Someone to stay...

for every heart aching like an open door for every god peering through the window for every journey ending with the same hobbled crawl home, with the voice in the back of the head like the mother, wailing. for every animal confession splitting the throat wide open— I clawed my way out of the womb like a monster I wanted to be loved so desperately that my fingers shook with it I am not beautiful but I could be I am volatile violated my body was not always my own I only look into the mirror to see the white of my eyes —Emily Palermo

[elio-del-vecchio]

Elio sighed, wondering if he had made a mistake with Elena when he granted her a second life as a deity. The life of a deity was certainly wasn’t a walk in the park, and the adjustment phase was rougher for some than others.

“Elena… I will stay. I will be here and am not going anywhere, I assure you,” he responded calmly, the feeling of a warm hand on Elena’s shoulder gracing the younger deity as she was out of arm’s range for Elio to do so directly. “I know that may not be enough for you or what you hoped to hear, but it’s the truth.

“Our path is not an easy one to walk. Even those that want to stay will eventually leave you simply due to the passing of time and the fragility that is life. You learn over time that your interactions with those around you will ebb and flow like waves on the ocean, and to cherish them for what they were, not what they could have been.

“I don’t blame you for needing time. Just remember you’re not alone- please. And don’t leave me to hunt you down next time to remind you of that? I won’t be mad. I would rather know what you’re up to, so I can help you.”

[elenaramirez]

Elena was quiet for a moment after he finished speaking. His reassurance settled over her like a blanket meant to warm but somehow only made the weight on her chest heavier. She could feel the touch against her shoulder, but beneath it there was something else. Doubt. It settled inside her like a stone. Because if it wasn't her logic he was unsure about—then it was her. She stared down at her hands instead of at him, her fingers still loosely intertwined where they rested against the counter. “That’s… not what I meant,” she tried at last, softly.

"I didn’t mean someone who won’t leave.” A faint shake of her head followed. “I'm not naive. I know no one can promise that.” Her hands tightened again before slowly relaxing. “I meant someone who wants to stay. Someone who values their own life enough to try.” Her voice remained calm, but the quiet strain in it was difficult to miss. “Someone who doesn’t look at self-sacrifice like it’s the most natural solution to a problem.”

A small pause followed. “I know people die. I know things end.” Her eyes flicked toward the laughing group in the booth again before returning to the counter. “That’s not the part that scares me.”

What scared her was how easily some people seemed willing to disappear.

“You say you’ll stay,” she continued, still gentle, “but we both know you would sacrifice yourself for the greater good in a heartbeat. And maybe that's what we're meant to do. Maybe that's what it means to be a deity." She hesitated, searching briefly for the right words. “But I can’t build my life around a promise that depends on the world never giving you a reason to break it. Because if it does… I will be left with nothing.” The words weren’t bitter. If anything, she sounded tired.

“That’s why I said this—," Elena’s gaze flicked toward the demon lingering at the bar, now aware of him again after Elio had scared him off, "—is temporary.” She drew in a small breath. “I’m not giving up on people. I’m just… taking a step back from the part where I make them the center of my world.” Finally her gaze lifted to him fully. “It’s safer if I don’t depend on anyone that much. At least not until I've gotten a better handle on this.”

Her expression softened slightly then, though something in it had closed off all the same. “I’m just trying to make sure that if the worst happens again, it hurts… but that's all it does.”

[elio-del-vecchio]

“I don’t disagree actually,” Elio responded with a nod, although his eyes were filled with concern. “On either front. But that’s why I’m concerned, Elena. Forgive me, but you’re a bit young for such a pained response. Is it such a surprise to find me concerned?”

[elenaramirez]

“Age is a poor indicator for pain, don’t you think?” The words came out sharper than she intended, her eyes searching his for a moment before she looked away. This was why she had not wanted to say anything. Elio could feel what others felt as easily as she could, and yet in moments like this he sounded like any other deity she had ever met—certain that experience alone made their understanding greater, while they had long since forgotten what being mortal had felt like.

“I was wrong,” she continued quietly, her gaze drifting past him to a booth nearby where a small group of customers laughed over something she could not hear. “I’ve lost people before. I’ve fallen out of touch with others. I always thought that was supposed to make you appreciate the time you get with them more.” She shook her head slightly before looking back at him. “I didn’t account for how the hurt would add up.”

“This isn’t what I want,” Elena added earnestly. “It’s temporary. I just need—” Her throat tightened, cutting the thought short. Her fingers wove together against the counter and she tried again, softer this time. “I just need people in my life right now who are selfish enough to want to stay.” She drew in a quiet breath. “I just need time.”

[elio-del-vecchio]

“If this was about money I can think of plenty of other better paying gigs, including more respectable bars,” Elio responded. “So you’ll have to forgive me, but I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt that there is more to the story than you’re letting on.”

[elenaramirez]

"There are plenty of people here who need someone looking out for them." It's like pulling teeth, she understands that, and maybe that's why Elena adds, her gaze finding the counter where the tips of her fingers weave together self-consciously. "And it's nice to feel like someone wants at least part of you."

[carmenlagreve]

Carmen blinked as she took in the long mouthful of words that made up the order, “That’s a lot to remember…” She sighed, though it did sound like something she might have ordered when she’d been human. It was difficult to remember the things she had liked before Isko had become a part of her life, after that it was just a blur of him, one she didn’t mind getting lost in.

She seemed surprised by the strangers generosity and while she had been struggling to stomach human food and drink, she smiled, light and naive. “Oh— thank you, if you like. A double… something, with cream and sprinkles.” She nodded keenly. Carmen paused for a moment before she noticed the name drawn on the side of the woman’s cup, “Elena. That’s pretty.” She observed, before she glanced towards the seating area.

“I guess they won’t miss me for a moment.” She said, her eyes briefly flitting across to her elderly colleague at the desk before she decided to take a seat, looking somewhat like a child caught with a snack they shouldn’t be eating.

Carmen was quiet for a moment, distracted by the loud thrumming of the woman’s blood and the scent that seemed to radiate from beneath her skin. It wasn’t like anything she’d ever smelt before. She realised she was staring at her throat and caught herself with a minute shake of her head. “What books do you like?” She asked abruptly.

[elenaramirez]

Elena let out a soft laugh at that. “It’s not, like, my standard order or anything,” she said quickly. “I just like trying new things. Keeps life interesting.” She paused and tilted her head, a small crease appearing between her brows. “You think I overdid it on the caramel?” Though she brightened again immediately as the woman accepted her offer, turning back toward the counter. “Double caramel mocha latte,” she repeated helpfully to the barista, far too eager to have a partner in crime to share the experience with.

The compliment about her name caught her off guard in a way that made her beam. “Oh— thanks.” She glanced down at her cup where her name was scrawled in looping marker. “I like it too. What’s yours?”

When the other woman mentioned slipping away, Elena followed her glance toward the desk and then leaned in conspiratorially. “If they ask, you can just blame me,” she whispered. “Tell them I forced you. I have a very intimidating presence.” She paused, lips pressed together in mock seriousness as she nodded gravely. “I did almost get banned once.”

“In my defense, no one appreciates pompom crabs as much as they deserve. I got a little loud about it and apparently libraries are ‘quiet spaces.’” She made air quotes, entirely unrepentant. “Anyway. I served my time, but if you need a scapegoat, I'm your girl.”

Her name was called then, and Elena perked up, quickly grabbing both cups without hesitation, passing one over carefully. “Come on,” she said brightly, already reaching to catch the other woman’s hand without thinking much about it, fingers warm and familiar in their casualness. “There’s a table by the window that gets good light. And it’s not in direct line of sight of Desk Authority.”

She steered them toward it, only realizing halfway there that she was still holding on. She let go—just a little reluctantly—once they reached the table. At the question about books, though, her confidence faltered for the first time. She made a face, her grin turning sheepish. “Okay, don’t judge me,” she began, lowering her voice like she was about to confess to a crime. “The ones with lots of pictures in them?”

A quick grin followed, self-aware and slightly embarrassed as her hand went to the back of her neck. “I’m not great with… a lot of words. They start swimming around after a while. I like stories, though. Just— maybe the shorter kind. Or the ones someone else reads out loud.” She shrugged one shoulder, trying to play it off, though there was something quietly honest in it. “What about you?” she asked, leaning forward, genuinely curious. “What’s your favorite?”

[elio-del-vecchio]

Elio watched her hesitate a moment before moving forward with his instructions, patiently sitting and waiting until her attention returned to him. “Why don’t you tell me?”

[elenaramirez]

For a moment she said nothing, simply finishing the drink in her hands before setting it down between them. "I thought I already did."

Only then did she look at him again, her voice wavering just enough to betray her. “You’re the one who decided that wasn’t enough of an answer.”

[beckdean]

Location: Casablanca Film Set. @elenaramirez

The cast were in the middle of acting out one of their final scenes, the set abuzz with movement and activitiy. Anyone she wanted to speak to was too wrapped up in their own business to pay any mind to Rebecca right now. Not that she cared, the break gave her a short moment to find a quiet corner to go over her notes, a pencil in hand as she glances up and spots a familiar brunette trailing around some of the camera equpiment.

Elena had caught her eye early on into this whole project she'd been assigned. She was beautiful, for sure. It also helped that she was personal assistant to one of the biggest stars in Hollywood right now. Someone who was certain to have some hidden secret, just awaiting the right person to uncover it. So, taking a quick glance in the direction of the sound stage, where everyone else remained pre-occupied with their work, Rebecca took to a brisk walk after Elena.

"Elena!" The journalist calls out once one of the studio doors closes behind her - though she's decidedly out of ear shot. It's with a bright laugh she picks up her pace, nearing Elena quickly. She notes the trailers around them, the one specifically marked for Matthew Alexander not too far ahead. Reaching out, she takes a gentle hold of Elena's wrist, grabbing her attention. "Elena." The name repeated, a genuine smile on her face. A rare occurrence for Rebecca, in this place.

"I thought it was you." She adds casually, her hand remaining against Elena's skin for a beat longer than it needs to, before she lets her arms fall back to her side. "I suppose you're glad the movie is almost wrapped. It seems a little tense in there at the moment. I hope your boss hasn't been too harsh on you, with all the stress."

Rebecca tilts her head, tucking a curl of hair behind her ear. "As much as I'll be glad to be wrapped on this project, too, there's one thing I'll miss. Seeing you every day." A dimple shows as her smile widens, the statement not completely false, even if she wouldn't admit that to herself. "Do you have a moment? Looks like they're pretty busy in there. I'd like to show you something. No one should notice we're gone."

[elenaramirez]

Elena had a clipboard tucked against her chest and a headache forming behind her eyes. Matthew wanted the lighting adjusted for the close-up, the wardrobe department was still arguing about the cut of Joanna's sleeves, and someone needed to remind him that if he intended to control the narrative regarding his divorce before the press did it for him, he might at least refrain from being seen too often with his new ingenue between takes. Personally, Elena has always liked Jia and felt truly sorry for her, but it wasn't her job to have opinions. It was her job to make problems disappear.

She was halfway through rehearsing the afternoon’s schedule in her head when someone caught her arm. Elena stiffened at the touch before she could stop herself—it was instinct more than rejection—but the tension bled from her frame almost immediately when she saw who it was. “Rebecca,” she said, the surprise softening into something warmer than it had any right to be. Her gaze flicked once toward the soundstage doors, calculating, then toward Matthew’s trailer down the row.

“He hasn’t been harsh,” she replied, though there was the faintest exhale behind the words. “Well. No more than usual.” A faint, apologetic curve played her mouth. “He gets sharper when he’s stressed, but he doesn’t mean it.” The defense was gentle but immediate, offered without resentment.

Rebecca’s admission caught her off guard in a way she did not show easily. Elena’s gaze dropped without permission, catching briefly on the curve of the brunette's lips before she forced herself to look up again. Heat crept into her cheeks, subtle but undeniable, and something unsteady fluttered low in her chest. She held her clipboard a little closer to her body, buying herself a second. “You’ll still see me,” she said, quieter now, though she knew that was not what Rebecca meant.

At the offer, she hesitated. Elena knew she shouldn't. She knew better than to disappear with a journalist when her employer’s name was on half the call sheets in Los Angeles.

And yet.

"They’re tied up for now,” she admitted, voice lowered as though sharing a secret. Her eyes searched Rebecca’s face, hopeful despite herself. “Alright,” she said, and the word felt like stepping forward without knowing quite where she would land. “What is it you want to show me?”

[elenaramirez]

Name: Elena Ramírez Villegas Age: 23 Role: Personal Assistant to Matthew Alexander How Long They Have Been Working in Hollywood: 5 years

Bio:

Elena came to Hollywood with very little to her name. After aging out of the foster system, she took whatever work she could find on studio lots—runner, office temp, assistant to assistants—learning quickly that survival in this industry meant staying useful and staying quiet.

Three years ago, she landed the position as Matthew Alexander’s personal assistant. Efficient, discreet, and fiercely loyal, Elena manages schedules, smooths over missteps, and ensures that appearances remain exactly as they should be. Flowers are sent on time. Paparazzi are redirected. Rumors are handled before they grow teeth.

She hopes to one day step out from behind the scenes and build something of her own in the industry, but for now she’s focused on doing her job well and keeping everything running smoothly.

Connections:

Matthew Alexander - employer Rebecca Dean - love interest

[aries-salviati]

where: vicium with: @elenaramirez

---

The night wore on, slowing as patrons filtered out—either heading home or taking someone with them—and Aries found himself increasingly bored. None of his regulars had shown, despite his having worn his favorite gimp suit purely for the pleasure of it. He wandered the open rooms, idly kicking up dust, pausing to observe a few spanking scenes and one ill-advised attempt to fit something far too large where it clearly didn’t belong, before finally drifting back toward the main entrance and the bar.

The jolt of deity energy hit him immediately, as it always did even when he expected it. The new hire, Elena, stood behind the bar, unmistakably divine and just as bored as he was. Most of the patrons had already scattered to find their own entertainment.

Aries slid onto one of the empty stools, deciding to conduct a personal interview himself. Elio had clearly stationed her here, and Aries was more than willing to play along. Whether Elio expected her to be chased off by the atmosphere, worn down by boredom, or driven away by Aries simply being himself, that was the mystery. Elio could be far too meddling for his own good.

He unzipped the mouthpiece of his mask so he could speak. Aries stuck out his tongue—bright red against the black leather—like a panting dog waiting for water. “Pick my poison, dear,” he drawled. “I’m parched. No one ever talks about how unbearably hot these outfits get.”

[elenaramirez]

Elena didn’t look up at the first flash of leather in her peripheral vision. The shift in energy gave Aries away long before the theatrics did. Only when he unzipped the mouthpiece and stuck his tongue out did her gaze finally lift, slow and faintly amused. “Occupational hazard, boss,” she said lightly. “You do insist on dressing like a heatstroke waiting to happen.”

She reached for a tall glass without asking further questions. Crushed ice. Fresh lime squeezed in, followed by something bright and citrus-forward, a splash of muddled raspberries for color, and a clean pour of clear liquor. She gave it a sharp shake, then strained it smoothly. The liquid settled into a vivid gradient, cool pink bleeding into gold.

Her fingers lingered a fraction longer than necessary against the glass as she set it down. A thread of divine energy slipped into the drink, subtle and seamless. It didn’t challenge, didn’t sting. It simply sharpened everything—the chill against the tongue, the brightness of the citrus, the clarity of the alcohol. Cooling where it touched, steadying where it settled. Just a little extra kick—the pleasant kind.

As Elena slid the glass toward him, the bright pink cocktail umbrella she'd added popped open at the rim and began to spin lazily on its toothpick axis. “That should help,” she said, resting her forearms against the bar, posture relaxed, gaze steady on him now. She refused to indulge his theatrics, but she wasn't shying away from them either. “Slow night?” she asked, the corner of her mouth tilting upward. “Or are you waiting for someone interesting to misbehave?”

[terrorignitis]

Juansen Dizon, i am the architect of my own destruction

[elio-del-vecchio]

Elio's lips were pressed into a thin line, unamused with the deity's latter joke. He refused to be goaded into an argument despite his distaste for his mentee's latest career venture. He could understand wanting to work in such a place admittedly-- knowing there were many lost souls who Elena could keep an eye on in such an establishment. Elio however was also quite old in comparison however, and knew Elena was young relative to most demons who frequented Vicium. And especially when compared to the club's owner. "I came here to visit and catch up since you aren't good about visiting me as of late. Is that going to be a problem? I do not think money is why you're working here," he replied plainly, making himself comfortable before her and pulling out his wallet. "But I'll buy everyone seated at the bar a round and tip of course, so you can't fuss I'm distracting you from your job," he added as he slid a card across the counter. His tone was rather direct and no-nonsense, just like the look he gave her as he spoke, confused as to why she was so defensive and had tried to hide her employment from him. He was however quite pissed as well, but mostly at Aries.

[elenaramirez]

Elena’s expression shifted almost imperceptibly at his words, the edge she’d been holding onto easing out of her shoulders. She didn’t look away this time, but there was something somber in her gaze now—less defensive, almost ashamed.

Her hand came down over the card before he could slide it any farther across the counter. She neither pushed it back nor pulled it toward herself, her eyes searching his face as though he should already understand why this bothered her.

He didn't need to do that. He didn't need to debase himself or pay for her time. They were better than that. More than that. He was still the person who mattered to her the most—though that was just it, wasn't it?

There was a beat and then she sighed, finally resigning herself to taking Elio's card. “No,” Elena replied at last. “It’s not a problem.” She turned away to grab bottles, her motions efficient but subdued, the spark she’d had earlier dimmed just enough to be noticeable. Glasses were filled, drinks slid down the bar with practiced ease, but she didn’t quite meet his gaze as she worked.

After a moment, Elena spoke again, her voice low and careful. “Then why am I working here,” she asked, already back to avoiding his gaze once more, “if you’re so sure it isn’t about the money?”

[carmenlagreve]

open starter | the library

@vievecorcitystarters

The library was always quiet, but today it was silent. Carmen thought she might be the only one left there aside from the elderly woman that sat on the reception. She was sure her father had made sure she had been employed on purpose, purely so that there was a very minimal chance Carmen could possibly interact with someone dangerous. She stood by her cart, quietly slotting the books back into their correct place om the shelves, when she heard some noise coming from the small cafe located at the entrance of the library. It was a new addition, one that some of the clubs the library ran used for their meetings, but was also open to the public.

Awkwardly, she watched the person ordering at the counter. Not realising she had crept up on them, the words that came out of her mouth were no less awkward than her movements. "What did you order?" She asked, peering over their shoulder. "It looks nice."

[elenaramirez]

Elena was drumming her fingers against the counter, weight shifting from heel to toe as she waited, eyes flicking between the pastry case and the chalkboard menu like either might change if she stopped looking. She’d already ordered but that decision had about a ten-second lifespan and the blueberry muffins were looking increasingly tempting.

She startled when the voice came from just behind her, shoulders lifting on instinct before she turned. Surprise flashed across her face for half a second—then it softened into an easy, genuine smile.

“Oh—hi,” she said, glancing back at the counter and then stepping aside so the other woman could see. “I ordered a double caramel mocha latte. With extra whipped cream and, uh—” she gestured vaguely at the cup being prepared, already crowned with a generous amount of foam, “chocolate sprinkles.”

There was something warm and curious in the way she looked at the brunette, like she’d just been handed an unexpected gift. Elena was pretty sure she’d seen her around before—always busy, always moving—but this was the first time she’d actually talked to her.

“You want one?” She asked on impulse, already half-turning back toward the barista. Then, catching herself, she added quickly, “—or something else, maybe? My treat. Whatever you like.”

She shifted again, rocking back on her heels, clearly not in any rush to leave. “I was just gonna sit for a bit anyway,” she said, glancing toward the small seating area with a hopeful tilt to her head. “The computers are being… deeply uncooperative today.”

[elio-del-vecchio]

Elio had meant what he said when he spoke to Aries at the ice festival.. He had no intentions of coming to Vicium. It was demon territory and he knew to steer clear of it when possible, and tended to only roam Hedon with the intention of saving weary souls he came across, typically while under the guise of a quirky cab driver. And yet his mentee, Elena, seemed to be testing him. He was going to have words with Aries next he saw him. Had the demon been hiding this the entire time they spoke, and never thought to bring it up? Surely he knew Elena's presence would all but force Elio's eventually. And oh how quickly it had, once word had reached Elio of a young deity bartending at the establishment. Ever since Elena had moved out, it had been harder to keep tabs on her, but the moment he had heard the news, he had had a sinking feeling in his gut this was her latest eyebrow-raising choice. And boy, was it certainly a choice. "Get lost," Elio muttered darkly as he slid gracefully into the seat beside the demon, inducing a catastrophic level of fear and anxiety into the being-- something he did with ease despite it being a rare action in itself for the older being. His gaze then swung to Elena, lips curled into a disapproving pout. His own disappointment and confusion radiated off his being quite intentionally, knowing Elena was skilled enough by now to at least be able to read another's emotional state. As if his gaze alone hadn't given it away.

"I won't say what we already know," he began, thinking that I disapprove and think this is highly reckless. "But you knew I would find out eventually, so may I ask why you've chosen this Hell hole of all places for employment?"

[elenaramirez]

Elena’s gaze turned instantly apologetic as the demon was made to vacate his spot, only just barely remembering to bring his drink with him as he went. She sighed and pulled the towel from her shoulder, deliberately keeping her eyes off Elio as she wiped down the counter. Had she known he would show up eventually? Yes. But he didn't have to be so dramatic about it.

“The customers are known to tip pretty well when they’re not being scared off,” she said lightly, almost managing to sound bored. “Some of us do need the money.” It wasn’t the answer he was looking for, but Elena doubted any of the ones she had were.

She leaned into the counter, palms braced against the cool surface, and finally lifted her gaze, the smile she gave him as sweet as could be. “Can I get you anything, Elio? A glass of water?” She paused briefly, then added under her breath, “A juice box to go?”

[augustine-lycaon]

Augustine couldn’t help the rejection he felt in response to Elena’s body language, gaze downcast for a moment as he let her pick where she wanted to sit or stand to be comfortable in the unfamiliar space.

“I’m alright,” he answered back softly, the words a lie but as much as he felt comfortable saying in the moment. “Caleb brought some stuff from my apartment… Stuff my family didn’t take, at least.“ He shrugged. He had also spent a lot of time combing over Faust’s apartment, trying to learn more about the witch in the process— although he had a feeling Elena wouldn’t care much to learn about his killer. “How about you? Anything new?”

[elenaramirez]

Elena tried not to flinch. She hated that he felt like he needed to put up a front with her. There was no way he was alright. No one—no matter how tough or hardened by life—would be alright if put in Augustine’s position. Though she supposed she deserved that.

Not wanting to make herself too comfortable, she found a spot at the kitchen block to lean against, somewhere that gave her a good view of the apartment. "So this is..." She lifted a hand in a vague gesture at their surroundings, then let it fall back against her thigh with a light thump. "You’re going to live here now?" It wasn’t really the question she wanted to ask—but it was a step in that direction.

"I’ve been better." The admission came with a frown as she bit the inside of her cheek. Miscommunication had broken their necks before, and she didn’t feel like lying to him. "Nothing new. Just trying to keep myself busy, helping people repair the damage Artemis caused during the blackout. It feels good to be useful."

[elenaramirez]

“Not much choice,” Augustine replied with a shrug. “The less eyebrows I raise right now, the better. Moving poses too much of a risk,” he explained. “If I wanna figure out more about this guy, or at least not tip off his buddies immediately, I’m best kept here.”

--------------------------------

Teeth worrying the inside of her cheek, Elena nodded along slowly, eyes fixed on the floor’s pattern. She stayed quiet a moment longer, weighing her words more carefully than she usually did. “What if you didn’t…?”

--------------------------------

“If I didn’t what?” Augustine’s eyebrows knit together in confusion. “Didn’t keep a low profile? …Or didn’t live here?” He didn’t wait for an answer before adding, “Both of those are best for everyone’s sake. If I’m going to have any hope of learning more about this asshole, I can’t make it obviously he’s dead.”

--------------------------------

Elena had expected resistance—a lot of it—but having the odds stacked against her was rarely enough to stop her from trying. Even less so when it came to protecting the people she loved. Still, she wished Augustine hadn’t already made up his mind.

“Are they?” Her gaze locked onto his as she took a step forward. “Or is that just what’s best for everyone else?” She paused. “What about you? Is this the life you want—pretending to be someone you’re not?”

Elena shook her head, disbelief creasing her brow, though she didn’t raise her voice. “For what? Hasn’t he taken enough from you already?" She motioned weakly to the stranger before her, her eyes pleading even as her voice stayed firm. “Whatever the council told you… you don’t owe them a damn thing.”

--------------------------------

“Elena,” Augustine cautioned, unsettled by the fact a deity was getting heated right in front of him. It was often easy to forget how powerful of a being she was, but since dying the wolf has been reminded of just how weak he was by comparison. How mortal.

“It’s what’s best for everyone right now. That doesn’t mean for ever. Just right now, okay?” His tone was light and anxious, afraid to escalate matters despite wanting to be honest. “It’s what I want, okay? I wouldn’t have agreed to it if it weren’t the case.”

--------------------------------

Elena flinched at his tone of voice, backing up a step. She hadn't come here to start another fight, but Augustine wasn't making it easy.

"Or until you die." The words tumbled out unfiltered, unchecked, as tears gathered at her waterline, desperation mounting. Her voice cracked on the last word, the weight of it pulling her a step back toward him despite herself. "Don't you see? This is a suicide mission. You're not some trojan horse—Artemis will see right through you. And for what? So the council can say they tried, while all this time they've been doing fuck all?"

--------------------------------

“The confidence you have in me is very reassuring,” Augustine retorted, voice dripping in sarcasm. “I already died, Elena. I hardly see the risk at this point.”

--------------------------------

“Oh my god, it’s not about confidence,” Elena snapped, throwing her hands up in exasperation. “I wouldn’t trust you to turn into a lizard and climb a five-story building either.” The words left her mouth too fast, too loud, but she faltered almost immediately after, balking at his comment. A small, sad scoff slipped past her lips, hurt bleeding through despite her best effort to keep it buried. “Wow,” she muttered, shaking her head. “Yeah. Remind me not to bother next time.”

She turned away, biting down on her lip as she started toward the door, putting distance between them before she let him see her cry. She made it two steps—maybe three—before she stopped and turned back, unable to leave it like this. “You know death doesn’t just happen to you,” she said quietly. “It happens to everyone who cares about you too. To your family. Your friends.” A brief pause followed, the words hanging between them, heavy and unavoidable. “To me.”

--------------------------------

Augustine tensed, ready to shoot back a comment about Elena and her actions in his death when she caught him off guard mentioning the impact of his death. It was an emotion fueled response, there was no doubt. He sighed.

“Exactly. I died and there are decent odds I will die again. Hell, eventually I will regardless of what path I pick. So why put all of them- you- through it again? If things shake out positively and I feel less certain there’s a target on my back down the road, I will no doubt tell some folks… But for right now all that would do is get me killed anyways, Elena… Even if I don’t parade around as this asshole, it’s possible his friends would want revenge and kill me anyways, you know? If you cant understand or respect that, fine, but then perhaps it’s best you not be a part of this.”

--------------------------------

Elena’s jaw clenched as he spoke, teeth gritting against the frustration coiling through her. Like that excused anything. Like the inevitability of death absolved him of choice and stripped her of agency. He had no right to tell her how to feel. No right to decide whether his death would affect her.

She stepped closer and glared up at him, eyes burning with quiet fury. He wanted her gone, fine—but he didn’t decide the limits of her love. “You don’t get to tell me what to do,” she told him, clearly enunciating each word even as the air began to warp around her, light folding in on itself. She didn’t wait for a reply, in the space of a breath—she was gone.

--------------------------------

Augustine sighed and collapsed into a nearby chair the moment Elena disappeared. It was for the best he thought, or at least told himself.

[lyricsbyts]

down bad — t.s

[elenaramirez]

for: @elio-del-vecchio

location: Vicium, Hedon

Elena stood behind the bar, mixing drinks with practiced ease, sleeves rolled up, fingers moving between bottles and glasses on pure muscle memory. The lights in Vicium were always dimmed—softening edges, blurring lines to mere suggestions, sharpening desire until it compared to a blade's edge. She had learned to tune it all out, the echoes of what everyone around her was feeling. It was nothing like the first time she'd set foot into the club, emotions dialed up so high she'd nearly launched herself across the table to kiss Au—him. Which, that was another reason why she'd approached Aries. There was no way Faust would show his face here. Besides, bartending was the only job she'd ever had. The only thing she'd ever been consistently good at. It gave her a purpose, a rhythm, an opportunity to talk to people when their walls were lowered—even if here, that came with sharper teeth and worse intentions. Was it reckless to put herself in such close proximity to demons, knowing what it was they truly wanted? Sure. But she had it handled. And Elio kept them in his orbit too, didn’t he? No matter how much he preached against it.

She was mid-pour when a familiar demon leaned in, elbow resting far too comfortably on the counter. “So,” he drawled, eyes lingering on her lips a second too long. “When do you get off tonight?”

Elena didn’t flinch. Didn’t miss a beat as she finished his usual drink and slid it over with an impish smile. “In two hours,” she said easily, like it meant nothing at all.

[kiranrabari]

[text] you said you were good at finding people

[text] that you wanted to help

[text] feel like proving that?

[Text:] Yes. Definitely.

[Text:] I meant it.

[Text:] May be better for us to speak in person, if you’re comfortable with that.

[elenaramirez]

[text] somewhere public

[text] I still don't trust you

[weltenwellen]

Tony Hoagland, from “Peaceful Transition”, What Narcissism Means to Me