grace under pressure

If Artus told him he didn’t have any reason to be jealous of anything going on that night, then Nari trusted him. He supposed it was a little juvenile of him. Nari smiled, instead choosing to enjoy having Artus close and clearing enjoying himself. “Why do you look so smug?” He asked him with amusement.

#artus+nari #nari: wine fest #vcwinefest2026

"Because my boyfriend is here being handsome and possessive of me. It's hot." Now he got to keep Nari all to himself and dance for the rest of the night if they wanted to. Artus had probably partaken a little too much in the bar but he knew Nari would take care of him. He leaned into the older elf, letting him lead the way they swayed with the music.

Nari turned around to face the other elf then, a small frown denting his brow as he abandoned his tea. “What kind of business partnership?” He asked. He knew the kinds of things Leon was rumoured to deal in and Nari wasn’t sure why Artus would want or need to be involved in any of it. Clearly whatever it was, it was worth re-establishing and not telling Nari about first. Not that he had to tell him, he supposed…

“Doesn’t that seem slightly irresponsible? You’re supposed to be setting a good example, not dealing with someone who I can only guess has little to no regard of the new laws.”

#artus+nari #nari: questions

If he didn't know any better, he might have thought that Nari had a personal vendetta against Leon. Nari wasn't part of the Westwood business and that was completely fine, but that meant he couldn't have inside knowledge of the company and its workings. "We have a business deal, it's nothing nefarious." Although he knew Nari might come unglued if he did tell him, considering how he was acting already.

"Nari, I love you, but I'm not going to rattle of the list of my business partners and what our business deals contain for you to decide if you approve of it or not. It's just business, nothing personal. Making business partnerships across species is setting a good example."

reese-sinclair

Reese wasn’t one for words while being herself… But when studying humans and potentially even in pursuit of a meal? Well, nothing got their attention faster than a damsel in distress.

She cried out as she went down, dressed for an evening jog in the park and all but intentionally tripping over her own feet. She clutched her knee, perfectly scrapped with the faintest sight of blood as she awaited footsteps nearing.

#artus+reese #reese: scrape

What had been an evening stroll through the park had become far less relaxing when he heard the distressed voice. She was just up ahead of him, clutching her knee. He had been in his own head and his own thoughts and hadn't seen her go down, but from the way she moved, it must have heart.

"Are you alright?" he questioned as he stopped next to her, kneeling down. There didn't seem to be any significant amount of blood, thankfully a minor wound.

hyoid / neck. who taught them to speak up, or stay silent ?

Both of his parents always encouraged him to speak up for himself, and he took the role of speaking up for his younger sibling when they were both young.

Then came theatre, and projecting his voice, and after that his father teaching him how to be a leader. He never had a reason to stay silent after that.

Now he tries to be an example and support others be their true selves however they want to express themselves, like Max.

#headcanons #artus+atlas #artus+max

metatarsals. if they could disappear for a day, where would they run ?

Probably a resort in Greece or Italy, or wherever Atlas is at the time if she'll accept his company.

He would want to bring Nari ( @narizeung ) along though.

#headcanons #artus+nari #artus+atlas

For: @artuswestwood

Location: Nari’s home

Nari liked to think in his grand age that he was mature, but ever since the wine festival something had been irritating him and for some reason he’d decided on trying to bury it rather than actually address the issue properly like he should have. It was a Thursday, which meant Artus was staying at Nari’s house for the evening, an accidental habit that Nari seemed to have gotten them into— which on this particular day was irritating him as well.

He was clinking a spoon around a cup of herbal tea, when he suddenly spoke up, “Why were you in a private room with Leon Blachedone?” He asked. It was only a rumour that the vampire was there, of course, he could have very easily been wrong but Nari had a hunch he wasn’t.

#artus+nari #nari: questions #rip artus fr #that thread isn't even done so i don't even know what else might have happened

They had developed a routine together that saw Artus at Nari's home on a weekly basis. It was nice, a chance to escape his own home for a short while. It felt like a short vacation every time he made his way to his boyfriend's home. Today, though, something felt different. It was only when Nari spoke up that he understood why.

"We've had a business partnership previously," he replied honestly, though he wasn't sure if it would be an answer that satisfied Nari. "I heard he was back in town and wanted to greet him and re-establish that." The older elf was not a fan of vampires to say the least so he could only imagine what Nari was thinking.

ursulacruz

Úrsula wasn't offended he didn't remember her, though it would have been a bit less awkward if he had. Taking the seat across from him she smiled kindly, "I'm Úrsula Avecedo, our parents ... socialize together. Though you probably already guessed that."

Does running in the same circles make one friends? Well they were at least friendly enough to arrange this meeting. Unfortunately for them she wasn't looking for a marriage, but she'd gladly take the connection to the theater.

When he still seemed to be drawing a blank she added, "You might have seen me on TV or heard me on the radio." She wasn't trying to brag, just hoping for a little recognition. Pausing she continued, "Though I'm friends? Kind of, with your sister."

#artus+ursula #ursula: dinner not date

"That doesn't surprise me. My father likes to socialize with everyone he can." Especially other elves. Artus himself tried to know as many of the elves in the clan as he could, but there were many he clearly still needed to familiarize himself with.

With the additional words, he felt like he was starting to place her. "Atlas is much better at making friends than I am," he commented with a soft chuckle. "You're a singer, right? Are you wanting to get into musical theatre?"

Leon’s grin widened, his amusement growing as well. Sure, there were other elves he could have done business with, but he quite enjoyed the other’s charm… As well as his projected power and status within the city. The fact he wasn’t a goodie two shoes like other members of the Westwood family was simply too good of an opportunity to ignore, and so Leon entertained the banter quite willingly. “Perhaps. Perhaps not… I personally have never had much of a sweet tooth, but I can’t deny the preferences of others.

"Now if you found me a deity... Well, that kind of competence is to die for, Mr. Westwood. So how is the night treating you? Enjoying yourself, I hope?"

#artus+leon #leon: wine fest #vcwinefest2026

He didn't mind flirting a bit. After all, the event was meant to be a casual affair, no need for formalities. Leon could be dangerous if he chose to be, but he had no reason to. They had no issues between them, and Artus had no animosity with vampires in general. "That doesn't surprise me. You don't seem like the type."

It was unlikely he would be recruiting a deity any time soon, although he might have a better chance doing so than Leon. "I always try to. There's never a night drinking and dancing can't improve. And how about you? Expecting some special guests soon?"

“Mm. I think I’m supposed to have grown out of it by now. You didn’t see me in my early hundreds.” Nari chuckled, only partly teasing. He definitely hadn’t been very good at hiding his jealously when he’d been younger elf. “Good.” Nari gave a small smile and held onto Artus’ hand, “Alright.” He agreed. They were close by to the dance floor and it was easy work to weave through the crowds and find a spot for them. Finding a rhythm to move in, Nari threaded his fingers into the front of Artus’ shirt and drew him closer. “I’ll only keep dancing if you promise me I actually get to keep you this time.” He only gently teased him, thinking back on the last club experience they had had together all those months ago. It was a good distraction, at least, from dwelling on what he’d seen.

#artus+nari #nari: wine fest #vcwinefest2026 #having a club dancing gif ♥

"You have no reason to be jealous." It didn't matter who he ended up dancing with, he would always come back to Nari. The older elf was the only one he planned to go home with. It was interesting to him, though. Artus happily followed behind him, shuffling in close and letting his hands rest on his boyfriend's hips. "You can keep me as long as you like," he promised with a smug grin.

ursulacruz

Úrsula didn't know how she ended up on a blind marriage meeting/date. Oh wait, no she did. She'd been trying to please her Mother. It was a fruitless effort as there was always something she could be doing better. But dolls and children shouldn't complain so she kept her mouth shut.

Once Úrsula saw Artus she understood why her mother wanted her to go on this date so badly. She tried to ignore the pang in her heart, it wasnt his fault. She shouldn't be disappointed this was all about society connections and not her own future love, but she was. It would have been nice to have her interests put first for once.

Smiling at him she stifled a chuckle, "You don't remember me do you?"

#artus+ursula #ursula: dinner not date

She caught him out immediately and he was soon feeling very sheepish. "I'm sorry to say I might have forgotten," he murmured, quickly trying to search his memory. It was a little late now, he'd already admitted it. It didn't make sense to lie about that when she had picked up on it so quickly. "Why don't you take a seat and remind me?"

“If I didn’t know any better I’d think you were flirting with me,” Leon joked back, intel already informing him of several, including another elf, that Artus thought fondly of. “I’ll bite though. Pretend I don't plan on continuing our tit for tat. Perhaps I've found another supplier who is offering me a better deal, hm?"

#thread: leon #leon: wine fest #vcwinefest2026 #artus+leon

"And do you know better?" he questioned, his tone still light and joking, although it was certain the elf was flirting now. There was nothing bad that could come from harmless flirting at a party. Artus let out a laugh, sitting back comfortably. "As if you found a better supplier. Unless you found a deity willing to bleed themselves dry for you, you won't find anything as consistent and sweet."

“Hi.” Nari said again, laughing with affection as Artus kissed both of his cheeks. He looked annoyingly good. Not that he didn’t always… maybe it was the lights making him look extra chiseled. Nari cleared his throat at the thought, “thank you… yes, I’m fine.” He replied breezily, though he wasn’t sure he was convincing. He’d made a promise to himself that he wasn’t going to kill Artus’ entire vibe this evening by being… well, himself.

“I mean, kind of wishing I’d just kept you to myself for tonight, but I’m told jealously isn’t a pretty emotion.” Nari breathed a small laugh, trying his best not to dwell on the private room he’d just seen Artus come out of. “Are you having fun?”

#thread: nari #nari: wine fest #vcwinefest2026 #artus+nari

Nari was not making his response convincing but if it was too much, he knew the older elf would make it known, or just leave. Still, he was here, trying to enjoy the party. He knew it was more for him than for species relations and he made sure to show his appreciation.

Artus chuckled, slipping his hand into Nari's. "I didn't think you could get jealous." Protective yes, but jealous? That was new. "I am. It's been a while since I let loose like this. Come on, dance with me."

"Westwood always were known for their hospitality," Leon teased with a devilish grin, welcoming the elf closer with a nod. "I would ask if you missed me, but I'm not a fan of bullshit flattery. I am curious however if you'll be looking to continue business now that I've returned to oversee such matters."

#leon: wine fest #thread: leon #vcwinefest2026 #artus+leon

Leon was being oddly charming, perhaps in a good mood from the festivities. He stepped further into the private room, still very comfortable in spaces like this. He'd spent a lot of time around vampires and though he knew not to trust of all them, he trusted the Rubicund and its security. Besides, Leon wasn't going to make an enemy of a business partner. "Has anything changed with you that would change our arrangement?" he asked as he took a seat next to him. "Or should I be convincing you to continue business with me?"

For: @artuswestwood

If it weren’t for the fact that he was a council member, Nari would have happily sat the Wine Festival celebrations out. As much as he treated everyone fairly, that didn’t mean he particularly enjoyed spending his free time in vampire territory. Their past transgressions were not easy to forgive, but he knew Artus enjoyed these events and he wanted to show up for him.

He was twiddling a straw around in a drink that looked as neon as the bright violet masquerade style mask that sat across the bridge of Nari’s nose. He’d had several drinks to take the edge off and was feeling a warm buzz. He was chatting to one of the Dumisani witches when he glanced over their shoulder, noticing Artus leaving one of the private rooms. His brow pinched curiously and he excused himself, beginning to weave his way through the dancers.

When he reached the other elf, he tapped his shoulder, “Hey,” He greeted with a soft smile, “Nice glasses.”

#here have a partying gif ♥#thread: nari #nari: wine fest #vcwinefest2026 #artus+nari

With Nari's permission, Artus had allowed himself to fully give into wine fest and the festivities of it all. It had started with drinks and went to catching up with some old friends. It felt like old times, except he was older, wiser, and had someone to return home to when the night was over. Speaking of, he heard Nari's voice and turned to him with a warm smile.

"Hey, baby," he replied, pressing a kiss to his cheeks. "Thanks. I had to make sure I properly accessorized. You look good, as always. How are you holding up?"

Leon glanced up from where he sat in the private room, several other vampires and a few familiars relaxing and minding their own business as the syndicate head noticed a new presence join them.

“Ah,” he greeted with a devilish grin, making eye contact with the individual. “And to what do I owe this pleasure? Surely you’re not intruding just to say hello.”