strikingly-rhys

[strikingly-rhys]

Rhys was aware of the intimacy this would appear to have on anyone outside of the two witches; in a way, it was more than that to him. It was like Uriel was stripping his armor away from his body and cracking the anger that shielded him like a shell until only the exhaustion was left, and he was weary. "She's my mother, and I no longer know who she is. Maybe all I want is the anger, I don't know what else I would have without it. I'm tired, El. It's like my world is falling apart again when I'm supposed to be happy– I'm so close to having my sister back again, yet everything is turning on its axis." Did he think about it? Somehow, exchanging his life for his sister if the Devil would allow it? Sacrifice himself so that his sister could remain unchained in the mortal realm? After all, in his mind, he was better equipped to handle the darkness that Hell carried, but he would have been consumed where his sister survived as long as she could. "You act as though I'm the only thing keeping you alive when you're the one that was gone for so long." His eyes slipped closed, feeling the steady rhythm of Uriel's beating heart until he could look at the witch again; brows furrowing. "I don't understand you, El. You should hate me or, at the very least, look at me with some sort of disgust. I'm some sort of twisted version of myself, and yet you still look at me like I'm the same First Son you knew. I don't even know who he is anymore."

Stripping him down was certainly a new venture Uriel never thought he'd have the chance to do, but he saw this as the other slowly letting him in instead of outright dismissing him from his life. El recalled what Ezekiel told him, do not allow Rhys to push him away. "I do not know what her reasons would have been lying to you, but I think for her, knowing you is knowing herself. Knowing your abilities and the anger that's festered over too many years. It isn't fair she would be walking on eggshells around her own son, but I'd understand from knowing you. That doesn't mean the rage is all there is to you, Rhys." Uriel removed the chest plate after unlatching the bindings and maneuvered to Rhys' side, grabbing the piece it had been attached to against the male's back. Setting both pieces down, he moved to stand before Rhys again, his hand ever gently brushing the other's as he maneuvered. "We would have Celeste back, yes, but then I would lose you. Rhys, I will stand at your side, fight as you take your coven back for good. Prove it like you need me to, but I'd lose my fucking mind if you died for revenge." El reached over and took the witch's hand, placing it over his heart, "Give yourself something to live another day for. Fight for me."

[strikingly-rhys]

I don't get it. I don't understand how our success would have been contingent on their lives. We are the Firsts– princes living or dying shouldn't have been even part of our success plan. Since when did we grow so weak that we needed them.

I am sorry that I didn't come to you about it, Rhys, but we were running out of time. Losing the battle against the King would've been inevitable if I didn't break the curse quickly.

[strikingly-rhys]

Get used to crushing skulls because you're right: coven's next. Then we get my sister back.

I haven't felt that good crushing a skull in a long time. The coven's next, am I right?

[strikingly-rhys]

It wasn't lost on him that each piece that Uriel took off his armor and gently placed aside mirrored him– chipping away at the anger until only his fragility was left, except he couldn't allow that. The anger and hate were all that Rhys had– he didn't know who he was without it. "She used my blood, and she lied from the beginning. I wouldn't have judged not giving the King or Princes a loophole. They didn't deserve the kindness of one– but she lied to me." He didn't know what he was angriest about anymore, his anger splitting off into so many different directions, but it was starting to lean towards the fact that the one person who was supposed to have his back throughout the years never did. Rhys didn't bother confirming that Uriel was correct; he merely listened to him as he spoke his sage advice, even though he knew it was coming. "Dangerous, but it's the only option I know, El," he finally replied, flexing his hands and arms once they were out of the stiff armor. "I died a long time ago, but at least if anything is to happen to me, you'll have Celeste back. Nothing compares to having her back."

Uriel has never seen the Firsts in their battle gear, so even the First Son allowing him to aid in removing it felt like a tremendous honor a select few were given. And it is not as if the two didn't trust each other enough, but this seemed...personal. intimate. Setting the other gauntlet with his twin, the witch ceased his movement for a brief moment as their gazes locked, "The Princes. I don't blame you for still blaming them and I'm not judging your anger at your mother for breaking the curse. She should've told you first." El worked on the vambrace of each arm, deciding to remove everything in order as he saw it. "What's your plan then after they have their use bringing Celeste back? The might of your coven against fully charged up demons? I know you know how dangerous that is." He finished the armor covering the arms before fiddling with the chest plate, "Don't die for this, Rhys. Not saying you will, but I worry about you even when you prefer I didn't."

[strikingly-rhys]

He would have had a clever quip if he had the energy, but he didn't. Instead, Rhys resigned himself to watch Uriel as he analyzed his armor, finally settling on a piece to take off first. Never had he ever let anyone assist him in removing his armor– yet this was El, the chink in his armor, Rhys' weakness. Rhys raised a brow at the question, finally pulling his eyes away from Uriel to look at anything but the other witch, shrugging. "You know me, Uriel, at least enough to guess what's bothering me," he bit out after a while, his dark eyes finally flicking back to El again, "there's nothing new to talk about."

"You're not a dick of a First all the time." Uriel took in the state of the First Son, a breath nearly hitching in his throat at the state of Rhys' armor, white in color if it weren't for the blood of...he didn't know what. His eyes bounced from the armor's chest plate to the discarded cape before deciding on starting small. El stepped forward and reached out a hand for the witch's wrist, raising it slightly so he can begin unbuckling the straps of the gauntlets. As he slightly worked on one side, he cast his gaze up after a silent moment. "Something more is bothering you, Rhys I know it is." Uriel slid off the cuff and placed it aside before moving to unbuckle the left. "Do you want to talk about it?"

[strikingly-rhys]

I do admit, it was a pretty good battle.

Well, that was literally a bloody good shit show.

Good fucking riddance.

[strikingly-rhys]

Sorry to disappoint.

You didn't even talk to me before you did it. You didn't even tell me there was no loophole and I helped you make the damn curse. I doubt you're even sorry.

I thought you would be at least a fraction less grumpy.

I'm sorry, Rhys. I had to break it.

[strikingly-rhys]

"Comes with the territory of being a raging dick of a First."

Rhys raised a brow at Uriel's question, his gaze dropping to his bloodied armor, the white of the plates barely visible. Generally, after a large fight, he would just crash in his armor and remove it once he was more lucid. While he was tired this time, it wasn't bodily but mentally. Too many things happening at once that he couldn't process. "Knock yourself out," the First Son muttered after a time, ripping the cape from the top of his pauldrons and tossing it to the side to be picked up later.

You sound very unimpressed, but I guess you're used to the blood and guts.

Do you need any help getting out of that get-up?

[strikingly-rhys]

At least you're in a spectacular mood.

I am certain I will be washing demon blood from my hair for weeks.

Nevertheless, it is done.

[strikingly-rhys]

It was just about what I expected when it comes to fighting demons.

This is the point where I'd just say great teamwork, but that was...a lot.

[strikingly-rhys]

"Changing for the better doesn't reverse what they did or how I've felt most of my life." Rhys was now alive longer with the hatred burning in his veins than there was a time in which the hate wasn't present– a constant painful reminder that he'd now lived hundreds of lifetimes longer than his sister, who deserved to live more than him. The pure and kind-hearted sister with a hidden bite. His equal and opposite. If he didn't have this anger to hold onto, an enemy to face, then what was he supposed to do? "I'm not afraid of being a villain. All I want is to return my coven to the way it should have been and restore the balance no matter the cost– everyone around me has forgotten that when it comes to the Princes. If Celeste can't understand that, then she's not the sister I thought she was." Rhys' gaze cut away from Uriel as he spoke of the moment– a moment that even he couldn't forget, but it was a distraction, and he couldn't afford it. His hand moved to rub absently at his chest where the amulet that matched Celeste's would usually sit had he not thrown it away in anger. "You can't imagine your life without it, and I can't imagine myself with it," he finally replied quietly before he finally turned his gaze back to El once more, brows furrowed sadly, "I knew something was wrong with Celeste before she was taken– could feel it. Instead of confronting her about it and helping her with her issue, I allowed myself to be distracted. You're a distraction, Uriel."

Your parents made their choices, they have their faults, but they are changing for the better. Your father came back and your mother, well, she's trying to atone for her anger and her acts of revenge. And if they don't stay out of your way? Rhys, you cannot possibly tell me this obsession slaughtering the Princes won't make you into the villain. That Celeste will tolerate watching her brother destroy himself as he did centuries prior. Fine, though, if you want me to prove it and do so with action since you're so hellbent on doing something, then I will tell and show you. Days before Celeste was taken, you and I shared a moment while I was dropping off her spell book, do you remember that? I thought about that moment a lot and we both know it had nothing to do with seeing who could win the challenge. I wanted something I knew I shouldn't because I thought it would disappear eventually if I didn't hold up to standards. And now I cannot imagine my life without it.

[strikingly-rhys]

Being the First Son came with the territory of everyone wanting his attention at all times, to the point that he could hardly walk the streets without being accosted for some reason or another. His sister was far more elegant with the constant badgering than Rhys was, her temper having a longer fuse than his, but he still held his own, contributed to the coven plights, and even took over some aspects of leading that he excelled at. Yet the one person he sat in front of now, whom he realized he wanted to bug him, never did. However, it wasn't lost on him that he could feel eyes on him when they were in the same room, which was quite often with how much the other lingered. At the beginning of Uriel's friendship with his sister, Rhys didn't know what to expect, didn't know if Uriel was somehow sizing him up, comparing his leadership to that of his sister; he never realized that the other witch was looking merely because he wanted to. How things could change so quickly just because of a failed meditation attempt and a biscuit. Funny enough, any sort of change revolved around food when it came to the other witch. Rhys couldn't help but give a lopsided grin at the intake of breath he heard coming from Uriel, raising a brow as the other continued to speak. "Maybe I can't deny anything, maybe I can. I guess we'll have to see," Rhys managed to say before the words tapered off, taken aback by El's movement, his own eyes never moving away from the other witch's face as he touched him so casually. It was unexpected; no one dared unless it was for rituals or he instigated. This, though… wasn't unwelcome, leaving tiny goosebumps in the wake of Uriel's fingertips. "How about we start with this," the First Son finally replied, reaching a hand to trail Uriel's jaw lightly with his fingers before moving to rest on the back of the witch's neck, taking no time before guiding their lips together.

Uriel was in no way a prude who fumbled his way through any flirty edge the conversation takes. He would casually date within the coven, offering a few lovely evenings of the children his own age that other members pushed in his general direction. Mothers who believed he and their daughters made a perfect match or the fathers thinking their sons could rise the ranks by dating someone with a personal connection to the First Family. They meant well, but Uriel found himself always glancing Rhys' way if they were stuck in a room for coven meetings. Pondering the little things, what happened if their hands touched or their lips. A foolish fantasy distracting him from the chatter that arose from the collective of voices expressing witchy concerns. The train of this topic was veering off the rails and diverted past discussing a biscuit preference, but it could lead them at a point of no return. And if what happened next offered him and Rhys something that was straight out of a dream? He could not stop. "I've been renowned for my hearty appetite when the hunger strikes." Uriel sucked in a deep breath as Rhys leaned even closer, offering him the clearest view of the witch's complexion than he ever had. "I think we both know there will be a next time, First Son, you can't deny when you've had your first bite." El bravely reached over a hand and trailed his fingers lightly against Rhys' forehead to brush aside his hair before they trailed along the side of his face, tracing the other's jawline as he leaned in further. "Then tell me what you prefer right now."

[strikingly-rhys]

Rhys once wondered what it would be like to have more siblings, but he found he wouldn't care. The coven was basically his siblings with the role his father took, and perhaps that was enough for them at the time; however, their lives are long, and things could change. The First Son rolled his eyes, shaking his head though a small smile was on his face, "I have pretty good luck if I do say so myself." Rhys watched Uriel shift curiously until the other witch's words caused him to raise his brows in surprise. Rhys was prone to teasing those he was close to, and Uriel wasn't exempt, but this was venturing into a new line of teasing he wasn't accustomed to. It was honestly a new line of conversation that he didn't think he'd be taking with Uriel of all people. This was his sister's best friend, for pity's sake, but it didn't stop the way his heart hammered in his chest. He was nervous and knew they were no longer talking about biscuits, but he never backed down from a challenge, and Uriel's behavior change was posing as one. Edging closer just as Uriel had done, Rhys leaned forward, placing a chin in his hand before smiling cheekily, "You are always particularly ravenous when something delectable is placed before you." The witch hummed as his brain digested the question, gaze flickering over Uriel's face. "You're so sure of a next time, but to answer your question, yes. I prefer both."

"True, but your mother definitely would not hold any qualms of the notion when Zeke can't pass up the opportunity collecting more children." An image crossed his mind, the thought of Ezekiel giving him a bear hug and never releasing until Uriel accepted that he was formally his father. In a way, the older man stepped up much to his mother's appreciation. "Hey, that's not me sucking up, I'm being one hundred percent truthful. You may have found the right meditation partner if you're lucky." Uriel began picking at the top layer of his biscuit distractedly, wishing away the redness in his complexion, before his gaze shot back up. He had half a mind worrying over Rhys' minor choking if his answer didn't almost stun him. "Oh, that's curious." El lifted himself slightly and inched the pillow he was using closer to the male, taking his seat yet again. "I could swing either way depending on my mood and how hungry I am. Especially with what's placed right in front of me." The witch paused. "Do you prefer both? Just so I know what to give you next time."

[strikingly-rhys]

I know what it sounds like, and I don't care. My parents are not the parents you remember or who I know anymore– a father who's a coward and turned his back on us and a mother who fell prey to the Prince's corruption. Still, as long as they stay out of my way, I won't have to do anything. My only true enemies are the Princes and the King, and the Princes have use until they bring my sister back; then, it's time for them to go. I do what I have to, what I've always had to– you and Celeste will get used to it. This has nothing to do with want, Uriel. It has to do with action. You won't abandon me again? Prove it, then maybe I'll actually believe you.

That sounds like a lifetime's worth of cynicism and bitterness talking, you know that? Then you will truly be alone if you begin seeing everyone around you as your enemy, Rhys. Your parents, the Princes, the King, every person you genuinely believe is working against you, when will it end? I cannot possibly know what Celeste would think of her brother, but I understand her mind well enough to see how much it would hurt her as it is hurting me. I did leave you, yes, however I will stand before you as a witch who has been apart of your family and tell you until you get it through your head that I won't abandon you again. Even if you don't want me.

[strikingly-rhys]

Imagine living it. Happiness is the term of a fool—it doesn't actually exist; it's only an illusion waiting to be shattered, but I know I won't stop until everyone I deem my enemy is dead at my feet. Celeste isn't the one who had to live centuries without her twin. She didn't have to watch as our father walked away from my mother and me or when our mother chose the company of the Princes of Hell over her own son for the sake of watching the curse up close and then getting attached to them. You do not get to walk in here for the first time in ages and throw her name around like you get a say– you lost that right the moment you left.

It is wise forgoing harping on the past, yes.

Maybe I couldn't bare watching a family as close to me as my own implode on themselves, she would've wanted me to stay, I know that now. Do you think you will find the happiness you lost once the King has perished and you've returned your coven to its roots? Wait, she...she can't be brought back. Question for a different day, look, I'm not here questioning your methods or you, Rhys, I am here as your friend telling you that this isn't the person I know. I won't look down on him or demand he change by force when I'm aware that doesn't work, but I wonder if you considered what Celeste would think of this Rhys.

[strikingly-rhys]

"That sounds more like something my father would do. He wants to bring anyone he sees into the family." Seeing how much his father loved children and helping those around him, Rhys was always surprised that they only had him and his sister. He didn't want to question his parents about it unless it opened a can of worms he never cared to learn about. Yet, if Uriel had no family, Rhys knew his father wouldn't bat an eye before bringing the other into the fold of the Firsts. "He's not here, you don't need to suck up to him, El, but I don't know. It's my experience that meditation is and forever will be boring– but maybe I haven't found the right partner for meditation, that is." Rhys leaned back on a palm, using his free hand to nibble on the piece of biscuit as Uriel processed what he'd said– never seen someone get so beet red in the face so easily. However, Uriel's question caused him to inhale sharply; almost choking on a piece of the flaky bread that he'd sucked in quickly. "It depends on the person, I guess," he hummed in response before narrowing his dark gaze on Uriel once more, the corner of his lips pulling into a slight smirk before he shrugged. "I've seen people prefer both, it just all depends on the person. To each their own, I say."

"I do feel honored by her generosity. Would it be a step too far to think she would also legally adopt me if my mother doesn't mind?" Uriel knew he perhaps earned special treatment when comparing the other members of their coven, a select few could claim holding a close relationship with the First Parents and a place between the two inseparable twins. "The clouds part and heaven sings when your father is happy, Rhys. Meditation is better with a partner guiding the session from my experience." Visible confusion touched Uriel's facial features at the look, his previous sentence not clicking until it was too late to backtrack. He could feel his cheeks tinge a beet red as Rhys took his half, but he wouldn't clarify it isn't what he meant. The next statement that fell from his lips slipped out before he talked himself out of holding it back, "What if it's the right idea?" El's gaze dropped briefly before slowly meeting the First Son's gaze, "And what if I prefer the bottom instead? You always receive the most bang for your buck when you choose that."

[strikingly-rhys]

It's been a long time, Uriel, it's a little too late to speculate what ifs.

You think? Not all of us left to 'Eat, Pray, Love' the years away, El. I said nothing about happiness, I haven't been happy since the moment the demonic filth stole my sister from me but if watching the King die and razing my coven to the ground means a chance at bringing her back, then I'm going to take it. Are you sure you're going to stand by my side? Because it sounds like you're already going to question my methods. Question me. I am different, and you're going to need to get used to it.

It sort of matters when you think I wouldn't stay for you if you had asked.

The centuries certainly haven't been kind to you, Rhys. I want the devil eradicated as much as the next guy, it's just will killing him and taking your coven back really make you happy? Will striking down the current coven change anything? Rhys, you know I would stand by you all the way, but you're different.