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penancememes2019-11-23 04:50 am
penancemods) wrote in penancememes2019-11-23 04:50 am
Entry tags:
TEST DRIVE MEME #8
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
The cold is still biting, but the heat is (mostly) working within the hotel and other establishments again. It's enough to take the chill off for the most part. Coats and extra blankets are being passed out to those who need them as well.
Unfortunately, the food shortage that begun a few days ago will continue on for a few more yet! All food will be rotting or covered in maggots and mold, so new and old arrivals alike should probably steer clear of it if they can. If asked, the staff will insist it was entirely unplanned. Totally. Honest.
It will let up before the month is over and then fresh food will more than return! In the meantime, guests are able to bargain for a morsel of food someone else might have hidden back that hasn't rotted or try some of the bizarre fruit sprouting up that ranges in looks from a Durian to Jackfruit.
Just be aware that eating them before they're ripe enough may result in severe nausea and other decidedly not fun issues. Get them when they're perfect though? Unlike their earth counterparts, the insides seem to range from the sweetest, most delicious fruit you've ever had to something that may appear to be human blood and guts to something oddly... pork tasting, and everything in between. Food's food though, right? Don't complain, just eat.
There's increased security around the stables where animals are kept around the hotel, just in case anyone decides to eat Lucifer's prized animals. That will be a firm no. For any guests with pets of their own, there will be small rations of non-spoiled food to feed them, but it has very little nutritional value to humans.
The theatre has also changed the movie lineup to now include: Christmas with the Kranks, The Ref, Jack Frost, Holiday in Handcuffs.
Go forth and enjoy the way the holidays even seem to invade Hell.
The hotel bar's jukebox also seems entirely overrun with horrible festive songs now, pushing holiday shenanigans off the playlist. Try to enjoy it while you get drunk! Or hope someone actually gets up to indulge in karaoke to drown it out. The music has seemed to put the demons in a rather sour mood if anyone bothers to listen to the complaints.
Prompt II
[One day, on the network, sinners will be greeted with Lucifer's face. He'll smile brightly from every phone or computer in Hell, before he speaks:]
I thought it may be fun to include an icebreaker of sorts... Get you lot mingling and bonding with each other before the loneliness eats you absolutely alive. I want there to be something to redeem after all... a shriveled husk of a person is hardly that.
[Lucifer seems to find his own joke amusing at least.]
So, here we go:
What pleasant memories help you through the tough times?
Or alternatively, what are some of your favorite hobbies to distract yourself with?
[Lucifer may not respond, but rest assured that he will eagerly be watching others share their answers and talk amongst themselves]
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
"I know after such a food shortage, all of you may be eager to overindulge and sate your hunger... or even hold food back, just in case. But this isn't the act of a good person. It isn't how someone who is truly selfless, as my Father desires all of us to be, would act. So I ask all of you to turn to whoever is nearest and simply share what you have. It doesn't necessarily have to be food, but it must be an item or act that will make their lives easier," Lucifer's voice rings out, sudden albeit encouraging and warm as always.
Sharing is caring, apparently. The request seems simple enough, doesn't it? Just share a bit of food or anything else that might seem useful to someone else and you'll have done your good deed for the day! Of course, should the guest ignore this request, they'll find their insides burning. It will grow steadily worse until it becomes unbearable. Nothing a guest drinks or eats to soothe it will help either. These feelings will persist a full night or until they cave and do as requested.
FOLLOW ME DOWN
Prompt I
Warnings: Alcohol and drug abuse, potential non-con/dub-con.
The club, as it turns out, isn't quite ready to give up its party from the previous month, but they have put a new twist on it. As before, once a sinner enters the establishment, they'll be greeted with almost entirely nude (to fully) incubi and succubi servers. Their trays are full of aphrodisiac-laced treats that show no rot, as well as drinks and drugs of all sorts. There are dancers and other performers enticing their audience to stay, and plenty of free stages for sinners to put on their own show. Sex machines, bondage equipment, or toys are freely available for these performances.
Poles, cages, and everything else one could want are also on offer.
But this particular party? It's a bit different. No one is allowed in unless they are appropriately dressed in lingerie. Don't worry if you came overdressed! The demons will helpfully provide it at the door and even offer a room for sinners to change in! If refused, entrance will be denied (forcefully, if necessary). If guests aren't sure what to put on, the staff will be more than happy to choose for them (again, with force if necessary)!
Tonight is about being daring! Never done drugs off someone else before? Now's your chance!
Never even been drunk? Well, just let the demons help take care of that.
It's also about experimentation with something new. This can be someone who is generally outside your usual preferences, an act you'd never considered in a thousand years, to anything else under the sun.
Guests may also know screens set up around the establishment, but oddly enough, they appear turned off for the moment. If asked, the staff assures they will be back as soon as a few kinks are worked out.
Prompt II
A fall festival seems to roll into town one day overnight, and it seems to be centered around the hell fruit that's springing up on lifeless, dead trees. It's bustling with demons of all sorts and will last one week.
There's a tempting wine that's been made out of the fruit that can vary in taste, but seems to be stronger than most other liquor available anywhere else. It tastes so good though... like the forbidden fruit it most certainly is.
While most will feel just drunk off it, others may find it harder and harder to resist. They may selfishly crave more and even develop a desire to hoard it back.
Much like the apple the serpent tempted Eve with, one may find it offers a certain... clarity into one's situation after they've had enough. Knowledge one may not have wanted, but cannot deny any longer.
Or perhaps it simply just makes others entirely too happy, or too horny, or any number of possible ways. Take a sip and find out where the wine leads you!
Other than that, a few vendors are peddling jams and pies made out of the fruits. There are also a few selling items from earth ranging from electronics to clothes to weapons, and anything in between. Some may be selling actual earth animals as well, mostly small ones kept as pets, but they'll insist they make the perfect meal. They even have areas ready to butcher and cook them right then and there for those who are interested in buying.
If sinners decide to save Fido or Mr. Floppy from their ill fates, they should make absolutely certain that they can care for them though. Pets aren't easy and the demons find them more delicious than endearing
There are a few games to play, as well, reminiscent of the earlier carnival. Darts, tests of strength, and even a dunk tank with a demon who yells embarrassing stuff at the guests that seems oddly knowledgeable. How did they know you wet the bed until five? Probably best to not question it.
Besides that, there's a ferris wheel that provides a nice view of your hellish surroundings (that may occasionally breakdown and trap unsuspecting sinners on it for a while). It could be the perfect place to go to get some alone time with that honey of yours though.
It may all seem like a relaxing thing after starving for so long, but those who linger may begin to feel a need to hoard items. Food, weapons, and anything else they can get their greedy little hands on. Perhaps it's still the starvation talking, but sinners may find themselves feeling almost too irritable if anyone tries to take what's theirs. Potentially, this could even extend to possessiveness over other people as well. Oh, well, hopefully sinners will manage to control all those pesky urges!
When the skies darken to what is probably night in Hell, there will be a special fireworks display taking place. They seem almost magic, taking shapes most people wouldn't think possible. One might see Lucifer's face up in the sky once or twice, drawn in brilliant flames. There are blankets to sit out and watch, plenty of wine or warm drinks to go around, and no end in sight.
MISC.
Thanks for joining us for our eighth test drive meme, sinners! Reserves are now open for the upcoming app round on December 1st
If you have questions, comments, suggestions, etc., go here.
Rules | Taken | Reserve | App
Network | Logs | OOC | Memes
no subject
She notices because Riza watches him grow. Has been watching him grow. She can't help it. One hand reaches for him, and hesitates. He's grown so much, and in the moment she feels like she's missed everything.]
You visited my apartment. Returning the handgun I'd lent you. [Riza pauses, running through the last few weeks in her head. It feels like ancient history, but knows it's not been anywhere near that long. It's not been long enough for Ed to now be a grown man. The hand that nearly brushed against his face falls, thoughtful.]
A few weeks, maybe. You were headed to Fort Briggs.
I'm so sorry this got obnoxiously long
A flicker of surprise flashes across his features when she goes to reach for him. Ed can see the conflict in her eyes, practically feel it in the air between them, but she's mourning a loss that doesn't exist. She doesn't ask and it's not the most natural place to interject it unprompted, so he doesn't point it out. There will be time later to explain how these places work and how she'll probably land back home to find him fifteen again like none of this ever happened, but he should probably make sure this place functions the same before getting into those details anyway.
He's never been to Hawkeye's apartment, he's never been to Briggs either. After all these years it should be easier to sort this out but it's harder, every time he has to do this, it chips away at him more. He catches the movement of her hand as it lowers once more, wondering idly how different his relationship with Hawkeye was from the one before him and the version of himself from her world.]
The kid.
[It's muttered more to himself than said to her because that must be who she's talking about. The younger version of him that he'd met, the one who had no idea about Sloth since he'd never created her. The one that would go to Fort Briggs and meet General Armstrong, dealing with a completely different Sloth, as the Major General had told him about all those years ago.]
Listen, this is going to sound crazy, but... That wasn't me.
[The good news is she didn't miss anything, and when or if she returns home there will be an Edward Elric there, of appropriate age who would know anything about this. The bad news is, he doesn't know how to explain that.]
It's hard to explain, and a little hard to believe, but if what you're saying is true we're from different worlds.
I usually write novel tags so no big deal!!
She considers him again, grown, hardened, and maybe different from the boy she knows. But he doesn't feel different, like a stranger. Riza can see the stubborn streak already. The analytical mind. The boy who was willing to sacrifice for a greater good.
He might be a different Ed, but he's still Ed.]
You're still Ed. [Her smile is bemused, warm.] Even if you aren't the same one I know from home, you will always be Edward.
A+
His posture shifts, visibly relaxing even just a hair with the faintest smile in response to her own.]
Yeah. Even if that's hard for me to believe, sometimes.
[His gaze shifts uncertainly, as if surprised to have admitted that out loud, turning back to the jukebox as he'd originally intended and starting to flip through the music selections idly, not really bothering to pay attention to them even as he does it. He's more interested in keeping his gaze averted, focusing on something else. When he speaks again, his tone is cautious, as if not exactly expecting an answer to his question or perhaps prepared not to like what he was about to hear, but she looks like hell so he has to ask it.]
What happened to you?
no subject
He fiddles with the jukebox, and she hesitates again, tempted to feel if he's real. To smooth a loose strand of blonde from his face. Ordinarily she's not so touchy; internally she chalks it up to being trapped in a place that was cheerfully calling itself Hell.
And he asks what's happened, and the free hand feels the scrape on her chin as she laughs, weakly.] It's that obvious?
The Fürher felt the Colonel was meddling in affairs he'd best stay out of. They reassigned us across Amestris to keep him in check. [She swirls the whiskey in her glass, considers the man before her, and sighs.]
It's strange relaying this to you, considering the Colonel told me your initial reaction was to say that I am the perfect hostage.
no subject
Then she explains and his back stiffens again, blood running cold. He didn't recall the Colonel mentioning that but maybe he had, Ed was admittedly distracted whenever they talked. He considers her words for a long moment before responding, the silence drawing out long enough that she might think he wasn't about to speak at all by the time he finally does, punching a selection into the jukebox as he answers.]
He's not wrong... Bradley would be smart enough to know that.
[It was weird, hearing that the kid had said something that was far more likely to come from him. He didn't exactly get that kind of feeling from him. The similarities and differences would probably never cease to unnerve him.
Belatedly, in answer to that question as he watches her swirl the glass, turning his back to the jukebox and leaning against it now that he was seemingly satisfied.]
I don't know that it's very obvious.
It's something I picked up, getting better at reading people. One thing these places have going for them... you can learn a lot of new skills.
[Survival kind of depends on it. He clears his throat, that not sounding quite so light-hearted in hindsight. Actually, the realization was creeping on him slowly, getting under his skin, not quite so calm and even-tempered. It was unreal to think about, in his world they had always been together, Ed didn't know it any other way.]
So he separated everyone, you must be under constant surveillance, I bet you're not getting any rest.
no subject
Something about her answer sets him on edge again, and she briefly wonders what it was. Belatedly, she realizes that it must be uncomfortable to learn about the life you are supposedly living in another world. It might be better to avoid referring to her Edward, and files this revelation away for later.]
Mmm. He is. [Smart enough to know who to best use against Mustang and how, she means. She takes a small sip of her drink, and when finished she watches the liquid in the glass swirl. She forces her smile, making every effort to sound lighthearted or at the least unconcerned.]
He did separate us. Even I'll admit that it's a strategically strong move. I'm on my own after hours. [That might be a lie, considering the threat of Pride watching from the shadows. Her eyes quickly flick to the dark corner of the room and calculates how far away from it the two stand. They're just barely within the radius of the dim light of the bar. Safe.] But I'll admit it's not easy to rest when the entire team's been scattered across the country.
[That, and knowing one wrong move could spell disaster. Further, who can ensure the Colonel doesn't do anything reckless? He's not always the most level-headed when left to his own devices, and they'd determined already that making contact was extraordinarily risky.]
New skills. [Riza tips her head, choosing instead to focus on his explanation. There's nothing she can do about what's happening at home from here--at best she can worry, drive herself mad with anxiety about what her absence might mean for her comrades. So learning more about the man before her is a much better way to pass the time.] You make it sound as if you've been here, or somewhere like it, before.
no subject
His eyebrows raise when she repeats his words and immediately he realizes his mistake. It wasn't that he didn't want her to know the truth of his history, but it was a lot to dump on someone within the first few minutes of meeting them.]
I have.
[Fleetingly, he considers pretending to look through the selection of music again. Just to give himself something else to focus on, prevent himself from being too aware of that scrutiny. His arms fold across his chest, gaze lowering as if there's an incredibly interesting spot on the floor nearby.]
Actually, I just arrived today, but it's not the first time, and it probably won't be the last. It's not so bad though, whether I stay here or not, I can't ever go back- I'm not really missing out on much.
no subject
She doesn't fault him for harboring concerns.]
You can't go back? [She can already sense that he's not comfortable with the topic with the way he's currently studying the most interesting spot on the floor he's ever seen. She considers pressing him on this, asking him what he means and why he couldn't go home, but ultimately decides against it.
Instead, she glances down at her drink and then back up at him.]
I'll take it you're old enough to have a drink now. [She pauses, just the hint of a mischievous smile on her lips.] Even if you are, considering we serve ourselves I think I could get you something.
[The smile turns on him in earnest.] It really is poor form to be drinking alone.
cw: vague mention of suicide
Guess it depends what old enough is here.
[It's more or less a joke, but not untrue. After seeing the legal drinking age anywhere from 14 to 21, really the rules could be anything in this place, but he'd wager he's old enough regardless. He grins back though, a little playful. Ed wouldn't serve himself, which will help cut back on his intake, but she was right that it's better not to drink alone.]
Sure, I'll have whatever you're having.
[He's not picky, even if he does have his preferences, and she appears to be drinking something that aligns with them at least. As for the question about not being able to go back? Ed doesn't actually know much about Riza's history or knowledge of alchemy, so he's not entirely sure it would make much sense even if he did tell her what happened. Still, he goes quiet for a moment, considers before speaking again.]
It's- hard to explain. In order to get Al back, I had to do something that trapped me in another world.
[It sounds crazy to put it like that but he wasn't about to tell her he'd killed himself for a number of reasons. It hadn't worked anyway, why bother bringing it up?]
no subject
[It's true, at least. She doesn't usually make use of her ability to look intimidating, certainly when there's no need for it. Regardless, it's not as if Edward hasn't seen how frightening she can look when the situation demands it.
The bar isn't crowded as she approaches, slipping behind it. As she takes a glass from the shelf and searches for the bottle of whiskey she'd used earlier, a chill runs down her back. Something about Ed's explanation is unsettling, and she's grateful that she's crouched behind the counter so he can't see the uncertainty in her eyes. She wonders what alchemical loophole the boy might have exploited and finds herself worrying, even if she doesn't want to.
They'd never had a chance to talk about her knowledge of alchemy before, and in truth she'd ordinarily not reveal it. Her ties to flame alchemy feel just as raw now as they'd been over a decade ago, and she can't imagine that any version of herself would ever risk revealing something so private. Still, if Ed tried to explain she'd probably grasp the very basics, at least.
She reemerges from behind the bar and hands him a glass, picking hers back up from the counter. Being hidden behind the bar gave her a moment to school her expression back to something neutral.] It's not too strong.
no subject
Ed takes the glass with a nod in thanks before quirking a brow at her words, still smiling faintly as golden eyes lower to the drink.]
You think I can't hold my alcohol? I've had some practice.
[His reckless behavior when given a drink might imply otherwise, but she hadn't exactly seen it yet.]
throws headcanon all over
[She taps her glass against his anyway and takes a small drink; at least this explains why she'd been sitting in a corner and nursing the same drink for some time, even before he came in. Her smile has turned something like embarrassed as she taps free fingers along the edge of the glass.] I never have, actually, even as a cadet. One night drinking during my Academy years was enough to prove that.
I don't drink often. [Riza shrugs, the smile falling slightly.] Usually only with the boys at work, after considerable encouragement.
headcanon totally accepted
It comes with practice. Guess I'm just used to everyone that give me a drink thinking they're introducing me to the stuff, I must give off a certain impression.
[If anyone had reason to expect he hadn't the experience, it would probably be the woman who was still adjusting to how many years he'd gained on her. He takes a sip from his own glass, mostly not wanting to her to see the unabashed way he'd taken to drinking things inappropriately in the past. That sort of thing was fine for Jason to witness, but Hawkeye? Not today. As for not drinking much?]
I don't either, not anymore anyway. A friend of mine liked to spend a little too much time at the bar, kind of lost the taste for it after that.
yes good
Oh, I've practiced. [Riza raises a brow, hiding her smirk behind her glass, though it doesn't conceal the laugh.] I doubt you've met Catalina, but she'll drink anyone under the table, up to and including Havoc. Every time we cross paths she's determined to try again. At least she shows up the next morning with water, aspirin, and an apology.
[A little brevity always lightens the mood.
If she thinks he's measuring his intake to spare her, she doesn't mention it. Instead, she nods slightly, mind wandering to the times Elizabeth had been called to the Madame's bar to pick up a very intoxicated Roy.] There are worse things to have no taste for.
no subject
Name's not familiar. Doesn't surprise me about Havoc, though.
[That wasn't unusual, he'd met enough people from what was probably her world to know how different they were. Those people probably existed somewhere in his own universe, but he'd never come across them during his time there. In Ed's experience he's the one offering something to take the edge off of a hangover, but that was typical of him - he never did anything half-assed, and that included managing the after-effects of pickling one's liver.]
I've actually given up drinking more times than I care to admit.
[That part was said with a laugh, it was true and a little unsettling put into that perspective but his friends weren't exactly the best influences in those other worlds. Hell, some of them (Greed) weren't even his friend. He took another sip of his drink with that as if to prevent himself from digging himself any deeper.]
no subject
[Riza's glass hangs from her fingers and she tilts her head, a small frown crossing her face. Talk about digging himself deep and deeper--the admission is enough to give her pause, and concern has worked its way into her gaze. Edward should know better. She's not that different from the version he knows, even if it's been years since they've talked in his memory.] If you'd said so, I wouldn't have offered. I apologize.
no subject
Don't know her.
[It's when Riza speaks again that he pauses, mentally backtracking to try to determine just what he'd said and realizing what she'd be referring to.]
It's not- like that. I'm just not much of a fan... Jason insisted on going to the bar, I wasn't really drinking before that- haven't really since. Hangovers aren't my idea of a good time.
[He didn't like to, because it was easier than he liked to get carried away, but he wasn't about to get wasted in Hawkeye's presence. She didn't need to know about that added baggage, anyway.]
Besides, if it was, it wouldn't be on anyone else to worry about what I'm doing.
I see you apped I am so excited <3 Just popped mine in now =D
I agree. Hangovers are far from a good time.
[She shrugs and takes a small sip of her drink, closing her eyes. Her arrival and the ensuing chaos has been exhausting, and learning that there are other worlds with other hers and other Eds only added to the mental fatigue.]
Just because it is your responsibility does not mean your friends wouldn't want to help, you know.
[A little ooc to tell you my plurk is
I did! I was on the fence but everyone's been so welcoming I just went for it
Yeah, I...
[He stops himself because he's getting the feeling that this Hawkeye is closer to her world's version of him than he was to her counterpart. It was obvious that they were going to have different perspectives of each other but it was as if she knew him on a more personal level and that wasn't something he was used to. He didn't imagine there was any world where the Hawkeye he knew would refer to his friends in this context as if it included her.]
I know.
[After a moment he seems to realize he'd forgotten all about his drink in their conversation about his supposed alcoholism. He takes another sip, glancing around the bar to get a feel for the room, crossing his arms over his chest in the same motion. They always seem to come from the same time-frame, and the implication that the Ed she knew was on the way to Briggs kind of confirmed it, but he asks anyway.]
Let me guess, it's 1914 or 15 back home for you.
(ooc: I sent you a request on discord!)
♡ also I had to look up a timeline for this y i k e s
Or maybe she's just getting old, and a biological clock was ticking (Rebecca warned about it all the time), and she felt a bit responsible for the boy's involvement in the state military.
It doesn't matter. Hawkeye has a soft spot for those boys. She probably always will.]
An educated guess, I presume. [She tips her glass to her lips, takes a small drink. Considers drinking enough for the inevitable hangover if only to be able to forget about this for a while.]
You're right, of course. It's November, 1914.
I'M SORRY
That aside, it would be weird to realize the way Hawkeye thinks about the boys, if only because of their shrinking age difference over the years. Clearly, it's not something she has adjusted to, but he'd had to with time.]
There's a pretty common theme, actually. I was originally taken around the same time, everyone else I've met has come from similar events. I don't remember anyone ever mentioning you all being separated though.
[Which meant that either they were from before her in the timeline, or just hadn't mentioned it. He wasn't sure at this point which of those scenarios seemed less likely.
His concern was more personal though, it continued to confirm over and over again that the longer this went on, the weirder the age discrepancies would get.]
At this rate, the next time I see Mustang I'll be older than him.
[Not a comforting thought.]
As stated, I keep forgetting that the bulk of FMA doesn't take place over a long period of time
It's certainly busy enough that pulling someone is more than a little nuisance.
[Ed pulls her attention back to him fully with his comment about being older than Mustang, and an eyebrow raises as she hides the barest wince behind her glass.]
I'm still trying to wrap my head around you being in your twenties when I saw your counterpart just a few weeks ago and he was in his teens. [She takes a sip, this one larger than the others if Ed happens to notice.] Let's...just hope that doesn't happen.
[For everyone's benefit, including Mustang's. She can't imagine he'd take kindly to being younger than Edward.]
Please never worry about any of that stuff! I didn't realize myself until a canon review last year
When isn't?
[He doesn't say out loud 'when you're trying to overthrow a government' but the thought is there. When, in their busy lives, would it ever be convenient to be plucked from whatever goal they were attempting to achieve? Years they'd been working toward what Mustang lost so much to obtain in his own world. He had no idea what he would lose in Hawkeyes, he'd never met anyone that came from much later than she was herself, right now.]
I don't envy the work you have ahead of you, even without knowing the details.
[Really, that's all he can say about it, but he notices the wince and can't help but feel it. It was almost as if he was watching his life pass him by, many worlds offered the compensation of being returned to the moment one was taken from but Zhautas had shaken his confidence in that scenario. The multiverse was a bigger thing than he ever realized. There were not only multiple worlds but multiple timelines within even one of those universes. He didn't think he'd ever make it back, and he didn't think any of this was going to get less awkward in the meantime.]
I'd have to know how old I actually am to ever make that claim.
[The longer pull of her drink does make him feel bad, he was used to people not taking this well but generally it was more gradual. The initial meeting pretending everything was fine and normal only to eventually fade into some complication or resentment over just how much time had been lost. Here was Hawkeye, of all people, staring at him in stunned silence and drinking a little faster when he brought attention to the weight between them.
He tosses back to the rest of his own drink, awkwardly turning the glass between his fingers just to have something else to do - a sensation to focus on - and tries not to think about it. Probably shouldn't have done that.]
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[She doesn't think about what might happen if she never finds her way back. This is supposed to be hell, after all. Maybe they're dead and they'll be going nowhere for the rest of eternity.
Riza won't let herself dwell on that thought.
She sees him knock back the remainder of his drink and the curious quirk of her lips she manages to hide behind her own glass. It is like talking with an entirely different person. He's enough like the teen she knows that there's no question they're the same, but at the same moment he's different enough and that makes the whole situation hard to reconcile.
Dwelling on it won't help either of them, though, so she tries not to and instead finishes what's left of the whiskey she's been nursing for the better part of an hour. It's warm from her hands.]
Now seems as appropriate a time as any to mention that age is just a number.
[And she knows this, having used the same adage herself when she'd joined up. A year here or there--nobody's really counting, right?]
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