ARJUN IQBAL

Arjun Iqbal | DEITY | Age Unknown | Holy Island Resident and Art Curator

[miralblue]

Mira smiled, amused that his boss was telling him about his day. "Sounds very busy. I try not to fill my days with too many activities. I need the calm to keep me focused." Being an elf meant that Mira had a strong connection with nature. He made time for going out into the woods for hiking trips, surfing the waves in the salty ocean, and exploring anywhere he could connect with the sound of the Earth. He loved the feeling of the dirt beneath his feet and the wind whipping through his curly hair. He smiled across the desk at the man sitting there and took a sip of his drink. "We should both take a day off together sometime. I'll show you how beautiful this planet can be. It's a nice reset from the constant noise of the city. You can even turn off your mobile device for a couple of hours." Mira realized he probably sounded very not-from-this-century calling the little thing everyone stared at for 12+ hours a day a "mobile device" instead of a phone, but it wasn't really used as a phone these days, was it? I was used for everything.

[arjun-iqbal]

"Is that your way of saying I should be giving you less work?" Arjun could respect preferences when it came to almost anything, but he was curious by nature and loved a good conversation. Nice smile, that one. As he leaned back, fingers losening his grip around the glass, the deity let himself enjoy the prospect Mira was presenting him with. "..you know, I wouldn't say no to that. Chances are it might do me some good after the year I've had." the deity huffed, a smile forming across his lips. "..I was an elf once, you know? I think I've..forgotten what that was like."

[augustine-lycaon]

"I do, yeah. Same one that managed to help guide my soul into this prick's body when I kicked it," he responded back with a nod of his head. "And yeah, the kid's swung by my apartment uninvited and seems to have all my info. Hell, I even had a good amount of contact with him during a one of those magic laced fever dreams a few months ago... Been a bitch keeping him off my trail, but I get the feeling he's avoiding too much attention on himself as well. He gets too skittish for someone who should be on the offensive if he's suspecting me. Whatever it is.. I'll figure it out. May not make for a great witch, but I was a persistent pain the ass as a wolf, and that sure as hell didn't change in death."

[arjun-iqbal]

"..well, he's not bad looking. For a prick, that is." Arjun shrugged, delivering the line with a playful smile and a not so subtle once over before locking eyes with him again. The fact that the witch was so willing to volunteer all of that information about the boy and his link to Artemis was a definite bonus. "And you wish to keep their identity to yourself is what I'm gathering. That's a lot of responsibility for one person, Augustine. I wish you'd let others in, but fair's fair. It's a delicate situation." It was impossible not to be drawn to him. Augustine’s relentless grit, his fierce determination to protect the people he cared about, and the fact that he was so unapologetically himself (not to mention, the way that all that came into play in the bedroom)..yes, it was hard not to be invested. "What are you going to do if they find out?"

[elio-del-vecchio]

“What I want is inconsequential,” Elio muttered to himself, forcing a smile and waving off the concern. He hesitated though as he considered Arjun's latter words, the smile faltering. He could feel the hurt emanating off of Arjun, and he couldn't help but feel bad he'd swung by at all. "You've been hurting and I swung by hoping to cheer you up. Now I've made a mess of it and somehow you're the one treating me with kid gloves," he mused aloud. His gaze flickered over Arjun appreciatively as he also somewhat jokingly added, "And not that I mind, but unless you know the hotel owner, he might have an issue with you wandering the property in your current state of dress."

[arjun-iqbal]

"Inconsequential…" Elio had had a lot of practice brushing things off in all the time he had known him, which was difficult to add up to an exact number. Yes, it had been that long. It sort of made one wonder why they did not have more talks like this, heartfelt..and vulnerable from both parts. "It's okay, Elio. I mean, I should've learned to cope by now. If I'm honest, I thought that's what I was doing," Iqbal huffed, casting a brief glance over his shoulder toward the bed and back at the exact moment the other deity mentioned his state of undress. Okay..maybe *that* did make him smile. "..oh, you don't mind, do you?" He said, "..I can put something on..was going to.. but you haven't said yes to either one of my suggestions."

[chris-elkar]

Chris's smile broadened into a bright grin, happy that Arjun was willing to go with him on this. "Reluctant indeed. Downright recalcitrant." He opened Arjun's suit - importantly still unbloodied - so he could slide his hands down the deity's sides, pushing his shirt up rather than going to the trouble of unbuttoning that too. The deity's skin was so warm against his own, and Chris rocked his hips into Arjun's hands, letting out a soft groan. He undid Arjun's own pants and wrapped a hand loosely around his cock.

[arjun-iqbal]

Arjun let out a low, breathy laugh, as if he wasn't anticipating Chris wanting to do this out here, where anyone might see. It was hot as it was reckless, but by now there was no fighting the heat growing between them. Those fingers, which had just been unbuttoning his shirt, where the same that wrapped around him only seconds after, making his lips part with a moan of his own. "..fuck, t-that feels nice." He'd needed that, the deity thought, using his current hold of the vampire to steady them both as Chris rocked into his touch. "...keep going."

[lindleycardan]

The toothy grin on her face was plastered from ear to ear. “But that’s the best part! Sugar rush for days!” Nothing beat a party and Vievecor was always good for one. As soon as that high was starting to fall, another event or soirée picked her right back up. Admittedly she wasn’t really into the latter unless it ended up salacious but an event was an event. “I love your gallery! Who knows, maybe I’ll be an artist muse in my next life.” The space had been full of movement and color, captivating Lindley just as the first motion picture reels had when they beckoned her back to this plane of existence.

Relaxing, she recounted her night and all the fun she had on the dance floor, and it certainly wasn’t going to be her only time out there. Lindley gave a gentle squeeze, her fingers still intwined in his. Smiling softly this time she turned her full attention to the beautiful deity before her. “You seem even more melonic than usual.” Immediately her mind sprung to the worst case scenario, which as everyone knew was love. “Who was it? And don’t you dare not answer, I promise I won’t make a scene this time!”

[arjun-iqbal]

Lindley's excitement was contagious. So much so that even Arjun could not resist a small smile, remembering all the positives that had come from her help with the gallery and from their friendship over the years. He might be vastly older, but she had taught him plenty and continued to do so, every chance they got. "I'm sure you could be that now. I mean, look at you," the art curator added, convinced of his own words. "You look splendid, and you know, I hold workshops for new artists all the time. You could come, if you want."

His thumb brushed over the top of her hand, indulguing into that brief moment, until her voice brought him back. Had he unintentionally come across as sad? ..or had she caught him staring at the crowd below them? "..who?" Arjun repeated, worrying his lip. "Uhm, it's nothing, really. Last year's festival was..horrid, and being here again brings back..memories, I guess." he mumbled, "A lot has changed."

[matthew-alexander]

"Shut your mouth! I wouldn't be so arrogant if I were you. Who's to know if Artemis are not creating a similar weapon for your kind?" Matthew growled, a spike of fear coursing through him. He hated that Arjun brought this up so blatantly to insult him, speaking of his depowered state out loud in with so many ears around them when he was trying his best to keep it a secret, and thus, keep himself safe.

"I wouldn't flee. I would never flee, not when I have done nothing wrong," he hissed in retaliation. Not many knew of the details of his shooting, most certainly not Arjun. "I'm not going to cower and hide just because of it."

"Hells knows that I don't want your company either," the fallen deity scoffed. "So run along, deity. Get out the hell of my sight."

[arjun-iqbal]

Arjun’s expression froze into a brittle smile the moment Matthew turned to anger. Managing to pry that reaction out of him felt like a victory, but it didn't dull the gut-wrenching sting of being scolded in a room so full. It felt like being humiliated all over again, even after a whole year had gone by, and who would enjoy that? Matter of fact, there was a way to fix that. He ought to. "Still spewing threats, I see." the deity scoffed as he drew subtly on his power. Silent but not for that less determined, he shifted the light particles, warping the horizon into a seamless, empty void. To Matthew, everyone..everything else would simply vanish into whiteness, leaving just the two of them alone in the quiet glare of Arjun's making.

"Is this better, mh?" Iqbal mocked him in return as he gestured around them. "Every time, Matthew. Every time you get a chance to do the smart thing, you simply..waste it, don't you? And you're calling me arrogant? You? You've done plenty of wrong." The deity knew the implications of humans crafting that weapon but he didn't completely detest the idea of Matthew being the one who got shot. It served him well. "Also, another thing?" He flicked his wrist, tapping into more magic to create an immense pressure, pushing him down to his knees. "I can't believe I need to remind you..AGAIN, but you don't get to boss me around, Matthew. Not now, not ever." the deity huffed, "Run along? Take that back. Say you take it back right now before I decide to do much worse than pinning you down."

[arjun-iqbal]

[elio-del-vecchio]

Elio's gaze flickered from Arjun's hand up to his gaze, confusion in his own. He just gave a nod though and a forced, gentle smile. "Of course," he agreed, although his words felt hollow. Taking his mind off of matters had been difficult prior, and now it felt impossible with the feeling of defeat plaguing him.

He rubbed the bridge of his nose for a moment and sighed, trying to shift the topic to something that made him feel less vulnerable. "I'm sorry- I don't mean to be a dark cloud. Please don't stress over this.. I will handle it. Perhaps I should go though."

[arjun-iqbal]

The contact didn't have the effect Arjun expected. It was meant to be a comfort, but that's not what he saw when he looked across at him. That smile… that defeated look in his eyes when he spoke, was a clear sign that they had hit a wall.

As Elio pulled away to rub the bridge of his nose and muttered his apology, Arjun did quite the opposite, remaing exactly as he was. Close and with his hand on his lap, "..is that what you want? To leave?" It felt a bit anticlimactic. Not to mention hurtful, in an oddly selfish way. Was Arjun not enough...again? Not even as a friend? "Because..we don't have to speak about this, if it's making you feel a certain way. I'm quite happy to ...do whatever. You know, this hotel has a nice pool..a cocktail bar, we could have some fun."

[chris-elkar]

So much for not overthinking it, but he knew Arjun was in a weird place. The deity had said 'right now' though, so Chris hadn't given up all hope. "You don't know for sure. I might get hurt, and if I do then it'll suck, but I'll deal with it. So you don't have to have that hanging over you." Chris sighed and gave him a small smile. "We've established I find you attractive, so this can be just fun. I also just like being around you regardless, so I'm reluctant to let you go now that I have you here." Even when Arjun wasn't doing it on purpose, Chris did feel more relaxed around him, and he always had been kind of clingy.

[arjun-iqbal]

There was no logic in his arguments, just pure, raw honesty. Maybe some emotion, too, but Arjun was having enough trouble with his own as it was. What was he supposed to do with all that? Jump in and deal with the expectations later? Arjun opened his mouth to offer some kind of counter-argument, some logical defense to protect them both, but instead he found himself holding onto him. "Reluctant, huh?" he teased, returning the small smile he'd been offered moments ago. "Well, if you're that sure...and you stand by what you said, then I am yours for the evening." And plenty others, if the circumstances allowed for it. The deity tugged Chris' shirt out of the waistband of his trousers and slid his hands underneath the fabric, waiting for a reaction. "Show me what 'fun' means."

[augustine-lycaon]

"You've seen the extent of it. It's not that deep," he retorted dryly with a smirk. "Don't get me wrong-- I've got nothing against you. I just made the mistake of barking up the wrong tree before and realized it wasn't for me," he added with a shake of his head. "That worry's just the migraine that possible lead's causing is all. Bit of a brat and I can't tell if he's bullshitting me or being honest. But as you said.. sooner or later. Can't go on forever." His voice tapered off as he spoke, feeling a bit more worried as he spoke and weighed the possible outcomes in his head.

[arjun-iqbal]

"..you mean another deity?" Had he interpreted that correctly? Arjun could be quite perceptive, even when he tried not to be. The real question was whether Augustine would continue to be honest with him, or if he was going to get one of his usual retorts for poking at a vulnerable spot. Arjun's interest didn't waver. It grew the moment the witch continued, mentioning more about that lead he'd brought up. "Is he being too honest?" the art curator frowned, "How long have you been speaking to him, exactly?" Had he called him by the vessel's name? Was he also a witch? Iqbal swallowed, trying to appear calm and only mildly curious.

[arjun-iqbal]

[chris-elkar]

Right after he'd leaned forward Chris had gone through half a moment of panic thinking that he might have gone too far, but the way Arjun almost melted into him put that to rest easily. Chris let out a breathy laugh. "If you're still thinking about your suit, I think I need to try harder." He took a step back to tug Arjun gently with him into a bit more of a shadowed corner and slid his hand up from Arjun's neck into his hair. For a few breaths he just trailed his fingertips along a few locks of hair, tracing out the curls and searching Arjun's face. "Why don't we both try not to overthink things for tonight?"

[arjun-iqbal]

Chris's laugh was captivating in a way that Arjun had not anticipated. He might have wished to pin it down to what they had just done, but this was definitely something else. "I am quite happy for you to do that, but this is just who I am. I never leave a conversation unfinished." There was no resistance as he was drawn into the quiet safety of the shadowed corner. In fact, Arjun let his head tilt slightly into the palm sliding through his hair, his eyes revealing the truth about how he felt before his words did. "..and then what? How do I know this isn't going to end up hurting you? I can't be with anybody like this right now. So tell me. Can this just be..fun between friends?" The deity smiled faintly as he thought of the meaning of fun in this context.

[matthew-alexander]

Matthew was yanked forward before he had the sense to let go of Arjun, the deity's strength clearly overpowering what little he had in comparison and he had to catch himself. As if interacting with a deity were not enough, it had to be this one. The fallen deity thought that he had been rid of Arjun as a thorn in his side, but that was clearly not the case when Judas brought him up in their last argument.

"Places to be? Where could you possibly be running to at this time?" Matthew scoffed in return, momentarily uncaring of the difference in power they each possessed. "You look about ready to flee this place with your tail between your legs. This party too much for you?"

[arjun-iqbal]

Arjun had hoped to be on his way right after the crash, but he should have known it wouldn't be that simple. This was his first time seeing Matthew in over a year. His first time seeing him after everything that happened, and the man's presence was having exactly the effect he feared it might have. Hearing his provocations only made it worse.

"Big words coming from a depowered chump." Arjun huffed, happy to keep the current distance between them..for now. "I should be asking you the same thing. Then again, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Your pride and arrogance have always clouded your judgment." What happened to Matthew would have kept any sane creature locked behind closed doors, but not him. He was still here. Still throwing himself into the center of the room. Still commanding attention so that others might take it upon themselves to fix him, somehow, or rescue him from his poor choices. "I don't want your company, Matthew. That's what this is. I'm *not* fleeing."

[elio-del-vecchio]

"I left after matters... Failed. I also do not see him seeking out my company in his particular state, aside from helping to make sure Liber and the Hereafter continue to remain safe in leu of his state." Not that Matthew would have sought him out anyways, Elio thought to himself. "I've been keeping an eye on those buildings for quite some time though, and I don't wish to use that against him. I didn't offer to help protect the inhabitants and patrons of those establishments simply to gain any personal benefit, nor will I." He shrugged. "An ear to the ground... Sure... Make sure that they don't continue to develop and utilize magic to cause intentional harm to various otherwise immortal species... But the community has reached an agreement, so as far as I can see our hands are tied. Any obvious actions we take could be interpreted poorly if we aren't careful.

"Aside from tempting our own fates, I'm not sure there is much else we can or should do, Arjun. Short of us simply protecting our own and running with our tails between our legs to the Divine..." He sighed. "I am at a loss. There really is no option except to persist."

[arjun-iqbal]

Arjun resisted the urge to sigh again. He could sense how much he cared, and the exhaustion that came with carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Admittedly, it was a bit disheartening to witness. "Of course not." Arjun murmured dryly, "Why should Matthew burden himself with looking for help? It's beneath him, clearly." The man was simply too prideful, and it certainly helped his ego that others always came to him instead. Like moths to a flame.

Agreeing to Elio's suggested plan felt easier. He could certainly do a little investigating. Maybe ask dear Augustine, once he made some kind of breakthrough with his attempts. "I'll try to make it as less obvious as possible." A promise, that was. Arjun bit his lip, listening to his friend continue to speak..and felt himself reach across to gently place his hand atop of his. "..if something is true about us deities is that we know how to be patient. We can explore other venues..something to counteract those bullets."

[augustine-lycaon]

"Yeah? So long as you keep those expectations realistically low," the witch joked back, not taking the positive comment too close to heart. "I've got nothing against friends so long as you don't expect more than I've got to offer." Augustine had no desire to be on a deity's bad side, and after his falling out with Elena, he saw how quickly one could go from hot to cold with another. Pissing off someone with the power a deity held was not on his to-do list. His gaze lingered on Arjun's clothed form for a moment before he circled back to the prior question, adding, "Still struggling on that bit though regarding connections. I've got a lead I'm working on, but haven't touched base with the potential connection yet. Soon though. I hope." Caleb couldn't hold out on him forever, could he? Withholding that information was worse than letting Augustine at least attempt from his perspective, especially considering it was Artemis followers they were dealing with...

[arjun-iqbal]

"And what does Augustine Lycaon have to offer in terms of friendship?" The deity wasn't aware the former wolf had ever kept much company, let alone had friends, prior to his... accident? No, that was hardly the right word for it. It must have been awful, to die like that only to be brought back in a body so different. A life so different. The fact that he was still very much trying was definitely something to be admired.

Augustine, however, seemed disappointed by his slow progress. Offering a silent nod, the deity misted some perfume on his skin and crossed the room towards the other. He stopped by the couch, wondering what to say. "It'll happen. Perhaps when you least expect it." Lame? Probably. "Is there something else? I sense worry."

[chris-elkar]

The kiss was unexpected, and he let out a surprised huff, but it was over too soon and Chris had to stop a while from leaving his throat. The blood left him with a lazy warm feeling and he leaned into Arjun's hand. "Think I managed not to get any on your suit though." He responded quietly, eyes flickering over Arjun's face to keep landing on his smile. Figure it out, huh? Well then. Feeling bold, he leaned forward to kiss Arjun properly this time, sliding a hand up to cradle the back of his neck.

[arjun-iqbal]

Was this wrong? There was a small voice in Arjun's head that did think so, a faint whisper reminding him of the very thing he was running away from. But as Chris’s lips pressed firmly against his own, returning the kiss, that voice was no more. It was drowned out; replaced by a much simpler need. The deity leaned forward, his posture folding to the hand cradling the back of his neck, and let the vampire take control. "Better." he managed to whisper, "This is a lot better.." But his words and the distraction could only carry Arjun so far. When he finally pulled back, his lips curved into yet another smile. His eyes captured the other's, searching for confirmation that he was fine and not blood drunk. "Thank you. For not staining my suit."

[lindleycardan]

Excitement bubbled over petite frame, her aura changing immediately to that of joy and comfort. As much as she loved humans and all their devices there was a comfort the came from being around her own kind. “Arjun!!”

Crossing the carriage she quickly gave him a peck on both checks before settling into a ostrich feather covered lump on her side. “I am having so much fun! People are out there dancing…and more and it’s like you could just eat the energy in the room!” She peered out the glass windows wondering how small everyone would start to look in just a few minutes. Looking out she could of sworn she spotted Chris’s tall figure at the bar. “Everything is going good. Perfect aesthetics for Instagram stories and bonus, I haven’t had to run into any nasty demons.”

[arjun-iqbal]

Her energy was contagious and Arjun could not help but to smile in return, welcoming her swiftness..and the kisses, of course. "That's the Lindley I know." Arjun huffed, his dark eyes tracking her with fond amusement as he leaned back against their seat. Maybe this would turn out to be a fun ride, after all, if she managed to make him forget about his little run in with Matt earlier.

"Careful, little bird," he teased softly, "If you eat too much of that energy, you won't sleep for a week." Iqbal followed her gaze out the glass window, his eyes naturally drifting toward the bar, where they locked onto Chris’s tall silhouette. Busy aiding the Rosu cause, no doubt. He sighed, reaching over and lacing their fingers together in a lazy grip. "You know, I have yet to thank you properly for introducing the gallery to social media. Our visitor numbers have increased exponentially ever since. And good, let's keep it that way. No nasty demons allowed to ruin your fun tonight. Have you managed to drag anyone to the dancefloor yet?"