bright eyes found him again. “Did you always want to own a bar?” she blushed, trying not to read too much into that smirk. He probably just enjoyed the opportunity to gloat to somebody that hadn’t heard it before. Sionis. It all made sense now. “Hensley…” the brunette told him, shaking his hand briefly. “Well, thank you. I could really use one after the day I’ve had….but that seems to be a running trend in this City”

“It can be a little overwhelming in the beginning, but I’m sure a girl like you will do just fine.” Roman let his gaze fall to his watch, keeping an eye on the time. The crimelord ranked his brain trying to figure out if he’d heard of the name Hensley, however, he was drawing blanks. That didn’t necessarily mean the younger woman wasn’t a threat, it just meant he would have been careful. Roman was smart enough to know that looks could be deceiving.  

[blackmaask]

“I saw what I think RoRo. You know that better than most. However, if you’d rather me have the snowflake come out instead I can. She’s much more intimidate by you and we know how much that gets you and your ego off.” Twice spoke. Not many people knew about Veronica’s….condition. After a few nights at the bar Roman had figured it out, not that Twice really cared. It wasn’t like it was a secret. “Actually I had a marvelous day.” the brunette sang holding out her wrist with a very expensive looking diamond bracelet. “Amazing the things people will fork over when you threaten to burn their children alive.”

Roman laughed under his breath amused by the girl's antics. “Touche,” he said, taking a long swing of his drink. The club was just beginning to empty out for the night: usually, that was when the real fun began. “Well most people are usually quite fond of their children,” he agreed, having threatened a few snot-nosed kids in his day. Roman looked down at his watch, emptying his glass. “Sorry love, but you're going to have to hit the road - the adults have a meeting to discuss the cites territories: so unless you're on my team...” he said throwing her a wink.

[blackmaask]

Dinah watched the male it was easy to string him along, after all the years spent at his side she knew just what words and actings to get his attention. “that I do know, yet why do I get the feeling you haven’t found a single person to fill the hole I left?” she questioned nodding her head it was one of her more favorite songs to sing because of how true the lyrics were. “Is that so? last I remember you could humor me more then a couple of times.” She whispered in his ear before pulling away to take the stage once again. She missed singing it was something of a hobby now that Black Canary had fully taken up most of her time. It felt natural to take the mic and start singing for everyone to hear.

“Just say the word, and we can pick up exactly where we left off,” he told her, resting his elbow on the bar. Maybe Roman was being picky, or maybe he just didn’t want to fill the spot: a part of him foolishly hoped she’d come crawling back, having realised the outside world wasn’t all that it appeared to him. He watched as Dinah headed to the stage and began to sing. Her voice was as magnificent as it always had been. How had he let her go? When the song was over, Roman stood up, clapping slowly. “Magnificent,” he said, encouraging the audience to applaud. “Join me in the back for a private drink? Just like old times?”

[blackmaask]

“It’s definitely not improving,” Babs retorted, giving him a pointed look. She shrugged, taking another swig. “Jim has work to do, and so do I,” she said. Of course, their work was on opposite sides of the law, but she did work obsessively to keep Jim safe. And to keep as many women and girls safe as she could. That was what the Siren Club was for, after all, and why men were kicked out after a certain hour. She smiled softly. “I’m not going to waste time explaining human emotions to you, Roman. It would be like explaining calculus to a tree.”

Roman hummed. “Hit a nerve did I?” he replied. It wasn’t as if he didn’t have emotions: Roman had even loved before - although sure - it has been a long time ago. He just didn’t understand why she preferred to live a double life rather than just find someone who was uncomfortable accepting her for who she was. Roman relaxed in his chair, looking around. “Do you think I should redecorate?” he asked tapping his chin, having already forgotten their previous conversation. He had been known to have a short attention span when it came to things he couldn’t care less about.  

[blackmaask]

    A small amount of relief rushed through her at his comment, glad to know that she wouldn’t find herself in a second fight with the night still so young. “Oh, I grew up here…I’m just not usually one to explore the Gotham night life” she explained with a light shrug. She couldn’t recall having seen him anywhere else. He had the kind of face she thought she’d remember. “Wait, your customers?” she asked, raising a curious brow. His questioning suddenly made sense, at least. The bartender must have sensed her indecisiveness somehow, waving a bottle of something honey brown coloured in the light and Hensley gave a short nod. One drink wouldn’t hurt her, and would sell her story. She really had to get out of here soon, though. “Cheers” she offered a small smile.

             “WELL, I do own the place,” he replied. “So yes, everything you see in here, is mine,” he smirked, taking another swing of his drink. Roman could pretend he wasn’t a bragger, but who was he kidding? Loud and obese was more his style. What even was the point of having money and wealth if he couldn’t shove it in people’s faces. “Roman Sonis,” he introduced, extending out a hand for the young woman to take. “You might not be new to town, but your new to this world, so welcome. First drinks on the house,” he said, throwing her a wink. “Enjoy.”

[blackmaask]

“Rawr. Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed hmm?” Twice hummed, leaning against the counter. She ordered a beer, face scowling when it was bought in a non chilled glass. Who didn’t chill their glasses. “You should think about replacing tits for brains there. She clearly has no idea what she’s doing.” The woman sighed, a vapor rising from her hand as she chilled the glass herself. She took another sip. “Oh that’s much better.”

@blackmaask​

           Roman chuckled, “since you so eloquently asked, I’ll have you know Veronica I was thinking of getting rid of her, but alas, the customers do enjoy having something pretty to look at.” Truth be told, he’d already texted Victor and told him to find someone hotter, but preferably with brains. Roman watched as the young woman sip on her drink. “Looks like you needed that, bad day?” he asked. It wasn’t that he cared, but more like he liked to have his ear to the ground when it came to the city. It only took one fool thinking he could overthrow him for chaos to ensue. 

[blackmaask]

Dinah could read the male almost perfectly now, he missed having his Bird near even if he didn’t miss her. “I suppose I have some free time” She replied taking the newly poured drink from the man before watching his snap at others. His temper the reason she’d left him, he wasn’t the sweet man she’d fallen for when that temper came out to play. “It must be so hard to find a new songbird if you’re asking me to take the stage once again.” she took a sip of the drink before smirking “What song does my” She paused moving to let her hand slide down the side of his neck stopping at his chest “Sweet Roman want to hear? Maybe I’ll humor you.”

               “WHAT can I say,” Roman shrugged, “I’m particular about what I like and don’t like. His eyes roamed over her, unashamed. Roman took what he liked, and made no apologies for his often brass behaviour. “It’s a Man’s Man’s world, is always a crowd favourite,” he suggested, licking his lips. “Well if you humour me, maybe I’ll humour you... now, later, whenever,” he winked. If the crimelord missed anything, it was the songbird in his sheets.