*& NEC ASPERA TERRENT.

     emery watched the escalade drive up, waiting to see who would pop out when estella’s face came into view just moments later. there were very few people that emery felt he had to impress. maybe impress wasn’t the right word, but do right by? there weren’t a lot of faces he was actually happy to see in charming, so rarely did his face change from its usual resting grumpy state. and sure, the people that were with her made him slightly uneasy, but seeing how swiftly she dealt with the person causing trouble made his attention turn and his mood perk up a bit. assuming the stranger decided to be smart and pick up the trash, his eyes never left estella’s and he nodded at the question. he was on break, but was he going to say no to making her usual favorites? uh, hell no. “yup, you know the deal.” he sent a small smile her way and walked up to the front, holding the door open politely so her henchpeople didn’t have to.

Whether the individual she addressed listened or not was entirely on them. She had her people to take care of it. It was an unspoken rule that should anyone disrespect or not follow through with her would face the consequence. They knew it was broad day light, but that wouldn’t stop Estella from making her point. It was why she went ahead and not bothered to look back at the decision the other made. Instead her focus was on Emery as she followed him into the cafe, with a gentle smile she nodded a thanks at him for holding the door and proceeded to make her way to the register. Looking up at the menu, she took her time deciding on what she wanted and when she met his gaze, she politely ordered, “I’m in an adventurous mood, so I’ll leave it up to you. To give you context, I’ll need a drink that’s literal life support, seeing as I have a long day ahead of me and I feel like death. Oh and I’ll have a blueberry scone warmed up please.” She then pulled out a large bill and advised Emery to keep the change as she pointed at the tip jar for him to know that it’s for him and the staff. “So, are you at least almost done or do you still have a long day ahead of you grinding out coffee and saving mother nature one trash at a time outside your storefront? 

time: evening

for: @zekebraxton​

Entering La Luna with a few of the dealers and her entourage, Estella gave them a nod to do their bidding as she headed straight for the bar. She had a few of them rack up extra cash that she needed up front, giving them a chance to prove her wrong when it came to meeting the Wolves’ quota. She considers it an act of charity seeing as she allowed them to redeem themselves, but normally these kind of initiations done by her never ended well with a few disappointments here and there. And with everything that has happened, she wasn’t going to let many of them off the hook. Taking a seat, a drink was already poured out for her as she smiled and nodded at the bartender, immediately taking the glass in her hands and going in for one gulp. Noticing Zeke on the other end of the bar, Estella waved him over as she handed a bill to the other bartender and decided that her fellow Wolf be her server for the night. “Keep the drinks coming darling....Oh! How long are you here for?” Pausing, a sudden thought crossed her mind as she’d been meaning to ask him something. “—By the way, you have a bearded dragon right?” 

𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐓𝐎: 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘𝐎𝐍𝐄 | @charmingstarter​​

@ 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫

𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐭: 𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗢𝗥 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲.

     he’d just gotten off his shift at corner cafe, walking out and running a hand through his hair as he went to unhook his bike that he was still waiting to get stolen. it was a relatively normal day. not too busy and no one was rude, so he considered that a success. just as he reached for the lock, his eyes caught someone a few yards away discard their trash on the ground carelessly, and his reaction was instantaneous. he usually didn’t put himself in any situation to start a fight, but he really couldn’t stand that type of thing. normally, he’d pick it up himself, but to see them do it without thought especially got on his nerves. “the world’s not your fucking trash can, pick it up.” 

Estella had a lot of patience for a woman of her stature. She believed in not wasting any time and energy on those who didn’t deserve it. However, there were a few people who she was willing to break rank for and one of them were inconsiderate ones. It didn’t matter that Olympus was a small town, the treasurer always had her own entourage with her. And so as soon as one of her men opened up the door of her Escalade, Estella hopped out and was greeted with some trash near the foot of her designer heels. She was just about to snap when the young man who usually worked at Corner Cafe made his presence known and took the words out of her mouth. With a piercing gaze, she reiterated what was said, “And if you don’t pick it up, I won’t hesitate to make you choke on it.” It was a threat and she was dead serious, but the nonchalant expression on her face meant that they could try to challenge her if they dared. Meeting Emery’s gaze, she then asked, “Are you working a shift now or?” 

Rendezvous wasn’t a very good place to be for any of the Devil’s but if anyone needed to drop off anything for the Wolves right now Kaia was the one to do it. It wasn’t that she was close with many of the Wolves but she knew Fran and right now that was who was important. She’d left the papers with Leo before she left the building. Standing against her bike outside she lit her cigarette and watched the people walk along the sidewalk. She got looks from the few Wolves who left or came into the building. “Want one?” She asked, a smirk decorating her face as she held out her pack of cigarettes to the person who looked at her for too long. “Or are you just a fan of staring?” @charmingstarter​

Rendezvous was a hot spot when it came to the sites and attractions in Charming. Therefore, it was a no brainer that different people from all walks of life would choose to spend their night life here. However, when it came to technicalities such as which territory belonged to who, it was distinct despite being skewed. At the end of the day, anyone can show up anywhere, so as long as they are aware of where they were at. Therefore, it was an amusing sight to see Kaia right outside the establishment, looking like fine wine against her bike as Estella approached her. “I have my own love, but thank you.” replied the treasurer as she stuffed her hands into her designer trench coat. “I wouldn’t say I’m a fan, especially when I have plenty of women to gaze at in here...Hell even in Mayhem.” she mused while gesturing a nod at the night club. “Don’t tell me you’re out here doing an obvious stakeout? You know...while we’re at it, it doesn’t hurt to join the dark side love.” 

The fact that Estella was the kind of woman who would talk about kicking ass in heels, was the exact reason she adored the other. The elegance the other had while carrying herself was something she was jealous of but in the best way possible. There was something so uniquely bad ass about the other which was why Eris could stand her honestly. “Yeah I think I’d rather be barefoot if that happened.” Scoffing a little because while the woman next to her was quite graceful, she herself was not. Doubled with a dress she could hardly move in and heels that were barely staying on as it were, it wouldn’t be pretty.

“No need to sit, I’ll survive.” Turning to give the two masked men another look, Eris was a little interested in whatever type of fun Estella was meaning. Because while there was the tone implying nothing good would actually happen, she wasn’t quite sure what direction she was going in. “If by fun you mean shoot down any chance of those two having a chance with you, then I’m in.” Sure it made sense for either of them to be looked at admiringly tonight because between the two of them, lots of skin was showing. Except she was quite sure that neither were Estella’s type.

A sly smile started spreading at the next question as she was quite sure the other already knew her answer. “You bet I am, and I’m almost certain more than half the people in this hall are.” Noting for the first time just exactly how many people in here both Wolves and MC members would likely be just as prepared. “Especially after last time.” That made the night even more interesting with tensions high and an unease about the place that surely others could feel as well. 

“I don’t blame you, I totally understand the appeal.” Estella remembered her time where she had to endure wearing her first pair of Louboutins and as much as it was a luxury staple for many women’s wardrobes, they were a bitch to wear that she’ll never understand the hype of it all. “If you say so love, just let me know if the standing gets too much. You need your limbs to work...just in case.” And by ‘just in case’, it was gearing towards the fact that they’ll need it in order to run. Better to be safe than sorry right? Chuckling lowly, she nodded to confirm Eris’ assumption and added, “Mhm...If we want some form of entertainment for tonight, then they can certainly serve it. Although in the meantime, let’s keep our options open...The night is still young...” 

FEATURING  —  @estellalaurent​

STATUS  —  Closed

LOCATION  —  Town Hall

          The masquerade was in full swing and people seemed to be having a good time. Well, most people. Rebecca had gotten dressed up and been excited about the whole thing, but as soon as she had entered, her eyes had found those of her ex-husband and she’d fled towards the bar. Since running into her ex hadn’t even been on her list of possible scenarios for the night, the tone had been set and the rest of the night was all downhill from there. When somebody approached the bar, getting a little too close to Rebecca for her liking, the woman moved away not even bothering to look at the other as annoyance boiled in her chest, “Dude, a little space please?” She said as her eyes moved up and when she noticed who the other was a blush crept up her cheeks and she backed away another step. Estella and Rebecca had had a fling a few years back when Estella had been traveling and Rebecca needed a moment of fun in the sea of her own workload. The fact that she was now face to face with the woman with whom she’d done a number of depraved things, came as a surprise. A flustered Rebecca cleared her throat, “Just when I thought this night couldn’t get any worse” She spoke mostly to herself, before shook her head. “Why are you here?” The confusion was evident in her voice, as she tilted her head to the side and looked the other square in the eye.

What a blast from the past. 

Truthfully, Estella wouldn’t initiate any sort interaction unless it’s needed. She was the type that allowed others to gravitate towards her. However, when Rebecca Song stood out of the crowd and headed for the bar, she couldn’t pass up on an opportunity to reunite again. It’s why she was currently by her side, finding the woman’s reaction amusing to her presence. “You make it seem like I bite...Although last time I checked you seemed to enjoy it.” A playful smirk crept onto her lips as she leaned against the bar and took a good look at her. “You look stunning for someone who’s all hot and bothered. Why the face babe? Out of everyone in this fucking room, I end up gravitating towards you. You shouldn’t take it for granted.” It’s been a while, yes and she should be considerate of the timing and the place, but truthfully she too was surprised to see Rebecca here. “Why am I attending this event? Or why am I existing in general?” Cutting her some slack, she waved at the bartender for a drink and explained, “I’m here to show face, plus why miss the opportunity to dress up. How about you? Have a hot date or are you here for some fancy fun times?” 

Sid liked to think he was a simple man, and there was a simple pleasure in the banter and scathing looks that usually ensued in his exchanges with Estella Laurent, among other things. Perhaps he was more of a masochist than he realized. Though there was no turning back when he approached her, drinking in the way the deep green satin of her dressed hugged her every curve. A smirk making it’s way on his face as he shot down the bartender before facing her from where he leaned against the bar, “The cape kept getting caught on my fender, so it had to go.” He said with about as much seriousness he was capable of. “Don’ know if I should risk my balls on taking a gab at whatever look you were going for, though swamp things the first to cross my mind.”

The close proximity could have warranted some form of retaliation on Estella’s end. However, this was Sid and so, she allowed it—for now that is. VP or not, she didn’t care, if she had to make a point, she will. “Hm, fair enough. Smart thinking on your part for once.” It wasn’t until he spoke further, that Estella paused to take a long sip of her drink, before taking the time to fully turn her body and face him from where she sat. “If it helps your case, then any man’s balls is at risk for whenever they open their mouths. I’d advise you tread lightly, but knowing you...” She stopped and allowed him to finish his statement off, “—and there it is. Look everyone’s entitled to their opinions love, if that’s yours then you’ll have to deal with this swamp thing get up.” Dark hues averted towards their surroundings and the crowds of people, “Have you even been enjoying yourself so far? Or are you bored out of your mind that you decided to become the fashion police?” 

time: evening

for: @sidmillervp​

Estella finally caught a break as she perched herself up on a stool, drinking silently by the bar. Her reserved demeanour meant that she was in no mood to deal with anyone, not when she had just gone through her fair share of interactions. Now she just needed to recharge with the help of alcohol. However, judging by the familiar presence near her...She internally spoke too soon. “You just have impeccable timing...” she pointed out in a flat tone as she glanced up at Sid. “You look like a knock off Bruce Wayne that’s facing an identity crisis by the way.” The mask didn’t help, but then again this whole event made the majority of patrons look like a knock off character. 

for: @estellalaurent

Normally, Zeke wouldn’t even try bothering to make conversation with Estella and not because he didn’t want to but because she easily had him stumbling over his words with just a simple look. She could trip him, push him down the ground and he’d turn around to start apologizing. Plus, someone that looked like her? He simply wasn’t worthy which could easily go for their leader as well. Tonight though, he was enjoying himself too much and having at it with the drinks that came with it. He was carrying two in hand which one was originally meant for someone else but when he saw Estella he couldn’t resist going up this time, holding out the drink for her. “Fancy a drink?” What a stupid opening line, he thought to himself. Idiot. When he was sober he’d replay that in his head for a while. 

Estella’s smile was forced as she was speaking to a group of individuals about her business. It was inevitable small talk, but she had no choice if she wanted to maintain clientele. Silently, she prayed for some sort of miracle to come her way and what do you know? It came in the form of Zeke Braxton. “Hello.” she greeted, slightly caught off guard by his actions. Normally, he was a fumbling mess—even when she wasn’t saying anything to him. Glancing down at the drink he was offering, Estella took this as her cue and silently accepted it before linking her arms with him and dragging him off. Looking over her shoulders, she bid her goodbyes and waved, before finally meeting his gaze and taking a brief sip of her drink. “...God that was a pain in my fucking ass.” she muttered under her breath. “—You sure you didn’t get lost Mister Braxton? I’m quite surprised by this little offering.” She then lifted the back of her hand and placed it against his forehead, “Hm, not sick either. I’ll settle and assume that you’ve drank some liquid courage no?” 

Getting dressed up was not her idea of fun, but when the Mayor had these great ideas to hold events, she knew she’d be there. Lately it seemed like any kind of real action in town took place at these things and she wasn’t about to miss it. Not when someone she actually cared for would more than likely be there. So begrudgingly she paid the money for a ticket, bought a mask and showed up like everyone else. And she really meant it, everyone who was anyone in town was inside dressed to the nines. The masks were a nice touch but it was getting a little difficult to decipher who was who behind the lace and the feathers plastered to everyone’s faces.

Glancing around she cursed the idea of having to wear the masks in the first place as her eyes settled on a woman that instantly she felt better upon seeing. While she felt ridiculous in a dress that barely stood out, Estella was the exact opposite in a deep emerald dress that really looked rather good. And of course looked to be easily chatting with everyone that came up to her. Eris certainly didn’t miss having to play nice with the townsfolk and smiled as the woman approached her. “I might just stick to my usual attire after this, my feet are already killing me.” Regretting her choice of heels not thirty minutes into the night. “Thank you, though. You on the other hand are quite literally grabbing the attention of every man near you.” Nodding her head at the two guys to their right who clearly needed to work on their manners. 

“You really think tonight is all about boosting the sense of community in town?” Lowering her voice a bit once the other got closer.

Putting civilians, the MC, and a notorious gang all in one area where they’re wearing masks and concealing their identities (which were either a hit or miss), then that right there was considered a recipe for disaster. It’s why Estella had to hand it to their mayor...Should any bloodshed were to occur, then at that point she wouldn’t be surprised if another one of them winded up shot dead. Too soon perhaps? At this rate, she was counting on it. For now, she was going to have to enjoy the festivities for what it is, while maintaining her guard.

“Ah, the heels are always a bitch. Try kicking ass in them...” Estella agreed with a low hum. “And they say women aren’t capable of anything.” That came out as a bitter mutter as she glanced around for vacant seats. “Would you like to find some place to sit?” She didn’t mind having to accommodate Eris. Her lips then into a gentle smile as she nodded, “Anytime hun and you are too kind. Is that so? I try not to disappoint you know...” Dark hues averted over to the two men who chose to oogle at them and a playful thought crossed her mind. “Since we look this good, perhaps we can have our fair share of ‘fun’ tonight.” And by fun, it wasn’t the type that worked out in those men’s favour...The treasurer was ruthless like that. 

time: evening 

for: @wickederis​​

Estella’s been to plenty events such as this, therefore every opportunity she had to dress up wasn’t taken for granted. In a place like Charming where the heat and the dirt roads don’t normally align with the glitz and glam, she was surprised to see that in the end it was capable of such. With the assistance of her entourage, she hopped out of her Escalade and entered in with them as they maintained a safe distance. It was a Laurent thing when it came to having security and ever since she got shot a few events ago, she decided to not waste any chances and increase it. Her name isn’t something one threw under the rug. She came from money and those in Charming are aware of the impact the Laurent family has made in both the infrastructure, as well as the transports of goods and services. Therefore, it was a no brainer for her to be protected. 

Gesturing a hand, she waved her crew off and began greeting the familiar faces that came her way. Clients, previous associates, etcetera, it was all formalities—even when they were wearing  a mask. However, the Treasurer had a goal in mind and it was to keep these interactions short. The mayor’s choice of hosting this event didn’t sit well with her and so, she planned on sticking with the Wolves rather than letting loose and have fun. Noticing Eris a few feet away, she briefly shook hands with her current companions before dismissing herself and striding over to her. “Evening love.” she called out as she eyed her from head to toe. “You look absolutely beautiful tonight. You should dress up more often...You almost had me fooled for someone else.” 

Lowlifes - maybe it was harsh, the way that however many beers could make him. But even sober, he’d have a hard time arguing the inaccuracy of it. He was comfortable with where he found himself in the big picture of things - he mattered to the MC and the people he kept close, he liked to think. But beyond that? He knew his value outside of Charming. At best, it was locked up - two hots and a cot, courtesy of the American tax payers for however many years they’d managed to pin on him. At worst? A stray bullet and box of ashes. He was prepared for either, and figured that was a contributing factor in his success thus far - when you can clearly see yourself and your lot in life, you found ways of working within those limitations. There was the added value of turning into the term as well - after it was accepted out loud, those overhearing could one day trip on it in their underestimation of just how dangerous a lowlife could be. 

Stray wasn’t sure quite sure what angle this woman was coming from, but the hairs at the back of his neck let him know it was best to be underestimated, in her case. 

“It’s bullshit,” he said to the cliche, “it isn’t everything. But it isn’t nothin’, either.” Sometimes all you got was a first impression.

Stray tilted the bottle of beer back, polishing off what remained inside, and refocused on her face as he set it back down (as best he could as the room spun it’s slow, wobbling circles around them). “Well, glad t’ ‘ave been of service, y'highess,” he chucked to her assessment through a crooked grin. “We all got our vices, eh?”

The treasurer tilted her head and arched her brow at his response. “Bullshit.” she repeated with a hint of amusement. She could see his perspective, in fact she could see both sides of it. They take what they can get and sometimes, it’s not enough. “Hm, fair enough.” She can roll with that take, it’s matter of what you can give and take. “Well, in this case I hope that my cover isn’t nothing then? I’d like to think I leave a lasting impression on others.”  

Rolling her eyes, she let out a laugh and nodded, “Estella.” she corrected. “Truthfully, I’d rather be royalty elsewhere than here.” Although Charming was her stomping grounds and she lived here for the majority of her life, being in the underground business wasn’t all glitz and glam nor an actual life of luxury. She may have the image of living like it now, but trying to upkeep it was a drag at most. “Mhm, we do and your is?...Other than getting shit faced in a place like this.” 

abraham knew that estella was one of the few he had any sort of thing in common with. that was why the conversation seemed to flow easily. he was chuckling and motioning to the bar tender for a refill,” one of the girls attacked an idiot so i had to smooth shit over but that was an easy fix.” it was one of the smaller problems that he had to deal with. even if he hated dealing with stuff at mayhem maidens he knew that he had to handle it. mostly because the manager couldn’t handle everything. he waited for his refill and was going to pick it up again,” always better to be prepared,” he agreed,” that is also very true.” he was going to take a sip and cleared his throat,” well said, it takes a lot to instill fear in me but i’ll stick with being paranoid.” 

Learning about the incident, Estella rolled her eyes and raised her glass, “As she should.” She took another sip and shook her head in disappointment, “Oh good, it’s the usual occurrence. It could have been worse.” It’d be a god damn miracle at this point if such events weren’t to happen, but unfortunately it was the norm around here. “Always. The advantage has its perks.” A knowing smile crept onto her lips as she nodded in agreement, “Mhm, in this line of business? Fear is something one needs to adapt to. Well, let’s hope we get a break for now. Cleaning up bloodstains on my designer fits? Not a fun task, let alone a pain to replace.”