Frankie got out of her car at The Ivory Tower with a doggy bag from Brennan's Cellars in her grip.  It was so damn early that the damn sun wasn't awake yet.  Hours such as this should happen.  It couldn't rightly be called morning yet and it sure as hell wasn't night.  Frankie stopped outside and bent over the gutter and emptied chunks of last night's take out onto the curb.  Her bodyguards surrounded her protectively as she did so.

"Maybe you should see a doctor?"  Clint suggested, for not the first time.  Clint Hill was a family man.  He had a wife and two kids.  He was part of a family of 9 other siblings.  He had been the oldest.  His eldest child was older than his mother's youngest.  He was a third generation American and a second generation gomba.  He was barely enough Sicilian to count in her book, but she kept him on cause he could name his family members back to the old country and that was all that really counted.  A drop of Sicilian in you made you Sicilian in Frankie's eyes.

"No..."  She coughed and sputtered, handing him Sully's breakfast so not to get any on it.  "Not yet."  She wiped her hand across her mouth.  Once composed she snatched the bag out of his hand and marched herself inside and upstairs. 

"Sully!"  she said going into the office to find her gloomy right hand man hunched over the books like Bob Cratchett.  "You left breakfast."  She said walking into the room kicking off her vomit covered shoe.  THAT fit her morning... beautiful shoes, trash now. 

She walked over to him and gave him the bag.  "Eat."  She insisted, pulling up a chair to sit with him.  "Please."

Guevara always had the feeling of being in a different time zone than the rest of this world, his daily rhythm basically was fucked up from the artificial lighting in the casino's that conveniently were opened every hour of the day. Quite often AlejandroGuevara had his breakfast at the dice table. It seemed like every casino in the whole city was happy to spend a tiny portion of the money Alex brought in to keep him fed. But maybe it was just Shaggs that knew about his addiction and wisely did not bother to interfere.
As AlejandroGuevara was heading back on foot to the Mystery Machine HQ, thinking back about the joy of going all-in once again and consequently losing all, the sun was coming up.
As he looked to the other side of street he noticed some rumour. After a while he spotted Frankie-Messina in the middle of the crowd, messing up her shiny new shoes by an early-morning sickness. Alex crossed the further abandoned road, wanting to walked towards Frankie, but he never was able to come close to the Sicilian Ivory Towers leader, due to her ridiculous entourage..

Sullivan sat at his desk, the numbers spiraling out of control as he stared at the page. His hands shook uncontrollably and his stomach lurched. He'd had better days when it came to coming down, but it was an exceptionally rough time this go around. The alcohol and no food on his stomach was making the feeling worse. Sweat beaded on his forehead and even dropped onto the papers scattered over his desk.

"Ugh, maybe Frankie was right..." He chuckled to himself, remembering the way he'd felt in the bar as she (at least in his mind) had asked him to leave. Thinking back on it, she had probably only been looking out for him, their reputation be damned. She knew he'd been through Hell and was hanging by a few threads some of the time. He knew she worried.

He shook his head, wiping the sweat from his brow before he stood and stretched. As his body lengthened, he heard and felt almost every bone in his back crack.

"Ohhhhh fuck, that felt nice." Placing his hands over his kidneys, he leaned back and rolled his body around, stretching even more. "Mmmm. Okay." He inhaled deeply and cracked his neck, closing his eyes before sitting back down and refocusing on the paperwork. The numbers stopped swirling and he quit shaking, and just in time...

As he was hunched over the desk, having just really gotten started, Frankie marched into the office. "Sully! You left breakfast." She set a bag on his desk, pulling up a chair.

"Eat... Please..."

Sully looked up at his cousin and offered a smile. Nodding, he opened the bag and began to eat the breakfast croissant in the bag. "Huh, nice of Jack to make it all a sandwich, and even nicer of you to bring it." He looked up.

"I'm sorry I overreacted, Frankie. At first it hurt, but thinking back, you were just trying to protect me... And thank you. I miss her, you know? But... But I think I'm getting better."

He looked at her with a smile, talking through semi full mouth as he continued to chew.

"I promise I'll get this paperwork done today though, before anything else..." He looked at the food... "Well. After I finish breakfast." He offered Frankie and smile, and bowed his head in respect to his Don and his cousin.

Frankie sighed and sat quiet a while.  She looked down at her hands and thought about the things she'd not said to anyone yet.  She knew speaking them gave them life and truth and sometimes she was just so happy lately that she could pretend that they weren't true... but they were.  In this moment with Sully, she couldn't forget the events of the Green Room.  Sully was a living reminder that it had happened.  She'd bought his life, miserable though it was, with her words and sometimes she wondered if he hated her for it as much as she hated herself.  Perhaps that was the real reason she made him her Right Hand.  If ever there was someone left alive who owed her a bullet... maybe it was Sully.

"I betrayed Dovahkiin." She said very softly, barely above a whisper, almost in fear of anyone but Sully hearing her own to the truth.  "And Jackie... and all of The Nightingales who died without me.  I was the Left Hand Man... we both know my place was in coffin beside her.  I should be there.  I tell myself I did it for you, and to save the others they let live... but I know I did it for me."

She struggled to steady her voice, "I was scared to do die.  I was scared to let go of this life and all I'd put into it - I didn't want it to have all been a waste.  I knew Dovah was dead, I knew MeadMaiden was dead, and I just... I just I thought about the useless waste of it all.  I thought why should I die too?"

Her doe-eyes met Sully's as she continued to speak in a raspy whisper, "When they brought you in, I'm sure you thought it was your fault that I agreed to their terms... that I had agreed to work with them just to save you.  You probably thought I had some great plan the whole fucking time, but you'd be wrong, Sully."  Bile rose in her throat again and she pushed the words out, "I am a coward."  There.  She said it.

"I have to apologize to you for that.  If I were half the Mafioso I wished to be in this life, you and I would be with Jackie right now.  And I hate that it's true.  I hate that I kept you from her, but more than anything... the thing I hate most..."  She stifled a sob, "I hate that I'm so fucking happy right now.  I hate that I am loving my wonderful life with Tony and that I finally have all that I said would have one day.  I'm a Mafia Don, just like I always told my Grandfather I'd be... and it only cost you all your peace and me ... my soul."

A tear ran down her cheek, "I hate that I need you here so much that even if you asked me to let you go to her... I wouldn't let you.  You saved me, what wretched little bit of me is left, you saved me in that Green Room with your kindness... and love.  YOU and Tony, you're my family and I'm so utterly unworthy of you both.  I owe you ever drop of my happiness and I have nothing but my pitiful attempts to take care of you and this life of yours to try and repay you with."

She reached out and touched his arm, "Of the two of us - it's YOU who makes The Ivory Tower a proud family to be a part of... you who show honor and strength and courage by pushing on when all you want to do is give up and end the pain.  Sully, I could never be ashamed of you.  Never."  She leaned in and kissed his cheek.  "For so long as I live, for all that you've done, I will always bet on Black."  She smiled through her tears. 

"THAT, not because I wanted to keep track of you, is why you're my Right Hand Man; you're here with me and Tony because The Ivory Tower deserved a better leader than I can hope to be without you."

Sullivan chewed his food quietly as he let her speak. More often than not it wasn't advice someone wanted when they poured their heart out, and he knew that better than anyone. It was a part of his every day life, ever since he had taken over the funeral home back in New York. Sully's colder exterior melted as Frankie teared up and she reached out to touch his arm. His lips curled upward into a warm smile.

She continued, blaming herself for everything and even claiming herself a coward. A slight chuckle puffed out from deep in his chest, and as she finally leaned in to kiss his cheek, he wrapped an arm around her head and held her against his shoulder.

"You betrayed no one. Dovah and Maiden were gone before we even had a chance to gather our guns. Sometimes it's better to live and simply pay your respects to those that helped pave the way for you. Much like -all- of those gone before us." He continued to cradle her head, rubbing the back of her neck. She was his cousin, his family, and all he really had left (minus Matty, she somehow fit in the picture - he just wasn't sure yet how).

"You are no coward, Frankie DiCaprio. You're courageous and you'll step out into the streets even when people come aiming at you and calling you a traitor. There is more courage in your blood than you give yourself credit for. And you have always done right by me, even with Jacqueline. She'd be more upset if you sent me with her, and joined us there yourself. There's still too much to be done." He finally pulled her away and held her face, cradling her with both hands.

"And, look around the city? I loved Dovah, and Maiden was strong... But -look- at the way Las Vegas has thrived with the changes. It hurts to say it, but the city is better now. She isn't sinking like she was." He took a deep breath. "Don't ever feel like you're unworthy, Frankie. You're still Messina blood, and I've always known a Messina to come out of the dark swinging with both fists."

He smiled, his eyes scanning over her guilt ridden face. "And you can always bet on Black. We've helped the Messina's since Jackie and I met. I count you family just as much as my blood cousins. And know that I'd never ask you to let me simply go to her, unless I was dying already... She'd be too mad at me. Plus, you, Tony, the Tower..." He paused a bit, biting his lip, "And I think Matty, needs me here and in my best."

He chuckled, and rubbed a thumb over Frankie's cheek to wipe away a stray tear. "And if it weren't for you The Tower wouldn't even exist, so remember, YOU'RE the glue that holds this place together. I just keep the riff raff in line, and Tony helps me do that."

Sully offered probably the biggest, most sincere grin Frankie had seen him wear in weeks. "I'm only here because of you, and Jackie would kill me if I left you by yourself to handle this... Not to mention I'm almost certain Jacqueline brought Matty to my life because she needs me, and I her... I'll get through Jackie's loss because she's still helping me and tugging strings through the afterlife."

He chuckled, realizing how incredibly -mad- he must sound, but he shrugged, "You know feeling that someone is still there and always watching over you? It's Jackie, I swear it is... She fights the voices in my head, and she holds me close and cradles me because she can't leave me till I help Matty, and Matty in turn helps me." He smirked, "It's her mind, and her checkmate to make sure I stay here until my proper time comes."

His thumb wiped another tear away from Frankie's glistening cheeks, and the lanky Sully leaned over his desk, pressing his lips to her forehead. "I love you like Jackie loved you, Frankie... And we always wanted to see you in this position. It's where we knew you would shine. So don't curse her memory with so little disregard for yourself. She would have given her life over and again to see you stand and lead this organization, this FAMILY. So be proud of you you are. You're a Gods be damned MESSINA." He gave her cheek a light pat before he leaned back and crossed his arms, staring at her.

"So... Need something to do?" He offered her one of the books so they could knock it out together and BOTH get some much needed rest.

Returning to the whitest tower in the world.. I hear some chatting, sometimes screaming going on, and I walk around, trying to tune it in in case I have to jump into action or something, but also careful in case there are some um private activities..(giggling) pretty sure that would be a little wierd happening upon that. I know  I just moved in, but I also know it takes work too, and wouldn't want anyone working harder than they had to, killing themselves. Plus with the recent deaths, I wanted to make sure the family was okay. 

Moving my head into the areas of the room, I make it towards one of the offices, the sound becoming more promiant and audiable. It sounded like Sully and Frankie, probably working late or early, depending on how you look at it. I debated on whether or not to bother them, and decided I don't think I would be beheaded if I did. I laughed at the thought, they loved me, right? I knocked softy when I reached the door where I heard discinct voices, not purposely trying to be quiet, but not trying to wake up the dead either. I waited for a reply, and hoped I had not startled them in the process. Then remebering I should have come baring gifts, they would not kill me then for sure.. note to self come bearing gifts....

Frankie startled at the sound of knocking.  She quickly hid her emotions, trying not to be seen crying - who ever heard of crying Don before?  She accepted the book from Sully with one last sympathetic look that suggested her dedication to him.

"Come in."  Frankie said, walking to her desk carrying the book in both hands.

Sully busied himself with the books and made everything seem as if they weren't having an emotional moment, his cheek still glistening from where Frankie's cheek had been. He reached up to wipe away the wetness and smiled... Poor Frankie had been through nearly just as much shit as he had, and she was holding it together pretty well. Especially for basically being thrust into this position. Sullivan was glad to help her. It seemed, to him, that they needed each other. Not the way Frankie needed TonyDicaprio or anything like that nature, but they were both able to help keep the other afloat some... It was like family that you pick, not family that you're born with. Sometimes blood really isn't thicker than water...

"Come in," Frankie beckoned at the door and Sully's bright blue eyes pierced through the room to scan the door as it slowly opened. No one would ever know, but a gun was locked, loaded, and trained on the door. He hoped it wouldn't come to using it, but you never knew who was waiting on the other side. Regardless of them being kind enough to knock or not...

Given the permission to enter, I slowly opened the door, to see the Don Frankie and sully in there. Trying to read their faces.. they looked not their happy selves. I was not sure whether to bring that up that I knew that...so instead I said: 

"Greetings, I heard some comotion, I wanted to check on you guys. Is there anything I can help with?  I know you guys have had a lot on your plates recently. "

I did not by no means want to bother them, as I am sure it was important stuff they were working on, but I wanted to sort of let them know where I stood on "other" matters they were maybe trying to hide , without coming out to directly say it. Would not want to embarass them in any way. I have grown to love this crew, and could totally see why my family lineage was here.

Frankie forced a smile upon seeing MJ.  She settled into her leather back chair.  "Well, it would seem Sullivan and I are getting an early start today, Marilyn.  Any chance I might impose upon you to get us some coffee going?  I don't know about you, but at this God forsaken hour of the day I'm absolutely useless without it... oh and maybe some saltine crackers?"

Smiling at Don and Crew leader boss lady, Frankie, I said I am on that coffee and saltines coming right up. I slipped out of the office quickly, and to the kitchen to make my famous coffee.. the best in the land...even the coffee guy Juan would be jealous! I checked to make sure the maker was clean and free of debris before I began. Who wants yucky used coffee grounds in their beverage. That might make you puke instead of waking you up ( which might wake you up too, I suppose).

Pulling out the filter, those things stick together so bad, you could be here all day just to get one, placing it in the brewer cup. Nw for the grounds, freshly ground, of course. Nothing but the best! This grinder is so loud, I can barely hear myself think, but it does such a fine ground, that the smell of the ground coffee permates the entire kitchen.. almost liie a drug, lol.

Filling the maker with cold, clean water, so pure it looked like it came from the spring, the maker was ready to go. I pressed brew, and heard the machine make that cold water into steam that would glide into the fresh dry gounds, and come out like a broew waterfall smelling great. Ah, i loved the smell of fresh coffee!.Now while that was going I could get the rest of what I needed. I found a pretty platter, and some sugar, and cream. I also found some containers for the additives, and a small plate for the saltines. I plated everything with stir sticks and spoons. Now just for the coffee to be ready...Ssssssss.. almost like a snake, the coffee is finshed to perfection, I am sure.

Placing the best mugs, and pouring the coffee into a pitcher that keeps the coffee hot, and taking everything back to Frankie's office. I quietly announce my presence, and ask for permission to enter, as I didn't want to make anyone jump and scream and embarass themselves. I said, Frankie, (clearing throat) Don Frankie, I have fresh hot coffee and the saltines that you had requested, may I please enter?

Frankie put her pen aside after signing the check in front of her.  "Come on in Marilyn.  You're fine."  She smiled up at the woman and the scent of the most amazing coffee she'd brewed.  WHAT A SPREAD!  She couldn't have been happier.  

"Normally I wouldn't have associates doing this work, but it's so damn early no one is in yet."  She accepted her cup.  "Thank you sweetie.  How are things going for you lately?"  She popped a cracker into her mouth and dropped one down to Uffa who was fast asleep on her little pet bed.

"Everything alright in your corner of the world?"

Smiling at my Don, Frankie...so happy when people enjoy what I make. it could not be better. Thank you for asking. I am glad you are enjoying the coffee. I do not mind making it, associate or not. I love being of assistance if  I can. I do make a mean cup of coffee.. it will slap that drowsiness out of you for sure. Smiling at the goat relaxing on the floor, thinking how cute she looks...just like human children when they are calm and also sleeping. I will leave you two to what you were doing. I am glad to be of a help. If there is not anything else, that is.