TEST DRIVE MEME #24

[penancemods]

Arrival

"Judgement has come upon you. God has deemed you worthy of Hell. But don't worry, it can still be undone," comes a soothing voice that echoes all around you. The voice promises comfort, hope even.

It may seem like a nightmare at first, despite all of that. Full of hellfire nipping at your skin and a sensation of being pulled down no matter how much you struggle or cry for help. Wretched, unseen hands pull at you, grip tight at your body, tighten on your throat, skeletal fingers grab at your face, slide in your mouth and jab at your eyes as they struggle for purchase. It feels like for a moment, they may snap your neck as they tug and pull. The more you resist, the more phantom hands are added to your struggling body.

It feels like they could tear you apart if you let them. The only thing to do is to let go and stop fighting.

And so you do.

Darkness consumes you for a second.

Initially, everyone opens their eyes to a long, dark corridor made of stone. They find themselves in what appears to be a long queue with other sinners, palm bloody with a contract clutched in their uninjured hand that they don't remember signing.

Characters find their bodies feel heavy and stiff, bruised with odd hand prints here and there that they received during their journey down below. A massive headache throbs behind their temples.

If they look at the list in their hand, they'll notice it's written on with their blood. That explains the wound then. It's an old piece of parchment that details every sin they've committed.

As they move along the queue, they'll find a demon waiting to pass them a communication device that looks almost like a very old Blackberry type phone.

"Welcome to Penance," the demon says gruffly before motioning them on without an ounce of courtesy. "Don't hold up the line. This trip is gonna take longer, but at least you get a vacation..."

Once characters have their device and their contracts, they're ushered further down the hall until they come to a set of stairs. They seem to go on and wind forever, but eventually, they come upon what appears to be a door that's alight with white energy. Stepping through, they find themselves on an island.

There's a demon with striking animal features waiting at the start of a long path where an old castle can be seen looming over a quaint, old village. There's music on the air, celebrations clearly taking place. It's explained that while Lucifer rests and recovers, Mammon will be taking his place. Hell is, for the moment, a pleasurable experience they will heartily insist.

Unfortunately, there is a bit of a trek ahead still. The demon urges them on.


Stand Your Ground

The weather is crisp and pleasant in Mammon's domain. It seems to always be a beautiful day and a beautiful night, no matter what. Sinners should rejoice since this isn't very often the case when it comes to the actual Penance community.

While the energy in the air is as pleasant as ever, it's becoming quite obvious that there are unusual creatures roaming the area. Large dragons circle the woods surrounding the village and lately and often attempt to add to their hoard, other oddities have been slithering out. Chimeras of multiple animals wander free in any horrifying combination one can think of. Deer mixed with creatures far more predatory, bears mixed with wolves, other animals are sewn together in grotesque ways. It seems that with Mammon's attention directed towards the battle, he lost a bit of control over his... projects.

Some are aggressive, others are not. They are all, however, a very alarming show of Mammon's greed and lust for more.

Not to worry! Mammon and his servants will assure everyone that the situation is perfectly under control and that the animals are suffering very little to not at all. He just needs a piece to the puzzle to make certain that these new beasts have a productive, happy life. He will also be offering rewards to those who catch these critters unharmed and return them to the castle for safe keeping.

Rewards may take the form of extra food at the taverns, special rooms at the brothels, or a makeover at the salon and fine clothing to match.

Aside from the projects running around, guests may be delighted to see miniature dragons gallivanting around, no larger than the standard chihuahua but most the size of a palm. Some puff little bits of flame, others carry a slightly poisonous bite, but they're all absolutely adorable... and absolutely escaped the pet shop. To prevent larger animals from eating these little guys up, the shop is encouraging everyone to catch one or two or three. They may either choose to keep the little guys or hand them back to the store for safekeeping and a reward of golden Lucifer tokens for the upcoming Dark Carnival.

That's right! It's almost that time of the year again, folks! It seems like the annual affair will be held at Mammon's domain rather than Penance proper. There are promises of no clowns or human zoos this time around, so... that's a positive, right? A section of the village has been roped off and citizens are busy at work setting up decorations, booths, and a few other attractions such as rides and what appears to be a haunted house in a decrepit old building in the village. Careful! Whatever objects are being moved into the establishment do seem to carry actual spirits attached to them.

Should guests be inclined, they may offer a helping hand, but they will not be forced to do so this time.




Everybody Needs a Holiday

While it may be a little disorienting to not only go to Hell, but to be on a sudden vacation, Mammon’s domain is actually very inviting!

Upon entry, there is lively music in the streets and, worth noting, the demons in this area of Hell seem far more hedonistic than those found in Penance proper. They wear fine clothing, silks and furs, and expensive jewelry. A lot of them have adopted animal characteristics or sport various types of body modifications. They're strangely beautiful creatures overall. Although with all of Mammon's 'projects' on the loose, it does make one wonder if they've adopted these characteristics naturally or if there's something more sinister going on...

Best to not wonder about that so much.

The village itself is quaint and old-fashioned, but everyone seems to be rather pleasant. There may be darker aspects to explore for those inclined, but they are nowhere near apparent on the surface. It's sure to be uncovered later, however...

The incubi and succubi in this area seem to be particularly breathtaking and enticing, but sinners will be urged back on track, should anyone seem to be drifting. There will be time to explore later!

For now, everyone will be encouraged to go to the castle and be shown to their rooms. While they will follow the usual housing assignments to avoid further upset to the sinners' routine, the floor plans will be a bit different. Bathing will be done in communal areas with walls separating the showers and large baths that always seem to run the perfect temperature. None of the rooms will have private bathrooms or kitchens attached. All rooms will have a common area attached to lounge in, however. It will have plenty of available seating for entertaining.

No one will have private kitchens, but room service is available at all hours with anything the sinners could desire available. Maybe even things they never thought they would...

TVs, computers, and other familiar electronics will be unavailable and non-existent in Mammon's realm, but there is a library contained within the castle with fiction and non-fiction from Earth (and beyond) all available for perusing. Devices will continue to function as normal.

Mammon's garden will be available for viewing. In every establishment and all around the castle, there's a cider available freely that seems to encourage a good mood and lower inhibitions. The effects aren't overwhelming, but the more one drinks, the stronger they may become as it builds up. Each night, there will also be an option to attend dinner in a rather grand hall, which Mammon frequently attends. There's always a large spread of food and spiced wines and ales available, as well as decadent desserts and other tempting treats. There's frequently live music or succubi dancing for entertainment.

Overall, the atmosphere in Mammon's realm seems to be focused on luxury, indulgence, greed, and sloth.

[It's recommended that everyone read thoroughly through the new location information as it contains helpful hints on what there is to do while on this vacation! It has a list of shops, animals, vendors, etc. Plus a little bit of information regarding Mammon's land itself.]


Reach Up High

For those who still desire to work on their contracts and remove sins from their list despite the fact this is a vacation, there will be opportunities available! They won't even require suffering... much. Rounding up creatures, saving dragons, or helping the carnival set up are all considered good enough deeds to remove one sin from a contract. This is one sin over all, not per deed.

At least it doesn't require any painful torture... though there may be opportunity abound for that as well, if someone wants to go that route...


Under the Surface

Of course this is still Hell. There has to be something going on once in a while, right? Walk down just the right street and sinners may see delectable tortures being carried out in seedy back alley establishments. Loving cuts with knives, harsh blows with whips while your sins are repeated for all to hear. Even the torture seems to have a hedonistic approach and debauchery about it.

Are the victims truly suffering or are they being redeemed in the best of ways? Those who decide to participate may soon realize that the cider everyone has been consuming seems to add a layer of euphoria to pain and punishments. While this isn't necessarily sexual in nature, it encourages a sense of good well-being after and sinners may become addicted to pain.

The crash may not be too fun though, watch out for that.

There are also other vendors in this area that are offering drugs of all varieties, as well as questionable photos of other sinners engaging in true acts of misdeed, unlike the comic shop that seems to be more embarrassing than not. Perfect chance to get that blackmail of your enemy killing that guy...

There seems to be a new vendor in town too. The figure's table seems to be set up like a fortune teller's booth, complete with a crystal ball and the pungent smell of cheap incense. He beckons those who dare look near, urges them to take a seat in front of the booth. The figure remains in dark robes, hood drawn to obscure their face. The only visible part of them seem to be their hands. Unlike the animal-like demons of Mammon's domain, this one seems to have human hands with sharp, yellowed nails. They offer knowledge in exchange for something you will not miss in return, they assure. What is it? Well, they refuse to say. Nothing important, nothing important.

Ask anything! It can be about a specific occurrence back home, the answer to life, the universe, and everything, or something as simple as what does Lucifer truly want. Keep in mind that a price will be taken down the line and it may not be something the sinner actually wanted to lose. Ah, well...

[For knowledge based transactions, please respond here. If a character asks a question of their homeworld or something in their future, players may assume they are told a bit of information on the topic without waiting for mod approval. If a character asks something related to Hell, please wait for a response. Regardless of answer type, please respond to the thread linked here so that you can later receive a decision on what your character has given up for this knowledge. It may be a memory, a temporary loss of a sense, a year or so off their lives (when they return home), lack of resilience to sin, etc. Please be aware that signing up does mean consequences at a later date... and these may not come from Mammon or Lucifer.]


Follow Me Down

WARNINGS: sexual themes, animal-like behavior, dub/non-con potentials, implied bathroom play, mating.

It seems there's a trickster somewhere, somehow who spiked the cider. Naughty little devil! Those who are unfortunate enough to drink the tainted cider may find themselves developing animal-like traits, such as enhanced senses, animalistic urges, and a general need to be territorial or possessive. They may find the urge to keep to their pack or to branch out and find a new one. This may also result in features, such as fangs or claw-like nails that may or may not retract. Sinners will find themselves reverting back to a primal nature that they may not be able to resist.

How utterly embarrassing!

Don't worry, these effects only last a couple days at most before they will fade completely! Unfortunately, 'animal-like traits' may also extend to mating rituals. Sinners may find themselves going into heat. While knotting or other traits will not be apparent, sinners will find themselves desperate for intimate contact. This may mean a poor sinner in heat will be mated by several lovers in a row as their scent inevitably draws them in, there may also be possessive behavior displayed that results in biting and marking, and others wanting to mark their territory in ways that would make even the most seasoned succubus blush.

It may also mean those inflicted with the heat-like state, will present themselves to those they find attractive as mates or find other ways to entice them to get what they want.


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 June 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.

If you have questions, comments, suggestions, etc., go here.


Navigation | Premise | Arrival | FAQ
Rules | Taken | Reserves | Applications
Network | Logs | OOC | Memes

Comments

[handsomefoil]

Part of him still wants to hurt, thinking it'll be more of the same. They've fought and hurt each other plenty of times, and he's also tried to dig his nails into Gabe just as often when they're not fighting. It could easily go that route.

But that also feels counterproductive, doesn't it? After all that'd happened the last time, how he fought back his own urges while completely stone-cold sober. It doesn't feel right to go sharp right at the get go.

So as Gabe practically bares his throat and allows him near, he clenches his shaking fingers once tight before gently- almost too gently- brushing the back of his fingers along that attractive cut of his jawline. The heat of his skin thrills his senses, the heat of the bizarre pheromones seeming to thicken in the air around them.

"You really want to do this, eh?"

It sounds more like a dare than a sincere question, but he thinks it could easily double as both. His nail scrapes along his skin, inching down his neck as he presses in even closer, every cell in his body practically vibrating with a need to act.

[minuteofangle]

Gabe tips his head back, letting Henry touch him. It's light. It's nothing, on balance. It doesn't even draw blood. But his breath still catches. An unforgivable sin.

It doesn't hurt. And it feels -

Like a balm.

Gabe reaches out, catching Henry's wrist. He doesn't dig his nails in, though. He doesn't draw blood, either. "Why would you care what I want?"

[handsomefoil]

He doesn't fight the grip. Not yet.

"Oh, in some ways, I think... I've always cared." Things just kept going wrong. Bad choices were made. Turning for the worst, escalating, and ultimately leading them here.

If it weren't coming out of Henry's mouth, saying it to Gabe, it could almost sound like he's being romantic or sweet, but there's a slight manic quality to Henry's gaze which doesn't reach his voice.

His other hand makes a move, snaking around Gabe's waist now that they're close enough and slowly pulls them flush together. His most obvious arousal presses against Gabe. Eyes rolling back slightly he manages to tamp down any noise, lips hovering right along his chin. Everything starts to feel like just a little too much.

"And your answer will matter quite a lot."

[minuteofangle]

Henry moves in, deliberate and quick. Getting in close enough that Gabe can tell that Henry's naked. That he can feel everything. And it -

It echoes through. That closeness. His pulse hammers in his throat. Gabe shivers without meaning to, pressing close. Wanting that contact, something human, wanting to be touched even if it's with Henry.

Gabe breathes out slow, pressing his thumb against Henry's pulse point. He could dig his nails in. Make it sharp. He doesn't know why he holds back. "Then keep me here," Gabe says softly. "Out of my head."

He leans in close and kisses Henry hard.

[handsomefoil]

If Gabe hadn't kissed him, he's pretty sure he would've made a sound that he couldn't hold back. That soft admission of want, contrasting the strength of his grip but without that ever-present need to cut into him and scar like he has to make a point... it's rather breathtaking. It's everything they're usually not.

His lips part to draw him in deep, eyebrows cinched as his eyes automatically close. The hand around his waist presses hard down his backside until strong fingers curl around his ass and dig in for a good grip. He takes a slow, experimental step back, mostly so he doesn't lose his balance.

At its core, not much as changed for Henry. He'll do whatever Gabe asks of him.

[minuteofangle]

Oh. Gabe makes a small sound, pressing against Henry. Funny, he thinks. No one in Hell has accused him of being easy. No one's ever thrown it against him, tried to wield it like a weapon. But it's printed on his list. A sin, something he ought to suffer for. Something he'll have to redeem. But fuck, it feels good to be touched. It feels like sanity and finding his center.

He moves with Henry. Lets the man touch him, lets it happen.

It doesn't hurt. It's almost gentle. He's not certain about that. It feels like uncharted territory, uneasy and strange.

Gabe lets go of Henry's wrist and runs his hand up Henry's arm instead. Keeping himself anchored, but feeling him out. Centering himself.

Fuck, it feels good to touch someone. And he wants -

He wants more. Maybe too much.

[handsomefoil]

It feels like a fever dream, one that he actually welcomes with open arms. He's not sure what made this time so different. Maybe it's this heady feverish feeling after drinking one or two too many drinks, or maybe it's just an accumulation of events that brought them to this point.

Gabe lets him do a lot more than he deserves, he knows this, but the thought is hardly a blip on his radar anymore. He's just desperate for more of this— a reaction from Gabe that's not just teeth and fist and nails. Not that he'd actually complain if any of that came into play, but the mood is decidedly different.

He feels himself shiver at the touch up his arm. It makes him realize just how clothed Gabe is and starts pushing his hands under his shirt, gathering up the hem in his hands to slide it up and off to reveal more of his tan skin. Almost immediately, like instinct, he pulls Gabe along some more so that he can lower himself onto the edge of the bed. Hands around his hips, he immediately presses his mouth to the area right below his pecs.

[minuteofangle]

It's slower than he's used to. For a moment, Gabe thinks of Nacho and stiffens, uneasy. He ought to leave. Back away. Get out of this before it spirals even more than it already has. The only thing he's going to do is tie himself into knots. Twist himself up.

But it feels good, too. Like sanity and relief and the eye of the goddamn storm. And he goes where Henry guides him, lets it happen. He shivers at the touch, one hand going to the back of Henry's head. But he doesn't dig his nails in.

Not this time. This time he just shivers, and makes a small sound.

It doesn't hurt. He wasn't ready for that.

[handsomefoil]

They may regret this. The moment they snap out of it, things will surely grow awkward as fuck and Henry vaguely thinks that he won't know what to do with himself after this. A far-off worry, slowly getting blanketed by the haze of pleasure. Gabe's hand feels good, cradling his head and encouraging him to deepen the kiss to his stomach.

Deft fingers work his pants open, everything feeling like its on autopilot. He inches his hands down to push everything around Gabe's knees and letting gravity do the rest, still kissing at him and only just introducing little nips of his teeth. Hands glide back up, grasping at both sides of his ass as anchor points to tug him gently back and forth while he continues to taste.

It's all very slow. Something he knows Gabe would usually growl at or demand him to speed up. The sheer novelty of it all makes him greedy for something altogether different, to just allow himself to explore and memorize, have him all to himself for now.

Just don't think about it.

[minuteofangle]

Like before, he goes easy. Maybe too easy. There's a vague part of Gabe that worries he's doing something wrong, crossed one of those lines he should have defined a long time ago and won't ever be able to take back. But it's hard to think clearly, to focus. The world's gone strange, heavy all around him.

Breathe. Focus.

It feels good, is the thing. Different, a little uneasy, but -

Hah.

Gabe shivers, his breath hitching. He runs his hand along Henry's arm, feeling out the lines of him.

"How do you want me?" he asks very softly.

[handsomefoil]

He takes a moment to breathe, burying his face against Gabe's hot skin, considering the question. He already knows how he wants him, so it only takes him a second to pull back and give him an appreciative look up and down, hand following in his gaze's wake. Something about just making eyes at him even in moments of intimacy always felt weirdly voyeuristic.

"On top," he replies readily but just as quietly. Scooting back on the bed, he twists his hand to latch onto the one brushing along his. His grip squeezes once, almost like in encouragement.

Always used to having Gabe underneath him, he always wondered if that was just a preference or just something easier when with Henry specifically. A little change of pace could be nice, he thinks. Yeah, nice.

[minuteofangle]

And again, Gabe goes where he's guided. There's a bed this time, and questions that churn through the moment. Some strange, creeping slowness. And that heat, pulsing under his skin, shifting when Henry touches him. There are moments when he can think clearly and when Gabe feels himself drifting. Aching. And there's a part of him - maybe a selfish part - that just wants to ride it until the end. Let it be good.

He settles on top of Henry, running his hands down the man's chest. Feeling him out, his head tipped back.

Breathe. Let go.

"Riding you, or fucking you?"

Again, it's asked softly. He doesn't fuck other men that often. A small preference, one of the few Gabe keeps for himself. But sometimes he changes it up. Not often. Not easily. But sometimes.

[handsomefoil]

When things continue to go soft, nice and easy, Henry can't help but compare it to a quietly coiling spring. Curling tight and ready to snap at a moment's notice. Even if nothing snaps, he still can't help it. Always ready for the tides to turn.

He breathes out, the sound trembling as Gabe settles on top. The lube he'd been using before to stave off the horrible neediness is in the sheets somewhere, he thinks vaguely, only to have his thoughts cut short at the question.

Now that's really something. The choice between the two seems obvious. He enjoyed watching Gabe writhe and bend attractively when he fucked him but he's now suddenly intrigued at the idea. He'll still find a way to lay claim to him, he's sure, but that's still a subconscious thought for now. Only part of his motivation.

"...fucking me." Might as well take the chance while the offer is there. It feels like an incredibly rare moment, one he thinks he'll savor for a long time. Even just being presented with the offer is fascinating on its own.

[minuteofangle]

Ah. Gabe tips his head back, resting his hands on either side of Henry's chest so he can feel it as the ribs rise and fall. It feels good to touch another person, to chase that warmth. To take some of it for his own, or maybe just share in it. Let it build, let it -

Spread.

Gabe shivers a little. He feels cold, suddenly. Wants to be held, to touch someone. There's an ache where the demon fucked him earlier and it's not enough. More than anything, he feels empty and he wants to be filled, to stay in the moment instead of retreating inside of himself.

Okay.

He tips his head back, then nods. Taps his fingers against Henry's ribs in some half-remembered rhythm, a song his brother used to hum. "How do you want it?" he asks, in that same soft tone.

[handsomefoil]

The more Gabe touches, the more obvious it is to him that this really isn't enough. He similarly has that need to be smothered in the heat of it all.

His hand catches on the lube he'd been lazily pawing around for, the vaseline-type tin already open so that he can just swipe at it and bring it up to Gabe's cock. He strokes lazily before even answering.

"Just like this is good," he murmurs distractedly, stroking while the other hand remains curled around a hip. His thumb digs in, tipping his gaze up to take in the entirety of the man perched on his lap. He'd have hard time saying it out loud right in front of him, but he is gorgeous. "Let me get my legs around you, yeah?"

Fortunately for them both, he won't need any prepping.

[minuteofangle]

Gabe bites off a groan, tipping his head back. Been a while since he was with another man like his, but he knows how it goes. Never thought he'd be with this man quite like this, though. Funny how it goes. The moment still has that dreamlike drag to it, catching at the edges. Turning the world strange.

This is Hell. Wouldn't be much of a punishment if they could control it.

Gabe drops his head back down. He can't see Henry, not in the usual ways, but he toggles his nanotech. Builds up a picture in his mind from the data and what he feels against his hands. And he shifts down, giving Henry more room to do what he wants.

"I'm not fucking you dry," he says softly. Somehow, that feels important.

[handsomefoil]

He gnaws at his lip, feeling a different sort of warmth creep up on him. Something that he'd normally wouldn't even bat an eye at, but coming from Gabe? It's as if he'd just offered him the ultimate form of consideration. Bizarre. Fucking hell magics.

"You won't be." It's almost hesitant, like he's ashamed to admit he'd been finger-fucking himself for a while before Gabe had even considered walking down his hall.

"Come on," he pleads softly, letting his legs move out from under Gabe and slide around his waist. His foot hooks around his back and he tugs, needing him closer, to have his hands properly back on him again. He even has one of them ready to reach out and grab the oiled length. More, give him more.

[minuteofangle]

So that's how they're playing it. In another moment, Gabe thinks he'd turn this sharp. Throw barbs at Henry until one of them finally struck true, worried its way under the skin. What could they possible to do each other except fight, or make it hurt?

But this hasn't. Not yet. And Henry's legs feel good around his waist.

Gabe takes a slow, steadying breath. And he presses a hand between them, squeezing Henry's cock faintly before sliding lower to see what he finds. What that gets him. And he presses inside with his fingers. Curls up and meets little resistance.

Hah. He wasn't kidding.

[handsomefoil]

There's moments that definitely seem to pull him back and forth, finding his voice, to turn things back to the way they were. The familiarity of it is tempting, even now. But once those fingers push in, he flinches hard, dropping his head back onto the bed as he's biting back the sound that threatens to erupt.

It's not much, in the grand scheme of things. He's not tight enough for it to hurt, nor are just fingers going to get him worked up. But here he is anyway, getting worked up and heated, and he's practically sweating out the pheromones at this rate.

"D-Don't say a damn thing," he gasps, like he thinks Gabe will make some sort of comment out loud. "Just... come here."

It's a vague sort of command made in the dream-like haze of the moment, but he wonders if it'll make sense with how he paws at him. It's suddenly very important that he brings him level, flush to his skin, to feel him practically head to toe.

[minuteofangle]

Isn't that my line? Gabe wonders. He exhales, bowing his head, and doesn't say it. The moment feels dreamlike, strange, like it'll fade out if he loses the thread any further than he already has. If he steps back, if they stop touching each other. But they're tethered now, if not quite literally, and he wants -

He wants something more, something that ought to give him pause. That connection. Skin hunger, Gabe thinks. Hah.

He does what he's told, in the end. Drags his fingers out and then presses into that heat, biting off a moan and rocking forward until they're flush with each other. He loops an arm around Henry's shoulders to keep them close, so he can feel it out.

Breathe. And settle.

It feels, strangely, like peace.

[handsomefoil]

Yeah, it is his line. One he has conveniently borrowed for this moment.

The anticipation had been killing him but it pays off handsomely in the end, he thinks. Eyelids flutter as he lolls his head back against the bed, causing his neck to arch and the only sound he emits is a sharp exhale of air. His legs wrap tight around Gabe's waist like it's the only thing holding himself together.

Then the suffocating warmth of it all becomes a bit much. He can't quite describe what the feeling of all this is like to him, but it feels like reaching a place he's never been privy to, that satisfaction of getting there.

And now that he's here? Well, it's never really enough, is it?

As he clings to Gabe, feels his body rock gently with the pulse of oversensitivity sending shivers up his spine, his legs suddenly clench hard. Like he's trying to upend Gabe onto his back with a well-timed roll should he let him.

[minuteofangle]

Goddamn it. Even now, there's a part of Gabe that questions what he's doing. Why he didn't just walk away and find himself a corner to hole up in like an animal with an injury. Wait it out in solitude, and in silence. Return to the company of others only when he's in complete control of himself. Sometimes he thinks it's better to be alone, to ensure that he's centered. Like being on a job.

Line up that shot, sniper. No matter how long it takes. The body is nothing.

Gabe bows his head, breathing out slow. Fuck, Henry feels good. It's slower than Gabe's had in a long time, almost careful, and he's able to feel the change when Henry shifts, tries to flip them.

"No." Gabe shakes his head just once, dragging his teeth along Henry's neck. He doesn't draw blood. And it occurs to him that he's never actually said no during sex before.

Funny, that.

"Like this," he continues, his voice soft.

[handsomefoil]

The word hits its mark like a bullseye. He shudders hard against the teeth to his skin and makes a soft sound of affirmation in return, a hand coming up behind Gabe's head and grazing his nails against the grain of his short hair.

It feels almost foreign, this sort of mutual give and take. So used to taking and taking from him, that giving into something feels odd. But not necessarily bad. Far from it.

His legs relax just a touch but continues to hold on, muscles trembling from a combination of sheer want and anticipation of something rougher. Whether that comes or not, he's not sure, but he's not complaining. Not when their skins are practically melded together like this, giving him the gratification he's always seeking and perhaps specifically from Gabe himself. Something he'd have to seriously reflect on afterwards.

[minuteofangle]

Gabe bites off a groan, bowing his head again. It feels good, the drag of nails through his hair. Against his skull, but not the ports in his neck. Not this time.

Like before, it doesn't draw blood. He thinks of riptides, about being sucked under to drown. Water forced into his lungs. And he thinks about going on a drop for a job, that moment of freedom in the air. Live or die, the choice has already been made. Might as well enjoy the ride. And it feels good to be held, to surrender in small ways. Even to make it slow. And maybe it's not like drowning at all.

Hah. This is insane.

Gabe works his hips, finding a steady rhythm. A little harder, a little faster, but not the bruising pace they usually go for whenever they end up colliding with each other. This is different. He's not certain he'll remember it fondly when it's done, but here they are.

Here they fucking are.

[handsomefoil]

He makes a low but clear sound in the back of his throat. Whatever thought he had in the moment scatters from the forefront of his mind and plants itself in the furthest reaches of it instead. In fact, he's tempted to shut down rational thought altogether.

But he needs to stay just focused enough so that he doesn't fuck this up. The ports are actively avoided, like hot coals, jerking his fingers back when thinks they venture too close by accident.

It's surreal, like an out of body experience. He feels the punches of arousal in his gut, the jarring of his body, hears the sounds spilling from his lips but it still feels like he's floating above it all.

His limbs shift enough that he can bring a hand around Gabe's hip as it's moving, that need to grab and hold, thinking himself a bit too passive. A finger or two venture in further towards the small of his back, sliding down to see if Gabe would be receptive to it while fucking him.

It seems to slide almost a bit too smooth as one fingertip breaches Gabe's body. A subconscious curiosity drives them to curl a little.