* 𝖒𝖆𝖓 / 𝙈𝙊𝙉𝙎𝙏𝙀𝙍 !

She knew better than to believe that he everything was okay. That he was okay. And he was all she cared about. However, what Evelyn DID believe, was that they would get through tonight. The way that they got through everything. Everything they could face, they would forever face TOGETHER. That tonight, every night, she would take care of him, catch him when he stumbled; and that he would do the exact same for her. Nothing that Lilith could, or ever would do, could part them, or break them. They would see the night through with grace, and later, they would fall beside one another and rest. 

“You are so cheesy, Mr. Durand. Do you know that?” The words were practically purred as a bubble of laughter left her and she tried to tighten their arms around her, fingers fluttering delicately over his as they got more comfortable.  She raised a quizzical brow at him. “Perhaps I do have a reason..” She hinted, going up on tiptoes as if that would help her to see more of him. In reality, it just pressed her back closer, further into him, which felt just as good. “You look.. phenomenal.” she tells him seriously, leaning her head back against one shoulder so that she could press a kiss to his jaw. Inhaling his scent, she let her eyes close and tried to listen to him speaking but found that she was very distracted. “and you smell delicious.” she adds, laughing, having to refocus her eyes from their previously dazed state. She grinned at his words and gave him a playful roll of her eyes as well as a nip to the edge of his chin. “Well now, that’s YOUR fault. I haven’t been a Princess for centuries.” she teased, eyes gleaming just as his seemed to. Her smile softened, though, at his next words and she pressed her lips to his skin, soft and warming. 

“You know that I’d be honoured..” she whispers, eyes once again closing as she sways within the confines of his arms. “To be your date, your wife.. your queen.” She smiled wider and shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. “To dance with you.” A soft noise fell from parted lips at the touch of his lips. At the way they softened into kissing her earlobe. She furrowed her brow, trying to get herself to open her eyes but his touch, the touch of his lips and the way he had his arms wrapped around her, and the sound of his voice.. It was all too much. Too inviting. He was so beautiful. She was most definitely the lucky one. “I would like to see the faces of those wishing they could be the one to take you home..” she agrees quietly, “The one looking at you, touching you.. dancing with you and kissing you..” Eyes opened once again to find his. They looked darker now. Less subtle, the colours she’d applied around them only seeming to magnify that. “The one making love to you later..”

« I AM WELL AWARE OF IT. » He laughed against her skin while he did what she tried and tightened his arms around her middle. « But maybe I am just romantic, not cheesy. » The angel suggested in a low voice before he planted a kiss on her nose. « Whatever I am, everything I say is nothing but the truth ; which is what you deserve. » Precisely because Evelyn would always be there to catch him if he stumbled and ( even though he would always do the same for her, no questions asked ) he wanted her to know how much he loved and cherished her for it. How much he admired her. Who cared if that made him cheesy?

The angel shook his head and smiled when her lips caressed his jaw. « No. No pouting. I want you to smile for me --- can you do that? » He gave her a silent, mischievous laugh and nuzzled her once she said that he smelled good. « You are spoiling me with compliments tonight, my love. » Jace teased before he added an even more teasing, warning growl as she nipped his chin. « Wrong. You have always been a princess. You have always been my queen. That is not my fault. It is your birthright. »

she always wondered how politics functioned, and so to see it in full action right before her eyes was truly entertaining. she could feel the utter excitement that failed to ooze from his body at there mention of the council from his own lips. in all honesty, she wasn’t one to question or fight the politics occurring in this very moment when she wanted food. she just desired something that had more flavor than a hot dog meat wrapped in some dough that was cooked. “i dont think they intended to starve me. but i am sure that i am not the target demographic.” she stated, knowing she wasn’t going hungry but some chips and salsa would be nice to have. everyone seemed ot have mixed emotions about the ball, but in her perspective, everyone could debate and fight about this event however long they wanted. however, it was still going to be here. one would have to truly want this party to end to do something about it that the council would forfeit the night to the aggressor. at his mention of breaking into the kitchen, a grin formed on her face. “oh, don’t tempt me like that.” she teased, but only selected few knew the very will within the woman’s body that would actually do such a thing.

Teresa had been enjoying the party so far. The music could have been better, she could have officially brought a date, and she could enjoy a few more drinks in her, but she was enjoying it nonetheless. after all, she didn’t know if by the end of the night she would have to drive someone home or if she would need to share an Uber with a fellow drunken friend of hers. She had been dancing on the dance floor, quite happy that she made the decision to wear a jumpsuit instead of a dress. besides, it accentuated her body quite well and the curves that came with her hondurian ethnicity. She had decided that she wanted a little appetizer and left, heading towards some food before making a face. it didn’t look quite that appetizing, and she wished there was something else. She found someone else looking at the same appetizer as she was and looked at them, “do you think they have something else besides these pigs in a blanket? i’m craving some tortilla chips with some salsa or guacamole.” She asked, a small smile on her face as she admitted her own desire of food. Certainly the committee would be careful with such matters, especially if everyone was wearing white. it could get quite messy real quick.

The Phoenix was putting the finishing touches to her makeup, a golden and quiet brown smoky eyed look. There were many things she didn’t like about this new world, but creating art in newer and interesting ways was not one of them. Evelyn loved to experiment with this. With tattoos, too. She had a fair few. As did her husband; even one of her creation that she’d designed long, long ago and he had gotten it the first chance he could. In her memory. She smiled at the thought, feeling warmth flood through her again at the thought of him. It was then that she heard his voice. 

Calling out her name. 

Whiskey eyes fluttered open, finding him walking up behind her. She immediately leaned into him, finding that she needed the support. He looked BEAUTIFUL. All dressed in white. It suited him. Then again, what didn’t? “Hi,” she breathed back, and then hummed at his question, shaking her head with a slight pout. She shuddered at the touch of his lips and the way his fingertips glided tenderly over the bare skin of her arms. “I could say the same about you,” she murmured, her head turning towards his whilst her arms crossed over her middle to allow her to slide her hands over his. She curled back into him, humming softly at his warmth and closing her eyes for a moment to allow herself to bask within it. “Remind me, AGAIN..” she started, biting her lip as she looked towards the mirror and up at Jace behind her. “why we are doing this..”

She could have happily stayed here. Would have much preferred it, but their duties didn’t always allow for it. She LONGED to be selfish with him. Keep him here forever. Just them. The very thought of seeing Lilith and her minions though, or even the Angels. Evelyn gave a short, tired sigh and pulled Jace’s arms around her middle, resting their hands upon her stomach and joining their fingers together. They had to go, though. 

To keep themselves safe.

THE POUT ON HIS WIFE’S LIPS MADE HIM SMILE WHILE HIS EYES WANDERED OVER HER BEAUTIFUL FACE. It was the same expression that Jace would have worn, were it not for the fact that he was so very determined to fake prove his strength tonight. He had no interest in meeting the council and spending the night out, but since it was not up for debate, he would take advantage of this event. He would prove people like Lilith that they could mess with them all they wanted --- they would not break either one of them.

« Don’t pout. You have no reason to. Even the stars will be jealous of how bright you shine, my love. » His lips twitched in amusement at his own cheesiness, but he meant what he said. As always. Still ; he could not suppress the sigh that escaped him when she told him to remind her why they were doing this. Was it smarter to stay at home? The answer was no. Even if the angel would have preferred it, they had to go out there. Staying in the loop was the only way to survive those things that were yet to come --- and if there was something about the entire situation that he did care about, it was their survival. « Because... » He started, trailing off for a moment when he began to caress her stomach after she placed their hands on it. « We are something like supernatural royalty. If we do not introduce ourselves, somebody else will. We cannot have that, can we? » There was amusement glistening in his eyes, but he became more serious when he added the next thing. « Not to mention that a queen should not hide away... and you are nothing less than that. » Especially in comparison to someone like Lilith. 

« But that is not all. » The blond told her while he brushed his lips over her ear once again. « We are going, so that I have a chance to beg my lovely wife to dance with me. » Jace smiled while he kissed her lobe and it widened when he added yet another thing. « Besides, High Water deserves to see how lucky I am to have you by my side. » He breathed into her ear, his voice sounding low and rough, even though he continued to smile when his eyes fell back to the mirror so he could take in her sight once more.

Having caught sight of the one watching him, the demon moved closer, chuckling at the other’s words. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride well up slightly. That had been partly the whole point of doing so–to make waves, to see what would happen, to break the rules for the pure sake of breaking them. Because being ever obedient wasn’t something Abraxas did. 

He was chaotic for chaos’ sake, after all. 

Abraxas grinned. “Breaking the rules is what I do,” he said, shrugging shoulders as he took another swig from his drink. “Besides, there’s white here.” And the demon pointed to his pure white jacket and the rest of the suit. “Can you really tell me all this purity isn’t bothering you at least on some level? It’s so… bright.” Blindingly so, Abraxas thought, thinking this almost had to resemble the other side of the cosmic coin. Ugh, it’s so… clean. 

“And really, it’s an ill-choice. To serve any kind of food or drink and expect people to don their best and brightest attire, why… they’re all bound to make a mess, don’t you think?” 

IT WAS NO SURPRISE THAT SOMEONE WENT AGAINST THE COUNCIL’S DESIRES. As a matter of fact, it only surprised Jace that the demon in front of him seemed to be the only one that showed up like that. Perhaps, it was the smarter move to obey tonight, but did it really matter? So many beings in here could overpower the mundanes with ease, after all.

« I see. » The male mused before he laughed at the next remark. « Oh, it bothers me. I prefer pitch black, but what can I say? I enjoy the blasphemy. » He ruled hell for a thousand years. He was far from pure, even if Lilith somehow managed to restore his grace. « Any middle finger to God is a welcome opportunity. »

He gave the demon a hum, but ended up shrugging his shoulders. « I think it depends. Not everyone will be eager to make a mess. » And those who were would not be stopped by white clothes.

JACE HAD NO IDEA WHY THEY WERE DOING THIS TO THEMSELVES. It was one thing to attend the ball and avoid the council’s attention, but walking into a room with Lilith and all of her supporters? It was one of the last things that he wanted to do and the mere thought of it made him sigh in frustration while he pulled his jacket over his shoulders. Wonderful.

they chuckled.  “  no. not even a little. “  nor did he quite understand it.  to be so taken with noise or emotion that one was forced to move their bodies in weird , contorted ways ?  it was an intersting view how they all moved to the tempo of the song , though.

A party, a gathering, could always be a good time to have fun, Abraxas felt, as he strolled inside and grabbed a drink from a passing server, grinning and looking around to take in the place. The decor, the people milling about– There was quite a bit, and so much white, it almost made the demon’s head hurt. It was one reason why he’d taken to the black shirt and splash of color in the blood-red tie he donned himself, but no one had said he couldn’t, and Abraxas was no one if not someone who pushed things–at times. Just to see what happened… 

He knew many from business dealings, in one way or another, while others present the demon knew from observations. From whispers that had filtered through to him, but oh, he was intrigued what sort of chaotic end this little affair could result in. Surely it wouldn’t go down seamlessly, as that would be so boring. 

Abraxas made his way further in, past the door way and through the crowd, stopping to chat with a few or exchanging minor chatter or (fake) pleasantries with someone, until he felt someone’s eyes upon him, felt himself being watched… 

TRUTH BE TOLD, JACE WOULD HAVE BEEN HAPPY TO AVOID THE BALL LIKE THE PLAGUE --- it was hard to imagine that nothing would happen and even if the council managed to keep things calm, he preferred to be at home with his wife. His wife, however, was the exact reason why he came here and he would be damned if he managed to ruin her night with his disinterest in this lame attempt to soothe High Water’s residents. Not to mention that it was smart to attend ; it allowed him to keep an eye on things, after all.

Being close to Lilith was the last thing that he wanted after everything that she put him through, but it was yet another thing that he would be smart about. He would not allow her to see any of the damage she had done and he definitely would not make it obvious just how much it bothered him that he was not ruling hell anymore. Soon enough, it would not matter anymore, anyway.

His eyes scanned the room and he laughed to himself when he spotted the demon, not far from him. The angel approached him, shaking his head in disbelief. « Not that I blame you, but you just had to break the rules, huh? Let’s hope that is not enough to attract the council’s attention. » Wearing black and red when they asked for white was quite the bold move, after all.

the pale horseman glides effortlessly into the ballroom of hell water’s town hall.  there is light from the windows reflecting off of the attendee’s white clothing and silver jewles. it’s beautiful and death can’t help but smile.  they were all dressed up in their color.  maybe they will end up working tonight.  they stays to the outskirts , off of the dance floor and away from where everyone else was chatting.  for now , they were simply there to observe the goings on.  they could only guess that this get together had something to do with lucifer.

”You know the rune-like the tower piece in chess.” Imogen not aware she meant rook. Imogen crossed his arms. “Why don’t you tell me who to avoid? Wouldn’t that be easier?”

HE GAVE HER A QUIZZICAL LOOK BEFORE HE SIGHED. « I don’t remember the last time I played chess. » It must have been centuries ago ; Jace could only imagine that the pieces looked quite different now. « How am I supposed to tell you that when the list involves hundreds of different creatures? We would still be sitting here tomorrow. » And what for? A mundane that got the wrong tattoo?

“Every night..” she whispered back, sounding almost breathless, getting completely lost as she looked him directly in the eyes. The colours of them.. she could’ve stared for the rest of the night at just them. Just his eyes. Gosh, longer.. Years.. Centuries she’d been lost to anybody but him. Lost in everything he had and everything he was and everything that made them.. THEM. “It’s all yours. Every night. Every day.” He’d have her as long as he wanted. It was a promise she felt comfortable making, because she’d wanted to make it over a thousand years ago. The worst.. it had to be behind them. No matter what Lilith would try to throw at them. No matter what BUMPS in the road.. The future, their future, would be theirs to make of it what they wished. 

The air already felt impossibly lighter. Evelyn didn’t know how her husband did it; how he took her insecurities and made them float away. She could only pray she could do the same for him. She shivered at his touch. Felt his warm lips ghost the shell of her ear as he growled by it. The sound dizzied her. It sent her spinning and made her knees feel weak. He may have even caused them to buckle if he hadn’t been holding onto her so tightly. She stared up at him, a look of happiness and awe written all over her face at the sight of him. At the very idea that this was it.. That they finally had forever. She gave the man a teasing look before taking a step back and away from him. “And what would happen?” she asks as pearly white teeth dented the perfectly plump, plush pink lips that just a moment ago had been smiling, just for him. The Phoenix did not go so far as to step out of his arms, only moved so that they had to stretch just a little bit to still be able to reach one another. She slid her hands down his chest.. slowly down his stomach whilst she stepped back again, her smile only growing in size. She knew what would happen. She knew what he would do. But still, she wanted to see it. She wanted to see him. “what would happen if I kept walking?” There was no chance that she WOULD, and Jace knew that, she knew he knew that. 

MAYBE SHE FOCUSED ON HIS EYES, BUT ALL THAT JACE COULD SEE WERE HERS. Those beautiful brown eyes, that always seemed to change color and captivated him with it. Those eyes that held such depth that he drowned in them and got lost, the very first second he looked into them all those centuries ago. « Every night. » He echoed once more. « Every single night, for the rest of eternity. » It was a promise and a plea, both at the same time, and he could not help but bring her closer until he could brush his lips against her own again. « There is nothing else that I want. There will not ever be. » As long as Evelyn remained by his side, there was nothing more he could have asked for.

“Nooo my Name is Ueda, Lord of the Fire Kitsunes!!!” Ueda said dramatically. Ueda clapped in delight. “Lead the way, Captain Jace.”

“Miracles can happen in the unlikely of places.” Amelia quipped, “I appreciate your kindness but it’s not necessary for you to return the favour. I’m glad I could help and maybe we could find a way to relieve some of your pain. I can still heal, I just need to regain some more of my strength or maybe a protective charm will help… We’ll figure it out.” It was nice to have a friend, even if it was still early days and they had just met. Jace had been honest with her and she respected that.

“Feel free to rest for as long as you’d like -” She stood up now, picking her empty cup with her, “Now uh - I should probably get some blood in me before I attack you.”

IT WAS TRUE. Jace would have argued with her for the longest of times, but he learned that miracles could happen --- especially when they were least expected. « I know it’s not necessary. That doesn’t mean that I would mind. » It was rare for him, but he truly valued the help that she offered ; when she brought him here and after he woke up. « Don’t worry about me. I will be fine, really. » The angel assured with a small smile.

« I doubt that you would attack me... and I would dare to assume that I could defend myself. » His lips curled further, into a smirk before he got up as well, shaking his head. «It’s alright. If you don’t want to take a sip and test my theory I should probably get going. I don’t want to overstay my welcome. » 

“You may no longer have a throne to sit upon,” she said, “but you will always be the King of my heart.” Her cheeks were flushed, but her gaze remained steady on his. She knew the words were cheesy, but they were also irretrievably true. Evelyn thumbed gently at her Angel’s cheeks, pressing them lightly before allowing her touch to trail his jaw, fingertips mapping out his face as he spoke. She listened to him, watched him, gaze intent upon his features. She wanted to believe him. More than anything, she wanted this to be true. So she did; so it would be. She pulled back from the embrace so that she could rest her head against his. “Never.. I will never leave you alone again. You will never go through anything alone ever again. I swear it. Even if.. even if for whatever reason we get separated. For an hour, a day, a week. Whatever it is, Jay. I’ll be right here.” A hand had slid from his face. Come to rest against his chest, his heart. She gazed at him, a slow smile making itself known against her face. “I’ll be with you. I promise.” 

As if to cement that, to cement everything the two had said and promised one another, Evelyn curled her small hand around the material of his shirt over his chest and pulled gently. She pulled herself up onto her tiptoes, needlessly, some may say, but to her, it just brought them ever closer. Her lips met his in a sweet, chaste kiss. His next words only made her smile widen. “I’ll stay with you. Any night you want. This night, tomorrow night..” she began to list, biting her lip as she watched as he kissed the palm of her hand. She curled it in gently, enough to brush her fingertips along his jaw before he took her hand within his own and laced their fingers together. “I’d like to spend tonight in your arms.” she whispers. “and I still can’t get used to hearing that.. You calling me that. Giving me that name.” She smiles, and hides a blush by burying her face in his chest. “I love it..” She peeks up at him, almost shy. “and I love you. And I love..” her voice falters and she lowers her head again, hides it, just long enough to press a kiss against his chest. “I love that you’re mine. Forever. And that I belong to you in exactly the same way.”

THE ANGEL WAS ABOUT TO ROLL HIS EYES WHEN EVELYN MENTIONED HIS THRONE --- but her words distracted him. The crimson color on her cheeks distracted him and he sighed, almost as if to admit his defeat. « That is the only throne that matters to me, my love. » As bitter as he felt about having hell’s reign taken from him, his words were nothing but the truth. Jace would have given it all up in a heartbeat, anyway. There was not a thing in the world that equaled his wife’s value to him, after all. « I know you will be. » He told her in a quiet, but content voice. « And it means everything to me ; I don’t remember how I survived a day without you by my side. »

death chuckles , a somewhat foreign gesture , but learned from the humans they spent so much of their recent time around.  “  i like being where the action is. “  the mongol invasions , the crusades , the plague , the two world wars ;  death spent years on earth during these times , collecting the souls of those departed.  and they remembered every one they have ever reaped.  even the loved one of the angel before him.  she was memorable after all , being one of the few humans that had cultivated love within an angel. 

Imogen tilted her head. “Like the chess piece?” Imogen asked still confused. “Depends on me?” Imogen quizzed. “What am I supposed to know?” 

THE ANGEL NARROWED HIS EYES. « What chess piece? » Her confusion was starting to confuse him --- and maybe she was nothing other than a clueless mundane, after all. « I am afraid the story is a little too long and a little too difficult if you really don’t know what that is. If you want a piece of advice, just don’t show it around in public anymore. Some ‘ people ‘ would not be very kind to you if they noticed it. »