Corruption (AUTOPLAY)

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[vcinglcry]

JULIYAH DORIAN LOVE (OC)

BLOG WARNING: Religious reference, Violence, bullying, etc.

Same world as @divinedevourer & @gullytine

In a pact with one of the seven sins; Pride also known as Lucifer.

He's smack-down in the middle. It's hard to tell where Juliyah begins and where Lucifer ends!

Funnily enough, he's a hunter who fights demons!

Sorry guys, he's a little egotistical and a little too proud. NO thanks to the sin of Pride inflating it all.

At least he IS handsome.

Childhood friend of Weston. Used to cling to him like a koala and stuff.

He's really digging @gullytine, but Weston can't KNOW. SHH! Keep it to yourself.

Beelzebub's rival. You can say their relationship is a little complicated.

[blightsbite]

❝ Yeah. You know me, I'll never turn down a classic. ❞ Vanth doesn't reach for the snacks right away, instead setting his elbow against the arm of the couch and dropping his head against his knuckles. He's glad they're there, though—Juliyah was even kind enough to grab his favorites. He'll have to find the stomach for them before the movie ends.

The television turns on, taking Vanth's sorry reflection with it. In soft relief, Vanth sighs, sinking a little more comfortably onto the arm of the couch and bringing his feet up to tuck them under his knees. ❝ You've seen this one before? ❞ Vanth's mouth hangs open a moment, as if having more to say. Eventually, he decides against it, shutting it in silence. Jojo used to watch these kinds of corny, gory slash-fests all the time...

[vcinglcry]

"Yeah, lost count of how many times I watched it, actually." Juliyah rises again from his seat only to be gone for a moment before returning with a blanket this time. He tosses it over Vanth's head and plops right back down.

Once more, he steals a couple of glances Vanth's way, then he decides to focus on the Movie so he isn't being a weirdo.

"Don't cling to me 'cuz you're scared."

[highprinceadolin]

If Adolin had any lingering doubts that this was the place he was looking for, the greeting he received erased them immediately. A quiet chuckle slipped past his lips at the other man's confusion, and he couldn't resist teasing him. "Unless Vanth cut his hair, got a tan, and somehow grew a few inches..." - he flashed an easy grin. "No, I'm not Vanth. But I'll gladly take his usual."

His gaze drifted around the restaurant for a moment, remembering the way Vanth had described the place as serving the kind of food that made you feel at home. "No need to apologize" - he said then, turning his attention back to the man. "And yeah, a seat just for one."

[vcinglcry]

Juliyah releases a huff that could only be described as a laugh. "Right. That man's in the sun whenever he's around me, and he's still pale." Vanth was pretty short and pasty as fuck. He keeps that thought to himself, though.

"This way," He'll personally lead Adolin to a seat. "By the way, you sure you want his usual?"

It's a chance for Adolin to opt out and get something else!

[vcinglcry]

@highprinceadolin

"Hey Vanth. You want the usual?" Juliyah had thought Vanth was the one who entered the building, maybe with a friend, when he had his back turned against the entrance of Dream Djinner. When he finally turns to face his customer(s), he's surprised to see an unfamiliar face.

"You're not Vanth. My apologies. Is it a seat for just one person today?"

[blightsbite]

❝ Yeah, I'll join. ❞ But Vanth knows he'll hardly be paying attention. Still, that doesn't mean he doesn't appreciate the invite—not to mention, the lack of questions. It's something to get his mind off things, and at least he'll be with Juliyah instead of moping around the castle alone. ❝ ... Thanks. I'll drop my stuff off in one of the rooms and meet you on the couch. ❞ It doesn't take very long to do that. Vanth leaves his shoes by the door and disappears down the hall. By the time Juliyah returns, he'll find him sitting cross-legged on the couch, quietly staring at the dark television screen. Vanth huffs a humorless sound. Even his vague and fuzzy reflection looks like shit right now.

❝ What're we watchin'? ❞

[vcinglcry]

Juliyah returns with some snacks. Ones that he knows Vanth will like. He places them down on the coffee table, followed by some drinks, and grabs the remote.

"I thought watching some horror would be a good idea. Uh, in the mood for Halloween the 13th?" He turns the television on, Vanth's reflection no longer visible on the black screen when it comes to life.

He plops down with a heavy sigh, grabs a can of his choice of drink (Beer), and cracks it open.

He tries not to look at Vanth, but....Well, he's finding it a little bit difficult. The guy looks like absolute hell.

[blightsbite]

Given the green light, Vanth sighs, though it does little for relief. Maybe some part of him is glad to get out of the house, but mostly... Mostly, he wishes he didn't have to leave in the first place. TXT: OK TXT: I will b there soon ___ Thanks to a little teleporting, soon really is soon. Vanth raps his knuckles on the front door less than half an hour later, carrying a bag holding a change of clothes. Just in case. ❝ Hey, ❞ Vanth greets bleakly once Juliyah answers the door. He doesn't look at him; his eyes are slightly swollen and pink. ❝ I, um. Brought some stuff with me. But if I can't crash here, then... it's cool. ❞

[vcinglcry]

Juliyah was about to tease him. Ask if he's been crying in a teasing voice, but seeing as how Vanth had brought some extra clothes with him? Well, Juliyah has sense enough to NOT ask the question.

"Yeah. It's cool.

There are two guest rooms you can pick from." The first 2 guest rooms are located on the first floor.

"You also came in time. Was just fixing some snacks. I'm about to watch a movie. You wanna join in?"

[blightsbite]

Alone and sitting on the edge of their mattress, Vanth opens his phone for the first time since arguing with Sebastian. The bedroom feels too large to stay holed up in like this. He has to get some fresh air. TO: Julililibeans 🫘🍭 FRM: Vanth

[TXT]: Hey R U Free [TXT]: Can I come stay 4 a while

The pair of messages are noticeably bland, coming from Vanth. He doesn't have the energy.

[vcinglcry]

DING

DING

The sound of Juliyah's phone goes off, alerting him of two new messages. "Better not be something stupid, Vanth."

He's expecting another dumb video, but instead it's a couple of texts that Juliyah feels it may be someone else texting at first.

...

TXT: yeah. Im home.

TXT: come by whenever.

[foreverembrace]

He almost responds that they need this to sound good, perhaps even that the other was lucky he was being given the guitar.

It was difficult not to look as a duet as a competition as he waits for the intro, performing the bass tab as he needs to. Bass is something he's more than average at, as it requires repetitive counting. Nothing flashy nor creative.

He leaves the creativity of the guitar to others.

But what he's best at, is...

"Model house life meltdown still a modern dream letdown, it kills me You know I'm dying out here What would you trade the pain for? I'm not sure We were a hammer to the Statue of David We were a painting you could never frame, and You were the sunshine of my lifetime What would you trade the pain for?"

Between the music echoing throughout the ward, and now the lyrics, he can see them bringing in the monsters. Stage lights go on as they need to so the combatants can see what they're doing at the evening concert.

He hardly has any reaction to it, used to the danger of the stage, his eyes are almost deadened, into a complete state of calm:

"This city always hangs a little bit lonely on me, loose Like a kid playing pretend in his father's suit-"

[vcinglcry]

It's certainly times like these where he's grateful to be a fast learner and someone with photographic memory or whatever the saying is. The information he read from Ivan's choice of music is placed in front of him mentally.

He lifts his gaze from his guitar to the audience piling to get on stage to rip them limb from limb. Even the sight of them doesn't cause the man to falter. Juliyah wonders what this guy's story is, but for now, he's focused on the tempo of the song.

His body moves to the beat of the song, as he feels every strum of the guitar. While he doesn't sing along with Ivan, he bops his head here and there.

[blightsbite]

❝ No way! I'll bite you! ❞ And Juliyah knows he would, too. Maybe that's why neither Pactbearer moves an inch, merely continuing their meal together. Or perhaps it's just more of their playful bickering, all bark and no bite. Either way, it's left Juliyah smiling. And Vanth thinks that's a pretty good reason to smile, too.

They finish their meal in good spirits, chatting like a pair of old friends. Full to bursting, Vanth sits back in his seat with a long and happy sigh, his plate left utterly clean. ❝ Man, I'm stuffed! After a meal like that, I gueeess I can give you back a point or two. ❞

[vcinglcry]

With the meals done, Juliyah exhales a content sigh. He actually missed eating with someone else. He's grateful for Vanth, but keeps that to himself.

"Heh, I knew you'd give it back." He then grabs Vanth's dishes and his own to start cleaning them up.

"Don't forget to take those jars home with you. They're for you. Doubt your husband will wanna drink 'em."

[foreverembrace]

"Well, then it won't sound nearly as good. Music is about the back and forth." He reaches over and grabs the bass, shaking his head, hoping it appears to be fond. "We want this to sound good, don't we?"

Not that this person could compare to his own favorite guitarist, but he could settle.

He's fairly certain his bad personality is showing through as he stands up, adjusting the bass so it fits him better, adjusting the mic stand so it's at his height.

"You start whenever, the opening is instrumental, and I think our audience is getting restless." He points, a bunch of the anomalies charging through the front lines.

[vcinglcry]

"Fuck," he breathes out. He ruffles his hair with his fingers, then shakes his head. "Fine. Yeah, we want this to sound good." He wouldn't take anything less than.

The faster they got this done, the better.

Periwinkle eyes look to the creatures, the guards already ready to attack.

"Here goes," with the guitar having been adjusted just a moment ago, he begins strumming, waiting for Ivan's first lyrics to the song.

[blightsbite]

❝ Pssh. I give you one compliment and you run 10 miles with it. ❞ Leave it to that ego of his. Everything goes right to his big head. ❝ Sebby cooks for me all the time! And it's the best! ❞

Technique, flavor—even though Sebastian was excellent on all fronts, none of that could matter. Nothing beat a home-cooked meal from the person he loved most. But of course, Vanth doesn't say that. It's too sappy! ❝ As the judge, I'm docking points 'cause your head's still up your ass. That's no way to prepare a meal! ❞ In spite of his sassy words, he's still wolfing down the food anyway.

[vcinglcry]

"So shameless. You say all that, and yet you eat my meal. Give it back." He doesn't take it from Vanth, though. He does huff at least and continues enjoying his meal.

It's nice. Sitting here and eating with someone else. He didn't feel so heavy.

Without even realizing it? He's smiling.

[unmaskedheart]

[ @vcinglcry ]

He’s tired.

It’s the only thought Claus has when he wanders into one of the safe areas now that there is a lull in the chaos and combat. Mechanical wings begin to fold up, becoming small enough to slip back into the rectangular box attached to Claus’s back. There was no need for them right now, no need to keep them visible.

The golden sword he’d clutched onto during combat slips from Claus’s grasp the moment he finally leans himself against a wall. It clatters to the ground unceremoniously, still dirtied with blood and ignored. Claus doesn’t bother with the silver canon taking up half his right arm. Mostly because he would have to undo the cord currently plugged into the back of his head. And right now, he can’t even bring himself to lift his still human hand.

Claus cannot even slide down the wall as he wishes, the jetpack an awkward block between him and the wall. The scrape of metal against anything is a horrid sound and an even worse sensation with the bulky device plugged directly into his spine. All he can do is stand there, arms limp by his sides and body so close to collapse yet finding no respite. 

He’s exhausted…

Mismatched eyes slide closed, his attention pulling away from the world around with an ever present buzz in his ears helping to drown it out. He barely registers the sound of footsteps, only noticing once they’re much closer. It briefly causes a blip of alarm, of panic, fear of being caught lazing around when he should instead be working-

But the blip is swallowed up by the exhaustion he feels, leaving it to writhe uncomfortably within his chest. 

Claus lifts his head, eyes opening again. This time, what he sees does pull forth an emotion. His eyes go wide, his heart squeezing painfully. He had expected a stranger, instead what he finds is a familiar face. One who had offered him kindness when Claus had been searching for his family. 

Now…

“Mister Juliyah..?”

The boy cannot hide the pained expression forming on his face, his head downturning once again as though it’ll somehow hide the shame he feels in someone he knows seeing him like this. It felt like he was betraying all of the goodwill shown to him…

He is no child. He is no human. He is a chimera. 

He almost wishes he hadn’t put his wings away, maybe he could hide in them. The most he’s able to do is pull the canon arm close to his body, his still human-appearing arm resting over it in some feeble attempt conceal it.

“Are you…fighting too..? Or-Or performing..?”

A feeble attempt at making small talk, as if it would take attention away from the world’s worst kept secret.

[vcinglcry]

It's the boy from before. Claus is his name; he remembers. He... doesn't remember Claus looking like this, but he supposes everyone had a surprise and a secret about them. He knew better than anyone. And that is why he doesn't seem at all shocked or frightened at seeing Claus this way. His eyes wander, but he keeps it brief and simple. He's exhausted. Doesn't seem like there's a too-bad-of-an-injury on the kid. That blood? He's hoping it isn't his.

"Hey, kid," he greets softly.

And he knows better than anyone what it's like wanting to hide a side of you. He exhales a sigh and leans against the wall, too. He stands, hands in his pockets.

"I haven't decided yet. You? Both of us could sing while the guards took care of the rest, one of us could fight..."

"Try to rest up. We'll need all the energy we can get to deal with these guys. Singing may not be as exhausting on the body." He looks to the boy with a smile, "I'll have your back no matter what, mm? You just let me know what you want to do."

[blightsbite]

Vanth cackles like an unruly kid as he dances off toward the table, though not before poking Juliyah right in those blushing cheeks of his. ❝ Alriiiight, dear! ❞ Vanth sing-songs, pretending to be disappointed. The nickname's a purposeful choice. He can't let Juliyah have too much fuel for his Weston-kissing daydreams. ❝ I'm goin'! ❞

And finally, he finds himself a seat. It doesn't take much longer for dinner to be set on the table. Strawberry milk might seem like an unusual choice to pair with stew, but it's what Vanth requested. He couldn't resist how delicious and fancy it looked, full of fresh slices of succulent fruit. ❝ Mm! Man, I might start renting a room here, if this is the kinda food you're making, Juli. ❞

[vcinglcry]

Juliyah plants himself down on the seat across from Vanth and digs into his stew. It's when Vanth makes a noise of approval with the food that he looks at the Pactbearer with a huff (almost sounds like a laugh), "Doesn't your husband cook for you? I thought he'd be good."

"Unless you're saying I'm a better cook than him." He knew he was a better cook than anyone.

There goes his ego.

[blightsbite]

❝ Hey, I washed the fruit! That counts as helping, right? ❞ Not really. Vanth's just protesting for the sake of it. Juliyah knows that.

However, Vanth won't deny that he was doing something stupid while Juliyah was hard at work. Because he was. They both know that. ❝ Those drinks would be dirty without me! ❞ Now that he mentions it, how are those coming along? Vanth sneaks a peek over Juliyah's shoulder (or below it, rather, given their height difference) and lights up. ❝ Whoa, shit, those look good! ❞ The stew on the stove also smells positively scrumptious. Between both the dish and the beverages, Vanth has one major take away. ❝ Damn, you'd be a good house husband, Jules—oh, but a super grumpy one. Like, the kind where the love shows in the food 'cause he frowns all the time! ❞

❝ I'm totally ready to taste the love in that stew. You've been frowning at me enough already! Hahaha! ❞

[vcinglcry]

What's got Juliyah blushing when Vanth said he'd make a good househusband? WHO is he thinking about being a good househusband with? Don't worry about it. Juliyah isn't blushing and thinking about Weston.

And luckily it's short-lived, "Go sit down, or I'll be frowning even harder," he's gently shoving Vanth toward the table. The strew is almost done. It certainly had to be the first thing cooked. He's glad he started it earlier.

Shortly enough, their bowls are ready, alongside whatever drink Vanth wants to try. The rest of the two beverages are stored in a couple of different jars and those are in the fridge.

They'll be for Vanth before he heads out.

[foreverembrace]

"Are you sure you don't want to sing? I am able to play guitar, or anything else," most anything else, he doubts that this arrangement would require anything he didn't know how to play. He looks up at the black haired man from where he's setting up his microphone stand, tilting his head.

"If I'm planning to sing, here is the song I'm arranging for." He opens his phone, pulling up sheet music and sending it to the other man. "It's heavy on guitar, so whichever one of us sings will likely need to be on bass in addition. Is that alright?"

@vcinglcry

[vcinglcry]

Juliyah shakes his head with a huff, "Please don't make me sing." Not that Ivan probably would, right? The Pride in him wants him to get on stage and show everyone just how good he is, but Juliyah wasn't going to give it that satisfaction

"I can play the guitar, no problem. I can keep up and do both parts," he says once he's looked over the music sheet.

[blightsbite]

What a comeback. Vanth can't help but snort. ❝ Fiiiiine! But you started it! ❞ And with their feud resolved, they sit together among the branches, picking peaches 'til sundown. ___ While Juliyah works to prepare their dinner, Vanth busies himself around the kitchen. At first, he washes the fruit, and when none are left to wash, he juggles them for approximately 5 seconds while Juliyah isn't looking. Oops! He nearly drops one when it seems he's about to get caught. Better act natural. ❝ Need any help? ❞ Vanth asks as he props himself against the counter.

❝ Anyyyy, I dunno, meat I can slice up? Veggies to dice into itty bitty bits? What are we making, anyway? ❞ Although Vanth is in short supply of things to do, he has questions in abundance.

[vcinglcry]

Good thing Juliyah has no idea what Vanth is doing behind him, juggling those fruits sneakily. He just has a feeling that Vanth is doing something that'd annoy him. Hence, the sigh.

"I'm making stew and some juice." Speaking of the juice, both are done. The refreshing one filled with an assortment of fruits that were chopped up in bite size, a fizzy drink like sprite in the mix, and strawberry milk. It is then followed by a large glass jar of freshly squeezed peach and apple juice mixture.,

"you ask now, when I'm nearly done with the stew, too. Could have asked when you weren't doing something questionable while I wasn't watching."

[badluckgoboom]

The sigh alone gets a mischievous snicker out of Jinx. While mayhem on a grander scale was always a great time, just causing those little reactions tickled something inside her just as well. Maybe it was the younger sibling energy that had no real outlet with Vi absent from the city.

"I mean, I won't tell you not to. But you reading aloud might remind me of a bedtime story, and then I'll nod off and drop down and land on top of you. Your call if that's something you wanna deal with."

As for her, she was fine just where she was.

[vcinglcry]

"Without a care, huh?" It wouldn't be the first time someone just fell asleep on him, though when he'd read them a story. He was a big brother and Yuki also fell asleep on him without fail, all the time.

"Belonged to a kid that used to live with me," He says unprompted as he lifts the book for her to look at. "Was one of her favorite ones."