#✶【 𝐈𝐈. 】𝐒𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐏𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄. 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 ⸺ threads.

[helltoraise]

ㅤㅤㅤthe practice was standard ― 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 on damien's abode , a passenger driven by the coaster of emotion. ( BEWARE , 𝙾' 𝙻𝙰𝙼𝙱 ! DON'T LET 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙳𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙻 IN ! ) presence only announced by the echoing clicks of their heels , senses guiding helmin towards their 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙭𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 ; the sound of music twined with his signature scent an 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘺-𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘭 to follow.

ㅤㅤㅤno regard held , 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧 barges into the room ― ignoring damien's workflow &. momentum ― instantly tossing their fur-lined coat &. juicy couture bag aside , 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚛𝚗 𝚐𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 ; sore-worthy shoes soon joining the pile before helmin slumps onto the nearest 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚 , giving nothing more than a suspire for explanation. blood-lacking , a rarity ― 𝐚 𝐛𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐡𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬.

ㅤㅤㅤwithered in the fetal position ― 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘦𝘵 , gaze glazed &. focused on 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 ― it takes 𝚊 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚌𝚑 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚞𝚝𝚎𝚜 before the vessel finally speaks. ❝ can you … maybe , like … hold me ? ❞ further silence lingers on helmin's tongue , focus 𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙤𝙞𝙙 to feebly deviate towards him , wine-hued tears threatening to form on a 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 ; eyes shoot to the floor to blink the dew away , a consistent refusal to show emotions in his presence. ( WEAKNESS , THE OMEN CURSE OF REJECTION. PALE , WHITE FALTERING. )

ㅤㅤㅤsofter words cracking &. brittle ― as if choking back an atmosphere of tear-fall. ❝ i get if you're busy. can i , 𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵 , just lay here ? i don't want to go back to the motel right now. ❞ meaning &. truth hiding deeper , 𝚕𝚊𝚢𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚔 ; a mask still visible.

@damienstoker | ❤

[helltoraise]

ㅤㅤㅤtips of toes spinning round &. round , the rusting swing-set chain twisting like a coil ; 𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘨�� ― body a whirlwind. ( INNER CHILD RELEASED , A THRILL TO THE NONMORTAL ! ) feet grounded again , halting 𝗽𝘂𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗿 ― a short , spasmodic sound of joy escaping ; 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚠𝚋𝚎𝚛𝚛𝚢 𝚋𝚞𝚋𝚋𝚕𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚞𝚝𝚑 !

ㅤㅤㅤdimpled cheeks soften beneath moonlit luminescence , a nod of 𝙨𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙚 towards scout ; knowing she was likely to be plagued with questions , helmin's secret ― a flower only to bloom &. 𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡. ( SKELETONS BEST LEFT IN THE DIRT. ) ❝ thanks … maybe i'll take you with on my next trip. wind in our hair , 𝘨𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘰𝘥. it's the life ! ❞

ㅤㅤㅤeyes sportively roll , 𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗲-𝗶𝗻-𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 ; an 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 on the table , not expecting the fork to lift. ❝ that reminds me ! got you something at this weird shop. 𝙩𝙤𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙘𝙠 , so uber phat. ❞ hands dig in a cluttered purse , pulling out something 𝚝𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚞𝚎 𝚠𝚛𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚍. ❝ a 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣 rib bone. broke off a science-room skeleton or something. ❞ 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 , soft like lilies ; 𝚒𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚐𝚒𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚜𝚜𝚎𝚒𝚗.

ㅤㅤㅤhelmin's visage nods as they listen to tales of haunted ground , camera hanging around their neck coming up to 𝘀𝗻𝗮𝗽 𝗮 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘀 ― flashes strobing in the night. ❝ a teddy bear ? that's sweet , think he liked it ? ghosts have to get lonely , or like , 𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱. ❞ a glance down at 𝚌𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚏𝚛𝚊𝚖𝚎𝚜 , bare shoulders raised in surprise. ❝ oh , 𝘩𝘦𝘺 , look ! an orb ! right there by the slide. ❞ camcorder turned for the other to see , weight shifting closer to scout despite 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 from the 𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥.

scout didn't ask questions when it came to helmin's ghosting,she didn't think much of it but part of her wondered why the hell they were running off so often. her curiosity would get the best of her one day and she'd have to ask,but she'd save that for another time. right now,she just wanted to enjoy their company and bask in the moonlight.

❝ me too. and don't worry about it. i'm not gonna hound you on why you were gone. ❞she gave them a reassuring smile,letting them know she wouldn't be nosy though part of her was itching to know what was up. maybe helmin was a serial killer,scout thought,or just really good at sneaking off. who knew. only time would tell before scout would ask what was up.

❝ its really quite nice. you'd never guess if you didn't know. so uh,back in like,the nineteen hundreds,a little boy drowned in the near by lake,he's the one who haunts it. i've never seen him but i brought him a teddy bear once. ❞

[helltoraise]

ㅤㅤㅤalliance forged through 𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 , webs of underground connections ― knowing the right 𝘨𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭 that's friends with the correct 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙪𝙗𝙪𝙨 ― all for 𝚝𝚠𝚘 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 to meet. ( 𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙈𝙐𝙉𝙄𝙊𝙉 ; WAFER ON THE TONGUE , KINSHIP IN THE INHUMAN. ) both leveled on familiar ground , 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 ; gluttony quenched only through means of life &. it's gilded essence.

ㅤㅤㅤhelmin sent the other a simple text , ❛ 🩸 + 🥩 ? meet in an hour , usual place. ❜ location pinned ― a grove easily overlooked , tucked in 𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 &. veiled beneath needled branches ; the daemon early to arrive , adorned in 𝙨𝙣𝙤𝙬-𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙨𝙞𝙡𝙠 ― 𝚊 𝚌𝚊𝚗𝚟𝚊𝚜 𝚏𝚘�� 𝚊𝚛𝚝.

ㅤㅤㅤthe victim fatuous ― a face that wouldn't be missed. 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗸𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗲 , ren able to make others 𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙮-𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 with a mere gaze ; helmin , 𝘶𝘯𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 , remains 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗶𝘅𝗲𝗱 nonetheless. ( WINDOWS TO THE SOUL , WHAT LURKS THERE ? ) 𝚊 𝚍𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚕 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍𝚎𝚛 ― words sugar &. milk ; 𝘴𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵 &. 𝙨����𝙘𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩. ❝ you first. 𝗶 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵. ❞ flickers of a smile flow across carmine lips ― 𝘪𝘭𝘭-𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘥 eagerness palpable ; 𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚖𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚌 𝚝𝚊𝚌𝚑𝚢𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚒𝚊. 𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙚 did helmin feel times of 𝐫𝐚𝐰 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 ; 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘤𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮.

@wastrels | ❤

[helltoraise]

ㅤㅤㅤthe 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 of 𝘳𝘶𝘣𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘴𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘵 , an engine revving , 𝙧𝙝𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝙠𝙣𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙡𝙚-𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙨 shortly at scout's door ; a highway melody of foretold approach amidst mid-day heat. ( SHOW OFF ! ) no self-restraint 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁 𝗯𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝘁𝗲'𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 , knowing the location of an 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗸𝗲𝘆 ― helmin entering their friend's abode like 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭. ❝ it's time , byotch ! get ready ! we're 𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 this town. ❞ jingling of keys , 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚡𝚝 𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍.

ㅤㅤㅤsettling to stand in the doorway &. 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵 , 𝐝𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞 , free-hand perched on a popped hip , 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘆 𝗵𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 the dwelling scout called ❛ 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 ❜ ; opinions kept to the self. ❝ pack some bags and , like , bring something 𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗲. we're sooo hitting the clubs , got us some 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙧𝙨 from a grotsky dealer to make it 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘳𝘢 𝘴𝘢𝘶𝘤𝘺. ❞ lungs &. nostrils could hate them later.

ㅤㅤㅤclick of a keyfob , followed by a 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 honks , 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻 smirking at own antics. ❝ ever been to chicago ? and 𝗻𝗼𝘁 that 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘱 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘵. i'm showing you the real cult classics. ❞ a pause , heels stalking over to 𝘢 𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘦 , tilting the image for 𝗮 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄. ❝ wiener circle for hot dogs , no ketchup , neon green relish. 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲. berlin. the museum of surgery. woolly mammoth. even snagged us a room at 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥 , mega pricey but 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗮𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀. ❞ hidden intentions somewhere , truth withheld.

@morb1dg1rl | ❤

[helltoraise]

ㅤㅤㅤan 𝗶𝗻𝗸-𝗵𝘂𝗲𝗱 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 in a new place , passing heat of the day still felt in the pavement ; air fragranced with a now consumed sun &. lingering sweat as 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 with the ever-rising moon. this was a ❛ middle of the journey ❜ stop , headed further south ― drive halted by 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗵. dinner had no true pre-meditation like 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 , just a thrown to the wind plan to seek &. devour ; stalking typical prime hunting grounds ― places that attracted less then desirable crowds.

ㅤㅤㅤ𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 ― a pot of honey ― the demon used their 𝚎𝚕𝚍𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚌𝚑 𝚎𝚗𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚍 𝚋𝚎𝚊𝚞𝚝𝚢 to draw in a victim ; 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘢 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵. ( LIKE A FLY TO A WEB , THE WIDOW WAITING FOR OPPURTUNITY. ) persuading a man out of the bar was pitifully easy , dinner lured down a 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆𝘄𝗮𝘆 &. out of the public eye ― seduction 𝚠𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚌𝚎𝚋𝚘𝚜 &. 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚎𝚜. the backstreets a compromise for sake of haste. 𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵 pins the man to a brick wall , 𝘫𝘢𝘸 𝘶𝘯𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 ― snake-like , transformation audible ― 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙘𝙡𝙚𝙨 from the fiend's back with a flourish of blood ; this meal's adrenaline &. fear like spices from within , a meek sound barely escaping his throat.

ㅤㅤㅤ𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙙 with a shout to ❛ stop ❜ from behind , 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘂𝗻𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝘆 in helmin's confusion ; 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱 with experienced speed. a groan shakes the cage of the demon's ribs , turning on 𝙧𝙚𝙙-𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙨 to face the intrusion. ❝ 𝙪𝙜𝙝 , 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 ? ❞ 𝚌𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚛-𝚍𝚛𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚎𝚢𝚎𝚜 scan the figure now in front of helmin , 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱. ❝ can i help you , emo hannah montana ? i was a lil' busy. ❞

@spiderz0mbie | ❤

[helltoraise]

ㅤㅤㅤ𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐝𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 of 𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘱𝘰𝘶𝘳 on the roof above , stormed background ambience for the tucked-away scene ensuing out of public sight. a 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗳𝗳 emits in response to the stranger’s jestful razz , another 𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭 of pale eyes ― playing along while thoughts hushedly spiral. 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 , a moment of opportunity helmin could seize to feed , spared only by the factor of having 𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 &. intrigue ; 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 a 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 to stories best left untold. ( A FACIAL OF FRESH ICHOR TO DEW THE CHEEKS. ) 

ㅤㅤㅤidea 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚍 𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚊𝚛𝚋𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚊𝚕 , gaze straying from him &. 𝘨𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 at the sight of 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩-𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐝 nicotine ― eagerness kept 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗮𝘁. more words from the stranger , ones that stroke the ego  ; like a feline arching , 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎. ( A PURR CALLED FORTH , DEVOURING FLATTERY ! ) ❝ awww. you think i’m pretty ? ❞ sentence momentarily broken off , 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 taking a 𝘯𝘪𝘤-𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘬 from the offered pack. ❝ thankies ! ‘owe you. ❞ lit 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 themself with a self-bedazzled , 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔-𝚙𝚘𝚌𝚔𝚎𝚝 𝚣𝚒𝚙𝚙𝚘. slow drag taken in &. blown towards 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 , dry-ice crystalizing in the lungs , the opening blossom of an 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦 beginning on vermillion lips. 

ㅤㅤㅤhues raise back towards him , shoulders rolling out stiffness ― formed in the 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙧𝙤𝙬 𝙤𝙛 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙨 ; 𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚍 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚜𝚗𝚊𝚔𝚎-𝚜𝚔𝚒𝚗. ❝ you’re a salty morsel , huh. i’ve dropped my skirt for less. ❞ a spiked back jocular 𝘵𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘵 , the 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐤 dimpling a cheek. one thumb resting in a belt-loop , cigarette 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘺 betwixt two fingers , 𝗹𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗷𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 draped off exposed shoulders ; whale-tail breached from 𝚊𝚗 𝚘𝚌𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝚘𝚏 𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊��𝚑𝚎𝚛.

ㅤㅤㅤa crowbar of 𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐢-𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 ― prying as gentle as down-feathers. ❝ didn’t see me in the back of the meeting ? ❞ a singular brow scarcely raised , quizzical &. 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱. ❝ ― probaby didn’t. i ditched halfway. all that talking 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴 me … and there were no donuts left. ❞ a pause , ash tapped off like 𝗺𝘂𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗻𝗼𝘄 &. rubbed into already splotched flooring. ❝ plus , i walked here and i’m 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝘂𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘂𝗽 in the rain. ❞ sneering at the idea , 𝚜𝚖𝚘𝚔𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚙𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚊𝚐𝚊𝚒𝚗 , 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘅𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲 ; kiss marks on paper , french inhale. ❝ 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰 𝘲𝘶𝘰. why are you hiding away like a lil’ mouse ? almost everyone is gone. you could , like , 𝙩𝙤𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 pull the fire alarm and ditch. they wouldn’t even know. ❞ 

he should feel bad, sneaking into the backroom of this community center to smoke after his na meeting. but it was pouring outside, and he needs a smoke after these things. who wouldn't? he feels raw, stinging; he needs menthol to cool and soothe his wounds. his head is tipped back, eyes closed as he hears the soft knock, the soft parroting of the sound. the words leave his mouth before his eyes open.

he tilts his head at them as they slip in, lean against the door. "snitches get stitches," he teases softly, pulling the pack out of his back pocket. "saying no to a pretty thing like you? unheard of," he says, holding out the pack. "why are you sneaking back here, huh?" he was just as curious, just as nosey.

[helltoraise]

ㅤㅤㅤthe 𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐰 of love's grin sets in motion 𝘥𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘮 on poppy-flushed cheeks. ( HONEYED MILK DRANK LIKE COMMUNION WINE. ) a signet of augury , 𝚊 𝚍𝚎𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚋𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚋𝚕𝚞𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚍 𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚢 that only breeds fervor in boiling blood. the tinder of helmin's ego easily alit , sparked by easeful words &. the 𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 of feeling wanted. words like 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘣𝘴 on the demon's tongue ― 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐜𝐤.

ㅤㅤㅤsilence like smoke in stagnant air ― 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝘂𝘁 coming to a purse in playful vexation ; a draught of adoration. ❝ you're sooo cute when you pout. ❞ the 𝘪𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘴 of helmin's touch grazes under the other's jawline , shallow distance betwixt the two woven tightly together once more with a single step.

ㅤㅤㅤbrows knit momentarily , 𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗰 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 within a few blinks ; 𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘭-𝘱𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘩 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 from brief hibernation , followed with a tender chuckle. ❝ the blood is just an enjoyable side benefit. 𝘪 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 , ocelle. ❞ 𝚟𝚎𝚕𝚟𝚎𝚝𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚕𝚒𝚙𝚜 𝚙𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚝 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎'𝚜 𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚎𝚔 with a carmine stamp. ( CUPID'S SIGNATURE , XOXO ! A BALISTRARIA , FEATHER SOFT. ) ❝ i do understand you and , like , i feel like you get me , too. i spent 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 thinking i'd never find 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂. ❞ paused , weight shifting legs. ❝ you're special to me , there's 𝗻𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗶𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗲 now. ❞ half in jest , half ladled with truth. 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐫𝐚𝐰 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫.

they thought the room was cute   ,   in a campy, over - the - top sort of way   .   a way   LOVE   wouldn't use for their own space ―   maybe a heart - shaped decoration here and there   ,   with tasteful pink accents for selfish reasons and that would be it   (   much to people's surprise   ,   the cavity inducing sweetness she exude doesn't make it behind the privacy of her walls at home   )   .   she had wondered if   HELMIN   is listening to the stream of consciousness that tumbles past pink glossed lips about the way their meetings seemed to happen in less than tasteful places   .   but truthfully   ,   LOVE   didn't care much   .   he was just happy to be with them   .

LOVE :      (   a grin spreads wide when he has their attention once again   ,   exposing too many and too sharp teeth   ;   like an invitation and a warning   . . .   but he knows the other wasn't afraid   )      i'm happy either way   .   i just like seeing you   .

LOVE :      . . .   i feel like you understand me      (   they continue after a short pause   ,   a small pout forming when   HELMIN   moves away   )      though i do feel like you only like me because i happen to be covered in blood a lot   .

[helltoraise]

ㅤㅤㅤno resistance fronts at 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 , 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘬 to move into his arms &. 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 within a few shifts , ashen-smudged eyes flitting closed as relief washes over. ❝ thanks , hon-bun. ❞ 𝘀𝘂𝗲𝗱𝗲-𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘁𝗹𝗲 &. 𝙝𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙙 ; tongue recaptured by 𝚊 𝚏𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚜𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚜𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎. ( TWO POSSESSED SOULS INTERTWINED ! ) an ear gently pressed to his chest ― 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 , timing the beats &. pauses ― 𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗻𝘅𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 slow to an ease with each pulsation , 𝘴𝘺𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 ; a dance.

ㅤㅤㅤfinally a palm rises up , 𝘳𝘦-𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘨𝘢𝘻𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 , softly placed on his throat ― lingering for only a moment ; concern for 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 briefly 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁. ❝ you need 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 breaks. ❞ 𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚛𝚢 𝚜𝚢𝚛𝚞𝚙 , touch retreating to rest near helmin’s visage , 𝗯𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻-𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝗻𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 absentmindedly 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘬 ― teeth occasionally 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀. answers still void-hidden , a racing mind seen through grey hues &. a knit brow ; 𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘃𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 , knowing damien would not be the sole one to hear. 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛. 

ㅤㅤㅤ𝗲𝘆𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗶𝘀 , tides of emotion swaying to become replaced with 𝙪𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙨. ❝ if i tell you … and it gets used against me later ― ❞ the remark falls 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝘁 , 𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 : 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 , the star would be 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 to forget. ( LACKING THE STOMACH TO SAY IT ALOUD. ) lips purse , opening to talk &. 𝘴𝘩𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 , 𝚜𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚜. 

ㅤㅤㅤa sigh rattles from caged lungs , acceptance in the moment found , 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗱. ❝ i was working at the club , right ? and this guy came in , 𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘭 … but i recognized him. not me but ― ❞ helmin gestures at their own body , 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥 , flesh &. form not fully theirs. ❝ ― he’s from home. a 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴𝘵 my dad worked with. ❞ another pause , the very sentiment 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗯𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵. ❝ i tried to avoid him but he wanted a private room. requested me , and only me. ❞ features twist in 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 , fingers 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 balling the material of damien’s shirt.

ㅤㅤㅤ❝ i fucking eat creeps for 𝘧𝘶𝘯 and somehow this geriatric freak got to me. ❞ 𝙙𝙖𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 at the other , serrated &. sharpened , leaning back into damien’s arms ― face to face. ❝ he recognized me. not ‘liza. me. ❞ ( A COVER BLOWN , THE PREDATOR BECOMING THE PREY. ) fist clenches the fabric tighter , 𝚔𝚗𝚞𝚌𝚔𝚕𝚎𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗 𝚋𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜 𝚋𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚍. ❝ he threatened me. ❞

   stoker's recording session came to a screeching end as the studio room door slammed open with unnatural force. the door practically fell apart at the hinges and banged up against the dark painted walls with a booming echo, ruining his current take. defeated, his fingers fell from his fretboard and grabbed onto the neck of his instrument. he watched as helmin collapse onto his red loveseat couch.

   something was up. he has never seen helmin like this before and it concerned him. damien was unsure if it was hunger or if something was truly upsetting the powerful being. he awkwardly set his instrument in it's stand and paused the recording software. he then approached helmin without any fear. the musician took a seat beside their demonstration of mysterious sorrow. instinctively, he reached for them. damien pulled them to his chest and cradled their smaller frame against his body. his large arms snaked around the demon's, abiding in their simple request.

   damien's throat felt hoarse due to the intensive five hour recording session he was slaving through. he quietly cleared his throat.

   "you can stay here." damien replied calmly, his low voice raspy from doing his growls. "what's wrong, baby? talk to me."

[helltoraise]

ㅤㅤㅤ❛ strip ❜ . one syllable echoing in the night , piercing as 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 , vile benediction spoken like 𝙨𝙪𝙜𝙖𝙧-𝙙𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙙 ; potent enough to 𝚝𝚠𝚒𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚗𝚎’𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 , to lull it from them without wrest. helmin’s 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗹 comes in a string of staccato stitches ― opals of mirth , 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘺-𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥. fixed attention leaves for a series , taking in the pathetic sight of the prey. ( CAPER EMISSARIUS , AD CAEDEM ! ) ❝ ew. ❞ soft giggles are replaced with 𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ; 𝚊 𝚔𝚗𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚜𝚊𝚕𝚝 ― old 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙨 coming through like dandelions , laughter that could peel away layers of armor. they 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 if the insult resonated.

ㅤㅤㅤ𝚛𝚊𝚣𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚎𝚢𝚎𝚜 𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚍𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 ― returning to the prioritized other , gaze connected like ��𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 chain. a few steps closer , front row seats ― 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗻𝗲 ; a better view of the 𝘀𝗹𝗮��𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 ( … ) or 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳. stiletto acrylics follow ren’s path along own 𝗳𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗹𝗲𝘀𝗵 , breastbone heaving in 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯 with the ovis aries ; helmin’s intake a 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙣 ― 𝚑𝚎𝚍𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚌 𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚎. watching the exhibition with bated breath , appreciation for 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐫𝐭 heavily apparent in hues 𝘮𝘶𝘥𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘥 with 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 &. libidinous charge.

ㅤㅤㅤthe spotlight shifts , pallid meat gifted from 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 to 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁. like 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐦𝐮𝐳𝐳𝐥𝐞𝐝 , the fiend springs into 𝙞𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙚 action ; entranced to 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚋𝚎𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝚛𝚊𝚋𝚒𝚍. helmin’s grasp meets bare , perspiration-shined arms ― a hand forcing his face to greet theirs. ❝ playtime’s over , 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙙. i need you 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝. ❞ impatient palms shove their food to the ground , dropping &. crawling over the human 𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 , 𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗮𝘁 ― 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘣𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘭 ; pupils dilate wider , a 𝚗𝚎𝚠 𝚖𝚘𝚘𝚗. ( FULL &. OUT OF CONTROL. ) countenance above the lamb , grin threaded with 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗱 𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 growing ; teeth all beginning to elongate into fine pointed pearls. ❝ i want 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫. ❞ 

ㅤㅤㅤa 𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 , a show for a show , lissome digits coming up to coax thin dress-straps off ― 𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯 flowing down until helmin’s back is bare. the vessel an 𝐚𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐥𝐲 , metamorphosis violent , silk-cocoon made of 𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲. 𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 unfurl 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 porcelain flesh , spine outlined with helmin’s 𝗼𝘄𝗻 trailing blood ; corners of the mouth ripping &. supple features pulled apart in 𝚜𝚔𝚒𝚗-𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚜 , their jaw unhinging. 𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚊 𝚖𝚊𝚠 𝚘𝚏 𝚛𝚊𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚘𝚞𝚜 𝚍𝚊𝚐𝚐𝚎𝚛𝚜. zealous teeth do not hesitate 𝗿𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 into 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 ��𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘁. 

ㅤㅤㅤendless fangs to unpunctured skin , soft sinew separated &. torn with 𝚙𝚛𝚒𝚖𝚊𝚕 𝚏𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚣𝚢 ; mouthful after mouthful , ignoring 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱-𝗯𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 from 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘥 last words , only 𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙙 by such sound. umbra hair a 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥 , lifted with each 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐞 , lifeblood dripping down their chest &. chin ― 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗰 like 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙚. a holloway of 𝚝𝚎𝚎𝚝𝚑-𝚐𝚛𝚘𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚜 down the torso &. abdomen , canines chewing inmeats off piece by piece until the lamb’s movements cease , evoking a 𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘳 from the demon ; 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 saved for last , a fresh heart , chest-wall a safe of diamonds. the organ like 𝐭𝐨𝐩-𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐤 , desecrated comeliness restoring as 𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘸-𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘩 tear into the muscle. 

ㅤㅤㅤby the final swallow , helmin’s 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 is 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐦 , ichor-drenched fingers pulling their dress back up while 𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚑. the corpse left behind 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 appearing 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 anymore ― more so resembling lasagna with teeth ― some 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐝 with cavity viscera spilling out like ruby-ivy tendrils ; 𝚑𝚞𝚗𝚝 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚜𝚞𝚌𝚌𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚏𝚞𝚕. the daimon approaches ren again , pout &. entire front covered in 𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗲 , visage 𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 once in-front of their hunting companion. ( MERE INCHES AWAY , THE HIGH OF BLOODLUST ALL-CONSUMING. ) a thumb comes up , 𝘴𝘸𝘪𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 a dew-droplet of sanguine from the other’s lip , 𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁 ― eye contact firm. a brief pause , 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘢 𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬 , no need for thought in the moment ; 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧. ❝ kiss me , you animal. ❞ 

this  hunt  had  proven  lengthy.  a  drawn-out,  macabre  dance,  enticing  their  victim  into  a  false  sense  of  security.  they  were  friends.  buddies.  something  more?  whatever  the  poor  lamb's  beliefs,  they  lead  it  unquestioningly  into  the  slaughterhouse, and  with  a  shark-like  gaze,  the  predator  entraps  the  prey  under  a  hypnosis  that  renders  it  pliable.  humans  are  so  easy  to  bend  and  break.  do  so  willingly  when  caught  in  the  web  of  a  beautiful  monster.  as  a  testament,  a  single  purred  word  pushes  the  fool  into  action.

    “strip.”

the  sound  of  shuffling  fabric  and  pulled  zippers  is  a  welcome  song  that  ends  only  once pale,  naked  skin  is  left  exposed  to  the  elements.  unveiled  and  vulnerable  at  the  altar  of  their  combined  gazes,  the  man  stands  tall  and  remains  so,  enthralled  by  haunting  mesmerism,  as  his  body  is  circled  and  his  neck  gripped  tight  from  behind.  gaze  now  intent  upon  helmin's  face,  ren  seeks  out  hungry  eye  contact  and  makes  a  show  of  tenderly  cupping  stubble-lined  jawline  and  brushing  soft  lips  along  pulsing  carotid  artery.

sharp  canines  meet  little  resistance  before  puncturing  through  sweat-slicked  flesh.  a  gasp  of  pain  racks  the  lamb's  rapidly  whitening  features,  freezing  them  in  place  in  an  expression  of  shock  as  ren  digs  their  nails  against  straining  muscle,  maintaining  a  grip  that  renders  him  immobile  and  at  their  mercy.

the  feeding  is  a  messy  affair.  ren  wants  to  give  their  hunting  companion  a  show,  so  they  let  rivulets  of  claret  dribble  from  exposed  shoulder  and  down  heaving  chest  to  contrast  vividly  with  paling  skin  and  dance  within  a  nest  of  dark  chest  hair.  in  the  meanwhile,  enhanced  hearing  measures  the  space  between  heartbeats,  ensuring he's  still  alive  when  an abrupt  shove sends  him  stumbling  into helmin's  awaiting  maw. 

[helltoraise]

ㅤㅤㅤobscured goetic revelations came 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 to shining last helmin remained in this wayward town ; 𝘀𝗺𝘂𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 pipelining to 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 ― no attempt to cover such brutality. ( 𝙻𝙾𝙲𝙰𝙻 𝙷𝙴𝙰𝙳𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙴 𝚁𝙴𝙰𝙳𝙸𝙽𝙶 : 𝗠𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗜𝗣𝗟𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦 DISCOVERED , 𝗧𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗛 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗦 CLEAR ON THE BONES ! ) the hell-raiser fled ― states away , remaining there in 𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦-𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘪𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 for months , ego emboldened with each 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗮𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁. tracking the law's 𝘀𝗹𝗼𝘄 progress through newspapers ― 𝚌𝚕𝚒𝚙𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚔𝚎𝚙𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚑𝚒𝚎𝚜 , stashed away in a diary with a 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵-𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘬. distance kept until the cases were finally deemed mere ❛ 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 ❜ &. filed away ― 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗱.

ㅤㅤㅤscout was the first contacted once returned , the demon 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘺 finding 𝚎𝚡𝚊𝚕𝚝𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚘𝚏 𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚛𝚒𝚝 in the company of sentimental companions. ( JOIE DE VIVRE , FOLIE À DEUX. ) shared passions always reunited the duo , 𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗮𝘁𝗲 forever pulling them towards 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 &. 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝘁. the pair sitting in quietude , shrouded beneath the 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘷𝘦𝘪𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 &. the bosom of the 𝚖𝚘𝚘𝚗 ; no sound but the subtle creaking of old swings &. a 𝘁𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗻 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘇𝗲 ― until scout finally breaks the silence.

ㅤㅤㅤhelmin's visage turns , well-worn boots 𝙖𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙛𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙨 to ease the swing slower , the 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗻 lifting one corner of their cerise pout ― 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿. ❝ sorry for ditching 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙖 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙 , again , stuff came up ( … ) but i'm glad we got to do this. i missed you , too. ❞ 𝙢𝙤𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙜𝙣𝙖𝙬 at the inside of their cheek , some day the demon would have to 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯 to the one they called their friend.

ㅤㅤㅤ𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗱 𝗲𝘆𝗲𝘀 scan the area , taking in the 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 &. weighing the heft of the public's opinion , before their gaze drifts back on scout. ❝ mhm , it's serene. they didn't have playgrounds where i grew up. ❞ truth slipped between teeth &. tongue , 𝚊𝚌𝚌𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚔. ( A BELLADONNA'S BLOSSOM OF DÉJÀ VÉCU ! ) memory not their own , 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 from 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 helmin made their host. throat cleared , helmin quick to change subjects , returning to the origin. ❝ so , like , what's 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭 with it ? why's it haunted ? ❞

@helltoraise asked : 006, a swing set in an empty playground at night.

it'd been ages since she'd last seen helmin,and all that time she'd been itching to take them to this playground,rumored to be haunted. she knew they'd like the vibe,the spookiness of it,and of course it'd have to be done at night. they were sat on swings,just enjoying each other's company after a long time a part. scout was the first to speak up,a small smile on her face as she looked over at helmin.

❝ i've been wanting to take you here for like ever. it's really rather peaceful,despite the rumors. don't you think ? ❞it was quiet,the moon was shining above them,and it was a crisp slightly chill night,stars shining brightly with a twinkle to them.

❝ i came here once alone and i think it's better to bring a friend. i missed you a lot,you know. ❞