GODS AND MONSTERS

There was a rare, minute amount of people within Ivy’s life that she allowed to see beneath the facade of the predator, the one who stalked her prey within the depths of the night. And yet this woman, her girlfriend was one of the ironic number. She was one that was different; so unalike any of the company that she did keep. Perhaps that was why she had been intrigued enough to see where this relationship went, although she wouldn’t deceive herself into thinking she had genuine romantic feelings for the other. “It was rather impressive Sharpe.” She murmured as she began to step closer to Elise, her smirk still upon her features as she glanced to briefly see the remains of Elise’s illusions that surrounded them before it began to dissipate to fade into the reality that set before them. She almost moved to place a comforting hand upon Elise’s shoulder, one that most would think to be akin to romantic, especially with the pair of them as a couple before she heard the beginnings of the other’s reply. Although initially irked at the reply, the nonchalant look remained upon her features at the constraints of the other as she asked easily, “Then where would you rather go люблю?” Dangling the words to Elise was easy, it was almost out of habit although truthfully Ivy herself did not know what love meant. To rely upon another was not something that came easily to her, especially with the vulnerability that came with it.

She’d ever since used her powers as a shield rather than a weapon. These difficult relationships she’d been having were nothing in comparison to Ivy’s, which combined tension and passion all at once. While she sometimes imagined using her powers for something more sinister, thanks to Ivy’s powers perhaps, it was herself who ultimately changed her own perspective on things, clearly imagining herself creating illusions to help herself out, especially in her job. Not everything had been Ivy’s fault -- maybe everything was a cover up, something Elise believed to be true while she was the villain in her own story. This love, however, felt real and different than any other emotion she’d ever felt before. Elise’s eyes quickly looked around as the silhouettes of multiple people around reappeared, their confusion still lingering in them as they silently stood nearby. Finally her eyes returned to the dark-haired beauty whose heart Elise aimed to keep, whose heart was tainted. “I just want to go to a nice café, have some fun, not be reminded of who I used to be, please?” she plead and she could feel herself blushing. “I am not really a fan of danger and too risky adventures. I just want to be with you, away from my mom. I’d even pay your meal, honey. Let me do that for you, alright?” she couldn’t stop talking “I’m just having difficulties at the moment. I am alone now, well, almost -- and I have little to no control over my powers. Feels like I’m lost.”

[inspired by this]

“actually… i just miss you.”

“alright, i’ll leave you alone.”

“and slowly… i was forgotten.”

“and then everything just disappears.”

“and where do i go?”

“anyone could tell from here.”

“are you finishing that or…?”

“are you stupid or stupid?”

“anything, just call me, okay?”

“bitch better have my money.”

“bro… that’s so… not cool…”

“but did you do it?”

“call me now. it’s urgent.”

"can’t you listen to me?”

“cross that. don’t answer that.”

“don’t even think about it.”

“don’t you dare walk away.”

“do it. i dare you.”

“did you think i forgot?”

“eventually… you just move on.”

“even if you still do.”

“everything will fall into place.”

“fight me, you attractive stranger.”

“for once, i need you.”

“for once… i was right.”

“for once… i was wrong.”

“forget i even asked you.”

“forget it. you fucking suck.”

“fuck’s sake, what’s your problem?”

“fuck off. i mean it.”

“give and take. that’s life.”

“great. perfect. nice. fuck this.”

“have you lost your mind?”

“hello? it’s me. i was-”

“hey… that wasn’t so nice.”

“here’s a glass of whatever.”

“how about a hug, hm?”

“how about you make me?”

“i haven’t forgot you yet.”

“i can’t be around you.”

“i don’t need you, really.”

“i don’t need this now.”

“is this your first time?”

“it’s just a cut, really.”

“it wasn’t me, i swear!”

“i said i love you.”

“just don’t fuck it up.”

"just… come back alive, okay?”

“just make sure you’ve eaten.”

“kick his ass for me.”

“killed him? wait, what, literally?”

“life really sucks. feel better.”

“letting go hurts… a lot.”

“let me live, will you?”

“no, i don’t need you.”

“nothing can hurt me now.”

“nothing matters anymore to me.”

“okay it was me… so?”

“people lie all the time.”

“pipe the fuck down, asshole.”

“please, you can’t die now.”

“please don’t leave me alone.”

“quiet. they can hear us.”

“quick! give me your phone!”

“quicker, you freaking piece of-”

“quit it or i’ll bite.”

“quit staring! they’ll notice us!”

"really? do i look stupid?”

“real smooth, tripping over air.”

“rise and shine, sweet thing.”

“rise and fucking shine, motherfucker.”

“seriously? give me a break.”

“so… what are we now?”

“so… did you miss me?”

“so… can we go eat?”

“so… when’s the next flight?”

“so… how did everything go?”

“sometimes, i wish you died.”

“so what? you did it.”

“time passes slower without you.”

“then what do you suggest?”

“the fuck? who are you?”

“then you tell me why.”

“this is not working out.”

“this isn’t what i wanted.”

“this is all a fucking disaster.”

“when did it all happen?”

“who knew you’d be here?”

“why do i even bother?”

“why do i love you?”

“why didn’t you tell me?”

“you’re just… so, so stupid.”

“you can’t be here now.”

“you look like an accident.”

“you really need to go.”

“you know who to call.”

sofiabuchanan:

ofcozenage:

A myriad of thoughts claim him. Thoughts that demand he return to his lair or urges him to free Elise from the shackles of this place. Yet, he remains. Once baby blues have turned icy as he stands among the renowned sinners in the pit for another night. Someone mentioned habits can be nasty and unbreakable. Maybe this would become his. He isn’t able to expand on that thought before Elise’s tight grip draws him from his musings along with the shout of a painfully familiar voice.

Touch. Sound. Two different beings equally tug on his limbs and he finds himself stuck, bolted to the ground and incapable of looking at either. It is in a blissful second that two worlds collide and he is caught in a storm of illusions and rage. A second that rattles him to the core… He should’ve stayed in bed. Several words hit him at once and he is floundering, trying to say anything at all. Girlfriend, Join. Defeat. What was happening? He just wanted to show Elise what Rosalie had shown him a few nights back. Not get into a fight. There is an appetite in him that craves it, though. To fight would open doors he hadn’t even considered before. The craving for it is stilled by the voice of Elise who tells him to stay. It renders him speechless.

The crowd went wild with every new member being thrown into the pit and fighting against one another. As soon as Sofia entered, however, some left almost in a hurry, hoping to escape her green eyes and her recognizing anyone in the crowd. Those who remained were the ones who weren’t afraid of anything, and definitely not of the prince’s judgment. As if she truly cared about who they were as if Jean-Pierre would care or even be interested in their fight club. Judging by Elise’s body language, the woman at his side didn’t approve of either the fpit nor its fighters. Surely she’d change her mind if the crowd cheered for her as well. Nervous little thing, surely interested in being the center of attention, but Sofia was the epicenter. Raising an eyebrow, Sofia grinned at Joel, almost challenging. “Come on up, I’m sure it’ll be fun,” Sofia tensed the grip around the big metal straps that were separating the ring from its visitors, enough to let them appear white. She leaned in closer, chuckled as some demanded him to go up against Sofia. “You are my prey now, Joel. If you won’t fight: I’m sure your girlfriend would love to beat me up to defend your honor.” she began to walk around in the ring, looking almost bored. “You don’t just come here to watch, you come here to fight.” @daddyadkinks

Hungry animals invaded his pit tonight, smacking their lips and grinding teeth as they sought their prey. One beast in particular had become a frequent visitor; a lion dining in the den of angels, scorching those who came too near. It captured his attention here and there, when he deemed it worthy enough to be surveilled. A moment such as now. Noticing her challenge to two newcomers, a brow juts upwards. The creators. Two who can spawn worlds or render one into oblivion. They stir up pretty little mirages and calm with their allurements. A talent his tongue does quite well on its own. His right hand had already spoken so dearly of one and Darius spoke of the other. It is a pity they’ve let their powers go to waste. Powers he can corrupt. It is this reason that brings him to his ledge, looking down on the three. “She is right.” The sound of his voice, loud and clear, puts a halt to the shouts and jeers. It commands attention. “Now step into the ring.”

For fucks sake, this would end badly. Elise knew there was no escape from this godforsaken barn, not right now, not with everyone watching. This red devil really did a perfect job at keeping everyone around them interested and cheering, challenging them both to a duel, but only directly addressing Joel. Of course she’d step in for him, would protect him no matter what. This bitch wouldn’t triumph, even if she could see in Sofia’s eyes how her main goal had always been to lure Elise into the ring. So what exactly was it about other woman that made Elise undeniably furious? Possibly her smug grin and inability to not challenge the next person. Though as Dante spoke Elise immediately looked upward. Yes, he looked intimidating, clearly showed himself as the leader, the creator of Seraphim. She officially had it, with all of them. “Fine, I’ll go,” she whispered towards Joel before stepping into the ring. Fragments of illusions appeared next to Sofia, illusions she accidentally created, now linked to Sofia’s mind. “What’s that---” she murmured “Joel?” Sofia, as well as Elise, both looked towards the figure now standing next to the redhead. A tall, beardless man, the illusion distorting every now and then like a bad hologram. The figure disappeared almost immediately. “Seems like we do have something in common,” but as quickly as Elise muttered the painful truth, as quickly did Sofia deny them with her head shaking in confusion. Alright them, she’d not hold back. @ofcozenage​

There were few things that brought amusement to Ivy. Elise was one of these people. She wasn’t quite sure how she saw her girlfriend, she certainly was not the romantic type; but she did provide an entertainment she did not find elsewhere. A small smirk appeared upon her lips as she watched Elise’s powers upon display, crossing her arms to witness the fantasies and illusions that appeared before her as they seemed to illuminate the scenery around her. “Not bad, Sharpe.” She commented as she began to walk closer to her girlfriend, her white teeth glinting in the sun, almost like a predator to its prey although on this rare occasion Elise was anything but that. “And here I was going to propose a night in Omerta.” She replied, a nonchalant look upon her features at the thought of Elise’s mother. Ivy had never truly considered parents important figures in one’s life — especially considering her deceased father and deadbeat mother, but both Elise and Ivy were different people. 

They’d always been close, but never close enough for Elise’s taste. The barrier between them, this invisible one which she couldn’t penetrate as easily, had been changing her relationship towards Ivy, but for now she wouldn’t let that affect her too much. She just smiled, remembered the good things about their relationship, not the ones which reminded her of how her illusions looked like a clouded mess, a paradise clouded with fog. “I’ve continued to see progress in my studies, especially with my worldbuilding. I finally create inanimate objects without prior inspection of them in real life, just out of my memory. I’m actually impressed I managed to do that just now,” The edges of Elise’s mouth moved downward, clearly showing how impressed she was. To be here, here with Ivy, was almost too good to be true. “Wait,” she stopped “Omerta? no, I don’t want to go there at all. I have to be home at ten:”

Lucian groaned when he popped a stuffed pepper into his mouth from underneath his mask. Fuck, how could he forget how good the chefs were at the castle? A taste of this food brought him back to when he and Emilia were young, sneaking into the kitchen to steal seconds and thirds of delicious meals. A few of the cooks had always been softhearted towards them both and always managed to put a few extra pieces of meat onto their plates. 

Now that he was out of the castle, Lucian had to adjust not having every meal made for himself. And with Liam having a tendency to burn his food, it took quite a while for Lucian to know the ins and outs of the kitchen.

However, eating the stuffed pepper at that moment put all of his cooking attempts to shame. Lucian ignored the stares he got from overloading his small “appetizer” plate. Yes, he did come tonight not to be recognized, but man did the food make him forget his initial purpose.

That was when a cherry entered his vision, and Lucian momentarily stopped chewing. He turned, and when he saw who the voice belonged to, he was suddenly so grateful for the full-face mask. 

The pepper caught in his throat, and Lucian choked and coughed, thanking whatever Lord there was that his mask was preventing Elise from seeing him completely embarrass himself. 

“Elise! Hi.” Lucian choked out, breathing in and internally punching himself for such a smooth delivery. Standing up straight with whatever decency he learned from being royalty, Lucian swallowed and brushed himself off. 

“U-uh…” Lucian stuttered, unsure about if he even wanted Elise to find out who he was. Not after that humiliating display. 

“Big.” Lucian coughed, pounding his chest once. “Big fan of yours.” He nodded.

Many probably only dressed up to enjoy the expensive champagne and the prepared food. Elise could only scoff at her own thoughts. Most Saints probably never got to taste such expensive food, let alone champagne, herself included -- so naturally, she immediately looked for waiters with their silver platters and the buffet at the end of the Sapphire room. But before she was able to enjoy most of her food, she was already chatting with an unknown gentleman, a cherry placed in front of his face as a mean to start a conversation. Apparently, it worked well enough to get him going.

His erratic reaction, however, only made her chuckle in surprise, enough to force her to cover up her lips with one hand. Cute, but clumsy -- a Saint? Probably. No royal would allow himself to act this surprised to see her, considering they were much, much more famous than her. The man hiding behind his large mask, apparently, used all tactics known to mankind to hide his identity -- what a pity. “So you do know me?” she asked “Fan? Really?” luckily her bunny mask hid the glimmer in her eyes caused by her sudden excitement. “My last movie must’ve been my best yet, but I never knew I’m recognizable,” her mind trailed off, but she recovered quickly, nodding as a response to him and herself. “Thanks,” a sugary sweet -- something she’d perfectioned. Shielded from this world for years, Elise knew how to play nice. Using her powers, Elise transformed her bunny ears into moving ones and moved one of them, bend it to her will, winking at the stranger. With a tilted head, she kept on looking towards Lucian. “So, stranger, I see you’re quite nervous -- how so? I promise I’m easy to talk to and not at all someone worthy of such praise.”

There is the warmth of her arm curved around him, tugging, melding their bodies together and he can feel his panic subside. It vanishes beneath the soothing melody of a song that fills his lungs with air and simply allows him to breathe in his relief. His body reacts to her illusions long before his sight can take in its beauty, the familiarity of it easing the tension out of his bones. He pulls her close again after finding no injuries, the shape of his smile pressed into her skin as he just hugs her. He can’t find it in himself to do anything but hold her. Hold her until he is confident she isn’t an illusion, too. Fate would be so cruel to trick his mind in such a way. To quickly turn his life into a nightmare akin to those he invokes on others.

Her direct line of questioning has him pulling back again and he knows he must look hysterical. “You didn’t answer my calls.” He answers, pointblank. “I-I was driving around looking for you because these two drunk guys were talking about a lot of injuries at the Anniversary. And I wasn’t there because I was infiltrating castles and stealing rings with Minx so I didn’t know if you were there. Which is why i called but you never picked up so I felt like I was going fucking insane trying to find you at all your usual spots. And I didn’t know what I was going to do if I lost you.” His words were pouring out, his breaths few and short until he felt a panic in him rise again. “I can’t lose you.” He had already lost so much.

She could feel her fingers tremble against his beard, felt his stubble tickle against her slender fingers. His entire being provoked an anxiety inside of her she only ever felt before castings. But this just wasn’t a possible job, a moment to prove herself -- it was a clear moment of life and death -- and he must’ve believed the latter in her case. Sighing to somehow soothe herself, eyebrows knitted together in worry, Elise softly stroke down towards his neck, almost apologetically smiling at him. “I’m so sorry,” she eagerly looked around, listened to the music playing, the water splashing, pointed at everything that might calm him down. “I don’t answer my phone while I rehearse my scripts. I’m always using my powers to learn my lines and I can’t use any distractions, which also includes you,” she could feel herself hold her breath for a few seconds, inhaling deeply in the end. “ You will never lose me. I promise, never.” Elise tilted her head to the side and tried to guide him towards their bed. “Come on,” slender fingers tried to hold onto his and, as they did, she immediately pulled him closer. “Our entire world could burn, the monarchy could fall, we might lose our minds -- I’d still be with you as long as I can. I promise. I can defend myself -- have some faith in me and I’ll not let you regret caring about me.” 

Again, the warmth in her heart, but this time much stronger and almost intensely radiating through her entire body. “Joey,” Elise kissed him softly, then longingly, before letting go and just pressing her forehead against his. “I was here the entire time. Now, would you please tell me what happened? You’re starting to scare me.”