As Victor is talking with Sabrina he notices a very thin note of ladylike perfume then he notices Roxie with some champagne and excuses himself to Sabrina for a brief moment to greet his glass with Roxie's and exchange a few words before returning his attention back at his Godmother Chairwoman and CL.

True, I may like it to be alone, but at times I also like being in the company of others he says while smiling towards her then taking a sip from his glass and asks the bartender if he could bring him a plate of lightly salted almonds, which the bartender wastes no time on and brings it to him almost instantly and is repaid by Victor for his fast service.

I can only guess that you weren't expecting me here, miss? he playfully as well as teasingly asks his CL, Sabrina, then asks the bartender to bring her as well a plate of something to munch on.

The woman continues to hold onto the box of very expensive and tasty chocolate. She even knows the brand of the chocolate as she sometimes got a few of them back in her home country. However, only on special occasions such as Christmas, so it brought a big smile on her face together with the rose from Nikolai as it reminded her of home. She still sends money to her family to support them financially. It is after all tough for them to stand on their own two feet after the first world war. How many years ago has it been? Enough and yet people have to rebuild. It is no better for her family, and they are lucky to have their daughter and older sister to help them out.  She did a dirty job and almost sold her body when she first arrived in Chicago, but since then she worked her ass off to get to be where she was today, and nowadays she owns a big villa among many other things. Her family of course also gets a lot of help and can live an excellent life now back in her own little country, being among the upper class. They think that she is working as a human resource manager at a big international company, which is what she told them but of course wrong. She knows, they would cut off all contact with her if she told them the truth and be very disappointed as they are good people. She is also a kind person but got pushed into this filthy world due to the widespread illusion of the American dream which was as she found out nothing but a fucking joke. She only lived in the streets, almost being forced to prostitution as she arrived here and stole the pursues of older persons. How often did she get thrown in the jails for a specific time? A shit ton of times but all of that is in the past.

She regains her focus and shakes her head as she finally comes out of her thoughts and it is clearly visible that she wasn´t feeling well for a very short moment, but that quickly changed. She seems to be capable of changing her mood, like a mask that you would put on. Maybe she is a great actor? Or is it one of those skills, that she learned to survive in this world? Her eyes tell the stories of a hidden sadness, but her face lies to the people around her, showing happiness. The happiness becomes a genuine one after about twenty seconds as the chains of her memories of the past get broken. ''I am incredibly surprised to see you here Victor_Zsasz. I am of course glad to see you, but at this point I just expected you to be a kind of vampire'' she honestly says while looking for a waiter. Someone is passing by as she gets his attention by speaking up quite loud for a short moment. ''Can you please store those away at the reception, until I am going home?'' she asks and points with her chin to the chocolates and rose. It gets done quite quickly, and she is happy about that, as her hands as open now.

She can see Yukihira her newest member joining the room, and she certainly likes the idea of his tie. He is also looking good, and so she has to laugh a bit as he is walking towards her and thanking her ''Well, first of all, thank you for the compliment. I always try to look good, that is in my nature even if I often am miss all black, so this is quite a lot different. And don´t mention it: There are no lives, that should be lost when not necessary. Lives are not toys to play with and throw away. Even if we are mobsters, we too are humans. Have pasts and a future. Have our good and bad sides — memories of beautiful and ugly events and most of all emotions too. We are not just evil bad guys Yuki. We are humans'' she with a lot of confidence and power in her speech as it is her mentality. The woman then gives him a warm smile ''Your fashion sense is interesting and good. So will you get drunk today?'' she asks laughing.

Roxie sees her sister JoJoStiletto enter the Ball.  Oh my God, she looked good as ever.  She always adored her sister beauty. As young children, we weren’t able to spend much time together.  Understandably so, her mother had a hard time dealing with the fact her husband had a child by another woman.  But as we became older and she was more on her own we were able to spend more time together and I cherished those times. 

I snuck up behind her as I usually did, covered her eyes and said Guess Who?  We just laughed and hugged each other

I am so glad you made it Sis.   It’s so good to see you and you look like the fabulous bitch you are. Come let me introduce you to a few people.

Late as fuck but that wasn't anything out of the norm. He supposed he should just be glad he wasn't dead. That snakebite had been thicker, fatter than any to ever travel the beaten path up his vein. Tom slumped up from the seat of his Mercedes 500K. He went about the hazy task of putting away his rig and rolling his sleeve back into place. An unlit Lucky Strike clung to his bottom lip as he tried to clean himself up enough to go inside and 'mingle'.

Tom couldn't be bothered now that his veins flowed with a roaring numb. The valet just stared and knocked on his window for the tenth time. He knew who the man was. You don't act rude to someone like that. Tom, still in no rush, fixed his hair and put his suit jacket back on. He didn't come dressed to the nines like everyone else, but he opted for his tailored suit over one of his old beaters. Grey on black as was his calling card at this point. 

"Much better,"  Tom said to the valet with a slap of a fifty to his hand. He gave a shake as he stood next to his car and looked back at the line of people waiting for him to move his ass. "You fuck up my car, I fuck up your family," Tom promised with a chuckle. He searched for his matchbook as he made his way into the ball. Nicotine did the trick to calm what nerves the china white hadn't. Tom wasn't being rude on his way through the place; he honestly just didn't notice much in his current state. He was never the man for formal affairs- made evident by his trounce right by the mayor without so much as a nod. 

Music always hit him harder when he was on his horse. Tom practically danced his way to snatch a glass off of the first tray he spotted. It tasted like alcohol and that's all he gave a fuck about. There were big names here and there across the place, but one always seemed to garner attention. Rightfully so as the Godmother Chairman of the city. Around her were a few of her members. Tom merely gave a wave of his glass as he opted for a chair near the wall. The champagne flute had proved no match for his thirst. 

Tom's eyes stared into the empty glass in his hands as he tried to stop his eyes from drifting down in a nod. His tongue felt heavier by the moment as his breathing continued to get fainter with each draw. His forgotten cigarette dropped from his lip and landed on his pant leg leaving a nasty burn before tumbling to the floor. Tom's knee put it out as he fell from his chair in chase. 

The man practically growled as he held his hands up towards anyone trying to help. Tom dusted himself off and stumbled four steps till footing was found. From there here made his way to the restroom to splash some cool water on his slacked jaw. 

Looking up from his glass where he normally buries his face, Mangler spots @Cataleya taking a seat to the stool next to him; taken back somewhat by a woman of such standing offering out her hand, he quickly recovers his sense and takes her outstretched hand kissing her knuckles. He rests his hand back on his leg as he opens the bottle pouring out the contents into the spare glass next to the bottle. Mangler pushes it towards Cataleya unsure whether she'll take it or not but he's not going to try and miss out. "The honor is all mine Cataleya, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard a lot about the lady from Vegas." he dons his customary grin. "I'm glad you could fly out and come to the ball, would've been a shame of you hadn't." Mangler clearly looks interested in learning some more about the right hand to the power house Flexx and made no effort in hiding his eagerness. 

Roxie was noticing how the champagne was taking effect and she and @ JoJoStiletto made their way over to one of the buffet tables.  She placed a few of the  Cranberry-Sauced Meatballs and a Creamy Stuffed Pepper and a small plate.  Jojo grabbed some Shrimp Scampi-Style and a  Mini Party Quiche and they sat down at a table nearby.  Blasian approached them at the table.  After their usual hug, she introduced Blasian to her sister. After she finished eating she went with @Blasin to look for Narly.  On the way, she stopped at another champagne fountain for another glass.

The invitation letter to the Christmas ball in LA had arrived in Cassandra's hands days ago. She knew that Tom would be there already, and she dressed up accordingly. Might have been a bit too much skin for anyone laying her eyes on her, but this was her comfort outfit. A strappy mini dress that was a midnight red colour. Almost maroon. The party was scheduled for tonight. She was excited to see familiar faces. Godmother-Chairman Sabrina would be there. Remembrance of bumping into her shoulder in a restaurant entered her mind. She gulped nervously. Hopefully she forgot?

Cassandra never really liked to attend gatherings, especially if she knew they would be boring, but she felt pretty good about this one. She pulled up to the blossom ballroom and dragged her long legs to the door. Two of her guards stood at the door as she asked them politely not to come inside with her. It would look snobbish to have them escort her inside, as if she couldn't handle herself. 

Anyways, she left them at the door and proceeded to enter the vicinity with a warm smile. There was a sheepish grin on her face as she looked at all the people of importance in the room. She could feel the Christmas spirit in here. 

Narly enters the Ball with his gorgeous wife Blasian.  It's is nice to see everyone happy and having fun under one roof. He enjoys the food and mingles. He briefly chops it up with KenoN and suddenly misses his wife ..

He shakes KenoN's hand with a hug and goes to find his wife with all these people here that could be hard...

The fourth splash of cold water to his face really had done the trick, but it didn't stop Tom from throwing the fifth one on up for good measure. He'd get his shit together. It wouldn't be proper to pass out on the Blossom floor. With fingers for combs, Tom exited the bathroom slightly more alert than when entered.

Two hazel eyes searched through a crowd of faces that ran the underside of his city and others. He didn't have a chance of searching long. They found familiar skin that begged for further inspection. There was never a question when she was in the room. He had no choice but to acknowledge it. Tom itched at a tingle in his nose that would never leave him be as he crossed the room. She seemed to be looking around the room, so Tom wasn't sure she noticed him when his hand met her back.

"Something looks off without a man at your side at least trying." He quipped into her ear as his fingertips traced the skin exposed by the cut of her dress. When they found her shoulder, his fingers tightened into a grip. Tom's lips left a gentle kiss to her cheek- just below the ear. His words may have been slurred by the effects of enough heroin to kill a horse, but it didn't stop him from trying to keep his charm.

"Magnificent as always," Tom promised while his eyes couldn't help but observe the fact. His weight slightly leaned into her own before he regained footing. Tom held on through the waves of copacetic euphoria offered up from a cocktail moments ago. He nodded over towards the bar. "I know drinks aren't your vice, love, but care to grab one anyway?" And maybe a chair? He thought to himself. Seeing her here had given new life to the nodding junkie. He'd try not to hit the floor again unless by choice. 

A hand touching the skin of her back made her jump at first, but seeing that it was Tom, she was no longer unnerved. Now more bubbly than ever, she leaned into his kiss and closed her eyes. The world really did stop and freeze when she was with him. In a party full of people, especially those much taller than her, she was surprised that he had found her. "I'm not wearing heels today." She pointed to her flats before smiling funnily. "How did you find me? I'm like 4 foot against everyone here." 

His body leaning into her caused her to bite her lip hungrily. By a simple touch like that, she was already being driven crazy. It took all the strength inside her to just hold his hand instead of h- 

Anyways, walking to the bar, she began to notice a look of distress on his face. She didn't see it at first but they approached the bar and asked about it. "I don't know if you know, but you seem woozy. You okay, sweetheart?" She let him take a seat before grabbing his hand and placing it across her pale cheek for comfort. 

"Sorry, but blending in isn't exactly your thing. Not when it's my eyes scanning over the room." In all honesty, she was a flame that always flickered bright enough to cause his wings to pull him into whatever end may come. The moment he stopped noticing her would be the moment she wasn't there. He did like her flats though. He got a good look at them as they crossed over to the bar. His head was a bit too heavy to lift up without a fight. Why fight?

The seat was a welcome relief, but it was nothing compared to the ease that accompanied Cassandra's hand on his own. Under his rough hand was the silken, smooth beauty of a face that he'd never tire to see. "Woozy love? Must be the butterflies you've set free with those eyes of yours." He chuckled as his body rested against the bar. His thumb brushed along her bottom lip slowly. The way it drug under his touch caused him to wet his own with his tongue. 

"It's these formal affairs. I may have overshot my dose of anti-anxiety. I got you here now, though. So I'll be just fine."  A bartender cleared his throat for the attention of one of the two newest customers at his post. 

"Vodka tonic. For me at least. You thirsty?" Tom's eyes fell back on Cassandra's and he realized he was still stroking her face. He chuckled and let his hand fall down to her leg. From there he massaged the muscles of her thigh while she had a chance to order herself. 

"Ah, right." She nodded, giggling. She kept his hand rested against her cheek for a moment before letting her lips move over to his knuckles. There was a moment of comfortable silence between them as she looked around to check out all the other visitors. Everyone looked lovely. But still, she was sure as heck that she'd never see the day where someone would beat Tom in a competition to see who was the most handsome. Even though he did just tell her that he submitted to the heroin, he still looked good as ever. If this wasn't such a formal ball, she would have made love to him. Right then and there. 

But - in this case, Cassandra had to stay professional. She blushed and shook her head. "And you... Someone let the alpha male out of his wolf territory tonight, it seems." 

The bartender gently excused their playful conversation and asked if they wanted anything. She caught Tom's look before smiling at the man behind the bar. "Erm... orange juice?" She said shyly, but her voice relaxed when her thigh connected with his hand. "Yes, an orange juice please. Add just a teeny amount of vodka in there too. Thanks hun." She winked at the bartender, and he seemed to walk away with a flushed face that made her raise an eyebrow. All she did was wink?

Her dress started to hike up a little as she continued to let his hand rest on her skin. In a hurry, she pulled the sides of her dress down and smoothed it down. "Geezus. I really should have worn a LONGER dress." She shrugged, before getting up from her seat before encircling Tom with her arms, and whispers his name like a prayer. "Tom, you brought your car. Not too many drinks tonight, mmkay?" She kissed his neck gently, aware that she was starting to make a scene. 

With a hearty chuckle, his eyes made their way down to reinspect her dress for himself. "Why would you ever do that?" Actual incredulity dripped from his lips. Cassandra's arms draped around him as she settled in closer. Her lips on his neck forced his eyelids closed. 

Tom was sure the drinks were the last of his worries on the drive home. Maybe he'd have to stay overnight here at the Roosevelt? He already had a room, but Tom never found a spot comfortable enough to hold him down long. The mention of his ride brought forth thoughts of the quiet cab of his Mercedes.  "I'll take it easy, but this one's got my name on it already." ​

Tom gave a nod to the bartender as he grabbed his fresh drink. Orange juice, barely tinged by clear posion, sat next to his own vodka tonic. He grabbed the glass as her lips teased at the sensitive flesh of his neck once more. Suddenly, alcohol wasn't what he craved. Tom turned to find those pouted perfections intent on driving him mad.

Two humans drifted close to the edge of what was accepted at such a high brow affair. Moments or minutes later, they pulled back breathless and flushed from an obvious desire to be closer than a ballroom permitted. His Mercedes came to mind once more. Tom finished off his drink in a long slow pull with an eye on Cassandra. 

"Why don't we find that ride of mine? I know it's not polite to slip away, but something tells me it's more polite than what may come next if not." Slurred were his words but confidence still showed through. He risked his feet. Tom must have been on the positive side of the cosmic balance because his footing held. His eyes pleaded over at Cassandra then towards the door. He didn't pull her along. He waited to see that she was ready. She had just arrived after all, and here he was whisking her off out the door with him to a night best witnessed only by two. 

​​​​​​

Later on in the evening Cataleya is now settle in a corner booth in the lounge enjoying the various performances. Catty has change outfits, now wearing a knee length, solid Emerald green swing dress, simple yet chic with a V neckline, L sleeves and matching pumps that are sitting in an empty space next to her. Catty has changed her hair up as well, allowing her naturally long, curly brown hair to hang freely. Catty takes a sip of her champagne, bobbing her head slightly, her well manicured barefoot tapping along to the music as she patiently waits for Mangler to pop up. He appears to be running a little late but the night was still young. Catty look forward to getting to know Mangler more. Their conversation from earlier was nice even though it was cut short due to some business Catty needed to see to. But for now her schedule was free.

"Yes.. I do think we need a bit more privacy for what I plan to do to you tonight." She takes his hand and leads him to the front doors without saying another word. On her way back, she notices Cataleya and exchanges a warm smile with her. Cassandra's face was flushed and was practically jogging across the ballroom floor, but she still made time to acknowledge a familiar face. 

When she made it outside, her guards quickly stood to attention and began to address the man holding her hand. Cassandra shook her head and smiled. "He's with me. I'm also going home with him tonight. You boys can go back... Goodnight to you both." She pursed her lips her together then nodded.

When Cassandra followed Tom to his car, she stopped him in his tracks just before he was going to open any doors. She stood in front of him now, and pulled him against her body. The only body she loved more than her own, and kisses him. His lips recall many memories and she began to smile mid-kiss. 

"Me and you... against the world, baby."

Roxie remembers the last time she stepped into this Ballroom.   Everyone was dancing, laughing and having a wonderful time.

Godmother-Chairman Sabrina and Godfather Maurice spared no expense to make sure The Christmas Ball was successful and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Don KenoN was just honored with the rank of Don and was so excited.

Then things went terribly wrong and they are all gone and so are some many good friends. 

We were on the right track, building the city of Los Angeles.

“Why do we kill people who are killing people, those associated with people killing people or disagree with killing people, to show that killing people is wrong?”

The reality is that I will grieve forever. I  will not 'get over' the loss of my good friends, I will learn to live with it.  I  will heal and I  will rebuild myself around the loss I  have suffered. I will be whole again but I will never be the same. Nor should I be the same nor would I want to.

Rest in Peace my friends.  Always Loved And Never Forgotten