"I Consecrate my Soul to Thee" Witch/Demon AU

[zauberdecke]

[ There was a very specific reason why Essek was here at this moment.

All around him was gathered components, and within his hand he held chalk with which he was drawing the familiar pentagram that would assist in his mission. For his entire life, he had been gatekept, he came from a long line of witches, all of them female; the power passed down through matriarchal laws and blood-- from woman to woman.

However he was the black sheep, the one who had been given far more power than was comfortable for the bloodline in which it had been strictly locked up. Because of this, no female line could inherit and even right now etched into his chest was a binding spell that was unbreakable though oh, how he had tried. It had been placed there by he who he had been given in marriage to; locked until at which point a female was conceived which would then continue the line downward.

There was nothing more vengeful than a cat who had been caged, and right now Essek Thelyss was out for blood and perhaps even a healthy dose of revenge. There was that intrinsic longing for freedom to do what he wanted, not wanting to be bound by tradition to a familial coven who cared more about the line than him. He wanted to put a stop to it, perhaps even get this angry scar of a sigil on his chest removed, wanting night upon night of assault to end.

He did not care what he summoned, the only thing he wanted was for whatever power he could bid to rise to invoke retribution, to free him. Logically he knew that he would be entrusting his fate into the devil he did not know-- but at this point in time, that seemed far preferrable.

And that was how he had roped Alex into this. Someone who was well versed in the rituals if not well practiced; he could not do this alone because there was so much that could go wrong. Best to have two hands in it, even though he knew that it was not Alex's job to intervene but rather to 'watch' but he was desperate, and Alex knew how much he hated Adeen.

Desperate times called for desperate measures, and it was then that Essek finished the circle and then set his chalk down gently. ]

The circle is complete, the components are gathered.. it is time.

Comments

[internationalrelations]

[Bren could feel Essek filling him full of his seed, was awash in the thrill of being marked and claimed that way. They would have each other in each and every way that they could at this rate, and he was all for that. So very much for it that the thought threatened to undo him all over again.

Then those two words Good boy actually did undo him, a small aftershock of his orgasm, another tightening of his muscles, body rocking back against Essek even still, making the come leaking from his hole all the more obvious.]

Yes, Master. Always good for you...

--

[Alex watched as Henry settled into the driver's seat, head lolling back against the headrest as he looked at his demon with an overwhelming affection that he could not possibly have hoped to contain.]

I like calling you baby.

[He murmured, looking down to the hand on his knee, his hand finding its way to set over Henry's, slotting their fingers together.]

Baby...do you know how to drive?

[Around the time that question was asked, Bren's voice filtered into Henry's mind, sounding more than a little pleasantly worn out.]

~We will manage, yes. Enjoy your evening!~ [And then after a pause, as if he'd almost forgotten to mention.] ~I neglected to say it earlier, but congratulations, Your Highness, on your spawn.~

[Said Bren who hadn't yet noticed that Essek's own state was equally as expectant as Alex's. Too close to it perhaps. And it wasn't as if every demonic pact resulted in the conception of a child. Something about only the deepest bonds, a connection that went beyond simply a deal with a devil.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek rested against Bren's own back, his head making itself comfortable as he just pressed Bren up against the wall from the weight of him. He did not even notice that Bren had gone a little bit quiet from communicating with the other demon; but rather Essek languished in the feeling of warmth and safety.

Beyond the coat closet they could hear the beating of the club beats and it would likely be best to leave sooner rather than later, but he was his own brant of contented.

And it was a surprise that Bren hadn't noticed, especially with all of the times he had rested on Essek's lap, as an orange cat-- pressed up close to navel where just underneath the surface a pearl grew.

Conversely, he was an orange cat. ]

--

I know of driving.

[ Henry said with a wry smile as he turned the key in the ignition, and then that was when he heard the voice in his head, and then he glanced over at Alex at the words spoken. ] Wait, what.. Spawn?

[ Oops, he said that out loud, even as he squeezed Alex's hand a little bit tighter and looked at Alex, really took in his features and well-- everything. ]

[internationalrelations]

[..he was an orange cat, yes. Bren was, by all objective measures, a brilliant mind. Bren was also, in the same measures, an absolute idiot. He would notice it eventually, and probably dissolve into a frantic mess of anxiety and joy and then more anxiety.

Right now though? He was too busy being high in the afterglow.]

Mm... shall I take you home?

--

[Alex's eyebrows rose sharply. He may be drugged and woozy, but not so much that he didn't catch that wry smile. Demon without a driver's license behind the wheel. What could possibly go wrong?

He opened his mouth to say something smart, surely, but was distracted by that seemingly random outburst, the tightened grip on his hands.

The way Henry was looking at him.] What? Spawn? [What did that mean exactly?] Is something wrong?

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek acknowledged that Bren was very intelligent, it was the mind and the ease of conversation that had kept him interested; the fact that they could talk about magic and that was the entire world and nothing else existed except for them and the books that they had taken into their sphere of influence.

He pulled away and cast a quick prestidigition spell against the wall, though not against those thighs of Bren's; when Bren fucked him-- he wanted that come dripping down those thighs, wanted to mingle their thighs together into something hot and dirty.

And Bren brought it out in him. ] Mmm yes, please take me home.

--

I promise we'll be fine-- [ He did not want to talk about the spawn quite yet, especially not when he was precariously driving a car that he was uncertain how to truly manuever. How hard could it be right? All you needed to know was the gas pedal as well as how to turn left and right.

He knew the difference between his left and right. ] I will tell you when we get home, it is probably if we talk about it when you are comfortable.

[ He thought perhaps Bren could be wrong.. there was no way.. was there? Could demons get humans pregnant? ] You have to keep me on the straight and narrow.. where this road is concerned.

[ Might want to buckle your seatbelt, Alex. ]

[internationalrelations]

[Bren loved to see Essek using his magic as if it were the second nature that it ought to be for the drow. He'd been chained down too long, and every step he took into reclaiming what was his was a thrill to see.

He smiled a lazy, pleasure-hazed smile, even as a soft breath left his lips as Essek drew free from where he'd been hilted inside him. Bren did not bother to redress. His clothes came and went as he wanted them, and he didn't see the reason for it now.

Turning to face Essek, he held out his hand towards him.]

Home it is.

[Once Essek took his hand, Bren would bring them straight to the transportation circle he'd left (under a very elaborate glamour) in Essek's private chambers.]

--

[Something was up. But luckily for Henry, he was still brain-addled so he wouldn't push right now, not when he'd been assured that Henry would talk about it once they were safely home.

Also he was quite concerned with getting home in one piece now.]

Mm... straight apparently isn't either of our strong suits.

[Haha he made a joke look at him.

Leaning over, Alex reached and very deliberately pulled Henry's seatbelt across the demon and buckled him in before seeing to his own.]

...just in case.

[zauberdecke]

[ There was gratitude and love in those soft violet eyes, the stars in them seeming to glow as he leaned in to take the hand that was offered to him. Just as well there was also trust there in the soft squeeze of fingers.

He wanted to fall into bed with this beautiful demon, wanted to be worshipped and adored- everything he read in pleasure drowsed eyes. Those words were foreign to him but he very softly bunted his forehead very lightly against Bren's jawline as if he was marking him for himself.

As if what they had done here in the shadowed coatroom of the club hadn't quite been enough. He stepped with Bren into the circle and then they were home and it was quiet in his darkened chambers. ]

--

I bet you've been holding that in so hard that it's been starting to hurt.

[ Henry said wryly because he knew it to be the truth, he knew that there was quite a bit that now Alex could say unironically; the extremely british demon would give him that much even as he saw that his seat belt was getting buckled by Alex.

Love beamed out of those blue eyes, adoration too. He really was a simp for this man, for all of his effervescent charms, winsome and engaging smiles that wooed him quite spectacularly. ] Thank you, ah..

[ No one has ever wanted to protect a Demon before, a lot of people didn't think it'd be possible. Oh gods, his heart melted into the fiery pits of hell-- never to be seen again. ]

[internationalrelations]

[Back in the privacy of his pactkeeper's chambers, Bren was all too happy to lean into the way that Essek's forehead nuzzled against his jaw. It was a very feline behavior, and that sang to something inside the demon who even as a human had often found cats far easier to understand than other people.]

Bed?

[A quiet murmured suggestion because Bren did not see the appeal in allowing any space in between them if it could be avoided, and the bed did afford the perfect venue for enacting just that.

Although.] ...ah, but I should clean up first. I have been made a mess. [Something he was quite pleased about, thank you.]

--

I really have.

[At least he could admit it? His sense of humor was, at best, suspect. But Henry must have figured that out by now, and it hadn't chased the demon away yet, so Alex expected it would be fine. Hopefully.

He was entirely oblivious to the melting of Henry's heart -- because of course he wanted to protect him, wanted to keep him safe. So Alex only offered a grin at the thanks, and perhaps a curious tilt of his head at the expression on Henry's face, in those absurdly lovely eyes.]

You're welcome. But let's still try to make it home without needing them, yeah?

[Alex cozied himself over so he could rest his head against Henry's shoulder as the other man drove.]

You've got this, babe. I believe in you.

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek noted the solo 'I should clean up' with quite a bit of displeasure. Especially since the suggestion had been made for bed before that; and to a man who was perhaps more cat than drow, he found himself resting his chin against Bren's shoulder almost consideringly. ]

You know, there is room in a shower for two people.

[ As if to insinuate that perhaps they could clean up together. But truth be told, Essek did not want to part from Bren so readily, and it felt most expedient to wash up together. ] Unless you do not want to bathe with me... [ Teasingly he made an attempt to draw away, perhaps a test to see if Bren would pull him close. ]

--

[ For Henry, it was important to use two hands to drive-- as much as he was tempted to wrap one arm around Alex, he figured that was probably level two driving when push came to shove. But it felt nice to have the Talamascan rest against him.

As he pulled out he managed to levy a kiss to the top of Alex's head. ] Your faith in me is much needed, as much as I would love to cuddle with you while we drive.. I understand that two hands on the wheel is probably for the best if I want to make sure that us and other people on the road get home safely.

[ What a polite demon ]

[internationalrelations]

There is, isn't there?

[Yeah Bren was completely on board with them sharing a shower. How much cleaning actually took place would remain to be seen, but it would be a very enjoyable time. He was certain of that.

And then Essek started to draw back and Bren did indeed wrap his arms around the drow to stop his withdrawal, and to urge him even closer.]

I very much want to bath with you. Bitte.

--

That's right. Both hands on the wheel. Nine and three. Check your blindspots.

[And Alex would be in charge of the snuggling, while trying not to distract Henry while he was actively on the road. For the good of all pedestrians and fellow motorists and also themselves and maybe also the trees along the roadside?

He did shut his eyes though, finally feeling at ease enough after how shaken what had happened had left him.

[zauberdecke]

[ Exactly the response he had wanted from the Demon, to keep him there and prevent him from leaving. Coaxing, even. For the most part, Essek could be easily convinced even as he leaned up to brush his lips almost tenderly against the curve of the jawline, the bristle oF hair pleasing in a near primal way.

Since you said please so sweetly.

[ The bedroom door was already locked, so he did not have to worry about that; then he started to move with Bren toward the bathroom room, a place that was very much for pampering. A haven of sweet smelling soaps, fluffy towels, and more drow cosmetics then one could shake a stick at. Once inside he started to slip out of his clothing. ] Get the shower ready, Chathtiu?

--

[ It was, thankfully late enough that there were not too many drivers on the road. So he would take the advice to heart; he could've had it drive itself but Henry had never been the type to have others do the work for him (unless it was punishing insolent men who intruded at a club) but right now only trusted himself to get Alex home safe and sound. ]

This GPS is pretty hand, at least I can find my way back to your place with it.

[ He could not even imagine trying to find some place with a map.. that felt strange. ] But all I want you to do is relax.

[internationalrelations]

[Bren turned into Essek to let his lips leave a kiss against one sharp cheekbone, following it with a nuzzle, all sweetness in affection. Very demonic, of course. He looked undeniably pleased at Essek's agreement.

He followed along with the drow, close enough to not break contact until he had to just long enough to let his pactkeeper undress.]

Of course, Schatz.

--

Yeah, miracles of modern tech.

[An amused little huff.] For the ancient demonic prince of Hell. Gotta give you credit for keeping up with the times, grandpa.

[Alex was relaxing, and needling at his demon for fun. It was done with full affection though, especially at those latter words. He opened his eyes to look up at Henry, taking in his features from his current vantage point. He was beautiful, like something from a painting by one of the old masters made flesh. Everything about him made Alex's heart struggle to remember that it's job was beating and not fluttering like a twitterpated bird caught in the cage of his ribs.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Perhaps there was a little bit of seductive flourish to it; because Bren made him feel like a sensual creature-- someone who was powered by something other than logic. Unveiling a part that had been long buried, so buried that even Essek had not known it existed.

The same Essek that had danced against Bren, letting the music guide him.

First the shirt discarded, and then the tight leather pants that was shoved down hips, and then he stepped out of them with a little shimmy-- very soon revealing an expanse of skin-stars. ]

--

If Henry wasn't so intent on driving, he would've preened in a way that was very much suited to the Prince of Hell; but instead he was keeping his eyes on the road and for the most part managing to keep within the lines. There was only a few swerves, but only because of the people who rudely used their brights. ]

It is my experience that gives you orgasms, so perhaps you shouldn't knock it.. Whippersnapper.

[ Yes, he just did-- his voice absolutely answering to the tease in Alex's. ] It seems as if you are rebounding quite nicely from whatever it was that Miguel did to you.

[internationalrelations]

[Bren was entirely too happy to be part of Essek's awakening as a sexual creature who understood just how alluring he truly was. The demon was a fool for him, though that was true whether Essek was stripping seductively or curled up in a chair with a book with a lap that was perfect for a wayward orange cat to curl up in.

So maybe Bren was a little distracted by the shimmying. It was a very nice shimmy.

He shook himself out of the reverie enough to turn on the water and get the shower to warming up. Bren moved to step beneath the spray, holding a hand out towards Essek, beckoning him to join him.]

--

[Alex had apparently chosen to trust in Henry's driving skills entirely because he was entirely relaxed leaning up against his demon. His shoulders shook with a laugh at Henry's retort. He liked it, the easy banter that they'd found themselves falling into like a second nature.

Henry was a challenge in the best way.]

Mm... that is a good point. And you are good at that.

[Alex would give him that accolade because it was incredibly deserved.]

I guess so. I feel like I can think clearly again. [And then quieter.]

I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't found me. [Yes he did. He knew, and he didn't like thinking about it at all. But he didn't have to, because Henry had found him.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek was now naked, clothes discarded to the side where they had no use. Then he glances at Bren from just underneath those lush snow lashes before he then took the hand held out to him and then stepped into the spray, though in front of Bren.. free to be held within the circle of those arms.

It was easy to press up against that body, to feel the warm steam spray engulf him.

Bren with those dark red waves plastered to his cheeks and to his forehead, those blue eyes that made him feel safe and protected. He wants to stay there forever if at all possible-- but he has so much time, at least he thinks that he may. ] I want to spend forever with you... [ Those words come unbidden. ]

--

I would always find you, there is not a world in which I wouldn't.

[ He says this, there is intent there underneath the surface, and if he had not found Alex in time-- then Miguel could very well have signed his own death certificate. In fact the jury was out on how long Miguel's expiration window was. All depending, it would not be very long at all.

But he was looking for Miguel to grow bold, so that he could make it worse for him.

There were now two others watching his every move-- he would not get very far. ] Because I love you madly and deeply.

[internationalrelations]

[Looking at him that way was not even remotely fair. Bren was transfixed by him, by the way he moved. He wrapped his arms around Essek once the other man was close enough, urging him close once more. His hands splayed against his back, running up the curve of his spine.

The water was hot and exquisite against his skin, and Essek was perfect in his arms.

Those words had his eyes widening though, arms tightening around him.]

I only ever want to be by your side. As long as you will have me.

--

[Alex had never in his life felt so... protected. Taken care of. There went his heart again, fluttering and tripping over itself. He turned his head to press a kiss to Henry's shoulder, through the fabric of his shirt, burying his face there because he was more than a little overcome.

This was what love felt like, wasn't it? Simultaneously vast and incomprehensible and small and simple enough to tuck straight into his chest and make itself a home.]

I love you too.

[zauberdecke]

[ There was no easy way for Essek to say that he belonged to Bren.. with Bren. So instead he turned in those arms so that he was resting back to front, allowing himself to lean against the other man, and he was at a height where the top of his head tucked rather neatly into that curve of neck.

He'd never thought that he could ever want something like this and yet here he was. And Bren's hand rested right against his navel now, palm flat and just underneath that little pearl of something that glowed with energy. ]

Then you shall never be rid of me.

--

[ Henry's heart was no proof to it, and there was truth to the matter that Alex had paved the way quite adeptly; he'd been in love and entranced before Alex even knew of his existance. Like one of those Princes who had been shown a picture of a potential bride and had been enchanted before the initial meeting.

And it only got better from there. ] You cannot say things like this, I may crash because you made my eyes flush with feeling.

[ He warned, though me managed to turn on the road to Alex's apartment building-- he was managing well enough, and so far no light poles had been run into. ]

[internationalrelations]

[Bren loosened his hold just enough to not hamper Essek turning in his embrace. He turned to press a kiss through wet strands of white hair, letting his eyes shut for a moment.]

Good. I would never wish to.

[Ever. He'd been waiting for his entire life to find Essek. He was certain of that, that every choice he had made had somehow led him here, to this brilliant, complicated, beautiful creature.

His hand had indeed settled against Essek's abdomen, and after a moment he realized there was something else just beyond his touch. Something small but already powerful, something that was in the process of becoming and oh. Oh Hells.

Bren stiffened. He... oh what would Essek say? Would he hate him for this? Even if the idea of creating a child with this man made something in his own chest ache with a yearning that he couldn't hope to quell.]

--

Shut up.

[King of romance, Alex Claremont-Diaz. But he was flushed and smiling, hiding the expression against Henry's shoulder.]

You started it anyway.

[I love you madly and deeply, Henry had said. And he'd meant it. To Alex! Of all people!] Besides... look, we made it.

[zauberdecke]

[ There was always the possibility of pregnancy with drow men though it was rare; that had not stopped Adeen from attempting though. But if Bren felt the energy, it definitely held vestiges of both Bren and Essek, fire and gravity forming into one-- coalescing into a shell of a child.

This was undoubtedly Bren's.

Essek was the mother of his child-- something that perhaps the other demon had never thought would happen? As it was Essek leaned back in those arms, a soft purr of contentment as he felt the hand press warmly there. ]

--

[zauberdecke]

[ There was always the possibility of pregnancy with drow men though it was rare; that had not stopped Adeen from attempting though. But if Bren felt the energy, it definitely held vestiges of both Bren and Essek, fire and gravity forming into one-- coalescing into a shell of a child.

This was undoubtedly Bren's.

Essek was the mother of his child-- something that perhaps the other demon had never thought would happen? As it was Essek leaned back in those arms, a soft purr of contentment as he felt the hand press warmly there. ]

--

You are a brat and I will not shut up.

[ Henry said as he wisely steered the car to a spot that was not near any other cars, best not to test his luck. Once done, he raked his fingers through his hair-- turned the ignition off and then jumped out... but so he could open the door for Alex.

Like a true gentleman. ]

May I see you home?

[internationalrelations]

[Bren had not anticipated this. That was on him, really. Now his mind was racing as he tried to figure out what he was going to do, how he was going to break this to Essek, explain it to him.

This was his doing, and he had to be honest about it. To the mother of his child.

Bren pressed a kiss to his temple, holding the pressure of his lips there a long moment.]

My treasure... there is something I need to tell you. [If he sounded scared, it was because he was.]

--

Yeah but you love me.

[Alex argued back, settling back into his seat and unfastening his seatbelt. He was about to reach for his door to open it when he found it opened for him instead. Looking up there was his prince charming, standing right in front of him.

Ducking his head with a laugh, he reached for Henry's hand and got himself out of the car. A dizzy sway, but he kept his feet.]

Are you going to try to kiss me goodnight at the door and everything?

[zauberdecke]

[ What Bren did not account for was that it took two to make a child, that it was not wholly his doing that the drow was pregnant with his child, it was a combination of intrepid seed and receptive fertile land.

And it had not occurred to him to use any sort of protection because Adeen never did in the hopes of just this.

But back to the moment, to Essek-- the kiss was nice, he liked the faint pressure of warm lips against his skin. It was hard not to lean instinctively in to catch more of that kiss, more of that pressure for his own; it made him ridiculously affectionate here in the shower where he found himself gravitating toward the Demon's very warm body that promised all sorts of things-- not just pleasure, but safety and warmth. ]

Mmmmmm? [ He said as he rested his head back and arched his spine but only so that he could be pet some more by those skillful hands. His words like a cat's tail formed a question mark. ]

--

[ No fear, Henry was there with his princely arms to wrap around that waist. They were of the same height but that didn't necessarily mean that Alex didn't deserve the chivalry treatment; also remember-- this was the man who lived through the knights of eld.

He would've made a great knight, dare we say 'one hell of a knight'.

Ahahaha, not funny at all. ] I do love you and I have a feeling that is going to fill me with a lot of joy and a lot of chagrin. [ Every time they each said something lame, the other could mentally calculate who was truly the lame; the loved or the lover. ]

[internationalrelations]

[To hell with Adeen. But Bren knew without a doubt that the little life he could feel taking root inside the drow had nothing to do with that awful excuse for a man that called himself Essek's husband. This was his spawn, his and his pactkeeper's, and there was that yearning in him at that thought again, of wanting something that he couldn't possibly have. Demons were not meant to love and be loved. Demons were not meant to have happy little families.

But oh Bren wanted it.

And he wanted to fold Essek into his arms and lavish him with affection while the drow was being so thoroughly adorable and affectionate and instead, he was splaying his hand flat against his abdomen, his other moving to settle against his chest, above his heart.]

I have done something to you without your permission. It was not my intention. I did not even stop to consider... but it's done. And you need to know, Essek Thelyss.

--

[Wow. But okay accurate. Henry would have indeed made one Hell of a knight. He was still doing a pretty good likeness of one, all the chivalry that Alex had never in his life had directed his way before. He found himself surprised just how much he liked it, but he was also certain much of that was because it was Henry. He couldn't imagine not liking anything about the demon, even when he found him infuriating there was a charm to it, a draw. A pull.

He leaned into the other man, enjoying the solid presence at his side, the arm around him.]

Yup. All part of the services I offer. Joy. Chagrin. [He started ticking them off on his fingers.] Whimsy. Endearment. Fury. [Sheer dumbfounded how is this idiot still alive?? moments. Feral chaos gremlin energy.] Sex. Cuddles. Occasional breakfast in bed. Basically full service, you know?

[zauberdecke]

[ There was a solemnity to Bren's voice that Essek had noticed, it caused him to still within the frame of his rare playfulness. Those eyes that had almost been slow-blinking up at Bren had opened until the demon could see the seriousness held within those galaxy eyes.

What could Bren possibly have done that he did not consent to? That could not be possible nor could it be right, he turned but only halfway-- the hand could still remained splayed, as well as the palm to his chest just over his heart.

He did not pull away. ] As I recall, everything that has happened between them.. I have given my consent to.

--

[ Breakfast in bed? Henry had never once in his life had breakfast in bed-- Pizza had been a new revelation for him too, but it had been delightful; extra pineapple, thank you. But he imagined Alex doing that for him, and it made him melt in such a warm and drippy way. He was a candle and he was melting, because Alex had lit him.

Nowhere in the Hell Handbook had he been prepared for this.

He kept his own arm firm and steady, likely the drugs would still be flowing through Alex's bloodstream for the rest of the evening; best to make him as comfortable as possibly while they waited it out. ] ]

Dare I ask what your specialty for breakfast in bed is?

[internationalrelations]

[And Bren kept his arms around him, secure and firm, yes, but the moment Essek moved to pull away, to push him away, he would release him. He was expecting it to happen. After all, what right did he have to do what he'd done? Unintentional as it may have been. The guilt was worsened by the echo in his own heart of how much he desired it anyway.

Blue eyes met the star-flecked sky of Essek's twilight gaze, and Bren made his confession.]

We've kindled a life within you. You are carrying the spark that will become our child. I didn't think... ah. Ja. That is it. I did not think. I did not think to take the proper precautions. It's so rare for it to even be a possibility that... [He stopped talking, not wanting to begin making excuses for what he had done and not done.]

--

[Alex, more and more, found himself awash in just how much he adored this drippy candle of a man that he'd handed his heart and soul to. He let Henry support him more than he normally would have wanted to. Being so vulnerable was not usually his strongest suit. The Talamasca did not permit shows of weakness, not with their business. That was how agents died. Or were forcibly retired.

But then he'd bargained with a demon, decided to embrace the repressed blood of his witch ancestors that course through him, thrown all caution to the wind -- he was already running down a checklist of how to get fired from the Talamasca. He would be fortunate if he weren't disappeared and kept to be studied at this point. It was fine. He'd burn that bridge when he came to it.

For now, he grinned.]

I've got a couple. I make a mean huevos rancheros. [Of course, putting salsa on most things made them immediately amazing so not a high bar there.] My Abuela taut me her recipes for tamales. And my blueberry pancakes are, if I say so myself, pretty epic.

[zauberdecke]

[ At first Essek paid attention to the nuance of Bren's tone, the way that he seemed almost nervous-- the faintest of trembling of fingers right against his stomach-- a flutter. Then came the words that sank into his psyche and settled there. A life within and wasn't that a very poetic way of putting it; that had to sink in.

Adeen had attempted to get him pregnant, but to no avail; did not stop him from trying of course. He had actually thought it would not be possible, and he had been quite content with that. But Bren told him that he was breeding in so many words, and he knit his brows together. ] How.. how do you know that I am...?

[ He had not pushed Bren aside, that was a good start. But he was asking questions, because as a scholar it was natural instincts to. ]

--

Huevos... Rancheros?

[ You must pardon him, Alex-- however he had not had any proper mexican food aside from what Alex had made in the apartment for the past few days; he was so out of the loop that it would be one new experience after another. ]

I am familiar with blueberries and pancakes, just not together.

[ Man Alex, you were going to open this Demon's world in so many ways. ]