let's hope it's a good one ; (nunchii)

[tacete]

[New Years among the Grim were usually spent among fellow Grim, if for no other reason than their extended life. Keeping friends became difficult after the first century of service, after all. However, Jiwoo had finally convinced his parents to allow a supernatural friend to attend with him. Sure, they didn't know that this friend was a demon nor did they know that he and this friend were on the verge of becoming intimate, but they didn't need to know, right? They would spurn any excess on Jiwoo's part and Rook was the definition of excess.

Dress modestly were his primary instructions to Rook over text, sent several times in the days leading up to the event. No bright colors. Nothing revealing. Nothing shiny.

Jiwoo himself had selected his usual all-black tuxedo with similarly colored and matte finished cuff links and collar pins. Even the chain linking said collar pins was the same matte black. No bright colors. Nothing shiny. No excess.

Black is the Grim's favorite color he'd told Rook as well, trying to provide further guidance as his nerves ate away at his usual patience and calm. Gray is too bright.

That, also, was true. Despite the festive nature of a new year, the Grim dressed in all black. For them, it meant little more than another tick in the clock. They also all seemed to wear turtlenecks, somehow. Even the women wore high collars that covered their throats and that part of the affair puzzled Jiwoo, but he didn't question it.

Right now, as he straightened his black bow tie in the frosted window, he needed Rook to show up in something sensible so as to not be thrown out at first glance. The Grim Manor was enormous and any errant visitor might be allowed to wander until they starved. Standing by the front door meant banal small talk with the guards, but also improved Rook's chances of being accepted if he did do something outlandish.

Please. Please be sensible. He quietly prayed to no one in particular.]

Comments

[nunchii]

[ If you had told him that he would be attending a New Year's event with a bunch of Grim a year ago, Rook would have laughed and then, depending on how tired he was, light you on fire for the amusement of it. Grim were reclusive and not exactly known for being open and friendly to, well, anyone other than fellow Grim. And, before he met Jiwoo, Rook always thought them to be incredibly boring. Sure, he wasn't privy to all the rules and regulations of their kind, he was a demon and demons were not to be trusted or something like that, but they simply exuded this droll air that had Rook taking a nap to avoid small talk. All in all, Grim were boring and Rook had no desire to deal with them ever.

And then he met Jiwoo.

Which meant that now he is dressed in the complete opposite of his usual attire (it is not comfortable nor is is revealing, and wow, how do people stand collars like this?) and making his way up a ridiculous driveway in the cold to a manor that makes him think of terrible Victorian romance novels. Because he was told to not make an entrance. Or a spectacle. Or really be much of himself for that matter, but he understood that because, well, he was a Demon of Lust and he more or less specialized in everything the Grim found distasteful.

Like excess.

Not that Rook went completely without. Upon reading the reminders from Jiwoo, Rook decided mostly follow the orders on keeping things modest. Nothing on the outside, he was in a black suit with all the buttons done up and tie tied in a Windsor knot (and okay, perhaps the pants are tighter than they should be, and maybe he has made sure that even if there is no skin showing, the jacket shows off his form, but whatever), nothing shiny and no skin on display. He even removed his usual earrings and bands of gold from his fingers. But beneath the silk of his shirt there was one of his favourite gold chains, set with fire opals and small bright red gems, laying along his skin and wrapping around his throat and ribs.

He would let Jiwoo in on that later.

For now, he puts on his most charming smile (charming and almost innocent) as he approaches the house and greets those standing at the door. He gets no strange looks for his attire (or his complete disregard of the weather and how he is only is a suit), and is let in the front door with little more than a short bow and dismissive glance.

Jiwoo is there to greet him.

The smile on his face warms a fraction as he inclines his head, eyebrow quirking.]

You didn't mention it was such a driveway, dar-- Jiwoo. I should have brought a carriage.

[ Is he teasing? Honest? Both? Who knows. Either way, Rook is taking the Grim's hand easily (his own their usual burning warm) and presses the briefest of kisses to his knuckles. The touch doesn't linger, not this time, Rook doesn't want the gesture to be seen as another other than a demon stuck in old courtesies that have long since passed.

And perhaps he wants to see the other squirm just a bit.]

Do I meet your standards for this event?

[tacete]

[In all honesty, Jiwoo expected Rook to arrive in a carriage, or perhaps a flock of doves. Or anything more dramatic than simply strolling through the front door. Jiwoo can't help but stare, mouth half agape as Rook takes his hand--- warm, as always, this isn't some kind of nightmare. Rook really has followed every rule to the letter. The black looks so, so good on the demon, it should be criminal. Black doesn't look half as nice on any of the Grim in attendance, himself included.

He'd strongly considered not inviting Rook, simply for the sake of how boring the entire thing always was. There was a ball and a buffet, but few sought to dance and even fewer to indulge. Such things were more of an exercise in shaming the participants, even if they were not full Grim yet. The year before, Jiwoo had made the mistake of drinking too much champagne and making out with one of the human help. Now, he was on the verge of being cast out from the order, despite his good work the past semester.

He was on his best behavior and his parents were under the impression that he had invited a dear friend and compatriot, a demon of knowledge, who had been helping Jiwoo study. After all, he spent so many hours with Jiwoo, what other reason could there possibly be?

Moisture at his knuckles brings Jiwoo out of his reverie and he scrambles to turn the gesture into a firm handshake.]

Yes, my friend.

[They aren't his standards. They're the grim standards. If Jiwoo had his way, Rook would be wearing whatever colors he wanted, painted in gold if he wanted. He loved Rook's free spirit, how he flaunted rules, and no matter how good he looks dressed all in black, Jiwoo can't help but hate it all the same.]

Come, let me personally show you to your quarters, friend.

[nunchii]

[ Flock of doves, hmm, he will have to seriously consider that for next time. Though he rather likes the reception that he gets this time, the confused look on Jiwoo's face and the way the demon can feel the tremor of attraction that shoots through the Grim. Rook isn't stupid, he knows he looks good in the suit, and the fact that he has actually styled his hair and added the barest hint of makeup to his face to pull it all together. Nothing too fancy (he thought about gold on his lids but didn't want to send Jiwoo into a panic), and nothing that went beyond the usual standards, but enough.

When his flirtatious greeting (barely really) turned into a handshake, Rook laughs quietly and bows slightly, eyes flickering around the hall. The demon is more than aware of those who are watching, but really he considers that just one more way to tease Jiwoo.]

Excellent, friend. Would not want to disappoint you, after all.

[ The words are spoken softly, the warmth of Rook's thumb present as he lets it linger against the pulse of Jiwoo's wrist before letting their hands drop. There is only the slightest beat of his influence against Jiwoo's skin, enough to tease but not torment, before he steps back, all perfect posture and elegance while he waits.

It isn't until he tips his head to the side, ringers tugging at the collar of his shirt absently, that Jiwoo might see the flash of gold. But that is something they will talk about later. After, ah, finding quarters.]

How kind of you to set up quarters for me, despite knowing I need little rest. [ A wicked smirk as he steps behind the grim, ready to follow him. ] Might I also receive a personal tour of this place? It seems... large. Full of shadows and corners. How interesting.

[tacete]

[Jiwoo answers Rook's bow with one of his own, still gripping Rook's hand until he's upright once more. A smile is plastered to his face, even as his nerves sing. A burst of heat slices through him and Jiwoo nearly jumps out of his skin. Of all the places to use his influence! They've barely gotten Rook through the front door and he's trying to foil Jiwoo's plans to make it through the night without incident. Rook tilts his head to the side and Jiwoo glances gold and curses the demon further. Fucking demon of lust with his stupid good looks and his stupid desire to ruin everything for everyone.

His false smile sags at the corners and he looks to the guards standing beside the front door and the varied guests scattered around the foyer.]

Of course. A full personal tour. Only the best for my friend. [He gestures towards one of the smaller doors leading away from the foyer, away from prying eyes. His own gaze, however, screams of death.]

[nunchii]

[ If there were fewer eyes on them, Rook would laugh a lot more obviously, but as it stands he is very aware of the eyes that are on him. Jiwoo's included. He hasn't been the worst, but he also knows that even the barest bit of his usual teasing in this setting would be enough to set the other off, to make other suspicious because, well, Grims.

So Rook reigns himself in and looks as contrite as he possible can before glancing about the foyer with a curious air. He wasn't joking when he said the place was huge.]

You are too kind to your friends, Jiwoo. [ A flash of a tongue as Rook wets his lips before he shoves his hands in his pockets (elegantly of course) and waits for the other to lead. ] Perhaps I should sketch a map, it would be good to remember the darker corners. To avoid them, of course.

[ Not even a little bit what he means, and he is sure that the Grim knows as he steps a fraction too close behind him while he pushes open the next set of doors.]

[tacete]

[If they were anywhere else, anywhen else, Jiwoo might be more forgiving, but they are here and now, in one of the most unforgivably stuffy places on earth. Grim Manor was never a place of laughter and neither an angel nor demon could bring such a candid show of emotion to cold lips. Though the dull murmur of whispers has not stopped, Jiwoo feels all to aware of the ears listening. Every part of this conversation with Rook is going to the Grim will be passed around like a hot potato.]

Yes. Rightly so. [Jiwoo says through his teeth, turning on his heel to lead the way through the first door. Fucking finally. He hates the foyer more than any other room in the manor. There are too many stairways, too many walkways, too many corners and nooks to hide in. No one could ever be fully alone there, or anywhere on the estate, really, but foyer is the most glaring example. The ballroom is a similar nest of crannies, but they don't need to make an appearance any time soon. In fact, it would be seen as callous to rush straight there.

His head snaps from his thoughts when a too-warm body presses close to him. The door Jiwoo's hand was on swings into the wall with a racket.]

What the hell? [He hisses out in his surprise, turning in the doorway. He's lucky it's the second or third door away from the foyer; plenty of buffer room to freak out quietly.]

[nunchii]

[ Rook plans on passing off some of his more eccentric and ballsy moves as being demonic in nature; even those with no Cardinals, or the demons who traded in just deals and information were known for being more than a little different and touchy than most other creatures. They were, as Jiwoo had told him several times, creatures of excess. Of decadence and sin and moremoremore. Surely he could pass a few things off as a cultural difference.

He didn't come draped in just a few gold chains at least.

Humming as he leans close, wincing as the door hits the wall, Rook smiles at the flicker of irritation and something else that flares in the Grimling. He smooths it out easily enough, raising an eyebrow to look as innocent as possible while standing there.]

Hmmm? Is that a rhetorical question or are you asking me about Hell specifically? Please be more specific, friend. [ Oh yeah, he is teasing the fuck outta him now, brushing past the Grim easily, hands out of his pockets enough to curl around Jiwoo's waist quickly before the warmth of him is gone and the demon is several steps ahead of him.] And you might want to mind your strength there, no need to ruin the walls with a door, there are more fun ways to do that.

[tacete]

[Jiwoo could roll his eyes until they fell out of his head, he was pretty sure. Or at least until they stuck. Rook's hands at his waist send another burst of heat along his spine and the Grim is both infuriated and so, so tempted to return the favor. Temptations were not a good thing, but fuck if Rook brought out the worst in him.

As soon as the door closes behind them, Jiwoo casts a glance around the stairwell. Finding no eyes, no whispers in the dark, he makes to press Rook against the offending wall, his own body following close in an attempt to clash their lips together.

More than anything, he's missed Rook. After nearly a week of end-of the year preparations for the Grim, as well as his own evaluations, he's missed this teasing.]

Fuck you.

[As long as no one sees, they should be okay, he tells himself.]

[nunchii]

[ Temptation was really Rook's nature, that was what he stood for, even if there were times when he wishes that he didn't. But right now, with the emotions simmering just below Jiwoo's skin, close enough that he can almost taste them, he can't really bring himself to be all that upset with how easily he can tempt. Even less so when he suddenly finds himself pressed to the wall with Jiwoo in his space.

That was a surprise. A very welcomed one.

Hands sliding easily around the Grim's hips, Rook laughmoans into the kiss, pulling Jiwoo flush to him and licking into his mouth with a focus that is admirable.]

That... that can be arranged, beautiful. Right here if you want, the acoustics would do me moaning your name so well. [ The words, the taunts, are pressed against the Grimling's lips, with teeth and brief kisses, the demon's hips rolling slowly to get his point across.

Rook knows that he shouldn't push so far, not here, but fuck if can stop himself. Not when Jiwoo is the one to initiate it.]

[tacete]

[The Grim Manor is a lonely place, especially as one of the few beings that can still feel anything. No matter where he turns, he finds more apathy, sanitized of all emotion. His parents and the other high Grim watch him every minute for a mistake, for a sign that he can't be sealed. Having Rook here is a welcome respite from all of that, even though the stakes have gotten higher.

There is no celebration in a place like this. There is reverent reflection and preparation of extravagance that will be condemned if indulged- a festival of shaming the unsealed.

But with Rook, the deepest blacks of the place seem all the more brighter.

He doesn't pull back as Rook rolls into him, as he presses them flush together. His pulse throbs against his high collar and bow tie as his skin burns with the desire to hear those moans.]

...Your room. [He manages between gasps for air.]