#event: Adriana's Bday '23

[drrutherford]

📱 Gideon ⇄ Ayda

Gideon: Are you okay?? @ayda--demir Gideon: Heard about trouble at the bar (1 outgoing call, connecting...) Gideon: Please pick up

[drrutherford]

He snorts at the word choice, but makes a show of looking Vidal up and down for the fun of it. The man was indeed handsome... But pretty? "Simply ravishing." The eldest Rutherford son responds in a deadpan, although a smile tugs at his mouth as he says it. "I always suspected those curls were unnatural."

@mobscene-starters

The whole thing was a bit uncomfortable for him. Everything looked not just riches, but wealth. Vidal wasn't sure how Adriana had pulled this, but he obviously wasn't going to ask. The reality was, his people were still struggling, were constantly trying to build things that were destroyed or taken away from them... But here they were.

With a sigh, he took a gulp of his drink, feeling out of place more than usual. The parties in London he was used to, it was nothing new. He just felt different here.

"Don't I look pretty?"

[drrutherford]

Who: Gideon Rutherford.

What: Adriana Amaro's 33rd birthday.

When: August 4th.

Where: The Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

With Whom: None.

[drrutherford]

LOCATION — Burj Khalifa, Dubai. DATE — August 4th, 2023.  STARTER — Closed for @ayaz--ates​

His brain feels like it's pounding against the confines of his skull.

He stares at Cassie's latest text, fingers going knuckle-white around the cellphone. Gizli Bahçe... Is he reading it right? Or has his self-sabotaging mind merely chosen the one place that could make a bad situation worse?

Gideon surges to his feet with less grace than he otherwise would've liked and leaves the bar in desperate search of... Someone. Lara, preferably, or maybe Henry. Adriana would've been another choice had it not been her birthday... Hell, even Melissa if he hadn't pushed away the Underboss in the most public manner possible. If he lays this on her now, he's half-certain she'd let Ayda's little bar burn just to teach him a lesson.

His eyes rove over a sea of people, squinting intermittently to focus his vision as he searches for someone useful. All the while, Gideon's heart thrums against his ribcage, anxiety building. That's when he sees him — possibly the best candidate for the task; if only he'd thought to text him six minutes sooner.

"Ay- Ayaz." The Rutherford's voice cuts into a conversation that he isn't sober enough to apologize for or even to truly notice as he clasps a heavy palm over the lieutenant's shoulder, coming into view. "Need to talk. Emergency."

[drrutherford]

[drrutherford]

LOCATION — Burj Khalifa, Dubai. DATE — August 5th, 2023; early morning. STARTER — Closed for @islahvnt

He's nursing a tall bottle of water when she approaches, and possibly one of the worst hangovers in his life. "Before you say anything – and I do mean anything, Isla – let me warn that I am hardly in the mood." Hoarsely delivered before he guzzles more water.

He's no more prepared to do battle with the wily woman and her sharp tongue than he was to face Giordana yesterday, but the difference is that he can't afford to push away Isla the way he had the Italian, last night.

Doesn't want to.

[drrutherford]

📱 Gideon ⇄ Lara

Gideon: Do you think she's really doing okay?

Gideon: She's so good at putting it on, sometimes even I can't tell.

[drrutherford]

📱 Gideon ⇄ Amélie

Gideon: I know I said it wouldn't be a good idea to bring you to Dubai, but l wish to God you were here right now.

Gideon: Hope you're having a good weekend. @amescastaignede

[drrutherford]

YVONNE:

"I've been told that once or twice." And she would never stop being a pain in the ass. It kept Gideon on his toes. "I'm pretty sure that the five of us could fund an entire practice with the therapy we need," Yvonne quipped back. Not that she truly believed any of them would ever go. There were too many subjects they'd have to conceal for it to ever truly be effective for them. "I love you too, Gideon. And I hope you know I'm only trying to point things out because I care." Yvonne's mirth only grew. Ironically for how close the two had grown, there was still a lot they disagreed on, and would probably continue to disagree on. But, at least for now, the things they did agree on outweighed their disagreements.

'I've been told that once or twice...'

"Heard it once or twice, yea?" He snorts, amusement dancing in his eyes all the while. "And ignored it the other hundred, I'll bet."

If the coy quip amuses him, the next mental image she paints earns a belly laugh.

A therapy ward, chalk full of Rutherfords... "I think we'd break the current healthcare system." He tilts his head, as if really considering it. "Orrrr," Gideon drawls, "you could take the viewpoint that we'd be funding mental health services for decades to come."

That's how much help they need anyway, as a collective.

Though truth be told, he wonders how much more impartial therapy could offer him, when the world seems righted back on its axis merely with those five smiling words, spoken to him by someone who really matters. 'I love you too, Gideon'... No amount of therapy could top it, of that he's certain. 'I'm only trying to point things out because I care.' The addendum settles more gently in his heart than it did yesterday, because it's true, he thinks. For someone who chooses her battles as carefully as does Yvonne, she wouldn't have bothered if she was indifferent to it. He wishes he'd had the clarity of mind to consider it yesterday, but hindsight being 20/20 and all...

"I know," He tells her now, returning her smile. "And I'm grateful for it... More than you know." Then, the elder brother rises to his feet, with one last look at the glimmering, inviting pool. "Don't stay in so long that you prune up and start looking like the rest of us. I've got a few more rounds of apologies to make, I'm afraid, so I'll catch up with ya later." With a wink to cut the look of chagrin, the surgeon takes his leave.

— End.

[drrutherford]

amaroadriana​:

“I think you’re the one who is worried.” As if Adriana didn’t know the situation that was still happening between the two of them. She knew it wasn’t fair because Spencer came to her because she was fucked up. Obviously, she never di it for that, she never would have done such a thing for attention. But it was Spencer who brought her back to reality.  She wasn’t even sure if he had truly forgiven her, or was he just feeling sorry for her. Worrying that perhaps she would have some sort of relapse. She wouldn’t, of course, but it was on her mind. Because at the end of the day, what Gideon did was the same thing that Adriana did to him. One wasn’t worse than the other because it was just the same lie, the same pain they both caused their best friend.  But both Gideon and Spencer were even better friends, longer friends than she was.  “I mean, Russian Roulette just gave too many outs, you know. It was a game of luck, and we both know how lucky the bitch can be.” She shrugged nonchalantly. “Ted Bundy style?” There were too many creative solutions for the woman who ruined her brother’s life. And her nephews, at that. “I did, with Alexis. An actual angel. OR the devil, depends on how you see Spence, really.”

.

'I think you're the one who is worried.'

The observation hits the central target, almost threatening the surgeon's jaunty, detached air. It shows in his expression, which wobbles for a moment before he shrugs it off with renewed determination. It's one thing to crack a joke about his ex-best friend, it's another to actually talk about Spencer on a day that's meant to be about Adriana. He won't do that to her; in fact, he refuses.

The mention of Alexis only reaffirms his resolve.

"Nah," He dismisses the remark, throwing an arm around Adri's shoulders in the hopes of redirecting her attention. The lacy black fabric feels like a spider's web beneath his skin. "The only thing I'm worried about is whether I can get to those hors d'oeuvres before your other guests devour them all." So saying, he gives her a brief, affectionate squeeze. "I'll see you around, Adri. It's your day, make sure you have fun."

— End.

[drrutherford]

leylayilmazx​:

Leyla: waiit [6 minutes later]Leyla: I think you’re drunk, but are you sure you didn’t take any drugs? Or smoke weed? You have some paranoia symptoms.  [1 minute later]Leyla: Obviously when you return.  Leyla: Do they have Uber Eats there? I’ll get you some nuggies - I feel you need them more than I do. Leyla: How about a nap?

Gideon: Readback yoru texts you absolute donut Gideon: you wrote it [3 minutes later] Gideon: my sis beat you totiat Gideon: nuggets Gideon: if you clicked the attachemtnt i sent youd know this Gideon: Adri says hi Gideon: shut up Gideon: don't nap me leyla im not a child [9 minutes later] Gideon: Does this mean youre have now?? Gideon: *safe

[drrutherford]

(18 minutes later) Gideon: Help is on the way  Gideon: fWhere are you?  Gideon: Tell me you're alive

cassandra-acton​:

Cassie: …did you seriously just go all ‘my father will hear about this’ on me? Cassie: Okay, Draco. Cassie: [forwards location of Ayda’s bar] Cassie: I’m almost here anyway. Stop panicking and enjoy your party. You’re killing my chicken nugget night vibe.

Gideon: [message read ✓✓]

[drrutherford]

giordirossi​:

"Fair enough.” A curious thing to be standing just beyond his line of fire for once. Not a figure stuck in the crosshairs, but rather someone capable of observing the way his demeanor transforms when truly irate, yet feeling none of the heat. Having witnessed him at varying degrees of anger, especially towards her, Giordana finds it peculiar that none of their previous encounters rose to this level before. The typical effects of Melissa Lin… or…? Armistice between them seems a futile thing to expect. Yet instead of brushing her off or accusing the Italian of overstepping whatever convoluted boundaries still exist where they’re concerned, he fixes her with a question that she can’t even fathom an answer for. When did you begin to care?

Instinct presses against her throat, attempting to squeeze out a convenient lie that would save them both the trouble. He’s drunk, enraged, and any response she gives will do neither of them any good. Maybe it’s a rightful accusation; a verbal point of the finger. Grey eyes hover like a most unwelcome spotlight, challenging her resolve and waiting for either inevitable coldness or a rare admittance of defeat. Unfortunately, Giordana succumbs to another beast altogether. “You didn’t jump.” If inebriation hasn’t claimed all of his cognitive abilities, he’ll remember that moment in time as vividly as she attempts to forget it. Although no one ever mentions the weight of honesty and how burdensome it is to carry. How exposed a person can feel in the aftermath of revelation. Not to mention their chat hasn’t gone unnoticed. Speculative gazes bore holes into them from a distance, with silent attempts at reading body language and translating the nature of this conversation. It’s all a bit much to process so the brunette stands, polishing off her own drink before sliding the empty glass across the counter. “Apologize to your sisters, Gideon.” Both the one he’d loudly accosted and the other whose birthday he appears hell bent on ruining. “And for the love of God, drink some water.” With a weak half-smirk, she slips away from the bar and returns to the crowded abyss.

— End.

[drrutherford]

mrofontaine​:

Olivier’s frustration grew, but he kept his tone measured. “You’re quite the detective,” he quipped, a flash of defiance in his eyes. “But if you must know, Adriana invited me, just like everyone else in the room. And as for what I have to celebrate, well, that’s my business, not yours.” Olivier clenched his fists by his sides. This was not what he wanted or needed for tonight. He needed the break. Being a new father was tiring, and he’d been looking forward to this and getting to spend some much needed time with Elaina. He was growing tired of this game, tired of Gideon’s suspicions about his reason for being here and his persistent interference. But he had to keep his composure; losing it now would only give Gideon more ammunition. And he was obviously fucked. He’d been there when he took a swing at him a while back. “You can think whatever you want, Gideon,” Olivier replied, his voice steady, though his patience was wearing thin. “But I’m not here to cause trouble or stir up old shit. If you’re so concerned, maybe you should focus on the party and let me enjoy the evening.”

"Adriana invited you?" He echoes disbelievingly. It's followed by a mirthless laugh.

"When you lie, Fontaine, you're meant to make it sound convincing. Adriana may have her eccentricities, but she isn't without taste. I'm afraid to say you aren't her type."

But it isn't just for Adriana's sake that he wants to flush out the French weasel.

Because it doesn't take him long to remember Eleanor, and to wonder if she's here tonight. He can't remember whether her filming schedule had allowed her to take the time off, and the alcohol he's consumed isn't helping his recollection in the slightest. Wherever she is in the world, he wants Olivier on the other side of it.

... If not off the planet, entirely.

'If you’re so concerned, maybe you should focus on the party and let me enjoy the evening...' He almost laughs again. "Really? Is that how you solve problems when you're concerned about them, Fontaine?" The Rutherford questions with a sneer.

"No wonder the French are... Well—" His gaze flickers down and back up again, critical and condescending. "I'd elaborate, but it'd just go over your head. Now then, Monsieur, here's something that won't: I want you out of this party, immediately."

[drrutherford]

She's in a mood.

He knows it like he knows the time of day from the position of the sun; as certainly as he csn identify the surgical landmarks of a human spine with his eyes closed. He can read her just as well, just as instinctively; whether either of them likes it or not. Not all things are erased in time, no matter how well the barrister's hiding it, with airy tones and supercilious smiles. No matter how many others she might fool with that mask.

But if he knows the what, then he doesn't know the why... Why she's in such a mood.

"By who's decree?... Adri's?" The surgeon shoots Mila a look as if to say nice try. "Just because nothing would please her more than this whole place going to hell in a hand basket, doesn't mean we need to speed things along."

He snorts as they reach the bar. "If you mean to call me ugly, Mila, you can just say it to my face." It's an attempt to deflect more than anything. If he's relieved about one thing, it's that his ex was apparently not in the crowd to spectate his public row with Melissa yesterday. "Before you start on my eye bags though, let me buy you a drink."

And, he hopes, buy enough time to determine what's upset her.

Lyudmila took her time to savor the moment of Gideon Rutherford's flustered stammers on her behalf, her eyes carrying the familiar glimmer (one that alcohol creates) watched him as if seeing him for the first time, while her lips remained in an amused upturn.

The attention was given back to the woman with a grand deliberate eye-roll and overly sweet tone solely complimenting the ironic smile. "Of course not. Enjoy your night." Was it anyone else, the Russian would perhaps reacted differently. Nevertheless, the poor choice of her ex-boyfriend's words left in a thorn unable to be ignored even by such a liquor-clouded mind as hers at the moment.

On a move to find a drink, that would wash down the bitterness his words left, Lyudmila directed her remark now to Gideon. "I thought we were supposed to leave the manners and diplomacy at the lobby, Mr. Rutherford." Clearly, the decided strategy was hostility, though frankly even then Lyudmila knew it would not last long. Not with him.

"I see from the bags under your eyes you had your fill of fun. I hope you won't disappoint me now, and tell me I came too late to the party."

[drrutherford]

He knows her face.

If not because of the stories that swirled around her in March-April, then certainly because Divya's played target-practice enough with her likeness that he'd have to be blind to mistake her for anyone other than one Elaina Halévy; French Commandant whose criminal activity centers somewhere east of the City of London.

She's bold to be here, and although he'd tossed out Olivier Fontaine just yesterday, he's wary of the political consequences in doing the same to this one.

... Certainly sober enough to think twice this time around as well.

"Think I'll pass. Ill-suited to the spotlight, I'm afraid." He grimaces, letting his eyes drift to her companion, who looks suspiciously like a bodyguard. "... Gives me hives."

As did the French, but well, here they were.

@mobscene-starters Day 2: Dubai

It was surprising that the first night happened... Rather calmly. Of course, there was the usual chaos, the usual cheating husbands, the usual fights, but nothing out of the ordinary. At least nothing along. the lines of what they were all used to. Thus, that alone was a surprising factor for Elaina. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't lightly disappointed, or at the very least - waiting for some big bomb to drop.

"Well, are you going to be the next big thing?"