TEST DRIVE MEME #18

[penancemods]

Arrival

You remember a dream.

Or maybe nightmare is more accurate.

It was full of hellfire nipping at your skin and a sensation of being pulled down no matter how much you struggle or cry for help. There's a voice that feels like it's coming from all around you at once. Contrasting with the nightmare unfolding around you, it's smooth as silk. It makes you want to listen with every bit of attention you can muster in the moment.

"Judgement has come upon you, but not to worry. It can still be undone."

The voice promises you redemption for your sins. It promises you a better life and everything you could ever want, if only you just stop struggling so much.

And so you do.

Everyone wakes up in the same room initially. The room is done up in red with a cushy bed, a window, an old TV in the corner on a desk, and a few Hieronymus Bosch paintings lining the wall. There's a bathroom to clean up in and any belongings will be sat around the room to be gathered later. There's a duffel bag provided for your convenience.

After feeling a sensation of falling or dropping onto the bed, characters wake up feeling like they've just slept for a week. Their body will feel heavy and stiff, and they'll have a massive headache at first.

They'll quickly notice the list of their sins written with their blood on a bedside table on an old piece of parchment. This will mean the list is tied to them and can't be changed or tampered with. They'll also receive their device to connect with others and the network. It won't be anything terribly fancy. As a matter of fact, it looks like a very old Blackberry type phone.

Once characters are ready to leave the room, they'll head down long, winding halls. They're dimly lit and have an ominous feeling. They may encounter fellow sinners or demonic staff that will direct the newcomer down to the lobby to get their actual room key to settle in. The staff may be pushy, or they may border on courteous. It really just depends on the mood of the staff at the time and how they're treated in return. Eventually, everyone comes to stairs that lead downward.

Once down to the lobby, you'll notice the front desk manned by a demon who looks bored out of its mind. To the side of him is the door to the kitchen, where guests may help themselves. To the right is a small duty free shop that seems to have a surprisingly normal, expected stock of items. Look around a bit further, there will be a tiny bar tucked in through a corner door. It seems pretty well-stocked and best of all, there's a demonic bartender who seems to know how to mix any drink you can imagine (and a few you can't). Of course there's some seating, bar games, and a jukebox tucked in the corner if you'd rather stay and socialize a bit. There's also a new addition of a karaoke machine.

Please note that all the songs on the jukebox are appropriately hell-themed. Hopefully Sympathy for the Devil is universally loved.


Stand Your Ground

Rise and shine, dear guests! The weather outside is as frightful as it's ever been, oddly cold. Colder than it was even at this time last year, but it seems to match the mood of the staff. Another sinner uprising, another looming threat of outsiders wanting to wreck Hell, and the staff is understandably exhausted and down in the dumps. Still, they seem to be at least trying to spread the Halloween cheer with more decorations! Gaudy decorations are in every square inch of the hotel, along with some unique looking jack-o-lanterns that seem to watch you wherever you go!

There are even some absolutely cute little turnip ones from the old timer demons who insist it's the only way for it to be done!

Lucifer and Lilith are both curiously missing in action at this time. If asked, the staff will helpfully explain that there were poltergeists and then one of the sinners lost it and tried to take over Hell, again. They'll also complain at length about how absolutely ridiculous it is that anyone thinks they're capable of ruling this place over Lucifer himself. Feel free to try to escape the incoming rant! But either way, the big guy in Hell is apparently putting up more barriers to prevent things like this from happening in the future!

And to handle an outside threat called The Veiled Order apparently, but don't you worry about them! They're simply not important at the moment and absolutely not not planning a bit attack soon. Nope.

New arrivals (and old!) should enjoy the rather expansive breakfast the demons have made in the dining hall. There will be plenty of breakfast foods ranging from bacon to pancakes to donuts and anything in between to encourage indulgence. There's no need to hold back now, right? You're already dead! So eat up all that unhealthy food and maybe add something a little bit stronger to your coffee than just plain cream! No one is judging around here, especially when there's a few bottles of top shelf alcohol available next to the coffee station.

And if one thing isn't frowned upon in Hell, it's gluttony. No one will judge if you want a taste of human flesh or cute kitten out of curiosity or anything.

Staff will encourage guests to take it easy. Things have been rough lately, and they're only bound to get rougher!


Reach Up High

Prompt I: Jesus Wept

WARNINGS: mutilation, blood, torture, extreme gore.

Somewhere from within the hotel is an ominous rumble behind a closed door. This time, it isn't from any wayward mages or ill-timed bombing attempts, but the unlocking of a previously forbidden room. There are eerie screams from within, followed by menacing laughter as the door swings open of its own accord. The room within is painted in nothing but darkness and a thick fog.

For those who would dare approach, they will be able to make out the outlines of chains hanging in wait from the ceiling, but most other details are obscured. There may be a brief flash of figures in the shadows, the stench of blood. This feels like a bad idea, but sinners are drawn forward anyway. There's something of a promise inside this room... something new and exciting, greater than anyone is capable of imagining!

You know what they say about curiosity and the cat, don't you?

Before common sense can win out, guests will find themselves pulled into the room and hear the gut-wrenching slam of the heavy door behind them. Once inside, guests will be able to make out the torn apart bodies on the ground, halved or nothing but splatters of guts and bone. Despite all logic, some will still be writhing and moaning still. Whether in pleasure or pain, it's difficult to tell

Look closer still and sinners may notice one has managed to scrawl with their bloody handprint:

There are no limits.

It may feel as if reading those words puts things into motion. Suddenly, one of the poor sinners will find the chains lashing out, hooks sinking in deep as they find their purchase on their bodies and pull. They will find themselves pulled into an almost gruesome mockery of a crucifixion pose. Arms drawn up, legs held in place. Clothes may be torn or shredded as their unmarked bodies are marred with the hooks. Flesh and muscle stretch under the strain. Fortunately, it doesn't go further.

Not yet.

"My dear guests, we haven't explored the depths to which pain can show our true selves in a while, have we? And with all the energy flowing around our little community, I had more than enough time to prepare this surprise for all of you. This is a room that had been locked off for a while now, and my children trapped within have found themselves rather bored lately," Lucifer's voice rings out within both ears of the sinners, eerily reassuring despite the hellscape in front of them.

"I want to show you the lengths Hell used to go to, the pain and pleasure mix of true torment. It's in suffering that we find our true selves. I do firmly believe that. We find out who we're meant to be, what we're meant to be, giving and receiving pain. Help one another and you will be set free!"

The fog dissipates enough to reveal a table nearby full of all sorts of horrifying instruments. Paddles, whips, some of them barbed in nauseating ways. There's wax to melt, knives. Needles to pierce flesh with. There are instruments that deliver enough electric current into the recipient to hurt and leave them writhing, gags for when their cries become too much.

"Next to your instruments, you will find a list of sins and wrongdoings your lovely captive has done in their lives, both here and back home. Read it and punish accordingly. Remember, there is freedom in humiliation as well as pain. Force them to see who they truly are inside. There's also redemption to be found in the punishment. You are delivering God's divine justice! You are God's hand! He will be so pleased..."

In the shadows, there are those same figures standing in wait, ready to manipulate the hooks.

"You will have no more than four attempts to carry out your punishment. Failure or refusal to do so will result in another hook driving into our poor bound soul here. After your four attempts, I am sorry to say they will be torn apart by my friends in the shadows with you, and you will have murder added to the list of sins tainting you. It would be such a needless shame to fail at this, wouldn't it? And who knows, perhaps you'll find you adore this path..."

There's a short laugh from Lucifer, as if he just made a brilliant joke. "Succeed in your punishment and you will both be released with one more sin removed from your list. Don't worry about any injuries... there are bandages and other aids available just outside. Now, my darlings, go have fun."

[As this is a Hellraiser based prompt, feel free to assume anything with a sadomasochistic bent to it can be found within the room. Attacking the demons controlling the chains will not stop them. They seem to be invulnerable to attacks and are only there to observe and add additional hooks when they deem fit. When a punishment is deemed worthy enough to release the hooked partner is left up to player discretion, but a character is only allowed to fail a punishment four times before they have to witness a horribly gory scene.]


Prompt II: Let's Play a Game

WARNINGS: mutilation, blood, torture.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. These are words from my Father's own book, preaching the ever so present importance of putting one's own worth below that of his fellow man. So very poetic, yes? And heroic. Only the truly good would be so selfless. Fortunately, I'm not asking you to kill yourselves here. Not exactly, at least." Lucifer's voice rings out within the sinner's heads, warm and coaxing as it ever is.

"No, I am only asking that you practice the art of self-sacrifice with your fellow penitents. We're going to play a little bit of a game. You're all familiar with escape rooms, yes? Well, it's like that... don't worry, you'll figure it out soon enough."

Spare a Pint Awakening in a room with a single box in the center of it, sinners find themselves wearing a tight collar with a clock ticking down. They have fifteen minutes to place their hands inside the box. They'll soon learn that it's full of sharp objects ready to cut. Upon further inspection, they'll find two glass bottles attached below.

They must spare a few pints of blood each, it turns out.

Once time is up, if they haven't suceeded, spikes will pop out from the collar and embed in their necks. This will result in both participants nearly bleeding out before demons tend to them. Any scarring will be permanent.

Free the Angel Suspended in the air, one sinner will find themselves outfitted with the most devilish device. Brackets have been connected to their ribcage, dug in deep as their bare skin stands out to expose the horrors. There are only fifteen minutes before the trap trips and rips open their chest. To save them, the other sinner must remove a key from a bowl of acid before the timer reaches zero and unlock a mechanism on the device. If they fail to do so, not only will the poor soul bound experience excruciating pain, kept alive through some unnatural means, but the other will suddenly feel as if their insides are twisting in on themselves.

Sinners will be patched up afterwards, but the bound will have a scar that remains on their chest as a reminder to both parties.

Lucifer will explain the rules of each game to the guests very thoroughly and offer whatever reassurances he can. As promised, all sinners will be healed properly after completing their tasks, whether they succeed or not. Even those who find their insides unfortunately on the outside.

If guests turn on one another, they will additionally be punished with a sin from their list branded upon their skin somewhere and fail any sort of redemption offered this round.


Follow Me Down

Prompt I: Monster Mash

WARNINGS: sex, drugs, alcohol, dub-con.

Hell is having a party and absolutely nothing can stop it. It seems like it may possibly be a days long event too, if the way things are going is anything to judge. There are tacky Halloween decorations spilling from the hotel out into the streets, trailing towards the club and other locations. Demons are partying everywhere, there's lively music. It's like a rather twisted Hell take on a block party. Beer and other refreshments flow freely, there's food and candy, and fires lit around the area for warmth (or s'mores, or whatever demons may want to cook over a fire!).

In the hotel lobby, there have been racks upon racks of costumes set up for people to choose from. These include all the usual things ranging from fictional characters, sexy versions of everything, lingerie, masquerade masks, and outfits for entirely anonymous adventures. If character won't don a costume willingly or are unfamiliar with Halloween, the demons have zero qualms forcing it in whatever ways work. Multiple costume changes throughout the partying, however, is allowed.

For party activities, there are live demonic bands playing at various points in Penance (and they welcome those who want to join in!), various party games such as bobbing for apples (although 'apple' here is used loosely. At times, they may be substituted with feet or human hearts or whatever is around), pin the wings on the angel, rounds of 7 Minutes in Heaven and spin the bottle, as well as pumpkin carving contests. There's also a stage set up if guests desire to show off their costumes (or take them off).

As usual, there's plenty of food and drink, including all the questionable ones like human flesh or blood. There may be a roasted Squonk or two available. There's also every drug available that someone could want, including Frenzy that's free of charge.

There's a round of trick or treating going on throughout Penance as well. Go to the club or bar, or any other establishment and you'll find demons ready to hand out their treats or tricks. It may be drugged candy, regular candy, small trinkets, or other useful objects. Tricks may be decidedly less fun, ranging from a swat with a cane, a cut with a knife (non-life threatening this time around!), or just cruel comments that seem to hit too far close to home while the demons around enjoy a hearty chuckle. Don't worry, it's all for fun!

In the bar, there's the jukebox playing some spooky new music, as well as karaoke. Bar games such as darts, pool, poker, etc. are also all available. It may include succubi trying to start a rousing round of strip poker, but that's just the risk you run in Hell!


Prompt II: Dig Your Fingers Into Flesh

WARNINGS: sex, bdsm, pet play, human furniture, dubcon, noncon, drug use.

Club Penance seems to continuing the new gimmick! Themed nights. This night's theme is: Leather and Lace, Bring on the Mace. Guests who enter the adult oriented side of the club will notice the incubi and succubi who serve in it are clad in skimpy lace numbers or seductive leather. They may be seen sporting clamps or other toys, leather masks, etc. They will eagerly encourage all who enter to join in the fun and games.

On their trays, they offer drinks and drugs of all sorts. Shows are being put on on the stage as usual, the offer of sex demos with guest participation are still on the table.

As usual, these demons play under respectable rules, safe words and all. They will also gladly exit the stage and let guests entirely run the show. They're on their best behavior tonight, even if the natural aphrodisiacs they give off seem to be amped up

Guests who refused to dress up may also find their clothes randomly changing into something more appropriate or being forcibly changed by a demon who may be a bit too into the theme! Ah, well, no need to worry too much. There will be costumes and lingerie to slip on to go home in. There's absolutely nothing wrong with a walk of shame back to the hotel in nothing but a thong, they'll assure. It's just another night in Hell.

For those who are really adventurous, there are also special concoctions that the club offers. These include:

Frenzy ○ The drug will be given to anyone anyone who asks for it. It can be snorted, injected, taken in pill form, or smoked given user preference.

Despite the questionable name, guests who partake really will feel the best they've possibly ever felt. They won't need sleep or to rest, but they won't necessarily feel the strain on their bodies either. They'll be full of energy and their mood will be amazing with no hint of nightmares or dreams anywhere.

The demons won't let anyone come down either, not once they've started and not until they're told a guest doesn't want any more.

Even then, they may still try to convince them otherwise. It's a party for as long as you can go, or until you completely burn out, it seems.

But with all good things come bad. It seems a side-effect of the drug is an actual frenzy as well. A frenzy for sex or violence or anything a character might want that they deny themselves on the regular. They'll feel this growing hunger, this ravenous need to have and to claim everything they think is theirs.

Some may even fade away into an almost animalistic sort of state.

The more the guest takes, the more they'll experience this sensation. Fighting it won't help either. Though they did sort of bring that one on themselves, didn't they?

Other symptoms of coming down won't be too different to those of other drugs. Fatigue, depression. Guests will begin to feel the effects of staying up for so long without rest or stopping to take care of themselves. They may also feel a certain longing for more, but it can be fought off with enough strength of will.

The drug isn't free either. The succubi expect to be paid in energy or through actual work in the club.

Bond ○ A potion that will bond guests together the minute one speaks to the other. The encouragement is that this should be done consensually, but the demons won't necessarily be checking. Once bonded, guests will feel what the one who took the potion feels. This includes pain and pleasure both with effects lasting a full night. Give someone the most intense pleasure of their lives or torture them until they beg for mercy!

For a really intense experience, both participants can consume the potion with mutual effects.

A special section of the club has been set back up to follow the theme! Within the area, there are pillory stocks and other restraints set up with demons and random club goers alike restrained and naked. Some of these will be stand-alone, some of these will be attached to beds, etc. A list of sins will be written on a blackboard sat near the sinner and a plethora of toys will be available. The selection will range from knives, candles, ice, impact toys, clamps, gags, etc. There will also be plugs, beads, dildos, and anything else one could want if they desire to add a little pleasure to the pain.

On the blackboards will contain a list of sins for characters and will typically be over the top and sex-based in nature, ranging from claims of promiscuity to selfishness in bed to specific taboo sex acts they enjoy. It can also include a few non-sexual ones, depending on the mood of the demon who wrote it. It may include other misdeeds done while in Penance. Expect it all to be humiliating or uncomfortable in some way or another.

For those who aren't into that, there's also a lovely display of human (or demon!) furniture to enjoy. Some of it may be familiar faces who are forced to maintain this position for however long others deem fit. Come sit on a face or two, or see if you can make someone fail at being a human statue. There may be a little pet play go on, a little denial play.

We won't talk about what it takes to be let into the rest room tonight...

For the dance oriented portion of the club, the theme is a little more lax. Instead of outright fetish wear, patrons may be offered revealing clubwear instead. Things that will look mesmerizing in the lights of the club ranging from neon colors to clothes that seem to flash on the dance floor. The music will be thrumming in the air, pumping down to your very bones as you dance the night away, and all patrons will feel good. It will feel as if they could actually dance all night if they so wanted, even without the aid of any drugs.

It will be an all night rave with all the party drugs and drinks one could want! Live music plays all night. The band also loves to receive requests, so knock yourself out! They seem to strangely know any song they're asked to play.

Knock yourself out, give up any care in the world and have fun. You're already in Hell, so don't you deserve to feel good for a while?


Wildcard/Misc.

Don't see something you love but still want to get a feel for the game? Check out our extensive list of LOCATIONS and write up your very own prompt however you'd like to! You can also add a "NETWORK" post option to your TL for quick, easy, and fun interactions.



And without further ado: Welcome to our new TDM for the November 1st app round! As always, potential appers and characters already in game are welcomed to jump right in! This TDM counts as an additional game event as well as game canon for those coming into the game. If you app and are accepted, TDM tags become game canon and can be used for AC! Please have fun and don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have down below.

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Comments

wow idk where the tag for this went, rude DW and Gmail :/

[universal_charm]

<sub>[ The middle of a club during a party was probably not the best place for a break down, but could you blame him? His heart had broken when James had left, aching with the agony of suddenly finding his bed empty, the slow death of his scent on their bed, the world just continuing to move on. He had experienced loss before, but it hardly stopped him from aching, from his world, for a time, feeling like it had fallen out beneath him.

And now, here he was again. Appearing out of the flashing lights and the smoke like nothing had happened, like he had just been there waiting to be discovered. In the midst of relief there was also guilt, the illogical thought that he had somehow summoned him back, damned James. Illogical, but there all the same.

Sniffling, he lifted his head, straightening himself in James' lap, rubbing at his eyes and let out a shaky laugh. ]</sub>

Sorry. I just - I didn't think I've ever see you again.

_{[ Lacey fingers cupped his cheek. ]}

I missed you.

yeaaah DW has been doing that. boo.

[invicto]

[ Honestly, James couldn't care less for where they were right now. His own feelings were a jumbled mess, more so than he liked to admit, but most of all he was relieved that Jim remembered him, even if that meant he still had an exposed weakness, something that anyone here could exploit.

But he didn't give a crap about being stuck here. For all he knew he hadn't even left to begin with, having no memories of these past few months, so it hardly mattered.

He put both arms around Jim and held him close, making soft, quieting noises to help Jim calm down. ]

I didn't even know I was gone.

[ He rested a hand over Jim's own, squeezing firmly. ]

Just realized months went by when I woke up in one of those starter rooms again.

[universal_charm]

<sub>[ How could he ever forget him?

The little noises made him laugh, just a little, recalling how James - usually so stuff and made of sharp edges - had these little soft moments. He sniffed again, gulping as he leaned in to touch their foreheads, feeling flushed from his crying. ]</sub>

Yeah. Yeah it's been awhile. And don't worry. I'll get you out of that room ASAP. I have a house now. I'm practically domesticated.

[invicto]

[ James had to suppress the urge to roll his eyes at this whole mushy display of affection. Jim was always so... soft. Wearing his heart on his sleeve, feelings out there for all to see. If James didn't dislike seeing him so distressed, he might've opposed a little more to this little moment.

On the other hand, he always was a little possessive. Liked that others knew Jim was his. Felt a little like claiming him all over again. ]

A house? [ He scrunched his nose— but then leaned back, leveling a stare at Jim. ] Who lives there with you?

[ Basically asking if Jim had moved in with someone. The answer may or may not upset him. ]

[universal_charm]

<sub>[ Roll your eyes all you want James. You knew Kirk was a man of emotion, and while normally he was a bit better at holding it back, well, it had been a hell of a couple of years, and he had been lonely and through a lot of shit recently, so yes, he was going to cry at getting to be with one of the loves of his life again. Stab him.

He couldn't help but snort at the look on his face and the question, actually rolling his eyes at James. Please. Though, it was kind of nice. It was the James he knew for sure with a look and a question like that. ]</sub>

No one, now, just me.

_{[ He had moved in with someone, but it was a moot point now. Though he thought James would appreciate some of the things that had been left behind. Particularly the sharp things. ]}

[invicto]

[ Come on now, James's jealous streak surely wasn't a surprise to Jim at all. At least he didn't flip his shit too much. He just tightened his hold on him, absolutely ignoring how Jim used the word now. Meaning he was living with someone else before.

No matter. They were clearly gone now. ]

I'd like to see this house of yours. [ Tilting his head, ] I mean, not necessarily now. There are some nice, private rooms here... we could go check them out.

[universal_charm]

<sub>[ Yes, they were gone. And that had been hard too, though less of a hurt. He had cared for Felix, but their relationship was still fairly new in most respects. So it ached, but the cut had not made it to the bone like James' had.

He tilted his head at James' suggestion, and the idea of a private room did sound better than bawling his eyes out in public. Not that he was afraid of emotion, but he was an ugly crier, and no one needed to see that.

A slow nod, shifting to get off his lap with a whisper of lace. ]</sub>

Yeah, that's probably a good idea. I'll get us some drinks on the way. Your usual?

[invicto]

[ James didn't really want to focus on that. Any of that, really. Although he figured by Jim's reaction that it was going to take some time for him to sort through all this, and he'd likely want to talk about it too.

It was fine. James just didn't want to talk about it now. Or at the very least, not here. Hence the suggestion that they move elsewhere. ]

That'll do fine.

[ He rose to his feet as well, a hand skimming up Jim's back, then nudging him so they could get those drinks and then head out to one of those rooms. ]

[universal_charm]

<sub>[ No, not here. Definitely not here where demons could listen in through a haze of drugs and lights. He would prefer the sanctity of his home - their home now, because of course James would move in with him right? - but a private room now would be best.

He slid up to the bar, requesting the drinks and snatching them up as soon as they were ready, keeping close to James' side as they went to claim a room. As soon as they were inside, he set the drinks aside, turning to throw himself at the other man and crush their lips together in an all-consuming kiss. Not to be dramatic or anything, of course. ]</sub>

[invicto]

[ Whatever place Jim was staying at right now was probably a few ways away. While the club wasn't ideal, one of the rooms should at least afford them some privacy, and they could find one that wasn't filthy, or too crazy or cluttered with either hardcore sex toys or torture devices.

He checked behind a couple doors before finding one that suited him. Granted, it has a pretty big round bed, a dancing pole nearby, a huge mirror right above said bed and a few select toys and other items discreetly placed yet still very much in view, but overall it looked more like a softcore themed room than anything. Nothing too heavy.

As it was their reunion seemed to be heavy enough. James barely had time to step inside before Jim was all over him, managing to draw a surprised sound from him. It took him a moment to catch on to what was happening, but then he was quick to lock his arms around Jim, pulling him in closer and tipping his head to kiss him back, just as hard and hot and fierce as ever. ]

[universal_charm]

<sub>[ He didn't care about the room - it could have had a goddamn guillotine in it, and he wouldn't have cared. He just cared about James, about this piece of his life, his soul being returned to him. He knew it was selfish, but he wanted to be selfish right then and be overjoyed that he was there, with him.

He poured his relief and his anguish into that kiss, clinging to James as if afraid James would disappear again. And that was a real fear, wasn't it, having experienced it once already? Slowly he pulled back, and mostly because his body told him he needed to start taking proper breaths. ]</sub>

Glad to know that hasn't changed.

[invicto]

[ Well, James for one appreciated the softer, more tasteful decor. Looked almost like a nice, if not too luxurious, hotel room.

Of course that his main focus was on Jim, almost solely even once they started to really get into the kiss. He let out a muffled moan against Jim's lips, wandering hands roaming down his back, tracing over soft lace until he was groping the lovely shape of his ass.

His lips trailed along Jim's jaw as the kiss broke, dipping down the curve of his neck. ]

Mm, you'll find not a whole lot has changed...

[universal_charm]

_{[ He shivered and gasped, remembering the way those lips had felt on his skin, the memory burned into his very body. His hips canted, just enough to press into the pressure of James' fingers, encourage more of that. ]}

Hopefully you don't mind the changes in me, though.

_{[ Namely his horns, being the most obvious of them. ]}

[invicto]

[ He pulled back with a soft chuckle, looking up at Jim's horns. He tipped his head up so he could kiss along his cheekbone, then up to his temple, until he was pressing his lips near the base of one of his horns. ]

Darling, I love the changes in you.

[ Jim couldn't possibly be surprised by that, really. His lips trailed back down, stealing a deep, lingering kiss from Jim's own, hands still fondling his ass over all the lace. His mouth moved down to Jim's neck, catching the leather collar with his teeth and giving it a tug. ]

Mm, I like this, too, [ he teased with a small, wicked smile, winking at Jim. ] Any other changes I should be made aware of?

[ Not that Jim's outfit left a lot to the imagination, but still, there was no harm in asking. ]

[universal_charm]

<sub>[ Oh, that felt - felt nice. He shivered as a particular tingling went through him as James' lips brushed the base of his horns, letting out a sharp, tiny gasp. Was it the horns, or was it just James kissing and touching him anywhere at all? Not that he minded the thought of exploring to see which it was...

His smile faltered at the mention of anything else. He bit his lip, trying to find the best words to phrase what had happened and the physical aftermath. ]</sub>

There is... one other thing. Since you've been gone, the Order has been very active, and...

_{[ He sighed and pulled away, turning around pulling at the lace so it thinned just enough to see the dark devil's mark tattooed into the middle of his lower back. ]}

[invicto]

[ James knew straight away that something not quite so good was coming when he felt Jim tense, with the way his smile vanished. He frowned at first, not quite eager to let Jim go, but knowing that Jim was likely going to show him something important, he eventually pulled his hands away and watched Jim turn around.

His eyes widened as the lace stretched thinly and he could see the mark beneath. His teeth grit immediately, suppressing the anger, even as he pressed a hand over the mark near the small of his back, nails digging lightly into the flesh. ]

This was the Order?

[ Yeah, you bet James was going to think of a hundred ways to burn down those motherfuckers. ]

[universal_charm]

_{[ He nodded, but the scrunch of his brow continued to convey how troubled he was. He was no stranger to tattoos - he had two of them already, but at least those two had been of his own volition. ]}

Yes, though I am not sure when or how. Well, I know a little of when, perhaps, but not precisely, but definitely not how or why. I'm not the only one with one of the marks either. I think only those of us who wouldn't do what the Order's dirty work got them, but there's... there's missing hours and when I came to, I had this.

_{[ It still bothered him, but they didn't have much to go on except they were, perhaps, a form of punishment and might be connected to something bigger the Order wanted to accomplish. What that was or how eluded him, which was really the more concerning. ]}

[invicto]

[ Missing hours? So they could've literally done anything to him. Anything. The anger in him burned even hotter at that thought, ice blue eyes practically ablaze with hatred for his fucking Order. ]

I'm going to kill them all.

[ What the fuck was Lucifer doing anyway? Sleeping on the wheel, letting these guys run amok instead of ending them once and for all. He almost wanted to kick his ass as much as he wanted to burn down the entire goddamn organization. ]

[universal_charm]

<sub>[ Ice touched his spine, forcing a gulp from him, even though he knew James' rage wasn't aimed at him. Still, this side of James scared him, even as he was touched by James' sheer rage over what had been done to him. More than Kirk could actually muster for himself given that he had gotten himself into the situation, after all.

He turned back to James, reaching up to cup his face, warm lace tracing the line of his scar. ]</sub>

You can handle that later. Right now I need you to be here, with me, okay? I know it's been no time at all for you, but it's been months for me and I -

Just focus on me right now, please?

[invicto]

[ James couldn't give any less of a fuck if Jim had brought it upon himself. They'd marked him, like he was cattle or property, like he was some slave. It touched too closely to home, even, though he'd never talked about that aspect of his reality with Jim, but seeing it now made his stomach twist unpleasantly.

Yet Jim's plea reached him. The touch on his cheek making him look up, rage bleeding out of his eyes as they found Jim's. ]

I am... here.

[ Months. Right. Jim hadn't seen him in months, probably thought he'd never see him again. James couldn't even begin to imagine how it'd feel to him, if it had happened the other way around. ]

I'm here. Not going anywhere.

[ He reached for Jim's hand on his cheek, tilting his head so he could kiss his palm, then up to his fingertips. ]

[universal_charm]

<sub>[ This was probably a bad idea - how much he felt for James. It scared him, honestly. He felt like he had been destroyed when James first left, and now he was back, and even in a place like Hell it just felt like the universe was right again. And god that scared him. It scared him how angry James could get over him, the horrible things he knew James could and would do in his name. It scared him that knowing that gave him a warm feeling in his chest, even though he would never want James to act on those things.

A silly promise they knew neither of them could keep. They weren't in control here. But he took it for what it was, fingers trembling as they brushed James' lips. ]</sub>

I know you probably have a lot of people who you might want to say hi to and vice versa, but I'm going to be selfish and ask that you just be with me tonight.

[invicto]

[ James wasn't quite so scared of this anymore. He'd grown used to the fact that this place hurt everyone, and Jim wouldn't be spared just because he kept away. If anything, at least being near offered him some chance to keep the other man safer. The fact that he came back to find Jim marked like some slave was proof enough for him.

So instead he'd learned to turn these feelings from weakness to weapon, using them as strength and fuel to keep him going. Yes, even if it meant turning his wrath on anyone or anything who so much as looked at Jim the wrong way. ]

I only want to see you. Only want to be with you. [ He reached out and pulled Jim into a tight embrace, arms wrapped around his body, holding him close. ]

[universal_charm]

_{[ Do not cry, he told himself. You already did that once and not even thirty minutes ago, do not do it again. Even so, he felt the tears well again at James's assurances. He would be lying to say he was never jealous of those who sometimes occupied James' bed and time, and there was comfort in those declarations. Especially now, with him so newly returned to him.}

_{Reflexively, he hugged James back, burying his face into the crook of his neck, breathing in the smell of him, foreign and familiar at once. ]}

I know I'm being ridiculous at the moment, but just bear with me for a little bit.

[invicto]

[ James wasn't stupid. Granted, he may have no memory of being gone, but he understood all too well how much time had passed, and he could only imagine how it would have affected him had their roles been reversed. How desperate he would've been to not let Jim out of his sight so easily.

At times he had wondered, admittedly, if Jim would really miss him when he was gone. If he wouldn't just change and adapt and eventually look inwardly and realize how fucked up this was, how much better it was to finally be free of him. So it was with a good measure of relief that he saw how much Jim missed him, and how badly he wanted him close, even now.

So no, he wouldn't be going anywhere else. He didn't want to see anyone else. His arms tightened around Jim, a small smile stretching across his features, soft and warm where Jim couldn't really see it. ]

It's fine, darling, [ He muttered, kissing Jim's temple. ] Let's just stay here a while. Then go back to the house.

[universal_charm]

<sub>[ The house. The house where he didn't have to be alone now. James was back and would be with him, and his nights wouldn't be so lonely anymore. Just that thought alone eased an ache in his chest he hadn't realized held him like a vice grip, a hiccup escaping him despite himself.

He let out a little laugh, wiping a thumb over his cheek just in case there were stay tears. ]</sub>

That sounds perfect. Sorry, we'll have to put the outfit to better use another night...