beyond repentance

His sorrow was coated over with anger. He hummed a haunting melody, his surroundings holding its breath as he willed anything nearby to come to him. He wanted revenge, deep, deep, satisfying revenge. Not once did his gaze move away from the remains as he relived his past, his humming turning into words that could easily pull one in. Although he wished, they wouldn't be heard by the one he wanted to pull underwater at this very moment.

Because nothing but small inconveniences could reach him in that moment — all the devilish details that delayed his calling, the voice that played inside his head, languorous with melancholy. With a click of the tongue, Shiloh took a step back, a deep frown of frustration appearing on his features with the newfound heaviness of his feet. But he managed, enough to free his wings and part with the waters, slowly, cautiously gliding against the air, as if the smallest lack of focus would be enough to make him lose his way.

That's not necessary. The words were on the tip of his tongue, but something prevented them from coming out. Which was, perhaps, for the better. Although the angel had no ability to perceive J.'s fear either, he could only imagine — or chose to imagine it, something akin to the despair of souls as they parted with their corporeal form. It was a specific kind of fear, uncontained, full of despair, diffuse, filled with the regret of everything that has happened, that didn't happen, and that could've happened if only.

When questioned, Shiloh silently nodded, his body tensing up not only from the archdemon's proximity, but also from the atmosphere that reigned in the air. It was crushing, obliterating, in a different kind than anything he had felt when around higher ranks of his kin. A private hell, that's what it felt like — with all the blessings in disguise that Hell had in store.

On cue, the angel's back parted with the wall as his steps diligently followed behind in Minwoo's path. To the angel's ears, it all sounded so familiar. Devotion taken to its highest peak, abide by one's rules in the form of a concealed self-sacrifice with the promise of something greater than all other promises. That was what Shiloh understood by giving yourself to another, true of course to the dogma of his Creator. And he was dumb enough to trust in that we, to the point of being ready to leave everything behind for whatever it was that they could achieve together.

On impulse, the angel reached for Minwoo's arm, slender fingers digging into his clothed skin, emboldened by the undeniably electrifying sensation that took over him on every occasion they came close. And even more recklessly, Shiloh forced the archdemon to turn around and face him, "What is it? What is there for me, beyond the appearances? Since I chose to give myself to you, what awaits me? What is it that we can make together, if my purpose isn't to simply serve you? Because— if you promise me a world of my own, Minwoo, I won't be happy with this only. I want it all, everything, you included. No the world here and the world outside, not you coming and going. Everything, all at once. All mine."

She rubbed her hand- now free from his grasp and yet still feeling the phantom grasp on her skin. Angels felt different than demons- not better or worse but different. She had been so excited to dress sexy- while she usually looked cute she wanted to be a sex-kitten tonight. Her sleek dress hugged her body perfectly in all the right places. Sparkling and making her look like a ruby. She rubbed her legs together a bit uneasy- sometimes when she felt uneasy she wished she was in her nagini form. Wanting to be more like her mother.

“It’s okay,” she finally broke the silence as she brushed her hand against his. “Even tomorrow we can meet again,” she said sweetly as she took the pink and glittery beverage she had ordered and took a sip from it. It was strong- Demonic always did well with the amount of alcohol in their drinks. She liked the club; her eyes scanned the crowd. Wanting to see a familiar blob of pink hair. While Shiloh might have ulterior motives- she had too. Wanting to make her old friend jealous; someone who had given her shit for associating with demons.

Would angels be better?

Meet again tomorrow. Phew. At the very least Belle was understanding, and above all gracious enough to behave as if nonsense hadn't just left his mouth as if nothing. Too preoccupied with scanning the surroundings, Shiloh failed to take note of her uneasiness — in characteristic selfish prick fashion, hanging onto the flimsiest hint of we're good to push through, further.

And why not meet again tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow, and for all eternity he had at his disposal? It was preferrable to being taken for a fool in a doomsday bunker. It wasn't like he had many obligations to show up for, anyway. He might've had more of a purpose in that place, or at least the semblance of a purpose — but of course Death would have higher chances to deliver him than Shiloh actually admitting it out loud. "Then there's no point in hoping for time to stop.", he added softly, allowing his limbs to relax against the sofa.

"I'm sorry, a what?" There was no way the angel could hide his confusion — and given the place, he wouldn't be surprised if this so-called body shot wasn't code for some bloody sacrifice. It did sound like it aligned with Minwoo's taste. He could already picture some dimly lit backroom somewhere in the entrails of Demonic, with suspended golden cages holding mortals captive. Hot mortals, of course. As per Minwoo's taste, of course. Shiloh could feel the bitterness building up on the tip of his tongue, and with the tug on his shirt, the angel came to realize it wasn't the time for any of his jealous fits.

001, a deserted road with only one house.

002, a circle of standing stones perched atop a desolate hill.

003, an old patio with creaking floorboards and a swing.

004, a small cathedral in the middle of nowhere.

005, an abandoned barn.

006, a slaughter house at the outskirts of town.

007, the woods but all the trees are marked and maybe you are too.

008, a wild and overgrown yard in an otherwise very suburban neighborhood.

009, a gas station in the middle of the night.

010, branch tents in the woods.

011, behind a clothesline in the morning hours.

012, hay bales under a blue sky in the summer.

013, the nearby sea with skeleton floating.

014, the empty grave in a forest.

015, a rusty red metal gate on a meadow.

016, a house situated in a field of overgrown grass.

017, a tree in a wooded area adorned with numerous animal skulls and bones. 

018, an old, rustic barn with tire swings hanging from the rafters

019, a set dining table with floral arrangement positioned near a body of water.

020, a chicken coop that smells of rot.

021, an open field surrounded by scarecrows.

022, a bus stop in the middle of nowhere.

023, a paddock at night.

024, a tractor in front of a corn field.

025, an unguarded barn that is too quiet to be trustworthy.

026, an empty church/cathedral at night.

❝ what's your favorite color and why? ❞

❝ can i come with you? ❞

❝ you have a nice smile, has anyone ever told you that before? ❞

❝ how do you take your coffee? ❞

❝ sorry, what was your name again? ❞

❝ it just occurred to me i never asked you what your last name is. ❞

❝ actually we've met before. ❞

❝ i've heard a few things about you. ❞

❝ care to join me? ❞

❝ i'm not really sure why i trust you. ❞

❝ i don't usually talk this much, it just feels easy to say stuff when you're listening. ❞

❝ i know we don't know each other that well but if you wanna talk about it... ❞

❝ could you help me with something? ❞

❝ do you like it here? ❞

❝ are you new around here? ❞

❝ you can ask me anything you want. i promise i'll answer truthfully except the things i feel like lying about. ❞

❝ i don't mean to be too forward, you just seem like you could use a friend right now. ❞

❝ you can come with me. i mean if you don't have anyone waiting for you. ❞

❝ we're friends now. you can ask me for help. ❞

❝ do you like this music? i can change it. ❞

❝ what are your favorite snacks? ❞

❝ really? i wouldn't have guessed that about you. ❞

❝ do you mind if i ask about it? ❞

ACTIONS:

VISIT: for sender to go to receiver's home for the first time

VISITED: for receiver to go to sender's home for the first time

CRYING: for sender to see receiver cry for the first time

CRIED: for receiver to see sender cry for the first time

BEGIN: sender and receiver are on their first date together

TRIP: our muses go on a group trip but end up stuck together, away from the rest of their friends.

SITUATION: our muses are acquainted because one of them is their friend's roommate. muse a shows up when their friend isn't there and ends up hanging out with muse b one on one.

GO: our muses go to a zoo or theme park together and get lost.

INVITE: sender cooks for receiver for the first time

INVITED: receiver cooks for sender for the first time

TOGETHER: our muses spend the night for the first time

TRY: our muses hooked up and are hanging out the next day

COMFORT: sender is going through a break up and receiver offers to cheer them up

COMFORTED: receiver is going through a break up and sender offers to cheer them up

OFFER: sender gives receiver a ride to the airport/picks them up

OFERED: receiver gives sender a ride to the airport/picks them up

AID: sender helps receiver redecorate

🛏️ Instead of “Only One Bed” → “Too Many Beds”

They walk into the hotel room expecting a single bed and awkward tension. Instead, there are four king-sized beds, an inexplicable hammock, and a faintly ominous waterbed. “Why does this room have options for an entire sleepover cult?”

🌧️ Instead of “Trapped in a Cabin During a Storm” → “Storm Clears Too Quickly”

The storm they were counting on to buy time together ends after 10 minutes. Now they’re stuck pretending they don’t want to be alone. “So… want to pretend it’s still raining?”

😵‍💫 Instead of “Amnesia Trope” → “Hyper-Memory”

After a cursed encounter, one of them remembers every single conversation, glance, and heartbeat they’ve shared. The other has no idea… until they start quoting things word-for-word. “You remember what I was wearing the first time we fought?” “You blinked 47 times and called me insufferable under your breath.”

🥵 Instead of “Accidental Kiss” → “Accidental Emotional Intimacy”

They fake a relationship, expecting to have to pretend to be into each other. The physical stuff is easy. But then one of them says something soft like, “You make me feel safe,” and now it’s awkward silence and eye contact they can’t break.

🧼 Instead of “Injured and Needing Help to Bathe” → “Healthy But Offers to Help Anyway”

“You’re perfectly fine.” “I know. Just figured I’d be helpful.” “…You brought a loofah.”

🧊 Instead of “Trapped in a Cold Room, Forced to Cuddle” → “Room Is Weirdly Hot”

The mission lodging is somehow sweltering, AC’s broken, and now it’s a war of who strips off layers first. Bonus: one of them just refuses to sweat. “You’re still in your jacket?” “I will not let this heat win.”

🥂 Instead of “Drunk Confession” → “Sober, Pretending to Be Drunk, to Confess”

One character fakes being tipsy so they can say everything they’re too scared to say sober… only to find out the other’s stone-cold sober and knows exactly what’s happening.

🪞 Instead of “Enemies to Lovers” → “Lovers to Enemies to Still Kind of Lovers”

They break up because of a betrayal. They’re rivals now. But they still hook up sometimes because “it’s just physical” and “we don’t mean anything by it,” and both of those are complete lies.

rp prompts from clair obscur: expedition 33 by sandfall interactive

why‘d you wait until today to say something? it’s a bit late, isn’t it…

i never faulted you for wanting to believe.

we’re the only ones left. you don’t get to die.

i didn’t take you for a coward.

fuck the mission!

there was a time when thirty was young, you know…

been a long time since i’ve seen you play.

you seem to know me.

the more information we get, the more questions i have.

i haven’t seen a human in so long!

we are but a fragile dream, a singular weed, resisting, ever resisting.

legacy can take many forms, right? you taught me that.

when you’re at the mercy of a power you don’t understand, you might try anything.

this is a kindness, not a cruelty.

you only care when things are right in front of you.

stay out of this. you chose to walk away. you don’t get to involve yourself now.

i‘m not gonna get much sleep tonight, am i?

i‘m really sorry i didn’t arrive sooner.

see you… in the next life.

what are the stars whispering to you?

you know, it meant a lot to me. the comfort we shared that day.

i use the pain. i use the shame, the guilt, the anger. i use it all to keep going.

i can almost feel them beside me. everyone we’ve lost… walking with me.

how do you always know what to do…

i‘m not fine.

how many times must you hurt our family…

family is not my favourite topic.

because it’s personal and it’s painful. and it’s none of your business.

i love the way you see the world.

you’re always so calm about everything.

death is a friend who will welcome me home.

masks are not just to obscure. they are also to illuminate.

are you planning to die anytime soon?

i want rage to consume me, anything to fill the hollow. but rage won’t come. i just float in an endless nothingness…

you lost me years ago. and I lost you.

family is … complicated.

if saving you means losing you, then so be it.

remember who your real family is.

you’re too drunk on your own illusion to understand.

at least this will keep you out of trouble until i get back.

they’re counting on me. i won’t abandon them.

i refuse to abandon you.

which is worse? to die, or to be the one who survives? to grieve? or to be grieved?

even when i sleep, it’s still there. like a breath i can never release.

you didn’t give me a chance to say goodbye.

life keeps forcing cruel choices.

grief often blinds us. until we make choices we can never take back.

you can hate me, but that’s a choice i must make.

you treat me as if i‘m still five…

i‘ll keep the light on for you.

see things as they are, not how you want them to be.

this is not worth your life.

He felt paralysed, unable to move his limbs or even make his wings twitch ever so subtly. The natural radiance of his complexion faded slowly, leaving him pale, like a marble statue mercilessly washed out by the passage of time. Only the thoughts created an unseen, imperceptible storm inside his mind. Wasn't that the problem? Wanting to mimic, wanting to create something out of nothing, based on another's example. Never a product of his own creativity - did he even possess enough imagination for that? How was he to entertain Minwoo's interest for long enough if he could not bring himself to build a world of his own - their own.

Nearly. Nearly, nearly, nearly. With those words and the arch-demon leaving his place, Shiloh could feel himself suffocating, falling levels below the floor that could only physically support him, but not his mind spiraling down into despair. He was failing, miserably so. He had to find his way back, to find his peace, to forget about whatever world still existed outside of that place. But how could he do that?

When presented with the feather, Shiloh finally snapped out of his thoughts due to the shock, cold chills running down his spine. The heavenly creature had never set his eyes on such a thing. Of course he knew about it all, about the Fall and what it entailed for the one subjected. But to see the palpable proof, no- the silent testament of it having occurred to one of his kind, Shiloh couldn't help but feel afraid. Those feathers couldn't speak, so he had no way to find out more, but from deep inside his bones the knowledge was instinctive - for one to reach that point, it could only mean their chest and mind were even darker.

"No." The angel spoke in a frail voice, immediately aware that his voice came out too weak, which prompted him to repeat himself. "No. No, I don't want this." Darting his gaze in J's direction as he could no longer bear to look at those feathers, Shiloh felt his soul claimed by conflict - who created him? How? And when they did so, did they allow him to think for himself? To feel? Were his ways too primitive? Were the ways of his own Creator not the right ways?

Gathering himself from the ground, the angel stood up, clearly showing no sign of interest in touching or snatching the feathers away from Minwoo. Instead, he placed both hands on each side of the arch-demon's neck, blue eyes staring deeply into the other's own. As much as Shiloh wanted to mold himself into the other's ideal, his very nature impeded him from doing so. Cursed, damned nature. "All I want", he began, fire sparkling inside his pupils, "Is my own world. To have my own world with you. Away from everyone else."

"I don't pray," He responded to the mention of praying the rosary. Living in Russia for a large portion of his life, he was no stranger to Christianity and its practices. Many of the nice people who took him in were devote in their religion, but Lee Know had little care for it.

"Good. Don't bother too much with that either. I can tell you, the line is quite busy and the staff is already overworked." The angel added nonchalantly.

"Modest too, aren't we? I'll give you this one, I complimented you first." Shiloh commented teasingly, his eyebrows shooting upwards with the mirrorwalker stepping away from him. Frankly, he found the reaction quite amusing, endearing too if he were to be honest to the core, but today wasn't that kind of day, so the angel stuck with amusing. Straightening his position, the heavenly creature fixed his lips into a pout with Lee Know's response, letting his wings drop deliberately to emphasise his disappointment.

"Oh, I thought you knew things. Because you see, up there," he pointed towards the sky, "They are pretty strict. We even had a curfew and whatnot." Not quite. "But I mean, I could teach you how to make a rosary if you feel crafty. But honestly, I thought you could teach me something. Cool guys like you don't usually make rosaries."

"Hey, for someone who has moved around as much as I have, it's almost impossible to build up a reputation. So why wait for other people to say it, I'll come out and tell them," He patted his chest with a proud smile. He only realised after he spoke that 'moving around a lot' contradicted his previous statement of not running away. He technically wasn't running away, more like getting on a train or bus and going somewhere else. Completely different, obviously.

Lee Know's eyebrows rose at the mention of a curfew? It made sense if they thought about it for a few seconds, an angel was holy, so they were good at following rules? "Wow, a curfew. And you're right, I have no interest in rosaries," Lee Know shook his head and held up his hands, palms facing the angel. "Not with these hands," his palms were heavily scarred, extending to his forearms. It looked like Lee Know lost a fight with a million swords or something, which was kinda true. He fought a mirror.

The angel purposefully gave way for a pause, one long enough to let his words float in the air, but too short to allow for proper intervention from the other. He then threw his arms in a shrug. "But what do I know? Right?"

As the mirrorwalker presented his palms, Shiloh took a curious look, his eyebrows snapping upwards for a splitsecond in initial shock. "Hmm." Lifting his gaze to meet Lee Know's own, Shiloh added, "Indeed, not the hands of one who could make rosaries. However, the hands of one who could pray the rosary. Not that I'm trying to imply something. Coincidences are everywhere, aren't they?"

Shiloh kept on mindlessly massaging the other’s calf, subtly, inch by inch, making his way higher up toward his knee, halting the motions of his fingers just to wrap them around the back of Minwoo’s knee. Hearing that he wasn’t welcome to the shop ignited a fire inside his chest, a fire that was anything but holy. It burned so violently the angel could feel a sour taste building up inside his mouth. Why? Why couldn’t he go there? Was it truly because Minwoo meant to keep his beauty only for his eyes to see, or was there something else he shouldn’t discover? “No, I didn’t mean to act in a movie. I don’t think I’d like that, even if it was with you. Because I don’t want anyone else to see you that way.” Shiloh finally spat out, emboldened by his jealousy.

But how could he keep up with that attitude? How could he show himself angered in any way when he felt the Archdemon’s fingers against his skin, or his lips brushing against his own? No matter how soft that kiss, Shiloh could still feel it lingering upon his lips, the sensation of it, the way it almost paralyzed him entirely, body and soul alike.