Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Mar 24, 2021 11:37:37 GMT -8
“ A home in Mexico sounds nice. You visit them often or mostly just talk on the phone?”
It sounded like Archie’s family had a lot of success in their fields. It was impressive and part of the darkling felt pang of jealousy. Not about any given career or the money, but the opportunity and lives that they must have and do lead.
“Claire is working I think in the business side of one of the hotels. She was going to med school. Didn't finish it” Their tone shifted at the mention of Claire’s education.
“She dropped the schooling because of me. Once she figured I was out here she moved'' Riley had not talked about this to almost any one. But they were Motley now, if you could tell anyone it was Archie and Linden.
“ Her other sister lives in Texas ” Riley clarifies, looking at Archie. The implication became clear, Claire had sussed out that Riley had gone missing, despite the existence of their fetch.
“Claire balances life with her family in Texas, and has given up too much of herself for me”
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Post by Deleted on Mar 26, 2021 7:24:11 GMT -8
Archie could only dip his head hearing the situation that Riley’s sister was in. He himself had tried to avoid any conversation of what his other self had done during the time he was gone. He had made sure to do the basics and make sure he wasn’t on the FBI’s most wanted or something akin to that but still what were the little things, where were all the bushfires that may still be smouldering and waiting to turn into something bigger. While there wasn’t going to be anymore, the past had a way of haunting oneself.
“I am sorry to hear that...About Claire...Does she want to go back? I mean we can make it happen. A bit of chairty work here and there, get a fun going with a parameter that she fits to a tee seeing as it is made just for her, award it, and let her chase the dream. What did I say about dreams? They aren’t free, but you don’t necessarily need to pay the toll yourself.”
Similar to his situation with Ivory, or Dani, Archie was no stranger to the concept of charity or charity work. He was also aware of the magic that could be done with capital, making it work for you and do all sorts of neat tricks that produced wild outcomes.
“We are...All social creatures at the end of the day. She doesn’t have to do this but she chooses to do that. That's something special. I know it can be hard to be the center of that type of attention but the best way to reciprocate it is to accept it. You have one of the things people like us would do anything for - the chance to hug someone who knows you.”
He gave her a, keep your chin up scout, light lunch in the arm
“And if that’s not in the cards, I’ll gladly take one for the team and spend some time with Claire. Just tell her not to catch feelings - I know it's hard, I have the charms of a casanova only tempered by the looks of a pug.”
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Mar 26, 2021 8:57:52 GMT -8
It was becoming clear that Riley had complicated feelings regarding the nature of her relationship with Claire as their tone changed in the conversation.
"Maybe? I dunno, if she would or not. She's stubborn. Going back means she couldn't keep an eye on me" They sounded a bit annoyed by that prospect. In truth, Riley appreciated having Claire around, but it was a strange dynamic.
"I know I am luckier than some, but I can't help but worry. Claire knows somethings up, but I can't let her into all this."
The darkling let out a chuckle at Archies' offer to hang with Claire. " she's pretty busy with her new boyfriend these days. Though I think she'd like your sense of humor. I been thinkin' if I should have her come to the party."
God, if I don't invite her, I won't hear the end of it, but there are going to be so many lost around.
The two were getting close to the lunch spot, and Riley looked at Archie.
"Ah'rite important question, favorite burger add-on?"
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Post by Deleted on Mar 26, 2021 21:02:56 GMT -8
“Riley, please I am hilarious - did you hear about the guy who went into the Doctor’s office with a duck on his head? He gets in there and the duck says ‘hey Doc, get this guy off my ass’”
He let that yuk sink in. He was sure the Moth was going to need a minute or two to recover from his masterful delivery. “I am basically a treasure. And the answer is Pineapple - make sure you use a nice bold sticky barbeque sauce and lemon zested mayo. Isn’t that everyone’s answer?” “And about your party - we should probably make a guest list. I am thinking You should probably be there. Dani for moral support. I heard you know Wayland? Seems nice, will probably toss an invite their way. Want me to actually invite the Queen?”
He smirked a bit as they got into the restaurant and were shown to a nice seat in a corner. “What do you feel about Ivory? Rowan is off the list - I’m not dealing with his bull or how he tugs Dani around. Oh and Linden duh - should probably invite Linden.”
Of course invite Linden! Strong King - Archie — Today at 9:57 PM
Shopping Spree
Archie is f*cking hilarious
Presence + Socialize + Mantle
@dicecord-CoD roll 5
Dicecord-CoD
BOT
— Today at 9:57 PM
@strong King - Archie rolled 5 dice and got 1 success. 6 4 10(5) 5 4
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Mar 27, 2021 6:49:57 GMT -8
The joke had caught them by surprise and was such a tone shift that Riley let out a snort before bursting into laughter.
"god damn it, Archie" They took a breath wiping their eye as he gave his answer.
"Oh my god, Pineapple? Who hurt you as a child?" The darkling shakes their head at the admission, obviously not impressed with the choice.
They took a seat at the table, placing their bag to the side and removing their sunglasses now that they were indoors. Squinting briefly, the Moth considered Archie's question. A smile crossed their face at the mention of some of the attendees.
"Yeah, I don't know Wayland that well, but I like her. That works for me. The Queen? HA! " They chuckle. "I don't think she would come if you did anyways. "
The darkling paused at the mention of Ivory than Rowan. Did they felt a ping of guilt about not inviting Dani's...best friend? Things had been getting better with Rowan after they hashed things out, but they weren't close by any means. Besides, parties weren't his thing.
Fuck, it's going to suck telling Dani. Maybe, I don't have to tell her.
"Ivory is a friend. I know she isn't your cup of tea. But I'd like her to be there. And yes, Linden. We should make sure Linden brings a plus one."
The waiter came by and took their orders. Riley got The Big Scorcher and a Root Beer.
"I am debating if I should invite Claire. She will kill me if she doesn't come. But, her being around so many of ... us makes me nervous."
The darkling says, shifting in their seat.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2021 19:37:31 GMT -8
“Just because you don’t know how to appreciate the refreshing tang of a pineapple on your burger doesn’t mean I am the victim. And if I am, then that is rich coming from a Golden State Warriors fan.”
He gave them the eye as they were ordering, and had the grin across his face as they were now faced with the inevitability about what was coming and that could be counted on. The Hawaii Five Ohhhhh, and San Pellegrino - With extra pineapple on the side, if not only to exist to mock the moth’s assessment.
“Alright, so on the docket we have - Wayland, The Queen, Ivory,”
There was a tone with Ivory, he was relenting and not going to raise a fuss. It meant something to Riley so he wasn’t going to suggest otherwise.
“Linden with a plus one or else,”
Enforce a date, but then he would need to find someone to bounce the bouncer if they showed up empty handed…
“Now - if we don’t bring Claire and she finds out, how likely is she to kill me”
Hardball.
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Mar 28, 2021 6:45:35 GMT -8
Riley gives Archie an exaggerated eye roll before sticking out their tongue. "For a Talent agent, you have some terrible tastes." They paused after saying that. "I think that's more of a burn to me than you, to be honest"
The darkling shook their head with a smile leaning back into their seat as Archie brought the conversation back to the party.
"Ya, huh" They didn't believe Archie was serious about the queen. She had more important things to do, not to mention safer places to be.
"Oh, you're safe from Claire; if she were not invited, she would know it was me. I won't hear the end of it."
Claire was aware that Riley was secretive of much of their life. A fact she had to become accustomed to since Riley's return, but that didn't stop her from prying or guilt-tripping.
"Where were you thinking for a venue?"
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Post by Deleted on Mar 28, 2021 19:37:04 GMT -8
“The taste of success is often more pineappley than people want to admit. The bite makes the sweetness all the better, and you know that you are hashtag blessed for deciding to come visit me that evening and starting this wonderful and sometimes emotional journey to self fulfillment. I mean - end of the day your raw talent did the brunt of the work, but come on, I had some say in the matter I like to think. I could have tapped out at Zombie Burlesque.”
He nodded when he was eased of the burden of having Claire hunt him down.
“Well then I will make sure to include her to stay on her good side. I will also bribe her to coerce any embarrassing stories I can for a toast and make sure its scream worthy.”
He gave a wide grin about that.
“Backstage - a billiard and music venue. Plenty big, good for mingling. Schedules after one of your shows, but didn’t book the place out so we will be mingling in general. Figured with all the parties as of late blending in while celebrating would be a nice relief.”
He stopped to enjoy some spicy water.
“Anyone else I should throw a line too? Kai? Finn? Chugunkin? Agrippa? Shape changing nutbar?”
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Mar 29, 2021 8:43:15 GMT -8
Riley smirks as Archie uses pineapple as a metaphor for success. They roll their eyes.
"Look, no one would have blamed you for tapping out at Zombie Burlesque. "
Clarie probably had more than half a dozen stories to tell. The Moth felt a mixture of relief and anxious tension at the idea of Claire being at the party.
It's not a problem, it's just a party. It's fine.
"Backstage, huh? I like that place. Sounds good"
The Moth wondered if they should offer the gathering to the troupe. But that bridge was still under construction.
"I expect Kai might be coming with Ivory" Are they dating? or are they making a Motley. I really should ask Ivory.
"Finn..uh. Not sure if parties are his thing. Chungunkin, are you kidding? Do we want to kill the mood? Agrippa, of course yes. Cant have a party with out them"
As the burgers arrive, Riley thanks the waiter and begin to enjoy the meal. Washing down their bite with some root beer, Riley throws a question back to Archie.
"What about you? After this party, I mean. What do you want? This is a two-way street now."
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Post by Deleted on Mar 29, 2021 11:32:49 GMT -8
“After the party? Same as I was doing before, job doesn’t stop just because we have a gig for you. Gotta make sure your socials are up to do, your portfolio is maintained and expanded. Realistically while I’m not shopping I am always listening to see if anyone wants to offer us an audaciously good offer.”
He paid some attention to his meal.
“It is really the same grind. Maybe something will pan out community side - its been a struggle and I don’t know if it's me or if I am doing something wrong. It is like beating my head against a wall. Everyone has their own issues, and their own problems I get it - but it is incredibly grating. And I don’t want to just bury you in my personal problems and haughty opinions.”
Spicy water.
“I guess that doesn’t answer anything does it? Spa day maybe, since I don’t know if I am getting anywhere any time soon in the community.”
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Mar 29, 2021 12:02:54 GMT -8
Archie went to his favorite diversion to talk about what he was going to do for someone else. But that wasn't Riley's question. The moth let the Fairest get it out of his system as they enjoyed some of their burgers.
"Alright, spa day. That works."
Riley pushed their plate away before giving Archie a look.
"yeah, the community has problems. We all got something on our plates, and often that leads to some real horse shit. but that's not what I am asking."
They pause thinking about what Archie had been saying.
"It sounds to me, like you want to be something, someone to this community. What is that? Barriers aside...what do you want to be for this community?"
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Post by Deleted on Mar 29, 2021 13:59:11 GMT -8
“Somebody else.”
Was his curt reply, as he let her finish her though.
“Who doesn’t want to be the party king like Buck, or someone people know not to mouth off like Chugunkin? I have the ability to mediate, position, allow for the success of the community and particularly our own team. I have built myself from mild mannered beginnings to a level of success where I can make things comfortable for us and am willing to give everyone that reprieve. But I’m not wanting to do that while I am getting stepped on.”
There was a deep exhale as he set his hands on the table and just leaned back as he was quizzed on this. Not so much annoyed as listless about the whole thing, feeling stuck in the rat race.
“Maybe I am just thinking too big for my britches. I am so used to hunting for the it factor, that maybe I just don’t have it.”
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Mar 29, 2021 14:52:11 GMT -8
Somebody else.
It cut like a knife. The sting was old but all too familiar for Riley. They knew that feeling; it had shaped them. Riley was silent for a long moment; their gaze moved from their plate and to Archie. There was that look they could get, that determined, fixated, slightly cracked look. It was in the eyes more than anything.
"That's bullshit, and you know it. It factor?" The wisp scoffed. "Arch. You have skills most in the community will never have, cant have. And I ain't just saying that ya hear?"
The Moth tapped the table pointedly.
"So you don't want to be stepped on? Fuck, then we make people stop steppin' on you. Back in the clubs, we would say. ' You can't dance while worryin' about the other girl's heels.' You ain't buck, you ain't Chungunkin, Not Nimbus, or Ivory, You're Archie fuckin' Hartman. Who that is, is up to you. But you need to know that, own it, before they will respect it."
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Post by Deleted on Mar 29, 2021 18:18:22 GMT -8
“I appreciate the sentiment, Riley. It...It means a lot. What do you think it will take? I value your opinion and want to know what you think...What can I do? I talk well, I can make a deal, keep people on the hook, and draw them in. I generally know the value of what I have, and I know when to cut and run. I can set up and execute a party by bringing the right pieces together, just don’t ask me how to decorate.”
He laughed a little at that one as he continued with his meal and laid out his skill set.
“I know what I can do, but how can I make people respect that. How do I make the likes of Ivory for example understand the situation.”
He was musing. He thought he knew what he was about but he wasn’t going to assume or discount the Darklings opinion but he wanted to hear where he could take it, something that he normally did himself for others so it was odd to have the tables turned.
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Mar 30, 2021 6:01:04 GMT -8
Riley drums their fingers on the table in thought. The moth was silent for a moment as they considered Archie and his current conundrum.
"Lean into those skills is my first thought. People trust you and respect you in the entertainment world. You have the power of connection; you just need to establish that in the community. You're a gate."
The word seemed weird, and Riley's face acknowledged that, with a pout of the lip and raise of an eyebrow.
"What I mean is. In the entertainment world, people need to go through you to get where they want. You are the test. "
The moth takes a drink of their root beer and couldn't help but hear a line from Hamilton in their head; ' In the room where it happens.'
"Be that in the court. Anyone who wants to be someone needs to be at a Hartman party. Your favor can be gold, a bad word could kill ambition. Now to get there. I think its goin' to take you makin' some friends among the powers that be. Part of that will be needin' spring to give you more of its blessin's"
Riley paused examining Archie for a minute to see what he thought about the advice.
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