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!

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It certainly doesn't look like Lan Wangji is more than eager to spend time with him this way. The idea of spending the evening and night with him, but it's true. His bedroom is too hot to sleep and only this place is cool.

"Mn. That's exactly right. We camp together. We tell each other stories. If it's hot, we jump in the pool. We won't be sleeping much, but better than heatstroke."

His expression is extremely bright and excited at the idea of camping out. Sleeping anywhere besides his room is a good change of pace and being able to sleep in the room that is about as close to being outside as someone can get..it just a wonderful thought.

"It's too bad there won't be stars we could sleep under!" That would be just a perfect way to spend the night. Sleeping under the stars with Lan Wangji.

"I wonder if lots of people will have that same idea or if it will be quiet."

He hopes it will be quiet but he wouldn't be able to blame anyone that might also decide that it is the best idea. He's already thinking about all the things they could do at the pool to spend the evening. He's sure the staff could help them get food and drinks so that it will feel just like a real camping trip.

That...that expression of his. Bright, excited, and bubbly. That's the Wei Ying he remembers and he has desperately wanted and yearning to see. Not seeing him crying or in pain or being terrified.

He couldn't think of a better way to spend the night. "We're sleeping outside here tonight. So we should be able to see the stars." He would like that very much with him.

At the thought, "If they decide to come out, we have to share." He doesn't want to see them suffer from heatstroke.

Lan Wangji managed a small smile since Wei Wuxian likes his idea and because he wanted to.

"Wei Ying. Tonight...?"

He starts looking around the pool area as he leans against the side of it. "Those chairs over there are the most comfortable. We can use those..and I like that spot by the cave because the cave is pretty." He wants to pick the perfect spots for all their camping activities. He points to each place as he talks.

Then he looks over at Lan Wangji again, "I wonder if they will let us have a fire." Because what is camping without a fire? OF course it is warm enough without it already..but they don't want it for heat, but rather for ambiance! "Ah a fire might make it even hotter..no fire.."

He tilts his head a little as he hears the question. "Tonight?"

Leaning toward the edge of the pool, as he imagines a campfire and the way, Wei Ying talks of a perfect camp.

"Mn. Let's do all of that tonight. Make camp here and together. They should let us have everything to make a proper camp, and I'll make it perfect for you. With ambiance too. It shall be as you imagine it." He said.

"And anyway, I'll be sleeping here. I can't sleep. My bedroom is too hot."

Wei Wuxian nods his approval. He doesn't care if they spend every night here until they fix the air. At least as long as the pool doesn't malfunction. It would be rather unfortunate if that happened and ruined their camp. But hopefully only one thing can go wrong at a time in the hotel.

"It will be fun! I'm looking forward to it."

He pushes away from the side of the pool so that he can float on his back and look up at the fake sky above them.

"And starts above us..even if we just have to pretend." But maybe the hotel has a kind of night version of the pool..that would be rather pleasant. Or maybe they will at least let them turn off the lights so the sky can be dark and they can just imagine it is the night sky. "Do you think they would let us make it dark in here to pretend it is night time?"

At his suggestion and his ideas, he considers it. His idea sounds romantic to him.

"If we asked them, they might do it for us. It would be nice if they do that and if we're alone together. I would like us to watch the stars at night when we're camping. Like we used to do when we're traveling on our journey back home. Even if it's not a real night sky, we can pretend."

"We should get everything we will need so it will be ready when the time comes. I can talk to the staff about the lights and see if they will agree. Maybe they automatically turn them off and I just haven't been here late enough."

Which wouldn't be surprising. He doesn't usually stay at the pool area after dinner time.

Lan Wangji is significantly happier at the suggestion, and since Wei Wuxian agrees with him with his ideas.

"Mn. See if you do."

Evening came soon enough and eventually, he can't stay in the water for far too long. It gets itchy and wrinkly after staying in the water for long periods of time. Eventually, the both of them has to come out to get dry.

With the towel in hand, at the very least they had this talk, Lan Wangji managed to smile a bit.

Wei Wuxian is reluctant to ever leave the water because of the heat but the teas are helping and he has cooled down enough to be able to wander around for awhile. They have a lot to do before they can enjoy their little camping trip and all of those preparations require being out of the water.

He dries off and then wraps the wet towel around his shoulders to enjoy some of that cold a little longer.

"Should we split up and get everything ready for tonight?" He knows he has to talk to the staff about the lights at least as well as see what else he can find out about staying in the pool area all night.

Using the towel to dry himself and in agreement with his plan.

"Mn. We split up, get ready, and we meet back here at 8:00 pm." One hour before his designated lan clock deems it to be bed-time. He was looking forward to tonight.

With a nod, he will reluctantly part from him. He does not want to hang out in his hot hotel room, which is just as humid as it was outside.

Wei Wuxian nods and goes off to start his tasks. He speaks with the hotel staff first and asks them about the lights. He points up at the sky and describes what he hopes they will understand. It takes a little persuading but the staff agree to turn out the lights at 8:00pm and inform him that the LEDs in the cave and along the pool will be enough that they won't have to be in the dark.

They also informed him that there was a fire pit near one of the seating areas that would be there and available for him to use at his leisure. He then went and investigated the fire pit, realizing that it is just close enough to what he had wanted with a campfire.

After that it was off to get some clean towels and arrange for some bedding to be brought into the area so they wouldn't have to just sleep on the chairs. Although comfy for short term sitting..they weren't exactly made for long term sleeping.

He also wandered off to the bar to get a bottle of wine for him and a pitcher of tea for Lan Wangji. He asked about snacks and the staff told them they had some options that would work well with the pit and not have to worry about it going bad if it sat out for too long.

Eventually he wandered back to the pool area, a little before the designated meet up time to make sure he had everything he had requested. The lights were still on since they wouldn't go off until 8, and so he sat on the edge of the pool and dangled his feet in the water to wait.

He waited out a few hours in his room and already, by the designated time that is agreed upon, he's already sweating and hot. He appeared wearing a nightgown attire in his pajamas with a stack of blanket and pillows, and extra dry clothes to change for the next morning.

He came with every intention to spend the night in the pool. The moment he arrives, he gazed at the scene before him in quite a daze. It was a lovely sight, with the room darkens with the LED lights on, and the first-person he sees is Wei Ying waiting for him by the pool.

"Wei Ying, I'm here" Quietly he approached him. Unable to bear the heat, he strips off his pajamas to reveal he's wearing shorts for swimming and quickly hops into the pool to cool off.

"This is lovely. It's hot upstairs. Was it the same for you?"

When the lights dimmed, he turned his face upward to see if there was stars. A few random lights gave off a kind of illusion that there were a few. It brought a smile to his face as he then looked around the room. Just enough light that someone can enjoy their stay in the room without accidentally falling into a pool. Even the water is lit up to give it a pretty almost greenish-blue glow.

As Lan Wangji returns he looks over and his smile brightens. "It's hot everywhere. I don't like it upstairs very much right now." The heat seems to rise making the higher they go, the warmer it is. He knows he can't exactly live at the pool, but that doesn't mean he isn't going to try.

He scoots off the side of the pool and into the water. He wants to show Lan Wangji all the things they got set up for them, but for now he will let the man cool down. Except of course..He's going to be pouncing on him immediately. He jumps up and throws his arms around Lan Wangji's neck, not caring if it sends them both tumbling back into the water.

With the room dark and the lights dimmed, there are no stars here, but it's close enough. The light from the above makes it look like stars. So it's quiet, dark, and comfortable. Lan Wangji takes a splash in the pool to cool himself off and feeling at ease with himself, he relaxes, content to spend his time and space with him, and he really appreciates this set-up that Wei Wuxian goes through the trouble and it all started with a simple request of wanting to spend time with him.

He didn't see that attack coming. The moment Wei Wuxian caught him, his golden eyes widen in surprise, in a bit of shock as he haven't...hug him in ages like this and can't recall the last time he did. "Ah...? Wei Ying...?"

At that moment, falling backward, they make quite a splash from a sudden impact. He caught his balance and caught Wei Wuxian in his arms around his waist.

Looking at him blankly, "Wei Ying. What's the matter? Is everything all right?"

He looks up at the other and his smile is bright. He's excited about being able to sleep somewhere new and especially since it will be like sleeping under the stars back home. It might not be the same but it's an evening alone with Lan Wangji and he's practically bursting with all the happy emotions that come with figuring out how he feels.

"Everything is fine, Lan Zhan! I'm just happy and I have so much to show you. The staff was really helpful when I asked them for things. And I wanted to make sure everything was nice. We haven't had a very good few weeks..but now that I understand how I feel, I wanted to make it up to you for all the bad things that happened between us."

He wasn't completely to blame. Lan Wangji also had a hand..a part..in what made things so awkward between them. But Wei Wuxian knows how to forgive and forget. They can start over. This time without any teas or things messing everything up and confusing the situation.

It's fortunate for Wei Wuxian than Lan Wangji does return his feelings and happily gives it when it's needed it, and just as desperate for his affection. He slowly wraps his arms around him, gently squeezing him.

"Wei Ying, I..." At this point, Lan Wangji wanted to apologize yet again for losing his temper with him, for yelling, but now Wei Wuxian made him promised and he intended to be a man of his word and keeps his promise.

He didn't want to harm him. Never he wanted to, out of fear of losing him. They had fights and arguments before, where he has gotten angry at him and draw his blade at him over as something as breaking the rules and sneaking in alcohol, having long thought that Wei Wuxian is disrespecting the rules of his Sect.

"You can show me everything. This is indeed very nice and it was your idea. I like it. It's very sweet of you to even think of making up to me." He is very touched by his sincerity.

He doesn't let him go but he does loosen up his tight hold on him, looking at him and being straightforward.

"Wei Ying, what happened that time...I wanted it. I wanted you. Whether you are under a love spell or not, I still do and it's coming from me. I don't feel forced. Surprise and overwhelmed maybe. It's something you weren't ready for, and if you're not ready now, it's fine. I'll slow down and wait. But I wasn't angry about that. I was angry because I thought...you wanted an easy way out through drinking and you didn't return home. It's easy to forget and not good wanting to escape."

"I know you do, Lan Zhan. When the other you arrived..we talked a lot. He helped me understand some things and it made me realize even if what I was under was a tea..your feelings were true." He doesn't know how he will react to him talking to the other version, but the other one really did help him and he might not be like this if he didn't get those answers.

"And I do want to take it slow. Let's enjoy each other like this before we go too far. It's not that I don't want to do it..but..I guess I just want that to be special." And that night it would have been driven by lust and not love. That second it far more precious to him then the first.

He doesn't want to think about being yelled at anymore, wiping that whole day clean from his brain. From this point on, he wants to only enjoy the good times with Lan Wangji.

He leans up and places a light kiss on the man's cheek, a tender and loving motion filled with all that he feels for this man. His heart it full and has been repaired over the last couple weeks. And tonight he wants to be able to share this special evening just the way they want to, without hotel tricks or jumbled feelings.

At the mention of the other, his double, and counterpart, Lan Wangji's inwardly flinched and he frowns, there's a moment of a sullen expression. There is a pain in his heart so profound that it pulls at his heartstrings. Perhaps jealousy. He did bizarre things out of jealousy such as stealing an innocent's girl pink purse to call it his own and did everything he can in his memory after he's gone to remember him by.

But there's no anger. Just a fear that if he accidentally distances himself away from him, then it makes sense for Wei Ying to find comfort and answers in the other man. It wasn't fair, but in the end, he must surrender, accept his defeat, sees his weakness, and forgive. He meditates on it, draw on inner strength and set his own selfishness aside. What he could say? Stop seeing him and see only me?

More than anything he draws inner strength from his self-control and his miserable attempt to reign mastery over his emotions. He takes a deep breath. More than anything, he needs him. To hold him like this. To hear him talk, laugh, and have fun and don't think about the collective sorrows. The thirteen years of his absence is suffering enough.

Speaking from his heart, he needs to let Wei Ying know that there's only him in his heart and nobody else and that in the end, it will be him, the Lan Wangji that he'll be returning home in the end.

With quiet strength, he speaks slowly. His kiss are like a balm to his soul. Compassionate and kindness, and a soft tenderness his Wei Ying needs now.

"Wei Ying. You are special. Very special. You are the only one that I let into my heart. I meant what I said that I love you. That I loved you and nobody else. You are my home. When you're hurt, I get hurt. When you're happy, I'm happy. I just can't read your mind, so when you need something like that...please. Tell me. Because more than anything else, my reason is always you. If you're lost or in doubt, we can figure things out together."

He's not content with a light kiss on the cheek. His own heart is full too, too full of bitter, happiness, and hurt mingled all at once from the years they know each other. After the kiss, he steals a kiss back, leaning over, dipping in the close space between them for a desperate kiss on the lips.

If Lan wangji asked him to never see the other version again, Wei Wuxian would have many issues with it. He would agree but it would leave a wound on his heart that would not likely heal. For him, the two of them are the same. His feelings for Lan Wangji transcend all things, even a difference of worlds or lives or memories. He can't really explain it in words, but he knows that it would be hard to exist in this space knowing he would never be allowed to see both of them anytime he wanted.

As he kisses him back, Wei Wuxian's arms tighten around him. He feels like that kiss opens up his heart like a dam, the emotions rushing out of him like water. He wants to be able to enjoy this feeling all the time, every moment of every day. This embrace that he wants to grow so familiar with, those lips that seems to perfectly envelope his own.

As those words roll over in his brain. His life is Lan Wangji's life and vice versa. Perhaps it's been that way for a long time, far longer then he even was aware of. The stolen kiss on the mountain, the promise with the lanterns, the week in the cave. All moments that shaped who they were together. Ever since that time in the cave, his own thoughts had become more and more wrapped up in Lan Wangji. Wondering what he was doing, where he was traveling, if he would ever be able to show him Lotus Pier. He wanted to spend time with him even when he thought the other man hated him.

But now he knows that was never the case. This man has loved him for years. And it isn't fair..because Wei Wuxian couldn't be there for him. Those 13 years he was dead was like a snap of a finger for him. He doesn't remember them and never had to deal with the pain of all that time apart. And so the guilt he feels is because he made the man have to wait all that time.

As they break from the kiss, Wei Wuxian stays close, resting his forehead against the other man's. "From now on, Lan Zhan, I'll never keep anything from you. No lies, no secrets, no doubts, no fears. If you want to know what is on my mind at any moment, I will tell you."

It shall be discussed at another time, but Wei Wuxian must learn that he is absolutely allowed once Lan Wangji is pretty sure of their relationship and doesn't make him feel less if only they talk more openly and with more honesty. Because even Lan Wangji himself knows better. That people are unstoppable when they're in love. It's a force to be reckoned with and to be fair, knowing himself, the other man maybe struggling with the same feelings between love and honor, and doing the right thing.

Closing his eyes, he simply melts into the kiss, kissing him longingly and passionately. For all the years he's devoted to him, his loving is steadfast and strong, and has never changed. Like an anchor and rock that Wei Wuxian needed and relied on, when his emotions is too strong, to be sure that there is someone he can come back home to, and always be there to help, and help him stay focus and centered during crisis or stress. The emotions he feels for him never wavers and still ever the same, if anything becomes stronger than before.

The embrace loosen, he relaxes completely, at ease, not letting him go, and with all the emotions steady, he relaxes and is completely open, his gaze never leaves the face of his beloved. "You don't have to tell me anything. Not unless you wanted too and absolutely sure. For me, what's important is you feel safe and you don't fear me and you trust me, and that you know, I'm here for you."

Closing his eyes, "I'm just happy that you're back, Wei Ying and you're feeling much better."

"I'm definitely feeling much better." That time apart was the hardest he has ever know. They have been apart before. Both of his times in Burial Mounds for example. After he left Cloud Recesses to go back home. After they escaped the cave. Each one was met with significant amount of time between seeing each other. But during those times they weren't matched up in their feelings. When they were apart this time, Wei Wuxian realized just how much he didn't ever want that to happen again.

He finally pulls away and takes the man's hand in his own. "Let me show you the set up for tonight!" He is already cooled off thanks to the water, so he wants to show Lan Wangji the fire area and where they will get to sleep. There is food and drinks and everything ready for them thanks to the staffers.

He pulls him out of the pool and all the way over to near the cave part. There are chairs set up and they fan out around a fire pit that is already going strong. Besides the chairs is bedding that they can either lay out on the floor or on the chairs depending on how they wish to sleep. And then pitchers of tea and alcohol are on tables as well as the pieces to make what the staff called 'smores'.

"what do you think? Do we have everything we need?"

For once, he is all smiles, and he is glad he feeling much better. So is he. Very gently, he laces his fingers as his hand being held, and climbing out of the pool and follows after him.

"You have something to show me?" Upon closer look, he marvels as to how much Wei Wuxian's ideals and plans become visualized. It's all well-organized and thought out at the set up near the fire pit. At the very least, they won't spend the night in their bedrooms where it's humid and hot.

"Wei Ying, it's perfect."

Wei Wuxian grins and wraps his arms back around him, resting his chin against Lan Wangji's neck. "I'm glad you think so, Lan Zhan. I'm excited that we get to have this camping trip."

It's about as close to traveling around and spending the night outside as he can get. It's the only thing he can do to make up for all that time apart. He wants to be able to enjoy every minute and still stay cool. And neither of them has to go back to their own rooms and be alone. They can lay together under the stars.

They're becoming closer than before, slowly understanding each other. His Wei Ying came back to him, especially with the kisses and hugs and he couldn't be happier with the affectionate that he's slowly warming up to him. No rush, taking it slow. It helps not to sleep alone as he really wanted and needed Wei Ying's company for the evening.

"What would you like to do? Eat together?" He did bring blankets and pillows to work out the bedding and left them on one of the tables should they need to fix it.

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

QUEEN'S ADDRESS
06/21