› you could try to wrestle with the mirror, but the truth, it can’t be any clearer than that. you’ve been fighting it off just like a fever, but there’s no use holding it back. sometimes you need the rain, to know you miss the sun. sometimes you need the pain, to know it isn’t love. this isn’t what you wanted, knots inside your stomach.
SIRENA LEONORA DONATELLI (35) — lawyer
NICKNAMES — ren, siri, leo
GENDER / PRONOUNS — female, she/her
AFFILIATION / POSITION — the family, practicing lawyer
If you're surrounded by the world of the 'Mafia' and all things linked to The Family, including their rivals, you'll know of The Donatelli's, that just goes without saying. Emilio had taken over his position with force, and a presence that nobody could deny. But, when it came to his family? The man was entirely opposing in every way. He was kind. Soft. Raised his daughters with respect, and fierce loyalty to those who deserve it. Alas, a part of him had always wanted sons, so of course, he instilled the same mentality within his girls, that he would've with his sons. Particularly in their world. They were strong. A force to be reckoned with. And in a male dominated world, they would be able to walk into a room and own it within every capacity.
Growing up, Sirena was the middle child, and it was ever so apparent. Perhaps it was why she had tried to embody the more male domination within her career path, desperate to offer something unique to her for her father, that wouldn't be overshadowed by her other equally as dutiful siblings. Power, politics, and a hand behind the scenes. Everything that Benny had started their lineage on, and Ren was more than determined to keep that going as a lawyer for the rich and powerful. Of course, at first, she kept her desire to join him within The Family at first, given his reluctance to get his daughters involved. Instead, she focused on political law, and business strategy; in turn allowing her to get close to some equally as influential people in the scene.
However, things changed, her siblings and her becoming increasingly involved in The Family life, her father adjusting to their influence over the world he was so accustomed to. He was recognising the strong willed daughters he'd brought up, and how they wanted nothing more than to help him through 'gang life', whilst supporting one another in whatever way that particular sibling could. And, in Sirena's case, she wanted to become their personal lawyer, or at least one of. Her experience had continued to grow since leaving law school, and settling in her prior job. She was headstrong, to say the last, and cut throat when needed, something her father taught her to be in such a male domineering world.
Unfortunately though, what none of them anticipated, was continuing their journey within this world without him. His death untimely, and in front of their eyes. But, Sirena has her connections. Both inside and outside of their organisation, and she's not above using them to dig up a little more dirt to avenge her father and investigate the circumstances behind his tragic passing. Granted, there's a special place in Hell for a particular person at Nightshade, so if it turned out that they were involved, she'd happily jump at the chance to press her heel to his throat, not much convincing needed. Alas, there's no definitive proof with whom betrayed her father. Just that The Hollow was responsible. So, unmasking the particular people involved is top of her agenda at present, and she's more than willing to throw caution to the wind to achieve this.
As far as Sirena goes as a person, she's very much like father like daughter. Strong-willed. Passionate. Headstrong. Ruthless. Loyal to a fault. And there's nothing she wouldn't do for her sisters. Those are her people. Her family. And the only two people, outside of her other immediate family, she could truly trust. If they told her the sky was purple, she'd hands down believe them. But, at the same time, she'll do just about anything for those that prove themselves loyal to her too. Typically those within The Family, these days, considering her ties to other organisations have caused her heartache or frustration in the past. But alas, she's not above forming connections for the sake of business, and sometimes even pleasure. Though the latter is significantly more fun, of course.
A few days had passed since his official takeover - since he had gotten the attention of the masked player on their board, and Nico was right where he wanted to be. Admittedly the growing thought of The Hollow having somebody on the inside feeding them information was strong, predominant enough for Nico to have already directed Sullivan to sweep the boardroom for bugs, an action that developed into the office he sat in being turned upside down. It was spiralled from paranoia, yet the paranoid survived and Nico wasn't leaving anything to chance.
Still, every step of progression he had taken prior to May 5th (and ones that continued) were thought out in meticulous precision, and because of the reception he had already predetermined he was allowing a silent grace period for those within The Family. It stretched across the entire board to give one opportunity to approach, letting whoever that decided to walk through the open doors to his office a single chance to speak their mind - because once it ended? He wouldn't give it the time of day.
Nico was sat behind his desk, currently in the process of confirming the funeral arrangements for his father. Whilst Enzo Barone was, undoubtedly, the biggest piece of shit to ever walk the earth, they had to stick to the upkeep of appearances and give him a send off he didn't deserve. It was, however, easy for Nico to disassociate from, run on autopilot, and get it done before he finished his cappuccino. The only - on the grand scheme of things - thorn in his side was his own mother, she was the sole reason his phone was continuously flashing. There was something funny about him having to step up and be even more of a caretaker for her now, especially when he had never had such affection from her. Cry him a river, however, because he couldn't.
He glanced up to the figure that approached past the threshold, there's no warming indication of a greeting as he stayed silent for a beat, if anything all there was, was the continuation of him eating the blueberries that filled the small punnet before him. "You can sit -- the chair's not gonna bite."
Things had changed between them, that much was going to be obvious. But, in regards to their long standing friendship? Well, she had hoped not. Alas, did she not technically work for him now? As one of The Family's top lawyers. Nico, the 'Don' of the gang she was affiliated with. Regardless, it wasn't going to stop her from approaching him where necessary. At least, until she could establish their dynamic once more.
And, approach him, she did. Her arrival to Summit Towers was expected, she'd always popped in from time to time, due to work obligations. And, now more than ever, it seemed fitting to pay a visit. So, venturing further into his office, she couldn't help but take notice of his fairly relaxed appearance, as he sat there snacking at his desk.
"You never know." Mostly jesting, treading cautiously initially. But, this was Ren, she wasn't able to fully bite her tongue. "You're the almighty powerful now, right? Does that come with trap-chairs?" A mischievous smirk present, indicating further of her joking nature, before she eventually gave in, sitting opposite her company.
Fingers dare to reach over and take a blueberry from the available punnet, again, crossing the threshold of their prior friendship, testing the boundaries of what remained between them. "So, you've got a flare for the dramatics, Barone, I'll give you that."
With all of the chaos that had recently ensued, both before Nico's demand for power, and thereafter, it was ever apparent that the young woman was in desperate need of a strong beverage, with delightful company. And, who did that entail? Miss Celestina Cruz, of course. The invite swift, and meaningful, as she encouraged the brunette to return to a familiar spot; Sip Happens.
"Honestly," Ren began, "don't even know where to fuckin' start." Of course, referring to the dissection of all that was their recent events. All she knew, was that there were definitely those significantly more impacted than herself. All in all, she felt fairly unscathed in general.
"At least tell me you've got some good news, or something a little less intense up your sleeve, Cruz?" Sirena almost begged at this point.
It was the first time she'd actually arranged to catch up with her sister, following the disastrously dramatic Family meeting. How her sister felt about it, given her particular role? Well, that had yet to be determined. But, nonetheless, Sirena was bound by blood and loyalty to support her eldest sibling regardless of her own implications via this shift in 'leadership'. Nico was a friend, a long time one at that, which made her opinion ambiguous.
As she heard the doorbell ring, the brunette immediately shifted from her sofa, and headed towards the door, greeting her sister fondly.
"Well, come on then, lets get the shit talking out the way." She smirked, of course slightly toying with the situation, and doing her utmost to ensure a certain light-heartedness was within the air. "Is it too early for a drink?"
FEATURING › kaan & sirena ( @sirenadonatelli )
LOCATED AT › sip happens
there had been no mistaking her. for he would have even been able to pick her out easily, from within a far too packed room. despite the facility of their relationship, how he had used her for his own personal gain. kaan had still spent all that time getting to know her, intimately and otherwise. he still knew her favorite color, how she looked after just waking. her laugh when she really found something amusing. and perhaps that had all been a bite in his ass. for even as she walked towards him, he was almost certain he could smell her perfume from his place at the bar. " if you're hoping that i have another date here for you to scare off, i'm happy to say that you'll be disappointed. it's just me tonight . "
Here they were again. Crossing paths, in neutral territory, perhaps for the best? It was public, nobody could truly step out of line. And, as she sat herself beside the familiar face, who had already done his best to encourage her interaction, she couldn't help the small snigger at his opening comment.
"The night is still young." The brunette admitted, knowing that this was the kind of establishment where people were usually on the 'prowl', and if a woman so saw fit, Ren was positive she could dissuade her with ease. All whilst enjoying herself, of course.
A shrug followed, as she pressed on. "So, your other date didn't go so well, huh? No second date on the cards, I assume?" Or so she'd gathered, considering he was flying solo, evidently. "Shame." Not an ounce of sincerity.
