#ch: darius

[fragmentedink]

Story Aesthetics: Once Bitten Twice Shy [read]

Cameron Maržena had been watching the human known as Nikolas Mejias for the last three weeks. Though his girlfriend was always with him, it was Nik who Cameron couldn't seem to keep his eyes off of. Against the mundanity of the mass of humans that ebbed and flowed through the club, Nik was a shining star that caught the eye. His unwavering spirit had certainly caught the four hundred and sixty-three year old vampire's attention and he'd been unable to resist following him ever since.

cowritten with @lux-scriptum

taglist: @pouchedmilk <3

[professor-lungri]

book lending || darius & shere

[mxrainewhispers]

"That is one way to look at it, yeah," Raine chuckled. They were getting older, though--the both of them. Raine liked to think it was a combination of the two.

But they'd let Darius believe it was just the culture thing if that made him feel better.

"Ah, that's fascinating," Raine smiled. "It sounds like a curse, to scroll through videos endlessly. It would explain why some of them never get their assignments in on time."

This was... almost nice. It would've been nicer if it wasn't on the heels of their other discussion. Back on the Isles, Raine and Darius were friendly with each other but not super close. This felt like a chance to maybe change that. Baby steps, discussing the youths and teaching, but it was a start.

They hoped they'd be able to continue to grow this friendship for a long time. They hoped things on the Isles worked in their favor.

@darius-dues

Tides are Changing || Whispmonne

[numericalbridge]

I think it is in character (at least for Darius), and makes sense considering what we know about the Coven Heads, that Darius and Eber would not risk showing that they might actually care about each other. Yet they still went on missions together, and Eber even traveled on Darius's Blimp for the DoU ceremony.

So i wonder what the other Coven Heads thought about that.

Did they see it as a temporary alliance between two equals who wouldn't miss an opportunity to backstab each other. Or did they (except Hettie who was perhaps more perceptive) assume that Darius was using Eber to do dirty work he himself didn't want to do, and Eber was too dumb to realize it, because most of the other Coven Heads just couldn't imagine anyone seriously respecting Eber, considering how Graye and Terra just ignored Eber during KT, and that less humanoid demons seems to be underappreciated.

[majkemaniiia]

magica >> darius (that pining guy from hatter's 💜)

magica: hey. magica: you. magica: what if I told you I know something about *someone* you might be interested in 💜 magica: what then?

@darius-dues

[kimwexlers-brownhair]

Chapters: 15/? Fandom: Phantom of the Opera - Lloyd Webber, Love Never Dies - Lloyd Webber, Le Fantôme de l'Opéra | Phantom of the Opera & Related Fandoms Rating: Not Rated Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Erik | Phantom of the Opera/Meg Giry, Raoul de Chagny/Christine Daaé, Christine Daaé/Erik | Phantom of the Opera, Comte Philippe de Chagny/La Sorelli, Darius/Original Male Character, Meg Giry/Original Character(s), Original Female Characters/Original Female Characters Characters: Meg Giry, Erik | Phantom of the Opera, Christine Daaé, Madame Giry (Phantom of the Opera), Original Characters, Raoul de Chagny, Darius (Phantom of the Opera), Comte Philippe de Chagny, La Sorelli (Phantom of the Opera) Additional Tags: Fix-It of Sorts, Alternate Universe - Historical, LND critical, Erik is bitter and pathetic just the way i like him, when i say i overcorrect the lnd characterizations i don't exactly mean erik, i guess i'm taking out my lnd rage on him as my alw stand-in Summary:

Erik's redemption still hangs in the balance. His villainy and obsession are far from conquered, particularly when the wrong girl steals the silver screen.

In which I overcorrect the mischaracterizations in Love Never Dies, while also speeding up filmmaking by about fifty years.

***

Chapter 15. Hooray for Hollywood(land)!

[professor-lungri]

@darius-dues

Darius nearly lit up at the question. Leaned forward. It was almost as though Shere had asked him his favorite thing.

Perhaps he had.

The Vaagh leans forward, resting his elbow on the table and, then, his chin in his palm, humming and nodding as he listens to the other man.

"That's all quite fascinating, truly. We've nine of that here. Or, we'll, not from what I have personally seen," he ammends, smiling slightly. "But it sounds utterly fascinating. In that case, you might do well to pull from that history and bisect it with any introductory material - correct or otherwise - within our demonology department. As for creatures, under my expertise, there are a few, though I highly doubt they are up to the same...example as your Isles."

Team Building: Sherius Edition

[midnightsaboteur]

D A R I U S - because obviously her King needs some love too.

HEADCANON GAME - A TO Z (NSFW)

D = Dirty Secret (Pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

Darius loves to buy lingerie and other such sensual garments for his lovers, as part of a kink he has buried deep to dress his partners.

A = Aftercare (What they’re like after sex)

Warm and affectionate, for sure. He will cuddle if his partners wants, and is always game for soft smooching and gentle touches.

R = Risk (Are they game to experiment, do they take risks, etc.)

He can't be too risky, given his position. However, that equally doesn't mean Darius wouldn't have sex in his office, nor on a plane.

I = Intimacy (How are they during the moment, romantic aspect…) 

Will always kiss and touch affectionately during the act, when the moment calls for it (i.e. lovemaking, rather than the quicker, rougher stuff)

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

Loves to tease his partners, although not to excessive levels. He will tease as he sees appropriate, though.

S = Stamina (How many rounds can they go for, how long do they last…)

Darius works out and keeps fit, ergo his stamina is quite high. Combined, when he's with someone he cares for and/or is incredibly attracted to, it can motivate him to go for a good few rounds.

[ovomoy]

Marrow ch.6 - dream sequence

This is an illustration comic made for the dream sequence in ch. 6 of my fanfic Marrow.

Some spoilers from here

Hunter's dream relates the finding of the Golden Guard's mass grave back to the time when he discovered the truth in Belos' mind. He is also stressing out about Darius and the others finding out that he is a Grimwalker, and what that could mean for them.

In his mind, he fears the same loss as back in Hollow Mind, feeling that it is happening all over again and that he is powerless to stop it. - it is a similar feeling.

While getting away from being the Golden Guard saved his life, it was still a traumatic event that hadn't been addressed yet.

trauma + survivor's guilt + fear = Hunter having a not so good time

Also, he is only now starting to build a new life, which also adds to it all.

---

I don't know if I am over-explaining it or not.

(It seems so simple in my head, but then I try to type it out and it feels all jumbled. 😭)

---

It has been almost a year that I have given up on art. I didn't feel any motivation to do anything and felt that I was not as good or I was wasting my time. Those things, you know how it can be.

Then suddenly I feel this desire to just draw again out of the blue.

I don't know if it's a seasonal thing or something, but either way, I decided to commit to it once I got the idea. I want to draw more fan art as well.

[dreammfires]

Harold A Spencer. CH 1 translation.

Harold. A. Spencer

He is the first King of Philip and the ancestor of Willfred and Hayden Spencer. These stories take place in a (for lack of better term) medieval setting.

The MC in this era unlike BMP 1 and 2 is not from Oriens. She is from Philip and is a medical assistant working at a clinic.

Japanese is not my native language so there is bound to mistakes.

CORRECTION: The character Uncle Rasa, I translated his name wrong I have no idea if ラサル is Lasar or La Salle.

CREDIT ME IF USING /POSTING ELSEWHERE

??: What? You haven't seen the King's face yet? It's been some time since he became King.

MC: Y…yes

A loud voice boomed through the waiting room where it's just the person and her. The loud voice belongs to Mr Moliere, who runs a pharmacy near the clinic she works at.

MC: The clinic is so busy I have no time to bother about him!

Mr. Moliere: You didn't even attend the inauguration ceremony or the speech of the first King of the Kingdom of Philip. It was one for the ages.

Mr Moliere: Above everything else YOU are a traitor to your country since you never saw his national treasure worthy face!

He says it with so much force that MC leans back from behind the counter.

Moliere: I was just kidding.

Resting her chin on her hands on the counter, Mr Moliere speaks again.

Mr Moliere: But it is typical of you to be such a hard worker. You're glued to your work to a point I never hear anyone talk about you romantically.

MC laughs then wonders if she should be happy about it.

All she can do is give a bitter smile to him.

Moliere: I guess that's where you take after your mentor when it comes to being single minded about work.

MC: What? I am nowhere near the skill level of Uncle La Salle. He's always buried in books from morning to night. No matter how many times I call him for dinner he never comes out of his room.

Mr.Moliere: I can imagine that!

Uncle La Salle is her mentor and benefactor. MC was born into an aristocratic family. She was the daughter of a feudal lord of a region before the unification of Philip; however she lost her parents one after the other.

She was considered a bringer of bad luck by everyone because of that so nobody would take her in. On the verge of being sent to an orphanage the one who took her in was Uncle La Salle, her family's doctor. He trained her to be a medical assistant. Without him and his clinic she has no idea where she'd be.

Mr. Moliere: Now he'll be treating the servants of Philip Castle right? I also have a royal warrant as well so it will be busier than ever.

MC: I agree. She wonders if she will be going up to the castle more often now? If she has a chance she'd like to see the King's face one day.

Darius: MC

Darius, a senior medical assistant's head peeks out of the medical examination room. Like her he was also taken in by Uncle Lasar due to unfortunate circumstances so he is an older brother to her.

Darius: The clinic will be opening soon. Are you ready to start the day?

MC: Yes! Mr.Moliere: It's that time already?He pushes the lint, bleach powder and olive oil that he brought with him onto her.

Mr.Moliere: Thank you for your business. Give my regards to Darius!

He waves and passes her. She then goes to the medical examination room.

Darius: You are late.

MC: I'm sorry.

She bows and apologizes to Lasar and Darius. Uncle La Salle waves her off and tells her it is okay.

Uncle La Salle: Let's start our usual meeting. Check who is reserved for today.

They have these meetings every morningwhere they check in with each other and look at info they know about the patients. It helps things run more smoothly.

Darius: For the past few days we've seen an increase in patients with coughs and sore throats.

Uncle La Salle: The temperature difference between night and day may be the cause of that.

MC: So that means we'll soon see an increase of people complaining of joint aches?

Uncle La Salle: That is possible. MC prepare some treatments for that in addition to cold treats please. Come Darius let us go and see to the patients.

The clinic door opens and someone calls out to MC and Uncle La Salle dismisses the meeting. Today is going to be a hectic day for the clinic.

___

Meanwhile in the elegant Castle of the Kingdom of Philip.

Minister A: What?! You're increasing the number of government officials to 100 at once?Minister B: He's also promoted people from the surrounding provinces who were his enemies before the founding!

Ministers and attendants gather around crying out in unison and disbelief.

??: It's because we were enemies it was important to nip their discontent in the bud at an early stage. Equal and open employment act as a deterrent to rebellion. That's how we integrate them into the Kingdom of Philip quickly.

A man with blond hair, blue eyes and a perfect face like that of a marble statue said in a calm tone while sitting the throne.

An older man sitting next to him stood up and agreed with the sentiment.

???: Yes! What the Kingdom of Philip needs right now is a sense of unity! This is a meaningful gesture.

Minister A: But Zackry

Zackry: Wait, his majesty hasn't finished speaking

??: ……

His majesty, meaning the man on the throne is the first King of Philip.

Zackry: Your majesty, please continue.The man sits again and urges the King to speak.

The King: Furthermore we will build more shipyards in the coastal areas that were cooperative with us and create employment opportunities than we have just seen with the increase in government officials. The sole purpose of shipbuilding now is to increase trade with other countries. From now on we will take advantage of our unified geography and leverage this to strengthen our ties with other countries via strong maritime transport.

Servant A: If that is the case shouldn't we get the public's consent?

Servant B: But they were once enemies. To bring them into the heart of the matter is risky!

King: That is probably true.

As opinions for and against flew around, the king spoke again.

King: Think about this way if the employment opportunities are equal then the guilt when they rebel will be just as equal. This measure is to prevent future discord.

King: On top of that, we will give generous rewards to the regions that have maintained a cooperative approach so far, so that they can feel the benefits.

King: Both of these will surely become the cornerstones of the future development of the Kingdom of Philip.

Ministers:.....

There was silence for a moment before the throne room was filled with applause.

Zackry: At this rate there is no need for a vote all of those who approve can respond by applause.

As Zackry calls this out the throne rooms’ applauses get louder.

Minister A: Wow I can't believe you thought that far ahead.

Minister B: The new Kingdom of Philip is safe and sound.

Servant A: Long live the Kingdom of Philip!

Servant B: Hurrah!

Zackry: Silence! With that the meeting today is at an end. You may go now.

One by one the ministers leave until it is just Zackry and the King alone in the audience chamber.

Zackry: You were truly impressive just now, Your Majesty.

The King: Zackry I've known you for a long time. When we are in private there is no need to address me as Your Majesty.

The atmosphere is relaxed now and the King gives a wry smile.

Zackry: Hahaha That's true.

Zackry says that even being the King's assistant is a daunting task and there's more laughter in the room. The King speaks with a friendly look on his handsome face.

King: My late father's right hand man Zackery. I am glad you are here.

Zackry: That's what I should be saying. You even went from a naughty little boy to a fine young man.

Zackry's eyes narrow with deep emotion.

Zackry: I'm sure your father who passed away before his goals could be achieved is very proud of you.

King: I'll be counting on you in the future.

Zackry: Of course your majesty.King: Hey!

Zackry: I'm kidding.

Although he is old enough to be the King’s father he acts childish. The King joins his jovial mood showing his smile.

His gaze is full of absolute trust in Zackry.(A/N: Zackry is gonna betray him later I am calling it.).

_____

MC has just seen the last patient out of the clinic, closed the clinic doors and stretches. Uncle La Salle and the others will be going on house calls later.

She has to sort medical records and update people's medical history but before that she has to get more medicinal herbs.

They’ve handed out so many cold prescriptions today that supplies are low and there will be more cold prescriptions to hand out in the future. She's picked everything in her gardens unfortunately.

Uncle La Salle and Darius are getting ready to go out on their house calls and she asks Uncle La Salle if she can go out for a bit.

Uncle La Salle: Well of course. I don't mind.

Darius: Where are you going?

MC: The herbs for my medicines are running low so I need to collect more.

Uncle La Salle: Where are you going to get them? The mountains?

MC: Yeah even though it's not a mountain though.

Darius: Does it have to be today though? It's a holiday tomorrow, we can go tomorrow.

He's still worrisome and overprotective as usual.

MC: It's still light out and I've been to that place often. I'll be fine besides if you consider the time it takes to soak the herbs, the sooner the better.

There is other work that can be done on the holiday. La Salle laughs and calls her a workaholic and she makes a retort. Darius tells her to be careful.

MC asks them to leave their key in the usual place for her. She takes her basket and leaves.

She walks up the small mountains near to the clinic and she feels relaxed when she comes here. The open area where flowers bloom every season it's one of the few places where she can take a break. Best of all it is a treasure trove of medicinal plants.

Ofc she buys dried and processed herbs from Mr Moliere but as she gained medical knowledge, she has learnt that fresh herbs is the best plus not spending money is a plus. She hopes that no one else will find out about this place.

MC: I'll gather what I need then head off home.

She picks plants that can be used to help the cold, clears out some poisonous flowers and she nibbles on plants that could be used at the dinner table.

Before long the sun begins to set. MC looks up at the orange sky and stands up.

MC: That should be enough for today.She looks at baskets full of plants and flowers indicating she had a good harvest.

MC: Time to go back before Uncle La Salle and Darius scold me.

??: You! Woman over there!

A voice behind her carries across on the crisp, clean air as she puts her hands on the handles.

Are they talking about her?

She turns around and her eyes widen.

Man: What are you doing here?

His golden blonde hair sweeps in the fragrant wind and his features are like an angel. A beautiful man stares at her with clear blue eyes from on top of a white horse.

She cannot help but gasp.

[mxrainewhispers]

Oh, of course that boa, they should have known. "Ah, right," they nodded almost solemnly, like the thought of it being that one was greatly upsetting to them as well. "I was hoping it wasn't that one."

Raine didn't know there was a difference between boas.

Though, that was curious. "Wait, the gun went missing today?" that did seem more like someone took it rather than it got misplaced. "Do you think someone saw it leaning there and moved it back to the props department for safe keeping?" They assumed she'd probably checked there, but it didn't hurt to ask.

"It's all going to be alright, Collette, just breathe, we'll find them. Maybe if the glue was still drying on the rhinestones maybe some got knocked off when it was taken. We could see if someone left a sparkly breadcrumb trail for us?" they suggested.

@collette-richards

Case of the missing prop! | Rainette

[fragmentedink]

Once Bitten Twice Shy: Part Six

pt. 5

cowritten by @lux-scriptum

Time got away from Lev. There had been so much to do today that he completely forgot that he had promised to go to that pool party tonight. Ah well. He’d cleaned up the flowers in his backyard as best he could, made his weekly meal plan, sorted through his clothes as harshly as he could, and even found the time to walk them to a local donation center.

And then the sun had set and Lev still hadn’t made a dessert. Well shit. So Lev had made a quick store run, prayed they didn’t mind it wouldn’t be fully from scratch, and was now on the walk home as fast as he could go.

He was so lost in thought he didn’t notice right away that Nik had fallen in step beside him. When he did, he flinched to the side and stumbled, only just righting himself in time. “Jesus Christ,” he exploded breathlessly. “You scared the crap out of me.”

Nik only grinned at him. “Penny for your thoughts?”

Lev wasn’t going to tell him that he was currently thinking about the way Nik’s smile sent his stomach into somersaults, so he went with the next best thing. “I’m supposed to have a dessert already made for some neighborhood thing and I completely forgot. I meant to go to the store yesterday, but- well. It rained. Trying not to panic about that. It’s called fashionably late for a reason, right?” He tried for a smile, but it felt more awkward than anything else.

“Sure.”

That didn’t sound convincing to Lev, but the other option was just. Not showing up to this stupid pool party. He tried to remind himself he’d been excited about it. “I’ve been wanting to try new things,” he finally puffed out. Maybe he should slow down. “I don’t like feeling like life’s passing me by, just because I’m nervous all the time. Don’t really like crowds, but I do like making food for people, so I figured this was a good compromise. Meet new people, ‘stead of holing up in my house all the time.”

“You could go on a date with me.” When Lev looked over, startled, Nik wore a lazy grin. “Since you want to try new things.”

Lev came to a stop, desperately trying to see the connection between those two sentences. In the end he finally said, “I thought you had a boyfriend?”

“We’re not, ah, exclusive.”

Lev started walking again, slower this time. “Ah.” And the problem was, he wanted to say yes so badly. Nik was easy to be around. He kept Lev on his toes, and he seemed chill at the same time, somehow. But inserting himself in an already established relationship felt overwhelming, especially considering he’d never even met Nik’s boyfriend. Besides- “I appreciate it, but I— I just got out of a really bad... situation. Relationship? And I don’t know if I’m—” What? Ready? Datable? Undamaged enough to be worth bothering with? “It’s complicated.” Copout of the century, but again. Nik didn’t need his sob story.

To his relief, Nik just shrugged. “No biggie.”

That was, unfortunately, part of the problem. Lev wanted it to be a big deal. He wanted to try with Nik so bad. Even if it was one stupid date. One stupid date could still prove to himself trying was not a waste of time. He wished he could erase his knee jerk refusal and try again. Instead he put one foot in front of the other, scrambling for something to say. “I would like to hang out again,” he finally admitted. “As friends? You seem really cool.”

This time Nik’s smile was cheeky. “That’s because I am cool.”

A laugh bubbled out of Lev before he could stop it. He came to a halt at the edge of his yard, shifting his weight. “I was serious. I like talking with you. D’you— hang on.” Fed up with having his hands occupied, Lev hung his grocery bags on one of his fence posts. “I can give you my number, if you want? Or you could give me yours? I really like you and— well— I’m not ready for a date, but I—You—” God, it’d been months since his words got gummed up this bad. He held his phone out in offering, rather than try to keep pushing through.

To his relief, Nik took his phone and entered his number. When Lev got his phone back, he saw Nik had filled out his name already and everything. Lev decided he didn’t want to ask why Nik thought he needed to add the blood drop emoji to the end of his contact name. It probably was some joke that would go over Lev’s head, like most of them did. Lev shot off a text so Nik would have his number as well.

“I have to go make this,” Lev said regretfully as he retrieved his bags. “But I’ll text you later?” He snorted. “Probably during the thing, honestly. Still not sure why I agreed to go.” Liar. He was being brave these days, remember? Doing things that made him uncomfortable.

“Sure,” Nik said easily.

Lev felt himself smile before he consciously decided to. He rocked back on his heels, trying to think of something else to say, to drag out this moment as long as he could, but the thump of his groceries against his thigh reminded him he was on a time crunch. “Um. I gotta—” He waved the bag halfheartedly and backed up a step. “You know. I already— ah, bye!”

With that Lev scurried up his front steps and inside, where there was no one to act the fool in front of.

----

Lev would have preferred to make everything from scratch, but he’d not given himself the time to. He was making a layered trifle, and with everything store bought it wasn’t that hard to make. Other than making the lemon syrup to dip his (also store bought) pound cake in before he started, all he had to do was layer the cake, whipped cream, and berries over and over until the dish was filled. Easy peasy.

Even better, since they’d decided to have this party at night, he didn’t have to worry about unearthing his sunscreen and could just throw on a pair of swim trunks and a faded grey t-shirt before he carefully bundled up his trifle dish and made his way down the street to the party.

He’d been right. The party was in full swing when he made his way to the back of the host’s house. The trifle was set upon the counter amongst the other dishes, and Lev was swept along. He recognized a few faces, tried to keep up with new names, and wondered how long he had to stay before it wasn’t rude to slip out the gate and head back home. It wasn’t until he made it to the poolside that he recognized a now-familiar face.

“Nik?” He asked over the music.

Nik was wearing red swim trunks and a short sleeved button down that... was not buttoned at all. Good grief, it was unfair how good Nik looked. Lev had to force himself not to give Nik another onceover, fixing his gaze firmly on Nik’s brown eyes. Distracting, but less so than the riot of inappropriate thoughts he was having about a guy he barely knew.

“Lev! You made it!” Nik’s smile made the strings of lights criss crossing the area above the pool look dim.

“I didn’t realize you’d be here,” Lev said, trying not to sound like that smile hadn’t stunned him a little. Christ, maybe it was time to download a dating app or something.

“I’ve been known to crash a party or two,” Nik said with absolutely zero shame. If anything he looked very pleased with himself.

Lev gaped at him. The idea of inviting himself to a party that had nothing to do with him was foreign to him. Hell, Lev had been invited to this party and he almost didn’t show up. “What are you going to do if someone notices?” He asked, stepping closer so no one would overhear.

In a tone so serious even Lev could tell it was sarcasm, Nik said, “I’ll mind control them.”

A beat too late, Lev laughed. “I’m sure it just takes a smile from you,” he found himself saying. He immediately wanted to snatch the words out of the air. He’d done too much today, and was clearly suffering from heat stroke or something.

“Something like that.”

Only then did Lev realize he was very much in Nik’s space. He cleared his throat and stepped back. “Are you, uh. Having fun?”

“Now that you’re here, I am.”

How did he say it so casually? Like he meant it, and it was no big deal. Lev floundered for a minute, before laughing awkwardly. “Have you, um, gotten in yet?” Stupid question, Nik wasn’t wet. Too late though.

As if having the same thoughts, Nik looked down at his own dry clothes. “No, not yet.” And then he looked up again, mischief in his brown eyes. “D’you want to?”

“I mean, yeah eventu—” Lev broke off with a yelp as Nik deftly backed him up just far enough that when Nik gave him an artfully placed nudge Lev ended up smack in the water. Lev popped back up, spluttering, to see Nik seated on the edge of the pool with his feet dangling in the water. “Hey,” he complained with zero heat behind it.

“Good thing you can swim,” NIk said, unbothered.

“You’re lucky I left my phone at home.” Lev folded his arms on the side of the pool and tried to ignore how close Nik was. He puffed out a breath of air to dislodge his bangs, and when that didn’t work he pushed them back by hand. “I just got your number, it’d be a waste to ruin my phone now.”

Nik just gave him a smile. Maybe Lev should have been upset, but he found himself smiling back. He was happy, he realized. Like, genuinely happy.

“When I said I wanted to hang out, I didn’t think it would be this soon,” Lev said, nudging Nik. He frowned almost immediately. “You’re pretty cold. No wonder you didn’t get in, jeez.” He was already lifting himself up onto the side of the pool next to Nik.

Nik shrugged. “I’m fine.”

Lev blew a drop of water off his nose. “If you’re sure,” he said dubiously, but changed the subject almost immediately. “You do have to try the dessert I brought. You didn’t have any of the pastries I made the night of the meteor shower.”

“Yeah, I’ll try it,” Nik promised.

Good enough for Lev, who nudged Nik’s shoulder in thanks. “Don’t have to right now,” he promised. He braced himself on the side of the pool, finding himself smiling for no real reason. “I’m gonna go talk to people. The whole point was to meet my neighbors, right?” With that he stood, wringing out his shirt away from Nik. “Can’t be scared of them forever.”

----

Nik wandered the party for a while. He flirted with the idea of getting in the pool on and off again all night. Even if the pool wasn’t… running water, it still felt like an unpleasant idea of getting in. And that thought horrified him dearly. He longed to swim as he did when he was human. According to Cameron the revulsion would wear off in a few centuries, but that didn’t stop the issue he had now.

Nik toed the water and watched it ripple. He did get up and try Lev's trifle eventually. After all, he had made a promise. It wasn’t bad, though he wasn’t one for sweets. He could see why Lev was proud of his work and wanted Nik to try it.

Eventually the party wore down and Nik found himself leaving just as easily as he came. He walked the streets until he got to Lev's house. The lights were still on but Nik didn’t see him in the living room. Unsurprising.

Nik decided to once again hop the fence to the backyard and find his way back to the window looking into Lev's bedroom. Nik plucked a blue flower from the flower bed and peered inside. It took a few moments for Lev to appear from the bathroom. Nik was pleased to see that not only was Lev wearing the t-shirt Nik had bought him, but also that it fell to Lev’s mid thigh exactly like he’d predicted.

Lev didn’t even glance at the window as he flopped into bed. A few seconds later the bedside lamp clicked off. Also unsurprising. Nik figured it would be a typical night until he heard the rattle of the bedside table drawer open. It was no trouble to see in the darkness of Lev’s room; even if he hadn’t been able to, he would have been able to hear the distinct click of a lid.

It turned out that even alone in the dark of his own room, Lev was almost shy about how he masturbated. Nik wasn’t surprised by this. With how repressed Lev seemed to be in daily life, it made a lot of sense. Even Lev’s little gasps seemed muffled as he worked himself up. Nik was almost disappointed at how Lev bit back every sound he made.

At least Nik could still see every hesitant stroke Lev made, every shudder as he teased himself closer and closer to the edge. Lev seemed hesitant to let it end. Or maybe that was just the part of Lev that seemed determined to keep himself quiet. That part seemed to be losing, Nik noticed. Lev rolled his hips up into his hand. His breath caught, and he closed his eyes as a strangled word passed his lips as he came. It took Nik only a heartbeat to realize it was his name.

Lev was panting at the ceiling now, mortified flush visible as a neon sign to Nik. Aw. The fact that Lev was this desperately into him was. Cute, almost. Pleased Nik to no end, anyway, even more than knowing Lev had gone to bed wearing the shirt Nik had gotten him. Lev was now stumbling around in the dark, getting cleaned up before he crawled back into bed.

Instead of going to sleep right away, Lev’s phone lit up the room. Nik ducked lower, listening to Lev tap away at his screen. This was also unusual for Lev. Before Nik’s curiosity could get too unmanageable, he noticed a text from Lev.

Lev: Hey. I was wondering if that offer for a casual date had an expiration?

Nik: Not at all. Would tomorrow at 8 work?

Lev’s typing bubble appeared and vanished several times before he sent his reply.

Lev: I can do 8. :) Should I meet you somewhere?

Nik: the coffee shop on the corner?

Lev: sounds good! See you then

Lev: <3

Nik liked the response and put his phone away. He could hear Lev tossing and turning, before a contented sigh came from the human. Nik gave it a few more minutes. As he expected, Lev’s breathing slowed enough Nik was fairly confident that Lev was asleep. He peeked in the window again. Yep. Curled around his pillow and everything, faint flush still visible in the moonlight. He might have even been smiling a little. Nik decided to take credit for that.

Sure now that Lev was asleep, Nik decided to head home. It wasn’t like anything else interesting would be happening tonight, and Nik had a date to plan.

----

Cameron found himself moving towards the kitchen as hunger bit at his insides. He flagged down one of the maids with a flick of a wrist. There was no fear on her face when Cameron looked her in the eyes.

“Hold out your arm,” he said, compulsion coloring his voice. She held out her pale arm immediately, delicate skin flushed a warm pink. She didn’t flinch when he flicked open his switchblade and sliced into her wrist.

He watched the blood instantly well up and pulse against her skin. Blood spilled like silk seamlessly into the awaiting teacup, hot and fresh. The smell had his fangs extending down and cutting into his lip.

He handed her his black handkerchief. “Clean yourself up and get back to work,” he said, moving to wrap his fingers around the teacup. He found himself a seat at the counter and took a small drink.

Cameron's eyes snapped up when some…thing flashed in front of him— across from him. And again, there it was. But this time an image stuck. An image he was sure to recognize even in his sleep. Even if he were (well. he was.) dead.

Darius with his long black curls and light brown skin sat across from him with a cup of tea. Though he was fading in and out, and was partly opaque, Cameron was pleased to see him. Though from the looks of it, Darius wasn't consciously aware. At least not yet.

So soon. Darius was to awaken— likely towards the end of the month. He was projecting his consciousness outward and soon enough Cameron will be able to talk to him once again.

Warmth bloomed inside of him, like an extra echo of a beating heart as he took another drink from his teacup. It was hot and fresh— just as good as if he had taken it straight from the vein. It was positively clear and clean. Cameron did not hire anyone who smoked or drank. Their blood would remain pure.

Cameron's gaze flickered from Darius’ beautiful curls to his finely cut features. How he missed being able to converse with him, but for now…. for now this would do quite nicely. 

[winndeavor]

@darius-dues

A slight chuckle escapes at Darius' eyebrow raise and his 'fair enough.' Was it really? Was it fair, for Willow, for all of this to have happened?

No. No, Winston didn't think so.

He sees the eyebrow raise at his words, explaining the company and what they do. Winston is proud of it, what they do, and he grins over at the man, easy but tired.

"I'm from here, actually," Winston says, rubbing a hand across his cheek, giving it a scratch, "Grew up here from the age of about ten. The company was originally in London, but I've moved an office to the Next Town Over too. I came back a few years ago after my parents died."

The Only Adults || Winston&Darius

[numericalbridge]

another unecessary post that looks at the rule of funny/rule of cool too seriously. It is not really clear (and i didn't think about this too hard) to me how sticky the abomination matter supposed to be naturally - supposedly usually it is not really sticky considering that they have objects like lamps and skateboards made out of it, yet sometimes it seems like it is sticky. But i headcanon that it at least can be modified - like Darius's abomination also seemingly has dissolving/corroding properties in the finale (unless you subscribe to the theory that the CHs' sigils were destroyed, and he had combined it with other magic) so this supports the idea that the magic user can modify it's properties; abomination is, of course, often used as a trap but maybe it just traps by holding someone in place more directly.

Anyway, i think it's funny how in the Clouds Raine just kinda brushes / throws the abomination away from themselves:

Like, it is possible that if Darius wanted to be really mean or was very careless he could have made a sticky abomination and everyone could've been stuck with it for the rest of the meeting.

[majkemaniiia]

magica >> darius (that pining guy from hatter's 💜)\

magica: happy birthday ✨💜

@darius-dues

[gryficowa]

!!!