IC Contact

[hesperussword]

Leave a message! I'm busy or drunk..
or busy being drunk and fighting.
Whatever. I'm not here. I'll call back if I'm sober when I hear this.

Comments

[angelic_asshole]

Of course he was not fine. Balthazar had been bottling his emotions up regarding Jack's work and the abuse he had to suffer through each night he sold himself. The angel had become more and more attached to his eye patched lover and now it was more a case of just smiling and bearing it all whenever Jack came back to him.

Shoving both hands into his jeans pockets Balthazar sighed softly through his nose, knowing that Lucifer was indeed on to him. Had he been that obvious? The devil knew.

"I suppose you could say it boils down to Jack's work. He's a prostitute and I should have known this when I met him but it's hard. To fall in love with someone who has to go out most nights and sell themselves to whatever bastard will pay. He comes back abused, beaten and used like a cheap object."

Fighting back anger, he pulled his hands out of his pockets and crossed his arms; his face contorting with rage and frustration mixed with pain.

"I love him yet....I am powerless to stop people using him when I want him to be mine. It's selfish and--I know I shouldn't but I don't want him selling himself. He doesn't need to now that he's got me. The pain in just seeing him beaten black and blue some nights--"

His voice faltered and was raised up slightly as he fought back tears. Yes, it hurt and this was the first time he'd brought it up in front of anyone. Wiping his face with the back of his palm, Balthazar sniffed.

"I'm sorry."

[the_rebel_son]

Lucifer leans back to face his visitor and listens in silence. The other angel is in a difficult situation. There's no way around it.

"That is a rough deal." Lucifer admits. "Have you spoken to him about it? You may have to give it time. You are asking him to give up his ability to care for himself. That is a hard thing to do."

He could imagine how hard it would be for anyone to watch their lover be injured and used. It pains Lucifer more than it should because he can hear it and though he knows this isn't his lover the sounds and look are the same. He steps over and puts a hand on his shoulder, and would welcome a hug if the other angel wanted one.

"There is nothing to be sorry for." Lucifer comments quietly. "I know it is different in your creation, but in mine we support each other when things are difficult."

[angelic_asshole]

Balthazar didn't even know how much all of this would affect him and now it was obvious. The talk with Lucifer had helped get some of his vented frustration out into the open, yet the talk with Jack had to happen. Giving him time? That was also something he could offer since he loved the man to bits.

"I haven't spoken to him yet, no. But...I should. If it takes time then I'm willing to give him that for the sakes of both of us."

Glancing towards the hand on his shoulder, Balthazar offered a weak smile and then moved in to hug Lucifer. It was more akin to a close friend than one a lover would offer. This man was still largely a stranger even though he had shown such compassion already. Just being close to the devil in this way had opened up the angel's eyes and now he knew he had to act. He was torturing himself by not admitting his feelings on the matter to Jack.

[the_rebel_son]

"You should." Lucifer smiles faintly. "It can be hard to leave behind large parts of who you are and your life. It will be hard on him to become someone else for your benefit. I know you see the injuries and think it is best for him but, I know too well that it will feel like you are asking him to give up his life for you."

Lucifer wasn't discouraging. This was honesty. His own Balthazar had asked him to change and he knew how it felt, and could be perceived.

Lucifer doesn't hesitate to embrace this Balthazar though it is more like a brother, as he would his own angels when they needed support.

[angelic_asshole]

Lucifer was right and although it pained him to listen, Balthazar knew the devil spoke the truth. Was it perhaps like that for his own angel lover at one point in their relationship? Not wanting to pry, he just held onto Lucifer and sighed.

"It's just been hard keeping it all bottled up and not being able to speak my true feelings. I just don't want to hurt him."

Breaking off from the hug he sighed and wiped a stray tear from the corner of his eye. Straightening up, Balthazar once again picked up his glass and wondered if it was time to get back to it. Drinking and cooking of course.

"Sorry to dull the mood, love. I would still like to try your booze and learn those delightful dishes."

[the_rebel_son]

Lucifer shook his head to the angel but let him move away on his own. "There is no reason to be sorry."

Though being called love produced the flutter in Lucifer's heart even if he knew this was the wrong one. The voice was right and they had just hugged. "I am many things to the others of my kind and though Heaven is a place of closed minds and hearts it is not the same among the Fallen. Emotions are nothing to be ashamed of, particularly when they come from such a strained situation."

Lucifer goes back to the food and motions for the angel to join him while pulling down a wooden cutting board. "How basic are we starting? Do you know how to cut properly?"

[angelic_asshole]

"You're right. I just...needed to vent is all. Myself and Jack, we will resolve this together as two people in love should do."

Balthazar was strong in his resolve no matter how long it would take. He wanted Jack to be safe among everything else in his life now. Even if he had to take whatever was thrown at him for wanting this. Glancing down at the cutting board the angel frowned a little; his brow knitting together as his eyes shot from Lucifer and back to the board.

"I'm not bad with the blade. But in the kitchen? I suppose I could do with a refresher course or two."

[the_rebel_son]

"Then vent." Lucifer shrugs unperturbed by a show of emotions. "While we cook."

Lucifer nods and pulls out the chicken to start the cutting because the meat needed to sit in a mix of salt, vinegar and citrus before it could be cooked. "Then I will do the chicken and you can do the rest. Those will not matter as much if they are not cut similar."

There is also corn on the cob, sweet potatoes, and regular potatoes on the counter to be cut, as well as onions.

[angelic_asshole]

No doubt the angel would vent even more during their cooking session. Whether that be by the use of a knife or other instrument who knew. Balthazar was just very unsettled emotionally right now and just needed guidance and a listening ear. Lucifer seemed to be doing the trick so far. Yet, his heart was still fluttering a little due to the emotional outburst he'd experienced only a few moments ago.

"Do you want me to start cutting up the sweet potato first?"

He wasn't sure which order Lucifer wanted all the vegetables cut up so deemed to ask. If he screwed it all up due to his emotional state then it would be his fault.

[the_rebel_son]

"It does not matter." Lucifer understood the feelings coming off the other angel. God had harassed and injured enough of his lovers to feel the sentiment right down to his core.

He focuses on cutting the chicken though and tries to turn the conversation to something lighter and less anger inducing. "You already know what my lover is like, tell me about Jack."

He's hoping it will focus the angel on something a little happier. Pausing in his work he gets down two brandy glasses and pours them both some of the peach brandy he makes. His own Balthazar likes it for the sweet, burning bite. Lucifer can't see why his alternate won't also be fond of it.

[angelic_asshole]

Balthazar tried to force himself to be optimistic during the cooking session but it was hard. The nagging feeling was still tugging at his heartstrings regarding Jack and his work life. The talk would come soon enough. Focusing on cutting up some sweet potatoes the angel felt his anguish fade a little at Lucifer's question.

"He's everything to me. Reckless, handsome, a live wire and very caring. The day I met him I knew he was something else. Someone who deserved so much better than what his world had done to him. These Ministry bastards spying on everything, killing innocents, children, animals. Jack spends his life looking after the waifs and strays of his world. I just knew I had to have him in my life because I fell in love with his kindness. Also, he's amazing in bed."

The angel began pouring his heart out regarding his eye-patched lover. Smitten? Definitely.

[the_rebel_son]

Lucifer only smiles at the description while setting down the snifter of brandy for the angel, whenever he wanted it.

"If you are anything like mine, you can use some kindness yourself." Lucifer adds while tossing the cubed meat with the spices and vinegar. "World specific considerations aside, I have heard someone else say those things about me. It must be a hardwired Balthazar type."

Lucifer is laughing quietly but in general amusement, not at the angel.

[angelic_asshole]

The brandy was on cue and well-needed right now since Balthazar could do with a pick-me-up. Clasping the glass he sipped some of the sweet liquid and enjoyed the bitter burn at the end. Oh, that was good stuff. Such good quality.

"Oh, that is good! I love the fruity notes and then the burn at the end."

Another sip and Balthazar smiled, pleased he was getting to try such good drinks. The bar would surely thrive with such quality angel booze stocked behind it's shelves. Getting back to cutting up more vegetables, the angel found it amusing Lucifer was laughing quietly.

"I suppose we're not that unfamiliar, really. We both love handsome, reckless men."

The angel's attention was briefly off the knife as he looked at Lucifer, feeling the knife suddenly slip from the vegetable and slicing across the angel's finger. Panic welled up initially as Balthazar hissed in pain. It wasn't a deep cut, but none the less stung like a bitch.

"Shit!-"

[the_rebel_son]

"I thought you would appreciate it. I made it, partially, for your counterpart." Lucifer had expanded his brewing since meeting other celestials here. It was an interesting twist that the celestials were, in some cases, more booze hounds than the fallen. Then again, he might be an alcoholic if he had to deal with that much God.

Whatever Lucifer was going to say was lost to the flare of pain and smell of blood. Turning he takes Balthazar's hand and closes his over it. His skin heats up to the temperature of warm stones in the summer sun. If the other angel paid attention he would see the ripple of fire and the true, sunset colors of Lucifer's wings across the white that he usually showed. Even his eyes flickered a brighter blue as he focused his creative power to heal the wound.

"There are benefits to the presence of a creator, but be careful." Lucifer grins as he turns on the stove to start heating the pan. "I do not want to spend most of our time healing your fingers instead of cooking." The angel is teasing, much as he would his own Balthazar in a similar situation.

[angelic_asshole]

Ah, so that was why it tasted so good.

Balthazar's finger stung a little but soon the pain was dissapting as Lucifer began working his powerful magic on the injured finger. The angel's skin warming and then gasping softly at the rippling of fire and the colours. They were beautiful in themselves. The slice in Balthazar's finger no more as it knitted itself together with the magic offered to him by his host.

"Thank you. Forgive me for my mind was elsewhere and not on the job in hand."

He would have to be more vigilant when using the knife to cut up the vegetables. Usually, Balthazar was skilful with the blade but tonight? He was focused on Jack and what he would say. Wiggling his finger, the angel offered Lucifer an appreciative smile.

[the_rebel_son]

"I think it better that I cut and you drink and talk." Lucifer offers before taking a drink of his brandy.

He knew his own Balthazar and while he acknowledges they are different, maybe even very different in some ways, there were behavior and emotion cues that were definitely the same. Lucifer knew well enough when Balthazar needed to talk or have a topic pulled out of him reluctantly. He could see that all too well in this one.

[angelic_asshole]

"Maybe that might be best. I'm just not quite with it right now."

Sighing softly he relinquished the knife to Lucifer, who of course, would cut the vegetables up expertly. It was hard being in love and being in emotional turmoil at the same time. He picked up his brandy and took a large gulp, enjoying the complex flavours and fiery burn on the way down.

"I'm hoping once I learn to cook that I can provide for Jack instead of him living off meagre rations."

Was Lucifer almost acting like a father figure? The angel could not help but feel that from him right now. Helping him with his feelings and offering love advice? He definitely needed it.

[the_rebel_son]

Lucifer takes the knife and finishes the cutting but he's listening intently to the other angel.

"Does he know how to cook?" Lucifer has other questions but they may bring up strife. This seems a safer angle to approach things from.

He has noticed the way they interact and for Lucifer this is a normal interaction with his angels. He was Father Lucifer to many of them. However, this is still a Balthazar and he's constantly reminding himself it is the wrong one. It adds a strangeness to everything. Instead of lingering on it he pays attention to browning the chicken.

[angelic_asshole]

"To be honest I don't actually know. At least I assume he has the grasp of the basics having lived on the streets for so long."

Also, he looked after all those street kids. Surely, he could cook something for them unless he stole everything he found. Balthazar just didn't know enough about his lover and that in itself troubled him somewhat. He wanted to know more and would in time. It was just awkward trying to answer Lucifer's questions without knowing what to say.

"I want to learn more about him. I've been with him a few months now and even now he's still a mystery in many ways."

[the_rebel_son]

"It sounds like you two need to spend some time talking instead of fucking." The words are spoken with understanding and humor. Lord knows it took Lucifer and his Balthazar some time to calm down and actually talk in depth instead of just jumping each other all over.

"It takes time to learn but you have to make the effort to be the one to ask sometime." Lucifer knew that worked both way. The likelihood that the other of the pair was in the same boat of not knowing much felt high.


"Be your usual charming self. Drink too much, get chatty and cuddle up with him somewhere." That was a compliment despite being said with some humor. Lucifer loved the time he spent slowly drinking wine or tea or what ever with Balthazar and just talking.

[angelic_asshole]

That got the angel snorting a little in amusement because Lucifer was right. They had been fucking a lot and talking less than perhaps they should have been. The sex had been amazing so far and Balthazar knew a healthy relationship relied on conversation as well as carnal lust. Sipping his brandy, he finally nodded in agreement.

"You have me there. It's just been an amazing ride so far and it's hard to stop. We do need some time to just lay in bed and talk about one another."

He would make time. Jack deserved that much and Balthazar knew it would help both men find out more about each other. Of course, touching and kissing would no doubt punctuate their conversation at points. The cuddling though? That was definitely going to happen.

"Was it like this between you and your Balthazar at first?"

[the_rebel_son]

"You could try going to dinner where everyone else is in close conversation. Sometimes the environment can help."

Lucifer was adding the vegetables now. The aroma from the food is pungent with chili and acidity with a distinctly salty smell. Nothing overpowering but definitely fragrant. Adding some water he lidded the pan and turned it down to simmer. This gave him time to address the angel more fully.

"At first, no. I had other concerns as a king of fallen angels suddenly involved with an angel still in the service of heaven. After the challenges to my rulership simmered down, I banged him like a screen door in a hurricane. It took us time to talk but we have always been open and talkative, if slightly secretive at times."

Lucifer took a drink of his brandy. "How long did it take you to kiss him? Mine, two hours after I met him at most and he had me on my back kissing me."

There's an open fondness to Lucifer's voice. He adored the bold way Balthazar had come at him. Smart mouthed, fearless and demanding of his attention. If he had been any more subdued Lucifer might not have been interested.

[angelic_asshole]

"Dinner would be a good idea to broach the subject. Perhaps a romantic meal somewhere in the Nexus or at home. That's if I learn how to cook first."

Balthazar smiled as he watched Lucifer prepare the food, adding things and producing all sorts of wonderful smells as he did so. The man was skilled in the kitchen indeed. His counterpart was a lucky man to have such an attentive lover.

"A screen door? I love it. The same could be said about myself and Jack since we're still at the screen door stage and frankly? I love every second of being against his hot skin, making passionate love to him."

Talking about their lovers had to come sometime and it seemed right now the angel was discussing his sex life with the devil. Nothing wrong with that at all. Lucifer was a very caring man. Scratching the back of his neck, Balthazar exhaled softly.

"Hm, it was a good few hours when I finally did get to kiss him. It happened at his apartment in New York. I brought him oysters and champagne. Food porn."

[the_rebel_son]

"I would suggest recon. Ask around to his friends and family to find out what he likes. It always makes a better impression if you can order something for them that they will love." Lucifer was a master of seduction but it did not mean he seduced everyone. Sometimes seduction of your own partner is the best use.

"I do not love Balthazar's skin on mine any less, but there is a calm knowing that you will still have opportunities later in the night or tomorrow." Lucifer was still wild but he could wait and savor the desire until opportunity came.

"Waiting has a benefit in desire." Lucifer agrees. "In my Creation celestial and fallen leave marks on the things they touch. I knew it would make me a target for attack to wear the mark of intimacy with a celestial. It did not deter me. I am not sure anything would have short of him saying no."

[angelic_asshole]

"Recon? Good idea. I might convene with Ziggy and perhaps his kids too."

Maybe they would be able to advise on what sort of things Jack liked in terms of food and drink. Balthazar had a rough idea but he needed more solid substance if he were to truly understand Jack's needs. Lucifer's words sticking in his mind as he listened.

"You're right. Just light touches against each other's skin can light a sensual desire for one another. Yet, I am sorry to hear about your plight involving being intimate with another. It must have been hard."

The angel's features soften at hearing Lucifer's unfortunate circumstances. Yet, both him and Balthazar had found one another and love entailed. Mulling his drink around in his glass, Balthazar leant back against the countertop.