may fortune favor the fuckups

"it’s winter and you feel reckless. you step into the ocean and you laugh as the cold seeps feeling from your feet. he calls you wild and you bare your teeth." pavel lam. xxv. assassin.

[pavelsmischief]

What reasons would ever motivate Pavel to pledge loyalty to a mob?

Short answer: there’s no reason he would. 

Long answer: there’s no reason he would because Pavel has the worst opinion about loyalty and families, and it colors his view on everything. 

The mobs he knows the best — the Montagues and Capulets — were founded on family. The bloodline of each family courses through the leaders, and with it, comes the struggles of what it means to be blood related. And while Pavel may not exactly know the struggles, he understands the weight of the drama that would ensue. They all pledge that blood means love, means they care, but Pavel sees his father stumbling through the door and the way his mother stared at the ceiling as Pavel slipped away for the final time, and how that is reflected in the demise of Damiano, how the Cosimo handled those who would potentially replace him should he fall. And then for the Spades? Oh, he has seen men like Faron before, despite how much Faron wants to believe he is a wildcard; Pavel is convinced that once the man is done with those who have pledged loyalty to him, he would discard them without a second thought. Maybe set them up nicely, if they did a good job for him, but discard them all the same.

“But wait, what about those who aren’t related! All mobs are family in some way, aren’t they???” Everyone is a family because they are loyal to one another? He’s been there, done that, should have known better than to believe in Orpheus. The older man took Pavel under his wing, in the sense that he honed and fostered Pavel’s delight for chaos, told Pavel that the mobs couldn’t relate to the power he held among Verona, and then went and joined hem anyways. Pavel was once loyal, Pavel was once devoted in the same way mob members are to one another, and it produced NOTHING. 

He refuses to tread that path again. 

It doesn’t matter who asks him, it doesn’t matter who is at risk; he’ll ask for payment if he is to work with any of the mobs, but he will never pledge himself to a structure that feeds off this warped reality of loyalty. The protection that comes from a mob, the limitations that course through the hierarchy —- he doesn’t fucking need any of it, much less want it. 

He’d rather watch the city burn to ashes than join a damn mob. 

[pavelsmischief]

Drunk RP prompts

Red wine: Send a glass of red wine for a drunken kiss.

Rosé wine: Send a glass of rosé wine for a drunken confession.

White wine: Send a glass of white wine for a drunken story.

Shot of Whiskey: Send a shot of whiskey for my muse to mistake yours for someone they hate.

Shot of Vodka: Send a shot of vodka for my muse to mistake yours for someone they're friends with.

Shot of Tequila: Send a shot of tequila for my muse to mistake yours for someone they're in love with.

Pint of Beer: Send a pint of beer for my muse to get pregnant to yours after a night of blackout drinking-- or vice versa. Feel free to specify.

[pavelsmischief]

voidedhea:

Some things did not change. The sun rose. The weather acclimated. Precipitation fell or it did not fall. Some people did not surrender their old habits. Valuable things were stolen. So it was all part of the game of Verona, a game which Hea grew tired of thinking about. A constant on their mind, had it been, since the beginning – a beginning which seemed far buried beneath all of what had occurred as of late. Not one shred of the past mattered, unless it had a lasting effect – and then, it was all that could be discussed.

The power had been felled, but not diminished. Inch by inch, their strength returned to them – even if it consisted of lightheadedness and clenched-teeth cursing. They expended themselves to the maximum caring for Cinead and Mallory – and forgot about themselves. Such a thing did not seem capable of the character of Hea Min, but so it was. Unconditional affection was even possible for gods who suffered, if it was for their own kind. 

                ( but it wasn’t just for their own anymore. was it. )

Their hand skirted against the wall as they departed from their private suite on the ground floor, dragging their fingertips against the smooth paint. The injured hand remained wrapped from the plasters of this morning, tucked against their abdomen. There were splotches of crimson that started to bleed through. Quite literally. 

They glanced down at this wretched mortality, spreading their fingers. And then there was more of it, in the form of Pavel Lam, who managed to find laughter in all of these dark corners. They were, of course, not surprised to see him. Nor to see that he was eyeing a vase. 

“A relic,” they said, an answer unbidden. “Lucanian, to be exact, from the Hellenistic period. It is, more than likely, worth a fortune. But touching it may or may not send off a very unseemly alarm, which would awaken everyone and irritate me further.” 

They watched his hands, and his stature, half-hooded in the dark. There was, of course, the twinge of curiosity, the itch in their spine that had appeared the first time they encountered him and his mischief. One twitch of his mouth made theirs return, though they hid their splotching bandages as best as they could from him – even if it meant the stain beginning to transfer, in light textured patches, onto their loose shirt. 

“But do I pull it off well? I’ve been told many flattering things. Perhaps they are all untrue, or perhaps you might be envious you cannot pull it off. Who is to say, in this time of murky and disloyal intentions?” 

And there existed the spark of intrigue. Composure, an aura of the power they held by merely walking. How easily it could shatter by the way they held their hand against their abdomen ( soon to be hidden, of course, but little escaped pavel when he paid attention. besides, red was such a loud color ). 

“Well then, I’m glad I didn’t touch it. Isn’t wonderful when I can actually be an adult and keep my hands to myself?” He was always an adult, though, despite what everyone else screamed at him. He was merely a different kind. A better type, if he was to be honest. But then again, he was biased. 

Walking up to the witch, he tapped a finger against his chin in consideration. “Let me see --- you pull it off as anyone who was shot could pull it off.” With a snap of his fingers, a finger-gun motion pointed at them, he added, “Which is to say, you look awful. I’m sure your siblings appear worse, though, and that your loyalty to them is straining your own recovery. Did I hit the nail on the head, or will you try to convince me I instead slammed the hammer onto my own hand?”

[pavelsmischief]

DATE: may 12th TIME: 06:25 pm LOCATION: tbd CLOSED: @orionmassetti

Perhaps it was bolstered by the city’s dreary environment, but Pavel was in a state of bliss for the day. Not to say he was sunshine and rainbows, but compared to the majority, he was one to have a smile on his face.

And that gesture of joy was maintained as he slide beside Orion, shoulder knocking the other man. “My my, I felt like I haven’t spoken with you in ages,” he started, swiping his thumb along his bottom lip. “I just have to say, your little spectacle at that cage event, or whatever it’s being called, was absolutely entertaining. I felt like I was witnessing a love triangle being born with what drama I imagined it ensued. I only wish I had popcorn with me that day, it would have been so entirely perfect, you know?”

[pavelsmischief]

DATE: may 15th TIME: 11:37 pm LOCATION: spade territory CLOSED: @calina-s

Was he completely over himself and the recent, dreaded event-that-he-would-not-focus-on? Nope, not exactly, HOWEVER, he begun appearing within the city limits once more, flying above the civilians as if he had not been absent for days. Besides, if no one actually noticed his absence ---- well, that was a blessing and curse in its own way, and he had yet to decide if it mattered anyways. 

The task at hand was slipping into newly marked territory, effectively sneaking past idiot newcomers and experienced mobsters, and then ---- waiting in the darkness. Patience was a virtue, but it sure wasn’t his favorite one! Still, it was necessary for the idea that had stirred in the back of his mind the past few days, and all potentially worth it to witness the advisor’s reaction when he sprang from his hiding place to land before her. 

“Oh my god, this is such a rare opportunity! May I have a picture? An autograph even?”

[pavelsmischief]

nikolaiborisov:

“AH!” Nikolai squinted and backed away, handswatting at the air like a little bee had unexpectedly buzzed toward him. Where the fuck did he always come from?“Of course I mind. I always mind.” Nik leaned his head backagainst the steps, closing his eyes to calm himself. Maybe if he pretendedPavel wasn’t there, he’d disappear.

After a few seconds, he opened one eye to take apeek, see if his theory worked.

Nope!

“Don’t you have someone else to play with?”Nikolai almost whined, like a sibling who didn’t want to share or spend time withtheir much more annoying, much less handsome brother. Not that he and Pavelwere like brothers. That thought was just…disturbing. “You know, someone whoactually wants to be around you?”

Ah, see, Nikolai could always brighten his mood! The other man’s actions were hilarious, and the obvious dislike Nikolai had towards him was completely entertaining rather than disheartening. Though, admittedly, Pavel was a little peeved the man couldn’t forgive him yet. Out of everyone in the city, Pavel at the least tried to apologize for ruining the man’s work. aAs it as genuine as it should have been? Not exactly, but he still apologized! That was a feat for him, and both of them knew it, and yet, Nikolai still held onto that damn grudge ---

                                                       chill. pill.

Anyways, yes, absolutely amusing to see Nikolai crack a lid open as if he wanted to see if Pavel disappeared with the breeze. Sticking out his tongue, Pavel waggled his brows before shaking his head. “Do you really believe anyone wants to be around me?” ( oh, is there one person pavel? isn’t there? ) “Besides, I think playtime with you would be great! You’re one of the few here who knows how to have a good time without the drama of the rest of the mob families, you know? And that’s awesome in my books!”

[connectivitty-blog]

cell phone headcanons

send me “#” for cell phone headcanons about our muses including:                              - what your muse’s name is in mine’s phone                              - what your muse’s picture is in mine’s phone                              - what your muse’s ringtone is in mine’s phone                              - my muse’s last text to your muse

[pavelsmischief]

If Pavel could be ANY animal what would he be and why?

i have sat on this for ages because i could not easily figure this out?? i know what animal i would personally want pavel to be ( a mischievous fox is obvious, and i'm amused by the thought of him being a hyena ), but it didn’t seem right that pavel would specifically/always want to transform into those animals. and this has stumped me for so long because the desire to be any animal could change daily? hourly? so many different animals appeal to pavel, and to be one of them to discover what it’s like is enough of a pull to change his mind.

however, what he tends to change his mind to, and keep the decision for the longest, is that of a parrot. specifically a wild parrot, for he’s not one to be tames ( at least, not without difficulty ). and he would want to be a parrot to retain some semblance of intelligence, of course, and also to fly. when he jumps between buildings as he runs on rooftops, he loves the feel of the breeze on his face. it has him forget; it whisks him away from the darker corners of his mind. so to be a chatty parrot and fly whenever he wishes? i think he would enjoy his time as that animal!

[pavelsmischief]

DATE: may 14th TIME: 01:23 pm LOCATION: phoenix and the turtle cafe CLOSED: @faronvasiliev

He wasn’t inclined to track anyone that day; the city was falling apart around them all, slowly as if tainted by a poison, and he steered clear of it all for now. He himself had to regroup and adjust to the chaos brimming and see where the joy in the fire could be found.

Yet, the sight of a familiar face through his binoculars, always smiling as he delivered costly damage, caused pause. And soon Pavel was packing his items, throwing a backpack in the safeguard spot and tucking extra knives under his belt. It was dreadfully easy to scale the building and burst onto the sidewalk, walking until he slipped through the door to the cafe, no hesitance in his steps as he approached the one and only Faron Vasiliev.

Sliding in the seat opposite Faron, he lifted his feet on the next chair’s back, shooting the older man a wicked grin.

“Mind if I sit here? I’m having an awful day, and you seem like the right company to have it turn all around! You just have that air of change about you, you know?”

[surprisebitch]

[pavelsmischief]

surprisebitch:

this is sooo sweet <3

[pavelsmischief]

DATE: may 5th TIME: 02:45 am LOCATION: hotel emelia CLOSED: @voidedhea

It wasn’t about stealing from the witches.

No, not even he would be that idiotic. But he was never one to keep himself in the dark if there was an opportunity to discover. After all, it wasn’t every day that proclaimed gods fell to their knees.

A part of him enjoyed the sight; he wouldn’t lie to himself on that. What glorious chaos erupted from that moment forward, and the moments since. Who would have imagined such power being diminished so quickly, and by those who weren’t even part of the city? Still ---- a part of him, that same part who withdrew his revolver in some twisted form of damn protection, winced at the sight of Hea falling. He had no attachment to any of the witches, but the intrigue Hea invoked at the fashion show now had him slinking through the halls of Hotel Emelia.

He sought information. That was it. Simply because something shiny and expensive caught his eye on the way meant little. Verifying the vase was authentic was all part of the plan. Now, hearing the shuffle of feet, the distinct sense that someone had now painted a target on his back? Not planned, but you know, kind of expected.

When he turned, though, scenarios of escape already running through his mind, an unbidden laugh escaped his lips. A tilt of his head, hands moving to rest on his waist. “You look like shit, Hea. Though I’m sure you are already aware of that.”

[pavelsmischief]

alvagwon:

’You’re welcome’. They can’t help a small, relieved smile at that, a small knot of tension releasing from their shoulders with just two words. It’s a strange privilege being privy to words and faces and histories they wouldn’t be otherwise, but it also feels as if they’re intruding - and in a way, they are. They know Pavel doesn’t want them to see him like this, raw and vulnerable and rosy with emotion, but they can’t apologize if they truly don’t mean it. They’re selfish, but they’re honest.

“I don’t want anything out of you!” Alva says almost reflexively, far too genuine to be defensive. Only a beat later do they realize how truly tragic it is that Pavel would think the only reason why anyone would want to comfort him is that they want something, and they somber at the thought, dark eyes widening in earnest. “You don’t annoy me. I mean, you do - sometimes - but it doesn’t mean I take pleasure in watching you in pain. Not that I claim to know what you’re feeling or anything at all, but…” they shrug helplessly. “You can’t let someone suffer alone.”

Do they want something from him? No, at least not favors nor a reward but they suppose they’d want to be able to see a glimpse of something beyond the perpetual bravado and sarcasm he showed day in and day out like a one man show, to see him as human and vice versa.

“Oh.” They sigh, smiling sadly. “Somehow I wish it was.”

He does not deserve their smile.

The thought is too sudden for the state he is in, and it’s a thought he hasn’t entertained in years ( or so he convinces himself ). What he does and doesn’t deserve means little in a world that doesn’t care; he has continued believing he deserves whatever he wishes, for then his life is made easier. 

This, though, this gift of a smile so small in action yet so large in meaning --- there is no doubt he doesn’t deserve it. He may wish for it, like a faint breeze in the wind, but it shouldn’t be granted. 

                  ( a moment, then, for a chill up the spine                      at the sudden awareness of what is occurring )

His gaze remains on them, burning in its intensity as he watches how their expression changes with each word leaving their lips. It’s almost hilarious, how they convince themself he shouldn’t suffer alone. As if it was something he hadn’t already become accustomed to. As if he hadn’t already accepted that for silly little shit like that, he was always going to be alone.

He hated this moment. He embraced this moment.

And with their soft admission and softer smile, he lifts his freed hand, gently gripping their chin between thumb and index finger. “Someone like you shouldn’t be this foolish,” he teases, voice low, nearly just as soft. “What a ridiculous thing to wish for. Why would you ever want me to say my shit problems are your fault?”

[pavelsmischief]

does pavel love alva

i nearly spat out my water when i saw this oml

love is a complicated thing for pavel. there is distinct and lasting trauma from his family life when he was a child, and then during the time he was beside orpheus. the concept of love, platonic and romantic, is something pavel consistently refuses to acknowledge past the surface, for others and for himself, because for him, it’s a means for a saner life.

alva has and does push the boundaries of pavel’s refusal of and to love, both platonically and romantically. i mean, to be transparent, there has always been underlying tension between the two, and pavel surely has thought about the two of them having sex to relieve that tension so to speak. but lust and love are two different things for pavel, and alva’s presence, the twisting journey of the two’s relationship, have certainly caused him to wander through train of thoughts he hasn’t dared traveled in years.

i woudn’t say that pavel loves alva quite yet, and pavel surely wouldn’t either. he may admit to alva that he likes them in an affectionate sort of manner, may even admit he is fond of alva, but even then, there’s a disconnect to love. in a way, he fears it, is afraid to give it, and he’s yet to navigate how to approach such an intense emotion.

however, i will note that, in the moment where lucrecia pointed her gun at faron and alva stepped in front of him, pavel did not hesitate in the move to place his own weapon at lucrecia’s head. there was no question in his mind right then to ensure alva’s safety, even if it meant faron would escape.

and for him not to hesitate, for it to be instinctive to protect rather than destroy for one specific person, is something he understands means so much, and is currently ( all internally, in the non-chill of ways ) addressing. surely the next time he sees alva, there will be MUCH to confess. 

tl;dr pavel has a complicated relationship with the concept of love, platonically and romantically, due to childhood/adolescence trauma, and while i wouldn’t say he’s at the point where he loves alva, there is definitely a burning affection and fondness that is pointing to the direction of pavel falling in love with alva.

[pavelsmischief]

DATE: may 4th TIME: 3:40 pm LOCATION: neutral territory CLOSED: @tiberiuscapulets

The advantages to remaining neutral were near limitless. Loyalty was an insane concept when it came to mobs, due to how easily it could all break. It was all about who was useful to whom and when --- and once someone wasn’t useful, then they were eradicated. It was a pattern he saw repeated through the years, and now matter how long anyone was a member of the mobs, no matter how complacent they became, it would never change.

The only loyalty that mattered was loyalty to himself and himself only.

Ah, but he could admit there were hiccups in remaining neutral. Information was harder to obtain, and unveiling of secrets difficult to extract. It could be just as dangerous for him if a wrong move was made as it would be for any enemy of the three mobs.

                 ( of course, he already made a move that could cost him dearly, didn’t he?                                      was it worth it, was it worth it, was it worth it? )

Either way, he needed a distraction and a clue as to how the Montagues and Capulets were treating one another. After all, he was still technically employed under one, and if they were allied, didn’t he now have co-clients?

         Whether Tiberius Capulet saw it that way had yet to be seen. Oh, but Pavel could see his reaction in three, two, one ------

                            And B O O M, he landed in front of the other man as if he had flown from the sky. Which was close, seeing as it was from the side of the building. Straightening, with hands on his hips, a wicked smile was plastered across the jester’s face.

“How’s life as the new mob boss working for you, Tibby? I bet the first few days have been rough, haven’t they?”

[pavelsmischief]

DATE: may 3rd TIME: 11:32 pm LOCATION: hotel emelia CLOSED: @reginadaly

For once, Pavel Lam was quiet among the streets of Verona.

There existed no echoes of his laughter, no brief shots of him scaling buildings and flying through the air. It wasn’t as if he disappeared; some did share a glance with him, perhaps he winked if they were blessed. But the city was vacant of his ever-constant presence. 

It was as if he himself was a Montague or Capulet, hiding from the city in shame.

Oh, but it was only him being cautious. Contrary to the popular rumors, he was aware of when to take a step back and strategize. Survival depended on not only instinct, but the ability to understand beyond the surface of what was seen, and Pavel had learned that lesson the hard way long ago. There was a reason he was good at the shit he did.

So he kept to himself, popping into view from time to time. And tonight was supposed to be a visit, for he wanted to witness himself how the witches had fallen from grace. But plans were thwarted, as they usually were, when he caught sight of a familiar face.

Changing trajectory, he slid beside the younger girl, fingertips barely grazing her arm. “Regina Daly. It’s been far too long, hasn’t it?”

[priamtaravella-blog]

Diverona + text posts [part 7]

[pavelsmischief]

nikolaiborisov:

Date: April 30th Time: 6:35 am Location: random street on previously neutral territory Status: Open

At least he wasn’t in the hospital again.

The early morning sky was full of pinks andblues when he planted his ass on the step of an unopened shop, holding an icepack to his temple. He’d even gotten a few hours of sleep the past couplenights and everything was stillfucking sore. What a horrible, no good, very bad time.

What was going on with Verona, anyway? He wasbeing told to kidnap people, those people were put in cages, weapons were forsale, and goddamn shit storms happened every other week since he’d arrived. Nikolai would say it was high time he got the hell out if hewasn’t so damn curious about what the hell they were all smoking. Not that hehadn’t mostly had a blast so far, but they either knew how to have the bestparties, were batshit crazy, or a mixture of both. Both, he thought. They’reprobably both.

“I’ve been away from my toys for too long,”he groaned, leaning back on the upper step to relax more. There was nothinglike a good fire to calm the nerves and warm his insides. Maybe he’d go blow upa car or something when he felt better. That’d be nice.

Never before has his hand shook since he began pressing a gun against another’s temple and pulling the fucking trigger. 

It was ---- discontenting, to see the twitch he had long since forgotten. How it impeded his concentration, his natural movement. As if he was transforming into some pitiful being, ready to mewl in a pathetic cry for help. And the kicker was that he killed no one! Everything that had happened, the casting of the dice for what occurred, all of it was not the most violent outcome he had ever experienced!

                             ( what it was, however, was the most EXPOSING event                                 a vulnerability he didn’t think ---- that had bloomed ---- )

Sucking in breath after breath, he rubbed his hands over his face. He needed a fucking chill pill. A thousand chill pills. All of the goddamn chill.

And it was on this thought that he near missed Nikolai. And here, with hands still shaking, was where he bounded over to his fellow neutral, desperation clawing at his insides for a distraction, for ---- something.

Pitched forward and head craned, the smile that spread across Pavel’s face alluded to nothing other than his usual tease and antagonization. “Mind if I join you in playtime? Pretty please with a flame on top?