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[daphnemontagu]

calistaemmanuel​:

daphnemontagu​:

She tended to humor Daphne when they woke from the slumber they both did and didn’t need, pretending to be asleep still or at the very least caught somewhere between sleep and wakefulness while Daphne slipped from the bed to patter around the living area. Calista would spend a good amount of time simply lying there, listening to the muffled sounds, letting them reassure her that Daphne was right there, safe within the walls of their shared home all while allowing the other woman a modicum of space and freedom. She knew she could be overbearing and controlling but she had lost Daphne before and she couldn’t - wouldn’t - lose her again.

Tracing Daphne’s steps, Calista picked up yet another still full but already cold cup of tea to dispose of it in the sink. She was fairly certain Daphne never even took as much as a sip but continued to restock their supply regardless. “I don’t have to,” she responded quietly, head tilted to the side as she studied the woman before her. Always a little frazzled, skittish and nervous these days. She loved her still, more than anything, but there was never a moment when Calista’s heart wasn’t breaking for her.

“Dance with you?” She echoed, allowing Daphne’s touch to coax a smile onto her lips. She would have to go out to find another soul to feed on eventually - to ensure that she was able to protect Daphne from whatever the universe decided to fling at them next - but she could probably go a little while longer. Slipping her left hand into Daphne’s right, Calista lifted it skywards to twirl Daphne around and back into her. “Why of course, my love.” Settling her other hand on the shorter woman’s back, she dipped down to steal a quick kiss before she guided Daphne into the well-practiced steps, humming along to the song as they went.

                                      ━━━━━━ Daphne ━━━━━━

I don’t have to. Those words always filled Daphne with such guilt. She hated feeling as though she was making Calista weak by keeping her at her side instead of venturing out to feed, but she couldn’t help the fear that overwhelmed her entire being every time Calista left their home. Sometimes she wondered if he lover missed when Daphne had been more independent and unafraid of the world.

Still, Daphne found herself twirling to the music as though the world outside them didn’t exist. She settled against her lovers body, her free hand coming up to cup Calista’s cheek as they kissed. If she had Calista, she was okay, she was all she needed. They moved in a well practised rhythm to the music, a series of dips and twirls, like a well choreographed sequence as they melted into one another. It made Daphne smile and it extended to her eyes as Calista leaned her into a dip. “You always known how to make me smile.” She murmured, affectionately leaning in for a second kiss when she returned to both feet. Daphne could feel her own hunger swelling in this proximity, but she pushed it away for a moment. “Will we still have our board game night tonight?” She asked. It was the little things that Daphne liked to organise to keep her mind busy, and Calista usually humoured her.

                                          ━━━━━━ Calista ━━━━━━

You always know how to make me smile. Though spoken with so much honesty, Calista knew those words to be a lie. “I try,” she replied around a soft chuckle before she pulled Daphne back into her. She did. She truly did. But deities and demons were fundamentally different and her mind kept a meticulous backlog of all the times she had failed to make that smile reach Daphne’s eyes. There were wounds she could no longer sooth, only acknowledge. And at times she managed to fail even at that, too afraid of what openly addressing them might bring to the surface.

Leaning her forehead against Daphne’s, she brushed their noses together. “Of course. And I’ll try not to cheat this time.” As fickle and unreliable as divination tended to be, it was surprisingly accurate when it came to board games and the banter that had followed that realization during their last game night had almost felt like old times. Growing still for a moment, Calista shifted her arm from Daphne’s back to wrap it around her waist instead, linking their fingers together as she dropped her voice to a whisper. “I love you more than anything else in this universe and beyond.” Allowing her words to linger for a moment, she brushed a quick kiss to the corner of Daphne’s mouth. “And I know when you’re hungry.”

                                      ━━━━━━ Daphne ━━━━━━

Daphne laughed softly, these days Calista was the only person who could draw such a sound from her lips. “I don’t believe you.” She replied with playful suspiciousness. Although Daphne didn’t mind losing, not if losing meant she got more kisses and affection from Calista to make up for the loss.

“Mm,” She hummed softly, allowing her fingertips to brush Calista’s cheek with adoration. Daphne’s lips parted to return her sentiment, when Calista continued, she paused, “…Sometimes I don’t like to keep asking,” She softly admitted, “You always reassure me of your strength and I know it, but sometimes I can’t help but to feel guilty.” It wasn’t as though they were unfamiliar with Daphne feeding from her, it had almost become Daphne’s only source over the years. It has always been a source of intimacy, now Daphne worried it felt like a chore, an obligation, or that she was using her. “Sometimes I worry that you feel the intimacy is gone from it.” She confessed her thoughts aloud, her worried blue-green eyes resting on her lovers face, “Do you still feel it?”

                                          ━━━━━━ Calista ━━━━━━

“Rude.” Calista huffed around a genuine smile. “Though probably not entirely unwarranted.” Wrinkling her nose as if in thought, she added. “I might let you win once or twice.”

Her features softened further at Daphne’s quiet admission, it seemed like this one had been weighing on the other woman for a while now. “Are you asking me if I feel like a walking juice box?” She joked, hoping to catch Daphne’s mind before it could delve into deeper, darker waters. “Because the answer is no. —Come here.” Refusing to relinquish her hold, Calista walked them backwards towards the sofa, dropping onto it and easily pulling Daphne into her lap as she held her gaze. “I haven’t and I will never grow tired of it. Just like I will never grow tired of kissing you. Touching you. Loving you.” Through the tenderness, a sheepish smile stole its way across her lips, hazel eyes momentarily finding Daphne’s collar bone. “And it’s not just about being able to provide for you either. —I like it when you bite me. I like the sting of your fangs piercing my skin. The rush that comes with the blood loss. Every now and again, I like giving up all control to you. I like being at your mercy.”

                                      ━━━━━━ Daphne ━━━━━━

“Well… yes.” Daphne admitted, allowing herself a small smile at her lovers jokes. At the very least, they knew how to catch each other before their mind’s wandered into dark territory. It was what they had always done for one another and Calista had been tasked with doing it daily when she had first returned from her capture. Daphne followed Calista to the sofa, happy to settle in her lap and to let her fingers tuck a piece of hair behind Calista’s ear. The way that Calista was so strong and formidable, yet sheepish with her smile, made Daphne’s eyes warm with utter adoration. If her cheeks could have flushed, they most certainly would have. “Have I told you how adorable you are lately?” She asked with a soft, adoring smile, “My formidable angel.” She said softly, her thumb grazing her lovers bottom lip. Calista had always been an angel in her eyes, even without her wings, even after she’d fallen, she’d always be her saviour, before and after the fall. For Daphne, it didn’t change who Calista was on the inside.

Daphne moved her thumb to kiss her softly, “I’ll love you forever, in this world and in the next. I can promise that.” She murmured, that much had never changed. Daphne bent her head, kissing softly against her lovers neck, giving her the chance to stop her, before she felt the prick of fangs at her gums. Daphne paused, before they pierced into Calista’s skin and she moaned softly at the taste of her. Her fingers absently traced soothing patterns into the other side of Calista’s throat, before they dropped to her collarbones, following the lines of them, dropping to the buttons of her blouse…

                                          ━━━━━━ Calista ━━━━━━

“Adorable,” Calista echoed, brow quirked and lips hitching into a smile. An expression that slipped from her features only moments later, her eyes clouding over at one word in particular. Angel. There was something to be said about the inevitability of her fall - set into motion centuries before Daphne had even been born - but it still felt like she was drowning, helpless and lost, in her own darkness whenever she allowed herself to think about it and all the ways she had failed Daphne. An odd twitch to her jaw, Calista forced herself to swallow any and all potential rebuttals, holding her lover’s gaze to keep herself from sinking down, down, down… Daphne was her only light. Her love, her faith, the only thing keeping Calista afloat.

Daphne’s next words were easier to swallow. Sweet and rich against her lips, the accompanying kisses all too distracting, pleasure and familiarity crackling along her skin. Calista knew exactly what was going to happen and she welcomed it like she had all those times before. Eyes snapping shut at the first prick of fangs, she answered Daphne’s moan with one of her own, the ghost of a memory causing her breath to speed up. She had made a joke about it once - about how Daphne seemed to be able to make her body forget that it no longer needed oxygen. Only it wasn’t a joke. Daphne’s touch alone was enough to make Calista forget who and what they were.

Goosebumps rising in the wake of Daphne’s gentle caresses, Calista drew her firmer against her, huffing out a quiet warning when the other woman’s nimble fingers descended upon the buttons of her blouse. “Don’t start what you do not intend to finish.”

                                      ━━━━━━ Daphne ━━━━━━

Daphne relished in the moments where Calista drew her closer into her body, hoping there was never a day she didn’t feel her firm but gentle hold around her. Calista’s blood was different against her tongue now to when they had first embarked on this, not sweet like honey, but like a rich wine that left a slight spice on the tip of her tongue. She hummed softly as she swallowed her last mouthful, gently retracting her fangs and pressing soft kisses to the area until the small punctures disappeared.

Lifting her head, slightly hazy eyes flickered over her lovers face, “Why wouldn’t I intend to finish it?” Daphne asked her, her voice having dropped to a more sultry tone. She leant in to press a tender kiss to Calista’s lips. It didn’t matter that the other woman met lips with others in order to feed, not when Daphne knew she was the only one she truly kissed. They dropped to press slow kisses down the column of her throat, “You look after me…” She murmured the reminder, gentle fingers slowly undoing the rest of Calista’s buttons to press kisses to the swell of her breasts, “Can’t I look after you?” Daphne asked demurely. She drew back, lifting the oversized t-shirt she wore above her head to leave her in just the lacy underwear set beneath.

                                          ━━━━━━ Calista ━━━━━━

There was nothing quite like being able to feel Daphne’s pulse settle into a steady hum as her own blood began to rush through her lover’s veins, incrementally warming Daphne’s skin and dusting the apples of her cheeks with color. Surrendering a hiss to the room as Daphne’s fangs retracted - the sound caught somewhere between pain and pleasure - Calista kept herself open to the other woman, allowing her to do as she pleased.

Toying with the material of Daphne’s soft cotton shirt, she gave a faint shake of her head, her eyes endless pools of black surrounded by thin strips of hazel. Calista wasn’t about to give her a reason to stop. She’d always been Icarus flying too close to the sun but even without her wings she only continued to fall up, up, up… into the blinding light and searing heat that was Daphne Montagu. And how could she not? Even if Calista hadn’t known divinity before, she was certain she would’ve recognized it in the other woman regardless. And Daphne knew exactly what she was doing to her. Knew exactly how to play Calista’s body and mind so they sung like an expertly tuned instrument, trembling and flushing, all hitched breath and needy sighs that verged on begging, chasing her lover’s touch, consumed by hushed promises.

There may have been less movement involved but it was still a dance of sorts. Here a twirl, there a dramatic dip and off Daphne’s shirt came. Reverently tracing the soft curves exposed before her, ghosting her fingertips over delicate lace, a smirk returned to the fallen deity’s lips. “Is this your usual yoga attire? Because if so, I might have to reconsider joining you…” Leaning forward, Calista placed a single kiss below Daphne’s left collar bone - sliding one lacy strap off her shoulder in the process - and another over her pulse point. “You always look after me,” she whispered gently, “but I’m open to suggestions.”

                                      ━━━━━━ Daphne ━━━━━━

A soft laugh left her lips, running her fingers gently through the golden strands of Calista’s hair. She was so beautiful, it always took the thoughts straight from Daphne’s mind. “You may have to reconsider…” She murmured coyly. In truth, Daphne had at least tried to retain some of her former self, however silly or trivial it might seem with a thing such a lace or satin. Cal’s touch activated all of her nerve endings, making it impossible not to want to surrender to those kisses and whispers and be at her mercy. But for now, Daphne wanted to be the one to take care of her. She hummed softly, awaiting the lift of Calista’s chin so that she could capture her lips in another kiss, gentle, but full of longing and desire. She slid the blouse from her lovers shoulders, hands guiding her closer into her own body so that her fingertips could slowly trace the curve of her spine, unclasping her bra to discard it to the side. Daphne bit her own lower lip for a moment before allowing her kisses to lower, to her throat, chest, the curves of her breasts, until her lips and tongue encircled one of her nipples. Daphne’s kisses followed a trail down to Calista’s navel and hipbones, moving her body as she did so to kneel between the other woman’s legs. “Let’s remove these, my love….” She murmured, her fingers hooking around the waistband of Calista’s trousers.

                                          ━━━━━━ Calista ━━━━━━

“Mhm, I doubt I’ll be able to stop thinking about it anytime soon…” Calista returned, still drinking in the vision of a woman before her. Despite the obvious temptation, she wouldn’t dare to interrupt one of Daphne’s yoga sessions. They were meant to center her and ease her troubled mind. Though that didn’t mean they couldn’t be the precursor for an entirely different type of workout… Letting Daphne guide her into another kiss, Calista had to actively remind herself to stay put. It wasn’t exactly unusual for Daphne to take control, though it was more uncommon these days. This was usually right around the time Cal stood to carry her to their bedroom. The muscles of her back jumped under the redhead’s touch but didn’t tense, the pricks of phantom pain bleeding into the background as heat coiled low in her abdomen only to move lower still. Her breathing heavy, Calista let her hands fall to her sides as Daphne began to trail lower, her spine arching to meet her lover’s mouth. “Fuck.” She loved what they had and what they did - all of it - but Cal hadn’t been lying when she had told Daphne she enjoyed being at her mercy. Having Daphne take control did things to her she couldn’t quite, or didn’t want, to explain. Her gaze heavy, eyes half-lidded, Calista subconsciously lifted her hips to aid Daphne in her pursuit while her eloquence sailed out the window. “Please…”

                                      ━━━━━━ Daphne ━━━━━━

Daphne shivered at Calista’s need, feeling it echo within her own body and stir between her legs. She slid the trousers from her lovers legs, allowing her fingers to hook gently beneath the fabric of her underwear to guide them down her hips and away from her feet too. Now that she had her as she wanted her, Daphne’s lips grazed the soft skin of her thighs, adoringly kissing a pathway along her inner thigh. “Just relax…” She murmured in reply to her lovers soft pleads, “Let me take care of you.” Daphne’s hand entwined with one of Calista’s, squeezing it as a silent reminder of how much she loved her, while she moved her attentions to one thing. Daphne’s eyes fluttered shut as her tongue sought out to create all of those beautiful noises she knew Calista could make for her, after all, Daphne knew she wouldn’t be stopping without hearing each and every one of them. There was never too much attention she could pay, never enough ways she could make her tremble and moan. Her tongue pressed against her, inside her, teasing her body until Daphne could slide the fingers of her free hand into play too. Hazy blue eyes fluttered open for a moment then, not wanting to miss a single one of her lovers reactions, as she slid her fingers in and out of her body in tandem with the movements of her tongue. “That’s it, baby” She murmured, a lift of her chin, “Good girl.” Before her tongue returned to its spot against the sensitive centre of nerves.

                                          ━━━━━━ Calista ━━━━━━

Lying exposed before her, Calista’s body trembled with anticipation as Daphne’s lips continued their track up the sensitive skin of her inner thigh. Her fingers flexed against her lover’s hold, hips threatening to buck off the couch before Daphne had even reached her destination as a swell of emotions snapped and unfurled within her. The love Calista held for her was immeasurable, burning with an intensity that outshone everything she had ever felt before. For anyone. For centuries she had felt like Atlas bearing the weight of the world on marble shoulders - burdened with the Sisyphean task of holding it up and watching it burn all at once - always one second away from cracking and splintering into pieces. Daphne was the only one she allowed herself to be vulnerable with. The only one who could make her feel comfortable enough to lay down that burden and give up control.

And it was glorious.

A stifled moan broke from her throat as Daphne’s mouth finally descended between her legs, the heat of her lover’s tongue gliding over and lapping into her until sparks of color began to pop into Calista’s vision. Drumming up a crescendo of pleasure that had the fallen deity’s thighs trembling on either side of Daphne’s head, coaxing the most animalistic of sounds along with curses, pleas anf confessions of love from within her. At the addition of her lover’s fingers, the lights around them began to flicker in sync with the snap of Calista’s hips, desperate to meet every thrust and curl of them as her own hand moved to tangle in auburn tresses. “Don’t stop…” It was the sight of Daphne looking up at her while she continued to work between her legs that propelled Calista towards the edge but it was the words hummed against her core that sent her hurtling over it and into white hot oblivion. Calling out Daphne’s name, she could hear the sound of glass shattering and raining to the ground nearby but the waves of pleasure refused to relinquish their hold on her for several drawn out moments longer.

It could’ve been seconds, it could have been minutes until Calista finally regained control over her senses, hazel eyes blinking open to the center of her universe bathed in the soft morning glow. Hooking her fingers against Daphne’s she gave a small tug, guiding her back up her body. “If you give me a moment to recover, I’ll make sure to return the favor…” she murmured sheepishly, brushing their lips together.

                                      ━━━━━━ Daphne ━━━━━━

The flickering of the lights, the shattering of glass somewhere in the distance, the tangling of Calista’s fingers into her hair, they were all signs that Calista was giving herself over to her. Sometimes Daphne felt that her lover carried so much on her shoulders, not just to be able to look after her, but everything else. Giving her these moments of pleasure was the very least she could offer in a world that offered very little. Daphne would give her everything she had left.

Daphne didn’t stop, not until he was sure she had every last tremble, every little moan and whimper of her name, until Calista was still and panting with tremors of pleasure. “You don’t owe me anything, my love…” Daphne murmured softly as she allowed her lover to draw her back up her body to meet her lips in a tender kiss. Daphne’s fingers reached up to gently tuck Calista’s now wild, tangled blonde hair behind her ears. Daphne smiled to herself at her lovers flushed beauty, the feel of her hitched breath against her own lips, the flush of pink now tinting her bottom lip and the haze to her hazel orbs. She waited a few moments before adjusting herself to lay back on the sofa, drawing Calista towards her along with a blanket that lay across the back of the sofa. “I think perhaps we have some windows we need to offer to repair….” Daphne softly teased, her thumb brushing her lovers chee

[daphnemontagu]

“Hm. Forgive me, it just seems like something you would do.” Daphne replied with a sideways glance, before she straightened her posture and looked between the red-headed girl and Leon, “What’s wrong with choosing a red-head? Besides, it’s not about that, it’s about her consent and understanding, not about what she looks like.” Daphne replied.

Leon couldn’t help his curiosity the moment word reached his ears. Daphne present at Level Four…? And feeding from humans?! Surely someone was mistaken. After all, it had been some time since he had seen the vampire feed directly from a living being that didn’t scamper around on all fours.

The elder knew he had to see for himself, pleasantly surprised when the rumors were true. He waited until Daphne had finished up what Leon could only describe as a quick snack before he sauntered over, casually draping himself beside Daphne on a couch.

“We’ll look what the cat dragged in,” he greeted with a Cheshire grin.

@daphnemontagu

[daphnemontagu]

For: @lucasxholt

Location: Level Four The Rubicund

Level Four was a place that had become foreign to Daphne over the years of just drinking from bloodbags, she’d occasionally visited with vampire friends but not participated, where now she found herself there every so often, trying to find those that could give her genuine consent and understand what they were singing up to when it came to being fed from. So many times, Daphne had been concerned about whether they truly knew what they were getting themselves into with their kind and she wanted to make it clear to them. She’d found a young woman a couple of weeks ago, who seemed genuine, and Daphne was just finishing at the spot against her throat. She carefully pulled away, giving her a gentle smile, “Sit down for a while and drink some water, okay? Just in case you feel light headed. Let me know if you need anything, I’ll just be over there.” Daphne gestured to a spot at the bar, before she left her to walk over.

She settled on the barstool, sweeping the powder blue satin of her dress neatly over her leg as she folded them. She ordered a drink, if only to have something in her hands, when she felt someone at her side. It was Luke. It suddenly dawned on her, the man from the alternate universe who she had been so close to in the facility. Any time spent with him between the torture had been a blessing, a rare moment of protection, now… he was a stranger to her. She cleared her throat, “Good evening.”

[daphnemontagu]

The vision one of alternate future had shaken Daphne more than she might have liked. While she knew it was likely one of thousands, it had still taken it’s toll on the vampire. She had been happy for a time, so happy, with everything she could have ever dreamed of in Calista and her job at the school taking care of the children, before things had turned dark. She found herself wondering, what if I had been more prepared, what if I hadn’t been so entirely at their mercy, what if I hadn’t lost what it was to be a vampire in its entirety… would things have been different?

Her fingers brushed Chris’. “I hope you don’t think badly of me… but my alternate future was not entirely a happy one. A lot happened to me in those years, involving the humans and it made me wonder if perhaps I had been better prepared… if perhaps I’d had better security, fed regularly from those of the living that I trusted— that consented— that maybe I wouldn’t have been so vulnerable. I know it is only one of many futures and we can’t let it dictate, but something tells me I need to be a little less… human myself.” Daphne said softly, her blue eyes wavering with what seemed like guilt, “I’ve started feeding again. Only from those consenting, of course. I still have my bloodbags, but, it’s what I’ve decided to do for now…” Daphne paused, “I hope you don’t judge me. I knew that since you have moved out, it wouldn’t be unfair for you to be around it, and I wanted you to know.”

daphnemontagu​:

Daphne smiled as he accepted. Even if he was humouring her, she was glad. “Well then, I’ll be glad to get to spend some time with you again.” Her smile broadened as she perched herself on the sofa beside him. “Perhaps you could make a list of all those odd home things you never realise you need until you reach for it.”

“Not like it’s nothing…” Her voice softened, “I think there’s always something that can be learned, I just mean, don’t let yourself become consumed by it. There’s thousands of other futures out there that could come to pass.” She tried to soothe. Was she soothing him, or herself too? “I’m okay.” She promised, “I’m starting to make some adjustments, but I don’t think it will affect my work too much. I don’t want it to.” Daphne replied with gentle determination. “They shouldn’t be punished for just one future, but it doesn’t hurt to perhaps have some caution.” She nodded. “I… wanted to tell you something too, Chris, while I’m here.”

Chris still wasn't sure what to think about this whole possible future thing. It wasn't a guarantee, but maybe it was? What stopped it all from happening? How much had to change for it to happen or not happen? Still, he'd decided not to find out for himself. Mostly it was because he just didn't want to know and start worrying about a possible future.

He reached out to brush his hand against hers. It was meant as an offer to hold hands if she wanted it, but he didn't want to impose, especially since it sounded like something serious. "What is it?"

[daphnemontagu]

“This is very true,” Daphne laughed softly, gathering the papers on the desk into her arms. “How have you been recently?” The blonde asked the older woman, “We haven’t had much chance to catch up since our last dinner and since… well— since this business with the Effendi.” Daphne has chosen to find out about the alternate timeline, but that didn’t mean Isabelle had. She was curious, or maybe she was feeling vulnerable that her clan leader might remember how she had been, how broken and frightened of everything she had been.

For: @isabellelaurent

Location: Auction House

A Sister’s of the Night meeting had just concluded, when Daphne found herself hanging back from leaving. She hadn’t spoken to Isabelle properly since finding out about the events of the possible future and she didn’t know whether the other woman had chosen to do likewise, or not. Regardless, she hadn’t spoken with her coven leader one-on-one since their dinner date a few months back and Daphne thought it was due.

“Thank you for keeping us all updated.” The blonde offered with a small smile. “Are you heading home now?” Daphne asked, seemingly having forgotten how to make small-talk somewhere during this whole thing.

[daphnemontagu]

The vision one of alternate future had shaken Daphne more than she might have liked. While she knew it was likely one of thousands, it had still taken it’s toll on the vampire. She had been happy for a time, so happy, with everything she could have ever dreamed of, before things had turned dark. She found herself wondering, what if I had been more prepared, what if I hadn’t been so entirely at their mercy, what if I hadn’t lost what it was to be a vampire in its entirety… would things have been different?

So she had decided, consensual feeding from the living. It wasn’t as though she didn’t have plenty offers. She still fed from bloodbags, but now she had a new option to her diet that she hadn’t tasted in many years. That was what brought her to level four, finishing up with the red-headed human girl who promptly went back to the dance floor as Leon appeared beside her.

“Hello, Leon.” Daphne greeted, “Are you here to gloat?” She asked him, though by his grin he already was.

Leon couldn’t help his curiosity the moment word reached his ears. Daphne present at Level Four…? And feeding from humans?! Surely someone was mistaken. After all, it had been some time since he had seen the vampire feed directly from a living being that didn’t scamper around on all fours.

The elder knew he had to see for himself, pleasantly surprised when the rumors were true. He waited until Daphne had finished up what Leon could only describe as a quick snack before he sauntered over, casually draping himself beside Daphne on a couch.

“We’ll look what the cat dragged in,” he greeted with a Cheshire grin.

@daphnemontagu

[daphnemontagu]

Daphne smiled as he accepted. Even if he was humouring her, she was glad. “Well then, I’ll be glad to get to spend some time with you again.” Her smile broadened as she perched herself on the sofa beside him. “Perhaps you could make a list of all those odd home things you never realise you need until you reach for it.”

“Not like it’s nothing…” Her voice softened, “I think there’s always something that can be learned, I just mean, don’t let yourself become consumed by it. There’s thousands of other futures out there that could come to pass.” She tried to soothe. Was she soothing him, or herself too? “I’m okay.” She promised, “I’m starting to make some adjustments, but I don’t think it will affect my work too much. I don’t want it to.” Daphne replied with gentle determination. “They shouldn’t be punished for just one future, but it doesn’t hurt to perhaps have some caution.” She nodded. “I… wanted to tell you something too, Chris, while I’m here.”

For: @chris-elkar

Location: Chris’ Apartment / The Shipyard

Daphne was proud of Chris for moving out to stand on his own two feet. She couldn’t exactly say that she was fond of the area that he had chosen, but they all needed to start somewhere. He had started with more than she had when she’d first become a vampire, after all.

She waited patiently after ringing the intercom, tucking her heeled feet neatly away from a pile of cigarette ends and miscellaneous trash by the door until he buzzed her in. Daphne followed his instructions and was soon knocking at the apartment door. “Chris,” She smiled widely as he appeared, drawing him into a hug, “How are you, honey?”

[daphnemontagu]

“Perhaps for the best. There are numerous, endless futures out there to be seen and this was only one of them. We all set our own futures in the end.” Daphne replied with what she hoped was a soft, reassuring smile. A part of her wanted to protect her fledgling from it all, and wanted to stop him from having to see her in such a state, even if she felt like there was something they could all take from that future.

“Coat hangers,” She repeated with a soft laugh, “Ah yes, you will start accumulating them and then never stop.” Daphne smiled. He could have taken some from her home, though they were all pillowed and wrapped in satin with little bows at the top. “Apart from that, are you finding everything okay? Do you need any help? I’m happy to go to the store.”

For: @chris-elkar

Location: Chris’ Apartment / The Shipyard

Daphne was proud of Chris for moving out to stand on his own two feet. She couldn’t exactly say that she was fond of the area that he had chosen, but they all needed to start somewhere. He had started with more than she had when she’d first become a vampire, after all.

She waited patiently after ringing the intercom, tucking her heeled feet neatly away from a pile of cigarette ends and miscellaneous trash by the door until he buzzed her in. Daphne followed his instructions and was soon knocking at the apartment door. “Chris,” She smiled widely as he appeared, drawing him into a hug, “How are you, honey?”

[daphnemontagu]

For: @isabellelaurent

Location: Auction House

A Sister’s of the Night meeting had just concluded, when Daphne found herself hanging back from leaving. She hadn’t spoken to Isabelle properly since finding out about the events of the possible future and she didn’t know whether the other woman had chosen to do likewise, or not. Regardless, she hadn’t spoken with her coven leader one-on-one since their dinner date a few months back and Daphne thought it was due.

“Thank you for keeping us all updated.” The blonde offered with a small smile. “Are you heading home now?” Daphne asked, seemingly having forgotten how to make small-talk somewhere during this whole thing.

[daphnemontagu]

Daphne smiled, stepping through the threshold with her invite. “Oh no, I’m just fine. Thank you, honey. I’m not hungry.” She insisted. Especially not now she’d been dabbling in feeding from people again, though she was wondering whether she needed to make a big thing of that or not. She supposed it would be a little bit of a shock if Chris were to ever witness it and she hadn’t mentioned anything…

“I did…” Daphne replied tentatively, “Did you decide to do the same?” She asked, perching on one of the sofa’s. “And are you enjoying having your own space now?”

For: @chris-elkar

Location: Chris’ Apartment / The Shipyard

Daphne was proud of Chris for moving out to stand on his own two feet. She couldn’t exactly say that she was fond of the area that he had chosen, but they all needed to start somewhere. He had started with more than she had when she’d first become a vampire, after all.

She waited patiently after ringing the intercom, tucking her heeled feet neatly away from a pile of cigarette ends and miscellaneous trash by the door until he buzzed her in. Daphne followed his instructions and was soon knocking at the apartment door. “Chris,” She smiled widely as he appeared, drawing him into a hug, “How are you, honey?”

[daphnemontagu]

Daphne was startled by the second sounding of the car horn just as much as Calista seemed to be, wrenching her out of whatever atmosphere had fallen over the two of them as they stood with bodies far too closely to one another for a simple friend helping a friend with a necklace. The blonde cleared her throat softly, though she would find it stifled again by the butterflies from her stomach fluttering their way up to what felt like the tip of her tongue. “Right… yes.” She responded softly, utterly distracted by the squeezing of her hand and the feeling of Calista’s lips brushing her cheek. She managed to return the kiss to the other side of his friends cheek and smile. “Thank you… and thank you again, for the necklace.” But it wasn’t just a necklace.

Daphne watched her disappear, delicately running her fingers over the the jewels that now rested against her clavicle, before she released a sigh and turned to move through her own front door and into the town car that was waiting for her.

daphnemontagu​:

Daphne paused for a moment as she waited for Calista’s reply, before tentatively turning towards the mirror. She felt the featherlight touch of the other woman’s fingertips against the back of her neck and shoulders, the brush of her hair being pulled back, before the cool of the sapphires settled against her chest. Daphne’s eyes fluttered shut for a brief moment, but when they opened, they met with Calista’s in the mirror and she was once again reminded how glad she was that she couldn’t blush without recent blood in her system.

“Thank you…” Daphne replied, her voice as equally hushed. The necklace glowed for a second or two, reminding her of its purpose there, before it faded. “It’s perfect.” She turned to face Calista, her mind stuck in silence for a moment, wondering whether to talk about their last encounter, or whether to focus on something else should she embarrass herself further. “Are we still doing our dinner next week?” Daphne asked as she heard the sound of beeping outside, letting her know that her driver had arrived early. If Calista had the time to talk to her, he could wait for a few moments longer.

*

Daphne turned around to face her and instead of doing what was right and proper and taking a step back so she was no longer intruding on the other woman’s personal space, Calista remained put. She would later blame it on the narrow hallway, more than adapt at lying to herself at this point. Standing a little too close was infinitely more innocent than what had transpired the last time they had seen each other. Though it was in all likelihood a direct result of it. The air between them had shifted and Calista was struggling to pack everything back into the same little boxes their friendship had fit into before.

Startled from her thoughts by the sound of the horn outside, she gave Daphne a smile that was just a little too bright not to be compensating for something. “Of course we are.” If they carried on like they always had, surely things would go back to normal eventually. Her brows lifted when the horn of the car sounded again, forcing a soft chuckle past her lips. “But now, I think you have several people waiting for you... Good luck.” Calista reached for Daphne’s hand then, delivering a comforting squeeze only to step forward a split second later to press a brief kiss to the vampire’s cheek. “You got this.” And because none of that was normal, she opted to disappear through one of her portals instead of using the front door again.

[daphnemontagu]

For: @chris-elkar

Location: Chris’ Apartment / The Shipyard

Daphne was proud of Chris for moving out to stand on his own two feet. She couldn’t exactly say that she was fond of the area that he had chosen, but they all needed to start somewhere. He had started with more than she had when she’d first become a vampire, after all.

She waited patiently after ringing the intercom, tucking her heeled feet neatly away from a pile of cigarette ends and miscellaneous trash by the door until he buzzed her in. Daphne followed his instructions and was soon knocking at the apartment door. “Chris,” She smiled widely as he appeared, drawing him into a hug, “How are you, honey?”

[daphnemontagu]

“I like the sound of that.” Daphne agreed with a cheerful smile. Judas had been inside the prison for so long, Daphne wanted nothing more than for them to be happy and for them to feel the love that those around them held.

“Great, I’ll look forward to your message.” The vampire replied genuinely, “See you, Naz.” She smiled, leaning forwards to squeeze the other woman’s forearm before she turned to leave.

For: @naz-ulusoy

It seemed ridiculous that Daphne had never met Naz in person until recently. Judas had talked about her on every other visit over the years, not to mention Daphne had watched the entire trial, but somehow the pair had yet to properly meet and Daphne had wanted to change that before Judas was released. She wanted them to have a good support system for when they came back, even if she was verging on being entirely over-bearing in the process.

After having met Naz a few times for coffee over the passing weeks to break the ice, Daphne sent her a message to arrange meeting at a craft store. It was a small store, which boded well for keeping them both away from well-populated areas. Since the hack, Daphne had been trying to keep herself to herself while she waded through the mess it had created. Not that going to greet a prisoner convicted of murder was going to help her image any, but she didn’t care much for that. She had always considered Judas her brother and no amount of public scrutiny would stop her from celebrating his release.

“I think we need more glitter.” Daphne announced, looking down at the several different colours they already had in the basket. “What do you think?”

[daphnemontagu]

“So I am supposed to feel grateful that someone of your stature had the good graces to come back to me for more than one night? I think not, Makena.” Daphne replied. “Oh, Makena! Must you be so defensive?” Daphne exclaimed, exasperated. “Can’t we ever just have a conversation without you trying to turn this into an argument? Maybe if you just talked to people things would be—“ the blonde exhaled quietly, “I’m not going to stand here and talk to you about Calista. Nor are you going to make me out to be some kind of villain for believing that perhaps you got what you deserved in that future.” Daphne’s fingers curled around her purse. “Good night, Makena.” She said, before turning to weave into the crowd.

level four | daphne & makena

daphnemontagu​:

“I’ve ‘written you off’, Makena, because you treated me like I was disposable. Not in that future timeline. Here. Now. If you wanted me to see you as a good person, you could have tried explaining yourself, at any point. But you didn’t. You were happy to add me to your string of dalliances without stopping to give me any thought.” Daphne stood up, abandoning her drink.

Oh, it was this again. Makena could not help rolling her eyes. At least it had nothing to do with what everyone else was jumping down her throat for these days. 

“I never treated you as disposable, okay?” the witch replied with a curl of her lip. “Had I been treating you as such, we never would have seen each other again after the first night. But I kept going back to you, didn’t I?” And that was a fact because Makena was not usually one to keep returning. Daphne had been a bit of an anomaly back then and Makena was shocked out of it when Daphne started pushing them towards something more. The vampire wanting something more scared her and she did what she usually did and ran. “You know what? Whatever. Go and find yourself some human to feed off. Or better yet. You should shack up with Calista? You were both pretty cosy together in that future. I bet you loved what she did to me too.”

[daphnemontagu]

“Oh no, you’re not. You’re being responsible.” Daphne reassured her, “Someone needs to know when enough glitter is enough.” She teased, a soft laugh leaving her lips. “A birthday party sounds great, Naz.” Daphne smiled, knowing it was the wiser choice. Daphne paid the cashier and dropped their supplies into a bag. “I think we’re all good here!”

For: @naz-ulusoy

It seemed ridiculous that Daphne had never met Naz in person until recently. Judas had talked about her on every other visit over the years, not to mention Daphne had watched the entire trial, but somehow the pair had yet to properly meet and Daphne had wanted to change that before Judas was released. She wanted them to have a good support system for when they came back, even if she was verging on being entirely over-bearing in the process.

After having met Naz a few times for coffee over the passing weeks to break the ice, Daphne sent her a message to arrange meeting at a craft store. It was a small store, which boded well for keeping them both away from well-populated areas. Since the hack, Daphne had been trying to keep herself to herself while she waded through the mess it had created. Not that going to greet a prisoner convicted of murder was going to help her image any, but she didn’t care much for that. She had always considered Judas her brother and no amount of public scrutiny would stop her from celebrating his release.

“I think we need more glitter.” Daphne announced, looking down at the several different colours they already had in the basket. “What do you think?”

[daphnemontagu]

“I’ve ‘written you off’, Makena, because you treated me like I was disposable. Not in that future timeline. Here. Now. If you wanted me to see you as a good person, you could have tried explaining yourself, at any point. But you didn’t. You were happy to add me to your string of dalliances without stopping to give me any thought.” Daphne stood up, abandoning her drink.

level four | daphne & makena

daphnemontagu​:

“Regardless of what the future holds for us all, there is still something to be said for learning from one’s actions.” Daphne replied stiffly. “Or are you just blindly hoping that in all alternate timelines you turned out better?” Daphne asked, her eyes narrowing. She was being bitter, because Makena was right, she was successfully annoying her. It didn’t help that any memory of the potential future she did have, didn’t see Makena treat her, or anyone else, in a kinder fashion. Though Daphne also had to recognise that people became what they needed to become to survive.

“Makena,” She exhaled quietly, “I don’t want to argue over this. I just came here to explore my options from willing participants, is all…” Her hand clasped around the drink the bartender brought to her, “Was there something you really wanted from me?”

“Do you have so little faith in me that you’d assume I’d just turn out evil now?” Makena scoffed. “That’s mighty pessimistic of you, little Miss Sunshine. And just a bit unfair.”

“And hey, I’m not arguing. I’m just stating my opinion. Unlike you because you seem to have completely written me off based one outcome.” And it was all the condescending looks and comments Makena was receiving lately that was pushing her to want to leave the Dumisani Coven, just as she had in that timeline.

[daphnemontagu]

Daphne paused for a moment as she waited for Calista’s reply, before tentatively turning towards the mirror. She felt the featherlight touch of the other woman’s fingertips against the back of her neck and shoulders, the brush of her hair being pulled back, before the cool of the sapphires settled against her chest. Daphne’s eyes fluttered shut for a brief moment, but when they opened, they met with Calista’s in the mirror and she was once again reminded how glad she was that she couldn’t blush without recent blood in her system.

“Thank you…” Daphne replied, her voice as equally hushed. The necklace glowed for a second or two, reminding her of its purpose there, before it faded. “It’s perfect.” She turned to face Calista, her mind stuck in silence for a moment, wondering whether to talk about their last encounter, or whether to focus on something else should she embarrass herself further. “Are we still doing our dinner next week?” Daphne asked as she heard the sound of beeping outside, letting her know that her driver had arrived early. If Calista had the time to talk to her, he could wait for a few moments longer.

daphnemontagu​:

“A gift?” Daphne asked curiously, pausing, before she closed the gap between them to take the white and golden box gratefully between her hands. For a moment, Daphne had forgotten anything to do with the blessing. “You didn’t have to get me anything, really…” She reassured, opening the lid to lay eyes on the delicate gold and sapphires as they shimmered beneath the dim lamplight. It was beautiful. It took her breath away. It was more elegant and exquisite than anything she’d ever received from a friend before. Her fingers brushed it’s stones with awe, “It’s— it’s beautiful, Cal… you shouldn’t have.” She gushed, but lifted her head to smile. “Thank you.”

Daphne held the other woman’s gaze for a moment longer, perhaps trying to read what was within them, before they diverted to the large, ornate mirror that stood in her hallway. Daphne walked towards it, resting the box on the windowsill as she took the delicate piece from it’s box. “I wouldn’t want to tangle the clasp in my hair,” There was a pause, “Do you think you could put it on for me?”

*

Her smile automatically stretched wider at Daphne’s excitement. She’d been so sad and withdrawn lately that it was a breath of fresh air to see the joy reach her eyes once more. “I know,” Calista conceded with a small nod, leaning her hip against the wall as she watched Daphne admire the finely crafted jewellery, “I wanted to.” She could’ve gone with something simpler. A pin, a small charm or even an ordinary piece of string would’ve gotten the job done as far as the blessing was concerned. But Daphne deserved so much more than that. Like you, she thought, keeping the words firmly trapped behind closed lips so as not to blur the lines any further, waving Daphne’s concerns off with a simple flick of her wrist. “Don’t. You’re very welcome.”

Calista watched as Daphne moved to stand in front of the mirror, the necklace dangling from her fingertips, the sapphires the same color as her eyes. A persistent itch had settled back under the deity’s skin, begging to be scratched or even just acknowledged. Urging her to step towards her friend, to reach out and— You know better, a distant voice echoed through her skull at the same time as Daphne’s question left plump lips.

Ducking her head, Calista paused for a brief moment before she moved towards the blonde. “Of course.” Helping someone put a necklace on. Zipping up a dress. Catching a stray lash on their cheek. Those were all actions that toed a dangerous line. But certainly nothing a friend would say no to. Accepting the necklace, Calista motioned for Daphne to turn around as another wave of hesitation rolled over her. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as she reached up to brush Daphne’s hair from the nape of her neck, fingertips trailing along her ivory skin. Meeting the other woman’s gaze in the mirror, she held her breath as the weight of the necklace came to rest against Daphne’s decollete, her fingertips following the threads of gold towards the clasp, which she blindly secured. “There..,” Calista finished, the word but a breath as her voice had dropped in volume and pitch, the necklace emitting a gentle glow for a second or two before it dimmed again.