...What the Gods Sea...

Son of Cronos, Legacy of Triton, CEO of Scheria Inc.

[dionysxns]

date: a few days after tyler was shot location: tyler’s apartment  closed to @coldbloodedkriller​

( tw needle mention, drug mention )

it was not okay. he was not okay. he’d gotten the call days after the shooting and he’d been so certain that he felt his own heart actually sink into the ground, and he’d all but practically jumped out of his bed and ran to tyler’s place without thinking, bypassing the doorman he usually liked to chat with and running straight up to the right floor. 

(to think that the commissioner had been shot only days before and now this, his mind was rushing and he didn’t even know what he was supposed to do and god, he wished he could just sit at home and shoot something down his vein –) 

he shook the thoughts away as he arrived at the familiar door, and he gave it a few quick knocks, then some more when it wasn’t answered right away. only when it opened (finally!), vincent let out a frustrated sigh. “you - why didn’t you call me? i mean what the fuck –” 

[coldbloodedkriller]

Before leaving the hospital his acting physician had pulled him aside and told him to ‘take it easy’…Of course, he knew to ‘take it easy’! Rest was a critical component of proper healing, he went to med school and graduated top of his class, this was basic knowledge that any decently smart individual would know. Is that what he was doing, not exactly. He had forced himself to stay at home and prop himself up on the couch, but there was a company to run, and it would be entirely unfair to place that much burden on Vin to handle alone.

When he heard the knock at the door he simply rolled his eyes, assuming it was some personal assistant of another executive who had heard the news and wanted to ‘make sure he was okay’. But it was insistent, and as it grew more frantic he huffed and hobbled towards the door throwing it open with a scowl, “You’re giving me a headache, why the hell does the doorman keep letting you all up here-“ He blinked and cocked his head to the side, “Vincent? Oh-Well, I didn’t want to-Calm down- Please, come in.” Vin had no time to reply as Tyler ushered him into the condo and shut the door behind him. “I didn’t call anyone, kiddo. Didn’t think it was necessary.” He slowly lowered himself back onto the couch with a heavy sigh, “But, reflecting on that decision perhaps it was a mistake. Though, I did want to avoid this- Your panic that is, you don’t need that added stress.”

[coldbloodedkriller]

goldenaphrodite‌:

coldbloodedkriller‌:

“If I answer that, would it get you to stay with me a little longer?” Marquis said with a soft chuckle as he leaned into the kiss. The head dancer hummed, his hips rolling against Tyler’s carefully, keeping their bodies against each other. With that arm wrapped around his waist, there was no reason for him to pull away. Not yet. “I think…we can find payment in other ways, wouldn’t you agree?” he hummed, nipping at Tyler’s ear carefully as he gently guided the other to sit in one of the plush couches. He always did love giving a proper show when his clients were seated. “Seems like you seem happy enough with me giving you all my attention,” Marquis teased, feeling the other’s grip tightening around his waist.

The dancer continued rolling his body, his bare chest brushing up against the other man’s clothes. “You know you can touch me. I’ll make an exception for you, but only because you’ll let me bite. Hard,” Marquis breathed lowly, his lips only brushing over Tyler’s skin. “And don’t think you can compare yourself to my clients. No, you’re something more special. And I want it all to myself,” he rumbled, reaching up to run a hand carefully through the other man’s hair. 

A happy hum escaped his lips when Marquis’ fingers slid through his hair, the tension of that days work sliding off his shoulders with every soft touch. His hands moved up the other’s chest and stopped to cup his cheeks before pulling Marquis in closer so he could pepper the man’s face with kisses. “You should get back to work, you know where I keep the spare key and you can come and join me later tonight. I’ll leave dinner out and prep the shower so I expect you to be clean and fed before crawling into my bed.”

He could feel the jealous stares of angry patrons burning holes in the back of his head, and while he was more than happy to flaunt his passion towards Marquis it wasn't welcome in this setting. His grin slowly fell as he scanned the club, his gaze catching the eyes of others who cursed him out under their breath. When his attention fell back on the man in front of him he forced a well-practiced smile and dropped his hands to his lap. "It's time for me to go," He attempted to wiggle out from underneath Marquis's weight. 

[zeusluli]

When: After Tyler’s shooting Where: Mt. Sinai hospital Status: closed for @coldbloodedkriller​

Luli hadn’t expected to get the phone call so late at night, but as soon as she saw the caller ID, she panicked. Her panic was only proven correct when the nurse told her what happened, but Luli remembers most the mechanical movements she frantically was pushing herself through. Your fault, your fault, your fault, her mind chanted as she grabbed her coat and stormed out the door of her building into the car parked waiting for her. 

There was no time to get a card, flowers, even booze. All Luli could do was show up with herself, whatever that was worth. As the nurses directed her to the room, she found Tyler in the bed, relieved he was at least stable. A million questions fluttered through her mind as she stepped in, and she wanted nothing more than to let her anger at the person who did this to Tyler to consume her. Anger was easier than fear.

“Tyler?” She whispered, moving towards the edge of the bed where he was. “I came as soon as I got the call.” 

[coldbloodedkriller]

They had him on a lot, though that was entirely his fault. Having a PhD in medicine generally gave an individual quite an expanse of medical knowledge, he should have known not to stick nasty fingers into a flesh wound, he should have also known to suck up the fear and sit still when the nurses were administering local anesthetic. Poor choices led to undesirable outcomes and he spent most of his day in and out of less than lucid conciseness. Now he was just groggy and keeping his eyes shut to feign off the rolling waves of nausea.

He didn’t move to turn towards the door when he heard someone shuffle in, assuming it was one of the night staff double checking his vitals. It was the soft, hesitant call of his name that made his eyes flutter open despite the vertigo. He propped himself up, a bit too quickly, but the worry that set in the back of his throat masked the pull of the stitches. “Lulu?” He was surprised to say the least, after their squabble at the ball he assumed Luli would have liked nothing more than to see him suffering alone- who had even contacted her? Oh, shit, “I’m sorry.” He rolled his eyes and sighed “I completely forgot that you were still on my emergency contact list. I’ll take you off, I know you’re busy.” Despite his words he slowly stretched his hand out for her to take, and quietly spoke into the darkness “Thank you for coming, I was scared.”

[goldenaphrodite]

time: September 25th place: Asphodel status: closed: @coldbloodedkriller​

The thumping bass, the smell of smoke and sweat, the ragged noises that filled the club… it was an all too familiar feeling for the man. Marquis’ body rolled against the pole, his hands roaming over his body as he held the center stage with three other dancers. But he knew the eyes were on him. They always were. The way his hips shifted to the music, the way his eyes scanned over the darkened room as his head rolled back out of pleasure. There was something about it all that made him feel so… alive. Of course, it was all just a job for him, some means for him to just get more money, but the dancer really knew how to hold his audience captivated. As the music cued the dancers to engage with the audience, Marquis teased every inch of his body off the stage, strolling past the club patrons. 

Some he flirted with, gently tugging on their hair or leaning in to breathe at their necks. Others he rubbed himself up against, his hips the driving force between them. But the instant he saw the other, Marquis’ eyes locked with him. For him, he would put on all the stops. He knew all the important patrons by heart. All the top clients that required some… expertise to handle. Of course, he wasn’t an acting escort for the night, but Marquis made sure to keep his clients consistent. They liked him to keep him around, and he had a long enough relationship with them to trust that they wouldn’t try anything underhanded with him. This one, though, wasn’t just a client. A friend, back when Olympus was still… in Marquis’ eyes.

Strolling up to him, the dancer wrapped his arms around the other’s neck, leaning in close so that the glistening sheen from the sweat on his shirtless body was almost brushing up against him. “Fancy seeing you here. Enjoying the show?” he whispered darkly into his ear, before nipping at it carefully. “I was thinking how good your hands would feel on me when I was dancing on stage.”

[coldbloodedkriller]

He swore his work never ended, even on a Friday night when the rest of the hotshot CEO’s were out drowning their stress in copious amounts of alcohol he was dealing with the finances of a club that he didn’t even own. He had left the office at five but the hours kept ticking by as he sifted through mountains of unorganized paper work. He wouldn’t blame Asphodel, dealing with an underground drug market was like learning a whole different language and it was probably better that he took the reigns for the moment to avoid Samael finding themselves in a shallow grave filled with fraud- but perhaps that was just his bleeding heart talking. His insistent need to be the support system his siblings lost after Harvey’s death clouding his judgment and his sense of self preservation- Ah, but it didn’t matter. He was finished. Six hours later he exited the series of backrooms on to the crowded dance floor- with perfect timing since his eyes had begun to ache from the strain and his train of thought swam in so many circles he had become nauseous- he was surprised by the amount of people that crowded around the stage eyeing the dancers, though he was rarely around so late so he assumed this was normal business for the club. Good for them.

He had just been psyching himself up to squeeze through the crowd in search of Samael to give his goodbyes when his sweeping gaze locked eyes with the most gorgeous man he had ever seen- and god did he never get tired of looking at him. Every atom in his body jolted to life at the feeling of Marquis pressed against his skin, “Oh, were you now?” It was quick but he pressed a soft kiss to the man’s cheek “Odd since you just saw me- Or are you always thinking about me touching you?” An arm snaked around Marquis’ waist and pulled the man closer, “Do you use that line on all your clients? I bet they just eat it up- speaking of which, shouldn’t you be spending your time with someone who’ll actually pay?” Despite the question Tyler’s grip tightened on the man indicating he wasn’t willing to let go anytime soon.

[coldbloodedkriller]

Location: Labyrinth 

Status: Open to All

TW: Blood, Slight Body Horror, Gun Wound

Tyler hated guns.

They incited violence when placed in the wrong hands, and they were rarely ever found in the right ones. He understood their importance, especially in the current state of paranoia and panic but he had always thought there were better more productive ways to bring fear to one's enemies. Blackmail seemed to work perfectly well for him, and the scandal always hit a moving target. If it wasn’t for his Pa yanking him by the back of his head and forcing a gun into his tiny trembling hands he wouldn’t even know how to begin to use the weapon. Perhaps it was just the last bit of adrenaline from the night of the ball that made Tyler assume the members were becoming a little too trigger happy- or it was the fact that he had a gaping hole in his side from being pierced by a stray bullet.

He assumed it was- because it must have been, there was absolutely no possibility that family trained by his father would mistake him for an enemy- a newbie who didn’t recognize his face and mistook him for trespassing over territorial lines. Tyler heard the first shot ring out and perked up, it was followed by a string of consecutive firing as he ran towards one of the entrances to the labyrinth. Fire consumed his abdomen as he slammed his hand into a concrete wall attempting to support himself before doubling over in pain. He had been shot before and saw enough members writhing in pain to determine that the bullet had entered his torso and lodged itself into some sort of tissue. This was going to be a pain in the ass to get out.

He swore it took him half an hour to crawl to a ledge where he could successfully prop himself up and dig a finger into his side searching for the bullet. It was a failed endeavor and he pulled back retching. Through a pained haze, he recognized the echo of footsteps and despite the lack of better judgement he sucked in a deep breath and called out, “Can you- Uh, Help?”

[saintarielle]

@coldbloodedkriller   // FOUNDER’S BALL

melodi wished she was on a job.

well, that wasn’t entirely true; she could appreciate a fancy gala on its own merits and was always willing to watch the intricacies of family drama play out. but the sheer possibility of the night was being wasted, namely the fact that she was inside olympus’s stronghold…with no impetus to sneak around. if only one of the other major players had shown some initiative and hired her. how disappointing.

she traced the rim of her champagne glass delicately, nodding vacantly along to whatever inane thing the wife (mistress?) of a major finance executive had been prattling on about. melodi was the image of perfect attention, though she couldn’t help but notice the woman had left her phone on the cocktail table in favor of the drink in her hand. maybe she could stand to misplace it for an hour? but before she could turn to petty theft, melodi spotted an infinitely more lucrative source of amusement. 

“tyler!” she greeted, bell-bright. “how lovely to see you. i don’t suppose you’re aware if any of your…family intends on livening up the evening? not that this party isn’t lovely. and not that would be an inherently good thing.” she sipped her champagne, inclined her head slightly. “but your whole lot seems a bit on edge, even for a gala this stuffy.”

[coldbloodedkriller]

He had finally caught the waiter serving appetizers and helped himself to a mouth full of dirt cheap caviar and cheese that reeked of old socks. It was- well it wasn’t good, but it acted as an excuse to get out of unwarranted conversations so he choked back his need to gag and instead scrunched up his nose in distaste. While debating whether to swallow what might give him a nasty case of food poisoning his gaze landed on the woman who was approaching him like a guided missile. He recognized that devilish gleam in her eyes, she was looking for trouble, and he was going to have a long night.

He tried to motion to his full mouth, hoping that Melodi would have the decency to recognize he was in no position to answer her barrage of questions, yet, she kept talking. And he breathed an exhausted sigh through his nose. It took everything in him to swallow the food and he visibly recoiled after the hurdle was jumped, “If I’ve said it one time then I’ve said it a hundred more, I don’t keep tabs on my siblings Mel.” That was a lie, but he truly didn’t know of any ‘exciting’ plans that were going to be partaken in this gala, and if he was being honest he hoped the night would continue to be stuffy and uneventful. The last thing he needed was to increase PR because someone got shot. “I understand you have an insatiable need to be continuously amused but I’m sure you know more about the politics of Olympus then I do.”

[hypnoidize]

coldbloodedkriller‌:

Location: Founder’s Ball

Availability: @hypnoidize

The ball was just as terrible as he thought it was going to be, he almost regretted coming but knew it would be a shameful act to leave his assistant to tend the floor of hungry distributors looking for a quick bite, alone. It may have also looked a bit disgraceful on his part if Harvey’s son failed to show up to the party thrown in his name, but Harvey was dead, so who did it really matter to?

Tyler was tired of avoiding scornful glances shot his way by members of his sister’s little gang, did they forget that they too once wanted to grovel at his feet? What of the hours he put in cleaning up sloppy messes and the hands he held through the pain and suffering of loss, did it mean nothing?- But none of it truly mattered anymore, they were just painful feelings that clogged up the pipes of the transaction that his relationship with Olympus currently was. He needed the company of someone who wasn’t apart of that mess.

It took a bit of wandering, maneuvering through the gaps of the crowd, getting farther and farther away from the safety of the corner he had previously shoved himself in. Then, like a beam of angelic light sent down as a gracious gift by his Pa he spotted him, Cleo. Their initial meeting was awkward, to say the least, if Tyler had read it correctly- after the fact-he was rather sure that Cleo was targeting him as a suspected client. It still makes him cringe thinking about his response to Cleo’s first hello, ‘You’re a child?’ Their current relationship was equally as odd, he wasn’t able to read the man as easily as others but he assumed they were close enough friends that he could be tactile at a high-end party surrounded by millionaires who were constantly judging each and every one of their actions. (Bold, yet desperate, move.)

He sauntered up behind the man, wrapping his arms around the other’s shoulders and spinning them to face him, “I’ll pay you to get me absolutely wasted.” He winked.

he’s long since buried whatever enthusiasm there was to galas and balls like this - too many years, too many people, and hardly enough drinks. 

a liar, he is - god knows he’s always loved the eyes on him, the suits and the ties that unraveled by the end of the night, how he looks bathed underneath chandelier lights - 

second nature, then. places like this was where he thrives best, next to the bedsheets of some penthouse suite. they tend to go hand in hand anyways. 

the familiar face is a touch of surprise in the crowd of people he could care less about, eyebrows and corners of lips quirking to betray his steady smile for the night. 

( unusual, he’d say. he’s hardly friends with the man, but he greets him warmly, all hands to shoulders and half-smiles. second nature, still, to react to strangers as if he holds a secret of theirs in between his teeth. he does too good of a job at it and he figures he’s just been working too much again. ) 

“pay me? darling, my paid services usually consist of other activities - getting one wasted is part of the package deal.” he tilts his head to look at his, doesn’t look as he picks up wine glasses from a passing waiter before handing one to tyler. 

“full deal tonight? or are you content with just the wine?” he takes a long sip, already aware of the man’s answer. “what’s the special occasion, love? i can hardly imagine you’d be in the mood for getting drunk merely at the sight of me across the ballroom, dear.” 

[coldbloodedkriller]

Tyler gladly took the glass of wine and tilted his head in a gracious nod towards both Cleo and the waiter. He took a slow sip, enjoying the sweet flavor that danced across his tongue, alcohol always tasted better when shared with someone that mattered. Belatedy, he rolled his eyes at the quip and gave the man a small smile, genuine compared to those casted at strangers during passing. He had visibly relaxed in Cleo’s presence, something about the younger man made him feel as though there was an unpiercable barrier between them and the cruel judgment of the outside world. “My original answer still stands smartass, you’re a child and I refuse to take advantage of that fact. I’m a friend Cleo, and that is all I’ll ever be.” There was finality in the statement, a promise without the promise, Tyler swore he would never see the other man as simply an object for fleeting pleasure. No respectable being should be put through that humiliation. “Though, if a full payment will put you in my spare bedroom for the night instead of roaming the sheets I’ll be glad to give it to you- Cleo, I would pay for you to live safely, you just have to give me the word.”

He swirled the red liquid in the cup- the sudden movement threatening it to splash over the sides- and tipped his head back gulping the wine down in one swig. “I’m tired of the light, and sick of my family. But, I have yet to find a particularly convincing reason to leave this place. You’re the personification of spontinuety so I assumed you could help me out, and perhaps get me drunk enough that I forget I live on this plane of existence.”

[coldbloodedkriller]

zeusluli‌:

coldbloodedkriller‌:

“And you think I wouldn’t be the first to know?” She spat out, hating that she was only holding back because of what everyone else would think to see the King of Olympus feeling so small. “All that about wanting to be the best big brother, all those promises you made to me, was that also fake? You think my heart hasn’t been broken because of you?” She scrunched her face up in anger, genuine hurt in her eyes before blinking it away. Instead, her shoulders fell as she looked away, gazing at the party goers attention everywhere but on her. 

“Actually,” she ignored his question, turning back to look at him. “You’re right, we’re not doing this. I wanted you here, I’m trying here but you’re still upset.” She swallowed a gulp of her champagne, red lips pursed tightly together. “I’m filling my time by cleaning up messes, and what are you doing? Onto your next addict fling? Gonna make something extra strong for them so they’ll stick around this time?” She was angry at that too, it seemed that was the only attainable thing she could hold onto since Harvey died. Just anger and resentment. Where did her love go?

Sighing softly, Luli shook her head. “I don’t know how many times I can say sorry anymore,” she let out a laugh that sounded like it hurt her. “But I am, again. I didn’t invite you to antagonize you.” While Samael was good with passive aggression, something Luli thought was easier to deal with, Tyler was quick to make sure Luli knew what he was feeling, at any time. He was the only one in her life to validate her sensitivity, even if by the time he experienced it, it had been fading. Now here they were, venom on their tongues and legacies long forgotten. “I thought I was being foolish asking my big brother to come, perhaps I was.”

He had felt this before, the anger and pain that slowly boiled up and threatened to spill out from his throat. The electricity that burned at his fingertips that begged to control frantic movements until he exploded. The pounding of his heart in his ears that mimicked his angry and desperate screams- for all of that to stop and his whole body to go numb. His eyes paled, his grimace fell, his body beginning to work on autopilot trying to suck in all of the unacceptable emotions. It was unlikely that Luli hadn’t seen this before, long ago when they were children, it was Tyler’s defense mechanism used to handle Harvey’s insistent berating. If it wasn’t for the sigh that escaped his lips after every dagger that was thrown at him he wouldn’t seem alive, the cold dead look of his body mimicking that of their father’s corpse.

“Luli,” it was deep and monotone “I have done everything for you. I needed separation and yet I stayed in this game to provide for both you and Samael. I have not once said I never hurt you, but you use that pain to pretend that you have not become the villain within my story. We are not related by blood, we were related by bond but you have done nothing to fix what has been broken. You may believe that inviting me to this gala was an olive branch but it was not and it never would be. Look around and tell me that your people’s eyes do not bore into the back of my skull silently punishing me for leaving. All this is a reminder that to them and you, I am regarded as a mistake.” He moved to tuck Luli’s hair behind her ear “Lulu, your big brother is dead.”

[diivinehope]

LOCATION: founder’s ball AVAILABILITY: @coldbloodedkriller

it’s a joke. it’s a fucking farce. but then again, every event in new york city usually is exclusively fitted for the pretentious assholes. hope knows it. hope grew up in that faux world. those were the golden years, the golden dreams. yet she doesn’t miss the times that went by too quickly. if anything, perhaps her experience can come in handy. not that she cares enough to play by all the socially accepted rules. 

she does have a dress on her, she did her best to at least look presentable, but pretty smiles and kind words have never been her specialty. perhaps she was simply born rude, she crawled out of her mother’s womb with a wicked grin and her tiny hands clenched into  shaking fists ; she’s always been ready for a fight. 

but the easiest way to swallow all the bullshit down is with the help of some alcohol. no, scratch that. lots and lots of alcohol. if she could, she would fill up a swimming pool with whiskey and vodka. but she unfortunately can’t, so she settles for crystal glasses. but among all those people, it’s hard to move, it’s hard to walk and drink simultaneously, and hope has yet to master that extra skill. so in a matter of only a few seconds, she ends up spilling half of her drink on another guest.  “what the fuck, dude? what the fuck? watch where you’re going!  ” it’s clearly her fault, but all hope can see is that her glass is half empty. that cannot be forgiven. 

[coldbloodedkriller]

He had excused himself from a wickedly interesting conversation with the CEO of a large communications company, he could never understand why people became so loose-lipped when they were drunk especially around competitors who wanted to see their head served on a silver platter. This man had been having an affair with his personal assistant, a twenty-three-year-old college graduate with a pearly white smile and scheming eyes. Tyler had met the kid before and couldn’t help but admit the boy was good looking and he hoped the kid was smart enough to snatch up some money after the scandal inevitably leaked. It was only a matter of time before the blabbermouth was caught by the media and his world lights up in flame but Tyler was happy to be entertained by the gossip in the meantime.

He attempted the place himself in a corner where the noise of the surrounding partygoers was swallowed by the fancy drapes and walls and unlocked his phone with a sharp “This is Mr. Johnson, speak quickly, I have business to attend to” The call was anything but quick, the caller having ducked, hid, and avoided the problem till Tyler was forced to snap them into place. It was a nervous ramble but he could discern that a company was threatening to pull out their funding on his latest project, “Relay this message, If they pull they’ll see their trade income plummet to near zero. Someone needs to be reminded that without me they’d have no company. Goodnight.” With a swipe of his thumb, he ended the call and shoved the phone back into his pocket exceptionally pissed off. The feeling of lukewarm alcohol that ran down his back made his skin crawl and he had to bite hard on his tongue not to turn around and start screaming.

“Excuse you?” He faced the woman and stood tall, “You better realize who you’re speaking to. This suit costs more than you’ll ever be worth and if I wasn’t such a kind and generous man I would cut Luli off from my supplies because of people like you. You wouldn’t be recognizable once she was done with you.”

[wiingscfwax]

date: 22nd September location: founder’s ball status: @coldbloodedkriller

As it tended to do with events like these, the thrill of being dressed up fancy grew stale after a little while. Instead, she was becoming reminded of how she didn’t fit in here among those who’d mostly been born into this wealth. Not to say she wasn’t enjoying the food and drinks being walked around by waiters, or the chance to swindle a couple of customers out of a bit of extra money (for the “extra risk” of bringing the goods in). Besides, wishing for something to happen was like inviting trouble. Bex wasn’t that reckless.

Heading over to the bar, she found herself beside a familiar face. “Tyler! Hey,” she said, nodding up at him. “You gonna buy me a drink?” It was cheeky, but she assumed Tyler would know she didn’t mean anything by it. 

[coldbloodedkriller]

He had seen her from afar bouncing around a bubbly little ball of energy and had noticed that particular look on her face. She was selling. At a formal event. It shouldn’t have bothered him since the increase in sells benefited him in the long run, especially since Bex was targeting spoiled rich kids. If Tyler had learned anything from boujeeing around with the rich was that they yearned to be addicted, it happened to be a great conversation starter. But that didn’t stop the pit of worry from swelling in his stomach and he took one last swig of his vodka ginger before placing it down on the table with a heavy clunk, that was enough alcohol for tonight.

“Hello, Trouble.” He regarded her with a smile and a pinch of the cheek purposely treating her like a baby. “You haven’t had enough for tonight? I saw you with a couple of men getting a bit cocky now, aren’t you? You may be good Rebecca but you sure as hell aren’t careful.” He signaled to the bartender and slid his card across the bar, “Whatever the lady wants, but put it in a sippy cup. She tends to spill.”

[coldbloodedkriller]

Location: Founder’s Ball

Status: Closed for @bentbrokenbullets

He had excused himself from the festivities, escaping into the cool night air to shed the heat of disapproving stares that weighed heavily on his back. He fished a cigarette out of his back pocket and lit it with a nimble flick, the comforting taste of nicotine rolling off his tongue as he breathed out a heavy sigh. He sat on an ordainment stone bench engraved with the names of donators, and for a brief second, he wondered if his Pa’s name was among them but a deep chill ran through his body jolting his attention away. He faced away from the ball, his gaze drawn to the delicately placed flowers that hid the rough exterior of the city, yet, he could still feel the heavy hands of past friends who tugged and pulled at his insecurities. He rubbed desperately at his face as if the friction could wash away years of built trauma and ran his hand through strands of hairsprayed hair. The sound of soft footsteps had him turning his head in anticipation of a barrage of unfamiliar faces asking for things he couldn’t give, but instead, he was met with a beautiful sight, one that slowly released the pressure on his chest.

“Hellllooooo, gorgeous.”

The first time he had met Kel was during the transferring of names, he disapproved of the fast pace movement brought on by his Pa. For god's sake, there were more appropriate times to commence initiation than at his father’s funeral. Tyler could clearly remember placing a gentle hand on the man’s back trying to offer the condolences his family failed to give, though he wasn’t sure if Kel remembered it the same way. Their number of meetings increased over the years as Tyler desperately tried to become a bridge between Kel and the confusing life of the mafia though they had fallen out of touch after Raf’s death, it was only recently that he had shown up at Kel’s shop offering a basket of baked goods as an apology gift. Despite their separation, Tyler still took comfort in the man’s presence. “Don’t you look just ravishing- Trying to escape the madness?” He nodded towards the crowded building with an uneasy smile.

[hugoahn-deactivated20210315]

an interaction for @coldbloodedkriller at the Founder’s Ball

The truth of the matter is this: Halim had been in this game a while and yet, compared to so many of the others that milled about, bumping elbows and trading smiles like they were secrets, he was almost painfully new to it all. So new, in fact, that it was likely the new car smell hadn’t fully gone away when he split from the golden land. But now, now that the rumblings of war had made themselves at home in Hamil’s stomach and he felt like he had aged years.

Of course, when it came to the experienced and the familiar, those that knew these situations better than anyone, there was something calm about a man who cared so very little about it all. That is not to say a heavy core of dread didn’t live inside Hamil when Tyler got close, no. But it was a different fear, one distinct from the worry of termination.

But Hamil was’t a fool, and as he moved to brush past the man in question, he planned to mutter a quick “Excuse me, sir,” not daring to make eye-contact. Or at least he would have, if he hadn’t tripped, spilling his drink on Tyler’s suit.

“Shit,” Halim swore. “I am so sorry,” he began, scrambling to find something, anything to clean the mess up with. “I…” He trailed off, knowing better than to promise anything. “I’m sorry,” he reiterated. “Don’t kill me. I doubt you’d want to get on the bad side of your sibling.” Despite the firm words, his voiced raised the statement into a question.

[coldbloodedkriller]

Tyler had spent long enough lounging amongst the crowd that his initial nerves had gone numb. It was either that or the immense amount of alcohol he had consumed in an attempt to drown his feelings. He liked to believe it was the former, for if his drinking got out of hand he’d have to deal with Vin’s wrath (and disappointment) in the morning. Standing among a crowd of people he pretended to listen to their trifle stories of soccer mom encounters and terrible hookups offering a nod of encouragement each time a nervous glance was passed towards him. He knew they were only looking to see if they shared similarities with someone of his standing, hoping desperately to hear him say ‘Oh, I do that’, he doesn’t do that.

A small voice coming from behind him piqued his curiosity and he turned to face it, doing so caused a glass of wine to splash across his thousand-dollar suit. His mind replayed the events in slow motion; the panicked look on the other man’s face as he tripped, Tyler ultimately failing to steady him, and then the audible gasp as the dark red liquid stained the pristine white coat. “Oh gods…” he breathed a sigh as lukewarm liquid dripped down the leg of his pants onto the floor. A shiver ran up his pants as he tried not to gag.

“I am so sorry- Why are you sorry? No, no, it was my fault- I’m sorry.” He took the man’s hands in his own to stop the panicked movements and took a deep breath in, urging him to do the same. During the inhale he choked on air at the odd accusation thrown his way, “Why would I kill you?- Are you alright?”

[narcissuslies]

LOCATION: founder’s ball AVAILABILITY: closed @coldbloodedkriller

“A pretty little bird told me you have a yacht,” Rhys said, eyes shining. He offered one of the two champagne flutes in his hand to the CEO, his networking cap on tight. He always wanted a yacht, an all the other shallow signs of wealth the world had to offer him. “Are the rumors true? Because if that’s the case, I want to know why the hell we’re here instead of partying on the water.” There was, admittedly, a lot to admire about Tyler. Most of those things Rhys cared about had dollar signs in front of them. “I keep telling Luli she should expand the hotel to a cruise line — they say that’s where the real money is. Though they also say that out of Harvey’s Big Three, you’re the money-making expert. I’d love to hear your take on this.”

[coldbloodedkriller]

His graduate level business courses never prepared him for this aspect of becoming a CEO. What was the correct response to being asked about his yacht? Should he gloat about his material expenses or be humble and connect his success to hard work and preservation?

“You’re thinking of the company yacht, which is more like a small cruise liner.” He gladly took the champagne with a small smile and a nod towards Rhys direction. “My yacht is much more on the...compact side. It couldn’t hold some of the large personalities in this room, but, if you’re looking to sail on the ocean I wouldn’t mind taking you on a trip. For a price.” The buzz of the alcohol made his last sentence come out sly, easily alluding to an alternative motive. “Oh what I’d give to have a man of your prowess under my wing. Why don’t you give Luli one last piece of advice, that the money is in theme parks, and then you come be loyal to me?” He winked, knowing full well that it would take much more to get the man to abandon his post.

[coldbloodedkriller]

zeusluli‌:

coldbloodedkriller‌:

Tyler was a threat but not in the way Samael is. Tyler actually knew what he was doing, was born and bred for a throne that was just too out of reach. Luli wondered at times if Harvey did this on purpose, or did he not expect the three of them to actually grow to care for each other? Did it matter that he manipulated all three of them in his own special way, or were the grievances of their recent past far too dire to focus on how unusual their childhood was? But what could she do, she still cared for them.

And curse her for it, Victoria must’ve thought it would be easier to nix them both all together. But if there was going to be a fractured power vacuum, Luli would rather actually know her opponents rather than take a chance on trying to beat anyone else. But that wasn’t what really was going on, the three of them knew it didn’t they? They could’ve easily overpowered Luli, and yet they… left. She was still trying to figure out which one hurt more as Tyler threw daggers into her with his words. She should’ve thrown the drink in his face, but that would be too interesting for tonight “And I see you’re still not. How long as it been again? I’ve always wanted to be an aunt, you know.” She remarked, a dazzling smile etched permanently on her face. Pa’s Olympus, fuck you. Of course she didn’t say it aloud, but she instead waved off his question. “Olympus is doing well, but business talk on a weekend is boring. Wouldn’t you agree?” She paused, glancing down at her flute. “How are you?”

He puffed out a sharp laugh that mimicked the ferocity of a growl. How could he have forgotten Luli’s uncanny ability to poke at people’s hidden insecurities, though he supposed it wasn’t quite hidden, he had confided in his sister on many past occasions regarding his selfish wants to settle down and start a family despite the needs of their father. “Both you and I know that won’t be happening anytime soon. Love is a bit hard to traverse after you’ve been heartbroken by the person most important to you.”

He knew that smile, it was one that Harvey had taught all of them to plaster on when their emotions threatened to consume their actions. His inner celebration was cut short as the searing sting of guilt clawed at the back of his throat, he needed to real himself back and act at least decently civil.

“I’m not doing-“ He cut himself short, swallowed the pain, and shut his eyes tightly before smiling softly past her. “I’m fine.” This was Luli but it wasn’t his sister. He had perfected the facade to trick the competitors, and now those ‘others’ had to include her. “And how are you? What new thing have you found to fill up your free time?” Gods, this felt fake.

[coldbloodedkriller]

Location: Founder’s Ball

Availability: @hypnoidize

The ball was just as terrible as he thought it was going to be, he almost regretted coming but knew it would be a shameful act to leave his assistant to tend the floor of hungry distributors looking for a quick bite, alone. It may have also looked a bit disgraceful on his part if Harvey’s son failed to show up to the party thrown in his name, but Harvey was dead, so who did it really matter to?

Tyler was tired of avoiding scornful glances shot his way by members of his sister’s little gang, did they forget that they too once wanted to grovel at his feet? What of the hours he put in cleaning up sloppy messes and the hands he held through the pain and suffering of loss, did it mean nothing?- But none of it truly mattered anymore, they were just painful feelings that clogged up the pipes of the transaction that his relationship with Olympus currently was. He needed the company of someone who wasn’t apart of that mess.

It took a bit of wandering, maneuvering through the gaps of the crowd, getting farther and farther away from the safety of the corner he had previously shoved himself in. Then, like a beam of angelic light sent down as a gracious gift by his Pa he spotted him, Cleo. Their initial meeting was awkward, to say the least, if Tyler had read it correctly- after the fact-he was rather sure that Cleo was targeting him as a suspected client. It still makes him cringe thinking about his response to Cleo’s first hello, ‘You’re a child?’ Their current relationship was equally as odd, he wasn’t able to read the man as easily as others but he assumed they were close enough friends that he could be tactile at a high-end party surrounded by millionaires who were constantly judging each and every one of their actions. (Bold, yet desperate, move.)

He sauntered up behind the man, wrapping his arms around the other’s shoulders and spinning them to face him, “I’ll pay you to get me absolutely wasted.” He winked.

[zeusluli]

date: september 22nd location: founder’s ball status: open

There was a hum in the air, the city electrified with what was to come. Luli, in all her glory, stepping into the place of a ghost and demanding to be taken just as seriously. Perhaps that was what led her to inviting just about the entire damn city, the press clamoring for a glimpse into tonight’s festivities. Victoria was right, there was no room to fuck up and she had no intention to.

Would Harvey be proud? Did it matter now? She wasn’t sure. What did matter was that she appeared calm, at ease. That’s what led her onto the floor in the center of the ball, her gown just barely touching the floor. A king above it all with her head held high and her smile pressed on. “How nice of you to join us,” she greeted the unsuspecting guest, an extra champagne flute in her extended hand. “I was hoping to see you here.”

[coldbloodedkriller]

The floor held memories, hauntings of the past when everyone desperately pretended to be a family clinging to a dream that was doomed to shatter beneath them. It left a bitter taste in his mouth, one that wouldn’t wash out no matter how many glasses of expensive champagne he tried to drown himself in. What would his Pa say seeing him in such a miserable state? A cold, dead hand pressed firmly against his back as venom seeped into his ears, ‘This is what you get for loving too hard.’

He hoped the echoes of failure would cease to chase him as he bounced from person to person greeting old clients and reminiscing about deals. Competence, that’s what he had to show that’s what he was good for, competence.

He could feel her presence, it filled the room much like their father’s but he responded to the sound of her voice, turning slowly on his heels to face her with an icy smile. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” He didn’t need to be invited, he was Harvey’s son, he was going to show up. “You can drop the niceties Luli-“ He took the flute, tipping his head back and drinking it in one extended gulp. “I see you’re still married, that’s a surprise. I’m happy for you- How’s Pa’s Olympus?” With a sly smile, he struck twice to the heart, his words like poisoned daggers.

[dionysxns]

date & time: september 22nd location: founder’s ball status: open

“- yessir, i’ll get to it as soon as i’m allowed to leave this thing. you have a good night, too.” 

he once again thanked the gods for creating cordless earphones as he hung up the call, and finally managed to lift his eyes from his phone to take a quick glance around the room. having been around this particular crowd for a few years now, he was more than familiar with what went on at these founder’s balls. what he never quite understood was why they made such a big fuss about cronus - rest his soul - though he supposed that was only because he’d never met the man himself.

sipping at his cranberry juice, vincent turned his eyes towards a figure closeby, letting out a small laugh when he realized who it was.

“well, don’t you look unusually nice today,” he quipped, “though i hope you didn’t buy that for just for this thing. nothing much ever happens around here.” 

[coldbloodedkriller]

Tyler had been running late, there was always something that needed to be tended to within the office when he had an important meeting to attend. He’d attempt to pass off his absence as a purposeful act, perhaps a show of power, not willing to admit he was terrible with time management. He met people’s glances with a smile and a heavy sigh as he shuffled through the crowd attempting to make a b-line for the table lined with fancy drinks. He knew there was no way he was getting through this event without being a slight bit buzzed, he and his siblings within the same vicinity was bound to cause some sort of nightmare.

He was stopped by a familiar voice and turned slowly with a raised eyebrow, “Such a bold statement, I sure hope you aren’t talking about me.” Although his face held a firm frown his eyes gave away a smile at the sight of Vin. He reached up and ruffled the kid's hair, purposely messing up the time and effort he put into it, in retaliation.

“Now don’t say that I was sure I taught you better. Take a look around Vin, feel the tension within the air, this room is lined with people waiting for the off chance to explode. We best be careful.” His finishing line came with a rolling of eyes an indication of the annoyance he felt regarding the war.

“I appreciate you holding down the fort while I was away, I hope you’ve been allowing yourself to have at least a little bit of fun?”