penancemods: (Default)
Penance Mods ([personal profile] penancemods) wrote in [community profile] penancememes2021-06-26 02:37 am
Entry tags:

TEST DRIVE MEME #25

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
With the carnival leaving, vanishing seemingly overnight, and sinners finding their animal features fading into bad dreams, Lucifer is preparing two ships for the voyage home in a couple of weeks. He seems rather anxious to get back to Penance after the carnival's grotesque entertainment at the expense of his sinners, although he seems to strain to maintain good relations with Mammon. The local demons remain accommodating and friendly for the moment as well, seemingly not finding anything at all wrong with their previous behavior.

The tavern is still bustling, the brothels are still enticing, and everything seems largely back to normal. There are back alleys for the additional mischief of drugs, pain, and pleasure as usual. There are busy shops and salons. Things one may not always find back under Lucifer's care, so sinners would be wise to spoil themselves one last time!

Additionally, there's the feeling of magic in the air that wasn't there before. It's not ominous, it's not terrifying. It's a tingle against the skin or a feeling of exhilaration when one is out and exposed to it. Curiously, things begin to happen. Those artistically inclined will find their sketches coming to life over night and causing mischief. Sinners who have no interest in art will still find sketches drawn on windows and the sides of buildings all throughout the tiny village. They may even witness these things coming to life if they're out late enough!

Animals may also develop an ability to speak over the next few days, whether it's demanding to be fed or revealing some embarrassing thing they've seen their master (or their master's friends) do in private. Though their population has been depleted thanks to sinner antics, these particular hybrids eagerly scurry up to guests to deliver acorns. If opened, the acorn will share a message. They seem intent to make a little bit of mischief for their trouble and may reveal feelings others have for you, something bad from home, or an ominous message to be wary, it will vary. It may also carry a much more important message such as The Veiled Order awaits your return or Barbas isn't done yet, Mammon's greed will be the end of him is also a rather popular one. Shouldn't have trusted the apples, but that's just silly, isn't it? They were perfectly fine apples!

The fun seems almost at an end as days go on though. There are whispers in the air that Lucifer is planning a bit of a detour for some sinners to explore cult activity. But those are just rumors for now! Nothing more than whispers in the wind.

A few days into the last two weeks of the trip, the weather seems to take a bit of a turn. There's an almost unseasonable chill in the air, with a steady rain that follows. It's a mix of water and blood, which makes it a bit of a chore to adventure too much in it. Raincoats and umbrellas are available for all guests in the castle. The local demons seem to not mind much at all, dancing in the puddles of rain or playing freely in the streets. They seem to be rather satisfied with weather they don't see much of.

While the carnival is out of town, there are still some goods that remain in the form of plush toys of Lucifer, Lilith, Mammon, and even a couple of Barbas. Strangely enough, there may also be one or two available of sinners, seemingly at random. There are also hell fish one can buy for pets if the dragons don't tickle your fancy!


A Curse Befalls the Wicked
What would such a fantastical setting be without a visiting old witch? One evening, in steps an old crone to the village. Where did she come from? No one knows. How did she get in? Uncertain. The local demons seem to be rather standoffish with the way she goes from shop to shop, asking for food or drink or item that they refuse to give. She's an outsider that was not invited by their ruler, she's not deserving of their hospitality. She unsettles the animals in the pet shops and those loose in the village, she spreads unrest wherever her path leads. Looking at her too long sends a disturbing shiver down one's spine.

Still, despite the lukewarm welcome, she eventually approaches sinners to plea for help or to chat or even simply to ask the time of day. While her presence is unnerving, it's recommended to take caution. Sinners, be wary! Slight this witch in any way and you will receive her wrath -- and her curses! She spits her magic in a vile and ancient tongue, turning from old lady to something downright disturbingly demonic.

What the curse does will depend heavily on how the sinner managed to anger the witch:

For rudeness or dismissiveness shown towards the witch, some may find themselves drawn into a tale as old as time. Cursed with the supposed wickedness of their soul on display for all to see and a tiny rose. As if that wasn't bad enough, they will have to convinced another that they are not as terrible as their appearance indicates. Desperation may lead to the desire to kidnap another or threaten, for as the petals drop from the rose, the witch threatens that their physical attributes will remain. How their beastly appearance manifests is left up to player discretion.

If another sinner can find love or understanding for their captor, then the spell will be broken.

For aggression or violence, sinners will find themselves reduced to a frog or other unsavory tiny animal, with little other choice but to try to find someone who is willing to give them a little kiss to restore them back to their mortal form. Failing to do so will mean they will be stuck in this form until the witch decides to have mercy, or Lucifer finds a way to undo the spell.

However, for kindness or sympathy, sinners will be rewarded. They will receive a golden medallion with a ruby stone in the center. The witch will promise that all who receive one will be protected against zealots or those who would do them harm since the stone will light up whenever the Veiled Order is near.

Eventually, by the end of the second week, there will begin a hunt for this naughty witch who has been keeping herself hidden. And similar to a tale we are all familiar with, she will be put to death by means of being cooked alive in a fire pit in the center of the village. Grotesque and violent perhaps, but the demons seem to rather rejoice at the display, glad that this will also break all the curses plaguing the village.


Reach Up High
WARNINGS: foot torture, severing of limbs, loss of control.

There is always an opportunity to learn and better one's self in every venture you undertake and now is no different, sinners! While treatment of the old witch may factor in for one's journey on redemption, there will be a chance to remove one sin from one's contract!

"Unfortunately, all good things must end, darling," Lucifer's voice rings out in the ears of all present sinners, familiar to some and new to others. He's nowhere to be found, but the tone of his voice is reassuring.

"And I am to aid you on your path to redemption still. The dreadful old witch has seen fit to curse some of you, I realize. the shoes upon your feet will soon fill you with the insatiable need to dance... and certainly, this seems almost deceptively silly, but the urge will not leave until you have confessed a sin you are most ashamed of. Loud and proud for all to hear. If you resist, darling, you will dance to your death. It will be an ugly, dreadful affair, I assure you."

It starts like an itch at first, to move your feet, to move your arms. It's easy to ignore in the beginning, the restlessness itching just beneath one's skin. It threatens to grow and consume though the longer it goes on though.

"Of course, should those around you feel like taking pity upon you, then they may aid you. Should they find a way to cut the shoes from your feet as they begin to meld with your flesh, or severe them entirely, the urge will leave you. Don't worry, my dear friend Mammon has healers on staff to help your injuries. And I do remind you, pain can be a centering force. It can also show you who you truly are inside. Please embrace it and do not fear it."

The longer sinners resist, the more they'll feel this urge to just move, dance. Even when their feet begin to bleed and their bodies begin to wear out, they will not be able to stop.

"And do not worry about being the one to inflict pain, my dear guests. It is for a good purpose... sometimes we have to hurt those we love to help them in the end."

If the shoes are removed, either by cutting them from the flesh or removing feet entirely, both sinners will earn a sin removed. If the sinner afflicted announced one of their worst sins, they will find it removed from their list. If they dance until they die, well... they died for stubbornness and will find the sin remains.


You Mustn't Be Late for the Ball
And what would Hell be without a farewell celebration? While Lucifer seems to be very uncomfortable after his last experience at a party, where guests attempted to drink his blood, he is polite enough to make an appearance in the grand ballroom in Mammon's castle. Dressed to absolute perfection for the event, Lucifer will urge his sinners to come to the celebration as well. Mustn't be rude to their savior after all. He may shy away from center stage or try to slip out, but sinners shouldn't let that discourage them from enjoying the grand affair! Happening towards the end of this little journey to foreign lands, the ballroom will be lit up brightly and music that encourages dancing and a good mood will fill the air. Food galore is available, as well as free flowing drinks, drugs, and anything else one could want!

There is one little tiny catch though! All who attend must put on the formal wear left for them in their hotels. The style of the clothes made available will veer towards old fashioned. Lovely suits for men, extravagant ball gowns for women. Should anyone show up not dressed in everything given, even including corsets and other uncomfortable items, they will find themselves unfortunately naked. Will they endure the shame or will they cave and put on proper attire? Mammon has tried to be accommodating, but truly, he only asks this one thing...

Should anyone try to remove articles or not follow any sort of etiquette proper of their setting during the ball, they will find their corsets tightening, their shoes undeniably uncomfortable, their waistcoast growing more restrictive... Eventually, it will become very apparent that it would be wise to respect the lord of this land's wishes!

Other than that one minor detail though, tonight is a night of celebration. There seems to be something in the air that fuels a good mood and merrymaking during the ball, despite any nagging discomfort. The ball will extend on through the early morning hours, and include an unusual party game. It seems that Mammon is a romantic at heart. There will be names drawn from a hat at some point during the event and surprise, it's for a marriage ceremony! What's a bit of arranged marriage between friends? It's merely a fun part of the evening... although still a binding contract like those made during the casino. While not every name will be called during the ball, it seems as if Mammon has tried to play matchmaker with enough sinners to start some rather lovely marriages. There will be an officiant available to carry out the ceremony and refusal isn't accepted... and possibly even punished. If not punished, sinners will find themselves dosed with something that will make them eager for their upcoming vows.

None of this could possibly because adultery or not honoring vows is a sin. It's just for amusement, that's all. Don't worry so much, sinners! Guests are free to return to their rooms at any point. Ah, well, just go to sleep and wish for better in the morning? Hopefully no ribs or toes were broken by tightening, unforgiving corsets or shoes intended to punish either.

[Note: While these marriages are arranged ICly, players are encouraged to talk and decide their partners for themselves and may marry multiple people through the course of the evening. Polyamorous relationships are hardly an issue in Hell!]


Follow Me Down
WARNINGS: sexual themes, somnophilia, dub/non-con potentials, potential vore, animal-like traits, mating.

Those inflicted with the Sleeping Beauty curse will unfortunately find themselves in a deep slumber throughout Mammon's lands, dropping wherever they were. Ever eager to do their part to help sinners along, the succubi of these lands take their sleeping forms and dress them in extravagant fashions and lingerie. They also lay them in beds full of flowers in inviting, provocative poses. If sinners near these sleeping forms, they will be taken with a sweet scent given by the flowers that will incite a need. The aphrodisiacs will be potent, all consuming.

After all, what will awaken these sleeping beauties isn't simply true love's kiss, but the most satisfying orgasm. This may mean people will have to take multiple turns to rouse the sleeping person. Of course, there will be toys, aids, and various kinds of lube available to aid in whatever sinners need to accomplish their task.

For those who aren't quite interested in rousing the beauties, there are other antics to be had! People may find themselves cursed with wolf-like tendencies that may make them want to devour the innocent or defenseless in every sense of the word. It may also make certain anatomical changes ranging from fur to tails to the ability to knot while mating. Sharper teeth, better to eat one with, may also be included in the curse.


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 July 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
neutronblast: (♚ a foolish child)

[personal profile] neutronblast 2021-06-30 05:00 pm (UTC)(link)
I think you have me confused for someone who cares.

[walked right into that one, yugi. one of these days you'll learn better than to batter with seto kaiba.]

That's pretty unlike you to refuse a challenge, King of Games. Don't think I forgot that arcade incident.

[so yeah. you're dancing. he'll linger as long as necessary to prove his point.]

[personal profile] unpuzzled 2021-06-30 05:56 pm (UTC)(link)
Haven't heard the challenge, yet. What happened to being indebted to me?

[Not that Yugi thinks Kaiba has any reason to be (except for the arcade favour, but that's staying tucked away until they're home); in fact, it's the opposite. He offered his hand before and it was used like a lifeline. It's for that reason alone that he capitulates (or, at least that's what he tells himself). Of course Kaiba would resolve being indebted to someone with a challenge. Yugi should take him up on it so they were even again, whichever way the scales were currently tilted.

So, he does. There's a faint quirk of his mouth before looking down at the offering. Kaiba can lead them wherever he pleases, but Yugi takes the initiative this time to hold his hand; a belated thank you for doing the same the other day.]


Remember - you asked for this. No complaining when I step on your toes.
neutronblast: (♚ coyly)

[personal profile] neutronblast 2021-06-30 07:27 pm (UTC)(link)
[it always astounds him how small those hands were and yet how brave he was. he's under no delusion; these are the same hands that defeated him, time and time again.

but that couldn't be further from his mind now. and he couldn't care less about it. he hears that proud king wake up again and he smiles to see it. maybe they weren't proud in quite the same way, but it was true: yugi really wouldn't turn down a challenge. least of all from his most esteemed rival.]


Of course I did. I never ask for anything I don't want.

[maybe that was a touch flirtatious. but only a touch and it's gone again.]

I'll bend down, just this once. You shouldn't have too much trouble that way.

[well, he still expects to get stepped on. but he could deal with it. just this once.]

[personal profile] unpuzzled 2021-06-30 11:16 pm (UTC)(link)
[Teasing, not flirting, as far as Yugi's aware. Nothing out of the ordinary there. He huffs out a laugh.]

No, that isn't what I want. Be your usual ridiculously tall self, I'll manage.

[Either he's being as accommodating as always, or he wants to take on hard mode. Yugi's doomed at any difficulty level anyway. More importantly, Kaiba's going to decide on his own to bend down or stand tall no matter what Yugi says. His words don't hold that much sway.

As familiar as Kaiba is, the situation still feels awkward and clumsy. So while leading them isn't in his hands, Yugi does try to gently direct them away from centre stage.]


Are you going to explain the rules, or will I learn as we go?

[He also tries to think of this as a game, what else is new?]
neutronblast: (♚ surrender)

[personal profile] neutronblast 2021-07-01 12:45 am (UTC)(link)
...you want to stand on tiptoe for the duration of this challenge?

[just checking. because it'd be pretty funny, but probably not too feasible.]

[personal profile] unpuzzled 2021-07-01 12:51 am (UTC)(link)
I'm not that short.

[He totally is. All the better to tilt his chin up and frown at him.]
neutronblast: (♚ amused)

[personal profile] neutronblast 2021-07-01 02:50 am (UTC)(link)
Mm. Sure thing. Stout-hearted and all that.

[unlike his not so sexy rendezvous with atem, where he steered clear of any and all teasing for fear of losing a hand or a limb or literally all the limbs, he was absolutely going to ramp it up to eleven. because they both know yugi won't try to say no and he might have a soft spot for big brats.]

I'll bend. No big deal. Now take both hands and don't be a wuss about it.

[yep. lots and lots of totally necessary teasing.]

[personal profile] unpuzzled 2021-07-01 04:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[Yugi absolutely does - as always, Kaiba manages to pinpoint vulnerability with ease. Not that Yugi sees it as anything remotely approaching a weakness, nor does he seem to mind the teasing. It's when there is none that everyone should be worried.]

You can stop calling me that anytime now. Isn't dancing about getting along with your partner?

[And, with little more than a pout, their hands are laced together, the size difference painfully obvious there, too. He aces this step of the tutorial with ease, perhaps surprising given those big hands are now clawed. But this level of teasing has him focused on keeping up, and away from being embarrassed. This level is doable.]
neutronblast: (♚ little king)

[personal profile] neutronblast 2021-07-01 04:42 pm (UTC)(link)
And why would I do that? You're just bringing out my inner bully.

[though if this was bullying, it was exceedingly gentle. when kaiba attacked, he went for the throat; it wasn't coached in lighter terms.

kaiba leads yugi out to the floor though makes certain to hang on the very edge of it, so they don't have a ton of eyes on them. they still have more than a few, given that hilarious disparity in height, but kaiba subtly turns his back to them to preserve some dignity.]


Dancing is super easy. Think of it like DDR, you're just matching your steps to the arrows.

[kaiba demonstrates with one, two, three steps to the right, slowly enough so yugi doesn't trip.]

There. Now go the opposite way. I gotcha.

[personal profile] unpuzzled 2021-07-01 05:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[Right, bullying. As if Yugi doesn't know what that looks like from a mile away with his eyes closed. If that's the case, then he joins in the bullying of himself too. Quiet, as if it's a secret instead of a joke:]

I know this might be hard to believe, but I'm not very good at DDR. Don't tell anyone.

[But he seems to appreciate the analogy anyway, lips quirking again into something that's almost a smile while he looks down between them at their feet. One, two, three steps to the right; then, as requested, one, two, three to the left.]

Hey, that part wasn't so bad.

[That's as hard as it would get right? Maybe he's a natural at this.]
neutronblast: (♚ amused)

[personal profile] neutronblast 2021-07-01 05:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[geez, the one game he hadn't aced. but he's totally filing it away as bullying material.]

Told you. Now do it again.

[one, two, three steps to the left. nice and easy.]

[personal profile] unpuzzled 2021-07-01 05:34 pm (UTC)(link)
[Hey, being good at games only gets you so far with short legs and bad cardio. Which happens to be his main obstacle with regular dancing as well.]

Are you going easy on me?

[One, two, three to the left. He's not sure whether looking up or down is supposed to be better yet, but he chances meeting Kaiba's eyes again. Yugi doesn't necessarily feel it, but he looks more like himself now than he has since their time at the carnival.]
neutronblast: (♚ flirty)

[personal profile] neutronblast 2021-07-01 05:42 pm (UTC)(link)
[airily:]

Perish the thought.

[he kicks it up a notch. a little faster, this time making yugi go forward and back. some stumbling was going to happen, but he weathers it with remarkable patience. he's been gaining a lot of that lately, as it was the only way to stay sane -- weather the storm and hope for the best.]

I can barely even feel your foot, Yugi. Don't worry so much about it.

[it was all two pounds of him. he's dealt with worse and under far worse circumstances.]

[personal profile] unpuzzled 2021-07-01 06:31 pm (UTC)(link)
[Oops, not a natural. Yugi fumbles almost immediately, pitching forward and most definitely stepping on a toe or two in the process.]

You did that on purpose!

[Which should sound curt, but... it doesn't. It sounds like someone trying to suppress their laughter because they are. And doing a terrible job of it at that.

He holds those hands a little tighter, purses his lips in concentration. The only clue that he's embarrassed is a hint of colour on his face - mostly obscured as he looks back down at their feet. Forward and back, forward and back, following the pattern until he has it decently enough that he doesn't feel like Kaiba's feet are in mortal danger.]
neutronblast: (♚ relaxed)

[personal profile] neutronblast 2021-07-01 06:54 pm (UTC)(link)
[okay. he can admit, if only to himself: that really was cute.

he's not sure when the change happened. maybe getting stuck together for the umpteenth time had softened him somehow. because while usually it would've had the opposite effect, nothing had been the same since that awful ride. he couldn't forget how his hand felt, curled so tightly around him.

and now he was holding it for a very different reason. he's not the crushing type, not on yugi, but maybe his heart was beating the slightest bit faster.]


...hey.

[oh. he lifted him up, leaning in a little.]

You're not bad at all. You liar.

[personal profile] unpuzzled 2021-07-01 07:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[In any other situation, Yugi would be grousing over being picked up off the ground. As it stands, Kaiba's lucky he's surprised enough to let it happen - at least for a few seconds. Any more and they would be having some words about that.]

Not really. Compared to Duel Monsters...

[The combination of weightlessness and suddenly being closer has him wide-eyed and a little flustered. Kaiba's teasing is the literal worst. He sounds distracted when he responds:]

If I'm not, it's all thanks to the tutorial. My instructor knows what they're doing.
neutronblast: (♚ fondness)

[personal profile] neutronblast 2021-07-01 08:15 pm (UTC)(link)
[yeah, yeah. he gets it. stubborn little shorty doesn't like floating for more than a few seconds at the time. but being this close, he's also reminded that even if he was his own person, yugi shared the face of someone who he had less than platonic feelings for. it might have been a bit unfair, comparing them like that, but at least he'll never know.

really, though, that lack of confidence was embarrassing. they're still rivals, damn it, and arguably he's the only one he has left.]


Sounds like you're trying to butter them up.

[but he'll allow it. just this once, he's told himself more than once.]

Okay. I think you're just about ready for your debut. Feeling good?

[personal profile] unpuzzled 2021-07-01 09:15 pm (UTC)(link)
[Maybe I am, he thinks, then blinks the thought away, relief apparent when he's set back on the ground.

And to make sure it stays that way their hands go back to being laced together.]


I'm...

[This would never happen back home - not just with Kaiba, but attending a formal dance in formal clothing in a formal setting just wasn't something he and his friends did. Maybe it would have been something Anzu liked; maybe she was doing that now in America. Maybe Jou would have wanted to crash the party, or maybe if he were invited he would have done something more loose and casual, more his style. He knows it now to feel nice, but it would have been so strange.

Here, it feels... good. It feels normal, even if it would be the furthest thing from normal in Domino. He doesn't feel ridiculous at all.]


I'm good. Let's do this.
neutronblast: (♚ resignation)

[personal profile] neutronblast 2021-07-01 10:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[there was no way this would go perfectly, but maybe it doesn't have to. yugi sounds a lot more like himself, the brave boy that dueled him to a standstill.

kaiba just nods and turns back around again. people can see them now. people were curious about them now. but just as before, just as he always has been and always would be, he's assured enough for the both of them. he's ready. as ready as he'll ever be. as he has afforded previous partners, following the swell of a new song, he bows to yugi.]


After you.

[he briefly slips into respectful use of their native tongue, a sign of his sincerity.]

[personal profile] unpuzzled 2021-07-02 12:02 am (UTC)(link)
[It's heady to hear and see Kaiba act like that; a king unused to formal shows of respect. Yugi returns the bow, a stilted but honest attempt, before threading their fingers together one last time.

The dance is not perfect, but Yugi clearly does try to keep up, as eager to please as ever. Stumbling yet serviceable and, in a rare show, he doesn't even try to apologize for his clear missteps. He lets Kaiba lead, and lets himself rely on his experience so that they work together. It helps to think of it like a game, just not one with dynamic strategies like dueling, which Kaiba has had countless opportunities to see. He hasn't seen Yugi in a game of patterns like this.

One, two, three. One, two, three. Forward and back.

Yugi's eyes fall half shut as he concentrates on their rhythm, letting them work in tandem like a well-oiled machine.]


I can't say I'm giving you a lot of space right now. I'll have to make it up to you later.
neutronblast: (♚ beautiful heir)

[personal profile] neutronblast 2021-07-02 12:38 am (UTC)(link)
[kaiba keeps his eyes open and he's glad he does. somehow, seeing yugi so relaxed was relaxing him too.]

I think I can excuse it.

[you know. just this once. his favorite phrase.

the advantage of a dance was that it didn't last too long at all. these songs in particular were meant to be short, so dancers could cycle in and out with erase. so before either of them know, it's all over. five missteps, one near stumble, which of course he caught. no applause for these two, but all the better. for once, kaiba couldn't complain.]


There. Just as promised, we're square and you're off the hook.

[uh, he'll take his hands back in a second. he's just admiring the view. from a strictly scientific perspective.]

[personal profile] unpuzzled 2021-07-02 01:14 am (UTC)(link)
[Yugi doesn't complain either, as the end of the dance sneaks up on them. Kaiba says There and it's little like waking up from a dream, or coming up for air when you've been below water. He blinks away his far away focus to settle back on captivating blue eyes.

He's relaxed; the most he has been since the carnival. And he sees that relaxation echoed in the other's body language and is glad for it.

The sudden wake-up has his fingers twitch to life as well, a short squeeze of Kaiba's much larger ones before they separate. Surely he wants them back, right? Kaiba isn't the type to linger, especially over him. Even if Yugi kind of wants to himself.]


Funny, I thought this was supposed to be for me.

[And one last quirk of his lips for the evening as well. Even if it isn't obvious from his mouth (it is), he's smiling with his eyes, expression crinkled at the corners boyishly.]

Maybe you can show me what the next level looks like sometime. Another day.

[That certainly sounds a touch flirtatious, but whether or not it's intended to be is up for interpretation.]
neutronblast: (♚ it's false)

[personal profile] neutronblast 2021-07-02 01:26 am (UTC)(link)
[indeed, he does want them back. though maybe not as much as he thought.

it was often easy enough to forget they were the same age. because sure, yugi wasn't exactly winning any awards in the arena of hacking or engineering or overall intellect, but he was still the undisputable champion of their era. an era that even he recognized wouldn't last forever. yet standing here, in this moment, time passes slowly, as if not at all.

he feels a little lame. or at least not as smooth as he did a few minutes ago. so standing here, in this moment, he's just another teenager as opposed to a global genius.]


Are you sure about that?

[the next level thing. no, between two gamers, that could only be read as suggestive.]

Didn't think you were interested. In the dancing, I mean.

[sure. that's exactly what he meant.]

[personal profile] unpuzzled 2021-07-02 02:24 am (UTC)(link)
[Maybe for someone with experience. In this case, what he's suggesting is a little more open-ended for both of them.

He's just another teenager, too, but he also hasn't had the chance to think about normal teenage wants for years. Not between villainous plots and sharing a body, and not when before all of that all he truly wanted was a friend. It hadn't even crossed his mind until he'd been forced to confront that thought while up close and personal with another person recently. Or, rather, a god.

He's trying now, though. Just a little.]


I didn't mind it. It was...

[He shrugs.]

It was nice. It felt normal. We can all use something like that here.

[The dancing, of course.]
neutronblast: (♚ so tired)

[personal profile] neutronblast 2021-07-02 03:17 am (UTC)(link)
You should be careful.

[he frowns, but yugi didn't have anything to do with it. not this time.]

Your Pharaoh friend really isn't too happy with me right now. I'm trying, we both are, but it's...

[...complicated. though if anyone can understand, it's absolutely yugi mutou.]

(no subject)

[personal profile] unpuzzled - 2021-07-02 21:29 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] neutronblast - 2021-07-02 21:33 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] unpuzzled - 2021-07-02 22:51 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] neutronblast - 2021-07-02 22:56 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] unpuzzled - 2021-07-02 23:16 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] neutronblast - 2021-07-02 23:47 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] unpuzzled - 2021-07-03 00:37 (UTC) - Expand