Nikolai Marković

[smiles] Would you really like me to be the one to hold you to such things? I am not so good at it myself but I would be happy to meet with you and your uncle for dinner at the Luxe. I have been wanting to see this fancy hotel. [smiles again] Yes, I can get together with you this weekend, nothing work related though. Leisure time, plus, you should show the city a bit. I am glad you feel good here, that makes me happy for you. Would you like me to text you Friday to plan something for the weekend? I can clear either day.

[shrugs, waving a hand in a gesture] You are almost as bad as I am, so maybe not. I will speak to my uncle and get organized for that particular meeting. Otherwise.. a meeting that is not related to work. [he pauses, eyes shifting in thought, as if this is a situation he's completely unfamiliar with] Evelina, if I were to show you what I know of London it might be the blind leading the blind. Unless you are taken by the docks on the river. But.. send me a text. We will take a day and see what we can find.

[About to walk away when she perks up to his words]

A drink? I mean, I could do a drink. Wait, we’re not talking smoothies are we?

#c #chat: eva #-shrugs-#there's probably some reason #or another

I was suggesting something minus the fruit and umbrellas, yes?

{Private} Niko & Evelina

At least there is one thing. [smiles] Kidding or not, it is alright, I am not upset. [pushes a smile again] It is what it is, as they say. Well I do look forward to the business and at least do my part to help you get started on that. Real estate contracts and law, learning what those are in England, feels like a nice change of pace. You are free to drop in whenever the mood to do so strikes you, though you are a busy man so I will not hold it against you if you do not. Zhenya does not have to come to me, neither of you do, if you tell me when and where I can come to you both and we can discuss everything. [smiles a little at Niko’s words of Zhenya enjoying the visit, he had always been decent to her] It will be like old times a little, sitting down with the two of you.

[smiles before a laugh slips out] Maybe you should hold me to it, then I will remember to leave a little leisure time in my schedule. Hm.. we could always meet for dinner at the Luxe? I have not taken Uncle there yet, and it is a place I would like you both to see. Perhaps you can spare some time over the weekend? [pauses, reminded of distant times with both] Friendly familiar faces have been in short supply. But I am beginning to feel as if London is more like home now. Or.. close as it could be. Think it over and let me know?

True. [she nodded, they would have been good for a child. she was burned after trying to be friendly so she shrugged] It’s too late now.

It’s fine, don’t worry about it.

[glances around in an attempt to find some way to smooth over the rudeness, eyes honing in on something in the distance before returning his attention to her] Perhaps I can make it up to you with a drink then?

#c #chat: eva

{Private} Niko & Evelina

We’re the same in that aspect then, I like having a lot on my plate, keeps me busy. [Shrugs] You can have a thousand friends, Niko. I know you were not suggesting that, you have always been complimentary to my aptitude for my profession. Even with the small stuff, it is better to have me look it over since I can read law with ease and yes, always better to be safe than sorry.

That must be really very nice for you, Niko. Oh, I do commend you, I think it has taken me by surprise and I am in a bit of shock here. Maybe you should hand me that water over there, splash it on my face. [Sighs and smiles] You are growing up.

#c #chat: evelina #sorry no gif this time #tumblr is being particular for some reason

True, one point in which we can agree on. And I was only kidding with you, Evelina. Do not take me so seriously. But of course, I appreciate that. And there is a lot more to come in these few months as well. I hope to acquire several new properties. Outside of that.. well, I would like to think I can drop in to at least say hello to an old friend from time to time. [grins, glancing over at the water first before locking his gaze with hers once more] Perhaps I am growing up. Either way, I will make arrangements for my uncle to come in person to discuss that with you. I am certain he would enjoy the visit as well.

[steps aside and lets the balloons go, giving him a look] Alright. Great. That was unnecessary though. You can move along now.

[notes the balloons slip from her hands but doesn't follow them] A better use for them would be to give the balloons to a child. Rather than let them go, but too late now.

But forgive me, I apologize if I offended or crossed the line in any way.

#c #chat: eva

{Private} Niko & Evelina

[Shakes her head with a slight eye roll] If you tease me then I will tease you right back, so I would be careful if I were you. Does this mean you have had your face buried in work? [Brows furrow together quickly and then relax] I thought Dahlia was here. But yes, you can talk to me about anything, you know that. You also know how to reach me and I am sure you even know where my new residence is. What is on your mind?

Expertise or not, I know enough and whatever I do not know, I will figure it out to get you the best result possible. Real estate law is tedious but it isn’t anything unmanageable. [Smiles] It is actually a bit of a nice break, sometimes. Let me know the time and place and I will be.

Does Zhenya know about this? [Thinks for a moment] Of course I will do it for you but it worries me a little. You are young, strong, and healthy. Is there something wrong or are you simply being cautious and my mind is spinning for no reason?

#c #chat: evelina #sorry he's typically vague you have to read between the lines with him

[raises his palms in surrender] OK. I will try not to tease the caged tiger. I have had a lot on my plate, as they say. But I like it that way. [pauses] Dahlia is here, yes, of course. Am I perhaps allowed to have two friends? We.. do not always have time to talk. [vague as ever] I did not mean to suggest this is beneath you. You have a keen mind, you know that. Or else I wouldn't count on you. What I meant to say was.. Sometimes I hate to waste that talent on real estate deals but then again.. better that over actually bailing me out of trouble here, no?

I have not spoken to Uncle yet but I will. You are right, only being cautious, particularly now that the family is all together again. [pauses for a moment, sly grin on his face] I thought you would commend me for doing something so.. responsible, Evelina. Not as reckless as I used to be. Trying to plan for the worst, expect the best.. that sort of thing.

[pushes all of them towards him] You sure? Take a couple to your girl, she would most likely think the small gesture was cute or something.

#c #chat: eva #i know neither of my charas have talked to her #i've been busy but #will have to make up for this #bloodlinesevent

[pushes them back virtually smothering the petite woman with the obnoxiously full bouquet of balloons] No really.. she does not care for such things. That are cute and.. filled with air. These things do not matter to her luckily.

Does anyone want a balloon?

I really do not understand how I ended up with so many.

#c #chat: eva #bloodlinesevent #imagining if niko was wearing what's in the gif #like he stumbled in from the nearest ren faire #laughing

[eyes the balloons, resisting the urge to pop one with a lit cigarette between his fingers] I.. will pass.. but thank you.

{Private} Niko & Evelina

Thank you Niko, I will let you know if that would be needed. Although I could take care of the expense myself. [she smiles and shakes her head] You brought Zhenya here and then asked me to come, I figured something was coming. I guess I’m going to need to find myself a tour guide but something tells me you really don’t feel sorry for me, even if you say ‘poor Evelina’.

[waves off any thought of her spending her own money in bringing her mother to the country, assuming she knows full well he'd never dream of her using a dime of her cash to do so] I forgot how much fun it is to tease you. Of course, I am joking. You are needed here but there are other things besides work.. at least this is what I have been told. It would also be nice to have a friend I can talk to. Not about real estate or other things such as this.

I know it is not your expertise but I appreciate the work you have done with the hotel property deals here. There is another one in the works as well, you will be receiving paper work for it soon. I would like you there with me, now that you are present in town. I have something else too I am interested in. I would like to set up a meeting in which to discuss a will to be drawn up. For myself. My uncle would be executor, of course. If anything should happen to me I would like him to be taken care of. Nadica too.

blackhearted-dahlia

{{Private}} Niko/Dahlia

blackhearted-dahlia

She obediently curled her fingers around the bottle as he settled her more snugly to him, and she sighed softly in content . “You know I do nothing halfway, mon trésor en sucre. Dedication is important to me.” She felt a hint of guilt as she finally realized her inebriation was holding him away from important work. But then, in her mind, he worked too much as it was. So she smiled down into his face. “This?” She asked, somewhat breathlessly, hefting the nearly empty bottle. Playing dumb was not her favorite game, but tonight it was irresistible.

#face #waiting in the queue

"Lucky for me, you give it your 'all', no?'' His gaze wandered down her body, legs straddling his lap. Dahlia was anything but dumb, however he humored her by raising his brows and looking to the bottle with an equal amount of innocence. "Mm, not that. This." Tugging her towards him a hand raised to the back of her head pulling her in more as he leaned in to kiss her.

#c #chat: dahlia

jrmappreciationgroup

glasshalfdelicious

#face #waiting in the queue

glasshalfdelicious:

A preview of tastings to come.

jrmappreciationgroup

{Private} Niko & Evelina

We all have our talents. [shrugs a shoulder] It scares people when you know international law in six different languages. [smiles a little at his reaction then looks away] I was only joking. I’ll ask her but I’m not sure she’s going to want to move, she’s got a fairly active social life there. [nods, then smiles] We did live in the same city, Niko. You must be so happy to have him near you again and permanently. He is a brilliant man and it was amusing to see people’s reaction of him when he was out. It must be nice to have that kind of presence, right?

That's why you are so valuable of an asset. [nods] The offer will stand regarding your mother if you need to accept it. And yes.. I am very happy to have him here. He is a brilliant mind, as you are aware. And there will be an expansion soon, I need him. Which means.. [here he grins with a sly smile] Poor Evelina will never see the light of day. So you better get out now while you still can.

Connection || Niko & Cephas

cephasmilosovic

((OOC: Since I accidentally the whole thing with my tag, I’ll just kinda pretend Cephas gave the right information about his father knowing Zhenya, not Niko’s father. Whups. I’ll pretend that mistake didn’t happen. ))

"A psychologist," Cephas repeated, and could see that maybe Niko didn’t get the inherent value of a criminal-friendly professional on his side. He sat when the gesture came, prepared to explain why he was useful. He’d hoped for a softer landing when he arrived, but his father had warned him they were as wary as any serious criminals had any right to be. So Cephas decided to just be direct and blunt. He opened his mouth to speak, but the waitress arrived and looked expectant for an order. "G and T," he ordered, and flashed the server a smile. He watched her move away, hooded eyes eyeing the woman’s rump for a moment before he realised that Niko was rubbing his palms together in preparation for some sort of serious question. Cephas’ heart sped and he noted the sensation in an absent way, and that it was exciting. Yes, breaking the rules was much more exciting than blind obedience to the law, and Cephas had to admit that even when intimidated he was much more engaged than with conversations in any ‘civilian’ setting. He could scarcely remember the name of his secretary, his landlady, the real estate agent who’d shown him around places for two weeks—but he’d be damned if he forgot Niko. So altogether Cephas couldn’t phrase this as a bad interaction, even if things were now a little difficult. Difficult things just needed to be massaged after all. Cephas sat back. "My father is alive and well. Though we don’t talk as much as I suppose a father and son should," Cephas said, tone neutral. Talking about parents was always risky business. He didn’t like talking to his very much. Not as a grown man.

#para: cephas #para: connection

Cephas was unusual. Brazenly approaching him, and seeming to fall into a conversation they had yet to have. Presenting a card, a title, and an offer that at first glance he'd wanted to laugh at. Niko nodded absently as Cephas spoke of his father, not truly interested in the details. It was more a matter of reference. What he wanted to know was how this man who so boldly tracked him down could assist him. Surely, he wasn't here to see if Niko's health insurance covered mental health services. Despite it all he remained intrigued, if not wary. "Is it on purpose.. this lack of communication?" At this point Niko seemed to relax, the corners of his mouth lifting a little. "Although I suppose it is not for me to question. You being a psychologist of course." The occupation was said with less disdain this time around. After a drink he slipped his laptop into its case and placed it out of sight, a sign that he was willing to give his full attention to the impromptu guest. There was something on the table that Niko tried to wrap his mind around. A psychologist who doesn't talk to cops. This man seemed to know him - or at least know of him. Lowering his voice and drawing his wine glass closer he spoke. "Mr. Milosovic, I commend you for not speaking to the police. But I do not need your services if that is what you are offering." Never one to overlook an opportunity, Niko mulled over any other possible uses for someone with Cephas' skill set. He didn't need help to mentally break down those he handled who were difficult to deal with - he much preferred toying with them himself. Questioning further, he asked, "But tell me.. how long have you lived in London? How good are you at your job, Mr. Milosovic?" It was all to say.. is there any other way you might be of use..?

{Private} Niko & Evelina

It seems that you do. [she smiled at his approach and gives his arm a light squeeze at the kiss on the cheek. she grabs the papers in his hands] Alright Niko, not all of this is yours. [she laughs a little and sets the papers back down] I don’t really have bosses unless you’re talking of yourself. [lifting her chin proudly] I take pride in doing my job well, Mister Markovic. Do you want me to fuck something up? I can, just for you.

No apologies, you know I am here to help you in any way I can. [rolls her eyes playfully] Yeah sure you were. She’s doing okay but her health isn’t so good these days. She’s happy where she’s living though.

[watches her before taking a seat across from her desk, unbuttoning his suit coat and straightening his striped tie] I am sure I will have papers that you can make mysteriously disappear soon, Evelina. You are awfully good at that. [feigns insult] What? You do not believe that I missed you? [clucks his tongue once] Shame on you.That hurts my feelings. Ah.. mother is not in good health, I am sorry to hear that. If you like, I would be happy to bring her to London as well. I will let you decide. [pauses] Were you aware that my uncle is now in town too? Permanently in town.