The Ghost

Anthony Price || 30 || Previous bodyguard to Alessia Auditore & Veronika Auditore || Borough: Valence. Spouse/Partner: Georgie Coppola (ex-girlfriend) & Veronika Auditore (ex-girlfriend) Family: Allcera Detorri (mother) Micheal Price (father...

[lahav-aleshkovskaya]

Did you sponsor a kid mister oh-so-generous?

[price-anthony]

I did not, no. I’m used to being behind the scenes at these kinds of things.  

[lahav-aleshkovskaya]

Thank you for the hint, highly appreciated. 

[price-anthony]

Hey, anything to help. I like to think I’m extremely generous.

[sofia-plushenko]

The Russian couldn’t help but giggle as he teased her, shaking her head as she followed him away from the majority of party patrons. It was strange, the way she was feeling upon seeing him again: the familiarity of the ‘old’ Anthony was comforting, in a way it lulled her into a false sense of security, that things were going to be the way they’d always been between the two of them. Yet as the Russian princess’s eyes found the floor as the pair walked to the couches to sit down for a moment, she found herself being reminded of what she’d told him in the hospital, and the battle between her thoughts ensued, distracting her from the event for a moment.

The brunette sat down quietly, a small smile crossing her lips at his compliment as her dark eyes found his, her legs crossing as she watched him sit next to her, her fingers toying with the flower in her hands as she uttered a soft ‘thank you’. “You look dapper, yourself… going for the whole, ‘black tie event without the tie’, I see. It’s very ‘rebel without a cause’.”

[price-anthony]

“You know me, always have to be ‘that’ guy. It appeals to the women.” Tony teased with a soft chuckle before nodding and rubbing his shaved face. “Thank you, though.” Without skipping a beat, Anthony continued to avoid any awkward confrontation. “So I’m sure you’re more than ecstatic that everything going so well? Y’know, scheduling, lights, food, no killing, the usual party details in Launceston.” 

Though things weren’t the best, it was nice to casually speak to Sofia for once. Being able to talk to her like they were still the friends they used to be. The Italian didn’t need the hope of a relationship or romance to be content with the Russian. It was always like that even when he first realized his feelings.  

[vorshevskymikhail-deactivated20]

Stepping outside into the cool air, Mikhail inhaled deeply letting the cold air fill his lungs. He forgot how tiresome and overwhelming these functions could be. Being around self-indulgent, shallow, fake people was draining, the French smiling through gritted teeth, the Italians rolling their eyes. At least the Israelis were as abrasive in that room as they were in real life, which was a bit refreshing. He wondering if people ever tired of being uptight pieces of shit, comparing themselves to others, making sure they came out on top. Taking the pack of cigarettes out of his pants, tapped them against his palm until one wriggled free. Placing it between his lips, he closed his eyes and lit it soaking in the calm it gave him. It no wonder they all killed each other, almost everyone in there was annoying as fuck. 

[price-anthony]

The Italian needed a moment away from the crowd. His head, although much better than the initial concussion, still ached. The  noise and choice of individuals inside didn't help that one bit. Granted he was neutral in alliances, his opinions were still biased on the families in the city.So being around so many Russians and French put him on edge. Every event he had been to in the past, where more than one family was present, was interrupted to say the least. Walking outside, he didn't notice the Russian standing next to him as he stuck the cigarette between his lips. A low grumble in his chest formed as he failed to find a light in his pockets. Turning to the man next to him with his eyes focused on his pockets, he casually spoke, not recognizing Mikhail. "You have a light?"

[sofia-plushenko]

She hadn’t been expecting to see him tonight… frankly, Sofia hadn’t seen him since that evening in the hospital. Her mind was busy, fluttering to and fro, making sure that everything was perfect, exactly the way she’d planned it, the real-life replicate of the images that she’d had in her head while she’d been planning this event… that was partly why it took her a moment to recognize the Italian when she first saw him, still recovering from the nerves that presented themselves upon speaking to the room full of benefactors, as well as Launceston’s elite.

She felt the warmth rise in her cheeks as he spoke, the phrase simple, yet his voice was smooth. A small smile rose at the corners of her lips slowly, the Russian pursing her lips as she accepted the rose from his outstretched hand, her expression more composed than she felt. “Thank you,” she said gently, the smooth hum of conversation in the background rising to the forefront. She motioned for him to follow her, further away from the stage where she’d just spoken, yet she stopped a few feet away, turning back to the man whom she’d treated only a short time ago. “I didn’t expect to see you here… how’s the head?”

[price-anthony]

On the exterior, Anthony was calm and collected toward the Russian, just as she was to him. But on the inside he was nervous to all hell considering how rocky the two had been. As she accepted the rose, the Italian felt a weight rise off his chest. Sofia could've easily denied the gesture and be justified but she didn't. Instead he saw the surprise gently take over her features as he just caught her soft thank you.The smile remained as he nodded in reply before following her lead away from the front. 

"Wait.. Where am I..?" Tony questioned in faux confusion to her question about his head before chuckling and returning the smile to his lips and continuing forward toward a much more quiet seating area in the corner. He politely gestured toward the couch with his hand, the other in the pocket of his dress pants as he waited for her to sit. "You look beautiful, by the way." Tony softly added as he took the seat next to Sofia. To be honest  it was even harder to keep cool because of the fact of how amazing she looked. 

[lahav-aleshkovskaya]

This place is so fancy, I don’t know which fork to stab myself with.

[price-anthony]

I say the salad fork looks like a good choice.

[sofia-plushenko]

Good evening, everyone!

It’s so wonderful to have you all in attendance, and I’d like to first personally thank you all for not only coming to support the hospital, but I’d like to especially thank all of those individuals that sponsored children this year. I can’t speak for them or for their families, but I have no doubt that the impact that you’ve had on them will far surpass our time in this room tonight.

I was inspired by these children not long after I started working at the hospital… what truly struck me was their constant enthusiasm, their wonderful attitudes despite all the troubling things going on around them, and most importantly, their willingness to battle the conditions they’ve all been faced with. Their strength is something that I can only aspire to, myself, and I only hope that those of you that were blessed to spend any amount of time with them, were touched in your own way by each of their stories. I’m truly so excited to have all of you here, and I certainly can’t wait to hear all about the different wishes that were granted over this holiday season. 

Before we get to that, though… enjoy the cocktail hour before dinner, the bar is open and any of the staff members will be more than delighted to assist you with whatever you need. And again, thank you all for your generosity and attendance, from the patients, doctors, nurses and staff at the hospital, we can’t tell you how much your kindness means to us.

[price-anthony]

Being at that event was something Anthony felt obligated to do. By no means was it against his will; the cause was enough to make him care to attend. But showing Sofia in even the slightest way that he wasn’t going ghost was something he needed to do. Plus the fact that he knew she put a lot of work into everything. The woman deserved the support. 

Tony stood toward the back as the Russian gave the opening speech, toying with the stem of a single rose in his hands. The flower wasn’t necessarily only a romantic gesture. His mother always had a way of reminding him that a woman’s work should never go unrecognized; and there was no better way than to get her flowers. Tony’s mother is usually never wrong so he figured he’d finally listen.

As she stepped down from the front of the crowd, Tony slyly weaved passed the event guests and stood in her pathway. “Everything looks amazing.” He bluntly spoke as he held the rose at torso level, not trying to hide it. He simply extended his arm and shared a tiny smile. He could care less how they last left off at this point. He simply was there to show support for Sofia and a positive cause. 

[mayaxalliot-blog]

This was totally worth coming out of my hole for.Everything looks amazing. I’m actually really looking forward to the evening, even if I don’t trust the building we’re all standing in. 

[price-anthony]

You and me both. With all of what you just said actually.

[price-anthony]

Anthony Price attends the Christmas Wishes Charity Gala at the Palace Hotel / December 19th, 2017.

[lahav-aleshkovskaya]

You’re right. I don’t feel bad. It’s kind of amusing , actually.

What motorcycle do you ride? I noticed the helmet. I’m a bike girl myself.

[price-anthony]

This? I actually just got back from seeing my totaled Ducati. The only thing really salvaged was this beat up helmet that saved my ass. I have to find it in me to replace her. 

[pakxdaniel]

Yeah, seeing someone without that seasoned look it’s almost like a breath of fresh air.

[price-anthony]

That’s why this city is a place a lot of people have to take a break from. But that’s what makes this place “special” in a shitty way. Gotta have some sort of backbone to live here.

[luvmoonsurfacecpine]

[lahav-aleshkovskaya]

This is why I shouldn’t be allowed near kids. I’m a walking nasty joke hazard.

[price-anthony]

Fuck it, a little therapy wont hurt the kid. Don’t feel bad about it. Something tells me you already don’t though. I have to remind myself that kids require forms of censorship. Censorship I tend to lack from time to time. 

[lahav-aleshkovskaya]

Oh, god. Do you think we scarred that kid from the next table for life?

[price-anthony]

Lets just say that he might not ever come back to this place. 

[lahav-aleshkovskaya]

I didn’t go in dry though.

[price-anthony]

Hey, they don’t call me Niagara falls for nothing.

[lahav-aleshkovskaya]

If I knew it was your first time, I would have been more gentle. 

[price-anthony]

I bit a pillow, don’t worry.

[lahav-aleshkovskaya]

I did and I feel no shame. Dad jokes are the best.

[price-anthony]

Alright.. You have my attention now. Can’t say a woman has ever made me speechless from a dad joke before. Guess there really is a first for everything. I’m Tony.