despondency

@fraserxhawke

20 posts

tenacious-finnian

"Despite what you think, I care about everyone within the coven. That means you." It was a truth carefully skirted. While Finnian would have cared about Fraser as a leader, as he does with anyone else under his umbrella, he cared more for this particular male once upon a time. A not-so-distant past that was an integral part of his history, yet it no longer held precedence in this timeline. There was no... them in this timeline. No familiarity, no lingering touches or soft glances. Just distance, just as it was before Fraser died. He shook his head to banish the spiraling thoughts, glancing to the floor, steeling his resolve. He couldn't cave. They couldn't be together in this timeline, either. Finnian knew enough about the timeline's cosmos that he was already disrupting Fraser's life, disrupting his chance at happiness that didn't involve him. After a beat, he finally looked at Fraser. "You're right. I don't know you, not in this timeline– but you don't know me either. My family failed this coven, and they let it rot and made countless people suffer. You say it doesn't deserve to be saved, maybe not, but I can see what it could be, and I'm willing to spill the blood, sweat, and tears needed to rectify their mistakes until the moment it's truly fixed, or I return to my timeline." It was his vow, his sole purpose as the Heir. If he weren't doing this, he'd be lost in this timeline. Maybe there was something he could thank his temperamental father for. Finnian frowned at the bow, stuffing his hands into his pocket with a measured exhale. As much as he didn't want to force someone into a fight under the banner of a coven they despise, he didn't have a choice. The foundation of the coven was too shaky for him to omit anyone who could help in the fight. "Before that battle happens, I'm starting to re-evaluate all of the warriors we have left. Seeing as you so helpfully pointed out that I don't know you, then I don't know the true scope of your abilities, and I can't trust Benedict's blatherings in his reports." There were no other evaluations for the remaining hex-witches or enforcers, made up on the spot that maybe there would be some way he could convince Fraser that there was something about him that was worth getting close to. Even if it was just his fighting abilities, it was a start. Yet, he knew he had to now include everyone else– the exhaustion in his bones already making him dread the fact that he added way more work onto his plate. This was... already pushing his imaginary boundary he had with the other male. "You'll be fighting me, personally," a smug smirk quirked his lips as he shrugged, "unless you're afraid of getting your ass kicked by a self-indulgent First."

"I'll believe it when I see it." Comparing the old coven he learned early on required a certain finesse navigating who not to anger and the mending coven Finnian now built brick by painstaking brick weren't the same. "You start wondering what this city would be like without a coven fucking everything up and there's a point you wonder why your family didn't just give up ever trying to fix what they broke by leaving. There might come a day, Finn, where you will eat your words and follow in your grandparents' and your father's footsteps." Fraser's mind couldn't necessary compute and unlearn the habits drilled into him by his father just because the newest leader threw around claims he cared for each witch under his care. He's personally the type hesitant taking anybody on just their word alone. Promises meant nothing when they were so easily broken without merit or a care in the world. Not only that, expectations weighed heavily on his shoulders as a council member's son. Fray swore Benedict sometimes took time out of his day just to harass the boy and single out his every defect since birth. He knew his father's opinions regarding his earthly magic abilities were downplayed or otherwise given the lowest marks. "Those reports were absolute bullshit. It's clear to anyone there was a fucking bias between me and the blood witch cousin he actually wished I was. God, I hate evaluations." Fraser mumbled. Nothing but a grueling, relentless session that went on continuous hours or that is merely a habit constantly looking at the clock to watch the minutes tick by slowly. However, Finn's request caught him by surprise. A coven leader personally sparring with one of the proclaimed weakest fighters? Needless to say, he was...amused. "I see no problem with that." Fray's eyes took their time running down the other's frame confidently, the arrogance clearly returning once his gaze landed on Finnian's features again. "unless you're afraid of getting your ass kicked by a traitor's lackluster son." He nudged his head toward a door leading to the basement. "As much as I hate my life, doesn't mean I want to break any nice shit." Heading toward the door and waiting until Finn followed, he led the way climbing down the stars until reaching the bottom, the training room illuminated by the lights he flickered on. Fraser slipped off his jacket as he spoke, revealing his bare arms while his fingers rolled up his already short sleeves to his shoulders. "I used to call this the training bear pit because watching me and Jade spar was essentially entertainment for my pops." Various equipment lined the wall for exercise, weaponry, anything useful an enforcer or a hex witch would need. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the large boulder utilized for magical weight-lifting on his end. Fraser did not hesitate sensing the vibration within the rock and jutted out his hand before his whole arm swung forward, sending it flying in Finn's direction. "Catch."

I don't think anyone is shocked by that, Fray. You know you don't have to stay by yourself.

A real father of the year. What, and go stay at another house I'll feel alone in with friends I don't have? This place is actually quiet when he isn't hurling insults at me.

tenacious-finnian

"That mentality is going to get you killed. You don't wait to kill someone like Benedict until you finally get motivation." Finnian kept his voice even, despite wanting to snap at the male and shake Fraser until common sense finally got through his thick skull. Before time repeated itself, and he lay dead. He rolled his eyes at the insult. Really, if he were anyone else in his family other than his Aunt's and one of his fathers, he would have Fraser's head. However, this was Fraser. Finn would rather be insulted than not, since it meant Fraser was alive to do so. He did, however, have a brief thought to follow the other witch farther into the abode to give him a piece of his mind, just so the silence wouldn't stretch, but he stood rooted. Looking around at things that were so... similar to his timeline, with small things missing, yet it screamed Fraser. He needed to get out before he made a mistake. Before Finnian could move to leave, the other came back– invading far too close, but at least it was to give him what he needed to find Benedict and finally remove his head from his body. "I didn't need that much, but thanks," the Heir mumbled before slipping the vial into his breast pocket. His dark gaze leveled on the other male for a moment, then a shake of his head. "I know you enough to know that no matter what people say or do to try and prove otherwise, you will always think that." Maybe it was a low blow, using his knowledge from his timeline to try and cut through– but it was that same mentality that Fraser couldn't escape that led him to leave the coven, leave him, right to Benedict's hands. With a sigh, he reached out and grabbed Fraser's wrist, rotating his hand to look at the cut more closely. With a wave of his hand, he knitted the flesh together. "Take care of yourself, Fraser," he said as he released the other male's wrist, "I need you in tip top shape."

"Then I get killed. What's it matter to you anyway?" There were always other enforcers inept at taking his place, plenty in the coven army who are stronger or more powerful than his abilities. Benedict never wasted an opportunity comparing him and Jade, openly expressing his disapproval that he wasn't born a prestigious blood witch like his cousin, as if he could control what magic developed within his veins. Maybe motivation doing what needs done wasn't as crucial as a problem as he made it out to be, but whether the witch rather listened to every self-esteem bashing insult his father sent flying in his direction. That bottom line, when Fraser faced an enemy on the battlefield, he would choke. What little good from his mother he possessed hindering him as an enforcer and a witch deserving of his spot in the coven. He and Jadis always compared notes at the end of the day, fantasizing an execution worth Benedict's seat on the train to Hell. Fraser solely anticipated Finnian making his leave as soon as the vial was in his possession, but the asshole wasn't leaving. Did he not have better things to do than bother a former council member's disgraced son? "Don't talk like you know me, Finn, you don't know me at all. You're just another self-indulgent First who fell from a rift and think it's his right taking over a coven that doesn't deserve saving." Fraser bit back, watching Finnian take his wrist and mend the inflicted wound. Confusion flooded his mind why that brief touch tingled, the way he did not mind it, but the moment disappeared as the contact shattered. "Right. War's on the horizon. I'm always at my coven leader's beck and call." He swept into a curt bow with no trace of his usual sarcastic smirk before standing straight, shaking his head. "You're wrong, by the way. I know what people really think about me no matter how they prove otherwise. It's safer we keep it that way."

tenacious-finnian

You're annoyingly audacious as ever. I'm well aware of what your abilities are and your capability to end Benedict's sorry life where he stands, but you didn't– so this is me appropriately making it your problem. Fraser, you have plenty of smarts, yet you haven't used them. If you'd stopped running your mouth for a second, you would have come to the same conclusion I have. Right now, this goddess needs your cousin alive with many capable people keeping track of her whereabouts, and when she finally leaves her, Jadis will be weak and unable to protect herself. Who the fuck do you think will come in and kill her? Ding ding, your father. So, if you aren't going to help me freely, I won't subject myself to a you-sized headache at all times and will move on to something else. You're free to make someone else's life harder.

"Spoken from someone who doesn't really know me. I have enough resentment and motive putting him down like a fucking dog, but it's not a question of whether I can pull the trigger, but when I'm in the mood." Fraser nonchalantly leaned back in his chair as his gaze bore into the newest coven leader, doubting if Finnian will stray the path the council set and spread the justice he promised. Benedict's cohorts were dropping like flies and yet, his father ordained himself the worst of all. Capable of killing his own family. "Fucking asshole." He mumbled as he rose from his seat, disappearing for a brief moment and coming back with an empty vial and a small kitchen knife. Fraser sliced open his finger, allowing the blood to steadily stream in the container, before stoppering the vial and pressing it to Finn's chest. "There. Play judge jury and executioner with him, I don't give a shit." Fraser's hand lingered a moment before he stepped back. "Since the only thing I'm useful for will always be connected with my father."

tenacious-finnian

Last I checked, your house is coven property– which, as of the moment the rifts crash-landed my ass into this timeline, said coven became mine– so you can consider the demands as back pay. I wish I could say that I'm shocked you don't want to find your father, but I'm not. However, I thought at least a small part of you would want retribution against Old Benny. The thing is, I have no time to even sleep, let alone take anyone out on one, two, or three dates. So, I would greatly appreciate it if you could help me out rather than irritate me.

I don't pay the bills, jackass, it's not my problem. Had I wanted retribution against my father, don't worry, I'll just send an earthquake his way and watch him sink into the deepest pits of the ground. But alright, fine, if you really want my blood, then go ahead and forcibly take it from me. Or here's a great idea, how about you focus less on Benedict and more on the body-snatching goddess riding around my cousin like a fucking motorcycle? I think I like irritating you better, so if a date is out of the question, I'll settle for making your life harder.

tenacious-finnian

Benedict is an asshole in every timeline, but unfortunately, his lovely disappearance act in this one has left you on the hook for finding him. Which is what led me to your doorstep– and what I need from you is very simple. A sample of your blood.

Oh, little high and mighty coven leader thinks he can waltz into my house and make demands of me. What makes you think I want to find him given his assholery? Sorry, I only open veins on the third date so you either take me to dinner or fuck off.

#finnian convo #SASSY BOIS

If my father wasn't the asshole he is, I'd be shocked he basically left me to fend for myself.

#ivyhollowstarter #BOOM

kaniel-thebutcher

So is your yapping, but you still do that, too.

You want to make us little bitches for those bloodsucking fucks, don't you? Ariel and I do all the work while you ride on our coattails– we're not interested.

Down, doggy.

I'm sorry, Kaniel, where in anything I've said implied you had a choice? I already introduced your sister to Henrik and he was quite impressed. I was more than generous to spare Ari from that nonsense, but now I think I'll throw her at his feet if you aren't inclined to be helpful. Hate to see how far he breaks her, dearest.

kaniel-thebutcher

Interrupting my 'me' time better be good.

Your 'me' time is wasteful and ridiculous.

Our family has leveled up for a greater purpose in this world, Kane. We have common interests to a vampire deeply intertwined with the goddess.

At least I can look forward to not being bored from here on out.

It seems, we have a mutual friend.

Call me Sabina and boy, am I tickled pink to meet you.

#jadis convo #bellora convo

And here I was going to compliment your timeless beauty, and yet you're pricklier than normal, which means you're not my grandmother. That wench is my mother, and I care about how you speak of her. The head of House Gluttony deserves respect.

Don't flatter yourself, grandson, I can smell the falsehood of politeness anywhere. I am not your grandmother, in fact, I never imagined any of my children would procreate. Now, dearest, must we with the dramatics? How very like your father. When I say wench, I mean the very spawn of everything I hate of anything reeking of mortals, that's all.

Grandma? How did you get here?

Grandma...I feel the wrinkles developing already.

I arrived on time and in fashionable style. You have a touch of Ram and an annoyingly sliver of that bothersome wench.

kaniel-thebutcher

I do not have an off mode around you, Mother. So, play Ramiel's brother– gain his trust and then backstab him when the war kicks off by joining forces and eliminating everything he holds dear, once a bigger agent of chaos makes themselves known? Whatever. If it gets you off my back, then I shall prattle on like the mopey little brother and get into his good graces, but you leave Baby Ari out of it. I do what you will, and she gets to do what she wants.

Oh, thank Heaven above and Hell below, my son can actually comprehend a plan sufficiently. Don't sell yourself out too quickly and he won't catch on. You know, I think you and Baby Ari have been spending far too much time together that it's beginning to turn you as soft as your brother. She doesn't get a free pass just because you command such, Kaniel. Ariel still holds her duties for Greed, but she is a member of this family who will play her part exactly like you. She isn't your spoiled little Princess that you have made her out to be, dearest, she's an assassin.

kaniel-thebutcher

You make me feel so warm inside with your praise. There will always be a war, Mother, it just means that the face of who starts it has changed. So... what do you want me to do? Cut out his weak heart and deliver it to you as a little midnight snack? Kill his wife and roast her on a spit? Rip his little pseudo-family apart? That's all conniving, even for you.

Okay, stop talking, you were barely doing the minimum. And once the face of that war shows themselves, we can aid pushing it along just like before. No, no, dearest, while those are delicious options I no doubt will employ when the time is right, your brother is too smart and on edge for that. His weakness clearly has become his family...so behave as if you are his family. Lower his guard, share in your hatred of me, play the fucking sympathetic card if that's what you must. Rope in Ari for all I care, she's been grating my nerves lately. Ramiel's gone soft, Kane, it's not that hard.

kaniel-thebutcher

You mean, after all this time, you did see me having any speck of potential, mother? That's honestly too kind. I highly doubt that my Prince is different in any way– he wouldn't be Sloth if he changed, so I will be doing my just duty and finding him and repledging my services as you so wished for me to do the moment you had my siblings and me fight for the title of the King and Prince's assassins. Your brand of chaos is boring, and if you want lackeys to actually follow your every whim, you kidnapped the wrong child.

Who am I to question a Prince when he believed you have the tiniest miniscule of a potential sliver, even while Sloth rarely had use for you? He will be just as lazy as ever, dearest, if not even more with a lacking war on the horizon created by our King who no longer wears his crown. As much as you failed your tasks, Kaniel, Ramiel's newfound heart will leave him disarmed. He might try concealing it, but I know how fond he is of you. Mother always has her reasons.

kaniel-thebutcher

I wish you did; then I'd be half-deaf and not needing to hear the prattle. Didn't you know, mother? The end of the world is nigh, with all of these changes happening; the most unexpected things are bound to happen. Uh, no. My Prince is the only one who can order me around, the moment you signed me away as an assassin. I will gladly watch you pester them.

Then your potential as a prince's assassin will be truly wasted more than it already was previously. Yes, yes, vampires and gods descending from their hiding places to deal with the bullshit this city has shoveled. We've been handed a personality switch infecting your brother, Kaniel, your prince isn't your prince in the timeline we're in. Which means your ungrateful ass is back in my custody.

kaniel-thebutcher

I'll stop being one when you stop being one. I so love that mentality, such a loving family. Makes me not regret letting you drag me by the ear after Ramiel instead of staying at my Prince's side at all.

I should've yanked that ear from the side of your head and stuffed it down your throat to cease the sass. How is it you are no longer the disappointment, Kane, while your brother married a fucking Princess? You will help me remedy that.

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