Beating Hearts

Once Upon A Time In New York City...

[blueknivesandyounglives]

romeofoley​:

“Edith has a list and will be happy to give it to you.” His voice was flat and empty. At least he would have time to talk to her about the decision. Though Romeo did not engage in the art of apology, he felt as though he owed Timber an explanation; an exploration of his thought process. He would need to speak with Rat about looking out for her, though he didn’t trust him with her. It wasn’t as though his intentions were not honorable, he was just too clumsy.

His jaw clenched a bit. “We appreciate your help, Negan. We are looking forward to having this…issue…resolved.”

“As am I, son. As am I.” Negan adjusted his jacket, rolling his shoulders. “Regardless of what you make of our limited interaction so far, you can rest easy knowing that we’re of a similar goal. Not losing any more Irish lives. Your home will be safe again, give you my word. Well,” He drawled, wetting his curved lower lip in that aggravating fashion, “Our home now, ain’t it?”

His gaze flickered to Timber, then to Reds, assessing. Then, he extended his hand to Romeo. “Formalities.” He said simply, that infuriating grin in place. “Partner.”

[blueknivesandyounglives]

romeofoley​:

There was a long pause from Romeo. His girl? Timber? She wasn’t a commodity to barter with. Not his right-hand man. Not his girl.

He rubbed his face and took a long look at Timber. Family always came first, and she was family. She was more than just family to him. In his dreams, that was the girl he was going to retire with, away from the city and by the water somewhere. No one could attack them from behind with their backs to the water.

If he refused, his family would be killed one by one. It was safer to have her alive and well, if not with him, at least she would be with someone safe.

“She’ll need assistance packing her things. When will she need to be ready?”

There had been shock in Timber’s features the moment Negan mentioned her--added her to sweeten the pot. It was difficult to tell if he was just trying to get a rise out of Romeo or...or if he genuinely wanted her to come back with him to Boston. Her money was on the former. The shock only deepened the moment Romeo agreed, her head snapping to the side to look at him. 

That, of course, made Negan grin all the more. Just exactly what he’d wanted, in the end. Romeo wrapped around his finger, he got his Blue-Eyes back...and there was hesitation. In the end, maybe Romeo would fight. Maybe. Wouldn’t count too much on it, though.

“I’m a reasonable guy!” Negan replied, holding up a hand as he finally moved to stand. “We’re gonna linger in New York a couple’a days more. You two take your time. Reassess what this means for your...” He gestured between them, “Partnership. We’ll make the rounds--get started on the good work around town. I’ll need to speak to the people that were at the Christmas ‘do, so if you could have their information handy, that’d be just swell.”

[blueknivesandyounglives]

the-daily-mischief​:

Romeo knew that he was in a bind and under this man’s thumb. The laundry mats, he can do without. Hell, it wouldn’t be too hard to start more once the laundry mats are down. The Hooligan, however, that would be difficult. He could find another boxer, not one like him, and probably not as good as him, but it’s his little friends. Romeo gave him a place big enough for two people. There was protection for his friends, that girl, that friend–was Threads his name? He couldn’t remember, but his girl was a package deal. There was the weird one as well.

The weird one…

That would be a fun addition. It almost made him smirk. Almost…

“You can have the laundromats. Though, I fear The Hooligan is not a one-man deal. His friends are under my protection. However, they would provide ample entertainment as they are musicians.”

“Did I ask about his friends?” He arched a dark brow at Romeo, then glanced back to his men as if confirming the fact that he hadn’t. When he returned his attention back to Romeo, he was once again appearing amused. “I don’t give a fuck about them. Though one of our guys did just keel over--fiddle player. Talented guy, not a great shot.”

He shrugged, even if he did sense the deal was swaying into Romeo’s favor again. There was something about the way he said it that rubbed Negan the wrong way, as if he knew something that Negan didn’t. While it might be worth the extra weight for the entertainment value, he didn’t like taking a pistol carrying blanks. Speaking of entertainment value, though...

“I have to say, it all sounds peachy. Laundromats, gambling dens, a boxer and his musical friends--all wrapped up in a pretty little bow. I appreciate that.” He took another drag, setting the cigar into the ashtray. “Y’know what would really seal the deal?” He grinned. 

“I’d like your girl. Gotta have my blue-eyes back.”

[romeofoley]

“Thanksgiving.” Romeo replied as he fixed his ascot. “Is to be thankful for what we have. We are alive and healthy. We have most of the Irish boys from Boston on our side, with your persistence.” Romeo looked at Timber from the mirror, giving her a slight nod.

“All she had to do was wear a corset and flutter her lashes.” Reds said bitterly as he removed the steak from his eye. Of course, that wasn’t the case with Timber. Reds was just bitter that he got into a fight with someone who said his wife was a whore, much like all the women associated with the Blue Knife Gang.

Romeo turned around to face both Timber and Reds. “You should have Edith take a look at your eye.”

Reds didn’t need further elaboration. He knew where he wasn’t wanted, and it was obvious that Romeo wanted time with Timber. Edith already looked at his eye and provided the steak.

“Fine.” He muttered before slamming the door shut.

Romeo waited a moment as the stomps down the stairs stopped and another door slammed. “You didn’t pull any tricks to get them to join us, did you?” Romeo knew the answer was no, but he had to make sure. There was something a bit off about the whole situation. He was a bit more paranoid since the attack and wanted Timber to be as safe as possible.

[blueknivesandyounglives]

romeofoley​:

Romeo felt the anger bubble inside of him, though he was positive it was worse in Reds. He didn’t want to look at him, but he could assume that his face was bright red and his knuckles were white. He would be signing his own death certificate if Reds’ anger got the best of him, so he shook his head slightly.

“Four in every borough.” He said, reverting back to the old Romeo where words were a waste of time. It wasn’t complacency, but rather, deep in thought; dissecting every word, the meaning behind it, any ulterior motives, and body language.

There it was. Negan could feel anger radiating from the younger man--nevermind the man at his side. Could the ginger go any redder? Well...possibly. But he was about to find out. He was waiting for the pushback. Waiting for either of them to be man enough about it to tell him to stop. Tell him no. Someone in this place had to have the balls to do it, and he would be severely disappointed.

“Four in every borough.” He smiled, rolling his cigar between his fingers as he watched Romeo’s expression. This was a game--his words another chess piece skipping about on the board. “Well, I know you’re a smart man, Foley. I can see that so far in our limited interaction so I’m gonna give you the benefit of the doubt and say that you know already what that means. I’d like to hear you say it.” He took another drag from the cigar. 

“You also have this guy, right? Simon, the fuck’s his name?”

“They call him the Hooligan, boss.” Simon replied instantly, shrugging when Negan looked back in puzzled amusement. “His name’s Rat.”

“Fine, Hooligan’s better. I get that. Like it, even. It’s almost fuckin’ cute.” Negan grinned and looked back to the others. The ginger looked about ready to bite his head off in one go...Romeo was a careful man, his expression cold and calculated. The woman, though, Timber. She was looking him right in the eye...her hand ever-so-subtly brushing Romeo’s arm. A tender touch, if you squinted. Wasn’t that interesting?

His eyes didn’t leave Timber’s for a good moment, ultimately dragging his gaze away to look at Romeo again. “He’d make quite the stir in Boston, you know. Money out the ass and all the fun that comes with it. He been to Boston before?”

[romeofoley]

“Thanksgiving.” Romeo replied as he fixed his ascot. “Is to be thankful for what we have. We are alive and healthy. We have most of the Irish boys from Boston on our side, with your persistence.” Romeo looked at Timber from the mirror, giving her a slight nod.

“All she had to do was wear a corset and flutter her lashes.” Reds said bitterly as he removed the steak from his eye. Of course, that wasn’t the case with Timber. Reds was just bitter that he got into a fight with someone who said his wife was a whore, much like all the women associated with the Blue Knife Gang.

Romeo turned around to face both Timber and Reds. “You should have Edith take a look at your eye.”

Reds didn’t need further elaboration. He knew where he wasn’t wanted, and it was obvious that Romeo wanted time with Timber. Edith already looked at his eye and provided the steak.

“Fine.” He muttered before slamming the door shut.

Romeo waited a moment as the stomps down the stairs stopped and another door slammed. “You didn’t pull any tricks to get them to join us, did you?” Romeo knew the answer was no, but he had to make sure. There was something a bit off about the whole situation. He was a bit more paranoid since the attack and wanted Timber to be as safe as possible.

[blueknivesandyounglives]

romeofoley​:

Romeo leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving Negan’s. He felt as if he was suffocating from the silence. It was a deal that, in the end, would affect his family, his standing in New York. He never agreed with anything without discussing with Reds, The Professor, and of course, Timber. It wasn’t a one-man show. Besides, Romeo hated surprises.

“I would rather hear what you would like now, so I can discuss it with the gang. We value transparency.”

At this, Negan chuckled--a low, condescending sound as he reclined again, toying with Lucille’s handle. “I bet you do...” He replied, not immediately going back to business. Rather, he liked to see Romeo squirm. It meant this mattered. It meant he was desperate. Everything was in Negan’s hands right now, if he wanted it to be. 

“Remind me who is in charge of your gang, Foley?” He asked, tilting his head slightly. “Who makes the final say? I can go talk to them instead, if you want. You’re behind the pretty desk, but are you gonna make the choices that aren’t so pretty? I don’t know about you. You know me. I don’t sugarcoat my shit, do I? You, though. I don’t know you from fuckin’ Adam, and you’re here, like you’re in charge of this situation. You’re not.” He shook his head. “Not anymore. That’s over and done with.”

He took another puff from his cigar, apparently ever-so-used-to this sort of interaction. It wouldn’t be the first time. “We’ll take what you offered. We’ll also have the Points, and what’s there.” He glanced about him at the office. “How many places like this laundry do you have?”

[romeofoley]

“Thanksgiving.” Romeo replied as he fixed his ascot. “Is to be thankful for what we have. We are alive and healthy. We have most of the Irish boys from Boston on our side, with your persistence.” Romeo looked at Timber from the mirror, giving her a slight nod.

“All she had to do was wear a corset and flutter her lashes.” Reds said bitterly as he removed the steak from his eye. Of course, that wasn’t the case with Timber. Reds was just bitter that he got into a fight with someone who said his wife was a whore, much like all the women associated with the Blue Knife Gang.

Romeo turned around to face both Timber and Reds. “You should have Edith take a look at your eye.”

Reds didn’t need further elaboration. He knew where he wasn’t wanted, and it was obvious that Romeo wanted time with Timber. Edith already looked at his eye and provided the steak.

“Fine.” He muttered before slamming the door shut.

Romeo waited a moment as the stomps down the stairs stopped and another door slammed. “You didn’t pull any tricks to get them to join us, did you?” Romeo knew the answer was no, but he had to make sure. There was something a bit off about the whole situation. He was a bit more paranoid since the attack and wanted Timber to be as safe as possible.

[blueknivesandyounglives]

romeofoley​:

Romeo’s eyes glanced down at the bat for half a second before leaning back in his seat. He put the cigar to his lips and took a long puff before resting it on the ashtray. “I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t need help, Negan.” The words weren’t the easiest to say, and it took a few moments for them to formulate from his tongue and spill out from his lips.

“We’re willing to negotiate. Midtown, the Bowery and our Dance Hall, plus the various gambling halls located there. The most being in The Bowery.”

There was bravery in setting aside one’s pride to get shit done, and Negan wasn’t immune to what it meant for Romeo. He could see the younger man working through the gravity of his current situation, and it wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. Well, necessary as far as Negan saw it. Necessary in that once pride was set aside, they could collaborate far better than if it wasn’t.

“Midtown, the Bowery...dance hall.” He pursed his lips, sitting forward slightly to rest his elbows on his knees, meeting Romeo’s eye. “Money’s only so good as my men surviving to see the fuckin’ stash, ain’t it? This is what you have for me?”

“We’ll negotiate, but I feel like you’re holding back. The way this is gonna work is this--we’ll do the dirty work. Help you boys wipe your asses and then we’re going to come back to this little spot, and tell you exactly what it is we’re going to be taking for payment.” He smiled. “Or is that not what you’d want to do?”

[romeofoley]

“Thanksgiving.” Romeo replied as he fixed his ascot. “Is to be thankful for what we have. We are alive and healthy. We have most of the Irish boys from Boston on our side, with your persistence.” Romeo looked at Timber from the mirror, giving her a slight nod.

“All she had to do was wear a corset and flutter her lashes.” Reds said bitterly as he removed the steak from his eye. Of course, that wasn’t the case with Timber. Reds was just bitter that he got into a fight with someone who said his wife was a whore, much like all the women associated with the Blue Knife Gang.

Romeo turned around to face both Timber and Reds. “You should have Edith take a look at your eye.”

Reds didn’t need further elaboration. He knew where he wasn’t wanted, and it was obvious that Romeo wanted time with Timber. Edith already looked at his eye and provided the steak.

“Fine.” He muttered before slamming the door shut.

Romeo waited a moment as the stomps down the stairs stopped and another door slammed. “You didn’t pull any tricks to get them to join us, did you?” Romeo knew the answer was no, but he had to make sure. There was something a bit off about the whole situation. He was a bit more paranoid since the attack and wanted Timber to be as safe as possible.

[blueknivesandyounglives]

romeofoley​:

Romeo made his bed and now he must lie in it, with the largest bed bug of all. He clenched his jaw once more, trying not to let Negan notice how he dug under his skin. Unfortunately, the way he held his glass when he looked at Timber made his knuckles turn white.

“Italian,” Romeo said simply. “We thought it was the Sicilian Stallions and although they’re celebrating in the streets, they’re too stupid to pull it off. Our intel believes it has something to do with the Bianchi’s.”

Reds looked at the service that was given to Negan. No way in hell he was going to clip Romeo’s cigar and light it for him. It was the evil gaze from Ethel that made his face go red in anger. Before he could pull out the cigar clipper, Romeo had already pulled his own out.

Romeo didn’t need anyone to clip and light his own cigar. He wanted to display his independence, and his willingness to get his hands dirty.

“Well...” Negan drawled, seemingly pleased that Romeo had come right out and said it. Had he known for sure that it was the Bianchi family behind this? No--nothing was ever 100% sure in this business. Hearsay, the wrong little birds in just the right little ears--but he’d had a feeling. The Bianchi family was a particular thorn in his side that he’d been digging at for years. This had their name written all over it. “Ain’tcha the sharp tack? What’d I say, Simon?” He glanced back to the mustachioed man, assumed to be his second. “I said they’d be sharp.”

“As a tack, your words exactly, boss.” Said Simon, watching Reds’ expression with curiosity. Timber stared at him in turn, not enjoying the look on his face. If she had her way, he’d be choking on something bigger than a cigar.

“As a goddamn tack.” Negan agreed, pleased. He finally straightened in his seat, setting the glass aside in favor of setting Lucille, his bat, over his lap. “You shoot straight from the hip, Foley, and I appreciate that, so I’ll do the same. Bianchi is just the current fish in your pond, but he’s got his greedy little fucking fins everywhere and I’ve been waiting to snag that particular bastard for a long fucking time. You’re not the only ones he took people from.”

He took a moment, pulling another drag from the cigar, before using it to gesture with. “Problem is here, though. While it would just absolutely tickle my balls to fuck his day up with you fine people, I’m strugglin’ to find a motivation to step in. I care about my people, you see. I know you do, too. So I’m not exactly itching to put their heads on the chopping block just to play my dick is bigger than his.” He shrugged. “It is, and we both know it, but I digress. What precisely is in it for the Saviors, hm?”

[romeofoley]

“Thanksgiving.” Romeo replied as he fixed his ascot. “Is to be thankful for what we have. We are alive and healthy. We have most of the Irish boys from Boston on our side, with your persistence.” Romeo looked at Timber from the mirror, giving her a slight nod.

“All she had to do was wear a corset and flutter her lashes.” Reds said bitterly as he removed the steak from his eye. Of course, that wasn’t the case with Timber. Reds was just bitter that he got into a fight with someone who said his wife was a whore, much like all the women associated with the Blue Knife Gang.

Romeo turned around to face both Timber and Reds. “You should have Edith take a look at your eye.”

Reds didn’t need further elaboration. He knew where he wasn’t wanted, and it was obvious that Romeo wanted time with Timber. Edith already looked at his eye and provided the steak.

“Fine.” He muttered before slamming the door shut.

Romeo waited a moment as the stomps down the stairs stopped and another door slammed. “You didn’t pull any tricks to get them to join us, did you?” Romeo knew the answer was no, but he had to make sure. There was something a bit off about the whole situation. He was a bit more paranoid since the attack and wanted Timber to be as safe as possible.

[blueknivesandyounglives]

romeofoley​:

Romeo spent most of his days pacing around his office, keeping the peace with the lower soldiers. Everyone was on edge as more whispers went through the streets about the downfall of the Blue Knife Gang. Opposing gangs were more brazen, often trying to stir up trouble with his soldiers. The Professor was laid up in bed, a bandage wrapped around his head.

“A brain commotion, sir. I’ll be working in no time, once the two of you return to one body. Though I must inform you that book reading and light will most definitely increase recovery. It will be darkness and rest for a day or so.” The day or so ended up being a week. He was the best informant they had with unmatchable street smarts and common sense.

He was relieved when Timber returned, but not so ecstatic to see boots on his mahogony desk. The throbbing of his jaw was evidence to his displeasure, and it was the act of pleasantry which made him feel much like a beggar in his first days in New York.

“Mr. Smith.” He said nodding over to Reds. Reds was quick to take out two glasses to pour the best scotch, but he wasn’t happy about it. “I’m sure you’re aware of the incident at our Christmas celebration.” Romeo explained. His eyes flashed at Timber before returning to the King of Boston. “This gang has been gradually taking over my territory and killing my men.”

Reds reached into Romeo’s desk and pulled out a box of cigars, offering one to Romeo and one to Negan.

“Mr. Smith? Jee-SUS, we’re not sticking with that level of formality, are we?” He didn’t yet respond to Romeo’s concerns, affixing a carefree smile on his face that had certainly won over a few hearts. He reached for his glass, turning that same smile to Reds--that one was going to be fun, he could just tell--before nodding to one of his own men. From within his man’s jacket he pulled his own cigar clipper, fixing and lighting the smoke for his boss without a word between them. Just another part of the show.

For a moment, Negan simply reclined, seeming all too happy to simply enjoy the gifts bestowed and relax. “Mighty fine time, indeed.” He murmured, sipping from his glass. “You sure have taste, Foley. Fine scotch, fine smokes, fine desk and fine office.” He turned his gaze to Timber, his grin growing. “Fine taste in everything.”

Eventually, his gaze broke, and he seemed to remember the topic at hand. He nodded to himself, having the decency to at least seem somber about the events that had occurred. “Unfortunate business, that. My condolences to you for the loss of what I’m sure was a irreplaceable crew. Never easy to let ‘em go at the best of times, and here you are, scraping the bottom of the barrel. We don’t have to pretend, if you don’t want, that we’re not gonna be braiding each other’s hair before bed. But an Irish life lost is an Irish life this world should’ve been grateful for. A waste. Absolute waste.”

“Still,” He looked back up, that same grin slowly spreading over his features again as he brought the cigar back to his mouth, “Irish gangs tend to be hot and heavy. Usually doesn’t take bringing in the big dogs to do your work for you. Unless...” He tilted his head to the side, blowing O’s from the smoke, “You have reason to believe they weren’t fuckin’ Irish to begin with.”

[romeofoley]

“Thanksgiving.” Romeo replied as he fixed his ascot. “Is to be thankful for what we have. We are alive and healthy. We have most of the Irish boys from Boston on our side, with your persistence.” Romeo looked at Timber from the mirror, giving her a slight nod.

“All she had to do was wear a corset and flutter her lashes.” Reds said bitterly as he removed the steak from his eye. Of course, that wasn’t the case with Timber. Reds was just bitter that he got into a fight with someone who said his wife was a whore, much like all the women associated with the Blue Knife Gang.

Romeo turned around to face both Timber and Reds. “You should have Edith take a look at your eye.”

Reds didn’t need further elaboration. He knew where he wasn’t wanted, and it was obvious that Romeo wanted time with Timber. Edith already looked at his eye and provided the steak.

“Fine.” He muttered before slamming the door shut.

Romeo waited a moment as the stomps down the stairs stopped and another door slammed. “You didn’t pull any tricks to get them to join us, did you?” Romeo knew the answer was no, but he had to make sure. There was something a bit off about the whole situation. He was a bit more paranoid since the attack and wanted Timber to be as safe as possible.

[blueknivesandyounglives]

romeofoley​:

Romeo sighed heavily. Of course, Timber and Reds weren’t pawns. In his life, they were worth protecting and sacrificing some of his shoulders to protect. “I…” He stopped. The words weren’t bouncing off the tip of his tongue like he wanted to. He wanted to tell her that she was more to him than a pawn and that he did trust her instincts and advice she had to give. These feelings he had were something he didn’t know what to do with.

“Do what you must to keep Negan complacent.” He said as he leaned back in his chair. “But I need you to report everything you say and do to me as well as what he says. No doubt he will find a loophole.” He didn’t break his gaze away from her. “I don’t have to tell you to don’t do anything stupid, but relay the message to Reds. His anger will get the best of him.”

“His anger is gonna get the best of all of us.” She muttered. “Don’t worry, I’ll show him a good time, but not that good.” 

It wasn’t too long after Timber left Romeo’s offices that word of The Saviors arriving began to spread. The gang, typically the epitome of strength and power, were walking on eggshells. They’d been warned within an inch of their life to behave themselves--that anything done could be seen as a slight and bad on the entire gang--but they had also heard through the grapevine of the many, many horrors the Saviors were capable of. They knew this was important. After all, the Blue Knives and the Saviors had never been in the same space before where there wasn’t a fight.

Ever the hostesses, Edith and Timber ensured the power from Boston was made to feel welcome. Teams were dispatched to show lodgings, other amenities promised. Drinks flowed and food piled aplenty, and very slowly the gang began to relax, feeling more secure in their standing. That wouldn’t last for long. 

Before long the leader, bigger than life himself, sauntered through with his bat on his shoulder. His men, the gang all grew quiet--out of respect? Out of fear? Timber couldn’t tell but perhaps it was both. It had only been worse during her time with Cobb in Boston. She didn’t fancy the same in her home court.

She did her duty--smiling, playing coy, offering company just short of what was really wanted. And, as she was asked, reported the lot to Romeo. That was, until it was time for the heads to meet. She stood at his side, Reds at the other and Cobb at the door as Edith led Negan and his men in. 

Negan, for his part, played his role well. His grin was amused almost playful as he sat in his chair, swinging his legs up to rest boots on Romeo’s desk. As far as he was concerned, he owned this space now. 

“Wellll,” He drawled, “Gotta tell you, it’s been a real fine time here. Foley. Romeo Foley--damn, that’s a name and a half, kid.” He pressed a hand to his chest. “I’m Negan. I know you know that, but my mama raised a polite boy. I hear you might be needing a little help. Why don’t you tell your good buddy what the trouble is?”

[romeofoley]

“Thanksgiving.” Romeo replied as he fixed his ascot. “Is to be thankful for what we have. We are alive and healthy. We have most of the Irish boys from Boston on our side, with your persistence.” Romeo looked at Timber from the mirror, giving her a slight nod.

“All she had to do was wear a corset and flutter her lashes.” Reds said bitterly as he removed the steak from his eye. Of course, that wasn’t the case with Timber. Reds was just bitter that he got into a fight with someone who said his wife was a whore, much like all the women associated with the Blue Knife Gang.

Romeo turned around to face both Timber and Reds. “You should have Edith take a look at your eye.”

Reds didn’t need further elaboration. He knew where he wasn’t wanted, and it was obvious that Romeo wanted time with Timber. Edith already looked at his eye and provided the steak.

“Fine.” He muttered before slamming the door shut.

Romeo waited a moment as the stomps down the stairs stopped and another door slammed. “You didn’t pull any tricks to get them to join us, did you?” Romeo knew the answer was no, but he had to make sure. There was something a bit off about the whole situation. He was a bit more paranoid since the attack and wanted Timber to be as safe as possible.

[blueknivesandyounglives]

the-daily-mischief​:

“You don’t have to remind me of Negan and his rules.” He said gruffly. Negan’s work seemed to be woven into newspapers. Obituaries of known enemies were posted weekly, if not daily. They never described the brutal murders or that any leads can contact the Boston Police. The Boston Police was practically in Negan’s back pocket and part of his payroll. No; these men always died peacefully in their sleep, surrounded by their love ones. If he really wanted to spice things up, he’d create a freak accident that would cause the Newsies to have a field day. They were always too good to be true, but just enough so let the read think, “it could happen.”

The vein in his jaw pulsated. Not having control ate at him and kept him up at night. At least he could take the brunt of the blame if something went wrong. If something went wrong and Timber [and Reds] were in the middle of it, it would be their necks first, and Negan would construct two obituaries to taunt Romeo.

“I know his game and it’s near impossible to beat.” He leaned against his desk, staring right back into her eyes. “And the last thing I need is two pawns that are the closest to me to handle it.”

Romeo had a strange way of showing affection and romantic appreciation without all clothes being on the floor. “Have you had The Professor analyze the situation?”

It had been a long shot, but Timber couldn’t help but sigh heavily. The stubbornness was only going to cause more problems, but try telling that to a man in charge. She folded her arms over her chest, defensive as he stared her down. She could fight it--argue, but the only thing that would do would be to raise their blood pressure and sow unease if the voices carried downstairs. The gang needed them to be level-headed and a unit.

“The Professor is keeping his nose out of the situation as much as he possibly can.” She finally mumbled, averting her eyes. “The Saviors didn’t do his family any favors and he remembers it enough to keep his head in the sand. He’d agree with me, by the way, but that’s not what you wanna hear.”

Timber shook her head. “Just...be prepared. We’re one of the only authorities that aren’t directly under his thumb, and Negan doesn’t like when people tell him no. He’s gonna test you, and see if this endeavor is worth is time. He’ll want more for it, I guarantee you. I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t want the gang as another outpost.” Then, she shifted to move toward the door. “But what do I know? I’m just a pawn.”

[romeofoley]

“Thanksgiving.” Romeo replied as he fixed his ascot. “Is to be thankful for what we have. We are alive and healthy. We have most of the Irish boys from Boston on our side, with your persistence.” Romeo looked at Timber from the mirror, giving her a slight nod.

“All she had to do was wear a corset and flutter her lashes.” Reds said bitterly as he removed the steak from his eye. Of course, that wasn’t the case with Timber. Reds was just bitter that he got into a fight with someone who said his wife was a whore, much like all the women associated with the Blue Knife Gang.

Romeo turned around to face both Timber and Reds. “You should have Edith take a look at your eye.”

Reds didn’t need further elaboration. He knew where he wasn’t wanted, and it was obvious that Romeo wanted time with Timber. Edith already looked at his eye and provided the steak.

“Fine.” He muttered before slamming the door shut.

Romeo waited a moment as the stomps down the stairs stopped and another door slammed. “You didn’t pull any tricks to get them to join us, did you?” Romeo knew the answer was no, but he had to make sure. There was something a bit off about the whole situation. He was a bit more paranoid since the attack and wanted Timber to be as safe as possible.

[blueknivesandyounglives]

The show of temper wasn’t unexpected, but it didn’t mean Timber would suffer it. Rather than lashing back at Reds, she kept her gaze ahead, arms folded behind her back as he all but stormed out. He needed to work out his temper tantrum before the Saviors arrived, and each of them knew it. The moment he showed his hand was the moment he’d end up without it.

She stayed quiet a moment or two longer even as Romeo addressed her, glancing to her boots. “I only offered what I was told to offer.” She replied, attempting to reassure him. “Men. Women. Weapons. Accommodations.” 

Then, she stepped toward him, lowering her voice as though someone else might overhear them. “You and I both know that Negan does what Negan wants, and he gets exactly what he wants. It may not be enough, or he might change the rules. You haven’t been in a room with him in years; I have. Cobb has. Let us take the reins on this and we might be able to cut the bullshit down to a minimum.” 

Risky? Yes, it was. Not only because of their most important and most dangerous guests. She knew she was toeing the line in what might be seen as challenging his authority. That didn’t mean she wouldn’t try. She searched his gaze--sapphire against ice. “This is bigger than us.” She whispered.

[theformermissbliss]

“Please Sticks!” Rose pleaded as she followed him to the explosion. It had taken Whisper all of her willpower to hurry over to Sticks’ house to explain what had happened. It was hard to miss as the smoke billowed from the building and the fire alarm was sounded. It was a relief that Mr. Lambeth was passed out drunk. The consequence they would have would endure in the morning as Mr. Lambeth complained about his head and how Whisper was polishing the silver too loudly.

“Mrs. Lambeth. Oh, it’s dreadful! You and Mr. Evans need to…” But she stumbled on her words. Rose looked flushed. Not from the cold, but flustered. She seemed embarrassed. “It’s…” Whisper pointed to the smoke. “Mr. Lambeth is…”

Rose took a step outside, the cold chill went up her spine. “Sticks.” She said as Whisper continued to speak.

“There was a loud boom and the house shook and the crystal almost broke and Poppy started to cry but Mr. Lambeth didn’t wake up. Oh, Mrs. Lambeth! What do we do?”

[blueknivesandyounglives]

theformermissbliss​:

Though her mink muff was much warmer than Sticks’ hand, but Sticks’ hand offered her much needed comfort. She took his hand once more, aware of Whisper’s eyes going wide due to her holding a man’s hand that wasn’t her husband, and the prospect of going to an explosion.

Rose squeezed his hand reassuringly and walked by his side towards the explosion and firefighters. There was too much anxiety to be able to speak, until she saw men and women, holding bloody rags to their wounds. Some laid on the cobblestones, unconscious or dead. “Oh, Jesus…” Rose gasped as she viewed the chaos around them.

Whisper was too shock to moved, but jumped as someone tugged at her skirt. “Help…miss…” Whisper stared at the man who seemed desperate for medical attention. Her heart broke for him as no one was giving him any attention. He was covered in blood and burns and was pleading for help. “Mr. Evans, Mrs. Lambeth…he needs some water.” She knelt down and started to look over his wounds, the man taking her hand in his and thanking her.

Rose put her hand on Sticks’ arm. “Sticks. We need to help them.”

Sticks, mesmerized and frozen in place by the scene in front of him, nearly started at Rose’s touch. He’d never seen such devastation up close...the carnage. He wanted it to be an accident...but wasn’t that just as terrifying?

He wet his lips, then nodded. “Yes...of course. Yes. You, ah...” He jerked a bucket free from one of the fire engines, ignoring any protest--luckily, there was none to be had--and handed it off to Rose, before shedding his coat. “Fill the bucket with water and see if you can distribute water and clean what you can from the injuries. They need a hospital, but we will have to do for the moment.”

Sticks, looking over the scene again, then met Rose’s eyes one last time. “I’ll be back. Soon. Stay as far back as you can.”

And with that, he ran off toward the building to assist as he could.

[obediencemay]

“I don’t remember.” Biddy insisted as Grandma May tucked her quilt tightly under her. “One minute I was with Rat and the next, I’m waking up in the hospital with my head hurting.”

It was the truth. She was sipping on wine, talking to Rat, and then she heard a loud bang. The next thing she knew, she was in the hospital room with other women. Her grandmother was changing Juni’s bandages (Grandma May thought the nurses were taking too long) when Biddy tried to open her eyes before bawling. She couldn’t see. She must’ve gone blind. As soon as she was calmed down with a cold cloth on her eyes, she was told what happened, how they found her.

“And Juni?”

“She’s resting, baby.” Grandma May said soothingly. “We’re gonna take you both home to your beds. You’ll be more comfortable there and your Grandma will take good care of you.”

“What about...” But the medicine was kicking in. The pain from her head was morphing into a spiral. She felt dizzy and she still couldn’t see. “What about Rat? Is he okay?” But she never found out the answer. The medicine kicked in and she was fast asleep.

No one ever did tell her about Rat, and every time she started to panic, begging whomever would listen about Rat, they would tell her not to worry and to rest. Then, she’d go to sleep.

Grandma May put a two trays of tea down for both of the girls. “I’ll bring some vegetable soup for you later. Lord knows, you both need your strength.

“God bless my girls, and Jesus, I pray that you both will heal quickly and let my grand baby see again. Amen.” She said before exiting the room.

Biddy tried to wiggle out of the covers but couldn’t. She was tucked in too tightly and with her injuries, moving hurt too much. “Juni, are you okay? What happened? No one will tell me.”

[blueknivesandyounglives]

obediencemay​:

Biddy felt helpless. She didn’t know what happened and if what happened hurt her sister physically or stunned her. She laid beside her, wishing she could ask what happened. No one wanted to tell her why she couldn’t see or when she could take the bandages off her head and eyes. No one wanted to tell her what happened to Juni. Something happened at the party.

She laid her head back against the pillows, listening for any indication of quiet murmurs. She could hear her Grandma May praying to herself while one of the boarders rocked back and forth in the rocking chair. The doors were opening and closing, causing the cats to scamper into the bedroom to the safety of their mom and Aunt. It had to be someone that they didn’t know, or else the cats wouldn’t be hiding.

“How are they?” That voice sounded familiar. It had the rasp of her brother.

“We’ll stay as long as we can, Grandma.” The lady’s voice was softer, with a southern drawl.

“Juni. Finn and Patience are here. I haven’t seen them in years.” She said sadly. She wouldn’t be able to see them.

“A gang, Phineas! A party hosted by a gang! I wouldn’t think my Obedience and Juni would be involved in such a thing!” Grandma May was crying softly as she stirred the big pot of soup.

Monster and Marvin quickly scampered into their laps, and Monster curled against Juni’s shoulder, spooked. As carefully as she dared, she brushed fingers against the black cat’s head, nuzzling her cheek against it. The poor dear...

She took a moment to guide Biddy’s hand to Marvin’s fur, standing on end as disturbed as he was. The cat chirped and shifted back toward Biddy’s belly, watching the door.

It was then that she heard the door downstairs open and close again, and a familiar voice filter up the stairs. 

“Grandma May...” Rat greeted, sheepish and afraid of what sort of welcoming--if he had a welcoming at all--he’d receive. He was propping Strings up, trying to be as careful with his friend as possible. “We...we just wanted to check in on the bird--ah, the girls. If that’s okay. Please.”

[romeofoley]

“If you think I’m going to fake my own death, you are fucking fooling yourself.” Romeo said quietly. The Professor tried to continue the conversation.

“Romeo, if you fake your own death, we can regroup and come back stronger than ever.”

Romeo started to put on some lotion to help the burns on his arms. He didn’t look too bad off from the front, but his back was a mess. Edith did her best to change the bandages, but he wouldn’t let her. It was the grumpiest she had ever seen him. She couldn’t blame him. His Christmas party went off with a bang (too soon) and they were incredibly lucky that they survived it. Yet tucked away in his own fortress, he stewed in anger, growled in pain, and had outrageous demands that could not be met. Not even Reds could calm him down.

“If I fake my own death, I show a weakness. I’m not weak, Professor. The Blue Knife Gang is not weak. We will show them, in the public eye, that we are stronger than them. That we survived the bullshit they called a bomb. We came back, wounded, yes, but not defeated.” He took his cane and stood up shakily. He was weak, physically. He could barely walk and pace his office in thought. The beam from the ceiling fell on his leg as he tried to shield Timber from any physical harm. It would take awhile to heal, but Romeo was impatient. He wanted to kill the bastards who broke the peace treaty. He wanted to watch the blood flow from their veins at his feet and watch as the light slowly went out of their eyes. He would sip his whiskey, delighting in the revenge before his eyes.

The Professor tried to help Romeo to his chair, but Romeo roughly pushed him away. “I need Scout and Dagger to patrol the streets. Make them sing like a bunch of birds. I don’t care how they make them talk.” He limped to his favorite arm chair and sank into it. “If there are any talks about the laundry mat, we will utilize the safe houses for the women and children before we prepare for war.”

[blueknivesandyounglives]

romeofoley​:

Romeo had nodded towards Cobb in thanks before he sat down behind his mahogany desk. “A few weeks…” He repeated. He nodded once again, to direct the soldiers from the room after the younger of the soldier refilled Timber’s drink.

“The corset can wait if you’re in pain.” He said, putting a cigar in his mouth. “You look…you look better than yesterday.” At least, in his eyes she did. Ethel was still laid up with a headache, some of his men were still moaning and groaning. Timber, though he wanted her to rest, was up on her feet and ready to raise hell.

“Did Reds give you any of the herbs for you to smoke? It’ll help with any pain.” He continued as he lit his cigar and took a deep inhale. It didn’t taste as well as it would have if the party was successful or to ease the pain of some of his soldiers getting killed. It just was something to use to keep him busy. He was confined to his office until a bigger story hit the news. It wouldn’t take too long before he can sit at the pub with a newspaper and a plan.

“You look like shit.” She replied, lifting a hand to rub at her eyes. She was exhausted, in all honesty. The pain hardly provided a restful sleep, even with the amount of medication the physicians had provided her with. Unconsciousness wasn’t the same as rest. Timber looked to Romeo now, watching him as he imbibed with a cigar. They’d been talking, she remembered vaguely. Talking and flirting--such as they did--when all Hell broke loose. She remembered him diving on her, dragging her down to the floor...and then nothing. Nothing at all until the hospital. The beam had landed on top of them, apparently, and the second blast sent its twin.

They were lucky to be alive. She was lucky he was still there, and she didn’t know how to say it.

“Laudanum is giving me what relief I need.” Timber finally replied, and stood carefully from the armchair. “But yes, that was one of the first things Reds did when I woke up. You should be resting yourself.” She stood at the desk, tapping idly on the corner. “Your leg...”

[the-daily-mischief]

“And what is this?” A round red faced man slammed down a newspaper on the end of her bedside table. “Juliette Lorelli, fatally passed away after explosion at a Blue Knife Christmas Soirée?” He took out another paper, “Juliette Lorelli, deformed from the explosion which left 8 dead.” He put another one on the table. “And a goddamn newsie told me that Miss Juliette was found naked in a compromising position when the explosion happened. It burned off some riff-raff’s dick!” He slammed down more newspapers, each with a title about the Blue Knife Gang, and a smaller headline about Mischief, each one as hilarious as the other. It was the first time Mischief laughed since the hospital. It hurt her head, but she couldn’t help it.

“Oh, Mr. Harrington. All of that could be fixed with a simple photo of me, safe and sound in my bed, with my arm in a sling, surrounded by all of these beautiful flowers.” She wiped the tears that formed from the corner of her eyes from her laughter before sighing heavily. “I’ll do an exclusive interview, feigning ignorance to the party I was invited to. You always said that acting dumb is endearing.” She took a sip of her glass of orange juice as a maid fluffed the pillows behind her back.

“Your face, Juliette!” Mr. Harrington raged as he pointed an accusing finger at her face. “Your face...”

“Will heal.” Juliette winced at the thought of her face being marred. She had yet to look in the mirror, but she could feel the burning sensation whenever a nurse would come in and clean her wounds and inspect the large gash on her leg. “Really, Mr. Harrington.” She waved her hand dismissively. “You’re worse than my father. I’m sure Luna will be able to fix me up so I won’t scar. You’re worrying too much.”

Mr. Harrington’s face turned red with anger. “Is this a joke to you? You could have died, I could have lost my biggest investment due to your stupid negligence! Customers will assume that they are buying clothes that only whores would wear. A whore who goes to gang parties who were caught in-

“Caught in a compromising position? Underneath a male who had left his wheelchair to shield me from danger?” Mischief raised an eyebrow, putting her glass of juice back down. “You have a lot of nerve coming into my apartment with your lies and accusations. You should be thanking Cobb. It could have been a lot worse, as you said, I could be dead.” Her eyes had narrowed. “As for the party, anyone who was anyone was there, including Evelyn Nesbit who left with a man who wasn’t her husband. Mr. Rockefeller’s nephew made a brief appearance. Besides, it was merely a party, not some family meeting where they handed out guns and assigned roles.” Except it wasn’t merely a party. She was actually enjoying herself with Cobb, and watching Romeo and Timber dance. She could’ve sworn she saw him smile. Even Evelyn Nesbit took part in drinking with her.

It was Timber that she was most worried about. Timber and Cobb. Reds, who claimed to be a flower delivery man assured her that she was okay, as well as Cobb. They were both alive. No one was dead that he knew of. All were accounted for and, for the most part, surviving.

“Do I need to murder Timber?” Mischief had said weakly, an ice pack on her head as she laid forlorn in the hospital room.

“I think she’s gonna go crazy, since Romeo won’t let her leave his sight.” Reds muttered. “Romeo sends his sincere apologies and will pay for your hospital stay. There’s always a cease fire on Christmas. Someone broke the peace.” He placed the flowers by her bed side. “You’re safe, miss. No one will touch you, not as long as you’re—

“Friends with Timber? I ought to murder her myself.”

[blueknivesandyounglives]

the-daily-mischief​:

Mischief remained quiet and pouty. Of course it would be a secret relationship. Perhaps it was a thrill to him, but it was a burden for her. Sneaking around was for children; a pastime that she took part when she was a teenager. It was thrilling, to have Bumlets sneak up the fire escape to see her. Climbing out the windows to sneaking into the flickers with Kid Blink was fun, but they never really watched what was up on the screen. The time it took for her heart to stop beating when she heard her mother’s footsteps creak against the floor as soon as she crawled under quilts and pretended to be fast asleep.

She was an adult now, and such escapades were tiring. “They don’t call me Mischief for giggles.” She remarked with a smirk.

“Headlines are always trying to lure customers in. Newsies make it worse.” She laid her head back into the pillows, feeling a bit at ease at his concern. “What happened to the man who saved me? Cobb? Is he alright?”

Tony sighed, and then shifted back in his seat, free of her hand. Tiring. If only she knew how he was feeling in this moment. Such things were tiring, such as entertaining someone he found to be exhausting. Shame beauty couldn’t fix everything.

“I’m worried for you. That’s all.” He finally replied, and if he was miffed by the change in topic, he didn’t show it. In fact, if she was paying attention, Mischief might have noticed the twitch in his eye. Cobb, was it? Cobb the dead man. Or, at least, he was supposed to be dead.

“I know only that you were found beneath him. I don’t mean that to be rude; he seemed to have attempted to shield you. A valiant effort, for--” At this, Tony stopped himself with an acknowledging lift of his hand. She likely wouldn’t appreciate him degrading her savior. “At any rate, I don’t know. There is very little mention of him at all in the newspapers, or on the street.”

“If it means that much to you, I can have my people attempt to locate him. After all, you will no doubt want to send your thanks.”

[romeofoley]

“If you think I’m going to fake my own death, you are fucking fooling yourself.” Romeo said quietly. The Professor tried to continue the conversation.

“Romeo, if you fake your own death, we can regroup and come back stronger than ever.”

Romeo started to put on some lotion to help the burns on his arms. He didn’t look too bad off from the front, but his back was a mess. Edith did her best to change the bandages, but he wouldn’t let her. It was the grumpiest she had ever seen him. She couldn’t blame him. His Christmas party went off with a bang (too soon) and they were incredibly lucky that they survived it. Yet tucked away in his own fortress, he stewed in anger, growled in pain, and had outrageous demands that could not be met. Not even Reds could calm him down.

“If I fake my own death, I show a weakness. I’m not weak, Professor. The Blue Knife Gang is not weak. We will show them, in the public eye, that we are stronger than them. That we survived the bullshit they called a bomb. We came back, wounded, yes, but not defeated.” He took his cane and stood up shakily. He was weak, physically. He could barely walk and pace his office in thought. The beam from the ceiling fell on his leg as he tried to shield Timber from any physical harm. It would take awhile to heal, but Romeo was impatient. He wanted to kill the bastards who broke the peace treaty. He wanted to watch the blood flow from their veins at his feet and watch as the light slowly went out of their eyes. He would sip his whiskey, delighting in the revenge before his eyes.

The Professor tried to help Romeo to his chair, but Romeo roughly pushed him away. “I need Scout and Dagger to patrol the streets. Make them sing like a bunch of birds. I don’t care how they make them talk.” He limped to his favorite arm chair and sank into it. “If there are any talks about the laundry mat, we will utilize the safe houses for the women and children before we prepare for war.”

[blueknivesandyounglives]

romeofoley​:

Romeo never had to explain himself to Timber. It was incredibly obvious, but Romeo could not remember who had the head injuries. Maybe Cobb did hit his head. It wasn’t Timber, that was sure. “You raise an army of peasants. A loyal group who would sing like canaries when asked any questions. Why, the Blue Knife Gang doesn’t do us any harm? They help us.” He propped his elbow up on the mantle to keep his weight off of his bum leg.

“You have Ethel give us the finances and list of favors. I know Ernie at the Lumber Yard owes us, but we gotta know what we can and can’t do. Set boundaries for them, give them options. Pay some of their rent. Give them some…” He wanted to say ‘company,’ but he wouldn’t want Timber to do that. He would go to the whorehouse. They’d do anything for a nickel. Timber would castrate them.

“Timber,” Romeo gave her a sidelong glance. “Think you could wear a dress for a few weeks?”

Cobb would have been very happy to tell her where to shove it, but not only was he exhausted and in pain, but he was ready for the whole affair to be over. Not to mention he was fairly certain Timber would shoot him in her current state of mind. Business lingered forefront in his mind, and yet...

Well, nobody had told him how Mischief was. He’d all but leapt on her to shield her, and when all was said and done, she was taken away to the hospital. No one had told him what happened after that.

His brow arched. “A list of financials and favors.” He repeated, and began to shift from the room to accomplish his task.

Timber, however, was upset at the notion. She’d known the inquiry was coming; people tended to respond better to a feminine woman, gentle and welcoming. Timber wasn’t any of the above, and yet...well, in the wrapper, she looked like she could very well be one of the sweetest women in New York.

She held out her glass, and for a moment, one of the younger members glanced about, weighing his options. Then, when nobody had moved, she looked to the younger soldier. “Now.”

Jerked into action, he refilled her glass, and Timber downed it in a breath. 

“A few weeks. No more.”

[obediencemay]

“I don’t remember.” Biddy insisted as Grandma May tucked her quilt tightly under her. “One minute I was with Rat and the next, I’m waking up in the hospital with my head hurting.”

It was the truth. She was sipping on wine, talking to Rat, and then she heard a loud bang. The next thing she knew, she was in the hospital room with other women. Her grandmother was changing Juni’s bandages (Grandma May thought the nurses were taking too long) when Biddy tried to open her eyes before bawling. She couldn’t see. She must’ve gone blind. As soon as she was calmed down with a cold cloth on her eyes, she was told what happened, how they found her.

“And Juni?”

“She’s resting, baby.” Grandma May said soothingly. “We’re gonna take you both home to your beds. You’ll be more comfortable there and your Grandma will take good care of you.”

“What about...” But the medicine was kicking in. The pain from her head was morphing into a spiral. She felt dizzy and she still couldn’t see. “What about Rat? Is he okay?” But she never found out the answer. The medicine kicked in and she was fast asleep.

No one ever did tell her about Rat, and every time she started to panic, begging whomever would listen about Rat, they would tell her not to worry and to rest. Then, she’d go to sleep.

Grandma May put a two trays of tea down for both of the girls. “I’ll bring some vegetable soup for you later. Lord knows, you both need your strength.

“God bless my girls, and Jesus, I pray that you both will heal quickly and let my grand baby see again. Amen.” She said before exiting the room.

Biddy tried to wiggle out of the covers but couldn’t. She was tucked in too tightly and with her injuries, moving hurt too much. “Juni, are you okay? What happened? No one will tell me.”

[blueknivesandyounglives]

obediencemay​:

Biddy felt the itchy bandages in her hand and let go quickly. “I’m sorry…” She said quietly, as she felt around to pull the heavy quilt around them. “I…” But she wasn’t sure what she was. She was alive and so was Juni. Yet it wasn’t such a happy occasion. What if Juni could never use her hands again and Biddy could never see? She wouldn’t see the colors of life. She would miss Juni’s dimple when she smiled. She’d miss the way Marvin looked up at her with his bright innocent eyes. She’d miss seeing everything about Rat, but for all she knew, he was as good as dead, along with Strings. Just the mere thought of it made her cry, which caused so much pain that she cried some more.

“Can you say anything, Juni? Elbow me once for yes and twice for no.” She hiccuped as the fear overtook her.

Oh, no. Biddy was crying, and Juni didn’t know what to do. She couldn’t help wipe the tears, couldn’t help change the bandages...could hardly hug her sister, and her heart was breaking. A small sound of dismay escaped her, and she shifted, accidentally jostling Monster.

No, she couldn’t speak. She couldn’t whisper or sing or scream. Whimpering, she shifted, and elbowed Biddy gently, twice in her side. This was likely the best way, at the moment.