naga-raja-suresh

[naga-raja-suresh]

Even this thing had desires. The desire to fulfill it's purpose and that rang across the small gap between them clearly. Suresh drew in a breath at the clear and pulsing want. Suresh felt something shift inside of him. The idea of never having to lose another love one again... But that was not sustainable. Suresh rejected the idea as he looked at the memory of Mathias, the loneliness echoing across his skin. And Suresh spoke, "You are not family or love, nor can you be... If you were he would not ache so for them." The feelings were familiar ones for Suresh. The pain and anguish of being left alone. Over and over again. But his suffering was calcified inside of him.

Suresh looked up at the door and took a step towards it. But the shadow grabbed his arm. And Suresh looked down shocked at the mind numbing pain that lanced up his right arm, the power trying to rot him as his body battled to heal itself. A wave of dripping decay and itching reformation. And Suresh yanked his arm away from the other. Stumbling backwards Suresh felt himself "fall" into his body as he tumbled backwards off the couch, landing on the floor on his back with a soft 'oof'. Looking up at Mathias. His hands were outstretched and he looked at them, perfectly fine. Before he lowered his hands and let his eyes focus on Mathias as he sat up.

Mathias' memories were precious to him, but they were getting in the way. Humanity didn't do any thing for a god, there was no benefit from having it. Removing the memories pushed Mathias further away from the human shell and allowed his body and soul to ascend to it's higher purpose.

He laughed, "Is that not what I am? Safety, family...love. I'm all those. I can be the end. I can make it so there is no more death. That life will be full and no one will ever need to disappear". He brought forth another memory, this one was of Mathias in his room at the church. Awake and crying, the void in his heart making him ache with loneliness. How he wished he could fill that void. To save people from the end, from Death. How cruel the goddess was for taking people from him, and yet leaving him behind.

"No, I won't do that" He said. he gestured to a closed door in the memory as it all began to fade. "There are things that no one should see. Things that belong to the nothingness. It's better this way. For all of us". He smiled at Suresh again and latched out to grab his arm. This wasn't real, he was in no real danger, but the pain would feel real as he tried to rot his hand away. "I think you've over stayed your welcome, little snake. Send you regards to your deity, and tell them I'm coming soon". With that, he forced Suresh out of Mathias' mind, blocking off the connection.

[naga-raja-suresh]

Anyone willing to meet his gaze uninterrupted always made Suresh smile. Though he wouldn't just mesmerise someone because they looked a little too long, even if he could. Vampires had their own little mind tricks that they could play on others too. Suresh could feel the curiosity she had about him. Idly wondering if she would get up the courage to ask or to reach out. Fortune favored the bold after all, something Suresh was certain she knew from experience. Suresh was the avatar of Desire and all longing—whether for love, beauty, power, knowledge, or pleasure— was a sacred force that drove creation and transformation. Denial of desire was denial of the divine. The pursuit of passion in any form had to be done without shame or guilt, as an act of worship in and of itself.

The Naga chuckled, "Surveying my kingdom is not tedious in the least. But after I finish my little tour I plan on taking a look at the new Casino myself. Always important to get a feel for the competition. And then..." Suresh gave a graceful shrug of the shoulders, "Find someone to take home with me if I'm still hungry."

She never once broke away from his gaze, taking her glass back within delicate fingers and taking a deep drink, idly swirling around the last dregs of a particularly average martini. Was it a challenge? No, Agathe simply wondered about Suresh, his life, what he was and who he was. Was he as radically honest about himself as he was about hedonism and the pursuit of pleasure?

They were things Agathe would never know the answers to. Maybe, if she hadn't experienced another god talking to her, she would've fit in nicely among the Lotus Eaters. Always a slave to her whims, a predator wearing the porcelain skin of a beautiful woman.

"Asking for forgiveness doesn't suit you. Tell me, what do you plan to do tonight? Surely hanging around your empires becomes boring, even for the emperor," They seemed to run themselves, after all.

[naga-raja-suresh]

The Naga was indeed a snake. A selfish thing focused on his own survival. But he had done much for the City since its founding. He had prospered as well of course. That was the point. Suresh did not think of himself as good or evil. He was the weather. The weather just was. Sometimes life giving... Sometimes life taking. The world was harsh and would have continued to be without his presence. He offered and gave those empty mortals that came to him meaning and purpose. He fulfilled desires. And how he loved the starry-eyed dreamers that came to him looking for love. How Desire loved them too while they existed. Each life like a firework. Brilliant and fleeting.

Perhaps he should have stopped and left after his little display. But there was a touch inside of him to press just that little bit harder. To remind her that for all of her upset and rage... What had that gotten her? At her refusal he looked at her for a long quiet moment before he sighed heavily. "I see... I am sorry that you feel that way Ms. Clément." He looked down and smiled looking back up at the woman, "Pull the wool over your eyes? Now really, that's rather melodramatic don't you think? We all know each other very well in the Quarter don't we? And we band together in times of crisis... But as you like it... Next time I see your mother I'll tell her I ran into you." He took the money and stepped back away from the stand.

He was a snake, pure and simple, Cleo believing that the man had never done anything good or selfless within his long existence. She hated his faux care, how he oozed his rot into her home along with everyone else who claimed a gang, and the gods of those gangs, his smooth, honeyed words and fleeting promises sounding like a chorus of angels to the unwise. To the impressionable, just like her brother had been.

The shifter didn't look over as she continued to dish out drinks, hoping that he would soon have just fun at irritating her and then just leave yet, Suresh seemed determined to stay and wind her up further, as if she were a jack-in-the-box. Always a few seconds from popping open.

His words made her huff out a quiet laugh - my city? How Cleo saw it, he only wished to see it thrive under his careful gaze and manipulative hand, all disguised as loving gestures.

The money was taken for the drinks yet, the stack of $500 sat untouched.

"I do, and you aren't welcome to contribute. So, tuck that roll away and give it to someone whose eyes you can easily pull the wool over,"

[naga-raja-suresh]

This had not been what Suresh had intended to search for or find. He had gone into Mathias' mind with the intention of seeing his past. Of looking into the memories that the younger man was losing. Because he understood the pain and frustration of a void where time had been. Suresh's frown deepened as the shadow sneered at him. Cautious as he did not plan to go head to head with a god. Or even the shadow of one.

He felt the scene around him shift, melt and reform. And he knew the room. Knew the day. Even before the man holding the boy came in. Suresh knew what was going to happen. He looked at himself. This memory the other had of him. A mere blink of an eye in time to Suresh. But he recalled this moment very well. His palms heated up as he watched himself hold the boy. Feeling the heat of the child in his hands. Suresh had always had a soft spot for children. This had been one of Seb's smarter moves, even if it had lacked finesse, it had been successful. And it had caused Suresh to soften his stance towards the Deathrunners. But it had been worth it.

Suresh had a sinking feeling in his as the shadow cooed softly. Golden eyes slid back to the Shade. Suresh nodded, "I remember." The comment about the surface made Suresh tilt his head, eyes hardening, "I could feel what the child desired... Love. Safety. Family." He watched the winnowing of the memory, the rotting, collapse of everything touched. Suresh gestured at the change, "There is always beauty in the breakdown. Ash over the corn field..." Suresh pursed his lips thoughtfully. His body reaching out without touching, "You feel like power. Raw and unrealized... If you are Life. Then you cannot be the end of anything. Just the force of change." His voice trailed off. Turning slowly to keep the other in view. "You know I am here to keep fast the memories Mathias is losing. Let me see what is left. And I will go on my way."

"Shade" He repeated with a sneer, as it if were an offensive word, and to the shadow it was. He was impressed that the snake withstood the blow to his face. It made sense though, avatars of gods weren't pushovers. The naga was familiar too. Whatever memories Mathias had, the shadow did too.

The scene changed again, this time it would be familiar to the naga. It was a meeting room, one that the leaders would use back then. A man walks in, holding the same small child who was crying before. His voice is clear. "Everyone, this is Matty. I couldn't find a babysitter, so I thought I'd give all of you something to do". The child is put into the lap into the visage of Suresh from long ago.

The shadow cooed at the scene. "You know who I am. This is when we first met. Do you remember when you held me? I thought the avatar of desire would have seen what lingered under the surface". He began to circle around, touching things and making them decay away into nothing. "I'm the God of Life. Supporter of the living. Finding life in even the most tragic of places...Like mushrooms and fungus growing between the joints of a corpse. Decay and renewal". He smiled at Suresh and moved closer. "I'm the eventual end to this story".

[naga-raja-suresh]

hc + 💉 for a medical-themed headcanon

Naga blood is highly prized for its healing properties. Suresh is very careful about who has access to his blood as it is also the only known antidote for Naga venom. Suresh has a small stash of his blood kept carefully stored for anyone that might need it's properties. Though there are a very select small group of people that actually have a vile of his blood with his permission.

[naga-raja-suresh]

Suresh wouldn't call it mind reading. It was more akin to heart or soul reading. It wasn't a clinical, easily understandable ability. Desires, strong emotions those brought up images. Being inside of Mathias' mind gave some very interesting possibilities and having a better understanding of what what happening to the young necromancer would inevitably prove useful down the line. It was tempting to leave a back door, a manchurian code that would give him the upper hand if ever needed. But first he needed to do what he had promised he'd do. Look at the memories that were disappearing.

Memories were not dreamscapes. But this felt more like a dream than a memory. Strangely tangible. He watched silently and dispassionately at the pantomime in front of him. A twin. Parents. Pity he wouldn't be able to tell Mathias what they looked like. Water. The feelings of happiness and peace were nearly breathable. Suresh looked down at the red water as it seemed to slap at his 'feet'. Then back up to watch the tragedy play out. Power always required sacrifice. God of life indeed.

What he hadn't expected was for the shadow Mathias to face him and interact. Suresh felt the focus of the thing. He watched the impossible smile with the same dispassionate gaze as he had watched the murder. But he did reach out to it, to better understand what it was. Not with his hand but with his mind. Curious to see what this monster of rot and tar felt. Or if it felt anything at all.

Suresh was surprised by the voice and the address. "I was invited, shade." Mathias himself was still docile and quiet in his hands. This was something else. Something wrong. Suresh's eyes narrowed at the words 'little snake'. He lifted his hands up, the force hit him and he felt himself slide in the sand. A trickle of blood dripped down his nose and touched his lip. His hands convulsed and held onto Mathias' face to keep his grip and the connection. But there was a small pang of worry that crawled down his spine, at the fact that the force had actually caused him pain and very nearly knocked him out of Mathias mind. Not a memory. Not a dream. Suresh opened the bond farther between them, he hadn't asked Mathias if he could tamper with the chemicals in his brain but his power rushed out through his hands, into the necromancers skin and told Mathias to trust him, "Don't fight... You're safe..." He turned his inward eye to the shadow addressing it, "Who are you?"

Mathias had always been taught and told to never let anyone into his mind. He held no fortitude or defenses against those with psychic powers. He figured some of the teachings came because the Higher Ups didn't want anyone to get in his head like they did. But Suresh could be an exception. He trusted the naga, even if there was a tiny part of him that told him not to. Suresh could easily use this to his advantage, and Mathias would be defenseless. A scary but perhaps a better fate than what awaited him. He sat down across from Suresh, feeling his hand touch his face so tenderly. Mathias didn't fight it as he let Suresh into his mind.

The sound of waves crashing on a beach mixed with the sound of children laughing. Names were called, warning them not to stray too far into the water else the riptide would take them out to the deep ocean. Two children, whose faces are the same with a similar mop of brown curls on their head, two adults, their faces look blurred and sketched in vaguely. It's happy here, it's peaceful here. There are more memories, some at fairs, some during birthday parties. But the longer it goes on, the more hazy it becomes. The beach is once again the final background.

Then a scream cuts through it all. The blue ocean water is tainted red. The sun in the sky eclipsed by a dark moon. The once happy family is cut down, blood everywhere. A child cries over their bodies and begs anyone to bring them back. A figure stands over the child, familiar in his silhouette. He's there, consuming the memories of what once was. The child cries more as the faces of his family are erased, the beach is just a void. He turns to face the intruder. Those familiar blue eyes are replaced with black voids. His smile stretches his face, becoming uncanny. His shadow stretches impossibly far, a creature the color of tar lingers, something that was never meant to be seen by man.

"You shouldn't be here" he speaks in a voice that sounds like the cries of the dead. He puts his hands out to Suresh, the skin rotted away and revealing a black obsidian bone. "You'll spoil the surprise, little snake". He clenches his hand into a fist, and a concussive force is sent directly at the naga's face, trying to force him out.

[naga-raja-suresh]

Suresh prided himself on being able to see underused potential in people. Part of having the God of Desire whispering in the back of his head. Everyone yearned for something. Suresh had offered the young vampire a job after seeing her dancing in the club just for fun. He'd been speaking to the head of security when Liesl greeted him. Looking in her direction and taking in her casual dress he smiled at her, letting the head of security go back about their business. "Liesl, good evening." He nodded, "Yes, of course. How was your first day?"

⸻ It was her first time at work. Her shift ended, and she was getting ready to go back to the mansion. She put on a baseball cap, a pair of simple shorts, a blue t-shirt of the Nirvana band, and cowboy boots. And she saw him while she was exiting the club. ❛ Good evening, Mr. Lal. See you tomorrow, then? ❜

location: club o tagging: @naga-raja-suresh

[naga-raja-suresh]

He smiled at the retort giving a small nod, "Always a boon to be so flexible in our enjoyments." Suresh's golden eyes staying on the vampire's face, watching her with a deep amusement. A very lovely laugh as well. But she was a creature very aware of herself though there was an effortless quality in her movements probably from practice. A gorgeous predator. He raised an eyebrow at the comment about them being similar, she was correct in the assumption. "Indeed, I'm not much for the sidelines. But I also would consider myself rather flexible in my enjoyments. "

Immortality required a certain level of stamina that most lacked. And Vampires, curious creatures that had started their existences as humans often lacked that stamina. But there were a few that seemed to have far more than others. Reinvention and avoiding monotony. Suresh chuckled when she called him rude. He gave a small bow of his head in apology. "Forgive the unintentional rudeness. It comes from a place of care."

"Oh, you know me Suresh, I'm a multi-faceted being. I find satisfaction in many things," Agathe batted her eyelashes at him before descending into a fit of little giggles afterwards, as if the innuendo was the funniest thing she'd ever heard. Though, he was correct in the assumption that she preferred to take part - Agathe was a particularly hands-on type of woman in many aspects of life. "I feel that you are the same in that regard,"

Pleasure was a great thing, and when you lived forever, you had to come up with increasing ways to find it, and be satisfied by it, lest life lose it's particular zest. Agathe knew she would live forever. If life became boring, it would surely set her on a destructive path. "The assumption that I'll get caught is very rude of you, you know? If you weren't my boss, I'd chew you out for that,"

[naga-raja-suresh]

There was a change in her emotions that was noticeable enough to the Naga. But it had been expected and even anticipated. Her eyes changed, that lovely yellow of her lion. She was a glorious creature and Suresh did feel like it was a pity that she was so dead set against him and the Lotus Eaters. But he hadn't expected a change of heart. This was in fact done to slightly antagonize her while showing up positively in the community. Something else he knew would annoy her.

It was Cleo herself and her stubbornness that had made her brother more than just another dead soldier in the perpetual war for the heart and soul of New Orleans. But telling her that she was the real reason he remembered his name would be unhelpful at best.

Suresh smiled and shook a few hands as the people got their drinks. Before he stood in front of the counter. His golden gaze intense and focused on her waiting until she had to look at him. "Of course. I love my city and only wish to see her thrive. Cash okay?" He said, taking out a group of bills and flipping through them to pay. Taking out another five one hundred dollar bills he placed them on the counter, watching Cleo's face as he did it, sliding them over with two gold tipped fingers, "I'm sure you have something set aside for funeral arrangements, this is for that."

Something jumped in her at the moment, dark eyes flickering to the yellow not of the cheetah but, of the lioness - only for a moment, for in the next blink they were gone. Cleo liked to think of herself as fair, and understanding, mature yet, Suresh quite happily burnt all of her assumptions about herself to the ground. The few in the line thanked the naga for such a generous offer, but Cleo could only manage a tight smile.

He was poison, as were all those that headed gangs - her brother had been disposable, just as her siblings were. Yet, try as she might, Cleo could not get them to see it like that. It didn't matter who you worshipped, after the dust had settled, another wide-eyed fool looking to prove themselves would slip so easily into the shoes left behind. They were a blight on her beloved home, not even the Loa could brush them away.

"Very kind of you. To care about the city," Cleo responded, keeping it short, busying herself with making orders. She had to keep calm, collected, unbothered by his presence or she'd spoil a good day.

[naga-raja-suresh]

Plans within plans. Fulcrums and levers moving the world. It was a detestable thing that Mathias was considering. Something that Suresh wished to disavow any knowledge of. And Mathias hadn't said exactly what he intended to do. There had been no need. Perhaps Mathias wouldn't be able to do it the way he was thinking. But that would be up to Mathias. And Suresh would wash his hands of it. The Naga did wonder if Mathias understood what it might not cost him but his followers, who would be stained with the same sin. But even that Suresh could use. But all of these were thoughts for the future. Whatever future they ended up in. For right now Suresh held Mathias gently in his arms. Comfort from a giant snake, in far more than just one sense.

Suresh smiled sadly at Mathias' fatalism. But it was natural. Mathias' fate was tied around his neck, there was no escaping it, it seemed. Suresh looked into Mathias' very bright blue eyes and his smile shifted into something a little more happy at the question. "Of course I can. Some can keep me out for a time. Some can force me out. But if you let me in? I am certain I can see into your memories." He nodded at the agreement and taking Mathias' hand again lead him over to the couch so they could both sit and look at each other. "Touching helps." He reached his long brown fingers tipped in gold out to cup and hold Mathias' face gently. He cradled the younger man's face in his hands as he looked into Mathias' blue eyes. "Just relax and let me in..." Suresh golden eyes drew Mathias in and down, using his mesmerism to slip into Mathias' mind. His voice was soft, liquid and sounded like it was farther away from both of them. "Show me..." He moved softly through Mathias' mind, looking for the fog and the memories sliding into it.

Mathias listened to what Suresh was telling him and put the pieces together. The bones were Corvinus' son. Good. It would be cruel, and Mathias was sure many would oppose this, but they had no other choice. Now, he had never resurrected something that had been dead for that long, but all this new power in him made him believe he could do it. It would take time though, and he'd have to keep the young man hidden from the rest of the world until it was time to reveal his hand. The price he'd pay too wasn't going to be cheap. Corvinus would most likely react, and there were a lot of people that could be used against Mathias if it came to it. As much as it pained him though, he'd have to use them. This was how things had to be. If they were so willing to give their lives for Mathias, they should be understanding of this.

"If it's what needs to be done", Mathias said. He just hoped in his final moments he could see all their faces one last time, and tell them how much he loved them. When Suresh pulled back, Mathias looked him in the eyes. "Do you think you can do that?" He was hesitant, mostly because he never liked the idea of someone messing around in his head. But if there was one person he'd trust to do it, it was Suresh. "Sure, if you think you can".

[naga-raja-suresh]

It was an interesting way to put it. The clarity they both deserved... But however the wording she was still willing to let him look through the photos. Which was part of what he wanted, and it hadn't cost him a dime yet. "Thank you for being so understanding." He took the iPad once it was offered, giving a small polite nod, "I appreciate the permission. I won't make any changes or alterations to the folder personally." An easy thing to say as it was also true. His gold tipped finger slid along the screen, flipping through the photos carefully. He was indeed looking for himself but while he had the opportunity he would look to see if these photos offered any possible insights to what had happened. He let silence fill the meeting room as he looked through the photos. Finally he stopped, seeing what he had been looking for. A picture of him in his Naga form, face visible. The man next to him was thankfully blocked by the rain and being turned away from the camera. The Chimera the most visible but this had been in the midst of killing the thing. He put the iPad down on the table and slid it over to Cassidy. "Let's be very frank with each other Ms. Thompson. How much to have you permanently delete this photo and any possible copies?"

"Okay it is all making more sense to me now. I am willing to show you the pictures so we both have the needed clarity in which I feel we both deserve." The human said as she got out her I Pad where she had saved the pictures for safe keeping cause it was the one thing that was always with her knowing if they were on one of her cameras or phone anyone could take a look at them when she was not looking. After a few minutes she handed him the technical device open to the photos she took during the incident on Mardi Gras hoping he would find what he was looking for in some ways and in others that she had nothing over him along with any of her friends who took part in the events of the night. "These are all the pictures I took that night, I give you permission to look at anything and everything in that folder. The only thing I ask is that you do not delete anything."

[naga-raja-suresh]

Suresh's mind was running through all the possible scenarios and outcomes of a leader disappearing and at this point possibly dead. The Boss of the Lotus Eaters completely understood what the Lightless were doing and why. Shoring up power and making sure there would be no weak spots when the truth inevitably did come out. Suresh thought about offering assistance but stopped himself. It would not do to get so deeply involved in Lightless politics. It was a difficult position to be in, being the only other Boss that knew the truth. Suresh nodded as Fior responded to his warning. His mouth drew down into a thin line of worry at the mention of the other two leaders. Knowing there was no love lost between any of them and the Lightless. He shook his head, "I doubt they would. But that doesn't mean they might not have a reason eventually." Suresh let out a deep sigh. He could imagine that everything must be exhausting for the Emissary. There is a small part of Suresh's mind that drifts to those shared territories that he has with the Lightless. And how much easier it would be to shore up and increase their presence there, first just in support but with the goal to have the upper hand back eventually. But Suresh wanted to see who the new leader might be before he torpedoed the alliance he'd worked so hard for with the Lightless. Suresh looked at Fior and nodded then added, "When the Lightless have decided on a new or interim Boss let them know I would be interested in a sit down before the next Leaders meeting." He let the topic drift away. Turning his head back to the water and rain. "I think we make a lovely little pair of rain clouds on this grey day. Don't you?" A colourful way to say that yes, he did.

How many more times will Suresh Lal be put on his path―for what purpose? Fior can no longer ignore that destiny is at play and that the naga might bring his death or solace one day. Unless that will be Fior’s possible roles? It’s a mystery that would usually get him extremely curious about, but these aren’t the times to linger on curiosity.

The lionfish lets the information sink in. He’s sure Suresh’s mind is currently racing like his own had at the discovery. The Lightless have used the distraction of the aftermath to cover their track and build their story. Luckily for them, the last Leader meeting had gone really bad, so using that and Mardi Gras to justify Callum’s refusal to be present makes sense. But they know they need to move fast―find out what happened to Callum and declare war if needed or put his replacement in charge and acclimate the faction to its new leadership. “We know, but we will as long as possible. So far, you’re the only one who’s come to me about him. I doubt the other two will.” The Lightless are quick on their feet after all even their Goddess has changed―and that is a secret he’ll take to his grave. “It has been a tiring time.” He admits. With the truth out, Fior―for once―is the one to shift the conversation away from official business; even if technically, that moment had been off record and only for the two of them to share. "Do you still wish to keep me company Suresh?" He asks quietly; offering a way out for the naga.

[naga-raja-suresh]

Suresh would have bristled at the idea that he was 'hiding' from Corvinus. He just refused to dain the witch with his presence. And the immortal witch had lost the goodwill that had granted him more easy access. And there was a tiny piece of enjoyment that Suresh took from the idea of Corvinus standing outside like a jilted lover.

The sigh of relief garnered a small twitch of an eyebrow. But his body language was closed. The tragedy of this was that Suresh enjoyed the Blood Witch. The eyebrow twitched up higher at the other's attempt at a joke. Staying as cold and icy as a snow bank. "What a pity that we have both been so disappointed in each others...manners." Suresh replied coolly. Refusing to rise to the bait so easily.

The Naga's golden eyes stayed on the witch as the other looked out the windows. There was nothing frightening or awkward in silence. And Suresh waited for Corvinus to say what he came to say, not feeling pressed to repeat himself. The witch had heard him just fine. The shift in Corvinus' tone, the loss of the humor and the ficade that came with it made Suresh's shoulders relax just a touch. Ah, so they were going to actually speak to each other. He listened silently to the other. And he weighed his response before he finally spoke. " I can hold a grudge until stars burn out if necessary... People lie all the time. Usually I can tell when someone is lying to me." He paused thinking about the term that Corvinus had used for himself. "I would not call you a traitor, Corvinus... That inflates your importance to me. You lied by omission and clever half-truths. Which doesn't really matter. All the leaders lie to each other. It's part of this great game we play." Suresh entwined his gold tipped fingers as he placed his hands on his desk. "But don't pretend to not understand why I am angry with you. And I do not want nor require an apology from you for something you deeply enjoyed getting away with." Suresh's eyes flicked down to watch Corvinus put his hands in his pockets but they rose back to meet his gaze. At the offer Suresh let out a soft derisive chuckle. "My choice? How generous..." The last word dripped with venom and sarcasm. "If it's my choice I want both. I'm terribly curious at how much you value salvaging whatever alliance we might have had."

He didn't expect a warm welcome, not even now. Humiliation ran deep, something that Corvinus understood better than most. He'd been waiting down below for an answer, a reply; the Naga couldn't hide from him forever and Corvinus liked to think he had proved himself where it mattered most. At least he hadn't run and hid, hadn't left the city to fend for itself when he so easily could have. That alone should have spoken volumes that his intentions weren't...well, they weren't too harmful at least. Minor bits of chaos but that was the most fun, wasn't it?

But finally, an audience granted. And Corvinus wasted little time in heading upstairs. Back to the familiar room. His eyes didn't travel around like they had before, simply settling on Suresh with a sigh of relief. "Goodness. And here I thought I might have to spike one of the bottles of whiskey here to get your attention." He was only joking. Mostly. Still prodding that line as if Suresh hadn't drawn it in fucking cement. "Though you could offer at least a little 'good to see you' or something. Or just a hello. I'm disappointed in your manners."

But he wasn't there to taunt him forever. Corvinus' shoulders sat relaxed, eyes going to the windows out into the club to watch the others as he intentionally let a moment of silence between them. He knew he likely didn't have much to gain from this interaction but he simply couldn't resist it either. Not when so very few had an understanding like they did. When he did speak again, the humour had left his voice. "Honestly, how long do you intend for this to carry on? As long as we've lived, you must be used to traitors. It wasn't as if I put a dagger in your back. I could say I was sorry but I won't insult you with that. A touch of regret is not the same as being sorry." His eyes found Suresh again with hands moving to his pockets.

"What would make it better, hm? A gift or something truly honest? Your choice."

[naga-raja-suresh]

Cancer

≻ how does your muse react to emotional manipulation ?

Suresh is the King of emotional manipulation. And it's hard to play a player. When some is attempting to emotionally manipulate him he finds it rather precious and will probably go along until he is over the game.

≻ what is your muse’s most treasured family tradition ?

Suresh has no memory of anything resembling his biological family. His treasured family tradition now is the people that he allows to come spend time with him during his sheds.

≻ what is a cherished memory your muse holds close ?

He holds a few of spending time with Leto and Mathias as children that are very dear to him. Same with Emiliano. @frgdsecrts @sanguisxferox @ascnsionismx

≻ how does your muse express love & care ?

Suresh shows love and care in many ways. Being someone that Suresh cares for can be either intoxicating or oppressive depending on the person. Physical affection is the most natural to him. From platonic to romantic. But he shows his love and care by making sure his loved ones do not have to worry about bills, about threats, really they don't have to worry about anything that he considers menial. He is also a gift giver from the small and thoughtful to the extravagant.

[naga-raja-suresh]

⊹ — TAURUS ; ≻ what is your muse's most prized possession ? / ≻ what simple things does your muse find joy in ?

Suresh's most prized possession is his son @sanguisxferox. Though he wouldn't say that out loud. Suresh does struggle to not think of the people close to him as his possessions.

Suresh's simple pleasures are swimming, music, good conversation and summer rain.

[naga-raja-suresh]

⊹ — PISCES . ≻ does your muse have any escapist behaviors ?

Suresh makes money on other people's needs for escapism. He does use sex as an escape it just also happens to be a way to feed and a way to gain more control as well. Suresh has plenty of healthy escapist behaviors, reading, meditating and the like. But he doesn't require an escape from reality. Since he makes his reality.

[naga-raja-suresh]

how does your muse handle unpredictability ?

Suresh has seen and lived through a lot. He would say that he handles unpredictability well. And for the most part he does. There is always a certain level of unpredictability in life. But Suresh is a vain creature that can and has been caught up in his own believed abilities to predict how others may act. And he hates being wrong.