Penance Mods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
penancemods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
penancememes2022-08-24 10:35 pm
penancemods) wrote in penancememes2022-08-24 10:35 pm
Entry tags:
TEST DRIVE MEME #38
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, And it seems to linger for a long time. There is nothing at all. It must be lonely. But it won’t be forever.
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 Curiously, every television within Hell seems to be covered with a sheet and wrapped in chains. If one listens closely at night, they'll hear murmuring coming from them. If any curious newcomer should try to remove the coverings, they will find them magically enchanted in some way that makes this impossible, however. If asked, the staff will explain that they're undergoing a cleansing to remove a curse placed upon them by evildoers. If pressed further, they'll hear talks of The Veiled Order.
But not to worry! There's plenty to do. Helluvacup needs to be rebuilt so the coffee demon and his prized hell rat on a harness and leash quit wandering the halls... the staff is rather tired of being bitten! Additionally, it feels like reality is shifting more often to showing what the pristine hotel may actually look like. It hasn't been that long since the buildings were flooded by lava and utterly destroyed. The beautiful interiors were too good to be true, and the veneer is cracking more severely now. At times, the illusion drops to the burnt out husk of a building, to rotting wood and torn, old furniture. Sometimes it's jarring enough to leave one dizzy before it simply flashes back to normal. Unfortunately, whenever these glitches occur, it is entirely possible to find one's self in an entirely different room than they meant. Wanted to grab a midnight snack? Have fun in that blood room. Wanted to take an innocent pee, minding your own business? You may accidentally walk into someone's room.
In which case, it is probably very advisable to not relieve yourself and find a more suitable area. What could possibly go wrong?
At least there does seem to be a break in the heat? Hell is an almost comfortable temperature, but there are already talks of the dreaded Fall coming soon. In Hell, Fall tends to feel more like the dead of winter, bt hopefully, there will be a skip to the usual snow and frigid temperatures.
.
Reach Up High
Prompt I: WARNINGS: drills, torture, blood, lobotomy
Part of redemption is suffering, Darlings. That’s why sinners are drawn here. They will hurt, but they will also learn to become better people. One way or another.
The demons who bring sinners here have tied them quite firmly into a contraption that forces them to recline back with their heads trapped in a vice. If they look up, they’ll be able to see the whirring flash of metal from an active drill poised just overhead. They can squirm if they’d like, but it might be unsettling for the person bound behind them. Before they can vocalize any questions, they’ll hear the sound of Lucifer’s warm, soothing voice.
You have three minutes to figure it out.
Prompt II For those fortunate enough to escape the unplanned lobotomy, well, there's an easy task for you! As previously mentioned, Helluvacup and the hotel's own pool both need to be tidied up, or rebuilt in some cases. Any sinners who volunteer will be treated to free drinks and snacks, and receive appreciation from demonic staff. Plus, chipping in and helping your fellow sinners (and demons) is something God often encourages! It will be good for one sin removal overall. There will be building supplies, cleaning supplies, and anything else sinners need to push forward!
The staff also won't be put out if sinners would rather do a little bit of cleaning instead...
Besides, it's a rare opportunity to help import supplies to Hell. There are large crates of unnamed items, new furniture items, torture items, clothes, and more. There's also several boxes of nothing but pumpkin spice that veteran sinners, who know what every fall entails, may cringe at the sight of.
Follow Me Down
Prompt I WARNINGS: fire, disobedience
Speaking of pumpkin spice and torture devices... Well, sinners may find the prime opportunity for a bit of a bonfire if they're so inclined. It seems some demons are not looking forward to the months of pumpkin spice flavored foods or, well, working, really. These are young, reckless demons, but they've decided to help some of these new shipments get 'lost' by starting a large bonfire in a secluded place in Penance proper. They'll be asking sinners to help out. They'll supply the booze as they watch everything burn later!
If questioned about it, the demons will insist that it's just another part of the importing project. Everyone's trying to tell you to grab the crates and haul them somewhere, right? Into the fire is somewhere. Of course it's fine! You get points for being good little boys and girls every time you shut up and do what you're told. Why would anyone lie about that?
Perhaps it will come as a surprise, then, that anyone who participates will receive one sin added to their contract in the form of arson.
Prompt II WARNINGS: sex, aphrodisiacs, non-con, etc.
Club Penance has new shots for all to try! Eager incubi and succubi stand around with trays of them, eager to pass them off under the strobe lights and pounding music. The air is sweeter than even usual, the demons amping up the aphrodisiacs to ensure everybody has a good time, and there's plenty encouragement to get lost in the atmosphere. These shots all have a unique influence, although that part may have been left out... Oops.
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 or sample threads.
Thanks for clicking on the TDM for the upcoming September app period! 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, And it seems to linger for a long time. There is nothing at all. It must be lonely. But it won’t be forever.
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 Curiously, every television within Hell seems to be covered with a sheet and wrapped in chains. If one listens closely at night, they'll hear murmuring coming from them. If any curious newcomer should try to remove the coverings, they will find them magically enchanted in some way that makes this impossible, however. If asked, the staff will explain that they're undergoing a cleansing to remove a curse placed upon them by evildoers. If pressed further, they'll hear talks of The Veiled Order.
But not to worry! There's plenty to do. Helluvacup needs to be rebuilt so the coffee demon and his prized hell rat on a harness and leash quit wandering the halls... the staff is rather tired of being bitten! Additionally, it feels like reality is shifting more often to showing what the pristine hotel may actually look like. It hasn't been that long since the buildings were flooded by lava and utterly destroyed. The beautiful interiors were too good to be true, and the veneer is cracking more severely now. At times, the illusion drops to the burnt out husk of a building, to rotting wood and torn, old furniture. Sometimes it's jarring enough to leave one dizzy before it simply flashes back to normal. Unfortunately, whenever these glitches occur, it is entirely possible to find one's self in an entirely different room than they meant. Wanted to grab a midnight snack? Have fun in that blood room. Wanted to take an innocent pee, minding your own business? You may accidentally walk into someone's room.
In which case, it is probably very advisable to not relieve yourself and find a more suitable area. What could possibly go wrong?
At least there does seem to be a break in the heat? Hell is an almost comfortable temperature, but there are already talks of the dreaded Fall coming soon. In Hell, Fall tends to feel more like the dead of winter, bt hopefully, there will be a skip to the usual snow and frigid temperatures.
.
Reach Up High
Prompt I: WARNINGS: drills, torture, blood, lobotomy
Part of redemption is suffering, Darlings. That’s why sinners are drawn here. They will hurt, but they will also learn to become better people. One way or another.
The demons who bring sinners here have tied them quite firmly into a contraption that forces them to recline back with their heads trapped in a vice. If they look up, they’ll be able to see the whirring flash of metal from an active drill poised just overhead. They can squirm if they’d like, but it might be unsettling for the person bound behind them. Before they can vocalize any questions, they’ll hear the sound of Lucifer’s warm, soothing voice.
"My dear guests, I’ve done a lot of thinking about what I can do to bring you closer together. Father often says that humans should love their fellow man. Maybe you just need some help building trust. I assure you that you’re both perfectly safe. If you stay still and chat, the drills will cause a little scratch, but nothing you can’t live through. Talk about your sins. Talk about your day. It’ll just take a few minutes before you can leave. Be nice, and whatever you do, don’t move a muscle."It’s at this point that sinners might notice that although they are rendered immobile from the waist up, their legs are free. They can push back their chairs and avoid the drills which are suddenly moving forward. But since they’re bound to someone else, pushing back will send their partner forward into their drill and surely condemn them to a messy death. If neither sinner moves, they can both survive. The drills will move close enough to tear the skin at their foreheads and perhaps scratch the skull underneath, creating a mild concussion at worst. But if the sinners were unable to make peace and stop themselves from moving, the drill is quite capable of pushing past bone and into the soft flesh of the frontal lobe. You can technically live with the kind of brain damage caused by an injury there, but do you really want to do that to your new close friend?
You have three minutes to figure it out.
Prompt II For those fortunate enough to escape the unplanned lobotomy, well, there's an easy task for you! As previously mentioned, Helluvacup and the hotel's own pool both need to be tidied up, or rebuilt in some cases. Any sinners who volunteer will be treated to free drinks and snacks, and receive appreciation from demonic staff. Plus, chipping in and helping your fellow sinners (and demons) is something God often encourages! It will be good for one sin removal overall. There will be building supplies, cleaning supplies, and anything else sinners need to push forward!
The staff also won't be put out if sinners would rather do a little bit of cleaning instead...
Besides, it's a rare opportunity to help import supplies to Hell. There are large crates of unnamed items, new furniture items, torture items, clothes, and more. There's also several boxes of nothing but pumpkin spice that veteran sinners, who know what every fall entails, may cringe at the sight of.
Follow Me Down
Prompt I WARNINGS: fire, disobedience
Speaking of pumpkin spice and torture devices... Well, sinners may find the prime opportunity for a bit of a bonfire if they're so inclined. It seems some demons are not looking forward to the months of pumpkin spice flavored foods or, well, working, really. These are young, reckless demons, but they've decided to help some of these new shipments get 'lost' by starting a large bonfire in a secluded place in Penance proper. They'll be asking sinners to help out. They'll supply the booze as they watch everything burn later!
If questioned about it, the demons will insist that it's just another part of the importing project. Everyone's trying to tell you to grab the crates and haul them somewhere, right? Into the fire is somewhere. Of course it's fine! You get points for being good little boys and girls every time you shut up and do what you're told. Why would anyone lie about that?
Perhaps it will come as a surprise, then, that anyone who participates will receive one sin added to their contract in the form of arson.
Prompt II WARNINGS: sex, aphrodisiacs, non-con, etc.
Club Penance has new shots for all to try! Eager incubi and succubi stand around with trays of them, eager to pass them off under the strobe lights and pounding music. The air is sweeter than even usual, the demons amping up the aphrodisiacs to ensure everybody has a good time, and there's plenty encouragement to get lost in the atmosphere. These shots all have a unique influence, although that part may have been left out... Oops.
Apple: Causes one to fall lust with the first person they see. They will absolutely be overwhelmed with the desire to have them and do whatever they must to receive their affections.
Cinnamon: Causes one to fall into love with the first person they see. Their heart will skip beats, they'll feel the urge to recite poetry, anything! Your love must be known.
Pumpkin: Causes one to fall out of balance. Just the perfect meet-cute, isn't it? Hopefully you won't fall into anyone in a bad mood.
Sour Apple: Causes one to fall into a rage. Ah, oops. Maybe they didn't think that one out. This one causes aggression and the need to make certain others know you're the top dog around here.
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 or sample threads.
Thanks for clicking on the TDM for the upcoming September app period! 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
He silent after she reinterprets his words. Is he asking that? Is he allowed to ask that? They've known each other for such a short time... but why does it feel so right?
It's that kiss that decides him, for it warms him all the way to his toes in a way that's not lust but something he'd be happy to sink into for eternity. As they break apart he sinks to the floor on one knee, looking up at her with wide adoring eyes that reflect the firelight.
"Annie Dyer," He takes hold of her hand in both of his own, cradling it gently, "Will you marry me? Here and now? Annie, I only intended to exist here, but you make me live. I want to be the one to always make you smile.
no subject
"Yes. I love you and... and I want a future where we can be happy together," she tells him. She looks at him with delight.
"Let's go to the chapel. I bet they have things we can borrow. We'll exchange vows tonight."
It feels right. They can be together and find a way to save everyone. Maybe one day they can get to C.C and Annie can get her darling to make C.C happy too. Another wedding for the real Queen. Annie already wants it for L.L and his first love.
no subject
“You deserve to covered in silk and gold.” He can see her now in his mind’s eye, her beauty only enhanced by a sumptuous dress. “You deserve to have every person here lining up to watch you wed. Are you sure you want to give that up?”
no subject
She is at least aware enough to see that a club dress isn't something to get married in. "Something more... high class. I was going to dance the night away in this."
There had been other motives too. Annie had wanted someone to notice her. Obviously that worked because her darling L.L had seen her. "Actually. I never imagined myself getting married. I have no idea what I'd like to wear. Something white? No lace, but I do like ribbons.... I think I have something in my closet."
no subject
He grins hard and pulls away from her, already knowing what he can do. He has the fabric, the sewing machine and her as his muse - he’ll be able to whip up a train for her dress before the bight grows too old.
“Go put the dress on, love.” Oh, but to draw away from her is hard. He must, for she deserves his gifts. “And meet me in my suite. You’ll be the bride you deserve to be.”
no subject
"I'll do the dove gray dress. With the lovely cap sleeves," Annie tells him. It has lovely embroidery on it and Annie had been saving it for a fancy party thinking that she would need to blend in.
Instead this would be her bride's dress. Annie loves it because she wants him to see her looking pretty. Annie also plans to do her hair up so that the parts that curls fall down in soft waves.
"I'll see you soon, my beloved." Annie offers him a quick kiss before she leaves him.
no subject
There he fetched the bolt of fabric she most deserved, the shimmering silver organza. It would have been lovelier if it had been pure silk rather than polyester, but what he had would have to do.
And then, in his rush to his sewing machine to begin working on her train, his heel slips out from under his, wrenching all of a sudden to one side sending him tumbling to the floor. He lies there, breathing heavily and waiting for the pain to pass -
And the pain passes
And the bubbling warm glee filling him passes
And he realises he’d been drugged with something so much more insidious than the usual lust drugs.
He lies there for a while, face pressing into the floor as he groans at how fucked the whole situation is. Is the poison meant to be short-acting or long-term? Is it permanent? If he breaks Annie’s heart by refusing marriage, will that pain remain once the poison wears off?
One thing he knows is that there’s no way he can marry her. Sleep with her, yes, romance her and call her his concubine, yes, but to make a formal promise would be a betrayal of C.C.
He needs to play this smart. He levers himself off his floor and grabs his design book, slipping out to the common room to await Annie’s arrival.
no subject
Her club makeup had basn cleaned off and she looks fresh faced and happier now. Something about it is much simpler and goes with her scales. To finish off the look she is in a beautiful gray dress.
She looks briefly surprised by him carrying a sketch book. Annie pauses and gives him a glowing smile of appreciation. He's clearly putting thought into this.
"You look so serious." She offers him a dimpled smile. "Do you want to go over some details?"
The spell has yet to fade from Annie. Here she is at her most truly affectionate. L.L will have to be very clever.
no subject
Annie, You’re a goddess right now. Lucifer himself wouldn’t be worthy to make you the Queen of Hell… I can’t walk beside you in anything I own.
[ He flips through his sketchbook for her, showing his drawings of long stylised men and women in elaborate costumes. ]
Annie… [ He looks away from her, working up a blush and letting go of the last of his dignity ] I’d like to have a special costume as well. I’m sorry. You deserve to be wed right now.
no subject
[ She gingerly grasps his hand with a soft smile.]
I just want us to get to be together. It doesn't matter if we marry or not.
[ She cones in closer to him, ready to settle in to just talk. It's so nice to help him and be near him. Annie loves being with him. ]
Why don't you show me what you have in mind? Maybe we can find something to work on?
[ She feels funny now. She isn't sure what it is. ]
no subject
With one hand he flips through his sketchbook and all the stylised bodies with their elaborate clothes until he reaches a fresh page
“I have so many ideas,” he confesses as he starts sketching a brand new figure with too long a torso. “Something elegant but not too elaborate. Something that will match the formality of your beauty. Something embroidered.
One has to question his idea of ‘not elaborate’ as he begins the outfit by adding a long and ruffled cravat to the sketched figure. He’s going for a look he’s wanted to try anyway
no subject
"I like the style of the coat," she says as she watches it cone to life on the paper. She can imagine the fabric he might use.
"Are you sure you want a cravat?" That seems very formal compared to her own dress. She considers it again then gives him a small smile.
"It could be nice.... I just want you to feel like yourself. If that's part of it then we'll go with what makes you happy. Cravats are just incredibly formal in America."
no subject
He taps his lip with the end of the pencil, considering her, considering the rest of his design. He’s taking this drawing seriously, as much of a ruse as it is; she deserves that much.
“I could go for a compromise: an open cravat that mimics a scarf.” He sketches that out onto his figure, considers, then rubs off the shoulder epaulettes from his initial drawing to balance out the formality.
“Do I really look that formal to you?”
no subject
"But it was for his logging company so appearing like that was actually pretty appropriate. He needed to be able to step out and see some of the operations in-person. So he was formal within the context of his job.... does that help? We like form and function. He still made sure to have the best work shoes. The best denim. He looked sharp and practical."
Annie looks at the new sketch and something flickers in her eyes. It's hard to read but when she looks up she is delighted.
"I like that better. It feels more like you. The other would have felt like a... front. This one is way more you. I get you're older than me. But... I want you to feel like you can open up. Let me help you. Let me care for the parts of you that... that you're ready to let me see."
no subject
Tapping his pencil on his teeth he considers… Could he do it? Jeans for this style? A double-denim suit? … No, he can’t bear the thought, jeans belong to a far more casual look than what he’s going for. He’d have to eschew the jacket entirely, or go for something in a shorter style.
“I could wear jeans… if you put on a shorter dress.” Yes, this is an excellent distraction. He flips a page and starts sketching out a girl with too long a torso as a basis for the design. “Something structured that comes to mid-thigh - and I’ll wear a shorter jacket that stops at the hip as a complement. I used to dress far more casually when I was pretending to be Lelouch Lamperouge.”
There’s something in her now under her delight, something that seems les comfortable. He rubs her shoulder in slow circles.
“Don’t read too much into my choices. None of this is a facade: I am L.L, no matter what I dress myself in. For now, formal courtwear makes me feel in control in this strange reality. You see me for who I am, I promise.”
Even though he’s flung a sheet over his pillar of a list of sins to hide it from her view. He really should show it to her, let her unravel it to see… but having her affection is more comfortable than showing her his worst sides.
no subject
She looks at the sketch then smiles a bit. They are lucky her spots only go down so far. "That length will show where my spots stop. Are you giving people ideas?"
It's meant as a joke but it seems as if Annie is less wrapped up in being totally in love with L.L. A little less drunk but still a bit goofy.
"I'm glad. I... I've been lied too enough." Annie blinks a few times at him and then sinks against his side. Her head is starting to throb. "I think I drank too much. Before you found me in the club I was... pretty sad I think. Trying to cover it up. I didn't know how to deal with... with everything. I know you. You're not someone who would hurt me or any other girl willingly. It's why I love...you."
She stumbles over the word 'love' looking perplexed by how easy it comes. Annie gives a groan hiding her face in his chest. Her head hurts a bit now.
no subject
"And you were drugged as well." He knows full well why she was sad - that demon, that facestealer, shaming her to her very core.
"Stay here, I'll fetch you some water." If she lets him unwind from her he'll know she's starting to come down. "And then we'll tuck you in to sleep."
no subject
"Wait."
She looks very tired and a little sad. "I love you so much. You're... wonderful. But I have something important to say."
Her lower lip wobbles because she is drunk and tired onto of feeling emotional. "I can't marry you. It would make your C.C sad. I could never do that to you both. If... if you love either one of us please take it back. Don't marry me because you miss her. We'll find a way to fix this."
Annie was feeling very sad over that little bit she just said. She wobbles to her feet looking for something to dab at her eyes. Annie recalled hearing something about poison? But she doesn't think that she got drugged. That sounds silly because of course she has complicated feelings for L.L. He is her lover and has been slowly wooing her.
And she knows she is drunk and feels things when drunk.
"I think shots are evil." This is said as if it's a fact. Her gut turns and Annie suddenly lurches straight past him for the bathroom. "Excuse me."
She slams her way past him and nearly kicks the door shut. It's ungrateful and totally inelegant but she would rather not have him see her vomit up shots. When Annie falls to her knees with her head suddenly pounding? The world starts to hurt and L.L's younger lover becomes aware that in her own eyes she just made an idiot of herself. She's very aware that she told him she loved him.
She doesn't and knowing he is out there aware she is tossing her guts into the toilet while she's all dolled up to marry him is humiliation at it's highest form. Annie is sure she never wants to get married. Not after what the Emperor and Dylan have done to her. She wants to trust L.L but he feels a bit out of reach. She doesn't know what to do. Annie just knows she is drunk, sad, and not in love with the one man she'd like to be held by.
no subject
He slips into the bathroom without knocking, settling behind her on the tiled floor. Slowly, soothingly, he rubs circles on her back, letting her finish puking before gently offering the water.
“The drugs affected me as well.” He murmurs. “My apologies, but that rush was what drove me to propose. It wasn’t until I tripped over my own feet before you arrived that my body cleared the fog.”
Poor girl, he’s not surprised she feels awful. What brings the mood up inevitably sends it crashing down again.
“I have some green tea. That will settle your stomach before you sleep.” He really needed to talk to her in more depth, but that can take place when she’s no longer drunk.
no subject
"Please don't do that again," she tells him seriously while she lets everything settle back down. "I couldn't ever consider getting married for real... not right now."
She rocks back on her heels from where she is squatting down low near the toilet. His presence with her is comforting.
"There was this very sweet man. I think I was in love with him too tonight. He fed me pizza."
Annie gives a slightly girlish giggle. "Between you and him I think I got spoiled on gentlemanly behavior."
Annie moves to hold out a hand. "Can you help me up? I want to take my hair down. Change out of this gown maybe. It's not for relaxing in. We need rest after tonight."
no subject
… but C.C’s not here to enjoy it. He helps Annie up by her hand and steers her to the sink to rinse out her pukey mouth properly, reaching back discreetly to flush the toilet as they move. He’ll have to come back after she lies down to give the area a proper clean.
“Which pair of pyjamas shall we share tonight?”
no subject
"He used my recipe for fast rising dough." Annie looks at them standing next to each other in the mirror. What a pair.
"The.... the usual ones?" She smiles a little shyly. "The maroon. They smell like you. I'll rest better. I... I know you've been struggling too. So if you're not up for a snuggle I'll be okay."
no subject
"My height, green eyes, distressingly buff, has a smile that lights up the room?" Who else could it be?
"It's pronounced Suzaku. Kururugi Suzaku." He rattles that name off with a perfect Japanese accent even as his expression turns deeply awkward. "And I've known him since I was ten. He's the one who killed me."
He pulls away from her, needing a moment to regroup outside. This is a mess. She's drunk and soulhurt and he's been keeping her in a fenced little enclosure he's privately named 'Lamperouge, aged 30' that he's going to have to open just a little.
He pauses just before exiting, suddenly realising that he's given all the wrong impression.
"He's the best man I know, though he doesn't believe it's true. You can trust him Annie, but be gentle - he's been hurt by the world for so long he believes he deserves punishment."
He strides out then to go and make the tea - one for himself, because he needs something for the conversation, and one for her despite her rejecting the idea because it's good for her and he's sure she'll change her mind if she sees him sipping his.
no subject
She gives a rather girlish giggle. "Actually. You have him to thank for us. We danced until my feet hurt on Lucifer's island. Then... then I needed a break and somehow ended up in your lap."
She gives him a sly smile right up until he confesses that he died at Suzaku's hands. It seems unreal that these two are so closely linked.
"I... I only shared pizza with him. Basically. We were.... like you and I just were I think." Annie sucks on her lower lip staring at him. It feels so weird to hear about all of this.
Does L.L think she'll chase someone so easily? The temptation is there. Dancing had felt so good. Everything else had been perfect too.
no subject
But this, he knows, is just a holdover from his youth, when not spotting a political alliance forming out of his influence would have been a matter of life and death. It's his own fault for not pulling them both into the same room in front of him and introducing them in a context he could control and manage, in letting them think of each other firstly in relationship to him.
He's not upset she's obviously charmed by him - far from it. She's playing with other lovers just like he is, sampling what the world has on offer. If she's going to be with any other man Suzaku would have been his first pick - he wouldn't have tried to set up his friend with Nunnally if he didn't fully believe he'd be a force of good in a gentle woman's life.
He tries not to picture the pair involved in her hobbies of spanking and stepping on men, which were her stated reason for finding other lovers; that's too strange. Unfortunately it means when he comes back from the kitchenette with a pair of cups in hands he's grimacing lightly from redirecting his thoughts.
(no subject)
(no subject)
CW: human sacrifice talk
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)