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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
| Premise
| 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
no subject
[too bad, pegasus. apparently this was a conversation they would be having. while drugged. and drunk. that's just the way it goes.]
Wishful thinking, I know, but we're going to keep running into each other. And if you're operating under the delusion it won't come up again... well, you haven't been here as long as I have. So I guess I can understand it.
[his lips part in a smug sort of smile. just in case pegasus was operating under the delusion that seto kaiba had left the building, so to speak.]
I just don't have to agree with it. 'cause I won't.
no subject
[Siiiigh. Seto never leaves well enough alone.]
The only way it would come up is if either one of us brings it up, and I assume you won't be chomping at the bit to bring up that time you had sex with your former business partner once your head isn't so muddled.
[Except out of anger and regret, perhaps, which he's saying won't happen, but again: Pegasus will believe that when he sees it.
He cradles Seto's face in one hand and closes his lips over that smug little smile, kissing it away. A warm, gentle, but insistent kiss. Can't keep babbling if his mouth is otherwise occupied.]
no subject
Are you implying that you're forgettable?
[as if he even believed that, could ever believe that. though he might have coached it in slightly misleading terms.
he would say more but pegasus opts for the smarter move in covering his mouth and he decides to go along with it, just like the rest of this cursed encounter. he hums, softly, presses his cheek into his palm without any of his usual willfulness. he kisses back, without any of his usual forcefulness. nothing about this was usual but he embraces it.
maybe that was really what pegasus meant -- a return to the status quo. except that didn't exist anymore. for now, he'll just enjoy this, whatever it was or wasn't.]
no subject
Luckily, they're soon too busy kissing for him to be dragged into conversation. He slips further into Seto's lap, folding his legs under himself so there's still room for Seto to sit comfortably, and lets his free hand sift languidly through Seto's hair, wet fingers leaving it damp. The water will have to be turned off soon. It's climbing past their waists.]
no subject
he wonders if this was the same individual who said they'd take a wait and see approach to this whole mess a few minutes ago. either he was hitting his second wind or he couldn't resist the idea of round two. this time he really doesn't complain about it, because... well, he wasn't the worst man to fall into his lap. literally.
seto accommodates him, just as before, spreading his legs, just as before. too bad there was no shutting him up for long, as he returns an earlier favor and nips him on the lip.]
Mm... don't ruin my water, you dumb horse.
[indeed. the water. clearly what he was most concerned about right now.]
no subject
It's our water, you dumb dragon.
[Dumb, ornery dragon.
But fine, he'll just lie on Seto instead, face tucked against his shoulder. One of his hands lingers near Seto's face in case he needs to cover the mans mouth again, while his other one trails down the back of Seto's neck, where he can feel the raised flesh from his earlier bite. That's definitely going to bruise, if it hasn't already.]
no subject
as it stands, he lets that slide too. he's letting a lot of things slide, like that hand in his hair and that mouth which snatches his up. ever competitive, he meets and even exceeds pegasus' enthusiasm. he won't let him have the last laugh. or the last kiss. fumbling to shut the faucet off, he playfully snaps his fangs as pegasus withdraws. draconic indeed.
his hands finally move, one slipping behind pegasus' back with the other slung about his hips. even sober, he couldn't deny it: pegasus was incredibly attractive.]
Comfortable?
[he's teasing. and he knows better than to say anything else, so he just rests his chin atop that silvery head and savors the moment.]
no subject
[Very comfortable. He hasn't gotten to use another person as a pillow in such a long time, and he probably would have slept here were a hot tub a suitable place for a nap.
He lets his eye slide shut and flattens his hands over Seto's neck and back, steadily becoming a dead weight atop Seto. He'll rest here as long as Seto permits it. It's pleasant, being so close, letting Seto's warmth radiate into him, and he can just about feel the steady throb of Seto's pulse against the side of his face.]
no subject
seto lets him bask in the closeness for a bit before nudging at his shoulder. at this rate, he really would fall asleep and they're both agreed: this really wasn't the best place for it. besides, he did want his bath. cleanliness was important, especially after so much mess. and seto kaiba gets what seto kaiba wants, at least most of the time.]
C'mon. I'll get your back.
[he likes looking after his partners, which he wouldn't admit either. one night stands were fine but a little aftercare never hurt.]
But only if you get mine too. Fair's fair.
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He plants a couple of kisses on Seto's throat before drawing back, unfurling to kneel in the water and giving himself a shake to drive away the encroaching drowsiness.]
Won't be much of a wash without soap, but if you insist.
[So he moves to turn Seto, one of his hands slipping down the slope of Seto's back, all the way into the water.]
Might as well get your hair while I'm at it. You'll need to lean back for me.
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You haven't done this with anyone else?
[he keeps "this" vague. the bath, the sex, the intimacy. he can take his pick or assume all of the above.]
Too bad. Seems right up your alley.
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People generally don't interest me in this way. Or in general, if I'm honest.
[He doesn't actually like being around people most of the time, hence living on an island. He liked being with his family. He enjoyed the company of his workers, to some extent. He enjoyed interacting with duelists. But by and large, he was a private man and preferred to avoid people. Between that and Cyndia, sex and intimacy just didn't have a part in his life, and the platonic relationships he had were more than enough to sustain him anyway.
Drawing Seto a little lower into the water, submerging the back of his head, Pegasus gently threads his fingers through his hair to ensure it gets a good soak.]
Maybe that'll change here. This was pleasant. Is pleasant. [And he doesn't feel too guilty about being with someone other than Cyndia. Not at this stage, anyway.] I'm surprised this - a general this - is up your alley, actually. You were so obsessed with games and work I wouldn't have thought you had the time nor inclination for this sort of thing.
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Yeah. I can see that.
[he can also see why pegasus willingly sequestered himself. floating up in space was a similarly addicting feeling; he could observe the world without being part of it. he could peddle products from the safety of a stage without ever shaking a single hand. he liked being with his family, what little was left of it. but even then, he had abandoned it.
he wasn't a private man. he no longer had that luxury. but he preferred to avoid people because it meant he wouldn't have to acknowledge he couldn't understand them at all.]
And it probably will. We don't really have that choice anymore.
[case in point: everything that had happened tonight. even if he swore not to regret it.]
If it feels good, why not? Isn't that reason enough to do something?
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He frowns at the mention of choice, or the lack thereof. Hard not to realise that after the events of tonight, but he decides not to comment on it.]
As good as playing a card game? Impossible. [He chuckles and ghosts his nails over Seto's scalp.] I suppose that's a good enough reason. Though, personally, I'd favour more substance to forays into intimacy.
[He is a romantic. Of course he does.]
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Yeah. This is nice.
[a word he rarely, if ever, used to describe anything at all. even time spent with his brother didn't seem to fit the bill. warm, maybe. pleasant, peaceful. but nice felt off-limits to him. like he didn't deserve it. like he wouldn't know to do with it even if he had it, slipping through his fingers like the water all around them.]
It won't stop being nice when I'm sober. I'll remember.
[and that was sincere praise. seto willfully chose to forget most things, most people. but he would remember this.]
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And that won't be an issue? It being nice?
[Because he could definitely see that leading to a spiral of self-hatred.]
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Should it be?
[a straightforward question, asked straightforwardly. there's that docility again, that strange serenity which should never exist between them. all the closets in the world couldn't hide their skeletons. but he does seem to mean it. at least in this moment, it really was sincere. for all the hustle and bustle outside, in here, the world was incredibly still.]
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[He doesn't elaborate. Doesn't need to. Seto is aware of their problems and why nice shouldn't be able to wedge between those skeletons, shouldn't be able to find a place between hard stone and cold, quiet dark and you know what stakes I play for, don't you. And if it really has? Then he's anticipating consequences. Ideally, small ones, but big ones, damaging ones- those wouldn't be surprising.
He'd like it to be simple. He'd like to think this could be nice and nothing more, just a pleasant moment in their otherwise tumultuous relationship, but he's not that optimistic.
He drops his hands to Seto's back, palms spread over warm skin.]
Never mind. Probably too early to be asking that.
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but he also shouldn't be here at all. he was meant to duel the pharaoh, to defeat him and regain his dignity. coming back had always been an afterthought. and coming here never even occurred to him. sure, he knew he wasn't going anywhere like heaven once he kicked the bucket, but... well, turns out even seto kaiba could be caught off guard.
something about that immediate yes leaves a bad taste in his mouth. to be fair, so did pegasus.]
You wouldn't have asked if it wasn't important.
[so there's really no proper time for that. but he does turn his head away, giving pegasus a chance to save face.]
But I get it. I'll drop it. So don't worry about it.
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You can tell me the answer later, if it suits you.
[They're supposed to pretend this never happened; Pegasus was insistent about that from the start, but he'll make an exception for this. Good or bad, he wants to hear any answer Seto might have for him.]
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[that much hadn't changed, would never change. the sun rises, the world turns, and seto kaiba would always be seto kaiba.
he falls quiet for a few minutes and then seems to have his fill of it, turning halfway to look pegasus in the eye again. it's almost tempting to draw his hair away so he can see what was left of the other one but he knows pegasus won't take it well. nobody ever recovers from that sort of thing, not really. even he isn't that cruel.]
Alright, your turn. Turn around.
[it was, if nothing, as good an excuse as any to touch him. he could get away with it now.]
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Maybe you should try a different approach. That doesn't seem to be working out for you.
[Doing what he wants - even simple things, like eating ice-cream or visiting a club - clearly isn't going well for him. People are about the only thing he can bring to heel anymore, and his mileage on that varies.
But he really wouldn't be Seto Kaiba if he succumbed to the inherent helplessness of their situation. His self-preservation instinct has always been poor.
Pegasus gathers his hair and draws it over a shoulder, turning his back to Seto. Something he would never have done just a few months prior. How fast things change when you're forced into close quarters with a person and grievously tortured throughout.]
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but he doesn't comment any further on the matter. as pegasus brushes his hair away, kaiba drags the tip of a claw over the back of his neck. he could kill him in an instant and in any number of ways, but here he's curious. almost gentle, guiding that finger down, down, down the length of his spine, spreading his hand across a shoulderblade.
he doesn't want to use the word beautiful. pegasus was ugly, would always be. even so...]
No one ever stays the night. It's understandable.
[leaning closer, skin against skin, he presses a single kiss to that shoulder.]
But I like doing this. It's...
[oh boy. here he goes. using that word again. saying what he shouldn't out loud.]
...nice.
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The kiss that follows is oddly affectionate, and again, the nice. That word Pegasus isn't quite sure what to do with. It seems to be used in a more general sense here, at least, which is easier to approach than it being applied to their torrid affair.
He glances over his shoulder.]
Of all places to go domestic, Kaiba. Do you want people to stay the night?
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No. It's better that they leave.
[it's better that everyone just leaves. no emotion entanglements, no complicated feelings. better off alone, which made being together all the more meaningful. even if pegasus has his doubts, seto remembers everything. the good, the bad, all the hurt inflicted upon him, all the pain he has been made to suffer. he remembers pegasus; he has no choice.
his arms snake around him. one hand comes to rest over his heart, as if to lay claim to that too.]
I don't like people. And they don't like me. And that's fine.
[so he tells himself anyway. it's better that he doesn't think about it too much.]
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