wishful, sinful, wicked.

salvador basilio de la cruz. 38. capo for the family. owner of bella agave winery.

[saldelacruz]

Is that SALVADORE DE LA CRUZ? I heard the THIRTY-EIGHT year old belongs to the FAMILY as a CAPO. I’d stay away from them if I were you. I heard they were VINDICTIVE, but they can also be PROTECTIVE, so proceed at your own risk.

tl;dr biography key points.

tw; death, mentions of murder

Born in Los Angeles to the de la Cruz family. The eldest of four. He always knew he'd be next in line to take over and, as such, was molded in Andres' image. Vindictive, power-hungry, sky high expectations and an ego to match.

Raised by his father’s expectations rather than his affection, stepping into a second-in-command role from a young age. Became a sort of father figure in the lives of his siblings while Andres tended to the family empire. Always dreamed of taking over for Andres and, eventually, becoming Don the day the Barone empire's reign ended.

Fell in love in his mid-20s, got engaged & got his fiancee pregnant. She admitted to him one day that she'd been roped into working with the FBI. Salvador immediately went to his father and the board, who told him he knew what he needed to do. After she had the baby, a son named Armando, he took her out to am isolated area and killed her.

It broke something in him, but he never let the cracks show and focused to raising his son and bringing the de la Cruzes to power. Coped by completely pouring himself into the Family some more, acquiring Bella Agave winery as a money laundering operation and rising to Capo under his father’s rule.

Andres's murder and the fall of the council shattered everything, revealing that Luciano, his younger brother, was chosen to lead instead of him.

Left with nothing but the ruins of the empire he spent his life building, Salvador was betrayed by his father’s final decision, and his life's work, his dream of ruling the Family was lost. As a result, he's bitter, constantly on edge, determined to acquire some semblance of power however he can. If the board seat can't be his -- if Don can't be his -- he's determined to figure out just what he can take.

headcanons.

Loves the finer things in life. His style can be described as 'quiet luxury'.

His son's name is Armando, he's fourteen years old. He's a very moody kid despite being given everything he's ever wanted in life and more. Typical teenager, cue shenanigans of having a cartel dad.

Known to love a good bottle of tequila and a game night. Fiercely competitive and weirdly good at Monopoly.

Very much a commitment-phobe, especially seeing how his last relationship turned out. Probably for the best, he can be very controlling. Prefers one night stands and casual flings. Everyone is disposable to him.

Incredibly charming but can turn cold at the drop of a hat. You do not want to piss this man off, he's known to use his weapon during personal disagreements, not just professional. As long as you maintain an air of respect, though, and make him feel like he's in power, you're probably safe.

full biography.

TBD

wanted connections

tbd

more to come!

[dadivosos]

" when are you gonna stop being so weird ? " he said leaning against his older brother's office with a sigh. " i leave for a bit and you're out here making illicit propositions to someone who is way too young for you by the way , " he said with another sigh , it seemed like all he could do was sigh when he was around salvador. " the wires must've gotten crossed when you were born , i'd complain to mom that there was a factory defect or something. "

@saldelacruz

[saldelacruz]

A sharp glare was tossed his little brother's way, suddenly realizing exactly why his chronic migraines had lessened during the time Santiago had been across the globe. "No, you know what? I'm not doing this with you today. If you're going to act like a brat, then get the fuck out my office." He demanded with a dismissive wave, turning his attention back to the contracts he was busying himself signing -- partnerships with various vendors as they neared the holidays, simple busy work. None of which was bound to get done in a timely manner now. "I'd be surprised if mom even remembered your name." A low blow, but Santiago had it coming. "What do you want?"

[hardtolcve]

Luca paused only a moment to throw a glare in Sal's direction at the mention of Cassio's accident. It was an attempt at adding levity to an otherwise morbid situation, but Luca had spent countless sleepless nights at his brother's bedside waiting for him to recover, so he didn't find it to be a joking matter. Grabbing a glass, he made his way to the armoire and pulled out a bottle of dark rum, giving it a quick sniff before filling it halfway. "He never said anything to me directly" Luca started, lips pursing, "but I overheard him growing up. Late nights when I couldn't sleep. He'd be with mamà in the kitchen, complaining about being sent back home like it was some sort of punishment." He took a big gulp of his drink, reveling in the burn as the alcohol ran down his throat. "Wasn't hard to put the pieces together when he started to groom me to take over as Don someday."

[saldelacruz]

The glare did little to suppress Sal's amusement, though he knew he probably shouldn't have been making light of what happened -- and in his defense, he would argue that he wasn't, just taking the opportunity where he saw it. At the end of the day, though, if he was in that situation with any one of his brothers, his cousins, he knew he'd probably would have had a similar (or worse) reaction than Luca. "So, let me get this straight. Your crime here was just waiting to take advantage of your father's eventual fratricide?" Brow arched, trying to understand how the situation could possibly warrant any guilt on his friend's part. He gave the pan a little shake, taking the steak out and placing it on the cutting board. "Enzo was a piece of shit anyway. And as far as Arlo goes, there was bound to be some sort of collateral damage with the what he was planning." Unfortunately, that happened to be Cassio. "Bastard ended up dying anyway with the rest of them., and he didn't get you at the helm. Double whammy on his part more than anything."

[softstcps]

Within an empire such as the one the family had build requests were hardly uncommon and yet this one did leave the now eldest Castro almost speechless. Partially in surprise, then again - not all that surprised. Equally in understanding. Curiosity mixed in among those thoughts.

"Are you confident she'll agree to go on a date with you?" Isabella chuckled. A little part of her felt that need to be protective. Another part a wish to see her sister happy. If that was by Sal's efforts, so be it, but was it really her place to share all of it. "My sister is a hard-working, determined individual. I think it takes a bit more to impress her than simply her favorites." She paused, for only a moment. "What do you think would impress someone like her?" ❧ @saldelacruz

[saldelacruz]

He contemplated answering that question honestly, given how he'd essentially crashed and burned in his initial efforts to persuade Vivienne to go out with him. Apparently those soft skills he used in his every day lift as capo weren't exactly transferable when it came to romance, something he was evidentially learning the hard way. "Eventually," was uttered as a compromise, casually leaning back in his chair. "Okay, and that 'bit more' would be what?" Brows arched, and he let out a soft scoff. "Apparently what I thought would impress her was incorrect." A wave of his hand was given, more to dismiss his own words rather than anything Isabella said. "Hence why I'm asking you. And I'd rather not sit around playing twenty questions."

[imanixkline]

Engagement party with Sal De La Cruz @saldelacruz

Maybe she should have felt more trepidation in attending, the first big public event since her secret had been revealed. But enough had been smoothed over she felt almost at ease, remaining unashamed and unapologetic. When she finally found Salvador, gaze was cast over his costume, playful hum coming from her as though she was struggling to place it. "Let me see, Men in Black? But you're also doing a rather convincing 'man who's just been bored out of his mind'." Head tilted towards the bar, indicating that had been where she'd been headed before spotting him. "My plan was to see if they have anything worth drinking, if you want to join me."

[saldelacruz]

A grin spread across his lips as Imani approached. "You could say it's a dual-purpose costume. What gave it away? The god-awful sunglasses, or the fact that this whole 'charity' concept is such a glaringly obvious distraction from the fact that this is a room full of criminals." It was the hypocrisy of it all that annoyed him, though he more than understood the need to keep up appearances. "Having a harder time deciphering what you're supposed to be. Is it too on the nose to throw 'goddess' out there as a guess?" Head tilted slightly as he assessed her costume, nodding his head after a moment. "They'll need to if they want everyone staying. Plenty of other parties we could all be attending -- but sure." At least he was in good company. "I wasn't entirely sure if I was going to see you tonight, all things considered."

[viviennecastro]

His voice cut through first - prompting Viv's steps to ease to a pause. Yet, she refrained from fully turning to face him. Instead her gaze remained forward, fixated in the opposite direction of which he sat. Suspended within the pause until eventually, she slowly sidled up next to him at the roulette table though rather watch him play, she'd chosen to take the seat next to him and place down her own chips before her. For a moment, she remained there, until her head tilted curiously to meet his gaze as she rested her own tequila glass upon the leather edge of the table. "My bets on odd numbers."

[saldelacruz]

Brow raised, a lips curling into an amused grin. "Ah, so that's how we're playing this, huh?" Another sip before his glass was set down, pushing his own chips forward soon after. "Evens." He decided, attention turning back to Vivienne as the croupier continued collecting bets. Silence sat between them for a few moments, fingers drumming casually on the table. "So, what's it gonna take for you to not hate my fucking guts, huh?" He asked casually, attempting to cut straight through to the point, brows arched.

[celestinadelcastillo]

"Think you're just being frugal - why limit it to echo? there are so many freaks involved in this that would have that idea. And worse. Can you imagine the ideas they didn't choose?" A soft lift at the corners of her mouth gave way to the humour in her words, and still her gaze shifted over those around them whilst maintaining Nico in her line of sight. "You'd guess right." The words exhaled with the faintest laugh. She could’ve told him exactly how many minutes she’d been counting down until they could leave, yet, she'd refrained. "You want my vote for the costume contest before I go?" It's a tease, given way with the grin spreading across her features.

[saldelacruz]

"Frugal? Me? You better mind your manners, Cel," he joked, a scoff falling from his lips a moment later. "God, no. I don't even want to think about it. At least tell me when you and Barone there tie the knot, you won't suddenly decide to get creative." Salvador figured there was no use beating around the bush -- he could see where his cousin's relationship with Nico was headed eventually. So at the very least, he could ensure she wouldn't be taking notes from this disaster. "See? I know you." Salvador chuckled, gesturing vaguely towards her dress. "Nice of you to put on your A game regardless. You have other plans once you split?" Brows raised, and his shook his head. "Absolutely not. Do you know how humiliating that would be? Everyone would think I actually gave a fuck."

[saldelacruz]

salvador de la cruz channeling men in black with @thelucabarone ; halloween engagement party

[saldelacruz]

where: casino night who: @oflifelincs & sal de la cruz

"Don't you know you're not supposed to double down on anything above twelve?" Sal commented as he sat beside Sami at the blackjack table, setting down a short glass of tequila on the rocks as he did so. "Or are you just looking for someone to save your ass again?" An amused brow raised, though his voice remained flat. "Almost didn't recognize you without that ridiculous taser."

[saldelacruz]

where: casino night who: @celestinadelacruz & sal de la cruz

"Whose bright idea do you think it was to hold the engagement party on Halloween? My bet's on those echo freaks -- anyone organization that spends that much time behind a fucking computer must be into some weird shit," Salvador laughed as he caught up with his sister, arms crossed with a drink hanging lazily from his hand. "Guessing your not planning on staying too long?"

[saldelacruz]

where: casino night who: @viviennecastro & salvador de la cruz

"Vivienne, c'mere for a second, won't you?" Salvador beckoned the assistant district attorney over with a slight wave of his hand, his other gripping onto a short glass of tequila as he stood over the roulette table. "What do you think; red or black?" He asked, eyes scanning the green felt covered in different numbers, colors, waiting for bets to be placed. Thoughts of their last interaction still lingered in his mind, and Sal would be lying if he said otherwise -- so he chose to say nothing at all. "Thinking I need a good luck charm after these last few rounds."

[saldelacruz]

where: casino night who: @brckenways (alessandra) & sal de la cruz

"Let me get this straight," Salvador started as he sidled up to the bride-to-be, glass of tequila on the rocks in hand and sunglasses pushed up to the top of his head. "This whole thing is part engagement party, part costume party, and part casino night? Why -- was the event planner trying way too hard to stay under budget?" A smirk curled at his lips a moment later, unable to help himself from offering a good natured dig (his idea of 'good natured', rather). "So -- am I allowed to say congratulations? Or would 'my condolences' be a better fit in this instance?" He hadn't taken the time to see how Ale felt about all of this mess, but suddenly he was interested.

[camillacaravelli]

A faint grin ghosted across her lips at his question, but she didn’t answer right away. Instead, Cami pivoted on her heel, jerking her chin for him to follow. “No.” They were sharing an office, not that it should’ve been surprising. “Something about separation anxiety.” She said dryly, the joke tossed over her shoulder with a shrug. She pushed open the large glass doors and stepped aside, letting Salvador go first. “The phones won’t stop fucking ringing, actually. Guess it’s the last names.”

[saldelacruz]

Salvador let out a laugh. "Isn't that just an excuse people make for their poorly-trained dogs when they rip up all their furniture and shit in the house?" Despite the way he teased, though, he was honestly glad his cousin had someone in her life like Cami -- someone loyal, consistent, even despite the way the blonde would sometimes grate his nerves over the years. He'd grown fonder of her over time, even despite the tension between he and Nico. "Might be part of it," he shrugged, stepping into the vast space, eyes scanning every inch. "The other part is -- you're selling luxury. If you show you have taste, people are going to be willing to take you seriously. None of that old money crap everyone in this damn city seems to be projecting these days. Everything entirely marble and draped in gold, it's disgusting." He gave a wave of his hand. "This is a personal venture then?" Meaning, no laundering on behalf of the Family.

[viviennecastro]

The key that made Vivienne successful in her career had been her ability to persuade. Persuade a jury, a judge, the media – anyone with fucking ears and eyes – to see the version of the truth that best fit her clients narrative. See, it had never mattered whether she was defending criminals or persecuting them. In a courtroom, truth was malleable, a shape she could bend with the right words and the right delivery. She could make a monster sound gentle enough to pity, or turn the purest soul into the devil incarnate. It was all in the tone, the rhythm, the precision. Qualities, she noted, that Salvador clearly lacked.

Not a single movement came from Vivienne - calm and collected - she simply sat and stared at him as he went on and on, resisting the urge to launch the pen that had been between her fingers straight into his smug features. Perhaps she was in the right place at the wrong time and baring witness to his midlife crisis. Maybe everyone else had finally grown tired of him, and she’d been unlucky enough to become his next audience.

“Wow,” she said finally, voice flat with mock intrigue. She’d heard smoother pickup attempts from inmates serving 25 to life. “What is the matter with you - high on your own supply or something? Tell me, Salvador, has that actually worked on a woman before? And I mean one who doesn’t charge by the hour, of course. Or am I just lucky enough to catch your existential spiral in real time?”

[saldelacruz]

Salvador was used to getting what he wanted, the consequences of being the supposed 'favored son' of a man who settled for nothing less -- though for all that Andres had taught him, the one thing that the eldest de la Cruz lacked was humility. The ability to look at his roots, the family who came before him who fought tooth and nail to get them, to get him, where he was today as a guide. Perhaps he had been more grounded at one point, when he was young and in love, the eldest boy with the world at his fingertips, the promise of power that would one day see him sitting on the throne -- but the blood on his hands from that heartbreak, the knife thrust into his back by his deceased father, the duty he'd been carrying his whole life now more like a past burden? It left Salvador lost, left him overcompensating for all he didn't have.

A click of his tongue was given in response, mind rattling for anything that could get him back in the driver's seat so to speak, steering from words that would normally provoke him -- but she'd already seen through him. Because of course she had, because Vivienne wasn't just anyone; she was a Castro. An equal as far as in name, in power, intelligence and wit aside. So as far as his confidence went, Salvador has grossly miscalculated -- and he knew it.

"The ones who charge by the hour don't usually need the exposition." Salvador remarked sarcastically, sitting up straighter then. 'Plan C' it was -- and fuck did he hate 'Plan C'. "Alright, look," a frustrated sigh fell from his lips, hand rubbing against his bearded cheek, "in light of all the shit that's happened, I've been thinking about everything I've cut out over the years preparing to get this fucking seat. One of those things being dating, which I haven't formally done since..." Salvador gave a dismissive wave of his hand, not particularly apt to mention his ex-fiancée by name, though the implication was clear. "...so. I want to change that, in part by taking you out." Brows arched, adding then with a scoff. "No agenda. If I haven't made myself clear enough."

[lorelaixtseng]

If Lorelai was in the mood to be amenable she would have agreed that it was in fact for the general population and he was given special privileges being in The Family. But, why would she tell him all this when she could get something out of him? A majority of the regular organization members who enjoyed her business did give something to her in return. She watched him take in the drink, and she did appreciate his opinion. Giving a look towards the bartender, both to let them know they could go and also to share that this was a critique for them to work on, they left Lorelai's side.

She smirked as he mentioned the obvious. "Well I could have asked you to ask on your knees because you would look much prettier that way, but I am feeling generous today." Lorelai lowers her voice a bit, "Not to mention fifteen year olds already think their fathers are embarrassing, I'll save him the extra embarrassment." His terms made her quirk her brow as he doubled her offer. He was showing just how much his son meant, which of course was a weakness to his enemies. But a strength and maybe even a redeeming quality to her. She hummed in satisfaction when he said the 'magic words' aloud. "Music to my ears. Flattery will get you everywhere." Lorelai teased before instructing the other bartender to take Armando back into the kitchen to meet her chef. "And I don't care what everyone else says; I knew you could be patient," she retorted back with her signature composed smile.

"I already agreed to opening a table for you, you don't have lay it on quite that thick, Sal." It was all part of her expertise, but he was going a little too far now she felt like and she knew his compliment was more mocking than genuine. "It tasted like an simmer pot that someone accidentally poured alcohol into more than a cocktail. Not to mention I couldn't name an item that is currently on the menu that it would pair well with and that would limit sales to the population of drinkers who like trying seasonal beverages." Lorelai shared her opinion with ease as she tended to do in many scenarios. "Do you do a mulled wine at the winery?" She inquires more out of interest in the business of the craft than any other potential motives.

[saldelacruz]

Salvador's expression remained unshifted, unwavering as the comment about him asking on his knees landed. "A sense of humor, too. How many of those have you tried tonight, Lorelai?" He remarked, gesturing towards the glass that settled between them. "Because I'd hate for you to say something you can't take back." The words were said with an air amusement, because the last thing he needed right then was for her to be disagreeable -- or take matters higher. Not for something as petty and insignificant in the long run as this. "Speak for yourself. I don't think I ever found my father embarrassing." Mostly because by that age, he'd known what Andres was capable of, known about his greater ties to the criminal world and had even been brought in himself. Hard to give that moody teenaged eyeroll to a parent when you'd watched them weigh bricks of cocaine while watching reruns of MASH.

Tongue poking at the inside of his cheek, waving Armando over from his position near the doorway. "Go on; Lorelai's got something for you in the kitchen," a gesture was made for the young man to follow the bartender back, and he gave a quiet thank you before following suit. Once out of earshot, he returned his attention to Lorelai. "And what kind of example am I setting if I don't pay compliments where they're due?" Even if at their core, they were full of shit? A more genuine smirk tugged at his lips, however, in response to her assessment. "And adding a seasonal dish wouldn't amend that issue for you?" Salvador tossed back, fingers wrapping around the glass once more and giving it a slight shake, watching the concoction slosh against the glass. "For the month of December, yes. Drives all the snowbirds that have come over from colder climates like moths to a fucking flame." A shrug. "Setting a more condensed time limit to it also gives people a greater a sense of urgency, too, in my experience."

[thefluffersblog]

Alfonso Herrera

[hardtolcve]

WHO: @saldelacruz LOCATION: Sal's home

"Hope you've got something stronger than wine," Luca called as soon as he let himself into Sal's place. He'd swung by the winery first since it was close enough, but when he hadn't found the man there, he'd made his way here. Since The Hollow had dropped the bomb of his knowledge about Arlo's takeover plans, he wasn't entirely sure who would actually want to see him, but given their history, he hoped Sal would be an exception. "Got my head on a swivel more than usual these days and I'm exhausted."

[saldelacruz]

He barely looked up from the stove when he heard someone come through the front door, knowing that he had more than enough security to keep anyone unwanted off of the premises -- and a very short list of people he allowed in without an invitation. His mother, his siblings, and -- of course -- Luca, regardless of how the man's reputation had taken a heavy hit. "In the armoire where it usually is," Salvador directed his friend, using his pair of tongs in hand to flip over the ribeye cooking in the pan. "Your head on a swivel, your brother's through the windshield of the car your father rigged..." Head tilted from side to side, and a small smirk tugged at his lips at his own joke before a free hand was held up innocently. "Kidding. But, humor me for a second -- you really didn't know what your father had planned? Or did you?" Eyes flickered over his friend, shoulders pulling in a shrug before he returned his gaze to the steak. "I won't judge."