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penancememes2022-10-23 04:27 pm
penancemods) wrote in penancememes2022-10-23 04:27 pm
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TEST DRIVE MEME #40
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 cruise ship.
The demon stationed outsid the entrance 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 ways to spend their time while they reach new lands. Sorry about the confusion, Hell is just undergoing some rather unhappy changes.
Stand Your Ground The Penance Community is gone. Lilith made the tough call to abandon the community and urged sinners to save both Lucifer and Barbas along the way. Everyone who arrives will appear on the ship itself after stepping through the door, regardless of where it is in the waters. There may be a bit of disorientation at first, having to travel what may be a fair distance and the residual magic of Lilith’s touch, but it will fade quickly. Don’t worry, sinners!
They are safe on the waters. The icy, icy waters that appear as if they shouldn't be navigable at all. That's possibly a bit concerning, isn't it? There's also snow falling from the skies and frozen spirits that desperately scratch at the sides of the ship to climb aboard. They're used to the boiling waters of blood, not ice. Listen carefully, you can hear their whispers of confusion and desperation. "Why is it so cold?" they ask. "We hurt!" they howl. The staff busying themselves around the ship insist it's best to not concern oneself with it too much. It's like a vacation for them, really. Best worry about yourself.
Blankets are available on request, as well as warm clothes. Not all of these items will be... modern, maybe, but they will at least keep you warm. Hot chocolate, teas, and coffees are also being handed out freely by staff in an attempt to combat the freezing temperatures.
Lucifer may be spotted around the ship, looking rather wary but up and about again at least. He's quick to reassure everyone that Mammon will be giving them aid again and that they're heading to some absolutely beautiful lands. Perhaps sinners who are familiar with them will give them a recount of what it was truly like from the last visit.
The Voyage The large luxury ship is painted a rather ominous black, giving it an intimidating feel on the outside. Once boarded, sinners will see that this initial feeling is likely unfounded. There are plenty of luxuries anyone could want, including a pool, a hot tub, and plenty of tropical drinks with tiny umbrellas provided free of charge. And that's just the deck! Bedrooms range from four person units, three person units, to couples' beds for those who wish to continue their matrimony (or who would rather avoid the hassle of potentially being paired with someone entirely new for the time being).
Not only that, but there's plenty of festive decorations saved from the hotel! Ranging from Jack O'Lanterns to spooky fake skeletons to inflatable witches, and anything in between. Just because tragedy has struck doesn't mean that the holiday spirit has disappeared! People need something to keep them distracted now, more than ever. The staff is happy to (try to) provide this.
There's also a grand bar that provides plenty of cider, mead, and ale, whiskeys from Mammon's own personal stock. These drinks range in strength and may land even the most resilient on the ground after a few sips if one isn't careful! Additionally, the drinks seem to inspire a feel good mood and chase away the dourness that seems to have settled over those in the Penance community. There's constant music playing that may inspire those around to dance, as well as rather hungry incubi and succubi wandering around. They seem eager to please in any and all ways and, like in Penance, give off a natural aphrodisiac that smells sweet to the senses.
There's also a theatre for those who may prefer to watch some festive movies (Enjoy this! There won't be any such things once sinners arrive in Mammon's domain!), an arcade for the younger crowd, and a lovely spa with saunas, massages, and any other way to treat oneself. Happy endings may be included.
The kitchens are always open and offer an array of decadent desserts, meats, vegetables, and anything else one could want. No request is too much! And don't worry, nothing is drugged or of questionable quality or origin (that one would recognize).
Reach Up High There are two methods for earning a sin removal this time around, and none of them are painful! Very painful, at the very least.
The first option is to find a way to warm the spirits who enter the ship, whether this means cuddling the spirits and sacrificing your own warmth, or finding alternative means by wrapping them in blankets or offering them warm drinks while they have the energy to make themselves solid enough to hold items. Showing kindness to those damned to eternal suffering will certainly earn some points with God.
The second option involves volunteering to watch Barbas from his cage in the lower decks of the Hell ship. Bonus points for maintaining patience and kindness even with one of Hell’s least favorite Lords.
Follow Me Down
Prompt I Lucifer is asking all sinners and demons alike to give something valuable (whether it's valuable in an actual monetary sense or just to the owner) to present to Mammon as a gift. They need to sway his favor back towards them, Lucifer insists, and gifts are the way to go. Mammon functions on greed and a love of all things unique. Items can be listed here. Those who are generous may receive special favor once they reach Mammon's lands, either in the form of special dinners, pampering, or more comfortable rooms, etc.
The second request is to kidnap the spirits climbing aboard and seeking warmth. While these guys just want to cuddle a bit or curl up next to the fires to try to chase the cold that somehow penetrates even their undead, incorporeal forms, they’re also a precious source of energy that Mammon will appreciate. While sinners are allowed to show kindness towards the spirits (much to the dismay of the staff), they will also be given bottles to capture them, also as gifts to bestow upon Mammon.
Please note that doing either of these will result in the sin of bribery and potentially betrayal being added to your list of sins.
Prompt II WARNINGS: dubcon, aphrodisiacs, body transformations, drug use, alcohol
That isn't the end of the festivities either! Not at all. The demonic staff has orchestrated a bit of fun to distract from the cold and sense of impending doom hanging in the air by way of trick or treating. Sinners will be grabbed up by eager demons and led cabin to cabin to trick or treat. Those answering the door may choose either option! Treats may be in the form of candy, booze, or other trinkets or whatever one may consider a 'treat', and if a trick is chosen? Well, if you've just set yourself up for a little bit of a prank, haven't you? Good luck trying to figure out ways to appease the eager demons wanting a show! They just want to know they're appreciated, you know. Things have been rough.
For those who aren't terribly interested in any such thing, the staff has also decided on the perfect way to deal with any residual ghost trauma... which is telling ghost stories, of course. On the deck, there's been a special place set up with a fire pit (don't worry, it's being carefully watched! Last thing they need is a fire on the ship...) and blankets. There's also an array of food and drink while the goblins formerly of the library urge sinners to gather around for some story time. Sinners may listen to the goblins or share their own encounters with the spirits.
While they hardly managed to save much in the way of costumes, there's even an impromptu costume competition going on for those who may wish to try to piece together something from what odds and ends did make it to the ship. Voting will be done via sinners and rewards will be in the form of candies. Actual candy, don't worry! The barista from Helluvacup will also be out and about with Bean to spread cheer in the form of Halloween themed pastries and coffees with little spiders drawn in the foam (that may or may not look like spiders. Don't criticize him! Bean will protect his master with lovely disease-ridden bites.)
Of course, for all the well-intentioned shenanigans of the staff, the succubi and incubi are adding their own twist to things. Some have decided to taint the chocolates to add additional energy in the air. Once again, the sex demons feel as if they're famished with the lack of energy and they're doing their best to makeup for it... whether the sinners are aware of it or not. These chocolates the devilish incubi and succubi pass out will have a multitude of effects:
In addition, the sex demons will urge sinners in keeping each other warm in any sense of the word. What better ways than sharing some body heat? Or maybe adding a bit of candleplay to the mix...
If none of that tickles your fancy, there are also a wealth of drugs available to partake in, as well as a fight night happening below deck on one of the lower levels. Fights are carried out among sinners and demons alike, with plenty of help standing by to patch those injured up. Those partaking in either watching or actively participating may swap sins as bets, or anything else they may be willing to risk losing.
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, 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 cruise ship.
The demon stationed outsid the entrance 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 ways to spend their time while they reach new lands. Sorry about the confusion, Hell is just undergoing some rather unhappy changes.
Stand Your Ground The Penance Community is gone. Lilith made the tough call to abandon the community and urged sinners to save both Lucifer and Barbas along the way. Everyone who arrives will appear on the ship itself after stepping through the door, regardless of where it is in the waters. There may be a bit of disorientation at first, having to travel what may be a fair distance and the residual magic of Lilith’s touch, but it will fade quickly. Don’t worry, sinners!
They are safe on the waters. The icy, icy waters that appear as if they shouldn't be navigable at all. That's possibly a bit concerning, isn't it? There's also snow falling from the skies and frozen spirits that desperately scratch at the sides of the ship to climb aboard. They're used to the boiling waters of blood, not ice. Listen carefully, you can hear their whispers of confusion and desperation. "Why is it so cold?" they ask. "We hurt!" they howl. The staff busying themselves around the ship insist it's best to not concern oneself with it too much. It's like a vacation for them, really. Best worry about yourself.
Blankets are available on request, as well as warm clothes. Not all of these items will be... modern, maybe, but they will at least keep you warm. Hot chocolate, teas, and coffees are also being handed out freely by staff in an attempt to combat the freezing temperatures.
Lucifer may be spotted around the ship, looking rather wary but up and about again at least. He's quick to reassure everyone that Mammon will be giving them aid again and that they're heading to some absolutely beautiful lands. Perhaps sinners who are familiar with them will give them a recount of what it was truly like from the last visit.
The Voyage The large luxury ship is painted a rather ominous black, giving it an intimidating feel on the outside. Once boarded, sinners will see that this initial feeling is likely unfounded. There are plenty of luxuries anyone could want, including a pool, a hot tub, and plenty of tropical drinks with tiny umbrellas provided free of charge. And that's just the deck! Bedrooms range from four person units, three person units, to couples' beds for those who wish to continue their matrimony (or who would rather avoid the hassle of potentially being paired with someone entirely new for the time being).
Not only that, but there's plenty of festive decorations saved from the hotel! Ranging from Jack O'Lanterns to spooky fake skeletons to inflatable witches, and anything in between. Just because tragedy has struck doesn't mean that the holiday spirit has disappeared! People need something to keep them distracted now, more than ever. The staff is happy to (try to) provide this.
There's also a grand bar that provides plenty of cider, mead, and ale, whiskeys from Mammon's own personal stock. These drinks range in strength and may land even the most resilient on the ground after a few sips if one isn't careful! Additionally, the drinks seem to inspire a feel good mood and chase away the dourness that seems to have settled over those in the Penance community. There's constant music playing that may inspire those around to dance, as well as rather hungry incubi and succubi wandering around. They seem eager to please in any and all ways and, like in Penance, give off a natural aphrodisiac that smells sweet to the senses.
There's also a theatre for those who may prefer to watch some festive movies (Enjoy this! There won't be any such things once sinners arrive in Mammon's domain!), an arcade for the younger crowd, and a lovely spa with saunas, massages, and any other way to treat oneself. Happy endings may be included.
The kitchens are always open and offer an array of decadent desserts, meats, vegetables, and anything else one could want. No request is too much! And don't worry, nothing is drugged or of questionable quality or origin (that one would recognize).
Reach Up High There are two methods for earning a sin removal this time around, and none of them are painful! Very painful, at the very least.
The first option is to find a way to warm the spirits who enter the ship, whether this means cuddling the spirits and sacrificing your own warmth, or finding alternative means by wrapping them in blankets or offering them warm drinks while they have the energy to make themselves solid enough to hold items. Showing kindness to those damned to eternal suffering will certainly earn some points with God.
The second option involves volunteering to watch Barbas from his cage in the lower decks of the Hell ship. Bonus points for maintaining patience and kindness even with one of Hell’s least favorite Lords.
Follow Me Down
Prompt I Lucifer is asking all sinners and demons alike to give something valuable (whether it's valuable in an actual monetary sense or just to the owner) to present to Mammon as a gift. They need to sway his favor back towards them, Lucifer insists, and gifts are the way to go. Mammon functions on greed and a love of all things unique. Items can be listed here. Those who are generous may receive special favor once they reach Mammon's lands, either in the form of special dinners, pampering, or more comfortable rooms, etc.
The second request is to kidnap the spirits climbing aboard and seeking warmth. While these guys just want to cuddle a bit or curl up next to the fires to try to chase the cold that somehow penetrates even their undead, incorporeal forms, they’re also a precious source of energy that Mammon will appreciate. While sinners are allowed to show kindness towards the spirits (much to the dismay of the staff), they will also be given bottles to capture them, also as gifts to bestow upon Mammon.
Please note that doing either of these will result in the sin of bribery and potentially betrayal being added to your list of sins.
Prompt II WARNINGS: dubcon, aphrodisiacs, body transformations, drug use, alcohol
That isn't the end of the festivities either! Not at all. The demonic staff has orchestrated a bit of fun to distract from the cold and sense of impending doom hanging in the air by way of trick or treating. Sinners will be grabbed up by eager demons and led cabin to cabin to trick or treat. Those answering the door may choose either option! Treats may be in the form of candy, booze, or other trinkets or whatever one may consider a 'treat', and if a trick is chosen? Well, if you've just set yourself up for a little bit of a prank, haven't you? Good luck trying to figure out ways to appease the eager demons wanting a show! They just want to know they're appreciated, you know. Things have been rough.
For those who aren't terribly interested in any such thing, the staff has also decided on the perfect way to deal with any residual ghost trauma... which is telling ghost stories, of course. On the deck, there's been a special place set up with a fire pit (don't worry, it's being carefully watched! Last thing they need is a fire on the ship...) and blankets. There's also an array of food and drink while the goblins formerly of the library urge sinners to gather around for some story time. Sinners may listen to the goblins or share their own encounters with the spirits.
While they hardly managed to save much in the way of costumes, there's even an impromptu costume competition going on for those who may wish to try to piece together something from what odds and ends did make it to the ship. Voting will be done via sinners and rewards will be in the form of candies. Actual candy, don't worry! The barista from Helluvacup will also be out and about with Bean to spread cheer in the form of Halloween themed pastries and coffees with little spiders drawn in the foam (that may or may not look like spiders. Don't criticize him! Bean will protect his master with lovely disease-ridden bites.)
Of course, for all the well-intentioned shenanigans of the staff, the succubi and incubi are adding their own twist to things. Some have decided to taint the chocolates to add additional energy in the air. Once again, the sex demons feel as if they're famished with the lack of energy and they're doing their best to makeup for it... whether the sinners are aware of it or not. These chocolates the devilish incubi and succubi pass out will have a multitude of effects:
Milk Chocolate - inspires lust so strong, one cannot control it. It may lead to begging or public displays of self-pleasure.At least the succubi and incubi are being cordial enough to lead sinners off to a private area of the ship they've filled with plush cushions and bedding for the fun... mostly.
Dark Chocolate - inspires the urge to dominate and aggression. It's time to take control and take what you want.
Chocolate covered cherries - inspire the urge to be submissive and the urge to please those around, in multiples if possible.
Chocolates filled with liqueurs - Inspires loose lips. Suddenly, the most appalling filth will be falling from your lips, every filthy desire there that you've kept hidden is now out in the open. How will others react?
Mint chocolate - May inspire transformations. Whether this is of the animalistic variety or sex, it is entirely up in the air. All of these effects can absolutely be mixed. Take as many chocolates as you like!
In addition, the sex demons will urge sinners in keeping each other warm in any sense of the word. What better ways than sharing some body heat? Or maybe adding a bit of candleplay to the mix...
If none of that tickles your fancy, there are also a wealth of drugs available to partake in, as well as a fight night happening below deck on one of the lower levels. Fights are carried out among sinners and demons alike, with plenty of help standing by to patch those injured up. Those partaking in either watching or actively participating may swap sins as bets, or anything else they may be willing to risk losing.
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
[ That's good for Saul, because at the least in this moment, Jane is fully intending to make him do something helpful whether he wants to or not. But she can tell he wants to, so she feels a little less guilty pawning the spirit off on him. She figures they can take shifts anyway, so she doesn't intend to stick him with it forever.
It really is crazy how different this guy is in real life from his commercials. And given that he so carefully and publicly crafted the "ambulance chaser" image, it wouldn't make sense for this to be the act and not that.
Later, when they get to know each other better, she'll have to ask him why but that feels weirdly personal for someone she just met. There's gotta be a story there, but it's for later. ]
Overboard? What? No way, José. Jesse's a softie. He wouldn't hurt anybody. [ She gives him a tiny smile, reaching out to take the spirit from him if he'll allow it, now that some of the color has started to seep back into her face. ] But if ever does try to give you shit on my account, just let me know. I'll set him straight. [ Now, where did Ignacio say the hot drinks and things were? Jane looks around, trying to remember.
Oh right! This way! ...She's pretty sure, anyway. Hopefully she's not leading them off on a wild goose chase. Guess they'll find out. She heads off in some direction, but only after looking over her shoulder to confirm he's following her.
When he asks if she's gotten the rundown, her brow furrows. ]
Kind of? Bits and pieces, anyway. But I still don't know how much more I need to know, so it might be helpful to get the full rundown all at once.
no subject
Never doubt the power of love as motivation.
[Is it cheesy? Yes. Does it still apply? He's pretty sure it does in general with Jesse, knowing how much he cares about those closest to him. And if it comes off as a lame act put on for laughs, even better.
At Jane's prompting, though, he shifts again, offering the spirit over to her, now that she doesn't look just as frozen as it did. For now, Saul lets the spirit keep his coat; he doesn't need it at the moment, and he's also not particularly in the mood to fight for it back. There's a lot about Jane he needs to figure out, to see how much he might need to keep an eye on or worry about Jesse. There's no meth business here really, and who even knows if a legal retainer even applies to Hell, but he has a soft spot for him.]
All things considered, I'm pretty new down here myself. Not sure how the whole time thing works compared to when we were alive.
no subject
lovelust always so corny?Whatever. It's kinda cute. ]
Oh, MY GOD. [ Another laugh. ] Come on. You don't really believe that, do you? [ It definitely sounds like he kinda does, though... ] If you do, is it because you're speaking from experience? [ Eyebrow raise. She's trying to picture the kind of woman who would end up with this guy. It'd have to be someone really special, that's for sure. ]
Mmm. Yeah. I know what you mean. The time shit just makes my head hurt--- [ She takes a deep breath, and stops. This doesn't look like the direction Nacho took her to get hot drinks. In fact, she's pretty sure she just got them lost.
It's okay, Jane! Don't panic. Just turn around. Hopefully he won't ask questions and will just follow her. Hopefully. She does still have his jacket, after all.
She turns in a full circle, still pressing the spirit closer to her, trying to keep it warm. Its condition seems to be improving. ]
So how long have you been here? [ Still looking around, but now it's not just to find her way to where she wants to go. She suddenly doesn't want to look directly at him. But she pretends it's just because she's lost. Hm. Maybe she does want him to pick up on that after all... ]
Hey. Uh. Saul. Can I call you Saul? [ She proceeds ahead without waiting for an affirmation. ] Do you mind if I ask you kind of a personal question? [ This time, she does wait for his response before saying anything else. She remembers how she died, but Jesse doesn't seem to. She's curious to know if Saul remembers his own untimely demise, or not. ]
no subject
Jane can ask if he knows where the demons were serving drinks when she's ready, he'll wait.]
I'd say we're on first-name basis, sure.
[
better call him saul]But that depends. What's the question? I've been here for a couple of months, though. No idea what the exchange rate, so to speak, between Hell months and Earth months are.
[he reserves the right to swerve or just not answer any and all questions that are too close to hitting below the surface. Just like the question about love. Kim may be here, which he's glad for in the sense that he's glad to be with Kim even if she shouldn't be in Hell, but Saul Goodman's love life just doesn't mesh with the image he projects.]
no subject
The spirit, apparently now warm and content, slides off and flies... somewhere, for the time being, leaving her relieved to be free of its weight. Without looking at him still, Jane hands Saul back his suit jacket. Her voice shakes. ]
Do you remember how you died?
[ Her voice is small, soft. Finally she forces herself to look at him, and her eyes are wide. There are no tears behind them but there's a look of loss, not fear exactly but something similar, something more than just normal sadness.
She swallows. When she speaks again, she tries to smile, tries to infuse some lightness in her voice. It sort of works but the shakiness is still there. ]
And, uh. Do you know where we find the coffee and shit? Somebody showed me, and I can't believe I forgot already, but I did.
[ Somehow the coffee sounds like the less important question, though. It's not the one she really wants an answer to even though it would probably be good not to be lost anymore. ]
no subject
Saul lets his mask drop, a more sympathetic expression on his face as he takes his coat back from her. He might not fully know how he died, but he knows how she did. Or at least he thinks he does. It's hard to not feel a bit of remorse now for those Wayfarer 515 commercials with Jane standing in front of him like this.]
I, uh... I can hazard a guess.
[Between pissing Jesse off as badly as he had and Walt having seemingly gone all the way into the deep end, it's a safe bet that something connected to good old Heisenberg took him out in the end.]
But no, I can't say I remember it specifically.
[But drinks, though. That always helps ease up a conversation, or at the very least, might make Jane feel more comfortable. He nods in the direction of the coffee stand, expecting she will follow when he starts heading that direction.]
no subject
Hopefully that doesn't happen. Hopefully.
When he says he doesn't remember it specifically, she nods. She's tempted to ask him how he thinks he died, but maybe it's better for him that he doesn't have to know.
Jane takes a deep breath. ]
Y-Yeah. Jesse doesn't either.
[ She glances towards the coffee bar and tries to force a smile. But she doesn't walk towards it. Her feet feel rooted to the spot. ] Wow. Right there the whole time. Can't believe I missed it. [ But her heart's not in it. She keeps speaking without moving. ]
I do. I overdosed. I don't know if Jesse told you or not. But I remember the whole thing. Or most of it, anyway. So if he didn't tell you, well, there you go. Now you know. [ Another deep breath. She's still not crying, there's no tears and her voice is steady, but every deep breath is reminiscent of a person struggling to breathe during a teary meltdown. ] If you want to tell me what you think happened to you, you can. Or don't. No judgment either way. [ Very, VERY slight pause. ] Unless it was a skiing accident. Skiing is for douchebags.
[ She takes yet another deep breath and wonders why she remembers and they don't. Maybe, she thinks, having to remember is part of her torture, or at least part of some lesson she's supposed to learn. Maybe some people remember because they have to. Or maybe it's just dumb random bad luck. Who knows. Not her.
She glances back at Saul, finally taking her eyes away from the table with the drinks, since she isn't moving towards it anyway. ]
You know what, I should go. I think I've told you enough. But--- [ Deep, DEEP breath. ] Since you're Jesse's friend, I... I wanted to ask for a favor from you. If you want. I know we just met. I can do something for you too, if you want. [ She bites her lip. A tiny, tiny sliver of a genuine smile pokes through. ] Not, like, tie-you-up-and-spank-you-with-a-riding-crop something, but something.
[ Impulsively she reaches out to grab a hand, and if he doesn't pull away first, she'll grasp it. Then she'll look down from his face to their joined hands. She's unsure if the touch is welcome or not, but she hopes it's not invading his space too much. ]
I need someone to make sure I stay clean. I mean it. No alcohol, no drugs, no anything. Not even weed. Cigarettes are okay, but that's. It... it... I--- I can't do it by myself and I can't ask Jesse. It wouldn't be fair to him. I can't put that on him after everything he's been through already. [ Especially not when he has his own struggles with substance abuse as it is; hard to keep someone else accountable when you have enough on your plate worrying about yourself. ]
Is that something you can do, Saul? I know it's a lot, I know we just met, but Jesse trusts you and I thought, well, maybe if he does I can too--- I mean, if that's okay---
[ She pauses, and shivers, and waits for his response. ]
no subject
He has more than a few jokes about skiing and posh law firm bonding trips to Aspen, but they die on his tongue as she continues. It's hard to not feel a fondness for her need to lighten up even the darkest topics with probably inappropriate humor. It's something he does, he knows how it feels, even if the gravity of what she's asking feels like it would be insultingly inappropriate if he responded in kind.
He's a lawyer, not a parent, and mostly he has an image to keep up of unattached, unaffected, quick-tongued defender of the people. This sort of responsibility isn't what he was expecting to be asked today. But, this is already almost the same thing he was planning on doing for Jesse, with or without Jesse's request or approval, and he figures Jane is probably going to be around Jesse most of the time anyway.]
I'm, uh. Not on the up and up with how recovery programs work, personally.
[He hedges, just a bit, to explain that he also doesn't really know how this sort of thing works.]
But, I can keep an eye out. If you, or Pinkman, are tempted, you can give me a call and I can keep you company. I won't even charge a premium for the service.
[...mostly because there is no money in Hell, but that's neither here nor there.]
no subject
Kind of weird they even need to breathe in Hell, but. Whatever.]Thank you. That's all I can ask. I know it's a lot. I'll tell Jesse too!
[ She reaches out to hug him without even thinking about it before she pulls away at the last second, embarrassed. She reminds herself that he's still basically a stranger. He just doesn't feel like one because she's seen his face on TV for years, and because Jesse spoke so highly of him when she arrived. ]
Um. Sorry. But thanks. I should go now.
[ She turns to leave and stops. ]
Better call Saul!
[ She does the classic finger gun expression from his commercials back at him and winks. Then, smiling now even if it's a little forced, she turns, and is gone for good.
Hopefully in the right direction this time! Hopefully. ]
ooc; good stopping point for this one, maybe? unless you wanna do one more tag!