(Untitled)

[goleftgoright]

[If you're in District Two today, you might notice Nikolai. At the moment, he's standing in front of a store, speaking in rapid Russian with what appears to be the owner. A few moments later, the owner hands him what looks to be money, and smiles at him

Comments

[cant_getoveryou]

*watches all this from a distance before he walks in Nikolai's direction* You work fast.

[cant_getoveryou]

I did, didn't I? Well, before I piss you off... Can I bum a cigarette?

[goleftgoright]

[A slight smile]

Yes, you may.

[He takes the pack of cigarettes out of his pocket and hands Blaine one, then hands him the matches so he can light it]

[cant_getoveryou]

*takes it and the matches; lights it and enjoys his second smoke in Veles*

Ahhh, that's good. *lets out a stream of smoke* You're collecting protection money, but who are you protecting them from?

[goleftgoright]

Who says it is protection money?

[He smiles that lazy but creepy smile again]

They know people like me. They do not want to deal with us.

[cant_getoveryou]

*another puff and grins a bit* 'Stay the hell away' money, then. Same thing.

*waves a hand* What is this 'us'?

[goleftgoright]

Us. Vor v zakone. You call it "mafia". Same thing.

[cant_getoveryou]

*and this is him looking a little deadpan* You're alone here. Your pack is far away in another time.

[goleftgoright]

Maybe. Is it worth the risk to gamble on this being true?

[cant_getoveryou]

*his face softens just a touch* What risk are you taking acknowledging the truth?

[goleftgoright]

There is strength in numbers. I do not think I need to tell you this.

[Nikolai almost looks sad. Awww]

[cant_getoveryou]

You'll have to adjust. Create a temporary familia, si? *he starts to lift his hand to pat the man on the back, but then refrains*

[goleftgoright]

I adjust well. I think these people here will need to adjust to me.

[He uncrosses his arms and assumes a more relaxed pose]

[cant_getoveryou]

I have no doubt. *the cigarette is at an end and he laments that, but drops it to grind his heel on it* Thanks for the smoke.

[goleftgoright]

It is no problem.

[He looks at him a little more intently]

How is it you know so much about what I do?

[Yeah, he may or may not be implying that Blaine knows too much about organized crime to just be your average guy]

[cant_getoveryou]

People joke about it, you know. They see things like that in the old movies about the mob and laugh at the corny lines. They just don't know a lot more of it is true than the overacting implies.