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penancememes2022-11-24 12:08 am
penancemods) wrote in penancememes2022-11-24 12:08 am
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TEST DRIVE MEME #41
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 an old fashioned kingdom.
The demon stationed outside 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 weary bodies, or recommend ways to spend their time while they're in these new lands. Sorry about the confusion, Hell is just undergoing some rather unhappy changes.
Stand Your Ground It’s no secret that Lucifer has been missing his younger brother, Emmanuel. After tireless search after tireless search showing very little in the way of hope of ever finding him, it seems that Lucifer has taken it upon himself to do a bit of… redecorating. Well enough to get around again, he’s overseeing decorations of the festive sort.
There's a tree being decorated, and he's asking that sinners help, and there are other garish decorations being strung up all over. Sinners may come help thread popcorn on string or hang up some curious looking mistletoe.
If Emmanuel can't be there, he wants to at least celebrate his birthday… even if it's not actually close to his actual birthday. It'll appease God as well, so it's a plus, isn't it?
At least the weather outside is pleasant. There's a chill in the air, but it's not too cold or uncomfortable. The local demons are happy to supply people with furs and capes to wear out, as well as new warm clothes. They may just make one feel like they stepped out of something a bit old fashioned.
There's a spot where the bloody waters have frozen over that's solid enough for ice skating for those interested.
There's also eggnog being served in abundance all throughout the local taverns and the castle. It comes in both spiked and non-alcoholic varieties. Hot chocolate with a little cinnamon is also available that seems strangely quick to chase away the cold.
The Feast The castle dining hall is sudden alive with cheer. Live music plays thanks to a local band, there's cheerful chatter amongst local demons, who seem all too keen to drag sinners into the festivities.
In the center of the dining hall is a large chocolate fountain, with plenty of things to dip in it off to the side. There's a spread of all sorts of gourmet food, as well as a hell boar roasting for all to enjoy.
There's also every sort of dessert one could imagine and a few strange ones that most could never. They come from far away, exotic universes… touch the pulsating purple fruits and pies at your own risk! (Really, it just seems to be very overly sweet.)
Overall, the atmosphere will encourage good cheer and something in the wine being served liberally may encourage sinners to tell each other what they're grateful for.
Reach Up High
Prompt I Unfortunately, Mammon can’t play fun uncle this time and let sinners go unpunished. God is clearly still angry about many things and he doesn’t want to push his own luck with the deity. At least he’s tried to make the punishment… tame. Tame as possible.
There is a round, metal chamber constructed in the depths of his castle. The heavy steel door opens and sinners are guided inside two at a time. There’s a single light that cuts on when the door has been closed and consequently sealed shut with a heavy thud.
"Lucifer is a bit busy at the moment, so here I am to guide you through your next trial of torment to make you a better person! Soon, the lights will begin to flash and you will see silhouettes acting out a mistake from your past. There won't be names attached, no features… This is a test of honesty and bravery. Will you have it in you to claim the shame and weight of your wrongdoing? If not, you may find some unfortunate side effects that will last for a few days…"
As Mammon promises, the lights begin blinking in rapid succession and shadow figures on the walls of the round room begin to act out whatever sin has been chosen. It is up to the sinners to claim it and talk about it, if it's theirs. If they resist, the show won't stop. Eventually, they'll find the harsh, rapid lights will leave them blind fo two days. Neither sinner will see a sin removed from their list however.
However, if the sinner claims the sin and confesses? Both participants will be released unharmed and receive one sin removal from their list.
Prompt II It seems that the evil witch in the woods did keep some pests away. With her gone, little green goblins have decided to flood into Mammon's kingdom. How… frustrating, really. The mischievous little scamps seem to have it out for the decorations. They slide down chimneys or climb in through windows, open doors, and any other opening to steal the balls and garland and beads being hung up everywhere by demons. They don't stop there, however! They're also stealing food and taking it all back to their hideout in the forest. It may even progress to shiny things sinners own or anything particularly sentimental.
These little guys seem to be drawn towards strong emotion, whether that's anger, sadness, happiness, etc. These feral little creatures will harass whoever they please, or try to encourage them to join in on a little chaos.
That's why Mammon is asking for these creatures to be captured and returned to him so that he can rehome them somewhere far out of the way. For sinners who willingly participate in capturing these little guys, they will receive one sin removal for their troubles.
Follow Me Down
Prompt I WARNINGS: Somnophilia, dubcon, noncon
The mistletoe have returned with a vengeance! Little decorations flutter about like butterflies and trap unsuspecting sinners under them. These awful little plants won't be sated until the sinners trapped under them give each other a little kiss.
Not only that, but they also like to attach themselves to sinners and ride with them everywhere they go. Sinners likely won't realize until someone close to them has been caught in the grasp..
As if that wasn't bad enough, there's a new type this year, unique to Mammon's lands..
Found not just in Mammon’s castle, but the surrounding area, on lampposts, above doorways, hanging from light fixtures, chandeliers and other items (in some cases, the ceiling itself), with other decorations, is the unique mistletoe. Snuggled amongst the expected green is gold berries and flowers, unlike the usual red berries and white flowers found in typical mistletoe. This one is from Mammon’s garden. He’s willing to share its effects with everyone - isn’t that festive of him? .
It seems innocent enough, just hanging there, but for those who’ve been caught under mistletoe in the past in Penance, they might expect to be held in place by the plant. Nothing like that seems to happen when sinners pass under the plant; however, if two people pass under together, one will grow oddly sleepy, and pass out before they can move away..
The other participant could just leave them there, but they will find a desire to kiss, or feel the person, or go further with the passed out individual overtake them. One will find if they try to leave, the desire will grow stronger. What’s more, the passed out individual will not wake up from being shook, slapped in the face, or splattered with water. .
Only engaging with that desire will free them. Once it’s fulfilled, however, they will wake, and it’s up to them if they continue what was started or not..
Prompt II Can't beat the little green menaces, join them!.
If someone seems interested in what they’re doing and doesn’t stop them, the little green gremlins will push the person to a place where the fluffy demons have already plastered a wall with food, shredded shiny cloth and destroyed ornaments. The area will be littered with shiny pieces of glass and freed beads.
They will all giggle and hand the curious sinner an ornament. They will throw ornaments then wait to see if the sinner will join them all chorusing with encouraging laughter and glee. They might be destroying the holiday fixtures and stealing everyone’s food, but they’re merry while they do it.
If a sinner decides to smash that ornament, steal food with them, throw things at walls or otherwise vandalize the castle, they might have a good time, but they might also find a sin like “Deviant” or “Vandal” or “Defacer” added to their sins list. .
On the other hand, the miniature grinches might also invite the sinner back to their place in the forest. Sinners who make it this far will find a clearing littered with the grinches’ spoils, and in the center is a huge tree. Inside the hollowed out tree, the gremlins live as a community. In the center is the food and some of the items they stole. Some of the decorations, however, adorn the inside of the tree. They will share and encourage more mayhem with their adopted sinners.
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 December 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 an old fashioned kingdom.
The demon stationed outside 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 weary bodies, or recommend ways to spend their time while they're in these new lands. Sorry about the confusion, Hell is just undergoing some rather unhappy changes.
Stand Your Ground It’s no secret that Lucifer has been missing his younger brother, Emmanuel. After tireless search after tireless search showing very little in the way of hope of ever finding him, it seems that Lucifer has taken it upon himself to do a bit of… redecorating. Well enough to get around again, he’s overseeing decorations of the festive sort.
There's a tree being decorated, and he's asking that sinners help, and there are other garish decorations being strung up all over. Sinners may come help thread popcorn on string or hang up some curious looking mistletoe.
If Emmanuel can't be there, he wants to at least celebrate his birthday… even if it's not actually close to his actual birthday. It'll appease God as well, so it's a plus, isn't it?
At least the weather outside is pleasant. There's a chill in the air, but it's not too cold or uncomfortable. The local demons are happy to supply people with furs and capes to wear out, as well as new warm clothes. They may just make one feel like they stepped out of something a bit old fashioned.
There's a spot where the bloody waters have frozen over that's solid enough for ice skating for those interested.
There's also eggnog being served in abundance all throughout the local taverns and the castle. It comes in both spiked and non-alcoholic varieties. Hot chocolate with a little cinnamon is also available that seems strangely quick to chase away the cold.
The Feast The castle dining hall is sudden alive with cheer. Live music plays thanks to a local band, there's cheerful chatter amongst local demons, who seem all too keen to drag sinners into the festivities.
In the center of the dining hall is a large chocolate fountain, with plenty of things to dip in it off to the side. There's a spread of all sorts of gourmet food, as well as a hell boar roasting for all to enjoy.
There's also every sort of dessert one could imagine and a few strange ones that most could never. They come from far away, exotic universes… touch the pulsating purple fruits and pies at your own risk! (Really, it just seems to be very overly sweet.)
Overall, the atmosphere will encourage good cheer and something in the wine being served liberally may encourage sinners to tell each other what they're grateful for.
Reach Up High
Prompt I Unfortunately, Mammon can’t play fun uncle this time and let sinners go unpunished. God is clearly still angry about many things and he doesn’t want to push his own luck with the deity. At least he’s tried to make the punishment… tame. Tame as possible.
There is a round, metal chamber constructed in the depths of his castle. The heavy steel door opens and sinners are guided inside two at a time. There’s a single light that cuts on when the door has been closed and consequently sealed shut with a heavy thud.
"Lucifer is a bit busy at the moment, so here I am to guide you through your next trial of torment to make you a better person! Soon, the lights will begin to flash and you will see silhouettes acting out a mistake from your past. There won't be names attached, no features… This is a test of honesty and bravery. Will you have it in you to claim the shame and weight of your wrongdoing? If not, you may find some unfortunate side effects that will last for a few days…"
As Mammon promises, the lights begin blinking in rapid succession and shadow figures on the walls of the round room begin to act out whatever sin has been chosen. It is up to the sinners to claim it and talk about it, if it's theirs. If they resist, the show won't stop. Eventually, they'll find the harsh, rapid lights will leave them blind fo two days. Neither sinner will see a sin removed from their list however.
However, if the sinner claims the sin and confesses? Both participants will be released unharmed and receive one sin removal from their list.
Prompt II It seems that the evil witch in the woods did keep some pests away. With her gone, little green goblins have decided to flood into Mammon's kingdom. How… frustrating, really. The mischievous little scamps seem to have it out for the decorations. They slide down chimneys or climb in through windows, open doors, and any other opening to steal the balls and garland and beads being hung up everywhere by demons. They don't stop there, however! They're also stealing food and taking it all back to their hideout in the forest. It may even progress to shiny things sinners own or anything particularly sentimental.
These little guys seem to be drawn towards strong emotion, whether that's anger, sadness, happiness, etc. These feral little creatures will harass whoever they please, or try to encourage them to join in on a little chaos.
That's why Mammon is asking for these creatures to be captured and returned to him so that he can rehome them somewhere far out of the way. For sinners who willingly participate in capturing these little guys, they will receive one sin removal for their troubles.
Follow Me Down
Prompt I WARNINGS: Somnophilia, dubcon, noncon
The mistletoe have returned with a vengeance! Little decorations flutter about like butterflies and trap unsuspecting sinners under them. These awful little plants won't be sated until the sinners trapped under them give each other a little kiss.
Not only that, but they also like to attach themselves to sinners and ride with them everywhere they go. Sinners likely won't realize until someone close to them has been caught in the grasp..
As if that wasn't bad enough, there's a new type this year, unique to Mammon's lands..
Found not just in Mammon’s castle, but the surrounding area, on lampposts, above doorways, hanging from light fixtures, chandeliers and other items (in some cases, the ceiling itself), with other decorations, is the unique mistletoe. Snuggled amongst the expected green is gold berries and flowers, unlike the usual red berries and white flowers found in typical mistletoe. This one is from Mammon’s garden. He’s willing to share its effects with everyone - isn’t that festive of him? .
It seems innocent enough, just hanging there, but for those who’ve been caught under mistletoe in the past in Penance, they might expect to be held in place by the plant. Nothing like that seems to happen when sinners pass under the plant; however, if two people pass under together, one will grow oddly sleepy, and pass out before they can move away..
The other participant could just leave them there, but they will find a desire to kiss, or feel the person, or go further with the passed out individual overtake them. One will find if they try to leave, the desire will grow stronger. What’s more, the passed out individual will not wake up from being shook, slapped in the face, or splattered with water. .
Only engaging with that desire will free them. Once it’s fulfilled, however, they will wake, and it’s up to them if they continue what was started or not..
Prompt II Can't beat the little green menaces, join them!.
If someone seems interested in what they’re doing and doesn’t stop them, the little green gremlins will push the person to a place where the fluffy demons have already plastered a wall with food, shredded shiny cloth and destroyed ornaments. The area will be littered with shiny pieces of glass and freed beads.
They will all giggle and hand the curious sinner an ornament. They will throw ornaments then wait to see if the sinner will join them all chorusing with encouraging laughter and glee. They might be destroying the holiday fixtures and stealing everyone’s food, but they’re merry while they do it.
If a sinner decides to smash that ornament, steal food with them, throw things at walls or otherwise vandalize the castle, they might have a good time, but they might also find a sin like “Deviant” or “Vandal” or “Defacer” added to their sins list. .
On the other hand, the miniature grinches might also invite the sinner back to their place in the forest. Sinners who make it this far will find a clearing littered with the grinches’ spoils, and in the center is a huge tree. Inside the hollowed out tree, the gremlins live as a community. In the center is the food and some of the items they stole. Some of the decorations, however, adorn the inside of the tree. They will share and encourage more mayhem with their adopted sinners.
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 December 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
ii. reach up high
She's genuinely surprised when it isn't, although she tries not to show it. She raises her eyebrows and gives the guy next to her, someone she doesn't know yet, a 'what the hell?'-type of look, but there's no malice behind it.
When he says he better explain, she rolls her eyes a little. ]
No shit, genius. There's only two of us, and I know it's not mine. [ Immediately regretting her harshness-- it's not directed at Peter anyway, not really, it's more about Jane's own worry and guilt and anxiety trying to find an outlet that doesn't make her seem weak-- she softens her tone and smiles a little, and tries to lighten the mood. She relaxes and lets her arms droop to the sides. ]
Sorry. Hey, look, whatever happened, I'm sure that asshole deserved it. [ Context is important! ] But yeah, sure, let's hear it.
no subject
He shakes his head.]
It's okay. This place can be awful; I'd rather not be here as much as you. So, uh, here we go.
[He lets out a long breath before diving right in. He expects it's better to be honest here, to try and explain his sin as straightforward as he possibly can.]
I got into a fight with the man who killed my aunt. I was...angry. Really angry, like, the seeing red kind of angry. We fought and I...came really close to actually killing him. I wanted to kill him.
[He closes his eyes, sighs again, and opens them a moment later.]
If my friend hadn't intervened, I think I might have.
[God he hopes this explanation is enough for this shitty place. He turns to the ceiling, or wherever Mammon's voice comes from, crossing his hands across his chest.]
Please tell me that's good enough.
no subject
[ Jane is grateful he doesn't lash out at her. She would've deserved it, that's for sure. ] If it makes you feel better, I thought I was going to like it here until my boyfriend got turned into a werewolf. Pretty stupid of me, right? [ But that's not exactly the important story here. ]
[ She listens intently to Peter's story, feeling sick to her stomach. Boy, and she thought her life was hard! Some of the people here have been through serious shit. Worse than she could ever imagine.
Impulsively, she reaches out to touch a hand lightly to his arm, though she won't be offended if she shrugs it away. ]
It should be good. Good enough, I mean.
[ But she can't stop herself from asking. Morbid curiosity gets the better of her even though she knows she shouldn't pry, but... well, they are here to talk. So maybe that's what this place wants her to do? ]
Why'd he kill her? I mean, hey, I'm not gonna judge you either way. I would've done the same thing you did. Or wanted to, anyways. If I was my aunt. [ She tries again to lighten the mood. Possibly failing? Possibly not? ] I don't have an aunt, but. You know. If I did. Just saying.
no subject
Your boyfriend got turned into a werewolf?!
[Given Peter's experience of Hell from his first round in the place, he really shouldn't be surprised, but, well. He's surprised! On the one hand, werewolves? Awesome! On the other hand, the reality of werewolves is probably dangerous and not something to celebrate, especially since the young woman with him explains her boyfriend turned into one.
He doesn't expect her touch, but he appreciates the warmth of the gesture all the same, so he doesn't shrug her off.
When she says it should be good enough, he manages a wry sort of smile.]
I can only hope so, at this point.
[When she asks, Peter lets out a sigh. Once, he would have clammed up and not answered her. But he's had time to sit with May's death, and as much as he continues to mourn her, Peter's been able to open up more about losing her.]
He wanted to...make me more like him. He said my morality was choking me.
[He manages to repress a shudder; he can still hear the Goblin, loud in his head.]
no subject
Uh. Yeah. Long story. He's better now though. [ She sounds like she's talking about him having the flu. ] So it's ... okay? I guess? I don't know. This place is weird. [ He talks like he has some experience with that though, so he probably doesn't need her to tell him. ]
That's-- [ Even if Peter doesn't shudder, Jane does. What a horrible thing to say to someone. And he looks young, too. She's not really a huggy person most of the time, but his age and the obvious regret written on his face prompt Jane to turn the touch into an arm over his shoulder, since he doesn't seem to mind it. ]
Look. I'm sorry. But fuck him. You feel bad about it, so you're not like him. You feel me?
[ She doesn't know if anything she says will help, but she feels like has to try, at least. She opens her mouth to say more, ask more, when more illuminated figures appear on the screen.
Unlike Peter's, it's not entirely clear from the context shown, why what's on the screen would be a sin. It's just a young woman, with a silhouette that matches Jane's, seated, with a young man standing behind her. But Jane knows what happened, and her stomach flips. ]
no subject
[Peter stares as she reaches out and places an arm over his shoulder, but leans into it a moment later, appreciative of the gesture and her support.] Thanks. It's something I'm still struggling with, honestly. I came...really close to proving him right.
[And that will haunt Peter for as long as he lives. But he doesn't have to let that moment define him, and that, he's determined to do.
Before they can continue their conversation, the shadows move again, in different shapes and motions. Peter frowns, staring. He doesn't think this is another of his sins, but maybe?]
Is this one yours?
no subject
Do you remember what happened to you when you weren't here?
[ When just stares at her, at first, Jane almost pulls her arm away, wondering if she over-stepped. They are total strangers, after all. But when Peter leans into it, Jane feels a whoosh of relief before she gives him a gentle squeeze. ] You didn't, though. Look, I know it's rough. But if you wanna talk more about it, we can.
[ Or not. When they're interrupted by a puppet show of her own biggest fuck-up, or one of them, anyway, Jane withdraws her hand. Then she closes her eyes and swallows, but she can still see the white flash of the backdrop, the shapes of the puppets acting out the entire stupid story, with her eyes closed. ]
Yeah. It's mine.
[ She knows she has to say more, but damn, does she really, really not want to. ]
no subject
[Peter shrugs.] As far as I know, I disappeared here and ended up back home before returning here. I'm not sure if anything happened on this side or not.
[He nods, offering her a smile.] Thanks. I really appreciate the offer.
[He might even take her up on it, later on. She seems like a nice person, and he feels bad that she's stuck here. Though it has been nice to get to know her, too.
The way she answers, and the way she tenses up, Peter instantly sympathizes; after all, he just went through having his dirty laundry aired out himself. Whatever happened seems bad enough just from the way she reacts. He feels bad that she's having to relieve what seems to be a pretty terrible memory.]
I'm sorry. I'd say it's easier to talk about it and get it over with, but uh. It's really not.
[He's not going to bullshit her, not about this.]
no subject
You were back home...? [ That's weird. Jane will have to think about what that could mean. It does give her some hope, though; not for herself, but maybe for Jesse. ] But you didn't remember anything that happened here while you were home?
[ Jane smiles back when he smiles at her, content for a moment to bask in the glow of meeting a new acquaintance, maybe even friend (?), until he reminds her that they can't ignore what's on the screen. Jane heaves a sigh. ]
Yeah, well... [ She hesitates. He seems pretty young. Is he even ready to hear all of this? It sounds like he comes from a pretty rough world, but she still feels weird talking about this with a stranger. Especially a kid. It does keep her from being as ornery as she might ordinarily be, though. She chews on her bottom lip as she contemplates how to explain this to him. ]
Are you ready? It's pretty dark.
no subject
[Peter shrugs at her second question, unsure how to best answer.] Well, I remember everything that happened to me here when I got back home. But I don't remember anything that happened here while I was home because I didn't experience it, if that makes sense?
[It's all really complicated, all things considered. Peter still doesn't know if this is really Hell at all, or just some especially messed up alternate dimension.
When she asks if he's ready, Peter nods. He's going to do his best to be supportive, however he can. She's already been so kind to him, even after hearing him explain about almost killing someone.]
Yeah, I'm ready. Whenever you are.
no subject
She exhales sharply when he says he's ready when she is. Might as well get it over with, right? Like peeling off a bandaid. ]
I needed money. My, um, my boyfriend and I -- we needed money.