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penancememes2021-10-24 05:22 pm
penancemods) wrote in penancememes2021-10-24 05:22 pm
Entry tags:
TEST DRIVE MEME #29
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 take your care package and continue on until you reach the stairs."
On their way out, sinners receive their 'package', a contract detailing all sins committed. If they look at the list closely enough they'll notice it's written with their blood. That explains the palm wound then. It's an old piece of parchment despite the freshly written letters upon it. They will also receive a slightly more modern smart phone. Think early generation Android and a pamphlet made by other sinners during their stay here with useful tips.
After that, sinners will be ushered on to a set of stairs where a guard waits. "Welcome to Penance," the demon says gruffly before motioning them on without an ounce of courtesy. "Don't hold up the line."
They seem to go on and wind forever, but eventually, they come upon what appears to be a lobby of a 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 The chill in the air is still hanging in there, biting into skin as the fog from God's divine punishment begins to fade, and with it, the twisted monsters and hallucinations that it brought in. Hallucinations stop (but may not be forgotten), injuries from tortures are healed (but again, may leave their imprint anyway), and everyone starts to slowly filter back into Penance proper. The animals are brought back to the stables and the spiders return to their nests they made within the hotel (and out, thanks to the kind sinners who helped relocate them!)
So do try not to worry if you see chihuahua sized spiders hanging around everywhere. They are quite docile! And a lot of sinners and demons seem to want to adopt the little guys as pets.
Lilith is still sporting injuries from the previous event, but she's dressed sharp and professional again, reassuring everyone that they did the best they could and it's time for a break while they wait for Lucifer's grand return to Hell. Something remains haunted in her eyes, however...
Ah, well, don't worry about it, new arrivals! It likely means nothing. Times have just been hard as of late.
Lucifer is still nowhere in sight, but Lilith announces it's time for a proper celebration as a reward for everyone's perseverance and aiding others lately. And look... it just happens to be close to that mortal holiday, Halloween!
Despite the husk of a community the fog revealed, Penance is once again decorated and vibrant in no time. Halloween decorations litter the streets and the hotel, as well as neighboring establishments. There are caramel apples being passed out freely throughout the hotel, as well as cider and other candies that inspire good moods.
Everyone seems very eager to just forget the last punishment ever even happened... sinners and demons alike. Whispers around the community show plainly that everyone is worried, hushed murmurs of God and big plans on the horizon making the rounds, but... best to not even pay attention to that. Especially any talk of Barbas possibly returning that are on the tongues of the demons who look worn out and exhausted at the mere thought. It's just simple paranoia, surely.
Now, instead get ready for the festivities!
Everyone will receive an invitation on their devices to go to the pumpkin patch within the community. It's hard to miss with its creepy scarecrows that seem to almost follow those who enter and the mischievous little demons that like to sneak up and try to smash all the pumpkins... there's also a new addition to it! A few concession stands just outside the patch, as well as what looks to be a corn maze.
Not just any corn maze either, but a spooky, haunted one that sinners will be encouraged to participate in, if they so choose! There are tons of props and costumes for all those willing to frighten their fellow sinners as they make the trek through the maze! Jump out and spook a friend or put on a performance that's truly spine-chilling!
Once inside, sinners will find themselves chased (good-naturedly) by demons and others dressed in over the top Halloween costumes ranging from creepy dolls to axe murderers to cartoonish Lucifers. For once, while creepy in parts, it really does feel like a traditional haunted attraction, done in good will for a bit of fun. No actual torture will be happening this time around!
Now, what's in the center of the maze? Well, a party of course. A Halloween bash awaits those who make it to the center of the maze that not only includes costumes, many versions of the song Monster Mash, but party drugs and alcohol galore... all with a Halloween twist. Drugs come wrapped up like little candies, and drinks are all candy flavored for the most part.
But that's not all! The succubi are out in full force, in skimpy mad scientist uniforms and test tube drinks they're handing out to all who would dare! These drinks, they'll warn, will cause some... interesting side-effects. These include:
It should also be noted that the succubi and incubi have also claimed a patch of the corn maze all their own. Venturing in, sinners will be hit with overwhelming aphrodisiacs that may include heat-like effects. More information can be found in the Follow Me Down prompt!
When it comes time for the party to wind down, guests will have to (perhaps drunkenly) navigate their way back to the pumpkin patch. It will be dark out by this point, an eerie mist in the air that hopefully won't bring back too many bad memories for some...
There won't be time to reminisce when the scarecrows seem to be quite alive and may move eerily closer every time a sinner's eyes stray away or even blink. Some may begin to downright chase sinners and demons alike right back to their homes. It's probably just a fun little Halloween prank, so don't worry about it! Like so many other odd things happening lately...
Those who aren't interested in braving a pumpkin patch or corn maze may instead opt to visit the local movie theatre for a horror movie marathon with what may contain familiar favorites as well as some very traumatizing cinema clearly meant for demonic kind. These may leave certain sinners with nightmares for a few days... or they may find them oddly enjoyable, if they're already beginning to show demonic traits. Whatever the case, at least there's limitless caramel corn on offer!
Additionally, at Helluva Cup, there's also a lot of baked treats being offered up in an expansive display... one that Bean, the hell rat is even dressed up for! Sporting a little bat costume for the festivities, he's placed as a centerpiece in the middle of the table of treats. Be careful of the very real biting that may happen for trying to take food the rat has deemed his! Also be careful, there will be consequences should anyone try to hurt the owner's beloved pet (and possible rewards for anyone who stands up for the little guy in the form of special drinks or a heartfelt thanks). It's probably for the best to just ignore the filthy rodent and steal food when you can... the treats do seem to inspire a good mood, so sinners may be encouraged to overindulge a little bit! Or a lot. They're so good, it's like they're addictive.
Helluva cup isn't responsible if anyone eats until they get sick, of course...
Reach Up High The local demons have a unique take on trick or treat this round! While they want to give their favorite mortal sinners something of a break, they all know full and well God has to be appeased and the wary get very few breaks!
So they will be selecting sinners at random and insisting they go from room to room knocking on doors. Their task? To offer to give a treat or give a hand. Don't worry! In this case, no actual hands will be given (unless you're into that sort of thing...), but they will have to help a fellow sinner or demon with a task of their choosing. This can range from something as mild as cleaning the toilet to finding a pet lost in the chaos of all that's happened lately, to cooking them a meal, it doesn't particularly matter! Your only limitations would be your imagination!
If the person at the door chooses a treat, sinners may have to get inventive about what they offer. Treats may come in the form of treating someone to unexpected entertainment or a talent you possess, or to just be exceptionally delightful. Of course, if a sinner wants to offer an item on their person or less... innocent treats, they are free to do so as well.
To deny anyone's offer means that the sinner has failed and a sin will not be taken from their list.
Follow Me Down WARNINGS: humiliation, public sex, a/b/o themes, potential dub-con
As mentioned, the incubi and succubi have carved out a little section of the corn maze all their own. Just off to the side of the main event, those who venture in will be treated to overwhelming aphrodisiacs hanging in the air like a very sweet perfume, more risque performances and costumes, and areas where plush cushions have been laid out for... other activities.
The succubi are still serving their drinks, but there are also decadent chocolates for the taking, as well as a chocolate fountain surrounded by fresh fruits for dipping.
There's been a makeshift stage made for an impromptu costume contest where sinners and demons can cheer for sexiest costume or encourage the removal of said outfit. There's also a helpful collection of risque costumes available for those who want to slip out of their boring old zombie or mummy look! You never know when that costume may start to influence your behavior at this sort of party, so you may want to adopt the least bitey costume there is...
Additionally, especially those who took the transformation potions, may begin to experience signs of heat or rut. They will begin to want to breed uncontrollably, and may adopt certain characteristics of either alpha or omega.
Alpha traits include enhanced aggression, the urge to claim or dominate those they want to breed with, uncontrollable sexual urges, and the ability to smell when someone close by is in heat. It may also include the ability to knot a partner, but not always. Omega traits include the need to be bred, increased body heat that may be uncomfortably intense, potential slickness as the body prepares for the experience, and the urge to present oneself to a suitable partner.Like alphas, omegas can smell a proper partner close by. The intense urge to be claimed or marked may also be present.
Both parties will experience reduced recovery time and increased stamina.
These urges will last until mating has been completed (it may take several rounds) or until the next morning, whichever comes first.
Those who aren't influenced by those urges will still find plenty of ways to have a fun time if they so choose, however! No need to fret. There's still drinking, dancing, and plenty of adult entertainment to be had.
[While pregnancy of the traditional kind isn't possible in Penance, there may be an upcoming opportunity to participate in a body horror and pregnancy-related twist coming up. As a current or future player, if you're interested in this, please include your name here with which role you participated in this prompt with, as well as your partner's name. Remember, omegas will be the ones experiencing the potential pregnancy, no matter their gender!]
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 November 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 take your care package and continue on until you reach the stairs."
On their way out, sinners receive their 'package', a contract detailing all sins committed. If they look at the list closely enough they'll notice it's written with their blood. That explains the palm wound then. It's an old piece of parchment despite the freshly written letters upon it. They will also receive a slightly more modern smart phone. Think early generation Android and a pamphlet made by other sinners during their stay here with useful tips.
After that, sinners will be ushered on to a set of stairs where a guard waits. "Welcome to Penance," the demon says gruffly before motioning them on without an ounce of courtesy. "Don't hold up the line."
They seem to go on and wind forever, but eventually, they come upon what appears to be a lobby of a 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 The chill in the air is still hanging in there, biting into skin as the fog from God's divine punishment begins to fade, and with it, the twisted monsters and hallucinations that it brought in. Hallucinations stop (but may not be forgotten), injuries from tortures are healed (but again, may leave their imprint anyway), and everyone starts to slowly filter back into Penance proper. The animals are brought back to the stables and the spiders return to their nests they made within the hotel (and out, thanks to the kind sinners who helped relocate them!)
So do try not to worry if you see chihuahua sized spiders hanging around everywhere. They are quite docile! And a lot of sinners and demons seem to want to adopt the little guys as pets.
Lilith is still sporting injuries from the previous event, but she's dressed sharp and professional again, reassuring everyone that they did the best they could and it's time for a break while they wait for Lucifer's grand return to Hell. Something remains haunted in her eyes, however...
Ah, well, don't worry about it, new arrivals! It likely means nothing. Times have just been hard as of late.
Lucifer is still nowhere in sight, but Lilith announces it's time for a proper celebration as a reward for everyone's perseverance and aiding others lately. And look... it just happens to be close to that mortal holiday, Halloween!
Despite the husk of a community the fog revealed, Penance is once again decorated and vibrant in no time. Halloween decorations litter the streets and the hotel, as well as neighboring establishments. There are caramel apples being passed out freely throughout the hotel, as well as cider and other candies that inspire good moods.
Everyone seems very eager to just forget the last punishment ever even happened... sinners and demons alike. Whispers around the community show plainly that everyone is worried, hushed murmurs of God and big plans on the horizon making the rounds, but... best to not even pay attention to that. Especially any talk of Barbas possibly returning that are on the tongues of the demons who look worn out and exhausted at the mere thought. It's just simple paranoia, surely.
Now, instead get ready for the festivities!
Everyone will receive an invitation on their devices to go to the pumpkin patch within the community. It's hard to miss with its creepy scarecrows that seem to almost follow those who enter and the mischievous little demons that like to sneak up and try to smash all the pumpkins... there's also a new addition to it! A few concession stands just outside the patch, as well as what looks to be a corn maze.
Not just any corn maze either, but a spooky, haunted one that sinners will be encouraged to participate in, if they so choose! There are tons of props and costumes for all those willing to frighten their fellow sinners as they make the trek through the maze! Jump out and spook a friend or put on a performance that's truly spine-chilling!
Once inside, sinners will find themselves chased (good-naturedly) by demons and others dressed in over the top Halloween costumes ranging from creepy dolls to axe murderers to cartoonish Lucifers. For once, while creepy in parts, it really does feel like a traditional haunted attraction, done in good will for a bit of fun. No actual torture will be happening this time around!
Now, what's in the center of the maze? Well, a party of course. A Halloween bash awaits those who make it to the center of the maze that not only includes costumes, many versions of the song Monster Mash, but party drugs and alcohol galore... all with a Halloween twist. Drugs come wrapped up like little candies, and drinks are all candy flavored for the most part.
But that's not all! The succubi are out in full force, in skimpy mad scientist uniforms and test tube drinks they're handing out to all who would dare! These drinks, they'll warn, will cause some... interesting side-effects. These include:
Red - may cause a surge of possessiveness towards people or items that may be unexpectedly strong. How dare they look at anyone else? Or what nerve, that guy touching what is obviously yours.All effects may last anywhere from a couple hours to a full day, so it's recommended that all sinners use caution when testing these out! Additionally, multiple drinks may be consumed for a double whammy of effects for the truly adventurous.
Blue - may cause a surge of courage and bravery, giving the sinner the nerve to do something they may not normally do.
Green - may make the drinker feel more truthful and unable to tell a lie. What an uncomfortable predicament to be in when someone asks if their costume flatters them or not...
Black - may cause physical transformations of the monstrous variety. Tentacles or demonic features, even animal features. Oh my!
Pink - may cause other physical transformations, which may include sex or age swapping.
Orange - may cause one to feel inferior or superior to those around them. They may be inclined to let others know just how good they are, or shrink away to hide while they deal with the deep shame of their existence.
It should also be noted that the succubi and incubi have also claimed a patch of the corn maze all their own. Venturing in, sinners will be hit with overwhelming aphrodisiacs that may include heat-like effects. More information can be found in the Follow Me Down prompt!
When it comes time for the party to wind down, guests will have to (perhaps drunkenly) navigate their way back to the pumpkin patch. It will be dark out by this point, an eerie mist in the air that hopefully won't bring back too many bad memories for some...
There won't be time to reminisce when the scarecrows seem to be quite alive and may move eerily closer every time a sinner's eyes stray away or even blink. Some may begin to downright chase sinners and demons alike right back to their homes. It's probably just a fun little Halloween prank, so don't worry about it! Like so many other odd things happening lately...
Those who aren't interested in braving a pumpkin patch or corn maze may instead opt to visit the local movie theatre for a horror movie marathon with what may contain familiar favorites as well as some very traumatizing cinema clearly meant for demonic kind. These may leave certain sinners with nightmares for a few days... or they may find them oddly enjoyable, if they're already beginning to show demonic traits. Whatever the case, at least there's limitless caramel corn on offer!
Additionally, at Helluva Cup, there's also a lot of baked treats being offered up in an expansive display... one that Bean, the hell rat is even dressed up for! Sporting a little bat costume for the festivities, he's placed as a centerpiece in the middle of the table of treats. Be careful of the very real biting that may happen for trying to take food the rat has deemed his! Also be careful, there will be consequences should anyone try to hurt the owner's beloved pet (and possible rewards for anyone who stands up for the little guy in the form of special drinks or a heartfelt thanks). It's probably for the best to just ignore the filthy rodent and steal food when you can... the treats do seem to inspire a good mood, so sinners may be encouraged to overindulge a little bit! Or a lot. They're so good, it's like they're addictive.
Helluva cup isn't responsible if anyone eats until they get sick, of course...
Reach Up High The local demons have a unique take on trick or treat this round! While they want to give their favorite mortal sinners something of a break, they all know full and well God has to be appeased and the wary get very few breaks!
So they will be selecting sinners at random and insisting they go from room to room knocking on doors. Their task? To offer to give a treat or give a hand. Don't worry! In this case, no actual hands will be given (unless you're into that sort of thing...), but they will have to help a fellow sinner or demon with a task of their choosing. This can range from something as mild as cleaning the toilet to finding a pet lost in the chaos of all that's happened lately, to cooking them a meal, it doesn't particularly matter! Your only limitations would be your imagination!
If the person at the door chooses a treat, sinners may have to get inventive about what they offer. Treats may come in the form of treating someone to unexpected entertainment or a talent you possess, or to just be exceptionally delightful. Of course, if a sinner wants to offer an item on their person or less... innocent treats, they are free to do so as well.
To deny anyone's offer means that the sinner has failed and a sin will not be taken from their list.
Follow Me Down WARNINGS: humiliation, public sex, a/b/o themes, potential dub-con
As mentioned, the incubi and succubi have carved out a little section of the corn maze all their own. Just off to the side of the main event, those who venture in will be treated to overwhelming aphrodisiacs hanging in the air like a very sweet perfume, more risque performances and costumes, and areas where plush cushions have been laid out for... other activities.
The succubi are still serving their drinks, but there are also decadent chocolates for the taking, as well as a chocolate fountain surrounded by fresh fruits for dipping.
There's been a makeshift stage made for an impromptu costume contest where sinners and demons can cheer for sexiest costume or encourage the removal of said outfit. There's also a helpful collection of risque costumes available for those who want to slip out of their boring old zombie or mummy look! You never know when that costume may start to influence your behavior at this sort of party, so you may want to adopt the least bitey costume there is...
Additionally, especially those who took the transformation potions, may begin to experience signs of heat or rut. They will begin to want to breed uncontrollably, and may adopt certain characteristics of either alpha or omega.
Alpha traits include enhanced aggression, the urge to claim or dominate those they want to breed with, uncontrollable sexual urges, and the ability to smell when someone close by is in heat. It may also include the ability to knot a partner, but not always. Omega traits include the need to be bred, increased body heat that may be uncomfortably intense, potential slickness as the body prepares for the experience, and the urge to present oneself to a suitable partner.Like alphas, omegas can smell a proper partner close by. The intense urge to be claimed or marked may also be present.
Both parties will experience reduced recovery time and increased stamina.
These urges will last until mating has been completed (it may take several rounds) or until the next morning, whichever comes first.
Those who aren't influenced by those urges will still find plenty of ways to have a fun time if they so choose, however! No need to fret. There's still drinking, dancing, and plenty of adult entertainment to be had.
[While pregnancy of the traditional kind isn't possible in Penance, there may be an upcoming opportunity to participate in a body horror and pregnancy-related twist coming up. As a current or future player, if you're interested in this, please include your name here with which role you participated in this prompt with, as well as your partner's name. Remember, omegas will be the ones experiencing the potential pregnancy, no matter their gender!]
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 November 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
In his own frustration, he snarls right back, a wordless yell right after Gabe screams in his face. He drags Gabe onto his feet, struggling with their entangled limbs and drunken weight, and swings at him yet again.
Just how Gabe wants it. If that's what he really wants, then, well. Maybe this is really how it should go. }
no subject
He makes a strangled sound and lunges for Henry, going for his throat. ]
C'mon!
[ Make it good. Make it matter. He killed Henry once, not so long ago. It wasn't on purpose but that didn't change how it ended. They lost each other in the fog. And now they're colliding again, like they always do. ]
no subject
Hands wind around his throat and his own clench tight around Gabe's wrists. They stumble about the place blindly, mostly into tables, chairs, and other partitions around the room. A lot of the patrons had already made plenty of room for them to throw down, though the occasional drunkard not watching their surroundings also gets shoved off to the side.
Every blow Gabe dishes out, he gives back in kind. Body shots, attempts to throw each other into the walls, knees to the gut or below the belt— Henry lets himself get lost in it this time, wordless but loud, venting all his frustrations about this man. }
no subject
no subject
Though his body starts to feel like it's moving in slow-mo, he continues to struggle and kick under Gabe's weight. }
no subject
Why didn't you draw a knife, fucker?
[ Or the sword, something. Why are they brawling like drunken teenagers? ]
no subject
What? I'm... I'm not— { Then his gaze sharpens into a glare. } You think I'm trying to kill you, you idiot? You think I want to kill you? Now?
no subject
Why the fuck not?
[ It's what they do. What everyone does around here. Why wouldn't Henry return the favor? ]
Why the fuck not, Henry?
no subject
Does it really matter why? { Carefully, he puts his hands along Gabe's wrists and just rests them there for now. } Maybe... I've simply no reason to kill you.
no subject
Don't give me that shit. I killed you.
[ In the fog. Before. And for what? ]
no subject
Well, I'm sure I deserved it at least once. { But all joking aside— } But it's nothing personal. Not to me. You can kill me as many times as you need, want, or by accident... and it still won't be reason for me to return the favor.
{ Maybe one day, the right context will present itself. Maybe one day Henry will feel a personal betrayal from it all, but for now, he's fine with it. None of these deaths had been personal so far. }
no subject
Don’t do that. Don’t make it nothing.
no subject
It's not nothing. Not really. { It just isn't personal. } I just have no intentions of killing you.
{ Something that he's starting to think is quite unique to Gabe, to a man who'd killed him twice already. For someone who insists on adhering to the "eye for an eye" philosophy, it's all very new to him. }
But would you feel better if I did?
no subject
He has a sick feeling it would. ]
Maybe. I don't know.
no subject
The answer just has Henry breathing out slow through his nose, trying not to disrupt the air between them. They're still sprawled on the floor, surrounded by other hellish patrons, caught in a strangely intimate faux embrace as they speak. It's only thanks to the dwindling buzz and adrenaline that he can ignore their surroundings for now. }
I don't believe experiencing death did you any favors. Who was it?
{ His voice is soft but it wavers just a bit. Nothing else matters: just the 'who' is all Henry needs. Who was it that brought Gabe to such a state? That he'd seek satisfaction in seeing someone retaliate with deadly intentions? }
no subject
Carol.
[ It comes out in a hiss. He’d trusted her. ]
no subject
But Carol... now that's a name he didn't quite expect. He'd never felt such a heavy stone in the pit of his stomach upon hearing such a name. He breathes in deep, the scent of the man pressed to his forehead and trying to process all of this. Two people he's become intertwined with so tightly now coming to a point from all angles, in what he thinks might be one of the worse ways possible.
Or maybe it's just inevitable around here. }
Carol... { A name of an old friend, the years between them ultimately fake, but the closest thing to a trusting bond he's developed here in hell. And then there was this. Whatever this was. }
I've met her. { And his professional habits kick in, as he keeps his voice level. He also closes his eyes, trying not to let the complicated stress of the news wrinkle across his forehead or make itself heard in his heartbeat. }
no subject
[ What a fine fucking coincidence this is, then. Henry. Same name as Carol's son. Small world, isn't it? Gabe hisses out a breath, feeling unmoored. ]
She's quick. Good with knives. You know. The fun stuff.
no subject
Slowly but surely, he starts to pull himself up off the ground. He telegraphs to Gabe, easing them both up just a bit so that they can sit up. Get off the ground, at least. }
Why did she...? { He's not sure where to start. He can't imagine why Carol would try and kill him if it weren't for self-defense. But if that were the case, he knows Gabe well enough to know that he wouldn't be so beat up about it. }
no subject
He breathes out, dragging a hand down his face. ]
What’s it matter? Really, what’s it fucking matter?
no subject
{ He breathes sharply and reaches for Gabe tentatively again. Just fussing gently with the front of his shirt, smoothing out the folds. The pain in his neck, his nose, they all start to hit him again bit by bit but he ignores it. }
But... you know that intentions and perceptions can be horrifically skewed. We know it all too well. { As does Henry. He tries not to think about those days. } Perhaps the 'why' doesn't matter much but wouldn't you say that knowing it still shapes the way you approach the next encounter?
{ Otherwise, he's pretty sure they wouldn't be sitting here like this. }
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I'll rephrase: what's it matter to you?
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His frustration finally allows him to pull away from Gabe, pushing himself up onto his feet. He sways a little in place, looking at a bit of a loss for words but ready to bolt at a moment's notice. }
Never mind. Forget it. { There's a lot of things he wants to say, to assume, to think that maybe those two would clash again with deadly force when they see each other. If that were to happen, he'd find himself at an impasse. } Just... be careful.
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This will, too. ]
I don't get you at all.
[ He sounds nothing but tired. ]
I really don't, Henry.
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Yeah, neither do I.
{ And feeling better with Gabe being on his feet again, he turns on his heel then hesitates. Like he wants to say something. But should Gabe have nothing more to say, he starts to take his leave. }
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