Igor Vasile

Anya had been getting her footing, that was for sure, in Chicago. The good thing was that she was wildly adaptable, as she had been always moving since the age of four, always hustling, always working an angle. This angle, however, was more than special, because who was number two in charge now? Her son, Lavrentii. On the surface, Anya was just a little old babushka, but on the inside, she was a lethal weapon, who had killed many in her wake and had succeeded in every takedown she had ever attempted. Why should this be any different? It would take patience though, a lot of patience, and the right angle. 

Walking into the Vasile kitchen, she had brought in her groceries, smiling. “I bring back good, organic good from store. It was big store, named Complete Foods? Is that it? Oh, no. Whole Foods. It was mob scene. All in line to get an organic ginger spice double nutrients tea. Why Americans so obsessed with fake tea? If you want health, you drink two shots of vodka with pickle juice. That brings good luck and prosperity. You do not need tea.” She sighed, unloading some groceries. “Will you help me put some away? I want some healthy things for my little grandbaby girl when she is here. She will need good food. And quick, before blonde girl with big eyes and knock off designer heels comes barking in. Crazy girl.” 

Igor was working on some incomplete cases. He was reading through his laptop and ignoring the many people that would come-and-go throughout the mansion. He decided to do his work outside so he could interact with people and grow more of a relationship with them. It didn’t occur to him until the room was silent that he hadn’t spoken to anyone. While he was typing up some notes he heard Anya making her way towards the kitchen. He curiously shut his computer and approached her.

“Let me.” He said, helping her gather the bags an putting up the assorted goods. “Americans seem to have such interests in a lot of fake things. I don’t understand this obsession.” He responded with a soft smile. He wasn’t sure whom she was talking about, but decided to put the food away in silence. After a few moments he turned to look at her. “Are you adapting well being in this country?” He asked.

“Experience from my home town, for me, not so much movies. Just, watch and observe the people is how I came to the conclusion that you’re drinking a bit too much. You should slow down. Try to enjoy the alcohol first and ease into drinking more. You’ll learn to find your limits.” He sounded like a teacher giving her life advice. 

He remembered drinking when he was younger to the point of sleeping in the park. His friends would just drink vodka like it was water, those times, weren’t his favorite. He hated getting sick and not being able to operate the next day. After he had gotten drunk a few times in his life he knew he never wanted to get to that point again.

“Build your own? No. I just got here. Maybe, you can show me?” He asked. “I’m Igor and you?”

Tulsa decided that tonight she was going to get drunk for the first time in her life. Honestly, she should’ve decided to do this with someone she trusted to make sure she got home safely after she had all her fun but she was afraid that if she’d stopped to call someone she would’ve talked herself out of it. With a margarita in hand, a rose in her hair, Tulsa was three drinks in and having the time of her life. “Oh my god, my limbs feel like they’re floating right now!” She twirled around the dance floor with a smile on her face, “Is this what getting drunk feels like? Why doesn’t everyone do this?”

Igor wasn’t really interested in this American phenomenon that was bar crawls. He didn’t really see the appeal to just going from bar after bar just drinking away. It would have probably been something he was curious about when he was younger, but growing up in Russia, you drank anywhere. Americans looked like small children wanting to explore. It was even funnier seeing the age group that did partake in this event. Still, he had decided to bond with his family and go out with them.

While he was drinking some bourbon he felt someone next to him. She sounded already intoxicated and from the looks of it, her dreadful dancing, she was. He pursed his lips, deciding not to respond to her, and took a long drink from his cup. 

She was still talking. “First time?” He asked, realizing she wasn’t going away.

what was the last thing your character deeply regretted?

When I first came to this country I was faced with many trials. It was difficult for me to adapt, due to cultural differences, and language barriers. The family that I had built up in my head were isolated from me due to my own false judgements. I believed they wanted to keep me from learning about their lives. I thought this Russian-American family, might as well be, just typical Americans. I judged them on how they acted towards me and it resulted in me choosing to isolate myself. Another year has passed and I have started to come out of my shell, so to speak. I am more open with people, developed stronger friendships with my cousins, and have learned to express myself.

It’s hard when you come from such a soviet country where you’re used to doing things in this way. There’s no small talk, no friendly hello’s on the street, and the people are driven towards working hard. I thought some of my family were just these lazy or stupid people. There was even a point in my life where I was willing to leave it all behind. Move out completely from the Vasile manor and focus on just getting money and running back home. I have more of a voice now because I have chosen to work through my relationships with them. We might still have different opinions over certain topics but that is the beauty of family. We can have those differences but you will always know they have your back.

My family are strong people and I have seen what they would do to people who betray them or hurt them. The moment I witnessed someone get tortured because they tried inflicting pain on me was the realization that they will protect me. I will do whatever I can do protect my family and the people close to my family. I regret the ill thoughts I had towards them and will work on myself. I am a Vasile and I will not run away from my problems. I will show these people that I am here for them and I will get them out of difficult situations no problem.

Oh, that was a nice reaction. Nadia liked to get a rise out of absolutely everyone and anyone and it was nice to see something like that come out of the clean cut Igor Vasile, who prided himself on working so hard. Nadia knew how hard he worked, and she only teased because it was just so completely and utterly fun to see the color change in a person’s eyes when they were caught off guard. It was all just fun to her, a button to be pressed, and she certainly had with Igor. She rested her hand on the table with her propped up elbow and smirked. “Ah, someone is quite defensive. I would understand that, darling. Russian men are supposed to be made of steel, made of ice. They are never to break. They’re made for war. What are you made for? Arguing? That’s sweet.” Nadia carelessly sipped at her drink, sighing. 

“Begging like small children? Darling, if those people wanted out, they don’t ask you. They simply get themselves out. Break free, kill a guard, die in the process. They’re not asking the nice, proper Russian man in a suit and with a briefcase for tips. You’re not the ones the soldiers go to. You’re the one they pay, sometimes, when they’re too old to kill and break free.” She tilted her head to the side and let out a big smile. “Cruel with words? I don’t think so. I like this game. You know how much I love a reaction. Any reaction.” 

Igor listened to Nadia talk about Russian men as if she were ever one to begin with. She wasn’t like him, she didn’t understand how hard he mentally had to work day-in-and-day-out. He would have to be a chameleon, try to woo a jury so they’d be on his side. It was difficult saving a client that he knew had committed a heinous act. She’d have zero knowledge over that lifestyle and no matter how he’d try to convince her it was pointless. It was like leading a cow and forcing him to drink water. Sometimes, there was just no point if they’re not willing to drink it. 

“I’m made to make money the way I want to make money. If it comes own to arguing, sure, why not? I win enough.” He responded. “Not many people are like you, Nadia. If you want to die in that way, by being stupid, sure do such things. Next time you get caught, my job will be to protect you, because you are part of this family. I look after my family. If you want to kill someone I will work hard to make sure you’re set free. You don’t have to do things on your own.”

Their unusual relationship was something he wondered about constantly. He did see Nadia as a selfish person, and yet, he saw her as someone who could have that ability to look after those she saw worthy enough to care for. It was best to be on her good side.

“You like torture. I know this. It’s the reaction you wanted. The reaction I fell for. Even I am not some robot. Sometimes, it’s hard to process the things you say.” He offered a small smile. “You can be difficult.” 

The machines are way too fucking loud for him. Between that weird ass Pac-Man noise and Mortal Kombat catchphrases, plus all the fucking rest — Lev is pretty fucking overwhelmed. Even still, it’s not the chaos of his environment that puts his nerves on edge but instead the way he can’t fucking see what is happening or who might be coming in the fucking door on a busy Friday night. He’s taking a moment to himself, stepping out of the constant cacophony and into the adjacent room, a rental space. It’s only as his ass drops into a fucking seat that he catches the movement out of the corner of his eye. Doesn’t even look up, too focused on fishing the half-smoked joint out of a cigarette pack. “Bathrooms are down that hall.” In the near distance, the cheers of drinking buddies, excited over who fucking cares what. “And this bar is not fucking open.”​

What really was Igor doing at such an establishment? He felt so out of place wearing his nice suit and shoes. He couldn’t help but look around and take in the arcade games. Such simple games that even he could remember he hated while growing up. The boys in school would play them and he’d remember dismissing every time they would send him an invitation. It wasn’t until they stopped when he realized, even today, he was always pushing people away. 

He walked through the room and immediately took noticed of Lev sitting in the adjacent room. He stepped inside, greeted with slight hostility, and examined the cigarette pack. When Lev spoke up, he tightened his mouth, and crossed his arms.

“I wouldn’t use those toilets anyways.” He responded. “Lev, hello. I would ask how you are doing but even the dumbest person in the room could tell what’s on your mind.” He carefully approached Lev and reached into his pocket. “Can I smoke in here?” 

Nadia shrugged, as if it unphased her to hear just how beautiful she was. She already knew. “Beauty in this room is already all used up. It’s a shame, isn’t it, that it’s all mine? I think it’s just darling that you think I don’t know that, dear Igor.” She laughed, spooning some pasta into her mouth as she listened to him speak. She always did like Igor, she truly did, and liked that he was always a good person to come to, someone who would hear her bullshit, her ranting, while also feeding her ego and calling her beautiful. All of that was good to have in a friendship, if Nadia even had friendships. They were far from normal friendships, but friendships all the same. She chewed, looking over at him, arching an eyebrow. 

“Only 200k? Darling, you can do better. Open up your own goddamn firm. Vasile’s Associates. Do something like that. You’ll be making that kind of shit money forever if you don’t step up. Lazy, lazy, lazy. The old country just hates laziness, don’t they? I think when you have Russian parents, things are different. Mine were Russian and my father was British, so truly, they worked until they were blue in the face. Could explain why I grew up so wealthy, hmm?” Nadia smiled. “I don’t mind what I say to you, darling. I know you know if you told anyone what I said I’d have you gutted and brewed over my tea.” She looked up, tilting her head to the side and giggled out a little laugh. “I joke, darling, I promise.” 

Another gulp of the pasta as she looked over at Igor again. “You never thought, darling, that you could be a soldier instead, with violence and a gun, rather than sitting behind some desk all day defending the likes of us? It’s a curious thing. I would make rather be a soldier.” 

Those words were eating up Igor alive. He hated the idea of someone perceiving him as lazy or not motivated enough to make more money. He wanted to make her eat those words. He knew his salary was good enough for some people, but for someone like Nadia, she expected him to be incredibly wealthy. Even if on paper Igor had his career going smoothly, lavish penthouse, and intellect she still found a way to make him feel less than. It was easy for him to express this frustration on his face.

 The room felt colder and he felt distant. 

“No shit.” He spewed. “I will make more money. It all takes patience and hard work. Trust me, I don’t just settle with comfort. I work my fucking ass off. Я работаю больше, чем эти ленивые американцы.“ 

It was when she said she was joking. He hated jokes. He knew deep down Nadia was judging him and he just wanted to--

What is she talking about? 

There was something so tranquil about leaving his penthouse and staying for a night or two at the Vasile manor. He was always welcomed to live here, as the others, but Igor enjoyed his privacy. Every once in a blue moon he’d come back and listen to his music while working. No one really said anything, since he rarely had people coming into his space, except for Nadia. She liked invading his space. Igor was working on some cases and tried to clear his mind to write up paperwork. While he was going through the files he could hear the sound of Italian music playing through the corridors. Rare. This wasn’t the usual music he’d grown accustomed to.

He left his room and traveled towards the direction of the music. Inside was Gabriel working on some paperwork. Igor leaned against the doorframe and studied his space. He was always the type to just watch and learn. He knew of Gabriel from work and was relieved that they had a common interest. Igor figured it would be in good form to just say hello. 

“Your music. It’s so nice.” He took a warning step inside to sense if it was okay before going deeper into the room. “Gabriel, it’s good to see you. I don’t think we’ve ever had the opportunity to really talk. We’re both so busy.” He directed his attention to his paperwork. “What are you working on?” He asked.

the hand on her chin was enough to encourage her to continue the show of intimacy she was glad that igor was more open to expressing his intimacy and wanting to show affection in physical ways. once he was in front of her and pushing her towards the couch, she sat down, pulling him by his shirt and briefly breaking the kiss to look up at him. a small smile creeping on her face before she brought her lips up to his again.

Igor threw his shirt over his head on the ground. He pressed his lips passionately against hers, feeling his breathing intensify, as he continued planting rough kisses on her. Whatever conversation they were having before about his family and meeting friends was irrelevant. He only had one thing on his mind. His tongue trailed from her neck down to the collar of her shirt. 

It was during intermission when Igor knew it was time to leave. He knew that being in the theater meant catastrophe and the last thing he wanted to do was get caught up. While Igor was heading out of the theater and into the lobby, he headed for the emergency exit doors, and headed outside. He started looking for people that were part of the family or an associate. While he was looking he immediately heard the explosion. This caused him to flinch and jump, he reached for something to grab hold of to steady himself, and started breathing heavy. 

“Fuck.” He said, gaining composure and taking long strides towards someone who looked familiar. 

He stared at Gabe and headed towards the sound of his whistle. His face was unreadable, and only he wanted to get out of there, before even more chaos occurred. 

“great, i can’t wait to finally meet them.” she grinned, resting a hand on his arm. “i haven’t, i used to go all the time back home but once i came to the states i never went. opera’s are a lot more formal, this is like a little bit more relaxed but since this is a premiere so it’s a bit more formal.” she said.

she leaned back against him placing her arms over him enjoying the feeling of his skin against hers. sometimes igor wasn’t that fond of intimacy so when they were this close and being this cuddly she took advantage of it. “we do have other things to do.” she said craning her neck to kiss him back.

Igor snickered. “You say this now, but you haven’t met Nadia. She can be different type of person to get to know. She’s okay. She bakes and I am sure she would like you.” He responded. “Anton, well, you know him already. He’s good people...My family will like you I am sure of it.” He was half sure if he was even ready to have that sort of conversation with his aunt about Veronica. 

Would they really allow her to be part of the family? Would he have to give up on creating a relationship with her? There were so many questions running through his head. He just wanted her and him to succeed, and succeeding meant, both of them excelling in their careers and making some money. 

He felt her hands slide across his skin. He closed his eyes and savored the feeling. He didn’t mind her being this intimate with him. He loved having sex but he was used to not being overly affectionate. People back home just acted differently to show affection. She kissed him back and from the alcohol they had before allowed Igor to act aggressive. His hand roughly cupped the back of her head to swallow her in kisses. 

Igor stood up and turned around to face her. He kissed her passionately, each kiss more aggressive than the next, until he instinctively felt he was pushing her towards the couch. He pressed her body against his and guided her on the plush cushions. Igor crawled on top of her and trailed kisses on her neck. 

Igor had a great memory and seeing Edith at the event was something he wasn’t expecting. When she had called out for him and said happy birthday to him made him feel somewhat like a celebrity. He didn’t like people hovering over him and it did make him uncomfortable, but every once in a while, he’d take the compliments gratefully. 

“Thank you.” He responded. “Is it really? Happy birthday to you.” He crossed his arms and responded. “I am seeing people in the play. I have friends who are part of the cast. I thought it would be a nice celebration to spend my birthday here and support my friends.” He looked down at his suit, knowing he looked great, he humbly accepted her compliment. “Thank you, you as well. You look beautiful.” 

Igor was shocked to hear from someone that they didn’t have a resolution. He was relieved that she wasn’t amongst the same typical crowd that would say they wanted to lose weight. It was an honest  response and he respected her for it. 

“Not crazy at all.” He  grinned. “In fact, I think it’s the most logical answer. It is pointless.” He grabbed his drink and took another sip of it. “Are you planning on continuing drinking with  me?  I don’t like drinking alone.” It was a slight lie. He  enjoyed her company, and even if he preferred drinking in solitary, she  was someone he  wouldn’t mind talking to.

He coyly played with the stem of his glass and formed a small smile.”Yes. I suppose so.” He wasn’t sure how to respond to her joke. He didn’t find it funny. The alcohol was at least helping him to act somewhat social. He turned on the bar stool and gave her his undivided attention when she spoke about the musical. 

Of course he was looking forward to this night. He knew his family was planning something big tonight. Igor wasn’t planning on staying the entire night inside the room. He had other plans that involved celebrating his birthday and following through with the plan the Vasile’s had. 

“I am. I have only been to ballet’s and plays in Russia. It would be nice change to see something in America. Musicals are popular here from what I read about. Do you have anyone as part of the cast?” He wondered.