TEST DRIVE MEME #8

[penancemods]

ARRIVAL

You remember a dream.

Or maybe nightmare is more accurate.

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

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

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

And so you do.


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

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

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

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



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

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

STAND YOUR GROUND

Prompt I

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.


Navigation | Premise | Arrival | FAQ
Rules | Taken | Reserve | App
Network | Logs | OOC | Memes

code bases by tricklet

Comments

[unpocoloco]

Dios, it's nervewracking to watch. He doesn't know what he'd do, constantly hoisting about such a heavy, painful, delicate thing attached to himself. He holds his breath a little, watching.

(But it's safe to say he'd be against the hacksaw plan. That's simply a bad plan.)

Safely settled, both as far as their wings and the both of them not falling out, he can breathe easier. He leans Nekane's way,if not into them.

"Can't say I do either. This isn't a magic future thing? Making shapes?" He brightens then. "Look! There's a guitar! And I think that one's a skull! It's almost like cloudwatching."

[opheliaafterdeath]

"Sure, some people probably fucking do." They shrug. "It's just...apathy."

Their's is a world where technology and magic advanced everything to the point no one was left wanting anything. If humanity was on the brink of destruction when the supernatural ran the show, it still was now because while the tech and magic marched on, humans didn't.

But Nekane leans into Héctor and watches what he points out.

"Stars. Moons. Don't know why people say cloud watching is a waste of fucking time."

It's one of the many things Nekane used to keep themself awake. But it was a nice way to pass the time when books couldn't anymore.

[unpocoloco]

His smile slips into something sadder. The closeness brings it back, a contented hum with it, but that feeling before comes creeping back.

"You're not like that," He says. "You're quieter, but you notice things. You wouldn't miss... a better note in a song or how the sky is more colors than blue." There's a soft noise, a bit of amusement at a personal joke, a bit of wistfulness.

"The trouble is, people think they have time. Tomorrow they'll live. Tomorrow, not today, when you're so busy and time goes so fast. They get distracted. Money and things." His mouth presses. "But it could also just be that they feel asleep. Like they're waiting for something to wake them up. They wait for someone else to show the lights in the sky. Maybe one day they'll realize. Then you go out, charting the stars, and there's someone else trying to chart them too."

His smile has climbed back. He leans into their side and looks on explosions of color and light. No stars here, but still something.

"Some people are still just learning how to be."

[opheliaafterdeath]

It's hard for Nekane to not notice things. They were made to see and remember, although it didn't turn out the way the cult wanted. Not that they were particularly broken up that said cult didn't get their way. Not completely.

"Wouldn't be a detective if no one went looking for stars." John had helped them let go of their hatred of humanity but they didn't have to become one. Nekane went into it to find a way to bring down the Aegle Family but they could tunnel vision on that if they wanted. If they believed that there was nothing left worth helping.

But here they are.

"Ain't gonna be around to see it." They'll outlive everyone they know but not the world itself. "But it'll be worth it to see, one day."

Nekane fiddles with their gloves before asking, "Can I hold your hand?"

Steps. One at a time.

[unpocoloco]

Here they are, saying things that fill him with as much hope as it hurts. They were good at that.

Ain't gonna be around to see it. That made two of them, didn't it? Albeit in very different ways.

The fiddling is sweet. It tugs at his heart before their request does. He lifts a hand opening it for them to take.

"Yes," He says. The moment their hand is in his, his fingers curl around.

There's a pause, and then he adds, "You know, this is kind of like looking at stars. It's similar. Maybe they'll even think of us, the ones who come after our time."

[opheliaafterdeath]

They take the offered hand and gently squeeze it. This is...it's quiet, technically. The voices of their own paranoia is not scratching at the back of their skull. A little world of their own.

Fireworks aside. But that's fine.

"It really is. And who knows? People's memories are what they are. I can't forget shit and you'll be remembered by the people you meet here, and your family."

Even if he's gone in his world. Even if neither of them find out what happened to Héctor...well, if they can go to his world they'll find it out. All of it.

[unpocoloco]

The squeeze to his hand feels like a squeeze to his heart. The explosions of the fireworks are loud but, it's true, this does feel quiet.

His throat feels tight. He hasn't fully processed it yet. Where before the worst case scenario was death, now it's the revelation that his family might not know it.

Might not ever.

But he's got to have hope. He loves them. Surely they know that. He shakes his head of that, careful not to disturb Nekane in the process. No sense dwelling on what he can't know. Best to focus on what he does.

"Thank you," He says, meaning it with all his heart. Even as he ruefully adds, "Never thought I'd find comfort being remembered in Hell." There's a note of amusement in his voice. "But it really is a nice thought."

[opheliaafterdeath]

"Yeah."

They leave it at that. Nekane knows it's a sore spot, a wound that the discovery of his friend's betrayal that'll probably never completely heal. Héctor's the kind of guy who's free with what he feels and they don't doubt that he loved his friend. On top of being in Hell, being killed by someone and dealing with Nekane's issues...

It's a lot.

The fireworks continue, evidently whoever's setting them off is really getting into it. Nekane feels themself relaxing slowly as time passes. They've gone for far too long without sleep and it's finally catching up to them again. Damn it.

Which is why they sound half-asleep when they speak again. "Can I...kiss you? Or fucking try to."

[unpocoloco]

It's not silent, but there's a peace here. More than once now, he's found himself falling asleep at Nekane's side. Once, taking shelter from the cold, again when... on that night he wishes he remembered less. Then after Nekane came climbing through his window to see if he was alright (he wasn't). He sleeps better when he's not alone, and even more so with them.

But it's never the other way around. He knows they hate it, but they need it, and it's a relief to see. It's enough to make him smile more, to hold their hand tight and just stay still, watching the show and watching them. He's already decided to stay for as long as they need.

Which makes the sudden question even more surprising. He blinks at them, nearly straightening up. He doesn't mean to make them wait, to make them think he's hesitating, but he can't help it. He's not sure he was really expecting that... ever.

His face heats a little. His heart picks up (And steady old guilt gnaws). He wants to ask if they're sure but can't. He pushes what's barely above a whisper.

"...You can."

[opheliaafterdeath]

For a moment they think he's going to say no. And that'd be fine. It took them being half asleep to actually ask. Somewhat unaware of what they're asking. They -

Breath out when he says they can. Didn't realize they were holding their breath in the first place. Was that okay too? They don't know.

Nekane shakes themself a little more awake before reaching up with their free hand to cradle his face, pull him a little closer so they can lean forward to press an inexperienced kiss to his cheek. It's the best they can work themself up to for now.

They stay there for a little while before leaning back, moving to rest back against Héctor and close their eyes for a moment. Keeping what happened in their head, something against the nightmares of their memories.

"...thanks." They say eventually. They're a little red but it's worth it.

[unpocoloco]

The little breath out does that thing where it pulls a smile and makes him ache. It's sweet. This is sweet. Even if the reasons for it aren't sweet at all.

He waits for them to move this time, rather than meeting partway. Their hand comes up to their face he leans into it, eyes closing. That alone feels nice, but he keeps his eyes closed because he wants to feel it.

Such a simple thing, the press of lips to a cheek. But he notices the warmth, the care, how long they linger, them. Knowing it's them, not someone else, knowing they wanted to do this. The things it does to his heart.

Only when they pull away do his eyes open again. They settle back. He laughs, soft and breathy.

"You don't have to thank me. That was nice in itself," He says. Then, "I'd like to hold you a bit. May I?" He gives a pause, waiting for a protest or otherwise and, if given the go-ahead, starts to bring an arm around them, keeping them close as they rest. Without is a soft okay and going back to leaning.

[opheliaafterdeath]

"I know. Fucking felt like it."

Kissing and saying thank you. They don't do either often. While they have said thanks here and there because Hell is Hell, Héctor is the only one they've been consistent with.

Consistency with someone that isn't John. What a thought.

The given pause lets them think and Nekane is grateful for it. It means they don't have to make a snap decision. They can get out of it without worrying about much beyond the damn ride just breaking.

"...yeah, that's fine." Nekane bends their wings a little so Héctor can get his arm around them more easily.

It's quiet and he's warm and safe. The fireworks don't look like it's going to stop any time soon but they're not surprised. Sleep is pulling at the edge of their conciousness and they grumble.

"Don't want to sleep." Nekane knows they sound like a stubborn child. But they have more then just a fear of the dark being the reason why they didn't want to.

[unpocoloco]

He hums softly, amused. Well, if they felt like it, that's fine then, he thinks.

He brings his arm around and tucks them close, happier for the contact as much as he is just to see Nekane's held. He's useless for protection face with anything real but in the moment they can both fool themselves if they want to. His head rests atop of theirs.

He hears the little grumble. It's cute. It does sound like a stubborn child. But he also knows too well what's behind it. He can't take that away. He can't even help himself there. But he offers what he can.

"I know. But I'll be here," He reminds them in a whisper. "I'll be here with you. Now and when you wake. I'm here. I promise."

[opheliaafterdeath]

"I'll miss it." They mumble. "You can't see shit when you're asleep."

It's an odd what to phrase what he knows. But they also mean that literally. Anything that happens they won't know. They won't remember. Nekane won't be able to keep it with them.

Maybe it's selfish. Maybe it'll destroy their already-weak body but they want to see everything. It's an obsession with knowledge and information they cannot explain. Nekane should have learned their lesson long ago that seeking knowledge just resulted in pain. But they didn't. They refused.

But it's different. Here. An odd sort of feeling they still can't explain.

"You'll be here. But I won't. And I want to." Be here, awake and aware.

[unpocoloco]

It is an odd thing to say. He can't say he's ever heard a protest to sleep quite like that and he's heard some rather creative ones. But he doesn't just scoff it off. He gives it its due thought.

He holds them a little tighter then, rubbing a hand over their arm just once. He's not sure he fully understands, but he does his best.

"You can take me with you. Whatever you think of me. Just hang onto it. And while I'm here, I'll be your eyes. I'll do everything I can to remember as much as I can. Whatever I hear and see. And then, when you wake, I'll tell you everything. I'll describe it all."

It won't be as good as their memory, but he can try. He can give detail after detail, and pretend it's as though they were awake. He'll just have to decide how much he should tell of the time spent looking at them.

[opheliaafterdeath]

The touch to their arm, the feeling of someone leaning against them....allowing Nekane to do the same. A gentle kind of offer. To be their eyes while they sleep.

Sight in the darkness. A balm against such a deep-rooted fear.

They're not sure if they like or hate the idea. Maybe it's because their phobia is just that bad. But they need to try, right? Just for a little while. For a moment.

"If you think it's getting bad...don't be afraid to shake me awake or whatever." Because it will. With or without someone, Nekane doesn't often have peaceful dreams. "See you in a bit."

They take their memories of him with them into the darkness when they close their eyes. Trying to control their breathing and just let themself fall unconscious. Because of how long the detective has gone without sleep it isn't hard and the fireworks won't wake them up. Nekane is a light sleeper because of their phobia and job but after so long the lull of everything takes them under easily.

But it's not a peaceful rest. They don't make a sound but eventually Nekane's gentle hold on Héctor's hand will turn into a death grip. Still they stay asleep.

Maybe it's because of who's with them in the dark that they do.

[unpocoloco]

"Alright," He says. He doesn't really want to interrupt their sleep but there's no sense making them suffer for something too fitful to be called rest.

"See you soon, my friend." He gives their hand a squeeze and falls quiet, watching them slip into unconsciousness.

He pays attention. He watches the colors explode and takes note of the shapes. He notices when the ride stalls and for how long. But most of all he notes the strain in their expression, the furrow of their brow which he resists brushing with a hand-- too close to their eyes, much too close.

His hand starts to ache in their grip. It keeps him awake. But he doesn't try to let go. He doesn't wake them. Not until they make a sound, a sign its too much.

He whispers, "It's okay. I got you. You're safe."

He hopes the version of him in their mind can protect them better than he can.

[opheliaafterdeath]

They breathe, their mind rolling forward and always thinking. But this time they don't just let the nightmares bowl them over. This time Nekane stays put.

Not that it's easy. In reality there was only one memory that escaped them but Nekane didn't often remember their nightmares. It's noise, it's pain and it's dark. Threats of just being revived if they died because their body was expendable. It existed because their soul wouldn't bend to the torture.

And it's the choice they made, between facing down more torture or finally giving up. Their throat aches from the pressure. From filling with blood and their own fingers. And the only thing Nekane wishes was that they had mangled the tattoo in the process. No such luck.

But there's someone else here that makes it easier to endure, even if they wished to save him the pain. Holding on so they don't give into that choice again. Wiping away their tears and not holding back their rage, but more letting Nekane speak about it.

Giving the idea that maybe, had that person been with someone else...could they have--?

Nekane doesn't make a single sound. It had been how they hid their nightmares from John for so long. But they wake up on their own, eyes fluttering open. A firework goes off and bathes them in a dying golden light. How ironic.

"...'m awake." Again.

[unpocoloco]

He stirs a little when Nekane's voice reaches him. It's the first noise beside creaking and booming he's heard in a little while. He turns a tired but warm smile down at them.

"Buenos dias, Nekane." He says despite it still being night. He gives a slight squeeze. "Welcome back. How are you feeling, my friend?"

He's glad he didn't entirely tune out the world. He can give the recap. They're stopped for the moment besides, swaying just slightly.

[opheliaafterdeath]

Telling him they can still feel the glass under their nails isn't good. They don't want to ruin his happy mood so they don't.

"Fucking groggy." Nekane scrubs at their eyes with a free hand. But they also work out the death grip they have on Héctor's hand. It's fine. It's safe.

"Everything good?" They look around as they say it, taking in the change of scenery. A different spot on the wheel. But nothing seems to have gone wrong.

Yet.

[unpocoloco]

He laughs softly.

"I'm not surprised. You weren't out long at all." Not enough to make up for all they expend. But at least it's something.

He draws his hand back taking a careful breath as he tries to massage out pain and numbness that has nothing to do with Nekane. And probably won't leave.

"It's all fine. We're stopped again, but no big deal." No screaming yet. "Saw more fireworks. I can tell you about them." As promised. He'll get them up to speed and maybe ease some anxiety.

"Can I kiss you?" He asks and it comes out more casually than the last time he asked.

[opheliaafterdeath]

They very rarely are. Nekane can never predict just how long they'd be out for, which is just another reason why to never sleep.

The detective scrubs at their eyes again before gently pressing fingers against them. Still there. It's stupid. So stupid. Nekane can see so they know nothing's wrong, but-

It's better then finding out the hard way.

"Figures this thing would keep breaking." Not that Nekane sounds like they really mind. "Got some pain killers if you want. And yeah, I'd like to hear it."

To keep their mind caught up on everything. The more information they had, the less their imagination would derail into worse.

Although they wouldn't call Héctor's next question worse. Just kind of surprising based on how casual it was. Not that they mind.

"Sure, if you want." Nekane tests out trying to say it casually too. It doesn't have the same effect and it's obvious they're trying. But they do mean it.

[unpocoloco]

He catches the way they feel out their eyes. He looks away quick, trying to pretend he hasn't noticed. Like many things now, it just seems better he doesn't let them know that he knows.

Asking about it to confirm would only make things worse. It's not worth it. Not now at leat.

He blinks a little in surprise. Not that they want to hear it all but--

"You have painkillers? Just on you?" Even he doesn't carry his around. Maybe he should. He carries worse things, in case. Despite the dark thought, he laughs. "Yeah, I could use that. It's coming around again."

The pain, he means. The poison.

He drops his own hands a moment and leans over. It's nothing special. A kiss to their head, a waking greeting, because that felt right. A few moments of lingering but nothing too much.

And then he pulls back and starts to speak; "There was some nice blues all together. Green like a lime, red, purple. Orange like marigolds. There was a golden one that rained and fizzled. One that went up red and then burst into a huge thing of white and green. I saw one shaped like a bolt of lightning. Then I guess the demons got bored and decided to make a couple crude shapes..."

[opheliaafterdeath]

They're too focused on feeling out their eyes, looking for any possible changes, that they miss Héctor choosing to look away. Too focused on the idea that things may have happened in their paranoia.

But nothing has. So they can focus on other things, like answering his question. "Yeah. Worth having it on me."

Just in case. But they don't actually take out a bottle when they reach for their back pocket. Again they pull out their notebook and take the pills out of another pocket same as the hair tie Nekane had given Héctor before. Evidently they have a lot more then just coded writing in there.

They feel the kiss press against their head and quietly linger for a moment. So much of this was kind in a way they can't hope to explain. They can understand it but digging into it too deep brought up that person and - no. Fuck no.

Still, they do find something safe in this, with him. When Héctor leans back, they hand over the pain killers and then just listen to him speak.

Rapid, beautiful colors. And dicks. Sounds like an apt summary of Hell. Nekane snorts.

"Fucking figures they'd do that. Least it looked cool."

[unpocoloco]

"Your book of tricks," He mutters, amused. Better than any carved out bible that's for sure.

He's glad for every time they react okay. He knows it won't always be so. It won't be something they can help.

The painkillers don't hurt for making him smile either. Once he's described some, he takes the chance to pop the pills back. He pats his pocket for his newly acquired flask, struggles a minute with the cap, and swigs it back.

He recaps it and smiles wanely. There will be no alcohol on his breath. He's filled it only with water.

He laughs, "Yeah, I got to hand it to them. It was certainly above the rest." (Could that be a joke about the dick being in the sky?) "But really, it's a cool display. Definitely worth getting stuck a few times. Kind of better that way."