I've found beatin' some sense into people is a pretty universal language.
[The sulk is short-lived, however. He'd rather talk, get to know this guy better.]
Yeah, a bit. 'Least where I grew up, an old guy like your sourpuss friend wouldn't let somebody get between him and a potential fight. People over here seem a bit friendlier. Then there's the language and everything...
[ Though it's worth noting that Firo's view has been a bit warped by his tendency to stray towards the roughest corners, especially in his childhood.]
[There's a momentary pause as he tries to make sure the door works perfectly before he tucks his tools into place and picks up the bundle.]
---Friendlier? [A blink, and he tips his head as Ivan thinks this over.] Not necessarily, it's just easier to side step when you know where the trouble dwells.
[There's also the fact that though he's got a relatively calm exterior, Ivan still looks intimidating and can ward people off without really trying. But hey, use what you got, right?]
[He folds his arms and raises an eyebrow as he watches Ivan test the door. Was that an insult?]
Whaddaya mean by that?
[Firo's situation is the opposite; he looks so puny that even kids have tried to take him on, and his temper just makes most fights worse.]
Yeah? Who makes the trouble around here?
[As far as he knows, this place doesn't fall inside any Family's jurisdiction. Maybe Lansky or Buchalter has a claim, or maybe there are just smaller gangs.]
[Ivan pauses again, blinks and tosses a confused look over his shoulder.] Pardon?
[Sorry, but Ivan isn't quite sure what Firo's getting all up in arms about so he kind of just unsures and checks his bundle of tools once more before he tucks it into the crook of his arm.]
Mm, depends. I am not usually getting in their way.
[He shrugs a shoulder, not really concerned with it.]
[When he realizes that Ivan's question is genuinely curious and not coy mocking, he decides to drop it. Touchy as he is, Ivan hasn't really given him a reason to get worked up yet, and the guy might still be pretty new to city etiquette (or lack thereof).]
Never mind.
[He shrugs and rises to his feet.]
Depends? So you got more than one group workin' this place?
[Then it probably is the smaller gangs, he assumes. And he can't help but wonder if that means there's opportunity for his Family here.]
[He's just a farm boy from the Motherland, don't beat him up Firo---!! That said, Ivan waits for Firo to scramble to his feet before he nods and heads off towards where Zaslavsky had tottered off to. Time to get his meager payment and scurry out of here.]
Da, they are how you say, not big deal? [Ivan tips his head to the side, frowns a bit.] That is not right I think.
[Firo's a strong, independent delinquent, he'll beat up whomever he wants!
Firo trails behind, not sure where they're going but content to follow. His pressing business has been taken care of for now, and even beside that he's thoroughly distracted by his interest in the new guy. And if he stopped to think about it, right now he's being helpful by getting information on other territories, isn't he?]
Sounds right to me, if they're just a buncha' small gangs. They're not a big deal; they're small fries?
[...Firo, if someone's having difficulty with slang, it's not a good idea to use more slang.]
There's a low grumble from the room Ivan pokes his head in, and a rapid fire burst of Russian conversation before Ivan's ducking his head in thanks and accepting the small payment Zaslavsky gives him. It's not much, but it's something and he can use it to bring his sisters to his side once more. There's a brief pause, Ivan carefully hiding away his money and then he turns and faces Firo, thinks about his question.]
Small fries means gangs? [He still doesn't understand a lot of the slang! But he's trying]
[Who said Firo's thoughts have to conform to reality?
Firo hangs back as he watches the exchange, but he doesn't miss the small amount of money Ivan hides away. He thinks of pointing out that there's better money elsewhere, but holds his tongue in a rare moment of tact. His own mother was one of those who never resorted to crime even in poverty. While Firo thinks it's a rather foolish idea--her conventional morality never settled in with him--he won't fault someone for keeping on the straight and narrow.]
Ah, sorry. "Small fries" just means people who aren't that important. I meant small gangs. Like just a few people, or gangs that don't really have a lotta power.
[He doesn't think about it, but compared to the Five Families his Family fits the bill.]
It's not necessarily out of some notion of morality that makes Ivan stay away from crime but more so the fact that, even though he's mostly uneducated, Ivan's smart. He doesn't know the ways of this country, let alone the subtle nuances of the city he lives in and everything can be used against him. He's the only chance his sisters have to get out of Russia and into some semblance of safety and he can't risk it.
Even if there isn't a lot of money in the odd jobs he handles.]
Oh. [His brow creases as he thinks, files away that idiom for later and nods.] I see, I think.
[Here's where a good little Firo would nod, apologize for using unclear idioms, and switch off to a less shady topic. Instead, he nods, smirks a bit, and decides to press it.]
Good.
So you say you stay outta trouble, but... I'd be kinda surprised if those guys left you alone completely. You'd make a good enforcer.
[Ivan looks the part, and that's usually what's most important. That's why Firo doesn't do extortion or loan sharking; the goal is to intimidate people right away so you don't have to waste time beating them up. Better for business and all that. But, of course, Firo saw during their fight that Ivan's no wimp either. He'd be perfect.]
[It hardly matters, Ivan is used to a different culture, and his grandfather had always been blunt and not one to sugar coat things or apologize for other people's failings. Instead, Ivan tilts his head to the side, brow furrowed.]
Enforcer? Like with law?
[That...doesn't fit what Firo was just talking about, so maybe he's wrong and he could have translated that word wrong, he's not really the best with english after all. Still, curiosity and all that, he doesn't ask to change the topic or do so himself, he stays and looks for his answers.]
...A law, I guess. But not the good old boys in blue, if that's what you're askin'.
[The contempt in his voice should tell Ivan clearly enough that Firo doesn't think they're "good" at all.]
They probably haven't bothered you, but you might've seen big, intimidating guys goin' around your neighborhood, stoppin' by all the shops and stuff, yeah?
[He doesn't clarify what they're doing when making said rounds--gathering their payment--because he assumes it's obvious.]
[He clucks his tongue, thoughtful as he processes the words and fits it in with the world he knows and what he's seen here. It does sound familiar, and while Ivan hasn't had any experience with these men he knows their type. His brow furrows, because he's not entirely sure what all these men do -- but surely they're gathering some sort of payment or promise?]
I see. [He does -- kind of.] And you think I am capable of such job?
[He's really not one to turn down a job, money is money is less that he must save and send to his sisters over seas.]
[It sounds like a scoff, and it is. Firo's used to people not taking him seriously, but you'd think a guy like this wouldn't need to be convinced of his potential as an intimidator.
He doesn't even pause to allow an answer--hey, his opinion is important.]
Yeah, I do. Even if it was just luck that let you beat those guys up--which I doubt--you've got looks goin' for you. And that's what they want--bigger guys means more scared people means it's easier to collect.
[He hmms, low in the back of his throat, brows lifted at the easy assurance. Ivan has not been in the country long, certainly not long enough to make more of an impact beyond his capabilities as handyman within his own people. Still, a job is a job, and Firo is thankful enough to follow him and help him out -- it would be foolish to turn down such a thing, right?]
And who would I do such work for? [His head tilts, curious.] You?
[He's honestly pretty curious about it. It doesn't do to throw oneself into situations you do not fully understand in a country you are new to that speaks a language you are not fluent in. But one familiar person makes a difference.]
[ His head tilts like a bird's, curious and thinking over Firo's words. Ivan has a sweet face, still somewhat rounded despite the not so great conditions of his tenement home. He barely knows Firo, and he doesn't know his bosses at all or what working in a casino is like, really.
But things are bad back home. His sisters do not tell him much, but Ivan knows them well enough to read between the lines. Besides, he misses them and worries over them terribly. So there's a slow nod, a thoughtful cast to his features. ]
[Firo smiles. He's never thought of himself as a salesman, but this pitch seems to be going pretty well.]
Couldn't hurt at all.
[He turns down a small side-street--scarcely more than an alley--and motions for Ivan to follow. He knows most of the shortcuts in this city; though they're hardly safe, they're certainly fast.]
After you eat, there's probably someone at Alveare you could talk to.
[Don't worry, he hasn't forgotten that "free" meal.]
[ Firo probably isn't the best salesmen out there, but he's honest enough that Ivan finds himself relaxing around the other man. Plus, they've already bonded over fighting right?
In any case, Ivan follows easily, trusting Firo enough to guide them to Alveare without trouble. And honestly, he probably wouldn't have been able to get to Alveare on his own without a lot of hardship and confusing instructions. Still, it's bewildering to go through all these shortcuts when he hardly knows his way around the city. Besides, Ivan typically stays around the Russian side of town anyway. ]
Ah, of course.
Leading poor, sweet farm boys astray--! /headshake
[When they come out the other end they're crossing into Little Italy, made evident by the sudden swirl of Italian in the air and the smell of the food.
Sometimes Firo marvels at how each little enclave in the city can feel like a different country. Even his childhood home of Hell's Kitchen was that way; though a mix of Italians and Irish, each group had their own few streets.
He glances back at Ivan, looking to make casual conversation but also to learn more about the guy.]
[ Well, at least the food smells good. Ivan's head tips to the side, eyes bright and wide as he looks around at all the people flitting around. It's...nice, and very, very, different from the world he's used to. But at the same time, there's some similarities he can already pick out. ]
Nyet--no. [ A little smile catches at the corner of his mouth, the English still odd after a lifetime of Russian. ] It is -- how you say? -- out of way?
[ More like, he's obviously an immigrant, and not one from Italy. It's a lot easier to just hang with his crowd of ruskies, okay. ]
[ There's a soft little noise, acknowledging even as his gaze roves over people and building alike. Once Firo points out Alveare, Ivan's eyes widen a bit before he finds his mouth curving in an easier smile. But still, his tongue trips over the foreign word. ]
Alfeyaare? [ That's...close enough right? His cheeks tinge pink, embarrassed a bit by the clumsiness. ]
[The word glides off his tongue fluently, his very American accent momentarily melting away. His mother didn't speak a word of Italian, but Firo quickly picked it up from the immigrants who lived all around them (and, in some cases, helped raise him).]
'Cause it's a honey store.
[He smirks a little as he says the last part. Yes, they sell honey, but there's so much more.
He holds the door open for Ivan, beckoning for him to go in.]
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I've found beatin' some sense into people is a pretty universal language.
[The sulk is short-lived, however. He'd rather talk, get to know this guy better.]
Yeah, a bit. 'Least where I grew up, an old guy like your sourpuss friend wouldn't let somebody get between him and a potential fight. People over here seem a bit friendlier. Then there's the language and everything...
[ Though it's worth noting that Firo's view has been a bit warped by his tendency to stray towards the roughest corners, especially in his childhood.]
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[There's a momentary pause as he tries to make sure the door works perfectly before he tucks his tools into place and picks up the bundle.]
---Friendlier? [A blink, and he tips his head as Ivan thinks this over.] Not necessarily, it's just easier to side step when you know where the trouble dwells.
[There's also the fact that though he's got a relatively calm exterior, Ivan still looks intimidating and can ward people off without really trying. But hey, use what you got, right?]
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Whaddaya mean by that?
[Firo's situation is the opposite; he looks so puny that even kids have tried to take him on, and his temper just makes most fights worse.]
Yeah? Who makes the trouble around here?
[As far as he knows, this place doesn't fall inside any Family's jurisdiction. Maybe Lansky or Buchalter has a claim, or maybe there are just smaller gangs.]
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[Sorry, but Ivan isn't quite sure what Firo's getting all up in arms about so he kind of just unsures and checks his bundle of tools once more before he tucks it into the crook of his arm.]
Mm, depends. I am not usually getting in their way.
[He shrugs a shoulder, not really concerned with it.]
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Never mind.
[He shrugs and rises to his feet.]
Depends? So you got more than one group workin' this place?
[Then it probably is the smaller gangs, he assumes. And he can't help but wonder if that means there's opportunity for his Family here.]
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Da, they are how you say, not big deal? [Ivan tips his head to the side, frowns a bit.] That is not right I think.
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Firo's a strong, independent delinquent, he'll beat up whomever he wants!Firo trails behind, not sure where they're going but content to follow. His pressing business has been taken care of for now, and even beside that he's thoroughly distracted by his interest in the new guy. And if he stopped to think about it, right now he's being helpful by getting information on other territories, isn't he?]
Sounds right to me, if they're just a buncha' small gangs. They're not a big deal; they're small fries?
[...Firo, if someone's having difficulty with slang, it's not a good idea to use more slang.]
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Yeah that's what he thinks!!!There's a low grumble from the room Ivan pokes his head in, and a rapid fire burst of Russian conversation before Ivan's ducking his head in thanks and accepting the small payment Zaslavsky gives him. It's not much, but it's something and he can use it to bring his sisters to his side once more. There's a brief pause, Ivan carefully hiding away his money and then he turns and faces Firo, thinks about his question.]
Small fries means gangs? [He still doesn't understand a lot of the slang! But he's trying]
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Who said Firo's thoughts have to conform to reality?Firo hangs back as he watches the exchange, but he doesn't miss the small amount of money Ivan hides away. He thinks of pointing out that there's better money elsewhere, but holds his tongue in a rare moment of tact. His own mother was one of those who never resorted to crime even in poverty. While Firo thinks it's a rather foolish idea--her conventional morality never settled in with him--he won't fault someone for keeping on the straight and narrow.]
Ah, sorry. "Small fries" just means people who aren't that important. I meant small gangs. Like just a few people, or gangs that don't really have a lotta power.
[He doesn't think about it, but compared to the Five Families his Family fits the bill.]
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Well certainly not me!It's not necessarily out of some notion of morality that makes Ivan stay away from crime but more so the fact that, even though he's mostly uneducated, Ivan's smart. He doesn't know the ways of this country, let alone the subtle nuances of the city he lives in and everything can be used against him. He's the only chance his sisters have to get out of Russia and into some semblance of safety and he can't risk it.
Even if there isn't a lot of money in the odd jobs he handles.]
Oh. [His brow creases as he thinks, files away that idiom for later and nods.] I see, I think.
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Good.
So you say you stay outta trouble, but... I'd be kinda surprised if those guys left you alone completely. You'd make a good enforcer.
[Ivan looks the part, and that's usually what's most important. That's why Firo doesn't do extortion or loan sharking; the goal is to intimidate people right away so you don't have to waste time beating them up. Better for business and all that. But, of course, Firo saw during their fight that Ivan's no wimp either. He'd be perfect.]
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Enforcer? Like with law?
[That...doesn't fit what Firo was just talking about, so maybe he's wrong and he could have translated that word wrong, he's not really the best with english after all. Still, curiosity and all that, he doesn't ask to change the topic or do so himself, he stays and looks for his answers.]
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[The contempt in his voice should tell Ivan clearly enough that Firo doesn't think they're "good" at all.]
They probably haven't bothered you, but you might've seen big, intimidating guys goin' around your neighborhood, stoppin' by all the shops and stuff, yeah?
[He doesn't clarify what they're doing when making said rounds--gathering their payment--because he assumes it's obvious.]
Those're enforcers.
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I see. [He does -- kind of.] And you think I am capable of such job?
[He's really not one to turn down a job, money is money is less that he must save and send to his sisters over seas.]
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[It sounds like a scoff, and it is. Firo's used to people not taking him seriously, but you'd think a guy like this wouldn't need to be convinced of his potential as an intimidator.
He doesn't even pause to allow an answer--hey, his opinion is important.]
Yeah, I do. Even if it was just luck that let you beat those guys up--which I doubt--you've got looks goin' for you. And that's what they want--bigger guys means more scared people means it's easier to collect.
[
Hence why bitty Firo doesn't do collections.]no subject
And who would I do such work for? [His head tilts, curious.] You?
[He's honestly pretty curious about it. It doesn't do to throw oneself into situations you do not fully understand in a country you are new to that speaks a language you are not fluent in. But one familiar person makes a difference.]
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[He figures he can be open in the interest of winning this guy over.]
You'd work for one a' my bosses.
[Though Firo is a capo, as the newest, he's the lowest on the ladder. All the capos are his bosses.]
But, if they were willin' to spare you, you could do some security for me.
[And the guy did look pretty good with his hands... Maybe he could deal some of the games.]
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But things are bad back home. His sisters do not tell him much, but Ivan knows them well enough to read between the lines. Besides, he misses them and worries over them terribly. So there's a slow nod, a thoughtful cast to his features. ]
It could not hurt to see, da?
Firo seems so shady in this thread
Couldn't hurt at all.
[He turns down a small side-street--scarcely more than an alley--and motions for Ivan to follow. He knows most of the shortcuts in this city; though they're hardly safe, they're certainly fast.]
After you eat, there's probably someone at Alveare you could talk to.
[Don't worry, he hasn't forgotten that "free" meal.]
that's because he is. the shadiest of shady
In any case, Ivan follows easily, trusting Firo enough to guide them to Alveare without trouble. And honestly, he probably wouldn't have been able to get to Alveare on his own without a lot of hardship and confusing instructions. Still, it's bewildering to go through all these shortcuts when he hardly knows his way around the city. Besides, Ivan typically stays around the Russian side of town anyway. ]
Ah, of course.
Leading poor, sweet farm boys astray--! /headshake
Sometimes Firo marvels at how each little enclave in the city can feel like a different country. Even his childhood home of Hell's Kitchen was that way; though a mix of Italians and Irish, each group had their own few streets.
He glances back at Ivan, looking to make casual conversation but also to learn more about the guy.]
You come this way at all?
poor dear never stood a chance /smh
Nyet--no. [ A little smile catches at the corner of his mouth, the English still odd after a lifetime of Russian. ] It is -- how you say? -- out of way?
[ More like, he's obviously an immigrant, and not one from Italy. It's a lot easier to just hang with his crowd of ruskies, okay. ]
Oh well /patpat
Yeah. And not your turf, I get it.
[If he'd gone into other neighborhoods as a kid, he'd stick out too. And sticking out means trouble.
He points to a row of shops coming up ahead.]
Ours is the one with the beehive--that's what "alveare" means.
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Alfeyaare? [ That's...close enough right? His cheeks tinge pink, embarrassed a bit by the clumsiness. ]
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[The word glides off his tongue fluently, his very American accent momentarily melting away. His mother didn't speak a word of Italian, but Firo quickly picked it up from the immigrants who lived all around them (and, in some cases, helped raise him).]
'Cause it's a honey store.
[He smirks a little as he says the last part. Yes, they sell honey, but there's so much more.
He holds the door open for Ivan, beckoning for him to go in.]
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Pff, that was too cute
he tries ahaha
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