The Ghost

Did you sponsor a kid mister oh-so-generous?

I did not, no. I’m used to being behind the scenes at these kinds of things.  

Thank you for the hint, highly appreciated. 

Hey, anything to help. I like to think I’m extremely generous.

The Russian couldn’t help but giggle as he teased her, shaking her head as she followed him away from the majority of party patrons. It was strange, the way she was feeling upon seeing him again: the familiarity of the ‘old’ Anthony was comforting, in a way it lulled her into a false sense of security, that things were going to be the way they’d always been between the two of them. Yet as the Russian princess’s eyes found the floor as the pair walked to the couches to sit down for a moment, she found herself being reminded of what she’d told him in the hospital, and the battle between her thoughts ensued, distracting her from the event for a moment.

“You know me, always have to be ‘that’ guy. It appeals to the women.” Tony teased with a soft chuckle before nodding and rubbing his shaved face. “Thank you, though.” Without skipping a beat, Anthony continued to avoid any awkward confrontation. “So I’m sure you’re more than ecstatic that everything going so well? Y’know, scheduling, lights, food, no killing, the usual party details in Launceston.” 

Stepping outside into the cool air, Mikhail inhaled deeply letting the cold air fill his lungs. He forgot how tiresome and overwhelming these functions could be. Being around self-indulgent, shallow, fake people was draining, the French smiling through gritted teeth, the Italians rolling their eyes. At least the Israelis were as abrasive in that room as they were in real life, which was a bit refreshing. He wondering if people ever tired of being uptight pieces of shit, comparing themselves to others, making sure they came out on top. Taking the pack of cigarettes out of his pants, tapped them against his palm until one wriggled free. Placing it between his lips, he closed his eyes and lit it soaking in the calm it gave him. It no wonder they all killed each other, almost everyone in there was annoying as fuck. 

The Italian needed a moment away from the crowd. His head, although much better than the initial concussion, still ached. The  noise and choice of individuals inside didn't help that one bit. Granted he was neutral in alliances, his opinions were still biased on the families in the city.So being around so many Russians and French put him on edge. Every event he had been to in the past, where more than one family was present, was interrupted to say the least. Walking outside, he didn't notice the Russian standing next to him as he stuck the cigarette between his lips. A low grumble in his chest formed as he failed to find a light in his pockets. Turning to the man next to him with his eyes focused on his pockets, he casually spoke, not recognizing Mikhail. "You have a light?"

She hadn’t been expecting to see him tonight… frankly, Sofia hadn’t seen him since that evening in the hospital. Her mind was busy, fluttering to and fro, making sure that everything was perfect, exactly the way she’d planned it, the real-life replicate of the images that she’d had in her head while she’d been planning this event… that was partly why it took her a moment to recognize the Italian when she first saw him, still recovering from the nerves that presented themselves upon speaking to the room full of benefactors, as well as Launceston’s elite.

On the exterior, Anthony was calm and collected toward the Russian, just as she was to him. But on the inside he was nervous to all hell considering how rocky the two had been. As she accepted the rose, the Italian felt a weight rise off his chest. Sofia could've easily denied the gesture and be justified but she didn't. Instead he saw the surprise gently take over her features as he just caught her soft thank you.The smile remained as he nodded in reply before following her lead away from the front. 

This place is so fancy, I don’t know which fork to stab myself with.

I say the salad fork looks like a good choice.

Good evening, everyone!

Being at that event was something Anthony felt obligated to do. By no means was it against his will; the cause was enough to make him care to attend. But showing Sofia in even the slightest way that he wasn’t going ghost was something he needed to do. Plus the fact that he knew she put a lot of work into everything. The woman deserved the support. 

This was totally worth coming out of my hole for.Everything looks amazing. I’m actually really looking forward to the evening, even if I don’t trust the building we’re all standing in. 

You and me both. With all of what you just said actually.

You’re right. I don’t feel bad. It’s kind of amusing , actually.

This? I actually just got back from seeing my totaled Ducati. The only thing really salvaged was this beat up helmet that saved my ass. I have to find it in me to replace her. 

Yeah, seeing someone without that seasoned look it’s almost like a breath of fresh air.

That’s why this city is a place a lot of people have to take a break from. But that’s what makes this place “special” in a shitty way. Gotta have some sort of backbone to live here.

This is why I shouldn’t be allowed near kids. I’m a walking nasty joke hazard.

Fuck it, a little therapy wont hurt the kid. Don’t feel bad about it. Something tells me you already don’t though. I have to remind myself that kids require forms of censorship. Censorship I tend to lack from time to time. 

Oh, god. Do you think we scarred that kid from the next table for life?

Lets just say that he might not ever come back to this place. 

I didn’t go in dry though.

Hey, they don’t call me Niagara falls for nothing.

If I knew it was your first time, I would have been more gentle. 

I bit a pillow, don’t worry.

I did and I feel no shame. Dad jokes are the best.

Alright.. You have my attention now. Can’t say a woman has ever made me speechless from a dad joke before. Guess there really is a first for everything. I’m Tony.