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penancememes2021-08-25 12:50 am
penancemods) wrote in penancememes2021-08-25 12:50 am
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TEST DRIVE MEME #27
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 and nothingness consumes you for a second, but only 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.
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. They are urged forward to take a numbered ticket and wait their turn in the long line. As they're ushered forward through the corridor, their first stop will be to see Lilith, standing outside her office.
The woman in a smart suit and a friendly smile steps forward to greet sinners one by one. "I'm sorry for your rough landing. We've never gotten it quite as smooth as it was in the past. Please, let me see your hand--"
Once she has the sinner's hand, there's the warm, almost electric touch of magic that soothes away the aches and pains, heals the wound left behind on each sinner's palm. Lilith looks satisfied with her work and gives a nod. "There, all better. Please continue on until you reach Death's office. He'll have your contracts ready for you."
There's a slightly wicked twist to her lips. "Please do feel free to ask him about any of those sins listed..."
And so on, sinners travel until they finally arrived at another office where Death sits waiting. Here is where you'll receive a contract detailing all sins committed. If they look at the list closely enough they'll notice it's written on with their blood. That explains the wound then. It's an old piece of parchment despite the freshly written letters upon it. Death will also provide slightly more modern smart phone. Think early generation Android.
Seems as though Hell has moved on up from the very old Blackberry type phone.
Once characters have their device and their contracts, they're ushered further down the hall. It seems to go on and wind forever, but eventually, they come upon the lobby of Penance hotel. Once there, they will notice several shops and other areas around the front desk.
The demon at the front desk looks rather bored, but when sinners approach? He seems to snap to attention to offer whatever help they might need of him. He will at least direct to food or rooms to rest their wary bodies, or recommend sights to see around the hotel.
Stand Your Ground While the Mares have gone, as per Death's bargain with God, and reconstructing Penance is coming along fairly well, the air is carrying with it a cold crispness that sends a chill down one's spine. Lucifer is still nowhere to be found, and if pressured, staff will say he's having talks with the other Lords of Hell, as well as God himself. Things need to be worked out, no matter how difficult it is for Lucifer to accept and swallow his pride. He won't be around to offer warmth to the Penance community and it may, in fact, be mirroring his current mood.
Or it may be the creeping sense of doom that's following so many around now that The Veiled Order has been able to nearly complete their next spell. Local demons will plainly say that God won't help them against this threat, that he doesn't care if Hell is destroyed, and others will be very hush about the situation entirely. No need to scare the local sinners, new or old!
Instead just enjoy the reopening businesses around the local area! Nothing is off-limits. Hellburbia seems to have suffered some extensive damage recently, but not to worry! There's talk of building back better than ever.
Other than that, Helluva Cup has a new spiced drink... and spiced everything. That's right! Pumpkin spice has apparently come early this year... and it may be a bit overpowering and in everything in the coffee shop, regardless of what you order. Even Bean, the 'friendly' hell rat the owner keeps in the shop seems to be feasting on pumpkin flavored meat. That's probably okay. Right?
Penance Library is offering a special reading of Leviathan-specific reads. The local goblins will be doing readings every afternoon for all who care to listen or to stick around and discuss it. These will all be fictional in nature, not historic texts.
Strangely enough, there seems to be a sort of curfew happening. While everyone will not be expected to be in the hotel necessarily, they must take shelter in the newly opened Club Penance, Casino Styx, Hella Shorty's, or other establishments. They must either stay the night in these establishments or be escorted to the hotel by demonic guards. These guards will be doing rounds around the Penance community to ensure no one is out alone. Do not fight them or they may surprise you with how strong they can be.
Additionally, anyone caught defying curfew knowingly or fighting back will be locked in their rooms for up to three days as a potential danger to the community as a whole. There are all sorts of dangers lurking out there and the demons are absolutely trying to keep everyone as safe as they can!
Otherwise, it's business as usual around Penance, so go on an exploration! Bundle up against the cold! Have fun!
Reach Up High WARNINGS: cutting, blood, torture
Whether you've been here for months or you're freshly arrived, your demonic overlord unfortunately expects some participation despite the current state of things. You can try and shirk the responsibility, of course. You can bargain your way out of it for a while. But eventually, you may find yourself trapped in a room just off the gym that's been fondly dubbed The Torture Room. It has all manner of equipment in there, along with an iron maiden even.
But don't worry about any of that right now. It probably won't be used.
You can try the door, but even with super human strength or every lock picking skill in the book, you won't be able to open it.
It soon becomes apparent what you're supposed to do when someone else is eventually shoved in with you. Both of your lists of sins will appear on a table that's been placed in the center of the room with two handy knives. You can choose to guard these or not care at all that they're on display.
"Unfortunately, due to Father coming back into the picture, I know that He will demand punishment be delivered despite our circumstances. I have chosen a rather easy one, focused on honesty and acceptance of your sins. Please pick up a knife and choose a sin from each of your lists to carve upon your skin. Aid each other in your journey, carve the words to help your fellow penitent be candid with everyone around them!"
The voice rings out within the sinners' heads as it always does, although Lucifer seems agitated at the moment, hesitant in some way that he usually isn't.
"I do apologize for this. If it was up to me, you would have been free of additional torment this month. However, there will be additional incentive for anyone who should try to resist the task I've appointed them."
It isn't a lie nor an idle threat either. The longer you wait to do what's been requested of you, the more shallow cuts that will appear on both of your bodies. Are you really prepared to endure this pain when giving in would be so much easier?
And more than that, are you willing to let another suffer along with you?
Eventually, the cuts will stop if you suffer them long enough, but you'll have failed this challenge and sustained more damage than if you'd just gone along with it. Satan will also be very disappointed in you.
Follow Me Down
Prompt I: Reopening WARNINGS: sex, drugs, alcohol, aphrodisiacs, body changes, potential kinks, violence, potential non-con or dub-con.
Club Penance is finally back! And with themed nights to start off all the fun. This night's theme is: Anything But Clothes. Guests who enter the adult oriented side of the club will notice the incubi and succubi who serve in it are entirely without clothes (and any ounce of shame!). They're eager to get right back to business. They're very encouraging of others to do the same whether it be immediately or in sexy strip shows.
On their trays, they offer drinks and drugs of all sorts. Shows are being put on on the stage as usual, the offer of sex demos with guest participation are still on the table.
As usual, these demons play under respectable rules in the club, safe words and all. They will also gladly exit the stage and let guests entirely run the show. They're on their best behavior tonight, even if the natural aphrodisiacs they give off seem to be amped up
Guests who refused to undress may also find their clothes randomly disappearing, or being torn off by some eager patron or demon who is a bit too into the theme! Ah, well, no need to worry too much. There will be costumes and lingerie to slip on to go home in. There's absolutely nothing wrong with a walk of shame back to the hotel in nothing but a thong, they'll assure. It's just another night in Hell.
For those who are really adventurous, there are also special concoctions that the club offers. These include:
For the dance oriented portion of the club, the theme is a little more lax. Instead of outright nakedness, patrons may be offered revealing clubwear instead. Things that will look mesmerizing in the lights of the club ranging from neon colors to clothes that seem to flash on the dance floor. The music will be thrumming in the air, pumping down to your very bones as you dance the night away, and all patrons will feel good. It will feel as if they could actually dance all night if they so wanted, even without the aid of any drugs.
It will be an all night rave with all the party drugs and drinks one could want! Live music plays all night. The band also loves to receive requests, so knock yourself out! They seem to strangely know any song they're asked to play.
Knock yourself out, give up any care in the world and have fun. You're already in Hell, so don't you deserve to feel good for a while?
Prompt II: Your Average Hotel Night WARNINGS: Alcohol and drug abuse, potential non-con/dub-con
With all the sinners, new and old, the hotel bar will be lit up with activity. Drinks will be readily available, there's food in the kitchens if anyone wants to bother serving it, music will be blaring whenever there's electricity, and overall, there will be an energy to the atmosphere that's absolutely contagious. Even if you aren't typically inclined to linger at these sorts of events there may be be a certain pull to stay and have a bit of fun.
You might not get much of a chance to have that in Hell, after all. One drink won't hurt, right? Nor will one more after that, and after that. Ah, sweet gluttony. Why not have a pastry next? There's some delectable sweets available just a few steps away. More of a meat person? Like things salty? Fear not, it looks like someone graciously brought all sorts of snacks and foodstuffs from the kitchens to the bar as the night progresses. Indulge! You deserve it.
Similar to Club Penance, the bar also has every sort of drug available that might tickle your fancy and some you've never heard of. There's no harm in experimenting, is there? You're already in Hell. The staff will offer to show anyone how to use the drugs or give advice for what to try if you tell them what you want to experience. Shockingly, they won't lie! Their advice is good word its just you might not have been exactly prepared for it.
There's a stage and a karaoke machine for those feeling brave or just wanting to torture people with some sweet, sweet renditions of The Devil Went Down to Georgia.
There are tables set up for all sorts of gambling and various bar games to entertain yourself with. Since currency as most are familiar with it doesn't quite exist down here, most of the demons seem to be accepting bits of your soul or offers to do chores around the hotel. You may also get pulled into a fun game of strip poker against one of your fellow guests for a few succubi that are having a night out.
Relax and enjoy your night. Coming here and facing your sins is the hard part, so surely you deserve to have a little fun.
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 September 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
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| Arrival
| FAQ
Rules | Taken | Reserves | Applications
Network | Logs | OOC | Memes
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 and nothingness consumes you for a second, but only 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.
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. They are urged forward to take a numbered ticket and wait their turn in the long line. As they're ushered forward through the corridor, their first stop will be to see Lilith, standing outside her office.
The woman in a smart suit and a friendly smile steps forward to greet sinners one by one. "I'm sorry for your rough landing. We've never gotten it quite as smooth as it was in the past. Please, let me see your hand--"
Once she has the sinner's hand, there's the warm, almost electric touch of magic that soothes away the aches and pains, heals the wound left behind on each sinner's palm. Lilith looks satisfied with her work and gives a nod. "There, all better. Please continue on until you reach Death's office. He'll have your contracts ready for you."
There's a slightly wicked twist to her lips. "Please do feel free to ask him about any of those sins listed..."
And so on, sinners travel until they finally arrived at another office where Death sits waiting. Here is where you'll receive a contract detailing all sins committed. If they look at the list closely enough they'll notice it's written on with their blood. That explains the wound then. It's an old piece of parchment despite the freshly written letters upon it. Death will also provide slightly more modern smart phone. Think early generation Android.
Seems as though Hell has moved on up from the very old Blackberry type phone.
Once characters have their device and their contracts, they're ushered further down the hall. It seems to go on and wind forever, but eventually, they come upon the lobby of Penance hotel. Once there, they will notice several shops and other areas around the front desk.
The demon at the front desk looks rather bored, but when sinners approach? He seems to snap to attention to offer whatever help they might need of him. He will at least direct to food or rooms to rest their wary bodies, or recommend sights to see around the hotel.
Stand Your Ground While the Mares have gone, as per Death's bargain with God, and reconstructing Penance is coming along fairly well, the air is carrying with it a cold crispness that sends a chill down one's spine. Lucifer is still nowhere to be found, and if pressured, staff will say he's having talks with the other Lords of Hell, as well as God himself. Things need to be worked out, no matter how difficult it is for Lucifer to accept and swallow his pride. He won't be around to offer warmth to the Penance community and it may, in fact, be mirroring his current mood.
Or it may be the creeping sense of doom that's following so many around now that The Veiled Order has been able to nearly complete their next spell. Local demons will plainly say that God won't help them against this threat, that he doesn't care if Hell is destroyed, and others will be very hush about the situation entirely. No need to scare the local sinners, new or old!
Instead just enjoy the reopening businesses around the local area! Nothing is off-limits. Hellburbia seems to have suffered some extensive damage recently, but not to worry! There's talk of building back better than ever.
Other than that, Helluva Cup has a new spiced drink... and spiced everything. That's right! Pumpkin spice has apparently come early this year... and it may be a bit overpowering and in everything in the coffee shop, regardless of what you order. Even Bean, the 'friendly' hell rat the owner keeps in the shop seems to be feasting on pumpkin flavored meat. That's probably okay. Right?
Penance Library is offering a special reading of Leviathan-specific reads. The local goblins will be doing readings every afternoon for all who care to listen or to stick around and discuss it. These will all be fictional in nature, not historic texts.
Strangely enough, there seems to be a sort of curfew happening. While everyone will not be expected to be in the hotel necessarily, they must take shelter in the newly opened Club Penance, Casino Styx, Hella Shorty's, or other establishments. They must either stay the night in these establishments or be escorted to the hotel by demonic guards. These guards will be doing rounds around the Penance community to ensure no one is out alone. Do not fight them or they may surprise you with how strong they can be.
Additionally, anyone caught defying curfew knowingly or fighting back will be locked in their rooms for up to three days as a potential danger to the community as a whole. There are all sorts of dangers lurking out there and the demons are absolutely trying to keep everyone as safe as they can!
Otherwise, it's business as usual around Penance, so go on an exploration! Bundle up against the cold! Have fun!
Reach Up High WARNINGS: cutting, blood, torture
Whether you've been here for months or you're freshly arrived, your demonic overlord unfortunately expects some participation despite the current state of things. You can try and shirk the responsibility, of course. You can bargain your way out of it for a while. But eventually, you may find yourself trapped in a room just off the gym that's been fondly dubbed The Torture Room. It has all manner of equipment in there, along with an iron maiden even.
But don't worry about any of that right now. It probably won't be used.
You can try the door, but even with super human strength or every lock picking skill in the book, you won't be able to open it.
It soon becomes apparent what you're supposed to do when someone else is eventually shoved in with you. Both of your lists of sins will appear on a table that's been placed in the center of the room with two handy knives. You can choose to guard these or not care at all that they're on display.
"Unfortunately, due to Father coming back into the picture, I know that He will demand punishment be delivered despite our circumstances. I have chosen a rather easy one, focused on honesty and acceptance of your sins. Please pick up a knife and choose a sin from each of your lists to carve upon your skin. Aid each other in your journey, carve the words to help your fellow penitent be candid with everyone around them!"
The voice rings out within the sinners' heads as it always does, although Lucifer seems agitated at the moment, hesitant in some way that he usually isn't.
"I do apologize for this. If it was up to me, you would have been free of additional torment this month. However, there will be additional incentive for anyone who should try to resist the task I've appointed them."
It isn't a lie nor an idle threat either. The longer you wait to do what's been requested of you, the more shallow cuts that will appear on both of your bodies. Are you really prepared to endure this pain when giving in would be so much easier?
And more than that, are you willing to let another suffer along with you?
Eventually, the cuts will stop if you suffer them long enough, but you'll have failed this challenge and sustained more damage than if you'd just gone along with it. Satan will also be very disappointed in you.
Follow Me Down
Prompt I: Reopening WARNINGS: sex, drugs, alcohol, aphrodisiacs, body changes, potential kinks, violence, potential non-con or dub-con.
Club Penance is finally back! And with themed nights to start off all the fun. This night's theme is: Anything But Clothes. Guests who enter the adult oriented side of the club will notice the incubi and succubi who serve in it are entirely without clothes (and any ounce of shame!). They're eager to get right back to business. They're very encouraging of others to do the same whether it be immediately or in sexy strip shows.
On their trays, they offer drinks and drugs of all sorts. Shows are being put on on the stage as usual, the offer of sex demos with guest participation are still on the table.
As usual, these demons play under respectable rules in the club, safe words and all. They will also gladly exit the stage and let guests entirely run the show. They're on their best behavior tonight, even if the natural aphrodisiacs they give off seem to be amped up
Guests who refused to undress may also find their clothes randomly disappearing, or being torn off by some eager patron or demon who is a bit too into the theme! Ah, well, no need to worry too much. There will be costumes and lingerie to slip on to go home in. There's absolutely nothing wrong with a walk of shame back to the hotel in nothing but a thong, they'll assure. It's just another night in Hell.
For those who are really adventurous, there are also special concoctions that the club offers. These include:
Frenzy ○ The drug will be given to anyone anyone who asks for it. It can be snorted, injected, taken in pill form, or smoked given user preference.
Despite the questionable name, guests who partake really will feel the best they've possibly ever felt. They won't need sleep or to rest, but they won't necessarily feel the strain on their bodies either. They'll be full of energy and their mood will be amazing with no hint of nightmares or dreams anywhere.
The demons won't let anyone come down either, not once they've started and not until they're told a guest doesn't want any more.
Even then, they may still try to convince them otherwise. It's a party for as long as you can go, or until you completely burn out, it seems.
But with all good things come bad. It seems a side-effect of the drug is an actual frenzy as well. A frenzy for sex or violence or anything a character might want that they deny themselves on the regular. They'll feel this growing hunger, this ravenous need to have and to claim everything they think is theirs.
Some may even fade away into an almost animalistic sort of state.
The more the guest takes, the more they'll experience this sensation. Fighting it won't help either. Though they did sort of bring that one on themselves, didn't they?
Other symptoms of coming down won't be too different to those of other drugs. Fatigue, depression. Guests will begin to feel the effects of staying up for so long without rest or stopping to take care of themselves. They may also feel a certain longing for more, but it can be fought off with enough strength of will.
The drug isn't free either. The succubi expect to be paid in energy or through actual work in the club.
Bond ○ A potion that will bond guests together the minute one speaks to the other. The encouragement is that this should be done consensually, but the demons won't necessarily be checking. Once bonded, guests will feel what the one who took the potion feels. This includes pain and pleasure both with effects lasting a full night. Give someone the most intense pleasure of their lives or torture them until they beg for mercy!
For a really intense experience, both participants can consume the potion with mutual effects.
For the dance oriented portion of the club, the theme is a little more lax. Instead of outright nakedness, patrons may be offered revealing clubwear instead. Things that will look mesmerizing in the lights of the club ranging from neon colors to clothes that seem to flash on the dance floor. The music will be thrumming in the air, pumping down to your very bones as you dance the night away, and all patrons will feel good. It will feel as if they could actually dance all night if they so wanted, even without the aid of any drugs.
It will be an all night rave with all the party drugs and drinks one could want! Live music plays all night. The band also loves to receive requests, so knock yourself out! They seem to strangely know any song they're asked to play.
Knock yourself out, give up any care in the world and have fun. You're already in Hell, so don't you deserve to feel good for a while?
Prompt II: Your Average Hotel Night WARNINGS: Alcohol and drug abuse, potential non-con/dub-con
With all the sinners, new and old, the hotel bar will be lit up with activity. Drinks will be readily available, there's food in the kitchens if anyone wants to bother serving it, music will be blaring whenever there's electricity, and overall, there will be an energy to the atmosphere that's absolutely contagious. Even if you aren't typically inclined to linger at these sorts of events there may be be a certain pull to stay and have a bit of fun.
You might not get much of a chance to have that in Hell, after all. One drink won't hurt, right? Nor will one more after that, and after that. Ah, sweet gluttony. Why not have a pastry next? There's some delectable sweets available just a few steps away. More of a meat person? Like things salty? Fear not, it looks like someone graciously brought all sorts of snacks and foodstuffs from the kitchens to the bar as the night progresses. Indulge! You deserve it.
Similar to Club Penance, the bar also has every sort of drug available that might tickle your fancy and some you've never heard of. There's no harm in experimenting, is there? You're already in Hell. The staff will offer to show anyone how to use the drugs or give advice for what to try if you tell them what you want to experience. Shockingly, they won't lie! Their advice is good word its just you might not have been exactly prepared for it.
There's a stage and a karaoke machine for those feeling brave or just wanting to torture people with some sweet, sweet renditions of The Devil Went Down to Georgia.
There are tables set up for all sorts of gambling and various bar games to entertain yourself with. Since currency as most are familiar with it doesn't quite exist down here, most of the demons seem to be accepting bits of your soul or offers to do chores around the hotel. You may also get pulled into a fun game of strip poker against one of your fellow guests for a few succubi that are having a night out.
Relax and enjoy your night. Coming here and facing your sins is the hard part, so surely you deserve to have a little fun.
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 September 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.
Rules | Taken | Reserves | Applications
Network | Logs | OOC | Memes
Negan | The Walking Dead | OTA
[ After everything that went down at the hospital, Negan essentially slept for a couple of days. Even now, he could use more sleep. But instead, he decides to be a functional member of this little community and do what he used to -- get himself a cup of coffee to burn off the grogginess. He stands in line at the counter, a barbed wire baseball bat resting against his shoulder. Seems like Lucille is out on this little date with him. ]
Pumpkin Spice? Shit, that takes me back. [ He says to no one in particular. Hell, maybe he's even talking to his bat. ] All them college cuties hanging out at the coffee shop, sipping their lattes as I drove past. I'm sure it's gonna suck in this place, but hell. Let's do it for nostalgia's sake.
[ He grins as he reaches the counter and orders before gesturing toward the person nearby -- whether they want it or not. ]
Make it double.
B; Hotel Bar (cw: alcohol use)
[ They're not allowed out of the hotel, which would be a damn shame if they didn't have this bar right here. But as it is, Negan has been drinking heavily because eventually with enough drinking, he can forget about his nightmares -- he can forget about his undead wife as she shambled after him in the hospital halls, he can forget about the creepy fucking nurses and the padded rooms, he can forget all those terrifying noises he heard on the verge of sleep every night.
Tossing back his seventh shot of whiskey, as the call rings out from the karaoke stage for participants, he's definitely drunk enough to get up there and take the microphone with a loud screech. ]
This one goes out to that sexy lady sitting in the third stool on the left side of the bar. Hi. I'm Negan. Hit me up after this.
[ He flashes his smarmy grin to said lady -- human or demon or something else. But he flops onto a provided stool and begins to sing a number of tunes (although "sing" is rather subjective as it's more like talk singing in his gravelly southern drawl.) It ranges from the more upbeat Devil Went Down to Georgia to a more heartfelt and morose You Are So Beautiful (cw: chemotherapy/cancer). While he doesn't do it the justice Joe Cocker does, there's a definite pain in his eyes -- his voice tightening and even becoming choked up over a few lyrics.
So much for drinking to forget...
Any boos or jeers go ignored. Negan stays on stage until someone comes up there to physically pry the damn microphone from his hands. And even then, he might fight for it. Be warned. ]
C; Wildcard
[ Anything goes! ]
B; Hotel Bar
[She approaches the stage and puts out a hand to cover the microphone, if he'll allow it.]
Hey. I've been looking for you.
[She might have a couple of extra things from last when he saw her on the naked deck on the cruise, like fangs when she speaks, and a long tail that curls around, reaching for the microphone from below.]
no subject
You have?
[ It takes him a moment to recognize her with the new additions, but naturally he does. Sara is one to leave an impression. ]
Holy shit, Sara? You are lookin' good, but uh...how did you get this?
[ His fingers brush against the tail, relinquishing the microphone to it. ]
no subject
[The tail unfurls and starts to wrap around Negan's waist, meaning she is standing very close about now.] But now that I've found you, maybe we can catch up in my booth? Or you can sing, if you like.
[She didn't mind his singing, after all, but she can read the crowd, and some of them just want a chance at the mic.]
a)
Someone had mentioned a coffee shop to her, so this is her first time here. Bela is a self-confessed tea drinker, but she required something a lot stronger to clear the cobwebs.
Having lived in New York for a few years, she was aware of the Pumpkin Spice gimmick that appeared in most coffee places in the city around the beginning of Autumn. She tended to forgo it for something to her liking; what surprised her is that it somehow made it's way to Hell. ]
I'll pass, thanks. [ She recognises him from before, not long after she arrived. ] Got an Americano with my name on it.
no subject
[ He grins, sidling up beside her and giving her a playful nudge with his elbow. He's one to talk about seasons given most of them blurred together from hotter than hell to mildly hot to downright frost bite you in the ass cold. ]
Actually, it's pretty damn funny to me that hell has actual seasons. Didn't expect it. Just expected infernos all day, every day. They really don't teach you shit about this side of religion in Sunday school, do they?
no subject
Bela gives him a side-eye when he nudges her, but she is too exhausted to protest. Who knows? Maybe his demeanour will distract her.]
My family weren't particularly religious so I never attended church, let alone Sunday school. But where I'm from, the picture that others painted of Hell was all about the pain and torture, fire and brimstone.
[ Her coffee arrives and she takes it gratefully. ]
Maybe Lucifer just really likes pumpkin spice lattes.
hotel bar
It's not just his absence that has her in her own darkness, but she still hasn't recovered from the mares. The excruciating experiences of draining her best friend over and over again, but never the same way twice. Sometimes, she hadn't needed to touch him for her vampiric nature to reduce him to a vacant shell of the mutant she loved. And the memories she pulled from him were uniquely torturous.
She still can't pinpoint the moment where she stopped finding her Remy for what comfort they could provide each other from the mares. It bleeds together. And perhaps that's what upsets her the most, to her soul, that she cannot remember their last genuine moment together before whatever happened to him.
And so she's drinking. More than most men could handle, but it's having less of an effect than she'd like. It's the morose song that draws her from her thoughts enough to cant her head in his direction, listening for a few drawled lines before she shifts her gaze to the older man. She empathizes with his tone alone, and there's a large chunk of her that wants to sink into it.
But, when his voice cracks and the mutant understands, she rises and consumes the remainder of her drink in one fluid motion. Then she's there in his space, her hand covering his on the microphone with her gloved one. Her green eyes search his, and she tries to hide her own pains and guilt poorly, with a smile that's not quite as bright as he's seen before. Seems the mares ran her rough too.]
You owe me a drink.
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Oh shit, that's right. I do, don't I? Forgive the shit outta me not being a gentleman and seeing you here sooner.
[ He lets her have the microphone -- Rogue's one of the few who can get away with damn near anything. Negan rises to his feet and makes a motion as though he's about to embrace her, but then he thinks better of it. Maybe she doesn't want him to. Maybe their relationship isn't the sort that allows for embraces. Maybe he's just projecting all his feelings over his dead wife onto this beautiful southern belle who already reminded him so much of Lucille.
The hand draws back to rub over the scruff of his beard. ]
Lead the way, darlin'. Shame it's only the hotel bar we can go to. It'd be nice to get outta these walls. Wonder what that whole fucking curfew thing is even about.
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In all honesty? A hug would probably feel real good right about now, but he's drunk, she's tipsy, and she's got a whole host of skin on her face and neck exposed. While she's wearing the power dampening tennis bracelet, she's firmly against using it at the moment, or likely anytime soon. It from Remy, and Hank specifically as a wedding gift back home. It's complicated. So it stays deactivated.
Instead, she offers him her hand to tug him along behind her through the hotel bar.] They're worried 'bout the Veiled Order doin' spells an' potentially attackin'. Maybe lookin' for more sacrifices or volunteers.
[At least that's the gist of it that she understands. It's probably best not to chat too loudly or openly about it, but she doesn't care too much right now. She navigates them to the bar, and orders two bourbons, neat. He's free to correct her order, but she's got a feeling she's not far off.]
You're lookin' a bit like ah feel sugah.
@ a
I hope your bat drinks them, because if you mean me, I don't think I'm American-cultured enough for that. I need at least fifteen more years in the U.S. for that level.
[ She says it like it could be a joke, but it's not. Her Southeastern European accent ads to it, too. She barely drinks coffee, let alone that syrupy/way-too-flavored shit that Americans like to call coffee drinks. She's here for tea. ]
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Lucille might drink it, but I don't think it's usually up to her tastes.
[ Lucille much preferred blood. ]
You'd probably be the more appreciative recipient. But shit, you tellin' me that's an American exclusive thing? Is hell pullin' from the US? Not surprised, mind. Especially if they ever planned to model it after the version I come from.
[ He makes a gesture toward her hair. ]
Love the hair, by the way.
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Well, American-headquartered stores with operations in Europe have the drink, and some other local ones can have it on the menu in an attempt to lure tourists, or a soft power attempt to solve conflicts with the West or some shit.
[ That last part might be juuuust a bit of a joke and exaggeration, but the sentiment stands. ]
but, uh thanks, I had to change it for weird islandy cult reasons recently.
[ e w. ]
I'm Wanda Maximoff, by the way, hi.
b
But when the last song comes on, she stiffens, her stomach sinking like a rock. She's heard that song before. In the haunted house at the carnival, playing over a scene from Negan's past.
She looks up, her whole body tense, hoping he'll power through and move on to something more cheerful, or better yet, bow out and let someone else take a turn. Instead, he stays, looking and sounding more and more morose - and, she realizes, incredibly drunk.
Eventually, she can't just sit there anymore. She goes up onto the stage with an apologetic smile at the audience, before bending over, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder and wrapping her other over his around the microphone. ]
Okay. [ Her voice is just as gentle, but firm, brooking no argument. ] Okay. Time to take a break.
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[ He protests, but whatever 'good part' he was talking about just passes as a quiet instrumental and eventually Negan lets her have the microphone. ]
Aw shit, Carol. Didn't know you wanted a turn at the mic. So what'cha gonna sing? Highway to Hell? Maybe Bat Outta Hell, give us a li'l bit of those Meatloaf vibes.
[ His shoulders shrug along to some inaudible beat and he sways himself off of the stool, bumping straight into her with a murmured apology before the arm drapes itself casually around her shoulders. ]
No, wait. I got it! Hell is For Children. Rocking the ol' Pat Benetar. What kind of music did you listen to before everything went to shit?
[ Somberness seems to have faded entirely, returning to goofy grins and classic Negan....just a little more slurred and a lot more unsteady on his feet. ]
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Fuck you, Negan.
[ Murmured under her breath, just loud enough to guarantee that he'll hear it and no one else will. But her smile never falters, and she laughs brightly, carefully setting down the mic. ]
Oh, no. I'm not singing.
[ And in fact a part of her almost considers just walking away, leaving him there to wallow in misery and make a spectacle of himself if that's what he wants. But no. She's in it now, and she wraps her own arm around his waist to steady him as she starts guiding him carefully to the edge of the stage. ]
C'mon. We're walking. Watch the steps.
MOAR COFFEE
[ Her voice comes from one of the nearby tables, notebooks, pens, and various pumpkin spice encrusted items strewn about on it. And for some reason, she doesn't look pleased. Yeah yeah, their whole marriage wasn't supposed to be like the real thing or whatever, but she feels like she deserves a little respect here. ]
Like, you'll get some rando a cup of coffee right in front of me?
[ Old habits die hard... ]
And talking about cuties? [ Scoff. ] Again, seriously?
[ All this! After he'd made her spaghetti! So rude! ]
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....he kind of likes it. ]
Aw, c'mon, darlin'. You know you're my only wife.
[ A beat. ]
Here.
[ Clarification he didn't need to give, but one he gives regardless. Monika ain't the only one playing the harem game. She's a rookie compared to him. ]
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Well, I wish I could say you're my only husband, but I kinda have the expectation--
[ Wait. Monika squints at the discrepancy she'd heard but didn't comprehend. Not his only wife...here...?
Suddenly, she jumps up, slamming her hands on the table. What she lacks in experience with multiple relationships, she makes up for in crazy. Crazy that's about to get yelled across the shop. ]
Excuse me? I'm the only wife you have that'll ever matter!
[ Granted, she probably shouldn't be thinking like that, since she's trying to remain a reformed love addict--and also, why be possessive about a relationship she was forced into?--but...sometimes exceptions must be made! ]
A
Thank you. I don't think it sucks, it's pretty nice but I never had it before coming to hell so I don't actually have anything to compare it to.
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[ He grins when they get their orders and he holds up the cup in order to tap it as a toast. ]
Well, here goes nothin'.
[ He takes a sip and immediately burns his mouth on it. Which, yeah....should have seen that coming. But all things considered, it's not too bad. Negan purses his lips and gives an approving nod. ]
Not the worst thing I tasted since comin' to hell.
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It's alright isn't it? This place is quite new but it feels almost... normal. [Ignoring the obvious things like the demons behind the bar and the hell rat...]
B
Which is when Negan, of all damn people hits the stage.
As much as Rick resents him, he can't keep watching this horror show after a while. He orders another round and pushes off from the table to get up there and get him.]
Okay. I think you've terrified these people long enough. Time to give up the microphone to someone else.