Gathering Post

[lcrpg_npc]

The Queen's official birthday celebrations might wait for the better, brighter weather of June, instead of the actual date just passed, but there was no lack of things to do in London this week, even if it was cooler and damper than the week before. St. George's day festivities were scattered throughout the city, competing with celebrations of the four hundredth anniversary of Shakespeare's death. Getting around the city could be even more difficult than usual on Sunday, with multiple streets closed off for the London marathon.

There were exhibits - everything from graphic design to a survey of Sicilian history to the influence of underwear. And the same level of diversity could be found whether you were in the mood for music, theatre, good food, or late night fun. There was something for everyone, and no matter your plans - or lack of plans - you never quite knew what you were going to find, or who might find you.



[Week long gp! Tag in, tag others, and check in daily to see who's joined in.]

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[sauntereddownward]

"You don't intend to put them all back on, do you?" the demon purred.

[prince_of_nymphs]

Unsteady, Fin picked up his worn black jeans, trying to yank them back on, but finding himself a touch uncoordinated.

It was just because he was upset- Surely.

"So what was the pill? Sugar? Food colouring?" he asked.

[sauntereddownward]

"Arsenic," he answered. "I'm testing a theory."

[prince_of_nymphs]

Fin wasn't sure he believed that, but he did feel off- enough that tumbled off the bed to the floor as he tried to dress.

"I don't- I don't feel well," he said quietly.

The little pit of anger in him flared up, but it wasn't the usual slow build. It was sudden and sharp, and his heart reacted quicker than usual, beating so hard and fast that he doubled over.

"Will," he sobbed. "Will... Willy S-Sil-Silver."

[sauntereddownward]

"Let's don't take all the fun out of this so soon," Crowley said. As he spoke his skin changed to glossy black scales in preparation for an attack.

[prince_of_nymphs]

The spark inside, it hated whatever was happening to him, he'd never felt it so angry, never felt the heart beat so hard or fast.

He screamed in pain, it felt like he was being ripped apart from the inside, and blood dripped from his nose as he tried to sit up.

"Please," he whimpered. "Make it stop."

[sauntereddownward]

"You're so dramatic," he replied, then scoffed- "Actors."

Crowley climbed onto the bed and pushed Fin onto his back and pinned him in place. Then he kissed him, though perhaps kiss wasn't the right word. The viper drew his poison back into himself, though, and that was all that mattered.

[prince_of_nymphs]

The pain started to fade, but Fin was shaken.

"Why would you do that?" he asked quietly, his nose still bleeding in small, slow drips. "If Will senses I'm in danger, he'll come you know. We're bonded. He'll kill you."

[sauntereddownward]

"Do you really think I'm afraid of a fairy?" Crowley scoffed. "Bring him. Call him three times and watch me drag him to Hell, foul thing that he is. Unloved by Him, pure chaos. It's no wonder you don't like magic if that's what you've known."

[prince_of_nymphs]

Fin trembled, curling up on himself until he was practically wedged between the night stand and the bed. Tucked away like a rabbit cowering in its burrow.

What if Willy wasn't stronger than Crowley? ...If that was true he couldn't risk calling for him. He could only hope Crowley was bored now and would leave him be.

[sauntereddownward]

"Nothing more to say? Hmm?" Crowley asked. He turned his back to Fin and poured himself more wine. Wings spread broad behind him as the vintage filled the glass.

"You're really quite innocent of how the world works, aren't you? You don't see the poison in men's hearts, do you? Even experiencing it, you don't seem to be aware that it's all around you."

[prince_of_nymphs]

Fin didn't budge, but he did eventually speak.

"Perhaps I'm just hopeful that some of the good I try and put out into the world will eventually return to me," he replied, his voice softer than it had been before. Low, broken and tight.

[sauntereddownward]

"What a tragically naive way of thinking," the demon chuckled. He returned to the bed and sat on the edge with his wine.

"But maybe you're not wrong. I met a boy, not long ago, in Lower Tadfield of all places. He seems to have a good head on his shoulders- despite his lineage. He thinks something very similar. Perhaps there's something to be said about hope."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"No, I think tonight you've proven I am very wrong," Fin assured him quietly. "I assume that's what you wanted."

He was still shaking as he managed to get to his feet, hands unsteady as he pulled on his clothes. Fin was always sickly pale and just a hair too thin, but usually he carried himself in a way that made it less obvious.

Hunched over and trembling, however, he looked jagged and skeletal. A frail shadow of his usual self.

[sauntereddownward]

The demon chuckled softly and watched Fin dress. He sipped his wine and with very little effort on his part his wings vanished and his clothes appeared, all without having to move.

"Never assume things about demons, dear boy. It has been my experience that what men think of demons is really only what they know to be true of themselves. I wanted to ruin you, that's all. And look at you. Still standing."

[prince_of_nymphs]

Fin felt as though he might fall at any moment- Though he didn't say as much. Instead he simply reached for his phone and opened the Uber app.

[sauntereddownward]

"Going so soon? But, Finlay, we have so much more to do," Crowley purred, but he made no move to stop him.

[prince_of_nymphs]

Fin didn't trust himself to speak- And so he said nothing as he slipped out the door, prepared to wait in the cold for his ride to arrive.

He couldn't be in that room with that thing a moment longer.

[sauntereddownward]

Crowley saw no reason to stop him or hinder him in any way. They would meet again and he was certain that tonight's little encounter would haunt Fin for a while.