This Is How We Met || Addison & Dmitri
Addison: Addison took Vivianne's advice and got out of town for a bit. She knew Vivianne probably didn't mean for her to go so far, but she did it anyway. It'd been a long time since she took a trip for herself, and even longer since she'd been out of the country. Wonderland owned her, body and soul, and it did not like to let its pets wander the globe without a leash to tie them home. Entering one of the fine museums Tuscany had to offer, Addison smiled as she looked around the room at the history that was collected into one building. She walked lazily through the halls, quickly becoming bored and wondering where the adventure was. Stopping to look at a particular painting, she noticed a man standing next to her. This isn't Wonderland. Not everyone's a criminal, Addison, she told herself over and over, but something about the man piqued her interest.
Dmitri: Dmitri's hands were folded behind his back as he walked the expanse of the floor. This was his third time inside the stately room in the past two weeks. If the security were any better they might have figured him out by now but it was football season so much attention was drawn away from the wandering tourists and directed toward the miniature tvs they had set up in the office. Not that it really mattered, a forged badge had granted him all the access he needed to clock the security systems in place. This was only his final walk through. He paused to admire an impressionists landscape displayed on the wall. If he had the time he might even take this one too, for his own personal collection. Tilting his head to the left when he felt the glare of eyes on him he smiled to the brunette next to him, "Come quello che si vede" [Like what you see?]
Addison: Addison turned toward him, holding her jacket so that it cover her crossed arms. With a smile, she shrugged. "I'm sorry, I don't speak Italian." She took a quick look at him, and everything seemed normal, a little too normal. Nothing stuck out about him, not a cuff larger than the other, not a piece of untucked shirt. It was almost as if how normal he was made him abnormal. She brushed it off mentally and nodded toward the paining. "But it is pretty. I like it a lot. I missed this one during my first walk, and I'm glad I decided to make another round. Do you speak English, by chance?"
Dmitri: Inwardly he winced. Of course she would speak the one language he wasn't fluent in. Still he did his best. "How you say... a little bit" He rolls his shoulders faintly and shifts toward her. "This your first time here?"
Addison: Addison smiled. "No problem. And yeah, it is my first time. My boss said I should get out of town for a bit, so I decided to see Tuscany."
Dmitri: He raised an eyebrow, "Your boss vanted you out of town?"
Addison: "Kind of like a vacation. I haven't had one in years." She looked back at the painting, all but laughing like it was a private joke. "Are you from around here or something? You don't have the same accent I've been hearing this past week. May I ask where you're from?"
Dmitri: "I vas..born in Kallipoli here in Italy but my pa is Russian and he talks more"
Dmitri: Gallipoli*
Addison: Addison laughed. "Usually it's the other way around, right?" She wanted to talk more to this man, but she knew standing in front of a painting was only going to make her feel a little more awkward than usual. "I was thinking about getting some coffee. Would you like to join me?" She took a chance, wondering if this unnaturally average man would take her up on it.
Dmitri: "Ma likes her painting, Pa likes hearing himself speak." His shifts a moment at her request but he was done in the museum and he had plenty of time he may as well spend it properly. "I'd love to, start the way bella"
Addison: Addison smiled. She knew what bella meant, and she thought it was sweet. God damn it, she knew better than to let the tourist side of her get to her head. She lead toward the coffee shop just around the corner and stood in line. "So I never asked your name. Guess I should start with mine. I'm Addison." She extended her hand, keeping her other hidden by her jacket.
Dmitri: Dmitri returned her smile as he followed her out of the museum sending a stern nod to the curator as they left. "Pleasure, Addison. I am Dmitri" Reaching to shake her hand he nods to her. "You're American, correct?"
Addison: "I am. I'm from Chicago. It's sort of smack dab in the middle of the country." She pulled her jacket on and buttoned it, the cool Italian air not to her liking to leave it off. "So you like art, or are you just visiting like me?"
Dmitri: "Ah Chicago..with the sorry excuse for Pizza?" He'd seen movies, for a country obsessed with the Italian food they were quick to destroy it in order to make it bigger. "I love art..you don't? Or were you looking for a place to be?"
Addison: Sorry excuse for pizza... she laughed out loud. "I guess you're right. But don't knock it 'til you try it." She shrugged. "Actually, I don't know if I like art all that much. I like walking through and looking at paintings, but I never really took the time to do it. This time... Or at least this museum... It was beautiful. I think I like it, but I'm not sure. I was thinking about coming back tomorrow and looking to see what I missed this time, you know?" The line moved, letting her step forward. "Would you let me buy you a cup of coffee, or as that considered rude here in Italy?"
Dmitri: He rolls his shoulders, less than convinced. He was so used to pizza here in Italy he'd rarely touched the stuff when he'd traveled to America. He cant help his smile as she explains. He was glad that she had taken the time to really look, to see the beauty that he did every time he stepped into a museum or saw an artist on the street. "I have a..preposition. You buy coffee I show real art"
Addison: With a shrug, Addison nodded. "I can do that. You have my attention, Dmitri." She turned to the barista and ordered. "And whatever he's having," she added, handing the man more than enough cash. It was nice, travelling on Spade money.
Dmitri: He grins to her before turning to the barista giving his order in fluent Italian. As he grabs his drink her turns to her, "Shall we?" He turns toward the square his eyes training toward an open area full of vendors and scores of tourists. "It is this way. well worth the walk"
Addison: Following alongside him, she let herself walk with him. Should she trust a stranger? Hell no, she shouldn't have. But he was cute and had an adorable accent. That and his peculiar normality still set off alarms in her head left and right. She held her coffee in one hand and shoved her other into the coat pocket. Addison Eames never went anywhere unarmed. She could take the handsome Russian if he turned out to be less than friendly. "Gives me a chance to see a side of Tuscany I haven't seen yet, too."
Dmitri: Dmitri raised an eyebrow to her. Addison was clearly not your average tourist. Most wouldn't dare travel alone, let alone walk off with a stranger. She had an air of confidence around her that screamed that she could take care of herself and he couldn't help but wonder what job was she needing to run so far from. He smiles softly to her walking with her past the shops toward a man settled off to the side with a canvas before him. "Ciao Paolo , come è la vista oggi?" [Hello Paolo, How is the view today?] Turning back to Addison he motions for her to come closer so she can see the painting. "Meet Paolo..someday his art will be in that museum"
Addison: "Hello, Paolo." Rather than give the ciao as Dmitri did, she greeted him with an English greeting to signal she did not speak the language. She smiled at the man before stepping forward. She squatted down to look closely at the painting. For a moment she was taken aback, not expecting to see something like this. The lines, shapes... raw emotion seemed to life off the canvas. "Incredible," she mumbled to herself, unable to take her eyes off the canvas. "Do you have others?"
Dmitri: Dmitri grins faintly as he watches her eyes trace the canvas much like his own did when he first found Paolo. Art was beauty from the eye of the beholder. It was just as much an insight into them as it is a piece of scenery captured on canvas. He translates to Paolo and when he motions to a few canvases sitting to the side. "Over here.."
Addison: Addison followed him and inspected each piece, just wanting to see more of that. "You find these people, and you sell their work? Is that what you do, Dmitri?" She didn't peg that to be the truth, and her voice more than likely gave her away. But she did want to know what he did. "I'll be honest, I wouldn't mind taking one of these home with me."
Dmitri: Dmitri smirks as he turns toward her, "In a manner of speaking, yes." He smiles as he leans to speak to Paolo before lifting his head back to her. "Name your price, he's not..how you say..'wanting a lot of money?' He prefers that his work goes with those who appreciate it...one wont sell it for more money after he croaks"
Addison: Addison stood up and pulled a few bills, larger bills, from her stash in her pocket's inner pocket of her jacket. Kept her things safe, and she didn't have to tote a bag around. "Can I give you an address to ship it to?" Pulling a pen and piece of paper from her pocket, she wrote down Vivianne's name and address, then handed all of it to Paolo. "Does that cover it?"
Dmitri: Dmitri raises an eyebrow watching her. Paolo's eyes widen as he looks it over and he grins up to her thanking her prefusely in Italian. "you just made Paolo's month, careful he may hug you"
Addison: Addison smiled and let the gentleman hug her. It was a strange feeling, the happiness that Paolo felt and the weird part of making his life easier. That wasn't something she understood anymore, but she hugged him back. Stepping back, she looked at Dmitri. "I'm glad I met you, Dmitri. This was fun." Now she had a new something to do, figure out who this man was.
Dmitri: Dmitri taps Paolo's back as he turns back to Addison, but before he can speak a sharp ringing from his pocket interrupts him. "One moment please" Stepping to the side he defaults back to Russian, his voice at an even tone. After a few moments he closes the phone, sighing faintly, "It has indeed and as much as I'd like to continue..I must be going." Hoping for a little more time with her he smiles softly, "What do you say we meet for coffee again tomorrow, this time on me"
Addison: Addison watched him closely, careful to see if she could understand what he was saying. Hearing him speak more confidently in his native tongue made her smirk, and she nodded when he returned to her. "That sounds good to me. Here," she pulled the pen and another slip of paper, jotting down her number. "Why don't you send me a text and I'll let you know what my plans are for tomorrow?" She'd use his cell to figure out what his game was.
Dmitri: He smiles to her reaching to take the slip of paper his thumb running casually down her hand. "Will do. Do svidaniya, Addison" [Until we meet again]
Addison: Addison nodded. "See you later." She turned and thanked Paolo again. Once she got the text, she tracked his phone and smiled. He didn't expect her to be what she was, and it was clearly an unlisted number. It didn't take long for her to return to the museum. It was four in the morning, snowing, and very very windy. But Addison watched as he left the museum with something he clearly wasn't supposed to. When rejoining his team, that's when the problem started. Getting a gun through customs wasn't exactly easy, but Addison made a few friends. She took her time approaching the group, careful not to alert those around him. The others were just as taken aback as he was. The man ordered them to scatter, or that's what she assumed, as she ducked behind a pillar. She couldn't understand what was being said, but she knew that this was a lot more than it seemed. Drawing her own weapon, she left her cover and pointed her gun directly at the man's head as she walked toward him. "Drop it."
Dmitri: Dmitri grinned as he stepped from the building. The curator wouldn't even blink when they arrived the next day, everything was in place except for the real painting. That was in his careful hands and currently being slid into his getaway vehicle. The commotion behind him made his head turn and he found himself surprised to see the familiar brunette but more surprised to see the pistol in the hand of one of his crew. "È stupido stronzo , ho detto di no armi quale parte di che ha fatto non si capisce ." [You stupid fucker, I said no guns what part of that didn't you understand.] His supposed companion growled out, "You should have minded your business Twat, I suggest you turn your head away..a precious thing like you shouldn't see what's about to happen"
Addison: Addison didn't stop walking. The man clearly underestimated her, and that was her favorite part about being a woman in this job. It wasn't until she was far too close did he take her seriously. His gun moved toward her, but she expertly grabbed his wrist and turned it out of his hand, breaking his bone with a small amount of force. Control was what her mentor taught her. It didn't matter how hard one hit, it mattered if they hit someone right. Her knee went into his gut, and she flipped him over and pressed the heel of her boot in his throat, just enough so he could talk but not well. His broken wrist was still tight in her hand, and she held her gun steady, pointed at his genitals. Nodding to Dmitri, she spoke calmly. "Ask him what you need to know."
Dmitri: Dmitri couldn't hide his surprise, nor his appreciation for her skills. He had known before that she wasn't just some tourist but he had to admit he hadn't expected her to be so..as americans would say it: badass. He couldn't help but smirk as he knelt next to the man. He speaks to him again, slipping into Italian once again. The man struggled against her, refusing to answer but as the gun trained on his balls he was more than willing to break his loyalties. Standing beside her once again, "Let him go..he will be dealt with I assure you"
Addison: Addison released him, but not without scraping her heel along his neck, just enough to be painful and draw a bit of blood. With a small wave, she smiled and whispered, "Toodles." Turning back to Dmitri, she returned her gun to its hiding place and crossed her arms. "I'll admit, I saw the thief part coming. I didn't see this coming. Looks like we met at just the right time." She nodded back toward the man moaning on the ground. "Didn't expect that kind of trouble, but it's not exactly uncommon in this business is it?" She looked at the getaway car and back toward the one she'd rented. She started walking toward hers. "I wouldn't mind that cup of coffee now, but if you've got business to attend to, I'll leave you to it."
Dmitri: Dmitri raised an eyebrow, "And I knew you weren't the average girl, but this..was definitely a surprise." He makes a face looking down to the man, "It is when you work with me. Don't worry, he'll pay for his disrespect." Kicking the man's side he nudges him toward the van barking out an order to him and the others in Italian. Watching as the car leaves, he turns to follow his new friend. "Oh that..no. They know what to do and what happens if they dont. However the business between us is far more important"
Addison: Addison turned, a brow raised as she looked at the man. "Far more important? You must love coffee," she teased. Unlocking the car, an ridiculously expensive and flash car nonetheless, she settled in and turned it on. The door remained unlocked for him. She'd saved plenty of people's lives in her time, and there wasn't anything special about this one. She found someone interesting, and she didn't want him to die before she figured out why. Really, it was quite simple and very selfish. "Where to?"
Dmitri: "Well of course, after all you did just save my life." He smiles softly slipping into the car. Despite his anger at the situation her being around seemed to calm him. He motioned towards the road, "Three blocks over there's a coffee shop, he's an insomniac so it's almost always open."
Addison: "Eh, it's nothing. Don't worry about it." It really didn't mean all that much to her, and she put the car in drive without looking at him. Finding the shop with ease, she parked right in front. "Still getting used to driving on the left side," she said with a smile, hoping, he'd forget that little detail of what had just happened. "So, I dig your job. It's true, people are the same all over the world." She smiled and stopped outside of the building. "There's just a lot of details that didn't add up to me. That's why I sorta, followed you. I'm not going to turn you in, if that's what you're worried about. You're interesting, and it's hard to find someone interesting anymore."
Dmitri: "It's not nothing, not to me" Stepping from the car he raised an eyebrow to her unsure if he hear her right. "Dig?..what does dig your job mean?" As she continued he found himself even more perplexed and even more curious. "You find me interesting? I feel like there's a deeper meaning to that. And what is it exactly that you do, miss..how do your people say it..'badbutt?"
Addison: Addison laughed out loud. "I'm sorry. You're going to have to warn me. Um, I meant I like your job. I'm in a similar line of business, but not at the same time. I don't know if you know the Diamond family, but they're in America. I work for Vivianne Diamond, now Spade." She nodded and tucked her hands in her jacket while taking a deep breath. "I do find you interesting. It was the way you were dressed this afternoon. I've been trained to notice details. My job entailed a bit of... information extraction? I"m not sure how else say that." They were specific words, and she knew his English wasn't all that great. "I make people tell me things, basically. But if by 'badbutt' you mean 'badass', then I guess you could say that." She smiled wide and shifted her weight to her other leg. Leaning her head to the side, she let her guard down just a bit and relaxed. "Everything was so perfectly normal about you, not a thing out of place... that's what I noticed. And that's why I asked you for coffee. Honestly, I didn't expect you to be a thief, but I'm glad to know I'm in good company."
Dmitri: He knew of the Diamond family, there wasn't a person in Italy who didn't know about the Diamond family. His fingers smoothed over invisible lint on his jacket as she explained and he listened intently. He knew there was something different about her but he'd never expect to here she was in the tangled web of the mob. Somehow it suited her. "Ah so you are a badass mob interrogator. So what you did back there makes much more sense." A smirk rises on his lips and he cant help but chuckle, "So you wanted to get to know me because i'm perfectly normal?"
Addison: "It was more like, you were so normal I could tell you weren't. Which made me wonder. And enough to grab my attention." She stepped closer, a sly grin spreading across her face. "I mean, I live in a world of less than normal people all trying to be the exact same. Everyone's got a secret. And now I know yours." With a wink, she turned and headed into the shop. "Don't worry. You're secret is safe with me."
Dmitri: He smirks following her inside, "I wasn't worried..you did save me I doubt that you'd do that to out me"
Addison: "It really wasn't anything. I'm sure you could have smooth talked your way out of it." She headed toward the counter and put her hands in her jacket pockets. Looking at the pastry display, she continued speaking. "It really isn't a big deal. How do you feel about cheesecake?"
Dmitri: "Quite possibly but you never know" He shrugs stepping back as she eyes the desserts. "I'm buying so you can get whatever you want, but the cheesecake is pretty..exquisite"
Addison: Addison nodded. "I'd like one then, please. Just a black coffee is good for me too." She turned and picked a table, sitting down to wait for him. Her mind was turning, and she had a lot of things to consider before opening her mouth once again. After he ordered, she hopped up and grabbed the plate while he took the cups. "So, I've been thinking," she began, taking a seat once again and crossing her legs. "What's the job market like here in Italy? How's business?"
Dmitri: Watching her carefully as he pays for the order he can almost see the wheels in her mind turning. He had no doubt that this would be an interesting conversation. Settling in the seat next to her he took a drink of his coffee. "Lets say..my job market extends beyond Italy"
Addison: "I figured as much." She took a bit of the cheesecake, offering him some before taking her cup of coffee. "I stick to Chicago. Unfortunately for me, I have had a price on my head for the better part of ten years now. You'd think I'd leave for good, but I haven't. Probably not a smart move on my part, but it is what it is. You ever been to America?"
Dmitri: "You have a price on your head? What could you have possibly done to get a price on your head when you were what 15?" He shook his head faintly, "Once or twice briefly..but not nearly enough to experience it"
Addison: "Sixteen, actually. But good guess. My daddy did some bad things, and you know Americans. Always wanting justice and will hurt anyone to get it." Addison leaned forward and carefully watched his expression. "What would you say if I could offer you a job? It's steady, good pay, free rent. All you have to do is assignments. Of course, it'd only be in your range of expertise."
Dmitri: "And that put a price on your head?..seems well..it's not just an American ideal trust me. It's the field of work." His eyebrow raised to her in intrigue. "Really? That's not what i was expecting you to say. I normally don't get job offers from beautiful women but color me intrigued"
Addison: Addison's brow raised as he called her beautiful. She'd broken fingers for such a comment, but usually when it came from a fellow Spade. "I didn't come to Italy looking to recruit somebody. But you're interesting and I like your style." She shrugged, leaning back in her chair and holding her coffee with both hands. "I'd be an idiot if I let you walk away without at least offering."
Dmitri: "I'm flattered...but what exactly would I be doing for this..what is it called again?"
Addison: "Actually you'd just be doing what you normally do. But for pay. You can still... acquire... at your own leisure. But you'd have additional things to acquire, if you will." Addison leaned forward. "Little hard to explain while we're here. But how would you like to be paid to lift things? Nice housing, you've got a gang behind you for protection, and the work is always there. No worry about cops, we own them. It's just a suggestion." She leaned back to take another bite of cheescake. "If things are working out for you here, that's fine. Unfortunately this is a one-time offer." She stood up and took the cup of coffee with her. "You have my number. I'm flying out in the morning. If you're in, meet me at the airport and bring your papers. If not, well you know how to get in touch with me regardless. Maybe I'll see you in America sometime." She started walking but stopped beside him. "You wouldn't have to worry about situations like this if you come with me though. So that's a plus."
Dmitri: Dmitri tilted his head curious about the brunette before him. He couldn't help the smirk that rose on his lips as she paused by him. Watching as she disappeared into the night he smiled faintly taking a drink of his coffee. She'd left him with quite the offer, and a hell of a lot to think about.
Addison: Addison returned to the her hotel room, wondering if she'd hear from him. She packed her things meticulously. Her flight left early in the morning, and she needed her rest. By the time she checked in, she figured he'd declined her offer. She waited in line and pulled out her passport to hand to the clerk. Out of habit, she turned and glanced back behind her.
Dmitri: It didn't take long for him to make up his mind. Once he dealt with his betrayer and left with the man's dog he'd already bought tickets on her flight. He was too intrigued by her offer, too intrigued be her to let this pass him buy. Besides he owed her. She saved his life the least he could do was use his skills for her benefit for a while. And America could be a new adventure. Checking in his new pet with the airport, he made his way through security till he caught sight of a familiar brunette. "Offer Accepted.."
Addison: Addison turned around, unable to hide the wide smile that spread across her face. She checked in and made her way to her seat, curious to see how this was going to play out.














