[ the smile on his face is lopsided and maybe a little bitter too. he knows that it wasn't a god that damned him, at least he is pretty sure that it wasn't, but it is still a point of contention in this conversation. one worth noting. which clearly Rook does, eyes fixed on Jiho as he stares.
this is-- strange. it isn't like his confrontation with Kwang, or his usual exchange with Ros or Junsu or Adder, it is-- something new. and Rook is pretty sure he is supposed to do something but he doesn't know what. doesn't know how he is supposed to navigate this without sex because that is usually what people want from him.
but Jiho doesn't and--
and fuck, Rook is confused by that but also so fucking pleased.]
You know, I have met a few angels in my time, was almost friends with one actually, and people always think that they are these bright and brilliant beings with fluffy white wings and halos of light. They forget that the angels are the warriors, the protectors and the defenders. The soldiers. They wield swords and shields and never wear white because they are often covered in blood.
[ there is a point to this honest. he gives Jiho a look. sharp, knowing.]
Demons seduce, they charm and flirt and lure. We don't get messy, we don't look damned. We often look pretty and pure and nice. But don't for a second believe it, Jiho. You are more angel than you are demon, more defender than seducer, you aren't damned and barring you making a deal with the devil herself will never know damnation. So when I say I want to help, I'm trying to redeem myself. Just a little.
[ a sigh, Rook curling into himself a little. ] This house, these beings, they are good in so many ways. And if I can help protect them, I want to do that.
[why is it so much easier to curse than say anything meaningful. at exactly what moment in his life were the sharper words that cut his own tongue before they cut someone else preferable to softer ones. somehow things got all turned around for him, like the way he used to yell at myung and fight with him, instead of just admitting that he was worried about the other's bad habits. that he cared about what happened to him.
and now he sees it happening with rook, when for some reason he finds himself avoiding and insulting instead of...fuck, what does he want to do instead? jiho looks at him and he thinks he should want to crawl into his fucking lap. he doesn't, not really, and jiho assumed that meant he had no feelings at all for the demon.
a part of him knows better. a bigger part of him is still confused as fuck.]
Maybe I am an angel. [inwardly he scoffs at the very idea, almost as much as he's confused and a little pleased that rook would even compare him to one. but then he thinks about it a little more.] I did as much when my brothers were at each other's throats as they did. Those warriors, those protectors, they never appeared. So now, I'm doing this, and if making a deal with the devil kept this house safe... [jiho grits his teeth, and this time he makes it.] If it kept you safe? I would sign that line without a second thought.
[rook talks about redemption, the desire to protect, and jiho understands. he understands that on almost a cellular level. but how can he? he looks at rook and away because he can't stand the thought of him in those shadows.]
You've already given me a better weapon than I had.
[ Rook hums at that, the 'maybe I am an angel' because he could see it, he could, Jiho with his bright hair and scowl on his face ready to protect whomever it was that needed protecting. that was just how some being worked. and it was clear that Jiho was one of them, even if there was so much bitterness in him. Rook wants to gather the other close, as if that might manage to sooth the rough edges.
but he doesn't, like so many other things he just listens and remembers. feels something warm curl when he is included in the wanting to be kept safe.]
No. No deals, one demon is enough in this house. I will help you as I can. I can get more weapons too, that is easy.
[ he nudges Jiho again. ] Maybe even find you an angel blade, wouldn't that be fitting.
One demon is probably enough. Especially one like you.
[no bite in him this time. his lips are even touched by a smile, one that comes unbidden, one that jiho drops when he realizes that it's there. it comes with that same touch of panic, like he's showing too much, or feeling too much, and like either is the worst idea ever.
jiho glances down at the point of contact between them. what would he do if rook gathered him close? he doesn't even know that. he's divided on whether or not he wants to find out.
[ that smile, no matter how small, settles in Rook's bones. soft but there and it makes him feel warm. and not the kind of warm that comes with hellfire, or the blooming sensation of lust in him but something-- softer. kinder.
it's strange.
so Rook doesn't think on it, just huffs and hangs his head as he reaches for his tea with a barely there smile.]
I would never waste such delicious tea! [ a hum as he takes a sip, eyes tracking Jiho as he goes to sit down again.] And I like to think that, as far as demons go, I am one of a kind.
Mmm probably for the better, there are just as many who are total assholes honestly. Demons did get their rep fairly.
[ and he might just pause a little with the cup of tea held to his lips at that because, oh that is--- nice. fuck, all of this is nice. he doesn't know how to deal with nice, with the swirling warmth that has nothing to do with lust or want and he just wants more of it.
I wouldn't be able to stand it. I'd have to find some way of stabbing all the others until there's only you.
[the weirdest...compliment? flirtation? fuck, even jiho's not sure. the tea is still hot enough that it scalds his tongue a little as he drinks it, but that's better than saying more.
he doesn't feel entirely in control of himself at the moment, and he knows it isn't rook doing anything to him either.]
[ as it turns out, demons of Lust can in fact blush when they are complimented in way that they never expected by people that have tried to stab them before. this is something that Rook had been unawares of up until now but hey, now he knows.
he also knows that he will blame it completely on the tea that he is trying valiantly not to choke on at the moment as well.
nothing to see here, totally fine. yes.]
Uh... I don't know honestly.
[ he has a few ideas. but--]
I think....I think it has to do with what I can remember. And who made me. Most demons start farther down the chain of command, have to spend longer in hell and... I didn't.
[a day that jiho will never forget. maybe they had a Moment he was trying to murder him. jiho watches him, as much trying to figure out what the problem is as anything.
he didn't know that he was capable of making anyone blush either. maybe they'll both learn something.]
So...you think someone important turned you into this?
[jiho frowns into his cup. if that's the case, maybe they are still around.]
[ for a moment, Rook doesn't answer that. is quiet as he sips his tea and looks at Jiho. thinks about what he knows of him and the questions he asks and what it can mean overall, but--
Rook isn't one to lie.
he hums and looks into the tea, feet kicking back and forth a little as he speaks. ]
I don't know who made the decision that I became a demon, made the deal or spell or judgement call, but I know which demon worked it out. [ woke up on the icy floor of Dis with no real memories at the time and a fire under his skin that burned.] I don't suggest seeking out the Leviathan though, Candy Crush. Only one being can kill him, and she's missing.
[so he does remember something. jiho wonders if rook doesn't actually remember more than he's letting on, in part because he'd rather just forget.
rook isn't wrong about knowing jiho's thoughts. but for now it's just a fantasy more than anything. if he ever actually found a way to get at them - well, then that might be something to worry about.]
Leviathan. [jiho snorts at that name.] I met a guy once who called himself Mr. Big. Guys with names like that, they're always overcompensating. ["mr. big" wasn't, and he wonders if this is leviathan is as unkillable as rook believes he is.]
Do you know what animal is the most deadly? [he looks at the demon, cheek resting against his fist.] It might surprise you. It's mosquitoes. Tiny little annoying things like me.
[ he remembers waking up in Hell, but human life and things that lead to his being damned, those are kept from him. maybe he will learn of them eventually but-- not now. he does snort though, at the connection to mister Big.]
...ah, he is the Leviathan, Jiho. The giant sea serpent that will writhe and boil the seas at the end of time.
[ a pause. ]
Apparently.
[ though he is sure that he is as immortal as he has been told, he has seen the damage that he can take, knows what he is capable of. still, not important. especially not when he chokes on laughter.]
I wouldn't-- [ sputter ] You're not annoying, at all.
[okay, but fuck whey didn't he see that coming. the tea starts to go down the wrong pipe, and jiho saves himself before bursting into a coughing fit, but he still has to clear his throat.
jiho glances his way, feeling a little...annoyed. flustered. something that puts a shade of color lighter than his hair on his face.]
You'd enjoy it too much. [that's it, jiho. pull yourself back together. get back in the game.] Next thing you'd want me to be sucking from you all the time.
[ no idea, but Rook looks almost concerned for a moment before he just looks a little smug behind his mug of deliciously made tea.]
Mmmhmmm, I mean biting can be enjoyable in the right instances. But only if all the parties are into it, same with the sucking.
[ they should... probably get off this topic shouldn't they. hm. ]
I really should get you an angelic blade if I can find one, though you would have to promise not to stab me with it since it would kill me. [ pause. ] Pretty sure it could do considerable damage to Ros too.
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[ the smile on his face is lopsided and maybe a little bitter too. he knows that it wasn't a god that damned him, at least he is pretty sure that it wasn't, but it is still a point of contention in this conversation. one worth noting. which clearly Rook does, eyes fixed on Jiho as he stares.
this is-- strange. it isn't like his confrontation with Kwang, or his usual exchange with Ros or Junsu or Adder, it is-- something new. and Rook is pretty sure he is supposed to do something but he doesn't know what. doesn't know how he is supposed to navigate this without sex because that is usually what people want from him.
but Jiho doesn't and--
and fuck, Rook is confused by that but also so fucking pleased.]
You know, I have met a few angels in my time, was almost friends with one actually, and people always think that they are these bright and brilliant beings with fluffy white wings and halos of light. They forget that the angels are the warriors, the protectors and the defenders. The soldiers. They wield swords and shields and never wear white because they are often covered in blood.
[ there is a point to this honest. he gives Jiho a look. sharp, knowing.]
Demons seduce, they charm and flirt and lure. We don't get messy, we don't look damned. We often look pretty and pure and nice. But don't for a second believe it, Jiho. You are more angel than you are demon, more defender than seducer, you aren't damned and barring you making a deal with the devil herself will never know damnation. So when I say I want to help, I'm trying to redeem myself. Just a little.
[ a sigh, Rook curling into himself a little. ] This house, these beings, they are good in so many ways. And if I can help protect them, I want to do that.
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and now he sees it happening with rook, when for some reason he finds himself avoiding and insulting instead of...fuck, what does he want to do instead? jiho looks at him and he thinks he should want to crawl into his fucking lap. he doesn't, not really, and jiho assumed that meant he had no feelings at all for the demon.
a part of him knows better. a bigger part of him is still confused as fuck.]
Maybe I am an angel. [inwardly he scoffs at the very idea, almost as much as he's confused and a little pleased that rook would even compare him to one. but then he thinks about it a little more.] I did as much when my brothers were at each other's throats as they did. Those warriors, those protectors, they never appeared. So now, I'm doing this, and if making a deal with the devil kept this house safe... [jiho grits his teeth, and this time he makes it.] If it kept you safe? I would sign that line without a second thought.
[rook talks about redemption, the desire to protect, and jiho understands. he understands that on almost a cellular level. but how can he? he looks at rook and away because he can't stand the thought of him in those shadows.]
You've already given me a better weapon than I had.
[rook's done his part. he's done enough.]
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but he doesn't, like so many other things he just listens and remembers. feels something warm curl when he is included in the wanting to be kept safe.]
No. No deals, one demon is enough in this house. I will help you as I can. I can get more weapons too, that is easy.
[ he nudges Jiho again. ] Maybe even find you an angel blade, wouldn't that be fitting.
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[no bite in him this time. his lips are even touched by a smile, one that comes unbidden, one that jiho drops when he realizes that it's there. it comes with that same touch of panic, like he's showing too much, or feeling too much, and like either is the worst idea ever.
jiho glances down at the point of contact between them. what would he do if rook gathered him close? he doesn't even know that. he's divided on whether or not he wants to find out.
he goes to sit down at the table again.]
I make good tea. Don't let good tea get cold.
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it's strange.
so Rook doesn't think on it, just huffs and hangs his head as he reaches for his tea with a barely there smile.]
I would never waste such delicious tea! [ a hum as he takes a sip, eyes tracking Jiho as he goes to sit down again.] And I like to think that, as far as demons go, I am one of a kind.
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[or...any at all, not counting rook. he should leave it at that.
he doesn't.]
But there's no doubt in my mind that there's not another one like you.
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[ and he might just pause a little with the cup of tea held to his lips at that because, oh that is--- nice. fuck, all of this is nice. he doesn't know how to deal with nice, with the swirling warmth that has nothing to do with lust or want and he just wants more of it.
hopefully the mug hides his smile.]
Wouldn't that be horrifying if there were....
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[the weirdest...compliment? flirtation? fuck, even jiho's not sure. the tea is still hot enough that it scalds his tongue a little as he drinks it, but that's better than saying more.
he doesn't feel entirely in control of himself at the moment, and he knows it isn't rook doing anything to him either.]
Why are you different?
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he also knows that he will blame it completely on the tea that he is trying valiantly not to choke on at the moment as well.
nothing to see here, totally fine. yes.]
Uh... I don't know honestly.
[ he has a few ideas. but--]
I think....I think it has to do with what I can remember. And who made me. Most demons start farther down the chain of command, have to spend longer in hell and... I didn't.
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he didn't know that he was capable of making anyone blush either. maybe they'll both learn something.]
So...you think someone important turned you into this?
[jiho frowns into his cup. if that's the case, maybe they are still around.]
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Rook isn't one to lie.
he hums and looks into the tea, feet kicking back and forth a little as he speaks. ]
I don't know who made the decision that I became a demon, made the deal or spell or judgement call, but I know which demon worked it out. [ woke up on the icy floor of Dis with no real memories at the time and a fire under his skin that burned.] I don't suggest seeking out the Leviathan though, Candy Crush. Only one being can kill him, and she's missing.
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rook isn't wrong about knowing jiho's thoughts. but for now it's just a fantasy more than anything. if he ever actually found a way to get at them - well, then that might be something to worry about.]
Leviathan. [jiho snorts at that name.] I met a guy once who called himself Mr. Big. Guys with names like that, they're always overcompensating. ["mr. big" wasn't, and he wonders if this is leviathan is as unkillable as rook believes he is.]
Do you know what animal is the most deadly? [he looks at the demon, cheek resting against his fist.] It might surprise you. It's mosquitoes. Tiny little annoying things like me.
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...ah, he is the Leviathan, Jiho. The giant sea serpent that will writhe and boil the seas at the end of time.
[ a pause. ]
Apparently.
[ though he is sure that he is as immortal as he has been told, he has seen the damage that he can take, knows what he is capable of. still, not important. especially not when he chokes on laughter.]
I wouldn't-- [ sputter ] You're not annoying, at all.
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[and this is the same attitude he would give the leviathan himself, irreverent to the beast's face because that's just the kind of asshole he is.
which is why rook's laughter and words surprise him. jiho arches a brow.]
Come on, I haven't been that nice to you.
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the smirk on his face is probably warning enough about how ridiculous his words are about to be but-- well he doesn't care.]
Mmm, you also haven't bitten me, what kind of terrible mosquito are you huh?
[ close calls with knives don't count at all. gotta be teeth okay. and really, he says it just to see the look on Jiho's face.]
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jiho glances his way, feeling a little...annoyed. flustered. something that puts a shade of color lighter than his hair on his face.]
You'd enjoy it too much. [that's it, jiho. pull yourself back together. get back in the game.] Next thing you'd want me to be sucking from you all the time.
[well that didn't help at all, wow.]
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Mmmhmmm, I mean biting can be enjoyable in the right instances. But only if all the parties are into it, same with the sucking.
[ they should... probably get off this topic shouldn't they. hm. ]
I really should get you an angelic blade if I can find one, though you would have to promise not to stab me with it since it would kill me. [ pause. ] Pretty sure it could do considerable damage to Ros too.