The whole ordeal was ridiculous...  Some jumped up crazies had decided that they were the enemy...  They were the enemy?  For crying out loud, we didn't come into some city and just start shooting some stuff up to take over!  Wait...  Well ok so maybe that's exactly what happened in this thing of theirs...  But it was this thing of theirs!  Those crazy people in Chicago were not going to dictate how things were going to go down.  That was their job.  In any case, all week TM had been orchestrating hit missions for some of their family to go over and help to deal with the problem.  It was all exciting business, but with insane schedules and crazy amounts of paperwork, not to mention just day to day life here at the Headquarters and all these new family members...  Hope found herself hopelessly buried as she tried to help keep everything running smoothly.  But she knew that so far her family members and city members all had come and gone safely...  Well safely enough.  They were smart, certainly smart enough to keep themselves out of trouble.

But then one of the Associates let slip that TM himself was planning a run over to Chicago.  Well...  Something told her that she wasn't meant to know this fact...  Whether it was the hurried explanation that it would just be a quick flight and that he'd be taking a private jet back quickly, or the assurances that he would be just fine, over and over, one couldn't be sure, but it was becoming readily apparent that it wasn't meant for her ears.  Either way, just a whisper of a trip to Chicago was enough to get Hope away from the documents she poured over and right up to her room to pack.  Tonight?  She was going to Chicago.  

Her blood ran red and pulse pounded in her ears as she packed.  She had heard it was dangerous...  A hive of hornets all bent on one thing...  The destruction of this thing of theirs and their people...  She knew it wasn't a place for the Right Hand of any family to be, but much less than that, it was the last place for her beloved Crew Leader...  Heck if she was letting him walk into hell alone.  It took next to no time at all to pack and she slung her bag over her shoulder before moving with purpose toward TM's office.  She knew he'd be debriefing or going over plans, or something there.  So she'd catch him and let him know that she was ready to depart as soon as he was.  She almost all but missed that same associate fleeing the room, white as a sheet and shaken.  She casted him a warm smile, oblivious as to what might be wrong with the man.

Without missing a beat, she slid into the room, her eyes alight with a hunter's fire.  Her whole form, even as small as it was, vibrated with the energy she possessed and channeled.  "I hear you're headed to Chicago...  What's the plan?"  The words and question flowed easily from her lips as her eyes lit upon the very man that before had just been a simple family member, and now had become close to her whole world.  It was funny how those things happened, but she kept the chuckle from escaping and merely smiled, her posture speaking of a readiness that bordered on deadly.  Those guys wouldn't know what hit them after she got done with them...  And she couldn't wait.

Fucking hell hole was right, even with two  established families from LA setting up in the windy cities districts to help halt what could only be described as a bodyguard holocaust from rumors of survivors that escaped the city when the whole ordeal first began. Like many others TM was caught off guard by the shear time frame the nut jobs took over Chicago. Although he knew Marie and Diogenis were more then qualified to deal with this type of riff raff the sheer volume of street scum that had flooded Chicago was a little too much for anyone to handle on their own. Political outcry sparks a national reponce, within the first day cities sending their best teams into the Frey. TM had always been if not only a proud member of the community and when the call was raised he like all others answered their beloved Commissions call. Guns blazing was his style but with the lives of his direct employees on the line he had to be careful. He would be hard pressed to lose anyone, and in turn offered to compensate any of his who lost during the conflict. 

The Don sat in his office, his mind going a million directions as he looks through page after page of his families ancestry journal. Finding nothing on the wave of one hundred that had swooped Chicago with the false Godfathers as their prophets. A new phenomena for TM to say the least, the uncertainty keeping him on edge as he witnesses the Papalia brothers slapping on their bullet resistant vests. The Papalia Brothers, were the elite of his bodyguard force and had been with him since the beginning, but with His train of thought broken by the arrival of Hope_. It as always bringing a smile to his face, he turns over to Rocco who immediately starts preparing the stunning woman a drink as TM finishes his. "That is right, going to be departing for Chicago momentarily just making sure we got everything. As for the plan well....."

TM had wanted to say more but he waited till she had a sip of her drink. Truth was he didn't want her along for this one, a whole leigion of killers await any soul brave enough to fly in and face them, call it selfishness? Call it the need to preserve something...someone to him was his entire world. The entire reason for his being, the reason for each breathe he takes easily playing  a factor in his decision. Taking another sip of his drink as he notices Johnny and Frank glance over at him, they knew his plan to keep her out of the loop, but none of the men could quite figure out just exactly how she would take it. Deciding its best to get the deed over with he casually slips in. " By the way your not coming along for this one, Id like you to stay here..."

TM could see the smile fade from Hope_'s face, the bright look in her eyes being replaced with something only the rather unfortunate had seen in their lives, he didnt know exactly what the glare meant but he knew it wouldn't be good for him. Still though despite such an epic stare down the Don does not relent, trying to explain the situation further. From the outside looking in, and from the perspective o the Papalias TM was just digging a hole for himself, one hopefully he wouldn't be sleeping in by events end. "I can see thats not what you wanted to hear, but its the matter of principle, I need you here to make sure everything stays smooth while Im gone, your the underboss after all." TM knew he could spew all the excuses and relay all duties till he was blue in the face, she knew it was all a ruse, she could by now read him fairly well by now. 

Hope felt excitement and strength that was reserved for the young flow through her form.  They were going to do the impossible...  They were going to go to Chicago and kick those insane...  Whatever they were, out of there!  She shifted her bag a bit higher upon her shoulder before accepting the drink that was offered to her.  It was her favorite, a comfort drink of a sort.  Beer mingled with the lovely tart taste of lemonade.  A shandy.  Ah they had gotten to know her so well!  She shot a warm smile and a mouthed 'Thank you' to the one who handed it to her.  She drew a long sip of it just as Hope did, smiling in a satisfied manner.  There was nothing like a Shandy to settle out the nervous energy.  She didn't know what she was nervous about...  They were just going to fly to Chicago, put out a few bullets and settle the situation so that Marie and Diogenis could properly take over, and they'd be out of there before the week's end!  And all of it would be done at TM's side, protecting eachother and getting through this...  Together.  At least that's how it was in the fairy tale that was Hope's imagination...

But it seemed that TM had other plans.  As the two of them sipped their drink, words came from TM's mouth that had quite the effect upon the young woman before him.  Her bag hit the floor as she sought to understanding what he was saying.  At first she didn't believe what her ears had heard.  'You're not coming along on this one.  I'd like you to stay here.'  Her blood ran cold.  He wanted her to stay here?  He wanted her to stay here.  While he went off risking life and limb to help get the city under control, he wanted her to stay here?  The look she was giving him would certainly have made lesser men quake and run for the hills...  Heck, it had.  But TM stared her down.  He always knew how to deal with her anymore, and he knew that she'd give in if he asked her to.  Well before she could say a word, he was continuing on about principle and the like.  Hope's eyes didn't move from TM, not to his bodyguards, or anyone else in the room.  They could do what they pleased, but this was between her and TM.  

Hope remained absolutely still as her mind sought to catch up and make sure he actually said what she thought he said.  "Principle be damned.  You're wading in there and you expect me to let you do that without backup...  You're right.  I am your Underboss, your right hand.  I'm not the only one who can hold down the fort.  Usually I'd agree with you, but in an issue like this, you're not going alone.  I'm coming with you."  Her eyes didn't waver from his.  Her stance lifted just a little even if it still wouldn't be frightening.  Never to TM, but again... To some, this little woman could be quite intimidating indeed.  Never yet had she directly defied her Crew Leader.  But never had they been at odds like this to date.  But it was clear that she wasn't demurely backing down from a single statement.   She would fight this in what she felt was a fight to help protect her Crew Leader and fight at his side as they had before.  She never even imagined that he was thinking of this for her own safety.  She was merely blinded by her own anger and eagerness to help, and perhaps a touch of her own defiant nature, but we wouldn't discuss that.

TM's serious posture and gaze broken by a small smirk to himself. He above all else knew the loyalty and devotion Hope had for him, And it was through the same in reciprocation, that he had made up his mind to have her stay in the first place. Despite this, his stance could not be shaken on the matter, nor in this state would he accept any resolve of his own. Still the prospect of denying Hope something she wished to take part in did trouble him. TM shakes his head once, an amused look on his face, never once did the outspoken Don ever think he would ever have to say no to her. He was ignorant to reality at times, being on that cloud with her he too could say he was living a dream if not the dream. But even the sweetest dreams too have to end. TM's eyes meeting Hope's any sense of glimpse of amusement now fading into the sheer darkness of his eyes. His gaze enough to send the ice princess back down a couple of degrees. 

TM lets the moment of silence after Hopes words linger a while longer, he begins to nod slightly. Almost giving the impression to anyone watching him that he was agreeing with what she had to say. But in reality he was just reaffirming his own resolve in his own mind. It would be easy to see why anyone would buckle under Hopes resounding affinity to get others to do as she wished. He brings the glass of scotch to his lips as he takes a small sip, which turns into a large gulp and before he knows it the empty glass is being placed on the table as he takes a deep breathe. "Listen normally I like to compensate so everyone is fuckin happy but on this one you just have to stay here alright? I dont think Roman ever had to explain a choice he made to you, and even if he did I think my reasoning is more then well enough to explain the situation and the wishes that express the needs for this family." 

It was all bulllshit, for the longest time now his members had been able to fend for themselves, such training preparing them for this thing of ours. Some of them already in Chicago helping the cause on his order without a moments hesitation. Knowing some had sacrificed already, not wishing that for his Hope. Troubling thoughts getting to him again, the don can only sigh, By now his guards led by Johnny heading downstairs with all the equipment required. Johnny dropping the bottle on TM's desk as the Don pours himself another drink. Eagerly bringing the glass to his lips again taking a large gulp of his scotch before he opens the golden box that lay on his desk. Dumping some of its white powdery contents onto the black marble he can only see Hope roll her eyes weither it was by his words or by his known habbit he was unsure. But by now as he has a mini coke everest piled on his desk again and is more then engaged in having a healthy bump. Wiping the remainder from his nose before he shakes his head. "What do you think Im going in by myself? We got people here to look after, its no good if we both fucking get clipped is it?."

His smirk had been fairly disarming.  But as much as he wouldn’t back down, neither would the young fiery woman before them.  They were like two storm fronts ready to come together to make a beautifully terrible storm.  To see these two at odds with each other was like watching a train wreck…  You didn’t want to see it, and yet you couldn’t make yourself look away.  Hope did hold a deep love for the man before her, and as he had found on more than one occasion, she was no damsel in distress, nor would she allow herself to be a trophy to be draped upon his arm at parties and the like.  She was not for show, she would be a partner or this thing would not work.  Her gaze was hardened as she tried not to let herself cave in the least.  If she allowed herself even an inch, she’d give in to the Don before her and become the demure little lamb that she seemed to be only for him. 

But no.  Today she was holding her ground.  She was accompanying TM to Chicago to help take care of the threat to all their well being.  As she met eyes with him, the look he gave her would certainly make her hesitate.  Was she being wise in pushing him so?  And yet it seemed that doing, or even thinking about what was wise was completely lost upon the hot-headed young woman.  Yet if anyone could bring her down a notch or two, it was the man before her. 

Her heart leapt and yet she couldn’t help the distrust in the nod he was giving her.  It was possible that he was conceding…  Perhaps he had realized that having Hope on his mission would be a boon.  It wasn’t often that the two of them together failed to get results.  It was rare even.  In serious things, one was rarely seen without the other and the two of them could deliver mayhem and justice like nobody’s business.  Bringers of Apocalypse is what they would call them.  She watched as he downed his liquid courage and she suddenly felt her blood run cold.  Steeling herself for battle, she knew what was coming.  He didn’t agree with her…  And he was preparing himself to bring her down a couple notches.  She knew that look, but she wouldn’t let it happen this time.  Heck no.  At his words about Roman and about doing what was right by the family and taking care of their needs, Hope had to keep her face carefully and almost unnervingly calm.  She took the small tirade in stride before feeling her nose wrinkle just a tad.  TM had struck a nerve.  Roman was a man that Hope had worked seamlessly with.  A man from whose side she had vowed never to leave unless he ordered her to do so, or the need was so great she couldn’t not…  Or the man she loved needed her?  The niggling thought was quickly shoved down.  There was no time for that right now.  Yes, they had to do what was right by their family, but TM was her family. 

“If it was to Roman that I was speaking, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”  Came the slightly scathing and hissed response.  It wasn’t likely wise to compare like this, or poke the bear any further.  But Hope wasn’t done most clearly.  She couldn’t take it, where did he get off telling her that she couldn’t go to protect her very heart?  And besides, she was a big strong girl.  She could take care of herself.  After all, she had learned from the very best. 

Her gaze moved quickly to the guards that were moving the stuff and she was highly tempted to just follow them and stow away in the car if necessary.  But her gaze shot back to him as he dumped out some of his precious coke to partake in.  She tensed and tried to keep her face blank, but couldn’t help the brief eyeroll mostly at his words, but perhaps slightly because of his vice.  But she said nothing on that and allowed him his moment as she formulated what to say and continued to rail at him.  Her spine straightened just a tad at his fairly berating words.  “Well at least you’re using your head and not letting your pride dictate your actions.”  Reply clearly lacking in the foundational respect that should be found ringing in every word, Hope suddenly realized that there was a line there, and she had jumped both feet over it.  Well…  If she was damned anyway, why not go out with a bang hmm?  Perhaps that clipping would take place much earlier than planned.

Was this really happening? Was Hope really talking back to him? She must have no idea what she is doing because this is the last thing the fucking last thing... TM could only think to himself as he still remained in his seat, just finishing a healthy dose of cocaine as he listened to the woman’s words of protests But still he had his mind made up long before his underboss chose to bring it up as a topic for a “healthy debate”. She was forbidden to go along with him and that was that, as the high from the coke starts to set in it only causes him to think about he situation over and over again each time the truth distorts itself just a shade and his anger starts to rise. TM’s once subtitle nods to himself now a full blown shake of refusal, and with each passing moment he finds himself struggling not to rise from his desk and really raise his voice like he was prone to do in extreme fits of anguish or inconvenience. But this moment with Hope, bringing about a new layer of the spectrum insubordination, something he had never stood for since the beginning, an offence he had seen punished and personally punished those with the false sense of courage to cross the line. Hope’s transgressions here not as serious as some of the scenarios but enough to warrant his full attention, the little quip about Roman most defiantly sealing the deal.

“What in the fuck is that suppose to mean? Other then the fact yeah you are right, fucking Roman says jump you say how fucking high... I say jump and for some reason you decide to ask me why the fuck were jumping... see what I’m saying here? You are ordered to stay and that should be enough for you cono... if I questioned my superiors when I was in your position I wouldn’t fucking be here right now.”

The coke could only amplify every little feeling and or emotion that was passing through him, a conman annoyance taken to dangerous proportions  when he was on the drug, but still times where he was a little stressed causing him to consume more. In the middle of his little trade he dips his face back into the cocaine gladly consuming more of its jolting goodness. And he could hear the two sides of him begin to argue with eachother, the perils of mixing business and pleasure, TM In the sense of Hope’s man TM would dare not raise his voice nor raise his hand nor even dream of speaking to his beloved this way. Hope was his life and he loved her with every last essence of his own. But Don TM speaking to his underboss was a whole different ballgame. Lines of both lives getting blurred more and more each day, at-least that’s how he felt he was unsure how the personal and professional lives they lead effected her.  But even if she was to hate him for it, angry or not he was determined to keep the woman he loves out of harms way.

“Keep you locked away in a tower Jesus Christ Hope? Are you even listening to yourself? You know I don’t go for that type of women all show no personality. I like pretty and practical.... now enough of this Take your bag upstairs now and unpack, I’m even going to have Tino stay behind to keep an eye on you just so the fuck I know your doing as I ask of you. And you will do what I ask of you Hope, or we’re going to have a problem. Pride fucking pride you think this has anything to do with my damn pride?! Fuck my pride orders are fucking orders I didn’t bring you here just to have you dis reguard  me... “

Did she really think it was his pride that was preventing her from charging at the bull and grabbing it by the horns with him? Truth be told if it was any other time in the pairs history they would have been on that plane together right now. But the whole dynamic between them different, monumentous change since they shared their first kiss under the the city-lights of Los Angeles. But did she really think it was TM’s ego that was keeping her locked away, his desire to keep her from all other human contact good or bad, to hide his trophy away from the world and not let her see the light of day. The thought that she might actually believe her own words troubling the don to say the least, only building and piling more fuel to the fire already raging within him. She was beautiful and yes she could be put up on display for all, she defiantly was in a class of her own and a bar above in his opinion. An opinion shared with others he was damn sure. But it was not her beauty that attracted him to her in the first place, it was every part of her working in tandem to build up such an amazing woman, amazing to him that losing her would never be in the cards no matter what.

Hope knew the very words to twist and spit at TM to make him rise to her bait.  Honestly she had hoped that she could make him so angry that he'd give in, or something...  Honestly even Hope wasn't certain what was going on in her own crazy mind.  But she couldn't back down now.  She knew he was riled, she knew she was playing with fire.  Heck this was her Crew Leader...  The man she revered, respected, and shouldn't question no matter what.  Hope was not new to this life.  It's all she knew.  She knew that rule like she knew her own name.  Not respecting any crew leader, especially your own, could easily cost you your life.  The thought sent chills to her core and yet part of her wondered if it could in this situation?  Perhaps it was that thought that made her so bold in her demands.  

In any case, all the words were out before she could stop them...  The quip about Roman coming first.  Her whole body tensed, poised like a jungle cat ready to pounce as she waited for the lashback from that one.  And on it came...  Hope's face remained stoic, unchanging in the fury that glittered in her eyes.  She wanted to go and that was that!  She needed to be there to make sure that TM was ok.  Why couldn't he understand that?  Why wasn't she getting to him?  Any other time...  She and TM had managed to come to some kind of agreement, but this time?  His no meant no...  She braved his gales as he railed about the difference of her behavior to Roman and to him.  Well that was easy...  Roman was her best friend, but she didn't feel that TM was one hundred percent correct...  Sure, this conversation would have been very different if this was Roman, but only in the fact that Hope was fairly certain that he would not have told her she couldn't go in the first place.  But then again...  As far as she knew, Roman didn't love her.  Love...  It made people do insane things...

Like argue with their crew leader.

But it was clear that she wasn't done yet.  She would continue her tirade, feeling her own anger fuel her boldness.  Now, Hope didn't have a reason like coke or anything else to explain her actions.  No...  This was all Hope in her furious glory...  Defiant and proud herself.  It was a wonder she hadn't taken a bullet to the head yet.  And yet the very words that could easily be twisted and brought upon herself flew from her mouth.  Yet just as soon as they were released, she wished that she could draw them right back in.  But what was said was said, and TM was already replying...  Once again, she stood seemingly unphased by his fury or his repeated dip into his beloved vice.  She merely glared defiance at him as he continued on but at this point she was without more words.  Hope couldn't say another darn thing, or perhaps her own good sense had finally kicked in?

As TM demanded that she go back to her room and unpack, she stood her ground solidly.  His bodyguard started toward her and honestly she wasn't certain what he intended to do.  Would he physically make her move if he had to?  Her gaze shot to him and her eyes narrowed dangerously enough to make his step falter, but it was only a stutter before he continued on.  His dedication to his boss overruling any nervousness that was brought about by this tiny woman.  But Hope's gaze moved rapidly back to TM's, holding it steadily and without a word or so much as a glance back to Tino, Hope strode toward TM with a deadly purpose.

One would notice Tino's hand twitch toward his sidearm.  But a sharp glance from TM stopped him in his tracks.  Would one or both of them end up dead today instead of going to Chicago?  But Hope didn't even break stride.  She watched as TM rose from his chair, standing slowly as his eyes remained locked with Hope's.  What else could she throw at him?  Whatever it was, one would be sure he was up to the task.  He was unrelenting and sure.  But so was Hope...  

And yet even Hope wasn't a complete idiot.

In just a few strides, she came close to TM, fury meeting fury in a storm unlike any other and in one fluid motion, if nothing stopped her, her arm looped up around his shoulder, pulling him roughly to her height, her lips meeting his, eyes sliding shut as she put everything possible into this kiss.  She hoped to portray everything that her angry words failed to, her fear...  Her concern...  Her love.  The kiss lasted long and kept up in it's ferocity as TM was caught off guard, but quickly poured his own anger into passion, unable to keep himself from wrapping his arms around her in return.  This tiny frail form...  Soft as a snowflake and yet harsh as the worst winter storm, but she was his world and to keep her safe was paramount.  The rather rough thing was...

The feeling was mutual.

Many moments ticked by as the two kissed as if it were the last day they would ever see eachother.  But finally they had to break apart and Hope stepped backward, out of his embrace, once again raising her gaze to meet his.  She stepped back, her heels clicking softly upon the floor as she retrieved her bag and turned her back without another word.  She strode to the door with purpose, pulling it open with a suppressed manner before pausing finally.  She turned to look over her shoulder and once again met eyes with TM...  This time her gaze had softened considerably.  

"Just make sure you don't die and you make it back to me..."

Her voice had softened just as much as her demeanor and with that parting comment, she disappeared through the door, allowing it to close behind her, leaving a scrambling Tino to come after her if that was still the plan.  Either way, she headed up to her room to unpack her bag and take care of matters while he was gone...  Was this the end of the tirading kitten?  Not likely, but only time would truly tell.