penancememes | TEST DRIVE MEME #38

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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.

"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.

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He feels ground under his feet and he wants to run, but he just can't move, as if he's a small animal hypnotized by the stare of a predator. His eyes dart around for a moment, looking for an escape, fearfully settling on Steve once he forces him to look up, meeting no resistance.

"I-I didn't mean to," he bargains. Okay, it seems he does need to speak, or things will get worse. But that particular question, well, he can't find the words for it even as he tries. Shit, he did just punch all over Steve's back, didn't he? What was he thinking? "I'm sorry... You can-- hit me back if you want, just please don't be mad..."

Emotions flitted over Steve's face, most of all confusion, "I don't mind the fighting. I told you, it was a good effort. You need work, but you're not helpless Yoon. But what set it off? Why was my hand on your ass such a shock?"

Steve wanted answers more than he wanted absolute obedience. The rage was still simmering, but the longer he had, the less intense it was. Even the hotel couldn't influence him for long.

He feels gradually more embarrassed each time Steve says that, but doesn't dare to ask him to stop. Instead he just stares at him for a few moments, lips moving slightly but no words coming out.

He wants answers. Lies should be fine to an extent, surely. He draws in a shaky breath.

"After... everything you said..." Like Bum wanting his dick, for one. Which wasn't wrong, entirely, unlike this entire situation. "I just -- didn't -- think you would do that... So I was surprised..."

"That I wouldn't touch you there? Why? We've both said we were interested in that. And it's nice Yoon. Your ass. I mean, it's all muscle and that's nothing to be embarrassed by. It'll hurt more if it's slapped though. No real padding." It was like all his filters were gone, but Steve just didn't care. He wanted honesty, but he could smell the lies on Yoon and it irritated him.

"Don't lie to me Yoon. I can smell it on you. Be honest and I won't hurt you." There was no deep need to hurt Yoon, but the kid reacted to the threat of violence, so why not use it?

He's scared and confused and a little flustered because that was a compliment, right? In the worst possible circumstances, but still. And what did Steve mean, he could smell him dancing around the truth? That made no sense, not that most things about his abilities did, he supposed, but still.

"Yeah, but..." He continues staring up at the other man, trying to blink away the tears, but his voice is definitely breaking. "Not like that... You-- you weren't supposed to scare me!" Just a little flash of anger there again, though the despair and fear are definitely more prevalent still. What happened to that promise to never hurt him? To let him figure things out at his own pace? He squeezes his eyes shut in embarrassment. This is a part of the truth anyway. "I-- I wanted you to be gentle with me..."

Steve blinked and then smiled, looking almost like himself, "Oh that. Next time. I'll do the romance next time. Just forget this one. It doesn't count anyway since we're in the club. And I bet you never even had a drink!" He slapped Yoon's shoulder, a little more firmly than the kid was probably used too. But the rage had mellowed for the moment with Yoon doing what he was told finally.

"You're doing good now. See what happens when you do what I tell you?"

"I... don't really drink, so..." He's still cautious, and a little confused about what exactly Steve's plan is, but at least it seems that whatever had made him so violent was wearing off -- or so he thinks, at least, lulled into fake security by that smile. Next time. Just forget this one. So did this mean that they were not going to have sex? Or... that they were, and Steve was going to be cruel with him?

Despite his concern, he forces a smile and nods eagerly. Yes, yes, he's learned his lesson, he will listen perfectly from now on. Please don't hurt him.

As long as Yoon wasn't challenging him, or doing something he didn't want, Steve wasn't particularly angry. The emotion still simmered there, ready to explode again, but he'd spent too many years fighting against outside influences to let it overcome him. For a little while anyway. He slung an arm around Yoon's shoulders and pulled the kid close, heading back towards the bar.

"That's ok, we'll get you something light. How about you pick something by color? What's your favorite?"

This sounds like a terrible idea. Choosing a drink on color alone sounds like an even worse idea. Nonetheless, Bum scoots close to the other man and walks where he leads him without protest. His ribs still kind of hurt, but Steve was being nice to him now. Almost sweet, actually? He's sort of enjoying the moment, honestly, even though he's been on the verge of tears just a minute ago and there's still uneasiness gnawing at him, like a ball stuck in his throat.

"...green," he mutters, staring at his shoes before glancing up at Steve again. That wasn't too quiet, right? He wasn't going to get angry again, right?

"Green huh? Green's a good color. I like blue a lot myself. And stars." He chuckled at the joke, not really thinking about the fact that Yoon would have no idea what it meant. Steve slapped the boy on the back, all but shoving him into the bar as they reached it.

"Go on. Order something green."

Yup, it goes right over his head, even if he probably knows what the american flag looks like. There's nothing odd about liking blue color, though, so he doesn't think much on it -- especially as he practically has to catch himself on the bar not to have the edge ramming into the fresh bruise on his chest.

"...Me?" he blurts, glancing back at Steve a little alarmed. He thought the other man was going to do it for him, but apparently he was being left to sort this out on his own. He looks back at the bartender, some demonic fellow clad in black leather, and feels himself panicking.

'Yes?' the bartender asks with annoyance when they notice him staring.

Bum wishes he could sink through the floor and right into the next level of Hell. He frantically looks over the bottles behind the bar, trying to work out whether any of them seem to contain something green. "Um... hi... I-- I'd like to..."

"Yeah you. Go on Yoon." Steve stood there looking smug and expectant, though the happiness faded quickly as the kid stuttered and failed. He sighed and frowned and slammed a hand down on the counter right next to Yoon.

"Green. He wants something green. And make it weak. I don't think he can handle much." He looked down at Yoon, fairly disappointed. It was a shame really. The kid had been doing so well.

He flinches visibly at the slam. Damn it, he messed up again. He'd expected to be given a few more tries, though, so he's not sure whether Steve is taking pity on him, doing it for him, or if he's got no patience for failure and this was his only chance to stay on his good side.

The demon behind the counter glances between them -- none of her business, really, whatever is going on here, and rolls her eyes. "This is Hell, we don't do weak here. Watered down cocktail it is. Do you want a fucking umbrella with it?"

Bum is vaguely aware this must be meant as mockery, but honestly, he thinks an umbrella would be neat -- he knows better than to express this sentiment aloud, however, first glancing toward Steve to gauge his opinion about it so that he can try and model a safe response.

Steve's smile was vicious and he leaned on the bar, crowding Yoon up against it since the kid was in front of him, "Yeah. We'll take the fucking umbrella. Now get to it or I'll decide I want something other than a drink."

A hand came down on Yoon's shoulder, squeezing a little as he bent to murmur in the boy's ear, "Don't let people walk all over you Yoon. And don't make a threat you don't plan to act on."

He inhales sharply and tries to carefully move out of the way, but still ends up sort of flattened against the bar. He doesn't fight it, but he certainly glances back at Steve with a half-confused, half-pleading look. "How?" he asks weakly, careful not to sound argumentative but like he genuinely needs an explanation. "Just look at me."

He could literally wear a sign that says Please walk over me and he wouldn't look any less pathetic, probably.

The demonic bartender doesn't seem too concerned with the threat; she just shrugs and turns away to mix up the drink, looking mighty unimpressed. A minute later she puts down a tall glass of emerald-green drink with some limes and kiwi in it, and of course a little pink umbrella at the top, because she can.

Steve stared down at the kid, studying him as the drink was made. He didn't speak immediately, absently pulling the glass close to Yoon and plucking one of the kiwi slices off to eat. He chewed quietly and swallowed before he finally said something.

"I told you we could work on that. You'll never be me, but we can make you a lot better than what you are now. Drink your drink. Even if you're just running away, we can make you an expert at that. Not everyone can fight fair. We can teach you weapons."

Bum just watches, uncertain. Was this also a test? Was he supposed to react to Steve helping himself to his drink? But he really doesn't mind. Besides, the other man had helped him get it, anyway. Is he overthinking this?

A bit hesitantly, he pulls the drink closer and takes a sip. It's probably mild for Hell, but Bum can still feel the burn. His tolerance is about average, but with how rarely if at all he had booze, he can feel his cheeks heating up after just a couple gulps.

Running away... that does sound like him. More so than weapons do, anyway. But he's scared to argue either way, so he just continues drinking for now, and nodding along here and there. Sure. Sure, he'll... learn. Somehow. Gosh, this was terrible.

"Don't make yourself sick Yoon. How is it? Still too strong?" There was something like care in his tone, less gruff and angry. He patted Yoon's shoulder absently as he took the glass away, pulling down a long swallow. Steve grimaced and set the glass back down.

"Ugh. I really do hate those fruity drinks. We'll get you a taste for better alcohol eventually."

"It's... okay," he reassures. The fruity flavor is nice, he thinks. Hides most of the alcohol taste. He'd much rather have that than anything more 'proper'. But, of course, he's not going to argue with Steve. He likely wouldn't normally, and he's definitely not planning to while he seems to be giving him a hard time.

He watches the other man set the glass back down, and doesn't take it again. He has some questions, for example, why Steve is suddenly so set to apparently make a man out of him, and what exactly does that have to do with having a taste in alcohol. Naturally, he's too afraid to ask them, but it seems whatever amount of drink did make it in him is enough to loosen his tongue just a little.

"Do we have to?" he asks, definitely making an effort not to sound confrontational, but it definitely comes out more blasé than he intends. Hard to fake excitement for something that he's got plenty of bad memories about.

His eyes narrowed for a moment and then he sighed, "Ok then. What would you rather do? I suppose it doesn't matter if you like the fruity stuff. I like sweets myself, just not in my drinks." As long as the boy wasn't outright defying him, the rage was easy to control. Besides, it seemed like maybe Yoon was finally finding a spine. In a small way at least.

He breathes a sigh of relief when it seems that his response was accepted and not resulting in more rage, a breath that he hadn't even realized he was holding since he spoke. He glances at Steve again, nervously, then down at the floor.

What is he supposed to say? What is the right approach to keep him placated? It doesn't seem like the man will accept him just saying he can choose instead. So... he needs to guess what Steve wants, then. Is that it? Does he even know him well enough to make such a guess? What if he gets it wrong?

His breaths are getting shallow again. Don't panic. He tries to ground himself by squeezing the edge of his seat until his fingers start hurting. Unfortunately, being terrified in this kind of situation, uncomfortably familiar, brings him to one conclusion in particular, which is leaning forward and trying to kiss the other man.

The longer he waited for an answer the more irritated Steve got. And it probably showed on his face as well. And then Yoon was leaning in, clearly trying for a kiss. He bent down, allowing the boy access. It was an interesting alternative to talking, and he didn't mind getting kissed or kissing. Yoon probably needed practice to really wow him, but any kiss was worth the time.

He reached out to steady the boy, since even bending Yoon was on his toes, hands resting lightly on tiny hips. God, even after months in the hotel he was still a twig! Didn't the guy ever eat? He needed to get Yoon into training for his own health!

It shows well enough for Bum to read, at least, so he's practically trembling by the time he's tiptoeing. Steve is so damn huge, he knows it, and yet moments like these still catch him by surprise. He wonders briefly what it might feel like if they have sex, he's probably way too big for him -- but maybe it doesn't have to go that far. Whatever has hold of Steve seemed to be wearing off little by little, he thinks, but then if this is all a ruse, there's no way to really tell...

He is indeed not that great at kissing, but he's not clueless either, clearly having some experience with it. And he's definitely earnest in his attempt. There's a little pause, a frozen moment when Steve's hands grip him to hold him steady, but then he's wrapping his arms around the other man's neck, and pulling at his lower lip gently with his teeth, though even through all this there's a hint of worry to his expression.

Was this okay?..

He's got no way to know what's really going through Steve's mind, but he's indeed almost the same as he'd been when he arrived in that regard. Sometimes, he'd forget to eat, sometimes he was too upset to, sometimes Hell just put him through something at an unfortunate time... He'd probably be relieved if he did know, though, because Steve had suggested training to him before, when he wasn't... scary yet. So maybe this is the old Steve speaking, which is ought to be a good sign. Right?

When Steve broke the kiss for Yoon to breathe, he didn't pull away. He mumbled against the kid's mouth, "Jump up Yoon. Wrap your legs around me. You can kiss me better that way." He could easily support Yoon's slight weight and Steve really hated stooping.

"Unless you wanted to go back to drinking?" He knew which choice Yoon was likely to make.

He's not particularly fond of either option, but after a moment of hesitation he figures that drinking would be worse. He doesn't know how much more he'd be able to keep down, and then, if he got drunk, they'd probably just end up doing the same thing anyway...

He almost wants to ask whether the other man is serious, too, just because throwing himself onto him like that sounds... way bolder than most things he's ever done. But he'd just been explicitly told what to do, and he doesn't want to risk annoying him further.

"O-okay," he mumbles, gaze averted. It's... probably the right choice? He thinks it is. At least there's a little bit of familiarity there, and he'd be lying if he said he didn't want to do it, it was just... not quite his preferred circumstances.

He puts both of his arms on Steve's shoulders for a little bit more leverage, then part-jumps, part-hoists himself up. He almost comes up short, but manages to lock his legs around the other man's middle, hoping he will help him out with whatever's left, and turns a bit more red as he fully registers the way they're touching now.

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