On the eve of Thanksgiving, The Rossi family hosts a fancy party at some high-end event space in Manhattan. It was something for the families and big wigs to do before suffering through their personal dinners the next night. Artificial people enjoying plastic dinner after plastic dinner. The only real thing in that room was hopefully the turkey. The hall was grand and luxurious, with white walls with strong pillars, and a large crystal chandelier at the center. The lights reflecting off shining a unique pattern thanks to the glass.
Lars was doing his best to mingle and treat his guests well. These are his connections after all. The men and women at this party were useful to him, that's the only reason he's even hosting an event so grand. He wore a black three piece suit, fit with a pristine white shirt and black tie. He shook hands with his right while holding his bottle of wine with his left. His eyes quickly searched for his family, who weren't by his side.
Joane was leaning against the wall, far from the crowd, playing with her wine as she took little sips from it. Technically she wasn't supposed to be drinking because of the antidepressants, but life is about risk. And maybe dying didn't seem so bad. In her head, at least. She wore a light pink dress that looked beautiful.
Lars disengaged from the party and went back to her. "Hey. Where's Katie?"
Joane looked up from her sulking. "Huh? Over there, I think."
He turned and saw the girl, wearing a suit like her father, talking to some girls her age. Having a good time. Lars turned back to face his wife. "You need some air?"
"Yeah, I can go–"
"I'm coming with."
Before Joane could say anything, he grabbed her arm and took her outside into the freezing night. He removed his blazer and put it over her before sitting on the stairs, looking out at the almost empty downtown streets. Joane joined him, hugging her knees. The air grew depressing. It hit Lars like a wave. He was so busy he forgot how miserable his personal life became. Seeing the look of his wife's face at the party, it made him think about what he did to cause that situation to happen. "I don't blame you if you hate me."
Joane looked over in surprise. "W-What? No, I don't hate you, Lars."
"I feel like I'm failing you. I'm so wrapped up in my own bullshit. I leave you at home all the time. It's hard being the man of the house, Joane."
"I know," Joane said, wrapping an arm around her husband. "I try my best to comfort you."
"You do. I can't say I do the same for you."
She didn't want to lie. Of course he dropped the ball when it came to her mental health. But she pushed it back. For now. "You keep us well off. That I thank you for." She smiled as she kissed his cheek. "Hey, remember when I said I never had a prom and you took me here to remake it with my old friends?"
Lars smirked at the memory. "It took me back a bit, as well."
"That's the Lars Rossi I married. I know that… UV is calling you out. I know that's stressing you out. And I wish you'd come home more before he…"
"Does something," Lars finished. "I promise he won't. I have a plan."
"You always do." Joane turned Lars' head to kiss him on the lips. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
She got up and walked inside, leaving Lars alone with his thoughts. His wife was valuable, sure. But it was nice to treat her like a human every now and then. Maybe there was a man deep inside that wanted to leave it all behind, become a proper father and husband. He's not a monster. He's a human who wanted to be just like his papa. He didn't choose this life. It chose him. He didn't marry Joane just because she's pretty. She's intelligent, loyal, and nice to have around. He'd sell his empire tomorrow if she was in any danger. He wished it was easy to quit. Hand the keys to some other asshole and be a family again.
He found himself always thinking about one man. Ultraviolence. Joane and Katie, sure but UV took up so much of his thoughts it angered him. He needed his hands on him, he had to die. Obsession was an understatement. The best part was he knew that UV thought the same way. The beauty of a rivalry is knowing what your opponent will think and acting upon it. And Rossi knows the fucker.
He remembered that little augment him and Joane had. It wasn't fun. It was rough to hear how sad she really was. She kept a brave face for him. A part of him thought she still did during that conversation. He was up to his neck in bullshit. If only there was more time.
Unfortunately that isn't the reality he lived in. He had a job to do. He needed to be mayor. He got up as well and walked in, seeing Katie walk up to him as he adjusted his tie.
"Hey, daddy," Katie said. "How do I look?"
Lars smiled. "Like me. Real ruthless."
She giggled with glee. "Thanks! Hey, I have a question. You don't have to answer anything, but I was just wondering."
"Talk to me."
"You said I could take over once you die. Do I have to.. Kill anyone?" Kaite had a slight look of worry.
Lars leaned against the wall, tapping his chin in thought. "Honestly? Yes. It gets easier. Taking a life is necessary to show strength. What did I tell you about fear?"
Kaite, the student, took mental notes about her father's lessons. "Fear is the most important tool of leadership."
"Exactly. You can't have fear in your heart. People sense that. You appear strong, ruthless. After Thanksgiving, how about I take you to a firing range?"
"Ooh!" Kaite's mood jumped. "Can I get a special gun? Please Please Please!"
Lars laughed. "Of course."
The two went back to the party as if nothing happened. His plan was coming into motion, and his family was treading water, for now at least. He knew one thing. Ultraviolence will die tonight. As he laughed with his rich pawns, he pulled out his phone and dialed a man. "Do it."