"Everyone, may I have your attention!" Raven's voice rang out as she stepped onto the stage, overlooking the final preparations being made for tonight's occasion.
Slowly, the workers who were an assorted mix of ordinary humans and mutants, each carefully assigned to ensure the evening ran flawlessly, turned their heads toward the figure commanding the room.
Some shifted nervously, unsure whether to meet her gaze; others held themselves rigid, trained to respond without hesitation.
The murmurs of final preparations faded into a charged silence as Raven's eyes swept over the crowd with a warm smile.
"First of all, I want to thank you all for your hard work on an evening that is so precious to me," Raven said, humbly taking a moment to acknowledge the effort everyone had put in to make tonight possible.
"We've all worked so hard and today, all the fruits of our labor will finally be made real." Raven laughed, watching them all nod towards each other with excited faces.
Though rarely spoken aloud, the job market was still staggering under the crushing weight of the Great Depression.
Even with the New Deal slowly taking shape, and Ricky's efforts to bolster employment in certain sectors, unemployment remained a persistent shadow over the city.
At its height, nearly a quarter of New Yorkers, about 25 percent, had found themselves without work, and though targeted programs had slowly reduced that number to roughly 15 percent, the relief was only partial.
Breadlines still snaked through neighborhoods, empty chairs at dinner tables were commonplace, and the weary eyes of men and women were still as prevalent as ever.
Money might have begun to circulate again, but the scars of hunger and uncertainty were far from healed.
"And as you know, with Ricky rising in the public eye, more and more mutants are finally reemerging after having remained in the shadows for so long," Raven said, her eyes scanning the room as solemn expressions crossed the faces of those who knew this truth all too personally.
"But even with the foundation's support, it's hard to get situated," Raven admitted, her eyes briefly scanning the room as a few heads nodded in quiet agreement.
"And it's even harder to find a place to truly belong," Raven added, her voice softening as she let the weight of her words settle among those listening.
"Yet New York has not only become one of the fastest-growing cities in the world," Raven continued, lifting her chin slightly as if to be proud of this fact.
"It has also become a safe haven for mutants who have followed Ricky's lead, proud to live openly as mutants," Raven said, a genuine smile spreading across her face as she marveled not only at the workers before her but at how many now called the entire city home.
"And we are set on helping every single mutant who crosses into the foundation," Raven declared, her eyes sweeping across the room, lingering on those who seemed both hopeful and cautious.
"However, as they say, money makes the world go round," Raven chuckled, watching everyone join in at her lighthearted joke before she slowly swallowed her breath.
"Which is why tonight, we plan on raising one million dollars," Raven announced, her voice steady and confident, as the declaration sent ripples of shock through the room.
Whispers quickly spread among the crowd since one million dollars wasn't a small sum, and the sheer magnitude of it left many feeling a flicker of worry.
"I know, I know." Raven eased, trying to regain their attention as their voices faded at her behest.
"But as the papers say, the mutant flock is only now truly approaching," Raven revealed, watching the people below slowly nod their heads again.
"We, and everyone else, gravely underestimated how many of us were truly hiding, and tonight we need to raise these funds to accommodate all those wandering souls." Raven said passionately, almost excited that there were more than expected.
"So tonight, I ask you to swallow any discourtesies that may be thrown your way," Raven continued, watching the people duck their heads and swallow their pride as the regular humans patted their backs.
"Even I am not immune to the stares since I stick out like a sore thumb, literally." Raven laughed, gesturing to herself as everyone joined in.
"They don't understand what a dollar means, but all of you do," Raven said, knowing how precious a single cent was, let alone a whole dollar.
"It's eight loaves of bread, five dozen eggs, two gallons of milk-"
For the next eight minutes, Raven listed off what a single dollar could buy a man or woman in 1936, and the reality caught everyone by surprise.
Ricky, like most of the other well-dressed patrons that would be attending this dinner, had long since lost touch with what a single dollar meant.
But Raven never forgot what it meant to starve.
The memory of hunger clung to her like an old scar, one that never faded no matter how much wealth or influence she gained.
Value, true value, was something she carried with her through every era, every lifetime, and every coin she gathered.
"I know it's a lot, but I assure you, I understand clearly what every single one of those million dollars will mean," Raven said, watching the waiters grow a little emotional as she offered a slow, reassuring smile.
"So, without further ado, let us begin!" Raven announced excitedly, prompting the workers to cheer as they hurried toward the doors.
Two mutants stood as guards, gripping the handles and opening the doors to the high-society circles Raven had spent months working hard to cozy up to.
Some of the most influential people in New York were attending this event; despite the mutant name attached to it, it carried a significance that went beyond mere reputation.
They all had one reason for being here, the very reason Raven's anxious eyes swept the room, searching for Ricky.
Who was still nowhere to be seen.
"Raven!" a woman called, dressed in the latest fashion and adorned with enough jewels to outshine anything the foundation would make tonight.
"Anne!" Raven greeted, walking over as they kissed each other's cheeks.
"How are you, darling? I hardly see you these days, not since you began preparing for this dinner" Anne said, linking arms with Raven as they began strolling through the venue.
Even with the venue flooding with guests, all eyes still drifted toward the one woman who stood alongside the blue-skinned woman, Anne Morgan.
Heiress to J.P. Morgan yet more remarkable for the causes she carried than the fortune she inherited.
Even within the glittering halls of the Waldorf-Astoria, her presence commanded attention without ever demanding it.
It was to the point where those who had intended to approach Raven first immediately stepped aside, deferring to the woman acknowledged as the 'Queen' of all high-society circles.
"Well, I'm sure you can fully understand the stress of organizing a dinner, let alone everything else you've accomplished," Raven said, smiling warmly at one of the few women she genuinely respected in the city.
"This dinner is marvelous, my events pale in comparison-"
"Do not~," Raven giggled, Anne smiling as they made their way to the table at the very front.
"Raven, I'm afraid there's a sudden urgency I must discuss with you," Anne said, sighing and slightly bowing her head at having to make such a request on a day like this.
"Truly?" Raven asked, almost shocked that Anne of all people had approached her since there was little in this entire country that could ever unsettle her.
"It appears my eldest brother's latest antics have put him in a rather particular position." Anne scoffed, disdain flickering across her face at the recent troubles his actions had brought upon the family.
"You're kidding," Raven gasped, glancing around before quickly guiding Anne to the side.
"Is it pressing? Should I-"
"Oh, heavens no," Anne laughed, noting Raven's visible relief as this dinner meant everything to her.
"I would never jeopardize your evening; in fact, I originally came simply to enjoy myself," Anne said with a genuine smile, patting Raven's arm warmly.
"Unlike the others," Anne added, side-eyeing the group of onlookers who seemed poised to pounce.
"I'd merely like a moment of your time. Any day will do, but I'd prefer to discuss something this week," Anne said, careful not to trouble Raven, who kept her gaze fixed on the floor.
"Anne, don't do that." Raven said, shaking her head with a wry smile as she glanced to the side before returning her yellow eyes to Anne.
"Do what-"
"I know when it's serious with you, so tell me what I can do, and I'll see it done," Raven assured, knowing this was her chance to grow even closer to the queen of high society and she couldn't let the moment pass.
"I'm afraid this matter is beyond both of our grasps," Anne sighed, watching Raven's eyes slowly widen at the implication.
"I'm sorry to say, but I have suddenly become as selfish as most of these people," Anne joked, using humor to mask the shame in her features.
"Ricky," Raven finally realized, watching Anne close her eyes and slowly nod in a solemn acknowledgement.
"Come to our home later tonight; I'll make him make time for you." Raven chuckled, noting Anne's eyes remained closed a moment longer.
"I am truly sorry-"
"No-"
"But I am," Anne said, opening her eyes to someone she had never expected to relate to on such a scale.
"You truly are a dear friend to me, and I never wanted to be one of those who used you to get to Ricky." Anne said, gripping Raven's hand tighter, as if the woman before her were a lost kindred spirit she had finally found after the death of her beloved.
"I know," Raven said, rubbing her shoulder with a smile as Anne's gaze drifted toward the anxious people waiting at the side.
"I think I've taken your ear long enough, deary. I suppose you should tend to your other guests," Anne smiled, watching the crowd of people bow their heads under her sweeping gaze.
"Anne, I'm serious. After this is over, we'll talk for however long you need," Raven said, smiling as Anne nodded and made her way to her table.
Then, as if a dam had broken, the crowd surged over her in a single, unstoppable wave.
Before she knew it, she was surrounded, yet one man managed to capture her attention before the others could wriggle themselves into view.
"Raven, it is a pleasure to finally meet you." A middle-aged man said, thick round black glasses perched on his nose, chuckling as he made his way toward her.
"If it isn't the man who represents our great city's 16th district." Raven replied, shaking his hand with a pleasant smile as he laughed.
"It's a pleasure, Mr. Wagner-"
"Oh, please, call me Robert. After all, my boy and Ricky were just so close in high school," Robert laughed, clearly pleased to be remembered by Raven, who nodded warmly at the familiar man.
Robert F. Wagner, father to Skull and Bones member Robert F. Wagner II, served as the influential senator of New York's 16th district.
Although it was a stretch to say he and Ricky had been close, since the only one he truly spoke to was Henry, this was precisely why the club had been so important.
It had fostered a surge of connections, ones that even Ricky would one day credit for part of his success.
Because although history was supposed to remember Robert F. Wagner as a key architect of the New Deal, in this reality, his loyalties had shifted elsewhere.
Wagner had become deeply embedded in Lucky's pocket, and by extension, Ricky's, trading political integrity for silent allegiance and power beyond his wildest dreams.
Now, he would forever be associated with the Wagner Act, a landmark piece of legislation that, in this altered timeline, passed two years ahead of schedule.
Granting workers the right to unionize.
But the twist was cruelly ironic: the only union that truly mattered was the one under the Luciano family's control, their Teamsters holding far more sway than any government board could hope to.
"How is your son these days? I heard he's quite the charmer at Yale." Raven asked politely, noting Robert's face lit up with excitement at the mention of his boy.
"When he isn't fooling around, he's focused on his studies," Robert laughed, shaking his head at the thought of his son.
"However, he's set to graduate law school next year, and I was wondering if there might be a chance I could ask you and Ricky-"
"Honey, a friend of Ricky's is a friend of New York." Raven chuckled, patting his arm as Robert's face lit up with elation.
"The Luciano family will, of course, help your son land firmly on his feet," Raven said, watching Robert light up at the prospects his son's future could hold with Ricky's backing.
"However, there is the matter of the current strife," Raven added, noticing Robert's head dip slightly as he glanced around.
"Lucky has told me that their are some issues with a few permits regarding-"
"I'm trying, but-" Robert sighed, glancing around before rubbing the back of his neck and lowering his voice so the crowd around them couldn't hear clearly.
"FDR is making a move."
Within the landscape of New York, before Ricky's iron grip wrapped around it, Franklin Delano Roosevelt controlled the state with strings.
Every backroom deal, every legislative move, and every promise of relief during the Great Depression had his fingerprints.
It was why the state had been so accessible to him, and the very reason he had initially tried to interfere with the mob families.
But power left unattended is power at risk.
When FDR departed for Washington to assume the presidency, his influence began to unravel.
Without his personal oversight, favors went uncollected, debts were allowed to rot, and loyalties became negotiable.
And it was in that silent decay that Lucky Luciano made his move.
At first, subtly.
Then, relentlessly.
He peeled away Roosevelt's allies one by one, replacing promises with payouts, favors with leverage, and fear with death.
By the time Ricky rose to inherit Lucky's empire, the city was no longer just a prize; it was a possession.
Ricky didn't just occupy the streets; he owned the avenues from the courts, unions, and all the way to the local police precincts.
Yet remnants of Roosevelt's network still remained.
The old power brokers who had followed FDR to D.C. still held sway in certain districts, which was why most of the politicians within the city were absent from this occasion.
All of a sudden, the state had become divided not along party lines, but along loyalties: those under Ricky Luciano's banner, and those still clinging to FDR's shadow.
"He's using the Olympics as a way to press his power back into the city," Robert sighed, shaking his head in distress as the event always stirred the city's sense of nationalism.
"And there's a rumor that he has something on J.P. Morgan," Robert whispered, side-eyeing Anne, who was currently being swarmed by a crowd of her own.
"He's going after the financial institutions to fund his allies' campaigns, isn't he?" Raven said suddenly, a thought striking her as she looked at Robert, who slowly nodded.
"Have you told Lucky-"
"No, I only found out today. Word is spreading fast through the channels, which is why, well, the hall is emptier than it should be," Robert revealed, watching Raven slowly nod in understanding.
"Thank you, Robert," Raven said genuinely, holding his hands firmly to emphasize how deeply his loyalty meant to the family.
"Of course, Raven. It would be rather foolish to go against Lucky, let alone Ricky," Robert scoffed, thinking that even the president would be crazy to challenge someone as vicious as the two of them.
"Well, you know the saying," Raven said, her smile gradually rising as she began to make the saying her own.
"Luciano's look after their own."
For the next hour, as guests began to trickle in, the previously empty tables gradually filled.
Tables were arranged in rings of influence, radiating outward from the stage where Raven would later make her speech.
At the back sat the mutants, those belonging to the Sanctuary, along with a mix Raven hoped to draw closer to the foundation.
They looked uncomfortable, but their presence was necessary since the dinner would feel hollow if the majority of guests weren't connected to the mutant cause.
Ahead of them were tables of modest affluence like small business owners, minor political figures, and socialites clinging to relevance.
They had the means to secure entry but not enough influence to access true power.
Mid-level tables were reserved for judges, mid-tier politicians, and other figures whose decisions could sway outcomes but whose allegiance was still negotiable.
The high-level tables, closest to the stage, were reserved for those Raven most wanted to sway or, if necessary, turn to the families' side at all costs.
And at the very front sat the most influential attendees of the evening.
Which also happened to seat Raven as well.
"Raven, you're such a treat~" A woman known to the high elite as Caroline O'Day laughed, waving at her.
"I must admit, I had my doubts about coming here, but I'm glad to see you're one of the good ones."
Her husband, Daniel O'Day, a major executive in John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil empire let out a posh laugh, while Raven forced her smile to grow a little wider as if to humor his joke.
"That makes me so happy-"
"But I'm confused, wasn't the supposed Ricky Luciano meant to attend?" Daniel asked, stroking his mustache as several other men began to perk up.
"Yes, where is the man of the hour himself?" Another inquired, raising an eyebrow and lifting his cigarette to his lips.
Raven's yellow eyes flicked toward the man who owned the very hotel hosting the evening: Waldorf Astor.
Upon his death in 1919, William Waldorf Astor's vast estate had passed to his eldest son, Waldorf Astor, the 2nd Viscount Astor, a prominent British politician and newspaper proprietor.
His wife, Nancy Witcher Langhorne, who was an American-born socialite and the first woman to sit in the British House of Commons.
Had just so happened to run into Raven a month ago.
Subsequently, she had coaxed her husband into attending the dinner, ensuring the family's influence would grace this occasion though it was clear he only wanted to meet Ricky.
"Dear, must you spoil the festivities?" Nancy asked, patting her husband's shoulder, though he wouldn't relent.
"I took a big risk coming here this evening, as I'm sure all of you did as well," Waldorf said, glancing at the other men and letting his gaze briefly sweep over the women, who nodded in agreement.
This table alone was filled with the men who had long rivaled the woman Raven had spent countless hours turning to her side.
"Indeed, with the bubbling situation in D.C., coupled with my father's earlier disposition, I came here to make amends with the Luciano family, but I'm afraid this is becoming rather insulting," A man remarked, tapping his cigarette as the ash fell onto the edge of his table.
Another heir of great wealth finally spoke for the first time: John D. Rockefeller Jr., the man destined to solidify the Rockefeller dynasty for the next hundred years.
At this time, however, John was desperately consolidating his power within the Rockefeller family.
All the while, his sisters fiercely tried to undermine him from the inheritance and the pedestal their father had placed him upon.
"I especially wanted to see the man my rivals have been critiquing, and it is slowly becoming apparent that his attitude is exactly as they say." Another scoffed, his hand nervously gripping the tablecloth as if to stop himself from leaving the palace entirely.
William Randolph Hearst, the media tycoon, had originally been a leading supporter of Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1932 to 1934, but he later broke with FDR and became one of his most prominent critics.
On this very day, Hearst's publications reached a peak circulation of 20 million readers.
Yet his presence at this charity dinner was driven less by influence than by necessity.
Poorly managed finances had left him deeply in debt during the Great Depression, forcing the liquidation of most of his assets just to stay afloat.
Which is why even if he wanted to, he couldn't leave within seeing Ricky.
"Oh, please. You all cannot afford to leave this dinner after the situations that have gripped your families." Anne scoffed, rallying to Raven's defense as the three men's expressions darkened while their wives shifted uneasily in their seats.
"Truly, you make it sound as if it's poor Raven's fault, when she is offering an opportunity you cannot even afford to lose," Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, heiress to the Vanderbilt fortune, laughed, her gaze fixed squarely on Hearst rather than the other two men.
"How dare a floosey-"
"'Floosey'? Hardly compares to your antics back in the day," Katharine F. Lenroot, an American feminist and child welfare advocate, laughed, holding a hand to her mouth as if to stop the sneer forming.
"And it's not as if you didn't smear her partner's name across your own disgusting papers," Rose Schneiderman scoffed, crossing her arms since although she wasn't a socialite, she was a highly respected feminist within her community.
"You know, when Raven said this dinner would be fun, I couldn't believe it," a woman perked up, raising a cigarette to her lips along with a budding smile.
"But after seeing how ridiculously foolish you are, I've changed my mind." Doris Duke, the socialite who dominated gossip columns and elite circles, laughed excitedly, clapping her hands and leaning toward Raven.
"Ricky will come; he always likes to make an entrance," Raven assured them, placating rather than dominating, as if there were a reason to act so optimistic.
"Yes, but about these mutants-"
"Doris." Anne scowled, fixing her gaze on the spoiled heiress, who could only shrug at the accusatory look.
"What?"
"I'm merely wondering if they're a little too close, that's all," Doris shrugged, thinking nothing of it even with Raven sitting right beside her.
"I agree, dear, they are not even of status, yet they remain within the halls?" Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, wife of John, asked with a raised eyebrow as she looked toward the distance.
"I am not looking down on you, but you understand that people like us stand rather higher than the likes of those-" Abby began, trying her hardest not to gravely insult Raven, until one woman could no longer hold her tongue.
"Poor people? Peasants" Jane Margueretta Hoey, one of the organizers of the Social Security Administration's Bureau of Public Assistance, interjected, scowling at Abby.
"Jane, she didn't mean that-" Nancy tried to rein in her friend's anger, watching the woman who had marched for women's rights scowl hatefully at Abby.
"I did~" Doris laughed, raising her cigarette to her mouth and winking at Raven, who shook her head with a wry smile.
"I understand your concerns but they are imperative for the foundations next step-"
"Yes, but are they?" Harry Payne Whitney, husband of Gertrude, argued on behalf of many of the honored guests who were slightly put off by the sight of the mutants.
"Unlike you, my dear, they are far less pleasant to look at-" Harry began, directing the comment toward Raven in an attempt to soften it, but Gertrude simply raised her hand to intervene.
"Quiet, honey," Gertrude said, holding up her hand and rolling her eyes at his behavior.
"Yes, dear," Harry replied, lowering his head, while Gertrude took a puff of her cigarette and tapped it on the nearby tray.
"Mutants and Negro's do not compare; they are completely different." Gertrude continued, coming to Raven's defense while blatantly looking down upon African Americans as a whole.
"Recently, I hired a mutant of my own thanks to Raven here, and let me tell you, he works harder than any Negro I've ever seen." Gertrude leaned in, capturing the interests and attention of the others, except Anne and a few women who rolled their eyes.
"Me too!" Doris laughed, thrilled to finally share a fact she had been keeping to herself for so long.
"Just the other day, I hired a groundskeeper, Bigsby I call him, and guess what?" Doris asked, her eyes lighting up with excitement since she had been dying to tell someone about this.
"He can control hedges!" Doris exclaimed, leaving the others visibly shocked as Nancy leaned toward her husband, whispering as if to ask whether they could get one as well.
To these people, at least, mutants were becoming more like pets than actual human beings.
Yet Raven had engineered this situation specifically: the powers of the mutants they employed were tailored to specific roles, turning them into status symbols for the elites rather than objects of fear.
Though degrading, it was necessary; it allowed mutants to integrate more seamlessly into the wider world Raven sought to influence, all while subtly elevating her own control over the foundation and its place in society.
"I even bought an estate with grounds for him to tend, and let me tell you, the mutant is an artist, he even sculpted a hedge that looks exactly like me!" Doris said in a giddy tone, laughing hysterically at the image in her mind.
"And the best part, my nipples are the roses-"
"You are obscene, Doris," Anne scoffed, losing her appetite for the champagne and setting it down.
"If you think that's obscene, wait until you see what I had made for my downstairs." Doris laughed, delighting in the uncomfortable expression on Anne's face.
Although Anne Morgan reigned as the queen of New York's social circles, Doris Duke occupied an entirely different plane within the hierarchy. Almost untouchable in her wealth and influence, she stood in stark contrast to her elegant, refined counterpart.
She was bold, outgoing, and effortlessly magnetic, so much so that even the men at other tables couldn't help but ogle her scantily dressed form.
Inheriting her father James Buchanan Duke's vast tobacco empire, she became one of the richest women in the world almost overnight, a force even Anne Morgan could not sway.
"I still have my doubts about the mutants," Hearst said, shaking his head as he rested his cigarette in the ashtray.
"But I'm sure they'll be put at ease with the arrival of Ricky Luciano-"
"Before I forget, congratulations on the successful birth of your son, Raven." Anne interrupted, steering the conversation back to Raven, who smiled warmly.
"Thrawn, is it?" Anne asked, smiling at Raven, who nodded toward her precious baby boy, currently resting in the other room.
"Yes, he and Danielle are the apples of my eyes." Raven said warmly as Hearst, momentarily caught off guard by her beautiful smile, flushed slightly before clearing his throat.
"Congratulations," Hearst nodded to Raven, though several women at the table rolled their eyes at his poor attempt to mask his interest.
"Danielle is the one from Ricky's mistress, right?" John asked, raising an eyebrow, still unclear on the arrangement she had with Ricky.
"John!" Abby yelled in a whisper, jabbed her elbow into his side, shooting her husband a sharp glare.
"It's not like she's hiding them. Wasn't that other one here just moments ago?" John asked, turning his gaze toward Raven, who sipped her juice with a contemptuous smile.
"Yes, Sarah left to check on the children-"
"So it is true, about his rather lustful tendencies, I mean." William asked, raising an eyebrow, while Nancy beside him flushed with embarrassment.
Yet instead of rallying to her defense, many of the women turned their gaze to Raven since this was a subject that even they were curious about.
In the tightly controlled hierarchies of New York society, such arrangements were unusual and even scandalous.
But it wasn't entirely a secret that Ricky had multiple children out of wedlock since he had never hidden them, and the city whispered their existence openly enough.
What set Raven apart, however, was how she carried herself amidst it all.
Where others might have been ashamed or flustered, Raven just quietly asserted that her place in that world was not up for debate.
Even the most socially adept among them bet it the Morgans, Whitneys, Astor's, and Dukes, found themselves utterly intrigued, and perhaps quietly unsettled, by her presence alone.
"Yes, it is true." Raven confirmed calmly, setting down her glass, while Doris's lips curled into an amused smile.
"I heard he even entangled himself with that negress, Madame St. Clair." Doris said, leaning toward Raven as if to verify if the rumor was true.
"Ugh, not that one." Hearst scoffed, scowling and turning slightly away from the woman his papers had once slandered.
"I think he has rather good taste," Doris said, laughing lightly at Hearst's uncomfortable expression, knowing he was at a loss for words since he hated that woman to his very bones.
"So, are you not bothered by him sleeping around?" Gertrude asked, while the other married men glanced toward Raven with curiosity.
"It would be wrong to say I'm not bothered, but changing someone like Ricky is rather impossible-"
"Men like Ricky Luciano need a good, balanced woman to settle them down," Hearst almost demanded, jabbing his finger on the table as if to emphasize his point.
Although the conversation swirling around Raven was largely demeaning, the women in question weren't entirely paying attention.
Instead, her mind drifted elsewhere, quietly wondering where Ricky was, especially as dusk began to settle over the city.
"A woman who can clearly reign him in so that he isn't late to his own dinners-"
"As if you're one to talk." Anne interrupted, raising an eyebrow at Hearst, who didn't even have any arm candy by his side.
"Although Ricky has his own reservations, I feel I must agree with Hearst on this matter," Raven said, surprising some of her friends as she slowly raised her glass, masking her annoyance with a carefully measured smile.
"But knowing Ricky, he's probably off somewhere, working to ensure the safety and security of our family."
Meanwhile At The Plaza Hotel,
RING
RING
RING
The sharp ring of the hotel telephone seemed to echo endlessly through the nearly destroyed room.
Chairs were overturned, the bed in complete disarray, and the entire space looked as if a hurricane had passed through.
In a distant corner, the shower ran endlessly, enveloping the slumped, intertwined forms of two people.
Slowly, Alina's eyes fluttered open, a heavy soreness spreading through her body as she groaned, pressing her hand to her forehead before pushing herself upright.
Tiredly, she rubbed her eyes, and when she let go, the warm water cascaded over her face.
For a brief moment, it felt peaceful, the streams washing over her as if carrying away the chaos surrounding her.
Until finally, it hit her.
"Ricky!" Alina shouted, clutching her head, the realization striking her like a bolt since she was supposed to take Sophie to the pier.
SNORT
"Peanut brittle!" Ricky snapped awake, eyes darting around as the water poured over his face, landing on the naked form of Alina.
"Hey~" Ricky murmured, rubbing his face while pulling her naked body closer against him.
"What time is it? How long have we been here!" Alina asked hurriedly, trying to stand, only for her legs to betray her and buckle back down.
"Easy there~" Ricky chuckled, catching her before the frantic woman could fall.
"R-Ricky~" Alina whimpered, her head resting against his wet shoulder as he slowly wrapped his arms around her, easing the tension from her sore body.
"Good morning or whatever time it is." Ricky smiled, watching Alina glance down at herself, feeling the lingering soreness begin to melt away under his touch.
"The pier~" Alina exclaimed, clutching her face in distress, imagining the disappointed expression of her beloved daughter, so excited to go with her friends today.
"It's alright, I've got you." Ricky soothed, watching the visibly anxious Alina slowly relax as she nestled into his arms.
"Okay?" Ricky asked, gently cupping her face, forcing Alina to meet his gaze as she sniffled softly before nodding.
Sniff
"Okay."
5 minutes later,
Knock
Knock
Suddenly, the door swung open, and Josh stepped in carrying two neatly pressed outfits, only for them to be immediately swatted from his hands.
"Damn, how many emergency suits did Rotolo even make?" Ricky wondered aloud, eyeing the remaining suit before giving Josh a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
"Aye, thanks for this. Alina was freaking out since I kind of tore her dress," Ricky laughed, setting the plastic-wrapped clothes aside as Alina timidly peeked out from behind him.
"Ricky~" Alina muttered from the side, biting her lip at him for mentioning that to a stranger.
"Alright, alright," Ricky said with a light sigh, handing the clothes to her. Alina quickly swatted them away and darted into the bathroom to get ready.
"It's my pleasure, Mr. Luciano. And regarding the situation with Tom, I've already taken care of it," Josh said dutifully, offering a professional smile that could put even the most troubled customer at ease.
"Uh huh-...…hey, really quick, what time is it?" Ricky asked suddenly, hoping it was only noon and silently praying it wasn't too late.
"It is exactly 4:56-"
"F*ck~" Ricky heaved out a curse, hitting his head against the doorway as Josh stood in place.
"Do me another favor, call a car cause I gotta get to this Waldorf place for dinner." Ricky sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose since Raven was going to be pissed.
"Raven's dinner?!" Alina exclaimed, facepalming at having kept Ricky so long, distraught at the thought of causing trouble for someone as sweet as Raven.
"Yeah, you know, the one you bailed on-"
"That's not true!" Alina hurriedly protested, but then she saw Ricky's smile curl mischievously.
Realizing he was teasing her, she puffed out her cheeks and ducked back into the bathroom.
"Of course Mr. Luciano-"
"And cut the 'Mr. Luciano' sh*t, just call me Ricky or Slick." Ricky sighed, shaking his head, clearly tired of the formalities.
"Y-Yes uh, Slick," Josh stammered, still trying to maintain a hint of formality as Ricky nodded.
"And get me some breakfast."
"Yes-"
"Oh, and something to eat cause I'm f*cking starving."
"Yes, Slick-"
"And y'know what? Grab me a drink too-oh, and some cigars, I'm all out."
"Of course-"
"Great, thanks, Johnny," Ricky said with a smile, patting his shoulder after rattling off a long list of things, ironically forgetting the man's name, before stepping back.
BAM
In the next second, the door slammed in Josh's face while he was still trying to memorize the list, muttering it to himself.
"That's not his name, Ricky, it's Josh," Alina called from behind the door, Josh hearing everything as he chuckled to himself.
"Oh sh*t."
Opening the door again, Josh, who had been about to leave, paused and turned back to Ricky, who gave him a thumbs-up.
"I mean, good job, Josh."
BAM
The door slammed shut once more, but Josh didn't flinch; he simply nodded to himself, unfazed.
"You know what? I'll take it."
Inside the hotel room, Alina scrambled about, bouncing from one spot to another as she hurriedly tried to get dressed.
Meanwhile, Ricky moved through the wreckage, carefully stepping over overturned chairs and scattered belongings as he searched for the minibar amidst the chaos.
"Oh, Ricky, this is horrible!" Alina exclaimed, panicking, unable to believe that she was about to break a promise to her own daughter, while Ricky simply nodded.
"I know, even the f*cking Vatican had something to drink-"
"Sophie, I'm talking about Sophie!" Alina snapped from the side, hastily slipping on her earrings as she stumbled into the wall while tugging up her underwear.
"Relax, you're a good mom." Ricky said with a reassuring wave of his hand, flipping over the mattress as if the chaos around them didn't exist.
"F*ck!" Ricky yelled, gripping his head in frustration as he stared at the remnants of their night's chaos.
"What?!" Alina exclaimed, turning toward him just as he spun back with broken mini bottles in hand.
"We accidentally destroyed the mini fridge!" Ricky said, holding up the shards of glass and empty bottles that didn't contain their precious elixir's.
"Oh, I almost forgot, here." Alina suddenly remembered, rummaging through her purse and pulling out a small flask.
"Woah, look at you!" Ricky laughed, stepping closer as Alina handed it over with a grin.
"It's not for me, silly. It's for you," Alina said, gesturing toward him as Ricky turned the flask over in his hands, eyes widening in surprise at the unexpected gesture.
'To my one and only love - Alina.'
"I had it made just for you," Alina said, clasping her hands together, her eyes sparkling with hope that he would adore it just as much as she adored him.
"D-Do you like it?"
"Do I like it?" Ricky asked, his tone teasing as he watched Alina fidget nervously.
"I f*cking love it!" Ricky laughed, pulling her into a tight hug and spinning her around.
"Ricky!" Alina giggled, clutching him as the world seemed to spin, her laughter trailing off as he finally set her down.
"God, what did I do to ever deserve you?" Ricky murmured, resting his forehead against hers.
Alina closed her eyes, a soft smile spreading across her face as she savored the quiet intimacy of the moment.
"Ok, I have to go-"
"Oh come on, let me thank you-"
"Ricky, please, I promised Sophie~" Alina pleaded, her eyes softening into a helpless, pleading gaze.
Ricky's resolve faltered instantly, the weight of her look breaking through every ounce of his stubbornness.
"Alright, here."
Then, slowly at the side, Ricky started to open a portal towards her house as Alina hurriedly ran over to it.
However, before she could enter, she turned back and scrambled over ot Ricky before giving him a peck on the lips.
"I asked Alexander to bring Moxie along to play with his siblings, but can you make sure he doesn't steal anything?" Alina asked quickly, planting a peck on his lips before stepping back toward the portal.
"I'll try-" Ricky began, rubbing the back of his neck as he realized he hadn't seen Alexander since he got back.
"Great! Have fun at your dinner, and tell Raven I said hi!" Alina called cheerfully, waving as she darted into the portal, which slowly closed behind her.
Now, standing amid the wreckage of the hotel room, Ricky held the flask, perfectly tailored for his grip, and took a tentative sip, only to be surprised by how smooth and delicious it was.
"God I f*cking love that woman."
A few minutes later, Ricky stepped out of the room feeling like a million bucks, adjusting his cufflinks with a practiced flick of his wrist.
Honestly, he had no clue where exactly this hotel was, and even if he did, he still wanted to swing by Italino's to check on Chester as he hadn't seen the crow since he left.
'Man, Chester is probably f*cking pissed at me-'
'You would be correct.'
"Chester?" Ricky froze mid-step, astonished as his eyes darted down the hallway. He swore he had just heard Chester in his mind.
'Yes, I can hear you.' Chester's voice echoed inside Ricky's thoughts, making him pause.
He raised an eyebrow, his gaze fixed on the elevator as it slowly ascended toward his floor.
"What the hell, how can you-ohhhhhhhhhhhh~" Ricky started, his words trailing off as the memory of the favorability meter suddenly hit him, freezing him mid-thought.
Ding
[Chester (Favorability: 99):
Description: The crow of Itachi who died before it could gain Shishui's mangekyou sharingan.
–Skills:
–Chunin Chakra Reserves:
–Eagle Eye: Chester is able to share his sights with you though only if he wishes.
–Elite Jonan Genjutsu: The Crow is inept in the art of trickery, illusion, and hypnotic suggestion.
-Corporate Bureaucracy: Users can navigate complex hierarchies, exploit inefficiencies, and manipulate policies to their advantage, and often gaining leverage over rivals without overt confrontation.]
Ricky's eyes widened as he remembered the favorability score, which used to be in the mid-seventies, and realized why Chester could communicate with him telepathically.
Although it wasn't noticed until now, Chester had always been able to communicate with Ricky telepathically once his favorability had reached that threshold.
He simply hadn't reached out until now, likely because Ricky had buried him under an overwhelming amount of work.
Work that had tested his patience, and only now had he chosen to forgive him.
"Like how pissed are you on a scale-"
'Ten-'
"Well, my scale was out of a hundred, so you're obviously not that mad." Ricky laughed, cutting in before Chester could fully protest.
'Could you please take this seriously? Ever since Chore's accident and Samuel's subsequent betrayal, I've been managing Lucky Corp by myself.' Chester haggardly replied, his voice sharp in Ricky's mind.
However, in the wake of recent tragedies and betrayals that had rocked Lucky Corporation, a star had quietly emerged: Chester.
The crow had always been competent, but amidst the chaos, he steered the scrambling company with a formidable aptitude that few initially noticed.
Chester had a knack for blending into the background, content to let louder personalities claim the credit.
Yet within board meetings, factory budgets, and across the entire workforce, his claw prints were now everywhere across the company.
It reached the point where, although no one had directly seen him at work, Chester Crowsworth was whispered about as a sort of corporate god.
"Sorry buddy, I totally didn't mean to just shelve you off to the side-"
'I understand, and you can pay all your apologies forward by filling the holes within this corporate ladder.' Chester halted whatever Ricky was about to say since the lack of leadership within the company was an urgent matter.
'The factory is operational for the time being and is able to start producing but-'
"But Chores is still in a coma." Ricky muttered, ducking his head slightly out of respect for his friend.
'Precisely.'
Ding
The elevator doors slid open, and Ricky stepped inside, pressing the lobby button with a serious expression.
"What do you need?" Ricky asked, willing to provide Chester whatever resources he required to get those products onto store shelves.
'People. Bodies. Anyone to fill the gaping holes in leadership, I alone am no longer enough,' Chester replied, his tone heavy with exhaustion, aware that while he had been holding the company together, it desperately needed direction.
(Put him wanting to stop by ALifio's to check on Chester but him telling him no)
"What about Merlyn, he could-"
'I refuse.' Chester straightly told
'It isn't a simple matter of paperwork; it's about real, genuine leadership,' Chester echoed in Ricky's mind, emphasizing why the role needed vision, not just perspective.
'The company, though teetering on the edge of debt, still held the morale of working not just for you, but for Chores.'
Chester had vastly underestimated Chores' influence on the factory floor.
Unlike Samuel or even him, Chores hadn't simply overseen the work from above, he had genuinely worked alongside the employees.
Even during construction, he was there on the ground, ensuring his vision was realized firsthand.
Now that he was gone, morale had all but collapsed.
Not just under him, but across most of the leadership as the coven hadn't merely betrayed Ricky; they had betrayed the company itself.
Half of the leadership had rebelled.
The Golden Cloaks were a cancer, yes, but they were also the toxic lifeblood keeping the company's pulse alive.
Without them, everything felt like it was flatlining.
'I need you to put bodies in positions'
"Chester, just-'
'Ricky, you need to do this, or I'll go on strike,' Chester demanded sharply in Ricky's mind, his patience fraying at the edges as the weight of everything pressed down on him.
"Okay geez, I'll figure something out-"
'You have until the end of the week. And to answer your question, don't bother coming to me unless you already have people in mind.' Chester interjected, effectively banishing him from Italiano's until he could deliver results.
"But that's like two days-"
'I know.'
"Chester, you've gotta give me more time, there's so much sh*t going on and-" Ricky started, the elevator descending toward the lobby, when a sudden realization hit him.
"Chester?"
"I know you can hear me! Stop doing that!" Ricky yelled at the air like a lunatic, pinching the bridge of his nose as the elevator doors slid open.
"Slick-"
"WHAT?!" Ricky snapped, eyes widening as he came face-to-face with Enzo, who stood there casually holding a takeout bag of food.
"Oh sh*t, I didn't mean-"
"No, no, no, I understand. You're a very busy man and it's a stressful time, I get it." Enzo said, easing the tension, gesturing toward Ricky that it was alright before extending a takeout bag.
"Listen, I got a couple guys to scramble together something. It ain't much, but it should hold you over until you get to that dinner." Enzo handed the bag to Ricky, and the aroma hit him so hard it nearly knocked him off his feet.
"Aye, seriously, whenever you wanna open your own restaurant, come to me," Ricky laughed, nudging Enzo, who sheepishly ran a hand over the back of his neck.
"Oh c'mon-"
"I'm serious, man, you're a f*cking natural," Ricky urged, ready to sponsor Enzo on the spot if he asked.
"And y'know what? I know somebody who'd just thrive under you," Ricky added suddenly, watching Enzo's eyes widen in surprise.
"Who?"
"His name is Marco and you'd be doing me a huge favor if yo-"
"Say no more, just send him over, and I'll treat him like my own son." Enzo said, stopping Ricky and patting his chest, clearly honored by a request from Slick himself.
"You're the man, Enzo!" Ricky exclaimed, giving his shoulder a firm pat as he strode through the bustling lobby.
"The f*cking man!" Ricky cheered, smacking the top of the door as he exited the hotel lobby, his energy contagious. Enzo's grin stretched so wide it nearly shocked Josh.
"You hear that? I'm the f*cking man!" Enzo laughed, his spirits soaring, while Josh just rolled his eyes and went over to tend to the waiting guests.
"Excuse me, are you Mr. Lucinao?"
A driver stepped out of the black car, hurrying toward Ricky just as he was already reaching into the goodie bag Enzo had prepared.
"Do I look like Mr. Luciano to you?" Ricky asked, gesturing toward himself, causing the driver to flinch instinctively.
"I-I"
"I'm just f*cking with you, man." Ricky laughed, giving the driver a playful slap on the shoulder, making him stumble slightly to the side.
"Aye, you want some of this? It's some real good sh*t." Ricky asked, pointing at the leftover bag, and the man immediately straightened up, trying to hide his surprise.
"N-No, my wife made me a lunch pale and-"
"You Italian?" Ricky asked, his eyes flicking to the lunch pail in the front seat, barely visible in the dim light, as the man shook his head.
"Greek, sir."
"Well, what'd she make you?"
Another 5 minutes later,
"This cheesecake is f*cking delicious!" Ricky exclaimed from the back, leaning over the divider that separated the passengers from the driver.
"Yes, my Eleni sees to it that I keep my figure." the driver, Nikos, said, patting his large stomach, prompting Ricky to holler with laughter.
"You know what, Nikos? You're alright." Ricky said, still munching on the man's lunch as he glanced ahead.
"Make a left." Ricky suddenly said, recognizing the street they were on as the driver turned his head back, raising an eyebrow at the abrupt instruction.
"But-"
"You're gonna miss it!" Ricky shouted, Niko instinctively swerving as horns blared and pedestrians flipped them off in irritation.
"Nice save!" Ricky added, turning back to watch the road as Nikos wiped his sweaty brow.
"But Mr. Luciano, this isn't the right way-"
"Duh, but ain't about to start my day without a cup of espresso from Di Vinci's," Ricky said, shaking his head at Nikos like the man had lost his mind.
As they drove through lower Manhattan, the scenery gradually shifted, signaling their entry into the heart of Little Italy.
The streets became narrower, the buildings older and more tightly packed, their façades adorned with hanging laundry, vibrant murals, and the unmistakable aroma of fresh baked bread and simmering tomato sauces.
Little Italy was a densely populated, predominantly Italian-American, neighborhood that had long served as a hub for community, commerce, and the preservation of regional Italian cultures.
Its streets were alive with chatter, little kids weaving between pedestrians, and shopkeepers calling out to their loyal customers.
Though the neighborhood had faced some decline during periods of restrictive immigration policies, it had experienced a remarkable resurgence under Ricky's influence.
The Luciano family had essentially restored its vitality, infusing it with a sense of order, opportunity, and, of course, their unmistakable brand of authority.
Under Ricky, Little Italy had become one of New York's most significant neighborhoods, a vibrant yet dangerous mix of culture and crime, where mobsters and merchants coexisted in a delicate, unspoken balance that only the Luciano family could enforce.
"Holy sh*t, no way!" Ricky laughed, eyes lighting up as they landed on the famous espresso spot tucked into the corner of Little Italy.
Outside, at the small, bustling outdoor seating area, not just one but four of his inner circle were lounging, savoring a rare break after a long day of grinding through work.
Cups of steaming espresso sat in front of them, the rich aroma mingling with the scents of the neighborhood.
"And so I said to him, 'the f*ck you mean I can't park here?'" Neck waved his hands animatedly as Bug Eyes and the twins, Gio and Leo, listened intently.
"There's dirt, there's a road next to it, and so what if it's your lawn? I gotta go and do sh*t!" Neck scoffed, shaking his head at the absurdity of it all, while the others exchanged knowing glances since to them it made sense.
"F*cking typical if you ask me, those penny pushing jews ain't never heard of a thing called common decency-"
"Aye, guys, what the hell are you doing here?!" Ricky called out, his voice cutting through the chatter as all four men jerked their heads toward him, eyes widening.
"Boss?" they all said in unison, staring as Ricky stepped out of the car.
The neighborhood around them immediately turned, a mix of shock and awe rippling through the crowd at the sight of their community's notorious figure.
"Atta boy, Slick! Heard you put those f*cking cauldron cuddlers in their place!" An Italian man shouted, clapping his hands.
The others quickly joined in, the sound of applause and cheers echoing through the street for the man who had become the driving force behind Little Italy's rise.
"I came, I saw, and then I put those f*cking rats where they belong!" Ricky said, letting the end of his words hang so the crowd could finish it.
"IN THE F*CKING TRASH!"
Everyone around echoed the line in perfect unison, already familiar with one of Lucky's famous expressions, and laughter rippled through the street.
Slowly, they returned to their duties, respect for Ricky evident but tempered by the responsibilities of their own work.
The head of the family strode toward his inner circle, casually munching on a biscotti as he approached.
"What are you doing here, boss? I thought ya had a dinner," Gio asked, tilting his head in curiosity, only for Leo to nudge him in the shoulder.
"You f*cking idiot, don't you see? He's here for a quick wake-up!" Leo yelled, shaking his head, and Gio suddenly got it.
"I gotta get my fix=, can't go too long without the world-famous espresso from Di Vinci's." Ricky said, gesturing to the sign above, feeling a wave of relief as the withdrawals eased.
"Ahem." They all said in unison, raising their tiny cups, and Ricky's mind suddenly sparked with an idea.
"Aye, you guys doing anything?" Ricky asked, leaning back slightly as the men exchanged glances before turning their attention to the head of the family.
"We promised our moms we'd come to dinner," Gio said, shaking his head with a slight shiver.
"Yeah, and the last time we didn't show, our pa threw his shoes at us," Leo added with a sigh, rubbing the back of his head where their father's aim always seemed to land.
"Doesn't he wear metal lifts?" Ricky asked, clearly recalling their father, who loved the echo of his shoes clicking against the church floor.
"Exactly." The twins said in unison, shivering slightly while rubbing the back of their heads in the same motion.
"Neck, Bug Eyes, c'mon-"
"I can't, promised the old lady a night on the town." Bug Eyes sighed, rubbing his tired eyes.
"And if I don't, she'll throw me out since I've been putting it off after dealing with all these motherf*cking wand-wavers," Bug Eyes scoffed, cursing the witches and warlocks under his breath.
"Neck, you can't just leave me all alone-"
"Sorry, Slick, but I promised to shoot the sh*t with my guys tonight," Neck shrugged, as if it were out of his hands since he'd made a promise to his boys and couldn't bail on them.
"Where you going?" Leo asked, raising an eyebrow as Neck suddenly leaned forward.
"So, me and the guys like to bring shotguns down to the lake, right?" Neck said, gesturing with his hands as the others hung on his every word.
"And we just start shooting the sh*t outta the water, then throw whatever we hit on the grill." NEck laughed, leaning back and rubbing his stomach, already in the mood for some grilled frog.
"Man, that sounds awesome." Ricky muttered, thinking it was the coolest way to wrap up a night.
"Aye, but good luck with dinner," Neck said, giving Ricky a pat on the shoulder.
"Yeah, boss, I heard all the snobs in town are going," Leo said, smacking his twin on the shoulder as Gio snickered at the look on their boss's face.
SIGH
"Yup." Ricky said dejectedly, clicking his tongue since although he had promised to go didn't mean he wanted to.
Ricky all but hated dealing with the upper class since most of the time it ended with them looking down on him and him punching them in the face.
"Here ya go, Slick," a fat man with a towel slung over his shoulder said, setting down a plate and an espresso cup.
"You're the best, Giuseppe," Ricky sighed, taking the cup with relief before knocking it back in a single gulp.
"F*ck yeah~" Ricky heaved, and the others around him nodded since they would have all reacted the same way.
"Alright, I better get going." Ricky sighed, slicking his hair back to clear the loose strands from his face.
Sliding into the car as they pulled away, Bug Eyes lifted the espresso to his lips and took a slow sip.
Before he suddenly remembered the driver's face.
"Aye, any of y'all see that greaseball driving Slick around?" Bug Eyes suddenly asked, his gut telling him the guy didn't seem Italian.
"Looked Greek to me," Neck muttered, sipping his espresso with a shrug.
The table went quiet after that as one by one, they set their cups down, then all spoke the same words in unison.
"F*cking Graeci's."
All the while, the charity dinner carried on, the main attraction drawing closer with each passing course.
To fill the time, plates were passed around the tables, the chatter rising and falling with the clink of silverware as everyone started to dine on the specially prepared food.
"So, Raven, what surprise do you have in store for us?" Anne inquired, setting down her fork with practiced grace as she regarded the woman who seemed more intent on surveying the room than her plate.
"Well, I don't want to spoil the fun." Raven replied, letting her words linger just long enough to draw the table's attention.
"It does involve a certain kind of auction," Raven said with a soft chuckle, watching as the guests exchanged curious glances before slowly nodding to one another.
Cough
"Are you perhaps connected to this auction?" Hearst asked, easing his way into the conversation as Raven answered with a faint smile.
"Maybe." Raven said simply, giving a small shrug as she lifted her glass, the gesture earning a few raised eyebrows around the table.
"By the way, what became of that Sarah girl?" Abby asked, glancing about, as the young woman had yet to return.
"Yes, I found her bashful company quite charming," Gertrude remarked, lifting her fork where a delicate piece of the finest tuna money could buy clung to the tines.
"Speaking of mistresses…" Doris chuckled, her eyes drifting toward the entrance, drawing the gazes of the entire table, Raven included, to the latest arrival.
Yet rather than showing the discomfort Doris anticipated, Raven's expression slowly curved into an ecstatic smile.
"If you'll all excuse me." Raven said suddenly, placing her folded napkin neatly beside her plate before rising and turning toward the entrance.
Because there, standing awkwardly out of place, was the very woman Raven wanted to get close to at all costs.
"Maria!" Raven called, striding toward the double doors as the girl flinched at the sound of her name.
"Oh-uh, hello," Maria said with a small smile, ducking her head slightly as Raven approached.
Instead of stopping like Maria had expected, Raven swept her into a sudden embrace and hugged her tightly.
"It's so good to finally meet you in person." Raven said warmly, easing back while resting her hands on Maria's shoulders.
Her golden eyes lingered on Maria's flushed face, a reaction to her unexpected boldness, before she finally released her.
"S-Sorry for being so late. I wasn't sure where to go with Carmine," Maria added, glancing down at the small child clutching at the hem of her dress.
"Well, hello there~" Raven said with a warm smile, bending down to Carmine's level.
The child, however, just squinted at her before retreating behind Maria and tucking his face behind her black dress.
"Here, let me show you were-"
"No, it's alright, I don't want to trouble you-"
"Trouble me?" Raven asked with a laugh, shaking her head as her hand rested lightly on Maria's shoulder.
"Maria, I've been dying to meet you, and I'm just so glad you're here." Raven added with a bright smile, watching as Maria slowly returned the gesture before ducking her head.
"I-I'm sorry for turning down your tea party invites, b-but I didn't want to be a bother," Maria said, unable to stop the smile blooming on her face, Raven's words wrapping around her like a warm embrace.
"Oh, Maria~," Raven said with a sweet smile, reaching up to tuck a dangling strand of Maria's curly hair behind her ear.
"You could never bother me." Raven said gently, watching Maria's shy expression slowly lift into a smile.
After what happened with Ruth, Maria found herself almost scarred when it came to trusting other women.
It was to the point where her world narrowed until the only people she interacted with, outside of Ricky or Carmine, were the Luciano members assigned to guard her.
On the surface, Maria might have appeared to be the bright, shy girl whose hesitant smiles melted the hearts of everyone who saw her.
But after everything that had happened in high school, even that seemingly harmless charm carried a shadow.
Because to Maria, Ruth was supposed to be different.
Ruth was the first person Maria had ever truly believed understood her, and the first real friend she had ever known.
And it shattered her heart after realizing that Ruth had only used her as a means to get closer to Ricky.
But even worse, it left her reeling with guilt and despair, knowing that the one person she had loved and trusted, the man at the center of her world, had been troubled by her misfortune.
It all left Maria fractured, turning her into someone who just shut herself off from the world, waiting for time to pass rather than being excited for the sun to rise.
"Come on, let me show you where all the children are." Raven said with enthusiasm, pulling Maria into the hall as Carmine hurriedly ran after his mother.
"I honestly cannot understand how she does it. I mean, to be betrayed like that, time and time again?" Abby sighed, resting her cheek in her hand and shaking her head with grief.
SIGH
"I can only imagine what Ricky has put that poor girl through," Gertrude said, shaking her head, while Anne poked absentmindedly at her meal.
"Yes." Anne muttered, her sadness flickering across her face before she lifted her gaze back to the others.
"So, John, how is the family business operating?"
The conversation continued as Raven led Maria down the hall, the girl glancing around and subtly checking herself, making sure she measured up to the effortlessly beautiful Raven.
"I love your dress, by the way. Where did you get it?" Raven asked, hooking her arm with Maria's. Maria smiled shyly, her gaze drifting down to the floor.
"Ricky actually got it for me, before he left for the Vatican," Maria blushed, glancing down at the beautiful black dress she had chosen especially for him.
"That is so sweet," Raven said with a smile, watching Maria flinch slightly as she realized she had spoken out of turn.
"Oh, I didn't mean-"
"Maria, honey, if anyone should feel awkward, it's me," Raven laughed, gently easing Maria while showing her that she was in no way upset by her presence or words.
"You had him first. If anyone should be apologizing, it should be me to you," Raven said, rubbing Maria's back gently as Maria ducked her head.
"No, don't say that," Maria murmured, shaking her head, feeling guilty for even bringing it up.
"I just thought, with everything, that you wouldn't want someone like me-"
"Someone like you?"
"Honey, look," Raven chuckled, opening the door just as the screams of children echoed down the hall as Maria's eyes widened in surprise.
"BOOOOOOOOOOM! EXPLOOOOSION!" Sarah roared, wildly waving her arms as she toppled a tower.
Nearby, one of Ricky's sons, Bob, stood holding a building block.
He stared at the fallen tower for a moment before carefully placing another block and quietly restarting his construction.
"Oh my god, I am so sorry Azaela-"
"Oh, it's fine," Azalea laughed, smiling down at the beautiful Sarah as she waved her hand.
"Bobby doesn't mind, right, honey?" Azalea called to her son as the boy turned to his mother and gave a thumbs-up, signaling that he didn't mind at all.
"Honestly, nothing really upsets Bob unless you take away his music," Azalea sighed, having brought her own vinyl player since her son refuses to go anywhere without music playing.
"That was rude," Henry said from the side, furrowing his brows at his explosive sister, who jerked her head toward him with stars in her eyes.
"Wait-"
"Explosion?" Sarah interrupted Henry, tilting her head at his perfectly stacked tower of blocks before slowly inching toward him.
"NO-"
"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!" Sarah roared, somersaulting into the tower as the blocks scattered everywhere.
"Sarah~" Danielle said quietly, walking over to the side and picking up the blocks as Sarah rolled around in them.
SIGH
"I should have expected that-" Henry sighed, slumping his shoulders as someone tugged at his collar.
When he turned his head, he saw his brother Bob holding out a block towards him.
"Thank you." Henry said with a small smile, taking the block from him as Bob nodded, and the two of them began building another tower together.
"We should arrange a get-together sometime." Jennifer said, raising a glass to her lips as Sarah clasped her hands together.
"Oh, that would be wonderful!" Irene exclaimed, knowing how much Sarah needed to interact with kids other than herself.
"Are you living in the neighborhood yet?" Irene asked quickly, watching Azalea shift uncomfortably in her seat.
"Yes and no, I haven't exactly-"
"Danielle!" a child shouted in surprise, Carmine calling out to his favorite sister as the blonde-haired girl turned around.
"Hi, Carmine." Danielle said warmly, waving at him as the boy then turned his gaze back up to his mother.
"Can I-"
"Oh, honey, of course," Maria said warmly, rubbing his cheek as Carmine's excited expression shifted toward Danielle before he bolted over to her.
This area wasn't just for Ricky's children since nearly everyone in the dining hall had brought children of their own, and the room buzzed with laughter and the pitter-patter of little feet as the kids ran around and played.
Yet despite the cheerful chaos, an invisible boundary seemed to surround the Lucianos.
Many of the visiting children hung back, hesitant to approach, their nerves fueled by stern warnings from their parents to stay out of trouble.
If the adults' cautions weren't enough to intimidate them, the presence of the Luciano men was an ever-present reminder of the family's authority.
The guards patrolled the room and its exits with unwavering vigilance, eyes sharp for any hint of an attack.
Junior himself led the patrol, moving through the hall with a commanding presence that left no doubt in anyone's mind: the Lucianos ran things here, and no one was to cross the line.
"Maria?" Jennifer called from across the room, spotting the girl she had once taught and feeling an immediate twinge of awkwardness.
"Hi Ms. Collins-"
"Oh, god, please don't say that," Jennifer laughed, covering her mouth and shaking her head, while Maria chuckled at her embarrassed reaction.
Although they were all invited to the dinner, none of the women truly fit into Raven's world the way she did.
That was why they felt far more comfortable in the secluded area, letting their children run freely while surrounded by familiar faces.
Here, at least, they were among people they knew.
Because Raven's tea parties weren't merely social gatherings for established circles.
They were a space where Raven could form her own faction, a network quietly taking shape among the women she could easily guide.
"Would you like to join us? We were talking about arranging a playdate," Jennifer asked, smiling at Maria as the girl rubbed her shoulder, feeling a small surge of comfort.
Since out of all of them Jennifer was the only one who really understood what she had been through.
"Oh, I don't know-"
"Come on, let's stay for a little," Raven said, grabbing Maria's hand and pulling her inside. Maria couldn't help but let her face lift into a smile.
The group of women soon fell into easy conversation, finding a strange comfort in one another's presence.
Though many women in their circles couldn't stand each other, these particular ones had no quarrels; in fact, they had grown almost friendly over time.
The countless gatherings at Raven's tea parties had fostered a quiet closeness among them, one that felt natural and unforced.
Slowly, the awkwardness and shyness that Maria usually carried with her began to melt away.
For the first time in a long while, she felt like she belonged.
Yet just as she was about to fully let herself relax, she caught herself, pulling back.
It was to the point where the women around her noticed the hesitation but didn't press since it was a feeling they understood all too well.
SIGH
"I should really get back," Raven sighed, rubbing her face as this small exchange had been far more pleasant than the entire dinner.
"Would any of you like to join me?" Raven asked, though the responses came in the form of darting eyes and nervous coughs.
The reason for it was quite simple.
Many of the people at that dinner were cruel, and these women in particular had no desire to be in their company.
Since, after all, they had only come because Raven had asked them to.
"Maria?"
"I-I would actually like to stay, if that's alright," Maria chuckled, ducking her head to fidget with her fingers. Raven chuckled softly in response.
"Well, alright." Raven nodded, adjsuitng her dress as she stood up from the small seat she had sat on.
"Really, you're not mad?" Maria asked, fiddling with her fingers and biting her lip.
"Why would I be mad? All that matters is that you came, but you must come to the next tea party I'm hosting." Raven said, smiling along with her eyes as everyone slowly looked towards the secluded woman.
"Oh, you must, Maria! Having you there would be so much fun!" Irene exclaimed, lightly shaking Maria as she laughed.
"I-........well, if you wouldn't mind having me." Maria stammered, blushing as she squeezed her hands together, a shy but beautiful smile spreading across her face.
"That honestly made my day." Raven said, pressing a hand to her heart as Maria's blush deepened.
"Well, I better get back." Raven sighed, hugging each of them briefly before walking over to Danielle.
"Danny, honey, how are you doing-"
"G-Good, but I have to count," Danielle hurriedly interrupted her mother, peeking behind her to see an impatient Carmine.
"Okay, sweetie, have fun~," Raven said, kissing Danielle on the cheek before glancing to the side.
"Now, grab your sword and show them who you are!" Alexander yelled, pumping his fist dramatically, while Thrawn tilted his head in amusement.
"HAZZAY!" Moxie screamed, swinging the wooden sword through the air with furious intent.
"YES! THAT IS THE SPIRIT! UNLEASH YOUR INNER WARRIOR!" Alexander roared, trying to hand the sword to Thrawn, while the baby munched contentedly on his stuffed animal.
Raven rolled her eyes, having already arranged with Alina to take Moxie as Alexander had, more or less, become Thrawn's babysitter along with him.
As she walked out of the room, her mind raced, everything beginning to fall into place.
Maria and Stephanie were the final pieces of her puzzle, and the moment they fit into place, Raven could finally begin.
"Just a little more."
Raven's eyes glinted with a vision of the future, seeing Thrawn's relationships blossom as his siblings gathered around him, each one drawn into the orbit of the Luciano family, with him standing confidently at its forefront.
But she knew this truth well: for every predator in the jungle, there is always someone above.
Raven only gathered those she could easily sway, those pliable under her gentle influence.
Yet even predators could become prey.
As she walked down the hall, her mind running through plans and contingencies, a pair of eyes suddenly locked onto her back from the shadows.
And that was when Raven was awakened to the stark truth, as that imposing presence slowly loomed over her.
"It seems motherhood hasn't dulled your senses~"
A faint simmer echoed behind Raven as an insurmountable weight pressed against the back of her head.
Her yellow eyes trembled violently as they stared ahead in terror, before she slowly turned around to face that familiar tone of voice, accompanied by the fakest smile she could muster.
"Selene, what a pleasure~," Raven said warmly, her gaze falling on Selene, who lounged gracefully against a pillar, casually staring at her own nails.
"How long has it been?" Raven wondered aloud, tilting her head as if oblivious to the fact that she knew far too well.
"Since you left the Hellfire Club," Selene said in an unamused tone, lifting her gaze from her nails to study Raven's calm expression.
"You know, when they told me that the great assassin Raven Darkholme-"
"Luciano," Raven corrected, her words accompanied by a slow raise of her eyebrow, which drew a smile from Selene.
"You've truly fallen for that man, haven't you?" Selene asked, lifting her gaze to Raven, who responded with a soft chuckle.
"Well, I suppose that's what love is all about these days." Raven said, answering carefully, her words deliberately measured.
"Replacing the old with the new," Selene replied deliberately, watching Raven's smile twitch at the subtle jab.
"It seems your little club and I have something in common," Raven said, her eyes curving into crescent moons as Selene narrowed hers in response.
"I don't know what you're talking about-"
"Really?"
"Because I've heard something is brewing in Germany that not even the famed Black Queen can stop alone~" Raven said, lifting her gaze and pressing a hand lightly to her mouth as Selene began to walk slowly toward her.
Click
Click
Her heels clicked steadily against the floor as she walked, gradually coming to a halt as her gaze lowered to stare at her fellow mutants' yellow eyes.
"You've grown rather venomous since I last saw you."
"You know what? I was just about to say the same thing to you."
However, instead of responding immediately, Selene chuckled, letting her hands slowly drift into Raven's orange hair.
"Oh, Raven, you've always been so clever," Selene said, her fingers slowly rubbing through the familiar softness of Raven's hair.
"But you've never been able to hide your emotions from me~" Selene continued, letting a few strands slip through her palm as she smiled at Raven's golden, staring eyes.
"I came here to see if anything's changed, but I'm satisfied to see that you're still the same scared girl who begged me to save your beloved." Selene whispered, slowly backing away and turning her back to Raven.
"And your child, Thrawn," Selene whispered, lowering her face until her mouth was just beside Raven's ear.
"He's a cutie~" Selene added, her eyes glinting as she subtly threatened Raven, who slowly drew a hidden knife from her dress.
"If you go near him, I'll-"
"What?" Selene asked, slowly backing away as if daring Raven to make a move before turning her back.
"You'll tell Ricky?" Selene mocked, her laughter echoing down the hall as Raven's glare burned with infuriated intensity.
"I'm so glad you picked up on one of the things I taught you," Selene said, stretching her nails against the wall as they left faint scratches under their sharpness.
"Borrowed power is still power, after all."
The immortal mutant's wicked laughter echoed through the hotel halls as Raven stared after her, watching until Selene vanished from sight, before finally turning around.
"B*tch," Raven whispered, stomping down the hall as she returned to the dining room.
"Ah, there you are, Raven!" Doris exclaimed, ushering her over with an excited expression.
"I thought you had run away from us for a second," Doris laughed, and the others joined in, except for a sparing few.
"Yes, well, sorry to keep you waiting but we should start the-"
BAM
Before Raven could even finish her attempts at appeasing these ruthless socialites, the doors swung open with a deafening crash, smashing against the walls.
The entrance revealed a single man, and everyone in the dining hall, regardless of status or wealth, felt an almost involuntary compulsion to turn.
When their eyes met him, they froze, captivated and unsettled by the sheer presence of this one figure.
"Man, this place is f*cking fancy!"
A loud laugh erupted from behind. Raven closed her eyes as all the tension she had been carrying seemed to drain from her.
When she finally turned, there he stood, at the doorway, the man she had strained herself so much for, commanding the room with his presence that almost felt natural.
"I'm already itching to spend some of my money tonight!"
Author's Note: too tired reply tmmrrow