tiny dancer

Hanna Aleksandra Zylka.30 | Aleman | SICARIO

[lilysjmes]

Alicia Vikander photographed for Porter, 2015

[hannazylka]

   “You’d say you’re the same woman now as you were when I met you?”

“A little older, more refined, but still the same Hanna as when we met.”

[hannazylka]

The Art Institute of Chicago was hosting its annual fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital; a black tie event, invitation only. Though, Hanna was not in attendance for charity, culture or even the open bar. No, Hanna was there for business. She had orders to carry out. A neutral party reneged on a deal; cost the Alemans more than just money. 

Joaquin was clear; he would die that night by Hanna’s hand. He requested the presence of Elisabetta Biondi to help shape the narrative he wanted told. He needed to be dealt with discretely. The target had health problems and a quick injection could induce a heart attack. Hanna just needed time enough alone to ensure no one called paramedics in time to revive him.

Hanna entered the event separately from her partner for the evening, though the woman was quick to spot in a crowd.

“You look lovely this evening,” she greeted. “Are you ready for what comes later?”

@elisabettabiondi​

[hannazylka]

Camila’s lips quirk, nodding. 

“It definitely fits yours.”

She meant that honestly, and admiringly, in a way— she, of all people, understood committing to one’s aesthetic.

“Well, I’m waiting on … a client. But you can find me here most of the week anyway.” 

“I do hear Sapphire is one of Chicago’s prime nightlife hot spots. Shame to have to spend your night here waiting on work.”

[hannazylka]

Camila gives a little pause at that before nodding, pocketing the lighter back in her purse.

“For sure. I’m not an outdoorsy kinda girl, but I do love a nice bonfire.”

“I guess smoking looks cool, at least — like in those black and white French films? Super très chic.” 

“When you’ve been smoking as long as I have, it certainly becomes a part of one’s...aesthetic.” Hanna chuckled, enjoying her conversation with the seemingly innocent woman in front of her. Hanna was envious of the naivety she exuded. It was something she lost long ago. 

“So, tell me, what brings you here tonight?”

[hannazylka]

Alondra exited their hotel, being immediately met with a plume of smoke as soon as her heel clicked against the cement. Her nose scrunched up in distaste, peering over at the couple near the entrance. She flashed them both an obligatory smile, her smile brightening a bit when she recognized Hanna. “While I don’t really give a damn, I’d love if you two would be a doll and spare me the complaints about smokers right out front the hotel.”

The man who lit her smoke served his purpose and Hanna quickly sent him away. Standing from her seat, she walked over to Alondra, careful to exhale her smoke away from her. “Of course, Mrs. Aleman,” Hanna replied with a grin. “Your wish is my command.”

[hannazylka]

   “I’m not sure the inability to change is something I’d advertise with such pride.” Gabriel returned her smirk, almost imperceptibly.

“Hm. If I was too quick to change I wouldn’t be nearly as valuable,” she said, gleefully inhaling the death smoke into her lungs. “Being so set in my ways brought me this far, hasn’t it?”

[bob-belcher]

[hannazylka]

Camila gives a lighthearted little curtsy. 

“Oh. Why thank you.”

“Well, one is definitely a lot more fun than the other. It’s too bad they both smell.”

Hanna nodded in agreement, a small laugh breaking through her lips. “The scent is a shame, that’s certain. Though, there’s something sexy about the smell of smoke. Regardless of the source.”

[hannazylka]

   “You shouldn’t smoke.” Gabriel tucked the lighter back into his inner pocket, watching her inhale, and then filter the smoke back out between parted lips a moment later.

“Is that so?” Hanna questioned, a smirk dancing on her face. “Like any good ballerina the habit was ingrained in me long ago. I’m afraid there’s no changing me, now.”

[hannazylka]

camilasperez‌:

“Nah, girl. Crystal meth only.”

She grins even wider at her own joke, eyes crinkling as stares at the other woman, all dark hair and cool edge.

“Yeah, herbal, for sure. I need that shit on the weekend!”

“Your teeth are far too perfect to be a meth head,” Hanna said, an eyebrow raised and a grin on her lips. “I can’t blame you; better than an addiction to cancer sticks.”

[hannazylka]

Camila can ignite the lighter with even the length of her nails; it clicks, spurts to life underneath the woman’s cigarette.

“Y’know, it’s funny; I think this is the first time its been used on a cigarette.”

“Thanks,” Hanna replied, a smirk growing on her face in the presence of such a bubbly energy. A stark opposite of her own. “More into the herbal sort of remedies, yeah?”

[hannazylka]

“Do you have a light?” Hanna asked, cigarette in hand, with no method of flame on her person. Her company obliged, lighting the tip of her smoke as she inhaled. 

[adoringaliciavikander]

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015), dir. Guy Ritchie

[hannazylka]

“Good.” Ambrya replied, taking the drink and looking around the festival to see if she could spot such a truck. There was bound to be some type of funnel truck or dessert truck or something in the area. Turning her attention back to Hanna at the question, she gave a sheepish nod. “Different from California. Different from Turkey.” She paused, looking around at the event before returning her attention once again and offering a smile. “But I like different. Chicago has its own personality. What about you?”

“Very different from Russia and the west coast, that’s certain,” Hanna said, thinking of her time spent around the world. “Chicago has its charm, that’s true. A bit of culture here and there, but eh...nothing special.” Hanna shrugged. Where she lived never really made much difference to how she operates. 

“There’s a dessert stand that way,” Hanna pointed. “I’m sure they’ll have something we can munch on.”

[hannazylka]

“Perfect.” Ambrya smiled, following to the bar and waiting for her turn to order. “I’ll have a… Rum and coke.” She decided, nodding to the bar tender and then turning to Hanna with a beaming smile. “You don’t have to get it, I can treat.”

“But if you insist then maybe I can buy us some cotton candy or pretzels or something. I’m sure there’s got to be something good around here. Do you like funnel cake?”

“Love funnel cake,” Hanna replied. She took a few bills from her pocket to pay the bartender and handed the rum and coke to her companion for the moment. She took a sip from her own beverage before saying, “how are you fairing in Chicago? Quite a bit different than California, yeah?”

[hannazylka]

“Well the world would be a very boring place if we all saw it the same way.” Ambrya shrugged and continued to dance until the song ended and it trailed into another one that was less dancey.

“I’m parched. Did you want to grab something to drink with me?”

“I would love to get a drink with you,” Hanna responded with a soft smile. She led her colleague to the bar and ordered a double vodka soda for herself. She tilted her head towards Ambrya and asked, “what would you like? On me.”