chair.

Rocco Bianchi 🥃 42 yrs old New York City. Checks and balances. I'm the reason the city keeps on working like a fine-tuned machine. It's not wise to go against better interests; if you do, you can bet we'll be having words. Chairman of The Commission. Disclaimer: RP blog.

[rocco-bianchi]

There’s a new day dawning in the perilous streets of New York City. Here you’ll find (Rocco Bianchi) who is said to resemble (Joe Manganiello), but is a (42) year old (Chairman) working for the Commission. Upon meeting them, they are (charming) and (intuitive). Do not be deceived, they are also (calculating) and (tempestuous). After all, someone’s got to keep these scandalous mafiosos in line.

BASICS

Name: Rocco Massimo Bianchi

Face Claim: Joe Manganiello

Age: 42 Years Old

Birthdate: January 16th, 1979

Star Sign: Capricorn

Gender: Male

Pronouns: He/Him

Sexuality: Heterosexual

Mafia Position/Job: Chair of The Commission

Birthplace: Buffalo, New York

Theme Song: “Don’t Let Him Go” by REO Speedwagon

Quote: “Power does not corrupt. Fear corrupts... perhaps the fear of a loss of power.”

FAMILY

Father: Giorgi Bianchi

Mother: Bella Bianchi, née DiMera

Siblings: TBA (1 Younger Brother, 1 Younger Sister)

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

Hair Color: Black (slight salt and pepper look now)

Eye Color: Dark Brown

Height: 6′5″

Build: Tall and muscular, strong athletic build

PERSONALITY

Rocco has an intensity to him, which is entirely on purpose. As somebody who’s spent his entire life crafting a strong appearance, he enjoys making first impressions one to remember. To those who know him, know he’s loyal to his friends and family, and extremely protective. He has a temper, and when crossed he can and will make you pay. Above all, he treats his position with respect and aims to be fair with regards to each of the families under the Commission’s watch.

BIO

It was the early 1970′s when Giorgi Bianchi immigrated as a young man to the United States from Italy, and not long after his arrival did he meet and fall in love with Bella DiMera. A native of Buffalo, New York, Bella was a young school teacher with a bright smile and a sweet face. It didn’t take long for the young couple to marry, and before the end of the decade they had a son who they named Rocco.

Adding two more children after Rocco completed their family, younger siblings for which Rocco was immediately protective of. Bella stopped working as a teacher entirely by this point, while Giorgi had slowly saved up from years of working odd jobs to open his own convenience store in Buffalo. When the children were old enough to look after themselves, Bella began to work there as well, opening something of a deli and making fresh sandwiches and food daily. By the time they were teenagers, all three Bianchi children had also spent time working in the family store. That was, when they weren’t out running the streets and getting into trouble. To this day, the elder Bianchis still enjoy opening their store for the local customers.

Rocco’s size made him a natural athlete, and through high school he played various sports. Thanks to the urging of his parents, he made sure to focus just as much on his studies, and though it surprised most people he graduated with high honors. Forgoing an athletic future Rocco was pragmatic and instead applied to colleges for business and financial programs. He ended up being accepted into the NYU Stern Business School, and while working as a bouncer at night, managed to complete a four-year undergraduate degree in accounting.

Once again, to say he didn’t fit the model of what one thought of as an accountant would be an understatement, his hulking size making sooner believe he was a street fighter than a financial worker. But he was hired to work at an accounting firm not long after finishing his degree, and after a couple of years moved into accounting at a law firm in New York.

This move would bring him slowly into the orbit of The Commission, as a co-worker of certain lawyers working at the behest of the five families. Eventually once he’d established himself, he was recommended to fill the Treasurer position on the board. Initially unsure of whether he wanted to dive into the world of the mafia, Rocco was convinced and accepted the position.

As it turns out, he had a penchant for looking out for and maintaining order within the organization. Rocco eventually rose to the Vice-Chair position, and today serves as the Chairman at the head of the Commission alongside each of the family bosses. It’s a unique position that allows Rocco a certain amount of power, yet requires him to be impartial in the dealings of the mafia conglomerate. He also continues to do the books for his parents’ store, and manages to supplement their income from time to time when needed.

WANTED CONNECTIONS

Close Friends

Mafia Acquaintances and Contacts

Siblings and/or Cousins

College Era Friends

[rocco-bianchi]

samara-rivas​:

Samara was well aware of how polite Rocco was with everyone. Not a soul in sight had anything bad to say about him; not even she. Still, it was fun to get a rise out of him. If she knew she was the only one he might address as a dear or darling, she would secretly be swooning. That was just who he was however, so Sam had to call him on it. Even if deep down she really wouldn’t mind being someone special to him. Well, she was, but not in the way she would have liked. Although never spoken, she knew it was a rule to stay away from each other romantically. If she wanted to keep a good relationship with her older brother, and Rocco a tight one with his very best friend. 

Harmless flirting, however, she didn’t think would be a problem. And goodness, if she wanted to flirt with anyone, it was Rocco. He’d get this dark glint in his eyes - the briefest flash of smolder - and it just did things to her. While she was pretty sure it was her own hopeful imagination hearing incorrectly, did he seem a little upset about her correcting the term of endearment? No, it definitely had to be in her head. Then those dark eyes met hers though, the challenge in them as he spoke again, and her throat went a little dry. It was be so easy and lord was it tempting, to rise onto her tiptoes and press her lips to his. Especially as she saw his tongue dart out briefly, wetting that already supple pout.

Not wanting Rocco to think he had the effect on her that he oh so stupidly did, Samara tried to play it cool. Her lips tilted into a smirk, eyebrows rising in tandem. “Are we still talking about skating? Because that sounded an awful lot like you were implying something else. If I were anyone else, I would think you were trying to prove your girth to me.” Yes, she had latched onto key words, throwing them in the gutter to once more get ahead. And hopefully make him blush. Or flustered. “Speed it is though. First.” And just to top the sundae with a cherry, she playfully chided him once more. “Do you need help getting your skates on, or do you know how to tie laces?”

So maybe there was something to this little game they had going on between them, how they both seemed to like trying to one-up the other and if Rocco’s ears weren’t deceiving him it almost sounded like some playful flirting coming from Samara’s invitingly-perfect lips now. A physical contest between the two was just too good to pass up, and as much as he could happily admire her form all day long a simple race was the better choice. Or at least the safer one, for the both of them. Mixing friendship with business, there were too many reasons to not pursue something deeper between Rocco and the little sister of his best friend. The expression on her face as she considered his answer, the lift of eyebrows along with the smirk made Rocco wonder what her reaction would be, but Samara still managed to catch him off-guard in wondering exactly what it was he was still talking about.

And hearing the word girth spill from those lips, well it only made it tougher for Rocco to further hide the effect Samara Rivas had on him. He shifted just slightly from one foot to the other and couldn’t help but chew at the corner of his mouth for a moment as eyes darkened again and he was pretty sure by now his face had gotten just a tad more red. “Well I was talking about skating, anyhow. I’m not sure just what’s on your mind now though. For the record, I don’t usually back down from challenges of any kind, girth or otherwise.” She may have put a lot more thoughts inside his own head now, though. Returning the playful tone as she questioned how much help he needed putting his skates on, Rocco responded by taking a seat and immediately starting to do just that.

Glancing up at her as he unlaced his winter boots, “Oh I think I can manage just fine, sweetheart. Don’t let the suits fool you, these hands are as skilled as anyone else’s.” Quickly Rocco was able to slip into the ice skates, knotting the laces up tight and then rose back to stand beside the brunette beauty to get their challenge underway. He couldn’t help but notice the slight way her body shivered in the cold winter air, a day that was getting colder by the minute no less. “So if you’re still up for that race, I’m more than willing to take... you... down.”

[rocco-bianchi]

samara-rivas​:

Rocco wasn’t the kind of man that could go ignored by anyone. Not at galas or charity events, and especially not in the pedestrian public surrounding the legendary rink. If anything, the ordinary folks made him sparkle even more. Work had been buried lately, and though Sam had no problem keeping up, she didn’t mind a day to let loose. Rocco, on the other hand, she knew to rarely have the opportunity to do so. He kept busy and though Samara wouldn’t consider herself immature by any means, Rocco had this no-nonsense air about him. She knew better though, thanks to her brother. She’d been supplied with countless stories of the two getting into trouble back in the day.

Of course his greeting was all debonair and charming, much like the smirk that pulled at his lips. Not that her own attitude had been any less presumptuous. “You do realize it’s just the two of us here, right? None of your lackeys or business buddies. You don’t have to address me so formally. I think we both know I’m far from a dear. Or your dear.” Even as she said it though, full lips glided into a playful smile, her insides buzzing at the affectionate greeting. Of course, she couldn’t let him know he had the same effect on her as every other woman that crossed his path.

“The question is, can you keep up with me?” Samara countered, smile spreading mischievously as her fingers found the end of Rocco’s scarf and tugged gently. “Something tells me that a big brute like yourself might not be so graceful on ice.” Brown eyes glittered as they took in his gaze before letting the material fall from her fingers. “So are we focusing on form, or speed?”

Though not expecting to find a familiar face out today, Rocco was more than happy to be greeted by Samara’s smiling features. He knew she was as genuinely happy to see him as he was to see her, but behind the ruby lips and fresh face there was probably a part of her that was up to some sort of mischief too. He’d greeted her with his usual polite-to-a-fault approach, but almost instantly she saw right through it and called him on his formality. It wasn’t just anyone who could do that, or anyone who he’d even allow to do that. She however, was not just anybody to him. He listened, still smiling as she playfully scolded him, and perhaps let that smile widen just a little more than usual.

She was also right, there wasn’t anybody else around he had to stand on ceremony for, and they were certainly acquainted enough that she could tease him like this without fear of, well, anything. There wasn’t any harm he was willing to let befall her, as the younger sister of his oldest and best friend as well as an associate in business; privately he was greatly enjoying how easily she was able to stand up to him like this. Her inner fire was one of many things that kept the young brunette on his mind often... far more often than she even knew. “You’re not wrong, Samara. In fact I’d say you’re quite right.” Even as she denied being what he’d called her, in particular his dear, Rocco couldn’t help but bite his lip just for a moment. He knew that all too well, no matter how much he’d give up just about everything to make that the case.

The impish way she tugged at his scarf made him laugh out loud, “Oh don’t let the size fool you, I can keep up with you any way you want,” his eyes sparkling as they locked onto the dark brown of her own gaze. “It’d be a shame to focus on one more than the other, to really have fun you ought to have both.” And with regards to form, there was no question Sam had it in spades. He gave another grin, reached out to pat the petite young woman on the shoulder. “But why don’t we just go with speed for right now, a race down to the far end and back maybe?” For a moment, Rocco licked his bottom lip, still relishing the chance to duel with Samara. “What do you say?”

[rocco-bianchi]

samara-rivas​:

@rocco-bianchi

Rockefeller Center always flooded Samara with a barrage of pleasant memories. From holidays spent with her family, to friendly gatherings and basking in the glow of lights– it was her happy place. Especially in the winter; where ice skating was prominent and people were cheerful. Ice skating was something Samara had always appreciated from a young age, even if she hadn’t been very good at it. At least, not initially. So many tumbles she’d taken on that ice, but her dad had always told her to get back up and try again. It was a philosophy she lived by now in all facets of life, but it also meant she hadn’t given up on the sport.

She was far from a professional on the ice, but Samara felt confident on the skates; at least enough to perform some spins and twirls here and there. That didn’t mean she never fell, but now when she did, she laughed it off. While in the process of skating the circumference of the rink, she spotted Rocco of all people, lingering. She didn’t see anyone else with him, so didn’t feel as if she’d be intruding. “Hey, Bianchi!” Samara called out as she skated to the edge, urging him to meet her there. “What are you doing out here? Up for some friendly competition?” 

To look at him you wouldn’t expect Rocco Bianchi to be the type to indulge in all the usual festive, holiday situations or fun outdoor activities. He’d been accused many times of being a stick in the mud, too wrapped up in work, but the truth was he did enjoy taking advantage of outdoor activities when he could. It just so happened that in his position, free time was rarely something he had that much of. But with the cold weather showing no signs of slowing down and work temporarily halting too, he decided to check out Rockefeller Center and its legendary ice skating rink open to the public.

With as many people who had decided on the same activity, Rocco felt like he could enjoy some anonymity for once instead of the usual time spent travelling in the same small circles. Which is why hearing his name called out caught him by surprise as he skated slowly off to the side, but head turned in the direction with a bemused smile on his face as he recognized the voice who’d called it out right away. “Miss Rivas, of all people I should have known you’d be the one to come find me.” The grin only widened as she skated towards him showing grace as well as bullish charm that made her even more endearing to him.

“Ah, competition you say? Well that all depends, do you think you can keep up with me, my dear?”

[rocco-bianchi]

mayasxnghanxa​:

rocco

Out of everybody he worked with, few were as sharp and together as Maya Singhania. The young lawyer had managed to fit in seamlessly with the Commission upon taking the place of her old co-worker, and nary a week went by when she hadn’t impressed somebody new with her work. “Oh, naturally. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised after all, and if there’s one thing you can be sure of with events like this… no expense is spared.” Which might have been part of the reason lawyers, and their department as a whole, were necessary to keep things moving. He cocked his head to the side slightly, “Ups and downs, eh? That’s a little surprising, I hope more ups though?” He returned the smile, lifting his own glass to take a sip. “It’s been fine, but you have to admit there’s a lot that can be learned by people-gazing.”

~

Maya hadn’t been overly eager to start with the Commission mainly because of what it represented but with time she grew to have an understanding of what they did and why they did it. It wasn’t easy to accept it but she had and now in the two years she’d been there–she’d grown to respect the others and earn theirs in return .”That’s the truth, isn’t it?” She smiled as she took another sip from the champagne flute in her hand before looking back at him. “More ups than downs yes,” she nodded before looking back at him and nodding, “you’re right–given what we do, it’s always better to be an observer.” After all, Maya had done that for the first little while at the party anyways and was just venturing out now to mingle and network and basically try to have an enjoyable time. “Have you managed to take a look at the auction room? The items up for bid are insane.”

Rocco considered the whip-smart Maya one of the major assets within the Commission, and she’d only proven him correct time and time again having come aboard full time. “Without a doubt, and there’s usually enough of the glitz to have an okay time. Better when it benefits others, of course.” Happy to hear there were indeed more ups, he nodded in approval. “As you’ve no doubt figured out, knowledge is power.” Chuckling, he shook his head no. “Actually I haven’t yet, but somehow I’m not surprised by that at all. Some of these people really like to flex their financial muscle for all to see, in fact getting to rub it in faces is worth more to them than the item itself.”

[rocco-bianchi]

gdamianox​:

♣♦♥♠

Giada didn’t dare look back at their mutual “friend” and risk being pulled back into even another minute of mindless chatter. Instead, she took Rocco’s word for it and nodded. “I couldn’t agree more. So what do you say get out of striking distance, put an end to all the small talk, and grab a much needed drink instead?” Giada offered, gesturing towards her family’s bar already swarming with Gala attendees. 

A widening smirk played on Giada’s lips, knowing perfectly well that at a D’Amiano establishment, rolling with a D’Amiano certainly did have its perks. There was nothing quite like Italian hospitality. “And I promise, we won’t even have to wait in that awful line.” 

A small chuckle escaped Rocco as he nodded affirmatively to Giada’s offer. “That sounds like perhaps the best offer I’ve had tonight thus far.” While small talk could be a necessary evil and part of the job, that didn’t mean Rocco wouldn’t happily take an off ramp if one presented itself.

Laughing a bit louder at her quip, that sealed the deal. “Then there’s no possible way I could say no to that. Shall we?”

[rocco-bianchi]

(from Landon Fox)

Dear Rocco,

I figured an important man such as yourself could use a fancy watch. Don’t want to be late for those Commission meetings or a hot date. Have a fantastic Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Sincerely,

Landon Fox

[rocco-bianchi]

samararivas​:

Samara felt as if she had made enough small talk throughout the evening’s gala that she might be able to slip out the door without notice. Her second glass of alcohol down the hatch, that was exactly her intention. At least until she caught sight of Rocco; for once, not surrounded by a herd of people. She knew without a hitch that he would be in attendance; it was important as part of the Commission that he always was. A few times Sam had tried to make her way over to at least say hello, but each time someone else got to him first. She understood; he was of importance and highly sought after. Still, it may have seemed rude if she hadn’t at least spoken to him.

“Honestly, I wasn’t sure I would be here either– you’re just as surprised as I am.” Samara laughed lightly as she set aside her now empty glass atop the bar. A third round probably would not be a wise idea. “But, you know. Every now and again I have to show my face. Besides, it is for charity. One of the few reasons I don’t mind most of these obnoxious people.”

Tilting her head as she leaned back against the bar, Samara gave him a teasing smile. “You know. Like you.” The crackle of a chuckle that followed showed that she didn’t actually mean that. “I tried to catch you earlier, but you are a hard man to pin down, Mr. Bianchi. It’s difficult to tell between who just wants you, and who is actually your date.”

While there were some figures and people that he genuinely enjoyed milling about with and talking to tonight, that couldn’t be said for everybody who might be hoping to catch the ear of the Commission head. But it was a part of the job, a job he took seriously. When it came to Samara however, an authentic smile warmed his features as he saw her finally able to make a move with the coast clear for the time being. He’d noticed a couple of earlier attempts by her, only to be thwarted by someone else looking for one-on-one time; he assumed as a face she knew fairly well Sam was probably just looking for a chance to catch her breath and not be on guard.

“Well look at that then, something we have in common. I won’t tell if you don’t,” he laughed as she set her drink down. Finishing the last of his own before placing his empty glass alongside hers, “Of course. Duty before all else, I know exactly how it goes. You’re right though, charity makes it worthwhile.” He chuckled at her painting the lot of them as obnoxious and then including him, “Don’t hold back now, Ms. Rivas. What do you really think?” She wasn’t wrong, arrogance was definitely not in short supply here tonight, though he liked to think maybe he wasn’t quite so bad.

Sharing a grin with her, he gave a little shrug next. “I don’t know, I think you might find that all depends on who’s trying to pin me down. Some might have better luck than others.” He locked eyes with Samara as she mused about who might be his date for the evening, just for a moment but offered another smile. “Or perhaps I’ve just done too good a job at misdirecting. No date, I’m afraid. But what about you? I have a hard time believing you’re here without somebody vying for your attention.” Turning back to the bar, Rocco motioned for a refill on his drink as well as another for Samara too.

[rocco-bianchi]

mayasinghania​:

~

Maya hadn’t completely steered clear of all the people in the families who she was close to. After all–wasn’t it important to keep your friends and enemies close? Yes she was aware that wasn’t how the saying went but she didn’t like the way it was originally worded. She’d been roaming the room, mingling with friends and strangers alike until she caught sight of someone she knew a little better than most seeing as they worked together for The Commission; of course his role was significantly more important than hers but that didn’t mean she couldn’t make polite conversation. “You know I’m always around where there’s a good party, and this Gala tops the list.” She smiled before nodding and raising her glass in a soft shrug, “it’s been filled with ups and downs. But what about you? I’m surprised to find you off to the side this way.”

Out of everybody he worked with, few were as sharp and together as Maya Singhania. The young lawyer had managed to fit in seamlessly with the Commission upon taking the place of her old co-worker, and nary a week went by when she hadn’t impressed somebody new with her work. “Oh, naturally. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised after all, and if there’s one thing you can be sure of with events like this... no expense is spared.” Which might have been part of the reason lawyers, and their department as a whole, were necessary to keep things moving. He cocked his head to the side slightly, “Ups and downs, eh? That’s a little surprising, I hope more ups though?” He returned the smile, lifting his own glass to take a sip. “It’s been fine, but you have to admit there’s a lot that can be learned by people-gazing.”

[rocco-bianchi]

atlasmillerr​:

Atlas always enjoyed an excuse to be around the families. It was always incredibly interesting to know who they were without them having a clue who he worked for. The way they acted around him thinking he was just another rich guy in a nice suit was amusing. Still, he also liked to be around members of the commission. He didn’t spend much time with them in public to avoid suspicion but it was always nice to chat to Rocco. “I’ll have to drag you along to some, almost all of them end up with somebody being half naked. Speaking of which - who’s planning the Christmas party this year?” He asked with a wink.

One thing was for certain, there was a certain anonymity for the Commission members at least at times. No targets on the back, real or imagined, and to see the various factions interacting could be fascinating. Rocco chuckled at the thought of Atlas himself planning the Christmas party for the group. “I don’t know offhand, but now I’m thinking you’ve put yourself into the lead for the position. I’d ask if you were having a good time tonight, but that seems like a question that doesn’t need to be asked. How are you, Atlas?” Despite something of an age difference between the men, Rocco appreciated his wealth of knowledge on the job, and had always gotten along with Atlas.

[rocco-bianchi]

gdamiano​:

♣♦♥♠

While the pudgy upper east sider continued to drone on and on about community progress and his current philanthropy project, Giada was long gone, fortunate enough to catch the eye of a familiar face who thankfully played along and received her without hesitation. Not that it even mattered, she was positive that the insufferable gentleman didn’t even realize she had left, too busy soaking in all his accomplishments and accolades to notice that Giada had excused herself.

“Bet he’s still at it, too. Babbling on and on about god knows what.” Giada rolled her eyes. She didn’t even bother to look back, confident that this was a wager she had already won, and focused all her attention on Rocco now. If there was one person it was wise to play nice with this evening it was certainly the chairman of the commission. “But thank you. Another second, and I might have actually passed out from the boredom. Sadly, I haven’t been able to do much else but mingle. How about you?” 

“Oh, he is.” Rocco took a subtle look back to where indeed the talkative party guest had already trapped some other poor person without missing a beat. “It seems like as long as he has an audience, he’s thrilled.” Chuckling again and shaking his head, “It’s my pleasure, and we can’t have that at all.” Rocco knew Giada well enough, they’d had dealings through the organization and he’d always been impressed by her business acumen and the way she carried herself.

“That’s alright, I’ve been mostly doing the same thing tonight. What fun is a party without the customary glad-handing and standing on ceremony? Otherwise we might actually have a better time and all.”

[rocco-bianchi]

- Open Starter -

At events such as tonight’s Gratitude Gala, Rocco Bianchi knew it was of utmost importance to work the room and give equal attention to each segment of the organization. Each family represented had their own interests and special dynamics, but as the chair of the Commission it wasn’t his place to play favorites in any way. If he were to be seen in such a light, it could be a threat to the position he held. The Commission after all was set in place to mediate any disputes or threats between the families.

One of the perks of such a position was that it allowed him to sidestep being drawn into any lengthy conversations that would otherwise put him to sleep. There were a number of interesting people in attendance at tonight’s gala, but for each person he could describe as interesting there was easily half a dozen there just to eat and drink on somebody else’s dime or network their way into deals and illicit situations.

Standing to the side for the moment, drink in hand and taking a break from the rounds, Rocco watched the guests mill about. Before long, one of those guests decided to approach him instead, a welcome change to the evening so far. “I wasn’t sure if I’d be seeing you here this evening. Are you enjoying the gala so far?”

[rocco-bianchi]

romeodamiano​:

❝ The Best is Yet to Come ❞ Gratitude Gala 2021 ─ Open Starter

Being fashionably late to anything was never Romeo D’Amiano’s style. In fact, he was annoyingly punctual more often than not, sometimes far too early than necessary in matters of business and pleasure. But business, especially. On the other hand, his father had always made sure to be a little late; a power move in his case. To either intimidate or throw off those that were waiting. Romeo couldn’t stand being late and so avoided it at all costs. In tonight’s case, his arrival was more special, surprise appearance than anything. His long, private flight back to New York from Milan had been a tiring experience and he was looking forward to skipping the event altogether, but even with the handful of stops it took to get back, his plane set down in Manhattan earlier than expected.

That, and his guilty conscience for making his sister survive the night on her own prompted a call to his tailor halfway into his flight to get a suit ready for him just in case. The old man was a wizard.

As one could imagine, despite not being on the final guest list, there were certain perks to being part owner of the venue. Besides, no one was going to stop him when he entered through the private entrance on the side of the building, worked his way through the busy, chaotic kitchen, and slipped upstairs and onto the second floor as if he’d been there the entire time. His tailor had come onto the plane with his readied suit and accessories as soon as it landed and by the time he was driven off the tarmac by his chauffer he was refreshed and styled with not a single hair out of place. Of course, he wasn’t in love with the white tuxedo jacket and the potential mess it would be in by the end of the night, but it was a good look nonetheless.

Looking at his Rolex, he noted that it was only about an hour past the start time. Not terrible, he thought. While glancing around the gussied up nightclub noting all the familiar faces, he searched for the nearest bar counter and decided to pour his own drink. Another one of the perks of partly owning the place. He also wondered who to approach first, or who might approach him.

Having been at the gala now for a while, Rocco slowly made his rounds through to each of the different factions attending tonight’s event. It was clear that many of the big players were coming out for the evening as expected. One of the faces he didn’t notice at first did make his presence roughly an hour into the party, another member of the D’Amiano family and in fact one of the owners of the very club they were in.

Watching him for a few moments, he saw as Romeo made his way to one of the bar tops to fix himself a drink and decided to make his way over. “Mr. D’Amiano, I was wondering whether we’d be seeing you this evening or not.” Putting a hand to his shoulder just for a moment, Rocco leaned against the bar. “I’m sure it’s too soon to know for sure, but it does appear as though tonight is a hit.”

[rocco-bianchi]

gdamiano​:

♣♦♥♠── OPEN STARTER

The Gala was well underway, and Giada had found herself smoozing with some high society gentlemen she could hardly remember the name of. It didn’t matter much; her only intention was to keep up appearances on behalf of the D’Amiano name while her brother was traveling. She wasn’t even really chatting, just smiling and laughing along, or better yet supporting as her mother liked to call it. At least, her ex-fiancé wasn’t still in the picture. Then she would have had to endure all that and be draped around the bastard’s arm, pretending to swoon over him and how dashing he looked in his tux. 

But the days of playing dutiful fiancé seemed like a lifetime away, and Giada had no problem flying solo this evening, even it meant listening to this man prattle on and on about his up-coming philanthropy project. She was idly toying with rim of her now half-empty glass of her favorite chianti when she caught a glimpse of her savior and promptly excused herself from the conversation to join them instead. 

“God— that was painful. Thank you.”

As was customarily his approach to events like this, Rocco was in the process of making the rounds tonight and giving as much attention to each of the families and their entourages. Favoritism wasn’t looked upon well at all in the position he held, but the balancing act made for an interesting evening most of the time. While moving between conversations he found himself besieged by Giada D’Amiano, who quickly thanked him even though he hadn’t technically done anything to actually warrant it.

Questioning for a moment, Rocco glanced back in the direction from which she’d come from and a tiny smile crossed his features. He was all too familiar with the gentleman she’d just been talking with and it made far more sense to him. “Oh, my pleasure. A conversation with our mutual friend there can be a lot of things, but painful probably is the best way to describe it. I’m glad i could be of service. That aside, how are you enjoying the night?”

[rocco-bianchi]

atlasmillerr​:

Expensive suits, flowing alcohol and beautiful people were all Atlas’ idea of a good time and that was exactly what the gala provided. As his date fluttered around the room talking to somebody Atlas was uninterested in, he stood in the corner sipping his whisky. One of his favorite past times was to stand and watch the families go about their lives, with no idea who he was while he knew everything he needed to about them. He watched in amusement as a woman he’d never met had her dress torn by an overly clumsy man. Her reaction alone was enough to pull a chuckle out of the otherwise stoic man. “Well, I always say it isn’t a party until somebody’s half naked. ”

Sometimes these events could make Rocco feel a little disconnected. With all the families in attendance, mingling to some degree but very defined segments within the organization, being someone who didn’t actually belong to any of them could be disorienting. But on the plus side there were a few other Commission members also here tonight, one of whom was Atlas, a lawyer for the group. Rocco happened to be standing off to the side next to him when a commotion nearby drew the younger lawyer’s attention and draw a laugh from him. His comment drew a smirk from Rocco in turn, as he shook his head at the poor unfortunate soul who’d managed to pull such an embarrassing mistake. “Remind me to attend more parties you’re at, in that case.”

[rocco-bianchi]

GRATITUDE GALA 2021

Attending solo

[rocco-bianchi]

Open Starter

Location: The Happy Pedlar

Anyone who knew Rocco Bianchi well enough knew that he was fair with his time. His position as the head of the Commission kept him well within the boundaries of the various families involved, and at least a few times a week he made a point of visiting some of the establishments around New York City connected to the overall business of the mafia. It was a way to keep up to date on potential issues, and dividing his time evenly was also a way to demonstrate at all times that he took the position seriously. Quite easily one could suddenly find themselves accused of playing favorites if they weren’t careful, and Rocco certainly wasn’t about to leave himself open to criticism like that.

Seated at the bar and enjoying a draft beer, Rocco’s attention was elsewhere as someone else took the seat next to him. Without turning his head to see who it was first, he spoke to the new arrival. “Long day?”