Strong as Steel.

Mars Gaffney. 50 years old. He/Him. Architect and regional manager (Brotherhood).

[designedonchaos]

M A R S H A L L “MARS” G A F F N E Y 

— BASICS

Name: Marshall “Mars” Gaffney Age / D.O.B.: 50, February 28, 1973 Gender, Pronouns & Sexuality: Cis man, he/him, Questioning Hometown: London, England Affiliation: Brotherhood Job position: West Manhattan Regional Manager of Brotherhood Education: Masters in Architectural Design & Technology Relationship status: Widowed Children: No Positive traits: Intelligent, witty, resourceful, charming, experienced Negative traits: Vengeful, Cold, Forgetful, Negative, Withdrawn

— BIOGRAPHY

Marshall Gaffney was the prodigy of the Gaffney family. A child of immigrants, he was born in London and pushed hard from a young age. Scholarships, extra credit- homework on time, no excuses. He was pushed, hard. And Mars grew up disciplined, knowing that failure was not an option.

At Brown, where he earned a full-ride scholarship, he seldom partied and he dated pretty women. And as he learned the ins and outs of architectural design and technology, he became a force to be reckoned with. After college, a proper businessman at only 23 who could smooth-talk his way into the grants he needed for his projects. Soon enough he was being pulled in to help teams design for New York City infrastructure. And then the Brotherhood came into his life.

Anyone with eyes could see the trouble brewing. The passion of the riots had Mars both terrified and exhilarated- he’d never felt so strongly about anything like that. With connections all around and friends in high and low places, Mars was an easy pick for the Brotherhood- eventually becoming regional manager of West Manhattan, especially after he got his own design studio with high-profile clients. He was wearing many hats and married to his beautiful wife Lara. Plenty of money being exchanged, building materials being handled... giant boxes that went unchecked for construction, transported thousands of miles. Easy to hide things, to make moves. Mars handled everything because who better than him? And he loved it. The discipline he instilled in his members, the family he’d made in his fellow brothers. But it consumed him- and the woman he’d married was an afterthought. A marriage that was often transactional at best. Lara was bored of him, but they stayed together for the money and convenience. A warm body at the end of the night.

Lara passed from breast cancer and Mars felt hollow. He continued to pour himself into his work. He was pulled in for far more than organizational details, stock, and money. Soon Mars was the one to call for intimidation, for those ‘difficult’ clients who needed extra persuasion. He didn’t care if he had to get messy, or underhanded. Hostage situations were means to an end- and so were occasional ‘disappearances’. Being diplomatic and suave while cut-throat and terrifying, he is usually one of the RMs called upon to do the talking with other gangs, make appropriate calls, and use his connections to continue funneling money, arms, and drugs into the Brotherhood.

— WANTED CONNECTIONS / PLOTS

-Old friends from NYC -Quick fucks, men to further his ‘questioning sexuality’ -Exes (good terms or bad terms), on-again-off-again relationships -Clients he has worked with as an architect -Friends of deceased wife Lara -Brotherhood buds, brothers, cohorts, etc. -Family from London -Rivals, enemies, those who dislike him, those who hate to love him, those who like to hate-fuck, literally anything goes.

[designedonchaos]

OPEN STARTER Location: Some diner at night.

He's hungry. It's late, and the fluorescent lighting in the cheap 24 hour waffle house only makes a few of the bruises and the cut lip he's sporting more pronounced. Overall, it could've been worse- and he'd won. He'd won his round at the Arène. He feels... accomplished. So, so sore but good. He's cutting up a stack of pancakes, and a warm brown gaze turns up to see someone at another booth facing him.

"Take a picture, it'll last longer. Or come sit and eat pancakes with me." He eyes the seat across from him. "They got shakes, too. Might do the oreo one."

[evamovska]

Babes. As disturbing as it would be, from anyone else's mouth, she'd always allow Mars to call her by any ridiculous nickname he wanted ( even restrained herself from rolling her eyes.), simply because she'd called him a friend before. He still was, a friend, at least for now.

"I prefer Indian, if I have to be honest." she spoke, as she leaned her back against the table slightly; one hand on the edge, as the other held onto her glass. Her phone vibrated in her pocket several times, "The new nanny is going to drive me insane." the screen was quickly flipped around to face the surface of the table. Straight to voice mail.

"How has work been? Anything interesting keeping you up at night?" she was well too aware he wouldn't share, but Eva had to ask.

[designedonchaos]

He has always used pet names and nicknames for just about everyone - and while he tries to tone it down with some, it’s usually an expression of closeness. At least in Mars’s eyes. He’s already nodding at the idea of some Indian food - sounds perfect.

“Why’s she keep calling you? I’d be scared my kids were doing something unhinged.” He doesn’t have kids - wants them one day, though the longer he lives, the more it feels like it’s slipping away.

He’s been in an odd place since taking a little trip to upstate New York. Sipping on wine, he gives a shrug. “Lot of weird projects honestly. Things I’m not even sure I’ll do. Have some proposals…. but. Just haven’t been… in it. Like I normally am, yeah?” 

[cmplexities-deactivated20241020]

"A giant doghouse?" Jack repeated just to make sure he was hearing things right. Of course Jackson was no the type to judge people, everyone had their own rights to do whatever they wanted in life. He did question them a few times though. "I mean, I think I get it? Some people are uh...into stuff like that. Are they gonna pay you a pretty penny? 'Cause I would make sure that they'd pay me a lot to do something like that".

[designedonchaos]

"The pay is always good." The kind of pay you'd get as an architect with so much experience, designing for months, blueprints, endless measurements, construction calls... but is it worth it? To make a fucking giant dog house? That's the bigger question. He sinks into his chair a bit and scratches under his chin in deep thought. "Think I'm starting to lose patience for the shit I don't want to do... you know, I used to do whatever as long as the paycheck was good."

Now? Mars settles his tangled fingers on his chest. "A three story... giant dog house. With a balcony... why would a dog house have a balcony? I don't get it."

[barlowek]

No matter how confident Kian is, or how nonchalant he can act, unexpected flirting always hits him like a bus and drags him down a spiral of something that feels an awfully lot like panic. And so it does now -- Kian chokes on his drink, coughs three times and almost slams the glass back onto the table.

"Long time no see.", Kian croaks out, before swallowing that awful anxiety down. "I was just waiting for you." His smile is brief -- he's clearly tired, shadows under his eyes similar to those of a vampire, "You're a little late. I've been here for an hour."

Not that Kian does dates. He'd rather be sent into the woods alone at night, without a flashlight or food. Less pressure. Less panic. "Everything alright?"

[designedonchaos]

The joke, and more importantly the coughing, is noted as Mars watches the other man with raised eyebrows. It always amuses him when someone is so shy about flirting when that person's already seen... quite a bit of him. It's endearing somehow.

More endearing is how Kian plays along.

"Hopefully I can make it up to you, babes." Mars grins in an effortlessly charming way. A shrug of his shoulder as he leans on strong arms forward to close the distance between them just slightly. "Since you've been waiting so long for me to arrive."

Everything alright? A weird way of asking how things are going. It almost already implicates that something is wrong... and Mars actually has to pause at that. Is everything alright? "Jury's still out." And frankly, Kian's lucky to receive any answer with any semblance of honesty. Mars is so used to shoving those negative feelings down, as far as he can. Swallowing them when they sneak up like bile in the back of his throat.

"What about you? Everything alright with you?" Sitting in a restaurant eating alone. Was this something Kian did often?

[theyperform]

"I guess it's that charm of yours, Mars. You're pretty damn good at being charming." Harley teased, happily allowing himself to be tucked in closer to the other. "A botanical garden? I have not, but you know I love anything aesthetically pleasing, and I do have a new love for most things floral. That sounds fun to me, we should definitely go."

A butterfly exhibit sounded like something he would love to see too, they had always thought butterflies were beautiful, with all the different patterns and colours. "I think that it sounds like a good time, let's do it." Harley responded with a grin, looking up into Mars' eyes as the thumb brushed along their lip. "Oh with great, great difficulty. But when someone beautiful is around beautiful scenery, you at least have the distraction of scenery to keep you focused."

Harley enjoyed Mars' company, if they were honest. It was rare for him to actually spend time outside of work with those that they met whilst working but even they were thankful that they had broke their own rule.

[designedonchaos]

It’s funny… he’d thought about paying that astronomical fee that Lola had offered, briefly. Ridiculous, but somehow a show of effort, right? To throw that much money at someone to “buy back” a date from this auction. But in the end, he’s glad he’d spoken to Harley. Actually asked them... and done this an authentic way.

Because this would feel so much weirder with a price tag on it. The architect presses a soft kiss to Harley’s cheek, not sure if he’s earned one on the lips just yet. Maybe by the end of the evening. Maybe after time talking, and enjoying each others company. Maybe if they hit it off.

He’s opening the door of the car for them, and slipping into the other side. “Could do a froyo run too.” Mars adds. A hand reaches out after seatbelts are put on. After he’s pulling out from the parking spot. He slips it into Harley’s carefully, letting his thumb trace back and forth on their knuckles. “What do you like to do in your spare time typically, babes? Read, write, dance, knit?” He grins. 

[evamovska]

She wouldn't put it past him — being interested in ominous things sold by beautiful women. Mars seemed the type to be easily allured by anything out of the ordinary. "I'd believe it, actually." she spoke, delicate hands softly petting the dog that was quite familiar with her already. "I wouldn't drink it, but I would provide excellent first aid treatment, when your face starts changing all kinds of colors." lips tugged into a smirk, as she rose up to his level and took the glass that was offered.

Trust was a delicate subject.

Mossy hues observed the wine closely, before raising the glass to her nose, "Are we ordering in, or do you have more surprises in that kitchen of yours?"

[designedonchaos]

That gets a chuckle out of him. “You’re always so smart, babes.” Let him drink the cursed wine and watch what happens- and administer first aid when he inevitably is punished for his hubris. 

Mars has been thinking a bit more fancifully. More what ifs and possibilities, lately. He settles himself into the sofa. “I was thinking of ordering some Indian food, if that sounds alright with you. I’d be easily persuaded into Chinese, too.” He adds, an arm draping over the back of the couch. "Pick your poison, eh?"

[designedonchaos]

kyanite: an anger headcanon

When Mars has to blow off steam, he normally has to exercise somehow. Running or taking Zachary out for a walk is usually his best option, but occasionally he'll do some boxing. Lately, he's been debating participating in some more matches in The Arène, to get rid of any negative energy and ignore his midlife crisis.

SEND A CRYSTAL : ASA // OZ // MARS // ASHWIN // AVIEL

[vanjajanko-pagonis]

Vanja had their long arms draped along the back of the bench. Shirt unbuttoned and head back, face pointed to the sky soaking in the sun. New York was too cold for their taste. Something they missed about Greece and about LA. But they would take the sunshine they could get. They opened their eyes and sat up, sunglasses covering their eyes as they saw Mars. They grinned at him, wiggling his fingers in a friendly greeting. "Hello, Mars." They bent forward to reach down and let the dog sniff their hands so they could scratch behind their ear. Talking to the dog in exaggerated tones "They've got good taste though. Don't you? Found the prettiest scapegoat in the whole park. Is grumpy Mars not picking you up?" Vanja looked up at the other, "This how you pick up people Mars? A cuddly four legged wingman? I like it."

[designedonchaos]

Mars can't help a small smirk as Zachary sniffs at Vanja's hands and easily hops those big paws up onto the bench to try and give him kisses. "Oh he likes you, huh babes?" Then, a roll of his eyes. "Is that what you think I'm doing right now? Trying to pick up people, using Zach as a wingman?" If he was picking up Vanja, wouldn't he have been more overt about it? Still, it makes him laugh. "What're you doing out here huh? Just sitting and waiting for cute dogs and their owners to come sniffing around?"

[designedonchaos]

( @vanjajanko-pagonis )

It’s so warm out, a perfect day to walk Zachary out in the park. But hot enough to take a breather… especially with his old cocker spaniel, who seems to need a break every few minutes. 

“Mate, I think you may be exaggerating.” Mars points out to the dog on the fourth stop, this time to smell Vanja at the bench they're sitting on. “He’s been trying to get out of using his paws all day. Think he’s found his scapegoat.” He chuckles, eyeing the fellow Brotherhood member with raised eyebrows and a smirk.

[designedonchaos]

( @evamovska )

He picks up the two glasses of cab sauv from the kitchen island. Steps over the sleeping old cocker spaniel on the hardwood floor and holds one out to his dinner company. 

“Would you still drink this Cabernet if I told you I bought it off a mystical beggar woman in a dark alley?” A charming smile despite the odd question, a little wink as he sits himself down into the nice armchair across from the sofa. A beat, then: “I mean, I didn’t, but would you trust me enough to drink it?” 

[barlowek]

@designedonchaos -- A restaurant, late

While Kian isn't necessarily the person to deliberately eat out alone, sometimes he finds himself hovering over a displayed menu a moment too long to not check it out. Sometimes a place he visits sticks around and becomes a habit -- just like the small, family-owned restaurant he's dining in now.

The week has been overpowered by a particularly rough homicide case, and Kian is so lost in thought, that he's tuned out all his surroundings as he types a few messages into his phone. The response is a promise of more work later, and suddenly the the penne he's stirring around on his plate taste a little stale.

Cool. Cool.

The door of the restaurant opens, and the chime of the little bell is what brings him back into reality, leaving him to sigh and put his phone back in his pocket.

Sometimes it's a good thing his job leaves him no time to think -- sometimes it's not.

Kian looks up and -- "Mars?"

[designedonchaos]

He spots him at a table and there’s a moment of debate. A small smirk at the thought of it - a busy restaurant with no seats, and here’s someone he knows, maybe too well and yet not at all. 

The question is, does he follow through? And maybe a few years ago Mars would’ve been more wary about seeing a random hook-up out in the wild. But he’s back from a long trip out into the woods, and maybe he's missed that face, a little bit. So the architect sinks into the chair when his name is said. 

“Such a pleasant surprise seeing you here, love. Waiting on a hot date?” He leans into an elbow. “Or maybe one just showed up for ya?” 

[designedonchaos]

( @cmplexities )

"They just want it to look like a giant dog house... and I don't know if I have it in me to do it." He stares down at the blueprint that he's started, but can't seem to finish. "A literal dog house. I'm just... so fuckin' tired of this, mate. Might need to look into an early retirement."

[designedonchaos]

( @cmortimer )

He looks familiar, which means he's probably been at an event or two. Mars has been around long enough to recognize those who appear at certain soirees... especially those who happen to be gang-affiliated. But Mars has no fight in him at the moment - he's looking to drink with good looking company. And hey, if he can slip out some information, all the better. If not... at least he had someone to talk to.

So he sets himself beside Callum - sinks into a stool beside him, with a small nod. "What're you drinkin', and can I buy you another, babes?"

[theyperform]

Harley was thankful that Mars had reached out after the auction. As soon as they realised that the other was bidding on they were excited about who would win. They couldn't lie, they were disappointed when Mars didn't win but this worked out for the both of them, that was for sure. "Oh darling, you could never be a loser. Going out with you is definitely top of my list of what I want to do." He grinned, leaning into the other as the hand slipped around his waist.

"Did you have a plan for our date, cielo?" They questioned, grinning at the other as his hand snaked around Mars' waist in return. "Dinner? Movie? Something unexpected? I'm happy with anything so long as it includes you."

Dates weren't something that they did a lot, surprisingly. Sure, he had a lot of attention from people but that usually went to sex instead of actual dates which, of course they didn't mind. But this was different, it was nice.

[designedonchaos]

In reality, he'd mulled over date options maybe a little too long. Mars doesn't know the ins and outs of Harley's life - in truth, he'd met them at their job and there had felt to be an unspoken rule about what went on there. What you do and what you don't do.

And flirting, and sexual banter, and a hand slipping down and groping a handful of ass or a thick thigh... yeah, very different from a date.

Mars is in a new state of mind though, somehow. "On the top of your list? Well shit, how did I manage that?" He can't really help the grin - Harley gets it out of him rather quickly as his palm slips from side of his waist to the small of his back. Tucking them just a bit closer to the architect.

"Depends on what you're up for, babes. But... you ever been to the botanical gardens?" An architectural feat and a natural marvel of plant life. And just... aesthetically gorgeous, on its own. "Think you'd look absolutely stunning with a backdrop of tropical plants... thought we could walk through. They've got a butterfly exhibit going on. And after, dinner."

He's trying not to overthink things. No fancy reservations or pompous restaurant. Trying to keep things... real. "What d'you think, love?" His thumb brushes along Harley's lower lip. "Christ, you really do look gorgeous, don't you? How'm I gonna focus?"

[designedonchaos]

11 for rahi

11﹕ a  text  sent  from  across  the  room .

MARS: Not gonna come over & say hi? MARS: just figured I'd sit in Starbucks, get work done. if you're sitting for a bit too anyways, we could always work on things together. Just at the same table, yea? MARS: I'm okay with silence MARS: If you like, love. No pressure.

[designedonchaos]

∗ 15﹕ a text containing advice . -theo

MARS: listen... one arm day a week, one leg day a week MARS: even a day of yoga or SOMETHING MARS: get a bit of meat on your bones that way MARS: for my sake, please MARS: sometimes I think someone could snap you like a twig MARS: I will PAY for the gym membership.

@theolangley