tiberiusmadhouse

[tiberiusmadhouse]

rcliicta​:

               ❛  my little one.  ❜

      her gaze softened at the seer mention of her son, a bright smile easing upon her features. she would walk through hell for that sickly boy, work was nothing when she thought of him. a small bit of laughter rose though her, she knew it was silly that her son kept her grounded to her job but someone had to provide for him. lord knows his father was doing the best he could … when he wasn’t drunk. for a moment her expression shifted, the joy replaced by the smallest inking of fear. would he come home drunk today or would she have her husband for just night. a shake of the head pushed that though aside.

               ❛  my son, he is sick and his father certainly tries his best, when he finds work, to provide for him. sadly, i’ve had to take up a couple jobs here and there to keep up with his medicine. just the thought of him gets me through my day no matter how hard it is.  ❜  

      hell wanting a better life was part of the reason she and joseph moved to the states, she just wasn’t expecting the war … and how it affected him.  ❛  my ma, god rest her soul, always used to tell me — no matter how hard the day is family will get you through it all when the lord falters.  ❜

     The response is unexpected, Hades taking in the glow that filled her skin. It reminded him of Hestia, though true Motherhood had never been hers. As much as he was enjoying the hearth warming glow to her skin, Hades didn’t miss the chill that passed behind her eyes. Her mortal partner no doubt. 

“Children are indeed a blessing.’ His lips twitched, a private joke that most didn’t find funny. Just him, and his odd sense of humor. “I have two daughters myself.’

     It takes so much not to snort at that. The Abrahamic god? Falter was a small word for the bumbles the young diety had done, but one didn’t learn without making mistakes. Even if a certain someone seemed to think himself incapable of such. 

“You sound like my sister, Hestia. I think she’d like you Sarah.’

[tiberiusmadhouse]

     He could still feel shivers chasing over his skin from the rain, from the wind worming its way under the protective layer of his suit to leech the heat from his skin. Which was probably why he was so willing to curl up on the couch with a blanket, and a certain silver haired cat half sprawled across his chest. Instead of, y’know, doing his job. Either of them, actually any of them. And Felicia was very persuasive, had given a convincing argument that would have made Matt pause mid argument. 

“I love you...’

     But he deserved five minutes, it wouldn’t do anyone any good if Peter burnt himself out and couldn’t focus and- He was making excuses, he knew he was, but he was so damned tired... All he wanted was to take a nap. 

|| starter for @rcliicta

[tiberiusmadhouse]

Tag Ref!

[tiberiusmadhouse]

ncverdie​:

‘ I’ll bet you don’t. And I’m sure you’re real good at keeping secrets. ‘Cause a boy who’s daddy’s fist swung fast and hit hard when the bottle took him doesn’t fear anyone….not even god himself. ’ Jack’s hands remained clasped and curled around the metal frame of the chair. The Strike Commander not entirely trusting himself to let go…lest he be tempted to pick the damned thing up and clock the smug restrained little bastard across the face with it.

The voiceless threat of earning one of Amari’s scoldings the only thing keeping his tone at a level that wasn’t an echoing din through a multiple floors   

‘ In response to your question however, no….I wouldn’t waste the architecture. Too much of a tough guy for me, kiddo. You got me there. ’

Another grating  s c r e e c h  and the chair was pulled back far enough for Morrison to slide into. The metal creaking under the man’s weight as he sat back against it. One hand reaching out to  pull the datapad close. A few precise swipes and taps pulling up a file. A black and white picture of a brunette in military dress popping onto the screen, another of the same man beside it, only this one was in color. Cleary taken barely a few hours ago. The man’s hair much longer as he sat strapped in a chair similar to Rogers himself…a reflective prosthetic in place of a left arm. ‘ Sergeant James Barnes however…now there’s a guy with a wrap sheet even longer than yours.’

There’s a calculated pause as Jack lifts the device up, sliding through documents and reports. Scrolling and scanning lightly. Unbothered to attempt to hide the obvious coercion at hand. ‘ Codename Winter Soldier, longest serving POW turned assassin and a known terrorist. Now, we’ve got a nice deep hole we can store Sergeant Barnes in….so deep the Devil himself wouldn’t be able to shit on him. So I guess one of you may yet find themselves beneath a building, huh.’

Letting a smile paint and pull at his own lip’s lightly, it was pettiness that had him force his expression into a mimicry of the simpering one that had been offered to him moments before. The datapad dropped onto the tabletop with a thud that seemed to be far louder than it was. ‘ Then again I guess it isn’t the first time he’s taken a fall for you, literally and figuratively. ’

“No, no I don’t.’

     The smile is still there, but it’s clearly stilted if only for a moment. It was a little suspicious that Jack was mostly bringing up things that could be found in a Wiki search. To be fair there was very little about his life that wasn’t public, outside of his commanding HYDRA. He’d not originally done it on purpose, there was half a century where he didn’t do much of anything, but once he was on his feet and knew how the world worked? There was a sort of protection in being so transparent. Lovers, friends, eating habits. People tended not to want to delve too deep when they thought they already knew everything.

“That happens when someone gets brainwashed and left to rot by the government who said they were going to get you home no matter what.’ Steve tossed back, a sneer in his tone, the anger that had been percolation at a purposeful simmer slowly ramping up. “So you’re going to take a POW, a man who’s attempting to recover after being used as an unwilling guinea pig by the enemy. That’s a real good look for you Jack, I mean that. Your organization is just this side of being called outlaw anyway.’

     Hands finally clenching in full, Steve forced himself not to look away, to stare back in the warped reflection of the expression he’d been offering only moments ago. It isn’t just the fact that he was threatening his Bucky, but the hypocrisy of tormenting an already wounded soldier who had done, and seen, enough. 

“I’m surprised you haven’t fallen for him, you seem to have a type. There’s the obvious Reyes thing, a few other nameless guys. But then there was Vincent?’ The playfulness in Steve’s tone was brittle but still there, the smile now sharp edged. “His kid is really a chip off the old block, proves that nurture means something y’know?’

[tiberiusmadhouse]

rcliicta​:

      their devotion was blinding — all the faith they had in him brought joy to his heart. knowing they would be willing to walk through the fires of hell should he just ask it of them. with a gentle smile, arms open waiting for them as he backed into the henbane river.

               ❛  i will always have a need for you my child. though this one is a very heavy burden should you wish to take it.  ❜      the moment their fingers interlocked a warmth spread throughout him, casting the chill of the water from his body. how could he fell cold when such a fire burned at his fingers.

               ❛  i know you have been with us for just a short few months, but you have done remarkable work within the community. you have helped so much with the church, and myself.  ❜      thumbs brushed delicately over the back of their hands as he tugged them into the bliss filled waters.                 ❛  having proven to me that my faith … could not be trusted. that she doubted me. the project. you have done far more than i could have ever asked of you. and yet here i am before you needing you once more.  ❜      

     A shiver ran along Dantalion’s skin that had nothing to do with the chill of the water, But it was the good kind, the one you got after taking a sip of cocoa and it seemed to spread through your chest warming you from the core out. It was that kind of feeling, but all over as she listened attentively, feet lightly stepping along the shore and into the water. 

     He seemed to be under a delusion that Dantalion had begrudgingly done what was needed. That they had been pressed too hard, or maybe worked too hard. There wasn’t any way for him to know that they felt guilty knowing that they hadn’t done enough. There was more they could have done but feared overstepping their bounds. 

“Ask.’ 

     A simple word, quietly spoken as the water began to slowly seep into the fabric of her sun dress. A promise that needed no further explanation. If Joseph needed something of her, then she would do it. No questions asked unless it was to make them more efficient at the task.

[tiberiusmadhouse]

rcliicta​:

      shit, she couldn’t believe what just happened. turning she quickly grabbed a small hand towel ready to pat the male’s shirt dry only to realize the sizable gap between the two of them. clutching the towel for a moment she gave the weakest of smiles.               ❛  oh no, it was my fault. i wasn’t expecting you here this early. are you okay, i know the coffee was hot.  ❜

      no duh it was hot. you just made it and spilled it all over him. what is a hallmark movie. jesus awan how clumsy can you be this early.

      her head reeled at the mistake; hands tucked against her chest as ocean hues lingered over him. he didn’t look like he was hurt too bad, burned surely but he appeared more frightened than anything. brows knitted as she watched him, studying him for a moment. the strangest sense of deja vu sinking over her – as if she had seen him before.  though the thoughts quickly dissipated when he spoke, head tilting slightly in confusion.

               ❛  i’m sorry. neither can you what?  ❜     for a moment she though he was on the phone though there appeared to be no headset in his ear.

      hey … doesn’t this guy look a bit familiar. like we’ve seen him before somewhere … maybe a dream.  

      it wouldn’t surprise her, subconsciously you dream of random people you see on the streets sometimes it’s the ones you just pass by without even realizing it. but her subconscious did have a point, he looked oddly familiar.              ❛  i’m sorry but this is going to sound like a strange question but … have we meet before.  ❜

"If you’re not early then you’re late.’ Not important right now, his voice a little strangled as he attempted small talk to stall. To keep her away from him. Why aren’t you running! “It’s not that bad honestly, I pulled the fabric away fast enough I’m barely scalded.’

     A lie, the burn felt like it had melted his skin and managed to seep through all the way to his lungs. Trying to pull himself together, Abel’s rambling and stupid ideas aside, Cain allowed an oh so brief flick upward of the outside of his mouth. The closest he could get to a smile all things considered. It had only taken a moment to recognize which twin she was, Awan, his wife. 

     To be fair he was the one who had killed his brother, so it was only fair that he be the one taking the brunt of the emotional damage. Better than Azura... at least you get to choose when you spend time with her. But it still felt like a sucker punch every time. And every single time he didn’t just lose her, oh no. She was torn out of his life with all the vindictive hurt that Yahweh could devise. A seemingly endless list of sadistic possibilities that even Cain couldn’t try to prepare for. 

“Yeah, of course.’ Worse, she recognized him, in an abstract way. One day he’d figure out how to either bribe, or blackmail Death into overruling on principle of first death should not have been interrupted. 

“I knew your parents.’ Not a lie, not really. Though he only claimed one as his own. the other could rot in an unremarkable grave long after time stopped ticking. “That’s where you know me from, the rare day I’d be able to take time from work and all that.’

     He wanted to leave, wanted to walk away from the hurt that was coming. But he couldn’t bring his feet to move.

[tiberiusmadhouse]

rcliicta​:

               ❛ ah —.  ❜  

      he stop — an internal debate raging within him at the mere question. on one had jean-luc told him it as a kid; hell, the whole purpose of the story was to teach kids to be respectful and listen. on the other hand — well he was told the story and look how that turned out.  

               ❛  ‘right, i made a mistake cher … don’t worry though gambit can fix this.  ❜    a crooked smile laced his lips, it was an easy fix — there was a way to keep them at bay outside of behaving.  

“Yes, yes you did.’ How she managed to keep herself from smacking him on the back of the head was beyond her. But she did. Barely. 

“Did you even stop to think about whether or not Honey had even seen a scary movie?’ Which she hadn’t. The worst she’d seen to date was the Charlie Brown Halloween special. This could have waited a year? Two? “How are you going to fix this? You can’t go lyin’ to her and try and take it back!’

[tiberiusmadhouse]

priimalurges​:

Clarice Starling knew the rules of his game. She knew the fangs that were hidden there, the forked tongue, the venom. She knew the icy cruelty, the apathy, the danger. It made her nauseous. But what sickened her even more, was the sadistic thrill it ignited in her chest, adrenaline priming to burst every cell and electrify her senses.

She reacted perfectly, fluttering her eyes as though she had forgotten her manners, plucking the puppeteers strings just as he tried to tighten the noose. She offered a brisk hand, business tightening her spine and drawing her shoulders into a harsh line, “Agent Clarice Starling, FBI. I was looking to take up just a small portion of your time.”

     So formal, Hannibal holding the moment in time for longer than was necessary, longer than was polite. But then he’d been expecting her far sooner than this, had waited patiently in his web and she was late. With a brief incline of his head, Hannibal stepped back to allow her inside, gesturing towards the door that led into his office. 

“I do have a few minutes to spare before my next appointment.’ Thirty-two of them to be precise, but let her either sweat it out or have figured it out on her own. “What can I do for you, Agent?’

[tiberiusmadhouse]

rcliicta​:

      his gaze never rose from the book within his grasp, making himself at home as he walked. a bit too eager to accept the devils words // tugging lightly at the silk noose around his neck as he settled into the lush couch.        ❛  as do you lucifer, it has been a moment hasn’t it … i suppose that would be my own doing.  ❜     death would never fully abandon the devil // though when he had asked them to vacate with him. joseph couldn’t keep still … he worked where aveline would relax. personality split down the middle && he lucked out having the restless tendencies.  

      blue hues followed the devil entry, returning to her twin for a moment. shifting to face him as he settled upon the couch —        ❛  perhaps we should let asmodeus handle it. he has been restless && we both know he will get the job done, && i’m sure lucifer would agree you should take a break joseph.  ❜     far too much work wasn’t a good thing, even if death itself never had a proper break. surely one day couldn’t effect the world in such a negative way.

“It would...’ There’s no admonishment in his tone, pouring a second glass of whiskey before carrying them and the bottle back to where Death sat. “But I’ve managed not to take offense at your neglect.’

     Was it Joseph’s job to keep the Devil company? No. Was Lucifer feeling put out about it? Also no. But it was rare he had the opportunity to tease the immortal, always so busy, always rushing between one job or another. Out of the small gathering someone had to be responsible. 

“When was your last “break”, sweet Death?’ If Joseph thought for even a moment that he was leaving now, the other half of the horseman was mistaken. “I can almost guarantee that it’s been too long. Might actually lay down currency on it, so of course you must stay.’

[tiberiusmadhouse]

rcliicta​:

               ❛  i would say i know what you meant … but.  ❜    that was just it, lady didn’t know. it wasn’t like she wasn’t willing to learn or incapable of it // she just wouldn’t know the felling the two shared — but she could see the sorrow there. hidden behind those eyes, the ones that captivated her in almost every way — fingers tightened with theirs.

      shifting closer to the blonde, craving the warmth to fight the chill of the night air // maybe an abandoned playground wasn’t the best idea of a meet up. it was a cold night, but lady had just finished a job … && as much as she hated to admit to it. this one shook her with memories from the past // she needed them. her eddie && venom. they had this way of making everything feel … better.

      lips parted to thank them, only to pause when that all too familiar tone rang though her ears, spine shivering a bit at the gravel in their voice as they collided. such an odd thing to be amused by // still venom’s words brought a laugh from her chest. sitting up to lean over the symbiotic love ever lightly.

               ❛  bold of either of you to assume, i think you to be problems.   ❜     she teases, lightly scrunching her nose at the melding features before giving a small squeeze of their hand.      ❛  i guess this just means … we’re stuck with each other until the end, huh guess it’s a good thing you’re both cute.  ❜    

     She would be one of the first. Most people seemed to have had a problem with Eddie even before she’d found Venom. When I found you! Eyes rolling, she lifted Lady’s hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it before looking back to the stars. That’s where they’d come from, and Eddie sometimes felt an odd longing for a place she’d never been. It was her feeling, not theirs. Venom would be more than happy never to go back to what had been his home. 

“We are absolutely adorable.’ Eddie protested, belatedly realizing that they hadn’t moved Lady’s hand as their lips brushed against the skin. “I’ll have you know I could have gotten prom queen three years running.’

     A pause as she recalled why she hadn’t. She’d been banned from attendance after a scathing article for the school paper that she’d forced, see blackmailed and intimidated, the editor into printing. Maybe if the algebra teacher had known how to keep his mouth shut, Eddie wouldn’t have felt so driven to out him on a few less than savory points. 

“But getting it while I was still a freshman is impressive considering I wasn’t technically supposed to be there. Small victories.’ Another pause, this one less reflective as Eddie’s gaze shifted to meet the mismatched eyes of their Lady. “Until we die.’

[tiberiusmadhouse]

ncverdie​:

It wasn’t hard to miss when the two men entered. If heavy bootfalls hadn’t been enough…then the general scuffing of table and chairs and the scrambling of fleeing men worked as a more potent hint. Well, damn. Jesse had to admit….he hadn’t been countin’ on the appearance. Or least…not countin’ on it so soon. Any assurances he had made himself, dashed. Keeping his reaction low and movements subtle as he tilted his body away from the two men. His back to his pursuers as a hand was lifted to pull the brim of a worn hat lower. Sipping at the second drink in his other hand to give himself time to think. 

              Fuck.

The obvious desire and urge would be to head for the exit of course. But that would mean leaving his takings behind….and well, Jesse was many things, but what he wasn’t was dumb enough to run himself in to a possible lynchin’ outside those swinging doors. It would also involve walking past the men’s table….and as much as he found enjoyment in testing his luck, and as much as he was somewhat sure they hadn’t got a proper good look at him, he had no real desire to stick his hand into those flames to see if they were hot.

Back upstairs it was then. The windows weren’t that high of a drop if he braced himself…

          ………he was gonna kill Ashe if she ever cross his path again.

Clouded shot glass dropped onto the bartop it was purposeful when he slid through the more crowded sections of the Saloon. Head tilted down. Sliding from grouping to grouping. Pulling an edge of coat close to obscure the scratched up Deadlock buckle blazing on a leather belt. Wrangling a sleeve down to cover the matching ink on a forearm. Making his way up the well worn stairs to the room he’d acquired earlier. Jesse silently offering praise and a prayer the drunkard hitting piano keys hard enough to hopefully drown out the creaking of the wood.

     There were other saloons, but this one was just dingy enough that it would catch the eye of that conniving little grass snake that had accosted him. At his side, Hosea was also upset, but hadn’t been pushed to violence just quite yet. Dutch was well and truly past that point the longer it took for him to find the young upstart. Shifting at the bar briefly caught his attention, head already turning back before going still. Wait, there. 

     Fingers tightening into a fist, Dutch watched just behind, and then in front of the moving figure, the one that had caught his gaze. It wasn’t as if there weren’t other shady individuals. But this one, the boy who was holding his outerwear close to him like he was trying to keep himself together. He wasn’t stumbling drunk, and he wasn’t on his way to get sick. He was getting out. Not on his life, not with Dutch’s rings. Letting him get halfway up the stairs, Dutch let out a loud curse and shoved himself to his feet. 

“That damned rattle snake isn’t here, Hosea. Let’s look into the next spot.’

     A few shoulders that had tensed, eased. People that Dutch didn’t immediately recognize, but may a mental note to come back at a later time and make a thorough inspection of the patrons. Some of them probably owed him money, which was always useful information. Standing there fuming, he kept a weather eye on the boy as he made his way to his room, gauging an approximation of which room he was headed to. He should have brought Bill with him, the young scoundrel could do with a little... adjustment.

“Now, Hosea! I want to catch the little bastard before he skedaddles out of town.’

[tiberiusmadhouse]

rcliicta​:

      the world chattered around her, mortals bickering about everything. families passing or growing // not enough money for bills or too money on their hands. humans always found a way to complain about something. they certainly were entertaining at the very least, icy hues closed as she relaxed. enjoying the faux solitude of her table, basking the warmth the sun gave. it was a pleasing day for the most part // relaxing given her typically line of work.  

      with joseph having decided to handle the souls for the day, && with very little paperwork aveline thought some fresh air would be a nice break from purgatory’s halls. relaxing into the iron chair, fingers wrapped around the porcelain // soaking up the warmth it provided. this was a nice day, something she did not know she could have wanted. at lest it was until a loud HEY caught her attention. heads turned at the café, curious as to who the male was shouting at. even death was curious as to what poor soul was screaming out for attention. brows furrowed as her gaze meet his, head tilted ever so lightly as the china settled back upon the table.

      why did he look so familiar, a moment of confusion settled over her before vanishing the moment he stepped from the curb. eyes closed as anger rose deep within the horseman, why did immortals have to be this way. those pestering souls that managed to get out of her grasp, why did they have to tease her by dying. screams could be heard as the truck collided with his body, shouts for someone to call an ambulance or for a doctor. all while they gathered trying to help the injured man // fingers tapped lightly upon the table. perhaps if she just ignored it joseph would come to deal with the soul.  

               ❛  oh fine … i’ll handle it.  ❜   words hidden beneath an exhausted growl as she stood. fingers snapping as souls froze // time almost seemed to still as she stared down at the male.    ❛  now … to what do i have the pleasure of seeing you again sons of adam.  ❜

      To say that he was put out would be an understatement. Abel didn’t like pain, and that was all he could feel, struggling not to move as his whole body burned with it. That and the sound of heels clicking towards him, carrying a creature neither of them truly wanted to see until it would be a final meeting.

“Hullo... Death.’ 

     He could feel the bones knitting, shifting under skin and sinew, the muscles cramping as blood rushed to the injuries, healing them. He’d be able to stand soon enough, not that he wanted to, not that he wanted to be left alone with the horseman. Dammit, Cain.

“D-Didn’t know you were h-h-h-here.’ Struggling to breathe, Abel coughed, dark blood crawling up his throat and out of his mouth. If that truck had been going any faster he might have had to go to the hospital. As it was there were just so many fractures where marrow seeped into the blood before healing. “Why are you here? Cain’s work?’

     For a man who hated so much, Cain was very dedicated to his work. Which meant sending others where he couldn’t go, would probably never be able to go. What would happen at the end of all things when you couldn’t die? The thought was too heavy for the younger brother, stomach tightening as Abel tested his ability to sit upright, and found he could. Stiffly, very stiffly, but he was capable. Wheezing briefly he held still, so very still, before moving to his feet and almost falling. Not quite healed enough, pain like lightning tearing through his body. 

“If it weren’t for our... history, you’d look very pretty today’

[tiberiusmadhouse]

rcliicta​:

      he’s not sure what wakes him first, the sun dancing though the window — blinding him through the cracks in his blinds or her touch. the way her fingers linger across his cheek // the feel of her mutation draining what energy rose though the night. absentmindedly his hand moves fingers lazily wrapping around her wrist // how long has he spend craving her touch && now he got it every morning. lips spread upon hearing her words, a small chuckle rumbling though his chest —- unique hue cracking to eye his wife.

               ❛  can’t get anything past ya huh cher.  ❜     slumber still training though his voice as he shifted in the sheets // stretching from his slumber. he needed coffee.      

“We both know that ain’t true, it’s too early for you to be talkin’ foolish.’

     But her cheeks still flushed slightly at the tease. Months of this wasn’t enough, Rogue wasn’t sure that years would be either. If they could even stand each other that long. Scooting closer, she cuddled tight to his side and felt the warm buzz of his energy against her skin. It was a bit like the tingle of a sunburn, sort of, in a good way. 

“What d’you want for breakfast. I’m thinkin’... hmm... chicken and waffles? Think you can make yourself decent for long enough to be in mixed company?’

[tiberiusmadhouse]

thelittlesovietpuppet​:

The cigarette is balanced between lips, leaning in as a light is offered. Holding the end of the cigarette against the flame until it caught. Glowing. The brunette straightening as a long drag was taken, the Soldier tilting his head up and away fractionally so as not to release the smoke in the other man’s direction. Letting it out in a slow swirl of white. ‘ Trust me, if I had intended to take a shot at you, I wouldn’t have waited this long or needed to get this close, Devil. ’ Words not a threat more than stating fact as another drag of tobacco is stolen slowly.

The whiskey glass is caught by prosthetic fingers as it’s slid over to him. A chink of metal and glass sounding at the contact. Grey eyes roamed over his host’s body openly, a brief glance as the other man stripped away the thin slip of material that called itself a robe. Bucky absently reaching for the nearby ashtray with human ring finger and thumb. Pulling it closer over the bartop, cigarette balanced between index and middle. Tapping off excess ash neatly. 

Cybernetic plates shifted and hummed as whiskey was lifted. Minute adjustments. Bucky unable to deny a certain level of curiosity that twinged at the lack of shock to the limb itself from the other man. Usually it garnered more than just stares….though those came too. Stares and a certain level of horror at it. Apprehension. Questions of where and why and how. The bar owner however? Not even a beat of hesitation toward it.

        Whether that was a good thing or a bad one remained to be seen.

‘ Guess I’m neither…..I’ve nothing against breakfast exactly, i’m just not big on food. ’ Seventy years functioning on a diet cocktail of injected drugs and supplements tended to leave a dent. Stomach barely able to handle what a regular man would eat…let alone what someone with a super soldier metabolism should consume. Bucky’s head tilting back to down the whiskey in one. Swallowing. Throat bobbing at the action. Knuckles chasing away any residue from lips as the glass was set aside. Attention returning to amber looking eyes. ‘ To be honest, it’s been a while since I’ve done anything like-..’ A gesture between them both by cigarette wielding digits is made. ‘…this. ’

     Lucifer didn’t so much as blink at the casual reminder of violence, and wasn’t all too concerned about it. Quite a few people had placed hits on him, higher than the ones that would be willing to pay for the human’s services, and at worst he’d have to expend energy to fix whatever damage the attempt caused. But it was cute how dangerous Bucky thought himself to be, lips twitching with amusement, hidden by the rim of a glass. 

“Well breakfast doesn’t always necessarily mean food, darling.’ A mixture of things in the Devil’s tone, hip settling against the edge of the bar as he finished his drink and focused on working his way down the cigarette not tucked into the corner of his mouth. “As an active participant let me just say that you’re not as rusty as that confession implies.’

     Not that he’d been terrible, but he was mortal and had to compete with gods whose sole purpose was shepherding the fertility of those lesser than them. Eons of dabbling and practice. But he’d been memorable even without the prosthetic that had sat around third of the reasons Lucifer had even found himself fleetingly interested.  There was also the broken edges around the lines of his mouth and eyes that were easy to see even when he wasn’t smiling. As well as a stain that soap and shower could never cleanse from his hands. That of course had been the highest intrigue. 

“And if you had to choose someone, why not the Devil to ease you back into the saddle so to speak?’

[tiberiusmadhouse]

rcliicta​:

      how could he joke at a time like this … with her pleading. death didn’t plead — she took. without remorse, without so much as a second thought, she listened to screams of begging && pleas for more time. she didn’t do it herself // the fleeting pressure of his touch almost caused a shiver to run down her spine. of course, he wouldn’t harm death // it was foolish of aveline to think of such a thing. had he not been her oldest friend, the constant thing in existence && yet there she stood // before him begging him to harm her … to tear this mass of beating flesh from her chest.

      there’s a hint of sorrow in blue eyes as their cast down, fingers loosely embedded into the fabric of his shirt … mind racing frantically trying to place everything together. the soft warmth of his hand coaxed a response, lips twisting weakly into a broken smile :

               ❛  fine … ❜     the word is breathed out, leaning into the grasp of the devil for a moment before sinking back into herself.      ❛  but promise me one thing, if you can’t fix it … you take it out.  ❜    

     It was a little disappointing that Aveline hadn’t picked up further characteristics, the sound of her heart beating seemed so damned loud. The sound of her begging sounded... odd to his ears, taking no pleasure in it, but not loathing it either. He could hear the lack now though, there was an echo of ages that should be making its way from her throat and was gone. 

“Are you just assuming that I’m going to fail you?’ An eyebrow raised as he looked down at her, tsking softly. “Turning human has done far more damage than I’d previously thought.’

     What else had changed, there were so many small things that he didn’t have to pay attention to around Death that he did around mortal creatures. His strength, always a nuisance, golden eyes slowly beginning to glow slightly as an idea occurred to him. 

“Avelne, in the name of Knowledge we should test a few things.’ 

     After all when were they going to get an opportunity like this again. Interestingly enough even Lucifer was hoping never.

[tiberiusmadhouse]

ncverdie​:

  An exasperate sigh spilled out of the blonde’s mouth. Not entirely sure whether it was aimed at the dark headed, quick lipped slip of a boy that had started this whole ill-mood…or at Dutch’s tirade. Arthur stepping further into the space while reaching up to tug loose the tie that kept the side flap of the tent open. 

‘ He wasn’t ready, Dutch…you just gotta give him more time. Now I ain’t sayin’ he was right to react the way he did..and he’s a damned fool for it..’ Arthur’s hands went up in a preemptive attempt at appeasement. Knowing before the words had damn well slipped off of his tongue that they could invoke a…..somewhat negative reaction. The younger male going from standing to sitting as he dropped onto a paint peeled crate. Hunching forward so elbows could rest on knees of well worn pants.  ‘ ..but killin’ a man for the first time, it ain’t easy, Dutch. Some find it more difficult that others to pull that trigger. ’

Hat still in calloused fingers, it was turned absently around by it’s brim. Arthur trying to gauge just how far he could push their current topic of conversation. He couldn’t deny the glare aimed in his general direction but the wind up him. Dutch tended to have that effect. But Arthur figured that’s what was needed in a leader. Blue eyes staring up at dark storming ones.

                 He was gonna start charging John a fee for cleanin’ up after his messes.

‘ And…I talked to Bill, and for now at least we got enough to feed the mouths currently present with us. So John ain’t entirely wrong on that front, Dutch.  His mistake won’t cost us much until we find something else.’

     He wasn’t ready... That was a useful excuse, one that the leader of their rough edged gang didn’t have time for. None of them had time for. It wasn’t that John was a liability, yet. But it was still frustrating when he showed so much potential for use. Listening with only a half ear as Arthur defended the feral little thing they’d taken in, Dutch could begrudgingly admit that not everyone was capable of defense to that degree. But the way the boy had handled it rankled the older man. 

     To be honest Dutch wasn’t entirely sure that he liked the implication that there was anything wrong with being willing and able to kill a man easily. This wasn’t a parlour room kind of place, it was wild and the men were terrors. Rabid dogs that sometimes needed to be put down because they came too close to hearth and home. 

“You talked to Bill.’ Voice quiet, Dutch searched for, and found, a cigar to tuck between his teeth to light. “Well I sure do appreciate that forward thinking, Arthur. And your oh so sage advice that the tantruming child wasn’t entirely wrong. I never would have known that if it hadn’t been brought to my attention. Thank you so much.’

     Venom dripped from each word, growing more viscous as he continued speaking, forcing his movements to remain smooth and slow as he propped his heels up on the corner of the crate that Arthur sat on. 

“Now let me explain something to you, if you’d be so kind as to listen. I didn’t ask if we had enough food, and I didn’t ask if John felt like getting his hands a little dirty.’ Teeth briefly biting down on his cigar, Dutch let the smoke twine up from the end of it for a moment. “The food we have is perishable, and will last a month. And that’s only with the mouths that we have right now. We have a habit of picking up strays, and we need non perishable items for the camp. So I don’t give a flying fuck what Bill told you, Hosea and I have already been over our stock and we need more.’

[tiberiusmadhouse]

@ncverdie​ asked: five times kissed ( geralt + yennifer )

                             i.     He still smelled vaguely of horse, it seemed to have seeped into his skin and taken up residence, but it wasn’t as terrible as she’s implied. A girl who had once found herself shoved into the muck of pig pens was accustomed to far worse smells. When he shifted, she almost flinched back, the restless movement startling her as she watched him sleep. But he wasn’t waking, her gaze moving to the hand that had begun to slide along the sheet in her direction.     Each time he showed up in her life she felt a little angry, mostly because the feeling of tension leaving her body was almost offensive. Yennefer did not need him, and when he died, because there was no doubt he would, this would be fondly remembered as a really good fling. Shifting closer, her lips twitched with amusement as his fingers curled over her hip, the tips digging in as he tugged at her. It was… nice. Letting him pull her close, she almost took it back when he half rolled on top of her. Which forced her lips to brush against a scar on his shoulder as she carefully turned trying not to be crushed.     The low grumble near her ear as she half heartedly squirmed amused her, going still, before moving again and feeling his arm tighten around her waist. Yes, well, she was thoroughly stuck, at least until he grew too hot and rolled away. She’d leave then, turning her head back to look at him again. A really good fling.

                            ii.     It was a boring party, as most of them turned out to be when prudes got involved and put restrictions on everything. What was the point of being a sorceress if not to be extravagant to the point of debauchery? There wasn’t, Yennefer huffing lightly into her goblet as she watched the other party goers over the rim. Of course no one had been able to stop any of them from dressing themselves in the most ostentation fabric and illusions, but outside of that.     Rolling off the pillar, she made her way to the exit, the goblet almost sending a tray toppling as she arrogantly dropped it without warning to the server. There had to be something better to do, maybe in the lower floors. No. In the gardens, tucked behind the flora like groping teenagers to avoid prying eyes. No.     Barely resisting the urge to throw her hands in the air in disgust, she stepped behind a topiary and created a portal. She’d chosen the location as a haphazard guess, her hands lifting to smooth up his chest. And it had paid off, enjoying his look of confusion and surprise, threading her fingers behind his neck to pull him down for a kiss. It was only a guess, she didn’t keep tabs on where he was or anything, smiling as his slack lips pressed more firmly against hers as her pulled her close.

                           iii.     Freezing. That’s what she was, glaring at familiar broad shoulders as he stoked the fire that he said would be more than enough. It wasn’t her fault he’d decided to go hunting a creature that detected magic. They were supposed to be on their way to meet up with Jaskier, who had said he desperately needed their help. Mentioned her by name no less, which meant it must be serious, and she was willing to take pity on the poor bard. If Jaskier died before she was able to get there she was going to dip her well manicured fingers into necromancy and drag him back.     When he fell down beside her with a low grunt, she almost moved away. Her body stiff as she glared into the middle distance refusing to look at him. She only just caught him mumble something about sharing body heat, amethyst eyes narrowing as she turned to look at him. Geralt didn’t flinch, not even when she very acidicly mentioned they wouldn’t need to share heat if he’d just pitch a tent and let her cast a small, inconsequential, impossible to really even notice spell.     The smile that curled his lips made Yennefer want to hit him, as well as the patronizing response as he wrapped an arm around her to tug her close. Which she allowed because it was cold, even with the furs she kept tightly wrapped around her body. The same furs that Geralt was slowly, meticulously peeling away to slide his hands inside to find her skin. If he thought for one second that she was going to let him bed her on this frozen ground, close enough to singe her hair, or his, he had another thing coming. Which is what she’d been prepared to say, indignation ready to ring through every word, only to find them slipping away as he kissed her.

                           iv.     She could feel the blood soaking into her bodice, but she didn’t care. It wasn’t his blood, it wasn’t even human. Gods only knew what he’d killed, but she didn’t really care. Didn’t care that he was absolutely filthy, helping him peel off the leather and cloth that kept his skin hidden from her. All she cared about was that he was here, and alive. There had been rumors, which she’d known couldn’t be fully trusted. But there was occasionally a grain of salt. She hated what the thought had done to her, feeling the rough scrape of his unshaven jaw against her skin.     Normally he had to bathe, and shave, and- Yennefer’s thoughts derailed when he lifted her up, the wall of the stable scraping against her back, aching even with the layers of fabric. And then he bit her and she laughed, the sound surprising them both, and the horse two stalls down. It made his head lift, golden eyes meeting amethyst, and she smirked at him before grabbing handfuls of his hair to pull him in for a kiss.     Tomorrow there would be marks on her skin, bruises and scrapes. It would be obvious to anyone who even glanced at her what she’d been doing. A soft sigh of relief escaping her when he didn’t ask any questions, or pull away. His reactions were getting slower, Geralt of a decade ago wouldn’t have taken half the injuries this last creature had caused.

                            v.     Fingers crimson with blood, Yennefer couldn’t quite understand what had happened. She’d seen it happening, watched it happen, but now her mind couldn’t put events in order. Rough hands yanked her backwards, a scream building in her throat, denial, rage, confusion. There was a lot going through her mind and absolutely nothing at all, her legs crumpling beneath her as a soft noise managed to wrangle its way out of her throat.     Everything was fine, it was okay, everything was going to be okay. A lie, but she wanted to believe that lie, like her perfect posture, the smooth curve of her jaw. Yennefer was an accumulation of lies. But she couldn’t speak this one, it was too big a falsehood. She could hear the murmur of voices around her, gaze seeking the only one that mattered. One of the golden eyes was closed, a furrow of a wound forcing it that way, though it still crinkled at the edge as he leaned down to kiss her. It was the last bit of warmth she felt.