Barbican Arts Centre

[Deleted]

It's cold and it's white
It's everywhere in the night
Love, it's called winter

Ivan gazed up at the huge building in front of him, marveling at its size and design. It had been a while since he had visited a theatre, and due to all the work that had been piled on him as of late, he hadn’t yet managed to visit this place before. To think that he had spent at least a few months in London by now, and only now got the chance to visit the Arts Centre, said to be the biggest of its kind in Europe. As a lover of the arts, it should have been one of his first visits upon arriving. Alas, it was one of the last.

He would’ve never thought, when he agreed to transfer to the Bratva branch stationed in London, that his first months here would be spent learning to speak without an accent, training his men and learning how to get around the city without retorting to asking for directions. It sounded so funny to him, the mighty Russian Mafia, spending their nights practicing pronunciation so as to not stand out among the common countrymen.

He couldn’t suppress a slight giggle at the image. Thinking about it now, it sounded so bizarre, and he did admit they had had fun. At least he had gotten to spend time with his men; usually they were all out on missions.

A woman passing him by raised an eyebrow at the sight of a well-groomed, grown man in a suit giggling like someone one third his age, but Ivan was completely oblivious to her puzzlement. He simply nodded to her as a greeting and smiled like he always did. The woman didn’t reply in kind however, just turned to continue on her way. Huh, how rude. The people here were too stiff for their own good, he swore. He would have wanted to see more smiling faces, more people to have fun with.

Well, he‘d have time to fix that later. He had a schedule for today, and he was already a healthy fifteen minutes late; anymore and he would really need to start rushing. So, running a hand through his hair and making sure his tie was impeccably straight, Ivan walked inside the building, kiddy, excited, yet managing to hide it all underneath a relatively calm exterior.

Which cracked a tad the second the Russian saw the lines decorating the outside of his restaurant of choice.

Dozens upon dozens of people, all lined up and moving at a snail’s speed stood between him and the delicacies he wanted to try before the performance he had come to see began. Ivan had reserved enough time to eat before the show, but not enough time to get through fifty people first. Smile slightly twitching, Ivan fished out a small, wrinkled paper that acted as his schedule for the day. Written down in fancy Russian handwriting were the places and times, telling him he wouldn’t be able to make it at this rate. He couldn’t afford to miss the show, not when he had finally gotten enough free time to come see it. But at the same time, he didn’t want to go with an empty stomach; it rumbling would disturb others and himself. He needed food, and it was this particular restaurant he wanted to visit. He didn’t want to find another. His mind was set, and he would not let a line of people get in his way.

Ivan peeked from behind the line at the people currently buying their food. How many people would need to disappear from the line for him to make it in time? He could probably get past a few by simply asking – friends let each other through when needed, no? – but probably not all of them. Well. He gave a glance at his hip, knowing that that was where he kept his gun, concealed under his long jacket. Would his gun be a better talker than him? But the place was public, and there were people eating, people who hadn’t done anything to him. It wouldn’t be too nice to disturb their meal. Well, he’d try every other option first, he supposed.

So, taking a step forward, Ivan patted the shoulder of the person standing in front of him. He lowered himself slightly to be at their eye-level and smiled the best he could. “Excuse me~” he began in a singy-sangy voice, head slightly tilted. “Could I cut in line a bit? The show I really want to see starts soon, and I wanted to dine before it. I’m starving!”

Before the other could reply one way or the other, Ivan decided he’d better offer something in return in case they decided to comply. That, and he felt like eating with someone today; it had been a while since he had had dining company. So, smiling even wider, he added: “As thanks, you can come eat with me once we get our food~!”

Surely enough it was an offer, but it sounded a tad like a demand.

He wanted his dining company.

And more importantly, his dinner.

made by me (Roma) of TND!

[Deleted]

terima kasih banyak! Cold. Shivering, Ada took a peek behind a taller man in front of her. There are around forty... fifty people in line she joined around ten minutes ago. Tightening her sport jacket, Ada moved her gaze to her surroundings, just so she didn't suffer from boredom. Yesterday was quite hectic – moving her things to student dormitory and selling some since her new room in student housing was smaller than her previous apartment, so she had to sell some of her stuff. Not that she didn't like it; she'd gladly give unused stuff for free but right now, what's left in her possession were few things in student dorm – clothes, books, college supplies – and a hundred pound that have to last for... for god-knows how many days without job. It’s a luck college tuition wasn't a problem, since she's able to get here because of a scholarship. But said scholarship didn't cover her living expense so she need to get a job, at least a part-time one. Fast, or she will be starving. Ada felt she needed to refresh her mind, so today she took a walk around Arts Centre. The sight was amazing, she practically indulged in its foreign-ness. She was tempted to spend some pound for a two-hour film before she quickly stopped herself and turned to other direction. The film’s genre was drama, something she hadn't been able to watch in a while – and missed it so much. But no, right now her only priority was food and food only. That’s why she’s here, standing at the end of a line, ready to order something from restaurant's menu. The man in front of her moved forward. She followed, placing her feet at where the man's feet once been. Again she tried to count how many people left in line and immediately regretted her curiosity. Still fifty-minus-few people left and she's the last one. The knowledge only made her stomach growled louder. Very nice. Suddenly she felt a presence behind her – apparently someone has joined the line. Said person tapped her shoulder, so she turned and greeted with a pair of violet eyes belonged to a smiling blond man. "Excuse me~" he said, "Could I cut in line a bit? The show I really want to see starts soon, and I wanted to dine before it. I'm starving!" She blinked. A stranger just asked her a favor. It's small – but she's been waiting here longer. He’s starving... but while she's not, maybe others in line also starving. She just considered to refuse when the man spoke again. "As thanks, you can come eat with me once we get our food~!" his smile widening. This stranger just invited her to eat together – she thought he offered it as common courtesy. Maybe two complete stranger eating together wasn't uncommon in London. This man didn't look sketchy after all – he does dressed like someone going to theatre – and they are in public place. If he tried to do something suspicious, a piercing scream would help her out of it. Besides, maybe this meeting may lead her to a job. Placing a polite smile, she accepted his request. "Yes, you may," she shifted a bit, allowing him to move forward. “And... eating together sounds great. I’d love to join you, sir.”

MADE BY MINNIE OF BACK TO NEVERLAND

[Deleted]

It's cold and it's white
It's everywhere in the night
Love, it's called winter

For a while, Ivan could have sworn the Asian woman in front of him was planning to refuse his request. His mind had already started to go through different methods to possibly convince her otherwise, from trying to ask again to just moving her aside – he was a big man and the woman looked light enough to not be able to resist that much. He knew it wouldn't be polite to shove people though, and didn't want to get kicked out and miss the show he had come for, so that particular course of action left his thoughts as quickly as it had come.

And then, after a moment’s wait, a smile graced the woman’s lips, and Ivan's own smile instantly grew hopeful. A smile usually meant something positive, and he was pretty sure it indicated what he thought it did. Then again, her smile was more polite than warm to him, one of those ones people used when they carried grave news so as to not upset the listener. His success wasn’t yet guaranteed.

”Yes, you may,“ the woman finally replied, moving so as to make room for Ivan to slip past. And with an eager nod and a smile, he did. It might’ve just been one person out of a fifty something, but it was a start, and a stranger’s willfulness to help always warmed his heart. They’d surely become good friends, she and him.

”And... eating together sounds great. I’d love to join you, sir.”

She even agreed to dine together! Ivan was very happy about that. He really missed big dinners with lots of people gathered around to eat, joke and share a drink with.

But "sir", huh? The Russian was so used to hearing the word by now, both from his underlings and people who he met everyday and who wished to be polite, but it always sounded somewhat… off to him. Although he enjoyed the sense of superiority it brought, he considered it almost cold to be used between closer acquaintances. His men were practically forced by the Bratva’s code to show him respect, and receptionists and the like were told to do so by their bosses and work code, he knew, but it still always bugged him a tad. So, depending on how their little chitchat went, he might just ask her to drop the title. Friends didn’t need them.

“Thank you,” Ivan finally replied, turning around in his newly acquired spot in the line to face the girl again. His face was all smiles, warm, somewhat kiddy, as he spoke up again. “You’re being very kind! I don’t know what I would’ve done if you’d refused.”

His words were kind and calm enough to cover underneath the hidden, more sinister meaning they carried almost completely.

Almost completely.

For a while, Ivan wondered whether or not he should introduce himself. He knew it'd be polite to, but although not all of those familiar with his name knew who he worked for, most did, and his name was much more well known than his face. He wasn’t sure if speaking it aloud in a place so crowded with people would be a good idea. Then again, maybe it could help clear the line up a bit? There were still a lot of people left. One person didn’t make much a difference in making him get to the food faster, even if he was really glad to get his dining company.

“My name is Ivan Braginsky,” he finally settled to telling, deciding to omit his patronymic. As important as it was to him and his identity, people from Western (or Eastern, in this girl's case) nations rarely understood its meaning anyway. “Nice to meet you~”

As he waited for the girl to introduce herself in return, Ivan turned slightly to look at the rest of the people standing between him and his meal. His smile grew a tad weaker, and for a while his voice was laced with worry. “Do you think they’ll let us through if we ask, too?” He asked, continuing before he even realized it with a barely audible:“I don’t want to have to hurt them.”

made by me (Roma) of TND!

[Captain]

MOD - EVERITT QULGLEY

There was a group of people standing in front of the two, each one of them chattering amongst themselves as they were waiting for the line to move on. The group was a party of ten or so that ranged from very diverse cultures. There was one man that was talking quite a bit more than the rest, and the loudest.

"And then I told that boy that he's here for work, not to be begging for money in a charity."

He obviously seemed like the leader of this group, yet no one paid attention to those behind them.

[Deleted]

terima kasih banyak! Huge. That’s what popped in Ada’s mind when the man straightened his back and took a step forward – he’s huge. There’s at least a foot in their height difference. Back in her homeland, her height just right below average and people shorter than her were quite much in population. But standing beside the... the European man, she felt so small like a dwarf. Ada didn't sure he’s British. His nose-shape was quite uncommon here. Maybe he came from someplace further north, where sunlight was a rare blessing and snow was a frequent visitor. “Thank you,” the blond turned to her. He looked really grateful and happy being allowed to cut the line and having a company to dine together. Ada’s smile started to grow wider subconsciously – “You’re being very kind! I don’t know what I would’ve done if you’d refused.” – before abruptly stopped, her intuition blaring. She’s still smiling although it’s no longer reached her eyes. What does he mean by I don’t know what I would’ve done had you refused? Something about him seemed... off; hidden behind the smile and a rather childish aura that surrounded him. Ada doubted herself and a bit regretted her decision eating together with him. She took a deep breath and hugged her messenger bag closer to her body, calming herself down while at the same time protecting her from London’s icy breath. She shouldn't have standing idle too long – she has to keep moving so the warmth didn't disappear. Ada felt the coldness started biting her hand’s exposed skin. Quickly she put them in her hoodie’s pocket. A sudden urge to run inside sparked within her – the restaurant must be so warm and nice and they serve a cup of warm delicious tea... “My name is Ivan Braginsky. Nice to meet you~” Ah. Ada almost completely forgotten about him – blame the cold and this sloth-paced line. His sudden introduction startled her a bit; she jumped slightly and immediately smiled, her previous worry temporarily put aside. Maybe Ivan Braginsky’s sense of humor was simply peculiar. A bit, she added in her mind, just a little peculiar for my standard. "And then I told that boy that he's here for work, not to be begging for money in a charity." Ada’s attention again turned away from Ivan. This time the cause was a man talking with a loud voice to a rather large group in line. Apparently said man was their group leader or someone well-respected amongst them. A chilly wind blew her hair, reminding herself to the coldness that soon might be unbearable. She’s still thinking about how to approach said man and ask him to let her and Ivan cut the line – now that they kind of shared same purpose, Ada didn’t mind eating together with him, besides it sounds so awkward declining his offer after accepted it. Then she heard Ivan spoke again. “Do you think they’ll let us through if we ask, too?” Good – he’s currently concerned about the same thing. Looks like he really starving and wanted his food as soon as possible. His smile weakened by the sight of fifty people in line. “I don’t want to have to...” Ada blinked. She didn’t hear Ivan’s complete sentence. What does he doesn’t want to do? She wanted to ask, but again her intuition blaring – means that she can’t do it or something bad might happen. And she felt it’d be bad for the loud-voiced man in line. Ivan was quite huge even for European standard, so she assumed if a fight broke between him and the other man, the latter will be sent straight to the hospital. So building up her courage, she walked out from the line and approached the loud-voiced man. “Excuse me, sir!” she said half-shouting since he was surrounded by his friends and they’re taller than her. When people in the group started to notice her presence, Ada continued, “Can I and my friend over there cut the line a bit? H-he’s starving and,” she paused, shivering from the wind’s chillness. “And I’m c-cold. So do you mind if we...?” she somehow ended her question with some hand gesture as an unspoken polite request. While she waited for his reply, Ada remembered that she hadn't introduce herself to Ivan. Oh well. She will do it later, preferably after they sit inside the restaurant with a cup of warm tea.

MADE BY MINNIE OF BACK TO NEVERLAND

[Captain]

MOD - EVERITT QULGLEY

He was talking about how much these employees of his keep on expecting some sort of special service. The suit said otherwise about his status in his company no doubt. Of course, most if not all were shot down immediately. His words told the co-workers or business partners that he rarely gave out promotions, ever.

So when this little girl walked up to him and his company, he looked at her - almost with a professional sort of glare. Upon hearing her request the man looked over towards his company. Other men in business suits. He laughed of course, loudly, the sort of hearty laugh that you would hear from a grandfather.

The rest of the group laughed with him and he looked at the little girl before him.

"Missy, in this world there's nothing in the end that's free. If you want your food, you have to wait in line just like everyone else. It's no charity or Salvation Army."

[Deleted]

It's cold and it's white
It's everywhere in the night
Love, it's called winter

Ivan watched as the girl started to walk towards the bunch of people standing directly in front of the two, conversing about things that the Russian held no interest in. He had only caught a few words here and there, but it was apparent the man acting as the group’s leader was not a pleasant person. His voice was condescending, and his tone held superiority Ivan couldn’t help but think was out of place. Surely enough the man was dressed well – a bit like Ivan himself right now – but fancy clothes and a big pile of money hardly made anyone better than the next person. It was precisely because of people like that guy that Ivan had joined the Bratva in the first place. It was people like those that he wanted to sweep off the face off the earth and keep from gaining a high status.

So, as the girl courageously walked up to the crowd and raised her voice, Ivan felt that her request would not be well-received. He wasn't sure whether to call it intuition or experience, but he knew people like that hardly cared for the well-being of others'. Ivan's smile was still in place, but his eyes grew sharper, darker with each passing second, his glare fixated on the group’s leader. He hoped he was just being overly critical, hoped he’d be wrong about the man.

“Excuse me, sir!” The girl began, and it was then that Ivan realized he had never gotten her name. She had never offered him an introduction, just sprung into action right after his rhetorical question. It felt a bit odd to him, rude even, but he truly hoped she’d fix her mistake posthaste once they advanced in the line a bit - especially since he had given her his own name despite the danger it might've brought to him.

“Can I and my friend over there cut the line a bit? H-he’s starving and… And I’m c-cold. So do you mind if we...?”

Ivan couldn't help but smile at the word "friend", even if only momentarily, as his happy thoughts were soon replaced with anxiety. There it was, the question he’d been waiting for her to ask, now all they'd need was an answer. He knew that any regular person with half a heart wouldn’t have minded stepping aside to let past a polite person in a rush, but the way these particular men looked at each other, and the way the group leader glared at the girl told Ivan these weren’t reasonable people. These were the bad guys. And Ivan knew from experience there were only two ways to deal with bad guys. Unfortunately, the girl probably wasn’t capable of using either method, so maybe it was time he’d step up and ask again?

"Missy, in this world there's nothing in the end that's free. If you want your food, you have to wait in line just like everyone else. It's no charity or Salvation Army."The leader of the little group finally replied after rousing a short round of laughter from his companions. Ivan really didn’t like him. That was no way to talk to someone who had approached them politely and with no ill intent. She was a girl, too, didn’t manners alone dictate she should be let through if nothing else?

Ivan took a step closer, smile never leaving his face as he walked behind the girl. He was tall enough for his face to be completely visible even from behind her head, so he didn't ask her to move. A face which, along with the ever-present smile, carried an ominous, warning look right now. Ivan’s eyes were closed and his head slightly tilted as he leaned over the girl, closer to the men. He didn't speak right away, just stood there and smiled before he was certain each of the men were focused on him. He'd try to let them off the hook one more time, give them one more opportunity to prove they were just misguided, and that a friendly reminder would be enough to make them reconsider.

“Excuse me, but we’d really appreciate it if you just moved~” Ivan began in his usual singy-sangy voice, “There is a show I really want to see, and I’ll be late if I don’t get to eat now. The show is really important to me too, I’ve wanted to see it for so long.”

His smile widened ever so slightly as he continued, all the kiddiness in his voice gone for a fleeting moment, replaced by a low, deep tone: “So long that, I’d kill to see it tonight.”

The second passed, and Ivan's previous tone was back and his violet eyes open, looking directly into the leader man's. "So, please?"

made by me (Roma) of TND!

[Deleted]

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[atrb=style, background-color: #D0C6A4; border-top: 5px solid #75531E; border-bottom: 5px solid #75531E;] MY SACRIFICE ABOVE ALL THE OTHERS, WE'LL FLY Like with every opening night, Miss Cerys Lewis-Kirkland was always going to feel just a tad bit nervous. After all, opening night pretty much said if the show would float or sink. If it floats, it flies. If it sinks, it drowns. So there was very much reason to be nervous. So how would she deal with these nerves? Just the way she had ever since she was younger. By going out and trying to relax. Of course, that habit wasn't exactly good because of always trying to get back into the Barbican Arts Centre. With studded sunglasses and an outfit to hopefully blend in, she relied on her "ability not to stick out" to try to get back to the dressing room. Which for some reason worked, to her dismay. But pushing through this crowd and occasionally being asked for an autograph, it wasn't exactly going to be an easy journey. Plus she didn't bring any security men with her to push her through. She didn't really understand that practice anyways. She wasn't the kind of girl that would need that much help, though she would have liked a bit of help... Well no, bringing security guards would be pretty overboard. It wasn't like she was getting attacked or anything. “Can I and my friend over there cut the line a bit? H-he’s starving and… And I’m c-cold. So do you mind if we...?” Cerys turned around. People cut in line quite a bit, but that sounded pretty pitiful. Okay that was rude, but she wouldn't mind helping out someone a bit, after all. If she was going back stage, might as well bring some Barbican goers some help. Plus it helped the heart a bit to some good, right? But the Slavic man was just a tad bit intimidating... No matter, her siblings were intimidating anyways. Iain was... hairy like a grizzly and Aoife could be a piece of work. "Missy, in this world there's nothing in the end that's free. If you want your food, you have to wait in line just like everyone else. It's no charity or Salvation Army." Is there manners in the greater public anymore? Really now, you do not simply treat someone like that! Even if that is the cruel, cruel truth... Come along now, Cerys, you have a dressing room to get yourself to. Drain out this little diatribe and go along now. “So long that, I’d kill to see it tonight.” W-woah there! W-well... let's just hope that this conflict gets itself together? L-let's be a bit daring today, shall we Cerys? "Sir, they're with me. They have backstage passes with inside access. I've been looking for them," she said before anything else could arise. She held up two backstage passes and had taken off her sunglasses. That made the belligerent man shut up. After all, who talks back to an actress? "Come along now, I have to hurry to the dressing room before curtain up," she said. She knew not whether to feel accomplished or afraid. But of course, anything to prevent a riot. the crowd slowly parted for Miss Cerys Lewis-Kirkland, actress, starring in Barbican's latest musical and half-opera. WORDS! 534 TAGS! Russia, Indo NOTES! whoops i just interrupted a fight because i was writer's blocked

made by kiwii at btn!

[Deleted]

terima kasih banyak! The second laughter filled the air, Adania instantly hated the man and everyone who laughed with him. Moreover, their laugh was full of mocking tone; mocking her – look at this poor little girl asking to cut the line don’t she know her place in the world she should not even be here I’ve embarrassed myself ever talking to you... Of course those words were unspoken, but Ada could hear them in their laugh, in their attitude, in their eyes. She felt her cheeks warmed, not because the air but rather from embarrassment. Turning back and ran from the line sounded tempting, but no, she would not do that. "Missy, in this world there's nothing in the end that's free. If you want your food, you have to wait in line just like everyone else. It's no charity or Salvation Army." If he didn’t want to let her cut the line why he had to refuse in such a rude manner and laugh at her? He could say a simple no and she will simply back to her place in line; no hard feelings involved. Ada locked her eyes to the loud-voiced man. She wished she could burn that man just by looking – he reminded Ada to her dearest grandmother. “Excuse me, but we’d really appreciate it if you just moved~” Ivan has left their place in line and currently standing behind her. Shadow fell upon Ada when the blond leaned closer to her. The man and his group fell silent, their laughter died in the cold air. She noted their eyes now focused to Ivan, so she glanced upwards, curious to find out what made those people stunned... “There is a show I really want to see, and I’ll be late if I don’t get to eat now. The show is really important to me too, I’ve wanted to see it for so long.” ...Now she knew that Ivan is scary. The smile was still present but it no longer bore a warmth or childish aura. She felt that smile now served as warning to those rude people. Ada secretly glad she sided with Ivan, but she also afraid of him. Better not cross his path in the future. Maybe if she befriends him, Ivan will never have to use his warning smile to her. “So long that, I’d kill to see it tonight.” Ada gasped. The kill was slightly emphasized, meant it was not an exaggeration. The blond was a person whose capable not just harming, but also killing if necessary. She restrained herself from shivering – Ivan was really close and it made her slightly uncomfortable; not to mention the coldness and dangerous aura she felt comes from Ivan. After a tense silent passed, Ivan added, “so, please?” But the please didn’t help at all. It’s making everything even scarier for Ada. Should she left Ivan? She hadn’t told him her name, but he knew her face. And she might unintentionally hurt him too – she hated making people hurt, even if they’re criminals. “Sir, they’re with me.” A tall woman approached them and took off her sunglasses, showing them a pair of blue-grey eyes. “They have backstage passes with inside access. I've been looking for them." Added her reddish-brown hair, Ada knew she has seen her before. She remembered a friend in language course told her about the actress Lewis-Kirkland and showed her photograph too. Ada couldn’t believe her own eyes – an actress! Lewis-Kirkland – Adania didn’t remember her first name – held up two backstage passes. Those papers made the rude people fell silent and they quickly parted, clearing their path. "Come along now,” she told Ada and Ivan. “I have to hurry to the dressing room before curtain up." Relieved, Ada hastily followed her, half-dragging the tall blond behind her. “Let’s go, Ivan.” Once they left the rude group, she quickly thanked her. “Thank you so much for helping us, Ms. Lewis-Kirkland,” her smile returned. “My name is Adania Notonegoro,” she introduced herself to both Europeans, “nice to meet you.”

MADE BY MINNIE OF BACK TO NEVERLAND

[Deleted]

It's cold and it's white
It's everywhere in the night
Love, it's called winter

Ivan stared at the leader of the group intently and staying perfectly still, barely aware of how uncomfortable the girl accompanying him had grown in his shadow. If she spoke or let out any sounds, Ivan didn’t hear them. He didn’t even hear the loud chatter coming from the people waiting behind them on the line. All he could focus on right then was the man in front of him and his forehead which, should he still refuse to move, would soon be decorated with a brand new, bullet-sized hole. It was bad to kill people, but this man seemed like one of those who were better off dead. He didn’t want to kill ordinary citizens, but bad guys? They were a different story. They wouldn’t be missed. Killing them wouldn’t be wrong at all.

Slowly, the Russian’s hand started to travel downwards towards his belt, fingers slipping underneath his jacket to look for the familiar, metallic surface of his gun. The tip of his gloved fingers already brushed against the grip of his gun when a voice snapped Ivan out of his darkening thoughts. He turned, the increasingly creepy smile vanishing to make room for confusion. He blinked as he saw a woman approaching them all, holding up something as she spoke up to the assorted group.

“Sir, they’re with me,” she announced, and the puzzlement on Ivan’s face grew even greater. Who was she talking about? The Russian turned to look around, but didn’t see anyone else close enough for her to be referring to. So was she talking about… the girl and him? Why was she helping them? “They have backstage passes with inside access. I've been looking for them.”

Ivan took a look at the passes she was holding and then back to the men, wondering if her little ruse worked. His confusion over the sudden turn of events still shone from his face, although gratitude was slowly building up to replace it. There really were helpful people in the world~ Knowing that made him happy and so, by the time the loud group moved to make room for him and the two women, Ivan’s usual, happy smile was back. The woman who had helped them ushered the two to follow, and the Asian girl suggested they’d do so as well, so Ivan went ahead to do as was instructed.

As he passed the loud group however, he couldn’t help but feel a sudden rush of what could only be described as disappointment. While he didn’t approve of violence if there was a way around it, and while he didn’t like to go around shooting people for no reason, he felt like justice had been left undone when the men got away with their rudeness with no punishment at all. He knew they wouldn’t learn their lesson just from this and would continue to be mean and rude to the people they encountered until someone went and put a stop to it.

Ivan turned around slightly to take one final glance at the group and especially its leader. He had no information about them aside from their appearance, so he made sure to memorize it to the best of his ability. If they met again, the man would not be this lucky. No, next time he would make sure they met away from any curious eyes. He’d shoot, and then he’d forgive, because it wasn’t nice to carry grudges, right? Especially not when the object of the grudge was dead~

Chuckling to himself, Ivan brought his hand away from his gun and hastened his pace; seemed like he was falling behind the two. He quickly caught up to them, noticing they had advanced quite a bit in the line. The person who helped them really had to be famous to make so many people move aside from her. She looked sort of… familiar too, now that he thought about it. Was she a performer here?

“Thank you so much for helping us, Ms. Lewis-Kirkland,” Ivan’s dining company said with a smile. “My name is Adania Notonegoro, nice to meet you.”

“I see... Adania~”, Ivan repeated with a smile and a nod, a tad kiddy to finally learn her name. He’d be sure to remember it. Just as the Russian was about to offer his thanks as well though, the name Ada had used to refer to the other woman snatched Ivan’s attention. Lewis-Kirkland? That definitely sounded familiar. She had to be a performer… Actually, could it be she was-

“Ah, Ms. Lewis!” Ivan piped up fast in case the woman decided to leave now that she had helped them, hoping she didn’t mind him shortening her name. After he made sure he had her attention, he proceeded with the question before it’d drive him insane. He needed to know where he had seen her before, and especially if it really was in the ad for the show he was about to go watch in a couple of hours. “You look really familiar! Do you happen to perform here tonight~?”

made by me (Roma) of TND!

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[atrb=style, background-color: #D0C6A4; border-top: 5px solid #75531E; border-bottom: 5px solid #75531E;] MY SACRIFICE ABOVE ALL THE OTHERS, WE'LL FLY One does not simply measure the amount of fame they have. Rather, they just hope that the amount they have is good enough. No one seemed to make a fuss once she had made her entrance, so she had to assume: Good. She wasn't some amateur and she had some cred. A good risk, a tad bit of estimate... after all, what if they didn't believe her? It was a bit easy for her to get caught up in the tide of the crowd and blend in. The ability to blend in usually decreases the more famous you become... so it felt a bit good... that meant she had some credibility lying around. “My name is Adania Notonegoro, nice to meet you," said the Asian girl. Ahhh, that's a nice name. But no time to talk... at least not until they get closer to the dressing rooms. "Ah, Ms. Lewis! You look really familiar! Do you happen to perform here tonight~?" When you're recognized, you can't help but smile just a bit on the inside. But play it cool and don't show it all off... or at least, just try not to. And Ms. Lewis? Well that's got a ring to it. After all, the Kirkland part always connects to Arthur, which is nice and all, but that doesn't help in making your own name. It does give you some good headway, but it will definitely hurt if Arthur was to do something scandalous or if she herself did something scandalous. “Why yes, I do have a performance, and I need to rush backstage. Here, use these and say I gave them to ya, you can get yourself into the front row with these, just don't cause any trouble tonight. I have to run,” she said, handing the passes to the two of them. Time to make a run for it and hope that director isn't pissed off. She started to pace faster down the hall, but before making a run for the dressing room, she said "Consider this a favour, and hope you enjoy the show. We have a lot in store." WORDS! ...I'll count later TAGS! Russia, Indo NOTES! This is very, very late ;;

made by kiwii at btn!

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terima kasih banyak! “You look really familiar! Do you happen to perform here tonight~?” ”Why yes, I do have a performance,” the actress replied Ivan’s question, ”and I need to rush backstage. Here, use these and say I gave them to ya, you can get yourself into the front row with these, just don’t cause any trouble tonight.” Ada murmured her thanks when the Englishwoman handed her a theatre ticket. She was almost spend her money for a film, but quickly canceled it since she had no much money left. This was really unexpected; a chance to watch Barbican show without having to pay for ticket. And it’s in the front row! In the back of her mind, a smaller version of herself was currently danced in circles happily, proclaiming her love for free stuff. ”I have to run,” Lewis-Kirkland, the actress, started to walk faster. Of course, the show must go on. Ada felt a bit guilty. She hoped the director will not scold her savior. ”Sorry for making you late,” Ada said, but the other female really in a hurry and didn’t hear her apology. ”Consider this a favour, and hope you enjoy the show. We have a lot in store.” the woman told Ada and Ivan before disappeared in a corner. The Indonesian stood still for a while in her place before something snap her back to reality. In her ticket, it was stated that the show will finish quite late. Ada knew she still can catch a tube, but she never going out until this late, except around Imperial College. This area indeed looked safe, but crime never a picky. It happened everytime someone loosened their own guard. Ada shook her head, clearing her mind from dark thoughts. She shouldn’t think like that. Let’s hope nothing bad would happen to her on the way back to the dorm. Hugging her bag, Ada turned to her only companion. “She really an amazing person, isn’t it? Helping two strangers and giving them free tickets.” Ada’s finger put her ticket in the pocket. ”It’s quite rare for famous people to stay humble after they reached the top.” Her gaze moved downwards, to the tip of her flat shoes. Since she was a very young girl, Ada had met many people who kept their smile only to those they deem worth talking to. Once they facing their subordinates, their attitude changed drastically. Usually, people like this won’t stay long on top. Their true colors would be revealed sooner or later and their reputation would be greatly decreased. ”Ms. Lewis-Kirkland will be very famous someday... ah!” Ada slapped her forehead. ”I should have asked her for an autograph!” But then again, it’s not really nice asking for an autograph when the actress was running to her dressing room. Seeing the restaurant’s entrance was close, Ada approached the waiter. ”Table for two, please,” she told him, then asked her dining company, “um... do you mind if our table is near the window? I kinda like watching the street around this time.” Nope, Ada actually didn’t really care where their table was. She just felt safer if their activity was visible from the outside, although the restaurant itself was still full of people. The young woman merely will not let her guard down just because she was hungry.

MADE BY MINNIE OF BACK TO NEVERLAND

[Deleted]

It's cold and it's white
It's everywhere in the night
Love, it's called winter

Ivan waited anxiously for the European woman’s reply, sincerely hoping his memory hadn’t let him down. He wasn’t that good with European names, especially if they were long ones like hers (surprisingly enough, he didn’t have any trouble with the longer Russian names, not even when you included patronymics) and he had only glanced at the actor list for tonight’s show briefly. He kept his hopes up as she turned to him though, smiling as he waited. Meeting a real actor of one of his favorite shows the first time he visited the Arts Centre would be incredibly lucky, a nice diversion from his usual bouts of bad luck.

And then the answer came, and Ivan’s smile widened at the words. He had been right. The Russian felt both excited and proud at that, as the ability to remember names was something very important in his ‘profession’ of choice. Maybe he was getting better at it. Either way though, Ivan didn’t get to continue on the subject any further before the woman had already announced she was in a rush. Aw, well this meeting sure was brief. Ivan was just about to grab the woman’s arm and tell her that leaving so early on during a conversation was both rude and a big disappointment to her fans, when she extended her hand on her own accord to give him and Ada two passes which apparently granted them access to the front rows – places usually reserved for people with wealth and status to fight their way there.

Ivan forgot all about grabbing the woman after that and just smiled, nodding a warm thank you as she turned to leave and rush towards the backstage. He turned the pass in his hand, not being able to help but think that knowing people sure was useful. Well, he had always known that the right contacts could oftentimes be more useful than any weapons or money especially in the underworld, but to think it showed this strongly in “proper” society as well. Huh. He would really need to go out and make more friends in high places. Get involved where he could, until the entire city’d be dancing upon the palm of his hand, his to drop and crush – and of course, later rebuild – at will.

Just then, Ivan’s newest friend spoke up from beside him, and whatever questionable smile had almost managed to creep on his face disappeared as he turned to her. She commented on how good of a person Ms. Lewis was, and then went on to say something the Russian couldn’t have agreed with more.

”It’s quite rare for famous people to stay humble after they reached the top.”

Ivan’s smile grew a tad melancholic at that. There was so much truth in those words and yet, he still found it a tad difficult to believe he wasn’t the only one who had noticed the phenomenon of people growing more selfish the more power they got. Indeed, that had greatly contributed to him choosing the criminal path. It was so much easier to get rid of bad, selfish people from there. Easier to take their place and show how a real leader should lead a nation, how to lead the world. He had seen many politicians and activists try and speak their mind against the bigger powers of the world, but always in vain. Talking wasn’t the way. The only way to make a real difference was to seize absolute control over everything and make sure there would be no those who disagreed with you. And for that purpose, Ivan needed to one day lead the Bratva. But first, he needed underlings. Underlings loyal enough to be on his side the day he decided to turn on the current Bratva leaders and take over. People who shared his views… just like this girl here did.

That made Ivan’s brows raise a tad as an idea flowed into his mind; could this girl be a candidate? They were friends already, weren’t they? Surely, she would be ecstatic to help him out and work for him, and he would even offer her payment for it too.

As the girl slapped her forehead and realized she had forgotten to ask for an autograph, she seemed to be blissfully unaware of the curious look forming onto the Russian’s face. Would she accept his offer? Did she already have a job? Would a position in the underworld scare her? And, more importantly, what would her actual work be? She lacked the muscle or the attitude to work as a punisher or a thug. So what then? A spy? He did have to admit he was short on those, and the girl didn’t seem to have any trouble fitting into normal society; helped that she probably didn’t have a criminal background like most of their current spies did. The Russian’s eyes gained a dangerous, intense spark to them. Yes, she did sound pretty ideal when he thought about i-

“Um... do you mind if our table is near the window? I kinda like watching the street around this time.”

Ivan snapped out of his thoughts once more, looking a bit dazed for several seconds before he realized the two had finally reached the restaurant’s counter. Both the person behind the counter and Ada were looking at him now, with an expectant look in their eyes. Oh, that was right, he had been asked a question. Um. A bit embarrassed, Ivan rushed to answer.

“Ah, no, not at all,” he began, smiling, “It… is fine!”

Even after his reply though, Ivan still wasn’t entirely sure as to what exactly he was agreeing to. He was just happy to finally be able to eat, and it wasn’t until they were led towards their table that he finally realized what the girl had asked him and, more importantly, what she had said after that.

She likes watching the streets around this time?

A bit confused, Ivan glanced out the window, as if an explanation would have stared right back at him from there. Did she just enjoy people watching? Was she waiting for someone specific to pass by? Was she afraid of someone; was there someone after her? Ivan figured, after the questions kept on flowing to mind, that the best way would just be to ask her about it.

So, as the two finally sat down, Ivan looked at her, blinking a tad and asked: “Why do you like watching the streets?” He figured he’d leave his work suggestion for a tad later. First he needed to find out some more about this new friend of his. “And, also, how did you end up here in London? You’re far away from home right, aren’t you~?”

made by me (Roma) of TND!

[Deleted]

terima kasih banyak! Ivan seemed distracted by something. Perhaps their sudden meeting with an actress had left a deep impression in his heart. Ada smiled at that thought. Events happening this night really looked like something right from a drama scenario - getting into an unexpected trouble, rescued by a swift presence of a famous actress, receiving a free pass for said star’s show... And then left alone with a man she just met less than an hour ago. Ada glanced at him. He really planned to go to theatre and from the way he dressed; the girl concluded he must be someone close to the upper-class or one of them himself. Rich people tend to differentiate themselves from the lowerclassmen by the way they dress, talk or spend their free time. Many took unusual and expensive hobbies like collecting dinosaur’s eggshell or boring stuffs that used to be owned by famous people. Others took ‘difficult’ and cultural hobbies like classic literature, opera or architecture. Ivan will fit perfectly to the latter group. Of course he could also be a commoner who was also an avid fan of drama and opera. Hey, at least they had something in common, although Ada would prefer watching tv series since she would not be bound to a chair and free to put herself in a most comfortable position. Her first time watching a show in theatre was around fifteen years ago and she didn’t even see past the opening since she quickly fell asleep. Both her patrons never took her to theatre again afterwards. The waiter lead them to a table for two near the window just like she had requested. He left them with the restaurant’s menu. Ada skimmed the menu for a bit before settled to baked potato with broccoli. She needed the vegetable to balance her unhealthy diet she took so very often lately- fast food and instant noodles. And a cup of nice warm tea, finally! Once she made her decision, she closed the menu right when Ivan spoke up, “why do you like watching the streets?” Wait, what? Ada blinked, confused on why suddenly the Slavic asked a very random question to her - oh, right. She mentally slapped her forehead. The reason they got this table is because she said she liked watching the streets. But before she got a time to think about her answer, Ivan asked her again. “And, also, how did you end up here in London? You’re far away from home right, aren’t you~?” Somehow, Ada didn’t like the feel in Ivan’s questions. It’s too... interrogative, to say the least. Although it was considered as normal back in her homeland, after spending months in London Ada felt weird being asked like this. It’s very unusual hearing interrogative question in England. That’s aside, Ivan didn’t look like someone who was raised here, even though his English was quite smooth. His homeland’s culture surfaced outside, maybe? Anyway, manners first. “It’s quite... interesting,” she began with smile and carefully chosen words. “So many people in one place yet they looked like didn’t recognize others’ presence. Too focused to their own destination, or gadgets. Besides, London looks very different from my hometown and I haven’t had a chance to take a... relaxed walk outside my campus building.” Good start, Ada, she congratulated herself. That answered Ivan’s first question. Now, moving to the second. And third. “I got a scholarship from the Imperial College,” Ada couldn’t help but feeling a bit proud of herself. The scholarship and her chosen major were things she acquired herself with almost no help from her grandparents. “I’m majoring in Theoretical Physics and I just started my second year here. It’s quite hectic and busy through my first year, but now I’m used to it.” Since Ivan had asked about the reason she’s here, Ada felt she has a right to ask him the same. “How about you? You’re also not from England. Are you here just for the show or you have other business in London?” Good question. She hoped it’s not too interrogative like his question.

MADE BY MINNIE OF BACK TO NEVERLAND

[Deleted]

Just because I'm losing

Doesn't mean I'm lost, Doesn't mean I'll stop, Doesn't mean I'm in a cross. Just because I'm hurting, Doesn't mean I'm hurt, Doesn't mean I didn't get what I deserve, No better and no worse. I just got lost, Every river that I've tried to cross, And every door I ever tried was locked, Ooh-Oh, And I'm just waiting till the shine wears off...

She had finally reached the dressing room in time only to notice... Wait, what?

"Welcome back, Miss Lewis. I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news but you will not be performing tonight."

What.

"We have decided it is in our best that your understudy would take your place tonight."

What.

"We ask that you take the evening off, Miss Lewis. It was a corporate decision and I am certain you would like to give your understudy, Miss Siana Brassington, a chance at the spotlight, yes?"

But...

"Do not worry, it will only be for a night or two."

That... she bribed them, didn't she...

"Thank you for your service, you are dismissed for the night, Miss Lewis. Why not relax at Barbican's bar and sign a few autographs? It is a pleasant experience to be able to get closer to one's fans, yes."

She wanted to shake her head and actually argue this out. This had to be a strategic bribe. This was opening night. Opening night happened to get the most applause and was the busiest night. However, arguing with the director wasn't the best id—

"Mister Russel, is there any particular reason you would want me to back down on opening night?"

The director tensed. He was bribed, then.

"It was merely a corporate decision, and we would like our newer talents to be recognized. Will that be all, Miss Lewis? I believe it's best you take your leave right now."

"That will be all, sir," she said, already out the back hallway door. How unprofessional that was, to be told to back down. It was against her honour code, but to argue with a director wouldn't have been wise.

She walked down to the Martini Bar on floor 1, mostly unnoticed with the usual business of Barbican's crowd. People were usually drunk on the alcohol or simply the business of the Barbican Arts Centre. Barbican was known for not just its theatrics but its music, dance, and cinema. In fact, it is more renown for its music due to housing the London Symphony Orchestra. And anyways, it was a good time to answer her text messages and discuss handing over the information.

She slumped into a seat in the Martini Bar, putting her messenger bag of the usual files on her lap.

"You're not going to be on stage tonight, Lewis?" the bartender asked.

"Not tonight, apparently. Brassington probably bribed Russel to take tonight's spotlight. Oh well, my role wasn't even lead anyways."

"You really have to stop this from happening. How many times have understudies taken your role by bribery? This is getting to be ridiculous."

"Give me a good Appletini tonight, I need the vodka to take my mind off this. And I would do something about it if I could... Hey, why are they all gathered by the television?" she asked, squinting her pale blue eyes and she looked at the flat screen in the corner of the bar.

"MAXIMANTICS CORPORATION BUILDING DETONATED DURING BONDEVIK SOIREE! HELP YET TO BE RECEIVED, EVACUATION IN PROGRESS!"

"Your Appletini, Lewis. And wow, isn't that devastating. Sucks to be invited to that soiree, that party literally exploded," the bartender said, putting down a sparkling beverage that consisted of vodka, sour apple, and a splash of sprite.

She most certainly hoped that Arthur wasn't on that guest list. Even if her contact with her younger brother had been limited for the past few years despite living in London, you can't help but wonder..

"It would most certainly 'suck', yes..."

Table by Oblivion from BTN