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Post by Luke Gallagher on Nov 6, 2011 22:27:05 GMT -5
Luke watched Lia ascend the stairs, perfect little blond princess if you didn't know any better, which Luke of course did. She moved with a graceful purpose that Luke had grown accustomed to over the years and though they didn't know much about each other stories - because they rarely knew everything about each other, even in Five Points - they had formed something of a bond. Luke couldn't say why, as Lia had a stare that could chill you straight to the bone if she had a mind too and Luke was of a more jovial nature; at the end of the day perhaps that is what made it work.
He watched as she dropped the ledger she was holding behind the bar, grinning at her around his cigar even as she softly spoke and made a motion towards the kitchen with her head. A somewhat silent invitation that he admitted intrigued him - and considering the sources at the table had all but dried up, he was inclined to get up and follow. "You miss me?" Luke asked once they were alone in the kitchen, his tone light and halfway teasing as he blew out the smoke from his cigar. She had been absent as of late, he hadn't known where and hadn't thought to ask because he expected he'd not get an answer.
He smiled again as he lifted his hand to remove the cigar, letting it hang from his fingers as he leaned back against the counter and studied Lia. Pretty features that could have been carved from ice if you didn't know where to look for the warmth - Luke liked to think that he did. There, just along her eyes in the briefest of moments it would flicker and then disappear just as quickly. "Or did you have some other reason for wanting to get me all alone?" He teased, his smile turning wicked as he gazed over at her.
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Post by Amelia MacKenna on Nov 7, 2011 6:04:25 GMT -5
When he followed her as she knew he would her lips actually curved before she could stop them, turning to look up at him when he asked if she missed him. Without missing a beat she patted his cheek with her hand, though it was hard to tell if the gesture was teasing or if she meant it. The warmth was there for a moment, just as he could draw it, the edge of her eyes before her laugh came, dignified and yet not forced. "I always miss Gallaghers. Far too entertaining not to miss." She took a step back and moved for one of the chairs that littered the back room, but instead sat on one of the counters and crossed her legs. She was a woman that was comfortable in a world that was controlled by men.
"Charming as always, Luke but no. I was in Boston," she motioned with her hand a little bit as she leaned back, bracing her hands on the counter to give him a look through those dark lashes. She was not by any means, the seductive sort and the icy ridges were everywhere. They didn't know each other's stories but, truthfully she'd never seen it as relevant. what did she need to know that she didn't know being around him? He didn't need to know her story unless he wanted too and though they all had secrets and hers were just as harmful as others. She'd never been secretive about it, no one asked.
"I was looking into Seany boys death... figured there would be some information with our contacts in Boston. I didn't get much, just that it was a message. And from who, I can't say."
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Post by Luke Gallagher on Nov 8, 2011 19:43:05 GMT -5
"And what would you do without a bit of entertainment, aye?" Luke said, catching the warmth in her hand on his cheek and the light of her eyes before her ice princess exterior returned. Lia was a tough nut to crack, which Luke supposed, was part of why her position with in Five Points worked so well - it's why they all worked so well, because they were well suited for the parts that they played.
Luke leaned against the counter across from her as she explained where she had been, rubbing at his chin as he considered what she said. He hadn't known Sean well, mostly in passing but his death had left something of a questionable mark and Luke thought it was prudent that someone had gone looking for information - even if there hadn't been much to find. "What kind of message, do ye suppose?" He asked finally, turning his eyes to hers and tilting his head as he asked the question.
The finer points of reason for the gang were left to others, Luke executed orders, gathered information and passed it along, generally through his brother. He was filled in when it mattered, though it was hard to say where exactly the death of Sean O'Malley ranked, from what Luke understood the man did have something of a knack for stirring up trouble all his own. Luke grinned at the thought, then again, which among them didn't. "Anything else of interest in Boston, darlin'?" Luke asked, flashing her a charming smile that was meant both to try and warm the icy exterior and also put her at ease.
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Post by Amelia MacKenna on Nov 20, 2011 6:05:54 GMT -5
She folded her arms as she watched his every move, cataloging everything before her lips curved. Somehow he did manage to get her to smile back, there weren't many people that could get Lia to warm at all really. She'd done things in her life out of sheer necessity but Luke could always make her face soften with a few charming words. Tapping her fingers against her upper arm she tilted her head, shrugging her shoulders slowly. "What else could it mean? A warning? Perhaps someone doesn't like us back on their turf, I do not know. But that is a possibility in any case, we're better than most and our moving around has made us some enemies. Though you know how much I love a challenge."
Quick as you could please her face went hard, icy as she was known for before it softened and she reached over, taking a knife out of the chefs block and toying with it in her hands. It was something she did often, though normally it was a pocket knife. This was terrifying, operations was something she was good at. The way things ran, what was brought in and how it went. But Amelia was a lot of things, and an easy pick was not one of them.
"Nothing else," she replied titling her head for him. "Boston was dull as it was when we were there last time. I can't say that much will ever change unless the Italians move out the Irish and take over the entire city in some fashion. But we know that won't happen."
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Post by Luke Gallagher on Nov 22, 2011 20:24:43 GMT -5
"Darlin', I think as ye know we all like a challenge," Luke announced with a grin that turned almost devilish as he concerned just the sort of challenge he and his friends liked to attempt. And most of the time they didn't even need a reason to tackle such a challenge, they just did - because doing so with zest and zeal was one of the marked traits of a Five Points member. It was hard to say if there was reason for Sean's death, some higher goal trying to be attained or simply if the irishman had stumbled into a mess of his own making. It didn't much matter to Luke either way, if things needed doing because of it, he would be more than willing.
"Hard to imagine anything dull with you around," Luke commented, shifting his attention to Lia and the icy set of her features as the brief smile that had returned faded once again into her smooth skin. He watched her fingers toy with the knife in her hand and smiled because her own affection for the weapon was rather like his own - and he was still disappointed that there was not yet blood to sully his newest blade. "Irish don't need Boston darling," Luke commented, leaning against the counter beside her grinning as he crossed his arms over his chest. "We've got New York."
He gazed over at her, studying the hard set of her features and found himself wishing for her smile. She was a gorgeous lass, of that there was no question, her blonde hair and blue eyes striking in the feminine curves of her face - but nothing matched that warmth that flooded when she let down that steely guard of hers. "You should smile more lass," Luke commented, his tone teasing as he leaned over and bumped her shoulder. "Makes a lad think of things when ye do." He grinned at her then before righting himself and reaching over to snatch a piece of bread that had been left on the counter, still fresh, and he took a bite.
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Post by Amelia MacKenna on Dec 11, 2011 22:30:38 GMT -5
(sorry it took me so long)
Her brow raised at his dull comment, she watched him as he moved towards her and leaned next to her. Amelia's lips curved just a little before his shoulders bumped hers and she found a real smile under the sheen of ice. If there was any man that drew the smile out of Amelia MacKenna it was Luke. She shook her head, the pins that were holding up her hair coming loose just a smidge. "You say that to all the girls, Luke." she replied, her dark eyes on his face. There was a hint of mischief there, something that was so rare when it came many times it was gone just as quickly. This time the smile and the light in her eyes hadn't faded, but she turned her head away from him, curls falling lose of her updo.
Rolling her eyes good naturedly she swatted at his hands when he took the bread and began to munch, "That is so attractive, Luke. My heart is all a flutter.. you've got crumbs." Raising her hand to his chin, she brushed them away with her thumb. There were sides that people were not allowed to see, and the warmth in Amelia was for certain people alone. She never thought about why it was only a hand full of people that got her warmth. But it was the truth.
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Post by Luke Gallagher on Dec 12, 2011 15:48:16 GMT -5
"Aye, perhaps I do my darlin' Lia," Luke mused aloud at her accusation that he dressed up all the women he crossed paths with fancy words and charming smiles. "But they mean somethin' when I say them to ye," He teased lightly, his tone leaving a question as to whether even now he spoke the truth. For Luke was a charmer, had been born with it in his bones and a trait he shared with his brother to be sure - though Luke used his to coax information, comply a target to bend to his will and somehow not feel the worst for the use in the end. Luke was prideful of such maneuvering, to him it was a challenge and an art - but with some, like with Lia, his words had measures of truth in them, because when you mattered to Luke, so did his words.
"Seems to have some effect lass, I got ye to touch me," Luke said with a smirk, catching her hand with his own and pressing a quick kiss to her palm. "Just liked I planned it, aye?" His eyes took her in, blond locks spilling down around her face, giving that ice princess look to perfection, one that was only betrayed by the softness in her eyes, the warmth that lingered there as she looked at him. "Thanks for the assist, darlin'," He said softly, winking as he released her hand and took another thoughtful bite of the chunk of bread, not taking his eyes from hers.
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Post by Amelia MacKenna on Dec 12, 2011 19:51:03 GMT -5
The smirk was such a mix of amusement and actual affection she couldn't help but roll her eyes a little when he kissed her palm, ignoring his teasing words for the moment. This was somehow how they'd become to one another. She was a guarded person, and though everyone in five points mattered to some degree. She didn't often have the kind of relationship or even conversation that Luke could coax out of her with a grin and a few words. There was the fact she knew that he wouldn't play her, there was a kind of unspoken rule among those in five points. The thieves code in a way, they were all talented with a con or what made them good at what their niche was, yet you never used the others for your own gain. It went against the code.
"Was that you're plan all along?" she asked, talking with him drawing out the accent she managed to hide so well under the sheen and polish she'd developed over the years. It was why she could slip in and out undetected in high society and no one was ever the wiser. Yet, the truth was she tended to find parts of herself that she'd forced herself to give up in moments like these. "Gettin' me to touch you?" her brow quirked again, the slow smile still on her face as she reached over for the crust of bread near her-- other hand seeking out a butter dish and a knife.
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Post by Luke Gallagher on Dec 12, 2011 20:15:20 GMT -5
"Aye it was," Luke agreed easily enough, leaning back against the counter and watching her with eyes that danced with his general amusement at life. "Pretty girl like you, a lad of me background should be so lucky," He added with a wink, watching as she reached for a crust of bread of her own. There was truth in the fact that he liked moments such as this, when he could catch Lia less guarded and more free, when that practiced mask wasn't so securely in place and she allowed for him to crawl behind the wall she carefully constructed.
For as much as Luke was Five Points, and there was no doubt he was Five Points through and through, every bit as ruthless as the rest of them. He also enjoyed a good conversation, relished in the glow of a charming flirtation and battle of words. He wouldn't go so far as to say he liked people, as he had no use for most beyond what they might provide him. But for the ones that mattered, like the members of Five Points - most notably his brother - Luke enjoyed the simpler, finer moments. Such as sharing crusty bread with a pretty lass he had come to know as a friend. "And what's yer plan, darlin'?" Luke asked, sending her another charming grin and letting it linger in the air for a moment. "Because I know ye always have one and bread and butter seems a bit simple minded, aye?"
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Post by Amelia MacKenna on Dec 12, 2011 20:29:58 GMT -5
It was almost a game now in a way, there was no harm going to befall either of them at the hands of the other. Amelia had seen what blood could often do to you, and sometimes what you had to do right back. If you didn't care, then it didn't stop you from doing what needed be done. Her lips curved as she finished buttering her bread, leaning over and giving him a kiss on the cheek before she took a bite. It was a fantastic thing, the kind of relationship you could build with someone. She was the kind of woman that didn't make them, the points happened on a lark, a whim and because her skills were as useful as any mans. She'd never been afraid to undo a few buttons to get what she was after, though she was always calculated to the point of near mind reading at times. This wasn't those times, not with Luke and not in a place that was nearly like a home.
Her smile was near wicked at his words, yes she always had a plan and her initial one had been to wander off to that very swank place in Queens. "I wonder-- I heard the mayor is dining in Manhattan tonight. Maybe we should make our reservations? I wouldn't want to disappoint.." She took a bite of her bread and it was clear she was using it. New york was the place to make or break things. She wasn't afraid to get a table near a senator or a politician and listen. Be it at a fancy restaurant or one of the darker seedy dens in the city. Information was power, the more you knew-- the higher up the food chain you were. "Or.. I could go alone." She turned her smile towards him, eyes on his. They'd all been through hell, that was just part of who they were.
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Post by Luke Gallagher on Dec 12, 2011 20:47:59 GMT -5
Luke was never one to turn down an invitation to spend a night charming information from unsuspecting folks, nor was he willing to turn a blind eye to seeing Lia dressed up in her finery because it was a sight to behold. So he grinned, taking another bite of his bread and chewed thoughtfully. "I've no doubt ye would accomplish yer goal just fine alone, dinner at fancy places are so much better in company of a good friend, aye?" He teased, a twinkle in his eye now at the very prospect of mixing with the elite of New York with Lia on his arm and both their minds hard at work. "What shall our story be then? Lovers on holiday? Husband and wife bored with life in the big city?"
It was perhaps one of the more amusing parts of his job, the moments when he crafted stories, built a web of lies that were navigated deftly by those that were in the know and captured those who were not. There were several viable options and ways that he and Lia could play this evening's venture, but he would leave the decision to her, as Luke's strength was in the execution and not necessarily in the planning - he preferred to think on his feet, spin a question, find an answer and make it all work to his benefit.
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Post by Amelia MacKenna on Dec 12, 2011 21:04:56 GMT -5
"And what better company then a man that can charm a nun out of her garters, hmm?" her brow raised again at the question, smiling as she leaned back a little, taking another bite. Chewing as she considered what it would be, she was the planner it was true. She had enough contacts in high society that thought she was of the elite so it would only be natural she would have a man on her arm to benefit the station. A smile crossed her face, slow and wicked as she leaned forward, her dark brown eyes meeting his. "Oh aye, lovers on holiday might benefit us both. Might need to change my hair a bit.." The accent sounded so different from her, the tiny touch of the isles in her voice that she managed to hide was evident but she seemed keen on what she was planning. "The circles are small-- they already think I am one of them and I often talk about my doting husband away on business. Exports and imports, often in Boston or Philadelphia."
When was the last time they had done something like this? Had this much-- well fun, doing what they did best? She was the ice queen, she knew that and she played it up but the prospect of something that she would have tired just for a lark was just as evident in her dark eyes. He weaseled his way under her mask to be sure, it crossed her mind that it might be dangerous for her. At the same time she didn't care, her fingers moved to the button of his shirt and she tapped it smartly. "It would work."
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Post by Luke Gallagher on Dec 12, 2011 21:41:02 GMT -5
"And as ye know I have," Luke said with a grin that was downright wicked as he recalled a time gone past in Ireland when he had done much as Lia implied. It was the talent of his silver tongue and the dancing blue of his eyes that could coax even the most stingy of sorts to bend to his will - and he wasn't bashful about admitting it. There wasn't much of anything that Luke was bashful about at all. "Found yerself an Irishman to occupy your time while your husband was away, did ye?" Luke said with a wink, already warming to the idea because he know there was little hope as to hiding his accent - as born into him as his blood and he hadn't the practice that Lia had in hiding it.
It had been awhile since he'd done something like this with Lia, since arriving in New York his ventures had been mostly solo, or with Finn or Killian at his back in case things got messy. But things like this were delicate matters, handled with the fine finesse of charmers, Lia fit fine in these circles and Luke would slide effectively and easily into place. Playing the part would be easy and it would be fun with Lia at his side, no doubt that they had practice enough and would know just the steps for this particular dance. "It would work indeed, my darlin'" Luke said, catching her hand as she tapped his button and pulling her close for a brief moment before spinning her out with a laugh. "I do believe that we are going to have a fun evening, lass," Luke said with another grin as he released her and made a grab for another piece of bread. "Just like old times."
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Post by Amelia MacKenna on Dec 13, 2011 0:36:29 GMT -5
She was about to reply when he drew her close, dark eyes skimming up him right to his eyes and staying there. They had done plenty together, her chin lifted just as he spun her out-- a chuckle escaping as her fingers locked around his. That hauntingly mysterious look passing over her face when she looked at him. It was all in a look, a pass, yes she was chilly and cold for most. Her armor, it was impenetrable unless you were a Gallagher it seemed. she pinned him with a look, changing face as she locked her fingers around his and approached him, hip sway and saunter, all upper class siren as she put her free finger on his chest, leaning against him and all but purred. No trace of her accent on her lips. That alone made her dangerous, her ability to blend.
"The only difference between then and now darling is that you used to try to get a bit more than a kiss at the end of the night once upon a time," her eyes flashed wickedly before her face changed once again, gone the man eater, the armor needed to be reclinked back into place before she left this room. "Now you don't try." Her brow raised, really it had been a good while since then, once they got to New York they were doing so many things alone they had gone off and done their own thing. For the good of all. Somewhat.
Still pressed against him she backed away slowly, reaching over to grab what was left of her bread from the counter. Hmm, she was missing soda bread. She'd have to speak to Charlotte about that.
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Post by Luke Gallagher on Dec 13, 2011 20:43:44 GMT -5
Luke couldn't help the slow grin as he watched Lia change, shifting easily from the Irish lass he had known for years to the upper crust minx that worked the shifty crowds of the New York elite. She was a study in contrasts this one, hard as ice on the outside but with enough warmth on the inside if one could get beneath the veneer - which Luke had always somehow managed. He couldn't say exactly what had granted him that privlege, had never asked and was about too - her reasons were hers, and hers alone. But that didn't mean he hadn't appreciated watching her work, up close and from afar and for a very long time. "Can't blame a lad for tryin', can ye?" He teased her lightly, settling his hand easily at her hip as he looked down at her, something flaring in his eyes. He was a proper Irish lad after all and his blood ran hot when it came to pretty lasses who looked at him the way that Lia was prone to do every now and again. They'd had their fair share of adventure and fun - and sometimes it carried over, sometimes it didn't; but Lia had never let him push that line to far.
"Aye and a smart lad such as myself knows when to stop tryin'," Luke commented, because he knew the reason he had stopped asking was because they had gotten older. Matured and gone different paths for a time, worked different avenues and somewhere along the way Luke figured out he didn't want to screw things up with Lia by pushing to far. Because as beautiful as she was, she had a hard edge that cut deep and Luke never wanted to give her a reason to turn it onto him.
He kept his gaze on her now, watched as she made a grab for another chunk of bread and Luke was once again struck by just how fun this evening could turn out to be. Just like old times, indeed. "What time should we leave for dinner?"
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