surrender

Teo Santiago. Entrepeneur. 36. Don't fuck with me unless you know what you're getting into. I don't give second chances unless it's worth it.

[teosantiago]

the show must go on;

[teosantiago]

cianxveri‌:

Cian avoided runs downtown when he could. It was a hassle, there were too many people, and it was always more trouble than it was worth. But he was picking something up for his younger sibling, so he made the exception. As he stepped out of the shop into the alleyway though, he was starkly reminded why it was too much of a hassle to be downtown more often than not.

As soon as the thought occurred to him, another crossed his mind. He knew that voice. He was generally good with faces and voices, and could place one no matter how long it had been since he’d heard or seen the person. He had to be able to in his line of work. Someone sneaking up on him without Cian remembering them was a bit of a liability. His lips curled into a slow smirk as he considered the man. He had no idea why Teo was confronting him, or who he thought Cian was. There was no way he knew Cian by sight alone, but he was curious how the conversation would go. “It seems we do, Teo,” he said easily. “About time we met in person, don’t you think?” His gaze dropped conspicuously to give the man a once over before he met his eyes again. “You’re shorter than I expected,” he said, despite the fact that he was fairly certain Teo was about his same height.

It’s bad enough that Teo, he realizes as soon as he’s spoken, got the wrong guy. That alone annoyed him, but then the man speaks and he knew Teo’s name. That alone was usually odd enough, but in his business, it was dangerous too. Cian was far too casual for his liking, especially when both of Teo’s goons moved their hands to weapons they’d been keeping on their waist. Of course, Teo had his own piece he could’ve grabbed but it was a bit redundant at that point and he didn’t want to come off nervous. 

“And uh, where else have we met then?” Teo spoke, his voice low and careful as he took a couple steps closer to narrow his eyes. The voice sounded familiar, he had to say. Mentally, he scanned through the possibilities; there weren’t many people he personally did business with without meeting them in person, which helped. That, combined with his voice, and the fact that he had the nerve to pick on Teo.. “Ho-ly shit. You crazy son of a bitch,” Teo spoke, and bound forward. For a moment, the guys behind him thought it was about to go off and it was clear in the way both guns clicked as the safety was turned off. But he pushed Cian with a laugh, shaking his head and waving a hand. “Nah, nah, he’s cool. He’s just a dumbass.” He turned back to the man, shaking his head in disbelief and taking a step back. “The fuck are you in Catalina for, man? Unless it’s me. Then you’re not doing a great job, huh?” 

[teosantiago]

miriamnores‌:

Many things happened all at once that Miriam was desperately trying to comprehend. As someone who prides herself on being calm, cool and collected in times of stress - this moment, well, was beginning to not be one of those times. The second Alex grabbed Miriam and backed her up into a corner for a second time, her temper flared. There were lines you didn’t cross, even as a gangster. Albeit, loosely structured, with transient membership and easily breached codes of loyalty, there were a few rules that you didn’t break, and one rule of Ricardo’s rules that she remembers clearly was that you never lay another hand on a member unless it was a life or death situation. Was this a life or death situation for Alex? It wasn’t before, – - it is now with Miriam patience quickly growing thin. Threatening someone or using force to get what you just be cause they liked to feeling of being the big dog was something that Miriam never tolerated.

Unfortunately, before she was able to remind Alex of this rule with spite in her voice and possibly followed by a forceful hit to his groin, someone was already slipping in between Alex and Miriam, handling the situation while they give her a look and she was silently being told to stay back. Um, what the fuck? – - No! Who did this guy think he was? Miriam scoffed at the back of his head, too caught up in her disbelief by the stranger’s actions that she wasn’t paying attention to what was being said. This was her dilemma. Her problem that she was ready to handle. And - Oh, shit. The hostess jumps when Alex is thrown against the wall swiftly and from where she stands, Miriam catches a glimps of the piece strapped to the stranger’s side. Okay. Apparently they know each other. ’ go. now. or i promise i’ll tell him myself … ’

i’ll tell him myself, i’ll tell him myself, i’ll tell him myself … This man also has no fear of Ricardo and in Miriam’s eyes, that means this person was on a different level than Ricardo. ❝ I’m fine. ❞ She tells him quickly, ❝ Can you not touch me as if you know me? ❞ Miriam pulls her arm away from Teo’s gentle grasp, ignoring the fact that she was beginning to bruise and how much the muscles are beginning to throb. That isn’t what’s bothering her right now, though. Squinting at the man, she asks in a breath, ❝ What did you mean when you said ‘ i run catalina ’ ? ❞ she licks her lips that had run dry with nerves. He had to be mistaken and/or delusional. Or maybe Ricardo was the delusional one? Why would he send her here if there was already another fucking drug lord here!?

If this man that Miriam has no idea about runs Catalina as he says he does, does that mean Ricardo sent her here to unknowingly undermine another gangster? Her eyes fall to the floor as she begins to place the horrible puzzle together. If Alex goes back to Ricardo saying that this man has already claimed Catalina, well, where the fuck does that leave Miriam? It means she useless … Which means she’s expendable while knowing Ricardo’s plans … Which also means … ❝ - You’ve just killed me. ❞ A realization. An announcement. Looking up at Teo, Miriam is suddenly a dead woman walking. What about her mother? Slender fingers run through short locks and grip tightly as the roots. A sign that she was spiraling, which didn’t happen very often. ❝ He knows where my mom lives. I’m useless to him now and he knows where my mom is ! ❞ Miriam is panting now. She’s scared What is Alex telling Ricardo right now? To go after her mom? The panic grows stronger. The heaviness in her chest is making it difficult to get any proper air to her lungs. ❝ What did you do? ❞ The brunette stares at the stranger with wide, accusing eyes, ❝ … What the fuck did you just do !? ❞

The surprise on his features when she pulls away from him catches him just as off guard as he had her - why did he expect her to just let him comfort her? Why did he want to? He shakes his head at the question, not daring ask it even as his hand aches to reach out once more. It’s already turning purple and his stomach twists with a need to go talk to Ricardo himself. His face falls though, when she quotes him, and the accusation is enough to get him to finally back off. He takes a step back, shoving his hands in his pockets and looking down at her. 

“Doesn’t mean anything, Ma. Looks like you’re already in enough shit, you don’t need to know mine too.” He glances over at the door, making sure that Alex wasn’t still there. It was taking everything in him not to go hunt Ricardo down right now; he knew this was Teo’s territory and that it was kind of a safe space for him so what the fuck was he trying to do? The more he thinks about it, the angrier he gets and it’s clear in the tension in his jaw, in the way he stands rigid. 

It’s only when the girl speaks again that Teo is pulled from the spiral of revenge he’s planning, turning his gaze to her and frowning. For a hot second, he wants to point out that if she was working for Ricardo, she’d already killed herself long before he ever came along - but he doesn’t. Can’t, because all at once, she’s in a spiral of her own. He knows it well, the panic that they’ll hurt her family; knows it well enough to make his stomach turn and his mouth run dry and he parts his lips for a moment. They’re starting to draw attention and in the business they’re in, that’s the last thing they need. 

“What did I do?” Teo questioned incredulously, furrowing a brow at her. At least when he got his brother killed, he took responsibility for it. He sighed, putting up a hand to the people looking over. “All good, folks. Just had a little scare with someone that doesn’t belong here.” He muttered, putting a hand on the small of Miri’s back and leading her out the front door before she could resist. If she wanted to fight him, so be it but a panic attack and accusations in the middle of the club weren’t a good look. Teo inhales a sharp breath once it’s that fresh saltwater air and guides her to the left of the door, letting go to look down at her once he did. 

“So -- what, I should’ve just sat there while he beat up on you, huh?” Teo mutters, reaching out to brush his thumb against the swollen bruise on her arm just for a second before crossing his arms over his chest. “Yeah. Looks like it was working real well for you.” He knows though, how they can drag you in and never let you go. Teo isn’t necessarily a charitable person, but he knows this panic too personally and wouldn’t stealing Ricardo’s asset work in his favor anyway? Teo sighs heavily as he puts his hands on his head, turning away to think about his options. For a moment, he just paces in silence as he weighs every possibility, every potential outcome of all of this; of him fucking up Ricardo’s business, of her being out from under his thumb, of him having no leverage. 

It’s bittersweet. When he’d joined the Aztecs, Ricky had taken him in. He’d welcomed him, even. He became almost like an older brother, and when Teo left.. it broke that relationship in half. He’d begged Ricky to come with him, but he was in too deep and he knew it. Looked like he only got deeper after Teo left. Brother against brother now, he supposed. Teo takes in a breath so deep his lungs burned, holding it in for a long moment before turning back to the girl. “Alright, listen. Tell your boss you have a family emergency, aight? We’ll -- We can go pick up your ma and I’ll set up a place for you. Somewhere they don’t know about. That safe enough for you?” 

[anxliese-atwater]

run along now; anneo

[teosantiago]

anxliese-atwater‌:

WHO: @teosantiago

WHEN & WHERE: Streets of Avalon, Midday

Annaliese had the day off, as it was, so she spent her morning casually, sketching up some architectural designs for her portfolio well before the sun had risen. She puttered around her apartment, too, completing chores that she couldn’t during the working week.

It was only afterward that she went for a run, popped in her headphones and tucked her phone into the pocket of her workout pants. The day was pleasant enough where she could run without issue, didn’t need to wipe a disgusting amount of sweat off her brow or feel quite like she was suffocating in the dry heat. There was a breeze and it was already her third lap around the neighborhood.

Unfortunately, that meant she was so focused on the feeling of her feet pounding down into the asphalt that she didn’t see the man until it was already too late, colliding with him in a solid smack of arms, legs, and torso.

Steadying them both from toppling over was easy enough with her height but she was still highly embarrassed about the whole thing and she kept a hand on his shoulder, panting, as she ripped her headphone out of her ear. “Shit, Teo, I’m sorry. You alright,” Anna asked, eyes skimming across his face and down, brow furrowing in concern.

Teo was not having a good day. Between things with work going south, and now him having to go out and take care of things himself, he was already in a mood and it showed. It wasn’t that he minded doing his own business - he even enjoyed it sometimes. But after the whole thing with Della, shit was just wearing on him in a new way and he was already over it. 

He was just loading a closed box into his car when he heard the footsteps rapidly approaching. Just his day, huh? Teo’s hand instinctively moved to the piece that rested against his hip in his waistband, turning to face the person just in time for her to collide into him with such force that he had to catch himself on a step back. 

Anna. Should’ve known. The sight of her face only barely relaxed him, looking past to make sure it had been her running up on him and not someone else. Still, he was tense and it showed. Teo shrugged her hand off his shoulder, taking a few steps back and throwing a blanket over the box in his trunk before shutting it. “All good, Annie.”  Teo murmured, nodding at her as he locked his car. “Should probably watch where you’re running. Wouldn’t want you getting yourself into trouble out here.” 

[teosantiago]

the show must go on;

[teosantiago]

della-slade‌:

Della looked at him, shocked that he was standing up to her this way. It wasn’t something she had seen in a long time. Depending on what they fought about he hadn’t always stood up to her. Why was it that no matter how much time had passed since he left they always ended up in a fight? You’d think after all this time they would have learned to be civil toward each other. She nodded, biting her lip so she wouldn’t say anything at the moment. 

She rolled her eyes when he said he hadn’t been a chicken. He had been but she wasn’t about to stand here and argue that with him. It was bad enough they were arguing to begin with. She flinched a bit when he moved closer though she knew he would never lay a hand on her. At his words the fire he had lit was let out. “It may have started as me trying to rebel against my parents but that’s not what it was in the end. I loved you Thomas. I wanted to build a life and family with….” She stopped, thinking about the fact that they couldn’t build a family together. Not because of him leaving but the fact that she couldn’t have kids. It was a hard thing to think about. Wiping at her eyes, she sighed, “If you really want it come get it now.”

Teo swallowed thickly when she spoke, turning his attention toward a nearby brick wall and clearing his throat. Hey, maybe the fact that they hadn’t had kids had been a good thing. Otherwise, his would’ve ended up just like he did - finding out your dad was a criminal when it was too late. Probably better off, huh? He couldn’t say that to Della though and honestly, the tears that glazed her eyes made his stomach turn but he couldn’t say that to her either, could he? 

He clenched his jaw, muscles in his neck tense as well as he watched her walk away for a moment. Maybe it was cruel, doing all of this but he wasn’t kidding when he said he needed the stuff there. Not only was there business information, but pretty much everything he had left of Angel was there too. He could grin and bear it and deal with what he did if it meant getting that back. Teo hesitated for another long moment before finally following her toward the house, hanging back a few steps to give her space. Teo licked over his lips, shoving his hands in his pockets of his jacket as he walked and glanced down at the sidewalk. 

“I loved you too. It just -- you weren’t right for me, aight?” It was mean, but part of him hoped it would be enough for her to stop hurting and realize this wasn’t a loss. He didn’t feel the need to specify she wasn’t right because she deserved better. Because she deserved someone who wasn’t a criminal, wasn’t a murder, wasn’t a bad person. But she didn’t need to know she’d made more of a mistake than she even realized. Teo inhaled a sharp breath, biting the inside of his cheek for a long moment before shaking his head. “It wasn’t the right way to do it, and I’m sorry. Just - figured it’d be better. Rip the bandaid off. I know you. You would’ve tried to fix it and make things better and I just - couldn’t let you do that.”  He mumbled, not even sure if she’d hear it at this point or if he wanted her too, but it was out there now regardless. 

[teosantiago]

the show must go on;

[teosantiago]

emmaainsley‌:

Jesus Christ, Emma needed air, she couldn’t breathe in there anymore.  She’d been dancing for hours, her hair drenched in sweat and sticking haphazardly to her forehead. It was one of the perks of her job really, that she had a funky schedule, meaning she could come out in the middle of the week and lose herself in the music, shots lined up across the bar. Perfect way to blow off a little steam —- well, one of the ways, anyway. She was exhausted now, though, desperate to catch her breath and cool off.

Bursting out of the fire exit of the club —- fully aware she shouldn’t have been doing there —- she jumped a mile when the voice suddenly came at her out of the dark, a slight shriek escaping her. “Fuck me!” she cried, immediately swinging around to face whoever had spoken. “Are you trying to give someone a heart attack?!” Probably, she realised, immediately after asking the question. Then, his words sunk in and she shook her head, letting a breath go. “I think you got the wrong person…”

Teo’s brows raised as the shriek filled his ears, wincing at it. Damn, she could reach way too high. Didn’t help either that she was very much not the right person. He breathed a heavy sigh at the realization, though he couldn’t help but chuckle when she pointed it out. “Y’don’t say.” He muttered, pulling the door open where one of his men had caught it before it closed, peeking his head in. Down the hall, he could see the man he was actually for still at the bar. Teo rolled his eyes, letting the door shut once more and turning to look at her. 

“Should probably be careful out here alone this late,” Teo pointed out. It could’ve sounded like a threat, especially with the larger men looming behind him, but he didn’t mean it that way. “Just because it’s rich people island doesn’t mean it’s clean, ma.” He nodded, gesturing for her to move along whether it’s to go inside or to keep walking. The last thing he needed was her being out here when he was trying to do what he’d actually came there for. 

[teosantiago]

the show must go on;

[teosantiago]

haveharttt‌:

Obviously Tyson’s danger was very limited to instances like this. He was all too familiar with going or taking home strangers he’d meet at a bar or on the streets. Luckily, things have managed to work itself and only once in the span of doing so did someone ever actually stole anything from his apartment or something like that. Tyson always liked to push his luck in that aspect. Not so much these days but every once in a while.

Tyson inhaled again, offering the other a nod as he followed suit. “So like, you’re obviously looking for someone and I can tell that you were only so lucky to find me. Are you like a vigilante or something? I mean, coming from where I’ve been and just your general vibe, I’d say you’re an entrepreneur of sorts. Or the muscle. I think either would suit you really.” He paused at the cross walk, looking both ways before deciding to walk against the light. “Although, you could just be a guy who likes hanging out in alleys late at night. Who am I, a drunk kid who clearly speaks too much, to stereotype you? For all I know you could be a doctor, right? That’s the beauty of people. They’ll surprise you.”

Teo couldn’t help the smile that spread over his mouth as this kid tried, half desperately, to pinpoint who he was; as if it was even in his depth. It definitely wasn’t. He shook his head after a long few moments of guessing, shoving his hands on the pockets of his jacket. “Nah, you don’t need to know that. I’m not a doctor, though.” He chuckled, scrubbing a hand over his face for a moment before turning his gaze to watch the younger man for a moment. What a bad idea, and yet, he kept walking. 

He cleared his throat when they finally seemingly reached the stranger’s place, breathing a soft sigh and nodding toward it. “Better head in, then.” Teo arched a brow, moving to lean against a nearby wall with a smirk. Would the kid invite him in? Did he want him to invite him in? Both valuable questions. He was drunk. Even if he was asked, Teo should say no. He should. He wasn’t sure, honestly, if he would given the chance. He shook his head at himself, moving to cross his arms over his chest. “And for the record - maybe don’t show complete strangers where you live anymore. It’s risky, and you’re --” too cute, too innocent, too.. something. “Just don’t. Got it?” 

[teosantiago]

talliefostermontgomery‌:

Tallie brightened visibly at his approval and she couldn’t help but clap her hands in front of her just once. She loved painting new subjects. She gently placed the canvas she had been using down and picked up the extra she had brought with her. Taking his outstretched hand, Tallie met his eyes and shook. “Okay, Teo.” Pulling her hand back, she began to rearrange her easel as she spoke. “Is that a nickname chosen for you, or did you decide to go by that? I chose to go by Tallie, my full name is Tallulah.” The brunette offered the information freely, believing that most of the time, people were honest with you if you were honest with them. And when she painted people, she liked to know who they were.

The question took him by surprise, and it was clear in the many emotions that seem to take their turn on his expression. He’d never had anybody ask him that and honestly, normally he’d never give an honest answer. But there was something about this girl, so stupidly genuine and innocent in her curiosity that he couldn’t bring himself to lie. He cleared his throat, hoping to bury down the discomfort he felt and shaking her hand slowly. “It’s uh - my paps chose it for me, I guess. Called me Teo growing up after my uncle, and it just stuck. Don’t really radiate Thomas vibes now either, so.” He chuckled, moving to rest his arms on the back of the bench and watching her closely. “Tallulah, huh? Cute.” Teo smirked, shaking his head for a second and looking out at the surroundings. “So, Tallie. Who’s your favorite random stranger you’ve painted?” 

[teosantiago]

bad moon on the rise;

[teosantiago]

arthurkanemoto‌:

Arthur’s half-listening, half absorbing the surroundings around him — three-against-one is a tough sell, especially when he’s sure they’re armed with at least one weapon each. Arthur’s fast, but he isn’t faster than 2500 feet per second, so he holds his hands up in defeat. The other clearly knew what he’s doing, and though initially the presence of his minions seemed stupid, he’s subtly changing his view.

“All right. Let’s talk then,” Arthur replies, eyes slightly narrowed, hands still up. The guy’s slow at getting to the point, and he breathes out, fingers curling, itching to reach out and punch the shithead in the face. “Just come out with it already. I don’t have all day to chat.” He grits his teeth, gathering the effort to steady his voice, lest he tick the guy off.

At the end of the day, he should’ve known. Marcus had always been the loose cannon, the one he’d trusted the least to stay legitimate. The man always had a nose for little white lines, and no matter how many times Arthur had attempted to cut the guy loose, he came back crawling, sobbing, begging to be let back in. Arthur always did, in the end, only because it’d been beyond annoying to listen to the man whine.

And of course, as always, it’d been a mistake. But he isn’t about to argue with this asshole, who clearly wants something out of this other than money — and fighting with him would most certainly mean a one-way ticket to trouble Arthur didn’t ask for. “How much?” He utters, low, monotone, devoid of emotion. Still unwilling to yield the upper hand.

Though Teo does relax a tiny bit when the man seems to give in easily, he doesn’t show it. The last thing he needs is this guy having any idea that he could be worried about how this would go down - sure, it was three one one but the man was still a bit more experienced than his usual tries. Still, he can tell the man’s nervous in the urgency that he asks about the debt, in his slow and careful words. It’s obvious he’s tiptoeing. Good. 

It’s almost tempting to drag it out further, lure him into waiting longer just to see how long the other man can take it but honestly, he’s already bored. While the anxious tension in the air is fun, it’s losing its excitement fast now that the man’s giving in. And so - Teo decides to drag it out.. just a bit. “Twenty thousand.” He shrugs after a moment, moving to sit on the kitchen counter once more. “For now, at least.” 

Teo leans back on his palms, makes himself perfectly comfortable in this house that isn’t his as he raises a brow. “Figure - he owes a lot of money. Better than rush it, I’ll let you pay it off over time. And - when I need the next payment, I’ll have one of my boys just drop by and pick it up - make it nice and easy for you, huh?” He smirks, knowing he’s pushing his limits now but he can’t bring himself to care. “I think that’s pretty lenient of me, anyway.” 

[teosantiago]

the show must go on;

[teosantiago]

della-slade‌:

Della stopped when he blocked her path, looking down at the groud to avoid his eyes. It wasn’t that she was afraid of him. Why would she be afraid of him? Yes he had tattoos but that was one of the things she loved about him. It made him tough looking. She knew he wouldn’t hurt her either. At least not physically. Mentally? Emotionally? He had broken her those ways and even after all these years it was hard being this close to him knowing he was no longer hers. 

At the mention of his stuff though a fire in her was lit. That’s what he wanted to talk about? After all this time he wanted his stuff? “Your stuff? You mean the stuff you left behind after you ran from me like a chicken? That stuff?” She glared at him. “You mean you finally want it back? Why? I packed that shit up and I’m giving it away. I figured it was meaningless to you.” Just like their marriage but she didn’t add that. “Also it’s my house and there’s no way I’m letting you in there.”

Teo steeled his jaw when she called him a chicken, face terse and he arched a brow. Of course, he had plenty of ways he could get in to get his stuff if he really cared. But he’d spent years hiding that side of his life from her, he wasn’t about to fuck it up now that they were over anyway. Still, he couldn’t help the burn he felt when she stood up to him, annoyance on his features. “You’re giving it away. No, you’re not. It’s my shit, and I said I could come get it, understood?” 

His voice didn’t leave much room for argument. He hated, hated using this tone of a woman he loved - one he usually reserved for people in business that did him dirty - but he didn’t see many other options. “I wasn’t running and I wasn’t being a chicken, got it?” Teo took a couple steps forward, looking down at her with narrowed eyes. “Whether you realize it or not, I did you a favor. Now you can go find someone mommy and daddy will like and stop trying to rebel with a bad boy. Everybody’s gotta grow up sometimes, baby girl.” Teo knew he was being mean but god damn, he did not like being told no and he had way too much valuable shit left at that house for her to be pulling this now. “So - when am I coming to pick my stuff up?” 

[teosantiago]

the show must go on;

[teosantiago]

haveharttt‌:

“I’m sorry, never said I made good choices. Sometimes people like a little danger.” He shrugged as the other stepped up to him. A familiar feeling coursed through his veins. Had this feeling arose when he was back home after graduation, he’d be less alarmed. Bad choices and risky decisions. It was something he almost missed in a sort of sick, comforting way. Almost like a security blanket of sorts. Tyson wasn’t going to turn back now.

His eyes stayed fixed on the man who was barely inches away. A small smirk parting his lips before inhaling the cigarette to fully light it. He received the pack and shoved it in his pocket before following suit and exhaling this smoke upward. Tyson full on smiled at the stranger. “So, what are you doing lurking in this alley anyway? And are you going to walk me home now? It’s just up the block and around the corner.”

Sometimes people like a little danger. Teo damn near had to will himself not to laugh at the statement. This guy had to be kidding, right? It was extremely clear to him at least that his idea of danger vs. this man’s were surely different. Still, he couldn’t help but be amused and, okay, maybe just a hint intrigued. He didn’t like to pull innocent kids into the fold and he didn’t plan to, but normally he’d nip it in the bud. Something about this kid’s sheer determination though and bold ass way of flirting - he couldn’t bring himself to say no. 

“Walk you home,” Teo repeated with a chuckle, disbelief clear in his voice and he took another half step forward until there was practically no space. Maybe it was some intimidation tactic to se if the kid would change his mind, or maybe it was just to be that close. Either way, Teo sighed after a moment and took a step back. “Yeah, aight. Wouldn’t want you running into the wrong people out here.” The murmured with a soft laugh, shaking his head as he walked toward the end of the alley. “Lead the way, kid.” 

[teosantiago]

the show must go on;

[teosantiago]

javierjcseph‌:

@teosantiago​

Javier was late for a business meeting, but there was no way he would be able to make it in time, not without cutting through an alley way to get there. Dressed as he was, nicely and clutching a brief case, it made him reasonably nervous, even in a place like this. This was somewhere he knew like the back of his hand, a place that felt like home but had a slightly shifted map, like there was something just slightly off about it all. it explained why he’d taken a wrong turn and how he, unfortunately, seemed to have found the wrong alley at the wrong time. 

Hunching his shoulders up by his ears, the lawyer cringed internally before slowly lowering them down to their normal hold, a calm facade sliding over his face. The voice, and the look of the man when Javi turned to look at him, meant business, though certainly not the kind he was about to be late for. Still, he knew that he could not just walk away. 

“Do we? Because unless you are Tomas Perez and you are here to speak with me about your abuela’s deportation, then I am not the droid you are looking for.” There. Maybe a little humor would help. Hopefully. 

Sometimes, Teo had a good sense of humor. Hell, sometimes he was amused by too much. But when someone decided to apparently dodge and avoid him for days? Not so much. Teo’s face remained still, not even the hint of a smirk tugging at his lips as he narrowed his eyes at the man. He seemed nervous - probably rightfully so. 

Honestly, Teo was more annoyed with his current clientele than anything. He arched a brow though when the man tried to play off the tension, shrugging one shoulder. “Nah, my abeula is perfectly fine.” The man slid his hands in his pockets, looking over the man. “You should probably scurry along then, chief.” He raised both eyebrows expectantly, looking back toward the door he expected his man out of. 

After a moment though, he narrowed his eyes. If the guy was involved with the law, it wasn’t really a bad thing to have him on his side in case he ever needed to call on him. Teo turned back to face the man after a moment, leaning back against a nearby wall. “You a lawyer or something? What’s your retainer?”

[teosantiago]

miriamnores‌:

FRIDAY, MAY 1st, 2020. → at WHISPERS GENTLEMAN CLUB. for: TEO SANTIAGO.

❝ Honey, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, the more a man is mean to you, just be mean to his wallet. Take out all of your anger on taking all of his money ! ❞ Miriam says to a crying girl who had ran to the back rooms after a rude costumer was making so many snide remarks about how he needed more bang for his buck ; he kept saying that. Then he eventually took out a few rolls of quarters and just threw them at her, and that was the breaking point. Fighting back tears, the girl, Ella, excused herself as politely as she was able to and left. From a business point of view, the girl should have kept going. But as a human, Miriam wasn’t going to talk down to the poor girl and tell her what she should or shouldn’t have done. Thankfully, Miriam’s comment earned a smile and a small laugh. ❝ Atta girl, ❞ The hostess grabs a few tissues to pass along. ❝ Fix your make-up, get back out there, and make his wallet suffer. ❞ Giving a motherly kiss to one side of Ella’s face, Miriam gets up from her spot to make her way back into the thick of the crowd. The deep rouge lights create an intimate atmosphere with the hint of danger. Her eyes scan the people who were enjoying the attention of Whisper’s girls giving their laser focus on them. Her smile grew when she saw Ella coming out from the shadows and going back to worker harder than before ; with a fierceness where no words were going to be able to stop her.

Just as she was about to go back to her station at the front of the club, Miriam feels someone take her elbow and pull her back. For a moment, she thought it was another one of the club’s girls needing her to take care of something, but feeling the callousness of one’s fingers grip painfully into her soft skin, she knew better. Having been caught off gaurd, Miriam stumbled over her feet which allowed the person to force Miriam into pressing her back up against the wall to find stability before corning her, making their height against hers as a clear intimidation tact. ❝ Alex? ❞ Meadow green hues grow wide from surprise and alarm. ❝ What the hell are you doing here? ❞ She has to ask. Of course, she doesn’t have Ricardo’s trust. She never did and she never will, but he couldn’t have gone as far as sending someone to check in, right? ‘ ricky wanted to see what you were up to since you hadn’t made contact in sometime, baby … making friends with your coworkers, it looks like. nice touch. ’ Alex gives a mocking sneer, clearly a quip to show he had been around, hiding, to listen in on her conversation with Ella and it takes ever inch of Miriam’s restraint to not slap it off.

❝ Cool. I’ve gotten the validation I’ve always wanted and you’ve checked up on me like a low grade babysitting, you can leave now. I’ll show you out. ❞ Tilting her head to one side, Miriam smiles at the gang member with a tightly sarcastic smile. She moves in an attempt to slip past Alex, though he’s quick to wrap his harsh fingers around her upperarm tightly enough to make her wince and pushes her back into her spot, moving in closer. ‘ oh, you think we’re done here?’ he chuckles with jeeringly with too much confidence to find attractive. miriam glares up at him. jaw set harshly. ‘ not by a long shot. ’

Teo just wants to enjoy his night out without working, but that may be too much to ask. His eyes wander over the various girls in the club, taking in the sights and handing off random bills without much rhyme or reason behind them. It’s only when someone catches his eye near the front corner that he slips his money clip back into his pocket and shifts to stand. Part of him debates just getting another drink and pretending he doesn’t notice; not because he’s scared - please - but because he really doesn’t feel like dealing with it and don’t they have their own guards for that kind of stuff anyway?

But when the man moves closer and still nobody seems to be coming to her rescue, Teo sighs heavily and lifts his drink to chug the last few swallows of his drink before setting it on a nearby table. His steps are slow, calculated and honestly, he could probably have put the man in a chokehold from behind and just dragged him out but that’s when he spots a tattoo on the back of the man’s neck and his blood runs cold. He recognizes it because it matches one on his ribs, one he’s only left uncovered to remind him what he did. There’s a sneer on his face and his fingers twitch, desperate to find the piece shoved in his waistband but there’s too much of a crowd and he likes this club - he doesn’t feel like being banned. 

Teo reaches out to grab the man by the wrist, prying it off the girl’s arm and twisting it into an uncomfortable position - just a liiittle more and it’d be a lot worse. Funny how easy it could be to break bone when you knew how. Teo took a step closer to the man, his free hand gently pushing the girl away by the shoulder. He glanced over and nodded for her to leave them alone before turning his attention back to Alex. “The fuck do you think you’re doing here?” 

He all but snarls after the question, biting back worlds of anger at seeing someone from his old gang there and maybe he twists Alex’s wrist a bit harder in the direction of broken accidentally when he turns to slam the man against the wall. “I run Catalina. Who’s in charge now, little Ricky probably? He knows better. Might want to remind him of that - understood?” Teo arches a brow, letting go of Alex and he shifts as if to shove his hands in his pockets so that his shirt shifts enough to show off what he’s holding. “Go. Now. Or I promise I’ll tell him myself, and I don’t think you want that to happen.” Teo practically growls, turning back to find the girl from before and reaching out to brush a thumb over her arm where she’d been grabbed. “You okay?” He asks, voice almost soft now, already more relaxed than he had been seconds ago. 

[teosantiago]

the show must go on;

[teosantiago]

della-slade‌:

Della was just going about her normal business. She had been out on the ocean all day with a couple tours. Nothing really exciting with that. Some kids running around causing trouble and a woman way too interested in taking photos instead of focusing on the sights around her but nothing much else. Finishing up for the day, she decided for once to actually go home after work instead of spending the night on her boat.

Locking everything up, she headed downtown to pick something up for dinner. No way was she about to cook after a long day. Heading to her favorite offbeat restaurant, she stepped out into the alley with her order in hand. He was the last person she expected to run into that day. “Talk? What in the world do we need to talk about?” She frowned, trying to walk past him.

It almost felt surreal to think about all the time they were together now, with so much space between them; physically, mentally. The tension was heavy in a way Teo wasn’t a fan of. He could handle guns in his face, he could handle the danger of the business he was used to running now, but Della avoiding him? Sucked. Whether he’d admit it or not. Sure, he deserved it - he had practically disappeared from their marriage but really, he was helping them both in the long run, wasn’t he? 

Teo sidestepped before she could walk too far, blocking her path once more. “Hey, hey. You don’t have to run, damn. Just figured I should come get my stuff at some point, yeah?” He dipped his head to catch her gaze, narrowing his eyes a bit. She wasn’t afraid of him - couldn’t be. Sure, the tattoos could be intimidating but that was the extent of what she knew about his troublesome side. Which meant it was just him that she didn’t want to deal with. It wasn’t that he didn’t feel bad for what he did, because he did. Teo sighed, scrubbing a hand over his face before looking back at her. “Look. You don’t even have to be there. I’ll drive by and pack shit up at some point. I can do it while you’re at work, if you want.” 

[teosantiago]

talliefostermontgomery‌:

Tallie smiled and looked the man up and down curiously, no hint of judgement in her eyes. “Sick? I don’t think my art has ever been called that, but I’ll take that as a compliment.” The woman flipped the page she was on before looking over and studying him. “Do you mind if I paint you? Agnes and Harry over there will be here for a couple more hours, and I think I need a little break.” The brunette offered him another smile, this time a hopeful one. “I’m Tallie, by the way.”

Teo’s lips parted in surprise for a long second, and he couldn’t help the laugh that slipped from them after. “You -- yeah. Sure, go off.” He chuckled, moving to sit on a nearby bench and stretching his legs out in front of him. Teo was quite the colorful person to paint, pretty much covered in tattoos and scars that gave her plenty to work with. He looked over after a moment when she spoke again, introducing herself. It was odd. Sure, he was good looking enough to pick up random people at bars late at night to take home. He was a fun one night stand with a bad boy, and he was fine keeping it at that. It was an odd sensation though, having someone generally innocent, initiating a real conversation in the light of day. “Thomas,” He hesitated for a moment before reaching a hand out to introduce himself. “But - call me Teo.” 

[teosantiago]

the show must go on;

[teosantiago]

ezrabishop‌:

after spending some time at a coworker’s house, ezra found himself walking through the empty streets to his apartment. he had intended to leave early while the sun was still up, but he lost track of time. they were talking about their day together, having a few drinks, and watching a short movie. it was a good time for ezra. his friend offered him the couch for the night. he was tempted to stay. but he decided against it because he didn’t want to intrude. he knew he was almost home and didn’t really need a shortcut. instead of continuing on his route, he decided to take a detour by cutting through an alleyway that he hoped would give him a shortcut.

strangely enough, ezra had to go through a small door to get to the other side of the alleyway. he had thought he was alone. so when a voice spoke up, ezra jumped slightly, feeling a bit startled by the sudden noise. “oh?” he says, turning around to face the other person. “i don’t know what we have to talk about. i don’t know you man.” ezra tells him, taking a puff of his cigarette and blowing smoke out towards the other. “you got the wrong person, dude.” this guy immediately reminded him of men he met back in new york. he knew it could only mean danger to him. “how long have you been here anyways?”

It should’ve been an easy interaction - wrong person, cut and run. And then Teo gets a face full of smoke, and there’s something in his demeanor that rubs him the wrong way. Maybe he’s a little short-tempered because now he knows he’s definitely being avoided, but he can’t bring himself to care. So instead, he narrows his eyes ever so slightly, arching a brow. “Doesn’t really matter what I’m doing out here, huh chief?” He shrugs one shoulder, looking over the man and tipping his head down the alley. “Thought you were someone else. Better run home now.” 

Teo debates just leaving instead but honestly, he is still waiting for someone first of all and secondly, he’s curious what this guy’s deal is. The man looks at him with a weird familiarity and he can’t help but wonder what the hell he’s into. “You new here?” He wonders aloud, tipping his head at the question and keeping his eyes trained on the man opposite him as he moves to lean against a nearby brick wall. “Island’s pretty small.” 

[teosantiago]

the show must go on;

[teosantiago]

haveharttt‌:

“And you’re observant,” Tyson slurred slightly. He could feel his heart racing. Not from any sort of perceived fear but rather his pace was finally catching up to him. He had a bad habit of speed walking. With a deep inhale, Tyson smiled at the other. “I might be drunk but I’m not blind so I still stand by what I said. What’s a guy like you doing in an alley sneaking up behind random guys? Is this like your thing?” 

He shoved his hand into his pocket to pull out a pack of cigarettes. While he wasn’t one to typically indulge in smoking, something about drinking really made him crave one. Tyson pulled one out of the pack and placed it between his lips. His freehand patted his other pockets hoping to find a lighter. “While I appreciate the gesture, I’m bound to get into trouble somewhere along the line between here and home. Might as well be with a stranger that has a remarkable face and notable features. What I’d appreciate even more is a light. You got a lighter or some matches?”

He’s got some nerve, this kid. Unfortunately.. it’s almost endearing, and Teo should just leave but god, there’s something that he can’t pull himself away from. “So let me get this straight,” Teo speaks, arching a brow as he shoves his hands in his pockets. “You think sneaking up on random guys in back alleys is my thing and you still stand by what you said?” He chuckled, shaking his head. He was either trouble or far too naive, and both options kept Teo far too curious. 

He sighed after a moment at the ask for a lighter. It’s obvious he’s not finding his man any time soon tonight, so he waves away the men that had been hanging back behind him and they take off without a word. He should go too, this kid has no idea what he’s getting into. But a cigarette is harmless, right? Not like he’s holding him hostage. Teo tips his head, watches Tyson for a long moment before taking a long few steps forward to close the space until there’s barely any between them. He hesitates for a moment before pulling a black metal lighter from his pocket. “I’ll trade you.” Teo lifts his lighter, holding it under the boy’s cigarette for him before taking the pack from Tyson gently and taking one out of the pack. Wordlessly, he lights his one and takes a deep inhale as he catches the other man’s gaze before returning the pack to his hand. “Thanks,” He murmurs on an exhale toward the sky, not bothering to back up any. 

[teosantiago]

the show must go on;

[teosantiago]

haveharttt‌:

It was a rare occasion when Tyson went out and had drinks with friends. He wasn’t much for an outside party scene. Too much noise, people bumping against each other, and a tab that was always much higher than he remembered. But after a weekend of marathon writing, Tyson deserved to have some sort of fun.

Without a word to the people he was with, he quietly slipped out of the bar. Tyson was at a point in the night where he was the optimal amount of drunk. Enough to be loosened up but not enough to be too sloppy. He knew that if he stayed any longer, someone would have to carry him home. He stumbled along the streets, repeating the route home. Left at the corner, two corners, another left, cut through the alley, a right, then straight until you hit your apartment. Everything was going like clockwork until he reached the alley. The voice was unfamiliar. “Hey man, not sure what we need to talk about but like, if it’s about what happened at the bar, I can assure you it was nothing. I mean, I didn’t know she was your girlfriend and I can tell you I definitely wasn’t flirting with her. If we’re being honest, I was just being nice to her to try to flirt with you. Very convoluted way to go about it but it makes sense. Well, given that’s what this is about. If not…still would like to flirt with you.”

And.. not the guy he was looking for, in a big way. Teo wanted to be annoyed, and he was a bit if only because this meant he’d have to wait longer for the person he was actually there for. But, yeah, he couldn’t deny that he was a bit amused as well at the reaction. His brows furrowed for a moment before one arched, and he took a couple steps forward toward the man. It was clear he didn’t know what he was getting himself into.

Teo reached out, catching the man’s chin between his thumb and forefinger so he could look him in the eye. “You’re drunk,” He pointed out, looking over his features for a moment before letting his face go and dropping his hands to his sides, nodding down the alley. “You should run home. Wouldn’t want you getting into too much trouble out here, kid.”