milaxkorshunova

[milaxkorshunova]

Once the drinks kept coming it was difficult to stop them. And with every glass turned upside down their laughs became louder, conversations lighter until the world around them disappeared, along with the sewers, the waste, the stench, and dirt of their everyday life. It felt like stepping back into a time when everything was effortless. The world faded away, leaving just the two of them, cocooned in this small, golden bubble where nothing could intrude.

It wasn't them anymore. It wasn't Gideon Rutherford and Lyudmila Korshunova on a charitable camp-out event. They were as far away from those people as they were from the shining moon in the sky. They were as pure as the morning dew and the soft mist that rises with the first rays of the sun, that little gap between time and space when the night ends but the day hasn't started yet when everything is just a moment before waking up. At that time, they were just Gid and Mila, closer to those young and naive kids they had been in college, sneaking to and away from the parties, running away for the weekends just to return to sleepless study nights with nothing but their names and dreams of life they didn't know they already had.

Lyudmila couldn't be more grateful to have Gideon there, who, after everything, still saw the old part of her that no one else knew – the part that felt young, weightless, free.

When she thought she couldn't keep her laughter in (even during lesser entertaining parts), Lyudmila was definitely not ready to see Gideon struggle to stand. She ended up in a state of mute laughter, the kind where her stomach was hurting and her face was twisted yet no sound was coming out of her – until it did, and it came bursting out.

Clutching her sides, she gasped, “Stop, I’m going to pee myself!” She attempted to stand up herself, gladly taking the hand offered and pushing herself up. With her own wobbly legs, Lyudmila made both of them lose balance for a second or two – truly like two drunk idiots – before she steadied them.

“Honestly, darling,” she teased, catching her breath, "you're talking as if I have any idea where my shelter is located in this god-forsaken land. So, – " She swayed a bit, "even if you wanted to try something, luck is definitely not on your side." The mumbling of her words – oh, God was she drunk!

"But I think it's that way." With her arm still linked with Gid's, she set off toward a direction that, in her current state, seemed entirely reasonable. She moved at a surprisingly bold pace, considering their inebriated state. “I’m always up for a little adventure. Maybe we’ll run into a bear. And maybe that bear will take care of the French for you—save you the trouble of any ‘drowning’ attempts.”

"You would make an exquisite statue," the Rutherford agrees "Wouldn't put ya on these grounds, though... Can't trust who might've taken a piss on them." With the number of enemies his father's made, there's really no telling. Good thing it's the first time they're hosting this many questionable parties, given he used to roll around this land as a kid.

But when she playfully insists he'd been a gentleman, Gideon indulges a private smile.

Sometimes, looking back, he's not so sure. It had taken his next relationship — the toxicity of it — for him to realize he'd taken Mila for granted. Her unselfish love, the effortlessness of their connection, the understanding he didn't always deserve. He's relieved she doesn't hold it against him. That she remembers him more as the man he'd wanted to be, rather than the naïve, cocksure boy he'd sometimes been.

"Your company is always welcome, but it's rude to leave a man drinking alone." Gideon smiles, motioning for shots. He pushes two over to her when they arrive, with thanks to the bartender. "C'mon, unsung hero... Bottom's up. Show 'em how we used to do this."

// (a few hours later)

"Alright, I got this... Hey- hey! Don't laugh! Have some faith, Lyu- Ly-... Mila." With more care than it should've taken, Gideon slides off the stool, world tipping over briefly until he catches himself on legs that feel like jelly. "See??... Now let me escort you back to your tent." He offers her an arm to get off her own stool. "I won't try anything, promise."

And then, in case she's more worried about her roommate, he adds, "I won't-... Won't drown the French rat, either. Even if the lot of them could use a little baptizing."

And that, from the mouth of a real skeptic.

[milaxkorshunova]

"Well, if I haven’t gotten alcohol poisoning yet, I can definitely survive one more night." It had been a while since Lyudmila had a bender like this—probably not since college. But who would she be to refuse such a tempting offer from Nadya?

"So, I take it you haven’t found yourself a new best friend?"

where: the main tent who: @milaxkorshunova when: night three

"What do you say we drink to this whole mess almost being over and I no longer have to share a tent with the French ogre?" Nadezhda felt compelled to continue to monitor the woman, but figured they both should enjoy the last night.

[milaxkorshunova]

"Of course, it’s all for the charity.” And to keep the British tabloids from feasting on her reputation—imagine the scandal. She barely resisted an eye roll. "Just like you—your love for kids and the great outdoors is practically radiating off you," she added with obvious sarcasm.

Yet, her smile flickered ever so slightly at his admission. When killers wore such human masks, it was easy to forget what circles she'd moved in these last few years. In the same way she'd once been too quick to judge, she now found herself conveniently blind to whatever atrocities might lie beneath the surface in front of her.

"Well, luckily you’re keeping the mystery alive, then," she washed down the sudden bitterness with the drink before diplomatically storing away such thoughts in the back of her mind, exactly where they came from, and continued with a teasing smile: "Eh, solid effort."

Roman looked at her as he tried to figure out if that hurt her or not. Most people wanted to be seen, they had this desire to be liked by everyone. Yet the woman in front of him seemed to have a foot in between two worlds. One where she was liked by everyone and the other where she didn't care. Which made her harder to figure out. Maybe slightly more intriguing, too. "Yet, you still come. Or are you going to give me the charity as an excuse?" He chuckled at that.

"Nah." He shook his head, his eyes still on her. "If you knew me, I don't think you'd like me very much." She just wasn't that kind of person. "No? And here I was thinking I was fucking chatting your ear off."

[milaxkorshunova]

"Gideon, you give me far too much credit—ending wars, inspiring truces, and now pushing innocent tent-dwellers into lakes? Truly, I am the world’s unsung hero." Her free hand sits on top of his instantaneously, naturally, without her brain even noticing the gesture, as if its true place was exactly there. She matched his solemn tone with her own exaggerated bravado and a rather serious look, before looking up in a thought. "Then again, I always thought I’d make a pretty good statue—memorial material, you know? It’d definitely liven up the scenery here, and you would have the pleasure of getting to look at me 24/7."

Mirroring his actions, Lyudmila got hold of her own drink to empty it. "Unfortunately, I still have some 'good heart' left in me, so I will have to spare the girl and offer you only my company. But don't worry – I’ll make sure it lives up to the price. In fact, I can start by misremembering every instance of your gentlemanship to give even your ego a good time."

"Aw, why not, Mila? Oh, ye of little faith... Think about it. I don't even think we'd fight for the return of these lands. A move like that could inspire both our fathers to put an end to the metaphorical pissing contest between them. You'd be an icon, the woman who ended the war." The dramatic sigh that leaves her dissolves him into laughter, although the sound of her native tongue, coupled with an old endearment she used to call him, sends a pulse of welcome warmth through his bloodstream.

"Me? A gentleman?..." There's mischief in his eyes, a flicker of that old chemistry between them that's like a match striking flint on the rare occasion they go on bantering too long. This is the forever slippery slope with Mila, but he needs the escape, so for once he doesn't think about it. "You must be misremembering."

"Sure, shower too. I'll only charge you a small fee." He bargains, adopting a solemn tone for added effect. He waits for her to peek up at him from the fingers covering her face, before he sets his terms. "... Push your roommate into the lake." Gideon reaches for her hand, giving it a squeeze as if to embolden her. "Do it for the both of us, Mila."

Drinking with Benjamin had loosened him up some, and now with Mila, the combination of alcohol and effortless familiarity really begins to mellow him.

Releasing her hand, he reaches for his beer again, draining it to the dregs. "But if your good heart forestalls it, then keep me company until they close up here, so I needn't turn in until Melissa's asleep... That's assuming devils do sleep. Accounts differ."

[milaxkorshunova]

@konstantinvorshevsky Date: 26th October, 2nd night Location: by the lake

"I could've guessed I would find you hiding somewhere away from everyone."

It was impossible to mistake his silhouette in the dark, the specific way he was standing, illuminated only by the reflection of the moonlight from the idle lake water stretching in front of him.

Away from the chaos, the music only faintly echoed behind their backs when Lyudmila walked over to Konstantin.

She wasn't particularly avoiding him nor had she been rushing to find him among the crowd. Perhaps, the ex-wife would be less carefree to approach him was it not for the fair amount of alcohol provided either by Adriana or Nadya, or whoever else was charitable enough to offer her one.

"You know, I remember the times when you at least pretended to have fun." Her voice carried the hints of a smile and her eyes were soft as their glances finally met. Lyudmila did not hesitate to reach out for his hand, and then the other one, too, holding them with a light, teasing grip, as she began to sway back and forth to music that did not exist, not moving from the spot, encouraging him to move in sync but never quite pushing him into a real dance while her eyes never left his. "Come on, dance with me."

[milaxkorshunova]

Lyudmila smirked, thinking that, by Gideon’s description, Maria was bound to adore her. Not that she was particularly concerned; years of dealing with others' judgments had only thickened her skin.

"That's about as likely as you actually enjoying your time with Melissa," she replied with mock sincerity, giving him a playful nudge. "Still, maybe I should’ve brought those ribbons, just in case.”

She delighted in watching Gideon lean into the joke, hoping it would help him momentarily forget any gravity of the weekend’s circumstances. Lyudmila, meanwhile, played her part, giving him exaggeratedly serious looks that dissolved into smiles she couldn’t suppress. "So, I’m supposed to embrace the wilderness and leave my mark on Rutherford lands? That’s your brilliant plan?" she teased, folding her arms with a dramatic sigh. "And here I thought you were a gentleman, Голубчик.” she replied, echoing his endearment with a mischievous smile.

But when he offered the use of his tent, she couldn't hide her excitement. “Wait—does this invitation extend to a shower, too?” The absurdity of asking her ex-boyfriend for shower access finally dawned on her, making her laugh as she covered her face in both embarrassment and comical desperation. Looking back at him, she grinned, attempting to save the situation. “Think of it this way: the more time I spend at your tent, the less time you’re stuck alone with Melissa. It’s really a win-win for both of us.”

"One of those types that makes no distinction between you and your family. You might be Hitler's outspoken pacifist cousin six times removed, and to her, you're still... Hitler."

He grimaces. Maria had cast a long shadow over his relationship to Amélie, given the two women had been roommates. No matter how many times he'd tried to signal his good intent, there she'd been, giving him the evil eye and a distinctly frosty welcome.

Given the public disdain Lyudmila had suffered for her own personal ties – even those unwillingly chosen – it seems a pertinent heads' up. He doubts Maria's outlook on a Russian heiress, formerly married to a mob boss, will be any more forgiving than her opinion had been of him. Then again... "She's also a Vixen. Maybe you girls can bond over dance or braid each other's hair or something." He can't help teasing with a shrug.

If Gideon tells himself he'll only make one joke at her expense, that changes with her next grumble about lacking a basic toilet. "Aw, c'mon Your Highness. You're in nature. Anywhere is a toilet if you're creative enough." His eyes crinkle with mirth at the look she shoots him. "Take it as an opportunity. I'm sure some of your associates who sat this one out would pay good money just to piss on Rutherford lands."

Gideon draws out a pause, to enjoy the expression on her face a moment longer, before adding. "Okay, okay, милая." The surgeon equips a near-forgotten term of endearment that he used to call her, which plays on her English nickname.

"If you're really desperate, come use mine."

[milaxkorshunova]

"I know," Lyudmila interjected smoothly—if anyone held that knowledge, it was certainly her. But that was as far as she’d let on.

Catching the spark of intrigue in his gaze, she let out a low laugh. “Hold your horses, cowboy.” Barely a day into the weekend, and it was already turning into something far beyond what she’d expected. “Let’s just say I don’t mind breaking a few rules here and there—but I’m not nearly drunk or stupid enough to play with the devil.”

"You think?" Though Étienne wouldn't be surprised, in fact, he wasn't. He'd seen Konstantin at events, he knew how he acted. Because if one had to look at the holistic view of the Russian mob, not all were savages. They wouldn't have a place anywhere if they couldn't act from time to time.

Besides, he knew because he had those animalistic tendencies all the same when angered.

"Well, well, well." He grinned at her. "Now, not all rule breaks are bad." This was new, and he was intrigued. "Whatever happens during the camping, at the camp?"

[milaxkorshunova]

With that Lyudmila couldn't agree more, but they were always more than resourceful to make things work.

“Oh, Harry was beside himself when I called. There has to be some foul play involved. I’ll reach out to a few friends in forensics, see if they’ve got any insider info,” she rambled, though her true attention was on the white powder she was carefully spooning out. With a steady hand, she brought the tiny spoon to her nose and took a whiff.

“Alright, alright—talk about peer pressure! I’ll give this a shot, but if I end up making a fool of myself or going for someone way below my standards, I’m blaming you.” She grinned, handing the pendant back to her friend.

"We've had worse." And far far better locations, too.

Instead of answering anything about her ex-fiance, Adriana took off her coke pendant and unscrewed the top. "This shit is the shit. Though they tried to sell me the pink cocaine, after poor Liam's death I thought against it. So we're sticking to this. They said small bumps because it's just that good." And really, Adriana wanted to get fucked, the fun kind.

"Consider. It's about fucking time you've dropped them. You went through a divorce, you might as well settle in for a rebound now." As her best friend very much deserved. "You realise it's been a while since we've both been single? I see an opportunity."

[milaxkorshunova]

“Yeah, I’m skipping that too.” Sure, she could probably follow a few steps and get the tent up, but with a bar nearby, setting up camp seemed a distant priority.

Once they found a table, Lyudmila settled in with a smirk. “Let’s just say I’m selective with my company. But honestly?” She leaned back, swirling her drink thoughtfully. Explaining her initial reservations about and complete aversion to anyone associated with her ex-husband wasn’t something Lyudmila was about to confess to, so she offered him a half-truth instead. “"I figured I wouldn't much get along with anyone. So I didn't even try."

Her gaze softened a bit as she added, “Turns out a few of you have been surprisingly good company.” She flashed him a lighthearted smile. “Besides, you don’t exactly look like the chatty type yourself.”

Roman just arched his brow at the woman. It wouldn't even take any effort to wrestle her and pop her over his shoulder. But, if she wanted to believe that...

"Well... Hope your roommate is going to build that up for you, because I am not even lifting a finger." He grinned, blowing out the smoke in the spot where her tent was supposed to be. Dropping her bags onto a safe space where they couldn't get wet, he nodded at Mila to point her towards the bar direction. "That, I can help with."

Once at the bar, with the drinks ordered, Roman found a table at the main tent and sat down. "Since I've been here, I haven't seen you mingle a lot. What changed?"

[milaxkorshunova]

"A little skepticism keeps things interesting. Also, I am having a hard time trusting you people." Lyudmila commented truthfully but with a playful smile dancing on her lips. “Oh, I wouldn’t dream of denying free alcohol, especially if it comes with a side of your charming company,” she replied, feigning seriousness as she leaned back slightly.

"So, will you be also complaining about your tent partner?"

The Italian went to take a sip of his drink, letting out a small snort. "I try to do something kind and you think there is an agenda behind it?" David turns to face her. "I know Maria is going to be pissed when she gets to the tent, thought you should be the same." A pause. "Unless you would rather find free alcohol from someone else."

[milaxkorshunova]

Perhaps it was a mistake. Almost certainly, it was. But Lyudmila had had enough to drink that she neither noticed nor cared.

It was all fun and games while she watched, laughed, and drank with everyone. But when the dare landed on her—that dare—her smile wavered for just a moment.

"Oh, what the hell." She stood, mentally playing a quick round of Eeny, meeny, miny, moe among the circle of players until she settled on her target. Before she could second-guess herself, she cupped Etienne’s face, pulled him close, and kissed him—a proper, drawn-out kiss that could easily pass as a make-out—before pulling away.

“Alright, moving on—your turn. Give the person on your right a sexy lap dance. And make it spicy!”

@canetetienne

Dare & Dare Game @ the fire pit

"The rules are simple. If you're a fucking pussy - you get the fuck out or I'm going to kick you out. This is a game for grownups only. So if you're coming in here with some morals or other shit like that - you also leave." Adriana smiled at the group gathered.

"Ladies and Gents, please leave your alliances behind because I've declared this no-man's-land."

"To being, I dare you to take a shot..." She paused, shaking her finger." But you have to pour it out on their chest and lick it all up."

[milaxkorshunova]

"I never said that," she remarked, settling into the seat beside him. "You'd be surprised how civil he can be." Though, of course, that was assuming he had no reason to behave otherwise—a detail Lyudmila kept to herself.

"Well, here I am, sitting and chatting with you, so clearly, I am going against any rules I'd ever had for myself – so, who knows."

"So you'd really say your ex husband is a savage?" It wasn't meant as an offence, or something to make her not feel at ease. Étienne had decided that this was a charity event and if the killings really were to happen - he was going to be impressed. "This being a charity event and all."

After taking a sip of his drink, the Frenchman indicated for her to sit next to him, if she wished.

"That;s only because it is still early, trust me. There's much fun to have. And how about yourself? What kind of fun are you in for?"

[milaxkorshunova]

"Excuse me, clearly you just haven’t seen my pecs." She smirked, fully aware she was probably the least tough-looking person around. “Mentally, I’m still lounging at home—but that just means I’ve got some catching up to do.”

As they reached what appeared to be the tent area, Lyudmila sighed, glancing over at her ‘home’ for the next three nights before looking back at Roman. “Shall we head straight to the bar, then? Let's make them memorable enough to count for something or forget them completely.”

"It definitely is." He grinned.

Roman never really knew what to expect from Mila. He knew who she was, her father, her husband or ex husband now and her line of work. Initially she just didn't fit, at least that's what he thought before from the gossips about her. But ever since he'd come to London and he could see it for himself - either the woman had changed or people were wrong.

Then again, he didn't put too much thought into it.

"You don't look tough at all, but it's amicable that you think so." Yet, he didn't mind supplying her with amenities. "Also, this is no longer pre-gaming, this is already the thing, so I think you're lagging behind."

He laughed again, all whilst putting a cigarette between his teeth and lighting it up as they made their way to her tent. "Why not enjoy the last days on earth, then?"

[milaxkorshunova]

"Just somewhere halfway." Lyudmila chuckled, guiding them to a small clearing nestled between the trees, where the last rays of sunlight filtered through the branches, hidden from any prying eyes. "Not bad for rock bottom, wouldn’t you agree?"

"I'd believe Aviv suffering serious head trauma over him having a secret edge for a '90s rom-coms. But, right, enough about him, let's not spoil the mood. Bring out the goods."

Lyudmila raised an eyebrow, grinning as Adriana listed her gourmet conquests. “Alright, continental connoisseur, point taken! I've grown quite fond of borscht – but fine, maybe, just maybe, I’ll consider broadening my horizons. I’d say, this weekend is the time to chase new flavors—and maybe break a few rules.”

"I could think of a few." some good and some bad. Though at that moment in time Adriana's worst nightmare would have been having someone next to her who wouldn't stop talking about some bullshit topic. She could take psycho but... Whatever was the opposite of that? Like Gideon's ex, as nice as the girl was, it felt as if a gust of wind would blow her away a long with her nervous stutter.

Adriana got shivers down her back before looking back at Mila.

"You saying you know a spot sounds like you're about to take me to the lowest point in my life. But if there's alcohol and drugs, bitch I'm on."

And as always, she trusted her best friend to go anywhere.

"Maybe he finally watched the 90s hit 'you've got mail' and got inspired? He's been hit a lot in the head so probably he didn't wuite fully get the movie, but oh well." She grinned, already putting it behind her. She'd cried too long for it, she didn't want to keep doing it. "Honestly, I am opening up my tastes. And please, you're telling me to explore my palette when I've been on continental good time of my life. I've had some fucking good pasta, dipped myself into belgian chocolate, german saussage, french macarons - you name it. It's you who has been stuck eating borscht. Time to new flavours."

[milaxkorshunova]

"Well, look who’s embracing the charitable spirit of the weekend," Lyudmila commented, accepting the drink just so she could shoot David a half-suspicious glance right after, yet keeping the tone light. "Or are you expecting some kind of favor in return for this?"

where: the bar, 25th of October

who: @milaxkorshunova

David was going to enjoy his night and not think about who his tent mate was going to be for the first two nights. It could have been worst. At least his tent came with free drinks all night. He could take the trade off.

He had handed off Maria with several drinks before his eyes landed on another; the one who happened to be the Vixen's partner. He ordered two drinks, gin and tonic, heading in the brunettes direction, holding out one for her.

"You might need this?" He raised a brow at her.

[milaxkorshunova]

"In your position, I’d say focusing on yourself might be wise."

There was no malice in her tone. Taking a sip through her straw from the drink she’d secured thanks to her fortunate connections in the estate’s finer quarters, Lyudmila donned an expression of perfect innocence.

“You don’t seem to be enjoying yourself much.”

@mobscene-starters

There was always a chance. But the fact that Lisette was there, too? He wasn't going to get a wink of sleep. Lisette certainly wasn't going to be in a good state of mind, either.

With a sigh, Étienne took out his flask and had a sip. He didn't have enough to sustain him, but that was what Elaina was for.

"You alright?"

[milaxkorshunova]

"I certainly will, thank you." Without a moment’s hesitation, Lyudmila selected one of the offered glasses, then cast a curious glance at the bodyguard. "Now, tell me—who roped you into this? And don’t try convincing me it was your idea; I’d never believe it."

who: @mobscene-starters where: the bar when: camping charity event, 25th of Oct

This was not what Nadezhda was expecting. She was asked to attend to shadow Mila, and not one to object a request, she came, only to find that both Mila and Iza had tent mates that were harmless and she was stuck with a grumpy French ogre.

To add salt to the wound, a tent that provided endless alcohol and she refused to touch any of it; at least for the first two nights.

Still partial to indulge on the behalf of the hostess, in front of her were two expensive glasses of vodka. "Someone might enjoy them?" She waves off to the individual that comes up beside her.