#convo | suresh | 01

[silveredlies]

who: @naga-raja-suresh where: Club O

Well, it certainly wouldn't be the most graceful of meetings but that was the point. Play the role of some Irish tourist, catch the attention of the owner in someway while flying under the radar. Tourists, in his experience of his own lovely country, often were the loud and unapologetic sort as much as he disliked them. Most didn't notice him anyways and in a crowd, who was going to keep track of who had actually been drinking and who hadn't even so much as visited the bar. Keeping more to the walls of the club, out of sight of most, getting a good feel for the surroundings and keeping away from the views of most others.

Really all it took were some carefully laid plans. 'Accidentally' running into some actually drunk idiot, purposely slurred words, and a decisive shove of the other man that had started to grow heated. Just enough to draw the eyes of security and, if he played his cards right, perhaps the attention of another.

"Will you bloody get off me?" he shouted over the music at one of the guards. Hands found the chest of the other, shoving back with impressive strength though not enough to actually hurt. The last thing he needed was the leader pissed off that one of his had been hurt. Keep things rather...tame for the moment. "Trust me, I know very well when I've had enough and the night's still young.

[covertenforcer]

@suresh-lal

It wasn't a place he'd normally pay attention to. In fact, he often just walked right past it. But something about the person just outside had caused a double take. Dimitri paused, eyebrows furrowing, keeping his hands in his pockets. Generally speaking, he kept away from the Syndicate. They weren't, his target, weren't part of his assignment. One little run-in with one of their members, but he had simply been collateral damage. Enemy of my enemy, though he by no means liked the idea of their little organization. Just more criminals, all of them ruining the lives of the common people.

"I don't think it's open yet if you're hoping to eat here." He had turned around, now approaching the other man. "Though, I'm sure there are plenty of other Italian places to eat." Play the part, simply act as though he was ensuring the territory lines were clean.

[bloodybusiness]

Nick gave a small scoff at the mention of hunting down the perpetrator. Truth be told, he hadn't cared so much to look further into it. His own fault for leaving the bottle out, someone likely had several drinks then tried to hide it; he should have known better given the people they were surrounded by. In the world of crime, it was a petty matter. Though the idea of Suresh hunting anyone down over such a small offense was almost laughable had Nick been in the mood. "And do what, exactly? Thank them? Give them their own bottle?" It wasn't exactly some secret how Suresh felt about his drinking habits.

Not that he was always drunk, there were still moments of stone cold sobriety. And always the first thing he'd point to if anyone mentioned it. That and his high tolerance.

Calder? Well, he supposed he'd make sure no one intervened and heaven help whoever did. One of the people Nick didn't care to oversee given the nature of that business. "Laissez les bons temps rouler, eh, bête?" A ghost of a smile as he got comfortable in his seat once more to resume work. A ghost of his usual self when he wasn't seething. Likely it would last for the next day or two though the man was usually careful to not let it snap on those not involved. "See if you can get me a keychain over there. I'll pay you back."

Suresh had seen Nick at his lowest. This was not that. Exhausted and angry. But not at the end of his tether. Lucky for the book keeper. Suresh's desire for efficiency and finesse almost boded better for the man than other possible options. An execution style shooting over a the side of a boat somewhere. Or into some newly poured foundation. The man would survive the mistake so far. Again lucky.

Keeping a very cool head had been how Suresh had made it through his turbulent family. Through school. How he had made it through prison. It was so ingrained he didn't know how to do anything else. Living his life as like he was in the third-person. A safe distance from his own emotions and the emotions of others. Occasionally feelings broke through or he allowed himself to feel the whole thing.

At the correction he gave a small bow of his head, another small release of tension. "I know." Suresh met the pointed look and cracked a small unapologetic smile. The comment about the watered down booze made Suresh mutter something about Nick's liver in French. "When I come back I'll hunt down the person that watered down your booze." And give them a bonus. He said nothing about the lack of food probably also assisting how angry Nick had gotten. He knew better.

His hand was at the door when the question came. He turned his head, "Calder." He was efficient and suitably imposing. He paused and then said, "Four days and I'll have this sorted. But I'll keep you updated." It didn't occur to him to say anything so trite as 'I'll be fine.'

[envyscaled]

On any normal day, Liliana would have been fine with luring in those that approached her. It was why she did well at her job, why she was requested. Drawing people in to bring in clients or...anything else she might need. But she shook her head at Suresh, shoulders rising and falling in a shrug. "Oh, they've tried. I just told them I'm not interested. Tonight isn't the night for that, you know?" When they had approached, Liliana had simply shooed them away without much thought. There would be plenty of other nights for flirtation, there was no point in wasting time with those she had no interest in allowing them to pursue her.

But the thought of others was quickly dashed. Her eyes flicked to his outstretched hand before moving back up to his face. "Well, I simply couldn't say no to my boss, now could I?" Liliana only took a moment to set the glass she had been holding down on a nearby table before taking his hand. Immediately, she was pulling him with her with a laugh, onto the dance floor and past the others crowding on it. "And if you can't dance, don't worry. I can still make you look good."

He smiled at the kisses, enjoying the affectionate touch. Liliana was always a galvanizing force when he was feeling a little down. Breath of fresh air or a hurricane it depends on the day. Suresh had been happy to help her gain a sense of freedom from a life that had been stifling to her. Even if it had caused a few issues with her family. But Suresh sat secure in his power and position, being able to weather a little upset. But he wouldn't let anything truly bad happen to Lili. Working in one of his clubs came with certain protection perks. "I could never argue with you." Not true but a touch of flattery. He gestured to her dress, "This is much more you. And you wear it well."

He smiled at the little twirl. Gold eyes drifting along the lines that were made to be looked at. "You can't tell me you've had no devotees come to offer those hearts tonight?" Suresh offered her his hand, "I only dance in pairs. So if you want to see you'll have to join me."

[silveredlies]

Well at least they had an understanding to keep their powers to themselves, even if it was likely their hands wouldn't be. He did still enjoy the brief showing off, wondering how much it had caught the Naga off guard. He was, after all, over a thousand years old so of course he had gained power along the way. It wasn't like he had stayed cooped up inside his manor or even stayed within Ireland all those years.

There was an appreciation for the style Suresh had chosen for his private rooms. A gaze followed around the room in quiet and subtle admiration as he took it all in. Corvinus had become partial to more gothic or even Victorian styles when it came to architecture or furnishings. Bit dated but never out of style, much like himself. Simple colours where this one let them shine through in its own way. A whole other culture nestled away for Suresh's own comfort whereas his own home back in Ireland was anything but subtle. A large manor that he had renovated many times over so that it barely resembled his ancestorial home on acres of private land. New Orleans, however, did not have so much room for grandeur accommodations

Suresh's voice was quick to draw his attention again and any light in his eyes quietly dimmed as they were drawn back to the other male. He let out a small chuckle, completely withdrawing his hand only to raise it up and run along the other's jawline. "Quite unlike many of your little paramours, I don't need to help of any liquid courage. And I would much rather keep my wits about me in order to give you my full attention." And, perhaps, he was slightly distrusting towards anything straight out of a snake's lair that might be offered to drink. While Corvinus might liken himself to a snake in terms of his actions, he didn't exactly possess the venom of one like Suresh would.

There was that smile again, pulling back to reveal pearly whites and sharp canines. He wanted a great many things at any given moment. Power, influence, the likes. "And here I thought I made my 'desires' quite clear for you. I suppose it's true what they say about snakes having poor sight." His thumb moved, resting on Suresh's lower lip as he leaned in. "It's not often two beings like us get to be so close. It would be quite remiss of me to not enjoy the moment. To enjoy you." Rather than lean closer to his face, Corvinus changed his path slightly. Leaning in, leaning down slightly for his lips to find Suresh's neck with gentle kisses.

To have power over a thing you needed the ability to destroy a thing. Suresh was very familiar with blood witches. But Corvinus was something else, something different and Suresh wanted to understand him. Equal measures of caution and curiosity. He didn't believe that all he saw was all there was. But there was an unspoken kinship between ancient things that few others could ever fathom.

Suresh smiled at the explanation of the chosen cologne, it showed that the other paid attention to everything. Even the smallest of details. A tricky witch for sure. But it only increased the Naga's curiosity. The witch had gone to great lengths to make himself amenable and interesting. He smiled his soft chuckle as Corvinus said that Suresh was the only reason he was there travelling across the other's skin like velvet. It was deliberately charming and flattering and Suresh was at times a vain little demigod. But it took more than some compliments to make truly him drop his guard.

Unlike many others that wanted distance to feel safe Suresh felt more secure the closer he could get to someone. In his true form his size, speed and strength were advantages when in close quarters. His talons, his gaze and his fangs could do the rest. And that was without engaging his magic or powers. Pleasure or pain Suresh could deliver both. Desire was many things but sex was easy and fun. And for the Naga is was an act of worship. It was an intimate thing to do with another but true intimacy for Suresh was something else. He did hope that the privacy would encourage Corvinus to show more of himself. A game of careful movements, this was a dance, and Suresh was enjoying each change of steps.

The way the other reacted to the whispers of his power tugged a ghost of a smile up on his lips. A brush against the others mind just to see what Corvinus might do. He'd been speaking lowly to the security when the hair on the back of his neck stood up as the witch's power pressed back. His eyes widened in surprise for just a moment but he quickly fixed his face and kept his body calm but oh what a feeling. Dangerous.

By the time Suresh was looking at the witch again the air was clear. His eyes were sharp and very intent on Corvinus. The Naga closed his hand gently around the other man's. He tilted his head curiously to the side and nodded with a gracious smirk, "Agreed. I don't think we'll need them tonight will we?"

Suresh led Corvinus out of the office and behind the bar to a nondescript door. More security both magical and not led up to his private apartments. But even that had layers. This first room had a large table with comfortable chairs and a full bar. A wall of one way windows overlooked the main dance floor. But he continued on through a curtain and into the next room, set up in a Moroccan style. Large low furniture, decadent pillows, deep colours and rich fabrics. Lamps of hammered precious metals covered in colored glass and little mirrors catching and reflecting the low light tossed across the room like small stars. He released Corvinus' hand, letting his fingers linger across the other's as he turned to look at the witch now that they were completely alone. Standing nearly chest to chest his voice liquid velvet as his gaze drifted between Corvinus' eyes and then down to his lips. "Why don't you tell me what I can make you to drink?" He drew in a soft breath, speaking on the exhale, "And what it is that you desire tonight?"

[silveredlies]

They both knew there wouldn't be anyone more interesting out there tonight. Corvinus would argue that was true for most of the city. Even the other little beings couldn't hold his attention so well, no matter their abilities. He had become disinterested in most things...save for the rare. And this was most certainly a rare being just as he was. It made the game that more dangerous...and all the more fun for him to play. Risking a life that couldn't be lost was simply a way to pass the time and what better way that deceiving a Naga? And a powerful one at that. "I settled once before. Believe me, this isn't that." Of course that had been a whole other type of settling but that was a joke for himself.

Most everything that Corvinus did was with intention. When it came to ties that he chose, to what route he took, even down to the scent he chose for the day. Today had been no exception and how he loved symbolism. "Of course I kept it subtle for you. That's the only reason I'm here tonight and what sort of guest would I be if I didn't take into consideration my host?" Play into his ego subtlety. His city. He was the host. "It's Sand Dance. Part of the Stéphane Humber Lucas serpent collection." High end enough to show he had means but also precision with what he owned. Something just for Suresh.

Perhaps after tonight, he should add snake charmer to his resume. If he had one. And here he thought he might be rejected by the ancient being, stepping into territory that wasn't his own. Yet. Sex, that was nothing but it was a chance to draw closer. Private quarters, hushed voices, a vulnerability he often saw in others though Corvinus wasn't under the illusion it would happen with Suresh. No other being as old as they weren't wasn't worth their salt if they didn't know how to hold their cards to their chest.

And then he felt it. Creeping in to the corners of his mind, like a beckoning. Corvinus cleared his throat, rolling his neck in an attempt to shake it off. He didn't even seem to notice Suresh standing for a moment, disentangling his mind from the feeling. Then something else pushed back. A glimpse behind the curtain, the mask of any other blood witch. A power pulsing within him, creeping out like smoke with a suffocating grip. Raw magic so very old, an aura that emanated from him.

And then it was gone and Corvinus was finally rising from his seat as if nothing had happened. It was a threat, a warning ringing through the air without a word spoken. The smile still on his face, hand reaching out to take Suresh's. "I would be delighted to join you. Though perhaps we keep our powers to ourselves, hm?" The tone came out more as a tease than any sort of scolding. His message was clear enough: don't. There was no need to reject or become improper now because of a miscommunication.

As far back as he could really remember now Suresh's whole existence had been about charm and desire. To find ways to be what someone needed, or thought they needed. He hadn't gotten to be this old by being overly reckless or complacent. But Suresh felt secure in his power and the fact that he was the spider sitting in the center of his web. Suresh flexed the true strength of his powers very rarely. Never wanting anyone to know what he really could do. However, it had been a long while since he had done this dance with someone possibly as old as he was. They were both anomalies and that was intriguing enough to take a calculated risk on.

Suresh smiled as Corvinus chuckled at him. The witches statement about turning other's heads and the implied idea that someone out there was more interesting than Suresh made the Naga grin. He shook his head, "Oh no, please be yourself. And I'm sure many others took notice of you tonight..." His golden eyes glittered with mirth as he gestured towards the door, "If you promise to not start another fight you are welcome to do another lap. I'd hate for you to feel like you had to settle."

The change in the other's face at the mention of blood was interesting. He shook his head, "You're carrying something with blood in it. It's barely noticeable." The smile was back, "You were thinking of my comfort while putting on your cologne tonight? Now that's very flattering." He drew in a breath through his nose and let it out softly, "I like it. What is it?"

Suresh was fine with speaking in double entendre. He smiled and nodded at the addition of the word hypothetical. "Of course."

It twisted back onto the fact that Suresh hadn't fully decided how much of a threat this witch was. He wasn't acting like a threat at the moment and that was good. He was patient and cautious when it came to finding things out about others. And Corvinus was too interesting and possibly very powerful. It would be smarter to try and make a friend than an enemy if possible. Last thing he needed was an ancient insulted witch causing trouble when he had to deal with so many other things right now. The Lightless, The Deathrunners and The Nameless.

Suresh didn't think that Corvinus knew what he was getting himself into really. Very few did. The feel of the warm hand on his leg tightening. Suresh's gold eyes traced the witch's smile like a finger. His lips parting at the statement as the Naga's smile took on an edge as he let out a genuinely delighted laugh. "Oh, I like you." He relaxed some of the hold he kept on the powers given to him by his god Desire. It wasn't exactly magic, it was chemical, elemental. The whispers of a lover in the dark, the heat of lips and hands, the breath before the kiss, a promise of so much more. Suresh's voice was honey on the tongue, "Come upstairs for a drink? We'll see how much farther you get tonight." He stood up and spoke to his bodyguards who glanced at Corvinus over their shoulders, eyes hidden behind sunglasses and expressions stoic. Suresh turned and glanced back at the witch, offering a hand, "Coming?"

[bloodybusiness]

It was a thread ready to snap, a fine line to walk. And even with perhaps the brutal nature of the punishment, Nick didn't think he'd snapped just yet. Not unless he got directly involved. Knowing that Suresh would handle it all was enough to soothe him for the moment. Fucking moron just couldn't own up to the mistake when it was more than fixable. In Nick's experience, desperation was one of the most powerful teachers and the man would surely be left desperate to make up for the mistake once Suresh was done. An eyepatch or a fake eye was nothing compared to what might have been done had the lie continued further. If nothing else, it was a damn mercy so long as nothing was missing. Though he was quick to note the balance between them. While he showed anger, there was a composed form to Suresh. A hot and cold anger. If it weren't for the long night, he probably wouldn't have been so quick to lose it.

Nick was content to leave it there, to let Suresh just walk out with the promise that it would all be handled. Up until he heard the French, a common language between them with only a slight barrier. The prim and proper versus the messy patois. "Nick," he was quick to correct; he never did care for how his name sounded in French nor much the full name of 'Nicholas'. And then mention of a doctor's orders and he resisted the urge to roll his eyes, giving the other only a pointed look. "I've got a bottle somewhere that I'm pretty sure someone watered down. It'll count enough." Surely at least some water would balance it out or at least that was what Nick would tell himself.

Before Suresh could depart, however, a thought occurred to him. "Who's going with you?" As much faith as he had in Suresh's capabilities, he'd rather some sort of back up if there was an asshole customs agent. Or if merchandise was stolen to lend him a hand. Better two than one.

That was what Suresh was for. Another buffer between the business and the blood. To ensure that some hands stayed clean. Existing in the liminal space between. But he took great pride in his work. Each piece of it. This was a lesson to learn from. To ensure that it and similar things will not happen again. To make sure that Nick's orders were carried out to the letter. His eyes watched the book and the papers move across the desk. Looking up as Nick's anger etched itself across the older man's face. He could handle anger. It was understandable.

He listened to the orders silently, dark eyes on Nick's face. He would do it. Just as told. He nodded. But then Nick began speaking of hammer blows and knee caps. An injury he knew that Nick was familiar with. And he felt a small release of tension in his shoulders. Suresh was not a sadistic person. But he was angry. He just refused to let his anger show. So solving the issue first and then teaching a lesson after appealed to him. At the comment about when he could take an eye Suresh almost smiled, a microexpression. He'd have the man up at a desk the next morning. "I'll make sure it is all done as you say."

If they had left it there it would have been a simple thing. Only business. But the last sentence finally cracked the careful facade of Suresh's face. What he had done for him. Suresh's personal feelings on the matter were irrelevant. But he hated coming up short to the bosses and it stung worse because he considered Nick a friend. Someone that he trusted that could trust him. He looked down trying to empty his gaze back to the thoughtful blank remove any trace of pain. He cleared his throat as he nodded his head speaking in French to underline the weight of the words, "Je suis navré, Nicolás. It will not happen again." He lifted his head, expression placid once again. Cold, efficient. He stood up, "Is there anything else? I don't want to be late for my flight." He paused before adding, "You should have some water and eat something. Doctors orders." Suresh had not been a doctor in a long time, they both knew that and yet he still said it.

[silveredlies]

It was a dance he had enjoyed many times over the thousand plus years he had been alive. Using the charm to lure others in, knowing full well how far a handsome face could get him without an ounce of magic. Granted, none of them had had any meaningful connection but there was always something to gain. That and Corvinus simply enjoyed the idea of being a serpent hiding in a rose garden. All beauty and peace with venomous fangs ready to strike. There was a certain irony not lost on him that now he was facing someone far more physically serpentine than himself. And yet it was someone who thought he held all the cards, had every advantage, without knowing the whole truths of Corvinus or why he was there, whether there be suspicion or not.

Corvinus gave a soft chuckle at the others; there was no need to act humble. As if he wasn't aware of his own attractiveness. "Would you prefer if I acted modest? You're probably not the first head I've turned tonight, just...the most interesting one so far." Implying that others might be more interesting still. But the mention of smelling like a blood witch, well...it caused his nose to wrinkle in slight distaste. Corvinus suspected it was likely due to the vials he kept on him, the one hanging around his neck beneath his clothing seemed to weigh a bit heavier. "Oh, don't tell me I smell like blood now. I did use a nice cologne. Subtle to not...overwhelm you. I'm certainly not squeamish around it but the smell leaves much to be desired." Truthfully Corvinus was more appalled at the idea of smelling like blood than any concern on being called out for what he was.

He had named Suresh, turnabout was fair play.

The other seemed content enough to at least pretend there was another Corvinus out there. He let out a hum of thought, giving a shrug. "How should I know? Though, if I were a very old witch in Ireland, I don't think I would have minded a snake washing ashore. There is plenty of Ireland besides my property and it used to be much larger." A moment of silence, a brief glance away before his eyes returned to Suresh. "Hypothetically speaking, of course."

Good, perfect, Suresh wouldn't be too territorial. At least not so long as he thought Corvinus was just a visitor. That would probably change at some point. His eyes wandered down, looking Suresh over as much as he could see with the table between them. "Well, I'm quite enjoying the view so far so I'm certainly in no rush to leave. Although..." The corner of his lips tugged into a smirk, his touch to the other's knee gripping just a bit tighter as he felt the caress of a hand on his, "I think I would appreciate the view even better beneath me"

It was the rare creature that truly had the stamina for immortality. To watch entropy and then see things rebuilt only to know that it would all become dust again. And then having to wait. Always so much waiting. For anything to grab attention. Suresh had endured in New Orleans with the Lotus Eaters. Built an empire that was probably just as doomed as every other one but still, it was his. And it had endured so far. Something to keep him focused and part of the world. An oddity for his kind. Suresh's cocked an eyebrow up curiously as Corvinus explained the circumstances of his previous run ins with Suresh's species. He made a graceful but dismissive gesture with one hand. "Most of them have a distrust for humans and witches... With reason." He didn't include himself in the statement, a marked omission. Because Suresh knew he was more than just a Naga and had been for ages now. He had stopped behaving much like his own species a long time ago and he knew it. But few others in the world did.

Suresh kept momentos that helped him remember people, dates, places. Things that connected him to something. But even with the physical reminders the memories grew dim and the objects would decay. Such was life. It was not so much rot as just a lack of room. Like human children often had very few memories before they were three. So his own would turn over with time. But he was still as sharp, deadly and desirable as ever. He watched the other man appraise his appearance, completely at ease under the scrutiny. The comment about his glamour hiding his grey hairs made him smile and laugh. "If I ever do get a grey hair I plan to wear it with pride. The glamour is more for others, less for me."

Again the man met his gaze. And the urge to try and mesmerize the other was there. A desire to try and pull him in. But not yet. This little game was far too fun. The comment about being related made the Naga smirk. Suresh made a soft click with his tongue, "You compliment yourself before I can offer you the same comment. But since you have left me only one trite response I will take it anyway and agree. You do look impressively well... for your age." Suresh's tongue ran along his lower lip, scenting the air in the small room. "Oh you didn't say it. But I can smell it on you..." Suresh nodded his head, "Was Corvinus more amiable to snakes then?"

A few weeks was allowable. And Suresh was indeed interested by the stranger. The Naga thought about replying to the boredom comment but instead stayed silent as the witch leaned forward. A warm hand placed on his human feeling knee made Suresh's eyes glitter at the blatant flirtation. The faintest creep of power drifted into his leg, warming his own skin under Corvinus' hand. Electric desire reaching out for the contact. And Suresh wondered how Corvinus would react to the power inside him as it brushed against the witches skin. But he made no attempt to influence the other's pheromones or chemicals. "We can see if you can hold mine." Suresh leaned his body forward, closing the distance little by little over the small table, his own fingers brushing along the top of the hand on his knee. "You made such an effort to get my attention..." The longer they stayed in contact the silkier Suresh's voice became, the room beginning to smell like rain and thunder, "It would be a shame to send you away so soon..." When it came to lust, flirtation and desire Suresh would not be the first to blink.

[bloodybusiness]

Normally, Nick wasn't in the business of bloodshed. It was usually a simple 'get it done' sort of atmosphere and he trusted his people to know what he meant. One of the few exceptions had involved a certain driver, but sometimes Nick needed to be the one to give the orders. Time like these, when he was so pissed that he could go on a rampage. The potential idea of blackmail or theft did not sit well with him. "No," were his initial words, shaking his head. Pushing the book back, he turned in the chair to face Suresh. Every line on his face seemed deeper, doing everything he could to hold himself back.

"No, what's going to happen is you're going to go to the container, get it squared away, then break the seal to open it and check the contents. If anything is missing, you report it to me immediately. Then for every fucking week he hid it, I want a hammer taken to his knees. Four weeks, four hits" He didn't need to walk for a good while if he was just the bookkeeper. Wheel him to the damn desk then let him stay there until everything was done. Nick knew the pain of damage to the bone, he dealt with it after the accident and still had the occasional tremors in his arm. "And it isn't until after then that you take the fucking cornea but I want it done with the utmost case so that he's back to work."

It wasn't a fucking vacation he was going to get. He could be back in less than a week with a fucked knee, albeit in pain. But he had only brought it on himself by not only screwing up but then hiding it in the first place. Nick took another breath; he'd need much bourbon after all of this. One moment of silence, then another, until Nick had managed to steady his voice. "As much as I appreciate what you've done for me, Suresh, do not let this happen again."

The anger in the room tasted like cold iron. Thunderclouds. O-zone. The flare like a burst of lightning against the ground. He didn't move. Letting the anger swirl around him in the office. A rock in a river. Cold, pragmatic, covered in his professional mask. Swallowing his own annoyance and anger over the situation. It was an unacceptable series of events that could continue to have repercussions long after the act. Which was why Suresh was going to handle it in person. But still he tried to mitigate this level of stress for Nick and usually did a good job. But even at his best there were still these moments. This was why he had brought it as quickly as possible to the two people that needed to know. He drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. His eyes moving back up to settle on Nick's face.

"He's currently being watched in one of our safe-houses. Probably shitting himself in fear. I was -unhappy- when I found out. And I didn't want him trying to run." Suresh paused listening and nodded his head, "Of course." Another pause and then he added, "I could get close to $19,000 for one of his corneas. That would serve both purposes. He pays back the money he cost us with interest. And it delivers a very strong message about lying." Speaking about cutting a man's eye out with the same cool tone as he had been using earlier. "But it's up to you."

[bloodybusiness]

A mistake was one thing. They could be handled in a timely manner, dealt with accordingly, and ensure it never happened again. More processes put into place, extra sets of eyes, there were a million things to help mitigate damage to their jobs. If it had been a simple fuck up, Nick would ensure the consequences so that it wouldn't happen again as well as implement the necessary steps. Cut and dry. But when Suresh mentioned the bookkeeper hiding it, that was an entirely different ballgame. His grip on the pen tightened, eyes narrowing at the sheets of paper before him. If it weren't such a hardy plastic, the pen would have likely snapped from his grip.

"He hid it?" There was no need to question it, it was rhetorical. Containers didn't simply get stuck without notice. Four weeks was plenty of time for anyone at the exam site to break into the container, grab what they wanted, and resell it or even use it as blackmail against them. Next thing they knew, they were being threatened or their goods were falling into the hands of a competitor that would gain all of their profits. Mistakes were one thing, outright lying and denying them was something entirely different.

Nick took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. Suresh was being upfront about the situation, he didn't need to feel the full weight of Nick's anger though he could likely sense the sudden shift. When the older man continued, his words were slow and deliberate, albeit a bit shaky as he reigned himself in. "I don't want that fils-putain to see a fucking cent of money until he pays back what he cost us. Any income he gets from this business goes straight back into recuperating our losses." However long that took, it wasn't as if he could simply go find other work. And if he tried, Nick would simply burn those job opportunities. "I'll figure out what else to do with him, but first, we need this shit cleaned up. Then we deal with the message that lying will not be tolerated."

The air shifted and Suresh straightened his shoulders. All business. It was the armor that the other wore and Suresh would follow suit. Business was always easier anyway. Even when it was discussing a problem. These types of problems always had solutions, resolutions. He sat, waiting to be addressed and knowing that the questions would be coming. Accepting his responsibility in the problem. He hated the feeling of disappointing Nick but that was his own issue. One he would manage alone after he took steps to ensure it was fixed.

He took out his phone and logged into the secured network. "It's all on the drive but I am sending you all of that now." The purpose of him going to Sicily would be to pay off whatever needed to be paid off and remove anyone that needed to be removed. That was why he wasn't going alone.

Dark eyes met Nick's lighter ones. Gaze unwavering as he nodded, "Yes." His responsibility. His mistake. Something that very rarely happened. "The customer reached out to me via the appropriate channels. I have that under control. The bookkeeper originally overlooked it and then hid the mistake from the lead book keeper. Which was how it was hidden from me. Until I got the call from the customer. And then the book keeper brought it to me. It won't happen again." No equivocation. No attempts to shirk his own part in this. He crossed his arms over his chest, fingers drumming on his arm, a sign of his own deep frustration with the situation but he kept it off his face and out of his voice.

[silveredlies]

Most things were boring to Corvinus in his old age. Watching civilizations turn to complete dust, knowing he would outlive most any creature, and time ticked by so slowly. While many marveled at how far civilization as a whole had come, it had been at such a slow rate for himself that he found himself disinterested. Rare creatures could equally be boring. Fascinating the first time and then any interest faded away. "One was quick to flee. The other...well, basically a corpse when I stumbled across it. I'm afraid creatures that are cowardly or the dead don't hold my attention much." Perhaps it was a slight dig at the Naga. Either being hunted or avoiding contact, Corvinus didn't know but there were few things that could draw him out out of sheer interest.

For the moment, Suresh was one of those things. A unique creature that, rather than being hunted by the humans as so many were back in the day, rose above them. Corvinus had in his own way but his own disgust for most often led him to keep away out of choice. He had never been a large believe in keeping territory and a reason he felt no concerns clearly waltzing into Suresh's. Even Ireland, a place some knew as being his own, he would much rather just claim the large property he owned and be done with it. Venture where he liked when he liked.

Journals was how he kept track over the millennia he had spent alive. After the first couple of hundred, he had found himself losing track and had started writing it down. Back home in the old manor he called home, there was a library full of his handwriting. "Well, you see it all the time in humans and I've run across the undead from time to time. If the body doesn't rot, the mind is bound to." Corvinus took the chance to break his gaze away only for eyes to travel over the form of Suresh. "And, may I say, your body has certainly not rotted. Or perhaps your glamour is simply hiding your grey hairs." Of course, he could feel that small tingle of magic in the air. He'd experienced varying degrees of magic over the years, enough to be in tune with the level of deceitful magic.

Ah, but he recognised the name. His smirk returned as eyes shot back to the Naga's face. Corvnius tipped his head to the side slightly with amusement shining in his gaze. "Have you now? Perhaps we're related. An usual name and I'm clearly Irish. But we both know witches don't live that long in comparison to most. Not looking as well as we both know I do." It was an obvious lie, his expression alone giving him away. "I also don't recall stating I'm a blood witch. As for Ireland, well...I believe it was Saint Patrick that drove out the snakes according to myth. Not a man named Corvinus."

He was moving closer. Good. That either meant he didn't feel threatened or he was interested, both of which Corvinus wanted to achieve. "Oh, a few weeks perhaps. Until I've grown bored," he replied with a sigh, giving a small shrug. Once again he leaned forward, one hand moving under the table until it came to rest on the other's knee. "Unless, of course, you want me longer. Or you keep me, interested.

Suresh grinned, a flair for the dramatic, he had it as well. Perhaps it was a by product of being old. Of needing things to feel bold to break of the monotony of the long parade of days. But the Naga didn't miss the last little equivocation. And he did hope that the Witch could help it. "Your attempts will be appreciated."

There was a push pull in most truly ancient creatures. Both a longing and a hate to be around another immortal. Power and knowledge was always attractive. Especially to their kind. Inevitably it became a competition, but sometimes, for a short time, it was nice to be around another that could understand the endurance and resiliency required to continue to exist. Suresh's face showed the open curiosity that he felt at the replies. One or two. A staggeringly high number to most people if Suresh was the third. "Boring?" The one word that held the most meaning. But he also understood it. Everything could become boring when you lived for millennia. It was an active force to not become completely jaded.

He had traveled for a long time. Avoided poachers, avoided stronger creatures, looking for something that could be his. Settled for a long time before that civilization was destroyed. Roaming again until he'd found New Orleans. He had established himself, become famous in his own way, and that fame in the human world afforded him protection. He brought in tourist dollars for the city, paid taxes. Suresh's position in the city was an anomaly among his kind. He always believed that he was not the only one left, that he would somehow feel it if he was. This witch was an intriguing little mystery.

People that met his stare that knew what he was were either very powerful, very brave or very stupid. Suresh didn't think this witch was stupid. The words sounded very, very certain that it was up for debate. Which meant the witch was also staggeringly old. The simple statement of him not knowing made Suresh smile and a golden laugh trickled from him and filled the room. Suresh had been taken by his god two thousand years ago. Most memories before that were now vague and blurry. But he'd knew he had been old enough then to survive what had been done. Suresh was still smiling as the Witch spoke. "A beautiful way to say that everyone becomes forgetful the longer they're alive." The Naga nodded his head, "Which is very true. As far as who is older, does it really matter?"

Corvinus... Suresh frowned at the name. "I heard of a Corvinus. A blood witch if memory serves. But that was a very, very long time ago. One of the reasons why I avoided Ireland... That and historically less welcoming to snakes."

Suresh smiled at the 'your city' comment and finally moved further into the room, sitting down across from the other man. "A tourist with a flair for the dramatic. But I do appreciate you making yourself known to me. How long are you planning on staying in my city?"

[bloodybusiness]

A million questions running through his head, filtering through the answers. The joking was long gone and back to business. That was how it usually went with Nick, especially these days. "Good, our container, means no extra charges for demurrage." He was mostly talking to himself, pen scribbling down notes. That alone was saving their ass a little over—— five thousand dollars alone. Somewhere in the corner, he made a note that if anyone rented a container in the future, to hand their ass to them. That was probably going to be the one saving grace over the situation and probably the main reason Nick hadn't fully exploded over the situation just yet.

"Probably another three hundred just to clear customs though. We'll need to check on the declared value and what we paid in just duties alone if we need to repay them as well." If someone removed it for some extra money, Nick was half tempted to ask Lee to have someone deal with them but that was too much mess. A sigh, pausing to rub at his eyes. Four weeks, four weeks of wasted time and where the hell was the customer in all this? Lost in emails or phone calls or something? Nick knew if he was expecting a shipment, he'd be ringing everyone up that he could to get information. There was no way in hell there was dead silence.

The question of the bookkeeper was one that made Nick pause. Lowering his hand, gaze drifting to Suresh. Maybe on the surface, Nick could appear calm and put together. Up until he was backed into a corner but this wasn't there yet. "This was one of your shipments, right?" he asked, that calmness having the slightest waiver to it, a tiny ripple on that surface. "First thing's first: what the fuck has the customer said about this? Secondly, why the fuck was no one double checking the bookkeeper's work? There is a system in place to avoid this shit. I make sure you don't fuck up, you make sure those beneath you don't fuck up, so on and so forth? Where was the breakdown?" Well, it went a bit beyond that such as who gave what orders but there was a hierarchy for a reason.

The level of familiarity was not something he would have done without the history. It was also not a nickname used around others in or out of the gang. At least not any more. Only Adelaide had ever heard Suresh use it towards her husband. At the reply the younger man smirked as he looked down at his hands. Nodding his head in joking agreement, "How could I forget? Carving lines in rock between fighting off the saber tooth cats." At being told that the print would be prefered he simply nodded.

He watched Nick's face drop down into lines that meant the other was running through ways to avoid issues, ways to streamline processes. It was a huge web. Pull on a line in the Mediterranean and it was felt in New York.

"The c-can is ours. Or one of our shell companies." Making sure he had an answer for the questions was something else that Suresh tried to have. He watched Nick's movements, the quickness of the questions. Suresh replied to the next one, "Four weeks. But I only found out about it this week. I had to request the original customs report. It's being sent to you and I in the next hour." He paused, "What would you like me to do with the book keeper that made the original mistake?"

[silveredlies]

Corvinus gave a small chuckle, feeling quite the warning on the advisement of not starting trouble in his clubs. It wasn't as if anyone had gotten hurt; if he had truly wanted to start any actual trouble, there would likely be a pile of bodies. Instead, just a couple of people shoved. "I've always had quite the flair for the dramatic. But I will do my best to avoid causing further trouble if I can help it." For the moment, anyways. There was no doubt that there would be further troubles on the horizon but he was meant to play the innocent for the time being. Someone without affiliation or involvement with any of the groups.

Two immortals occupying the same space often bred trouble in his experience. One was encroaching on established territory, the very thing he was doing now. And yet, despite his desire to avoid others like himself, he often felt himself drawn in at the same time. So few could understand watching civilizations crumble and fall, of watching everyone around you die, of years being meaningless and a far more mortal construct that they had left behind. It was a fascination, that constant need to consume more knowledge and part of a hunger that couldn't be quite satisfied no matter how much he grew.

"I may have met one or two here and there but they were...boring to say the least." Nothing quite so spectacular. Considerably younger at the time and, if they were still out there, he had no desire to become reacquainted. That was merely how most interactions went. Something to span minutes to years before he ultimately...left. Staying in one place while trying to remain in the shadows of the world was far too dangerous.

Corvinus didn't even try to look ashamed as Suresh rejected the question. If anything, he looked more amused. Not looking away, feeling no sense of threat that others might. "You don't know." Not a question, a hard statement and something he was familiar with. When time had no meaning, keeping track was pointless. Corvinus himself was sure he was born somewhere in the early 700s, but perhas he was wrong. Perhaps earlier, a little later. Birth records weren't exactly kept in such a bygone era. Corvinus sat back up at that point, legs crossing, showing both elegance and lax in the same position. "The mind, no matter the being, can only hold so much. Over time, it decays. Memories fade. Maybe some important ones stay with you, the others are lost to time."

Ah, but he hadn't given a name. "It's Corvinus. I'm merely a tourist in your city." A tourist that knew far too much, of course.

It was a good act, well practiced. And he had been close enough to enough drunk people that perhaps for someone else it might have worked. But his ophidian eyes watched the other, unblinking but strangely soft in expression. Waited to see if the other would continue the lie. Cling to it or abandon it. Suresh trying to place the other and quickly eliminating possibilities. Until he settled on a Witch...

And the act dropped, the Naga, watching with open curiosity as the other rebuilt some other version of himself for Suresh's benefit. This one sat with impeccable posture. Posture that was no longer taught to humans and creatures of mortal life spans. Even elongated life spans. A small smile drifted across his features as the man spoke. "Ah, so you put on a show just for me? How flattering. But next time? Just knock. Don't start trouble in my clubs. I always can find time for a pretty face." He cocked his head to the side considering the last part. "Well, you wanted my attention... And you have it."

There were always a few basically immortal creatures moving around the globe. Or settled into sprawling territories. As a general rule they avoided one another. But there were stories. Which became myths and legends over eons. Suresh frowned as he was named. The curiosity taking on a sharper, more deadly edge as he looked at the other man. Witches that knew what Naga's were either very old, very well read or traveled, or were poachers. He watched the witch's eyes drift over his glamoured body. His appearance wholly human save for his eyes and the scales on his back that were hidden. "Impressive. Have you met any of my kind before?"

Suresh kept his gaze fixed on the witch's face. A small curl of his lip at the vulgar question of age. But at least the witch had tried to make it a compliment of sorts. His voice was a soft silken purr in the small room, "I suppose I should thank you for the graceful remark. And since we are being blunt I should tell you that I hate that question. Truly, I loath it. What does it matter how old I am? The answer is always the same... older than you." Truthfully Suresh couldn't remember. Well over two thousand but who knew anymore? He paused and then asked curiously, "You have me at a disadvantage Witch. Should I know you?" Many ancient creatures had titles rather than names. Things that stayed since names were often discarded if identities needed to be changed over the years.

[bloodybusiness]

Nick let out a dry chuckle at the little nickname given to him. Maybe he should be more offended but it was something he had grown accustomed to, not to mention Suresh had his own name in French. "No, no, no one wrote by candlelight. I'm afraid fire hadn't quite been invented while we struggled to use our stone tablets in the dark." There was a slight age gap between them though nothing so absurd. Just enough that they appreciated different means of information and technology, or lack thereof in Nick's case. Maybe he was just a bit too old fashioned but it was how he had made himself back in the day. "A print out would be preferred though, thank you. Just helps get it into the physical books easier."

Though, as Suresh continued, Nick had to let out a sigh. International shipments always ran that possibility. He fell silent, mind going through all the possibilities. There was the possibility to simply get the funeral home a hazmat certification simply for the idea that officials would be less likely to pop anything with uncertain hazardous materials open. And he was sure there were plenty of materials a funeral home might ship out that would be considered hazardous to a degree but it also ran the risk of curious parties being idiots, not to mention stricter laws and documents.

He sat up again, reaching for another book on his desk to pull forward. Shipments. "Did we own the container or did we rent it from a steamship?" he asked. Pen picked up, gaze going back to Suresh once more. So many variables to account for, it was likely he'd be up longer working this into the books but better now than have it show up as a surprise on the next audit. "And how long has it been stuck there?" There was a thought to ask if the other had made certain all the documents and customs reports had actually been attached but Nick dismissed that thought; it was insulting and Suresh knew the game too well to fuck up that much, surely. Shit happened, better to just deal with it and move on. While Nick wouldn't hesitate to put someone in their place if they fucked up, now wasn't the time.

He couldn't help the small smile as the older man began speaking. Twelve years older. Not exactly a large generational gulf in his mind. But the attitude was something Suresh had gotten accustomed too in the Syndicate. Especially being in his position at his age. But Nick always found a way to comment on his age or how young he looked. A soft chuckle accompanied by a tease, "Ah yes, mon petit ancien, back when everyone wrote by candlelight and used an abacus?" Suresh waited for Nick to finish his thought but when the other shook it off Suresh replied without any of the previous teasing, "I'll bring a print out next time with the drive. I apologize for the oversight."

Suresh looked at the ignored coffee and wondered if it would have changed anything if he had poured bourbon in it. But he didn't say that. In his own way he understood what living to work could do for someone after losing a fundamental piece of existence.

Dark brown eyes met Nick's at the question. "One of the bookkeepers made a mistake and a customs report got lost until last week I was giving a copy of the original report. The freighter got stopped at the border and our cargo was flagged. And some enterprising group either the officials themselves or another removed it to make a buck. I only brought it to Brutus because of his investments. Which is why I have to go in person to fix it." He paused, "No biohazard material. But nothing we want being sold off." Meaning no body parts. But the Syndicate smuggled all kinds of things in caskets and urns.

Suresh kept meticulous books. As long as you had the cypher, which Nick of course did. Everything that the other could possibly need regarding his business would be there. Along with a few of the other regions. He nodded, "You shouldn't be missing anything. But if you need anything my flight isn't until two. And I'll be available via text and email the entire time. I'll call you when I land or if I run into any issues I can't handle." Which meant that he would only be calling to say he landed and to say he was coming back successful. Suresh was Captain which meant the field was his responsibility. To make sure that whatever Nick or Lee or Petros gave him was completed.

[bloodybusiness]

Eyes glanced over to the drive, putting down his pen momentarily to pick it up. More work to be done, but it never really ended. "You know, back in my day-" Fuck, he sounded old. That was something his nonc would say when he was a kid. Maybe he preferred the method of paper and pen, a neat book to hold everything in and reference the numbers he had to pull. Less chance of hacking in, corrupt files, but a book could be stolen all the same he supposed. Nick gave a shake of his head, setting it back down. "Never mind." At least Suresh had gotten him the data he needed, though it'd take more time to get them written down in his book.

The coffee didn't seem to interest Nick much, not even a glance at it as he was about to resume his work. Though the mention of travel was enough to draw hazel eyes back to Suresh. Leaning back in his seat, hands folding to rest on his stomach in an expecting manner. "What happened?" he asked. If something got fucked up in transit, that was one thing; organs, messy business. They needed to be a reliable source but shit happened. Though if it was something preventable on their end, well- last thing they needed were customers turning elsewhere for their needs.

As for anything else he needed, the older man could only hope any missing pieces he needed were on the drive. Few bits of missing money here and there but maybe they were being stored on it. No way to know until he got everything added in. "I'll probably know by ten if I'm missing anything else." Though Suresh might be gone at that point, he could get the information elsewhere.

Suresh could go long stretches without feeling too run down. Twelve hour shifts, night shifts, it was something he'd gotten used to. And now on the business side of the Syndicate it also became a boon to be able to be awake and available at strange hours due to time zones or for a myriad of other reasons. Like this one. Nick's impromptu audit.

He walked in with a zip drive and two large coffees. Placing both on the desk. "No. I try not to sneak up on people when they are sleeping. But I thought you might want some caffeine, you've been at it for hours." He gestured towards the zip drive, "The rest of the books you wanted are on there. And here is the password..." He scribbled out a list of letters, numbers and symbols and slid it along the desk next to the zip drive.

He slipped off his jacket and sat down in a free chair, sipping at his own steaming cup, "Anything that you need me to follow up on yet? Brutus is sending me to Palermo to fix an incident with Tunisian customs and one of my shipments. I shouldn't be gone more than four days."

[silveredlies]

And there he was, just the man Corvinus wanted to see though he kept that off his face. Stumbling slightly, his attention was still focused on the newcomer of the forming group. Of course a loud club was hardly the place to have any sort of conversation and not something the witch had come to enjoy in the 21st century. So when he was starting to be moved to a more private room and with Suresh following in step, he put up no fight. Allowing himself to be moved, the security pushing past the people that had already resumed whatever activity they had been enjoying moments before.

Once in the room, he allowed himself to practically collapse into one of the chair. Keeping up the act as long as he could. One hand did give a subtle pull at the chair to determine how locked in it was. Perfectly. Well, he hoped there would be no need to fight. That wasn't why he was here, that would have been far easier rather than putting up any sort of act.

His lips parted, ready to give a slurred apology for behaviour, but Suresh beat him to it. Not drunk. Corvinus watched him for several moments with clear eyes before the sudden shift. A smirk crept up on his face. He straightened up, hands taking a moment to brush his suit off for...whatever had possibly gotten on him from coming into contact with those people in the main part of the club. The innocent drunk tourist was gone as he sat straight, ever the image of regal despite the current setting. "I didn't think you'd have any interest in just anyone knocking on your door. Case in point: here you are instead of holed up...wherever you came from."

There had always been whispers as he had aged. Talks of others that seemed to be immune to the years. Of course many different creatures had long life spans but not that great. Corvinus usually avoided those outright. Or killed them, depending on the day and his mood. Often times, he just enjoyed being left to his own devices. Corvinus leaned forward on the table, clasping his hands together on top of it. "The naga..." It came out as a loud whisper, practically in awe as his eyes looked over the other. He looked human. A shame.

The smirk grew slightly, eyes back up to his face. "Forgive the bluntness but how old are you now? One thousand? Two? You don't see many that get to live so long. And those that do, well...they tend to look rather ghastly. Undead or age, take your pick, but usually not so gracefully."

It had been an unremarkable day and evening. One of the numerous procession of hours that blended together for the leader of the Lotus Eaters. Passively feeding on the crowds of tourists, partiers and club kids that came to Club O. He was lazily sprawled in his large leather chair watching the dance floor from his one way mirrored windows. The feel of the bass a soft hum through the sound proofing.

A small walky-talky related information from the security back up to Suresh. Generally it was nothing too interesting. Drunken scuffles, a jilted lover, someone that couldn't take no for an answer. Suresh had gone downstairs into the room that security used to watch the dance floors when the chatter increased and Suresh's attention was drawn to the exchanges between the bouncers and actual security. A comment about strength. And his walked out into the club, his eyes drawing to the little whirlpool of security working to separate the two. One was nothing. Suresh could smell him from there but the other. The one shouting. That was curious. Suresh couldn't feel that fuzz of alcohol or drugs from him that most people got when under the influence. And the man's emotional state was much calmer than someone in a fight should be. Suresh walked over to the fracas with two security guards flanking him.

Delicate and otherworldly he wore a red silk shirt open but tucked into black trousers, belted to draw attention to his waist. Golden eyes fixing on the man. Woods, rain, old books and as he thought, no booze. Something interesting in a wholly dull day. He gave a small curious smile and spoke to the man, his voice somehow carrying perfectly through the loud music, "I would appreciate if you went with my security to cool off. Or they will call the police and remove you from the premises." The security began to move in a single body back towards the front and a side room with a table and a few chairs bolted to the ground that was used as a place for people to either wait for police or EMTs if needed near security. Suresh followed after them in a sea of people that were already forgetting the fight.

Waiting until most of the security had gone back to their positions, the two that seemed detailed to him staying outside the room. He left the door ajar as he spoke to the man again, they wouldn't be accused of unlawful imprisonment after all, his voice amused and still very curious. "You're not drunk." It wasn't a question.