Appreciating the Art (open to all)

[Yao Wang]

You have been cordially invited to the art showcase tonight

Time: 7:00 PM

Attire: Formal

Art: Special Pieces from Roy Liechenstein

Donations are appreciated.

Yao opened the fancy invite delicately between his thin fingers before placing it on a worn table. Taking the long cigarette out of his mouth he tapped it on the ashtray and blew out a ring of smoke. The apartment he lived in was bare. With only a small table, kitchenette and foldout couch it was pretty dingy. The paint peeled off the walls and the carpeted floor was stained with who knows what. Giving a sigh he swept his tired eyes across the stinkhole and wondered why he had ever left his home country.

The answer was simple, the problem was that he chose to ignore. It gave him reason to complain. Putting out the cigarette he strolled over to his "closet" and picked out a suit that was of average quality. Placing the jacket over his white collared shirt a dull thud was heard against the ground. In surprise he jerked his foot back, a flash of surprise frozen on his face. Seeing that it was only a knife he relaxed and picked it up. Spinning the silver blade in his hand he said,"Just a rittle time off. What harm, aru?"

Pocketing the blade he strolled out the door, invitation in hand, and locked it behind him. The nippy air of autumn bit his nose as he headed off towards the museum. His hands were pushed into his pockets and his head kept down as his ponytail was picked up by the brisk wind.

[Toris Laurinaitis]

An art showcase? Sounds like fun. Toris mused in his head as he looked through the fancy invitation from the museum. It's been awhile since he got any time off, what with the "jobs" he's been sent to do the past few days. He scanned through the one-room apartment he's living in. Its dusty and not well kept at all and no matter how much Toris tries to clean it up, there are just a few stains which won't come off.

But look on the bright side Toris, there's a roof over your head, you're not starving to death...well not as bad as last time anyway and mother and father seem to be able to support themselves pretty okay without having an extra mouth to feed. But Toris was just trying to keep away the stomachache that's starting to form. It happens whenever he get depressed so he just has to think positive. He got off the couch he uses mostly for crashing on after a day of work and he's too tired to get to the bedroom and placed the invite on the dining table which might as well be a wooden board supported on top of 4 uneven poles.

He put on the blazer he left hanging on the backrest of the chair and pulled it over the light green blouse he already had on, pocketing the invitation and left for the museum. Before locking the doors, he picked up one of the AT92 handguns on the table next to the door. Not that he's going to use it, he twirled the gun around his index finger before hiding it in the pocket inside his blazer, but you can never be too careful being out on the streets at night.

He then permanantly locked the door to his apartment and pushed his hair out of his face, tucking it behind his ear as the wind picked up and in the cold Autumn air. He took a deep breath and started off towads the museum.

What could possibly go wrong tonight?

[Leonia Walters]

Leonia had been walking the streets when she saw someone drop a rather fancy looking invitation when they passed her. Normally, the girl would ignore it and keep on walking; it was their own fault for not holding on to their belongings. However, for some odd reason, she picked up the invitation and happened to see it was for an art showcase. There wasn't a chance in the world that she would miss this. Maybe someone was watching out for her and was helping her achieve her dreams. Or instead, she just had really good luck. Indeed, it was probably just good luck.

She ran to her little closet sized room on top of a local store that looked like it had been vacant for the longest time. Leonia changed into her favorite outfit and ran out the door. The girl hoped she looked like she did look like she belonged there, if not, she could always just flash that invitation.

Leonia made her way over to the museum. There were so many opportunities waiting for her and honestly, it made her a tad bit nervous. Maybe she could get a job there and actually pay for a real apartment instead of a stupid over sized closet that she was living in. Leonia just couldn't wait; she swore, if anyone was going to ruin this night, there would be problems.

[Chiara "Romana" Vargas]

Chiara sat on the fire escape, cleaning a small hand gun. She didn't have any mafia business that night, and she didn't have a "real" job. Her night seemed relatively boring. Snapping her from her thoughts was a thump from the door. More curious than angry, she went to check the late mail. It was one letter, and too light to have made the thump. Someone must have knocked. She immediately ripped it open, and leaned against the kitchen counter to read it.

An art exhibit? Chiara thought. She played with the edge of the invitation. She didn't even like art that much She'd never even been to an art show. She didn't think she'd start today.

All though, there was a touch of suspicion. Who the hell would invite her to an art show? She didn't have any art connections, other than her brother's skills with painting. Thinking on that note, she slammed the invitation on the undersized kitchen counter. "Screw this, I'm going!" She declared.

She didn't have any other plans for that night, so why not.

After deciding, she realized another very suspicious thing. The art showcase was ridiculously short notice. She had to immediately start getting ready. She had to change her outfit three times before deciding she liked it, and played with her hair for another half an hour before allowing herself to leave the house. She slammed the door behind her, alerting the whole apartment building she was leaving, but did not alert the whole neighborhood; so that everyone knew she was in a fairly good mood. Tonight would be interesting.

[Yao Wang]

Yao walked briskly down the crowded New York street. The sound was deafening and the air was chill. With his hands stuck down in his pockets he tried not to make eye contact with those around him. Immigrants were not always welcome as hospitably as America advertised it. Slowing his steps he saw the museum doors in front of him. The building was very new-looking. Almost futuristic in a modern way. Reaching into his pocket he noted that he was 15 minutes early. The sun had set and the city was coming to life. People from the theater district were entering there shows for the night while others made a rush for a last minute dinner. The lights in the museum turned on, indicating that it was open.

Yao's stomach growled at the prospect of food. Even though the work he did pulled in the dough it wasn't nearly enough to sustain the members, organization and himself at the same time. Pushing open the glass doors he entered the warm museum. Keeping his hands down at his sides he noticed a sign, in similiar style to the invitation, that said dinner would take place soon andthat there would be an announcement. Until they were supposed to look at the art that was displayed. Looking around a few times, Yao noted that he was the only person there at the moment. Walking around behind a wall he examine an excuse for pottery. What deemed the that this mess was art?

[Toris Laurinaitis]

Toris arrived at the museum a about 5 minutes till the showcase officially started. It was a lot more crowded than he expected it to be. Toris walked towards a a sign that seemed to explain the itinerary for the evening and it looks like dinner would be taking place as soon as its time. Now that they mentioned it, I'm am pretty hungry..Toris thought. But until then, they were supposed to look around at the art on displayed.

He decided to move over to the exhibit that was closest to where he was standing. Taking a look at it, Toris can't help but let out a little laugh. The exhibit was suppose to be a pot or something? He can't really tell since it was so...messily-made? Was that the right word to describe it? Not wanting to seem rude or unappreciative of art, he hid his laugh with a fake cough.

[Leonia Walters]

Leonia walked into the museum and instantly noticed that it was indeed crowded. Really, tonight seemed to be working in her favor; it would be much easier to blend in. She scooted past a few people and awkwardly joined the crowd of people. It bothered her a little bit that some people were probably here only to chat, instead of observing the art. Then again, Leonia wasn't surprised at all with the "rich snobs".

Patience is a virtue that Leonia did not posses at times like these. If it were up to her, she would view the art already. Yet, they were supposed to be eating dinner. Being such the intelligent person that she was, Leonia took a few pieces of bread and put them in her small purse. "Well, looks like breakfast, lunch, and dinner are covered for a couple of days", she mumbled to herself. She tried to push the thought of her current situation of her mind. Leonia really didn't want to think of anything like that tonight; she was at a fancy showcase with very fancy looking people.

Now, she waited for the showcase to start.

[Chiara "Romana" Vargas]

Chiara slunk in the door, afraid she was late and about to attract an unwanted amount of attention. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that it seemed to be a few minutes early. The museum was warm, and despite knowing no one, she was more comfortable than in the wintery wind.

She awkwardly glanced around, scowling at anyone who met her eye. She stayed to the edge of the crowd, intimidated by both the strangers and their fanciness. She was slightly underdressed, to her Italian shame. She tried to focus her attention on the paintings and pottery, but they couldn't hold her attention. The pottery was pretty, but would never be able to stand use; and she'd seen her brother make so much more beautiful paintings. It was a bit boring.

She must have tripped over a leg of a chair, because she was sent stumbling. To her embarrassment, she stumbled into to someone. What a way to introduce yourself. She blushed and, despite knowing it was her own fault, hissed: "Watch where you're walking!"

[Ivan Braginski]

Ivan wandered about the museum. He was here making sure nothing got stolen. He was in his standard police uniform. He was walking towards the door to check invites when he felt someone run into him.

He looked down. It was a brown haired girl. He smiled at her. "Sorry, may i see your invitation, da?" He asked. The girl looked rather familiar. She was a bit under dressed, which ment she probably didn't get an invite.

[Chiara "Romana" Vargas]

Chiara looked up. It appeared she'd walked into a giant. A giant police officer. Nothing made her more nervous than someone whose job it was to put her in jail. Swallowing heavily, she dug through her small purse. "G-Give me a s-second..."

She began to panic more when she couldn't find it, and was terrified he'd lean over slightly and see the various weapons, and itsy-bitsy bottles of alcohol she had hidden in her purse. Just when she thought her heels would crack from her nervous shaking, she held out the slightly crinkled piece of paper she'd barely remembered to take with her.

"H-Here it is..." She mumbled, looking him in the eyes. They were oddly childlike, and cold; but a beautiful color. If anything, they scared her more. "I-Is everything all right...?"

[Ivan Braginski]

Ivan smiled brightly. "Thank you, da?" He said. This girl looked so nervous it made him want to laugh. But he didnt. "Yes every things alright." He said. "You may go in." He smiled again and closed his eyes and motioned for her to go in. " I have to watch the doors in case of art thieves." He said to her as if she would care. If anything she wouldnt .

[Yao Wang]

Pushing his way through the crowd Yao tried to reach a somewhat open area to be able to breathe. The room was in an uproar of chattering voices and snobby art critics. Making his way through he wondered why such a variety of were invited. Maybe just to get a general opinion, but still it seemed to be a rather odd.

*tchztt* Attention the dinner will be in 15 minutes. *tchztt*

Yao rolled his eyes,"What an uttary pointress announcement." Pushing his way towards an open seat that had been assigned to him for the dinner he felt confused as to why he even came here. Checking the nameplates to either side of him they didn't seem to be any names that looked familiar (well none that he could actually read). Taking a cigarette and lighter out of his pocket he lit it up and watched the sea of people.

[Leonia Walters]

Leonia sighed as she heard the announcement for dinner. She glanced at the tables and saw that they were assigned. "Damn it", she mumbled. What was she going to do now? Leonia had no clue who the person was that dropped the invitation so it wasn't even like she knew where to sit.

She went off to the side, away from the crowd of people to think of a way to get around it. The girl could just wait till everyone else sits down and then take it from there, but that would be slightly embarrassing; she would end up being that one person that sits down late. It wasn't like she knew anyone here either, so she had no help or any sort of clue what to do. The girl knitted her eyebrows. It seemed like she would just have to wait till everyone sat down and then she would take it from there.

[Toris Laurinaitis]

It's about time to be seated for dinner and Toris pushed through the crowd of people to look for the table with a nameplate that has his name on it. He finally found it and took his seat, looking around, it looks like quite a few people were also seated at the table. Toris had no idea who any of them are but he figured that they were probably art critics as he could hear them talking about some of the art works being displayed. Toris did take a look at a few of them, a few did look pretty nice but other than that, he doesn't have much else to say.

He kept his head tilted down a little to avoid any eye-contact with anyone so as to avoid a conversation. It probably wasn't such a good idea to come here after all. Whose idea was it to actually invite him to this anyway? Toris looked around to see that most of the crowd had already taken their seats, except for this one girl who looks like she doesn't know where to sit. But that's none of his problems right? He focused his eyes back on the table and played with the end of his cutlery.

[Leonia Walters]

Leonia watched as the people took their seats, which most of them did rather quickly. Her eyes scanned the area looking for any open seats and evidently there was an open next to a brown haired man, who looked like he really didn't want to be there. It made her laugh a bit how the people at his table seemed like they were in a deep conversation and he was just there.

She walked over to the table, carefully avoiding people in the process. Leonia sat down and took a quick glance at the nameplate to see who she had to pretend to be for the night. 'Coco Chanel', it read. Well, it seemed as if this person was rather important just judging from the name. Hopefully, whoever this Coco Chanel was, wouldn't show up. If she did, who knows what would happen. Yet, the little Australian girl had faith, after all, she made it this far.