dance with the devil

♛ Kill one man, and you are a murderer. Kill millions of men, and you are a conqueror. Kill them all and you are a god.

[ryanremembers]

Family Business ► Sean + Ryan

@upstatebutcher

It was no secret that Ryan’s evening hadn’t ended the way he wanted it to. Of course, his little lapse wasn’t watched by any, and the first to see the outcome of it would probably be Olivia’s brother, so no one knew the reason. But one could tell by the look in his eyes how genuinely pissed off he was. His piercing blue eyes were lacking any emotion and while there usually was a tiny spark of kindness in them, tonight had officially taken it away. He was done. Absolutely fucking done.

Ryan walked through the ballroom, aiming straight for the bar. His first instinct had been to flee the scene, maybe lock himself up in his house or simply disappear for a while. His second instinct - and undoubtfully his former self was playing a big part in this one - was to find something to shoot, to let his anger out on, to start a fight with someone random who would go down. His third and final instinct was to drink the entire bar empty. Needless to say, he settled for the latter. He couldn’t and wouldn’t forgive himself, but alcohol at least would help him push the thoughts aside for a while. Maybe it would even allow him to pass out without a chance of starting to dream. It was a win-win situation.

The way he stood there; with cold eyes, a hard expression, a dangerous look and a glass of scotch in his right hand, would make everyone who knew him - the real him, not the broken version of him the amnesia created - think he was back. It was a very Ryan Gibbons typical pose; a predator looking for his prey. Maybe it was the reason why his eyes found his brother easily in a room filled with people, maybe it was by sheer coincident. Either way, his look was immediately locked onto the younger one.

By now, the face was familiar. Several nightmares had given Ryan the ability to study the face, the voice, even the way the other male moved, and if he had been unsure before whether or not the stranger was lying to him about their brothership, Ryan knew they had to be close now. He still was lacking the name, which was frustrating, but it wasn’t the only annoying thing. 

With new determination, Ryan pushed himself off the bar, walked straight to the table his brother was sitting at and let himself fall down on a chair next to Sean. A part of him wanted to grab the man’s jacket and press him against the closest wall to growl at him, maybe even punch him back for the last time they met, but the gala saved the youngest Gibbons. Ryan didn’t want to end up being everyone’s favourite topic to gossip about on the next day. He would behave.

“How about we have a little fun, shall we?” he asked rhetorically. At this point, ‘no’ was not an option. “Some questions and answers. I can’t be the only one a little curious about this.”

[upstatebutcher-blog]

Human life was his case study. In order to be as successful as he was, Sean had to learn to watch people, pick up their habits, and twist them into a murderous irony. He’d had to learn to fade in plain sight, as people never saw what existed only what they expected. He could read emotions like headline news, noting furrowed brows and puckered lips within moments of contact with someone. That’s where he found himself on the night of the gala: watching. Eyes as crisp as the morning sky slid across the room, looking for their next mark.

     Pretty young thing - red hair, green eyes, freckles. 5′4... No, 5′3. Alone. No... She came alone, but she’s looking for someone. Too antsy. Too wound up... Tapping, glancing... She’s nervous.

Sean allowed himself a smirk for what he assumed was good work. His eyes were on the girl, but he sensed before he saw the seat next to him being taken. The fingers around his glass tightened but he remained otherwise unchanged. His eyes never left the girl. 

Sean had to admit - albeit with reluctance -  his brother had chosen the perfect time to have another conversation. Being a man of his word meant Ryan should have a bullet in his forehead. His weapon hummed at his side. How he wished they were back in the woods, or a dark alley like where he’d recently played “hero.” He lowered his glass from his lips and listened to his brother speak. 

He wants control. He’s... Sean almost frowned. With eyes squinted, Sean cocked his head to the side as he watched the girl greet a boy she was too good for. He had a predator’s eyes, watching her like wolf watch sheep. She was a toy. With a tsk, he returned his mind to his brother. Something was different tonight; though truth be told even the forest had been different from what he’d expected. This Ryan, this energy... It was sharp and angry; much more his style. If this had been thirty years ago, Sean would be cowering and worried he’d erred. Worried he’d failed to impress big brother. 

But this wasn’t thirty years ago.

“I spent years being curious. I grew out of it.” Sean replied, calm water replacing his voice. “And with you having no memory of me - and in turn, I take it, yourself in relation to me - you’re the only one truly curious about this. I have all the answers; your appearance told me everything I needed to know.” Sleep was the only time Sean got any peace after the meeting with his brother. And he’d spent weeks at war. His mind raced every second, of every hour, of every day. Questions he’d had burned away into an ugly ash at the pit of his stomach. Childish desires burned at his throat and ruined his appetite. Old emotions he’d long since buried - sadness, longing, loneliness - clawed at his brain until all he could think about was what he didn’t have. Sean was a breaking broken man and only just barely managed to pull himself together every day. Yet here he sat, calmly speaking to the man he thought he’d lost forever.

“But by all means. Since I can’t shoot you here... Ask your questions.”

[coleelliot-deactivated20160731]

“That obvious?” Colette asked before taking a sip from the glass. “It is the holidays.” She gave, taking another sip from the glass before adjusting her dress.

[upstatebutcher-blog]

“Not really, it was more an educated guess that you confirmed.” Sean nodded, understanding in his own way how terrible the holidays could be. A time all about family for someone without one was horrid - if you were the type to care about that kind of thing. “Family? Boyfriend?”

[alltheworldspromos-blog]

“Please, feel free to continue with the pleasant surprises,” Corey said, taking a long sip of the drink. He really wasn’t that worried about drugs, he doubted anyone was going to try to roofie someone at a charity gala. He was also extremely desperate for the strong alcohol. “Murder wouldn’t have been my main concern, but it’s nice to see it’s at the top of your head like that that. I’m Corey, and you are?”

[upstatebutcher-blog]

Sean opened his mouth then closed it. Instead of speaking instantly, he cocked his head to the side and took another sip of his drink. “Well if I was going to roofie you in front of all these people, my goal isn’t just to roofie you, is it? Why else do people drug someone?” Sean knew from experience during some of his darker days that drugs were only useful to see how many ways he could destroy a human body. Other ways existed, but none were as fun. “Sean. Pleasure.”

[hauntedbyevelyn-blog]

“Perfect timing, Sean— I was just about to circle back to the bar.” Evelyn accepted the glass with a smile, bringing it to her lips almost immediately to sip it. “Yes, a nice buzz definitely wouldn’t hurt no matter how nice this event is.”

[upstatebutcher-blog]

“Unacceptable - a lady should never have to go to the bar.” He told her, putting on an air of extreme distaste. “What kind of knight would I be if I let you roam amongst the peasants?” Sean rolled his eyes at himself before taking a long gulp of his beverage. “I think it will help me forget that most of these people are just pretending to be... elegant, tonight. With their dusty dresses and pointy shoes.”

[petrovaxanya-deactivated2016012]

Anya tossed her head from side to side “Eh, not exactly tonight specifically..” she said shrugging as she spoke. “Just definitely time to have a drink and at least attempt to have fun” She told him. “What is this by the way?” she asked, taking the attention off herself.

[upstatebutcher-blog]

Sean nodded and let the train of conversation drop. It was a party and although he was known to pry out incriminating information, he figured she’d afforded herself a pass by helping him cook. With a mischievous gleam in his eyes, Sean took a drink and smiled at her. “Well how can I help with that? You helped me, it’s the least I can do but help you have fun.” He took a glance at his glass. “No clue. Tastes like rum and coke. I just grabbed a few people’s drinks when they weren’t looking.”

[radixeiisms-deactivated20160201]

█ ▌▓— ╳ —▓ ▌█

“…you should share… really, a vhole bottle… of vodka, maybe.” Be smooth Kristina, don’t let them notice the thirst need for Vodka to cope with the cold, and the solitude.

[upstatebutcher-blog]

Sean’s head tilted barely a centimeter as he accessed the stranger. It was an oddly specific request. But he brushed it away as drink of choice. “Well I don’t actually have whole bottles... But I know where we can get some.” 

[coleelliot-deactivated20160731]

“I–” Colette began to protest as her fingers locked around the cup. “–Just this once.” After the fiasco with Corey, she needed a drink.

[upstatebutcher-blog]

“Come on, something tells me you need it.” Sean told her, placing the other glasses on the bar. “What’s the hurt in one tiny drink or two anyway? It’s a party. We’re supposed to have fun.”

[alltheworldspromos-blog]

“Well, you’ve just made my night,” Corey said, a grin coming over his face as he took the glass from the other. “May I ask what this is? Or should I just drink it and hope you didn’t drug me?”

[upstatebutcher-blog]

Sean couldn’t help but smirk back before he rolled his eyes. “I have that effect on people, what can I say.” Snorting into his glass, he made a show of taking a long drink of good faith. “Drugs aren’t my murder weapon of choice, don’t fret. It’s just a Long Island.”

[littleelizawinnick-blog]

“Oh, thank you,” Eliza hummed brightly as she took the glass. She really didn’t need more given the few glasses she had already downed, but being carefully wasn’t really in her vocabulary. “Judging on everyone’s dancing, I think you might not be the only one with that idea.”

[upstatebutcher-blog]

“My pleasure.” Sean could smell a bad decision on the horizon, as far as this girl’s night went. And he could also sense he would be a stepping stone to a worse (or better) night. He could see the gentle haze starting in her eyes and it told him all he needed to know. “Awful isn’t it? Liquid courage is a hell of a drug. Tomorrow they’ll be claiming they “don’t know what got over them,” or “it was just something in the air.” Sean replied, smiling as he watched the bodies gyrate before them.

[murderxhusbands]

“Amen.” He accepted the glass, tilting it toward his lips. “Thanks.” Every few minutes, he had to fight the urge to yank the tie from around his neck. Formal events made him so uncomfortable. But on the bright side– liquor.

[upstatebutcher-blog]

“Anytime.” Sean never felt out of place unless he thought about it. But wearing one of the suits Salinger made him buy, he had to admit it’d been a smart purchase. Amongst Bentley’s most dapper and debonair residents, he fit right in. Glancing to his right, Sean could not say the same about Spencer. His whole aura felt off. “You alright there? No offense, but you look like a stick in the mud.”

[petrovaxanya-deactivated2016012]

“That’s what I like to hear!” She said, grabbing the glass he handed her, thanking him kindly. “I definitely agree!”

[upstatebutcher-blog]

Although he was the one who’d offered her a drink, Sean couldn’t help his slight pause. It was one of curiosity, belied by the smirk touching his lips. “Rough night already? Or you’re anticipating it getting worse than it is?” He asked, taking a drink and leaning on the bar.

[upstatebutcher-blog]

“I’ve got enough liquor to last a lifetime.” Sean announced, passing over one of several glasses. “This is a nice event and all.. But I’m sure it would be more interesting with a buzz in your head.”

[aalexrivers-blog]

“I’m honored, really,” Alex said, while his eyes switched from one side of the room to another, searching. “But last time I got drunk, I woke up in 2015, with no memory of the last decade and a half. So thanks, but I’ll pass.” He tried escaping, hoping that at least someone he knows would be in this place, but no recognizable faces seemed to be present at the party. 

[upstatebutcher-blog]

“But think of it this way, if you wake up in 2015 again, you haven’t missed any time at all.” Sean noticed the man watching the room, as if waiting for someone, but he wasn’t the type to take the hint. He was in the business of ruining as many nights as possible - just for the hell of it. Placing the drink on the bar, he shrugged and joined the search. “You didn’t miss much. A few good Super Bowls. One bad one. Superstars being famous. War. Drugs. The normal human tendencies.”

[upstatebutcher-blog]

“I’ve got enough liquor to last a lifetime.” Sean announced, passing over one of several glasses. “This is a nice event and all.. But I’m sure it would be more interesting with a buzz in your head.”

[hauntedbyevelyn-blog]

AFTERLIFE || Sean & Evelyn

[hauntedbyevelyn-blog]

Evelyn was far from surprised when he told her it had nothing to do with being, or pretending to be, a knight in shining armor. If she had ever been in doubt, the look on his face and the way his fists had rained down on her attacker— merciless and as if he felt none of the pain that was sure to follow every time his knuckles made contact, had been enough to convince her that there was no karmic retribution involved here in order to defend her honor. Not really.

“That doesn’t matter.” She said simply, in response to her own thoughts as much as to his statement. “I’m just happy that you came by when you did.” A casual shrug of her shoulders and a short walk later she felt a wave of relief wash over her at being inside the comfort of her own home, and strangely enough at the fact that Sean had followed despite the hesitation so evident on his face.

Daisy seemed very taken with the visitor, strutting around him on small paws while she seemed content with ignoring Evelyn completely to take whatever affection she could from Sean instead. The blonde continued inside, glancing over her shoulder when Sean spoke, to see the top of Daisy’s head stained red in two places. “It’s fine.” She assured him and waved him through the door from the hall to the main area. “Just around here, and the first door on your left.” She explained and grinned a little before she stepped back and scooped Daisy up into her arms, stopping her from following him as she surely would have if she’d gotten her way. “Let’s get you cleaned up real quick, and then find a drink for a guest, hm?” She tilted her head to the side and looked at Daisy before bringing her with her to the other bathroom. The look of her own lip and eyebrow in the mirror startled her, head shaking before she quickly cleaned up the small wounds and then took care of the small dog.

“Would you like anything? A drink maybe?” She asked when Sean came back out, Daisy once again crossing the floor to circle around his every step. “Just let me know if she annoys you— she tends to overexcite herself when people come over.” She explained and walked over to the bar in the living room, looking at the many different bottles before she picked a scotch for herself.

[upstatebutcher-blog]

Sean could lose both his hands and still destroy everything he touched. For probably the fifth time that night, he hesitated in following her directions. Cold blue eyes softened at the sight of the puppy, marked by his ill deeds and yet still so happy to see him. What an adorable little thing - so oblivious to the true nature of this man in front of her. All that mattered was what he’d done for her in the past and that he scratched her tiny ears when they met again. 

“Hm?” He asked, clearly distracted by the puppy. I need a dog. “Oh right, the bathroom. Thanks.” Finally, Sean rose and made his way down the hall to a small guest bathroom. Flicking on the light, Sean grimaced immediately at the sight of himself in the mirror. Dear god. Tiny flecks of blood spattered at his cheeks. A cut right above his eyebrow hovered on the line of dripping and healing. Holding up his hands, he was taken back to the moment before: the stranger on the ground, wimpering... begging for help... Lust... blood... blood.. Evelyn. Gritting his teeth, Sean shook his head, ashamed to see the life in his pupils at the thought of the other man’s blood. He turned the water on, only half a degree above warm, and scrubbed his hands vigorously. Lazy swirls of red floated away from him and he still didn’t feel clean. Ducking his head, Sean felt like a hobo taking a bird bath as he washed his face as best he could.

Exhale. You’re in control, Sean. You’re charming and strong. You’re better than this. Now you’re going to go out there and at least act like a man with some fucking sense. 

Cold eyes met each other and hardened. A silent conversation was passed, the same answer cycling in the air. Sean nodded at himself and put on a smile. It looked like a lie. So he stopped. Turning off the light, he followed her voice to the kitchen, moving silently as was his habit in the forest. 

“God yes. Something tough please. Rum or... Whiskey.” He replied, walking to the living room. A hint of his normal self appeared as he leaned casually on the bar. Running a hand through his hair, causing it to stick up in tiny wet spikes, Sean looked down at Daisy and smiled a genuine - albeit small - smile. “Not at all, she’s great. Honestly makes me wants a dog, but I’m not very good at taking care of other things.”

[cuteofrp-deactivated20210301]

[candentilucy]

She had waited, and he had disappointed her. Why she had let herself believe he might actually be an annoyingly okay person, she didn’t know. It only ended in her being in a more annoyed mood; by now you’d think she had learnt her lesson. Clicking her dry tongue to the roof of her mouth, Lucy stood to her feet and disappeared inside her work building as soon as the hour mark was hit. She was situated on the ground floor – and she had her own little office with her name on the door and the title of ‘book keeper’ in smaller letters beneath it. Of course, the walls weren’t all too thick, which was always something that ticked the brunette off due to how insanely irritating her co-workers could be. Setting off to a slower pace than usual due to her illness, Lucy tried her best to ignore the throbbing at the back of her head.

[upstatebutcher-blog]

Sean had completely missed the mark. Though she hadn’t set a very specific time limit for his return, he knew when over an hour had passed, he was late. Part of him wanted to say fuck it and just not go at all. The other part of him was a man of his word and got out of bed to go get the promised goods. Food and medicine. He went to the corner store right behind the Chinese restaurant and grabbed a myriad of medicine - almost too much. From creams to pills to syrups, Sean spent nearly $30 on medicine he wasn’t even going to use. Then he ordered two helpings of food and made his way back to a woman, most likely, pissed at him.

And they wouldn’t let him to the offices.

“I don’t know the girl’s name.” He explained, irritated. God damn, he should’ve just said forget it. “She’s about ye high, brown hair, sick as a dog. She talks like a car engine. Thick eyebrows. No, I don’t know which department she’s in. Yes, mother fucker, I know she works here.” Then he snapped. “Listen, I’m getting in there whether you let me or not, but I strongly suggest that you stand aside and live another day.”

[gail-interrupted]

+ G a i l

❝Listening to you complain about Christmas is just as annoying as the Salvation Army askin’ for donations. You know that, right? It’d be easier for you to just give ‘em your change and go.❞

[upstatebutcher-blog]

“I refuse to just accept the idea that I should lay down and take what’s coming. Christmas isn’t even a true Holiday - it’s all commercial. You think Jesus wanted people to get rich off the day he was born? You think he wanted to be sold?”