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

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the_amazing: (Default)

[personal profile] the_amazing 2021-07-11 11:37 pm (UTC)(link)
It seemed like the more Peter found out about Hell, the more complicated and confusing it got. He was even more determined now to find a way out of here, if there was going to be an endless cycle of death and returns, only interspersed with senseless pain and injury.

He gave a short laugh, unable to avoid his usual tendencies of joking to cover up awkward or painful situations. "Yeah, it didn't take much to figure out that this is the Bad Place." Although was what Steve told him really that different than what had happened with Kindred? He killed Peter over and over again, bringing him back countless times to show him more and more images of pain and loss. This was just on a much more massive scale.
compelledtoprotect: (dirty sheepish)

[personal profile] compelledtoprotect 2021-07-12 12:59 am (UTC)(link)
"More like this isn't Hell hell, it's just a pocket dimension run by a madman with unchecked powers and an obsession with traditional Christian rhetoric. But that's a pet theory. A lot of people prefer to assume we really are dead and sufffering for eternity." Steve didn't think that clearly but he'd stopped trying to convince others. He'd stopped trying to do a lot of things lately.

"Look Pete, you ask me questions and I'll tell you everything I know, or we can just talk about happier things. Up to you."
the_amazing: (THWIP)

[personal profile] the_amazing 2021-07-12 04:34 pm (UTC)(link)
Pocket dimensions, he had experience with, as much as he didn't 100% understand them. It might be easier to stay sane thinking of it that way, rather than trying to grapple with the insanity of real Hell.

"Well, I don't want to be a complete Debbie Downer," he admitted, scratching the side of his face with one finger. "Is there anything happy you want to talk about? Do any good things ever happen here? Or something good from home?" He paused, unsure if his next question would help. "Or is there anything you want to ask me? I mean, I'm the one talking your ear off with all these questions."
compelledtoprotect: (smug asshole)

[personal profile] compelledtoprotect 2021-07-17 06:40 am (UTC)(link)
Steve smiled, "I like talking Peter, you'll start hating it soon enough. Most people try to find ways to shut me up. But let's see. Meeting people here is more good than bad. I mean, some people are asses, but you get that anyplace. Mostly people are pretty decent and the friendships I've found are more than worth the trouble." And it wasn't like he had any options about going home. Staying until everyone else was gone was the plan. He'd see his friends home and then . . . whatever.

"So you know me, but I don't know you. Back home I mean. What year is it where you're from? I never did meet any of you until I left Earth."
the_amazing: (Speech Bubble)

[personal profile] the_amazing 2021-07-17 02:20 pm (UTC)(link)
It wasn't a competition, but Peter seriously doubted anyone could out-talk him. It was what drove his bad guys nuts and made his teammates... also nuts, to be honest. But he liked Steve's optimism.

"At least we can all commiserate, then," he replied, crossing his arms over his chest. "Better than being completely alone."

He hesitated when Cap asked him about home, since there was always the possibility of screwing up the timeline when telling people things they weren't supposed to know. "Well, I'm pretty sure we're from different places, because I've known you for ages, like not too long after you got de-iced. But it's 2020 back home."
compelledtoprotect: (do what?)

[personal profile] compelledtoprotect 2021-07-18 09:33 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yeah. One of the reasons I don't consider this Hell. I mean, if it really was the true Hell, there'd never be any joy, just the constant loss and suffering and torture. Not that we don't get plenty of that on a regular basis, but there's gentle times too. Times like now where there isn't a fight or a disaster or rooms that force you to hurt other people." Well, sort of. A war and a disaster had forced them to Mammon's island, but literally at the moment they weren't suffering unduly.

Steve blinked, surprised, "Wow really? And how long have you known me?" He was tempted to tell Peter that he'd been told what happened in the future so often it was pointless to try and keep secrets, but he held his tongue. Peter's world sounded pretty different from his own if the man had known him for years already. Six whole years from the time he'd left his own home world.
the_amazing: (Fight Crouch)

[personal profile] the_amazing 2021-07-18 10:11 pm (UTC)(link)
That made Peter more determined to get out of this place. If you could have moments of respite from torture, pain, and suffering, it couldn't be Hell. Just another sicko with an overactive imagination and way too much free time on his hands. He understood that all too well.

"Where I'm from, I've been Spider-Man for thirteen years," he said, fighting the urge to comment on how old he felt. Not the most tactful thing to say to a guy that was over 100 himself. "I think you came back into the public eye a couple years before I showed up on the scene."

He remembered all the stories of Cap's heroics in World War II, growing up with toys and cartoons and comic books. Then, hearing about the real one still being alive and coming back, and watching him fight crime like he'd never missed a day. To say Peter looked up to the guy was an understatement. Captain America was - had always been - larger than life.
compelledtoprotect: (oh yeah?)

[personal profile] compelledtoprotect 2021-07-18 11:05 pm (UTC)(link)
"Thirteen years? How old are you now?" Because that sounded like Peter was probably a kid kid when he got those powers. Steve had never asked the other Peters how old they were when they got powers, but from the way they'd acted, it hadn't been years and years of time. Or maybe he'd just misunderstood and made too many assumptions, it was certainly possible. Prying into other people's powers was one of those touchy subjects.

"I woke up again in 2011, at least that's what it was back home. When did the Cap wake up in your world?"
the_amazing: (For real tho?)

[personal profile] the_amazing 2021-07-18 11:23 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yeah, it feels like way too long to me too, but I have been doing this since I was fifteen years old." He paused for just a second, not sure if it was offensive to make Cap do the math or assume he couldn't do it. Eventually, he coughed and added, "So I'm 28 now, closing in on 29."

He tried to think about how long Captain America had been awake at home, but was blanking. "I'm not 100% sure, but it was a few years before I got my powers." And clearly years before this Cap woke up in his world. They really were from other universes.

Maybe that meant he could get a fresh start with these new heroes. They either knew a much younger version of him, or didn't know him at all. He could prove himself to them, and get everyone safely out of "Hell" and back to their respective dimensions. No more stupid mistakes that made everyone pissed off at him.
compelledtoprotect: (Default)

[personal profile] compelledtoprotect 2021-07-18 11:57 pm (UTC)(link)
Fifteen? Shit. Steve's face fell as he looked at Peter. To have so much on his shoulders so young . . . Why was it so many kids in modern days had so little time to be kids? At least he and Bucky had had a childhood, mostly harsh and difficult, but there were plenty of good memories to balance the bad.

"So you've been Spiderman almost half your life? And your Cap's been awake for almost twenty years?" They were definitely from different places, hands down. What would it be like, to have been awake and alive all that time? He'd barely been older than that when he went in the ice! It was . . . strange. He held out his hand again, offering another smile.

"It's nice to have you here Peter, if you know what I mean."
the_amazing: (Arms Crossed)

[personal profile] the_amazing 2021-07-19 02:13 pm (UTC)(link)
"Well, when you put it like that, it makes me feel like I should be checking myself into the Hero Nursing Home." Peter was joking, of course, but it did put things into perspective. Especially when he thought about how long it had been since he received the worst news of his life, his whole reason for doing this.

"Yeah, I know what you mean. Present circumstances aside and all."
compelledtoprotect: (such a damn cutie!)

[personal profile] compelledtoprotect 2021-07-20 12:19 am (UTC)(link)
"Actually, I'm seriously impressed Peter. Most heroes would have burned out by now, especially doing as much as I assume you have. You watch over New York, right? The nitty-gritty day-to-day stuff? That's rough Pete. That's really rough." He could only imagine how hard that was, to see that kind of suffering and violence day after day with no real break. War was hell, but watching a city live and die on a regular basis? Steve wasn't sure he'd be able to handle that at all.

He smiled at the guy, "Tell me, does alcohol have any effect on you?"
the_amazing: (Spider-Sense!)

[personal profile] the_amazing 2021-07-20 12:33 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh, the burn-out is real. I've come close to quitting a lot of times, but I can never truly give up. I can't just abandon someone who needs help." Despite all of the hardships, Peter would always remember the ones who were thankful for his help - the hugs, the handshakes, the free donuts - and it kept him going. No matter what a Bugle headline might say about him, the people he saved knew the truth.

The next question caught him off guard, and he couldn't help but laugh. "Captain, are you trying to seduce me?" He grinned, ducking his head a little. "Kidding, kidding! Honestly, I've never been a drinker, so I have no idea. I might have some champagne on New Year's or a glass of wine at a wedding, but I've never been drunk before. Or even had enough to know if I can get drunk."
compelledtoprotect: (smug asshole)

[personal profile] compelledtoprotect 2021-07-20 01:24 am (UTC)(link)
He laid a warm hand on Peter's shoulder, "That's what makes you a hero Pete. That you keep going even when it's thankless and painful because someone's in need." It was the hard slog that made a hero, not the applause and adulation.

Steve stared at the man, almost appalled, "Really? You never tried to get drunk? Jeez Pete, even I've done that before! Back when I was still a kid!" He laughed and shook his head, "I can't get drunk anymore, as a rule, but I got used to the taste back when I was in the army so I still drink some now and then." He gave Peter a crooked, charming smile, one that usually made people swoon a little. Steve wasn't unaware of his appeal, he just didn't try to focus on it much, but when he could tease someone . . .

"And if I try to seduce you you'll know it Pete. I promise."
the_amazing: (Peter - Distracted)

[personal profile] the_amazing 2021-07-20 01:49 am (UTC)(link)
Peter always felt weird when someone acknowledged his heroics, since he was so unused to praise. It gave him a fuzzy feeling and made him want to squirm away from the person praising him at the same time. It was a weird dichotomy. It was easiest just to ignore the compliment and forge ahead with the rest of the conversation.

"I know, I know," he said, raising his hands in apology to Steve's chiding tone. "I was the good kid in high school. And then, in college, I was kind of busy with my, uh, off-campus job and didn't get to go to many parties."

Still playing along and joking back and forth with Steve, he laughed again. "Got it. I'll be on the lookout for that."
compelledtoprotect: (such innocent innocence)

[personal profile] compelledtoprotect 2021-07-20 02:23 am (UTC)(link)
Steve often felt the same way. He'd never liked the attention of the media, he'd just wanted to save people, but he made a point of appreciating other heroes. Someone needed to. He laughed again, patting Peter's shoulder.

"It's ok, me and Bucky were delinquents of the worst sort back in the day. It was kinda expected. And getting that sick almost killed me too, so it was really really dumb." He actually wasn't exaggerating much at all. That much alcohol had made him horribly ill and exacerbated all his other problems into a pretty nasty few days. But it was still a good memory for him because it had both Bucky and his mother.

When Peter flirted back, even if it was just playing, Steve couldn't help himself. Flirting was fun and he'd gotten pretty good at it over the years. He adored teasing people! Steve leaned in, letting his hand slide across the man's shoulder to cup the back of Peter's head, fingers sliding into the hair there. Steve tilted his face in, as if he might give the man a kiss. But it was only playing.

"Yeah? You really wanna see how I get someone into bed?" It . . . might have been a little strong for a tease . . .
the_amazing: (Spider-Sense!)

[personal profile] the_amazing 2021-07-20 02:39 am (UTC)(link)
Peter didn't know too much about Steve's life pre-serum, but it was kind of funny to think of such a paragon of American values being a delinquent kid getting drunk with his friends. It just proved that everyone was human, even when their life was so heavily mythologized.

Then, he was completely thrown for a loop. He'd thought they were just joking back and forth, but suddenly, Steve's face was really close to his, and Peter finally recognized that the 'fake flirting' was not actually fake at all. His scalp tingled where the other man's fingers brushed against it and he... panicked.

"Oh!" Peter made a strange, choked noise as his cheeks burned and he ducked out of Cap's reach, jumping back several feet further than a regular person would be capable of. "Oh God, I'm so sorry, I didn't realize that you thought... that I was..." Talk about mixed signals. The last thing he wanted was to string someone along.
compelledtoprotect: (what the fuck come on!)

[personal profile] compelledtoprotect 2021-07-23 01:40 am (UTC)(link)
Steve was a fallible human, just like anyone else, and he'd also been consumed with the need to prove himself. Back then, he'd have done just about anything if he thought it made him look stronger. It didn't help that Bucky liked being a daredevil too. They truly were terrors.

Whoa. Peter moved fast! Steve stared at the man, blinking slowly. Technically he could have stopped the man, but that probably wouldn't have been a good idea. Moving at speed like that generally meant someone was doing it for a reason. Peter's words just confirmed his worst fears and Steve felt his cheeks go pink as he scrambled to apologize.

"No I'm sorry! Peter I'm sorry!" Steve moved even farther from the man, just in case, "I was teasing, but I took it too far. I'm sorry." God, had he ruined yet another friendship? After barely meeting the guy? Was he really so terrible at judging his own behavior he couldn't even carry on a casual conversation anymore? Why had he pushed so hard? God . . .
the_amazing: (Facepalm)

[personal profile] the_amazing 2021-07-23 02:04 am (UTC)(link)
After the initial shock wore off, Peter cursed himself for being so reactionary. This was why other heroes got so annoyed with him. If he ever took a single minute to assess a situation instead of making snap decisions, he might actually be able to stick with a team longer than one mission.

"No, Steve, wait..." He held up a hand in front of him to try and defuse the situation. Seeing the crestfallen expression on the other man's face made Peter feel like a complete ass. It wasn't Steve's fault that Peter had apparently been giving him the wrong idea.

"It's not your fault," he managed after a sigh. "I thought we were joking. I didn't mean to give you the wrong impression." He took a tentative step forward, closing the gap between them. It was then he realized that Steve had also backed away. The poor guy probably felt like a predator or something, with how much Peter had overreacted.

"Please... Don't apologize. I'm not mad at you. I was just surprised. That's all."
compelledtoprotect: (so embarrassed!)

[personal profile] compelledtoprotect 2021-07-27 01:24 am (UTC)(link)
If Peter wasn't going to chase him off, Steve had no intentions of leaving, at least not until he cleared things up. He didn't back up when the man took a step toward him, he just smiled. Seemed he hadn't quite ruined things after all. Thank god!

"No, it's my fault. I was teasing actually, but I came on too strong and I'm sorry for it. Didn't mean to make you freak out. But you move fast! I'm not sure I could have caught you actually . . ." He reached out to offer his hand. They weren't quite close enough for him to touch Peter's shoulder, "I'm sorry I scared you. I won't do it again, promise."
the_amazing: (Arms Crossed)

Wrap Up?

[personal profile] the_amazing 2021-07-27 02:23 am (UTC)(link)
Peter stuck his hand out and shook Steve's hand again. He tried to be firm like the first time, doing whatever he could to indicate no hard feelings.

"Moving fast is one of my many talents, along with talking too much and causing misunderstandings. Please, don't worry about it." Peter, meanwhile, would do nothing but worry. Mainly worry about why Steve's fingers in his hair had felt so good, and why his stomach flipped when their faces were so close.

Nope, stop that thought right here. He was going to ignore all of that for now and pretend it didn't happen. He let go of Steve's hand and tried to offer a reassuring smile. "Don't be a stranger, okay? If you ever need anything from me, let me know."
compelledtoprotect: (such a damn cutie!)

yup yup!

[personal profile] compelledtoprotect 2021-07-27 11:23 pm (UTC)(link)
Steve snorted and shook his head, "It's ok, really. Misunderstandings happen, and I flirted way to heavy. I won't make that mistake again. I'll be a lot more subtle in the future." He winked at Peter, very clearly teasing even if there was technically a hint of real interest. All the Peters he'd known before fell into the kid category in Steve's mind, but the Peter standing before him at the moment was definitely a man, not a kid. And the guy made him laugh. If there was anything sexier than laughter, Steve didn't know what it was.

"Same for you. This place is rough a lot more often than it's not. I'm always here to help, even if that just means listening, and I'll invite you over for a meal one day. I used to have a pretty nice place and food I could cook, so here's hoping I get back to that again eventually. You got a favorite meal?"
the_amazing: (Peter - Disoriented)

That's a wrap!

[personal profile] the_amazing 2021-07-28 12:08 am (UTC)(link)
The winking and hinting and promises of subtlety only served to make his stomach twist a little more. He would need to rationalize to himself for a few hours before he'd be able to get any sleep tonight. "Sure thing." His tone was light, hiding all those panicked thoughts.

"I would definitely be up for a meal. My favorite type of food is free." No matter what happened in his life, no matter how much money he had in his bank account, he'd always be the poor kid from Queens, scraping by to get his basic needs fulfilled. "Whatever you feel like making, I'll stop by and taste-test for you."