bsumone | ❝ Masquerade ❞

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❝ Masquerade ❞

{ seething shadows breathing lies }

Traditional thing that Iseul is, he made a point of sending out invitations to every monster and supernatural being with whom he's acquainted the day after telling Damian of his masked ball. Each is written in a large, looping hand and reads:

My Dear Friend,

You are cordially invited to a most exclusive masquerade ball to be held at my estate on the next new moon. The attire is formal with a theme of silver and gold. My doors will open promptly at 8:00pm. Dinner will be served with music, dance, and festivities to follow.

I do so look forward to your attendance.

Kindest Regards,
Your Host

Iseul's calling card is included for those who may not recognize his handwriting. It also happens to have his address on it, as well.

Guests will find the house dark and sprawling, positively goth in decor and style. For those who know or know of Iseul, this won't be a surprise. There's a running joke in the community that the Fae is truly meant to be a vampire... more so than his long-standing vampire rival. Those in attendance will be shown to the parlor, the pocket doors thrown wide to the adjoining suite to make it something of a small ballroom. Musicians sit off to the corner playing with few breaks throughout the night.

The dining room boasts a long table with a veritable banquet. Though, one must be careful about eating Faerie food. Never fear, dear guests, for none of this food was prepared or even harvested by Fae hands. Outside, the grounds are covered with sprawling flower gardens, topiaries, and even a small maze of hedges. Lanterns light the paths since there's no moon for light. Both in and out, the house has many dark nooks and crannies and unoccupied to rooms to disappear into. All guests are welcome to stay if, for any reason, they are unable to leave at first light.

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When he was sure that Snake needed air, he pulled back, licking his lips as he smiled at him. Pushing fingers through that dark hair, he admired the pretty thing and then pressed another kiss to his lips. Oh he'd so been ready to not do this right away but why not? He could let Snake be one of the very few (Su-jin was the only other one) who got to taste him repeatedly if Snake wished.

"Take me to another room and I'll let you have me. I want to taste you, Snake. You're mine now..."

Kind? Hardly. It’s selfishness that motivated him. When Matthias picked someone, they were his until he was through with them. Sam’s no exception to that. He honestly expected the wolf to tire of him long before now. Yet here they were, still living together in relative harmony after all this time.

“Don’t fool yourself, Su-bin. I’m not kind.”

No, not kind. Nice, perhaps? When he wanted to be. Matthias never had any reason to be anything but nice to Sam. He didn’t need to prod him or give gentle shoves in some direction or other to make him feel what Matthias wanted him to feel. He certainly never tried to kindle romantic feelings in Sam. He didn’t need to. Sam knew exactly what Matthias was. There’s no need to play with him like that.

Did he suspect some attachment? Sure. You don’t just stick around for decade upon decade without some attachment. Maybe he’s even a little attached, too. It’s easy to be around Sam. He never questioned Matthias’ reasons or actions. He never expected anything of him. Matthias has been able to be himself, truly himself, with this wolf.

“Didn’t I say I’d stay until one of us tired of the other?”

To someone else? These words would have been cruel. They would have hurt. But Sam? He just smiled softly and took the hand he was holding to bring it to his lips. A soft press to his knuckles and then he looked at the demon's handsome features. Then he stepped closer so he could cup his face next, thumb gently rubbing over his cheek.

"It's alright, Matthias. I've always known this is all I'll ever have from you. You don't need to remind me."

Leaning forward, he gave him a fond kiss to his temple then stepped back again. "Come. Let's walk together. The night is beautiful and I feel so much more at peace when I have you with me."

Iseul leaned into Damian’s kiss, still able to taste his blood lingering there. Why, he wondered, did they wait so long to give in to these feelings? They’ve so clearly been just under the surface for so long… And now they’re both caught up in the current of those feelings rushing through the broken dam. Drowning in them.

“Of course,” he sighed, content with Damian’s answer. He’ll have to make sure at least some part of the house was completely safe for Damian’s days. It wouldn’t be hard given Iseul’s fondness for heavy window treatments, but he refused to take risks. “You’ll be safe here.”

"I believe you."

He pressed his forehead to Iseul's then closed his eyes. A fleeting thought from earlier came to mind and he hesitated a moment before shaking his head. No. This was definitely what he wanted. He wanted to do this now.

"Iseul...I want to give you my real name."

He knew it would mean that the fae would have power over him whenever he wished to. But it was a risk he was willing to take. To be closer to the man that he loved.

And this is why Matthias stuck around. Sam surprised him. In his long existence, he’s rarely met someone who would accept having their feelings unrequited in the specific way Sam’s were. Who would want to cohabitate with someone they’re pining for? Who would want to sleep every night beside someone who couldn’t love them back? Who would want to go through all the motions of affection without actually having it?

Sam, apparently.

Matthias nodded slightly, walking off in the direction of the gardens he’d yet to explore. That was their original destination, after all. His silence was heavier than usual, his mind churning with the confirmation of his suspicions. Also, he wondered why he cared if Sam was happy or not? Okay, so maybe Matthias has grown fond of his companion. He chose, Sam, after all. Didn’t that make Sam his?

Oh, Sam could have more, just not emotionally.

“Have you fallen in love with me?” There’s no playfulness in his tone. No, he’s actually taking Sam’s feelings seriously.

As they walked, Sam looked at all the plants around them. They were absolutely stunning and he loved beholding them. But he was soon pulled from his thoughts by that question, one that he could tell was taking his feelings into consideration. He watched him for a time and then looked back to the plants around them.

For a time, he was quiet, gathering his thoughts together to figure out what to actually say. What would be good to even say here?

Only he already knew the answer. The truth.

"I fell in love with you years ago. Back in our early days in America." And then he'd kept his feelings to himself and loved Matthias all this time. Never telling him or letting him know until now. Always aware that he wouldn't have his feelings returned. Was it a punishment? No. Not at all. Just an acceptance that this was how life was for him now. This was who he'd fallen for.

"I don't know if demons are capable of love so I thought that at least I could enjoy my time with you until you grew tired of me. It has just been nice that you still haven't. That you still come home to me every single night and stay with me while I sleep. I know I'm an entertaining meal for you but at least I get to see you smile and laugh. And, even though at times it hurts, I'd rather have that than nothing at all."

There may be a slight worry that the phoenix had been mid-travel when the invitation to the masquerade came along, and that he would be itching to get back to it once the night ended. With months feeling like hours, a single night passes in the blink of an eye. To spend just one night together would be just a tease of the bird's company and the loss of it come morning would be more deeply felt by the dragon than usual. Of course Nam could simply ask him to stay a while longer and likely will before the night ends (or rather find out that the bird does indeed intend to go home with him after the masquerade) but to be so upfront about it so early into the evening just feels so unlike them.

Nam climbs to his feet and his expression says that he wants Gaja to do the same before he ever has to speak the words. "If a single night is all that you can stomach in exchange for the beautiful gift, then I don't intend to spend it sitting here, watching you rip apart meat like an animal."

He didn’t have to say a thing for Matthias to suspect it. And Matthias never asked. It’s not that he doesn’t enjoy complication. When he toyed with others, it was always complicated. But things with Sam were always straightforward. Out of respect, he didn’t try to manipulate Sam for anything. It wasn’t necessary.

Could he admit that Sam was more than just a meal? He was someone Matthias viewed, at the very least, as a friend. Not only did he make Matthias’ existence easier, he made it comfortable. He was like a beacon that always led the demon home no matter what he got up to. Sam was home.

But Matthias wasn’t capable of loving someone (or so he thought). It’s not in his nature to have those kinds of warm, soft feelings for others. Keeping his gaze fixed directly ahead, Matthias exhaled slowly. He couldn’t give Sam what he wanted but…

“We can be lovers, if you want.”

"You don't have to appease me, Matthias. If we're only ever friends then I'll be happy still. As long as I can be with you then it's enough for me."

Because it was better than not having Matthias at all. Better than having his heart ache for him and never getting to see him. To laugh and smile with him. To see how he relaxed when he played with his hair. Or how comfortable it was to know he was there while slept.

Sam knew that it was like living off of droplets of water in a desert and yet...

And yet he didn't want to stop.

"I live with so many regrets in my life that I worry being lovers with you while knowing I'll never have your heart will give me the one regret that will destroy me. I can't bring myself to do that knowing that you enjoy being able to feed off of me. Though I've dreamed of being with you that way..." Sam sighed and shook his head. "I'm content as I am."

Nam is right. It’s far too early in their reunion for either of them to admit to missing and wanting to be near the other. One night would pass in the blink of an eye for them. The dragon needn’t know yet of his phoenix’s plans to remain with him for a time. An undisclosed amount of time that would end when Gaja’s wanderlust resurfaced. He’s been traveling for a while now and his desire to return to Nam is irresistible. Leaving him now is out of the question.

When Nam rises, Gaja’s eyes follow him, full of curiosity. And maybe a bit wary that the dragon is about to leave his side. His eyes go wider and a little pout bows his lips.

“... But I’m hungry…”

He’s content. Was that enough? Was it when Matthias could take him to all the beautiful places, could kiss him senseless in each of them he could never go back to them without tasting Matthias like blood in his mouth? Was content enough when Matthias could make it seem so very real? He’s done it before. Over and over again, he’s made people fall for him, convinced them of the reality of it, that he couldn’t live without them, that his passion for them was endless, that none other would ever be in his heart.

But Sam knew better. No amount of pretending could undo that fact.

“For what it’s worth, no one else will have it, either.”

The words felt hollow, almost cold, even as he spoke them. Another huff of exhaled breath and he reached out to catch Sam’s arm once again to stop him in his tracks.

“I chose you, Su-bin. That makes you mine.”

There. That felt more truthful. Matthias did endeavor to be honest with Sam when it really mattered.

Stopping in his tracks, he looked back to his demon friend. He'd chosen him and that made him belong to Matthias. A smile formed on his lips that didn't quite reach his eyes, a sadness lingering there. While this was true and he knew that it was...it wouldn't change that he could give all of himself to Matthias and never have all of him in return.

"You did. And I am."

He'd embraced that and accepted it long ago. Stepping closer, he reached out to rest and hand over where Matthias' chest. There he rested it a moment, quiet and thoughtful. "I chose you but I can't make you mine. So I'll always be yours until you tire of me. Then I'll probably be lost to the wanderings of time like so many others you have claimed."

His hand lowered and he lifted his gaze to look into his eyes. "You can't love me and I know that. But you'll always have my love regardless of that. There will never be any other but you for me until time claims me finally."

Then he tilted his head a little. "May I ask why you are trying so hard to reassure me right now? It's not like you. You usually just leave me to my feelings and find your pleasures elsewhere."

Iseul’s eyes fell closed and he nuzzled Damian subtly until the vampire shook his head. Then he pried his eyes open, staring at him – gaping at what he said. Those soft lips parted in surprise and dark eyes widened by degrees.

He shouldn’t… He’s already consumed Fae blood. But Iseul wanted it almost as badly as he wanted Damian himself. The thought of having it made his mouth water and left him suddenly breathless all over again.

“Tell me,” he barely managed to whisper.

He'd gotten this far. He could back out now. However he wasn't going to. No, Damian refused to now that he'd made the offer. This was dangerous but he wasn't going to stop.

"My name is Hwang Haru," he said, giving the fae the ability to have power over him for the first time in their relationship.

Why, indeed? It’s unlike Matthias. A crease formed between his brows and the demon frowned in earnest. Nothing Sam said was untrue. As far as Matthias was concerned, he had no heart to give, not in a metaphorical sense. What didn’t sit well with him was that he didn’t want Sam to be unhappy.

But why? He’s never felt this way with any humans he’s toyed with. Oh, they were his in the sense that he didn’t want anyone else messing with them or hurting them while he could still wring something worth devouring out of them. But Sam had never been some mere plaything. An easy meal? Sure. Somewhere along the line, he became a companion Matthias looked upon fondly.

“Do you think you don’t bring me pleasure?” Perhaps not pleasure of a sexual nature, but other kinds, certainly.

"I bring you some but I assume I can't bring you everything since you often go to play with others."

Which made sense to him. Sam was probably not that exciting really. And if Matthias didn't love him then what reason would he have to actually stay with him? What reason to want to prioritize him over his own desires? In the depths of his depressions it could break his heart but the rest of the time he just embraced it.

"You have no reason to stay with me all the time. Your satisfactions have to come from somewhere else I assume."

“Hwang Haru,” he breathed out reverently. What a gift his vampire has given him. First himself, then his name. Iseul felt boneless and leaned back heavily against the oak tree. Reaching out with both hands, he cupped Damian’s face, running his thumbs over the vampire’s cheeks.

“My name is Chandrian.”

He gasped softly when he heard the name. It was not something he'd been expecting to get at all. Eyes wide, he stared at him for a moment before he breathed out the name that he'd just been given. "Chandrian..."

The fae had just offered him power over him in return. That was not lost on him. The meaning behind that was... It was so intense.

Damian gazed so fondly and lovingly at his new lover. "I'll keep it safe. I swear it."

For a long moment, Matthias just stared at the wolf. Something clouded his dark eyes, making them seem unreadable for an instant. There was too much warring in his mind to let it show. Enough of it already had.

Time stretched on until it seemed as if Matthias might say nothing more at all. He even moved as if he might turn away to return to their stroll, then stopped. Not once, but twice.

“Do you want me to stop?”

There was...there was something going on in Matthias' mind. These expressions weren't anything that he'd ever seen before. Frowning, he tried to understand them, tried to comprehend... But in the end he just couldn't. He even reached out to stop him from walking further but then his friend stopped entirely.

"...stop? Stop what?"

What was he asking him?

He swore it. Iseul breathed out and closed the space between them to seal their oath with a kiss. They could keep each other safe. They would keep each other’s names and secrets safe. Now and always.

“I trust only you with this gift,” Iseul murmured.

Pushing his fingers through that dark hair, he rested their foreheads together. A beautiful vow that didn't require a contract to be written up. He knew that they would keep this one without question. Closing his eyes, he smiled then let out a soft laugh. Pulling back again, he gazed into those beautiful eyes.

"My things aren't going to match yours at all."

Oh. Snake blinked as if he didn’t understand what Tiras said. He heard the words, understood the invitation and what was expected. It was that last part that threw him off. Nonetheless, Snake nodded several times, already breathless from the kiss they shared.

“You’ll have to move first…”

“Finding pleasures elsewhere,” he answer without a moment’s thought. “Do you want me to stop?” For you I will, his eyes seemed to say. Matthias was sure his heart beat faster with that question. He was sure Sam could hear it, that physical manifestation of anxiousness that came out of nowhere. Why was he anxious? What did he have to worry about?

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❝ Masquerade ❞

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