exonym | you do this, you do

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you do this, you do

ROOK

i.
[ most of the time, Rook is aware of where he is going and what random surface he is deciding to nap on. he has his favourite spots, out side of his hoard of pillows and blankets, and they are usually in presence of other demons, the few vampires he has decided he likes, or the bar in downtown Seoul that caters to those with magic in their blood.

this couch is in none of those places.

it smells like earth and dampness and moss first off.

second, there is way less magic in the air here and it's weird. well there is magic, a kind that Rook hasn't felt in a long while, and nothing like the static feeling of too many magical creatures in one area brings to his skin. this is... calmer. more unified.

still, he has no fucking clue where he is. not that it seems to bother him. the demon hums and sits up on the couch hair a mess and eyes half lidded, standing out if only because he is clad in just loose black pants and a whole lotta gold body jewellery.

what there are standards for demons of lust okay? sometimes he cares enough to hold himself to them. kinda.

his voice is rough when he speaks.]

Mm, where 'm I?

ii.
[ Rook doesn't need to stay. he can leave as easily as he came (but with more intention), can slide between the worlds and slink back to hell where he has whatever he needs to make eternity terrible for others. but--

and isn't there always a 'but'

he kinda likes it here. this place is weird, with the people and the place. the magic that is so different in them all but also strangely similar. how all these beings are under one roof in the swamp and have found things that so many spend their whole existences searching for.

how there is more love than lust here and well fuck, isn't that something.

so yeah, Rook could leave. Rook should leave. there isn't much for him to do here with his Cardinal. there are only so many strings for him to pull on (and yeah yeah yeah, a good demon would seduce and destroy, would ruin relationships and cause hurt but-- if you ask Rook he doesn't do that because he is lazy, not because he if soft). but he doesn't. he stays.

stays and starts bringing little pieces that he likes into the home. a pillow. a blanket. a set of dishes where none of them match but they are inlaid with precious stones so who cares. today's present is a bookshelf. complete with books. mostly in dead languages but hey, it's the thought that counts right?

Rook is in the middle of the living room (or what he thinks is the living room) hands on his hips and head cocked as he tries to figure out where the shelf would look best.

feel free to help him out.]

Ros

i.
[ the early morning, Ros has found, is the best time for him to practice much of anything in this place. sure he still goes to the underworld, still has his haunts and the shadows but--

he likes this place. these people. so he has taken to sticking around whenever he doesn't have a job that needs to be done. not because he thinks that they need protecting (they totally need protecting, almost more from themselves than from outsiders) but because he likes it here.

so early morning, when the sun is just thinking about getting up and most everyone is asleep, if not quiet, Ros can be found on the grounds outside with more than a few short blades in his hands and a concentrated look on his face.

ever since the war, ever science the adaptation of science and magic and everything, Ros has found that he cannot rely on his hound form as much, cannot rely on what he is, so he needs to adjust. needs to learn. and learn quickly (which considering he is a weapon isn't very hard at all). still, practice is necessary and, since he does not need much sleep, it is a nice way to just-- exist for a while. ]

ii.
[ if you happen to pass by the kitchen, you might notice one (1) rather confused looking hellhound who is staring at what appears to be a rather fancy looking espresso machine. the machine in question is sitting on the counter, in the middle of a hastily cleared spot, with a bag of actual coffee beans next to it while Ros leans against the table and just stares at it.

you see, he learned very early on that everyone here is quite fond of coffee (well, not all but--) so, being the being he is, Ros set out to find the best of the best. apparently this machine was supposed to be one of the best so long as you had the right beans (which he did make sure to grab) and followed the instructions (which he did not have at all). which is why he is looking confused.

because how the hell were you supposed to turn those beans into liquid coffee? the hound has no idea.]

Sage

i.
[ to say that Sage feels like shit would be a bit of an understatement. he isn't sure what is worse, death maybe? but he is certainly there. ever since the night where he made the fucking brilliant choice to let Minsu into his room (and subsequently kicked him out) the witch has been no where to be found within the confines of the house.

or even the immediate swamp.

Sage has, despite knowing better, been in the darkest parts of the swamp where the sun barely reaches and humans haven't been in fucking centuries (okay, maybe they have, but shhh) with no real point to it all but to just get out. be alone. away.

maybe to punish himself a little bit but, that is neither here nor there.

the magic in this part of the swamp is thicker, is heavier and seeps into his bones and makes it easy for him to forget about fucking humans and their brilliant smiles, or their soft mouths or--

(such a soft and fragile thing, the human heart is witchling. careful.)

Sage doesn't really forget anything, but he does manage to push more magic into the wards and finds a small patch of fungus that he can most certainly use in potions so not a total loss. still, when he trudges back into the house, covered in swamp and a little paler than usual, he isn't so sure that is a good win.

the witch leaves the ingredients he found on the kitchen table (along with a note stating not to eat them because he really doesn't want to deal with that, thanks Ten) then makes his way to the washroom to clean himself off and then to his room to get dressed. and if he comes out wearing sweatpants that belong to Ros for how huge the are and Minsu's shirt, well--- shut up.

he is then making his way back to the kitchen for coffee. because jesus fuck he needs that. ]

ii.
[ inhale. exhale. inhale. exhale-- you can do this!

Sage isn't usually a nervous person. not even a little. but-- standing outside Minsu's door with a basket full of fresh berries (that cost him more than he would like to admit but worth it) and a new frying pan, the witch is nearly shaking with nerves.

what if Minsu left? what if he hates him? what if he tries to smack him upside the head with the frying pan and just--

Sage knocks before his mind talks him out of this.]

... Minsu? You there?

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[ that makes Rook snort. yeah apologies aren't exactly a strong point for most demons, something about pride and all. ]

It's a rare thing, but I never saw the point to adhering to pride when it's not my Carndial.

[ a lazy shrug. thankfully it really doesn't take much for Rook to seem less dangerous than most. the fact that he rarely wears clothes helps and, even though he is tall, he is usually slouched. even now he is a little curled in on himself.

he makes a face at that name though.]

Not friends. Knew him, fucker's dead, thank fuck.

[ that is probably the most you will hear him swear outside the bedroom. look, aside from Amon, and maybe Leviathan, possibly that other fucking demon in gluttony, there really are not many beings that Rook hates because it takes too much effort. but, well-- yeah. ]

.... why do you even know that name.

[ Kwang swallows thickly, his hands clenching and unclenching. ]

So what's your Cardinal?

[ Kwang has a feeling he can tell, but he asks anyway, his voice softer than it was before. And then the guy makes a face at hearing's Xylnan's name, and Kwang's stomach churns hard, making him swallow bile. ]

He and I have - had - history. Bad history.

[ That seems obvious. ]

So you can understand why I'm not exactly welcoming you with open arms.

[ an eyebrow goes up at that and Rook almost laughs. instead he just looks down at his topless self draped in gold chains and sparkling gems before giving the other a pointed look.]

One guess at that there, beautiful.

[ why yes yes that is the name he is going to call you by, why do you ask?

however that explanation fills in the blanks for Rook. he doesn't spend a lot of time in Hell, or even around those that gossip a lot, but he knows that Xylnan was the kind to try and reach too far and too hard and was particularly fond of torture. he would have been better in the lowest circle of hell, not doing what he did.

but there was no power in staying in hell was there?

Rook also knows he met his ends with one of those he tried to turn. one that Rook is fairly sure he is standing in front of.

there is a beat where Rook just looks before he nods.]

Fair. I'll go, if that fuckface was all you knew don't blame you. Thanks though, for getting rid of him. He was gunning for too much trouble. And he made Beelzebub look nice.

[ Rook stands up then, unfolds to show off more tanned skin and breezy black pants that leave very little to the imagination (the fact that they are mostly see-through probably helps but hey, at least he is wearing something). ]

[ Hm. Yeah. ]

Lust. I guess that'd make sense.

[ And, really, it's not even that bad a place for someone who thrives on lust. After all, a lot of things where happening in this house, at any and all times of day and night. If this demon feeds on it, he'll be sated around here for a long time.

Kwang tenses again when the demon thanks him. ]

How - how would you know about that?

[ As always when he thinks back on him, or says his name out loud, the itch under his skin grows more powerful, until it's barely bearable. Kwang twitches, bending over a little before letting out a breath. ]

Don't - [ Fuck. Now he's got questions. Now he's intrigued. But none of that matter, right this second. ] I've gotta get outside.

[ Follow him if you'd like, but don't stand too close, because the moment he has the space, the wings are coming out, full of flame and ruining yet another shirt, that goes up in smoke and ash immediately, burning Kwang's skin, another few scars under the tattoo on his back. ]

[ you would think that there was a lot of lust here, but Rook will be happy to tell you, in about two weeks time, that there was really more actual love and affection than hollow lust between everyone here. which might be why he wants to stay. though right now he wants to stay because his curiosity has been piqued and--

oh. Rook shrugs. ]

Gossip is a vice, isn't it?

[ as if that explains why Rook knows about his death, about why he would realize that the other might be more than a little uncomfortable around demons. and really, it does.

but then the other is curling over and looking almost like he is about to be sick and-- yeah Rook probably shouldn't follow but he does anyway because he really doesn't want the other to be sick or hurt and for him to have just sat here or something. so the demon follows behind, not really minding the intense heat that comes with the unfurling of those wings.

and fuck, those are amazing.

there is a little bit of awe in his face as he looks at the wings, even if he knows that nothing good could have come from having them. especially not considering his origins.]

Uh, you might want to consider just... not wearing shirts, y'know? [ he gestures to the ash before taking another tentative step towards the other. ] Um, you okay? Should I go get someone?

[ The thing is, once they're out, the tension leaves Kwang's body entirely. He lifts his head to look at the sky, completely mindless of the heat that now radiates from him. He hears the voice behind him, and breathes deeply. His wingspan is pretty massive, but he's so used to them that he doesn't hit anything or anyone when he turns around. ]

I'm fine. It's just -

[ He sighs. There's no reason for the demon not use everything that Kwang tells him against him. But if he was to, there are a lot of people around that would be looking to protect Kwang. And he, himself, is no slouch. ]

It's talking about him. Like... like they know that he's made them.

[ His biggest curse, and at the same time, the only true gift Xylnan left Kwang with. ]

I can control them most of the time. It's just - mentioning him.

[ there is a grimace on his face at that, something knowing and painful lingering there as he talks about why the wings seemed to come from no where. Rook- well he understands in some sense. kind of. because there seems to be a conflict there, as if he doesn't know if he should hate the wings or love them.

like how there are so many times when Rook should know if he hates his Cardinal or be pleased that he was at least given something without violence.]

Ah, not all a good thing?

[ tentative, as if he doesn't quite know if they are good or bad. he thinks the wings are gorgeous, and that is probably obvious with the way he is looking at them, awe barely concealed as he lets his eyes follow them.]

They are amazing though, still think maybe you should think about not wearing shirts though. [ is he eyeing you a little? maybe. ] I mean, I wouldn't complain...

[ With a bit of effort, Kwang stands up, pushing off from the ground and taking an unsteady step, his balance all different when the wings are out. He can hear them, feel them burning at his back, and he retracts them a little, just to make sure he doesn't hit anything - not even Rook - as he turns around. ]

There's a part of me that does love them. That loves what they bring me, and how beautiful they are.

[ Because he does agree that they are. ]

But it's hard to reconcile that with how I got them.

[ Kwang can't help the tiny smirk on his face, even under the circumstances. ]

I'll take that under advisement. Maybe I'm just trying to keep some secrets.

[ Like, say, one huge ass tattoo... ]

[ it is strange, how as Rook watches him he wants to get closer and help him. wants to hold out a hand to balance him. or maybe not, Rook isn't the cruel kind of demon after all. he watches with an awed look as Kwang moves around, aware and graceful with those wings still burning.

it takes a moment for Rook to respond.]

That-- yeah that makes sense. I get that.

[ in a very abstract sense. there are times when he almost doesn't hate his Cardinal because it allows him a closeness to others that he craves but-- then it is always so superficial. so fleeting. punishment.]

Secrets, huh? You trying to get me more interested? Or is that more of a warning?

[ sorry, it toally looks like interest is winning out here. ]

[ Like the sensation of a headache subsiding, Kwang can feel the pressure in his head and in his back lessening slowly. Soon enough he'll be able to summon enough strength to force the wings to burn out and turn to ash, but - not just yet.

It allows him to keep some distance between him and Rook, which is best, because he doesn't want to believe a demon could be around for good, but Rook is persuasive.

Of course he'd be. ]

What do you want from me? [ It's an honest, genuine, earnest question. Why do you seem to care, Rook? ]

[ being persuasive is part of who Rook is but, for once, he isn't using it to seduce or lure. he honestly does not wish to cause the other any discomfort, doesn't want him to feel like he is being persuaded in any sense. honestly, there aren't many times when Rook actually enjoys that.

especially now.

the demon pauses though at that question he never-- no one ever asks him that. that is what he asks others, never putting himself or his wants into the equation because they don't matter.

Rook opens his mouth and closes it more than once before--]

I don't know? I mean, I don't want anything from you that you aren't willing to give first off but I also-- I just don't know what I want.

[ because his life if about pleasing others, about seducing and corrupting and he is nothing but a tool of that. ]

[ Kwang takes his time to consider the answer, standing as tall as he can make himself be, even as he sways a tiny bit from the fatigue of having the wings come out, and pulling them back in. It always takes a lot out of him.

But he's determined not to show fear, or worry. Not right now. Not when Rook says these words, which. For some reason, a reason Kwang isn't too sure about, he's believes. It might be a trick, but it doesn't feel like one.

Xylnan was always cocksure, and obnoxious, and charming in that way, enthralling. He never had a problem using his powers to get what he wanted from people. But Rook seems to struggle with it, even now, looking at Kwang with uncertainty.

It's... not what Kwang expected. And so he takes a deep breath, and nods. ]

Okay. I'm. I'm not going to ask you to leave. This place is a refuge, and maybe - maybe you need one, too. But I'm going to keep an eye out. Anything funny and I'll send you straight back down without thinking twice. Deal?

[ demon he might be, but Rook never lies when his Cardinal isn't in sway. even then, he doesn't lie so much as charm. so what he tells Kwang, that he will not ask more of him than he will give, he is telling the truth. there is no trick, not otherside to this just-- Rook.

so when Kwang accepts, despite all the reasons he has to not trust Rook even a little, the demon finds himself smiling just a little bit.]

...thank you. This-- well I don't know how I got here really but, nice to know it's a refuge.

[ you are correct in thinking that, yes. ]

...use a coin with Saint Agnes on it for banishing me then, makes it more powerful.

[ yes yes he did just tell you what to use to get rid of him better. as like... trust or something.]

[ Kwang takes a sharp breath at the mention of the coin, going through his small collection in his head to check if he even has one.

If he doesn't, he actually doesn't plan on getting one. See? Trying the trust thing, too. For now. For now. He wants to be the better, bigger person here, and not kick out someone just because of... what he is. Even if that scares the hell out of him. Because it's shitty for him to do that, he realizes. It's shitty and it's exactly the kind of thing that starts wars, and Kwang is not intolerant. He won't let himself be.

So he nods. ]

Okay. So, we can cohabit.

[ if you need one, Rook knows where you can get one. or several. namely, from him. he has coins from just after her death done in blessed copper for extra punch, don't ask why. but he does.

still, at least Kwang seems willing to tolerate him for now, and that-- well that does mean a lot. the demon smiles and nods, something like laughter curling in his voice.]

We can. I promise not to get in your way, okay? I, uh, honestly nap most of the time?

[ he seems a little shy about this, because it wasn't like he had to sleep as a demon, he just-- liked sleeping. a lot. it was better than the whole existence thing if you asked him, so-- yeah.]

The couch in the living room is honestly pretty damn comfy...

[ Well, that promises to be interesting. ]

I've never tried it, to be honest. I've got - an excellent bed.

[ WHICH IS NOT A COME ON. Don't take it as one, Rook!!!! ]

[ you sure about that. at least it makes Rook laugh, something sudden and bright as he looks at Kawang.]

You do, huh? Well, can I borrow it for a nap sometime? You don't have to be there, but--

[ Kwang groans gently, but there's an almost smile on his lips. ]

Don't push your luck.

[ there is more laughter before he holds his hands up.]

I won't, promise! I really do just want to nap in it honestly. Gotta be one of the best things about this time period, the best beds.

I'll kick you out of it if I ever find you in it. But if I'm not here to find you in it....

[ Shrug? ]

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