Paper Gangster

LOCATION: The Metropolitan Museum of Art DATE: February 14th (before the shootings) STATUS: Closed @womankingzeus 

Please welcome Mrs and Mrs Cartwright-Zhao to the dancefloor for their first dance as a married couple! Rising from the table to applause (some, Victoria noted, was rather muted, but today that couldn’t bother her), Victoria fell into hold with her wife. Wife. Wife. It had happened. Among the cheating and the doubts and…well, everything fucking else, it had happened. They were married. And soon, the pair would give each other the greatest gift of all. Hopefully, her dress wouldn’t get too stained in the chaos. Swaying in time with the music , Victoria smiled, leaning in so that no one else would hear their words. “I think I’m going to rather like being married.”

It was so strange, so surreal. It felt almost wrong saying her vows, like she should not have been alive at this point in her life to experience such a milestone. What was next for them? Babies? Joint accounts? A ridiculous life insurance plan? It was frightening, it was exciting. Luli, for once in her pathetic life, was so completely overwhelmed with actual love for her wife. Something that wasn’t supposed to happen to someone like her, after everything she had done, after everything they did to each other. Her dress, as unconventional as it was, paired so well against the pink in Victoria’s one would think they really planned it like that. The softness they reserved for one another was displayed for everyone to see, but for once, Luli didn’t mind. “I sure hope you won’t mind putting up with me.”

WELCOME TO THE WEDDING OF LULI MEI ZHAO AND VICTORIA MARIE CARTWRIGHT!

You will find yourself enjoying a fully catered meal, an open bar, and all the artwork the Metropolitan Museum of Art has to offer. Please find your seat and make sure to leave gifts in the space provided. Feel free to stay for the reception where you will enjoy food, dancing and drinks while Mrs and Mrs Zhao-Cartwright will be presented as woman and wife. And most importantly? Enjoy your night.

The Smith Brunch @womankingzeus

“Did I ever tell you that Harvey wanted us to get married?” Elias laughed, looking down into his mimosa. It was still strange, knowing the wedding was so soon. He’d practically raised Luli, or at least he’d watched her grow up from a small, unassuming child to become someone to be feared. Honestly, he wasn’t sure if he’d ever been more proud. “I was the one who said no, that a ring on my finger wouldn’t change anything. Wanted to focus more on Yas, la dee da, you know the drill.” He shook his head, “I think that’s one thing I’ll always regret.”

“I always did like her, your Vic.” He added, a moment later, sinking his breadstick into the goat cheese and spinach dip. “I’m just glad that you’re taking the chance.” 

Luli smiled softly at the story he told, nodding her head to show she was listening. She always did like hearing about their old romance because Harvey had always been more like a gentle businessman with her, now that she thought about it. And even if this engagement started off as a more political endeavor it blossomed into something more. That didn’t mean that this was perfect, or that it was going to be a happily ever after. But Luli was trying, and knowing her, she felt like that was more than enough. “When I was younger, I already thought you two were married. So it really didn’t make a difference.” 

She paused at his statement before taking a sip from her coffee. “Can you believe a scoundrel like me would?” She chuckled before setting down the mug. “I did have a question for you, if you would find it appropriate.” 

For as long as Dante could remember, he and Luli had a certain understanding with one another: they were both type to dive headfirst into a situation and consider the consequences of their actions much later. Her order surprised him, but he relented nonetheless. For all his flaws and his absence, he still remained a loyal soldier to those that accepted him into their fold. “I don’t plan on taking any.” He replied, shoulders relaxing as he glanced down at her own wound. A slightly concerned and quizzical expression crossed his features, wondering just what the state of Old Olympus was. “What happened to you?”

Luli was so used to acting rashly and hastily, that her consequences ended up being much greater later on. She was impulsive and messy most of the time, but she did get results. It was only her injury that led her to be more conscious of her actions, hence why she was being so cautious in the first place. “Good.” She nodded, knowing how important it was for her to have loyal people close to her especially now while they were ahead. But maybe Dante didn’t realize that when he saw her leg. She shook her head as she spoke. “I got shot. But apparently we seized the docks so sometimes... you gotta take one for the team. I guess.” Kinda like how he did, only not as terrible. “Thank god though, I needed an excuse to sit around and do nothing.” She was definitely still annoyed at Victoria for not telling her her plans, but she was determined to bring in the reins now. From now on, nothing went past her. She was going to be so obnoxiously present it would make the others irritated with her involvement. 

You are cordially invited to witness the union between Luli-Mei Zhao and Victoria Marie Cartwright.

Buoyed by the recent victories of Old Olympus, Victoria and Luli have decided to celebrate and flaunt their power by throwing the most extravagant wedding in recent history. In a show of peace, a white flag and a temporary peace has been called, covering the period from 24 hours before to 24 hours after the event. All weapons have been banned - and there is a strict no-violence policy in place. Anyone violating those rules will meet the most severe of consequences. Everyone, regardless of affiliation, status or recent histories, has been extended an invitation to join the festivities. Decline at your own peril - for neither party take slights easily.

The pre-reception - including canopies and an open bar - begins at 4pm sharp, with the ceremony taking place at 5.30pm in the Metropolitan Museum of Arts. Afterwards, there will be a three-course meal and cocktail reception at Mount Olympus hotel.

“Exactly. We’ve got a no-drugs policy at our lab - maybe you should consider enforcing that for your little soldiers, too. You’re too nice to them, Lu.” Erik crooned, eyes practically sparkling at the words that followed.

Now that wasn’t an easy promise to make and it caught Erik’s attention immediately, though he tried his best not to show it. If the Titans were gone, it meant he’d have full control of the area again, which ultimately meant he didn’t have to worry about where the money was coming from and more importantly, didn’t have to worry about getting his brain blown up.

“Well, you just let me know when you’re planning on kicking their ass.” He said, leaning forward and planting a quick kiss on Luli’s cheek before lowering his voice, “and if you ever need anything, let me know, okay?”

“Do I tell you how to do your job?” She narrowed her eyes, knowing he was being cheeky and also knowing that yes, she sometimes did tell him how to do his job but she was wiser than him obviously. “Would you rather I be harsher? We all saw how well that went.” She was of course referring to the events following Cronus’s death.

She did care for Erik like her own flesh and blood, but when looking back at her DNA, it wasn’t pretty. It was in her blood to kill (her mother gave her that gene) and it was in her nature to be destructive (Cronus was so generous with his gifts). If her own blood were to betray her, it wouldn’t take much convincing for her to turn her back on them. The same was extended to Erik. She knew he was lying, and she was willing to figure out why but if it was for anything other than the greater good of Olympus and himself, well then he was clearly equipped to sleep with the fishes. Pun not intended. 

Still, she smiled warmly at his kiss as she nodded. Placing an affectionate hand on his cheek as he came close, she patted it gently. “Oh I have a set date. You’ll have to RSVP. And the only thing I’ll ever need is your honesty.” Her voice lowered then, as if to set her point. She didn’t need to threaten him, he of course would understand. “That, and your lovely self.” She smiled as if to ease the tension.

LOCATION: Mt. Olympus Bar AVAILABILITY: Closed @womankingzeus​

Cronus’ palace was as ostentatious and ornate as always, and Rhysand loved it. It housed politicians and royals and celebrities from all over the globe; when they arrived at New York, their first destination was always Mt. Olympus. And Rhysand, a liar without a past or cent to his name, was their neighbor. One of his terms when joining Old Olympus ( back then, it was just Olympus, and it rolled off so much more nicely off his tongue ) was to be given his own room to reside in permanently. No more scamming or cheating his way into a hideout; he was living like a king in what was now Zeus’ queendom.

And speak of the Devil herself…

❝ Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes, ❞ Rhysand said, turning to Luli as she walked into the bar. He purposefully slurred his words a bit, even though he was completely sober. He’d learned long ago that people automatically brought their guard down a bit if they believed he was vulnerable as well. He didn’t think there were any obvious chinks in Luli’s armor, however. ❝ I guess it’s true what they say about that pre-wedding glow. ❞ He signaled for the bartender, making a show of ordering another round from the both of them. ❝ Get a rum and coke for my friend here, ❞ he drawled, looking as charming as a snake. His friend signed the bartender’s paycheck, and Rhysand felt incredibly important making that order.

Harvey had left Luli plenty of things, more money than she knew what to do with, a hotel that was surprisingly not hard to run, and of course the gang that she so royally screwed up. Or made better by weeding out the weak, as she liked to think. One decision she did make was to allow Rhysand into the gang by work ethic alone. He was a lot of things she didn’t like, but at least he could do his job-sometimes. Other time, she wondered if his intentions were to do something else. But she didn’t know a man she couldn’t outsmart if she actually tried. So their eventual friendship was bound to happen, she figured Hera had something to do with it. 

Letting him live for free here was something she always threatened to take away from him if he even tried to call her past two in the morning. She was letting everyone know how much of a stressful task it was to plan a perfect wedding for her wonderful fiancee so everyone felt more obligated to come, but also to allow herself a good excuse to have a drink or two (or three). His slurred words didn’t fool her, there was no obvious red flush to his face so she only rolled her eyes as she sat upon the stool besides him. “You know I am capable of getting my own drinks.” She warned, but she meant no malice. Instead she smirked at his cheeky wedding glow comment. “Ah yes, dealing with caterers and florists always leaves me... glowing.” Who were they kidding? Luli hired someone to deal with the ugly parts. She just got to be a bridezilla. 

“The holidays have us all in a wistful mood, Ms. Luli. Can’t blame us for that.” He smiled and then gave a small nod, raising his glass to his mob boss before taking another sip. It was always a dance, discovering what banter he could use when. And always with respect; after all, it one of the few things his father taught him that wasn’t useless bullshit.

At her thanks, he merely shrugged before his gaze darted to where her wound was once fresh, once threatening to devastate their side of the damn war. “You’re welcome. Know that I would do it again — though I hope I won’t have to anytime soon.”

“I suppose not.” She shrugged. She could if she wanted to, but she was being on her best behavior. She’d need the gang willing and good if they were going to agree with her dangerous idea later. At his hope to not have to patch her up again, Luli smiled sheepishly. But at least she had a good idea.

“Oh you know how it is in our line of work, I can’t make any promises. But let’s hope, right?” She raised an eyebrow, taking a sip of her drink. The singer tonight could’ve been better, but Luli knew not to critique useless hobbies. “Your loyalty is always appreciated.”

I won’t let you get away that easily. Those were the words Victoria had always longed to hear drip from Luli’s lips, craving both the affection and commitment it hinted at. She might wear a rock on her finger, but the truth was, she could never feel completely secure, not until now at least. Now, she felt at peace. The world might feel her turbulence, but never her. It had been that way from the beginning, Luli the exception to every rule Victoria had written. The only one who could claim her heart, the only one she would kill for, the only one she would create for. Others might be party to Luli’s flesh (and god only knew, Victoria gave hers to a rare few) - but no one could ever have all of her, not like she did. The strength of her heart, the brilliance of her mind, the tenacity of her bones. In return, Victoria would give her all but one thing. A secret. A truth. Luli would never know the cost Victoria paid for her coronation. Nor would she ever. “And what will you do to me if I run? Will you…punish me?” Flames danced in her eyes as she deepened their kiss, greedy for more.

Wedding. 

Fuck, she was hornier than ever. Hungry, Victoria dug further, carefully moving to straddle her fiance, arms scooping her love. “Well you know what they say about weddings.” Something dangerous flashed in her eyes, a reckoning promised. “They have a tendency to bring people together. Perhaps that’s what we need…to consolidate our lead.”

Truth was, Luli knew exactly what Victoria wanted to hear. But she had always held back, not because she didn’t mean it, but because she wanted her to just know without getting too involved. She had a tendency to not be exactly here and it stemmed from childhood. Maybe that was why Victoria needed that sense of security from Luli since she was always so emotionally distant. It wasn’t like Luli didn’t feel, she just learned to not associate herself with every single thing she felt. But she couldn’t hide her graciousness, Victoria deserved to know now at least. I could’ve died because of you. That intrusive thought flooded her mind and if anything, made Luli crave her more. How fucked up, but she was a mobster. What else was new? Nails dug into the flesh of Vic’s thigh at the tease “Punish you? You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” She then scraped her sharp nails done, watching the pretty red lines appear on her fiancee’s thigh. Luli wasn’t stupid, she knew Victoria had every opportunity she did to be unfaithful as well but that was just sharing her body. Luli knew they belonged together.

Goddamn this woman who was able to feel the same way Luli did when she discussed murder- especially on a big ceremonious event. “I want you in Oscar de la Renta or Dior and I want it covered in blood when we’re done with the ceremony.” She leaned up to nip at her neck, a smirk growing on her lips. “I want to destroy them all with you.”

the warehouse open

Taking a sip from the rum and coke, Matthew relaxed against the stool, allowing a hum of satisfaction to sound. “Best part of my night,” muttered under his breath, and then, louder, “I’ll call off for the holidays to keep this up.”

“Yeah, you and everyone else are saying that.” Luli scoffed, a tone that suggested you can do that unless I say otherwise. She was able to meet up with Victoria earlier at The Warehouse but she stayed later for her own holiday themed drink. It was awful, she made a mental note to not rehire the seasonal bartender. “Anyways, I just wanted to tell you thank you for a job well done.” She was referring to both Matthew keeping her from death- again- and for Sunny’s capture.

“See, that’s what Dom always says. Never trust a junkie.” Poor thing. He’d never really liked Julian much, but Erik knew enough about the man to know he’d probably be pissing his pants by now. Well, that was the price of being careless, and Erik hoped to never find himself in that position.

He cocked his head to the side when the Titans were mentioned, batting his eyes like he had no idea what she was talking about. Sure, he adored her like she was his own flesh and bones but trust? Trust wasn’t that came to Erik easily, and he’d learned that in all the hard, bitter ways. And he knew just as well that it was important for him to be cautious - if he played his cards right, there was a good chance the scales would start tipping his way again.

“No, I’ve barely heard anything about them,” he lied easily, despite the fact he’d been hanging out at Tartarus as of late, and not without motive. “Why? What do you need to know?” 

“They’re good for business but not for much else though.” She shrugged, referencing both Dionysus and Apollo. Sometimes mistakes were more than that, they were grave and could be the difference between life and death. There were good mistakes, and then there were stupid ones. Luli knew she had made both in her life and will continue to do so. 

Luli didn’t know if she should believe Erik’s answer, especially with the way he looked at her like that. She vaguely remembered the same expression from when they were children. Yet she said nothing, mainly because she knew of other ways to get her answers and because she had stopped pushing Erik- she claimed it was because the gang business wasn’t his issue no more, but she knew it was from fear of pushing him away as well. Damn her.

“Just a weakness. It’s easy to learn what Syrus’ are, I’ve never even heard of Richard until lately.” She shrugged it off before looking over at him. “They won’t be affecting your business much longer though.” It was a promise to him, to help him. Once again, damn her.

“Hey, be nice. Dominique’s family.” Erik chastised, leaning backwards until his head softly hit the wall. “With everything slowing down so much, the only real excitement I get to feel is waiting for lottery results.” His eyes traveled down the length of the sofa and landed on Luli’s leg, grimacing as he thought about that night. “I heard about what happened, yeah. Not very nice of you to stab your family in the back like that.”

In all honesty, it was sweet, the way Luli still considered New Olympus her family. Sweet and far too optimistic, but that was something he figured he should keep to himself. “I’m just teasing,” he added a moment later, bursting into laughter “I’m still surprised Syrus managed to be so careless. So who slipped up? I’m curious.”

“Yeah yeah, so are those horse beasts.” She rolled her eyes, a playful tone in her voice. “You can get excitement from something else that’s not a form of gambling.” Like she was one to talk, her idea of excitement when she was bored involved her on her back. She clenched her jaw at his retort, knowing it wasn’t that serious but she still felt the gun shot sometimes. “I got my karma. And sometimes that’s just what family does. I think.” How was she supposed to know? Her mother killed her biological father and she had Harvey raise her in a way.  Not as a daughter, but as a soldier. Clearly, he could’ve done better. 

At his laugh, Luli eased up. She chuckled softly to herself before shrugging. “Caerus told me Dionysus did.” How foolish of that little burnout. “Maybe I should pay him a visit, say thank you.” She was only pretending to be smug. “But it’d be easier to control the docks if the Titans or whatever weren’t butting in. Do you know anything about them?” She didn’t think he did, but it couldn’t hurt to ask.

“And we’d still be immoral criminals. I love it.” It was hard to imagine the pair of them as anything else than dwellers of the dark, creatures of the shadow, those destined to spend their lives in the underbelly of New York. After all, that had been part of Luli’s appeal, all those years ago. She had been the rich heiress on her way to running a fortune500, Luli had been the King-in-the-wings, waving a ticket to freedom. The sex had definitely helped. All the way, she had fallen in love with them both - but the lifestyle and Luli were now inseparable. Inhaling for a final time, Victoria stubbed the cigarette in the glass that lay to her side, second hand now moving to settle on Luli’s leg, tracing absentminded patterns. If Luli played her cards right, it would soon be somewhere else. “And you’d better treat me nicely. Else I’ll find someone else to share my ambitions with.” Behind her teasing lay a dark ultimatum. This was a city big enough for more than one top dog. Factions were fractioned these days. It was the trend. Victoria didn’t bother to resist Luli’s grasp, arching her torso closer. When they kissed, her lips tasted like ash. Like death.

How poetic.

Licking the rim with her tongue, Victoria pulled away, mere inches away, her breath heavy, loaded with expectant desire. “Our next move, of course.”

After the dock, it would never be your again. Victoria liked pie. She liked a bigger slice of it more.

“Could we be anything else?” The question was poised mostly to herself. Luli was made for crime life, that was her destiny but Victoria most definitely could’ve done anything else with her life. But Luli wasn’t going to apologize for dragging her to hell like this, she was selfish like that and wanted her queen right alongside her. So at the sound of her sweet little ultimatum, Luli sighed to herself. She knew that. But she’d be damned to let anyone else snatch Victoria up; mostly because whoever had her would be running a more successful gang or industry and she was competitive to say the least. “Believe me, I’m aware. But I won’t let you get away that easily.” Her possessive hand reached into Victoria’s hair, pushing her to move her hand as they kissed before raising an eyebrow as she pulled away. Of course, it was only fair with their marriage coming up to plan the next big move together. 

But Luli never played fairly. This time? She might have to.

“Our next move,” she started, tilting the other woman’s head from the grip in her hair. “Is our w e d d i n g. From there... well.” She leaned up, bit her bottom lip and shrugged. “Anything for my Queen.”

“At least we make a tidy profit.” Victoria added tartly, inhaling the poison into her lungs. Everything, it seemed, would kill you, sooner or later. There were the slow deaths, terminal diseases that left you bedbound or addiction, its claws slowly digging deeper. And then there were the fast deaths - a strike of lightening, the smoke of a gun, the impact of a car. You ask her? She’d prefer to go out blazing - crumbling the world as she did. At least she gave Cronus that mercy. If you could call it such a thing. “You should. I’m a catch. Do you know how many people would die to put a rock on my finger?” As if to illustrate her point, Victoria flashed her diamond at her beloved, angling the cigarette in her direction so that she could take a puff. What’s yours is mine, sweetheart. Dangerous words, something deep flashed inside of her - almost goading Luli to respond. Show me, show me that you care. They say that green-eyed monsters can kill, but Victoria had always felt beloved by them. “I mean, a gunshot wound isn’t something you walk off. But maybe something else will take the edge off.” Seductive, Victoria raised her voice an octave, daring her to ask.

“Maybe we should buy Kraft. They make billions with how many cigarettes they sell.” She was only being half-sarcastic. Maybe that could be her wedding gift to Victoria, a joint business venture. As woman and wife. Luli watched in amusement at Victoria’s little display, possessively grabbing said hand to place a kiss on her ring. “And yet here you are, all mine.” She knew that was what Victoria wanted to hear but also, what else would this be about? It started off as a game to show off and now as the date approached closer, it was less of a game and more of a salvation. Huh, being shot really did open her eyes. Maybe that was Victoria’s plan all along. “Oh yeah?” She leaned up to meet her, tugging Vic closer towards her. “And what exactly is that?”