#it's already been assumed the spanish suit names are actually aliases anyway

[mcnypieces]

&&. META 03. (  PICA / MODERN )

     ♠ One of the big heads of the Donquixote crime family. With a brutish amount of physical strength and knowledge in handling larger blades, it makes standing up to him bare-handed a nigh impossible task. He is an effective option in dealing a heavy hand to those uncooperative to the fine print of deals and contracts. His entire unit is dedicated to looking into newfound targets, picking off unnecessary partnerships and ending agreements... permanently. Pica has a low tolerance level and an especially fervent disdain for betrayal, which makes it all the easier to carry out. In papers he’s described as highly dangerous, secretive, and intimidating. In practice he always wears the same appearance ─ a leather biker’s jacket with studded lapels and three large spikes on either shoulder with a stylized family symbol in a giant spade emblazoned on the back, a plain undershirt and pants, studded boots, and a biker’s helmet. Everyone in his unit has the same jacket, though not all of them choose to wear it at all times. The helmet bears a resemblance to his armor, with smaller tips jutting in the cardinal directions and the top bearing a similar spade-shaped spike. He always wears it while doing business. Unbeknownst to most, it has a built in voice modifier that gives him a much deeper tone fit for his stature. No one has seen his face, much less heard the actual soprano tone of his voice, making it simple for him to blend into everyday life as he is. 

     ♠ In day to day life he works in stonemasonry dealing mainly as a fixer with a slight dabbling in structural landscaping. The latter is excused as part of his dedicated undercover work, but in reality he views it as a hobby. He does this alongside Gladius, who deals with the finer details down to a point and speaks with clients while his superior handles the craft in silence. As a sniper who’s real work has yet to be identified with a name ( he’s just that good at his job, folks ), he has no reason for an alias. Pica lives an average life under the name “Titus”. At one point the name “Antaeus” was considered, but it felt suspiciously out of place in a modern era. 

    ♠ He still likes stonework. He takes a great interest in abandoned, dilapidated arches and buildings made out of stone as well as statues, headstones, bridges, and the like. Even what most would consider the smaller, more insignificant pieces catch his attention. There is a great sense of appreciation and comfort in being surrounded by handcrafted stone. He knows just about everything there is to know in regards to the craft and can do some rather impressive things with it. Despite not often accepting it as such in conversation, it is in fact one of his only true hobbies.

     ♠ There are very notable scars on both his shoulders. From near the base of his neck down to the end of the ball of his shoulder are terrible surgical scars. In both he developed tumors, likely from his sporadic growth. Though identified as benign on discovery, the risk of further development into malignancy was enough to heed a suggestion to remove them entirely. Since then the growths have not reoccurred, but stubbornness and dedication did not stop Pica from continuing life as normal while he recovered. This lead to constant shoulder pains, muscle soreness in the back and chest, and a general state of continuous discomfort. Shortly after the initial surgery his stitches tore, further damaging already scarred skin and making a mess of things. This makes them a startling sight, and they remain quite sensitive. While already not a fan of physical contact, he HATES when people touch his shoulders. Even a well-intended courteous tap around the area is enough to make him snap. It takes an unthinkable amount of effort and restraint to uphold decency in public when this is done unintentionally by strangers or coworkers. The family only barely gets away with it, but they also know better by now. Only the most trusted individuals even get to see them, much less touch them. He’s taken to wearing shirts with short sleeves to cover them up. It was some time after he decided to find someone willing to tattoo his shoulders to combat the underlying insecurity to no avail. Most of the time they are covered up as well. His prideful self-image is far too prevalent to openly admit anything but it competes with ( and in many cases overcomes ) his voice in terms of anxiety. 

    ♠ Unlike his main counterpart, making fun of his voice will not immediately warrant a death sentence but you probably still shouldn’t do that. It’s really not good for your health. Or his. Also it’s just not nice. He’s physically capable enough to put you in the hospital for a week with little effort and that chain of upholding appearances nailed in the ground keeping him restrained is only going to handle him tugging on it so hard for so long. He’ll undoubtedly get away with it without issue, too, considering the numerous family connections. But on an average, perhaps even good day, you’re getting a ticked off stare. Consider it a warning and pray you don’t run into him on the night shift.

     ♠ In tandem with the biker theme, his preference in vehicles are heavy-set motorcycles. He has one he only ever rides while working under the family name and tends to walk about a lot otherwise. Driving cars is a pain but it’s a much safer alternative for both riding and appearing normal. He keeps another cruiser built more with joyrides in mind than escaping authorities but he hardly ever rides it with that purpose in mind. Most of his personal time is spent in quiet isolation either preparing for a messy night job or plans for the next work day. He doesn’t really give himself any unoccupied “free” time.

    ♠ Not a fan of public places in general. Doesn’t care for going out for a coffee, doesn’t like to shop, doesn’t want to hang around. Ideal time is spent going out to deserted places and hanging out in the quiet when sitting in the shade of walls isn’t cutting it ( which is rare, considering who he is ). He only does it out of necessity and for work, and Gladius is with him a fair bit of the time so he can avoid talking to others. They both share a dislike of wasteful small talk, but Gladius is far more vocal about it. It doesn’t take much effort to shoo off unwanted company. Often those that have run into them more than a few times have learned to steer clear and not bother. It doesn’t always keep away the persistent, though, and sometimes passing, civil conversation is necessary. Doesn’t mean either really like it. Most of the time when someone is talking nonstop to Pica, he just listens and doesn’t respond. A lot of his coworkers are used to this though and don’t really mind. They’re chatty, anyway.

     ♠ He’s rich by common standards but he doesn’t really do anything with the money unlike most the family. It’s real, but most of it is pretty shady. A lot of it gets saved and what doesn’t is used for necessities. As a general handy man and someone that has connections to handle things when they break, it’s very rare he has to pull anything out for emergencies. He knows his place like the back of his hand. People don’t come over very often. If anything, people tend to avoid his house despite it looking very welcoming on the outside. Not-so-nearby neighbors don’t so much care for him as they care for his surprising affinity for stone landscaping. Before you ask ─ No, he will not lend you sugar and he’s not giving you landscaping tips, Sharon.

    ♠ Just like with the rest of the family, when things are rough and it’s time to lay low for a little while, Pica goes to Bellamy’s shoddy complex and stays. He doesn’t have space for everybody all at once in his apartment but there are always vacant rooms. Always. Pica never stays directly with him. It’s very rare he rooms with any of the family if they’re there as the space is limited and he needs the peace and quiet. He especially doesn’t care for staying with his fellow suit executives despite considering them family and some of the very few people closest to him. Diamante and Trebol are too wild for him and Vergo hardly has to lay low to begin with ( He, too, is just that good at his job ).