never ending

Julianna knew Valentina wasn’t here to “check out her competition.” She knew this because she and Valentina were similar, and Julianna would never go to El Diablo to “check out her competition.” There would be a motive behind it, something deeper. So naturally, Julianna assumed Valentina had a motive, too. Julianna gave her bartender a nod when he returned with the drinks, and she slid her drink over so it was close in front of her, but she didn’t take a sip.

“Your bar was doing just fine last I heard,” Julianna responded. Sure, she didn’t know her financial situation exactly, but obviously she checked up on the Navarro family. She knew El Diablo was never empty. “Try again.” If Valentina was going to feed her a lie, she needed to feed Julianna a better one.

Even when Valentina was at her lowest, she was always searching for the next thing. Always on her feet, getting herself into some kind of trouble. Maybe it was because living on the edge, too high on adrenaline to think about the fear was the only way she knew how to go through life. It was easy not to think about consequences that way, when your mind was far too busy to ever stop.

But looking at Julianna brought back that nasty little pause in her brain, forced to think about what she was doing. She hadn’t come to Hopper’s with any plan in mind, but seeing the eldest Ross sibling was something even she couldn’t prepare herself for. Seeing her reminded Valentina of the shreds of guilt she felt towards the others situation. She’d sent flowers at the time, offering her condolences. But unlike her brothers and others who had done the same, hers was genuine, despite the information she held. “I never got to speak with you personally after I heard what happened to your father. I know what it’s like to lose someone you love dearly.” Her words were said with the utmost sincerity, the kind that she couldn’t even fake. Taking a pause, as well as a sip of her drink, Valentina pressed down on her lips before looking at Julianna yet again. “I know we aren’t really on the same side of many things, but I’d be kicking myself if I never got to reach out.”

location: literally any antique furniture shop

open starter.

It was to be expected that the city was on edge - even months after the deed was done. Roman liked to go against the grain, the path less travelled was where all the opportunity laid. Any Tom, Dick, and Harry could be consumed with the whispers on the streets but that shit would kill you quicker than a bullet. His fingers thumbed a price tag on a particular lamp. He might have no need to worry about money (ever) but one didn’t get rich by blowing all their money on stupid shit. It was a Tiffany lamp, circa the 40s. Taking out his phone, he snapped a photo. It was a lovely piece but he wasn’t quite sold on it. There was room for a new bar cart in his office that he needed to prioritize. “That lamp is truly a diamond in the rough. I’d recommend it, if you’re going to get anything.”

Unlike most of her brothers, Valentina had spent a large part of her formative years in the U.S., dazzled by everything the country had to offer her. She wasn’t nearly as impressed by the old as she was by the new. The same could be said about her tastes. It was just one of the ways that Valentina and her eldest brother differed. While she usually just laughed off to amount of pictures of old furniture that had no appeal to her, she was determined to at least try and enjoy herself during the holiday season. Which meant getting gifts and pretending she was perfectly fine. So, she may or may not have followed Roman into an antique shop hoping for some gift inspiration. “Hm, not really my style. But, I do think mom would love it.” She wasn’t planning on making any comments about the shop, but when she did, she made sure that there weren’t any employees around who could hear her words. “Does it always smell like old people here?”

Milo smiled as she offered him another cigarette, picking it from the pack. Like brother like sister, apparently. “I’m sure somethin’ will get to me before it’s my lungs,” He noted, just looking at their family history. What they did for a living wasn’t conventional, it was dangerous. He knew that this was what they were born into, the lives that they were given. And he of course loved the money that came with his position. But there was always something in the back of his mind, the thought of Phoebe and Matteo losing him. He couldn’t let that happen, even if he joked about it. Or either of them getting hurt themselves. If only he could just leave but he could never leave his family. He just couldn’t. “Anywhere special you were heading off to? Or came from?” 

“You make a good point.” Valentina replied absentmindedly, lighting her cigarette before passing the lighter to her older brother. She didn’t know if lost was the correct way to describe how she felt, perhaps conflicted said it better. She wouldn’t say out loud that she didn’t want to enter an inevitable war, not just because she longed for peace after their sister’s disappearance, but because it went against who she was as a person. She loved the money and the power and all of the dazzling features their life came with, and for the longest time she’d fooled herself into thinking that she could ignore and escape the other side of that. “I’m thinking of getting a drink, or a few. Maybe I’ll go to Hopper’s.” The adrenaline of being in a place she knew she wouldn’t be wanted, all eyes on her every movement, was much rather preferred than the solitary fear she felt each night she went home to her apartment alone. 

Phoebe adored working out of Diablo; the club became her home and gave her the two best things in her life. Of course, with every job, came ups and downs. Phoebe remembered the stress of it all, and she can’t imagine how much worse it would be for someone in Valentina’s position. “I get that,” Phoebe replied, knowing she lucked out finding Milo and a family through her work. The hours alone were enough to make it difficult to have a social life, let alone the actual work they did. In tandem with that, came Isla’s disappearance and the reality of Victor’s assassination. Phoebe was sure the stress weighed heavily on Valentia, just as she was sure it weighed down Milo.

“You need to take more time for yourself,” Phoebe said, though she knew her advice was easier said than done. “Even if its just taking a long bath with a few candles lit. Trust me, its worth it.” She paused for a moment before shrugging. “Or do what I did and make your work life your personal life, all at the same time,” she laughed.

She tried not to let her mind run elsewhere during work. It had almost become a safe haven for her, a place where she could let her guard down for just a moment. It was hard to not look over her shoulder, to try and remember who she’d once been. A part of her thought that side of her was gone forever, even if she tried not to let it show. There was a darkness behind her eyes, the rose colored tint she’d seen life through overshadowed by it. And as part as she tried, she just couldn’t get rid of it. Though, there was something that came quite close.

Drinking was something that came like second nature to Valentina, among other things. After all, she had started out at Diablo as just a bartender. “You know, for the first time in my life, I think I’m okay with being a little too busy with work, not being the one with all the crazy stories to tell for once.” She only half-joked, glancing away for a moment to order another drink. “Though, I definitely do need to get laid soon.” The words left her lips faster than she could process it, Valentina letting out a laugh only moments after. She did always get a little too candid with a few drinks in her.

It was clear that the woman didn’t really belong in Hoppers, or at least that is how it seemed from the reactions of those around Lucia. At a distance she couldn’t place why after all she could really only see the back of her head and nothing was too distinguishing. She wouldn’t figure out much if she stayed across the room and it was rather odd to lurk in the bar that had been the headquarters of the Ross’. So, she pushed off from her spot and walked towards the bar and out of place patron. There was an unease about her, Lucia noted as she stood just to her other side lingering just for a moment to see if anything else would jump out at her. Just before she was going to slide into the seat next to Valentina, she had turned to greet her, having already ordered a drink for her. She must have been standing there longer than she thought, or the woman was just really alret. “ Thank you.” Lucia smiled back, and took a seat just next to her. “ And thank for this.” She added grabbing the drink that was set out for her by the bartender. “ I’m Lucia.” She figured an introduction was fair though she couldn’t help, but feel like she knew her from some place.

Valentina had always liked the attention. Even as a child, she adored being in the spotlight, always showing off her skills for others, enjoying the looks of amazement she’d get from others. Even as an adult, she didn’t mind being the girl in the room everyone was looking at, even if was for all the wrong reasons. But she’d grown from that eager, childlike sense of hers, more calculated in the attention she got. Most knew her name, and while feeling of being recognized was one she enjoyed, it didn’t send the same rush down her spine that meeting someone unfamiliar with her existence did. “Of course.” She knew Lucia’s name. She knew half of this restaurant's name. But that was besides the point. “It’s nice to meet you Lucia, I’m Valentina, but most people call me Val.” She spoke sweetly, a warm smile present on her face.

Marcus was a remarkably steadfast person. After a lifetime of instability, by the time the Ross’s had found him, he was aching for consistency while simultaneously chafing under the control of his adoptive parents. What sort of life could you hope to have if you were chasing unpredictable predictabilities? Oddly enough, he’d lucked into one. Slinging weed in high school had led to introductions at the dock, a decade later he was a trafficker by no small means. Truly from rags to riches. Every day there was a new problem, but rarely did anything take him by surprise. He was diligent, he did what was expected of him and everything else had a way of working out around him. Too many forget that lesson. They get arrested and squeal, or crack under pressure and end up in a firefight. If you do as you’re told and remain calm, it was rare that any of the problems were much more than molehills. Stay loyal to the team you chose, and keep your head. What did some people find so difficult about that? If the Ross’s were succeeding, so was he. Loyalty brought about its rewards. If only he knew that the woman shouting him a whiskey was the key to the biggest pay-day he could ever hope to earn.

He took a seat, watching her with no more caution than he’d show any other Navarro. “If you feel like people are staring, it’s ‘cause they are,” he offered, almost smiling. “A lot of them know who you are, I know I did–– I like to know my competition.” It’s not like it was any secret the amounts of gear they moved in Diablo, at least not among people like them. Despite the truth of his words, Marcus’s tone was friendly enough.

Valentina hadn’t always been involved in the family business. She’d been kept in the dark, thinking that Diablo was just another club and her brother had made his money selling weed. Only when she found of the truth, it didn’t send her running for the hills. She may have been impulsive and carefree, but loyalty meant something to Valentina. Family meant something to Valentina. And that meant protecting them, even if she didn’t always agree with the method of choice. She much rather preferred the fun side of things, the less violent sides. The part that made her blood rush, without someone else’s dripping on the ground. 

Had the Ross fury already reached the Navarro family yet? Lila couldn’t be sure. “I can imagine! Especially if it’s a club filled with loud, tiresome and egotistical men,” she said and a light laugh followed. On one hand, Valentina did seem awfully pensive, her spirit defeated and all, but on the other she liked to think Julianna Ross would come up with a more destructive vengeance plan than sending a few pestering drunkards Valentina’s way to make her shift at the club a living hell. Alas, Lillian’s smile didn’t reveal any of her inner workings as she strolled lightly down the street with the brunette beside her. “Let’s get you as far away from the club as possible,” she went as far as slipping her arm through Valentina’s, bringing her closer. “There’s a place just around the corner– your typical all American diner with red leather booths an old jukebox. There’s something surprisingly charming about it,”

There was a time when Valentina hated the label she’d been given, hated being compared to her brothers. She wasn’t outwardly ambitious and involved in the family business the way her brother’s had been, and she certainly wasn’t the calculated lawyer that Isla had been. Most saw her as the wildchild of the family, carefree and childish, living in a world of bliss. And maybe she had been that way at a point in her life, but after working at the bar for all these years? She knew much more than she’d ever tell. And that was precisely the reason she didn’t trust Lillian’s pretty little smile. Because she knew how often she’d given the same one to someone else. “I have to say I’m surprised. I wouldn’t have taken you as a burger and fries kind of girl.” Her tone was light, joking even, following suit and linking her arm, a matching smile on her face as she spoke again “Any other secrets I should know about?” 

A Navarro couldn’t walk into her bar without Julianna knowing about it. The second Valentina Navarro walked in, she got three texts (despite being in the back office, and so a stone’s throw away) and a visit from one of her bartenders. Roman Navarro’s not-so-little sister had no reason to be here, unless she was up to something. With the murder of her father, Julianna had to consider all things suspciious, all things a lead. If a Navarro was here, Julianna was going to keep an eye on her personally.

Not unexpectedly, Valentina didn’t run away terrified when Julianna approached her. As Julianna would expect of a Navarro, she was calm and cool, bold even. “Thanks,” said Julianna sarcastically, meeting the eyes of her bartender to let him know he should bring her the whiskey neat before she took a seat next to Valentina. “But I know you didn’t come here to buy me a drink in my own bar.” So what did she come here for?

Valentina had always been a little too impulsive for her own good. She dove headfirst into situations without ever thinking about the consequences, even after all she’d been through. Maybe if it had been a few months ago, she would’ve been terrified to walk into the bar, knowing what she knew. But as she began to fool herself into thinking she wasn’t living in fear, her old habits formed yet again. Maybe there was a part of her deep down that knew seeing Julianna Ross turned her blood cold, but she had no interest into focusing on her subconscious. 

The combination of fear and guilt that Valentina felt was perfectly hidden behind her smile, shifting her body towards the other woman. Within the moment she saw her, Valentina convinced herself that she was the only one between the two that knew the truth, despite not actually knowing the fact. “Maybe I just wanted to check out my competition, I do manage a bar as well.” She was nothing if not courteous, sending a thank you towards the bartender before taking a sip. Not bad, though it’s pretty hard to fuck up a whiskey neat.

where: outside in the streets of LA

Being on edge from the actions of his brother, that he supported, Milo was hitting the cigarettes a little harder than usual. Feeling the smoke in and out of his lungs made him relax a bit from the tension he was feeling. All he wanted to do was protect his son but how the hell was he supposed to do that if a fucking war broke out cause of Victor? Victor deserved it though. It was obvious that he killed Isla. After his cigarette was finished, he tossed it on the ground before crushing it with his foot. 

Looking back into his pack, he realized that he had just smoked the last one. His fucking thoughts must’ve been distracting him to even notice. “You got an extra cigarette? I have no idea where the nearest drug store is.” 

Valentina still thought about her sister, usually paired with the feeling of guilt. Sometimes she thought that if she’d spoken up sooner, if she’d said something before Isla disappeared, none of this would’ve happened. It didn’t matter though, especially now. Even if she didn’t agree with what was happening, she was loyal to her family, even if that meant going to war for them. Noticing her brother on the opposite side of the street, she approached him steadily, her heels clacking against the pavement

“Haven’t you heard that smoking kills, brother?” Valentina spoke up, rolling her eyes as she fished a pack of cigarettes out of her purse. Offering one to him, she lit one of her own, despite her previous words. It wasn’t the only thing that could kill them anyways. 

A night out with her pseudo-sister-in-law was a welcome change of pace in Phoebe’s daily life. Since giving birth to her son and retiring from the escort business, her entire life revolved around keeping her home together. She loved being a mother and adored taking care of both her boys but it was nice to have a break.

“Enough about me,” Phoebe said as the bartender returned with the shots Valentina ordered. “I want to hear about you.” Playing a little catch-up would help take her mind off what’s happening at home and enjoy her night out. 

Valentina liked to think that her life had slowed down quite a bit. She wasn’t necessarily the wild child she once was, acting on a whim and doing whatever she’d pleased. Even though she did find new ways to tap into the exhilarating art of life she missed at times, working a steady job, as steady as working in a club could be, grounded her in a way.

“Me?” Valentina replied incredulously, letting out a laugh moments after. She picked up the shot, twirling around the liquid before shooting in down her throat. “I’m way too busy with the club to even think about having a life right now, unless you count the endless amount of numbers that I never end up giving a call.”

In the belly of the beast– that’s precisely how it felt to be in front of El Diablo, the notorious club ruled by the Navarro family. Looking up at the neon sign looming above her, the Solano smirked, though. Never the one to exhibit fear or back down from a challenge, she always found playing with fire exhilarating. Valentina, on the other hand, didn’t seem to be having such a good time but to be fair Lillian didn’t know the Navarro so well so she might be wrong. “I say we go old school– burger and fries? Maybe a milkshake too,“ she addressed the matter at hand– choosing a place to eat. Her tone was surprisingly amicable– almost as if she wasn’t interacting with an enemy. However, there was no need to be uncivil. Even if Valentina had done something to her worth hatred, why make a scene in public, with all these civilians witnessing? “Come on,” she waited until the brunette fell into step with her before returning her gaze back to her. “Rough night? You looked like you needed rescuing,” Lila remarked, a brilliant smile resting upon her lips.

Although each rivaling family had lost someone, it was clear it had affected each of them differently. Though the Solanos and Navarros had a way of keeping their chaos under the covers, Valentina wouldn’t deny to herself that the past events had taken a toll on her. Even if she wouldn’t tell anyone else that. She however though, didn’t know what to make of Lillian. It wasn’t to say she was comfortable being around someone who was supposed to be her enemy, but she’d sure as rather be with her than someone from the Ross family. Still, the lack of guilt she felt for once brought on a wave of exhiliration. Fraternizing with someone she surely wasn’t supposed to. A little smirk forming on her lips, she nodded, “I’m in. It’s been too long since I’ve had a strawberry milkshake, anyways.” She walked alongside the taller blonde, and for to the outside eye, it might’ve even appeared that the two were old friends, their steps mirroring each other. “Something like that. Managing a club can’t always be a cake walk.”

Matteo was with the sitter, a trusted Navarro associate who would keep the little babe safe for the evening. Since the birth of her son, nights out were few and far between. Being a mother was her full time job that she adored; though, even the best of mothers needed a night away.

Her mind, however, would always focus on her son.

“I can’t believe Matty’s walking now,” she cooed. “So determined and strong, just like his father.” The baby was on his feet, running wild through the hallways of their home and trying to climb out of his crib and over furniture. Admiring photos on her phone, even at the bar she missed her little boy. Her heart ached so she took a shot. Something strong and definitely over-priced.

“God, I need a distraction,” Phoebe whined, knowing not much would be able to mitigate her maternal desire to smother her child. 

For the longest time, Valentina had never even thought about the idea of kids. She’d spent the better half of her life thinking that they were temperamental and gross and a big responsibility. And all of that widely contradicted her carefree lifestyle. That was until she saw her big brother’s baby son, Matteo.

She had a bad case of baby fever, well, at least until he started crying and Valentina momentarily. And then reality sank back in, and she quickly realized that instead of having her own children, she could simply shower her brother’s kids with affection and gifts, which Matteo got plenty of. Smiling as she peered over at Phoebe’s phone, she said, “He’s adorable.”

Valentina held back a laugh at the other woman’s words, taking a sip of her own drink instead. “Watch out, before you know it he’ll be a horny teenage boy sneaking girls in his room,” she joked, ordering a round of shots for the two of them, “Shots work pretty well though.”

There really was no reason she should’ve been hanging out in Ross territory. Even if the truth wasn’t out yet, it was only a matter of time. It wasn’t as if there were many people in this line of business that sat on valuable information for very long, let alone how long she waited. But despite there being a part of her that feared greatly what just sitting at the bar could do, Valentina’s curiosity got the best of her. She desperately needed to know what happened. A part of it was about vengeance, closure, but artly, Valentina wanted to find a way to stop feeling so damn guilty. But even she knew she stuck out like a sore thumb in the restaurant, not that that fact alone made her want to run for the hills. It didn’t matter if the person next to her had been staring or not, their presence alone was felt, even if she couldn’t directly see who it was. Speaking up, her voice was light and airy, even if the feelings inside her head weren’t the same, “Bartender, how about a drink for my friend here? Whiskey neat?” As the bartender nodded, she finally shifted her her body and looked at the person now in front of her, giving them a smile as warm as she could possibly muster. “Please, sit.”

OPEN STARTER. LOCATION: streets of LA TIME: around 8 pm

A light overcoat hid the gold sequin evening gown Lila had chosen for the fancy gala one of her mother’s socialite friends was throwing. Lillian’s mother, Caroline was feeling a bit under the weather– was what every other guest heard when asking about her. The truth was, Caroline was having one of the worst days since Luis’ death, she could barely get out of the bed so Lila had to step in for her. And she did so, brilliantly. The youngest Solano had chosen a perfect outfit to compliment her figure and a matching set from Tiffany’s to match it. She was life of the party as always– as it was expected of her, sweeping each and every one of those snooty faces off their feet. None of them, however, gave her anything in return or sparked her interest– not a single intellectual conversation was initiated, not a single attractive person was there– so the blonde decided to ditch the dinner– just because she could, even before foie gras was served. Not ten minutes later, on one of the most buzzing avenues in the city, she spotted an intriguing face and a smirk instantly found its way to her red-painted lips. “Join me for dinner,” she called out, her tone as light as it was made it clear she wasn’t exactly asking. “My treat.”

The days had begun to feel like a new battle with each one. Constantly looking over her shoulder, pretending that she was doing perfectly fine. It felt like second nature at this point, and she even began to fool herself after these last few months. That was, until she realized that she was still that scared little girl deep down. But she felt like she couldn’t show anyone that, the need to to appear unfazed constantly running through her mind. So she went through life as she did before, even if there were minor changes she’d made. Stepping out of Diablo and onto the street, a deep red dress peeking through her black trenchcoat. But for a split second, she felt that feeling as a woman called out to her. The fear. The anxiety. It was only for a short time, but she wouldn’t forget it. Turning around, she faced the woman in front of her, who she could clearly see was none other than Lillian Solano. Cocking her head slightly at Lillian, she smiled lightly, almost giving the guise that she was innocent. “Of course, I’d love to.”

valentina navarro aesthetic - v. 1