Penance Inbox

[compelledtoprotect]

This is Steve. Leave a message.

Comments

text;

[uninvincible]

( in response to this )

Loki? Really?

text

[compelledtoprotect]

Tony? Are you alright? What are you talking about?


[Because there are so many things that sort of complaint could apply to he's just . . . not sure why he's in trouble.]

post-carnival

[invicto]

[ James enjoyed the respite of hiding away in Steve's room for almost a week, but eventually it got ridiculous to be curling up in his bed like he was a scared little kid. So after venturing outside a few times, and recovering enough that he felt more like himself again, he went back to his room. Not because he didn't appreciate Steve's room, and Steve's company, but because it just didn't feel right to be so dependent on someone else.

He wasn't sure yet how things were with Steve. They hadn't really spoken since he'd left, and sometimes the man could be pretty jealous and possessive, and feel rejected even when there was no cause for it. James didn't want to talk about any of these things. But he did want to see Steve, and check that things were alright between them.

So he left Steve a little gift in his room, on his bed. A journal full of empty pages for Steve to fill up as he saw fit, and a small note, counting that Steve would get in touch as soon as he saw it. ]

For the sheet I wrecked with my blood.

James

text

[compelledtoprotect]

[The book on his bed was a little unexpected. His roommates didn't generally go into his room without asking, which Steve both appreciated and practiced himself, but it wasn't impossible someone had felt the need to leave the gift. If it was a gift. Someone could have left it by mistake.

Steve hesitated before lifting the note, then smiled wistfully. It didn't take him but a moment to send the man a message, still feeling the loneliness of his empty bed. Minor differences aside, he missed James. The man didn't ask anything from him he wasn't willing to give, and that meant a lot. He didn't expect Steve to be Steve. And he'd tried very hard not to ask too much of James either. Just his time.]


Dunno how a blank book makes up for a ruined sheet. You busy?

text; after rescue;

[failed_antichrist]

just had to see how you're doing? i can't imagine any of us are ok right now.

[compelledtoprotect]

Hey kiddo. Do you need a shoulder? Or a sandwich? I can put the pan on to get hot if you wanna stop by. It'd be nice to see your smiling face.

action;

[invicto]

There was a loud knock on the door. Actually, not loud so much as rough, followed by a muted stumble as though a heavy weight had landed on the door.

After his fight with Jim, James had taken a long, ill-considered detour by the club, and had more drinks than he ought to, and had mixed them with more drugs than he should. He was buzzed out and so out of it, it was a wonder none of the demons had decided to take advantage of his state in some way.

It was a wonder that he'd managed to stumble his way to Steve's doorstep, too. Granted, he was barely managing to stay upright, and chances were he's just fall into Steve's room the moment that door was open.

[compelledtoprotect]

Steve had heard the man coming for ages and knew who it was. He even knew, well guessed, what was wrong. When he opened the door, he caught James before the man could collapse and swung the limp body up into his arms. It was just a short walk to his room and then he had the man safe on the bed. Steve sank down next to him and sighed, running his fingers through James' hair with an exasperated look. Usually the man didn't come to him when he'd been taking drugs, not the Steve even remotely considered kicking the guy out, or giving a lecture. There had to be a good reason James had gone so overboard. The question was whether he'd get it in a timely fashion.

Since James didn't seem in any hurry to speak, Steve took a moment to text Setsuna, taking care of that potential issue before it became one. He didn't like refusing his little brother bed space, but there was no way in hell James would agree to such a thing, even if he'd wanted to have them in the same room. Which he didn't. No, they could meet another day, when James was sober, and when he'd already explained to Setsuna who and what James was to him. Sometime far in the future probably . . . When the room continued to stay silent, he sighed and stroked the man's flushed cheek.

"James. What the hell have you been doing? You reek of alcohol, and I can smell at least five different drugs. What happened?"

[odaystar]

[One late evening, some guests will return to their beds to find a note left for them upon their pillow or desk. It will read:]

FROM THE DESK OF Lucifer to Steve Rogers Steve, It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that an unnamed penitent has chosen to add the sin of extortion to your list. This has unfortunately extended your contract. Best regards, Lucifer

text;

[failed_antichrist]

my friend from home is here. like my little sister. can't stay in my suite. can she stay with you til she gets a room assignment?

[compelledtoprotect]

Someone else from your home is here? Seriously? Yes, yes she can come stay here. I'll make it work. Is . . . is there a reason she can't stay with you Setsuna?


[Because there had to be a reason Steve had never been invited for a visit to his brother's room if he wasn't practically dying. He just hadn't wanted to push about why.]

Text - un: setsunam, he wants to show off

[failed_antichrist]

😋💕 kori taught me stuff! 😇

also invited me to sleep over her and peter. 😁 don't know when. 🤷‍♂️ will let you know when i know! 😊

[compelledtoprotect]

Did she now? Let me guess. Something to do with . . . emojis? And you mean a sleepover? All three of you guys? That's great Sets! Do you want me to make any snacks before I make myself scarce? I'd be happy to!

[odaystar]

To Whom It May Concern,

It has been a full year since Hell has been redone and made even greater than ever before. And you, my prized guest, have made it twelve months in your journey towards redemption. I know that there have been bumps along the way and we haven't always seen eye to eye, but I do wish to show my gratitude. Together, we will all leave Hell one day.

I have handpicked gifts specifically for you to commemorate this anniversary. I do hope you enjoy them.

An offer to help lead a group to guard Penance against future threats with members of his choosing.

A vision of James Kirk back in his world and living life with the promise that Steve Rogers may join him there once his debts are paid off, if he so chooses. He may also take up to three others with him.

Access to a private art studio.

Again, I thank you for all of your help in making Hell what it is today.

Yours,
Lucifer

text

[deaddrop]

[Natasha likes to keep it short and sweet, especially over the network. With Barnes turning up, she has to wonder how Steve is doing. It's got to be good seeing his friend alive and whole, and relatively stable. At the same time, they lead complicated lives here.]

Saw some new faces recently. Status report?

[compelledtoprotect]

Are you asking about a particular one that has too much stubble?


[If she couldn't hear the humor in his text, he'd eat someone's hat. Losing James had hurt, deeply, but gaining Bucky was going a long way towards helping that heal. With his best friend by his side again, everything looked brighter, even the Hell Hotel. It was hard to do anything but smile with Bucky never more than a glance away, not that the man made tailing him easy. Steve still wasn't quite past the need to obsessively watch his brother lest he suddenly disappear again.]

Text » 9/3 @ 3:46am

[bestfuneralever]

hey r u up? shit i hoep this doesnt wake u up if ur asleep i cant figure u out like i know u knew another me and thats probably a lot of it? which is weird but not weird enough that it makes me wanna stop anything? but like idk u just really dont seem like the kind of person that wld be in my social circle ur so like good & pure & wholesome???? idk thats not really in the realm of things hargreeves ever get. so its weird and i cant really stop thinking about it

video

[compelledtoprotect]

[Steve looks a little rumpled, but not as if he was just awakened.]


I'm usually up, but why the crisis of conscience? Does it bother you that I like you Klaus? I didn't start out that way with the other you. He got on my nerves for a while actually. I kept coming home and finding him in my bed, and I know he was doing it on purpose.


[There was a fond smile on his face as he spoke. Good memories.]


Then he needed help, real help, and it was me that found him. I probably saved his life, and somehow I felt responsible, you know? And then I really started to get to know him, and that was even better. We can start over Klaus, I don't mind that, but I can't forget what I knew with that other guy. It colors things for me, makes me like you already. If it's too creepy, we don't have to talk though. I won't push myself on you, promise. But I'm here if you need a friend. Always.

text;

[noassgardian]

I broke up with Teddy.

[compelledtoprotect]

What? Why? I thought you and he and Sets were . . . a thing? Although I don't really get why all of you don't live together. And what's this I heard about a twin brother?


[Look, he cares, but he's confused and a little hurt no one's been telling him things. And he knows it's probably his own fault for being an ass even when he doesn't mean to be, but come on! What the hell dude?!]

[defaulthawke]

happy weird hell-world Satinalia sorry for trying to kill you

video

[compelledtoprotect]

Well that's a little odd, but sure. I knew it wasn't you Garrett. No harm done. I heal real good.


[That's a very amused smile there on his face. As long as Garrett was ok, so was Steve. And hopefully Garrett found and liked his present.]

text | @angelpants (feel free to set whenever's easiest)

[stupetballs]

[It may take her a minute, but she never forgets an offer for information. After she settles back in and her punishments have run their course, she sends off a quick text to Steve to check in.]

Hope everything is okay with you. Did you get hit hard with Barbas?

text

[compelledtoprotect]

[He was glad he didn't have to show his stubbled, haggard face.]


I'm alive. Are you doing alright?

Two days after the dinner

[savedbyasong]

[The text message is simple, as if he had just typed it and sent it rather than spending a whole morning agonising over it, deleting and starting again, trying to talk himself into pressing send.

What if he was dead? What if he had killed him? What if he had survived but now hated him? Eventually he sent it, two simple words.]

I'm sorry.

to action!

[compelledtoprotect]

[He didn't bother to text back. Steve couldn't talk to Shion like that, not for something so important. Besides, the kid wouldn't believe him just through a phone. So he went to where he assumed Shion was, a place he didn't go to often but knew perfectly well. Steve knocked on the door, hoping it was Shion that answered. Otherwise it could be just a tiny bit awkward.]

[swordofzero]

[It's been a couple of weeks since he's seen Steve and he's not sure that the blurry dream he half remembers even counts. Which meant it was a couple of months, since they were married and Suzaku hasn't been avoiding Steve he's just been...

Alright he's been avoiding him. He didn't mean to, it was just how things had gone. He had returned, the nightmares had happened and then he had been recovering. Steve hadn't been one of the people he had been thrown into a punishment room with and they were the only people Suzaku had seen outside of his roommates.

But he's been feeling bad about avoiding his husband. Because even if their binding was not of their own choice... He knew it was probably something Steve cared about.

So there is a sharp knock on Steve's suite and when he opens it there is Suzaku. Looking awkward.]

[compelledtoprotect]

[Steve knew the kid was there before he opened the door, but he rarely let on. It disturbed people more often than it pleased them. He opened the door with a tired smile, wondering whether Suzaku would start off with reasons they should divorce, or with apologies over why he hadn't been around. Neither one sounded great. Steve didn't want Suzaku to feel obligated, even if he had made demands about dinners that just hadn't happened.]


Hey.

voice (post event)

[assays]

[ Peggy was aware that the device she was given had multiple functions, including something called 'texting'. That function seemed impersonal to her so she opts for contacting Steve with a voice message. ]

Hello, Steve. It's Peggy.

I was hoping that we could meet up for coffee, or tea. Whatver you prefer.

[ Her motives for this was for a chance to talk and to check in with him after the business with the undead and ghosts. ]

video

[compelledtoprotect]

[He'd never really like it much, but Steve had gotten pretty good with the tech of the hotel. Sending a video just seemed right. And if he was a little more casual than he should have been, it was because he'd known a Peggy on the island and he didn't think about the fact he barely knew the one in the hotel.]


Hey. You know I'm at your disposal, right? Come on up to my place. I'll make you dinner or something. Please? I promise it won't be burned.

[swordofzero]

I'm back. I hope you have been alright.

[compelledtoprotect]

You're alright? Nothing broken?


[He'd gone a little crazy when both Shion and Suzaku had vanished, but there was only so much he could do when it looked like a hotel-inspired problem. So he'd tried to put it in the back of his mind and hoped they'd both come back soon and safe. Hearing from the kid was a huge relief and he tried not to make too big a deal of it.]

dated sometime around the holidays!

[madeofscars]

[ This is... exactly the second time in his life that Bum has ever gotten a gift. To say he's ecstatic would be an understatement. The joy quickly gives way to worry, however, as he realizes that he doesn't really have anything for Steve. Sure, there were some gift shops and oddity merchants around, but that did not feel nowhere near as personal as Steve's gift for him, so clearly it would not be good enough. ]

[ In the end, he decides that making him food might be an acceptable option. Steve had baked him cookies (which may have been partially burned, but he would still eat all of them while crying with joy, so that did not matter), so he should... be recipient to something like that, right? Not to mention it was a good time to revive their Friday dinner tradition that had sort of gotten shafted after... the incident when they stopped talking to each other for a while. ]

[ Finally, there's probably some surprise in it, too; Bum still hasn't corrected Steve's usage of his last name instead of his first, after all, so he also probably did not find the chance to let him know he's actually a pretty decent cook, either. ]

[ Then it's just deciding what to make. He's not really good with sweets, and he wants to get this right, and then something from home seems like it might be good for that added personal touch. He settles for jjigae, quietly praying that Steve doesn't turn out to hate it. If Steve has ever mentioned or alluded to what foods he likes best, the stew's base will be exactly that - whether it's fish or beef or eggs or whatever else. ]

[ And so, around the holidays, on the next or even the same day that Steve had sent him his own gift -- there will be a knock on his door. ]

[ And behind it, there's Bum with a steaming pot of stew, as usually looking like he could disappear right through the ground in embarrassment. He is, of course, wearing one of those new shirts that Steve had gotten him, a nice, crisp-looking button-up that actually lays nice on him, being correct size instead of several numbers over. Might even be in color. ]

[ As soon as the door opens, he's holding the food out and bowing his head, clearly this effort was enough to make him tense but he just needs some affirmation to calm down. ]

I-I'm sorry, I really wanted to get you-- something special in return, but I-- couldn't think of anything, so...

[ He suddenly realizes that he's essentially offering his company as a gift here, which is an absolutely arrogant thing to do, actually, and blushes a little in shame. Please help. ]

[compelledtoprotect]

[He smelled the food before he knew who was bringing it. Steve was standing at the door, sniffling the scents creeping past the edges. It smelled amazing! And under the food was . . . Yoon? Yes, Yoon. He waited for the knock, since he assumed just yanking the door open would probably scare the kid, and then slowly opened the door. Holding himself back he smiled at the boy, reaching out to help support that heavy pot.]


Yoon, I couldn't get a better gift. You made me food! I can't believe you cooked for me! And it smells amazing!

[odaystar]

To Whom It May Concern,

It has been years now since Hell has been redone and made even greater than ever before. And you, my prized guest, have made it thirty-six months in your journey towards redemption. I know that there have been bumps along the way and we haven't always seen eye to eye, but I do wish to show my gratitude. Together, we will all leave Hell one day.

I have handpicked gifts specifically for you to commemorate this anniversary. I do hope you enjoy them.

A gift basket with an assortment of teas, chocolate, candies and a mug.

A private art studio within the hotel on the first floor, fully stocked with supplies, to encourage his creative efforts.

A night in the honeymoon suites at Casino Styx, with his choice of one companion

Again, I thank you for all of your help in making Hell what it is today.

Yours,
Lucifer

action; backdated to mid-february

[madeofscars]

[ There's no mistake about it. At first, Bum waited, hoping that maybe she'd been dragged off to some of Hell's usual shenanigans, or just mad at him, or visiting Lucifer... but after days pass with no response to his texts and nobody answering the doors, he finally gathers the courage to speak with the reception, which confirms what he suspected but feared: Monika is gone. ]

[ Right as they were finally getting over all the hurdles and having... something in this godforsaken place. He almost dares to call it finding love. They had so much in common, even the way they thought, the way each of them would cling to affection wherever they could find it even if they needed to ignore reality for it. He thought they were two parts of the same... and now she was gone, just like that. ]

[ He hasn't slept properly since, although it might take a moment to realize the ever-present dark circles under his eyes are more prominent than usual. He's almost out of tears at this point, but he's not feeling any lighter. He can't deal with this anymore. He can't be alone. It's just making everything worse. ]

[ And so, despite still feeling bad about dropping in unannounced like this, he's headed for his one remaining friend-but-maybe-more-than-friend, knocking on his door twice and then just standing there, miserable, face red from crying. ]

...can... Can I-- stay here for a little while?

[ He manages to gasp out between sniffles as soon as the door opens. ]

[compelledtoprotect]

[He waited for the knock so he didn't scare Yoon, but Steve opened the door the moment those knuckles hit it. He was already reaching for the boy, pulling Yoon into his arms and into the room.]


Shhh it's ok. It's ok Yoon. I'm here. Of course you can stay. What happened? Who hurt you?

super backdated to February

[endofcompliance]

[Following their conversation that went horrible in the boat ride, Bucky ended up turned into a swan and didn't show for a couple of days. Not to avoid Steve on purpose... but he was a one-winged bird and couldn't figure how to get inside the castle. Then he forgot about anything that wasn't water, flying, preening and bugs and small fish.]

[As soon as he's human again, though, and has gathered his arm and some clothes, he sends Steve a text.]

About the other day. Can we talk about it again? Are you calmer now?

[compelledtoprotect]

[Answering the text was no fun and Steve didn't want to do it, so he didn't respond right away. It was a shitty thing to do, but no, he wasn't really calm enough to talk.]


Tell me where to find you Buck.