Guns of Summer (OPEN)

[Fen]

put on your war paint

you are a brick tied to me that's dragging me down
strike a match and i'll burn you to the ground

The white bulldog was not pleased, and that was the understatement of the year. To say he was disgruntled, or simply mad didn't even do it. No, he was pissed. He kicked the dirt under his paws as he walked, grumbling to himself, his skin growing hotter with each passing minute.

"Bollocks." He murmured under his breath as he walked, passing run-down buildings and a few other dogs who watched him with a wary eye. He growled a bit, found a place to sit, and did so. He had to think. 

He had been working on this deal. Would have put him ahead of the game, but his contact was a coward and now all that time and effort orchestrating it was wasted. Time was money, and he had none to waste. Ever since he rolled into this place from Manhattan he had been struggling, but now he was beginning to make a name for himself. People were on their toes around him now. People knew this was the beginning of something. 

And what was Crowley's goal? To steal all the business from the Mancini family and be the head honcho of the city. Yeah, definitely not as easy as it sounds. Still, no one ever said it would be easy. 

He watched the sky for a moment, in thought. 'Alright, mate. We can do this. We'll find some other bloke to pass the job on to.' Crowley sighed inwardly and exhaled with another grumble. He looked around him. Surely there was someone here willing to make a deal?

LUTHER JAMES CROWLEY

♥

[Leonardo]

With Dino gone, there were new business prospects open in Da Plaza that would not experience any nuisance of interference. Leonardo was their to investigate.

Opportunities that could not be passed up without the simple review, the balancing of options and the judging of worth. Each one needed to be outlined by their pros and cons, and using hindsight, he was able to see the future mistakes he may make if he indeed invested in this business, and how to avoid them. Granted, he saw the benefits as well.

Wealth could be amassed from the proceedings of each trafficking expedition. One only needed to know how to control it, and make sure it came back them. Not a difficult task, but still a necessity. However, Leonardo was less concerned about the wealth...

Power was his real focus. The chance to add to his empire of trading posts was nearly too good to pass up, and with no resistance, only a fool would do so. But he didn't have any solid contacts in Da Plaza. Not anymore, anyhow. Even as he traveled amongst them, smiling at them and greeting them, something was wrong. They had changed slightly, as if they feared something. Was it him? Was it someone else? He supposed only time would tell.

He was supposed to meet someone at a certain place in time to discuss the prospects and how they could be exploited. His destination was merely meters away now. He sighed in relief, for he was tired of walking. His pads needed a quick rest. As he came to a stop, he noticed a large white bulldog sitting in the shade. Seemed like a good spot. Leo nodded at him as he passed by, and sat a yard or so away from him, resting his paws from the long walk.

"Mornin', pal." He called out to the neighboring dog. "Beautiful day, eh?"

[Fen]

put on your war paint

you are a brick tied to me that's dragging me down
strike a match and i'll burn you to the ground

Crowley didn't look up, his eyes still ahead of him. It wasn't until the other male spoke that he slid is mahogany eyes in the direction of the voice. He was surprised at what he saw there. He turned his head to look squarely at the massive rottweiler seated a yard away from him. He wasn't really intimidated by the dog's size. He'd fought bigger, and the pleasant tone in the male's voice made it seem that he meant no harm. Still, Crowley was always aware of every potential threat, his mind going a mile a minute, planning out various possible scenarios so he could be ready for anything.


It took a moment for him to finally realize that the brute had spoken to him, and Crowley scoffed. "Yeah, mate. Lovely, day." He confirmed, a nod of his head accompanying his words. Yeah, the weather was nice considering, but Crowley's demeanor couldn't be worse. It was hard for him to shake a bad mood once he was put in one.

"Little hot out for me, however." He said, letting his accent roll off his tongue without trying to hide it. Why hide a heritage he was proud of?

[Leonardo]

Leo nodded lightly, popping a slender dog treat that seemingly came out of nowhere into the side of his mouth. It resembled a cigar. He frowned, grunting. "You know, I may 'ave to agree with you my friend," he said, continuing the small talk, "It does seem a lil warm."

As he chewed a bit on his "cigar", he wondered if the other dog was waiting on someone, too. What if the dog he was supposed to meet here was meeting the both of them? That would be rather uncomfortable....Leonardo had scheduled a private showing.

The sun was, rather beautiful today. As he sat and watched it, remember a day not too long ago, he was much younger and watching the sun rise from a similar position. Never did he think his plans then would have been as successful as they were now, and with little resistance, considering the fact this was Brooklyn. He shook his head. He had a lot to be thankful for.

"I don't recognize dat as a local accent...you from England?"

[Fen]

put on your war paint

you are a brick tied to me that's dragging me down
strike a match and i'll burn you to the ground

Crowley watched as the rottweiler pulled out a dog biscuit and popped it in his mouth. The image of the biscuit poking out of the rottweiler's mouth made him smirk, and Crowley turned his eyes back to the sky for a moment. The guy seemed alright, he supposed and Crowley shifted his weight to face the massive dog.

"Yeah. East London." He said, then introduced himself. "Name's Crowley." The bulldog waited for the other male to introduce himself. He may be a ruthless thug, but he didn't lack manners. He knew it was rude to ask someone's name before giving your own. Crowley also couldn't help but notice the air of authority that surrounded the other male seated opposite of him. It made him wonder.

"Plaza's unnaturally dead today. If you happen to be here for business, there are pretty slim pickings." He said, a tone of a grumble in his voice as he spoke. The fact that his contact hadn't shown was still seated firmly in his mind. 

A thought crossed his mind then. Maybe this dog would be willing to cut a deal with him, considering that he was the only one that wasn't keeping his distance. 

[Leonardo]

Leo smiled at the dog, introducing himself in return. "Nice to meet you, Mista Crowley. My name is Mancini. Leonardo Mancini. But you look old enough to be litta mates wit me, so please, cawl me Leo."

The brit seemed pretty solid. He didn't seem very friendly or even fond of Leo, but that was fine. He had manners, and that was all they owed each other for the moment. Pleasantries. Let it never be said that a man their age had no manners. They were battleclad, experienced. Often, their tales were written in their own hides, as could be seen on Crowley. But they never lost their manners. Not in the first encounter, anyway.

Crowley made a comment on the business about the area. Oh so he was a prospector. Interesting. "Ah, dat may be so, friend. But even within da slimmest of pickings, theahs awlways at least one potential golden opportunity. Believe me. I'm sure you'll agree."

But Leonardo was starting to think that his escort wasn't going to show up, and he would have to see the last few trade posts on his own. He would wait out while longer for him.

[Fen]

put on your war paint

you are a brick tied to me that's dragging me down
strike a match and i'll burn you to the ground

Crowley nearly froze as the dog, Leonardo Mancini, introduced himself. He knew there was something about him that seemed off. He didn't seem like the other dogs around here because he wasn't. He was Don Leonardo Mancini, and Crowley felt a smirk creep over his face. "Ah...well, surprise surprise. Was wondering when I might run into you." He said, standing finally and then relaxing back on his haunches to a more formal position. He rolled his shoulders a bit and tilted his head to the side. "I had a feeling you weren't like all these other blokes."

Crowley couldn't believe his luck! If he was to do any good in rising in power here, it was a good idea to size up his competition, and the Mancinis were the only real competition around here. Crowley had ambitions, and that made Leonardo the 'other guy' to him. "I've heard your name many times. Hard to get a bloody word in." He chuckled, a deep, hearty chuckle from deep within his chest, his gruff voice even apparent in the laugh.

Crowley turned a rock over with his paw and raised his gaze back up to Leo's face. "Lot bigger than I pictured." 

[Leonardo]

Leonardo's 'cigar' rolled in his mouth. He looked over to Crowley, who seemed to be fully engaged in the conversation now. Something had sparked his interest. Leo was beginning to think it was him that had caught Crowley's attention.

He stood and walked closer to the Bulldog, squaring up with him and looking him in the eyes so that they could have a proper conversation. He chuckled as well. "So you've 'eard of me? Well imagine dat. Awl good things, I hope." He grinned. "You flatter me, friend. But I'm jus' like you. An ol' dog tryin' to learn new tricks in this cutthroat world." He gestured with his paw to the surrounding area as if it were 'the world'. "We sure teach those damn youngstas a thing or two though, eh?" Leonardo's laugh was deep as well, but it was smooth and golden to the eardrums, as if even his laughter was part of a deal.

[Fen]

put on your war paint

you are a brick tied to me that's dragging me down
strike a match and i'll burn you to the ground

 Crowley chuckled along with him, not in the least intimidated as the huge dog approached him. "Ah, yes. Cookie for you. I have heard of you. Some good and some bad, I'll admit. You're respected. That's a good thing. That's all us old blokes can hope for." He smirked again. "Though on one point, I don't agree. You and I, we aren't like these others. Running all about with no direction, rhyme or reason. No, you and I..." He paused, meeting Leo's gaze for a moment. "We are different."

Crowley absently wondered if Leo had heard talk of him. Probably not much. Crowley was still climbing the ladder. He's scoped himself out some stomping grounds and had a few goons help him cement it, but nothing had been made official. Crowley still had a long way to go until he could place himself on Leo's level. Didn't stop Crowley from thinking he was amazing.

He looked around at the younger dogs gazing and whispering to each other. He could only think that they were talking about Crowley speaking to Leo. At Leo's last statement, he smirked. "Quite. Maybe we can teach each other, as well Mr. Mancini. Plenty to learn." He smiled a devilish grin.

[Leonardo]

Crowley was...strange. His conversation was like he was digging for something. His haughty heir and boldness was rather amusing. Only his oldest and closest friends were bold enough to talk with him about such things. And Crowley didn't seem to want to be friends. In fact, he seemed to be competing with him....

But that was absurd, wasn't it?

What could they possibly be competing in? They were having a simple man to man conversation, right? But rarely did he ever talk about business with someone outside the family--though here he was. With the Bulldog grinning at him as if he were king of the world. Which was funny, because Leo could very well toss him across the street if he wanted to. However, Crowley would get up and run all the way back to him for revenge. He could see it in his eyes. And he respected that. This was no ordinary, friendly chat. Crowley was dangerous.

"Maybe, just maybe, Mr. Crowley," Leo grinned as he finished his dog treat. "But what can I teach you? 'Ow do ya know I've got anythin' worth ya time?" He shrugged. "You could be too busy--all successful businessmen stay busy. Time, Mr. Crowley....time is money. But, uh...you already knew dat." He twitched his stub tail. "Which brings me back to my initial question..."

[Fen]

put on your war paint

you are a brick tied to me that's dragging me down
strike a match and i'll burn you to the ground

"Well, we'll just have to wait and find out, eh, mate?" Crowley answered, shaking his head. "Don't sell yourself short. You don't become the Don of the biggest family in Bensonhurst by just stomping your feet and causing a scene. It takes work, and I respect that." He looked to the sky for a moment before back to Leo. "As a businessman myself, I respect that." 


Crowley stood and shook his pelt free of any dirt or debris, and straightened. "Still, can't say you're wrong. I am a busy man." He cast his eyes around the plaza once more and his eyes widened as he saw his contact, waiting not a few yards away; he was a large German Shepherd, and his eyes were focused on the figures of Crowley and Leo in front of him, his eyes suspicious. 

"And it seems as though business can't wait." He said, looking back to Leo. "I must be on my way. Lovely chat. I'm sure you'll be hearing from me soon, mate." Crowley winked and nodded a goodbye before trotting in the direction of the German Shepherd that was waiting on him.

"Ya know Mistah Mancini, bawss?" The larger dog asked, Crowley rolling his eyes at the question. 

"Quiet, Lorenzo. You'll lower the IQ of the whole street." Crowley said, trotting past the German Shepherd, who turned and followed after him in toe. "And you know you're late. You know I don't like to be kept waiting."

"Sorry, bawss. I just-"

"I told you to quit talking." Crowley growled and Lorenzo shut up again, and ducked his head a bit as he followed Crowley to handle the trade. Crowley cast a glance back over at Leo's fading figure behind him one last time before ducking down a back alley.