bullet through a flock of doves

[gaelxdevries]

Is that GAEL DE VRIES? I heard the FORTY-THREE year old is the LEADER of the NIGHTSHADE. I’d stay away from them if I were you. I heard they were DISCONCERTING, but they can also be STRATEGIC, so proceed at your own risk.

FULL NAME: Gael DeVries NICKNAME(S): none really but will answer to DeVries PREFERRED NAME(S): Gael BIRTH DATE: 27th December 1986 ZODIAC:  Capricorn ☀, Scorpio ☽ , Aquarius ↑ AGE: 38 HEIGHT: 6' SEXUALITY: demisexual, demiromantic OCCUPATION: owner of The Arsenal LANGUAGES SPOKEN: english, spanish, russian FATHER: Abel Hendricks (deceased) MOTHER: Inés Dominguez (missing) SIBLING(S): none that he knows of PET(S): a beauceron called Leto

tl;dr

He was raised by his mother and they spent most of his childhood never staying in one place for more than a few months, constantly on the move and on the run from the father he never knew.

There was little time for socialising for long periods of time aside from with his mother and so he always struggled with forming dynamics, consistently the odd one out even when he tried to make friends.

He was eleven when his mother disappeared without a trace, the case going cold and leaving him alone in the world. He ended up in the system but due to was never at one foster home too long.

With school being a mixed bag for him at best and so he knew that academics weren't going to be his way of finding something for himself in life. Instead he enlisted as soon as he was 18, hoping it would provide him with the sense of belonging that had always evaded him.

Despite a promising start, his military career came to an acrimonious end just three years later after a 'favour' for one of his squad mates - his supposed family - was actually a set up that landed him in jail and dishonourably discharged.

Once he got out he was picked up by the leader of a mercenary group, increasing his training in more weaponry and honing his skills further in all things killing and subterfuge.

But it still wasn't quite enough. Too many lines were drawn and Gael was left feeling as though there was more he could do, there was an opportunity for an organisation that didn't say no, only named their price.

An opportunity arose when he finally gained the money he needed to start up something of his own. Nightshade was born and he finally felt like he had something that was truly his own.

It's been a decade since then and his organisation has continued to grow and expand, its strong foundations in LA allowing him to expand into major cities across the country.

Personality

Having witnessed first hand how little the world seemed to care about him and his mother, even those that were paid to do so, he struggles to bring himself to find any kind of care for those around him.

Headcanons

He's still as involved with Nightshade as he was in the beginning, overseeing everything. Meticulous eye is still cast over new recruits' resumes, the final vetting stage before they're allowed to join his organisation.

Naming Nightshade was perhaps the hardest part of its creation, wanting to pick something that best represented the group. In the end the name is a homage to his mother and the stories she used to tell him.

He took the name DeVries from his high school maths teacher, one of the few adults that showed him any kind of encouragement or support.

It perhaps not surprising that after getting out of jail he tracked his father down to interrogate him about the disappearance of his mother. The man claimed he knew nothing and didn't change his answer, so Gael deemed him useless and killed him.

In the evenings of his childhood he and his mother would watch the couple of old tapes she had, one Star Trek and one Star Wars, fostering a love of Sci-Fi in him. As he got older he turned to books, the Dune Chronicles becoming a favourite.

[spliinters]

there is no time to process their situation — to acknowledge the danger, to question the validity of it — to wonder, was this a set up ? if so, gael was playing the part magnificently. she notices the fluidity of how he handles the weapon, firing it like another limb, like an extension of himself. it made her stomach flip — or perhaps that was the anxiety, the fight or flight taking hold of her nerves with a grip comparable to the way she handled a gun.

do or die — the sensation chugs in her veins, head down low as she scrambles across the center console and out the passenger side door of the truck, trailing just behind the male. in a way, she'd been preparing for this moment all her life, gunshots ringing in her ears like a familiar dulling buzz. a sound she'd always known, strangely calming, like a white noise.

a bullet whizzes by, mere inches from her head, and that's the catalyst. for the first time, she fires her pistol with grim purpose. elbows propped on top of the hood of the truck, biceps tensed as she zeroed in on the assailant — a paper target traded for flesh and blood. the gun fires twice, intently.

and it's done.

a bullet tears right through the anterior cartilage of the passenger's neck. in the brief moment that she watches the vehicle pass by, seneca's granted a glimpse of carnage. blood sprayed across both driver and passenger, covering them in hematic ichor. her victim, all deserving, grasped at the wound before slumping forward.

as the car speeds away, reality seeps in as viscerally as the blood. years of practiced breathing exercises kick in as her adrenaline peaks. unable to speak, or even think, doe eyes peer up wide with alert towards gael. however, she doesn't see him. it's bloodshed sticking to the inside of her eyes. back pressed weakly against the side of the truck, her body went numb, threatening to give out beneath her.

since she was small, seneca had been taught that when you take something's life — an animal, in each case — you take a moment to appreciate the bounty that it brought to you, and offer gratitude. she thinks now : the same could not be applied to taking the life of a person.

[gaelxdevries]

There was a ringing of bullets all around him but it's a singular shot that catches his attention. If the sole shot hadn't been enough the ensuing blood splatter would have, enough practise in taking a life to know that the location and the sheer flow of blood meant that short of a miracle it was a death sentence.

A few more warning shots were aimed in the direction of the vehicle, just in case the driver decided that his pride was more important than the life of his passenger. But the car didn't turn nor did he try to finish them both off. He could have but that would have made so much more of a mess for them to clean up. Better they get away with a tough lesson learned and caused chaos for someone else to deal with.

There'd never been any doubt in his mind about the outcome, either too sure of his abilities or too desensitised to the violence to hold any legitimate fear for his life. But it was more than just him distancing himself from his own mortality, he'd been confident that Seneca would prove herself and she hadn't let him down. Once he was satisfied that they were alone gaze slide from the horizon to her. "Nice shot." The words were blasé, like she'd just won at some fairground attraction and scored herself a giant teddy bear instead of taken a life.

It doesn't take much to realise she's looking through him rather than at him. Even though his own first kill was nothing more than a distant memory, countless others since dimming the visions, he knew that she'd just created a spectre for herself. It would haunt her if she let it but he'd always found it easy enough to dismiss his own ghosts. She would too, in time. Hand was clapped onto her shoulder, wondering if the physical contact would help her connect more to her body and the present before she got too lost in her own mind. "Come on, think that served as enough of a test."

Care was far from his forte and gentleness even less so, unsure what she might need from him when both felt so foreign. So he did what he did best - action, a plan. There was no point in lingering when his decision on her had already been made. "We'll discuss terms over a stiff drink."

[miraydurmaz]

While Miray hadn't been in the city long, even she could sense the rising tension in Los Angeles. A war seemed inevitable, looming on the horizon. Not that she particularly cared if the city descended into one, but she did view it as a chance to capitalize while everyone scrambled to stockpile weapons. "I could use an extra pair of hands," she said after a brief pause. "Just to manage shipments and deliveries." She added to clarify. The last thing she needed was someone fucking with her inventory.

"And I think it's time we changed shipment locations." Miray continued, tapping a finger against her upper arm with her arms still crossed. "The Arsenal is becoming too obvious." Her words trailed off with a casual shrug. "Thinking shifting to somewhere less obvious, like fresh spin."

[gaelxdevries]

"Got it. I'll put out some calls." It was as simple as that for him, she'd asked and he'd fulfil the need. There were no further questions when there'd always been an implicit trust that they all wanted what was best for the group he'd created. With a nod he acknowledged her point, it already having been something on his mind but pleased to see she didn't lack initiative either. "Good idea." He expected efficiency and self sufficiency from all those within his organisation and Miray had proven time and again that she had both. There'd been no hand holding necessary to help her fill her role, maybe for the best given her start in Nightshade. He swivelled slightly from side to side in his chair as he spoke again. "The cops are sniffing around for anything to throw at anyone so they don't look so damned incompetent. Let's avoid it being us they choose to make an example of."

[aqxatofana]

Easier, to stick to the status quo of being a pain in the fucking ass, than what settled just beneath the surface. However brash Jack had always been - even she knew that some things she couldn't simply take. A fact that irked her more than anything. It was moments like this that she sorely missed remaining neutral in their world. Even while Nightshade took moved to work for the highest bidder, there was always something else at play with the factions within the city. In her years after leaving Chicago and Gael finding her; she'd never had to have this conversation. "Whatever information you get about what happened in that trailer park," and she knew, undoubtedly, that while she'd gather her own intel - he still held tight to contacts she didn't have. "I want it." Easier still to compile everything she could than simply run on the first lead she was given. Nothing about this was simple; the hollow, whoever they were, intended to make a mockery of them all, that much was clear. "And when I know who pulled the trigger, nobody else moves on it. Regardless of who's paying for it." Between Taylor being with the MC; and her dirtbag husband being a cop, she figured it was inevitable. "I want that contract." Crystal clear liquid tastes like acid on the way down; and it's nothing to do with the twice distilled vodka, and everything to do with the fact that she's asking for something only he can give her.

[gaelxdevries]

In the grand scheme of things he supposed that she wasn't asking for all that much. Just a simple request for information. One he wasn't inclined to ignore, just more perplexed that she was even driven by a desire for it. There were so few relationships left in his life he'd even consider going to such lengths for, a little too successful in keeping himself separate so Nightshade could thrive without threat that someone around him could be used as leverage. "Not looking into it all that deeply." Curiosity had been piqued, sure, but it wasn't something that overtly concerned him. His group hadn't been implicated but he was keen to know just who this Wraith was and who they were acting with. "But I'll pass it along just so long as whatever vendetta you're setting out on doesn't blow back onto us." Seemed a fair enough deal to him. She could do whatever she wanted or whatever she thought was necessary as long as none of it touched Nightshade. His expectations made clear for whatever action she took, he chose to pry a little more. To dig into any possible outcome and the effect it might have on her. Grieving was fine but he still needed her to do her job. "And if there's no contract?"

[gaelxdevries]

Where were you the night of April the 25th and 26th?

Under the surface he was still bristling from the indignity of being accosted at his home and all but escorted to the precinct. There was a desire to be nothing but difficult for them but he was playing at a man who had nothing to hide, smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "If you'd given me time to grab my journal before you'd told me to 'come with you' -" Voice deepened in a poor imitation of theirs. "- I'd be able to tell you exactly what I was doing over a month ago with excruciating detail." Hand lifted in a gesture as if to say 'what could you do', implying that they were suffering from nothing but the consequences of their own actions. "So rather than subject you all to guessing I'll just have to decline to answer that question."

What do you remember from the yacht party?

So that was their angle. There'd been no nerves felt earlier - his operations always too careful for there to be a risk of them genuinely having anything - but he found himself relaxing further. "That the alcohol was free and plentiful." Arm was thrown languidly over the back of the chair he was sat in, determined to make himself comfortable even though the thing seemed designed to have its occupant shift and stir. Forcing them to look like they were hiding something, some admission of guilt, even if the discomfort was caused by nothing more than the cheap chair. "I enjoyed more than my fair share, wouldn't like to share details that are now hazy."

Did you see anything suspicious?

What little interest he'd had in their interrogation ( only agreeing to come without a fuss out of curiosity for where their attention was ) dissipated the second the question reached his ears. How predictable. They had nothing, on any of them, and were looking for anything they could use to twist into a charge. "Define suspicious." Flippant and rhetorical, not leaving space for them to finish before he continued. "I'm going to decline to answer that one. Like I said, I was drunk it'd all be speculation."

Did you see Camilla Barone with the murder weapon?

This time he didn't speak. Only raised his brows at them as he waited for them to fill in the blanks that his silence had left. His answers were going to remain the same, at least about the yacht party. That was for the Network and The Family to clean up and for all he was leaving them to it, he wasn't about to make the situation any messier. The officers sighed and he knew they'd taken the hint, rewarding them with a sarcastic smile as they looked back down at the papers in front of them and planned to move on.

Do you remember seeing Enzo Barone prior to the shooting?

Head tilted to the side as he tutted in disapproval, the sound playful but devoid of any friendliness, only taunting. "You got anything else for me or are we going to keep doing this cute little bit where you ask me something only for me to shoot you down?"

Does the name the Wraith mean anything to you?

At the question he snickered, something about the moniker immediately amusing and he says so without hesitation. "Other than it sounding like the kind of name a teenager riddled with angst and insecurities would give themselves to seem threatening and edgy?" It was stored away for later though, he wanted to know just who this Wraith might be, and whether he needed to worry about a freelancing contract killer on his turf.

What is your association with Leon Orozco?

"We're deeply in love." Words were delivered with deadpan expression. Any detective worth their salt should have been able to dig up there connection and not have had to even go all that deep for it. The state had records and he felt like putting two and two together that they'd served time together was basic due diligence. "As for how we met, sure you'll have a record of it somewhere." He'd throw them a bone but only so he could make it a jab, tone heavily unimpressed.

Do you know who Aslan Soykan, and why Leon would attack him?

"I'm a man of many talents but mind reading isn't one of them." Shoulders rolled into a lazy shrug, not even attempting a guess for them. Patience had all but expired and so he brought his hands down onto his thighs, the movement making a crack that rang through the room. Smirk flickered over his lips when he saw the involuntary flinches, expression shifting into a satisfied smile. "I think I'm ready to leave." A demand, not a request, even though he rose to his feet in a relaxed manner. Hand reached into his chest pocket, plucking out a business card he then tossed onto the table. "If you've got any further questions you can speak to my lawyer."

[spliinters]

closed starter  · @gaelxdevries location · the cusp of the mojave desert

out of safety, she'd insisted on driving, despite her unfamiliarity on where exactly gael was instructing her to go. but if seneca knew one thing, it was the desert. the scorching sun orchestrated a blanket of visible heat over the asphalt, and it felt like home to her. a single car trailed quite a ways behind them. typically, this was a good sign : other people functioned as a safety net when venturing out into the middle of nowhere. even strangers. that was, until they began to accelerate. a certain tone in the male's voice — dominant and gravely serious  — made her stomach curl.

pull over.

" what ? i'll just let them pass. " but she does what he says, hypnotized by the weight of those three syllables. her truck whipped to the right of the road, kicking up a cloud of dust. " what are you— " a flash of gunmetal was pulled out from god knows where, like an extension of himself manifested from hot air. the truck skidded to a full stop in a matter of seconds, instincts screaming at the brunette to follow his lead. fingers dipped between the center console and driver's seat to reveal a loaded .45.

she would come to learn that safety measures were the backbone of who she was, and who she was destined to become.

[gaelxdevries]

Generally he wasn't one to sing his own praises, feeling that the adage of pride coming before a fall was a cliché for a reason. Overconfidence lead to mistakes and mistakes lead to weakness. Both things he sought to avoid. But if he were to claim to be particularly good at something it'd be to spotting new talent for his organisation. After months of studying the woman who frequented the range he'd made his move, a few conversations to get a better gauge on her temperament later and he was proposing a trip out of town to test. She'd been determined to take her own car and there'd been no offence taken when she'd managed to pass the first test. Only an idiot would let a stranger, even one as convincing as him, drive them anywhere and he didn't employ idiots.

His hands not on the wheel meant that his eyes didn't have to be on the road and they'd been drifting around since leaving the city. That was why he'd noticed the car behind them, catching a glimpse of it outside the range and finding it interesting that they were going the same way. But coincidences didn't exist in his world, suspicions confirmed the moment the car started to accelerate. His order had been given, subconsciously pleased that she followed it without much pushback. Gun was pulled out from his chest holster as he smoothly exited the vehicle, calm and under control despite the scenario having shifted from test to life or death. But he'd always thrived when danger was at its closest, when he could feel his mortality breathing down his neck and his adrenaline spiked to meet it.

Positioning himself behind the truck he shot at the approaching vehicle. Just once. A warning shot that he knew embedded itself in the arm of the driver, the car swerving with the impact. It didn't act like the deterrent he wanted instead seeming to urge them on further as shots were fired back, theirs reckless and frantic. The sound of a car door let him know that he wasn't alone, pleased to see that Seneca had begun to join in to what had turned into her trial by fire.

[nelliewalker]

who: open ( @bloodnglorystart ) where: the golden mirage

The fire alarm was still ringing. Not the blaring kind—just that slow, rhythmic chirp, like the building was bleeding out in Morse code. The air smelled like someone burned dinner or dignity, maybe both. A thin trail of smoke trickled out from under Room 417.

Nellie stepped out a second later. Hair wild. Lipstick smudged. One heel on, the other dangling from her fingers. She had a split knuckle and a grin that suggested someone inside the room wouldn’t be walking straight for a few days. And after his behavior with one of her girls, he was lucky that's all it was.

And then she saw she had caught someone's eye, “If you’re lookin’ for the ice machine, it’s out of order.”

[gaelxdevries]

He'd never liked doing business on someone else's turf but his potential client had been insistent. They'd been mid-meeting when the fire alarm had become incessant and he'd called an end to it, telling them they should use the proper channels if they wanted to continue using his services. But he hadn't gone right home, the smell of smoke piquing curiosity enough for him to follow it down the hall, barely surprised when he saw the woman who came out of the room. Or at least, nonplussed by the state in which she left it. "Well shit. There goes my plans for the evening."

Gaze was cast over her, noting the split knuckle, grin breaking out over his features in quiet appreciation. He'd always admired people who took matters into their own hands, especially if it was literally. "It give you chips instead of cubes or something?" Eyes drifted down the corridor, as though he was sizing up their environment and deeming it unfit for his purpose that night. "Think I'm gonna head out. Find somewhere a little less alarming and a little more icy. Wanna come?"

[softstcps]

❧ @gaelxdevries ❧ the arsenal

It was rare for the blonde to find herself in that place, only ever venturing into The Arsenal when the mood struck or the need arose. Or if she wanted to check in, see how things were going. A medic didn't always need to know the ins and outs of things, and still, with the city in chaos as much as it was now there was at least a layer of curiosity. And a need to catch up, see how things were going.

"If things keep going at the pace they are, I might just have to learn to shoot, hm?" Cat had the hint of a smile on her lips as she stepped into one of the backrooms, glancing over at the one to run it all. "Do let me know if the headaches get too heavy. Can't see this whole mess passing without headaches to accompany things." A little joke on the side, though she very much meant it. If the need was there, she would provide. Or learn to fight equally as well. For now she'd stick to the medical side of things. "How're you doing, with all of this?"

[gaelxdevries]

Brow rose, slight air of incredulity in his gaze when it seemed odd that she hadn't picked up one of the things their organisation was so known for. Even just for personal protection if not any intention to use it. "Still haven't learned?" He might just have to rectify that, reluctant to let any member of Nightshade become a weakness or a liability. "We've got trainers for that." It was an offer rather than an order but there was a kind of intensity behind it that he hoped she took note of.

He chuckled slightly at her comment, more amused at the notion that he'd be winding himself up with worry than her words. "Headaches come with stress and you're looking at a carefree man." The grin that settled on his face seemed to prove it, as it should when he was telling the truth. Their position was strong and while there was still a nameless, faceless threat to consider he'd yet to meet a situation he couldn't handle. There'd be a slip up soon enough and he'd be sure to capitalise on it. "Fine. You? Any more bodies in the clinic than usual?"

[mancandykings]

Santiago Cabrera as Cristobal Rios in Star Trek: Picard 2.10

[spliinters]

open starter  · @bloodnglorystart location  · safe shield community center

it was the final stretch of his weekly on — the next four days were about to be spent gelling in front of the tv and eating diabolical amounts of fast food. oh the cyclical life of a firefighter. it'd always treated shayden well, but as of late the position had garnered a higher degree of attention than usual. and while he was proud of it, donning an LAFD tee shirt like a prized sports jersey — station 78 represent — the male was spent. today he was representing the department by volunteering at the local community center, bunker pants, suspenders and all. he admittedly loved opportunities like this : low stakes, high rewards. all he had to do was give out stickers to kids, let them take a picture wearing his helmet, smile at some moms. it was an easy end to a fierce workweek. " oh, it'd be unethical for me to comment about what could've caused it. " a rich response coming from a man who lives peacefully within the morally grey. but he'd lost count of the amount of times that people had brought up one of their most recent jobs, and certainly their most controversial. the schwarz fire. " i will say that trailers are made of some of the most flammable materials. you couldn't pay me to live in one long term. not with the way i like to cook. "

[gaelxdevries]

Community outreach wasn't exactly a priority of his, never really subscribing to the old adage that more flies were caught with honey than vinegar. He'd always preferred to be unapologetically authentic, knowing that some would find him sour and some would find him sweet no matter what he did. It all came down to preference. Besides, his whole MO for Nightshade was to have them operate in the shadows, they were supposed to be intangible. Last thing he needed to do was clue people onto him by faking some kind of guilty conscience or duty to the local community.

But he'd gone to the community centre ( not even remotely local to his apartment ) with a different motive. He waited for the kids to move on before approaching the firefighter. "That the official line they got you peddling?" Expression remained neutral but their was a glimmer of mischief flickering in his eyes as he continued to move closer, voice lowering but remaining nonchalant. "Was kinda hoping for something more bespoke." Any information was good information. Always better to arm yourself with something rather than nothing.

The reason for his visit laid out, he circled back to Shady's comment about the way he cooked, disapproving tut filling the air between them. "No one's told you yet that you don't need a dozen pans and every burner?" Head shook like a disappointed father, the lingering glimmer of teasing in his eyes the only thing offsetting his tone. "If you need cooking lessons just say." He had little left of his mother but the skills she'd taught him in the kitchen remained.

[aslandurmaz]

Every few months, Aslan tested the latest stock from Nightshade before anything went into rotation for Kurtlar—pistols, rifles, even custom kits if the order called for it. The subtle echo of the last shot still rang behind him as he slid his ear protection down around his neck once he'd spotted Gael against the far wall. It seemed nothing more than a routine check in, and following the confirmation of their all good via text, Aslan nodded at the other in greeting. But he didn’t underestimate how fast things could shift in their world. So, he set the firearm down onto the stand, adjusted the cuffs of his dress shirt and made his way over to the Nightshade leader. Without haste, he took the cigarette and placed it between his lips, producing his own lighter from his pocket. "New stock is solid." Said through an exhale of smoke in his way of saying deals on to purchase.

[gaelxdevries]

Long, unhurried drag was taken off his cigarette. Aslan was a man of few words and he'd never been someone who found silences unnerving, perfectly happy to exist without words when the situation warranted it. "I'd hope so." Was his only response, corner of his lips curving into a quick smirk. But he didn't miss that the observation was as good as a declaration. "I'll send someone your way tomorrow." And just like that their business was done. But Gael wasn't done with him just yet, wanting at least the length of time it took him to smoke his cigarette before they parted ways. There were other topics that could be worth their time, nonchalant words leaving his mouth next. "What d'you make of all this shady, faceless stuff?" The Hollow. Though he stopped short of dignifying them with their name. Another drag and then a more flippant remark, knowing that they'd proven themselves a somewhat worthy adversary but he found it hard to summon any respect for someone who'd keep themselves hidden away. Only cowards hide their faces. "Think if we all just changed numbers that'd solve it?"

[nicocaravelli]

There was silent agreement - that indicator that The Hollow was years ahead of them was true. The secrets that were revealed of The Family's former board told enough, it said - no it practically screamed - to Nico that even the people within the organisation he had grown up to serve couldn't be trusted. He could count on just one hand how many people he trusted, and even then he wouldn't be raising every finger. It was paranoia and it was rightfully placed. A slight nod extended upon hearing Gael saw no benefit in going to war - which he could respect. Nightshade didn't need to. Which was an entirely different spin when it landed back onto The Family, especially when Nico had no problem ensuring the power they had remained. Competition came and went when you out won them all, after all.

"Your guess is as good as mine - vendetta's most likely where it started." that was his own assumption about how it all began, a starting point that could easily branch out in multiple directions. Whoever it was knew the people they had first and foremost killed. "Slip up will be a crack, barely even noticeable." he wasn't disrespecting The Hollow's power, it was smart and therefore he was expecting a fragment - a slither - a tear so small they'd need a magnifying glass to spot it. "I know your corner doesn't need it, but if situations change," because Nico was expecting them to, "it would be worth considering what we can do for each other." he was just testing the waters, letting that idea out there into the space between them with no real expectations of a true response. Yet it was there - no expiry.

[gaelxdevries]

"Doesn't give us much of a lead. Figure there's gotta be hundreds of people all over the city with an axe to grind with at least one of us." Theirs wasn't a business that tended to foster fondness in people, all too easy to create endless collateral damage or start a whole new chain of revenge, even if their moves could be justified. Eyes moved from studying the Don with an easy gaze to fix on a spot on the desk in front of him, mind turning the situation over again as he wondered if he could pluck something useful from the thin facts they had. "Though maybe the fact that they started with your Board says something." Or it could just as easily be a red herring, something else to have them all chasing their tails. But when there were no true leads everything needed dug into, scraping away the useless to find something worth grasping onto.

Eyes flicked up at the next words from the Barone, head shaking slightly before he answered with a light tone. "I'm flattered." He leaned back in the chair again, motion languid as he tried to stifle the spike of satisfaction he felt. It was nice to know you were wanted. But this was no time for smugness, not when he could respect the move for what it was - smart. With the tension ramping up it only made sense to feel out potential alliances and it wasn't as though they were against working together. He and Nightshade could do a lot worse. "If my stance on neutrality changes I've got your number. You'd make it to my speed dial." Simple assurance that if the time came when something more formal would suit him, The Family ( or maybe just because of Nico himself ) would be in the running.

[dispitcous-deactivated20250724]

Tatiana was tempted to roll her eyes yet again when Gael so rudely raised his voice, but she was already over this conversation now. She was right, as per usual, and without exposing the real reason behind her actions, so she was worn out from the back and forth over it. She did have a reason, and she didn't see it as going 'rogue' since it wasn't like she'd started any real gang wars, so this toxic masculinity was unnecessary. Glaring right back at her boss as he kept talking, she was barely listening now, her mind trained on where she'd be going after this. Between alcohol, maybe a quick fuck, and maybe even a little slashing, Tati was in desperate need of some relief after this shit. "We both know I'm not actually saying that." She pointed out. "But sure, I hear ya, loud and clear." Even if some anonymous dickwad wasn't forcing her hand again, her behaving herself was rare, but maybe she wouldn't go after her friends again. Or maybe she'd go the Scream route and find one of those voice changers next time. Only time would tell. "Are we done now? This little parade of going from one person to the next explaining myself is about to make me take myself out, so can we finally let this go?"

[gaelxdevries]

When a glare had been aimed his way so many times, for so many years, he counted himself pretty immune to it. Usually he'd return it with nothing but amusement, refusing to take it seriously, but today he found it nothing short of irritating, He allowed a certain amount of freedom in any conversation he had, a lack of respect had a way of short circuiting his usually un-triggerable frustration. But him being slow to rile generally came from a lack of care, always almost amused by those who put importance on everything. This time though, it was hard to detach his feelings when the events shone back on the thing he was proudest of in life - the organisation he'd built with his own two hands. Any temptation he had to respond was bitten back, already bored of their back and forth. Maybe there was something to be said for the fact that he should have known better than to think any conversation with Tati would go smoothly. So he decided to put them both out of their increasing misery, hand motioning towards the exit. "Door's there. Kinda hoping I won't have to see you walk back through it any time soon." Words were filled with a forced bounce, a threat barely veiled under the levity.

END.

[ronniezhou]

Ronnie clicked her tongue, slow and unimpressed. “Orthopedic shoes and a meeting? Gael, are you trying to seduce me or just remind me you’re aging like a fine tax bracket?”

She didn’t mind that he turned away for a second—she knew he’d swing back around. He always did. That was the dance. The push-pull, the needle and the thread, him pretending she’d crossed a line just so he could step over it himself a second later.

At his question, she made a show of checking an imaginary watch. “Well, now that I know you’re too busy being a very important man in orthopedic footwear, I’ll pencil you in… never.” A beat, then she grinned. “Or, you know. Whenever I feel like ruining your schedule again.”

She stood, stretching her arms overhead with a lazy ease. “Enjoy the meeting,” she added, like she almost meant it, then winked and turned toward the exit, her voice trailing behind her like the snap of a fuse just starting to burn, “Don’t work too hard. It’s bad for your hair.”

END

[alixharrigan]

FOR: @gaelxdevries LOCATION: gael's office.

Once he'd given her the nod to get on with it, three folders were tossed onto his desk, discarded as if they were an after thought as she plopped into the seat opposite him. “All three of these guys are fucking morons. That file in the middle - he's wanting to take out his first wife and then, get this, his fifth wife after that. Tell me, would you, what happened to the three wives in the middle?” With a slight cant of her head as if to say go figure, she returned her attention back to the business side of it all. "Anyways, wanted you to give the green light to send an agent out of state for this. Wife number 5 likes 'business trips' to Vegas. Figured it'd be a good place to hit." Though she’s entirely aware of the fact Gael handed her the free will with planning of this sort, with all the chaos happening in the city, Alix wanted to ensure this was done through peace of mind on both their parts.

[gaelxdevries]

Glimmer of amusement flickered in his eyes as the folders were thrown down in front of him, already sensing that whatever his contracts manage was about to divulge would be far from boring. He let her talk, flicking lazily through the file as the blonde spun him the tale and earned an amused huff from him. "Two of them eloped together with the third as their witness and lived happily ever after?" Head shook at his own suggestion, as though he could do better. "No, wait. I got it - started some kind of cult? Or formed another MLM scheme, same thing." The file was closed with a kind of finality, contrasting to the languid shrug that accompanied his later suggestions. He knew exactly what fate had met the wives but it was always more fun to pretend that life was more ridiculous than a man just killing off each of his ex wives to avoid paying alimony. "Vegas is fine, wouldn't take more than a couple hours to recall them." Fingers drummed on the desk, running through various scenarios in his head before he spoke again. "International's fine too, just try to not have more than three out of the country for the time being."

[leon-orozco]

who: @gaelxdevries where: velocity motors

León didn’t look up when the door creaked open. Just kept sanding down the edges of a dented fender, back turned, music low and scratchy over the old speaker in the corner. “Unless you're here to drop off a ’69 Chevelle and a six-pack, shop's closed,” he said, voice even, though the corner of his mouth twitched like it was thinking about a smile. Only then did he glance over his shoulder—just long enough to clock the figure in the doorway and shake his head, something dry and amused cutting through the usual weight in his chest. “Shit. Thought I smelled trouble.”

He tossed the sanding block onto the workbench and wiped his hands on a rag that was probably doing more harm than good. The bruise on his ribs protested as he moved, but he ignored it like he had everything else these past few days. If Gael noticed, he could keep it to himself. “What, Nightshade need help crackin' skulls? Or you just slummin’ it today?”

Despite the jab, there was warmth under the words—the kind that only came from someone who knew what it meant to sleep one bunk apart from you for three years straight. Who saw your worst and didn’t flinch. Who earned the kind of loyalty you don’t hand out unless it’s carved from blood and time. León leaned back against the bench, arms crossed. “You want something,” he added, tone lighter now but sharp around the edges. “Or you here to make sure I haven’t finally gotten myself killed?”

[gaelxdevries]

Lasting bonds weren't exactly something that he had a wealth of, or even something that he had gotten good at making. Ties were hard to form when he had to summon the energy to care about people and then there was the fact that they were mostly a bad idea for business. Could hardly run a faction full of assassins if he got himself all overly attached. Who wanted a gun for hire when they'd hesitate while pulling the trigger?

But León had made himself an anomaly. Probably through nothing more than the lingering feeling of closeness that their years of forced proximity had given him. Even years later still feeling connected to the man he'd spent so many hours, weeks and months in the company of. But the bond endured, enough that no matter how distant they got he'd still count him among the people who knew him best. "Trouble? I was going for danger. Or even dashing. Sounds like I might have to switch up my cologne."

There was an easiness to their interactions, having learnt each others peculiarities and way of dealing with things. It was rare that he wasn't relaxed in an interaction ( caring very little did that for you ) but his muscles were a little looser, a little less ready to spring around León. "Your words, not mine." Lips curled up into a smirk as he continued to walk into the garage. He should have checked in sooner, he supposed, by the metric of anyone else's requirements for friendships at least. But even if he was late, he was still there and potentially bearing gifts. "Both. Wanted to see how you're doing. And maybe talk a little business."

[miraydurmaz]

@gaelxdevries

Location: Where Nightshade meets at or whateva

Miray rarely bothered herself with visits to the office, because why subject herself to pointless small talk when solitude was far more appealing? Besides, she usually had Alix with her so she didn't have to do much of the conversing. Besides, she couldn't make her sells while there. But, Gael had called and asked her to stop by, and Miray liked to accommodate, at least she did when it suited her.

"This week's shipment has already been unloaded and checked." She announced casually as she walked into his office, assuming that's what he wanted to talk about. "Don't know about next week's. Haven't got that far."

[gaelxdevries]

He'd never been in the habit of checking in on the members of his association just for the sake of checking in. There'd always been an unspoken understanding that they'd been recruited because of their abilities and he expected them to do their job without any hand holding. He liked to know what was going on, that it was all running smoothly, but rarely felt the need for anything close to a wellness check.

So the text he'd sent to his weapons dealer had been purely business, a need to discuss with her what he had plans for in the future and he role in it all. "All up to the usual standards?" Brow raised, knowing that if her answer was anything but an affirmative he'd rectify it immediately. He couldn't claim to know Miray all that well but she was a woman of few words in his experience and so used his to get straight to the point. "That's why I've got you here. The way things are going business could end up booming. Wanted to know if you needed any other resources - an extra pair of hands, help streamlining things or something else. And even if things don't kick off I still want us shifting more."