Excerpt from Eden

Our world and it’s violence, the suffering, sometimes I am surprised we survive it.. Loneliness. Loneliness is such a terrible thing. A punishment for a crime not committed. And hope is so fleeting, intoxicating, and so heavy on the shoulders.

[the-virtucus]

[golshifteh farahani — 40 — she/her] Introducing LEILA ZIANI. Word on the street is they are a CISO, having been around for FORTY YEARS. Despite an otherwise clear record, sometimes they are known to engage with THE BROTHERHOOD’s affairs. Though they are ABRASIVE and JUDGEMENTAL, they can also be COMPASSIONATE and DEDICATED. In the chaos of New York City, they’re sure to fit right in.

FAMILY .

parents: catherine langdon-ziani, 62 ( mother ) & saïd ziani, 66 ( father )

sibling: ibrahim ziani, 37 ( brother )

children: mahin ziani-mullins , 5 ( daughter )

spouse: gabriel mullins ( deceased )

HISTORY .

adopted older sibling to ibrahim and the threadwork to stich the entire ziani family together. it’s no wonder how she was fit to burst at the seams earlier than most. reputation bolted to her shoulders, leila had little choice but to follow along her parents wishes. but little was better than none at all. 

disdain and shame festered hot between misplaced items and the deployment of the youngest. though leila had loved her brother dearly, she had not yet shaken the reigns of their parent’s needs. instead, she bid him farewell tight lipped and silent with worry. 

always trotting over the coals of advancement, she rarely had the time to slow and enjoy the leisures of life. exams were close, bills were due, evaluations crept just around the corner. self discipline became as durable as wrought metal, reinforced and hammered time and time again. she thought herself impervious to distraction until she wasn’t. 

he was as brazen as they came. arrogant from wealth and wound with pride, gabriel had a certain way with words. intrigue caught flame, and with it burned her solitude. the two had fallen in bed once, twice, three times and her steely resolve was out. they dated and was wed two years after, both just in enough love to try for a child. and though they were gifted with a beautiful baby girl, the world sought payment shortly after. 

tale as old as time, her husband wasn’t all that clean with morals and doings. then again, he had never claimed such things to begin with. he had ties with the brotherhood from the start, and it was the very same reason that had widowed her after the birth of mahin.

moment before the grief waned, someone ( possible wc ) persuaded her to aid the right what had clearly been so incredibly wronged. fill in the steps that her dearest wasn’t able to see through. weary of the potential dangers but still fueled by open hurt, she agreed to be affiliated with the brotherhood.

CONNECTIONS .

brotherhood point of contact . whether it be a fully fledged member or another affiliated, this person was the first to make contact with leila after the passing of her husband with the aim for her to join in. how this was done is utp – be it wholly sympathetic, a play into building rage, etc. 

fellow parents . while her daughter is currently 5, she’s always open to any tips and information for the upcoming  years. bonus points if there’s someone else with a child in a similar age range for possible playdates! 

business . seeing as she’s the ciso for `insert security enterprise here`, it’s likely she’s aided in investigations and the sort. 

friends . while fairly sociable, it’s very clear that leila holds herself at a distance. time and repetition is key when it comes to forming bonds. and busy as she is, leila isn’t the most loosely available for random hang outs. but set up a time and place and she’ll be there without delay.

friends with benefits . it’s been 5 years full of grief and healing. though she may never forget the anomalous infatuation she held with gabriel, she can begin to move on. first with the easiest, the body. then, perhaps, the heart will follow. 

[the-virtucus]

status: closed | @ibrahim-ziani

She shouldn’t have come and she knew it. Yet here she was, still dawdling among others with a perpetually half empty drink in one hand. The taste had grown too sweet on her palate after the third glass, or maybe it was the mix of nerves that wanted to keep her sharp. Whatever the reason may be, Leila was only half present in the immediate conversation. Restless eyes kept wandering from face to face, wanting to know if any familiarity would spark and set her aflame. 

Gabriel would have known what to do. How to fit in and actually enjoy the occasion.

“I shouldn’t have come.” The words flee by their own accord as instant regret dawned. “It’s getting late anyways and Mahin’s probably.. worried sick.” What a flimsy excuse. The only way she could afford to have the night out was to hire the backup babysitter until morning. Her daughter was fine, but the increasing anxiety and booze loosened the sureness of which she had entered with. Transparent lie waved as a white flag, she gave a partial smile before excusing herself, wanting to leave in a hurry so she could breathe properly–

The spark caught flame right beside her.

“Ibrahim.”

[the-virtucus]

noravidal​:

Leila’s presence here wasn’t a good sign; it certainly didn’t make the situation any less complicated, for anyone. It had to be a curse, didn’t it, to feel this content being around people you should be pushing away. Not closer, not at all– “Don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe, I could let them know just how good I’ve become at carving pumpkins.” Keep her safe and occupied. “Mind you, Leila, our journey through the Halloween specials has just begun!” Nora announced lightly, suppressing about a million other questions she had, reaching for the pumpkin pie liquor. And grabbing the cinnamon shaker while at it. “Your dress- though, it’s a nice tactic. The skirt so big, no one can come near and invade your personal space.”

She smiled at that, silently conveying a thank you despite the difficulties that road on her coattail. “I can’t wait to taste test.” Or maybe get drunk just enough to relax a little. 

Was such a thing even possible?

A hand instinctually went to smooth over the seam between skirt and bodice. “That’s if they’re aware enough. There’s already a footprint on the backside and probably a quarter of a drink on the left.” To say maneuvering around in such a piece was stress inducing was an understatement. Everything from the waist down became a hinderance the moment she set foot in the crowded establishment. “I wouldn’t be surprised if something’s torn by the time I get home.”

[the-virtucus]

noravidal​:

starter 003  🎃 who: open to ALL attending the Cancún event when: October 31st, around 10 pm where: The Cancún

“Un momento, por favor, I’ll be with you in a sec!” Nora topped off the drink with a lime wedge and handed it over to another customer, before turning back, swaying her hips to the music. “I don’t usually work here, but I had to jump in after the bartender burst into tears, his mascara running and all,” could Nora blame him, though? The Halloween party thrown for the entire underground scene of NYC– the spookiest of nights indeed. The Vidal herself found herself fighting her own unease with dancing and an occasional tequila shot. And keeping herself busy at all times– which included helping out behind the counter. "What’s your poison, the Trick is all set, but the cocktail they call Treat I have yet to master” she chuckled, popping a maraschino cherry in her mouth. “The Pumpkin over there has been eyeing you for a while now, by the way.”

Brave or foolish? Oftentimes the two went hand in hand didn’t they? Leila certainly liked to think so, given the predicament she placed herself in. The safest and most rational choice would have been to skip the Cancún and have a little lighthearted fun at Medusa instead. 

And yet, here she was. 

Wariness kept her overly alert in the den of snakes and badgers. Who knows what characters she’ll come by tonight. Hopefully no one too rotten, but wishing upon such a thing seemed rather pointless. 

“Let me try out the treat. Practice makes perfect, no?” Relief washed through her the moment Nora had been spotted across the room. Dress carefully situated, she reluctantly spared a glance at the pumpkin. “Ugh, not interested. If I wanted to be eyed by a gourd, I would’ve gone to the grocers tonight.”

[the-virtucus]

ROCOCO INSPIRED –

slightly modernized with less frills and layers, but still maintains the palette and overall motion found within the rococo period. and she just so happened to have a good collection to pass such a ‘costume’ already in her possession. 

[the-virtucus]

andreagalan​:

.

     Andrea might not have raised her own children but there had been enough siblings and nephews and neighborhood children at her home growing up that she knew exactly what it would be like. A new toy had always trumped family quality time, schoolwork, anything that didn’t come in a sealed plastic box. “Haven’t heard of it yet but I’m sure I will soon,” she gave the other wman a knowing look. These things ran from kid to kid like water. 

     “Don’t question it,” she agreed, with a laugh to mirror the other’s. “Just be glad you can have some fresh air, you never know when it’ll be the next time.” That much, she knew wasn’t only reserved for adults with children. Just adults in general. “I try to come everyday but it’s my first time in this spot, we usually go to the games on the other side.” Lying came so easily to her. “I don’t think I caught your name?” 

“Truer words have never been spoken,” she agreed, wholeheartedly open with the sentiment. A deep breath’s slowly drawn in without conscious thought. Fresh and sweet, brisk with the promise of encroaching autumn. Hopefully there will be more opportunities to enjoy the weather before winter hit.

“Ah, we’ve tried to stick by there a few times, but the jungle gym wins her over every time.” Between the climbing and swinging, it never failed to beat the play of tossing balls and hopscotch. 

A note of surprise lifted her brow. “Oh, Leila. And you are?”

[the-virtucus]

noravidal​:

“Afraid of being let down again… And so you’re paying the price– missing out on the life you could have.” Nora was the first to avert her gaze, as if admitting defeat. Everyone made their own choices, and those choices were to be respected, no matter how frustrated they left our nearest and dearest. The worst part was, Nora couldn’t guarantee it wouldn’t happen– over and over again. “You’re not obligated to be honest with me– lie to me, deceive me as much as you’d like but please, be better at it because I can’t sit here and pretend I don’t see you.” As it happened, some casual, superficial relationship wasn’t the base of their friendship– its pillars consisted of grief, late-night conversations and gentle solace. “What did you come here for? Would you rather talk about your little one? Dance? I have Yahtzee too,” 

The weight of Nora’s words speared deep, hit the nail right on the head – dead center. Shoulders sag that much more as a small breath escaped. All of the fiery gusto to argue had left her minutes ago. There wasn’t any point when the other could see right through her masks. So she saved her breath and accepted the turn of conversation with silent gratitude. 

“Had some free time.” And it turned out she hadn’t been too inclined to wander the nightlife of New York. “Have a sitter for Mahin until..” A quick glance at the watch that sat on the underside of her wrist. “9:30. But.. I have never played Yahtzee before, believe it or not.”

[the-virtucus]

andreagalan​:

.

     Maybe she hadn’t thought this through enough. An ironic laugh threatened to bubble up from her chest to her throat and past her lips – what if this was how they caught her? Having a coffee, watching children play at the park. An otherwise unsuspecting mother coming across some dubious information might point her out to a park officer. And that would be it. What a stupic was to go. “She’s lovely,” she replied with a friendly grin. Friendly. I’m just drinking my coffee. “Oh, at his dad’s today,” she explained with an apologetic smile. “I bring him here everyday after school but his dad bought him a new game and–” a vague wave of her hand in the air as it that was enough explanation. A nostalgic, lonely mother was better than a creepy childless woman.

Understand clicked with little movement; a slight drop of brows, lips inched a fracture higher. “And it’s the sole focus of attention, I get it. The same happened to my daughter just last week. A random gift from her grandparents just because they caught wind that she’s been obsessed with one that recently came out– Alba: A Wildlife Adventure.” A breath of laughter left at the remembrance of how insistent her parents had been to not delay it whatsoever. 

“I’m honestly now sure how I got her out today for longer than five minutes.” Affection softened her tone as Leila glanced back to the playground. Now the flash of orange swung freely across the money bars, smile bright on her face. “So you come here often? I don’t think I’ve seen you around before.” But she could have been mistaken. It wasn’t like they came to the park at the same time everyday. 

[the-virtucus]

jinyoo​:

-

He’d never thought about having kids himself, mostly because his relationship with his parents had always been so strained. In his small, limited world, he always figured that there wasn’t space for family - until he met Leila. In all honesty, he still wasn’t sure how she managed it - the never-ending work, the stress, the hours, her daughter, but somehow, she did make it work.

His heart felt warm as she gave him Mahin’s folder - he was all too familiar with the pink folder; Mahin had made him put some of those stickers on there, after all. And he could barely hide his smile when he saw what was inside. 

“Is my head really this big?” Jin laughed, holding up the drawing so Leila could see. “And does this say video game or blanket fort? I really can’t tell.” 

Was this what was he was missing out on? This kind of - joy? Unfortunately, he hadn’t exactly come here for life advice. At least, he didn’t think. 

“Thank you. Please tell her it’s going to go right up on my fridge door. But, um,” Jin sighed, “I think there’s something else you wanted to talk to me about, right?” 

It’d be a blatant lie to say she wasn’t a smidgen curious to see what her daughter compiled. But, true to her word, she hadn’t peeked inside the iridescently decorated file. Not until the wanted receiver shared it by his own volition. 

A slight waver pressed through her lips, but she didn’t laugh outright. “Video.. game, I think? I’d say your head is proportionate to your body, but everyone’s on the bigger scale for her right now.” Big head, big ears, weirdly long fingers and all. It’s endearing to see the details Mahin tried to include, even if the inked images were a little horrifying. 

Though slight, the warmth of friendliness had dulled at the transition of conversation. Yes, of course, there was another agenda that sat parallel to the babysitting. “I’ll be sure to let her know,” Leila said kindly, pausing a moment to let out half a breath, “and, partially. It’s more so a check-in rather than a full discussion.” They had that days ago in a more professional setting. “I wanted to give you a few more days, but.. since we’re here, I was wondering if you’ve given the proposal any thought? Please understand that I don’t need a concrete answer now, but it’s better to acknowledge the elephant in the room rather than blanket it more, I feel like.”

[the-virtucus]

aysunsezen​:

Aysun wouldn’t know what to do without Leila here now, she was incredibly thankful for her. Moments like these came few and far in between for her nowadays, as five years had already passed. Grief didn’t have a timeline however. One day she felt like she was completely fine and the next she was near a breakdown like right now. 

“That sounds perfect. I can’t believe I never heard of it before.” It would be a good way for her to let out some emotions and then hopefully she’d be able to go home and put on a smile for her siblings should one of them still be awake. 

“I only heard about it passing at some restaurant, but it’s quite the clever business.” To be able to smash things without the worry of having to clean up and such. Clever indeed. She probably would have been a regular if she’d been the sort of destress by breaking things. What with the mountain of stress from work and other relations. 

“It’s about.. five miles away? I didn’t drive here today, though. Would you rather Uber or take the trains there?” The idea to walk came up, but there’s no way she’ last all that way in these heels. 

[the-virtucus]

noravidal​:

After a number of turmoils experienced on the other front, Nora couldn’t fight the impression the Zianis liked to choose a path which suited them the least, and label it as easy. Sure, as a short-term solution it worked just fine, but in the long run, it just ended up sucking the energy out of them. “Is it truly easier?” The only question, albeit simple, she could bring herself to ask. The Vidal couldn’t possibly allow herself to voice her assumptions because, in reality, she was unable to reach the poised woman behind those high walls she’d built. At the same time, Nora couldn’t shake the feeling there was more to Leila Ziani as the doctor herself was haunted by the memories carried through time, for better or for worse. The memories of how Leila had been, her shoulders slumped, head bowed, hands trembling. “What is it you’re afraid of, Leila?” 

No, of course not, she wanted to say – laugh at it, even. Never in a million years would this be the simplest choice. But she wasn’t ready to admit how an odd sort of comfort had planted it’s roots within the discourse. How lost she would feel if the more sensible option was enacted on.  

A deep breath was drawn in through the nose and held; a way of preparing herself among the internal debate to admit or fluke. “I didn’t come here to be therapized, you know.” Harsh as the words might be on their own, her tone hadn’t chilled. After another beat she finally acquiesced, “I’m afraid of being let down again.”

[the-virtucus]

duplxity​:

x.

he  openly  stared  at  this  woman.  was  she  not  the  one  who  started  staring  first?  why  would  he  need  something  from  her?  unless  he  was  mistaken,  which  honestly  wouldn’t  be  the  first  time.  will  he  admit  his  mistake,  absolutely  not.  he’ll  deny  to  the  end,  and  push  the  blame  somewhere  else,  then  change  the  topic  entirely  when  he  finds  himself  losing  the  argument.  “  me?  were  you  not  the  one  staring  first?  i’m  flattered,  i  really  am,  but  it’s  a  bit  creepy.  ”  

how  many  times  has  he  used  that  line.  more  than  he  cared  to  admit,  but  it  usually  worked  in  one  or  two  ways.  he  was  curious  how  it’ll  work  this  time  around.

Not a single hint of amusement could be found on her. “Unless you mysteriously have some frozen custards to share, then it looks like your eyes deceived you.” And even if open oggling had been the case, it wasn’t like she’d let that truth slip free. While Leila liked to think it’s simply because she didn’t have the time, the truth laid more in the details of her own pride. 

“And speaking of, you don’t happen to know anywhere close that has any for sale? Good ones. I know of a cafe that has them, but it’s across town.”

[the-virtucus]

aysunsezen​:

“Thank you.” Someone had come in, an old acquaintance of her parents, bringing up painful memories and dragging their names through the mud, it brought up emotions that she thought she had buried deep inside. It had been difficult to stop herself from becoming violent and showing him that he shouldn’t mess with her.  “I need to punch something. Or break something. Anything.” 

Leila merely nodded at the gratitude. The overwhelming need to get out of a confined space was no stranger to her. And while she might have been deemed unreachable by many, there was still a capacity to care for another somewhere in that chilled heart of hers. 

“Break something.. I think there is a place that can provide something like that.” Now as for what said place was called – that escaped her immediate grasp. A quick search on her phone provided her with the answer she sought; all while still being mindful of where they walked, of course. “The Rage Cage.” Fitting name, that. “You can smash just about everything it looks like. Plates, monitors, pinters, vcrs– can’t believe there’s enough in production for this.”

[the-virtucus]

andreagalan​:

     where: some park      with: @the-virtucus​

     Chlidren hadn’t been out of the question for most of her life – but at this point, at her age and with her job requirements, they were unlikely at best. Andrea didn’t feel like she was missing anything particularly, though, having raised more than enough kids between her siblings and cousins from a very young age. Maybe that’s why there was something nostalgic about seeing families play at the park. Sipping her coffee, she eyed a woman and watched her sit on the bench beside her. “Which one’s yours?” she asked with a friendly smile – one to say I’m not watching them, I just happened to be sitting here.

“Azizam, not too far,” Leila called out, knowing full well how futile such a reminder was compared to the gleeful laughter of her daughter. If it wasn’t for the surety that Mahin had indeed heeded her words prior, she would have worried herself sick. Now the dial of such concerns ticked down a notch or two; so long as she kept a careful eye on the doings of her child. 

A brief glance is spared the other’s way upon taking a seat. “She’s in the orange shirt and shoes.” The same one that quickly zipped up and into the main body of the jungle gym. “And yours?”

[the-virtucus]

noravidal​:

After years of silence, distress, miserable experiences and piled up agony left behind as a result, Nora couldn’t pinpoint what Leila was referring to. The circumstances surroundings her husband’s death, some other familial affairs or the general state of matters. Nora blinked a few times, her vision clearing. ¡Cielos!, how could’ve I been so blind, not put the pieces together sooner, before everything became so... ? The Vidal couldn’t pick the right word, yet the fluttering in the pit of her stomach wordlessly finished the thought for her. A beat as the doctor composed herself, head fell gently to the side and green eyes focusing on Leila. “What’s so wrong about finding out where it ends?” 

Her lips thin into more of a grimace. It’s the not knowing that always drove her up a wall. And for the times she cast aside the frustration to best each obstacle, this was different. To rough it through work or reputation fell drastically short in comparison to family.

Leila broke contact and looked elsewhere for a moment. “It’s easier to not know.” As if being kept in the tumultuous dark truly was all that simple. Chances were that she wasn’t fooling either of them with her quiet response. But she couldn’t pour into another’s cup when her own fell empty. Something she had ironically learned through the root of this very issue.

[the-virtucus]

jjbaptiste​:

closed to: @the-virtucus​ setting: any of JJ’s businesses; anytime

It’s an indisputably rare sight, when Jacques spots the likes of Leila Ziani walking through the front door. He knows her only as one of the ones detached from the nitty gritty of it all — the sharp-collared ones, a world he still doesn’t understand. Jacques can’t decide in which damning limbo to place them into — hesitance, cowardice, something else? —; true loyalty should warrant no second thoughts. But this, tonight, is a good sign. 

“Leila, right?” He calls upon her presence. “Thought ya stayed away from this side of the business.” 

Just the sound of her name brought forth an immeasurable conglomeration of all things exhausted. Patience, energy, time – all of it. “I usually do.” Until I’m at my wits end. The reply’s terse but not uptight, even ended with the ghost of what could be called a smile. “But I need a drink– stiffest you have.” Unlike most nights, she had the freedom to do whatever she wanted for however long in the night. With Mahin babysat in good hands, it was finally time for her to unwind.

[the-virtucus]

aysunsezen​:

-

Aysun nodded, taking a moment and pausing before she decided to talk. Leila was right, she wasn’t okay right now, but she didn’t like voicing it and admitting to it either. Admitting defeat or weakness wasn’t something she had an easy time with. “I’d really appreciate that. Let’s just get out of here.” 

“Of course.” Belongings already looped around her shoulder, Leila strode towards the doorway to hold it open for the other. “Are you hungry, or need a drink?” Perhaps both to help soothe the mind and body – if only a fraction. “Or would you rather we just walk around?”