i'm only human

and i bleed when i fall down i'm only human and i crash and i break down

[violettabbe]

Blood & Amethysts | Elena & Violetta

Violetta hadn’t seen much of Elena since she had gotten back from school. She was around for mealtime and there had stayed up late one evening with Violetta, Emma, and Mrs. Moretti to help write out the name tags for the seating arrangements, but other than that, Violetta saw her only in passing. She was like the ghost of the Moretti mansion. 

She was so far gone from the energetic young girl she had been when they were all kids, but then hadn’t they all changed drastically? Still, if she hadn’t been afraid to ask, she would have wondered if she wasn’t sick, too. 

But she looked better tonight. Her color had returned (or was that just blush that was giving her cheeks that rosy look?) and she had been smiling, sitting between Alek and Tony. 

When Tony and Alek went to greet a guest, leaving Elena alone, Violetta went over to her table. 

"Hey, wanna refill?" She asked, bringing another glass of champagne over from one of the waiter’s tray. 

[elenambbe]

It was pure bliss having her brother and her surrogate uncle with her, and not only that, but actually present as well, not just standing there while their minds were far and away in Vegas. Things felt right again for the first time in three years. And Elena couldn't deny the feeling of a weight lifting off her shoulders when she could wedge herself between the protective auras of her two biggest guardian angels.

But even angels have their duties, and Tony did have to keep potential investors in the casinos happy. So even as Elena's beloved brother gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze and said he and Alek would be back soon, she couldn't blame Tony and Alek for the empty promise. The moment they left her would be the moment they were swept back into the whirlwind of business they always occupied. She had been allowed to learn at least that much about her family legacy.

This knowledge did nothing to stop the cloud of sadness that fell back over Elena either, leaking some of that rosy glow from her cheeks and sinking her shoulders. She'd never admit to it, but if she was still seeing a psychologist they'd probably tell her that having Tony back was actually making her PTS worse. Elena rode the highs and lows of his coming and going to their extremes and surely it would soon become dangerous.

"Just... don't think about it." She muttered to herself, downing the half-glass of champagne Elena had been nursing over the past hour or so. Caught up in her own thoughts, though, the girl hadn't even heard Violetta approaching until she offered the filled champagne glass to Elena.

Wide brown eyes stared up at her old childhood friend, wide in her too-pale face framed by expertly curled ringlets. For a moment she didn't quite seem to register the question, too deep within herself to snap back to reality on cue. "Oh, um. yes. thanks." She gave the other girl a half-smile before gesturing to the seat next to her.

"Go ahead, take a seat. Tony and Alek are off on a business venture, I think, so I'm not really planning on seeing them again for the rest of the night." A soft, tinkling laugh poured from Elena, though it never quite reached her eyes. Hadn't for a while really. "Are you enjoying the party? You deserve to, really. You've been such a help to Mamma these past few weeks getting ready for this. I... I appreciate it." The girl's mouth set in a hard line as she twirled her champagne flute slowly between her hands, staring into the golden liquid.

"She needed someone to help share the burden... I should have helped more, honestly, but..." Elena trailed off with a sigh, taking a long swig of the bubbly before turning her gaze back to Violetta, trying to force herself into the role of hostess. Didn't matter that it was never her forte. "Anyway... Tell me what you've been up to all these tears. We haven't talked in so long..."

[sonnybbe]

ooc || Sonny & Elena

Okay so. Sonny is finally hereeeee. Okay now tell me all the sad Elena things?? Because I can totes see things going, like, one of two ways with Sonny/Elena.

1) I can see Sonny seeing her as a precious little flower or, like, china pot and basically TRIES TO PROTECT HER AT ANY COST because hey she’s fragile and might break (esp after being, um, shot).

Or, 2) I can see him thinking that maybe if Elena had all the right ~tools that Elena would be able to take care of herself. And maybe wanted to teach her how to shoot or something not so she could join the Family but so she could at least protect herself if need be and that’s how he thought he could protect her as well. But maybe no one would let him teach her and that’s always been irksome since she was shot and IF THEY WOULD’VE LET HIM TEACH HER TO DEFEND HERSELF THIS WOULDN’T HAVE HAPPENED.

I can also see Sonny being SO COMPLETELY AND TOTALLY FREAKED OUT when Elena was shot and like storming in the hospital and demanding to see her and like LET ME AT WHOEVER DID THIS TO HER. YOU HURT MY SISTER AND I WILL KILL YOU. But then maybe someone talked him out of it/talked sense into him before he could go on that ramage? (Or just, like, decided it was more Tony’s fight?)

So, yeah. Thoughts? What shall we do with these two?? XDD

[elenambbe]

Haha. I mean, I'm down for either of those options, tbqh. Mostly because I think a lot of people were ~secretly trying to teach Elena things that could help her become a functioning member of the Family. Just because I think a handful of people could kinda see that Elena could be an asset if properly taught, but the Don kinda squashed any and all attempts to do so. (Probably because he was one who thought of Elena as his precious little flower/china doll/etc/etc and didn't want her anywhere near something that could hurt her, HAHAHAHAH. THAT WORKED OUT WELL. *SOBS*)

I think what we'll also kinda have to keep in mind is that Tony is literally Elena's world. Like, Elena loves all of her brothers, sincerely she does, but she just rllly, RLLY clicked with Tony from when she was super small. Hence why she followed Tony into trouble instead of Sonny.

But! Still!

I could 100000% see that also coming from: Sonny thinks of Elena as a presh lil bb and basically is like: If you ever follow me, it's not going to go well, don't try it. I know you.

Or

Basically what you said, haha. That Sonny just basically was like: "yo guys, this is a v. dangerous life, even if you're on the outskirts, WHY DIDN'T WE EVER TEACH HER HOW TO USE A FREAKING GUN?!?!?!"

And omg, yeah, no, I feel like basically EVERYONE WAS V. V. ANGRY ABOUT THE ACCIDENT. (Sonny can join Elena's angry fanclub of Tony, Alek and Franco. <3 Forming a lil protective circle around Elena. haha.) And I mean, you could maybe talk to Kate about this, but maybe Sonny even kinda ~collaborated with Tony on how to take down the bastards that hurt their sister?

Esp. when word came around that they were sending Tony away to Vegas like RIGHT AFTER EVERYTHING WENT DOWN. (And no one's really sure if it was meant to keep him from going on a rampage/if it was a punishment in the form of a promotion or what) So idk if you guys wanna talk about whether or not Tony was like: "I CAN'T WATCH HER ANYMORE, SO YOU'D BETTER."

Also, maybe an FAQ for bloodisabigexpense : Did they ever catch/kill the people that shot Elena? Or would they still be out there three years later? B/c ahahahahaha, THAT'D BE INTERESTING. aLSO ELENA FRIGHTENED PREE MUCH 24/7 THEN, IF NOT.

.....This became really rambly about a lot of things, but, um

tldr; I'd be cool with either of those options, though idk, i feel like maybe the second one is more plausible?

[ sonnybbe ]

[elenambbe]

The Person I've Become | Alek & Elena

[alekbbe]

Alek was never so grateful to be back with the Moretti Family, than when he had been sent someplace like the dirty roadhouse where he had been meeting with Aaron Donovan. 

The Connoghans were a different sort of people from the Morettis — the only real similarity was that they were both crime Families. He hoped it would be enough understanding to stop a war between them: not that he had any doubt of who would be the victor, but blood would be spilt and he did not like to think of the grief it would cause Alfonso and his family. 

He hoped that the Connoghans would see sense, but after meeting with Aaron Donovan, he began to doubt that that would happen. 

"Elena," He said, speaking her name softly as he opened his arms to her, "You have grown up, since we last met," He commented, "Has it really been that long?" He asked. "But one of your hot chocolate sounds wonderful."

He followed her back into the house, ”You know I would never lie to you,” He said, offering her a slight smile, but one that reached his eyes. “But you know I would never betray your father’s trust,” He said, firmly, “However, he has given me no such instructions to keep today’s developments from you. I met with one of Connogan’s men to propose a sit down with your father and Mr. Connoghan, with the hopes that, despite all that has happened, war can be prevented. And if Mr. Connoghan is a sensible man, it will be.”

"Now, come. You are not to worry about it anymore. Mr. Connoghan is a man of honor, whatever else he is and so is your father. Nothing is settled until they talk. And nothing will happen until then." He said, firmly.

Alek took the first good look at Elena since he had arrived. She seemed stronger than she had the last time he had been home, but there still wasn’t much improvement. She needed help, guidance, and he would make time to help her. She reminded him of a younger verison of Tony in a lot of ways: she had stumbled, but she had not fallen. She was strong, intelligent, and once she was able to overcome the side effects from her brush with death, she would be invaluable to the Morettis and Alek was determined that her father should realize this, too, in time. 

[elenambbe]

It felt like a weight had been lifted when Elena heard Alek breathe her name into her hair as she hugged him. Her eyes closed tightly as familiar scents of freshly laundered wool, of gently applied cologne, the faint tang of gunpowder--all of them washed over her in a wave of comforting nostalgia that finally made everything feel real again. Like perhaps whatever danger was lurking in the dark wouldn't reach their family. Or if it did, that she need not worry that it'd ever touch her again.

Yet, she still rolled her eyes and sheepishly smiled at her uncle's comments. "You always say I've grown up like it's surprising. And it's only been a year! You were home for my birthday and said the exact same thing. So predictable." She teased, shaking her head and clasping her hands behind her back. "Almost as predictable as your insatiable need for Elena Moretti's very special hot chocolate." She winked at the man as they walked companionably towards the kitchen.

The revelation of where Alek had gone was sobering, though. Her lips set in a tight line, seriousness falling upon the girl like a shroud. She had been hoping that her brother was mistaken. That maybe the talks had been a cover for a different task...

"So war is a real possibility, isn't it?" She said quietly, not looking at the man, her gaze distant and unfocused. Don't do it... Don't talk about it; don't think about it, Elena! Don't go down this path! Her conscience whispered in her mind, knowing far too well what would happen if she didn't bring herself up short.

"Even if Mr. Connoghan is honorable and sensible, even if the talks go well, one wrong move by someone and everything could go to hell and we'll be in the middle of a blood bath. Won’t we? It’ll be Tony and me all over again, but this time everyone will be in danger, no one will be safe…" She said, words coming faster and faster out of her mouth as the worry climbed from her heart up into her esophagus. The girl's chest constricted, her breath catching in her throat as a wave of anxiety leapt upon her. Flashes of red in her mind's eye, of terror and panic, her side burning with phantom pains.

She paused in the hallway, bracing her upper arms against the wall as she tried to take gasping gulps of air, tried to ride out the terrible memories that had haunted her for years. Elena shut her eyes tight, gritting her teeth and muttering under her breath to herself. "Calm down. You're fine. It's going to be fine. You're not in danger..." She could fight this... Had been trying to fight it for so long...

After a few minutes, the girl's breathing slowed to normal, and she wiped a soft sheen of sweat away from her forehead as she blinked her way back into existence. "I... um... I apologize. Sorry about that. It... happens sometimes." She mumbled, feeling awkward as she tugged at her t-shirt and gym shorts. Elena brushed hair from her cheeks and turned away from Alek as her face settled into a mask of stony indifference. Weakness was a failure. Weakness could be turned against you. Elena was trying so hard to be anything but weak.

The girl gestured for Alek to take a seat at the island in the middle of the kitchen as she began to pull out everything she needed to make the hot chocolate she had become famous for among the Moretti Family. A blend of dark and milk chocolate shavings, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla beans, milk… And of course, two mugs that Elena had made by hand in one of the pottery classes she took in High School.

The process of making the chocolate was soothing. After all, it was a pattern that never changed. Heat the milk in the pan, grate the nutmeg, stir in the cinnamon and vanilla beans. Slowly stir in the chocolate shavings, careful not to burn anything. It was something she could control, could count on to always be constant. There had been a time after Elena had come home from the hospital that every security guard on the Moretti grounds had a cup of her hot chocolate in their hands, if only because the control over the concoction was the only thing keeping the young woman sane.

“I don’t mean to worry.” Elena finally said after a period of silence. “I try not to. It’s…” She sighed, moving the pan off the heat for the last few minutes to make sure the mixture stayed silky and shiny as she mixed it together. “It’s not my place. No matter how much I wish it was.” Slowly she brought the pan to the island, gently pouring the chocolate into both mugs before grabbing some of the fresh whipped cream one of their chefs had made for a tasting earlier that night and spooning a generous helping on top.

“It’s just that I don’t know what I’d do if anything were to happen to anyone in our family.” If anything were to happen to Tony… She corrected in her mind, mouth once again a serious line as she garnished each mug with a few more chocolate shavings before presenting one to Alek for evaluation. “Tell me what you think. I’ve been experimenting with a different brand of chocolate. Swiss this time instead of German. I think I may have gotten a step closer to the perfect cup, but I can never tell.”

[ alekbbe ]

[elenambbe]

Living in the Real World | Mike & Elena

[mikebbe]

It had been years since the Moretti family had been under one roof like this. Tragedy always united them. Oh, Tony had been back from Vegas for some holidays and he and Elena had been home on break, but not everyone was present. There was something in Vegas that had Tony distracted (and, chances were, he’d be flying back in less than 12 hours anyway) and Mike and Elena had things to get back to, too. 

But this time, they were all home indefinitely, with nothing better to do than wait around for the bad news that would inevitably come in some shape or form. 

Their father was trying to negotiate this war peacefully, but the best they could hope for with the pending sitdown, was a little time to put the pieces in place before the war. If Connoghan could be negotiated with, at all, that would be a miracle. And if they somehow escaped that battle, there was always their father’s health to worry about. The doctors were saying that he was improving, but Mike wondered how long that would last. And what would happen if he did die. 

Sonny was supposed to take over, but their father had only just made him the underboss, and it made the arrangement seem uncertain. Not that Mike particularly cared if it was Mike or Sonny, just as long as it wasn’t him. 

But there was no use worrying about any of that now. There was nothing he could do about it. What he could do now, was address the problems they already knew they had. 

Elena hadn’t been herself since the accident. It had been three years though, and he had hoped she’d be more herself now than she was. Not that he expected her to ever be the same — an experience like that will change you forever — but still, there was less life about her and he hoped that maybe they could all draw it out, together. 

But she wouldn’t improve sitting around in her room and that’s what she was doing this morning, he had found after asking about her. 

After he had been let in by her security guard (which felt odd, even to Mike. They had always had security at the house, of course, but mostly they were kept to the yard and not following everyone around 24/7), he came and sat down on the bed next to his sister. 

"Eh, don’t worry about it. I was just starting to worry you that you might have about a million cats in here while you watched reruns of the Price is Right." He teased, although behind his smile he was worried. "But hey, if you are up for it, I thought maybe we’d eat lunch outside. The rain’s cooled it down some, and maybe you’ll even get a little sun and look less like a vampire." 

[elenambbe]

It always surprised Elena just how kind Mike was. Of all of the Moretti children, he had always been the most likely to gently coax his frightened younger sister into the light. In the first few months after her accident, it had been a godsend. He wasn't Tony, of course, whom Elena had craved at her side more than anyone in the world--but Mike always did seem to know just what to say to make her smile.

Today was no exception, either. The corner of Elena's lips twitched up a little as a very quiet laugh bubbled out of her, hardly more than a breath. "Well, while that sounds like my perfect afternoon, unfortunately Papa hasn't quite agreed to my demands for a mountain of cats." She teased, shrugging her shoulders and pulling her legs up beside her on the bed. "I think it has something to do with Uncle Franco's supposed 'allergies' but I think he just doesn't want cat hair all over his fancy suits." Elena breath-laughed once more, the sparkle not quite catching in her eyes.

The invitation to lunch surprised Elena as well. Not in the fact that her brother had offered to eat with her, the Morettis were a true Italian family in many things including constant company during meals, but instead that he had specifically said 'if you are up for it.' She had been hoping that after three years her difficult days would be harder to spot, but once again, Mike always seemed to see right past her facade.

"I probably should make some attempt at getting some sun. The party's only in a couple of days and I think Mother would be mortified if her precious daughter showed up looking like a ghost." The comparison wouldn't be too hard either, Elena thought as she glanced over to the airy white dress already hanging in her closet.

It was a delicate thing made of lace and chiffon. Mother had picked it out for her weeks ago, after Elena made more problems by insisting that she didn't care what she looked like. That she honestly would feel more comfortable hiding away from the party than anything else.

Crowds still made her nervous.

"Want to do a picnic?" She asked, tilting her head to the side, an almost genuine smile flitting across her face. "Just like when we were little, remember? Mama and Papa packing up cheese and bread and olives and panchetta and fruit... We'd spread a big blanket out on the lawn, bring games and toys and kites..." The memory was distant, and thankfully erased the bodyguards lingering in the background. All of it before everything had gone to hell.

[ mikebbe ]

[liabbe]

ooc | Lia & Elena

[liabbe]

Okay, so I’m not exactly sure how much Lia would know about the ~side effects of Elena’s accident?? Like, obviously she def knows what happened, but I don’t think she and Sonny were together when it did, so while she def came and visited Elena, idk how much she was involved in the ~recovery and like basically when she’s around Elena now, she might say something that’s a ~trigger or like, she’s probably armed like 24/7, especially now, tbh and it’s probably been awhile since she’s seen Elena and she might wonder if she did something ? Or just think that college has really changed Elena or something 

B/C OMG Lia would have LOVED Elena before, too, tbh. Like she doesn’t really do kids, but Elena would have been an exception like she was so eager and Lia would be so happy to tell her stories and teach her things and just be like “your sister is alright” to sonny which is basically the highest praise you’ll ever get from lia, haha. 

[elenambbe]

I mean, I think Elena has gotten a MUCH better handle on her PTS over the past year from kinda ~away from the Moretti business. Just because she wasn't constantly on high-alert and such. So Lia being armed/being around her or whatever wouldn't be AS big a deal. But there probably will be a time or two where Elena kinda ~shuts down and has to just walk away from Lia without much in the way of warning so she doesn't have a panic attack in front of her.

So I could totally see where Lia would be all: ???? and wondering if she said/did something to make Elena like HATE HER or whatever. Which is totally untrue, obvi, it's just... she can't be around her right then. <3

OH MAN. IF BB ELENA HAD BEEN TOLD THAT LIA THOUGHT SHE WAS ALRIGHT. CLOUD NINE. FOR DAAAAYS. <333 :D

Tho, interestingly enough, I wonder if having Lia around again might be good for Elena, too. I think if she kinda ever got over the whole: "I CANNOT SHOW WEAKNESS. WEAKNESS IS HORRIBLE" thing, she might quietly come to Lia like: '...yo.... you should help me learn how to defend myself better so this shit doesn't happen again.'

[ liabbe ]

[violettabbe]

ooc | Violetta & Elena

[violettabbe]

Okay, sounds good! :D

Also idek if Violetta would even know about the ~shooting (like i think she def heard that she had an accident and was in the hospital for a time and probs sent flowers or a card or something idk. Like she probably didn’t even know how serious it was? And like her father was a serious part of the business, but I don’t think Violetta ever really knew what was happening? Like it was all just ~normal to her and I don’t think she’ll fully realize what kind of business they have until she’s back as an adult and realizes alll the things she didn’t pick up on as a kid.) 

Anyway, do you think we’re ready to start them? 

[elenambbe]

Mmk! I mean, Elena would have appreciated a card or whatever. <3 tbqh, probably had like a million flowers and cards and things surrounding her, but really just wanted her brother back. Still appreciated all the support tho. ;D

But yes! We could probably start them. I'm not sure exactly where they'd see much of each other, tho... Maybe they're both helping Elena's mom with party prep? Or at the party? o_o Elena is so ~quiet about everything that it's hard to see her chatting with much of anyone. lol.

[ violettabbe ]

[elenambbe]

OOC: Elena & Tony

[tonybbe]

OKOKOKOK but him knowing that it actually ~is~ him, that she was trying to protect him that got her shot. Tony gave so much of his life and self to being the best big brother he could. Elena and Mike are his priority. I mean, ofc he loves the rest of his family, but I think he kinda feels they can all watch out for themselves. Tony has this feeling that his whole ~purpose is to look out for his younger siblings and so this event happening at all is legitimately his worst nightmare, little less that it happened in a vain effort to help HIM. It’s like his world was turned on its head bc he was only ever supposed to clear the way for them?????

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Elena trying to comfort Tony THAT IS SO FAR FROM OK. And he’d be trying to get her to keep talking, so that she doesn’t pass out and die and he knows she’s still there, touching her hair, her cheek. He’d be like, “Hey, hey, stay with me, ok. Here’s my hand. Don’t let go. Look at me, Elena. I’m not gonna let anything happen to you. You’re gonna be just fine, just-just stay with me, ok?” basically just trying to stay calm and keep her with him however he possibly could. I feel like, when they were kids, he was always looking out for her and idk I almost get a Jon Snow/Arya Stark feel from them WHICH REALLY FREAKING HURTS UGHHHHH and just [ lizzy, do not click this link ] in that they were supportive of each other and just ~got each other and he was always looking out for her and she was always making him laugh and ASDALSKJFKLDSAJKFJSADKL was this supposed to be ok???????? He probs calls her ‘little sister’ I AM MAKING MYSELF CRY SHE WANTS TO BE LIKE HIM NOOOOOOOO He’d also be like, “That is a terrible idea,” if he knew tbh bc his life totes sucks but then again I can’t think of a Moretti whose life isn’t miserable in one way or another????? Or actually just…any BBE character, really?????? But it might be good in the end that she didn’t follow Sonny in that Sonny is known to start gang wars… ;DDDD NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO headcanon accepted tho bc I can totes see them just telling him and then instantly loading him onto the plane without giving him a chance to say anything since I think they were kinda trying to minimize the damage, given his own rampage HAHAHAHAHAAH and they probs didn’t want him to lay any plans idk. UGHHHHHH poor Elena tho and he was still just sitting still, agonizing over what had happened to her, like usual, he was just miles away, flying to a place that would cement a change in him forever. OMMMGGGGG I CAN’T EVEN WITH HER TRYING TO BE STRONG AROUND HIM. I feel like he can see the cracks in her armor, bc the same chinks exist in his own, bc he was the one desperately clutching her hand in one, holding her together with the other, the one who saw her eyes fading, who was with her through it all…and just…THIS HURTS WAAAAAY TOO MUCH. And Tony is probs just like, “I won’t disturb her equilibrium, I won’t say anything,” and just kind of goes with it and THIS IS SOOOOOOOOOOO NOT OK

[elenambbe]

OH LORD, LITERALLY EVERYTHING ABOUT THESE TWO HURTS. LIKE LEGITIMATELY EVERYTHING THAT MAKES UP THEIR RELATIONSHIP IS PAINFUL AND I'M GONNA CRY IN STARBUCKS AND IT'S GONNA BE SUPER EMBARRASSING. WHATEVER, WHATEVER. DDDDDDDDDD:

But yeah, I'm pretty positive now that Elena was trying to make sure that Tony wasn't killed that night and b/c she never had much in the way of training or anything, it TOTALLY BLEW UP IN HER FACE. (or y'know, her abdomen HAHAHAHAHAHAH*GROSSSOBBING*) And I think part of that was because she always could sense that Tony was so intent on making sure life was perfect for his younger siblings? So she couldn't imagine life without him, couldn't just let all of that go to waste by letting him die when she could stop it, and just... ugh. bbys.

AND OH MAN. BOTH OF THEM TRYING TO COMFORT EACH OTHER WHILE THEY WAIT FOR THE PARAMEDICS/THE MORETTI PEOPLE TO COME GET HER TO TAKE HER TO THE HOSPITAL. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. DDDD: Because she was so scared and she probably just kept squeezing his hand really tightly despite the fact that she was probably cutting off his circulation. Just 'cause at least then she could keep the sensation of him ~being there. That this was real, that he was real, that she wasn't slipping away. KMN.

OMG. KATE. KATE, YES. YES EXACTLY. OH MY SEVEN. Jon/Arya is pretty much EXACTLY how they are. I totally see that 10000%. And that's also why I'm so convinced that Tony was always her favorite. Yeah, he looked out for her the same as he did Mike, but they just... got each other. They clicked in this unexplainable, unspoken way from when Elena was so young and it just never stopped. Until the accident. Which, I feel, kinda shattered them a little bit. Not enough to like  ~break their bond, but I think esp. with Tony being sent away, it tarnished it a little.

Just because at the time I think Elena wouldn't quite understand? To a point, she knows that Tony probably had no choice. That their life is one controlled by forces much bigger than both of them. But in the haze of blood loss and pain medication and total emotional meltdown, she wouldn't be able to comprehend how this one person who literally means more than the entire world to her has left her. Especially without even stopping to say goodbye.

By now, I think she gets it a bit more. (She's had three years to attempt to deal with it, which helps.) So she's probably gonna be more accepting and warm at seeing him than she would have been a while ago. Which, actually, is a good question. Do you think they've seen each other since Tony was sent away? It kinda sounds like they might not have... More because of how their situations kinda kept them both moving just at the wrong time from each other. 

But yeah, Elena totally would try to look ~super strong around Tony.  More so than anyone else. Even though she knows that of all the people in their family, Tony would probably be the person most able to help her fully heal, she's so afraid of asking that of him. Just because what if it makes things worse for him? what if he says no? what if it drives them further apart? Her weakness sent him away before, what if trying to overcome the weakness takes him away from her forever?

That's not a life Elena can live. It's impossible for her.

Crying forever about it, nbd. Literally freaking can't with these two. I'm crying in a crowded Starbucks and contemplating my life choices. XD

[ tonybbe ]

[francombbe]

ooc | Franco & Elena

[francombbe]

HAHA omggg Franco is such a good influence? BASICALLY FRANCO WHEN ELENA’S ON PAIN MEDS AFTER SHE GETS RELEASED:

That’s when he mistook the red eye alcohol warning for a winking-eye alcohol suggestion.

BUT THIS RELATIONSHIP!!!!!! OH MAN SO PUMPED. Also, I feel like Franco might actually be able to get her to smile sometimes??? I mean, it’s probs b/c he’s so ridiculous and full of himself, but stillllll. ;DDD 

Okay, do you think we’re ready to start them IC? I can totally begin, if you like. 

[elenambbe]

ommgg yesssss. xDDD PERFECT. And I bet like EVERYONE ELSE in the family is all like: "....wtf are you doing? SHE IS SIXTEEN, OMG." and Elena and Franco are off in the corner having a grand old time giggling with each other. I love it. so much.

Franco and Elena may become the cutest uncle/niece relationship ever, just sayin'. They're gonna be adorable. Franco will totally be able to get Elena to smile. Because he's such a doofus and she'll just roll her eyes and grin at him before like making him give her a piggyback ride somewhere or something because her feet hurt/it's his "punishment" for being an idiot. Because he totally would, I bet. FRANCO IS TOTALLY WRAPPED AROUND ELENA'S LITTLE FINGER AND NO ONE CAN CONVINCE ME OTHERWISE.

But yeah! Totally ready! You can start them, yeah. I'll probably be able to start both the Veronica ones anyways. xDDD <3 (Mostly because I think Veronica ~sneaks up on people a lot. haha.)

[asaapmob]

[liabbe]

ooc | Lia & Elena

So, Lia kinda ~dated Sonny, once upon a time, so they’d know each other from then. I will have to talk to Tina, but I feel like they were in their early/mid twenties (like 23/26) so Elena would have been about 13 when they met??? And Lia would be so supportive about her learning things b/c badass ladies ftw. ;D

[elenambbe]

Oh man... At 13, Elena would have been ALL OVER LIA DATING HER BROTHER. She'd LOVE IT. Like, basically after Tony, I could see Lia being Elena's #1 dream person to be.

(Elena may have her own fan club, but 13 year old Elena was 10000% in the Lia de Luca fan club. PRESIDENTE NUMERO UNO, ELENA MORETTI.)

And I'm sure pre-accident, Elena would love spending time with her, trying to just hang around Lia and pick up stuff through osmosis or whatever. But then the whole ~accident happened, and I could see her kinda pulling away from Lia.

She still wants to be like her in a way, but.... can't anymore, if that makes sense? Hell, Elena can't be in a room with a gun out in the open, let alone handle one herself. How the heck could she ever be a soldier? (And lets not talk about how Elena USED to not even be able to be in a room where she knew guns were... WHICH WAS PRETTY MUCH EVERYWHERE SHE WENT, THANKS MOB FAMILY. D: )

idk... Basically, I bet young!Elena was madly in love with who Lia was/is and wanted to be just like her, but now she just kinda is like: "....hi Lia."

[francombbe]

ooc | Franco & Elena

[francombbe]

ALSFJLASKFJ OMG I LOVE YOU THAT’S PROBABLY THE WORST SONG EVER TO SING TO YOURSELF IN A PUBLIC SETTING. LIKE WHOA WAS NOT THREATENING YOU THROUGH SONG. ;DDD

Oh yeah, Franco is NOT the person to take your problems to tbh (haha well Alek isn’t either but SHHHH, but Alek wants to help and like can at least feel like he’s helping) Franco is like HAHAH no we are not talking about serious things. I run from them. He’d probs just try to get Elena has alcohol probs and is like here, kid, drink up. You won’t even remember your problems in a second. ;DD

AND YES FRANCO WILL ALWAYS DISTRACT HER. Like he’s all about having fun when he’s not working (work hard, play harder) and OMGGG he would go to the hospital to visit her and like say weird things to the nurses and doctors just to get her to laugh and probs would tell her stories about what’s up w/ his life and their are all entertaining and he’d probably bring her things like junk food and movies/video games and is just like HERE HAVE ALL THE THINGS. But also he wouldn’t really wanna talk about her injury or the emotional problems he’d just be like HAHA OKAY NICE CHAT GTG NOW. 

[elenambbe]

Haha! Right?! Like, worst and best decision ever, self. lol. ;DDD

But yeah. I think that's not necessarily a... bad thing for Elena, though? Like she needs people around that aren't serious, because she's become so serious now. Elena didn't used to be this way, and like I said, the old fun-loving Elena can be coaxed out around/with certain people, but she will often fall into moods and anxiety-driven panics just as easily.

LOL at Franco giving Elena alcohol problems, tho. I mean, post-hospital time, Elena would have been ALL OVER THAT. Because like a month after being shot, she'd be released from the hospital, but she'd still be confined to the house for recovery and Elena probably was going INSAAANNEEE.

But ommggg. Elena would be dying and super face-palming all the time at Franco if he was saying weird things to the nurses and doctors. <333 But in the next breath she'd totally be challenging him to a race or a fight or whatever game he'd brought her to play that day. Sit up with him and eat cheese puffs and listen to his stories and jokes and pretend that everything's going back to what it was like before for a while.

And I think she'd know he wouldn't want to talk about the hard stuff with her. Or at least would figure it out early on. Hence why she talks with Alek instead about it. Because he pretend helps. xD At least doesn't mind listening.

[francombbe]

ooc | Franco & Elena

~ CUE FRANCO BUSTING JOHNNY’S KNEECAPS ~

[elenambbe]

It's such a shame he became such an issuuueeeeeee. OH JOHNNY I'LL MISSSS YOOUUUUUUU.

(Totally was singing that to myself yesterday at work while straightening and people were staring at me like I was nuts.)

But yes. Franco as part of Elena's #1 terrifying and dangeous fanclub. <3

While Alek is TOTALLY ELENA'S FAVORITE, I'M SORRY, IT'S TRUE. DD:

I think Franco is her next favorite uncle... Or, y'know, ties. Who knows. Probably more likely a tie between Franco and Alek. DON'T EVEN TELL ME ABOUT HOW THEY'RE HER ONLY UNCLES. WHATEVER, WHATEVER, I DO WHAT I WANT.

But I just think it's more that Elena won't talk as much about her ~problems when Uncle Franco is around. It's that whole: He's so upbeat and charming and witty, I can't bring him down with my ~problems. D:

She'll like having him around though, in a similar way that she likes having Mike around. Mike is calming and helps her wind down, Franco is distracting and helps her have fun again. :D Do you think he was one of the ones that hung out with her 24/7 during her recovery months? Because that would certainly make them pretty close. Especially during those months post-hospital when Elena couldn't do much and it was SUPER FRUSTRATING for her.

[elenambbe]

The Person I've Become | Alek & Elena

The few days since Elena had returned home from college had been a whirlwind. Hell, since the death of Connoghan's wife, everything had been topsy-turvy. Extra bodyguards, Extra caution urged by Meechum and her father, being unceremoniously pulled from classes before she even got to take her first final because her father deemed the position with the Connoghans "too dangerous."

So she was called home like a sheep to pasture, enveloped back into the Moretti fold to protect her from the big bad Irish wolves. Before her accident, Elena would have been incensed at how her father (because who else would have made such a command?) dragged her away from the life he had forced her to follow with such a flimsy excuse as 'it's for your own good.'

But now, it was a relief to be somewhere that made the shadows haunting her life a little smaller.

Helped that she had been recruited by her mother to help with the planning for her parent's anniversary party, of course. It was good to have a distraction. Though nothing could distract from the fact that something or someone was missing. Elena hadn't been able to put a finger on what was wrong for a day or two, too busy catching up with her brothers, sketching out seating plans, and helping pick caterers...

It was only when Elena realized that the shadow she had grown to love most was gone that she discovered what was wrong.

Alek Nielsen had been sent away.

Tony said he had been tasked to get the Connoghans to agree to a sit-down with their family, try and keep more blood from spilling. Knowing her father and knowing the stories she had been told of the Irish man living in Boston... Elena wasn't so sure anything but blood would serve as penance.

Yet, even knowing this could not keep the young woman from starting as soon as she caught a glimpse of a familiar face in the fading twilight stepping out of one of the ubiquitous black towncars that always seemed to populate her family's expansive driveway. A smile brighter than any that had been seen in months spread across Elena's lips as she tossed away the book she had been reading. Hardly caring that she was dressed for bed, bare feet and all, the girl sped down the staircase and flung open the front door, running out onto the gravel towards the man.

"Uncle Alek!" She cried out, laughing brightly and throwing her arms around the tall man's neck. Elena could barely reach, even when on her tip-toes. "I'm so glad you're back!" Elena squeezed him tightly for a moment before stepping away, almost reluctantly.

It was a relief to have her Uncle Alek home. He was safety. He was strength and calm in the storm that her life had become ever since that fateful night three years ago.

"Come inside! I'll make us hot chocolate and see if we've got something to eat. And you should tell me what you've been up to that meant you weren't here to see me when I came home." She shot the man a teasingly bossy look. "I've been dying to hear about what's really going on with the Connoghans. No one will tell me anything except that a woman was..." Elena twitched a little, the word 'shot' hovering on her tongue, but refusing to come out. So instead she let out a soft sigh and said: "...was killed and that everything has gone to hell." Elena half-smiled up at Alek, grabbing his hand and began to pull him towards the kitchen.

"And please, don't give me some dumb excuse to try and get around this... You're the only one who tells me anything. I don't want to be kept in the dark about all of this. It... It makes me nervous." She murmured, still clasping Alek's hand in her own. 

[alekbbe]

[elenambbe]

Ah, the Pygmalion effect. >D I love it. Elena would be 100000% perfect for that. Alek creating the image of the Elena he feels would be the strongest version of herself. SO SCARY, BUT SO AWESOME.

And oh man, Elena searching for Alek when she has panic attacks and clutching at...

[elenambbe]

I'm heading to bed too, so it'll be tomorrow either way. Haha. Though I'm scheduled there from noon to nine, so it'll be a bit. Haha.

I have an idea for a starter for these two, but if you get antsy tomorrow you can go ahead too. :)

[alekbbe]

ooc | Alek & Elena

[alekbbe]

I def think that Alek sees lots of potential in her and basically sees her as something that is broken and needs to be rebuilt, but when she is, she may just be stronger than she ever was before and basically yes he can def see her being a help to the business and would even like teach her how to do certain things (I mean, he’d do it only w/ the permission of her father, but he’s probably gotten pretty good at manipulating Moretti, too, tbh) But before he gets her in the field, he knows she needs to deal with her PTSD and get that under control before she can even think about being a part of the business. 

BUT YES, he’d always be there to calm Elena down, when she’s feeling overwhelmed, and will always be there to make sure she feels safe and yesssssss. :D 

Anyway, do you think we’re about ready to start these guys, btw?? 

[elenambbe]

Ah, the Pygmalion effect. >D I love it. Elena would be 100000% perfect for that. Alek creating the image of the Elena he feels would be the strongest version of herself. SO SCARY, BUT SO AWESOME.

And oh man, Elena searching for Alek when she has panic attacks and clutching at him. My heart already hurts. D:

But anyway. Yes! I think we're ready to start these two! Do you want me to, or do you have an idea for where to start them?

[violettabbe]

ooc | Violetta & Elena

So these two were friends as kids, but I’m not sure what their relationship would be like now?? Violetta really hasn’t seen the Morettis that much over the last four-five years, but now she’s living w/ them b/c her dad was a Caporegime & died and she needed a place to go and the Morettis take care of their own and yeah. But, anyway, they are pretty different and idk if they’d get along now or not?? I mean, I def think Vi would still like Elena, but I can see where they might not b/c they are pretty different and I feel like Violetta is kinda what Mrs. Moretti wants Elena to be?? Not that she loves Violetta more or anything, but idk if that would create ~tension or not or if Elena wouldn’t really care about that or what and basically this comment is kinda noncoherent, but the point is that I’m up for doing whateves with these too?? 

[elenambbe]

I mean, if she hasn't been around in the last four/five years, then I can certainly see their relationship crumbling rapidly. Especially because Elena has pretty much pulled away from everyone since the accident, even her own family members to some extent. So I could certainly see where a childhood friend would have been all but cut off.

Obvi Elena would still be nice and polite to Violetta. She's Family after all, and they ~were friends. And I also think she wouldn't care v. much that Vi is more the ~daughter her mother wanted? Because that isn't who Elena is, like at all. She's trying a bit more now, but even the shooting can't fundamentally change who Elena is. I think she'd be relieved, tbqh. Have someone there for her mother to be distracted by when everything becomes too much for Elena and she has to slip away to calm down.

I agree that I'm not sure if they'd be much in the way of friends now, (idk who would be friends with Elena at all, tbqh) but I could CERTAINLY see them being friendly. :]

[elenambbe]

Living in the Real World | Mike & Elena

Home was not a place, or an address to memorize. It was more than the seven wings of the Moretti mansion, more than the eight floor-to ceiling windows that lined one wall of her too-large bedroom. It was where you were supposed to never feel lonely, even when alone.

Elena Moretti didn't really know where home was any more.

The young girl let out a shaky sigh as she flopped back on her bed and stared up at the ceiling. Mother's anniversary party for Father was coming up in a few days, and Elena had been 'recruited' to help with the planning. She knew it was Mom's way of trying to pull her out of the sullen moods coming home always put her in.

But how was she ever going to say that even stepping through these doors and seeing the faces of the bosses everywhere made her seize up inside? That her heart pounded as she couldn't help but watch all  of their hands, jumping at every twitch towards the guns Elena knew were hidden behind expertly tailored suits?

She curled up into a tight ball atop the covers, pulling her knees tight against her chest. It was hard being back home. Though with all of her brothers returning as well, it was at least better than being by herself. Of course, they were all coming back because of the real possibility of a blood feud with the Connoghans. The anniversary party was just a cover for the real event: The Irish were invading New York for what could only be called a Peace Treaty.

That was one thing Elena was glad she didn't have to participate in. It had been triggering enough to hear about Sonny accidentally killing the Connoghan woman. She had to leave the room, her breath shortening and panic rising in every fiber of her being. That woman suffered the fate she should have three years ago. She was alive and the Connoghan woman was dead. Why had Elena been saved when she wasn't?

Elena dug her nails into the soft flesh of her upper arms, trying to quell the anxiety settling in. Her breathing had finally regulated to something close to normal when she heard quiet murmuring outside her door. It was probably Meechum, her bodyguard, chatting with someone. He wasn't as good as Alek, of course. No one was. But they got along well enough, and Meechum had learned to ignore her screams in the night.

"Miss?" Meechum knocked gently on Elena's door before peeking his head inside the room. "Are you all right for me to let Mike come in?"

The girl smiled a little and nodded. "You know you can always let family in my room, Meechum. My brothers don't have to ask." She sat up and pulled the cap sleeves of her dress down, trying to hide the bright red scratches at least a little bit. "I'm fine, I promise."

Meechum nodded and opened the door further before stepping away to give the siblings a bit of privacy.

"Hey! Come to visit your hermit sister?" Elena teased as she stood up to go give Mike a hug. "I'm sorry I haven't hung out with you since we've both gotten home. I'm the worst, I know. But whenever I get a break from helping Mom with the party planning, I just feel like holing up in here and sleeping for a million years."