penancememes | TEST DRIVE MEME #4

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TEST DRIVE MEME #4

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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Yeah? Hm. I could see that. Assuming he didn't bite your head off for suggesting it, might still be kinda sexy. Then again, I've always kinda had a thing for scars . . .

[The hand in James' hair dipped lower for a moment, stealing under his collar to brush loving fingers over a convenient scar. Scars had a lot more meanings than just the obvious and Steve treasured each and every one James had. One day, he'd know all the stories for them too. His hand trailed back to keep stroking James' hair, still smiling.

The confession made him go still. Oh god. That . . . that was the most . . . Steve started to laugh, silently, and wrapped both arms around James in case he tried to bolt. He wasn't laughing at James, honestly! It was just . . .]

Oh god. Oh James that's . . . that's the sweetest . . . And the sexiest . . .

[He buried his face in James' shoulder, still shaking with silent laughter. God Steve loved him. Every piece, even when it hurt, made James more real and the love for him that much deeper. He mumbled against the man's shirt, grinning helplessly. He had such a thing for glasses too. He'd always thought they were sexy, the way people often looked over the top of them, pulling them down just so . . . Steve's cheeks flushed at the visuals he was creating for himself, embarrassed and titillated and not really that repentant.]

I can't wait to see you in glasses. God, you'll be so sexy! And I'll remember. No berries of any kind, and no peaches. I won't make you anything with that in it. Do they give you hives? Do you go all itchy?

[It was the fact that the weaknesses made him so human that tickled Steve. He'd been the sickly kid in the corner, the one no one wanted. It was a miracle he never had worn glasses considering all his other failings. To be able to know such intimate details about James, things he'd be horrified by someone learning by mistake . . . Steve knew how lucky he was. He lifted his head, gentle amusement and love shining out of his eyes along with his beaming smile. He'd be more than happy to give James every secret he'd ever known just for that little glimpse of vulnerability. It was so precious.]

Thank you for that James. It means the world to me that you'd trust me with secrets. And you're not allowed to wear glasses in public. No one else should get to see my sexy James like that. Ever. Shit, I'm not sure I'll be able to keep my hands off you in glasses if my fantasies are anything like the reality . . .

[ James had to disagree, there. An eye patch would look more funny than it would sexy, at least on McCoy. Then again he'd always liked the scar the doctor sported, even if it was a souvenir of a horrible experience caused partly by him.

He lifted an eyebrow when Steve started laughing, not struggling against Steve's hold even if he didn't quite melt into it as easily as before. When Steve made it clear what he thought was so funny, he let out a groan, struggling weakly against the other man's hold. Not enough to push him away, just enough to show his displeasure. ]

Oh, for fuck's sake, Steve. It doesn't even matter that much, stop making a big deal out of it.

[ His gaze was thoroughly unimpressed when Steve pulled back and looked up at him. ]

Excuse me, I'm not allowed? I think you're getting your wires crossed, there. I'll wear my glasses wherever the hell I want. I have used them plenty here already, actually. What are you gonna do about that?

[ He couldn't help the goad, even if ultimately he'd do whatever the fuck he wanted. ]

[Because neither of them were serious about ending the embrace, James' struggles made it more like a very weak, brief, wrestling match, at least until Steve cheated. He grabbed the man and pinned him loosely on the couch, hover over James with a hungry look on his face. If the man had made any real attempt to leave, Steve would have let him go, and still would, but he didn't think that was the point.]

It matters to me. I want to know you James. As much as you're willing to give. Always, the little things and the big ones. I like that you have allergies and wear glasses, more than I think you'll ever understand. It makes you human, and special, and unique. And I love you all the more because of it. But if you really wanna know what I'll do about those glasses in public . . .

[Steve lowered his head until he was almost kissing the man, holding James' gaze, an absolute promise in his eyes. His voice was low and rough with emotion and his breath was hot against James' lips.]

I'll throw you against the nearest flat surface and fuck you raw.

[He kissed James, long and hungry, but it was just their mouths that touched, and his hands where they gently held James in place. It was a promise, but not any sort of demand, and the trace of humor in his tone hopefully conveyed that. Steve didn't think James would actually take him seriously about the use of the man's glasses. There was just a very real chance he'd do exactly as he said if he saw that sexy vision in public. Glasses were very sexy.]

[ James let out a soft sound of surprise when Steve moved them, unable to keep it in. Air was pushed out of his lungs in a huff as he was forced down on his back, but he couldn't honestly bring himself to struggle much at all. He did like having Steve looming over him, especially pinning him down to the couch like that, those hungry eyes practically devouring him.

He bit at his own lower lip, worrying the flesh for long enough that it reddened, parting his wet lips almost invitingly just as Steve leaned in, promising a kiss but not quite giving in at first. ]

Good-- [ It was pretty much all he managed before Steve claimed his lips in a hot, deep kiss. He moaned but the sound was muffled by the kiss, his lips parting eagerly, one leg curling around Steve's waist and pulling him down on top of him while he pushed back against Steve's tongue with his own. ]

[Steve settled down on James when then man's leg hooked around his waist and pulled. His arms slid around and under James and he gentled his kiss a little, making a happy sound against the man's mouth. Kissing on the couch where anyone could walk in might be a little risky, but damn if it wasn't ridiculously satisfying as well! Eventually Steve came up for air, dropping little kisses along the man's jaw before nuzzling James' temple.]

James. My beautiful James. You know I'm not serious about the glasses, right? I mean, I really do think you probably look like sex on legs in them, but I wouldn't actually try to stop you from wearing them . . .

[He kissed James' temple and let his mouth drift into the man's hair, enjoying the tickle of soft strands against his lips as he spoke. It felt good, just touching James, talking. They didn't have to be vicious or hurried, and they didn't have to stay strangers. They could build something real, and he couldn't find words to say how much that meant to him.]

[ Steve was always clingy, but he did hold James with care, so he didn't feel uncomfortable, even if he had to shift a bit so he didn't end up in an awkward angle when Steve wrapped his arms around his waist. He closed his eyes and sighed, tilting his head to further encourage the touch of Steve's lips, his own curling into a slow smile when Steve spoke again. ]

Yeah, I know. It's fine, I don't like wearing them in public anyway.

[ And it was unnecessary too, when he only needed them to read. The only thing it'd do was make him look weaker, more vulnerable, and he wouldn't want that.

He opened his eyes, brushing his fingers gently through Steve's hair, his voice a soft murmur. ]

I like that. When you call me beautiful.

You will wear 'em now and then for me though, won't you? If I ask really nice? You don't hafta wear anything else . . .

[Steve purred at the words and the touches, letting his lips ghost over the man's throat slowly. He loved James' throat. It was so lovely to kiss and suck and bite, though he was being very gentle at the moment.]

Beautiful. Wonderful. Magnificent. Stunning. And mine . . . God I love you James . . .

Nothing else? [ He lifted an eyebrow, then let out an amused snort. ] Yeah, course you'd like that, wouldn't you?

[ But he would, of course. Anything that Steve found irresistible he probably would do it, not just because he liked having the man at his mercy, but because he rather liked being able to make him happy in some way. Although admittedly, the sense of power it gave him was very satisfying. ]

I love it when you praise me, [ He confessed, letting his head fall back on the couch, baring his throat to Steve's mouth. Whether he deserved it or not, he didn't really care. What mattered was that Steve saw him that way. ]

Can you really blame me? You're gorgeous James. I love your body.

[And he did. The scars didn't disgust him, though he did sometimes get melancholy about what the man's life must be like back home to gain so many. They weren't all from heroic deeds, that much Steve was certain of. He knew a failed assassination attempt when he saw one.

His lips trailed up and down James' neck, slowly kissing and lightly sucking. It pleased them both, so why not?]

I like praising you. I like making you feel good. Seeing you smile makes me happy James. And hearing you moan makes me hard. Moan for me? I promise not to take advantage of you. Yet . . .

[Waiting on his own pleasure was a bit of a kink for Steve, though he'd never put it into words. Denial was incredibly arousing to him, and it also meant he could spend more time pleasuring his partner before he inevitably lost control. Stamina once he got going was still a work in progress. He was enjoying the sharing of history and honestly didn't want to stop talking. Steve just had a very big problem keeping his hands to himself, and James wasn't helping when he basked in the attention.]

[ None of the scars he had were from heroic deeds, actually. Well, maybe a couple he got while here, but for the most part they were the result of his own terrible actions, or attempts on his own life. But he didn't really talk about it, and Steve didn't often ask, which he honestly appreciated.

And right now Steve didn't seem too inclined to talk about his past, thankfully. James was content to just lie down on the couch with Steve's weight on him, touching and kissing each other and exchanging sweet nothings like a pair of lovestruck fools.

Sure helped forgetting about where they were, like they could get just a little slice of happiness while they were stuck here. ]

Well, I do like it when you're hard. But if you want me to moan, then you've gotta work for it.

[ His tone was teasing, his smile unusually soft. He ran his fingertips through Steve' hair, from temple to nape, and he tilted his head to nip lightly at Steve's lips and jaw. ]

[He purred as James' hands moved through his hair, settling a little more of his weight on the man simply because it felt good. Steve wasn't planning to lay on poor James completely though, he was much too heavy for that to be comfortable, but he liked the closeness. He craved it. Talking was wonderful, but the need to have that physical connection really won out.

Steve nuzzled James' jaw, not actually aiming for anything besides feeling good.]

Maybe later. I just wanna touch you at the moment. I like talking too. If I really try to make you moan, we won't do much talking. Then again, if you'd prefer to actions to words . . .

[Steve bit down on James' throat hard enough to leave a mark, shifting a little to bare his own neck, a smirk on his face. Options. He'd ceased asking himself whether the violence was moral or not. It worked for them, and he knew James had trouble accepting the gentler touches. And Steve liked getting a little damage himself, it was just a shame he healed up so much faster.]

[ James let out a quiet chuckle, gasping softly when Steve bit down on his throat. His fingers weaved into Steve's hair, holding him in place until he knew the marks of Steve's teeth would be left behind, and when Steve bared his neck for him next, James was quick to return the gesture.

When he pulled back, there was a perfect outline of his teeth on the side of Steve's neck. He hummed appreciatively, brushing a thumb over the rows of teeth marked onto the skin.

Then he looked up at Steve. ]

Let's move to my room. We'll be more comfortable there.

[The groan all but echoed as James mauled his neck and he shuddered against the man, getting hard almost instantly. He wasn't going to act on it of course, but he knew James would feel it. And god did he love the want the man looked up at him, possessive and hungry and just . . . It was everything he'd longed for on the island and it was heavenly.

Steve moved reluctantly, sliding off James and offering a hand and a grin. He reached up and touched the bite mark himself with reverent fingers, watching James.]

Does this mean I get a James blanket? Because that would be pretty amazing.

[ James smiled a little to himself, as always very pleased to find just how easy it was for him to get Steve hard. His legs squeezed tight around Steve's waist one more time, then he let them fall to the sides, allowing Steve to rise to his feet before following suit.

He didn't let go of Steve's hand even once they were both standing, head tilting to the side to allow Steve to touch the mark on his neck. ]

Maybe. I'll think about it. [ The idea sounded pretty perfect, though, and James dragged Steve to his room, closing the door behind them promptly. Steve's gift was in a bag by the corner of the room, but that could wait. ]

[Steve let himself be lead anywhere James wanted to go. Whether for good or ill, he trusted the man. With everything in him. He didn't think James would hurt him, really hurt him, on purpose. Even if the man never said the words, things like holding his hand and looking at him that way told him everything he needed to know.

He'd even rather forgotten about the gift. Sort of. Steve was proud of himself that he didn't start peering around in hopes of finding something either. Of course, the vision of James' ass was just as enthralling as usual, so it wasn't really that surprising he had a better thing to look at.]

I think you just like teasing me and making me beg. If I promise to pet you can I have my blanket? I think we'll both be able to enjoy that kind of arrangement.

[ He could practically feel Steve's eyes on his ass, and he swayed his hips just a little more, tempting Steve further with the sight. The man really had a fixation, didn't he? Well, not that James was about to complain, when Steve was so good at handling it, both with his hands, mouth and cock.

He tried to behave now, though, refraining from jumping Steve or tempting him further. He urged Steve to lie down on the bed, then crawled on top of him, lying down on him with their hips slotted against each other, settling his legs so he could have one of Steve's thighs between his own. ]

There. Now... you better pet me real good, Steve Rogers.

[ He chuckled, tipping his head down to kiss him on the lips slowly. ]

[He sighed with pleasure when the man put a little extra sway into his hips, smirking and giving James' hand a squeeze. He really couldn't be happier at the moment, and he laid back on the bed with complete docility, even managing not to snatch at the man to drag him into place. Steve groaned as James covered him, squirming around until he was completely comfortable, and very much a blanket.

Steve brought his hands up slowly, pushing them into James' hair before doing anything else. He leaned up into the kiss, taking his time to really taste and tease, slow, gentle movements of tongue, teeth and lips. No sense in rushing something they both enjoyed. His hands finally started to travel lower, pausing almost immediately to give a slow, thorough massage to James' nape and then his shoulders before continuing on. It was good they were both still clothed. He had plans for making use of that.]

I'll happily pet you forever James. Any time you want. It's one of my favorite pastimes . . .

[ James let out a soft purr against the kiss when he felt Steve's hands working at his nape and shoulders, muscles relaxing beneath the pressure. He shifted comfortably, making sure his body molded itself perfectly against Steve's. Not that it was that hard, considering how well they fit together physically. ]

Hope that doesn't mean I'm just a fun pastime for you. [ He murmured teasingly against Steve's lips, already knowing the answer but unable to help himself from poking some fun at Steve's expense anyway. ]

I like it. When you touch me, your hands all over my body... you're a greedy boy, Steve. [ He bit on his own lower lip with a grin, folding his leg a little and pressing it between Steve's legs intently. ] You're just lucky I'm so willing to let you have what you want.

Well, yes. But you're certainly a great deal more than just a pretty face and handsome body. I wouldn't love you if there wasn't a lot more there to appreciate than the surface.

[Steve's hands moved slowly down James' back and then up his sides, repeating the caresses over and over, at the moment still on the outside of James' clothes. He could wait to get his hungry hands under the man's shirt and on bare skin. He was teasing himself as much as his lover. Steve nuzzled James' throat and groaned softly as the man moved his leg, hips lifting beyond his ability to control for more contact. He was already hard after all, it wasn't like he ever got less aroused by being close!]

I am. I'm the greediest, luckiest man here to have you with me. To have you let me love you. It's a dream come true, did you know that James? Literally and figuratively. You're exactly what I want.

[ James knew Steve was hard already, of course, which was why he didn't even try to avoid teasing him further. Feeling Steve's erection pressing against his thigh felt really nice, and he let out a pleased little hum while Steve stroked along his back and nuzzled his throat.

But nothing made him quite as happy as hearing those words. He had never been exactly what anyone wanted. He had never wanted to be, either. He had only ever cared about himself, and frankly that had always worked out for him. It had kept him alive so far, for one.

And yet, right now... caring, or wanting love, didn't make him feel weak or vulnerable. Even as he felt his heart hammer away in his chest, he couldn't deny the intense wave of joy washing over him, and he buried his face against Steve's chest, closing his eyes as he tucked an arm tightly around Steve's waist. ]

You're just what I want, too.

[He froze for a moment at the man's words then sighed and let his hands move again. Steve's fingers inched under the man's shirt to stroke the small of James' back with his thumbs, just leaving his hands in place for the moment.]

I'm honored James. And incredibly happy that you said that. You didn't have to, but it . . . it means a lot.

[It means everything. He was fighting tears, muscles fluttering as he suppressed the urge to sob, and he knew James could feel it laying so close. But they were happy tears. As much as he'd loved, and always would love, Peggy, their time on the island had been a dream both knew could never last. It was different, so very different, from anything he'd ever felt for anyone else. Falling for Lucas, a man he knew he'd never have, had just been painful and unfortunate for them both. Falling for James was . . . about as close to heaven as he could imagine. It was everything he'd longed for, even if James never said the words he threw around happily. Actions were just as good in Steve's opinion.]

[ James let out a soft purr at the touch, keeping his face buried against Steve's shoulder. It was easier to ignore Steve's reaction when their eyes didn't meet, and he made it a point to not move an inch, staying right where he was, lying down on top of Steve's body. He could feel Steve fighting back his emotions as usual and nearly rolled his eyes. Luckily Steve said nothing, so he didn't feel the urge to regret what he'd said. ]

Think I might fall asleep on you, [ He murmured, letting out a sigh. His own hand slid down Steve's side, slipping underneath his touch, not really roaming so much as just settling against warm skin and staying right where it was. ]

[Steve knew that James didn't really feel comfortable with emotions, and he tried not to pepper the man with them, but sometimes he just had too much going on inside that he couldn't completely hide it. The fact that James just . . . let him deal with it, was amazing. Some people might see it as cruel, making him stay quiet, but that wasn't how Steve understood things. He didn't want to fall to pieces all the time, and he didn't want to make a friend uncomfortable either. If something was important enough to give voice to with James, he would, and he trusted the man would give him at least a little time to have his say and get a response. That was what he wanted. The freedom to choose what he did and didn't express. Not being poked at every instance of upset was nice!

And it wasn't as if the man wouldn't call him out if James felt the need. He'd done it before. Steve sighed once he was sure of himself and nuzzled James' temple lightly, pressing gentle kisses there.]

I'm good with that. I can do this for hours James. Happily. You take a nap if you want, I'm not gonna complain a bit.

[ Steve was a vocal person, James knew that. He knew that being this close to him would involve some outbursts of emotion, and some confessions that James might not be so comfortable with returning, whether or not he felt them too. But he appreciated that too, that Steve didn't just expect him to return the words, and he didn't ever pressure him to give an answer.

He closed his eyes with a soft sigh, relaxing further. He hadn't been tired exactly, but it felt so good being in Steve's warm embrace. His bed never felt this comfortable when he was alone. ]

Good. [ He murmured, already dozing off. He didn't bother telling Steve to stay, of course, because he knew the man wouldn't want to leave anyway. ]

[Even on a good day Steve didn't sleep all that much, his body requiring only a few hours to be fully rested, but he definitely had more bad days than good, especially when his bed was empty. The nightmares came then and usually pushed him into a corner to curl up, or stole the rest entirely. He was used to that and considered it just punishment for the things he'd done to those who's faces haunted him in the wee hours. Having James in his arms however, changed that.

He laid there as the man drifted off, a comforting blanket of humanity sprawled over his chest. Soon enough his own eyes grew heavy and he followed the man into a doze, fingers still stroking James gently, encouraging the man to relax and stay that way. He honestly couldn't think of a better way to spend his time.]

Edited 2019-09-29 14:13 (UTC)

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TEST DRIVE MEME #4

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Feels like an end XD