@monicainpink
location: pest
date: 12th june, 2021
It was rare that Pestilence ever had something to be proud of these days. The past few months had been a slew of unfortunate events, one piece of bad news after another, one loss after another. Even the sinking of Death’s headquarters had been tinged by Fazal getting shot, and the uncomfortable knowledge that they’d had to resort to a temporary alliance with Famine and War in order to regain some control. But tonight, for a change, they could finally celebrate something. All hurdles had been successfully cleared, PEST was full to capacity, and they were forecast to make a small fortune from the sale of Cupid tonight alone, and even more in the coming months. For the first time in a long time, Iniya actually felt quite happy to be a part of the gang.
After Mitzi and Genie disappear to count the money earned so far, they are left alone, detangling themself from bodies on the dancefloor to seek refuge in a double vodka tonic at the bar. Their eyes scan the room, searching for anyone worth interacting with, her standards high even when several drinks in. A hit of something would likely loosen them up, but they were yet to sample Pestilence’s (or rather, Mitzi’s) latest triumph, chiefly because she had a rule about doing drugs alone. And so she finds herself lurking in the corner as she so often did, disconnected from everything and everyone, with folded arms that form a protective and judgemental barrier. It isn’t until the familiar face of Monica appears at the club’s entrance, having just returned from her trip to Death’s Studios, that the barrier falls, and a comfortable warmth settles in their chest. They quickly order two more drinks from the bar before moving through the crowd to the figure of her best friend, offering a real, genuine smile as she arrives in front of her. “For you,” she announces as a greeting, pressing the glass into Monica’s hands. “Figured you’d need it after your little trip. How did it go?”
DOB: 17 November, 1995
Time: 6:00am
Location: Leicester, England
[full chart here]
BIG THREE
SUN (ego, identity, “role” in life)
Scorpio
The symbol of Scorpio is the Scorpion, which describes these people well. The Scorpion prefers to kill itself than be killed, so people born under this sign tend to be in complete control of their destiny. Life goes on their terms since they strive to promote their agenda and make sure that their ideas go forward. Some may see this as overbearing and self-destructive, but Scorpios have great regenerative powers, just like how the Scorpion can lost its tail and grow a new one.
Scorpios are fearless; they rarely lose and keep moving forward, as they are stubborn and very determined to succeed. Scorpios work as hard as they can so that they can relax in the future. Scorpio is a water sign, but unlike the other water signs, these people do not like to show their emotions. Though Scorpios do tend to be emotional, they keep it secretive and under cover. When they speak, there’s no fluff; these people get straight to the point with essential questions to reveal the secrets within. Scorpio is ruled by both Mars and Pluto. With the God of War and God of the Underworld associated with these planets in ancient Roman times, this sign is very intense. This combination makes Scorpios motivated, penetrating, and aware.
People with their Sun in the 1st house:
Put great value into the way they are perceived
May feel very self-conscious because they care a lot about their image
Can recognise and seize opportunities
MOON (moods, emotions, inner self)
Virgo
Virgo Moons have emotions that are analytical in nature. They appreciate structure, detail, and organisation, as routines help them think more clearly. For the most part, people of this sign find emotional security when things are tidy, planned, and structured. In fact, a Virgo Moon may very much enjoy running errands or completing small tasks. However, their analytical nature may make a Virgo Moon overly critical, shy, and neurotic at times. Being so focused on details, this sign may criticise themselves and others too much. They may constantly feel like they haven’t done enough and may be too aware of their bodies, which can cause them to develop a low self-esteem.
Being an earth sign, Virgo Moons prefer to focus on tangible things rather than dream about “what could be.” They are known to be practical, health-conscious, and skeptical, people who analyse their thoughts and feelings rather than deeply “feel” them. In relationships, a Virgo Moon needs someone who can offer an organised and practical setting. They value cleanliness, good health, and routine in a partner, and they will typically show their feelings through actions rather than words. One of the best traits of a Virgo Moon is their keen eye for detail. They love to focus on small things and find pleasure in making sure that every detail is perfect.
People with their Moon in the 10th house:
Value their career success more than anything
Find emotional stability within their social status and career success
Care a lot about what others think of them
RISING (outward appearance, personality, style)
Scorpio
Scorpio risings have a considerable measure of quality. There is something about them that tells the world that they are not to be pushed around. They demand respect, and occasionally, fear. Scorpio rising individuals can be peaceful or uproarious, but they always appear to be determined and powerful.
People either love or hate Scorpio Ascendants – they do not go unnoticed. Truth be told, some of them are confused when they get strong responses from others. Scorpio Ascendants may care about their privacy so much that they become paranoid. They need to be in control of their situation and specialise in strategy. They plan out their moves painstakingly and purposely, depending on their great skill of understanding others and circumstances.
OTHER PLACEMENTS
MERCURY (expression, communication, thinking)
Scorpio
Mercury in Scorpio individuals are passionate, which shows through the way they communicate. They share their own thoughts as long as they are about other people and not themselves. They have excellent observation skills and will typically see things that others miss. However, this sign isn’t particularly tactful; they will usually say what they are thinking and may have quite a sharp tongue. Tenacious and stubborn, Mercury in Scorpio natives will hold on to subjects until satisfied.
Scorpio Mercury focuses on strategy. They are intelligent and work by natural instincts. Their criticism may come off as negative at times, even if they think they are being constructive. It’s very difficult to win an argument against a Scorpio Mercury. They have a hunger to win. If a Scorpio Mercury doesn’t care about a subject, they will do everything they can to avoid it. This can be hard when it comes to school and other subjects. They often come across as suspicious and negative.
People with their Mercury in the 1st house:
Use an intellectual and analytical approach to situations
May overthink too much
Can be easily bored
VENUS (love, relationships, beauty)
Sagittarius
Sagittarius Venus don’t require too much emotional attachment in their relationships. They are restless and will be turned off by people who dwell on the same things all the time. These individuals can often be judgmental and blunt, and they dislike emotional scenes. If the relationship gets hard, this sign may leave the partnership quickly. Though they may just need a break, they could leave forever. This sign may put people on a pedestal, and when that person doesn’t live up to it, it may be devastating to Sagittarius Venus.
Venus in Sagittarius people need freedom and space in order to be content, and may go out of their way to avoid feeling confined. If they’re upset, make sure you take them seriously. If they are laughing, laugh with them. Don’t be afraid to debate with them, but respect what they believe in. New ideas may make them forget the old. They appreciate art, philosophy, and religion.
People with their Venus in the 2nd house:
Have an appreciation and understanding for beautiful things
Find deep pleasure in the material world
Understand the value of things and strive to obtain only the best positions
MARS (instincts, aggression, sexuality)
Sagittarius
Sagittarius Mars isn’t the most patient sign. They can be restless and use physical activity or work to deal with anger. They like to always be busy, so they are continually working on many projects at once. This frequently makes them hard to keep up with. Mars in Sagittarius natives often neglect others’ feelings when they are passionate about something. They are very persuasive and may be used to getting what they want. They get frustrated with people that put holes in their plans. They may take it quite personally if others don’t believe things the same way they do.
Mars in Sagittarius people may be unfaithful. This is because they are restless and crave variety. They love the chase, but once it ends, they may lose interest quickly. They also don’t like feeling restrained by commitment. This sign gravitates towards people that can entertain them intellectually and sexually. Until they find that person, they may have many partners. Sagittarius Mars is curious, they love to hear about the exploits of others. They may be a little crude and enjoy having liaisons in weird places. Their love life is like a sport to them. Playing hard to get may make them lose interest in you quickly. Games are fine as long as they aren’t mind games.
People with their Mars in the 2nd house:
Can be impatient or impulsive when it comes to spending
Prefer to make money on their own; they don’t like working for other people
Don’t like to lend their possessions to other people
JUPITER (idealism, optimism, philosophy)
Sagittarius
Those with their Jupiter in Sagittarius are born under a lucky sign, as Sagittarius is Jupiter’s natural home. It seems like they are always succeeding. They may be very inspirational individuals. In order to be so, they simply must believe in themselves and their goals. Their innate enthusiasm emerges when they learn or teach new things and they have a talent in seeing the big picture. This sign spends money freely, but they typically are prosperous.
Jupiter in Sagittarius natives may be offended if others disagree with their morals and values. They are really good at creating their own opportunities. When they are in line with themselves, they can predict with accuracy what their next action should be. This sign can take risks and succeed. They are challenged to grow physically and intellectually. They enjoy competition; sports may be a good outlet for them. Being too stubborn will push their luck away. They have a great potential to develop deep wisdom.
People with their Jupiter in the 2nd house:
Have a tendency to over-indulge
May push their luck with their finances
Place their feelings of self-worth in their success
SATURN (responsibility, fears, limits)
Pisces
Pisces Saturn is sensitive. They frequently feel vulnerable or defenceless. It is easy for them to see the negative in things, so they may be a little paranoid. They may also feel like a martyr or a victim. Saturn in Pisces natives may turn their sensitivity into something positive. They can be pragmatic, compassionate, spiritual, psychic, or artistic.
Pisces Saturn may have difficulty letting go of hurt feelings from the past. This can leave them fearful. It may be hard for them to analyse their past, accept it, and then let it go. They have to be less defensive and more open to the present moment. This sign may be very self-sacrificing. They possess more endurance than they think they do. They may be quite sympathetic but have problems with being both detached and loving at the same time. Saturn in Pisces individuals face lessons of humility, emotional understanding, and compassion. They may need to overcome negative feelings, strong fears, and a wandering imagination.
People with their Saturn in the 4th house:
View home and family matters as restrictive and burdensome
May have grown up feeling as though they weren’t loved by their family
Struggle with showing affection
URANUS (innovation, rebellion, progress)
Capricorn
Capricorn Uranus is enterprising and ambitious. They may be very responsible and serious. Their unique business ideas will bring them success, but they may be eccentric, erratic, stubborn, or quarrelsome. This sign might endure deep sorrow and trouble if they are not careful. Uranus in Capricorn individuals come off as very reactionary or conservative. They traditionally accept policies that keep society stable and safe. They want things to be structured carefully and conservatively, though they are not completely opposed to changes in tradition.
Uranus in Capricorn natives may be impulsive or restless. They are skilled in balancing intellect, ambition, and independence. Capricorn Uranus can handle power easily. This sign is skilled in seeing trends long in advance. They won’t hesitate to change methods in order to get what they want. They have a logical, great mind. This sign usually makes great business leaders or politicians. They are capable of accomplishing great things for society as well as material progress.
People with their Uranus in the 3rd house:
Have a forward-thinking, genius mind
Can be eccentric, often puzzling or annoying others
Are overly honest and should sometimes keep their thoughts to themselves
NEPTUNE (dreams, imagination, vision)
Capricorn
The Capricorn zodiac sign is stubborn in nature, which is where Capricorn Neptune finds their ambition and ideas. For this sign, inspiration comes from reason, logic, and practical uses of different ideas. They prefer to work on things on their own terms and don’t like to brainstorm with others. They like to sit by themselves and think quietly.
A lack of chaos and noise helps this sign come up with innovative ideas. Anything pertaining to business or success in their career stimulates their imagination. Capricorn Neptune may be obsessed with status, so they tend to focus on how they can improve their wealth and influence. They enjoy power and constantly try to find ways to get more of it. Though Capricorn is one of the strongest willed and determined signs, everyone has their breaking point. Capricorn Neptune can frequently become disoriented when things don’t occur in a practical way. However, they typically are well-prepared for many situations throughout their lives. Still, they can’t anticipate everything, so when things go wrong, they may get quite flustered.
People with their Neptune in the 3rd house:
Have creative and artistic minds; are talented at visualisation
Feel like others don’t truly understand them
Often only hear what they want to hear
PLUTO (power, rebirth, intensity)
Sagittarius
Those born with Pluto in Sagittarius have a need for exploration. They feel that by gaining as many different experiences as possible, they have the power to recognise and use any opportunities that arise to their benefit. The future is one area they tend to fixate upon. They hate being humiliated, even if it is only a momentary mistake that no one else even noticed. They know they did it, and it can affect them. To compensate, they may gloss over their errors or create justification for them.
People with their Pluto in the 1st house:
Come across as intense, intimidating, and secretive
Have a strong fear of rejection
Are defensive because they want to maintain a sense of control
Ever since Jackie’s death, Omer had lost sense of who he was as a person, the man he once was had died the night she had and he was born again to live a life without colour. Waking up every day was a constant battle, grief consuming him completely and making the simple act of living, breathing surviving the hardest challenge of his life. The only way he knew to survive was throwing himself into his work and that was what he had done over the last three and a half years, worked, worked, worked, at the Conservatory and for Famine, the thought of his revenge propelling him to continue. There was no space in his life for anything else or anyone else. He was a broken man with a broken heart incapable of taking care of anyone, including himself. His edges were too sharp that if anyone tried to get close to him they would bleed in an instant and all he would be able to do is watch them fall. He was quick to cut strings of the flings that warmed his bed and that was probably what he should have with Iniya six months ago when he discovered that she was in Pestilence. Yet, rather than keeping his distance from the Power, he got closer to her, giving himself to her whenever she sent a text or called, hoping that maybe by spending time with her that could find out more about the gang he wanted to destroy. The only problem about their arrangement was that Omer never suspected that he would crave her as much as he did, or that he too would seek her as much as he did at all hours of the day.
.
There were countless responses they could offer to his demand. I want to forget about Saturday. I want to stop thinking for a while. I want to feel nothing and everything all at once. I want to completely lose myself. But they had no desire to even mention the more stressful aspects of their life at this time, and even if they had, none of those answers were appropriate for a casual hook-up scenario anyway. It was easier to tip her head back, deft fingers now tracing a line between his shoulder blades, relishing how hard he already felt against her. A soft moan escapes them before they speak, voice heavy with desire. “I don’t want to think, I don’t want to talk. I just want you to take me upstairs and fuck me.” His lips on their neck prompt a moan. “Fuck me like you own me.” And then he’s carrying them upstairs, clothing getting disregarded as they move toward her bedroom on a journey they’ve made a hundred times before.
The navy blue lace lingerie set was not worn with Omer in mind - Iniya wore expensive underwear regardless of the day of the week or the company they were expecting - but his appreciation was welcome regardless, enjoying the way his eyes raked over their body. What was less welcome was the way his fingers stroked over her core, gentle where they needed rough. His question was only more infuriating. “Please stop fucking teasing me,” comes the answer through gritted teeth, eyes closed in frustration and desperation until his tongue and fingers make contact and she gasps. They lean back, one hand propping herself up while the other tangled in his hair, his name slipping off her lips in a whine. Her hips roll, the sensation of her clit gliding over his tongue causing her thighs to tighten around his head. The steady rhythm of his fingers and the flat of his tongue are all they can focus on, every movement deliberate and intoxicating, allowing every thought that isn’t about him to dissolve. Her arms shake with the effort of staying upright, muscles tightening in anticipation as she moans his name again followed by a series of curses, the air already heavy with her panting and the sound of her slick arousal. It was so much to take, every nerve in their body on fire, and yet it still wasn’t enough.
A tug of his hair and a quiet command of come here brings him up for his lips to meet theirs again, the taste of themself on his tongue somehow fuelling their desperation. Senses overwhelmed, they pull at him, guiding him onto the bed beside them. She palms his erection over his clothes, watching carefully for his reaction as they sit above him. “Now you’re the one wearing too many layers.” His trousers are removed swiftly before she straddles one thigh, hand slipping beneath his boxers to slowly stroke his length. A sigh of relief escapes her, as though she were stimulating herself, thumb tracing over the head of his cock, already lubricated with precum. They want to continue watching, see his every expression and hear his every moan, but the need to consume and be consumed drives her back to his mouth, bruising him with the force of her want. Firm, purposeful kisses travel to his jaw, his neck, his collarbone, teeth making harsh marks that are instantly soothed by the press of their tongue. And all the while their hand works on him, twisting at the base of his shaft before dragging up at an agonisingly relaxed pace.
Iniya’s body moves against his, grinding on his thigh unconsciously until she whimpers into the crook of his neck, breath hitching at the friction provided by the lace of her underwear and the hard muscle beneath her. There is something undeniably appealing about the idea of her getting the both of them off just like this, with complete control and him at their mercy, but they had invited him for a reason. None of this was enough to overload her in the way she craved, even as her hand and her hips sped up briefly. They required total oblivion, sought in the caging of his arms and the blackness that would inevitably envelop her when they came. “I think I need you inside me now,” they murmur, taking his bottom lip between their teeth as their hand tugs at his underwear. “Do you want that? Tell me how much you want to fuck me.”
Gigi wasn’t ignorant. The knowledge that the theatre fell within the jurisdiction of Michaela Pinkett had not eluded her, made even more inescapable since aligning herself with Death. However, she wouldn’t turn down a part because of it. The Pestilence matriarch’s face was one known to her, though not one she could have claimed to see in the audiences (particularly given how the stage lighting often obscured everyone other than the front couple of rows). Like a fly banging against a window pane in summer, something incessant if she focused on it but, otherwise, would fade into the white noise of her thoughts. She would confront it if (and now likely when) it became a problem.
“That’s very kind of you, thank you,” she responds, Iniya’s comment pulling the edges of her smile higher, before waving aside the unnecessary request of forgiveness. “There’s no such thing, it’s all subjective.” The actress lowers her voice then, almost conspiratorial, as though she were sharing some great secret with the other. “Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” Gigi winks, offering an answer to the question that’d been posed, “Crazy for You, it’s a musical comedy type show. We’re just workshopping it at the moment though, which is the same show without a lot of the frills of a full-scale performance.” The addendum is added for the other’s benefit, making a gesture to the plain-looking stage.
“We could swap numbers and I might be able to get you tickets if something comes from it,” - which she liked to think it would, but that was the optimist in her - , “Only if you’d be interested, of course.” The last thing she’d want was to bring in a reluctant audience member. “But I doubt you’d need that owning the place, hmm?” She muses, a knowing glint sparking in her stare, subtle but present, having deliberately posed her presumption as a question with the intent to satisfy her own curiousness.
-
While at university, Iniya had managed to befriend several actors, or at least children of actors, which was virtually the same thing, because nepotism usually guaranteed that they would end up with a part in the newest Marvel film whether they had talent or not. All of these people had been one dimensional cutouts with little to no variation from one to the next - boring, but predictable and therefore easy to befriend and take advantage of. Gigi could not have seemed further from this. There was no pretence, no simpering expression that begged like me like me, just a remarkable self-assuredness that they instantly both admired and envied. They had always found themself drawn to those whose confidence did not seem as faked as their own, and Gigi Quinn was certainly no exception.
All of it drew them in - the winking, the lowering of the voice - so much so that they weren’t entirely convinced she wasn’t still performing. Yet even if it was, it was a compelling one, one that their analytical mind wanted to inspect the layers of. It also didn’t hurt that the woman likely had equally famous connections that Iniya could make good use of if she played her cards right, and it was that thought that propelled her to navigate her own standoffishness and continue a conversation about which she knew almost nothing. “Sounds like it’s set up to succeed. You as the lead, comedy, musical. I’m sure people will love it.” They, of course, hated both comedies and musicals, but it didn’t seem worth it to mention that fact just now. “And it seems to be going well. Thanks to you, I’m sure.” They shift their weight from one foot to another, casting an eye over the stage and the other actors milling around.
“I actually have my own box here,” she confesses with a proud half-smile, pointing above them to the first box on stage left. “That one’s mine. It has a great view, naturally. Like you say, one of the perks of buying the place. But —” She unlocks the phone in her hand and proffers it to her after a couple of taps, the screen displaying an empty contact form. “—We can still exchange numbers, if you’d like. You know, just in case you have any complaints about the venue, or your understudy has to take over or something. Then I can know which performances to avoid.” They tilt their head in lieu of another smile. Making herself useful was the best way she knew how to build good connections with others, and her half-joke half-vague flirtation was thrown in as a bonus. Either one or the other would work.
“I fucking did,” he parrots Iniya, tone tickled by their disbelief, in part because he knows it’s not entirely sincere. Of course he fucking did and there’s little he can do to wipe away the grin that threatens to drop his cigarette. “And how th’fuck they gonna know I got it? I’m not even sleepin’ t’night. Takin’ the sucker to the first vet who’ll check ‘em for chips.” He bends to the side toward them, facing forward as his eyes shift to look at them, “I’m sure ya know… docs’a all varieties really love their coke.” Speed came in second place; though it’s less glamorous by reputation, and not nearly as much of a magnet for pretty young party goers. Vices link them all, no matter their social status, and everyone wants to escape. In a city as large as London, it’s easy enough to find, and the darkest corners of the hottest clubs are one of the first places people look.
He’s watching them as the boat sinks, wondering if they’re buoying among choppy, internal waters the way they’re pinching their cigarette, how Fletcher can hear the swipe of her thumb against the filter. They’ve worked together enough that he’s aware they aren’t fond of violence, only there’s suspicion to be had in their ranks, with Death closing in and traitors skittering throughout the older families. How strong are their alliances to the likes of Monica, who even wields the Pinkett name? Fletcher doesn’t let his sentiments — what little he maintains — dictate what’s good for business and Iniya is a vessel of ruthless logic, differing in reason but not in the fact. He has to question who can be bought by Death — or anyone else — because every plank they slip out from under them is another hole to trip over, or if it’s one as large as Charlotte, fall through altogether.
They mention Charlotte and it underlines his apprehension, because their question isn’t about what needs to be done or will, but rather where they can even go from here. It’s dangerous talk, especially at their rank, even if Fletcher shares their anger about Charlotte, the topic igniting a fiery plume that stretches from his core. And with it, a resolution. “Where we should go is on a hunting trip. For the very Pinkett who turned her back on the name.” If she won’t come back to them willingly, if she won’t help them regain their status, than in his mind, it’s the only road to take. It’s the only option merciless enough, heartless enough, to fill the very cracks Charlotte had shaken open. “And then make an example of whoever’s responsible for Fazal.”
The aloofness of his expression falters at their observation about Mitzi, a quick draw of his brows, concern accentuating his jawline. “I haven’t seen her since before all the fuckin’ madness started. At the bar.” He falls silent, stepping away from the vehicle to yank the door open once more, doing a quick count. Someone asks him what the fuck he’s doing and Fletcher doesn’t respond, slamming it shut again. Monica, Milo, Fazal, Jaemin, Iniya. He’s ripping the cigarette from his lips, exhaling a cloud of smoke as he throws it down, “I don’t see Nadia around either. Maybe the two of them made a run for it.” He refuses to leap to the worst, refuses to allow himself to get boggled down in what ifs, hammering any that try to sneak through with the harsh knowledge that they’ve all signed up for this. They all arrived at that party knowing exactly what could happen. There’s always the chance they’ll lose someone and lately, between Charlotte and Jack and Ricardo and Priscilla, the bodies were piling up faster than ever. And if anything happens to Mitzi because of the former pair, Fletcher will make sure they pay tenfold. One way or another.
His mockery itches, crawling under their skin though they knew it was relatively lighthearted by his standards. Though they were technically on the same level in Pestilence’s hierarchy, Iniya had spent enough time ranked below Fletcher that the feelings of inferiority lingered quite distinctly. She had been a Power for less than two months, and while ordering Angels around was a responsibility that came quite naturally to her, in many other respects, she was much less qualified. A fact both of them were acutely aware of. “You going to keep it? So you always have a friend?” The idea of having anything belonging to Uriel in their possession filled her with anxiety, let alone his presumably beloved pet, though perhaps in Fletcher’s principal line of work it might be useful to have a guard dog. "He’s probably trained to only respond to Uriel. You’ll be lucky if you can get him to sit, let alone attack your enemies or whatever it is you want him to do.”
Her feelings about Charlotte’s actions were somewhat complicated. There were, of course, feelings of betrayal and indignation, mirroring that of everyone else in Pestilence and somewhat heightened by her closeness to Monica. But there was also a little admiration toward the Seraphim for having turned her back on her family, and some understanding at her decision to leave a gang that was floundering where once they had been so sure. They were envious of her for having the backbone to do what they could only fantasise about doing, though her choice to join Death was certainly not one Iniya approved of or understood. And it was because of all this that they weren’t really sure they wanted to see the younger Pinkett sibling destroyed in the way that other members of the gang did. “Sure, we could hunt her down. But do you think Death are happy about having a billionaire’s daughter calling the shots in their little riot squad? They’ll probably rip her apart for us.” Frankly, she was surprised that she had been let into the gang in the first place, but she neither knew nor wanted to know what went through Uriel’s head.
For all the shit Fletcher had put Mitzi through, Iniya was fairly confident that he would never actively want harm to come to her, and his erratic reaction confirmed that. His observation about Nadia makes them even more unsettled. Nadia was one of the few competent members left in the gang, and they really couldn’t afford to lose her. If she had been captured or worse, Pestilence would be even worse of than they were at the beginning of the evening - something Iniya had been sure wasn’t humanly possible. They take their phone out of their pocket and check their notifications. Fourteen emails and a text from their assistant, but nothing from Mitzi or Nadia. “They would’ve made contact if they were off but weren’t joining us. It’s what we all agreed, and I’ve got nothing.” Their eyes return to the steadily sinking boat, and her stomach sinks along with it. “Unless they ended up in the water so their phones are useless. Fuck.” A slightly furrowed brow is the only visible indication that Iniya is not perfectly calm, but the balled up fists in their pockets were a little more telling. “I know we should stay here, but I want to look for them.”
“Good,” Jaemin affirms, glad for Iniya’s confidence in their endeavors. It’s one thing he admires in them – the ability to see what they wanted and go for it. It’s not that he doesn’t do that himself but seeing it in someone else, someone younger was always refreshing. “I would love to see them for sure. Who knows, maybe you’ll be our new landlord someday,” he jokes good-naturedly as they walk. The sun is almost fully up but the chill of early morning hasn’t left them yet as they get closer to his stop. He’s glad to have run into Iniya, glad that she talks to him, that he’s still able to have some positive impact on someone. Charlotte’s betrayal was a blow to them all but it had been different to Jaemin. He’d believed Charlotte felt like they could talk to him only to find out that he’d been so full of his own ability to help and be a mentor that he’d failed to see the obvious signs. But he shakes himself from those thoughts now, and instead nods as Iniya speaks.
They are better. They didn’t murder people on television and call it justice. Retribution maybe but equity was different. Death is different too, he supposes. But not enough – not so different as to not call themselves a gang, just like Pestilence, just like War and Famine. They were all trying to gain power somewhere. Maybe he’d gotten into the wrong business all those years ago. Except, he’d make the same choice again and again if it meant being by Apollo’s side. It’s why he doesn’t understand how Charlotte could leave her family for someone who’d terrorize them and everything they’ve done. He’s not sure…but maybe he doesn’t need all the answers. “Ah, right, the mask. Good to know that’s what’s keeping you,” Jaemin quips as a small, ghost of a smile crosses his lips. The question has him faltering in his steps slightly, not because he doesn’t want to answer it, but because he doesn’t know how.
“Hmm.” There’s a pause, and he can hear the train approaching the station below where they’d just stopped, the rumble of it beneath his feet. “It was strange. I mean…I’ve touched a corpse before, you know, med school and all,” he’d not yet had someone die on his operating table, but he’s moved bodies before, down to the morgue. He’s told families they’ve lost loved ones. But Priscilla didn’t have loved ones to tell. Not that he knew of. “I guess I just didn’t expect to be moving her body…I don’t think anyone was.” He clears his throat, considering Iniya’s words, hearing the tube station’s intercom playing, announcing the train that had just arrived. “I don’t agree with what she did,” trying to sell out to Death, “but it was mostly just sad.”
Claire and Iniya both measure their worth by their professional success. Fortunately they are both extremely successful, unfortunately it does very little to fix any of their deep-rooted insecurities. Completely control freaks. Enjoys pretending that everything is absolutely fine when it very much isn’t. Uptight and repressed, they are the “straight person” in any comedy double act.
miranda priestly (the devil wears prada) [x]
deadpan snarker / disapproving look / married to the job
Hyper-competent and genuinely passionate about their jobs, but horrible to work for due to their impossibly high standards and eye for detail. Very concerned with aesthetics and perceptions. Hates incompetency. Good at a sneaky business deal. They do both have softer moments, but you aren’t likely to see them and they’ll pretend they never happened if you do.
michel gerard (gilmore girls) [x]
small name, big ego / the friend nobody likes / passive aggressive combat
Good at their jobs but terrible at dealing with people. Neither are physically violent, but their words are enough of a weapon. On the surface they are both somewhat jaded and pessimistic, but underneath they are softer than they let on. Some respect for authority figures, but only when earned. Prefer their pets to most humans.
rachel duncan (orphan black) [x]
green-eyed monster / i just want to be special / teeth-clenched teamwork
Born from various issues in their childhoods, both Rachel and Iniya are particularly envious of others and probably go too far in attempting to boost their own self esteem. They’re both wrapped up in some pretty dodgy organisations, but for the most part successfully avoid getting their own hands dirty. Highly independent and ambitious, they dislike relying on others for anything.
david rose (schitt’s creek) [x]
the unapologetic / narcissist / the perfectionist
Neat freaks, narcissists, and yep, you guessed it, deeply insecure. David and Iniya enjoy the finer things in life, and make careers where they get others to appreciate these things, too. Unhelpfully sarcastic and snarky. They care for the people closest to them fiercely, but that really isn’t too many. Sometimes they’re the only people in the room with a braincell, but god, at what cost?
annalise keating (how to get away with murder) [x]
Another character who’s good at their job but horrible to work for. Like Annalise, Iniya is involved in a lot of illegal shit that she at least somewhat attempts to avoid, but they usually just end up digging themselves in deeper. A deep distrust in basically everyone, they struggle in the majority of their relationships. Some addictive tendencies. Uncomfortably honest.
honourable mentions: ruby matthews (sex education); kendall roy (succession), marial brezhneva (the great)
Jaemin chuckles lightly at the admission of threatening one contractor with another, “well, I hope it’s effective. At least enough to go through the trouble of all this in the first place,” he commiserates. It’s not like they could do that at the hospital when a doctor started slipping. There was no margin for error, and even less for repeated ones. “Is it corporate or residential?” He asks about the property Iniya is visiting today, genuinely interested in the little facets of their work. The Dominion had always been curious like that – gleaning knowledge from whomever, whenever he could. You’re like a sponge, his mum would always say, just like your sister. Sun-Young had a brilliant mind, one Jaemin knows he won’t live up to, but that’s never bothered him. He’d rather live up to her legacy than to her intellect. The thought brings a twinge, a sharp slice of guilt as he thinks back two days. He can see Priscilla’s lifeless body in his mind’s eye, and though he’d not shot her, he was complicit in her Death. All of Pestilence was. But he doubts few carry that around like he does.
Shaking off the thought, he glances down at them, puffing out his cheeks in exhale. They were right. People can’t trust Pest, so Pest couldn’t trust people, so people couldn’t trust Pest. He appreciated Iniya’s candor, the way they want answers, the way they vocalize their thoughts and opinions so clearly. They’ve grown since joining Pestilence, but growing in a gang was both a blessing and a curse. One had more agency but could no longer plead ignorance to the violence or situations going on around them, even if they could have a bigger hand in either. “You can always tell me what you’re thinking, Iniya,” Jaemin reassures, scuffing a trainer on the sidewalk as they stroll. “I just still processing it myself,” he admits.
"“And I don’t want to give you an answer that isn’t true. I’m just not sure what recourse any of us has right now. Pestilence is still better than Death. I believe that. And I believe that loyalty still matters.” At least Pestilence knew what they were about. Death said they wanted equality and justice, retribution against those who’d corrupted London, but weren’t they doing the same thing? And weren’t they even more hypocritical in offering a chance at redemption, only to turn those who sought it out over to Pestilence? “I’m not going to bug your house but if I had to, I’d be sure to use wall-safe tape.”
"I'm confident that it will. Depending on how things look I might just sack the others and keep the new ones on permanently. Either way I'll be fine." Work was Iniya's solitude, a place where everything was under their control and had to meet her standards, a stark contrast to every other aspect of their life. She clung to it, allowing it to fill her up and keep her sane. "Residential. It's a building I'm converting into flats in Waterloo." Their new pet project, something more enjoyable on the side to return to when her larger projects became too stressful. "I'll show you them when they're finished, if you like. They're going to look amazing. Great views, good investment."
It was rare that you found someone too good for gang life - after all, you had to have some sort of moral failing to be willing to join a gang that pushed drugs - but it were true of anyone in Pestilence (and one could make a strong argument that it wasn’t), it was true of Jaemin. Even with the people she cared for most - Monica and Mitzi and Genie - she accepted that none of them were exactly good. Frankly, she probably wouldn’t have liked them half as much if they were. But Jaemin was a doctor. Jaemin actually cared, and tried to mend things rather than break them. Perhaps it was why Iniya was inclined to go to him rather than other senior figures within Pest, some desperate unacknowledged desire to have someone fix things. “I appreciate that,” they respond quietly, knowing full well that the chances of them ever confessing her thoughts to him were so minuscule they were hardly worth speaking of.
“I believe that we're better too,” they agree. "You don't have to worry about me following in Charlotte's footsteps. I don't want to wear one of those hideous masks." Though Death, irritatingly, did make some points that on some base level she supposed she agreed with, she wanted no part of what they offered. Not only would their success mean a significant change in lifestyle for her, but she was barely avoiding shedding blood in Pestilence. Death had murdered three people on camera. That was not something she wanted to get involved in. The primary issue was that they no longer wanted to be involved with Pest either. "I did want to ask something though." The question has been playing on her mind since the theatre, and she was not about to ask Fletcher. "Priscilla. What was it— I, um—" Iniya was almost frighteningly articulate, but this subject had a way of shaking that. Her gaze fixed firmly on her feet. "Was she okay? I mean, what was it like to move her?"
