He was walking along a path near the edge of the water. It was a nice night. Warm but not too hot, and there was music drifting through the air from somewhere that probably had its windows open, and this time it was actually pretty good music. He'd have to try to remember it to look it up later. His feet knew where to go even if Chris wasn't quite sure where he was heading, so he just followed them.
Something touched him and Chris stopped abruptly. He blinked a few times and looked away from the water to find Matthew standing in front of him. "Matthew?" The music was gone now. Whoever it was must have shut their windows. "Hi. What's up? I haven't seen you in a while."
"Chris?" Matthew called out to the vampire. He had spotted the taller blonde man from a distance as he was leaving Liber and he looked like he was walking in a trance. It was only when he called Chris' name again did the vampire seem to snap out of it and come back to himself.
"No, you have not..." the fallen deity responded with a slight furrow between his brows, his hand was still on Chris' arm. "What were you doing? Where are you going?" he asked as blue eyes darted about Chris' face to try to determine if anything was amiss. Something was very clearly amiss.
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
â Live Streamingâ Interactive Chatâ Private Showsâ HD Qualityâ Free Actions
Free to watch ⢠No registration required ⢠HD streaming
The reminder earned a faint scoff, though the gesture toward his feet had not gone unnoticed. Dorian's gaze dropped briefly before returning to Matthew, irritation flickering across his expression. "My body," he returned curtly.
"What exactly are they going to do? Take away my wealth? My position? My name?" A faint edge of disbelief crept into his voice. "You'll have to forgive me if the threat seems somewhat less intimidating than it was presumably meant to be." His brows lifted slightly. "If someone has a problem with me being too open about what happened to me, then perhaps they should consider doing something useful and helping me fix it."
His gaze lingered on Matthew for another moment, noting the familiarity with which he spoke about things Dorian still couldn't make sense of. "Are you a spirit too?"
"Hells, no. I'm no spirit..." he said with a smile. "I'm a fallen deity. Something I'm sure that you've not heard of either."
"And what would I get in return for helping you 'fix it' anyway?" Matthew asked in return. "I don't know if there is anything you could offer." Apart from maybe Dorian's soul. The fallen deity had enough wealth and position and name in his own life to not need anything material that Dorian could offer if he helped get his body back.
"Were you at Absynthia recently?" That would explain the body comment. That demon-run club was a bit of a mess by Matthew's standards, but who was he to stop them from having their fun as long as they had all their magical contracts in place?
The exact specifics of the revolver both surprised and overwhelmed Gabe. He had no idea what that sort of weapon looked like, but he figured there was always a way to find these things online. "If you're sure about the model, I can do a Google search, see if there's a picture out there." Gabe moved away the files that covered his laptop, booted it up and started typing a search. "Swedish revolver... year 1887..." he muttered while typing. "And what caliber, 7.5? Does this look familiar?" he asked and brought up an image of the revolver from his search.
Gabe's eyebrows furrowed with concern when Matthew mentioned what the revolver could do. His thoughts immediately went to Teddy and the vampires that had been shot by magical bullets less than a year ago. "This weapon has already been used, hasn't it?"
"Yes. That is the weapon." And Matthew could already feel his defences rising at the sight of it. That cursed object had been the sole cause of so much of his pain in the last few months and all he wanted was for it to be destroyed.
"It has..." Gabe was an astute one, Matthew had to give him that. "A few vampires were shot less than a year ago. And..." he hesitated. The fallen deity did not want to speak of his own shooting because he knew it would invite a whole host of other questions. He felt so diminished and helpless as he was, and he did not want to have to relive that trauma. "And so was I. At the start of this year..." But Matthew knew that he had to do it if he truly wanted Gabe to help.
"You've always loved donating your blood to the festival. All I did was provide a willing host of others who enjoyed your generosity," Leon retorted bitterly. "Lift the fucking curse," he reiterated again darkly.
"Of my own volition. Not after I've been compelled and forced to feed your syndicate..." And especially when Matthew had been in such a depowered state. It had scared the fallen deity watching but not being able to control what was happening to his body.
"It's funny how you think you can order me around, Blachedone. You're lucky I've not cursed you with anything worse than a mere craving," he chuckled and lifted a finger to run it against Leon's cheek. "Then again, I know the type of vampire you are. You always indulge in whatever you crave. Without any care for restraint. It's admirable to be able to live so freely, isn't it?" The mocking was clear in Matthew's words.
"I might have had a bit of assistance, but it is my charm and diligence that built my legacy." The ring did wonders convincing people that James truly was gifted by God, but it wasn't the only way he managed to fain a following. He wouldn't let Matthew downplay all the work that he'd gone through to get where he was. Even getting the ring was an achievement that James was justly proud of.
"I see. So you do have a type." He smirked, counting on his fingers. "Younger, intelligent, diligent, and able to keep you on your toes. Now who does that sound like?"
James seemed hell bent on getting Matthew to admit that he liked him, but the fallen deity did not want to do so on purpose. It was part of their push and pull to keep doing so and even Matthew had to admit deep down in the depths of his heartless soul that the human was indeed entertaining.
"Not you," he insisted with a smile. "So take the loss, James. You'd need a good few decades more before I would ever consider you my type...
"Now stop trying to drag me onto the dance floor. I hate dancing."
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
â Live Streamingâ Interactive Chatâ Private Showsâ HD Qualityâ Free Actions
Free to watch ⢠No registration required ⢠HD streaming
Oh he had struck a nerve. Matthew was often upset with the cult leader, but this restrained anger was new. And this certainly wasn't the idea of being compared to a mere human; it was the fact that he was about as powerful as one.
"So I was right." He grinned as Matt confirmed what James had only speculated on. All the signs had pointed to the very educated guess, but this was confirmation that the fallen wasn't as powerful as he used to be. "I'll stay as quiet as a mouse... for a price."
Matthew wanted to rage. How dare James try to bargain in this moment? Then again, this should not have been surprising, not when their relationship had begun with a bargain and an eventual contract.
There was little else the fallen deity could do in the moment because James was very much a loose cannon. And who knew if their magical contract would remain in place now that Matthew was depowered? He still needed to see where this would go though...
"What price?" Matthew gritted out, his hand still fisted threateningly in the front of James' shirt.
Some days you wake up and you want to cause shit on purpose. That was many days for Trystan. He was pushing limits by hanging out on the subway, but if he could catch a little morsel or else just make someone have a shittier day then who cared? The line passed through each section of the island, so it was an interesting collection of folks. He had been doing this so long that he could almost sense a good shot without checking. Maybe he would just start an exhibit based on subway stalker shots.
Then some idiot stepped right in the way and he got shot of an ass. Not a bad shot and not necessarily a bad ass, but not the picture he'd wanted.
"You know there's plenty of seats," he informed them, a little loudly over the general cacophony. Trystan was sitting with his feet up on the seat next to him, so yes of course there was space.
Matthew was an elder in the supernatural community, one that oversaw the demons on the island and especially in the district of Hedon. Now that his powers were starting to return, Matthew took it upon himself to do his duty and check in on the other demons on the island whether they wanted him to or not.
The fallen deity knew that he had something of a reputation amongst his own. He had technically only been a demon for about two centuries, but he had taken it upon himself to be one of their leaders and not all of the demons in Vievecor City took kindly to that. Then again, demons were used to fighting amongst themselves, their species often lent themselves to such dramatics.
"I'm not looking to sit," Matthew looked down at the other man as a look of utter disdain crossed his features. The subway was disgusting, but Trystan was one of the names on his list of demons to visit that day and this was where the Underworld demon decided to spend his time. "What are you doing taking the subway anyway? This is a terrible mode of transportation."
The moment he crossed the restaurant's threshold, a familiar aura brushed against Ashley's own. It caught him off guard for the briefest of moments, though nothing in his expression betrayed it as the hostess led him towards his table. Had he known Matthew called this city home prior to settling here? Perhaps. What he had not expected was to run into him quite so soon.
The deity's gaze lingered on the menu once she left, his words pitched low enough that they ought not have carried beyond the table, meant for one pair of ears alone. "Now, is that how you greet an old friend?" His attention remained on the list of specials as though he were weighing the merits of the seafood over the steak. "I always thought you were someone who prided himself on good manners. Yet it almost seems as though you were about to leave this fine establishment without so much as saying hello."
Only then did Ashley lift his gaze to meet Matthew's, inclining his head towards the empty chair opposite him. "You should sit." It was not a request. He was only going to ask once.
Ashley knew he was here. There was no way he would not have sensed him, the same way Matthew sensed the deity's presence almost immediately. And the voice that seemed to only speak to him was all the confirmation he needed.
Matthew had not seen this particularly deity in a long time, certainly not since his fall and certainly not for quite some time before that either. They had been friends in the Divine Realm a whole lifetime ago and Matthew had even hoped they could be something more, but their differences made it so that whatever they attempted never went very far.
The fallen deity had been about to walk past his table and out of the restaurant when Ashley decided to pick at his manners and Matthew's eyes darted over to him to glare daggers in his face. Who was Ashley to think that he could command him too? Ashley was still a deity, just like all the other deities Matthew swore to hate, and their shared history somehow made this chance encounter even more aggravating and nerve-wracking.
"I question your taste because this is hardly a fine establishment. And I see no reason why I should be polite to you." .
Why had he not deprived the other of speech before? The thought flickered through Arjun's mind as he watched Matthew's rather futile efforts to resist the inevitable. The kneeling, the command to lift the drink over his head⌠and then, of course, the rising panic in his eyes as he realized everyone else had stopped chatting to each other, only so that they could witness this too. It was reminiscent of something. Could it be the way he had felt when he had walked on him and his then boyfriend..kissing, twice at that?
Perhaps.
The deity tilted his head slightly, watching the tremor in the fallen's hand as the glass tilted..more and more, until a single dropled fell past brim. Then, as if Arjun was pulling an invisible string, the glass froze in its position. "That's enough. I believe I've made my point." Yes. How merciful of him, right? "Maybe this will teach you, you don't mess with us deities and least of all me. Now...what was it you said? Ah, right. Run along, demon. Get the hell out of my sight." With a quick flick of his wrist, the lead curator flung Matthew backwards, the sudden surge of telekinesis snapping Matthew off his knees and launching him across the tiles.
Finally, Without waiting for a response, Arjun turned on his heel and walked away.
Matthew felt the glass freeze just before the contents of it tipped over on his person. There was no hope that Arjun would go easy him, the fallen deity knew it in his soul, and he was soon sent flying backwards after Arjun had his final say and he walked off.
The humiliating feeling was crushing, made worse by the number of people who witnessed Matthew's very clear defeat at Arjun's hands. He could hear a loud ringing in his ears block out the noise of the Rubicund as he forced himself to stand.
How many of them clocked his depowered state when he could not fight back? How many of them were witness to how truly pathetic he felt?
Matthew knew deep down that he had brought this on himself, but it had been Arjun, someone Judas had explicitly compared him to in their last fight, saying that they felt more loved by the deity than when they were with Matthew himself. It had made the fallen deity feel horrible, like Judas had made the wrong choice, like Matthew was not good enough and that he never would be. He was a demon after all, and a demon's affections could never hope to surpass the love of a god.
The fallen deity could feel a suffocating grip tighten around in his throat and squeeze him in his chest, and he slapped the outstretched hand from a faceless stranger away as he pushed himself up to stand. He needed to get back to the safety of his private room and that was Matthew's sole focus as he shoved his way past the people around him to get there.
It was very beautiful. Different to how the drinking scene had appeared in the early 1940âs when Elemiah had last been exploring Earth. This place wasnât filled with heavy smoke and definitely didnât seem to be limiting its patronâs to one drink each because of issues brought on by war. Enzo walked absently along the sleek looking bar, peering across at the countless bottles behind it and attempting to read one of the labels, when one of the bar staff asked if he would like to be served.
âHmâŚâ He hummed thoughtfully, âPerhaps you could surprise me? Iâm not much for alcohol.â The woman made a rightfully confused looking facial expression as to why Enzo was there, âMaybe something⌠light?â Enzo wasnât sure what the correct terms were when talking of wine and spirits, but he had a feeling the man emerging from the other side of the bar was about to tell him.
Matthew had sensed another demon from where he was in his office behind Liber, a familiar presence that he had familiarised himself with not too long ago. He had distinctly remembered telling Enzo that he still wanted nothing to do with him and yet...
He emerged from a door that was partially hidden, making him look like he dissolved out of the shadows and he levelled a pointed look at the other fallen deity.
"What are you doing here, Elemiah?" Matthew asked point blank as he dismissed his bartender with a wave.
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
â Live Streamingâ Interactive Chatâ Private Showsâ HD Qualityâ Free Actions
Free to watch ⢠No registration required ⢠HD streaming
Waiting for Matthew's establishment to close up for the evening had been hell, close enough to practically smell the demon and yet unable to do anything about it until they were alone. He had purchased several bottles when pressured to, before scaring the server into leaving his table alone for the remainder of the evening, gaze locked onto Matthew each time the demon stepped onto the floor. The moment he found himself the last remaining customer, Leon had been ready to pounce on the former deity until he found Matthew walking in his direction. Painfully slow and with a horribly smug looking smile, if Leon had to judge. He bared his fangs the moment Matthew was close, although he made no attempt at a repeat glamour. If he was right, Matthew had his abilities back-- and Leon knew a glamour now would be exceedingly ineffective. "I'm not leaving until you lift the curse or bare you fucking neck, Alexander. Your choice."
"My choice?" Matthew asked in return, a single brow quirking as he regarded Leon.
"Desperate is a good look on you," he laughed lightly. "And no. I don't quite like either of those choices. I happen to remember that you gave me none at the Rubicund."
Jo winced as the back of her head connected with the wall again. Clearly the Rubicund's security was only for show. "Yes." A hint of exasperation clung to the word. Whether Matthew was hard of hearing or hard of understanding, she wasn't sure, but he ought to have caught on by now.
"I'll tell you everything you want to know." Her sluggish gaze found his. "All you have to do... is walk your ass down to the station tomorrow and tell them that the supernatural council will officially work with the police from now on where Artemis is concerned." A crooked smile quirked at her lips. "Or you'll keep your secrets, and I'll keep mine."
"Work with the police?!" Matthew looked at her incredulously. Oh, how he longed to slap her for her cheek and also to slap some of that sluggishness out of her body.
"Not everyone in that blasted establishment of yours knows of our existence. There is no way the Council will ever agree to officially work with the police," he growled. What he would have given to be in possession of his powers in that moment.
Looking at art always made him feel relaxed, on top of all the other things the pieces themselves made him feel. It felt as familiar as it was new. Besides, it was also a safe activity that was easy to convince Matthew to do. They gladly followed along, listening to him express his thoughts. Occasionally, Judas would have something to say that was a differing opinion and he enjoyed those conversations the best.
Yet again, they stopped in front of a painting and Judas found himself staring at it, taking in the details of not only the work itself but the materials, noting it didn't appear to be flat and instead something had been added to the paint to give it texture.
"I think the limited color palette really adds to the feeling that life has been drained away, from the sky and the flowers, the land and now the man. What a place to die, under the watchful eyes of sunflowers." The thought made him wonder where his parents had been when they passed away. His eyes lingered on the painting a moment more before looking to Matthew. "What do you think?"
Art had always been something Matthew truly appreciated about mortal creativity. That was not to say that immortals could not create, but there was something about the lived experiences of beings who knew their lives would come to an end that stirred their creativity like no other. And there was also the many different ways to interpret each piece.
The piece they stopped in front of was one such example. Judas had clearly drawn something from it about life and death, but to an immortal demon like Matthew, the concept of dying did not exist. It was something he could not quite grasp.
"It looks dreadful... Like the flowers are being nourished by his body, draining away his life while growing tall all around him." It was certainly a more morbid take, but that was what the fallen deity saw when he drew from his own experiences.
When Elemiah had left, reality began to settle in. Elio had been left alone with his thoughts for far too long, left to ruminate over what Elemiah had admitted to and what had actually transpired. The older deity had felt a mixture of emotions in response.
Hurt. He'd been lied to... The truth omitted. And while he was not owed any of it, he had always thought Elemiah and him were close enough that the other deity would have shared these issues with him before a fall could have transpired... Or even *after* one. He knew it was selfish of himself to have expected it, but the sheer shock of someone he'd regarded as a close companion hiding such a huge secret burned.
Guilt, not knowing if he would have handled the fall well at the time. Back then, he might have been upset more so at Elemiah's actions. And even now while he would have, he would have been upset at his own inability to prevent the fall after shifting his focus towards such a thing with regard to all deities.
Happiness? He couldn't deny there was a part of him overjoyed to see the deity.. Former deity... To catch up and perhaps to simply hold him close. To try to capture what they had had prior.
And then more hurt, knowing he was certainly not the same deity he'd been when they parted, for better or worse. Elio hardly regarded himself as someone quite as confident or charming as he'd been back then... He had certainly been more sure of himself and his purpose back then. Before the technological revolution, existence had seemed far easier for the deity. And Elemiah... Well, he knew falling had no doubt changed him in multiple ways as well, and in that sense Elio felt as if he was a bit of a stranger.
Elio had wished he had been there for him-- to help him with such a huge change to his life. But he hadn't been. The choice had been taken from him and he knew it was something he would have to accept, versus linger on. But regardless, another blow to the deity's confidence had been struck. First Matthew had been horribly injured, to the point Elio could not save him. Not truly. And there was the growing concern with it of Artemis. The stress of those alone had been hard for the deity, but losing Elena amid all of it had crippled him, feeling lost in a way he hadn't before.
Elio had felt as if he was drowning, barely keeping his own mental state afloat when Elemiah showed up-- the last straw before he felt himself crashing out. Once the fallen deity had left, Elio had found himself reaching for a bottle... And then another... And another. He had quickly depleted his store of whiskey, moving onto his mead and wine. Elio knew he would no doubt later regret his actions-- bottles saved for decades with the intention of being shared for special occasions were quickly poured solely for the sake of continuing the deity's desired numb state. Elio drank enough to pass out, bottles littering the townhouse, only to wake and repeat the same actions the day after and day after that.
The sound of someone in his townhouse barely registered to Elio until he had Matthew physically moving him and yelling at him, and in response Elio found himself opening his eyes rather unwillingly to stare at the demon before him. "Matthew?"
The expression on Matthew face moved from concerned to vague relief as he stared down at the deity. There was no sugarcoating things, not when Elio was in such a state.
"I see that you've been enjoying yourself with some of the best and rarest wines left in the world..." he said having recognised the bottles strewn around the house. There was even an empty bottle of an extremely rare vintage lying on the floor at Matthew's feet.
"How long have you been drinking?" the fallen deity asked. "Have you been wasted since you and Elemiah last met?"
----------
Elio had had no interest in what Matthew had to say, eyes already closing again and ready to tell him to leave until he caught the mention of Elemiah. He involuntarily flinched, eyes shooting open to stare at Matthew with a mixture of anger and confusion.
Matthew knew?! If Matthew knew, then either Elemiah had spoken to him before or after the meeting, and figuring out which suddenly mattered heavily for the hungover deity. He reached out and grabbed Matthew by the arm, asking, "You knew?"
----------
"Ow!" Matthew winced when Elio's hand closed around his arm with a sudden force. Like his magic, the fallen deity's demonic strength was still returning and he was not quite at one hundred percent yet.
"The demons told me of a new fallen in town under the name Enzo a few days ago. I did my due diligence to check him out and it was Elemiah," the fallen deity explained plainly as he tried to yank his arm from Elio's grasp.
----------
The deity immediately released his grip on Matthew as the demon pulled back. He sighed, sitting up and giving Matthew a more defeated, hurt look. "Am I to presume you also provided my address?"
----------
Matthew pulled his arm back and stayed where he was, blue eyes glowering from the rough treatment. "I did none of that. He came and found you without my help," the fallen deity said resolutely.
----------
Elio nodded, believing the words. "But you knew." It certainly sounded like it... And he hadn't warned Elio.
----------
"I did..." Matthew said slowly, eyes narrowing as he wondered where Elio was trying to go with this.
----------
Elio's expression fell, gaze turning to avoid Matthew's as he let his thoughts drunkenly ruminate on the new information.
----------
Matthew frowned when Elio seemed to shut down when he turned his gaze away. He was started to notice a habit. "And this is exactly why I didn't want to be the one to tell you." Matthew had a feeling that Elio was going to spiral again.
"Hey!" the fallen deity snapped and reached out to prod Elio on the arm. "Where are you going inside your mind again?"
----------
Elio turned to look at Matthew, thoughts still struggling after being woken from his drunken slumber. His lips curled into a faint frown as he tried to control his emotional state despite how vulnerable he felt. Matthew was there in his bedroom-- a spot in the mortal world he'd kept fairly private. A place he rarely had individuals back to, where he had felt safe to fall apart in privacy. What was going on inside his mind? ...Well, nothing good, of course. But Matthew had seen glimpses of Elio at his worst before. It was nothing new he supposed, not sure if it was a curse or a blessing that Matthew of all people had come to check on him.
"Stupid deity," he muttered, feeling very much like Matthew's favorite nickname for him. He sighed and turned to look at Matthew again, asking, "I'm assuming you were hoping to gloat. Can we reschedule for a day I'm not so hungover?"
----------
Matthew frowned, a furrow appearing between his brows and his lips turning downwards. Of all the things Elio could have thought of, gloating was actually the last on his list. Figures that he would think the worst of him. What else was new?
The fallen deity reached out and placed a hand over Elio's forehead as he imbued it with whatever healing magic he could draw from the moon. A faint coolness seeped into the deity to try to ease his hangover. This was the best he could do these days as a demon, and especially as one whose magic had not yet returned to full strength.
----------
The deity's expression relaxed as the magic eased his headache, feeling more mellow now without the ringing in his ears. "I'll have you know it took a lot of wine to earn that hangover," he pouted softly, still confused as to why the demon was paying him a visit. "The wards wouldn't have permitted your entry unless you had good intentions, so why are you here?"
----------
"I could tell by the state of your home..." Matthew replied as he took in Elio's words about the words. "And you'd let just about anyone in, is that it? As long as they have 'good intentions'?" The fallen deity rolled his eyes.
"Yes. I had the excellent intention to watch you wallow and suffer, didn't I? I'm here to gloat." Had this happened a few years ago, Matthew would have delighted in seeing Elio reduced to such a state, but that was not quite true today. Not after their relationship started taking a turn towards something decidedly less antagonistic, especially on Matthew's part. He expended as much lunar magic as he could to cure Elio's hangover before he pulled his hand back, tired out from his efforts.
----------
Elio's brows knit together. "No- there's more to it than that..." His voice dropped off, gaze turning up to meet Matthew's as the former deity pulled his hand back. "So your abilities are back then?" He observed Matthew, getting a clean read on his emotions as he added, "Somewhat, that is? Why are you really here, Matthew?"
----------
"Somewhat..." Matthew confirmed as he looked down at his hand for a moment before looking back up at Elio. Why did the deity always need him to spell things out for him?
"I wanted to see what state you were in after Elemiah found you. I'm pleased to know that my predictions were correct. And I'd told him of them too." The fallen deity stooped down and picked up the bottle at his feet to set it on the bedside table, mostly to prevent himself from having to catch Elio's eye.
----------
"So you knew I wouldn't handle the news well then... But didn't think to mention his arrival to me?" Elio's voice was soft-- hurt.
----------
Matthew looked up just in time to catch the look on Elio's face. Did Elio think he did so intentionally to hurt? Figures, once more, that the deity would think that way. The fallen deity had not wanted to be the one to deliver Elemiah to Elio at the time. He owed Elemiah nothing and felt some strange sort of protectiveness over the deity. Those feelings were very confusing and annoying.
"What does it matter? What's done is done. You've seen him, but it was not because of me." I didn't want to be the one to cause more pain, but those words died on Matthew's lips.
----------
Elio sighed in agreement. He knew Matthew was right. Being upset about however Elemiah found him wouldn't have changed much, and from the sounds of it Matthew hadn't found out that much in advance. "Well you've found my state and it's just as you predicted," he mused aloud with little actual amusement. "Want to crack a bottle of wine with me to celebrate?"
----------
"Tempting, but no," Matthew replied and walked over to another bottle that was strewn on the ground and picked it up.
"Is this what you're going to be doing? Drink yourself into a stupor for the foreseeable future? Was reuniting with your long lost companion really that devastating?"
----------
"It's... It's hard for me to describe how it felt, actually. And anything I say would probably just sound selfish," Elio admitted softly.
----------
"You're talking to the most selfish person I know. I doubt anything you say would surprise me," Matthew scoffed and gestured for Elio to continue.
----------
Elio rolled his eyes, fully expecting Matthew to rip into him for what he would say. And he had ever right to as well, considering his state as a fallen as like Elemiah. "Alright... Hurt. I was hurt. Confused... A bit angry... Both with myself and Elemiah. And hurt. Ashamed, really. I thought he had ceased... And instead he fell... I had no idea." He paused a moment before adding, "None." His voice cracked as he spoke, emotion slipping into an otherwise normally calm tone. "And I was his companion... So what does that say about me?"
----------
Matthew could not help the mild face he made at all the blame Elio seemed happy to pile on himself. His internal turmoil was clear and extremely present in the room with them.
"What, indeed... And since you've drunk yourself into oblivion over the last few days, has the alcohol given you any answers?" he asked, feeling the need to poke and jab at Elio's words and wounds for now.
----------
"No. But I still have plenty of wine down in the cellar," Elio mused half jokingly, a sad look in his eyes. "I know at this point I can't change the past... But surely everyone can afford me a few days to wallow in self pity?"
----------
"Ah, so that is what this is," Matthew nodded, judgement clear in his eyes. "Who am I to begrudge how you wish to spend your time wallowing?" Hells knows Matthew had done his fair share of wallowing himself, usually far away from prying eyes. And those times often made him feel so sad and alone and tired, a combination of states of mind that made it that much easier for awful, intrusive thoughts to take hold.
"And once you're done wallowing in self pity, you'll return to the city and pretend like everything is normal? Ignore your own needs by keeping yourself busy?"
----------
"Is this not a need?" Elio quirked an eyebrow feeling a mild annoyance at Matthew's questioning. "I'll return and try to get to know Elemiah again I suppose. Neither one of us is who we were then, but it seemed like he wants me to be a part of his life again... So I suppose I will see how he's fairing... If he is still adjusting or alright," he continued softly, his gaze meeting Matthew's and well aware of the contrast of his behavior now to how it was when Matthew had fallen. He'd liked to think he had Matthew to thank for it. "Try to make up for the lost time and be there for him now, you know?"
----------
"I just wanted you to admit out loud that you are prone to wallowing yourself," Matthew returned with a somewhat triumphant smile.
Hearing that Elio would return to Elemiah stirred complicated feelings inside the fallen deity. A part of him had felt vindicated upon seeing Elemiah's fall, knowing his own feelings towards their broken relationship, and there was a part of Matthew did not wish for them to reconcile, just so that they could taste some semblance of his own pain. But Matthew also knew how forgiving Elio could be and how desperate Enzo had come across when they last met. It would, Hells forbid, be good for Enzo to have some support, even if Matthew had no one but himself for the longest time and why couldn't Enzo just figure it out on his own?
"I suppose it'd be easy enough for the both of you to pick up from where you'd left off," he said coolly.
----------
Elio had been tempted to roll his eyes, had it not been for Matthew's latter comment. Instead he found himself shaking his head. "Elemiah and I remember memories of our former selves. Eighty years isn't much, but it also isn't nothing... I know personally I am far from the person I was then... Even from who I was a decade ago. I don't think we could simply pick up from where we left off, even if each of us wanted to."
----------
"Are you?" Matthew's eyes narrowed at the other. He had only gotten to really know Elio in more recent years. Matthew had been much closer to Elemiah in the past, but after his fall, he had done his best to avoid Elio as much as he could despite them both living in the same city for some time and their shared positions on the Council. "I suppose you have this hang dog cloud looming over you more often these days. You're not as good as hiding it as you think you are..."
----------
Elio let out a huff of amusement, not at all surprised by the dig. Matthew had indeed seen him at his worse, so the comment wasn't surprising. "You're making a good argument for me opening another bottle right now," he mused aloud. "If you were in my shoes, what would you do?"
----------
"Ugh. I would never put myself in your shoes. Your taste in footwear is atrocious," Matthew grumbled, knowing what Elio was asking and finding himself hesitant to respond. His own feelings towards Elemiah had him not wanting to give him any grace, but that was not the question Elio was proposing to him.
"Why do you need to hear from me when you've already decided what you're going to do? You're not the type who can leave sad, pathetic things be. And Elemiah is everything that makes up sad and pathetic, especially now that he's fallen. I'm sure you'd have a field day picking up his pieces." Matthew rolled his eyes, thinking that he could feel them looking out the back of his head.
"Just..." he started as he pulled his gaze away from the other man. "Don't put every single burden on yourself," he said, voice much softer as he turned away to pick up another bottle from the ground.
----------
Elio watched Matthew a moment, studying him as he turned away and continued to clean up the deityâs blatant mess. There it was⌠Why Matthew was there. Not the messâ but rather the truth behind his words. The deity could have guessed, sure, but he wasnât sure he would have believed himself even. Hell, he was struggling to even describe how it felt other than warm. Here he was a total mess, and Matthew was without a doubt checking in on him. Concerned.
And Elio felt entirely undeserving.
His voice was soft, almost hesitant as he commented, âIf there was ever any doubt⌠I never regarded you as sad or pathetic, Matthew.â It had certainly not been what had drawn Elio to Matthew, igniting his interest in making amends many years priorâ although it wasnât a topic they touched upon often.
----------
The line of Matthew's shoulders tensed at Elio's words. This was not something either of them had ever said to one another before and all Matthew could do was swallow around a lump in his throat as he leaned down to pick up another bottle.
"Then perhaps you were not looking very closely," he grumbled and that was as close to an admission of Matthew's underlying state of mind as Elio was going to get. Even when he managed to experience moments of happiness, there was a sadness that continued to permeate his life and Matthew did not think it would ever go away.
The fallen deity shook his head and steeled himself as he turned back around to place another two bottles on the night stand. "And you reek, stupid deity," he said to steer the conversation elsewhere. "How long has it been since you last had a shower?"
----------
âSince before I started drinking?â His voice was sheepish. Elio reached up near his chest and pinched the fabric of the T-shirt he wore between two fingers, bringing it closer to his nose for a sniff.
Alright. Fair point, he likely needed to rinse off and put on some new clothing. It was that or fix it with magic, although the stiffness he felt from the drinking had remained and a hot shower sounded appealing in a way magic couldnât sooth.
His thoughts didnât linger on his own state for long though, feeling conflicted and concerned by Matthewâs own reply regarding himself. He leaned forward and reached out for Matthewâs arm again, grabbing it, albeit gently. His palm slid down the demonâs arm then, pulling back before it reached Matthewâs palm. âYouâre right. I wasnât back then⌠But thatâs true today, and I hope one day you see likewise.â
----------
Matthew felt Elio's hand on his arm and he watched as it slid down to his hand. They remained like that as Elio spoke and Matthew found that he could not pull his eyes away from where he was being held. It was easier to do this than look into Elio's eyes. He allowed his hand to stay in the deity's hold for a moment longer before he pulled it away, and there was a strange feeling blooming in his chest that he did not want to acknowledge.
"You reek," he said again, still not daring to look Elio in the face. "Do us both a favour and go and take a shower, please."
----------
âYeah, yeah⌠Heard you the first time,â Elio muttered playfully, mood feeling a bit lighter as he stood up and made his way over to an adjourning door. He stripped off his shirt and pants as he stepped into the bathroom the door led to, dropping them as his feet as he closed the door behind himself. The bathroom was also a mess since his drinking had commenced, with the mirror shattered and more bottles littering the space. He sighed heavily making a mental note to deal with it later as the deity stepped into the shower and cranked up the temperature to enjoy a moment of sobering solitude.
----------
Matthew watched Elio's back as he made his way to the bathroom and tore them away when he started removing his clothes. Now that that was out of the way, the fallen deity decided that the rest of the messy house needed some tending to and he moved out of Elio's bedroom to the living room, deciding that he could spare some magic as shadowy tendrils started picking up the bottles to throw them away.
"Stupid deity wasting all the good stuff..." he muttered as he inspected each empty bottle, finding that most if not all of them were rare, expensive and highly sought after vintages and Matthew suddenly felt the urge to strangle the deity again. He found a trash bag and brought it back into the bedroom where he left a number of bottles on the night stand that he now started shoving inside the bag.
----------
Elio had taken his time under the water, faintly hearing noises from Matthew moving about his living quarters yet not thinking much of it. He could hazard a guess what the former deity was up to, and he knew if anything he should simply be appreciative. Elio shut off the shower not much longer, feeling calm and cleanâ in a better mood and amused by the occasional bitching he could hear much more clearly now with the water turned off. He wrapped a towel around his waist, blissfully forgetting in the moment about the reminder tattooed to his chest as he eagerly opened the door to retort back, âOh stop whiningâ I promise thereâs more of that one in storage, okay?â He had enjoyed how much Matthew appreciated his collection, and knew he would no doubt bring a bottle later to Liber in appreciation of Matthewâs kindness.
----------
"That's not the p--" the fallen deity retorted as he turned to look at Elio, seeing him step out of the shower in nothing but a towel. As they had established the last time they spoke, Matthew finally admitted that Elio had a pleasing form, one that was very clearly on display before him. And which was currently dripping from a shower.
That was not the only thing that stopped him in his tracks though, because while Matthew's eyes had been drawn by a single water droplet trailing downwards, it stopped resolutely at a tattoo over Elio's chest. One that seemed new compared to every other imperfection on the deity's body. One that was in a very specific location. The same location Matthew had prodded at before. A location that mirrored where there was a scar on his own body. One that looked, oh, so familiar.
"What. Is. That?" the fallen deity asked, eyes narrowing as he dragged his eyes back up to Elio's face.
----------
Elio froze, realizing a split second too late just what Matthew was staring at. The words caught in his throat for a moment and the desire to run again kicked inâ just as it had every time Matt had gotten too curious about what had been hidden under his shirt. Running would serve no purpose thoughâ Matthew could clearly see the tattoo.
Elio has no choice. He shut his eyes for a moment, trying to not feel completely overwhelmed againâ just as he had for the last several days. The deity felt his throat tighten up as he spoke, words thick. âLet me explain⌠Please.â
----------
Matthew's eyes darted down to the tattoo and then back up at Elio's face. He could feel an anger, a shame and a a sense of betrayal wash over him. Was Elio making fun of him? It was desperately easy to think that of himself when that was all he had been reduced to feeling ever since he was depowered, and it was even further proven by his disastrous night at the Rubicund.
"Are you mocking me?! I didn't think you'd-- You're mocking me... I can't believe it..."
----------
Elio closed the distance between them, shaking his head as he felt his pulse race from panic, âNo,â he reassured sternly, eyes wide. He gasped Matthew by the hand before he could pull away, his other hand moving to Matthewâs cheek to gently cradle it and force the demon to look at him. His voice was softer the second time he reiterated his answer, laced with emotion as his eyes grew wet. âI⌠This is not⌠It is not that, Matthew,â he insisted, voice shaky as he tried to find a way to out to words the vulnerability that had clawed at him for months. Instead he felt himself projecting his own emotions just enough to not overwhelmed the demon, but let them be known⌠Should Matthew doubt. Elioâs palm slipped from Matthewâs cheek and moved to the demonâs chest, avoiding touching the wound directly as he explained. âMy body is littered with memories of individuals Iâve been able to help. I do not gloat or brag. I do not seek thanks. But I am reminded of the good I can do with each scar- each wound I am able to alleviate a less deserving soul of. I had always been proud I could offer this to others.
âWe both know⌠I could not afford you that same luxury, Matthew. That I failed you not once but twice,â he continued, bringing Matthewâs own hand up to the tattoo. âMy pride⌠my ego didnât take the failure well. I didnât take it well. I wasâ am scared of what else those mortals could cook up. I hated that I couldnât help you when you actually needed and welcomed my helpâŚ
âI requested this to remind me of my own limitations, Matthew. Not to mock you.., Never to mock you⌠But to remind myself of my own shortcomings. That some wounds cannot be healed by my abilities alone.â His voice was rough as he spoke, fighting back the tears in his eyes still as he spoke. âI-Iâm sorry though. I knew I probably should have mentioned it to you⌠Asked if you were okay with the idea before I went through it with. I had it done impulsively and after was hoping you would never see it, if Iâm perfectly honest.â
----------
No? Matthew did not know if he could take Elio at his word, not when his mind kept supplying him with reasons not to. He was a deity. He was dangerous.
The fallen deity flinched when Elio's hand closed over his own one more time that night and he tensed when his other hand moved to place against his cheek. Why was he still entertaining this? He should have run. But the stricken look on Elio's face turned into something else, something more raw than Matthew had ever seen on Elio's face before and what were clearly not his own emotions washed over him.
There was a pain there that was distinct from his own, a regret, a fear that Elio had been carrying for awhile, but Matthew could not help tensing when Elio's hand moved down to his chest. Even when Elio took care not to touch the scar under his clothes, there was still a fear in the fallen deity at letting the deity this close to it again.
He pulled his hand away from the tattoo on Elio's chest. He did not want to touch it. Despite Elio's reassuring words, the fallen deity still could not bear looking at the image that mirrored the real scar was still on his chest. It was an age before Matthew finally spoke again.
"You should have," he said at last, his voice taking on a hoarser edge as the mix of their emotions he was feeling threatened to overwhelm him. He had gotten what he wanted by finding out what had been affecting Elio so much these last few months, and he was still not sure that he liked what he found out. "I've had enough of my wound reminding me it exists every second of the day. Knowing now that it exists in some form on your chest as well?"
"I do not like it, Elio..." Matthew finished, the words were almost pleading, as if he were begging the deity to be rid of it.
----------
Elio dropped his gaze as Matthew pulled away, and the deity felt himself itching to hide away again and drink. âThen you need not see it,â Elio muttered dejectedly, his hand reflexively moving to extend his facial illusion and hide the tattoo. He hesitated at the last second though, knowing it would likely still unnerve the demon that it existed, even if Elio viewed the tattoo as an important reminder of his failures. Instead the deity called forth a small engaged dagger and held it out to Matthew then, the blade gently grasped in Elioâs hand. âRemove it then. You do it, or I will.â
----------
Matthew looked down at the dagger that was suddenly being offered to him and he felt like his head was on the verge of exploding.
This was mad. Elio was mad.
"Are you insane?!" he cried out and slapped the blade from the deity's hand before reaching out with his other hand to send his palm across Elio's face. "Are you this much of a masochist?! Have the last few months gotten to you so badly that it's coming down to this sort of behaviour?!"
"Stop torturing yourself, Elio... Don't make me torture you. I don't want to be the villain..." Matthew pleaded as he turned a pained look on the other man.
----------
Elio knew he was out of line, sanity arguably slipping again as the slap to his face acted more sobering than any shower ever could. He felt like a child before Matthew, being asked if he knew what he did wrong, and having absolutely no clue what the right response was. What he could possibly say to fix matters.
Matthew wasnât the villain. But Elio wasnât quite sure how to voice what he needed⌠How to pull himself out of the metaphoric ditch he had sunken into. It felt near impossible most days, hiding behind smiles and staying focused on everyone elseâs problems but his own. The city certainly was filled with enough of them to keep his mind occupied 99.9% of the time, and yet in the quiet moments he felt himself slowly unravel. Further and further. It was isolating and unforgiving, and the deity quietly knew he needed others far more than he would openly admit⌠The dwindling numbers of deities and his concerns over their mental health were simply a reflection of his own crippling mental health he struggled to discuss openly. He was suppose to be an unmovable rock. Confident. Reliable. A leader in the community⌠Certainly not whatever he was standing before Matthew. No, anymore he often felt like an imposter- a shell of who heâd once been.
His eyes closed, glossed over as a few tears escaped before he disappeared. The deity reappeared almost instantly sitting on the edge of his bed with his back turned away from Matthew, dressed in a simple pair of trousers and a shirt. His shoulders were hunched over, head hung as wet spots danced on the floor below his feet. Elio had wished for nothing more than solitudeâ and perhaps another bottle of wine in that moment, embarrassed to lose his composure in front of Matthew.
âPlease go,â he requested softly, barely above a whisper as he willed his voice to not crack of convey the weight of emotions he felt.
----------
If Matthew had thought he'd already seen Elio in one of his lowest states in this universe, he was wrong because this was it. He had not realised how far gone he had become and memories of that world where the deity had come so close to falling came to mind. Matthew had been so used to the rock, the steady presence that Elio presented to everyone on the surface, but this? This was how he really felt inside.
Elio was crying, more than he had been before, as tears fell freely from his eyes and he disappeared only to reappear redressed. Matthew watched his back for a few long moments and despite knowing that Elio was not projecting his own emotions on him, the fallen deity could still feel the oppressive weight of Elio's emotions hanging over the room.
He hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to act. But Matthew knew what he had to do, what Elio needed in this moment, even if it might be a small act compared to the help he truly needed, and so he made his way over to stand in front of the other man.
Matthew reached a hand out and placed it gingerly on the top of Elio's head before he dared to slide his fingers through those wet curls. It was clear he was not going anywhere, but he did not want to say it out loud. His other hand moved around Elio's shoulder as he took another step closer, intention clear as he allowed the deity to seek solace if he needed it.
----------
The last thing Elio had expected after dismissing Matthew was for him to approach him. The touch of the former deity was almost alarming, and as undeserving as Elio felt, he clung to it life a lifeline. His hand darted out and reached for Matthew's on his shoulder, giving the other's wrist a squeeze of appreciation before he let go. His head simultaneously leaned into Matthew, touch starved and desperate for any semblance of comfort from another being. The fact it was Matthew of all people who was there-- who hadn't run-- wasn't lost on him. It only added to the messy confusion he felt though, wondering why Matthew of all beings was granting him such compassion.
He wasn't sure how long Matthew stood before him as Elio felt the weight of his shoulders sag and his tears continue on for a bit longer. The deity couldn't remember the last time he had cried before another individual so openly-- perhaps a century or two back, if he thought honestly on it. It was an act that had grown harder and harder to do over the years, with fewer and fewer people Elio felt comfortable enough to be so open with. He felt exhaustion deep in his bones as they slowed, and Elio would have fallen asleep then and there if he'd had his way. He released Matthew's wrist with a gentle pat though, and sighed softly. "I'm sorry about that... but thank you."
----------
Elio did little to lean in to what Matthew was offering, but the fallen deity could feel that he needed more and he moved ever closer to allow the deity's head to lean against his stomach. The fingers he had in Elio's hair carded gently through it as the deity wept, neither of them knowing how long they stayed like this until Elio was the one to speak up. But he was not yet pulling away.
"It's nothing..." the fallen deity said, voice low. It was clear Elio needed someone to lean on and how curious that Matthew was the one here that day.
"Are you feeling better?"
----------
"No," Elio answered, voice hollow. It had been a gut response. He gave a weak grin, adding, "Stupid deity, remember?"
He sincerely did appreciate Matthew's company-- still bewildered by it, if he was honest, yet not wanting to look a gift horse in the mouth by questioning it aloud. But still, Elio knew what he felt wasn't something that would magically resolve so easily, and he hoped Matthew would understand just as much.
----------
"Of course. That would be difficult to change..." Matthew responded with a roll of his eyes as he lifted his hand from Elio's head. Was Elio just going to keep leaning on him like this?
His hands moved to Elio's shoulders to gently apply pressure, letting the deity know that this was all the physical comfort he was going to get from him for now. He did not quite know what to do just yet because he did not know if Elio was going to be alright on his own.
----------
Elio moved his head back, albeit barely, when Matthew pulled away. He was disappointed by the loss of contact, yet unsurprised. Elio knew he couldnât expect it to last forever, even if a part of him had longed for more. It still begged the question however⌠âWhy did you stay?â
----------
The expression on Matthew's face changed at the question posed to him and a furrow appeared between his brows. It had been almost instinctive to stay, something his body did on reflex as he found himself holding Elio as he wept, but how could he articulate this to the deity?
He was supposed to hate this man with all his heart and soul and yet their relationship in the last few years had shifted into something else, even if it remained complicated. "Would you prefer that I'd let you be?" A question with a question, that was the easiest way to deflect.
----------
âI feel I deserve as much,â Elio reasoned. âI often wonder if Iâm asking too much of others. You carry enough burdens of your own, with no need for my own as well.â
----------
"And what have you been asking of others?" Matthew asked curiously. As far as the fallen deity could tell, Elio was still being helpful-to-a-fault to the point of neglecting his own needs, this incident not withstanding.
----------
Elio was silent for a moment. He didnât ask much of others, although questioned even the company of friends, and if he selfishly overstayed it. And working as a driver kept him busy and kept his company ever rotating, but they were transactions⌠He helped mortals he would often never see again. Beings who could not begin to comprehend his life. They filled his schedule but still left a part of his empty.
âWhatever brought you here for one,â he answered. âAnd whatever it was that made you stay.â
----------
Elio was really going to make him spell it out explicitly... Matthew drew in a breath and sighed before he decided to answer truthfully for once. "I told you the time before that you were behaving strangely. I wanted to get to the bottom of it." And he had.
"You were also crying, Elio. I got here to see you passed out drunk out of your mind and then you started crying. I didn't think you would.. Or that I'd ever see you-- I may be a demon but it doesn't mean that I'm completely heartless..." he huffed and turned away. "Not when... Not when I know what it feels like... The helplessness and the hopelessness... It hurts."
----------
Matthewâs words quickly reminded Elio of the gain there was for the demon⌠his curiosity satisfied, even if Matthew hated the resultâ but he had also witnessed the deity in a vulnerable state few had ever seen prior. He might have thought it was a cruel answerâ a typical one from a demon, until Matthewâs latter words registered. It felt raw being so vulnerable in Matthewâs presence, but knowing he could related quite well to the darker emotions Elio felt and had stayed to support him made Elio pause and feel a deeper layer of empathy for the being before him. He stood and turned to look at the demon⌠the former deity, and pulled him into a gentle embrace.
âThank you.â
----------
Matthew scarcely had time to react before he suddenly found himself being pulled into Elio's arms and he felt his cheeks start to warm. The hug felt warm as the deity seemed to radiate it in his natural state, a warmth that felt akin to gentle sunlight washing over him and Matthew allowed it, soaked it all in for a few long moments until he started to get self-conscious.
"Of course..." he said with a clearing of his throat as he started to do what could only be described as squirmed in Elio's hold. "No need to get all sentimental on me."
----------
Elio would have felt rejected by the former deityâs response had it not been for his ability to read emotions, feeling relief that his show of appreciation seemed accepted and dare he think it- welcome, even if it was for a brief moment. His gaze remained tired as he pulled away, but he mustered a small smile to convey his thanks as well when Matthew downplayed the moment. âPerhaps youâd simply prefer I invite you next time I feel inclined to drink? I could sense your disappointed while cleaning, and I had a feeling it was about the wine more so than my horrible state,â he half joked, extending the invite.
----------
Matthew turned his face up to look at Elio when they parted. He still looked so tired, but the fallen deity supposed that whatever he was feeling was not going to simply go away after a few hugs. This seemed like a deeper issue that was going go take more time to work through, and Matthew was not quite sure how they could go about it.
"You may," he said, voice more hoarse with unrealised emotion than Matthew knew he was feeling in the moment. "That was indeed a lot of good wine," Matthew agreed. "But it wasn't just disappointment over the wine, Elio..." the fallen deity said as he blindly reached a hand out to squeeze Elio's own, his last words more genuine than most. The deity was still trying to downplay his own 'horrible state'.
"Would you like to come back to Liber? Properly?"
----------
âProperly?â Elio quirked an eyebrow, thinking back to how he typically left of his own accord for one reason or another and how Matthewâs wording made it sound like he was who let Elio go. He couldnât help but feel some amusement at the distraction, appreciating the change in topic. âWhat exactly would that entail?â
----------
"Properly," Matthew repeated. "With a fixed schedule, a salary... Benefits," he rattled off what those who came to find work at Liber often expected. The fallen deity knew that Elio needed none of those things, least of all money or worker benefits, but perhaps he needed some sense of mundane normalcy that tied him more directly to the human world. And a more steady environment than that dreadful cab.
----------
Elio gave Matthew a rather pointed, almost annoyed look as he responded, âYou know thatâs a massive waste of your money.â He paused a moment before asking, âWould this be in my original role?â
----------
"Do with the salary what you will. Give it to the needy as you are so wont to do, I do not care," Matthew said flippantly because that was not the point and couldn't Elio see that?
"And it would be. You may return to your last role as bartender. And you can work your way up to a promotion if you so desire. Floor supervisor, operations manager, sommelier even... Your salary will reflect accordingly."
----------
Elio couldnât help but grin, amused by Matthew suggesting a promotion. He had no desire to manage or supervise anyone. He was willing to bet he knew more about wine than Matthewâs currently employed sommeliers even, but that job was hardly as social of one as a bartender.
In reality, the deity didnât mind whatever role Matthew wanted him in, just appreciating Matthewâs interest to once again involve him in something he knew the former deity held near and dear to his heart. Working at Matthewâs had been an enjoyable way to pass time here and there, and the idea of continuing to do so was more appealing than Elio wanted to admitâ if only to give Matthew a hard time. He glanced down at Matthewâs hand still holding his own and pretended to think over the offer. Elio knew his antics would annoy Matthew yet just as well ease any lingering tension from how serious matters had been moments prior.
âI donât know⌠My schedule is quite busy these days, now that Iâve taken to drinking like a sailor,â he replied in jest, pretending to sound concerned. âI wonât be expected to sleep with the boss for a promotion, will I?â
----------
Matthew could only dig his fingernails into Elio's hand in retaliation for his cheekiness before he dropped it and a shadowy tendril curled up to smack the deity on the back of his head.
"Then you will clear that schedule," he said with a pink-cheeked huff, knowing and glad that Elio was in a jesting mood because it helped to clear the lingering tension in the room. "Sleeping with me would be fun, but it will do nothing towards a promotion. One's abilities in bed do not correlate with working in my wine bar, especially when I have very exacting standards.
"And besides... I'm seeing someone."
----------
Elio finally let out a bark of laughter as he felt the smack against his head. His lips split wide into a grin. He had actually been surprised by Matthew not outright rejecting the joke, but even more so by Matthew talking openly about his private life. Sure, Elio had some hunches as to if Matthew had been seeing someone againâ driving a cab often meant he was privy to gossip since people viewed him as a sounding board for whatever or whomever they wanted to discuss. Still, it was another to hear confirmation straight from Matthew himself. It felt⌠Personal. Warm.
His smile shiftedâ softer and more serious as he replied, âIâm glad to hear that. You deserve to be happy.â After Izak left yet again, Elio had been worried in that regard. While he had questioned at the time how healthy Matthewâs relationship with the clan leader had been, he had simply been happy it had developed naturallyâ and that someone had shown Matthew how to develop a relationship naturally; that he was wanted and desirable and it need not be something forced out of desperation. Elio only hoped this new relationship was even more favorable with regard to Matthewâs own mental health, and that it continued to help heal the part of him damaged so long ago.
It had pained the deity to realize just how shot Matthewâs own self confidence was and how poorly he saw himself even now, but Elio sincerely hoped with each new relationship that Matthew was growing into a more confident and self-compassionate version of himselfâ even if it was no longer as a deity. He projected as much emotionally as he spoke as well, wishing to reassure Matthew he was genuinely happy for such news.
----------
Speaking of his private life with others was rarely if ever something Matthew did, but since they were in the spirit of sharing that evening and it seemed like something he could bring up, the fallen deity dared to do so. Elio had been present when Matthew had tried and failed with Izak a few times over, but he was certain that whatever this was with Judas could be better and less tumultuous even if they already had their fair share of ups and downs.
The fallen deity could feel Elio's emotions emanating off of him, a genuine happiness for his situation and Matthew found that he welcomed the gesture, something he would have rejected outright less than a handful of years ago. "His name is Judas. I mean, I'm sure you've seen them around.. Or heard of them..." There had even been that whole dramatic event with Arjun not too long ago that Elio would most certainly have heard of.
----------
Elio wasnât about to admit it- but yes, even a year back he remembered speaking with Judas at the wine festival, and he had had hunches back then as well regarding their feelings towards Matthew⌠Elio had admittedly not been the biggest fan of Judas considering how poorly their falling out the Arjun had been, but if the vampire lifted Mattâs spirits, then he was still quite glad for them both.
âYou and vampires,â Elio mused aloud, voice returning to its playful state. âI canât say Iâm too surprised, but who would have guessed you had a type.â
----------
"Well, I would have thought it was obvious," Matthew returned, his tone playful as well. They both knew it was obvious. Every supernatural in Vievecor City knew it was obvious.
"It's easier for me... To be with a vampire," the fallen deity confessed a bit more seriously. "And Judas treats me well." But the budding relationship still scared Matthew because he was constantly on edge that something might happen to take it away. He did not need to voice that part out loud though.
----------
Matthewâs preference for vampires wasnât overly surprising. They were practically cousins to demons, and in Elioâs experience, tended to be quite passionate and possessive, if not outright jealous at times. Considering Matthewâs history, it seemed natural he wanted a partner who made him feel desired and valuable, so in many ways a vampire seemed like a natural fit.
âGood. I enjoyed Izakâs chaos myself from time to time, but he was highly volatile and wasnât always the most considerate of individuals, even by vampiric standards. I sincerely hope Judas is a bit better about that than he was,â Elio added with a nod. âYou deserved someone more reliable and level headed.â
----------
"Hmm..." Matthew nodded in terse agreement when Elio spoke of Izak, that relationship was still a sore one even if some time had passed since the vampire left. What did Elio know of what he deserved though?
"Judas has and is proving to be both of those," the fallen said with a small smile. "Definitely more so than Izak." Although that was not exactly difficult.
"I didn't think you'd spare my love life this much thought," Matthew chuckled lightly.
----------
Elio knew Matthew had had it rough, particularly the nature of his fall⌠And trauma like that was not something easily overcome, nor quickly as a result. Elio however had seen the good still in the former deityâs heartâ in spite of his fallâ and genuinely hoped he could overcome it and finally be at peace with matters.
He was proof in Elioâs eyes of something Elemiah had hinted at so long agoâ that a fallen deity was not simply the same as any other demon. That falling did not make one inherently bad. Yes, some fallen were truly lost, but not all. He was also more than just proof though, as he had become someone Elio himself had enjoyed the company of over the years. Putting it simply, Matthewâs happiness mattered to him.
âIâm aware itâs none of my business,â he responded with a shrug, not wanting to elaborate too much out of fear of making Matthew uncomfortable. ââŚThere was once a time when Elemiah mentioned actually⌠That you envied what the two of us hadâŚâ To which Elio remembered telling his companion Matthew sure had made a mess of things if that had been his goal. The comment however had stuck with him, making him far more aware of the loneliness that had begun to permeate their kind. âYouâve always deserved to feel loved in that manner as well, Matthew. Iâm simply glad others are finally taking note of it as well.â
----------
Matthew would have wanted to take that sentiment to his grave, but it was no surprise that Elemiah would have told Elio of what Matthew confessed to him in Rome. It was something he had buried deep inside and had not expected the deity to bring it up so casually and it brought a heat to his cheeks. It was a terribly kind thing to say and as much as Matthew needed it, there was still a part of him that found it difficult to accept such words and he wished that someday he could believe them.
The fallen deity had looked away when Elio was speaking having found the words to be quite overwhelming, especially coming from Elio after all these years. But he supposed time had changed things for both of them and he finally nodded. It was better that he accepted those words in silence.
"And you deserve to have someone to look after and support you too," he said as he turned his face up to look at the deity.
----------
The deity let out a sigh and shrugged. He didnât disagree although it seemed like a lot to ask that of another. Elio knew he had a lot of baggage, and finding someone he could open up to was difficult for him anymore. He was stubbornâ and prideful, as Matthew often reminded him.
âNow see⌠This is why I didnât need you finding me like that,â he mused softly, almost to himself more so than Matthew. âYou have enough going on right now. I know my lifeâs a messâ Iâm not proud of it either⌠But I donât want my life to be of concern to you. It shouldnât be.â
----------
And there Elio was, pushing him away again even after what had just transpired between them. Matthew's eyes flicked down to the spot on the deity's chest where the tattoo now lay beneath his shirt and then back up to Elio's face.
"It's a little late for that now..." Matthew started before bracing himself for what he was going to say next. "Hiding myself away and being too ashamed and afraid to seek help? It sounds terribly familiar, Elio. I've done it for centuries. I still do it now... It never turns out well. You need someone and I..." he paused for a moment as his eyes darted away from the nerves that suddenly struck him. This was about Elio's wellbeing, not his own concern about being pushed away.
"Whether I can handle it or not is not up to you... Unless you'd prefer that I leave you alone after this, of course. I would understand if you'd prefer another. I know I'm not the best at doing whatever this is..."
----------
Matthew made good points and Elio knew it would be hypocritical of him if he didnât afford Matthew the right to decide for himself his level of involvement. Elio certainly didnât mind his companyâ no, not now when the former deity seemed to finally not be chasing him away.
âIncase you didnât notice, Iâm not the best at this either,â Elio retorted with a wry grin as he gestured to the still rather haphazard state of his bedroom. âBut fair enough⌠and no⌠I think leaving me alone would be quite difficult if Iâm intending to return to Liber once more, yes?â
----------
"If you'd prefer, our business at Liber can remain strictly professional," Matthew replied haughtily, but did Elio's words mean that he was actually more inclined to returning to work at the bar?
"And I did notice so I'm not going to force you," the fallen deity added with a roll of his eyes as he moved to pick up the trash bag that had been dropped earlier. His shadow tendrils started writhing about the room to pick up the rest of the discarded bottles. "Hells knows how stubborn you can get.."
----------
Elio collapsed back onto the bed, sitting up against the headboard. With a wave of his hand, his own magic began assisting Matthewâs tidying up the space. âStrictly professional wasnât the default? Well now Iâm curious what option B was. Last time I checked we never fucked in the wine cellar or cursed each other out in front of clientele,â Elio mused aloud, determined to keep the conversation light despite how heavy a part of him still felt. He owed Matthew as much, and found he enjoyed flustering Matthew just as much as always. âAlthough I wouldnât blame you if youâve done the former with Izak or Judas. I know I certainly would,â he added with a wink.
----------
Matthew felt his forehead and the corner of lip twitch at Elio's sudden voicing of the idea of fucking in the wine cellar. The fallen deity knew now that it was an irrefutable fact that the deity was physically attracted to him which explained his cheekiness, and it was honestly no surprise because Matthew knew that his physical form was attractive -- part of the the perks of being a former deity. Matthew had also decided to stop being weirded out by it. "We have never! That wine cellar is a sacred space!" he growled, looking up just in time to catch the wink Elio sent his way before he swiftly looked away with a growing sense of frustration.
"And I will have to you remind you that we came to blows in that wine cellar once. You smashed up so much of my collection."
----------
ââAnd I replaced every bottle and then some,â Elio countered immediately, grinning from an almost predictable response from Matthew. âRelax.. Iâm just teasing.â
----------
"And yet that did not need to have happened," the fallen deity responded with a downward turn of his lips as he ignored the stupid look on Elio's face.
"You can do whatever you want. I'm leaving this room because the rest of your home is still a mess." And Matthew stalked out of the bedroom door, dragging the trash bag with him.
----------
"Aw come on," Elio responded, sitting up and following Mathew out of the room by a few steps. "If I had been serious, I would have suggested the office-- I know that's much more your speed," he added half joking still.
----------
Matthew turned a glare on the deity as he followed behind him. "Figures you'd have been listening outside my office door when Chris and I were fucking." The fallen deity's eyes narrowed before he turned away once more to sweep into the living room.
"If you're going to leave your bed, you'd better make yourself useful! You should be paying me for this by the minute."
----------
"Dock my pay then," Elio replied with a roll of his eyes, still grinning. "And no-- I was not listening, although I'm not too surprised you fucked back when he was employed. Young man was apparently into more than just your blood," the deity teased, moving to assist cleaning as well. He wasn't sure why Matthew continued to be so generous with his time, but was thankful for it and for help cleaning up the last few days he felt better off forgetting.
----------
"I shall!" Matthew shot back with a huff. It was good that Elio decided to leave the bedroom, at least, and if Matthew had to endure some teasing then so be it.
"Aren't they all always after something more?" But it was always some wrong, idealised version of him that they built up inside their heads. "But he was young... Still is. Not even half a century old. And then he got addicted," the fallen deity said with a sigh. Matthew had been desperate then, wanting to feel wanted and needed after a fallout with Izak, and Chris had been the unfortunate easy target, he could see that now.
"It became a mess. He's doing better now that he's with the Rosu. They will look after him. Judas looks after him."
----------
Elio nodded. "I'm aware.. He called for my help back when he was going through withdraw," the deity admitted. "On that note, how are you doing these days? Aside from the new loverboy, that is."
----------
Matthew had almost forgotten about the part Elio had played in it, too consumed as he was in his own life. He only noticed when Chris had disappeared and did not return to Liber again, and after that he started receiving disdainful looks and comments from some vampires who were Chris' friends. He could not help but make a face as he recalled that time.
"I'm fine," the fallen deity replied as he held the trash bag open for his shadows to deposit more bottles within. "My magic is returning and that has been a great help." Even if said shadow tendrils were much weaker than he was used to. "I don't know to what extent it will return to, so I'm just taking it a day at a time."
----------
The deity reached for the trashbag, looking Matthew in the eye as he asked, "You're not overextending yourself, I hope?"
----------
Matthew looked up at the other man as he thought of the amount of magic he had expended that day alone and his lips thinned into a line.
"I'm testing my limits every day. I wouldn't know if I'm overextending if I do not try." He had a feeling it would be home by, ugh, boat for him after he was done at Elio's.
----------
âThatâs an awfully longed way to say yes,â the deity retorted, pausing for a moment before asking, âAre you feeding, at least?â
----------
Matthew's frown deepened as he glared at the deity. No, he had not been actively feeding since his depowering and that could have contributed to how slowly his powers returned. It did not help that he had been battling with the hunger for sometime now and had found himself enjoying inciting negative emotions in others a lot more than usual.
"Luke brought me part of a soul some time ago." That had been back in February.
----------
Elio tried to hide his surprise, instead asking, âYou donât feed from Judas?â Sure, a vampireâs soul didnât offer much of a meal, yet it was still better than nothing. Still, the answer caught Elio by surprise.
----------
"I don't. A vampire's soul holds barely any nourishment... And besides, I don't want to hurt him if I take too much." Who knows how ravenous Matthew could get in his depowered state?
----------
âI donât recall that being a huge deal with Izak,â Elio countered with a pointed look. âMight not be filling, but starving yourself isnât going to help your recovery.â In fact, Elio half wondered if that was why Matthew was taking so long to recoverâ and if perhaps he had fed Matthew when he had been shot, if it might have been more effective than his failed attempts to heal him directly.
Elio gently reached for Matthewâs arm to still him asking, âWhy arenât you feeding more regularly? The last thing you should have been doing this spring was neglecting yourself.â
----------
"I didn't feed much from Izak..." Matthew insisted. "There was no point. I would've had to take everything to feel something." It never felt good or nourishing enough with a vampire and after awhile he simply decided to limit those feedings instead.
"I could hardly go out hunting, could I? Anyone would've been able to shove me off or put me in my place if I tried anything untoward. It made more sense to just wait it out. And I was right. My magic has returned, even if it's been a little slow."
----------
Elio frowned. A part of him wanted to offer his own soul up, knowing it would more than help, but considering how rocky their history had been, he wasnât sure if it was a good idea or if Matthew would even accept. He also knew he simply wasnât in the best spot himself, energy-wise. He needed stay sober and get himself in a better mindset before he concerned feeding any fallen.
âGo soon, okay? âPlease?â
----------
Elio's clear concern and his sudden pleading words still managed to surprise him and he stared at the deity. Matthew hated the act of feeding, had hated having to rely on another soul and essentially destroy it completely for his own nourishment. He should not have such a mindset as a demon, but it was a lingering trait from earlier that still ate at him.
"I shall. Don't nag me..." he huffed as he moved about the living room to pick up the rest of the bottles.
----------
Elio was silent for a moment, letting the silence fill the air as they cleaned. He would drop the topic when it came to his company, but it had brought another concern to the forefront of his mind as he asked, âCan I ask your thoughts on something?â
----------
"Go ahead," the fallen deity said as he cleaned. The living room was mostly clear of empty bottles by now even if it was still a bit of a mess. Elio had really done a number on his wine collection in the last few days.
----------
The deity hesitated for a moment before asking, âWhat was your initial impression when you saw Elemiah the other day? Do you think heâs⌠adjusted, all things considered?â
----------
Matthew stopped in his tracks and straightened up to look back at Elio. It was no surprise that the deity would have asked such a question. He had been companions with Elemiah for such a long time after all and it was clear that he still cared. The fallen deity did not wish to give Enzo any grace, but that did not mean he wished to lie to Elio.
"It's only been less than a century since his disappearance and we both know that he would not be the sort who would relish in being a demon... He might think he's hiding his pain well, but no. I do not think he would be well-adjusted." Hells knows Matthew had yet to overcome the trauma of his own fall and it had already been close to two hundred years.
----------
The answer didnât surprise Elio, although he still dreaded hearing it. He couldnât imagine what the urge to feed felt like, especially right after falling. It no doubt was unsettling, considering a life spent as a deity prior. He sighed softly, nodding in agreement. âI had a feeling you might say that⌠Iâm not sure how to best help him thoughâ or even if he wants help. Iâm not the same deity he once knew.â Not as confident⌠Self assured. Strong. No, Elio had felt like a shell of his former self in many ways.
----------
"He wants your help, Elio. He wouldn't be here in Vievecor City if he didn't," Matthew said a good amount of conviction. "I can't tell you how to help him either, but perhaps you could start by getting to know each other again. If he still holds any affection for you, and you him, then none of your worries should matter. Just... take care of yourself too."
----------
âYes well, weâve both seen how well Iâm doing on that front,â he replied with a self deprecating smirk. âI suppose youâre right though⌠if he seeks me out again, we will see how it goes I suppose,â the deity added, realizing Elemiah had left with information on how to contact Elio in addition to knowing his home now, yet Elio had nothing in regard to the demonâs contact information. He couldnât help but worry though, wondering how the younger fallen had handled matters and if he neglected his new needs as much as Matthew did.
----------
Matthew looked up from the last bottle he tossed in the trash bag before he reached out out to squeeze Elio's wrist in his hand, hoping he could convey as much into the simple touch as possible. He did not quite know how to voice it, but the fallen deity wished for the deity to know that he would at least have support with him. If he needed it. That was really all he could do, as Matthew was sure Elio would come to terms with regarding Enzo at some point.
The fallen deity pulled his hand back to cast his gaze around the room. "There. Much better to have a clean home, isn't it?" It was not entirely tidy yet, but they had managed to clear most of the mess.
----------
âIt is,â Elio agreed with a soft sigh, taking in the sight of a much tidier homeâ one that was less intimidating to finish cleaning both by hand and with magic once Matthew headed out. âThanks againâŚâ The words felt thick with shame and embarrassment, but he knew it was no excuse to be rude. âI mean it.â
Elio knew he would feel guilty if he ruined the state of his quarters again, especially considering Matthew was going out of his way to help. He also knew he would have been embarrassed to open the door to anyoneâ especially Elemiah, had it been left in that state. It was only a matter of time until someone had come knocking, and he was grateful for Matthew and the relative lack of judgement.
----------
Matthew turned his gaze back on Elio when they deity thanked him, he could tell from the look on Elio's face what he was feeling and he found his hand reaching out to place against the deity's cheek before he could stop himself.
"I know, stupid deity," he said with a smile, a much softer one than Matthew thought he could possibly turn on Elio, and his hand lingered for a moment before he pulled away self-consciously.
"I suppose I should be on my way," the fallen deity said with a more obvious clearing of his throat.
----------
Elio nodded, surprised yet again by the contact and kind expression on the former deityâs face. âI suppose you should,â Elio agreed. âWant a jump back to the Hereafter? I know itâs not your favorite form of transportationâŚâ
----------
Elio was right. He hated that form of transportation, but a few moments of discomfort to get home beat slumming it on the roads any day. "That would be greatly appreciated," Matthew said with a nod as he waited for Elio to open the portal for him back to Garond.
----------
Elio nodded and gave a wave, eyes glowing as he opened a quick portal at the end of the hall. âIâll see you at work I suppose,â he commented with a sheepish smile, feeling a bit lighter than he had in a few days.
for: @ashley-samara
location: a restaurant in droitwich
Matthew was in a restaurant that evening for a business dinner. It was not as upscale a restaurant as he was used to, but it had been receiving rave reviews for its menu and Matthew's business partner was a bit of a food-lover. He had been the one who suggested the trendy new location and Matthew obliged, finding himself in the establishment enjoying its offerings of overly complicated pastas and barely adequate wines. He would just have to endure it to make a deal for him to stock his wines.
They were just starting on their last course when the restaurant's door opened and Matthew felt a distinct aura of divinity enter, causing him to make a face into his spoonful of tiramisu. He looked up to see which deity decided to ruin his dessert with their presence that evening and he was shocked to see that it was a new face to the city. It was a new face, but it was also one Matthew recognised and he already wanted to dissolve into shadows and leave.
He made a move to look at his mobile phone before looking up at his dinner partner with an earnest look on his face. "My apologies, Nathan, but I've come upon an emergency that I need to attend to," he said with a vague gesture towards his phone. "I don't want to cut this dinner short because we've been having such wonderful conversations, but I need to go."
Nathan was, thankfully, gracious enough and they promised to follow up on their discussions over email, after which Matthew paid for the bill and hastily stood from his seat, wanting nothing more than to get out of the restaurant before the damned deity saw him.
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
â Live Streamingâ Interactive Chatâ Private Showsâ HD Qualityâ Free Actions
Free to watch ⢠No registration required ⢠HD streaming
The lack of interest or follow-up questions didn't surprise Gabe, he hadn't expected any heart-to-heart moment with Matthew anyway. What he was expecting was that Matthew wanted or needed something from him, and his curiosity was going through the roof.
Now, detective work he could certainly do. He had once given the demon his business card, never expecting him to actually call on him for that sort of business, but here they were. "Certainly," Gabe said thoughtfully, not wanting to seem too eager, although the connection to Artemis had certainly caught his interest. "If Artemis has it, I'm guessing it's not some ordinary gun. Can you describe it? I don't suppose you have a picture?"
"It is a Swedish Revolver model m/87, model year 1887, 7.5 mm calibre," Matthew rattled off. He had done his own homework to look into the blasted thing and he was quite certain this was its make. "I don't have the picture... Only a memory of it." But the fallen deity lacked the psychic ability right now to show Gabe with his mind.
"It looks like an ordinary gun, and as far as I know, the bullets it fires will harm a supernatural. Especially those of us with darker essences..."
"Or it's planned well enough that people don't want to leave." Domiel countered, happy to walk besides the demon as they walked through the museum. He was well aware that Matthew wanted absolutely nothing to do with him but he couldn't help wanting to spend time with him still. It wasn't as if there was anything could be done to reverse what had happened. They had all cared far too late, hadn't they?
He idled behind Matthew, doing his best to exude peace and happiness. "You know, we've been looking for someone to keep a good eye on this piece once it's off display. The exhibit only lasts a few more months. And it's fairly benign, not even you can do something to it."
"That seems manipulative," Matthew shot back through narrowed blue eyes. Figures that the humans would create spaces like this to trap people within. The fallen deity could still feel the positive emotions practically radiating off of Domiel as the deity stood behind him and he was starting to bristle.
Until the man spoke again.
"What?" he asked and turned his face towards the deity. "What do you mean? Your museum would just hand pieces out like that? Especially cursed ones?" It sounded like some sort of trap.
