aviv-kasyanenko

[aviv-kasyanenko]

The Israeli had almost laughed until he realised she was serious.

Of all the scenarios he might've been able to conjure up, even from someone as unpredictable as his fiancée, this one probably would've evaded him. Definitely. Would have definitely evaded him. It took a moment to truly comprehend the implications of her words, but even when the reality sank in, his calm didn't budge. Anyone overhearing this conversation might have thought him insane for that. But Aviv knew what it was like to be so deep in that fucking hole you couldn't think straight. Aviv knew what it was like to go to unthinkable lengths to protect those he loved...

"Don't say sorry." And in that moment, he gave had hand a reassuring squeeze.

Because had he been conscious back then, he'd have begged for the bullet.

It was hard to be mad when she was right. It would've been mercy he didn't even deserve. Aviv was more than aware he was living on borrowed time—that, the main reason he'd been hesitant about rekindling things with her at all—and when the French did finally get their hands on him, he'd suffer. For the blood he'd shed, and the lives he'd ruined. Because justified or not, it didn't matter when people were seeing red...

"You should have told me, Adri. I shouldn't have had to find out from Gideon. It wasn't fair for him to be in that position at all."

She had hope for a slight chance that Aviv would have forgotten about it or just waved it off as one of Gideon’s weird quirks. However, it seemed that the after party was where he wanted to… Well, it was going to be his decision after he heard what she had to say, way before she was ready to say it at all.

Taking his hand, Adriana bit into her lower lip anxiously. “I thought Maks would have told you when you woke up.” She admitted, it was one of the things she hoped. After all, Maks was his best friend. “Last year when everything was happening…” When she lost Amir, when she got sucked so hard into drugs she could barely stand. When she didn’t know if he was ever going to wake up. When she didn’t know if waking up was even a good option for him. “I came to see you and I had a gun.” It didn’t matter whose gun it was. “I put in a bullet and let the thing go. I’m sure you know how that works.” She looked down to her hand that was holding his hand, with a ring that he’d given her. It could come off just as quickly as it went on. “I was high and I was terrified of what the French would do to you if they got their hands on you. I thought that you dying by my hand would be easier than all the torture you might have to endure. Because they were close on you. It was a possibility. “ Laurents texts proved that much. “So I let fate decide. I’m sorry.”

#conversation: adriana amaro #event: 2024ap #pre plot drop #everyone panicking and aviv is just like k

[aviv-kasyanenko]

@amaroadriana Time: After Party.

"I gotta ask: what the fuck was your brother talking about when he mentioned forgiving you for Russian Roulette earlier? At first I thought he was just kidding around, but he might have honestly shit himself before he walked away..."

#lmaooo oh aviv if only u knew #conversation: adriana amaro #event: 2024ap

[aviv-kasyanenko]

The sound of her voice had always been enough to draw a smile from a man so typically averse, and tonight was no different. When Vika had slipped into the spot beside him, his mood eased in an instant. Her words had even earned a rare chuckle, who would fucking believe it...

"I already spoke with Satan," he assured, turning his head slightly so his eyes met hers. "I'm pretty sure she'd prefer me dead, but we've come to an agreement than Adriana's happiness comes first. I should be okay. For now."

"What's another psycho in my life, huh?"

@aviv-kasyanenko

"Apparently congratulations are in order? Here's to hoping Lara doesn't try to kill you for stealing her sister." Underneath the teasing was the slight tension of concern. Her words very well could ring true if the Rutherford heiress was in a bad enough mood.

#conversation: viktoriya kurylenko #event: 2024ap

[aviv-kasyanenko]

As was to be expected, Aviv had wound up in one of the quieter areas the party offered its attendees. The conservatory was chilled enough he could at least hear himself think as he slowly pummelled his liver with vodka. What he hadn't expected was someone to be bold enough to approach. Least of all, her.

I wasn't going to, he thought to himself as he eyed the shot she'd pushed his way. A peace offering? Imagine how much easier things could've been if he'd ever offered her the same fucking courtesy... Reaching for the glass, he lifted it in silence, tapping it against hers before throwing it back without hesitation.

"Is braiding each other's hair next week?"

Awards After Party @aviv-kasyanenko

"Before you dismiss me completely ––" Lyudmila slid a shot glass filled with clear liquid in front of him, while she held a matching one in her other hand, "–– consider this a peace offering."

Given that he was about to marry her best friend, she resolved to make an effort, at the very least.

#conversation: lyudmila korshunova #event: 2024ap

[aviv-kasyanenko]

Given that he was expecting to be greeted with a big brother grade grilling about whether he was really doing this for the right reasons, the tone felt...wrong. Gideon was supposed to ask whether he was committed to Adriana in spite of his connections to the Russian Mob. Whether he was willing to do anything to make her happy. Whether she meant enough to him to want to say: sure, let's do it forever.

The answer to all was so ardently yes, Aviv had been content to oblige.

Yet when he spoke, that wasn't what happened at all.

"Have I really forgiven her for...what?" The idea of having to forgive Adriana for anything made very little sense. If anything, he should've been the one apologising to her. The way Gideon was looking at him, hard to read yet seemingly serious, he suddenly felt concerned. "What are you talking about?"

A grateful nod. They find a quiet corner, and he turns to face the Israeli.

"The whole Russian Roulette business... Can I trust you've really forgiven her for it?"

It might've seemed a strange question with which to lead the conversation, but it hits right to the heart of the matter... He needs to know. Needs to be sure that whatever challenges the relationship might invite, it isn't starting with a twisted vendetta and a long-game. They both know stranger things have happened in London.

#conversation: gideon rutherford #event: 2024awards

[aviv-kasyanenko]

"I'm not."

And even if he had been engaged in the conversation he was having with the non-descript Russian security guard, he'd have still made time for Gideon. So, with a nod toward Fyodor that said 'excuse me', Aviv silently stepped away with the eldest Rutherford in search of a quieter corner. It didn't take a genius to figure out what he wanted to talk about, so instead of wasting time by feigning ignorance, the man simply stood and waited for him to get whatever it was he needed to off his chest.

LOCATION —  The Royal Albert Hall [Awards 2024] DATE — March 22nd, 2024. STARTER — closed for @aviv-kasyanenko

"If you aren't too busy, I'd like a word."

#okay had to make time for this one xo #conversation: gideon rutherford #event: 2024awards #sorry he is a man of so few words

[aviv-kasyanenko]

'Smile, I'll send it to Adriana.' So, of course, with a deadpan expression, he gave the camera the middle finger.

The scenery was so stunning, Aviv almost couldn't believe it belonged to one of the most depressing countries he'd ever set foot in; quite the feat, given how much time he'd spent in Eastern Europe. Truth be told, the company wasn't bad, either. The auction certainly could've had a worse outcome. The way Nevra was grimacing as she took a seat, though, had him wondering if she felt the same.

"You're not going to let Scotland get the better of you, are you?" The man raised an eyebrow, corner of his mouth twitching upward in amusement. "Want me to roll you back down the hill? Might be quicker. Definitely entertaining."

Location: Isle of Skye

Date: Auction Date Weekend

@aviv-kasyanenko

"Smile. I'll send it to Adriana."

Even though she'd been the one to remind him to bring good hiking shoes, her feet were currently killing her. She took the picture and immediately found a rock to sit on, unlacing one of her boots in the process.

"I knew it wasn't going to be an easy hike but damn did I underestimate it."

#conversation: nevra erdogan

[aviv-kasyanenko]

"Okay."

It was all she needed to say.

There were many reasons Lyudmila was not his favourite person—some her own doing, others out of her control entirely—but in spite of his often callous statements, he didn't honestly want harm to come to her. Least of all, physical and at the hands of a Frenchman. Though he couldn't figure out why, she meant something to Konstantin, and not many did. That was enough for him.

"Then I'll fix it," he said, reaching out to touch her forearm lightly. It was less affectionate, and more an attempt to draw attention to the fact he was directing her distracted gaze toward Adriana. It was better she was in trusted company. "Don't worry about it, and try to enjoy the rest of your night."

Oh God, she was too drunk for this.

But even though Lyudmila managed to put on a brave face throughout the night, laugh it off, or bury the truth behind the consumed liquor, it was still there – the fear of reliving what had happened over one year ago and scarred her for life.

And that was enough of a reason for her final answer: "I don't feel safe, Aviv."

#conversation: lyudmila korshunova #event: vday 2024

[aviv-kasyanenko]

Honestly? "I don't know..."

When she asked for details he gave her a bleak look; don't ask, you don't want to know. It wouldn't make her conscience easier if she said yes. It sure wouldn't help if she said no, and ended up on the wrong side of the Commandant, anyway.

"If he reacts pre-emptively, it shows that he still cares about you, and that's a problem. If he does nothing, they haven't anything to lose pressing to see if it still hurts. But at the end of the day, if you don't feel safe, that's all it takes, Lyudmila."

"Should it be dealt with?" Lyudmila was kind of hoping he'd say the Commandant was harmless. But then again, St. Pierre jumped on Maksim just because he spoke to Leyla in a bad tone – they are all psychopaths.

"If – ..." She couldn't believe herself at that point. "– If so, what would...you know...dealing with it...entail?"

#conversation: lyudmila korshunova #event: vday 2024

[aviv-kasyanenko]

@milaxkorshunova Event: Valentine's Day Auction. Time: After Party.

"I can deal with this if you need me to. Kosta won't say no."

#conversation: lyudmila korshunova #event: vday 2024

[aviv-kasyanenko]

"Look, someone wants to make apple strudel enough to re-mortgage their house, so you don't get to judge me. You're right. It's about neither of us. It's for the kids."

The likelihood of picking her out of the similar swathe of beach holidays seemed so unlikely, softening the blow ahead of time offered itself as the more sensible solution. How the fuck was he supposed to distinguish sixteen vaguely different Greek beach destinations? At least this way she knew what to expect...

"I'll take you somewhere nice when we're back."

"Oh? A date you want to go on?" Adriana nodded her head. "Kind of failing here and... No, this is absolutely not about you at all."

#conversation: adriana amaro #event: vday 2024

[aviv-kasyanenko]

"I hope you realise I'm bidding on the date I want to go on, and not the one I think you probably chose. My feelings matter too."

@mobscene-london

"No offence, but some of these dates? I feel like Diana would have set this up herself. Because this feels like a trick and I'm almost down for it." Adriana was nursing a drink in her hand as she looked over the possibilities. She wouldn't have wanted to be the one doing the guessing - though the choosing? There were a few she'd have gone on herself.

#conversation: adriana amaro #event: vday 2024

[aviv-kasyanenko]

Aviv: It'll be faster to walk. Aviv: Give me ten. Aviv: Keep him talking. Given how much he loves the sound of his own fucking voice, it shouldn't be hard.

Maksim: Laurent. Barts in Chelsea. Maksim: Might need you. Ain't gonna end well. Maksim: I'll cover the uber.

#text: maksim kurylenko #in london traffic? plz

[aviv-kasyanenko]

"If the Italians catch us here, it's going to be a problem..."

Not generally a fan of stating the obvious, he would make an exception for this. Of all the places to meet with the dealers short on payment, right on the Sovrani's shiny new doorstep seemed like an unnecessary risk, even if Camden was precisely where they'd been pushing this particular expansion. It was one of the reasons he'd agreed to come in the first place, despite tending to steer clear of the drugs bullshit. Maksim was a prize. Anybody with that last name was. Letting him walk into their territory alone seemed idiotic at best, but his best friend did insist on getting his hands dirty...

Almost as soon as he'd clocked the dealers in question, Aviv took note that their attention was not on the approaching Russians at all. Following their eyeline in a streak of paranoia, his fears were realised in an instant. It wasn't just any Italian, either.

"Giorgio Pecatti," he muttered, directing Maksim's attention toward him.

As he glanced back once more, this time, his eyes caught those of the woman whose hand the Italian underboss had just taken a protective hold of. This was not a good fucking spot. This was not a good situation to be in, particularly if he felt backed into a corner and defensive, and Aviv was almost certain that despite the smart thing being to walk away, Maksim wasn't going to.

"We should leave."

@mobscene-starters Location: Camden. Date: 26/01/24.

It was a place he frequented near daily. One of their associates had brought his family when making the move from Launceston, and his wife had wasted no time setting up business in Camden Market. If they were going to take any real hold in the city as opposed to a quick stop to fuck with the Russians (which seemed like a growing priority these days) that needed to be encouraged. It was one of the few places whose coffee didn't have him wishing for an asteroid to plant it's ass right in the middle of the city, so he was more than happy to offer his support.

Less happy, on the other hand, to hear Russian voices coming from a small group huddled together near the edge of the canal.

"Is everything all right, Mr. Pecatti?"

The Italian had been distractedly looking their way, noting, rather unfortunately, that they were looking right back, and had missed the espresso being held out in his direction. There were enough non-affiliated Russians in London that it could've been paranoia. This wasn't Launceston, he had to keep telling himself. Yet something felt off, and he'd been doing this long enough that listening to his instincts was worthwhile.

"You should take an early lunch."

#conversation: giorgio pecatti #conversation: olivia coppola #conversation: maksim kurylenko

[aviv-kasyanenko]

Aviv: In Westminster. Aviv: What's going on?

Texting - Aviv.

Maksim: Might need you. Maksim: You in the country?

#text: maksim kurylenko #hehehe

[aviv-kasyanenko]

Both of them knew better than to believe it.

There was nothing to protest as she used his shirt for leverage to pull him closer. Aviv had been on edge all evening, ready to get her anything she needed, not quite wanting to fall into a sense of comfortability when he knew it would be so fleeting... But if it was to be a year of new starts, maybe he could write off one last moment of weakness.

Settling down onto the couch beside her was a calculated movement; careful not to jolt her or cause her any pain. So too it was when his hand found hers, the same that'd pulled him to her in the first place, and their fingers slowly intertwined. Once he had her, though, he never wanted to let go again, and that was precisely the problem. The same fucking trap that could only end in misery, stumbled into over and over again. Aviv didn't turn to look at her as he brought her knuckles to his lips. Instead, he focused on their dogs sleeping peacefully across the room, curled into each other as if they knew what they were about to be missing again, too.

A smile found its way to his face, and only then did Aviv let out a quiet chuckle:

"Remember when I found you irritating, and resented your company? Let's go back."

"I don't know, New Year coming? New start or some shit?" She shrugged nonchalantly before slowly moving to put her cup down on the table. It still hurt, but the pain was manageable, at least for the most part.

In all fairness, Adriana was glad he was there, with her. She didn't want to be alone, nor did she want to be with anyone else. It was that silly little motion that maybe she could pretend things were normal for a change? That everything that had actually happened - didn't? She'd never been the kind of girl to dream much, pretty much thriving on the right here and right now ever since the day her father died. Because who the fuck knew, if his life could end so easily? She could die in the next hour. What happened to her family later on, only proved her point.

"Then come here." She said, dismissing all the norms, all the should's and should nots, as she removed her blanked from her, reaching towards him. Adriana grabbed onto his shirt, gently as not much force was within her still, and started pulling him closer. He was here, so he might as well be here with her.

"Let's make the most of the night, then."

#conversation: adriana amaro #event: nye2023

[aviv-kasyanenko]

"Celebrating what?"

In the past year, his life had fallen apart all over again.

He'd almost died. Spent many days since wishing that they'd let him. The relationships shared with the few friends he had amongst the Russians were more strained than ever, and his willingness to associate beyond work dwindled dangerously. His apartment was gone. Things important to him along with it.

Laurent still breathed.

The only thing he had in his life worth celebrating wasn't really in his life at all. In fact, he'd almost lost her, too. Except not right now. Now she was there; a brief moment in time that meant infinitely more to him than any shallow celebrations of a coming year that posed ready to be as bad as the last. Was he to party to forget this one when the realist in him said that everything was going to be the same after midnight as it was before? Was he to spend a night feigning optimism when the only source of it that remained in his life was sitting at home alone?

"I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be."

And exactly where he wanted.

@aviv-kasyanenko

It wasn't the first time having connections proved and paved the way for her. Adriana always hated hospitals from the moment she had to say goodbye to her father and even more so when her siblings seemed to end up there seemingly at least once a year. This time, it was Andrew and Gideon who allowed her to rest at home (not without making a couple of scenes when she finally woke up). Andrew to sign her out and make sure everything was settled with her needs at home, and Gideon to come over and check on her condition. He was quite overbearing, but then again, she did give them all a scare, so in the end - she did not mind it at all.

Now, that everyone had flown away to Launceston, she was home. Still hooked to a tube, settled on her couch with snacks surrounding her. No alcohol - everyone made it very clear that she wasn't allowed none of it. Adriana wondered who was the culprit who emptied the bar in her home, too.

She was still in some pain, but it wasn't near as bad as when she woke up with a tube down her throat, her whole body aching and her not knowing where she was. Alive, it seemed, but that didn't ease the panic.

"You didn't have to come babysit me, you know." She said, with a look of guilt as she looked at Aviv. "It's the New Year, you should be out celebrating."

#conversation: adriana amaro #event: nye2023