When love became an act of defiance

[prohibitions]

I hear your heart beating in your chest
The world slows 'till there's nothing left
Skyscrapers look on like great, unblinking giants

Comments

[prohibitions]

[Continued from here]

[prohibitions]

The concert hall is a large and lavish building; not that New York was ever lacking in such buildings. Still, there was always something particularly nice about buildings meant for the arts. Something that still always gave a certain rush of excitement and adrenaline to the musician.

For all the annoyance that his gifts brought him at times, he still found enjoyment in much of his life. Music being a huge part of it.

Cain stood outside and off to the side of the building as he took a drag from his cigarette. A breather between talking to person after person. Socially, he was already quite tired and there was still an hour or so before the actual recital. Physically, he already was quite ready to turn in the day. Mentally, his head was pounding and he was tired of all the rabble that went through his mind. Emotionally, he was elated.

He idly wonders if Jonathan ever found the ticket he had hidden in one of his jacket pockets. It was no loss to him if it was never used. He was always given a pair of tickets to give to loved ones to attend, but he found that he rarely used them. His brother's time was limited and their visits to each other had to be carefully planned, so it was always a toss up when they could attend these things. Cain didn't have particularly close acquaintances outside of his brother.

Perhaps that's a tad depressing, but he didn't care much about it. He left the ticket with the other on a whim. Whether or not they decided to attend was really no consequence to him. It was a full house outside of that and it's not like he told the other he had left the ticket on them anyways.

He continues to smoke his cigarette idly as he watches people enter the concert hall. He should head back in soon himself.

[corcotta]

Finding the ticket to the recital was a happy sort of accident. Jonathan was checking his pockets from the suit he had worn from that night while he was getting ready for work only to find it stashed in one of them.

He spent a good portion of time just staring at it and the clock, wondering if he should go before deciding of course he should. Calling out of his shift for the night wasn't suspect after he explained getting jumped yet again the night previous, much less severe than the night Cain came to his rescue. He'd much rather relax than stress about doing his job right to the best of his current ability.

Jonathan stood out like a sore thumb in front of such a lavish building while the crowd continued inside. He'd visited beautiful buildings like this before for other events but he was either working or tagging along with his family, this was probably one the first times he was here on his own because he was invited.

He slides his hand into the inside pocket of his suit and pulls out the ticket, just to look it over again. He's not sure why he feels so nervous about being here, yeah he might see Cain after the show or before if he's lucky but maybe its mostly because he doesn't know what to do in such settings as this.

Everyone around him looked ridiculously fancy and proper while he just looked like this was the first time ever attending an event like this. He even got here with a whole lot of time to spare which may prove difficult to pass the time with.

[prohibitions]

Jonathan probably smells Cain before he sees the other. The sweet scent of vanilla sticks to the other quite a bit and he easily had smoked a cigarette or two just recently.

Cain was walking up the steps of the concert hall. He was dressed sleekly in a three piece. The jacket was more of a coat with tails and was a solid black. The man seemed to get stopped every so often and converse with the others. There's always a polite smile on Cain's face as he speaks, but the smile didn't quite reach his eyes. He was merely going through the motions and thanking people for attending and making small chat.

He can't help but run a hand through his hair after another couple greets and chats with him before they continue up the steps. Cain considers another cigarette already if only so people might stop talking to him.

Abel AU

[prohibitions]

[prohibitions]

Abel Emil Remington. He was a terribly successful man and at such a young age too. A successful businessman and has a certain talent in politics. A prodigy in magic. From his family to himself, no one can deny that the man is nothing but gifted, successful, and seems to have everything he could ever need or want.

A large file had been given to Jonathan detailing everything about the man from official documentation to medical files to his daily schedule and his agenda for the upcoming month. It wasn't so much a bodyguard job but more being a valet for a public figure with high ranking. It was a ridiculously well paying job where it really boiled down to making sure a "spoiled brat actually followed his schedule" or so it was worded.

Jonathan was lead to a lavish and spacious room that was connected to Abel's room. It was already furnished and basically had anything the other might need. It was mentioned a maid would be dropping off dinner at six and that there was a door with no locks that lead to Abel's own room.

If Jonathan settles down and decides to check on Abel, he'll find a simplistic room. It was a stark difference to the more antiquated look the estate had. It was more modern with a minimalist look (there also seemed to be far little in terms of personal belongings). The man in question was sitting at his desk with countless paper floating around him as he looked over documents.

There was a rather sad look to the man. Despite his young age, there was a certain age in his eyes that one shouldn't have and there didn't seem to be any life in them if one were being honest. He just looked tired and rather sad.

He doesn't even look up from his paper when the other enters. Doesn't greet the other in anyway. It seems like he doesn't bother to acknowledge Jonathan's presence at all.

[corcotta]

If Jonathan was being honest, he wasn't sure what to entirely expect when he accepted the role, thinking it was just another bodyguard role that he was accustom to. When a large file was handed over to him, he realized it was much more than that. He had never been given so much responsibly before but with the pay as high as it was and the stability of the position, he really couldn't complain.

Of course, he had kept certain aspects of his own nature hidden for the time being. Jonathan had experienced enough employers reactions to the mention of being a werehyena to be treated very differently from other members of staff and with a particular job like this, he didn't need that straight out of the gate. Even if his odd eye color was bound to cause suspicions.

As he was led to the room in which he would be calling home for as long as he was contracted for, the decor wasn't something he was used to at all. The room itself was bigger than most of the rooms back in his apartment and he's going to have to have his family house sit for him for the foreseeable future. He did think about bringing his birds along, it would be something to remind him of home without lugging unnecessary belongings.

After while, once he tried to make some decent headway on the file he was given, he does go to check on Abel and introduce himself. Giving the door a few knocks to announce his arrival before he poked his head and stepped fully inside. 'Spoiled brat' wasn't what he would use to describe Abel at all. Jonathan had seen 'spoiled brat', hell he's dealt with protecting truly spoiled people. This wasn't one.

Or at least, it didn't seem like it.

He can't help but linger by the door as he glanced around the room and to the man himself. Perhaps he stares at the other longer than he should of but his presence was never acknowledged so he steps closer, hands pulled behind his back until he was a couple feet away. The sad and tired look was more prominent once he stood closer, he almost gives the other a sympathetic look.

"Sorry to bother you while you're working, Sir, but I wanted to introduce myself since I'll be staying in the room next door to yours..."

[prohibitions]

He's a bit surprised that Jonathan is still around. Weeks turn to months and the man hasn't gotten himself fired or gotten sick of the job. Or him for that matter.

Abel continues to be rather private about everything about himself though. He never gives Jonathan more information than necessary and he answers vaguely to certain things when asked. He was tightlipped and it was hard to say why exactly. No matter how genuine the other was, Abel can't say he completely trusts the other. He's never had any reason to trust anyone before and no one but his brother has ever done anything to not destroy what little of it he had.

It's too bad his brother was never around or perhaps his life would be marginally better. He can't fault him though because they had their own life and they were busy themselves from what correspondence they have with each other.

The most frustrating part about this all though is that Abel ever only sees his father alone when requested. He gives Jon a few days off whenever it happens. This wouldn't seem so peculiar, if Abel's attitude didn't change so much after those meetings. If Jonathan is around during those times, there's always the sound of the door slamming. The staff always recommends to wait and hour or so before checking on the man. If Jonathan is around, he'll come upon a completely destroyed bedroom and Abel putting everything back together. He's always bruised or burned or bleeding, but he never answers the other. Only ever tells him to leave. Comments that the other has the week off so why the hell is he still here.

It's easy to guess what might be happening, but Abel is particularly cagey about it. He's more irate for perhaps weeks or maybe a little more tolerant of whatever bullshit he had to do on his schedule.

Today is a bit different though. Everything is a little off. Instead of the usual door being opened and being slammed shut, Jonathan may hear the door being opened and that's it. Checking on the other, they'll find that the door to his room was opened, but left opened, which was very uncharacteristic of the other. The sound of the shower will be running, but he'll find the bathroom door was also left opened.

The most alarming part though was the bloody handprints and smears as though whoever it was had sluggishly made their way across the room and to the bathroom. Jonathan will probably have smelled it before he even sees the red against pale walls and on the doorknobs.

[corcotta]

Jonathan told the other when they first met that he'd stay longer than what the estimate was. They found a better routine. One that had more balance then the one his father had planned together. He may have suffered being reprimanded for the cutting of some of the things from the schedule or not reinforcing them but he stood his ground on the choices that he made.

Abel was the same as before about everything. He didn't mind, thinking that it'll pass in due time. That maybe he'd get around to actually trusting him at some point, if ever.

The first time Abel gives Jonathan time off before meeting with his father, he thought it strange but accepted it. He didn't leave the estate that time, using it to catch up on a few things before he heard the slam of the door. He waited. Meal time came rolling around and while he had asked the maid what might've happened, she doesn't tell him much. He hesitantly knocked on the door adjoining theirs, only to peek inside when he didn't get a reply.

The room would be a wreck and he's walk in in the middle of Abel repairing everything. The other's injuries never went unnoticed, though at the time, he just assumed they were made when he thrashed his room. He wanted to ask what had happened but Abel is quick to wish that he be alone.

He leaves him. Let's him have his space.

Then it happened again and again and sometimes when Jonathan wasn't around. After the first time, he was reluctant to leave the grounds because it always left him with the feeling of guilt that he should try to help, knowing that it would be a fruitless attempt if he tried. Yet, he does his errands or work planning for when the time off was up.

The days that followed the incidents were abnormal. Sometimes Abel would follow the schedules with little no complaint while others he'd be fuming and all he could really do was let the other go through the motions.

Today's incident, Jonathan wasn't here again. The only reason he was back at the estate was because he had forgotten something to bring with him since he was helping his family with a few things. He's in his room when he hears Abel's room open but there was no slam that followed. Odd. When he's about to leave again, he notices the other's door was open which was peculiar on it own. He leaves behind what he was taking with him just inside the room before shutting it and walking over to the other's.

The smell of blood hits him before the familiar vanilla. Jonathan hesitantly pushes the door open further before stepping inside and shutting it behind him.

"Abel?" He calls out, hearing no reply but the sound of the shower running and noticing the bathroom door was open as well. The closer he gets the more blood he seems to notice, hand prints smeared against the walls and knobs.

Pushing further in, he knocks on the door to the bathroom, unsure of what sort of sight he'd come across. "Abel...?"

[corcotta]

There's a soft tone ringing from the next room over and its enough to wake up Jonathan, though it takes him a bit to come too and realize that it was the alarm on his phone from the bedside table in his room. He remembered he didn't close the door when he had ran over to Abel's side when he heard his sobbing and pleading from the nightmare he was having...

Oh.

Then there was the kiss and he face flushes at the thought of his stupidity in the moment. Great job there, Jonathan. He also remembers holding the other's hand last night as well.

He learned a lot about the other yesterday, more than he's known the entire time he's been employed here. Letting out a slow, deep breath, he gets his thoughts in a straight line, turning his head to where he had last seen Abel before they went to sleep. Whether the other had drifted towards him in his sleep or on him, he didn't mind.

Jonathan offers a soft smile before he slips out of the other's bed, or attempts to, leaving Abel to sleep a bit longer while he got himself ready for the day and calling his parents about his plan to have the other stay with him for a few days to give him a taste test of life outside of the estate and out of his father's grasp. Preparing himself to take the consequences for it once they return.

[prohibitions]

Abel had fallen asleep curled up against the other; fingers curled around Jonathan's own. He can't say if it's specifically Jonathan or just the comfort of another person. The warmth of another body and the comforting weight against him. It was something he craved, yet would never admit. Would even deny himself.

There's a small noise of discontent when the other slips out of bed, but the man seems to not get up and just buries himself farther into his blankets.

By the time the other returns; the man is sitting up. Though, actually being awake was probably being too kind. He sits there in half a daze. Jonathan was used to how long it takes for the Brit to wake up, though he definitely looks like he could do with a bit more of shut eye.

Student x Teacher AU

[prohibitions]

[prohibitions]

Cain remembers very little about his family life and his earlier years. He knew that his name had been Abel Remington when he was born and for an indefinite amount of time. Not that it mattered because it has been a name long since discarded.

He was somewhat of an oddity. A being that he thinks shouldn't exist. To be alive. If you can call him alive. Cain could only guess that his parents wanted nothing to do with him. An abomination of some sort. He was half vampire and half human. Toeing the line of being alive and dead. His breathing was irregular. His heartbeat almost non existent. The sun wasn't lethal, but he found that he was rather vulnerable to it. Just a multitude of things that made his life inconvenient, but nothing too harrowing.

Still, if his parents didn't want him, who was he to expect others to?

The Brit lives a pretty comfortable and solitary life. A historian with emphasis on studying the arts and he resided on a prestigious university campus. Majority of the student body recognized him as the man who sat the corner of the library staring out the window. There was whispers and rumours aplenty about him. There was nothing particularly interesting about him though. Other than the fact that his fridge is filled with blood (and that the school even supplied them); he is pretty boring. He spent a good amount of his time cross referencing new and old textbooks and acquiring new knowledge. He taught lectures every so often, but he only ever really taught one or two classes a semester.

Or taking over another class for the remainder of the school session when one of the other professors goes on emergency leave apparently.

He walks through the quiet halls before entering the lecture hall carrying a few large and worn books in his arms. He glances at the student body before placing the books on the desk. "As you probably have heard, your previous professor has gone on leave and I will be lecturing you for the rest of your semester. I am Professor Cain Scarlett." He places his messenger bag next to the his books. "We'll keep today fairly short. Do you have any questions? If not, I'll begin."

[corcotta]

The university that Jonathan decided to apply to was one his entire family had gone to and graduated from and it seemed like a tradition that he should follow suit.

While his family took some level of secrecy to not expose their second nature, his brothers being the only ones to try to pursue sports during their schooling to which they had to dial down on some occasions to not arouse suspicions. And from what he could tell, the vast majority of the student body were human with the occasional supernatural like himself so he can't imagine the knowledge of their kind would go over well.

Jonathan hadn't quite decided what major he would fully pursue and at the moment was dabbling in several arts classes on top of his basics to see what would stick. Taking a sort of part time job as one of the landscapers on campus as something to do that wasn't centered around an extracurricular. He avoided sports outside of the physical education class that was required.

He had heard some of the rumors going around about Professor Scarlett, even if he had never had the pleasure of meeting the man himself. He never even visited the library that often either so he can't even say he's seen the other in passing.

When walking into class today, his classmates were buzzing about hearing their professor had to go on leave so they were wondering who would be taking up the mantle until they returned. Jonathan took the center fourth row seat in the hall, giving idle chatter to a classmate before the room seemed to fall silent on its own when their substitute walked in.

A few mutterings happened around him as no one had any questions to ask or any that demanded immediate answers. Jonathan merely glanced around before giving Cain his full attention, gently tapping his pencil against the long row desk.

Fae AU

[prohibitions]

[prohibitions]

People were interesting to him to watch.

Humans were just rather funny to him. Their actions seemed odd and illogical. On one hand, he could understand it, but it still was confusing to him.

Cain was half fae. While he had some mortality with being part human, there were just things he didn't seem to grasp. He did, however, understand that people didn't like things that were different from them. Strange, since why wouldn't people want to stand out? To be noticed? That's all fae want. To have the attention of others all the time. Yet, being different in ways brought scorn, and so he had learned to play along. It was fun in a way. To pretend. To trick people. He quite enjoyed it.

He lived two lives. Morgan, who was a quiet nerd who kept to himself during the day that could be found attending his courses or at the library or a quiet little shop to read. Cain, who had a lively night life, flirting and partying to his heart's content. People were quite funny. How they acted in different settings. How they treated people based on their looks and personality.

Morgan shuffles into his morning class and made his way to the back. He liked to sit in the back so he could also watch his colleagues. He was studious enough, but there was something fun about watching the other students. Seeing which ones trying to catch extra sleep without getting caught by the professor, the ones that were actually paying attention, or even the ones not paying attention and busying themselves with something else.

He places his books on the table before taking a seat and scanning the room.

[corcotta]

Attention from others was never something Jonathan sought out. He can certainly be the one doing the ridiculous dares at parties once he's buzzed enough not to care being the center of attention for a bit but above that, he mostly kept to himself. It was easy to lose self-restraint when it came to his abilities and it was easier to not bring unnecessary attention to himself if he stuck to the wings.

Jonathan was one of the students that filed in after the majority, taking a seat near the middle that happened to be left open. Most students preferred to sit in the back of the room, it lessened the likelihood of being chosen for a question or being caught by the professor. Neither of which he minded. He almost regretted taking a morning class to begin with since he preferred to sleep in so he definitely looks a bit drowsy despite how decently presented he was.

Throughout the class period, he keeps his head in the palm of his hand, pencil idly tapping on the desk between notes. There are a few instances were something catches his attention far off that only he can really hear and that might seem a bit odd to anyone watching since he perks up or makes a face at the sound of interest that had nothing to do with the lecture.

When class ends for the day, he's one of the last ones to leave. Its really one of the only times he notices Morgan if he lags behind or somehow blends with the crowd because he always seemed to smell different compared to everyone else. There were times were he almost thought to give the other a wave in greeting but he always seems to stop himself from doing so, even now.

Reincarnation AU

[prohibitions]

[prohibitions]

Assassinate the younger son of the Remington family.

Politics are always a messy thing. The underhandedness and dirtiness that happens behind the scene. Politics between mages were exceptionally dirty. It was all about the status of one's blood and upbringing and ancestry. The oldest and purest were considered the strongest and worthiest. It truly was who you married and how strong their magic was and insuring that your children carried that legacy.

It was all so very cruel and loveless.

The strongest and most popular currently though was that of the Remington family. The current couple was a very powerful mage and the most celebrated seer. They had two sons. The older son had made his mark by going into law enforcement. The younger son, following his father's footsteps.

The younger one was a prodigy though. His talent was unrivaled by anyone. A prime target for his enemies.

It was a lavish dinner party at the Remington estate. The ballroom was filled with the elite of the elite. Everyone was dressed in glamorous dresses and lavish suits.

It was all so very boring for Abel.

The youngest of the Remington family. Abel, sat in his chair as he watched people chatter with each other with fake enthusiasm and pleasantry. He could hear so clearly the vitriol of others as they chattered with those they would rather see dead. Disgusting. Abel was dressed just as beautifully. Rings adorned his fingers and a priceless watch sat on his wrist. The vest he wore was adorned with gorgeous, detailed stitching and gems inlaid. The dress shirt a delicately woven silk. His hair, carefully styled with precious gems entangled with his locks.

How absolutely boring.

Abel got to his feet and took his cloak from the back of his chair before carefully leaving to the garden. He grew tired of listening to this prattle.

[corcotta]

To be given an assassination assignment was very rare for Jonathan. Surely someone more qualified should be sent for this and yet, a client picked him out specifically, paid the price tag, gave the intructions and his superiors sent him on a field trip.

Perhaps they thought he would be best for a long standing assignment; make him earn his keep, gain their trust and make the final move. Or maybe they thought Jonathan would make a gruesome mess of it. Whether or not, he could escape the scene after the fact without raising suspicion or getting caught in the long run was another matter.

All that he was given as a warning was to keep any wayward thoughts in check, whatever that meant. Mages were unpredictable, they said. Jonathan didn't know much about possible powers the more magically inclined could possess so he simply brushed the warning off for the time being.

Lavish dinner parties like this one were far out of his comfort zone. These were people that he'd never interact with on a daily basis but rather ones who would pay his paycheck and order him to be some obedient dog without any questions. He played the part easy enough.

He wasn't adorned in some fancy suit like the array of guests, blending easily with the walls as he stood watch over the room. He gaze does linger over the impressive detail on everyone's clothes though. They were all rather stunning, really.

Jonathan does perk up when he spots Abel grab his cloak and leave the room. It was rather hard to miss the other given how lavishly dressed he was. There's a few long moments of hesitation before he chimes into the earpiece and follows slowly behind, making sure to keep some distance.

The other clearly wanted the space for whatever reason, Jonathan just needed to keep an eye out per his father's instructions should anything happen that wasn't his own hand.

[prohibitions]

[It had been fun.

He had enjoyed himself immensely if he were being honest. It brought some color to his dreary days and it almost had been something to look forward to. It stopped being about the game far long ago, but the game was the only reason that they were still going. He knew he had just legitimately enjoyed Jonathan's company.

Abel got to have the other around and fool around as he pleased as long as he still did his work. While, not a spectacular life, it wasn't something to really complain about.

Except, good things never last forever. Or at the very least, they never seem to last for him.

It's a cold and dreary day when it happens. The rain was falling heavily and there didn't show any signs of it letting up anytime soon. Being called into his father's study was far from the norm. It happened often enough that he had no reason to believe that something was different.

Until he was told extensively of his bride-to-be. A young, beautiful and talented woman from a family (whom have attempted to have him killed before no less) of well repute. No more fooling around.

What little freedom he had left; snatched.

He looks at the manila folder with the woman's face and details about her. It's all a blur.

At some point, Abel finds himself on the roof of the large estate. He's soaked to the bone, though the chill is unnoticeable with how cold he feels inside. A cigarette sits between his fingers. Soggy and never lit. The roar of the rain seems to drown out any thoughts around him, but it simply can't drown out his own thoughts. They scream louder than even the thunder and the sound of drops hitting the rooftop.

He looks over the edge for a moment. The ground seemed so close, yet so far...

Abel smiles wistfully for a moment.] It's quite a view even while it's raining.

[corcotta]

[ At some point, the game wasn't so important to Jonathan. He still tried, of course, but some days he didn't really put in the effort. His superiors kept checking in on him concerning the hit and why it was taking longer than it should and the the client was getting rather impatient with his performance.

Staying at Abel's side felt like an entirely different job all together, one that felt more in line than the assassination tasks and he began to enjoy the other's company more than he originally thought. Maybe he was a bit naive to believe this would last.

On the days where Abel was called into his father's office, he sort of wondered around the estate aimlessly. He didn't know how else to pass the time since more often than not Abel wanted to be left alone after such meetings. Plus the weather limited on where he could walk to without being completely drenched.

He walked past his father's office thrice by the time he notices something wasn't quite right. The first two passes, Abel's scent hadn't left the office yet but the third it had and it lead in a different direction than the usual. Jonathan finds himself trailing after the other's scent until it leads him to a door that had a stairway leading up to the roof.

Strange.

He was hesitant to follow further because maybe his father said something to upset Abel enough to make him go the roof in such stormy weather but the inching seconds only gave him a growing uneasiness. He tried calling out to the other in thought before shaking his head and climbing the rest of the steps.

His hand turns the knob when he finally reaches the door, not knowing what to expect once he got up there. ]

Abel?

Harry Potter AU

[prohibitions]

[prohibitions]

[The Remington family had always been a well revered family name. A surname with a long history of pureblood witches and wizards that have left their mark throughout history. Even now, the Remingtons were a well known family through Britain. The father, a politician of a high position. The mother, a famous seer. The two had two children. The older one was an auror and the younger, the youngest known to hold the position of chief warlock of the Wizengamot.

Abel Remington was well known. Prim and proper in how he held himself; a prodigy when it came to his ability and magic. He did quite well in his position. Favored by many for his firm, but fair assessments. A reserved and serious person who seemed very devoted to his work.

So devoted that when the man doesn't arrive to work, it's honestly shocking. After all, the other seemed perfect in every matter and being punctual definitely has always been a thing. It becomes a whole ordeal. The man seemed to have simply vanished in almost an instant and so seamlessly too. There didn't seem to be any lead as to what became of the man.

Of course investigations are made immediately, but many come up with nothing. There didn't seem to be any trail to follow to find Abel, and if there were, they were getting cold fast.

Eventually though, a promising lead is found. It takes them out of England and overseas to the States where one hopes the man can be found safely.]

[chosenside]

[Theseus Scamander, a young but uprising Auror of the British Ministry of Magic, somehow got the assignment to find Abel in the states. Quite surprising, given his age and the fact that there are more prominent Aurors that are suited for the job, but the young Theseus was desparate for the assignment, since he's always looked up to Abel since he began his tenure as an Auror. Worried for his safety, he immediately voluntereed for the task.

If Theseus wasn't fresh off the war, decorated as a hero of it, Travers probably would've ignored his request, but not even the strict head of law enforcement could deny him for long.

So the young Scamander is currently in the states, following the clues to locate the other man. This is their first lead and he doesn't want to fail the Ministry or Abel, especially if something terrible happened to him. It's likely he's been captured by a dark wizard, there's no other reason why he'd suddenly not show up, right?]