angryhearts | it's getting hot in here

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it's getting hot in here

SO (PLEASE DON'T) TAKE OFF ALL YOUR CLOTHES

Days are almost meaningless, here in Wonderland. With the eternal twilight outside the windows and many of the hotel's amenities open around the clock, it can be hard to keep track, can't it? But you must sleep, or at least return to your room, some time. It's on one of these times that you may begin to notice a faint sound coming from inside the walls. Or is it the ceiling? The floor? Something that sounds like scratching, or tapping, or the strained whir of machinery. Then it fades away. Whether it's moving on to another room or stopping entirely, it's hard to tell.

After a few nights, or days, of this happening, it suddenly stops. There's a brief period of peace, and perhaps you even get some rest. Then there's a series of thumps, sharp clicks and a loud stuttering sound that signals the hotel's air conditioning unit giving out.

At first it's not so bad. It's dark out, right, how hot can it really be outside? The air itself still seems to be circulating, albeit more slowly, but it's enough that you can breathe. But the heat seems to keep building, and building, the air hanging heavy and thick and leaving a lingering feeling that it's pressing down on you. Even sitting still no longer becomes enough to ease the suffocating heat.

The staff don't know what's happened to the air conditioner, when you ask. "Oh, that finicky thing", they say, as if it's a minor inconvenience. They assure you that the Queen's mechanics will have it fixed in no time — they always do. In the meantime, can they interest you in a refreshing iced tea? Perhaps a dip in the pool?

Is it your imagination, or do a few of the staff seem a little uncertain as they try to brush off your questions? A little less confident than they always have been before? Whatever their demeanor, it seems they still have no answers to give. The astute may notice that after a conversation with one of these staff, they can't seem to be found again.

As if that weren't enough, the scratching in the walls starts up again. With the oppressive heat, the rising tension and frayed nerves, is it any wonder that the staff might seem more apprehensive?

THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT 06/11 - 06/13

Sleeping is probably hard enough, in a hotel where the activity never seems to cease. At least it's generally quiet in the upper floors, at least Oysters can turn out the lights in their own room and find some peace.

...usually, anyway.

At first it's only the faintest sounds, something only noticeable to those who sleep lightly. The staff, if asked, don't acknowledge hearing anything and seem politely concerned about anything disturbing the rest of their guests. Oysters may be offered ear plugs, or a device to listen to music, or a trip to the spa for relaxation.

Then it grows in both volume and frequency, disturbing even the heaviest of sleepers at night. Some staff still say they haven't heard anything, other staff acknowledge the sounds but brush them off, unconcerned. Every building has its quirks, after all! There does seem to be an increase in staff milling about, however, making it difficult for those who may want to look into things without being seen.

CLICK CLICK... THUMP
06/14 - 06/21

The fourth day of the event begins with a short period of blissful silence, quickly ruined by a loud, persistent clicking sound, audible in all parts of the hotel... And then an even louder THUMP as the air conditioning unit gives out.

At first, it's not terrible — the air is still circulating, and while the heat is uncomfortable it's not unbearable. As time goes on, though, the heat builds and builds, until not even staying in place will provide any relief.

The staff profess ignorance to whatever happened to the air conditioner, if asked — some more convincingly than others. They all offer iced teas for relief, and suggest a dip in the Pool of Tears, though those who seem uncertain when answering any questions will try to leave the conversation faster, and won't be easily found again.

While the iced teas are incredibly effective at helping to beat the heat, they once again seem to offer some strange effects — enough glasses, and Oysters will be overcome either with anger and irritation, or a sense of serene calm. Any little thing could set off an Oyster who's been affected by the anger-inducing tea; an Oyster who drank the calming tea is utterly unflappable. These effects persist for just as long as it takes for the cooling effects to wear off, at which point Oysters are left with a choice — deal with the heat, or take their chances with another tea?

And to top it all off, the scratching noise in the walls has started up again. The few staff remaining at this point are as unhelpful as ever, but they don't have the same infuriating calm to their answers — but who could blame them being a little nervous?

QUEEN'S ADDRESS
06/21

And finally, the tenth day brings relief in the form of a loud shuddering sound, and then the quiet whoosh of a working air conditioner. Over the course of the day, the Hotel gets progressively cooler, until it is once again at the comfortable, cool temperature Oysters had grown used to in their first month here in the Hotel.

It also brings an address from the Queen.

"Oh, my curious Oysters, when you try to play with that which you don't understand, you break things! Not to fear, all has been set to rights now that our dear Dormouse has fixed what some careless guest disrupted. If you wanted to play games, you should have simply said! I have a dear companion for you who is so eager to join in the fun."

The Queen will not respond to any messages sent back to her.

If you have any questions, please direct them to the OOC post here. RNG results for the off limits areas will be going out tomorrow, so if anyone would still like to sign up for those that hasn't yet please do so tonight!

PREMISE RULES FAQ TAKEN RESERVES APPLICATION MOD CONTACT HIATUS & DROPS WORLD INFO NPCS CALENDAR AC REWARDS

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

He dries off and collects his flute before wandering back to Lan Wangji's side. When he comes back the man is braiding his hair..while his own still is a rather messy and unkempt ponytail at this point. Unconsciously he reaches up and touches it. Looking like a mess while standing next to a perfectly put together Lan Wangji just seems like it is the natural flow of things.

Lan Wangji notices this, and when he's done putting a plait into his own hair, he tugs on Wei Ying's ribbon to let it loose, and cards his fingers through.

Then he moves towards the back of him, to fuss with putting his hair up.

He feels his ears heat up at the feeling of those fingers through his hair. Not too many people have played with his hair before, barely taking the time to brush his hair himself most days. It's a rather enjoyable feeling.

"Are you going to make us hair twins again?" Something about wandering around as a match with Lan Wangji is a nice thought. Somehow his experiences with both of the Lan Wangji's are oddly unique for two people who are the same. And he likes to enjoy both sides of this coin.

It probably helps a little bit that they drank wildly different teas. But at his request, Lan Wangji starts to braid his hair into a plait, tying the ribbon into a knot at the root and weaving it through, finally tying it into a bow at the end. Because of this, it leaves a much shorter tail than the ponytail does.

Wei Wuxian can't see it but the weight of it is oddly different then his normal pony tail. It's also a lot cooler and now dragging against his back like it usually does. It's an interesting difference and he kind of likes it.

"Do I look cute?" That playful tone returns as he looks over his shoulder at the Lan. Eyes big and cute expression on his face as he teases.

Lan Wangji's ears turn pink and he suddenly gets the urge to do a handstand as he looks off into the distance and completely away from Wei Ying's big eyes and soft mouth.

Even the carefree tea can't fix all the Lan in him.

"Mm."

He sees that look away and it only makes him want to push the issue. He turns around to face him, goes up on his toes and tilts his head so he can try to catch Lan Wangji's eyes.

"How can you tell if I'm cute if you aren't looking at me, Lan Zhan~?"

He flashes his eyes up for a split second and then answers. "Mm."

He can't even say the word cute.

He patently refuses to say the word cute.

Is it just him or is this AC being broken a really, really bad time right now?

It's really not fair to the other man that he knows how Lan Wangji feels about him. If he can even fluster him when he is feeling this calm, then that is some serious power that Wei Wuxian holds.

He taps Chenqing gently against the other man's chest, "You look very cute with your hair like that too, Lan Zhan."

If he cared at all, he would tell Wei Ying not to tease, because he had always flirted with him aimlessly, and after hearing a resounding rejection from him the other day, he doesn't think that he could handle more of it. At least before, there was hope. But if after all these years Wei Ying doesn't know how he feels, then it just wasn't meant to be.

It's alright, he will always accept whatever friendship that Wei Ying is willing to give him. It wasn't fair to either of them, but Wei Ying would eventually love someone, and Wangji... Wangji had already resigned himself to this fate a long time ago.

But he doesn't care right now, so all he does is look down, sheepishly, though smiling as it's sweet to hear. He couldn't change that Wei Ying isn't attracted to men despite his annoyingly incessant flirting, so he should let it go. Instead, he hopes in their next life, perhaps they could be reborn in a way where their love can be shared.

Wei Wuxian has had several days to dwell over his feelings, to spill them out and look them over and finally understand. After his conversation with this Lan Wangji he finally accepted that what was felt was not a trick of the hotel..perhaps his biggest fear. The realization of the importance of the headband..the discovery of the kiss in the forest..the fact that both these men are so willing to stand by him. It all makes things so much clearer that the feelings were also there on their world.

The rejection he had given wasn't so much a rejection of feelings..as much as a rejection of moving too fast. To go from being oblivious to his own heart, to suddenly being suffocated by confessions of love had made him wary. He didn't want to give his heart only to find out that things were being driven by the hotel. But he knows now that isn't the case and it is like a weight is gone. He was confused but now his mind is much clearer, and he feels freer then he did when he first talked to this Lan Wangji.

And although he can't see those thoughts in Lan Wangji's head, he can almost see something similar in those eyes that he had been studying earlier. And he can see that smile. He enjoys teasing the other man but if it causes him pain that he doesn't want to do it. He doesn't want to hurt Lan Wangji any more then he already has.

Perhaps sensing the unrest in that heart he closes those inches and lays his head against Lan Wangji's chest again to listen to that heartbeat and waiting to see if there is any change to it as he speaks.

"I figured things out recently and it's thanks to you. I'm no longer afraid of my feelings. You don't have to be either."

Lan Wangji is not sure what just happened, because he's definitely writing checks and Wei Ying had told him he didn't intend to cash any of them. The song he wrote for him. The brand on his chest. The scars on his back. The name of his son, the hundreds of offerings he's made.

He brings Wei Ying a bottle of Emperor's Smile to Jingshi, but what his heart says is, "I thought of you." He reaches into the water to pluck a pilfered lotus pod and carefully pick and peel seeds to offer him, but what he means is, "I'll take care of you." He hands him a chicken and asks if it's acceptable, but what he wants to say instead is "be mine." All those unsaid words falling on deaf ears.

And then, Wei Ying's ear is pressed against his chest, and his traitorous heart beats like it's heralding a battalion of every single little thing that Lan Wangji has ever done instead of saying, "I love you."

His breath gets caught in his throat, but he doesn't push Wei Ying away.

"What does it sound like?"

For Wei Wuxian he hasn't experienced the lotus pond but he knows he gets to spend some time there thanks to his conversation with Lan Wangji. He doesn't know the son's name or the offerings. He hasn't been offered chickens and although his memories don't match up, his feelings are starting to. This man helped him break through the walls around his own heart and gave him reasons to look forward to his future.

For him, the last thing he got when he was home was a sign of rejection when Lan Wangji would rather be unconscious then kissing him. Perhaps that was why he reacted so badly when the other Lan Wangji confessed. Because it seemed contradictory to what he knew. He wishes he had the same memories that this one did. He wants to know that there are good moments in his future to make up for the heartache in his past.

And he has made mistakes while in this place. He hurt both Lan Wangji with his insecurities and uncertainties. And now he vows to make up for that. The last thing he ever wanted was to upset them. For him..a life without Lan Wangji by his side is one only met with sadness. And he doesn't want to walk on that bridge any longer.

He smiles as he listens to that heartbeat. No matter what it sounds like, it makes his own heart feel calm whenever he hears it. As if this man really can heal his soul.

"It is beating fast and it sounds strong but also scared. It's afraid of being rejected and maybe a little sad because it thinks it was. But it doesn't have to be so afraid."

Perhaps they should stop having such conversations while under the influence of alcohol or of these damn teas, because Lan Wangji can feel his pulse race like a rabbit's, thump thump thump in his chest with no room for anything else. A rhythm so fast it felt like running.

His breaths catch again, as if he's sobbing but his eyes are dry and his face is passive and it's just the shock.

Wei Ying says those words and Lan Wangji is not sure if he heard correctly. He is not sure he is able to process language at the moment, the sound of his heart deafening.

"It's afraid of being rejected," he repeats. "But doesn't have to be."

He looks down at Wei Ying, waiting for a sign. Any sign. More words, more actions, anything to tell him if this is just a dream or if this is just more-- more damn tea, more alcohol, more of this absolute nonsense.

It's too hot right now for anything, and yet, Lan Wangji finds his hands entangled in hair tied up with a red silk ribbon, one around broad shoulders, holding a blazing inferno of a man close against his chest for fear of letting go.

When he feels those arms around him, he also matches, wrapping his arms around Lan Wangji's middle as he listens to the ever increasing beats of his heart. He finally turns his face so he can look up at the other man's expression. His heart has already betrayed him and his expression is starting to crack as well.

"You're not going to be rejected, Lan Zhan. Not ever again."

That is a promise he knows only he can keep since he can't speak for any other version of himself. But if they even feel a fraction of what he does, then certainly they would accept everything this man is as well. And his heart has grown even more since talking with him, with finding out everything he has done. The more the pieces fell into place, the more Wei Wuxian's heart swelled at the memories. He has been stupid..so ignorant of everything and blind to the clues that he has forced this man to hold back on his own feelings. He won't ever do that again.

"And I say that without having had anything to drink today that I don't trust. No tricks of the hotel. Just my heart, beating with yours."

Because that is what had made his heart hesitate before and he wants to make sure Lan Wangji knows that there are no more tricks.

Being told he won't be rejected is like being given permission to love him, finally love him as he had always wanted, and out pours a wave of emotion that has been dammed up inside of him for years. It would make the tidal waves of this pool blush.

He closes his eyes and thinks it's bittersweet, that this one might return his feelings, but he makes no guarantee for the other, not like Lan Wangji does. He knows the other Lan Wangji's heart, because he has always been so sure of his own. He cannot imagine a world which would create a Lan Wangji who would not follow his Wei Ying to the ends of the Earth.

He reaches over and lays his fingers gently on Wei Ying's wrist, presses onto his pulse. He just needs to be sure. He doesn't know how to handle another heartbreak.

Wei Wuxian's own heart beats wildly even as he keeps his expression soft. A confession of any sort is hard to give, but for him having to do it in such a sudden matter after all the uncertainties of the last month means he's still just as nervous about being cast aside. He takes that hand that just took his wrist and flattened it against his chest instead so he could feel the source more directly.

He knows what he says is true and he will never doubt it ever again. And if the hotel decides to mess with him again, then he will find a way to overcome it so that he never has to see Lan Wangji sad. He doesn't want anyone or anything to ever come between them again and he will fight to protect him.

This Lan Wangji just sent lanterns into the sky with him, he has agreed to night hunt with him and they even made vows to explore and see each other as much as possible. For him, this Lan Wangji is as much in his heart as the other. And as such he doesn't want to see him suffer, especially by his hand.

"I won't ever lie to you, Lan Zhan. Soulmates..right?"

Selfishly, he wishes he could take this one home with him. Or visit his Lotus Pier, and do all those things that he said they'd do. He has already imagined the scraped knees, the quarrels with Jiang Wanyin, the pattering of wet running footsteps on a dock, the sound of three children laughing until their cheeks hurt. He has already seen all this in his mind, but he wants to hear Wei Ying tell him these stories.

They could go traveling every day, and night hunt every night, and go back home and plan a future that wasn't certain but was in their hearts, carved in stone.

He feels Wei Ying's heartbeat underneath his palm and it takes his breath away. Wei Ying has always managed to surprise him, unerringly.

"Yes." He smiles, finally, shocked expression melting away, eyes twinkling. "Yes, I am."

Wei Wuxian's expression brightens, even as that smile takes his breath away as it always seems to do. He enjoys being the one that can bring that smile to those lips. He wishes he could make him smile like that every day.

He lets go of that hand to throw his arms around Lan Wangji's neck and hug him close. "Lan Zhan...you're only allowed to smile for me. I want to keep it as a special treasure." Even as he teases, there is a truth in those words as he feels a selfish need to keep that expression only for himself. He places his forehead against the other man's as if he can block anyone else from seeing it that way. And this is no small accomplishment considering he has to be up on his toes in order to do it, pulling the other over just a little to be closer to his height.

He doesn't care about the heat, or the others in the pool area. They can just enjoy the show for all he cares. There are few things in this world that has made him truly happy, but talking about all the things he would get to do with Lan Wangji were some of those things. And even if they never happen, the promise is there and as long as he holds onto that then there is always a chance that at some point in his life he might see them come true.

"Are you happy, Lan Zhan?" Because the question game still exists and now his heart is full of new questions.

Lan Wangji lets himself get pulled down as if by a riptide, because who is he to deny the natural disaster that is Wei Ying? "I only smile for you," he says, quite honestly, because aside from their son, he's the only one who has gotten to see him smile in the last decade or so. It's not like he counted the days, or anything.

It's not like he gave himself scars to remember, or anything.

He opens his eyes up slowly like a cat, not realizing they had closed as he basks in this warm glow, and... And Wei Ying's stormy grey eyes are big and bright and cheerful, and his lips look so soft, his hands are placed just so and he's close enough to kiss and he's just.

He's just asked a question. Isn't the answer obvious?

He must keep control.

His eyes flit around Wei Ying's face, before holding his gaze. Does he still doubt? Does he still wonder, with Lan Wangji so close, only his many, many years of training keeping him still? "With Wei Ying, always."

Wei Wuxian knows that he has caused this man more pain then probably any other human on the planet, and yet he still says that he is happy with him. There is an ache in his heart that this knowledge brings, but also like a bandage, those words wrap it up and make it better.

He's once again able to look into those dark eyes, seeing a sparkle and a warmth that hadn't been there. A change that he has been able to bring about in just those few short minutes.

He tilts his face slightly, as if wanting to close the distance between those lips but he realizes that he shouldn't act so selfishly. His first kiss was stolen from him all those years ago in the woods..he could hardly do the same to this man. Not without his permission.

"Lan Zhan...am I allowed to kiss you?"

Even if the answer is no, he wont be mad. He knows how precious that one thing might be and perhaps he hasn't earned it. But he also doesn't want the man to feel obligated either.

"You can tell me no."

Without meaning to, his eyes had already begun to shutter closed, and his head had already started to turn in anticipation of this kiss, which seemed like it was twenty years in the making. And despite never having done so before, his body reacts as if wondering what took him so long.

But then he stops, and he feels Wei Ying's breath against his lips, and he asks a question.

Which Lan Wangji has to stop and immediately play back in his head because he was too distracted to process it the first time.

The back of his head tingles as if he's poured ice on it, hairs standing up, skin prickled at the back of his neck. Yes, he thinks. He wants, and wants and wants.

The tea fights with his mind.

The tea tells him he doesn't care, this is yours. Take it.

He grits his teeth and swallows back watery eyes.

"Your Wangji will be angry." Which is a sorry excuse, and honestly he wouldn't fault either of the Wei Yings for kissing the other Lan Wangji, but he knows deep inside he would feel resentment towards his other self.

(And, if he's very, very honest, and very honest with himself, the deeper reason is because he is unsure of how the other Wei Ying feels, and if he drinks the wine of his lips and goes home to a Wei Ying who does not love him, how he would soak himself in all manner of drink to recall the taste.)

The answer tears at his heart and the bandage that was put on gets threatened to be torn off. He had felt the other respond, knew he wanted to. Can practically hear it in his voice and if anyone deserves to feel that love from the kiss it is this man who has yet to experience it. And he knows his own heart threatens to burst with feeling the love he has for this man in all his forms. Even in his short time with this one, he knew his feelings were the same as if each Lan Wangji had half of his heart. He already has such precious memories with this man he has known for a lifetime..and yet at the same time only a couple weeks.

But those words also sting because there is truth in them. Would he not also feel a little jealous if this kind of moment was had with the other version of himself and the Lan Wangji of his world? He can't be selfish and jealous..it wouldn't be fair. Would he be so willing to let the other enjoy this kind of moment without questioning it? And yet this also feels unfair..because what if the other Wei Wuxian is just like he was..not ready or unwilling. Then he might have made things even more difficult for him.

So he turns his face slightly and closes the distance, letting his kiss fall just to the left of Lan Wangji's lips. Not stealing his first, but also showing his heart is still unchanged. The kiss is soft, light and loving despite not being where he would have originally placed it.

When he takes his lips away, he smiles up at the other man again. "For me, there is no more yours or mine. Lan Wangji is Lan Wangji." And even if he can't be with this one, that doesn't mean he can't still hold him in his heart just as much.

He knows this, in his heart. That Wei Ying is Wei Ying, in this body or in his original. No matter where he is, his heart beats the same. His mind is the same, and his soul still cries out for justice, for goodness. Kissing this one should be just the same as kissing the other, and yet, somehow, he still manages to taste sour in the back of his throat knowing that this one has already shared a kiss with him that he hasn't gotten to experience.

Wei Ying kisses the corner of his mouth, and afterwards Lan Wangji caresses his cheek and leans in to kiss the corner of his eye, his feelings also unchanged. He still loves Wei Ying, more than anything in the three realms and beyond them where this Hotel lies.

And afterwards, he pulls Wei Ying to himself in a crushing embrace as if afraid to let go, as if relieved to be reunited with him after a long time. It's the embrace he wanted to have, all those days ago, when he heard someone else but his own instrument play Wuji. He takes one long breath and inhales the scent of his hair, something familiar to him.

He wants and wants and wants, but he won't reach out to take.

Not when so many pieces need to be put into place.

"Will you tell him?" he asks, though the sound is muffled into Wei Ying's hair.

Wei Wuxian is happy to melt into that strong embrace, already aware of how strong the other man is and feeling it in those arms as they hold him as if he might disappear if he doesn't. Happy to let him have as long as he wants to enjoy this feeling that has been denied him for so long.

"Tell him..?" Tell him about this..tell him his feelings? He isn't sure which question Lan Wangji is asking and perhaps in a way he is asking both. Wei Wuxian isn't afraid anymore. Not of his feelings, and not of showing them. He'll never feel held back by them again.

"Of course. I said I wouldn't lie. That applies to both."

It's only fair that his feelings be shared with each and if Lan Wangji knows him well enough, he would know that his heart is true. And just because there are two..that doesn't change. He doesn't want the other to feel jealous, but asking him to cut off his feelings would be impossible. He loves Lan Wangji and that is that. Perhaps this falls into the gray area that he has always lived in life in.

If he overthinks it then it becomes too complicated. Like so many of the pieces of this hotel. If he loves someone, then he loves them for eternity. Across dimensions. However many versions of him there are out there. Wei Wuxian loves Lan Wangji. That much will always be completely clear no matter how blurry everything else is. And in time he can actually voice those words. When he knows the moment is right.

SO (PLEASE DON'T) TAKE OFF ALL YOUR CLOTHES

THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT 06/11 - 06/13

CLICK CLICK... THUMP 06/14 - 06/21

QUEEN'S ADDRESS 06/21

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press f to pay respects for this dumb idiot

XD

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chill tea hasn't met lw gay panic j

Chill tea hasn't ever met a challenger like WWX!

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CLICK CLICK... THUMP
06/14 - 06/21

QUEEN'S ADDRESS
06/21