TEST DRIVE MEME #4

[penancemods]

ARRIVAL

You remember a dream.

Or maybe nightmare is more accurate.

It was full of hellfire nipping at your skin and a sensation of being pulled down no matter how much you struggle or cry for help. There's a voice that feels like it's coming from all around you at once. Contrasting with the nightmare unfolding around you, it's smooth as silk. It makes you want to listen with every bit of attention you can muster in the moment.

"Judgement has come upon you, but not to worry. It can still be undone."

The voice promises you redemption for your sins. It promises you a better life and everything you could ever want, if only you just stop struggling so much.

And so you do.


Everyone wakes up in the same room initially. The room is done up in red with a cushy bed, a window, an old TV in the corner on a desk, and a few Hieronymus Bosch paintings lining the wall. There's a bathroom to clean up in and any belongings will be sat around the room to be gathered later. There's a duffel bag provided for your convenience.

After feeling a sensation of falling or dropping onto the bed, characters wake up feeling like they've just slept for a week. Their body will feel heavy and stiff, they'll have a massive headache at first.

They'll quickly notice the list of their sins written with their blood on a bedside table on an old piece of parchment. This will mean the list is tied to them and can't be changed or tampered with. They'll also receive their device to connect with others and the network. It won't be anything terribly fancy. As a matter of fact, it looks like a very old Blackberry type phone.

Once characters are ready to leave the room, they'll head down long, winding halls. They're dimly lit and ominous feeling. They may encounter fellow sinners or demonic staff that will direct the newcomer down to the lobby to get their actual room key to settle in. They may be pushy, they may border on courteous. It really just depends on the mood of the staff at the time and how they're treated in return. Eventually, everyone comes to stairs that lead downward.



Once down to the lobby, you'll notice the front desk manned by a demon who looks bored out of its mind. To the side of him is the door to the kitchen where guests may help themselves. To the right is a small duty free shop that seems to have a surprisingly normal, expected stock of items. Look around a bit further, there will be a tiny bar tucked in through a corner door. It seems pretty well-stocked and best of all, self-serve if you want to get away from your demonic hosts for a bit. Of course there's some seating, bar games, and a jukebox tucked in the corner if you'd rather stay and socialize a bit.

Please note that all the songs on the jukebox are appropriately hell-themed. Hopefully Sympathy for the Devil is universally loved.

STAND YOUR GROUND

Prompt I

It seems like not long after everyone has either returned from the maze or arrived fresh to hell that the storms started yet again. A bit more sporadically and not the constant downpour of the previous month, but it's still blood and fire raining from the skies, along with claps of thunder and lightning strikes that seem far too close for comfort. Fortunately, there's not as much flooding this time. Unfortunately, a particularly loud clap of thunder and lightning that strikes close to the hotel seems to leave it and surrounding establishments in the dark. Quickly, the hotel becomes a cold place, urging all guests to to move to the lobby for some warmth.

A roaring fire will be going and there will be hot drinks and snacks kindly provided by the staff while they try to work on correcting the problem.

Eventually, some rather panicked goblin-like demons come rushing up from the basement. They're half-singed and dirty looking from their adventure, so it doesn't seem to bode well for the power returning any time soon. Guests who listen closely will hear the demons apologizing profusely for 'letting them escape' and much more worrisome than that, about how it looks like there might have been some tampering going on down there. The staff is quick to tell the demons to hush and go, not to worry the guests or let word get back to Lucifer.

Once that whole scene is squared away, the staff will be urging guests to volunteer and pushing them into a drafty, creepy basement with nothing but candles and flashlights to lead the way.

It's okay, they reassure, it's not that bad down there! The lights provided all seem to flicker dangerously though, almost completely going out at times, as you descend creaky stairs to a lower level. Apparently the demons are tired of risking their hide to get the power back on, but they're quite happy to risk all the guests'.

The basement is slightly flooded in some areas, bloody rain making its way through cracks in the foundation. It reeks of dampness and mold. There are things that skitter in the corner of your eye as you venture in further. Rats, bugs, and a few smaller beasts.

No one will be given more to go on than they're looking for a breaker box to reset, and hopefully, that'll get everything back up and running again. Unfortunately, there are so many twists and turns that it gets confusing after a while... How come the basement looks much bigger than it has any right to be anyway?

The basement is also jam packed with boxes just begging to be gone through. Most of them just seem to house an odd amount of clothing and what may be personal items left from previous guests, others hold decidedly more satanic and occult items. But if there's anything you're looking for in particular, from jewelry to a coat to a rad new walkman, you'll probably find it down here.

Keep going and you'll come across a room with a heavy steel door. If anyone should venture inside, they'll see a dungeon inside. There are demons chained to the walls in various ways, strung from the ceiling, or caged up that seem to be wasting away and forgotten. If they notice you, they'll try to plead with you to let them out, bribing you with information on Lucifer that no one else knows, but it's probably for the best you don't. There seem to be a few free spaces waiting for new additions after all... and besides, they've got to be locked down there for a reason, right?

Let them go against all better judgement and they'll most likely just rattle something off while they take off running as quick as they can.

Listen closely enough and you might hear tortured screams as they're presumably killed upon reaching the main floor of the lobby. It was probably inevitably, so don't blame yourself.

Anyway, moving on you keep going past the dungeon, and you'll finally find the room with the furnace and breakers to reset. It shouldn't take long to flip them back, but they'll continue to trip on and off for a while and may require multiple groups to make a return trek down to reset them until the demons finally correct the issues with the wiring that is causing these outages.

Speaking of issues with the wiring and what may have caused them... Hang around the bar or lobby enough, or around any area of the community, and you may hear muttering of something called The Veiled Order from beyond the gates. Some of the demons seem excited, others seem nervous. If asked, the demons may brush guests off. If drunk enough or given proper incentive, they may tell a story about a group of rebellious demons that Lucifer tried to cast out. They were damned to live in the burnt forests outside the gates, but sometimes, they still cause trouble.

Apparently, they thought they could be better rulers than Lucifer and were quite discontent with how he maintains Hell.

Some may say they're worried the Order is causing mischief by messing with the hotel, having had ample opportunity to sneak back within the gates. Others will laugh heartily and insist that it's a dumb tale to scare young demons, nothing more. Certainly nothing to worry about.

Another thing guests may overhear or bribe out of demons around the bar or club is talk about the call of infernal nightmares. If pressed for more info, the demons won't give much beyond the fact that it's a miserable thing, entirely miserable.

Prompt II

Apparently what the goblin-like demons accidentally set free are strange demons that possess fungi, dust, and dirt. They don't seem to quite be from this world, but they're called Coal Tars apparently. They're harmless creatures for the most part, but they do have a love of following around people with dark or sinister natures.

The staff will be offering a reward of a gourmet dinner of the guest's choice if anyone around the hotel will help to capture these little pests and bring them to the front desk. Afterwards, they'll be returned to the basement and locked away again.

Otherwise, people are free to ignore them or laugh at the people who can't seem to shake the little creatures following them around.

Careful though, breathing them in can make your lungs rot. Nasty way to go probably.

REACH UP HIGH

Prompt I
Warnings: cutting, blood, torture.

Whether you've been here for months or you're freshly arrived, your demonic overlord expects some participation. You can try and shirk the responsibility, of course. You can bargain your way out of it for a while. But eventually, you may find yourself trapped in a room just off the gym that's been fondly dubbed the torture room. It has all manner of equipment in there, along with an iron maiden even.

But don't worry about any of that right now. It probably won't be used.

You can try the door, but even with super human strength or every lock picking skill in the book, you won't be able to open it.

It soon becomes apparent what you're supposed to do soon enough when someone else is eventually shoved in with you. Both of your lists of sins will appear on a table that's been placed in the center of the room with two handy knives. You can choose to guard these or not care at all that they're on display.

"Know that honesty is a good place to start on your road to redemption. Sure, it can be terrifying at first, but that's why you've been given a partner in this journey. Pick up your knives and carve at least one sin into each other's flesh. Help in the journey to be candid with everyone you should meet here!"

The voice echoes all around you again, just like in the nightmare, and once again there's the pull to give in. This voice really does seem like it has your best interests at heart.

"If you need a bit of encouragement, we'll be giving it shortly."

It isn't a lie or idle threat either. The longer you wait to do what's been requested of you, the more shallow cuts that will appear on both of your bodies. Are you really prepared to endure this pain when giving in would be so much easier?

And more than that, are you willing to let another suffer along with you?

Eventually, the cuts will stop if you suffer them long enough, but you'll have failed this challenge and sustained more damage than if you'd just gone along with it. Satan will also be very disappointed in you.

Prompt II

"A generous nature is an important part of being a righteous person. Greed is a sin my Father frowns on quite a bit. What I ask you to do today is to go out and find a gift for that special someone or friend of yours and give them something to smile over."

With the items available in the basement and the shop in the hotel carrying a few new items, Lucifer would like to spread the good will of gift giving. It doesn't matter if you're not well acquainted with each other yet. You don't need to be! Anyone can spread cheer by giving a gift.

And if you don't, expect to be in excruciating pain for a few hours, and struggling for a breath. If you can't share a gift, then you don't deserve to share all that oxygen, do you?


FOLLOW ME DOWN

Prompt I
Warnings: Alcohol and drug abuse, potential non-con/dub-con.

With all the sinners, new and old, the bar will be lit up with activity and absolutely bustling with guests and demons alike. Food and drinks will be readily available and provided by hotel staff (although they might not always know what humans eat. What do you mean, you don't like fried kitten?), music will be blaring, and overall, there will be an energy to the atmosphere that's absolutely contagious. Even if you aren't typically inclined to linger at these sorts of events, there will be a certain pull to stay and have a bit of fun.

You may not get much of a chance to have that in hell after all. So one drink won't hurt, right? Nor will one more after that.

There will also be every sort of party drug available that might tickle your fancy. There's no harm in experimenting, is there? You're already in hell and the staff is handing it out and so helpfully showing you how to use it, or recommending a type that would suit what you want.

You've presumably done your atonement for the day, yes? So cut back a bit, let loose. Hell might be pain and torment, but it's also a nonstop party in the bar.

There's even a brand new stage and a karaoke machine for those feeling brave!

Ask the staff demons very nicely and you may even get less scrupulous drugs as well. Things that will convince your fellow damned souls to tell only the truth for a fun prank, or perhaps even potions that will make someone so enamored with you, they won't take their eyes, or hands, off you. How dare they give you the cold shoulder earlier, right? You've got them now.

There are also tables set up for all sorts of gambling and various bar games to entertain yourself with. Since currency as most are familiar with it doesn't quite exist down here, most of the demons seem to be accepting bits of your soul, if you're in a gambling mood. You may also get pulled into a fun game of strip poker against one of your fellow guests for a few succubi that are having a night out.

Relax and enjoy your night. Coming here and facing your sins is the hard part, so surely you deserve to have a little fun, right?

Prompt II
Warnings: sex, aphrodisiacs, potential dubcon/noncon, potential kinks.

The club within Penance has always offered many options for debauchery, but now it seems they're stepping things up a bit. There are themed rooms for sex machines (the same that were present at the carnival) that can be controlled by a demon or a partner. If asked, they'll gladly set you up on stage to put on a performance for the entire club.

They won't side eye you for any other kink you ask for either, however depraved it is.

But the succubi are handing out potions again, that can be taken willingly or not. The purpose of them is to strip away all of your inhibitions... or in certain cases, your mind as well as your will. It will leave those who take the potion as a perfect little pet or slave for someone.

It doesn't matter if you're generally strong-willed or not interested in submitting. You'll find yourself wanting to please someone until it's the most important thing on your mind. Maybe until it's the only thing on your mind. It doesn't even matter if you generally hate or adore the person you've attached yourself to, you'll find yourself sinking down on your knees anyway.

This is the perfect time to play out all those daddy kinks, domination and submission scenes, or perhaps a bit of pet play. It doesn't matter what theme of the game you choose, you're suddenly all for it no matter what.

Because you just want to make someone happy, even if what makes them happy is hurting you as much as pampering.

MISC.
Thanks for joining us for our fourth test drive meme, sinners! Reserves are now open for the upcoming app round on August 1st

If you want to speak with Lucifer, you're free to text or pray to him right here

If you let a demon loose in the dungeon, reply here to see what tidbit of info they revealed!

If you have a comment, suggestion, etc. please go here!

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Comments

[invicto]

[ James was kind of trying for honesty, here. He could've lied, or he could've kept on ignoring Steve, much like he had tried before, but he knew it was to no avail. Sooner or later he always ended up drawn to the man, and he knew why.

So he figured he may as well keep him close. If anyone tried to hurt him, then James would be all the nearer to keep him safe. Granted, he knew Steve would be able to take care of himself just fine, but James would still do whatever it took so that Steve couldn't be used as a weapon against him. Especially when he know it would work.

Steve's words got him a little confused, though, and he tilted his head, frowning. ]

What position? [ With a soft groan, he rolled his eyes. ] Come on, Steve. This can't be news to you. Jim and I are close, we pretty much live together. You knew this. He's not gonna stop being a part of my life, even if I am with you.

[compelledtoprotect]

[There was a sort of relief when James didn't take long to catch on, he just wished it wasn't an issue.]


No, I would never ask that. I just . . . I don't feel that way about him. He's nice, he's very nice, and sexy. But I don't love him. He's a friend James. I like to spend time with him, but I'm not in love with him, not even a little. I couldn't . . . I couldn't watch you and him being together in the same room and not be jealous, and even if you asked me to join in again, I'd still be looking more at you the whole time. I don't want to share.


[He looked away, finally reaching for a bottle and a glass. He didn't even care what it was he poured, just wanting the comfort of alcohol and hoping it had been doctored enough to work on him. With the first sip he doubted he'd be that lucky. Steve stared into the glass, unhappy as hell.]


It's alright James. I won't mention it again. You can forget I said anything. It'll be just the way it was before. Just . . . just sex. No strings, no commitments, just lust. I promise. I can keep it to myself. I've done it before. I swear, I won't make it awkward.

[invicto]

[ James's frown only deepened at that, confused for a while, even as Steve explained in clearer words what he meant. Or what he thought James meant, more like. He shook his head, grabbing Steve's arm in a firm grip, suddenly angry that the other man would just let go of him so quickly, like it was so easy for him to just dismiss him, dismiss everything they'd been talking about up until now. ]

I'm not asking you to be with him. I'm telling you I'm gonna be with him, too. But you don't have to share me with anyone, not when we're together.

[ He tugged on Steve's arm, moving into his personal space. Demanding, imposing. Unwilling to let Steve just turn his back on him for this one thing. ]

Are you serious? This is a deal breaker for you? Even though you knew already that Jim's... important to me?

[compelledtoprotect]

[Stepping back was one of the most painful things Steve could contemplate doing. A deep, dark chasm was already opening up, ready to swallow him. He'd known going in it was getting serious, that he was risking the same scenario all over again, but he reached with both hands anyway, so hungry for the man it had been impossible to stay away. James called to him in ways no one else did and saying goodbye would tear his heart out. The touch startled him and he stared at James for a moment before he was scowling himself. He met the man's eyes, his own dark with pain and unhappiness. That hand burned him, tight and possessive and everything he wanted, but could he have it?]


As long as I'm not in the same room watching you fuck him, I'll be fine. But I thought you wanted us both? Threesomes and . . . and stuff like that. I don't know if I can do that again. I get so confused, especially since it's really you I want. Jim's nice, but he's not you, and when you're touching him, I'm wishing it was me.


[Steve pushed back, encroaching on James' space, physically pushing the man back against the bar as he straightened up and pressed forward. He still wasn't actively touching James, but he'd made no move to remove that demanding hand. If anything he shifted a little to make it easier to grip him there. Steve thought hard before he spoke, trying to be as blunt and honest as possible.]


I think it has to be a deal breaker James. You don't want me to be a jealous monster, I don't wanna be one, and Jim sure as hell doesn't deserve that shit. But I can't watch you two and not act badly. I . . . I don't share well James. If you're in the room, I want you to be with me. Looking at me, touching me, talking to me. I don't wanna share, even if it's Jim.

[invicto]

[ James wasn't really sure whether Steve was an idiot or if he just hadn't explained himself clearly enough, but on principle he leaned towards the former. It was hard not to just yell at Steve or roll his eyes at him, but an argument probably wasn't the best way to begin a relationship.

Not that he'd know, not having had one ever in his life. ]

I don't care about threesomes. I don't need you to want to be with us both at once. But I don't want you getting snappy at Jim again when you come over and he's just there, hanging out with me or doing whatever. He's going to be there when you show up sometimes. I just want to make sure you're not expecting me to stop seeing him or spending time with him. Or having sex with him.

[ Jim was important to him, difficult though it was to say it out loud. But Steve was important, too. He just didn't want either man forcing him to choose between the two, and he knew Jim for one wouldn't push that choice on him. If Steve did... well, that would be the deal breaker for him. ]

I won't be just yours. I told you this.

[compelledtoprotect]

[The relief was intense and immediate. Steve lifted his free arm and grabbed the back of James' head, fingers curling in the short hair as he brought his mouth down. They were already pressed chest-to-chest and the distance for a kiss was negligible. Steve just wanted to make sure James didn't get away before he was done. It was a hard, demanding kiss and he shoved his tongue past James' teeth to taste the liquor the man had been drinking on his tongue.

When Steve finally lifted his head enough to breathe, his voice was rough and strained, mumbling against James' mouth.]


Said I wouldn't do that again already. It was me who saved you. I bought you, I nursed you, I held you. You were mine. Mine. And suddenly he was just there. In my bed. I didn't act well but I wasn't expecting it. I'm sorry. Just don't do that again and I can keep my cool. I know you love him, that he's at least as special as me, I just . . . it hurts looking at it. I want you to have him James, all of him. I just don't wanna be taunted with it or anything. I swear, see him all you want, whatever makes you happy. Just don't make me share, please. I can't handle it.


[By the end his voice was a broken whisper. He could live with anything James wanted to do with other people, especially Jim, as long as he didn't have to see it. If it was in front of his face, he couldn't help the way it ate at him, goading him to do something. To take the man back somehow. It wasn't rational, it was a primitive part of Steve that couldn't be reasoned with, so he tried to avoid situations that awoke the beast. That was all he asked for, just not to be put in those situations.

He met James' eyes, his own dark with emotion.]


Just don't make me watch you with someone else, that's all I ask. Do whatever makes you happy, but don't make me watch.

[invicto]

[ James let out a sound, partly surprise and partly protest, muffled into the kiss. Not that he didn't like being handled by Steve like that, but they were all but arguing a moment before, and he nearly wanted to push back, stop the kiss from getting too deep.

But Steve was much stronger than he was. In a few seconds James found it was impossible to struggle, and instead he let himself be pulled in, body melting and arching against Steve's, eager for the contact.

His mouth parted as he panted for breath when the kiss broke. His lips were reddened and swollen, his face slightly flushed. He fisted his hands tightly into Steve's shirt, holding onto him as close as he could. ]

That's... not a problem.

[ James liked to goad, but he wouldn't now. Before, it was fun, exciting, when he pretended that Steve was little more than just a bit of fun, a good fuck, a way to pass the time. Now, the conversation was another entirely. James would dislike it just as much if he had to watch Steve kissing, touching or holding hands with someone else too. He'd feel an equally possessive urge to step in and claim him for himself, so he could understand. ]

I won't do that. Not in front of you. [ It had been really fun and exciting, getting to fuck them both at once, but he wouldn't seek to do it again, not when he knew it'd cause Steve pain. ]

So? Are we alright?

[compelledtoprotect]

[There were a hell of a lot of things Steve wouldn't think twice about if James wanted to tease him; his relationships with other people wasn't one of them. James' easy acceptance was just as much a relief as the rest of it. Steve fought tears as that internal pit closed up and he snatched the man into both arms, squeezing him tightly enough to make it a little hard to breathe.

Steve buried his face in James' neck, wishing he never had to let go.]


Yes! Fuck yes. That's all I'd ever ask, I swear! And I'll do the same for you! And we can always talk about things, if there's ever something you want. I . . . I'm really much better behaved when I have some warning. I just need a little time to think about things, you know? But honestly, I don't need anything extra to be happy with you James. Just watching you breathe makes me hard . . .


[Just imagining the man was enough to get him hard, let alone being in the same room. But he could make everything work. Calling instead of just dropping over, not bringing people home himself if he thought James might show up. Easy things, things he would have done anyway. The fact the man seemed to care about him in the same way was the most wonderful part. It wasn't a mistake, and he wouldn't automatically be hurt by not being enough. He'd never blamed Lucas for that pain, the man had never been anything but up front about his feelings, but it had still hurt. Steve wasn't a man who could tell his heart something and have it stick.

He relaxed his hold on James eventually, lifting his head to meet the man's eyes again, a little smile on his lips.]


So, is it ok to say the words, or would that be too much?

[invicto]

[ James found it more than just a little hard to breathe, face scrunching up as he tensed up, struggling in Steve's hold. His hands settled on Steve's arms, clinging tightly and tugging. He knew he couldn't really force Steve to let go as long as he had that iron grip on him, but he could try to urge him to let go. ]

Damn it, Steve. It'd be fucking great if you didn't-- crush me to death, you know?

[ He couldn't even respond properly, not until finally Steve eased his hold. He exhaled deeply in relief, hands still on Steve's arms, and he gave the bicep a hard pinch. Bit of revenge for squeezing him so hard.

His gaze flickered to meet Steve's, his lips pressing in, fighting back what he was sure would be an idiotic smile if he let it slip through. Instead his mouth just twitched a bit, corners upturned. ]

Say what words?

[ He may be playing stupid or he may genuinely not know what Steve meant. He'd just have to take the chance and decide whether he wanted to say it or not. ]

[compelledtoprotect]

[It was usually easy to remember not to crush people, but James wasn't just people, and he might still try to run away. They were talking deep feelings at the moment and Steve knew that was neither easy nor comfortable for the man. He hadn't actually meant to to hurt his lover though, and he reluctantly loosened his hold when James started squirming, which actually felt a lot better than it should have. He grunted at the pinch and started to smile, but it was arrested halfway.

He opened his mouth, then shut it. If he mentioned love, it could ruin everything. On the other hand, if he didn't, he'd never know if it pleased James or not, not to mention the fact he'd likely never get it from James himself. But that was ok. More than ok really. Steve wasn't always good with words, as witness their entire conversation, but actions? He could tell if someone cared deeply about him well enough, and whether James ever mentioned it again or not, the man cared. He could live with that, especially since James wasn't likely to say it to anyone else either. He gave the man a soft look, smiling even as he leaned in for another kiss, hands gentle where they lay on James' back.]


Nevermind. How about we go back to my place? There's scotch and glasses, as well as privacy and a bed. Don't I owe you something naughty?


[Steve would have been content to talk too, or just stand in the same room for that matter, but James didn't strike him as the chatting type when something else was on offer. And he was more than willing to offer just about anything if it kept the man in his presence longer. He was greedy for more of James' time, his attention, and that would never change, no matter what form the contact took.]

[invicto]

[ Well, James wasn't exactly great with words either, not when it came to actual feelings and relationships and anything positive anyway. He knew how to sweet talk people, how to be charming, or how to be threatening. This, however, was all brand new for him, and frankly a little terrifying.

So maybe it was or the best that Steve didn't say anything for now. James still was curious to hear, but not so curious that he'd push, at least not for now. The thought of going back to Steve's room was pretty appealing, and he smiled a bit, arms snaking around Steve's neck. ]

We could do that. But I also have something for you, and it's back in my room. [ He shrugged. ] I've got drinks and glasses there, too. Or I could go fetch your gift and meet you back in your room in a bit.

[compelledtoprotect]

[Steve's eyes lit up and his hands tightened a little on James' hips. Going back to the man's room? That would be . . . And a gift? A gift? Really?!]


You got me something? You didn't have to do that James. I still have the journal you gave me, and I love it. You didn't have to get me something else.


[He hadn't written in the book yet of course. He might never do so as a matter of fact. He was worried that he'd ruin it, but he didn't want to admit that to James. Steve just smiled at James for a long moment before his curiosity got the better of him.]


. . . what is it you got me?

[invicto]

It's nothing much. [ He shrugged nonchalantly, adding before Steve started thinking too much of it. ] It was just something I found down at the basement. Thought it might suit you.

[ Most of what he'd found, though, he'd keep. Some of it he didn't even have any use for, but he never knew when he might find it necessary. But a few things he could part with, and... well, he just wanted to give Steve something. He didn't need a reason for it. ]

That would be telling. Come with me, and you'll get to find out for yourself.

[ With a wink, he tried to extricate himself from Steve's grip. Instead he reached for his hand, making sure to take the box with the wolf carving back with him as he led the way out of the bar and back to the hotel. ]

[compelledtoprotect]

Something you found? In those boxes?


[He'd rather assumed most people had looked in those boxes, though he hadn't. Rooting through other people's possessions just hadn't appealed to him, but he was curious as hell about what James had found. He'd also never been to the man's room, so that was an added bonus. He grinned more broadly at the man's wink and let James slip away, following eagerly until he caught up and could walk at the man's side. Steve couldn't help catching James' hand, interlacing their fingers briefly before he pushed James' hand into his back pocket. Flush against his ass. He knew the man wouldn't allow them to hold hands in public, but that was almost as good as he did the same to James, stroking the man's ass before his hand found a home inside fabric.]


I can't wait to see your place James. You've never invited me there before. You certainly don't skimp on making a man feel special, do you?

[invicto]

Yeah. I found a lot of stuff in there, some of it's pretty interesting.

[ James really had no qualms about rummaging through other people's things, particularly when they were supposedly no longer around. Those things would've just stayed down there rotting away anyway, if James found a new use for them he really didn't see what was the issue.

He looked up at Steve when he slipped his hand into his pocket, mimicking the movement himself. He said nothing to it, though. Actually he wouldn't have protested much at all if Steve just held his hand either, but he also didn't mind staying like this. ]

I haven't? [ He thought back to all the times they were together, then let out a hum, shaking his head. ] No, there was that one time you got injured due to my memory. You pouted and said you wanted to go to my room instead. You were very whiny.

[compelledtoprotect]

I can only imagine. But what could you possibly find there that would relate to me?


[He was dying of curiosity. What had been in those boxes that called to James so much? And what on earth would James think he might want from them? It drove him crazy as they walked and he had to keep reminding himself not to rush. It was so rare anyone got him anything! And it was James again giving him things. Who would have thought?

Steve paused for a moment, searching his memory, and realized the man was right. He felt his face go hot at James' rather unflattering description of what he'd been like. Honestly, he barely remembered most of it. The drugs he'd been given made everything quite hazy, but he did remember being a bit . . . whiny.]


Oh right. I um . . . sorry about that. I wasn't really . . .


[He met James' eyes with a faint, sheepish smile, tugging him a tiny bit closer with the hand in his pocket.]


Forgive me? I was a little whiny I guess. But you kept trying to run away and leave me alone. What else was I supposed to do?

[invicto]

Stop being so nosy. I'm sure you can rein in your curiosity for a few minutes.

[ A jab as much as it was a challenge. Steve could be pretty impatient sometimes, but he should know better than anyone that the more he tried to get it out of James, the likelier the man was to not tell him anything.

He let out a faint snort at the apology, shrugging. ]

Forget about it. And if I'd really wanted to leave, then I would have. Nothing you could've done to stop me. [ Short of locking him up against his will, but that would've definitely ruined their relationship in the long run. ]

[compelledtoprotect]

[Steve liked pestering James, even though he knew the stubborn asshole would be less and less likely to tell him anything. It was fun. It was . . . friendly. There was more than just the lust there now, there was something a great deal deeper that he hoped they could keep building on. He grinned at James and flexed his fingers in the pocket, giving the man a nice stroke on one cheek.]


But I like asking you questions. And I might get annoying enough you give in. As for stopping you though, it seemed pretty effective when I laid on you. You couldn't shove me off. Or was it you just didn't want to? I was in a lot of pain . . .

[invicto]

[ James let out a surprised little hum when Steve squeezed his ass, actually letting out a faint chuckle at the touch. He was in a pretty good mood, though, and he was so happy about his gift that he couldn't even muster the energy to act like he didn't give a shit. ]

I didn't want to. If I wanted to, then I'd have just left.

[ Steve did let go of him at one point, after all. He could've just gotten to his feet and walked out the door, but he hadn't.

He led them to the lift and urged Steve inside. While in no particular rush, he still wanted to be alone with Steve right now. ]

[compelledtoprotect]

I know. Because you like the way I suck your dick.


[Steve had dipped his head and whispered in James' ear, just to tease. He was being very bad, but he was fairly sure James would enjoy it.

He chuckled and did as James indicated, following the man without any argument. Steve knew that day that James liked him, that he'd gotten under the man's skin despite a desire to stay separate. He'd also loved the touch of James's hands when so much pain was assailing him. Even though the man had been a bit of a mess over the incident, he'd dealt with Steve's whining and helplessness kindly. It might have been the moment he realized he was really falling in love.]

[invicto]

[ James huffed out a chuckle, swatting a hand at Steve's face. Brat. ]

Yes, absolutely. That was the only reason why I stayed.

[ At the time, anyway, James liked to tell himself that Steve was only that for him, a good time. Even after he saved him from the torture show, though that was when James really felt like there was something more to what they had.

The lift quickly took them to the top floor, and James led the way to his suite. He didn't lead them immediately into the room, instead walking up to the kitchenette to go through some cupboards. ]

Want something to drink?

[compelledtoprotect]

[He laughed softly again and reveled in the closeness while he had it. James wasn't someone who was used to emotional attachments, though he did wonder about what he and Jim shared. That relationship seemed oddly easy for James and Steve couldn't help being at least a little jealous over the apparent lack of struggle. Then again, it really wasn't his business. He'd ask one day, just because he did want to understand James completely, but only when they were more comfortable with their own emotions. Steve wasn't going to make the man a bone of contention for any reason.

When James asked him about a drink, detouring towards the kitchen instead of the bedroom, he snorted and took a reluctant path to the couch, settling down on it with a sigh. He was definitely being punished for his pestering, but Steve didn't really mind. James probably had his reasons and they likely went deeper than the obvious.]


Well, I'd prefer my present, but if you have scotch I'll join you. You're not trying to get me drunk to take advantage, are you? So I'll forget you said anything about gifts?


[He gave the man a come-hither look along with the teasing. After having all but confessed to being in love with James, Steve wasn't any less controlled by the lust that always seemed to flair between them. If anything, it seemed even more powerful, but he wasn't going to spoil whatever James had planned. At least not on purpose.]

[invicto]

[ James let out a chuckle, fetching a bottle of scotch and a couple of glasses before making his way over to the couch. ]

Calm down. Your present's not going anywhere, so just be a little patient. Where's the rush, hm?

[ He handed Steve one of the glasses, pouring a good amount of scotch into the glass. He helped himself too, then set the bottle down on the coffee table before he carefully straddled Steve's lap and sat there comfortably, lifting his glass for a wordless toast. ]

[compelledtoprotect]

[Steve took the glass and grinned widely as James settled on his lap. He set his drink aside in favor of pulling the man closer, both hands on James' ass as he sighed with pleasure. He loved having James on his lap. He loved having the man anywhere nearby, but on his lap as a favorite. Steve squeezed James' ass just a little, massaging the firm muscles lightly.]


Well, I don't get presents often. In fact, I can't remember the last one save the journal you gave me. And I can never predict what you might do James. You're fascinating as hell. Why shouldn't I be curious?


[He leaned in and pressed a light kiss to the man's throat, mumbling against skin. Steve didn't care if he never got a gift, he just enjoyed the teasing. And James. He'd happily just sit next to the man and sip scotch if that was what James really wanted, but the chance to worship the man was one he never turned down.]


You could always give me something else to focus on though. I'm flexible.

[invicto]

[ He let out a soft gasp when Steve grabbed his ass, letting out a soft chuckle. He wasn't the least bit surprised, though, the man really seemed to have a fixation with his ass. Not that James could honestly complain, could he. ]

Well, I can always go to my room now and fetch it...

[ The gift really wasn't that special. He hoped Steve wouldn't be too disappointed with it. He tried not to think much about it, though, instead sipping on his drink and humming softly at Steve's suggestion.

He rested an elbow on Steve's shoulder, leaning in to kiss his cheek. ] You know we don't have to have sex whenever we're together, right? We could just talk.

[ That was the kind of thing couples did, he was fairly sure. And after all there was so much about Steve he didn't know yet. He felt like he had the freedom to ask, now. ]