#event: a political rendezvous

[zedechemist]

LOCATION: The Cloisters. TIME: Mid Evening CLOSED FOR: @astrorahi

They've traded vodka, for wine — and there's an astronaut caught out of time. The only time Zed notices modernism, is when it's a technological movement. Though, art's never been his forte either. Just time and space then — or the wrong reaction caused by incompatible substances.

"Мне говорили, что воровать бутылки – это дурной тон." Movska places his wine glass down on a stone window looking out into one of cloisters arm leans against a pillar. "— bad taste." The wine. The spot; the particular carving Kumar's in front of. The implication of Zed thieving bottles like he were at home, or at Jacks, or Rahi's... there's been a few.

Mostly, Zed's aware that appearances are supposed to be his main priority for one event. But at least now, Movska doesn't have to pretend to pretend to fake it for a bit. He taps the base of the drinks glass, asks: "How has white holes, and sports been?"

[viadangelo]

VIA D’ANGELO has been spotted attending THE CLOISTERS. The retired performer has every intention to mingle and be seen. Social hierarchies, be damned. Recently seen in banks, and shaking hands with Wall Street; everyone loves gossip, and a rumour. Maybe she has a few other tricks up her sleeve tonight…

[izaralevine]

IZARA LEVINE is rocking up a little drunk to THE CLOISTERS; they let her through the door at least. A free party that has her ditching the mechanics overalls — and witnessing how the rest of the world live. She doesn’t belong there, but, she’s got friends who enjoy this. So, she’ll do her best to talk, maybe throw in a few car puns; to get new clients, and ultimately hope her partner in anti-political crime @lluiscarrasco stops her from making an embarrassment of herself. Plus — there's free booze…

[emiliocarrasco]

EMILIO CARRASCO is attending THE CLOISTERS on his wife's arm. Politicking isn’t really his style — but attendance, and showing face feels necessary. One of his son's has made a donation to the auction and Emilio is there for all the familial support, not just as Deputy. Besides, who wouldn’t like to admire the gorgeous architecture and show his support for the democratic party.

[viadangelo]

"We can always find someone who does." Via's had an evening of close quarters, and unexpected passes. Little business deals crafted entirely for the special few. Lee will know about them — eventually, when they find their cutting candidate. She supposes herself and Lee have some acquired tastes.

Strapping Samar in the selbit, no qualm.

"I'd love to see it." she adds, mind wandering off into the abyss.

Audra, Ava, Aria, Asa, Anaïs — there's a theme — Jeong-in, Seine, Lilia — the list goes on. Who does it for you, sugar?

One day, perhaps, she'd see Lee Malkovich, showman. In the walls of Westside, even. There's plenty time to plan; to put on a unforgettable performance. Does he feel like a one night only...? Or a returning orchestrator.

All smiles, and provocation; that never changes. Via skirts over the location and moves right on to the tomb act. She doesn't need to ask, but they're playing, so she floats being the fool: "— escape, or get in?"

It implies, of course, that he'd had a choice.

Cutting men in half, she says, and Lee smiles as he pictures her doing just that. Fantasy or no, Lee is happy to embark on it.

"While Sammy is a perfect candidate for cutting, love, truth is he just doesn't turn me on." Come to think of it, he's made more victims out of women than of men; save for targets commanded by the organization he's bound to. Almost every murder begins with attraction, and women are oh so much better at that. With their glistening skin and their needle heels and their painted lips. Sculptures carved out of flesh.

Via banks on dramatics as she brushes off his collar, clean off imaginary dust. "What more is there, then? I can be quite the showman, darling." Both jokesters — makes it hard to spot the truth. "Aye." Just say it, huh? "I'd fancy that." Beat. "Where?"

The tomb is brought back to the forefront of the conversation, and Lee eyes it under a new light. "Absolutely not. But then, the bigger question might just be — why the bloody hell would I want to?"

[zedechemist]

ZED MOVSKA has been coerced into attending THE CLOISTERS, because — apparently — appearances matter. His outfit was pinned to his apartment door, with a note in @evamovska's handwriting attached — it included: wear a clean shirt. If spotted moseying around, he’s probably looking for something to drink more than he’s looking for conversation. Whilst he’s there, he may as well keep one eye on the children too.

[viadangelo]

LOCATION: The Cloisters.TIME: Early evening. CLOSED FOR: @audrasmythe

Champagne is in high demand — and that’s just for Via alone. She’s only briefly considered the faith in all this; liquor and snake-like tongues of politicians dirtying the walls. Wasn’t the place a house of holiness and worship in every carefully constructed wall, sculpture and painted piece? Had she got that wrong?

She didn’t mind being blessed. What gratifications did that come with? Eyes prowl the well dressed — to the casuals; it’s certainly a unique setting for a show of her capacity.

Wildly out of place too. First time for everything, would she make the paper; a performance of fire, and an evening of real (if one’s suspends their disbelief enough) magic, amongst the worldrunners standing proudly atop bloodstained stones of other centuries.

Poetic. And just as she swallows a mouthful in her flute — performances move aside, and Via makes room for artistry.

“Amore,” she begins, reaching a hand to Audra’s arm. It’s supposed to be a welcoming gesture, partnered with a red painted smile. “How’s your eye for the artworks,” intentionally worded, because Via’s not really talking about the cloisters anymore. “Consider me inspired, we should talk.”

[izaralevine]

LOCATION: The Cloisters TIME: Mid Evening. CLOSED FOR: @lluiscarrasco

"Please save me from pitching a side, I came for the booze — and still, the vibes are a three." Izara's been half-cut since walking through the door. She's calling it masterful acting, more realistically, it's strategically entering in with a sober crowd.

Slips right under the radar.

"Aesthetics though, solid nine." Because everywhere she looks, it's art. And she's gawking when she imagines what a little bit of colour, and metalwork could do to the place. Smiling — a hand reaches out to move Luis aside like they're in the way of someone's path. Straightening herself, and careful not to spill the wine, she wavers to the party: "You can't tell me you're enjoying this — really? Have you ever even voted before?"

[zedechemist]

Apparently, they could find the Father on any other day and this one.

And maybe Jude recognises it first; the finite lines of the metaphorical venn diagram. They stand in it — on opposing sides, with a centre that's made so thin that it's bulging in places — threatening to spill into the cobbled and ancient stones that surround them. They crossover, in subjects that perhaps Zed will never voice aloud.

Similar smiles too; hiding an abundance.

He takes a sip — it's not kool-aid, but, Zed's interested.

"But it helps having a voice in your corner."

At the question Jude glanced back at the other man. "A couple. I don't expect many to today. They know where to find me on any other day." Looking at Zed's face and considering what doing good really meant for the man standing next to him? He tried to take people at their word. Even if a person was more complicated than their words.

Jude had been a military chapin before he became a priest. Not something he talked much about. Not because he was ashamed of it. But because those scars were his. But he strongly believed in exercising his right to vote. Who he voted for was his though. But there were signs in what he poured his time into beyond just his vocation. The shelter and the soup kitchen, his neighborhood, the groups he ran.

Jude felt that single word more and the ghost of a smile brushed over his lips. "Presidents come and go. Senators. Governors. People still need to be fed and have a safe pace to sleep no matter who's in charge."

[rileytakeda]

RILEY TAKEDA // POLITICAL RENDEZVOUS

They dig out one of their blouses they use for work and pair it with a casual suit. Attending the event at the Cloisters isn't their usual scene, but as a huge proponent of voter rights, they feel the need to be present. However, they have a rant on the two-party system if anyone wants to hear it.

[flynnxhalliday]

where: The Cloisters

who: @caininvestigations

He had no idea where him and Clark stood. Flynn didn't exactly know what their relationship was when they were partners, either. He'd always had a hard time at reading people and their intentions. But seeing Clark, yet again, caused his stomach to twist in knots.

Flynn knew that he shouldn't have been surprised. This was a political event, after all, which meant most of the city would be in attendance. But part of him had hoped he wouldn't see his former partner. It wasn't that Flynn didn't want to, but the fact that he still had no idea what to say to him.

"Is this business or pleasure for you?" Flynn found himself asking before pausing, frowning at his own words. "I mean, are you here just for fun or are you here to support someone or...?" Such a way with words, Flynn.

[evamovska]

EVA MOVSKA / ( a political rendezvous )

Being present at a political event was mandatory. It was part of her job to raise awareness of important political and social issues, while building client relationships. That did nto mean, that she wouldn't keep an eye on her siblings. Sure, she would absolutely keep her distance (she didn't need them ruining anything for her), but she had eyes and ears everywhere. Her father's daughter — after all. Eva had one way to dress, plain and boring to some, but comfortabe and presentable to her. Light, beige colors were her favourite.

[viadangelo]

"Consider me shocked, if it were anything else." Via's grin mirrors his. Like they know something nobody else does. "Define good for me, sugar. Because, maybe those baked delights are the start."

"Are you telling me that Gene is a doomsday prepper? Seems right on brand." He grins. "Anything good, tonight?"

[zanexsaxena]

ZANE SAXENA // THE POLITICAL RENDEZVOUS

Zane, having absolutely no care in the world about this event, chose to wear something that could be taken as casual or slightly business casual. He wears what feels comfortable to him, always. And the only reason he's going is to potentially stir up some trouble.

[theolangley]

THEO LANGLEY | A POLITICAL RENDEZVOUS

Though he likes to avoid events that put him more in the spotlight, Theo dresses pretty plainly as he arrives and keeps mainly to himself and his Brotherhood cohorts.

[esmexavila]

where: The Cloisters

who: @hstarke

The event was not going as planned for her. Not in the slightest. But when did anything ever, truly, go as she wanted it to? No matter how hard she worked towards a better personal life, it all came crashing down one way or another. She blamed herself most of the time. But this time... This time she was trying not to.

She had plenty of practice of touching up her makeup after crying. Thank you, ex boyfriend. Today was no different. It only took her about fifteen minutes in the bathroom to fix what the tears had messed up. Esme made sure to put extra concealer under her eyes to hide the redness.

As she walked out of the restroom, with a smile, she almost ran into the one other person that could cause her another break down. Her chest seized and adrenaline shot through her veins. Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!

Esmeralda took a quick step backwards. "Hans." She was breathless, as if she'd just ran a marathon. "What a lovely surprise." Fucking horrible surprise. As she forced a smile, her eyes ached from the previous tears she had shed. "Are you enjoying yourself?"