Welcome to Gaia! ::

Ears dropped a bit, s**t he had to brag.. "Yea.. Sorry, forgot its kinda part of the job I have to keep to myself.. N-not that it happens all the time, sometimes, but.. Yeah. Normally a nice chat will take care of things but.. Anyway management ended up agreeing with me, some rumor going around he's got debt collectors after him." shaking his head thinking about it, not the first time he's seen someone get obsessed with a host to the point it contributes to their financial ruin, and in some way he gets it, their just... Nice to be around. Their friendly, good looking guys, and Savio was one of the best if you just look at it logically, but on the other hand its kind of insane, that guy was a bum and a creep who had no right, and he was justified in slamming the door on that his hand.

"Oh theres no need to thank me its what I'm there for.." Oh that smile was nice, yea he's definitely one if not the best the Lux had cause damn its hard to say no to a face like that "But if you wanted to that would be-" Oh s**t wait no what is he even saying, words are coming out faster then he can process the consequences of them, oh hell its to late to go back and politely decline now "-great!"

Now that they were back out among the main throng, Vespara immediately wanted to go back to where they had been before. Not only had it been quieter and more private, but she had rather enjoyed what they had begun. But, here they were, and they would have to make the best of it.

Her eyes danced over the various members of the family. She still needed to say hello to Nonna, but that could happen after a drink--and once she looked less involved. The bar was still crowded, but a few others had stepped away, and that was just fine. The sooner they got their drinks, the sooner they could find somewhere else to go, at least until the main event.

She could schmooze with plenty of individuals and yet, there was little she could offer. She was no one of great importance yet, though her connections gave her an advantage over some. Someday, of course, she'd be known, recognized, for her own skill and power... but for now? She doubted anyone would miss her.

"Ah, mixing things up tonight, carino. Don't go too crazy now," she grinned, giving him a little squeeze. Then again, getting Regulus wild, or a little crazy, could be fun... something to try later. Unlike her companion, Vespara did rather like cocktails. Sure, she could throw back whisky, tequila, vodka, and rum with the best of them but that was boring. If she was going to drink something that wasn't vitae, she preferred something a little sweeter, and a lot more colorful.

As they waited, she did spot a few familiar faces nearby. "Buonasera Francesca," she greeted, noticing the other girl standing not far off. The older Puttanesca daughter wasn't one she knew very well, but Vespara was no stranger to Killer Hair and Nails. She was friends with Addie, at least, and was on friendly enough terms with some of the sisters. "You waiting in line or just waiting in general?" She asked with a smile. If the other had wanted a drink, she'd let her in.


- - -
Eloisa's smile didn't falter as she looked between Signore Machiavelli, Romeo, and Signora Della Passaglia. She did notice that the latter hadn't said a word, nor bothered to acknowledge her... but she wasn't going to take it as a slight. Perhaps the Elder was simply bus, or, ah-ha, was clearly looking out for others. That must have been it, or so she excused, peeking curiously over at Gabriele. Still, Eloisa was riding a high, and wasn't going to let anything upset her tonight. She might have had a fiery temper when push came to shove, as many in her family did, but everything was coming up roses or her tonight.

The great Signore Machiavelli, Edon, at least seemed like more a gentleman. He didn't say much to her, which was fine by Eloisa. What he did say was perfectly respectable. His attention was solely on Romeo, as she imagined it would be, given the importance of the evening. She wondered if, perhaps, the order meant that it would be best to free him up for business. But, then again, others had their dates on their arms and were conducting business with little issue. She'd see what Romeo wanted to do and what would be best for him.

"Goditi il ​​resto della notte," she chimed at the Elders, giving them one last, genuine smile, before being lead away. It was only polite, after all -- and she wanted to make sure she was nothing but grace and good manners. Yes, that went very well indeed, of that Eloisa was certain.

Her pleasure was palatable as Romeo lead her away from the crowd. She was completely oblivious to the subtle exchanges that had taken place between the two Macchiavelli's, so her companion's quiet commentary caught her off guard. Did he not think it would go well? Still, she gave a little smile, and patted his arm gently. "It was far too short an exchange for anything to go awry. Your Uncle seems a pleasant, albeit serious, sort," she commented. "And what pretty company he keeps," she noted, glancing back at the Elder Della Passaglia. She felt a bit plain next to her, but then again, with someone like Gigi, who wouldn't?

"So it seems your are to socialize. Does this mean I must let you away, bello signore? Or shall I remain as an ornament upon your arm?" Eloisa gave a little laugh, and nudged him lightly with her hip. "Probably the loudest ornament in the room, but I've been very good tonight," she noted. Not that she expected Romeo to really know what past parties had been and could be like, depending on the company. Usually she was catching up on the nightly gossip, though already there were a few things she'd witnessed that she'd have to talk to her sisters about in the days to come. She had caught sight of Nico's dark head of hair not long before, and where her Father was, well... maybe it was best he wasn't there. She doubted that even being on Romeo's arm would turn his head.

-------------------------
Vincenzo was glad that his assistant had arrived at the party. He'd been sent him as a "gift" from his brother Ricco, though Vinny understood that usually these sorts of things came with a price. Either Ricco had wanted to get rid of Nengi, or Nengi was here to keep tabs on him. Perhaps a bit of both.

Regardless, the blonde-haired mortal had flourished. He really was quite good with numbers, and helped take certain financials off his plate. He'd been an asset in the short time he'd been with him, and Vinny was proud of the work he did and had helped him accomplish. It allowed him to follow his vision and chase his business dreams, while still ensuring they were bringing in good money to the family.

"Nothing wrong with enjoying hard work. . . But you have to know when to play too, Signore," he encouraged with a sage nod. He gave Claudius a small squeeze, as if he was proof of his work hard, play hard motto .... it was not, in act his motto, but he seemed capable of doing both. Mostly, Vinny just liked to keep people happy, particularly his superiors, and that meant bringing in money. It was a good way to keep ones head, after all.

"There are plenty of pretty girls here. Some pretty boys too, if that's your pleasure-- maybe go dance with one tonight, or find someone to chat up by the bar, si?" He couldn't help but encourage Nengi. This was a party, after all.

"No need to worry about numbers tonight, mio amico. Your job tonight is to find a friend or two, and I'll expect a detailed report about your affairs come Monday." He laughed jovially, but it was clear to all that he meant it.

Yayoi

Kinu

Cheri

Kiara Lime

“It’s always you.” He murmured the final tease, still feeling the press of Matteo’s lips against his own and wishing there could be more. It was just all too tempting to find some secluded area where they could continue uninterrupted and without the dread of having to enter the manse that stood right in front of them, where all sorts of dusty, boring old or aspiring business partners lay in wait (moreso for Matteo then for himself. The only person Nico really needed to avoid was his own father…though that also meant avoiding his personal goons and watchdogs as well). He pulled his bottom lip in with his teeth before sucking in a deep breath. Later. They would have all the time they wanted together later, with no obligations pulling them apart.

Nico had been inside the mansion before. Of course, he had. Many April 4ths had passed since the night he entered the world, and his father often ensured his only son was by his side during these family dinners. Always the ‘proud’ parent where other families could see.

The dark-haired vampire was scanning the room immediately when they got inside. He needed to know where everyone was, who they were with, and where they would most likely go next. Unconsciously, he pulled Matteo a little closer to his side as if daring someone to just try and separate them. He definitely wasn’t going to be taken away from the side of the blonde without good cause or a bit of fight. As he let his gaze move around, he saw some of his sisters first, one of which was doing her best to look as miserable as possible, but that wasn’t unexpected. He smirked a little before glancing away, taking in Eloisa, who appeared to be on the arm of a Machiavelli. Nico frowned a little at that, more so because at that moment, he noticed Gigi with the head of Machiavelli himself, who his sister was now moving away from.

He knew it was unlikely that either elder would be pleased, but Nico based that on his own personal experiences. Well, whatever, he could give a damn how they felt about it. If either Edon or Gigi happened to look his way, he would give them a curt nod and promptly shift his gaze away, though that was when he caught sight of Gabriele. The ‘adoptee’ of Puttanesca house had been away on business for some time, and Nico hadn’t really expected him to be there that night. He made a mental note to corner him later to catch up a bit, though if there was not time at the party, they would likely run into each other at the estate at some point.

He still needed to figure out where the hell his father was lurking so he could avoid him. The unsavoury head of Puttanesca did not appear to be hiding out in some darkened corner as Nico expected. Had he not arrived yet? It seemed very unlikely.

As people began to approach Matteo, Nico reached over with his free hand to gently pat the one the blonde still had on his arm. The Puttanesca wasn’t bothered by all the attention Matteo was getting in the slightest, though he was rather in need of a drink himself. Lifting a hand, he attempted to hail one of the servers wandering around with trays laden with beverages. The dark-haired vampire didn’t even care what it was, so long as there was alcohol in it.

Matteo was already bored listening to people talk, internally warring with himself. This is what he got for coming to these family occasions. He’d much rather be tasked with business far….far away. Very far away. In some far off place where he didn’t have to worry about Gigi breathing down his neck or the guilt trips from his father who he was certainly glad wasn’t here….at least he hoped not. The older vampire probably would have spotted him before Matteo had even gotten his bearings in the room.

He half listened to the lady who now was talking to hum. Something about the trade routes and loss of manpower. Hold on what was that she said? s**t. Internally he sighed. If he were at LUX Matteo would be all smiles and charm, certainly more outgoing that was for sure. But this? He watched Nico attempt to flag down a waiter. Good. It was going to be a long night.

His eyes swept about the room, figuring out just where everyone he needed to know the whereabouts of were. Gigi was there of course, gilded and flashy as always. She had to be the center of attention at these dinners. His eyes narrowed just a little as he noticed her on the arm of the Machiavelli head. Hm. How bold of them both. Matteo had barely known Claudio as the man had been in Torpor long before the blond had entered this world. So there was no love lost with him but even so….Gabriele? When did he get here? It was surprising to see his cousin. Traded away to the Puttanesca. While obviously Matteo didn’t share the same opinion as the elders did about Nico’s house he found it quite sad. Gabriele had been traded long before he was born so he never really got a chance to know his cousin well. Thankfully he was keeping their grandmother preoccupied for the moment so he could at least relax a little. Ah! There was his cousin Little Savio annnnnnd yep right at the bar was Big Savio it had been a while since he had seen the big man but that seemed to be the way of things anyhow.

The pat on his hand brought him back to the conversation he had been having with the lady just when she asked his opinion about what she had said. s**t. “Well I definitely think it’s important perhaps we can speak of this later? Things could get going here soon and I would hate to be caught up in business when it starts.” She agreed and departed with a virtuous smile to them both. He nudged Nico lightly with his hip towards the approaching waiter. If he could just….wait where was Coco? Matteo’s head popped up as he glanced around. Hopefully she was just being fashionably late and didn’t ditch it. Coco was really the only one in his immediate family that was truly happy for him and wanted him to live his best life. She understood the pains of his role well enough.

—-

Being this close. Seeing him after so long apart. Angel couldn’t lie that it didn’t make his stomach twist. He never regretted anything. Except maybe leaving Marcello all those years ago. Ah but there it went, the whole cycle of their relationships. However he kept himself as unreadable as he could. Oh. He could pretend that he had little interest in Marcello, that he didn’t want to drag him off and do things to him. Make him purr. Make him scream.

He quirked a dark eyebrow as Marcello closed his eyes. It felt like electricity between them, a fire being constantly fed by a deep desire that lingered in the background. Undetectable by those who weren’t aware. Part of him was disappointed with Marcelo’s reply. So just like that then? There was plenty else, so much of it it was hard to contain but Angel could play the long game.

Angel’s pale eyes narrowed the tiniest of bits. It was unlike Marcello to just leave it at that. Wanting to just be forgiven? No, that didn’t track with the Hidalgo head. And he suspected there would be more later. If Marcello wanted to go make rounds that was all well and good. Angel on the other hand wold find a nice place to flirt with some of the male waiters. “No….” He let his gaze purposefully wander as if finding something other than this interaction more interesting. Is body turned halfway as he made to move away from the Rossellini. Glancing at him one last time. “Hasta luego mascota.”

Maybe. Hopefully. Only if Marcello wanted, Angel wasn’t going to chase him down.

Edon smiled after his nephew and inclined his head graciously forward in a subtle nod to the pair. He wasn’t going to say more, but instead allowed his gaze to follow them as they wandered back into the crowd. A headache. For certain. But one he would deal with in due time. Tonight was not the night for it and he knew his nephew was exceedingly capable. He was proud of him, even if his taste in women was suddenly a question mark. His attention shifted to the new commotion at Gigi’s side, her grandson. He barely remembered the Della Passaglia. What he did remember was that they’d had to trade him to none other than the Puttanesca. A fact he knew Gigi had been exceedingly unhappy about but one that the main family had considered a carefully calculated move to keep the peace between the two houses. It was a common practice, as much as he was loathed to admit it, and it didn’t lessen the sting of losing a valued family member to another house, especially one you likely held little or no love for.

The Elder nodded as Gigi thankfully confirmed the Ancilla’s name. He generally was quite good at remembering names and faces, a fact he was quite proud of. “Ah, yes. Welcome home, Gabriele. You look well.” He smiled, inclining his head as he did before in a polite gesture. He leaned close to Gigi’s ear, his voice a rumbling purr of a low whisper that was only for her. “At least the onslaught is more tolerable with you beside me, mia cara. Though I would much rather we were back in bed if I had my way.” He desperately wanted to press a kiss to her neck yet refrained, they would already have enough tightropes to walk arriving together arm in arm. Though he felt no shame in it. They could all easily assume what they wanted. As far as they knew he was just a well-mannered Giovanni escorting an old friend who had recently lost her husband to the dinner. They didn’t need to know the rest. Not until it was time.

_____________________________________


Gabriele’s expression broke into a rather handsome smile as he listened. He wondered how much she knew about his life now. He assumed she knew plenty but the depth of it… he wondered if she would have found it unsavory for a Della Passaglia. He imagined she would have. “Foolish of me, that’s right. How could I have forgotten. Do you see what happens when I’m away too long? Vergognoso.” As she turned to the male at her side, Gabriele released Gigi’s hand and gave a polite nod, acknowledging the Elder. “Grazie, you’re too kind Signore Machiavelli. Sadly, I must take my leave. I have... some business that needs wrapping up. It was good to see you, Nonna and you Signore.”

With that, Gabriele vanished into the crowd to find the head of the Puttanesca. He needed to report in, at least show his face so the man knew he was back. He doubted very much the head of the Puttanesca would want his business discussed right then and there in the open, but who knew? His mood was all over the place, as was his temper. Gabriele still didn’t see the one person he was hoping to see but the night was young, maybe she’d show. He did spot Nico who happened to be arm-in-arm with… Gabriele’s cousin Matteo? The vampire paused a second, trying to wrap his head around what he was seeing. Did he care? Not at all. Things had just changed so much since he was last home. He’d have to get a drink with Nico, catch up, figure out what the hell was happening around here.

To be truthfully honest Regulus would have preferred they stayed in the drawing room. And he could help but catch the glances that came his way. He was an unfamiliar face to these people he was sure, since he really only knew Vespara and while he couldn’t say he knew her fathers he had at least met them. While Vespara didn’t really have any power or influence here it was sure to turn some heads.

“It was either tget or a fuzzy navel but I figured I needed something just a little stronger.” He flashed her a cheeky grin as he leaned against the bar. Cyan colored eyes aweeping across the room as he began to take in the ones that had shown up while they had been tucked away for a little while. He was definitely eager to get back to what they had started but who knew how long this was going to take?

Everyone around them seemed restless. Like the night had gone on far too long for their tastes. And who could blame them? Standing around, waiting for something, anything to happen was quite drill. He noted all the ones who seemed to be admiring the wall paper. Standing around by themselves, trying to look as unapproachable as they could. The male could feel a sense of impatience lingering in the background of his mind. He was curious to see what was going to happen on this special night.

Francesca had pretty much spent the entire evening to herself. Everyone else seemed so wrapped up in their own little bubbles that no one had really noticed her. Maybe she should dye her hair blonde, maybe that would get her some attention. If her outfits and winning personality hadn’t done it so far maybe a change in her hair would. At least it would give her a bit of a change up from the usual.

Her head turned slightly at the greeting. She had currently been burning a hole through her sister, not that she wasn’t happy for Eloisa she was more so feeling sorry for herself. She had no rich beau who’s arm she could hang off of. To be honest she had been so absorbed watching out for her father too that the others around her seemed to melt away. He would be scrutinizing everything that went on tonight and she had yet to see him.

That just made her a little nervous.

It was Vespara who he spoke to her. One of Addy’s friends. She smiled pleasantly at the younger girl, running her finely painted claws through dark silky hair. “Oh you know just waiting around to wait like always.” Francesca eyes the male with her, a slight smile on her painted lips. Even she had someone with her. Ugh. Well, she could at least take some solace in the fact that she probably wouldn’t find anyone here. Some could be related or just generally gross to be around x that’s what she kept telling herself.

—————

The exchange had been brief yes, but it was what he had expected. Romeo suspected that there puke be more conversations to come. No matter Eloisa’s repytatuon he knew that the reputation of the Puttanesca and their head far proceeded anything else. Eloisa’s charm and delightful company would be far out shadowed by it. It was a shame. She was truly Simone he enjoyed spending time with and planned to spend even more in the future.

Romeo smiled, placing a hand over the one of her’s on his arm. “We’ll, there is always next time.” He teased though next time might be a little more….what was the word he was looking for? Oh well, never mind.

He took his Uncle’s words to heart. A renewed vigor in him to get down to business. That was part of why they were here after all and Edon trusted him enough to go about it on his own. He had proved himself a capable young man. “No, I think I would much rather have you on my arm than letting you free range to be scooped up by someone else.” He could conduct business and spend the evening with her, Romeo was a great multi tasker. Who wouldn’t want to show off a beautiful woman in their arm? Edon surely was.

“Unless you have someone here that you wished to speak with?” If she had others that she wished to converse with he would not take up her evening either. That would have just been rude. Although he did enjoy having her pretty much all to himself. Romeo reminded himself of what his Uncle had said to him. Reign it in.

—————

Gigi smiled at Gabriele once more, a rare treat. “Then you should come to the mansion and visit more often, to remind yourself so you do not forget next time. I am sure Matteo and Columbina would enjoy a visit from their dear cousin.” He could take her up on the offer or not, in truth it didn’t matter to her. Much.

As soon as he had appeared he was gone.

Her attention turning back to the man who’s arm she was on. There seemed to be a lull in the rush of people eager to speak with them and for that Gigi was grateful. His breath on her ear and his words parted her lips into a smile that might be akin to a cat who had gotten into the cream. Being here with him adr it tolerable, she didn’t mind the looks of envy she got either.

Her mood had changed significantly since Romeo had taken the Puttanesca girl away, though she had yet to spot Matteo and who’s arm her grandson was on. Leaning close to his ear she huffed a little laugh. “Be good now and I will be very very good to you later.” The urge to nibble on his ear was strong but the Elder managed to restrain herself from doing so. Out here in the middle of the crowd was most certainly not the time or place for it. Maybe she could sneak him away to a cozy little closet if the urge got too strong.

Glancing at a clock in the wall she as growing impatient. They had been here long enough and many had arrived as well. Why had nothing gotten started? “Hopefully they get this show started and soon. Gigi let a small sigh pass through her luos, it was always dull when others went for the dramatics and kept others waiting.

Vespara's eyes twinkled in mirth at his comment. "Oh, a peach man are you?" She asked, arching a brow suggestively, before giving a little laugh. Something to keep in mind, even if it was just in jest.

Similar to Regulus, Vespara was less thrilled to be out in the main room. It was filling up quickly with mortals and vampires alike, and she had already passed by a few heads of the families. Still, she was part of family Giovanni, and that in itself was a lucky thing, indeed. Especially with Augustus newly awakened, she would need be on her very best behavior... and being alone with Regulus often meant Vespara toed that line. Well, later....later she'd certainly get some time alone with him, one way or another.

All she had to do was be good. Besides which, poor Regulus was a bit of a fish out of water. He'd dressed himself up so nicely, and had been more than patient with everything that went on -- he deserved something nice as a reward. Something to look forward to and help them both get through this evening.

Glancing over at Franny, Vespara gave a little smile. "That seems to be the theme tonight. Nothing but anticipation. Did you want a drink?" She asked, more than happy to put in a order for her--especially as she wasn't sure whether or not they had cut in line. It was so damn crowded, it was hard to know where to move.

"Regulus, this is Francesca, one of the best hair and nail artists in Hemlock," she complimented. "Franny, this is Regulus, one of the most fashionable," she introduced, words genuine. Most fashionable and most attractive, but she'd keep that little gem to herself. It would be redundant, anyway, given his looks. Perhaps her opinions were biased, but it would be rude not to introduce them, even if it was just in passing. He was her guest, and it wasn't as if Franny and she were complete strangers.

"I'd thought we'd be sitting down to dinner by now, but I suppose business takes priority," she noted. It was always business when it came to the Giovanni, in some fashion or another. But that's what made them a powerful family.

Finally, the bartender leaned over to take their order. "One whiskey, one prosecco negroni, and whatever she'd like," she gestured to Franny, certain that she'd want something. It would at least help her while she kicked back and waited. While they all waited.

Maybe she'd pull Regulus towards the gardens, or try to seek out Addie, or Coco, or say hello to Nonna. Waiting was all they could really do for now, and every passing minute seemed to have the energy grow and build. It wasn't as if there weren't certain individuals, and even entire families, that didn't do well together. But.... here they were, doing whatever they could to impress, social climb, and hopefully make a good impression.

- - - - -
Eloisa wasn't unaware of her families reputation, and she certainly understood that it behooved her to be better-than-her-best now that she was on a Machiavelli's arm. Part of here couldn't help but be pleased -- Eloisa Puttanesca, finding such a charming beau -- and one that didn't seem embarrassed in the least to be seen with her, even in such a high-profile and public setting. That alone spoke volumes to her. Why shouldn't she be pleased. She was an absolute catch and it was high time someone realized that.

Giving a little grin, she crinkled her nose, and chuckled low. "If it's trouble you want, you're in good company," she reminded. "I have no doubt we can ensure all sorts of things go awry next time," she assured with a little pat to his hand. Some vampires liked a little mess... surely, Romeo must have, otherwise, he wouldn't have sought out her. But oh, she had ever intention of making it well worth his time -- and she'd cut the tongue out of anyone who had something negative to say about it. Hmph.

When Romeo agreed to let her stay, Eloisa felt a thrill jolt through her spine. Her smile broadened, and her delight was quite clear. "It's probably safest that way," she teased, giving a small chuckle. She wasn't going to confess that she had been quite beauless until he'd come to town... No, let him think she had a string of mine lining up for her hand. And why shouldn't they have been? "No, I've no one pressing to tend to at present--I'll be sure to let you know if I'm needed elsewhere."

Nico was likely going to be busy all night; her father was, thankfully, no where to be seen; and her sisters were sprinkled here and there about the crowd. What was she meant to do? Offer discounts on their next appointment? Low key remind the family that they broke as many fingers as they painted? No, business could wait.... sort of. Right now, Romeo was her business, and that was just fine by her.

"You'll hardly know I'm here," she encouraged, in case he felt peculiar discussing whatever it was he needed to discuss. She'd be good as gold. But if an opinion or two slipped out after someone walked away, well... could that really be helped?

Yayoi