forum Passions of the Hidden// OxO //Closed

Started April 02, 2021 by @knightinadream group

tune

Singing trio after seven and dancing, he went along with what was being told to him. At one point, he shook his wrists before going back to nodding along to Yanni's words. As usual, he also wrote on the side of his leg the times and other details he found to be important.

An official? He wondered who it could be. There was not even a handful of people, especially officials, who know him. Defiently not Sachs, even though he would be there this night. Despite his curiosity, his expression remained nonchalant as usual. He went on, focusing to what was being told to him.

Right away, he nodded his head in response. The corners of his lips curved up into a slight smile. Tilting his head up, he looked around for Dorota. "Crystal clear," Antony simply replied. "Is there anything else or is that all?"

(sorry I went on a trip and didn't realize I would be cut off from wifi! I would have warned you)
Yanni ran through the last of the information, which consisted of a couple suggestions on how to move through the crowd easily and what he may be looking for that could be a threat. She shook his hand, smiled again, pointed him to where Dorota was standing, and walked off towards the bar.
Dorota was deep in conversation with one of the acts. "Eddie Mathis is going to be here tonight. You know how important it is that he's comfortable and entertained. We need to make a good impression."
The young performer nodded, ran a hand through his hair. "Of course, Solene."
Dorota smiled kindly, squeezed his shoulder. "Great. I trust you. Relay the message to those who need to know." He took off.
Dorota glanced behind her and saw Yanni walking away from Adrian. She waved him over.

(It's okay, I appreciate you telling me though. I hope you had a great time on your trip!)

With a slight head bow, he lightly grinned as he shook Yanni's hand. He mumbled a small thank you then watched as she walked away. Taking a deep breath, he glimpsed over to where Dorota was.

Antony could not help but notice that she was talking to someone. He wondered what they were discussing. Could be anything, and yet, he felt as if he needed to know somehow. Every single word to him mattered, even if it is nothing of the importance to him.

He only took a few steps over before stopping himself. Maybe he should just wait till they were done. Clearing his throat, he lowered his head and glanced over to the right. Down towards the other side of the hallway, he saw Sachs. His handler was leaning against the wall, making eye contact with him briefly. The old man held up his phone for a second before walking off.

At the same time he watched Sachs walk off, his phone buzzed. Antony pulled it out to a message that said, "Familiar person of interest. Keep watch from your seat. Three o'clock to your right and up five rows."

Letting out another exhale, he responded with a period before placing his phone back in his jacket pocket. Turning to Dorota, he ambled over to her. He still wore the same gentle smile on him. "Shall we go take our seats now, Miss Solene?"

She watched the young man go, thinking about the coming evening.
Dorota turned, surprised out of her thoughts, her expression widening at the nickname. She gave Adrian a side smile. "You don't have to call me that until seven, or anyone… sensitive is around."
She turned to face him fully. "I have to go get ready. You can hang around here if you like, I don't get up to anything interesting while I do my makeup or anything. I'll be in my room, the one I showed you this morning."

At first, he quirked a brow. Antony wondered what he had done or said to provoke such an expression. After making a small 'o' shape with his lips, he nodded. "Oh I see, my apologies, Miss Dorota," He said, bowing his head slowly. Looking back at her, he gave her a small smile. "I will be sure to remember that for later." Then he inclined his head. "Okay. I will just stand here and wait for you. If you need anything, just text me."

She nodded at him and took off. She made it to her room, sat down, dialled a number and waited for an answer.
A voice came up on the other end. Offer your number.
"33487."
A pause. Thank you. Offer your password.
"Purple."
Another pause. Thank you. An officer will be with you shortly.
Dorota faced her mirror and began applying makeup. Before long, a man's voice came on the other end of the line.
"Miss Solis?"
Dorota jumped slightly, smiled, and resumed applying her makeup. "Hey, Chris. A meeting tonight in the Hallinger Park area. About a dozen people. Guns will be brought, but I assume we'll be out of uniform."
Clicking on Chris's end. "Sure, Solis. Empty warehouse on the corner of Hallinger and Barker. Will that be alright?"
Dorota nodded. She scribbled down the address and thanked him and hung up quickly. After a quick text to Yanni she stood to pull on her dress then sat back down to arrange her hair.

He kept his eyes on her till she disappeared into the room. Afterwards, he moved so that he would be standing against the wall out of others' way. Antony let out a sigh before feeling his phone go off. He shook his head while taking it out. It was a call from Sachs, but it was labeled as "Dad"; he pressed the answer button. "Yes?"

"Not even a hello, Teddy?" The old man asked, chuckling. "Oh well, Seward picked up something and I thought I should tell you."

Antony laughed a little as he nodded his head. In the corner of his eye, he noticed a camera in the corner diagonally across from him. "Really? What did he get? Amethyst? Malachite?"

"Amethyst, Hans Parker picked it up for him at twelve. It is heavily decked out, but Hans and Basil took care of the rest. I will take you to there."

"Okay. I get off of work around eleven-thirty to midnight," He said, staring at his watch. Most of their conversations over the phone was all in code. Amethyst, for example, meant the Purple Infantry. Names for places were replaced with names of people, relations, or items. It was all to keep everything a secret and safe, though it did take him a moment to decode some terms.

"It will be fine, Teddy. You will be fine. See you later," Sachs said then hung up.

Before his handler hung up, he mumbled a goodbye. For a moment, he rested his head against the wall as he put the phone away. Another sign slipped through his lips. The enemies are going to be in in a ride tonight, that's all he can say. He continued to watch people as they passed by, regularly looking over at the door to Dorota's room every now and then.

(sorry!)
(ngl though you're super super fun to rp with)
A tight twenty minutes later, Dorota rejoined the bar area. Her complexion glowed, her hair was down in delicate curves, and ochre fabric hugged her curves. She was ready for the evening.
She spotted Adrian quickly enough, up against a wall out of the way.
She sauntered up to him with an exaggerated sway of her shoulders. "Mr. Bodyguard!" she called to him with a smile. "Solene is here for the party!"
The tables, now set up with cloth covers, candles and place settings, had Dorota weaving between them, her shoes clicking sharply on the panelled floor.
"It's nearly 7. Shall we take our seats?" She gestured to a table slightly set apart from the rest, but otherwise identical.

(Aww thank you! You're super fun to rp with too! I hope you're enjoying this rp so far. :D )

As he waited, Antony thought about the conversation with his handler and the details about his "side quest". His fingers curled up into his palm as he let out a sigh. To him, side quests are extra parts in a mission that were never really part of it. In every mission he's completed, there always was one; he just never expected it to be so soon.

His head shot up immediately when hearing Dorota's voice. A faint smile appeared on his face when he saw her walk up to him. Briefly, he took notice of what she wore and watched as her hair swayed. His head tilted to the right as he lightly chuckled. The sound of her heels clicking against the floor sounded satisfying to him.

Glimpsing over where she motioned, he looked around at the people nearby. He squinted, trying to look for the other person of interest, but gave up then looked back at Dorota. "Sure, I suppose we shall," He nodded, holding his arm out. "After you, Solene."

(So much! I think we have really good writing chemistry! Like we both bring things into the rp and we still have a lot to write about which is awesome when we're far into an rp! And the characters also seem to interact well and everything, it's really good!! I hope you think so too ^^')

With a small laugh that sounded very unlike her, Dorota– or, Solene took her bodyguard's arm and led him to a table right near the stage. No sooner had they sat down that the double doors leading into bar area opened wide, and conversation already warm with liquor and laughter flooded the theater. Dorota pulled out a delicate silk mask in the same colour as her dress and put it on, covering her eyes and nose just enough for her features to be hidden.

She looked over at Adrian and winked. "Discretion," she whispered to him.

(Me too! I really love the chemistry between them and can't wait to see it grow as we go. It's great because we both are bringing in really great ideas and making it so much fun. :D )

Antony walked along, making sure his steps were matching hers. As she lead him to the table, he kept glancing around at the people they passed by. Finally as they got closer was he able to find the person Sachs was telling him about; he feels like he knows the man, but regardless, he will be careful.

When he heard Dorota, or Solene, speak, he turned his head to notice that she had on a mask. Why would she need one at this moment? He shook his head as he quietly laughed in reaction to her wink. "Ah, I see. Discretion," He whispered back, giving a wink.

When reaching their designated table, he took a cautious glimpse around the room. Antony stepped over then pulled out Solene's chair before going over to sit down in his own.

(alright!!)
Solene gratefully sat down, angling her head carefully away from the crowd spilling into the room. She knew that, three tables to her right and a row behind her, sat a man she herself had invited. A certain Edward Mathis, a spokesperson for a branch of government that could gain them access to critical information. Yanni was to host him that very evening, discuss a possible arrangement. Then, later on, Dorota and Yanni were to meet with their Infantry and discuss the progress they had made. An easy, functional plan.
Quickly enough, the chatter grew still as people settled into their seats; the lights dimmed and music picked up. Time passed and at ten to eight, on the dot, Yanni slipped out of the kitchen in her own discrete black gown. She took a seat at Mathis's table.

Antony positioned himself pointing in the right direction. Not only did he want to be in Solene's direction, but he also wanted to see both Sachs and whoever the government official was. Having everyone he needed in his field of vision helped calmed him down whenever so many things started to pop out of nowhere.

Tilting his head up, he glanced around at the other people. After finding Sachs, he sighed then shook his left wrist. His eyes eventually wandered down watching as Yasmin walked over to a table. In a second, he figured it was Edward Mathis, a well known figure within the government. Someone who, Antony figures, hasn't really stepped foot in the NSS much. He looked away, cracking his index finger. Another thing him and Sachs worked out was using hand signals. Since Antony had the habit of cracking his wrists, fingers, and moving his hands, they decided to take advantage of it and use it as a way of communicating.

But to make it look natural, he shook his wrist lightly as he sat back in his seat. A gentle sigh left his lips while he glanced down at his feet. He took notice of the lights dimming, making sure that he could still see everything even as the place darkened.

(oof sorry just realised I used the wrong name before I meant yasmin not yanni)
Dorota stayed focused on the stage, or at least seemed so. In reality, her mask held a small device tucked just behind her ear that relayed Yasmin's ongoing conversation with Mathis, and so far, Dorota's friend was making very good progress.
It seemed that Mathis was far more exhausted with the current government than they'd thought, and so far was asking only for his safety to be assured if he were to feed the Infantry information.
About half an hour later, Yasmin stood up between transitions of acts, and snuck back into the kitchens. She had settled a reasonable deal that aided both of them, and Dorota herself was itching to walk off and check on her friend. But Yasmin's departure was in fact her queue to stand and walk backstage– her queue to prepare for her own act.

(It's okay, thanks for the clarification :) )

As with his former operations, he kept on looking around back and forth, watching as the scenes around him played out. Antony did whatever he could to watch every single moment of the other person of interest and Yasmin. He tried to look at their lips for words, but sooner or later he had to glance away.

Something is happening, that he knows for sure. All he can do as of now is guess, and his guess is that the conversation between the official and the head security carries some importance that can help the NSS. The fact was making him a little giddy about it. Finally, it is time he will be having fun again on a mission. Time to work.

In order to tell Sachs to keep an eye on the two, he placed his hand over his watch for a couple of seconds. He leaned to the left, pretending to relax into the seat. Up till Yasmin disappeared, he kept on glancing over while keeping his eyes on Dorota and the stage.

Glancing down at his watch, he checked for the time. After he turned his head, he took another look at Dorota before leaning in a little bit. "I think it might be time for your act soon," He whispered. "Should we go over now?"

She tilted her head in his direction. "Absolutely." The lights on stage went down between acts and Dorota got to her feet. She quickly and carefully made her way backstage to the thumping beat of the dancers now on stage. She stood at the entrance to the stage, her stomach ever so slightly knotted, taking deep controlled breaths.
She had never performed to an audience without her father before. She threw a shining glance in Adrian's direction as the lights went down again.

Just as she responded to him, he swiftly got up on his feet. He almost went to go along with her, but before he knew it, Dorota was already on her way. On foot jerked forward as he leaned to the left, watching as she went over to the backstage. His eyes squinted since it grew darker the farther he looked.

Before sitting down. Antony took a quick glimpse around the area, or at least, what he could see from his perspective. From what he could see, Yasmin was still gone; though he can only assume that she could be doing anything right now,. it stirred his curiosity. With a gentle shake of his head, he relaxed, or attempted to, in his seat. When his eyes flickered over towards the stage, they immediately landed on Dorota. A soft smile swept across his face, he couldn't help it. Then, just as the lights began to dim, he gave her a respectful nod.

In the dimness of the theatre, Solene picked up her shimmering skirts. She stepped forward– the click of her heel rippled through the crowd and silenced them easily.
If Elyasia was legendary, it was nothing compared to its owners, always known to be mysterious, rich, and powerful, a combination which gave way to favourable word of mouth.
Solene stepped onto the center of the stage, and again landed her heel with a click. She continued, creating a rhythm, and a spotlight lit her promptly. You could not discern her features beneath the mask, but her sly expression was clear from the second she opened her mouth.
Sweet singing filled the room, teasing laughs and sighs from the audience with every swell and stop of the music. Solene filled the stage with her presence naturally, adopting a charm so irresistible it was eerie. And as soon as it had started, her song ended, to many disappointed cries from the audience.
The woman gave a bow, shook her head and cascade of hair, and made her way off stage, directly around the back of the room and out into the empty bar area.
Dorota ripped off her mask and crashed backwards into a wall, feeling behind her for the comfort of something solid beneath her. Her breath was coming short burts, painful and made worse by the tight fit of the dress. She shut her eyes tightly, leaned her head back and tried counting in her head, distracting herself, controlling her breathing. Images of her father in the crowd persisted; waves of grief crashed over her and she sank down onto the ground.

With his head tilted back, he looked ahead at the stage, watching Solene. As a few moments went by, he watched the performance, listening to her singing. A chill ran down his spine, but he was not sure what it was from. He let his thoughts wander about as he sat there. When was the last time he had been to a performance, especially by himself? Really the only time he can recall was when he was out on a former mission trying to find a target.

The idea of someone else being in the same area trying to get him lingered as he enjoyed hearing Solene sing. Sitting up, he turned to glance over his shoulder. Anyone he could see were sitting in their seats with their eyes forward at the stage. He relaxed back into the chair. Before he knew it, the song was over and his boss had left the stage. The audience's reaction did not really confuse him, he shared the same sentiment in an odd way. Something about her voice is so mellifluous to hear; it is beautiful, just like everything else about Dorota.

After her performance ended, he decided to stay in his seat and wait a few moments. It would give more time for him to see Sachs, even though they cannot really communicate to each other. When he did look to find his handler, he was gone; probably to get ready for whatever fiasco is to happen in a few hours. A gentle sigh left his lips as he stood up and left the seating area. It had only been five minutes or so, but he really should not be losing sight of the target, and spirits only know where she could be or what is happening.

It took awhile for Antony to finally find Dorota. He wandered to the behind stage area then looked through some other areas till he finally had found her; though he had heard crying and short breaths before seeing her. Stopping in his tracks, he glanced around looking for signs of anyone leaving. Nothing. Once he realized that no one else was there, he walked over then carefully sat down next to her.

Before doing anything, he took the mask then sat it down next to him. He let his hands rest on his lap but they jerked, ready to open up his arms and wrap Dorota in them. The thought confused him; he had no clue where it had come from, especially since he is not good at consoling others, even himself. Would the action be too suspicious or would it be helpful? Antony wasn't sure. "Miss Dorota, I know my responsibilities lay elsewhere, and I will tend to whatever or whoever has hurt you as soon as I can. But as of now, is there anything I can do?" He asked, slowly opening his arms.

Dorota heard him as if from a distance, her uneven breathing creating a painful barrier between her and rational thinking. She attempted to take a breath and failed, managing a choking sort of sound.
Her head was spinning with lack of air, worries about being seen in this state, and the gaping hole in her soul where she had once kept her father’s voice, his laugh, his words of comfort.
Her eyes flew open and she took in Adrian, sitting there so still, looking achingly open to helping her. And as much as it surprised her, she felt as though he would be able to. Her thoughts stilled a fraction. She managed half a breath. “Come closer,” she gasped, tears beginning to flow. She needed something grounding, warmth, pressure. A hug, in other words.

Come closer. The words rang in his ears causing him to tense his shoulders with a quick shutter. He wanted to comfort her, but the idea of it seemed off despite it helping him at the same time. Biting the inside of his lip, he tucked the thought away, remembering that Dorota was not in good spirits and that was the current task at hand.

Without saying a word, he nodded then gently and cautiously helped Dorota up. Antony took a step forward before wrapping his arms around her. One arm around her shoulders while the other connected from the other side. It felt strange doing this. Not like he hasn't hugged anyone in years, but the sensation of it was just so unfamiliar to him. Nevertheless, he tightened his embrace just a little. The one hand that was on her back was gently patting her. He said nothing, only listening and doing what he could in order to help. By gods it is a weird feeling, hopefully it will not linger for long.

It took about ten good seconds for Dorota's thinking and breath to still enough for her to back out of his hold. She gently broke loose, and although her chest was still heaving she was able to count her breaths, extend them, and stabilise.
She glanced down at Adrian's watch. "People are going to be coming out her soon. I'm going to go into my room now, and wind down. You can leave."
Feeling suddenly embarrassed at her vulnerable state, she made to back away; before doing so she paused at the doorway. "Thank you, Adrian," she said quietly. "Have a good night."

Antony looked around the area, checking for the cameras and for anyone possibly coming over. By the time his attention came back to him, he felt Dorota leaving his embrace. Dropping his arms to his side, he stared at her for a good second. His eyes scanned her face trying to see if she was alright. A concerned feeling crept up on him as she spoke. His right foot stepped forward while the left was still behind.

Not saying anything at first, he gave a seldom nod. The corners of his lips jerked up, trying to give a reassuring smile. "My pleasure, Miss Dorota," He muttered. Before continuing, he stared back at her while bringing his feet together. It was a habit for him from his military days. He rolled his shoulders back and kept his hands at his sides. "Call me if you need anything. Be safe."

He stood there, watching her as she walked away. A heavy sigh gradually escaped from his lips. Lowering his chin, he held his hands up, looking at them. The sensation overcoming them made him raise his brows, yet he shook his head. Eventually, he felt his phone vibrate in his suit jacket pocket. Another sigh followed. He knew it was Sachs, and he knew what it meant. Quickly, he pulled the phone out and pressed the answer symbol. "Dad, I'll be out in a few minutes. I will try to get out as soon as I can."

Dorota has sped through the halls and into her room, her breathing still somewhat uneven, feeling rumpled and upset. She’d never done that, never let someone be close to her in such a situation, not even her father. Ignoring the pounding of her heart that now had nothing to do with panic, she slammed her room door behind her and collapsed onto her bed, shutting her eyes tight, willing herself to relax.
About 2 hours later, when she’d napped and felt better, she got up and dressed in something dark and comfortable. Something that would blend into the dark now settled outside.
The halls of the building stood empty. Dorota made for her office, and by the time she left the room with a file in hand Yasmin was waiting for her in Elyasia’s lobby.

(It's okay. I'm sorry for responding late too.)

After ending the call, he stood there. Antony had no idea what just went through his head in those recent moments. He just didn't. There was no plan, no forethought, and that scared him. Pressing his hand against his cheek, he felt the warmth radiating against his skin as his heart pounded. It's just worry, he thought to himself, only worries.

It took him ten minutes to get out to Sachs's car. There was still a lot of time before he would have to go to the enemy's rendezvous point. Him and Sachs did not really speak much on the way to his apartment; Sachs was never the kind to talk while driving ever since they first met. They didn't even say a word till they went inside.

On the sofa laid a black duffle bag. Antony took off his watch, giving it to Sachs before going over to it. "How did you find the news so quickly?" He asked, zipping the bag open. Inside he found a dark gray special forces uniform along with black long sleeve shirt and pants. There were a few other things in there such as a baton, but he assumed that Sachs had a rifle somewhere for later. His brow quirked up as he looked over to his handler.

Sachs sat down at the kitchen table. With a little tool, he opened the back of the watch, revealing a little chip card. "Our good old friend always knows everything apparently," The old man shrugged. He placed the chip in his pocket then slipped a new one into the watch. "Krysa always knows, that's why you should be careful of him and everyone else."

Antony couldn't help but scoff as he picked up the plain black clothes. A short while after, he disappeared into his room only to return in the black clothing along with combat boots. With the duffle bag in his one hand, he walked out. Him and Sachs exchanged a glance before leaving.