penancememes | TEST DRIVE MEME #5

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TEST DRIVE MEME #5

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

With the Mares leaving, the nightmares fade right along with them. Unfortunately, the hotel outside is looking rather worse for wear because of it. It's been pummeled, cracks in the siding and broken windows are everywhere. It looks much more befitting of the hellish landscape surrounding it, true, but Lucifer is already putting the demonic staff on repairs. They'll be enlisting the help of guests, whether they want to or not. Watch out when the whips and other punishments come out to play for those who seem to be slacking too hard.

The staff hardly has patience for it, whether the guests are feeling up to it or not. In truth, neither are the demons. Exhaustion is hanging heavy in the air for everyone.

But life must go on.

On the plus side, at least all the doorknobs and locks seem to be returning.

For current guests, they may now be dealing with a Frenzy come down and finding that they still itch for another fix. It won't be an easy ride. Withdrawals come with extreme fatigue, aches and pains, chills, depression, and an urge to potentially hurt yourself or others as agitation sets in. If asked for tips on dealing with it, the staff will tell the guests to just rest whenever they can, stay hydrated, and eat. The nausea that follows might make that difficult, but the staff seems to have very little time for sympathy at this point in time.

For new guests, they'll find things in quite a bit of disarray. Fortunately the demons are eager to hand out chores. They range from cleaning up broken glass and other items around the hotel, to removing boards from windows, to Hell beasts that need to be moved back from the basement to their enclosure just outside the hotel and helped to settle back in.

Anyone is free to visit any new beast friends they've made whenever they desire after this point. As a distraction, the hotel staff will even be offering riding lessons for larger beasts, both horse and canine-like ones.

Despite the push for normalcy though, there's a wariness in the air. Whether that's because of the recent bout with the Mares or the hushed whispers continuing on about the Veiled Order, it's uncertain. Something just feels off. Not to worry though, it's probably just paranoia creeping in. No one really wants to talk about it either way.

Every evening, once all the hard work is done, the staff seems to find the time to get a roaring fire going in the lobby fireplace and set up a buffet of food and drink for everyone to enjoy. There's every sort of food imaginable, and even some you wish you'd never seen. Spit-roasted dog, anyone? It's a delicacy here. There's also a lot of desserts of varying kinds from chocolates to ice cream to cakes and pies. Beer, coffee, sodas, and anything else people could want to drink is also on offer. There are even some specialty drinks for the vampiric guests around here.

There's entertainment as well. The demons are putting on makeshift plays and doing improv comedy routines, as well as dragging guests into the act if they seem interested. They'll ask them to perform tricks or act out Shakespearean scenes. For what it's worth, it does actually seem like everyone is trying to just have some fun. There's no harm in refusing to act anything out beyond some mostly good-natured booing and ribbing.

The succubi have also been given a room to set up for personal massages (with or without the happy ending). Massages are done in groups though, so you might want to rethink anything too frisky. If asked, the succubi will step aside and allow guests to massage each other instead, if that's more comfortable.

They're offering to help bathe and wash anyone who desires it for extra pampering, but most folks are understandably wary of the succubi and incubi around. No sexual play is actually being forced in these circumstances since, for once, the demons are well fed on sexual energy.

Oddly enough, the staff does seem to just genuinely want to do something refreshing. Although it's still probably clearly more for themselves than anyone else. Better enjoy it while it lasts though!

Prompt II

As another way to spoil (or distract) the guests a bit more, a new location has been brought to life!

Lucifer has insisted upon a movie theatre. It's located a short walk from the hotel. It's impossible to miss as the sign flickers and it's surrounded by a few very broken down, abandoned buildings still.

Outside, it looks like an old classic establishment from a time long since passed, but it has all the modern conveniences inside at least. From plush seats that recline and maybe get a bit too into giving a massage to all the treats you could ask for. So grab yourself some popcorn, a soda, hot dogs, or whatever else you want. There's also alcoholic beverages available for those who really need help getting through a movie.

Currently, the theatre is showing: Bedazzled, Manos: The Hands of Fate, Captain America (1990 version), Troll 2.

But there are request slips to be filled out by sinners if there's another movie they'd like to see when they rotate films around each month.

Located within the theatre is an arcade with zombie-themed shooter games, Pac-Man, motorcycle racing, and claw machines. There are also a few other gaming machines and one that's supposed to test romantic compatibility between couples. See if you're truly meant to be!

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

"Offering one another counsel is a trait God rather admires. Compassion, goodwill... all of that. He has requested a demonstration that all of you are complying with your redemption, so I thought of a rather interesting way to show him." Lucifer's voice rings out warm and almost affectionate as he speaks within the guests' heads, the sound ringing within their skulls and beckoning them to trust him.

Even as demons grab at guests and haul them into a room only to lock the door. As usual, the doors can't be opened through any means guests will be able to perform. At least the room is cozy looking, with a plush couch and chairs.

"I must say that I'm proud of all of you. What I ask, I have no doubt that you will accomplish. Please, both of you have a seat and discuss anything from a bad memory, a fear, or even a silly little phobia you may not be proud of. Listen to each other, help one another as I know you can."

That's right. Guests are expected to share a bit about themselves, whether it's a trauma or a past sin they feel guilty for. Maybe it's even something as simple as an irrational fear of spiders... as long as it's sincere, it counts. Guests must absolutely share something if they don't want to be punished. They'll also have to provide sympathy or counsel.

If no one speaks, there's always a catch. The longer one of the participants refuses to speak of anything real, or lies, the more a headache will start to set in. Guests will feel a slight throbbing in the temples that grows steadily worse until it's almost blinding. Gradually, blood will start oozing from eyes, nose, and ears.

All of it will stop the minute guests comply and play along.

It is possible to wait out the punishment if guests are willing to let each other suffer for it, but this will be considered a failed challenge and Lucifer will have to rethink all that pride he said he had.

FOLLOW ME DOWN

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

Those newly arrived to Hell will hear about a drug called Frenzy. The effects of which include the lack of a need to sleep for as long as one uses it, feeling like the best version of oneself, and feeling better than they possibly ever have. It may even get to the point where pain is minimized or even welcomed as a pleasurable experience.

The downsides of the drug include giving into a frenzy of one's basest instincts, whether it's lust or anger or anything else that they're naturally inclined towards.

This drug will be offered at the club outside the hotel, but the succubi who make it will demand payment up front this time. This can come in the form of keeping the club up and cleaned, serving guests, or performing on stage. It may also include sex with the demons or other patrons, or putting on solo performances for an audience. The succubi won't particularly care how willing guests are when they come to demand their payment and may force it.

Some will tell you that it's absolutely worth the price though, especially down in Hell where there's so much pain already. What's wrong with a little bit of escape, really? Others will tell you to stay far away from it all.

Of course the demons fail to mention it has the potential to be addictive, but users will probably figure that out on their own once they've come down. It isn't their fault if no one did their research!

Beyond Frenzy, the club also offers a variety of drinks and aphrodisiac-laced foods. There are poles for dancing, plush couches throughout as well as more private tables. There are stages where sex machines are set up, as well as other areas to tie up volunteers or to set up any other type of play imaginable. There are private rooms that can be rented out for the night for those who really want to explore their desires.

Attractive succubi and incubi roam the club as staff or active participants. Some will become more forceful if they're hungry, others will gladly offer any sort of temptations they can.

Careful if you ever see through a their pretty illusion and see the old, angry crones they really are though. It's a bit hard to forget that.

Regular demons also frequent the club, ranging in looks from tiny, mischief-making goblins to goat-like beasts to more humanoid types. There may even be tentacled-beasts who may not be the best at conversation, but will be eager to participate any play they're invited to.

There's a dance floor and loud music pumping through the club in a dedicated space for those who'd rather just dance the night away safely detached from the sexual side of things. All manner of drugs will be offered for those who ask staff, not just Frenzy.

Prompt II
Warnings: Potential violence and abuse.

There are hooded figures making their way through the hotel, but it's oddly hard to focus on them. The more guests try, the more their attention wants to drift to anything else.

For those magically inclined, they may notice the hint of a spell or black magic, but it's just as easily forgotten as everything else.

Guests won't even notice when the figure brushes against them, a skeletal hand adorned with gold brushing over any exposed skin they can reach with a whisper light touch.

It's an encounter that's so easily written off as guests continue on with their day, it really isn't worth mentioning at all later.

But ever since it happened, it feels like there's a poison that's entered the guest's system, twisting around their insides until they feel almost hollowed out. It's a whisper in the ear, inspiring envious feelings towards their fellow guests and the local demons that may never have been there before.

Why do they have it so easy? Why do they have fewer sins and why do more people love them than they do you? Why are you so unimportant to them? Why does everything come so easily to them when you have to work so hard for it?

Envy doesn't have to make any rational sense at all. It can happen at the most inopportune times and leave one feeling like they're burning up from the inside at the injustice of it all.

Even if it's someone a guest generally likes or gets along with, they'll feel this nasty little sensation creeping in.

Rage replaces the envy eventually. The anger starts to become overwhelming. After all, you're the one who is truly worthy of all the attention, all the adoration, all the things they've got. Other people are merely foolish for not realizing it.

Or perhaps it's not even envy at what the other guy has. Perhaps it's because the guest craves all the attention and all the affection of this other person. The guest may never have sought love or possession before, but suddenly it's all they seem to crave from this one person. They'll do anything to have it or to become as close to one person as possible.

Doesn't it eventually just make you want to hurt them for it all? Whether verbally or physically, guests will be drawn to action, or even force if they must. They will desire to either claim what they want or make the other admit to never having deserved it.

Alternatively, guests may also be reduced to begging to be noticed by the object of their envy, desperate enough to do anything to get what they feel is rightfully theirs.

This influence will be hard to fight off, but stronger guests will be able to fend off the envious effects of the mysterious demons. Others won't be so lucky.

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

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

If you have questions, comments, suggestions, etc., go here.

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[Well, the last time Peter had seen Steve was at that one funeral, and it's been about eight months since then sooo. Things are just a little weird for Peter right now. Not the weirdest they've ever been (somehow), but still weird.

Peter perks up a bit while Steve's talking, because this is something he can definitely roll with.]

No no no, wait, that actually sounds totally legit! This isn't even the first time I've been stuck in a place like this! I mean, the last place was less Hell themed, but uh. Yeah, it was uh, it was back before like, the whole Thanos thing got uh, un-did. Like, I was dead for a while, but I wasn't actually dead the whole time because I was stuck on a totally different planet, probably in a totally different universe. And like, I just remembered all this when I got here and it's still kind of blowing my mind, but this all totally makes sense now!

[Yeah he's already COMPLETELY forgotten about Steve asking him to talk slowly, SORRY BUD.]

[A slow smile spread over Steve's face as Peter got excited and started jabbering at him, and he relaxed a little. He'd missed the kid. He'd also guessed right about where in time Peter fell. Sort of anyway. It sounded like maybe he was from closer to when Tony left home, but that was alright. If Peter had seen . . . that, he'd be glad to see his mentor again. Alive and mostly alright. Somewhat. Not that Steve had all the details. He was still years behind Thanos and the eventual defeat.

But that could wait.]

Same here. I'm from a lot farther back than you are though. I left Earth and ended up on an alien island for a while before I woke up here, and I think it really messed with how time flows everywhere else. Somehow everyone I meet from home is from what, for me, is the future. But that's a different conversation. Right now I'm trying to answer your questions about the here and now. And don't be shy, just ask what you need to know.

[Oooh Steve you sweet summer child.

But yeah, Peter is totally following all of this. He'd seen evidence of wacky... time shenanigans back in the last weird place he was stuck, he'd seen evidence of alternate universes there too (running into an older, taller version of himself from an alternate universe had been pretty jarring, but he can roll with that). But now was time for questions, and only one was really eating at him right now.]

You-- you said it was more than just you here?

[Implying that there were other people from back home stuck in Hell. Or, "Hell". Either way, the implications are unpleasant.]

[Steve nodded. He could tell from Peter's face the name he wanted to hear and he didn't make the kid wait. That would be too cruel. Steve had missed Tony too while he was on the island. He'd had a big, Stark-shaped hole in his life and it was good to have the man back, even if he wasn't really . . . well. Then again, how could anyone be much more than vaguely functional when they thought they were dead and betraying their family at every moment?

Thankfully Steve understood that, and he did what he could to try and help, it just never felt like enough.]

Tony's here. Natasha, Thor, Loki. Clint. That's Thor's room over there. Happy coincidence.

[Steve pointed at a door across the way. He'd been Thor's roommate since they arrived and there hadn't seemed any reason to ask for someone different when they moved to a nicer arrangement. For the most part the man didn't leave too big a mess, and he didn't end up in Steve's bed unannounced like one of their other roommates. Thor also didn't smoke, which was an excellent recommendation in Steve's book. Spike was a chimney.]

[See Peter's in kind of a weird place where he can't actually decide how to feel about Tony being here. I mean, it sucks that any of them are here, but y'know. It's kind of jarring finding out that you can see the guy that literally died right in front of you, especially after you'd gotten yourself all psyched up to pick up where he'd left off.

Peter doesn't really reply right away. Once again, he suddenly finds himself with a lot to think over. His eyes follow where Steve's pointing, but his mind is like a million miles away. He's kind of half covering his mouth while he wraps his brain around some things, but he does kind of manage a reply eventually. It's noting too remarkable.]

Shit.

[That's about all he's got. He doesn't usually swear quite so frequently, but shit.

And hey, remember how shitty he'd looked when you first ran into him, Steve? Yeah he looks like he might toss all over your floor. SORRY.]

H-how... how long have you guys all been here?

[Again, he just didn't have the heart to complain about language.Steve knew how disorienting on all levels news like that was and Peter was hardly old enough to be equipped to deal with it, no matter what he'd already been through. He wasn't really equipped to deal with it! Steve just sat there, content to wait until Peter could process everything, at least in the short term. It would take the kid a long time to work through everything, but he'd be there if Peter needed him.

When the kid finally spoke, Steve leaned in and patted Peter's knee, which seemed the safest place to touch at the moment. He didn't want the boy feeling completely adrift, and a physical connection would help with that, wouldn't it? It helped him . . .]

Hey, it's a lot to take in. We've got time. And most of us have been here a while. Months at least, according to the way this place keeps time. Clint is new though. He just got here. But the rest of us, we've been here a while.

[Nothing's really helping Peter not feel adrift, but the contact a least is enough to reassure him that he was not, in fact, just straight up tripping balls.

He nods slowly like, yes, it's a lot to take in. He's doing his best, though. See, he's not even freaking out all over the place. All of his freaking out is internal, but it totally counts. Peter fidgets with his empty water glass before finally setting it aside and crossing his arms.]

Okay, that's... that's a thing. Um, you uh, you said you're from like, a different time. Like, earlier. Has anyone else gotten you like, caught up on everything that's happened?

[He really hopes so because boy howdy he does not want to have to be the one to break this stuff down.]

[He winced and slumped into the couch cushions, patting the kid's knee again absently. If that wasn't one of the more awkward questions Peter could have asked, he'd eat his shoe. Which he'd done more than once back in the war and during the Depression, and it had tasted awful.]

It's ok kid. That's not your place Peter. And I've gotten a lot of it from a few different sources. I think I know the important bits. Like how you helped us out. That's still impressive as hell kid. Not everyone can go toe-to-toe with legends.

[Steve gave the kid a smile, trying to make him feel a little better. It was impressive. Peter was an impressive kid, and still a kid! It blew him away that someone so young managed to deal with stuff that gave him nightmares.]

[One of Peter's powers is the ability to make shit awkward in any given situation. It's not his favorite power, but he's grown to accept it.

He can't help but grin a little. It's not every day that Captain America himself starts tossing praise at you. Peter's inner fanboy is losing it's mind right now, but he's mellowed out a bit since that thing in Germany. And also this whole Hell business is kind of a buzzkill in general.]

That's not quite the important bits that I had in mind, but uh, thanks? I- I kinda meant more in a way that like, I don't wanna say something like "Oh man I can't believe so-and-so did this thing" and then you be here like "Whaaaat nobody told me that" and then things get weird. Or, y'know, weirder.

[As long as Steve already knows all the bad news. Peter definitely doesn't want to be the one to have to break that kind of stuff to anyone.]

I think I know the major highlights Peter, really. It's ok. I promise if you say something that startles me, I won't ask you for details. I'll bother Thor and Tony for that if it's important enough. One of them'll know the answers.

[What else could he say? The idea of grilling a child about a battle made him sick. And he still wasn't sure why in god's name Tony had ever brought Peter into things. He didn't discount the kid's skills or power, but he sure as hell didn't like the idea of forcing that kind of trauma on someone so young. Kids in the current day back home were so protected and coddled. In some ways that was a luxury his generation hadn't been able to afford, but Steve liked the idea of kids being allowed that innocence a little longer. Kids should be kids as long as possible.]

[Meanwhile Peter's over here going "I'm an Avenger now doing my own Avengers jobs, that totally makes me an adult", which eh. If you're old enough to fight Thanos, you're old enough to call yourself an honorary adult I guess. At least that's what Peter thinks. With the adult-ness comes extra responsibility, and that's something else he's gotten used to. He's probably not going to appreciate everyone treating him like a kid again, but he'll cross that bridge when he comes to it.]

I-- honestly, I'm fine if you do ask me about it? Like, the offer's still there, but that works too.

[Steve gave Peter a long, measuring look. The kid seemed to be doing a lot better, which was good. Peter was adjusting a lot faster than he had on the island, at least on the surface. Kid really was impressive as hell. He sighed and reached out, running absent fingers through the boy's hair briefly.]

I'll remember the offer Peter, I promise. I might even take you up on it. But there's no reason to make you rehash any of that right now. Right now, we can just . . . just talk. Or sit quietly. Are you hungry? Thirsty? I have food . . .

[Peter is surprisingly good at adapting to weird bullshit. Thank his time in Hadriel for that. Of course it had always helped to have other people to focus on. when he was left to stew in his own thoughts, his mind didn't always end up in the nicest of places.

He takes a second to lean away a bit and run his own fingers through his hair to put it back into place.]

I will never say "no" to food. Like honestly, I can't even remember when the last time I ate was.

[He watched the kid fix his hair with a slight smile and made a mental note to ruffle it often. It was essential to tease people he cared about. Steve chuckled and pushed off the couch, heading for the fridge.]

So, you want leftovers, or should I cook something fresh? I don't mind either way. Nothing sits around here for more than a day without someone eating it. You have any favorites? If it's in my skill set, I'm game to try.

[Ruffle his hair one more time, Rogers, I dare you ~~obviously ruffle it every day~~]

If it's food, it's already my favorite. Leftovers are perfectly fine, I could literally eat anything right now.

Fair enough. We'll start you with leftovers while I make some grilled cheese. That sound good? I've gotten pretty good at it.

[Steve had gotten a lot of practice cooking up that particular dish. It was fast and easy and pretty much everyone seemed to like it. It was good comfort food and he set about assembling the ingredients as he popped a bowl into the microwave. In no time it was heated and he carried it over to Peter with a fork and a smile.]

Here. Steak and roasted potatoes. They didn't come out too bad this time. Still a little too much spice though I think. Thirsty? I mostly have water.

Oh yeah, that sounds awesome.

[Dude that sounds fantastic, everybody likes grilled cheese. Peter dives right into this steak and potatoes before Steve's finished talking, and takes a second to answer since now his face is full of food.]

Mn, yeah, water's perfect. You are literally the best right now, thank you.

[He chuckled and watched the kid inhale the food. God he loved Peters! Steve got the kid a drink and set it on the coffee table, going back to the stove to cook up some sandwiches. In no time he brought over a steaming plate and another two glasses of water, settling on the couch next to Peter again.

Steve pushed the plate toward boy and sat back with a sandwich of his own, grinning.]

Eat as much as you want, I can always make more. I've gotten into the habit of keeping supplies on hand. You're not the only teen to come visiting.

[By the time Steve gets back with the sandwiches, the steak and potatoes are just gone. RIP steak and potatoes, you will be missed. But not for long because Peter is totally grabbing one of those sandwiches.]

Are there a lot of people my age around? Like, whether or not this actually is Hell, it's really screwed up that they'd bring kids here.

[His smile slipped just a bit at that observation. That was, by far, the worst thing about both the island and the hotel. Children should never have to suffer that way. Steve didn't touch Peter again, but it was a struggle. He knew the kid probably didn't need his reassurances and hugs, but damned if he didn't want to give them!]

Yeah. There's a few at least. You. Setsuna. Shion. I'm sure there are others. But you can always come to me Peter. Anything you need, ok? Don't even think about hesitating.

[reassurances and hugs are nice and all, but right now all Peter needs is this fantastic grilled cheese sandwich. And the second one that he grabs right after finishing the first. He's probably going to come over for grilled cheese at least once a week from now on, just sayin'.]

And hey, man, that goes both ways. If there's anything at all I can do for you, hit me up. Helping people's my job, y'know. I've gotten pretty good at it.

Yeah? I still don't have the full story on just what happened with you kiddo. How did you get involved with Tony? And the heroing?

[He knew some of the details, like Peter had been bitten by a spider and Tony had provided him a suit and told him . . . stuff? The other Peters had been pretty vague when he questioned them, and there was also the little issue of different timelines. It was also always best to get the story straight from the horse's mouth when you could.

Steve pushed the plate of sandwiches closer to Peter with a grin, happy to feed the world if it made people happy.]

If you don't mind me prying. You can always tell me to just shove off.

[Peter can't help but chuckle, just. That whole first meeting with Tony had been probably one of the weirdest days of his life. He refrains from taking another sandwich just yet. Let him finish this one first and maybe he'll see how hungry he is after.]

Nah, I don't mind. It's uh... Okay, so, the spider thing happened first. I got bit by this spider, I got some crazy powers. Once I stopped panicking about them I figured 'hey, I can really help people with this', right? So I did. I-- god, I made this really crappy costume out of like, a sweatsuit, and I invented this web stuff and built some goggles because my eyes were all jacked up from the spider thing, and I just started helpin' people, y'know? Eventually people started recording it and putting me on Youtube, and I guess that's where Tony first saw me? Don't ask me how, but he found out who I was and where I lived, and uh, he decided to come recruit me to come help kick your ass. I stole your shield, it was awesome.

[He's going to be riding that high until the day he dies. Again. GOD it was cool.]

[The rush of words washed over him and Steve just smiled. He'd desperately missed the kid's enthusiasm and breathless way of speaking. And the total candor Peter spoke with. The kid just didn't seem capable of lying, or inclined to try. It was so . . . refreshing.

It took him a while to figure out all of what Peter had said, however. The kid talked so fast and that was a lot of information!]

So let me get this straight. You're a genius who managed to get bit by a spider. That bite gave you powers, like super strength and . . . other stuff? You decided to be a superhero after inventing a ton of neat toys to help you out and Tony saw you saving the city. He decided to recruit you to fight me? Why did he want you to fight me? Why did you say yes? How did you steal my shield? And don't say ass. You've spent too much time with Tony Peter, you're swearing.

[A lot of questions on his side, but there wasn't any heat behind them, or the rebuke about language. Steve was just curious as hell. He'd heard a little about the "civil war" that he and Tony had, but he wasn't entirely certain how accurate that information had been. It just seemed so . . . sad. That they'd fight so viciously they made friends choose sides and destroyed everything they'd built to that point. Hadn't anyone tried to stop them?]

[Peter is actually terrible at lying, it's a wonder he was able to keep his identity a secret at all.

He gives Steve kind of an odd look. "Ass" is barely a swear word, okay, GOSH.]

Super strength, a sixth sense, and I can stick to things. Like, walls, ceilings, pretty much anything. Uh, I dunno, man, Tony just told me that you'd gone crazy, I didn't really get many details. I figured he wanted my help because I have all these crazy powers, I said yes because it... sounded cool? I dunno, I guess I was just excited that Iron Man himself had come to me for help, hadn't really thought to ask a lot of questions. Aaaand, I stole your shield with my webs. I mean, it helped that you were distracted. You took it back and I think you smacked me with it?

[SHRUG, he'd gotten hit in the head a lot, man, his memory's a little fuzzy on the details.]

I can't promise that I'm not gonna say "ass" a few times. Just... just sayin'.

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