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thedevildomdaily · 3 years ago

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Demonic Possessions Chapter 7: Her Favorite Color

Note: Here’s the Master List for the full story. I recommend reading my stuff on my actual Blog if you enjoy OM! official music! Thank you so much for the support. Please let me hear from you in the comment section. I wanna talk OM!

Warnings: Swearing, NSFW (I told you I’d get to it soon lol)

“For the last time… I.DON’T. KNOW!!!”

It was another chaotic morning in the House of Lamentation. It was hard for Lucifer to believe that his home could become any more turbulent and disordered than it had been for the centuries that he and his younger brothers arrived in the Devildom. The arrival of the nephilim proved otherwise.

He sat at his seat in the dining room with his eyes closed, cup of coffee in hand; his posed as regal and reserved as usual, giving a false sense of calm. Lilly sat at his left, stealing a glance at him to see if he was going to do anything about the riot in progress in the attic.

The other residents looked up at the swinging chandelier, flinched at the occasional slamming of objects, and the slur of unbecoming language being exchanged between the eldest and youngest nephilim.

“I have a notion as to why their kind was expelled out of the Celestial Kingdom…” Satan said aloud as he took a bite of toast.”

Mammon scratched his head and looked at Asmodeus, “And why exactly are they try’n to kill each other this morning?”

“Oh!” The lustful demon chuckled, “It’s quite simple really. They are arguing over the color pallet of the room.”

“You’re tell’n me they are screaming over paint colors all mornin, wake’n me up so damn early!?” Mammon gritted his teeth.

“It’s kind of a big deal though…” Asmo explained, “The colors of your wall not only set the mood for the room, but also dictate the color of everything else in the room: curtains, comforters, accent pillows, rugs, the furniture itself...and then you have to consider the theme! Are you going modern, Victorian, futuristic? It’s actually a very serious situation. I remember when my bathroom was painted eggshell and not silverscreen! I was furious and nearly murdered my interior designer…”

Mammon stared at his younger brother, judging him for how serious he was about that incident. Lucifer had to intervene on the account that the designer in question was the royal designer in charge of the decor for social gatherings in the castle. Diavolo would’ve been upset if his designer was flayed to death.

When silence finally fell upon them, the brothers and Lilly sighed collectively before continuing the morning meal. Then entered Lena.

Mammon jumped at the door flying open near him. Satan, Belphegor, and Asmo laughed and teased their older brother’s reaction.

“Damn psychopath….” Lena muttered to herself with grit teeth as she pulled her chair back and sat down with extra force. She began to quickly grab at food, tossing it onto her plate, knowing she had to act fast before Beelzabub devoured everything.

The nephilim felt eyes upon her, but she didn’t address anyone at first. She just continued to get her food and began to eat.

With a mischievous grin, Amso was the first to break the silence, “Leee-nnnaaa...I missed snuggling with you last night…” He gave wink at her when she glanced in his direction. “Are you really okay with crashing on Lilly’s couch?”

“Not really, but it looks like I’ll be sleeping there for a while longer.” Lena stabbed into her scrambled eggs in anger, “Azriel has flooded my brain with so many decisions about colors and I’m about to scream…”

“And what was that a moment ago?” Mammon dared to ask.

A black aura formed around the nephilim and her eyes glared heavily at the second eldest demon, “A warning that apparently isn’t being heeded…” the greedy brother gulped and looked back down at his nearly empty plate.

“Seriously though, I’m so sorry. I’ve brought a lot of chaos into your home in the form of my brother…” her eyes raised to look at everyone and fell upon an indifferent Lucifer. “And sorry for waking everyone up so early this morning.”

“It’s okay...we’re totally used to this kinda of commotion...right guys?” Lilly responded, looking around to get others to join in.

“Oh um…” Leviathan’s face got red, “Y-yeah...usually it’s Mammon causing the Chaos...so this is really a nice change!”

Asmo and Satan chimed-in, agreeing with their older brother. Belphie yawned and nodded while Beel kept chowing down. It made Lilly calm down, glad her apology was accepted. Only Lucifer neglected to acknowledge or accept her apology. Well that and Mammon pouted at being picked on by everyone again.

************************************

Lena lingered in her last class of the day. She was looking at her phone, researching color options for her room. She promised her brother that she would reach a decision by the time she got back home to the House of Lamentation.

Not paying attention to where she was walking, the nephilim bumped into what felt like a brick wall. She quickly stumbled back and looked up. It was Lord Diavolo, accompanied by his stewart, Barbatos. Was everyone over a foot taller than her? No, the angel baby wasn’t.

“S-sorry Lord Diavolo!” Lena said with a clear look of embarrassment across her face. There was something about the prince that made her feel timid and jittery. Definitely unable to look him directly in the eye. It was so unlike her. “I should’ve paid more attention to where I’m going and not at my DDD…”

“It’s quite alright. The halls are empty now so the percentage of you walking into someone was extremely low…” he responded with a chuckle in his voice. He was always smiling and in good spirits. He also had this knowing expression in his eyes. Yeah, that’s what had her frazzled. His expression...and not those broad shoulders or the muscles that peaked through his school uniform shirt. Not his massive size and confident aura...and now she was staring at his tie.

“Miss Lena...are you okay?” he asked, seeing how she was spacing-out while glancing up at him.

“Oh uhm, I...I was just deep in thought about...COLOR CHOICES! Yes, color choices. I have no idea what to pick and I can’t go back to the House of Lamentation until I have or my brother will go off again…”

Diavolo chuckled and exchanged looks with Barbatos. The prince’s stewart gave Lena a very calming smile and asked, “If you don’t mind, may we see the colors you're considering? We could give you our opinion.”

Lena regained some of her composure and turned her DDD so the two powerful demons could take a look. “See, Azriel went overboard as usual. Now I know the difference between 99% of these colors; the tones lean to one side or another and the values vary going this way...I love color theory as an artist myself so it’s a really hard decision for either of us to decide on.”

Giving it a serious thought, Lord Diavolo took the nephilim’s phone to hold it closer. His large hand overlapped Lena’s, causing a deep crimson to spread across her normally snow white complexion. If he noticed, the prince didn’t give an indication. Barbatos smiled as usual and used his fist to cough slightly, catching his Master’s attention.

Looking back down at the blushing nephilim who’s arm was raised high at him and then to Barbatos, the demon prince chuckled and lowered his hand and gave an apology. “Well I’m not so versed in color theory, but these group of colors here really catch my attention. What do you think Barbatos?”

“A splendid choice.” he agreed, “And you might consider using these colors as accents once the room has been painted…”

“Barbatos is in charge of all decorating in the castle. His tastes are superb and he’s never let me down when setting up for events.” the prince boasted.

Lena thanked them both after looking at the colors they selected. “You guys are onto something with these. Thank you guys so much! I was afraid I might have to just camp out here tonight!” she chuckled.

“What are they onto?” A sudden voice boomed from the shadowy hallway behind the prince. Suddenly Lucifer came into view. He looked down at Lena with a hint of suspicion in his eyes.

“Oh Luci! We just helped narrow down some color choices for Lena’s room. We heard it’s been rather interesting at The House of Lamentation in the mornings over this…” Diavolo chuckled. His voice was deep and boisterous. Lena could drink in that deep laughter for eternity she thought to herself.

“My Lord, if you have time to pick Lena’s colors, then you have time to go over those documents I sent you….” the demon scolded. “Lena, you are without your escort so I will accompany you home now.” Lena had sent Levi away since he was in a rush to pick up an order of “great importance” from Akuzon before Mammon could get to it.

“Haha, looks like I’ve been caught by Luci!” Diavolo responded, scratching the back of his head. We better return to the student council room before we get in trouble Barbatos.”

“Thank you both again.” Lena chimed. She followed after Lucifer, but looked back at the two, mouthing the words “I’m sorry” to them both. The demons both gave her a smile and Diavolo waved at her before heading back in the opposite direction.

********************

Lena and Lucifer walked home in silence for the most part. It felt both tense and awkward for the nephilim. The demon was a man of few words it seemed and she didn’t know how to communicate with him. It bothered her, but he didn’t understand why.

“So uh…” she began, looking down at the ground

“Yes?” he responded, with almost slight irritation in his voice, “What is it you want to say?”

“Well, this morning...I apologized for mine and my brother’s behavior and disruption of your morning.”

Lucifer waited a moment for her to continue, but when Lena didn’t, he let out a sigh, “Are you worried by my lack of direct response to your apology Miss Lena?”

The way he asked that rubbed Lena the wrong way; there was a smugness in his voice that reminded her of the Council of Elders the Van Helsing’s worked with. They always treated her poorly because of not only her mixed race, but her gender as well.

“I wouldn’t say ‘worried’ per say..” she responded with her own level of annoyance in her voice, “I just think it’s rather rude. If someone goes out of their way to apologize for something, especially before anyone comments on it, it warrants a response.”

“And was my silence over the matter not a response in itself Miss Lena?” The eldest demon brother didn’t even look at her once as he spoke. It was becoming more infuriating and she could see why Satan and Belphegor were always talking about pranking him. She’d have to get in on it sometimes. Give them more daring options to annoy the hell out of this pompous ass.

“I guess it was a response. But maybe it could give an undesired translation…” she hesitated with a cocked eyebrow. Lucifer didn’t comment, but she caught him giving a slight glare in her direction. “I might take that silence as indifference to how much noise I may make in the morning. It may lead to me thinking that it’s okay to blast my metal….no dubstep music in the mornings while i do my workout routine before showering.”

There was a moment of silence as they approached The House of Lamentation’s front gates. Then Lucifer gave the most ominous chuckle that Lena had ever heard. It was the complete opposite of Lord Diavolo’s. “Was that a threat Miss Lena?” he asked rhetorically, “You really think I’d let you ‘blast’ that sort of abominable form of music before sunrise in my home?” He finally fully turned to look down at her with that intimidating expression.

Lena looked right back at him with the same expression. It was like a contest of wills and all she could think of was that this demon was nothing more than a pretentious asshole. And the way he looked down at her, both literally and metaphorically, made her want to stomp his foot.

“What are you two doing?” a sudden voice behind them called.

It was Beelzabub with a couple sacks of burgers in hand, with a single burger hanging from his mouth.

“Nothing.” Lucifer glared at his youngest brother. “And why are you eating all of that? It’s Satan’s turn to cook tonight.” He paused for a moment and shook his head before going on by himself into the house.

Both Lena and Beel just stood and watched him leave. “Your brother can be a real piece of work, ya know that Beel?” He blinked back in response for a moment.

“I don’t know what you two were talking about, but Lucifer doesn’t talk a whole bunch unless he’s scolding or directing us…”

“Ah, he’s a Mr. Bossy Pants type. I guess it’s in the name though, right? Avatar of Pride. He’s probably never admitted to be wrong about anything has he? She asked, walking slowly with the redheaded demon.

Beelzabub thought long and hard about it for a moment, “I guess not. I’m not sure he’s ever been wrong about anything...except with his actions towards Be- oh, nevermind that. It’s in the past.”

Lena put his response in a pocket in the back of her mind. Having a little insight on the head demon in charge that even manages to boss Lord Diavolo around is nice.

*****************************

“There you are! I tried to ask Levi where you were but he grabbed his Akuzon package bolted to his room.” Lilly shouted when Lena and Beelzebub entered the house.

Lena chuckled and explained what happened up until this point. This caused Lilly to sigh and shake her head. “Sounds like Lucifer alright. He’s just hard to read, but don’t take his comments or silence for that matter personally. It’s just how he is. You’ll get used to it after awhile. And who knows, he might start talking in multiple sentences after getting to know you better.”

“Ha! That’s assuming he’d ever want to get to know me. I can tell he’s just under obligation to all me to stay here. He’d toss me out given the first chance he got. It makes me even more happy to have Lord Diavolo in my corner…” Lena couldn’t hold back her dreamy sigh, which caused the human to chuckle. Yeah it was pretty damn obvious what the nephilim was thinking about.

*************

Both Lilly and Asmodeus accompanied Lena up to the attic to see what her brothers had accomplished. Apparently Zak had given up on his plans to assist in keeping his siblings from causing too much trouble. It was a full time job he truly wished he got paid for.

Asmo had attached himself to Lena, always holding her hand or wrapped his arms around her like she was a stuffed animal. She didn’t mind it. He was a super clingy, affectionate type. And he smelled absolutely amazing.

“My dear brothers,” she began, “I have returned, as promised, with my final decisions for the colors we’ll be working with.”

Asmo looked down, over her shoulder at the pallet, but not before glancing at her cleavage and giving a sneaky little grin. “Oh my, Leeee-na! I adore these colors!”

“Thanks! I couldn’t have made my decision without Lord Diavolo or Barbatos. They both have great taste…” Lena gushed. Lilly and Asmo looked at each other and giggled at their friend’s response.

Azriel, in a comedic dash, ran to his sister and took the DDD from her. His eyes widened as he studied her choices carefully. “Lena….who picked these?”

“Uh, oh that would be Barbatos. He’s quite talented isn’t he?” Lena nodded. She could tell her brother was impressed. He had that glint in his eye that was a combination of joy and admiration only an artist could have. “They told me he choses all of the designs for the Academy and the castle…”

“I will have to pick his brain when opportunity knocks...he does show a refine taste for style and harmonization of colors. And he was a genius with the values he suggested for the accents.”

Zak looked at their sister and chuckled, “Barbatos better watch out. Someone may have a Stan on their case..” Lena laughed and nodded. It was very seldom that their big brother complimented someone else’s tastes. Azriel could sometimes be even more of a snob than Lucifer.

“All the teasing aside, I’d definitely like to thank them for their assistance. And with the colors selected, do we officially have a game plan ready for this remodel now?” The female nephilim asked.

Azriel nodded, “Yes! Let’s get to work, people! We’ve got a job to do!”

Zak and Azriel were going to stay in the attic to work on the necessary repairs needed before any painting could be done. Asmo and Lilly volunteered to take Lena shopping for the paints. This was for the best so Azriel wouldn’t go into another shopping frenzy.

****************

When the trio returned home, everyone had already ate dinner and were going about their own business as usual. Asmo had texted Satan ahead to let him know that he and the girls were going to grab a bite from Hell’s Kitchen while they were out so he wouldn’t have to fend off Beel on their account.

They delivered the buckets of paint and needed supplies for Lena’s brothers to get started. “Don’t stay up working on this too late please. Get your beauty rest big brother… and you too Zak.” The masculine brother chuckled and joked about it some before resuming the work being done on the ceiling.

“And thank you both for taking me to the store and out for dinner.” Lena pulled Lilly and Asmo in a little hug before letting them go. Asmo held onto her a bit longer, being his clingy, flirty self.

“And what do I get for helping you today, hmmm?” he practically whispered it into her hear, purposely grazing his soft lips against the shell of her ear. He discovered that was one of the little nephilim’s weaknesses.

Lips suddenly pressed against his cheek, causing an instant rosiness. “How about that kiss?” she chuckled. Lilly just watched the two flirt and shook her head with a smile.

“Careful, he will be relentless with you now.” The human headed to Mammon’s room to hang with her bro, or to pester him at the very least.

“Maybe I want a little more than just a kiss Leee-na…” Asmo continued, pulling her into a full hug. Her right arm hugged his waist, but her other held a bag in it. “I did manual labor for you today…”

Lena smirked back, enjoying all the flirtation they shared. It was nice to be sought after, especially after an intense breakup she went through recently. “Well, I suppose I could give you a bit...more…” she teased him and used a bit of her nephilim strength to push the Avatar of Lust against the wall by his bedroom door. She stood on her tiptoes and gave him a direct kiss on the mouth, teasing him with the slightest moan, and sucking his bottom lip as she slowly pulled away. “And that’s all you get...for now my lovely.”

As she pulled away, Asmo let out a whimper. Not because he was weak to her, but because he was holding back his desires and his demonic urges. He really wanted to know what it was to fully experience a nephilim. “You’re so mean Leeee-na….” he pouted.

“I get that a lot.” she chuckled in response, “I do need to make a delivery before I get ready to crash for the night. I know my brothers won’t be letting me sleep in tomorrow.”

*****************

After a plethora of flirtations and teasing, Asmo finally retreated to his room. Lena smiled, biting her bottom lip as she walked away from the intense temptations he urged her with.

No, the nephilim had other plans that evening. In the bag she held onto was a gift for her guide and fellow nerd. She walked to Leviathan’s door and knocked. Of course there was an immedite request for a passphrase. “Leviiii..it’s me, Lena. you know I have no idea about Devildom Anime or manga yet. That’s why I’m here..”

There was a long pause before Leviathan opened his door. He hesitated before peeking around to make sure Lena was alone. He then slipped back into his room. Since the door didn’t shut in her face, she assumed she had permission to enter.

“So, you’ve returned from your filler quest for 6 buckets of paint, 10 paint brushes, and bonus loot?” The Avatar of Envy asked. It made Lena smile widely, understanding the typical MMORPG quest type he referred.

“That I have. And I’ve returned with my selected rare items of choice.” Lena held up and wiggled a bag before Leviathan. “I, alas, am not the required class for this prize. However, I did know a party member that is.”

Lena handed him the bag. Leviathan was at first reluctant to take it; his eyes peeked through his bangs at her for a moment before looking inside at these ‘rare items’. He acknowledged her reference. She was no mere normie after all. And when he realize what she was giving him, his face lit up like the Beacons of Gondor!

“OOOOMMMMDDDDD!!!! LENA!” he shouted, quickly removing the gatcha figurines from the bag. “Are you seriously giving these to me?! No way! This must be a sick joke…” he was almost in tears.

They were the other two ultra rare gacha figurines that would now complete the rare collector’s set he had been trying to get for the last two months. Lena remembered how excited he was when she got one of them by pure luck the other night and wanted to try for him while she was out tonight.

Apparently she did good. Lilly and Asmo had picked their seat and placed the orders for the table while she try-hard-moded at the gacha machine until she got the prizes she wanted. She’d accumulated a small audience of young demon children, giving them the prizes she didn’t want. It was quite the scene.

“So, did I get the right ones?” she asked hesitantly. She’d not oblige him with the details of how much grimm she spent getting those for him. She just wanted to thank him for being a great tour guide and opening up to her a bit more at a time.

Leviathan nodded, holding them, and trying not to cry. “ARIGATO!” he yelled and began to carefully remove each figure from their boxes. He already had the others on display with two empty figure stands awaiting these last two models.

He stood back in admiration. “There’s nothing like completing a full set..” he said aloud. He was unaware that Lena stood close to him on his left. He was in complete otaku bliss.

“Right...the full set. I’m so happy I could help.” she replied, causing Levi to let out a small yelp and go completely red from head to toe. “Hey, come back!”

He’d took a large step away from her and she moved in his direction. “Why are you avoiding me now? Do I smell like paint that bad?” Lena sniffed at her shoulder.

“N-n-n-o! You smell like rose and peonies and human sunshine…” Levi blurted. It made Lena blink and then smile, covering her mouth. “I-I just have major personal space issues, ok. I don’t get close to anyone, especially 3D females..i'll stick with my 2D waifus...I-”

He stopped talking, getting more embarrassed at admitting that to the female nephilim slowly approaching him. He felt like he would be betraying ruri-chan if getting any closer to Lena that what he already was.

“Do you not like...3D females?” Lena asked, taking a step towards him. It was a legitimate question to her. She’d leave him alone if he answered that he didn’t. But there was no response.

The statement Lucifer made earlier came to mind, “...my silence over the matter is not a response in itself…” Lena’s brows raised and she got it.

“It’s not that you don’t like 3D females...it’s that you’ve never gotten to be near them, right?”

“I-I guess so. I mean, why would anyone want to get close to a shut-in otaku nerd like me?” He responded, squinting his eyes shut.

Lena, however, furrowed his eyebrows, “Oh I dunno. Could it be because that shut-in otaku is really attractive, smart, hilarious when commentating on his brother’s antics, and really passionate and enthusiastic about what he likes?” she did not like it when people talked bad about themselves. She was the type of person to say ‘no, you are amazing af and here’s why!’

Hearing those compliments, Leviathan was shocked. Daring to open his eyes, the demon was face to face with the nephilim. Or as face-to-face as one could be with such a height difference. His body remained red and he couldn’t take his eyes away from hers.

“Leviathan, you have made me feel more at ease than anyone else in the Devildom. And it’s been wonderful getting to share my nerdy side with someone without judgement. Even when it’s playful, it can take its toll. I know that all too well.” Her hand reached for his. He flinched, but allowed her to take it.

“But I am a no good, dirty otaku that blows all of money on-”

“No! I don’t want to hear it Mr. And look who you’re talking to! I have a room back home, larger than your foyer with my collection of stuff. And did you see how much my brother and I spent on clothes. Pl-lease! You’re not the only nerd or over-spender. And tonight, I spent all my grimm on that gacha game without batting an eyelash. I-”

Oops. she spilled the beans on that one. She felt him return a solid grip on her hand. “You spent all of your grimm on the gacha...and gave it to me?”

Lena found herself looking away for a moment, “I mean, yeah. You’ve tried for 2 months to get that collection, and I had a natural talent for it...so I thought what the hell! Let’s complete that set.” She chuckled for a moment, looking at the bewildered demon. Who knew they could make such an expression. Or have such self-doubt.

Finding herself staring at Leviathan, Lena’s eyes left his own and focused in on his lips. He bit on his bottom lip nervously. “You seemed to gloss over my compliment of how attractive you are as well…” At that he shrinked more.

“N-no I’m not. Look at my hair…” he argued.

“You’re hair color is literally my favorite color...you’ll see soon.” The comment puzzled him just enough to lift his guard in time for Lena to kiss him on the lips.

“Wwwmmmgh!” Levi wanted to do his typical scream, but found himself in almost a daze as the nephilim stole his breath. She. just. KISSED. Him. Leviathan.

There were a couple of small kisses that followed, all leaving Leviathan speechless. Lena let go of his hand, observing his response. She wasn’t sure if a demon could go catatonic or not, but Leviathan was proving it to be possible.

“L-Levi….?” she whispered gently.

“Mmmmh-hmmm….” he squeaked.

“Are you okay?”

“Mmmmh-hmmm….” he squeaked again.

“Did you...like it?” Lena asked, finding herself feeling a little less confident in the moment. She’d never had this sort of reaction before. Did demons like kissing? Asmo was the Avatar of Lust, so maybe he was an exception?

Finally there was another “Mmmmh-hmmm” response. Leviathan did like the series of small kisses. He REALLY liked them. He was just so shocked that a beautiful, 3D female actually did that.

This response made Lena smile with relief and excitement. Not thinking, she hugged him, placing her head in his chest. “Oh, I’m so glad. I thought you were appalled by that. I-”

She paused, hearing the sound of a freight train within the demon’s chest. That proved A. Demons in fact had hearts and B. They could beat insanely fast under the right circumstances. And those circumstances at the moment included kissing, hugging, pretty much any direct physical contact. Oh yeah, and her large chest pressing against him. Leviathan was probably about to die any moment now.

“Le-Lena…” he whispered awkwardly, “L-let go..please…”

“Uhm, sure. Sorry…” She pulled away. She didn’t realize she had him pressed against his closet door with no room to move.

Leviathan took a deep breath and went to sit in his computer chair. She watched him silently stare into nothingness for a moment and eventually went to take a seat on the side of his bathtub bed.

Before she made it over there, the demon reached and grabbed her wrist, stopping her in her tracks. It was a firm grip at first but he instantly loosened it up. He was all sorts of nervous and she found it completely endearing.

“That was...amazing.’ He finally said, “I’ve never…...that was amazing…” He was trying to communicate his feelings despite all of his embarrassment.

“It was...your lips are incredibly soft…” Lena chuckled.

He peeked up at her, almost irritated like it was an insult instead of a compliment.

She sensed that and quickly continued, “It makes me want to do it again...and again…” She bit her own, looking down at him. She knew that he was clearly super sensitive, which she could work with. He was so cute and she met every compliment she gave him before.

“Do you want to kiss me….more? For real?” Leviathan hesitantly asked. He knew he wanted to kiss her. A lot. It was just so hard to imagine she would do such a thing with him. Maybe it was a spur of the moment and she wasn’t thinking when she did it. Was it an attempt to make him feel better. Surely she couldn’t have any feelings for him.

“Absolutely, Levi-kun…” she replied in a sweet, yet seductive tone. She realized during this silence he was overthinking things.She stepped closer, then sat down on the demon’s lap.

Instantly he squirmed, never imagining something like this would happen to him in a millenia. A beautiful 3D, real creature sat in his...LAP!

“I want to kiss you a lot...and maybe do...this and that…” She whispered into his ear, similarly to how Asmo did to her before. She knew he’d get that typical manga line.

“Th-th-th-th-this a-a-and THAT!!!?” he shouted.

Lena chuckled and placed a finger over his lip to quiet him down. “We can start with kissing for now Levi. I just want to make sure you’re consenting and really want to...I’m not pressuring you at all…”

“P-pressure? No pressure!” Levi responded, staring at her. He was distracted about, well, everything: The feeling of a person in his lap. He really had to keep calm about that. The feeling of her chest against his again. “I...just..this is..”

“...New?” she finished for him. He nodded rapidly. “Well then, if that’s the case, I’ll just help you get used to it.” Lena leaned against him and planted a kiss on his cheek and then on the mouth. The demon almost threw her onto the floor, surprised by the sudden kiss again. It was hard for her to keep from giggling at his reactions. She enjoyed them a little too much.

The two of them continued to practice getting used to the kissing and touching the rest of the night. She wasn’t sure if he was a complete virgin or just out of touch since they age so slowly. She would never dream of asking him directly and decided to take it slow on him.

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nclkafilms · 6 years ago

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At the bottom of the bottle of fame

(Review of ‘A Star Is Born’)

Fame has always been an interesting and often explored topic in films. However, it seems perhaps more relevant than ever in today’s society where fame comes and goes as quickly as the click of a mouse on a like or subscribe button. While A Star Is Born explores a deeper sensation of fame than that of modern day “YouTube fame”, it tells a touching story of the evanescence and fragility of fame and the celebrity life that seems more desired than ever before. But it truly wins when it focuses on the personal consequences of this in a relationship. This story combined with a proper mix of seriously unique selling points (Cooper’s directorial/singing debut and Gaga’s first major film role) has perhaps made A Star Is Born one of the most hyped films of late 2018. Does it live up to the hype of being one of the year’s best films? No. Is it still one hell of an entertaining film experience? Absolutely!

The story starts with country singer Jackson Maine (Cooper) delivering yet another succesful concert with a packed audience giving him their full attention, appreciation and admiration. While this picture perfect portrayal of Jackson only lasts for this single scene, his touring life still stands in huge contrast to that of waitress Ally (Gaga), who struggles with her boss and an early revealed, suppressed musicality and ability to tell stories. As so often before in films dealing with fame, two people meet by coincidence and the seeds for an artistic and romantic relationship are sowed with all the possible advantages and flipsides quickly emerging one after the other…

In his role as director, Cooper constantly balances on a knive’s edge between his story being stale and “old news” and it being refreshing and unique. Thankfully, he never loses focus and control of the film’s tight-rope walking. One of the main reasons is an absolute stellar cast, who performs the story with an authenticity, sincerity and emotion that brings the film’s message home and then some. In the centre of it all is Cooper himself as the alcoholic, inconstant Jackson Maine and Lady Gaga as the resilient, slightly naive and heartfelt Ally. They both deliver powerhouse performances that have earned them well-deserved praise and recognition during the awards season. Additionally, a very strict and effective editing along with one of recent years best film soundtracks help A Star Is Born becoming a great film experience.

As Jackson Maine, Cooper delivers a hard-hitting turn as a drunk, unbalanced and, yet, caring man who battles deep, personal demons. You can feel Cooper’s personal experience with abuse and the desperation and/or gloom that follows in the shadows of every decision you make when facing such struggles. You believe the character and you cheer for every ascent and gasps in despair and hopelessness at every down trip. You feel his love for his music and perhaps more than anything for Ally, and yet you are left with the same frustration as everyone around Jackson feels when the abuse gets the upper hand time after time. Perhaps the most well-rounded of Cooper’s four Oscar nominated performances to date (following Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle and American Sniper); certainly the most emotional and personal.

Opposite of Hollywood usual, Cooper, Lady Gaga forces her way to the very top with a resounding power and sincerity that is not only persuasive but simply jaw-dropping. It is clear to see that she has become Ally in the process of making this film; in many scenes it simply feels too personal and too natural to be acting. An impressive feat from the almost silverscreen debutant. Her singing is, of course, top class but her acting is actually what really shines here - especially through an almost out-of-this-world chemistry with Cooper. Their relationship feels so authentic and you really feel that the stakes are high as you witness the ups and downs of their shared story. Their chemistry is easily one of the film’s strongest assets.

Finally, the supporting cast is filled with equally convincing performances with the quartet of Sam Elliot, Dave Chapelle, Anthony Ramos and Andrew Dice Clay standing out from the rest. That Sam Elliot has received an Oscar nod for his turn as Jackson’s brother might be a bit surprising considering the size of his part (and some of the snubs in the category), but he brings a vulnerability to Jackson’s character that wouldn’t have been there without Elliot’s experienced performance. A scene featuring Elliot’s Bobby and Gaga’s Ally towards the end of the film is particularly strong and delicately acted out. Chapelle is likeable as Jackson’s friend, Ramos is a perfect cast for Ally’s colleague and Dice Clay is perhaps one of the film’s true home runs as Ally’s father who faces a constant battle between his longing for fame and his unconditional love for his daughter.

Where the film shines in the acting department, I feel it lacks quite a bit in the writing. The story is recognisable and as such quite predictable; the acting deserves praise again for making the stakes higher than the writing makes them. I like the idea of skipping a lot of time to show the rapidly changing celebrity life, where the distance from the very top of the mountain to the bottom can seem shockingly short; a notion that both Gaga and Cooper clearly have experienced themselves in real life. However, I feel like some calculations are lost in the story that would have been interesting to explore. While the story does go further in exploring the devastating aspects of its characters’ choices than for instance Bohemian Rhapsody, I still feel that some of their obstacles could have been given more focus in the script to make the stakes even higher and the conclusions even more emotional. I feel like this is what is missing to make storyline truly soar.

Where the script misses out on giving the characters a full-blown story to tell, the songs (which for the most of them are personal playlist material) take over - to some extent. They work almost like songs in an actual musical with the lyrics often commenting directly on what has just come before it. Something that I (for obvious reasons) did not realise until seeing the film, making the songs even greater of course! The songs are delivered with expected top quality from Gaga and surprisingly high quality from Cooper whose voice is lovely and a perfect fit for his character. Once again their chemistry is what makes the songs soar higher than the story itself. “The Shallow” is the mega hit that is one everyone’s lips and has scored one award after another. While being a great song, I feel like this is the “City of Stars” (La La Land’s big hit taking focus from the arguably stronger song, “Audition”) of this film in the sense that it takes all the credit without being the best song. To me, the standout songs here are “Always Remember Us This Way” which plays at a crucial time in the film and the film’s final, heart-wrenching song “I’ll Never Love Again” (the one deserving the awards, in my opinion) gracefully performed by Lady Gaga pouring her heart and soul into the song.

With A Star Is Born, Bradley Cooper has delivered a flawed but still truly great first film, which follows in the slipstream of fame centred love stories in recent years (Broken Circle Breakdown, La La Land and Bohemian Rhapsody). However, it works best when it is focusing on the personal relationship between Jackson and Ally and the way their relationship is influenced by mainly his decisions and actions. Here the film delivers some equally endearing and heartbreaking scenes. Its story of the rapidly growing and fading nature of modern day fame is less convincing without ever being bad or mediocre for that matter. Cooper has given a fresh take on a classic love story arch and to redefine that story is impressive in itself and well worth a viewing.

4/5

#Oscars #Oscars 2019 #Academy Awards #Films #Movies #Film Review #Movie Review #A Star Is Born #Bradley Cooper #Lady Gaga #Sam Elliott #dave chapelle

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sinemaveriteofficial · 8 months ago

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My Life Story

I was born to a middle-class family in NYC in 1899, the second of four children. I had a quite normal upbringing; my parents were very kind and understanding, and I was close with my siblings despite our occasional quarrels.

I've always had some concept that I seemed to experience the world differently than my peers. My interests and preferred conversation topics were considered too advanced or boring to relate to classmates and neighbors. I did endure a bit of bullying in elementary school, but Lewis put a stop to that very quickly.

I did reasonably well in school, graduating high school in 1918. During my senior year, I told my parents about my discomfort living as a female, and desire to create a more authentic life for myself. My parents were wonderfully supportive of my wishes, and helped me as much as was possible.

In spring of 1919 I finally had everything prepared to move. Once I left, taking my new documentation we had created, my parents held a funeral for their eldest daughter. They buried an empty coffin in a grave with my birth name.

I wrote a lovely eulogy under my new identity, with the pretext that I was a man that the deceased had been courting, and my parents saw me as a son because of this, giving an understandable reason for us to maintain a close relationship rather than severing ties.

Knowing I wanted to pursue a career as an actor, I moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. The film industry was smaller there than in New York, but still a very viable opportunity for a young actor. The environment was perfect for me; lively, and populated enough that I could blend in with the crowd. I was able to rent an apartment on my own, finally fully independent.

However, with so many people packed so densely, there were always those who were looking to take advantage of the unaware. They lurked in every shadow, waiting for someone they deemed an easy target. Everyone knew they were there, and everyone sober enough to remember knew to avoid them. But eventually, in 1924, one bastard made the last mistake of his life.

I had spent the evening on the town, drinking and dancing with a couple of friends. Our darling Lily was quite the lightweight. She loved partying, but the girl couldn't hold her liquor no matter how much she tried. We had left her alone for a moment; I had gone to get another round of drinks while the others danced, leaving sweet Lily, too drunk to dance, to hold our table.

That was the last time I saw that gentle girl. When I returned to the table she was no longer there. I asked one of our companions to check the washroom while I stepped out to see if she had gone for fresh air, only to see her leaving in a taxi. I never saw anyone with her, so I assumed she was calling it an early evening and going home safely.

However, the next day, the news broke, her name in the headlines. She had been found by her roommate, assaulted and slaughtered in her struggle to save herself. The night after her funeral, I swore to all things holy and otherwise that I would make the bastard that did this pay.

And make him pay I did. He never harmed anyone again, after that. Neither did my next target, or the next after that. It was incredibly therapeutic, really. Their begging, their screams… It makes the results all the more satisfying, the more they fight to live.

I know, so many have said it's tragic, a waste of human life. But these pieces of shit were far more useful in death than in life. I promise you, I'm not one to be wasteful. I only left enough to identify the dead, as their families and victims should receive that closure. I allowed the first one to be found, though; that was a message, on Lily's behalf. It was the only warning I allowed for the others.

Unfortunately, it seemed that I began getting credit for deaths that were not my doing. There were announcements about a serial killer, listing off those I had killed as well as others I had not. Either the news was getting trigger-happy over every unconnected death, or I had a counterpart in the city.

I suppose it was inevitable, really. If I believed in a higher power I'd say it was fate. We first met in a dingy speakeasy, drinking and dancing the night away. We ended up dancing together, then talked for hours, into the small hours of the morning.

We parted at closing, presumably strangers never to meet again. I found my next dinner on the way out that night. He was incredibly bold, pressing me for a proposition in clear public. So, I decided to allow him to follow me home. He was a bit lean for my preference, but a poor dish is an small sacrifice to get him off of the street.

I was just getting started taking care of him, when I realized my window had been opened and someone had entered. I went to check on it, leaving the creep tied in my kitchen. When I returned after finding nothing, I saw the man from the speakeasy standing in front of the creep, holding a knife and smiling but looking rather surprised.

After several awkward minutes, I found out that he was responsible for the deaths that had been confused with my work, and vice versa. He stayed that weekend with me, helping me dispatch and clean up our shared interest. We found we had even more in common than we realized, and a friendship formed.

As I write this I find that it sounds incredible cliched and corny, but after that night he was always part of my life. Neither of us trust or care for others easily, so there were several months of tentative friendship and testing the waters. But within the year we were as thick as thieves. Be it working up a target, a night out on the town, or a quiet dinner at one of our homes, we found ourselves happy and comfortable together like neither of us had been before.

With all this given, is it really so surprising that we ended up in a committed partnership? We both knew that we weren't the romantic sort, but it was very logical to make the decision to work to maintain such a rare relationship as what we had. Eventually we moved into a nice little house together, a close pair of bachelor friends as far as any outsiders were concerned.

That arrangement worked beautifully for years, the closest thing to domestic bliss that a pair like us are prone to. But it came to a terrible end in 1933. He had made a kill, and left to dispose of the remnants while I cleaned up at home. He was always prompt, always precise, but that night he was late returning.

I waited, assuming that an acquaintance had stopped to talk to him on his way home. But as the hours passed my dread grew. I fell asleep by the door, still waiting and hoping to wake to him walking in with a smile and a cheery explanation of the delay. But that never came.

What did wake me was a sharp knocking, so harsh and unlike him. When I answered the door I was met by a policeman, asking to speak to me. He asked me questions about Al, about his work and his hobbies. Eventually the reason for his visit came out.

Al was dead. Found burying human remains, and shot by an elderly hunter in the dim light mistaking him for a deer. I never thought that one could experience heartbreak without romance, but I learned otherwise that day.

I carried on for years, always doing everything I could for his memory. I was more ruthless than ever. I kept my mask in place for my daily life, always the actor. But I was slowly losing control of myself in my extracurricular activities.

I believe the only reason I was never caught was because I had become so erratic. My methods changed so drastically that law enforcement assumed I had to be a different person. I made kills outdoors, picked up targets in far too public places, even left behind tools. But eventually I would rejoin my dearest in the grave.

In March of 1938, nearly 5 years after the greatest pain of my life began, I found my peace. I finally slipped up; I discovered too late that the target I had just killed lived with his police officer brother. The brother came home as I was beginning to work up the body, drawing his pistol, and… I woke up in a strange place, with a different body.

Once I realized I was in Hell, I was able to find Alastor easily enough as he was already making a name for himself as a rising overlord, a story most everyone knows well. There's little to tell beyond that; Hell has been much the same for the near century we've been here, the only real changes being the rise and fall of overlords as newcomers make their way.

Alastor made his way to the top, every new soul he owned bringing more power. At some point, I'm not sure how many decades ago now, we decided it ebe prudent to legalize our partnership as a failsafe in case misfortune were to befall either of us. As part of our marriage contract I signed him my soul, and took partial claim of those that he owned then and in the future.

We were once again content for many years, until his recent unannounced sabbatical. Again I found myself left behind, picking up the pieces of our life and managing a small empire without him. With him gone his souls and responsibilities fell to me, which I dare say I handled dutifully for the better part of a decade.

I was beyond ecstatic when he returned, however. I am not fond of being an overlord myself, and everything besides those responsibilities I had let fall away. I'm not ashamed to admit that I was a broken man, being the one remaining for the second time.

But, he did return this time. And together we are rebuilding our status, reminding the masses why we were so feared. We've also been investing a great deal of time into our new project, helping young Princess Charlie Morningstar create and run her Hazbin Hotel.

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sinemaveriteofficial · 8 months ago

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Full Name: ..... Ira Cross (Birth surname was Golden, you don't need to know my given name at birth).

Background on Name: I chose the name Ira as it was the male name my parents had chosen prior to my birth. The surname Cross was my mother's maiden name.

Nickname(s): Sinema Verite

Nickname Background: I needed a new title once I reached Hell, to avoid unwanted connections from my previous life. So I chose an amusing play on words relating to my former career.

Birth date: January 6, 1899 (Died March 12, 1938)

Birth place: New York City, New York, USA

Age: 125 (Died at 39)

Visual Age: Early-mid 30s

Zodiac/Astrological signs: Capricorn Sun, Scorpio Moon, Leo Rising

Blood type: Unknown.

Social Class: Fairly well-off. Being married to a powerful overlord certainly comes with its benefits. (Middle-class in life.)

Religious Values: Raised in a loosely Christian environment, agnostic in life. But religion is for the living; I have my answer about the afterlife.

--- Gender: Male (assigned and raised as female)

Height: 5'8

Weight: Around 160lbs, not that that's anyone's business.

Body type: Stocky; strong, though chubby.

Race/Species: Formerly human, now wolf demon.

Eye color and Shape: Round, somewhat hooded.

Glasses/Contacts?: None

Hair color and Style: Black, straight hair. Mostly kept slicked back aside from a small section on the left.

Fur color and Area: Gray. Covers my ears and tail, with a small stretch around the back of my neck and very top of my upper back and shoulders.

Additional Appendages: Claws, wolf ears and tail.

Skin tone and type: Light gray. Very even and clear as I am meticulous with its maintenance and care,

Favored Clothing Style: Casual suits, though occasionally I may forgo the jacket and keep only my waistcoat in particularly informal settings.

Why?: Because it is proper, and what I prefer to wear.

Least Favored Clothing Style: Anything overly casual, as nearly all of today's fashion seems to trend towards.

Why?: Because it is disrespectful to others. Such dress shows a lack of concern about one's presentation.

Important/Usual Accessories: I don't believe there is anything particular? Though I wear a wristwatch, if that would be relevant.

Tattoos: Absolutely none.

Story Behind Tattoo: Not applicable.

Piercing(s): None

Scar(s): None that would be relevant to anyone aside from myself.

Other Marks: None that I'm aware to mention.

Predominant Features: My overall color scheme. Myself and any items i hold appear completely grayscale to others, just as in my films.

Visual Health Level: Healthy. My dearest certainly has kept me well-fed; his culinary sills are exquisite.

Spending Habits: I'm certainly not careless or extravagant, but I have no concern about money.

---

Strengths: I have claws and very sharp teeth. But, amusement aside, I do prefer to avoid direct combat. If necessary, I do have some powers that prevent more physical altercations.

Weaknesses: I'm quite sensitive to noise, scents, and sudden visuals. My more dramatic powers also partially stem from my partner's, so if we are both utilizing them it reduces my power significantly.

Weapons: I can conjure film reel, which can be used to bind or strike.

Habits: I don't believe I have any particular fighting habits.

Familiars/Summons/Pets: I do have a pet, Lapin. Though I'm not quite certain how to describe him. I suppose he is somewhat feline, and around the size of a smaller medium dog.

Fighting Style: I did participate in some casual boxing during my life. I would say that when I am forced to fight, my style draws from that.

Old Injuries: None that affect my abilities.

Movement Issues: I'm certainly no athlete, so I suppose compared to some I am a bit stiff and restricted.

Speed: I am quite fast when necessary, but not so much that would be particularly noteworthy in comparison to many others.

Agility: Well I may not be any sort of acrobat, but I'm certainly not tripping over my own feet. As long as I'm firmly standing I'm very agile in my movements.

Strength: Nothing to write home about, though I am a bit stronger than people tend to assume from my stature.

Stamina: I can hold my own, but physical combat is not my forte. I will tire with extended physical exertion.

Defensive Ability: I come back from taking a strike, but I can't ignore or push through major hits. It will knock my back before I regain my composure.

Magical Ability: I am able to conjure and utilize film reel, teleport using shadowshifting, and open minor portals. Much of my own power draws from my partner's owned souls, so it is rather dependent on variables such as the number of souls and whether he is also drawing on them.

Planning/Strategic Ability: I would consider myself a very thorough strategic person. I like to have even small things planned out beforhand.

Memory: My memory is excellent for most important topics, but I am also prone to forgetting small and mundane things.

Luck: I'm not cursed, but I wouldn't say that I'm any more lucky than any other average individual.

Reaction Speed: I am proud of my fast reactions. I have quick reflexes, and am quite skilled at fast responses to my environment.

Learning Curve: I seem to be quite hard-wired for pattern recognition, so I tend to learn quite fast.

--- Alignment: I'd say this depends on your perspective. Those who I don't care for would consider me Lawful Evil, while those close to me would see me more as Chaotic Neutral.

Occupation: I do what I want. I've had many different roles since my death, currently I am the Advertising Manager at Hazbin Hotel. (In life I was an actor, still fairly early in my career but with great opportunity.)

Love Interest(s): No thank you. I am married, but Alastor and I chose to commit to our partnership based on shared interests and values, not volatile feeling. Besides, neither he nor I are the romantic type.

Likes: Films from my life's era, dancing, performing

Dislikes: Most modern music, television, cowards, entitled people

Fears: Abandonment, weakness, dependence

Wishes: Success, respect

Personality: I am polite and sociable, but very closed-off to all but my closest relationships. I always endeavor to make an excellent impression, avoiding making enemies without due cause. However, I truly trust only a small handful of individuals. I value manners and propriety very highly.

Favorite Color and Why: Green simply because it's a nice color, and red because it's always been Al's best color.

Favorite Music and Why: Jazz; it can be soothing, as well as invigorating.

Food: ..... Do you really want to know? I rather doubt that you do. I'll just say Al's jambalaya.

Literature: Mystery novels are my favorite.

Expressions: I'm not certain if I have any that I use noticeably more.

Favored Expletives: I certainly use common phrases from my living time often (e.g. horsefeathers), but I have no qualms about using any harsher expletives.

Manner of Transportation: I prefer to walk. I didn't mind cars, but I'm not fond of these modern ones.

Hobbies: Film analysis, reading, and some others you'd probably prefer I don't add.

Favorite Childhood Memory: My older brother returning home after Boy Scouts meetings and teaching me the things that he'd learned there.

---

Song: Perhaps "No Strings Attached" by Swingrowers.

Taste: ... Is this really a question you want me to answer? I taste exquisite, thank you.

Smell: I have a very specific cologne that I've used for decades now. It is primarily cedar and musk, with notes of pine and mint.

Representation in Psychic Endeavors: I don't believe I have any particular gift of this sort.

Myers-Briggs Personality Type: ISTJ-A

Enneagram Type and Wing: Type 1, Wing 9

Character Flaws: Violent, untrusting, standoffish, socially selective

Mannerisms: Very performative, large and dramatic gestures, many small fidgets and quirks

Darkest Secret and Who Knows About it: Now I don't believe you all have any right to know that. Al is the only one who does.

Personal Triggers: I find firearms extremely unsettling, especially pistols.

---

Extra Notes: While I am verbal, others cannot typically hear me without assistance. My dear's staff can receive and project my voice easily, and if needed I can put my voice through any nearby radio receiver/speaker, though that takes a bit of effort.

Family Members, and relationship with each: Harvey Golden (Father), Loretta Cross Golden (Mother), Lewis Golden (Brother), Viola Golden Snider (Sister), Ervin Golden (Brother)

The template that I filled out for this is from @rpedia

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