it's getting hot in here

[happyheartsstaff]

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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© tessisamess

Comments

[sadflutenoises]

[He doesn't respond to the teasing, because of course, imagine Hanguang Jun treating him to backrubs whenever he asked! Ridiculous. And the polite refusal to let him reciprocate? Nevermind that he wouldn't even look at him. Wei Wuxian really needed to take a hint. Lan Zhan had always thought his poor attempts at flirtation were nothing short of shameless, and this lack of any sort of interest only confirmed it.

Lan Wangji just continues, methodical as ever, and Wei Wuxian has to bite his lip to stifle those stupid sounds his traitorous body keeps making. He's definitely taking advantage of Lan Zhan's kindness, and while the other Wei Wuxian might be lucky enough to have a Lan Wangji that wanted more than friendship between them, he couldn't try to force that here.]

I um- I think that'll do.

[He turns abruptly, laying on his side now, as he tries to sit up. He still manages a wide smile.]

You're really good at that though, Lan Zhan! If you weren't such a fine cultivator, I'd say you could make your living this way instead!

[billowing]

[ Wei Ying must be politely asking him to stop touching him in such a way, because he sounds so unsure and Lan Wangji hasn't finished, and hasn't gotten to rub down his legs yet.

As he turns, the sheet moves and Lan Wangji whips his head to the side and inhales a little too sharply, the tips of his ears turning red. Damn this stupid body.

He tries to conceal himself, casting his look downward. ]

It was not... too much?

[ Because he doesn't want Wei Ying to think he intended to be lecherous, but perhaps his wastrel heart has gotten the better of him. It had been dangerous, of course, to think he possibly had enough self-control not to ruin things between them.

But what he hears in Wei Ying's "um," is stop touching me. And what he hears in his compliment is, "you could touch other people. Other people might not mind." ]

[sadflutenoises]

[As before, Lan Zhan is hard to read, and with a sixteen year gap, he feels woefully out of practice. At least this time Lan Zhan manages to survive the experience without spitting blood, he thinks, adjusting his towel as he swings his legs down from the table.]

Too much? Oh, that's- oh. No, no! It was perfect, as always, I couldn't ask for better!

[Everything about you is perfect, he wants to say.]

You really didn't have to indulge me like that. If you do every little thing I ask, what will people say? How spoiled I'd become!

[Lan Zhan's gaze is cast ever downward, can't even look at him like this, can he? Wei Wuxian hops down from the table, holding the towel to his waist as he gives Lan Zhan's shoulder a playful bump, anything to get him to look up, to cheer up.]

Come on, come on, I've had my turn, how can we spoil Lan Zhan?

[billowing]

[ He says all these things, and he doesn't know what they do to Lan Wangji's poor heart. He had done every little thing that Wei Ying had asked for. He would spoil him rotten, if only he would allow it to happen. His absence had torn a hole in Lan Wangji's heart, and all manners of small gifts and acts of service are in part, a way in hopes of putting it back together piece by piece.

When he looks up at Wei Ying, there's a brief flash of pain in his eyes, that whatever he does, it won't be enough. He could move mountains, drain the sea, hang the moon, and still would it be enough? Would Wei Ying know how much he is worth to Lan Wangji?

In a second, it is gone, replaced by his usual reflections of smooth, polished jade. ]

I have simple wants.

[ Which is mostly true, but honestly at the moment the only thing he really wants is something he is not selfish enough to claim. Wei Ying is standing so close now, towel slung on his tiny waist, drawing Lan Wangji imperceptibly closer.

They are so close, and Wei Ying has such a playful expression on his face, innocent, almost childlike. He places his full trust in Lan Wangji, and here he is, thinking about his mouth.

He clears his throat. ]

As long as Wei Ying is satisfied.

[sadflutenoises]

[When their eyes meet, he could swear there's something pained there, even if only briefly. So much for not hurting Lan Zhan, he can feel his heart sink into his stomach, but his smile remains, softened around the edges.]

If they're simple, no harm in sharing them.

[Surely, he can handle a night of meditation or recitation. Maybe a bowl of bland vegetable soup. He'd even copy down all of the Lan sect's rules in quiet contemplation if it would make Lan Zhan happy.

He hasn't moved to pick up the pile of clothing on the floor or dress just yet, studying that stony expression.]

Are you sure? There's nothing you want?

[billowing]

[ There is something he wants, but he thinks it might be conflicting with the thing he wants most. In his mind, nothing can compare to the happiness and safety of the man who stands before him. Not the Earth, not all its secrets, not his own happiness.

They are so close that he could feel the heat coming off of Wei Ying's skin, like steam off water gently brushing against his arm.

His mouth is dry, his heart wild. ]

I did not say that.

[ He freezes, again, with fear. This is the part where he gets in close enough, he asks questions, he thinks he might say something... and then Wei Ying says something so irrevocably heterosexual stupid that he remembers why he never opens his mouth to say anything. ]

I said, I want what you want.

[ He said, as long as Wei Ying is satisfied, and he means that. Should he want to be friends, they will be friends. Should he want to be soulmates, sworn brothers, lovers... In other words, he whatevers Wei Ying. ]

[sadflutenoises]

[Lan Wangji has always been a man of few words and complex meanings. Meanings he as often misinterpreted or misunderstood. But right now, the only thing that isn't perfectly clear is why. Why does his happiness matter so much?]

Lan Zhan...

[His voice is softer this time.]

Whatever I want?

[He reaches out tentatively, just enough to tug lightly at the edge of Lan Wangji's sleeve.]

[billowing]

[ His happiness matters so much because he is the most deserving individual to receive it. How can he not see that, even still? People indulge Lan Wangji, because he is renowned, because he is peerless. People bow to him, they offer him gifts in hope for his favor, they respect him so much that it extends to the company he keeps. No one dares question Hanguang-Jun.

But every curse, every maligning, and fingers start pointing to Wei Ying. They loved him when they thought he was a creative visionary. They hated him when he became a nuisance. But is he not just as competent, just as gifted a Cultivator? Is his heart not just as good, his morals just as strong?

The people wish to please Hanguang-Jun, but he believes there are instead, reparations owed.

And if he is the only one who treasures Wei Ying's sunbeam smile over all other worldly sights, then he will be the one to cultivate it. ]

Tell me.

[ He doesn't put a conditional on it. Wei Ying's demands are usually just as humble as Lan Wangji's are. ]

[sadflutenoises]

[He's rarely felt a moment so precariously balanced on a knife's edge. The last thing he'd want is to do or say something that might hurt Lan Zhan. And even his soul's twin had reinforced the idea, but it didn't make the right words spring to mind, or the right actions to see things through. He was always so brash, unconcerned about who he offended or alienated so long as he followed his sense of justice.

Lan Zhan hasn't jerked away, but he's barely reacted to Wei Wuxian's nearness, to the way he clings to the hem of his sleeve. It's the precipice at the Nightless City once more, but this time he's begging, pleading for Lan Wangji to catch him if he falls.]

I'm not sure I can find the words...

[So many of them, all jumbled up like startled butterflies in his chest, only to be caught up in his throat before they can escape.

He takes a breath, then reaches once more, letting his fingers slip from the fine fabric of Lan Zhan's robe, to the bare skin of his exposed hand. They brush timidly over his palm before sliding into place, filling in the gaps between Lan Zhan's fingers with his own. His dark eyes flick up, trying to meet Lan Zhan's.]

[billowing]

[ He doesn't move away from Wei Ying because he's done doing so, done trying to protect his heart in such ways that he gives the wrong impression. Because that's what it had been, in those days: he, a young man who thought he knew everything there was to know in the world. Wei Ying, a challenger of thoughts. And he'd thought it foolish. He'd thought it rivalry!

But mostly, he'd thought they had time.

Wangji has always been like an adult, patient, mature, solemn. And Wei Ying, tugging at his sleeve, has always been like a sweet, impish child.

But then he takes Wangji's hand, and their fingers slot in place as if made and molded for each other. He looks at them, and back at Wei Ying's face to find his eyes, dark and soulful, full of something like hope and of understanding.

His own reflect back a second of hesitation, wondering: is this real? Is it a trick of the light, or of tea? Of this hotel?

With his free hand, he rests his palm on Wei Ying's heart. Touching his skin is a privilege and a revelation. There is something reverently holy about hearing the beating of his heart with nothing to act as a barrier. His own heart races, as if to match Wei Ying's tempo.

And satisfied with his answer, his hand moves up to caress his cheek. ]

Wei Ying...

[ His voice is soft, intimate in a way he's never called anyone before. Two short syllables, the only sounds his mind and his soul and his mouth remember.

--There is a knock on the door, and the moment is shattered like reflection of moonlight on water.

Wangji's hand pulls into a fist at his side as if shriveled, his hand wrested away; he quickly gathers Wei Ying's clothes so that the staff will see no more of his form. ]

[sadflutenoises]

[He can swear he sees something like hesitation in Lan Zhan's eyes and for just a moment he's falling, he's pushed too far, said too much, he should pull away, treat it like a joke, Wei Wuxian is always teasing, isn't he?

But Lan Zhan just puts a hand over his bare chest and he must hear the way it hammers. He's exposed in every possible way and he can't help but think, if anyone will turn him down gently, of course it would be Lan Wangji, but maybe... maybe...

His lashes flutter as that hand moves to cup his cheek and he forgets to breathe, forgets about anything but where this might lead, and-

The knock on the door feels dull and far away. The way Lan Zhan jerks away, the sudden cold he leaves behind, and the space between them though, feels terribly loud. He catches the movement, sees the woman from before enter, but he's still recovering, still trying to catch his breath, even as Lan Zhan is retrieving his scattered clothing.

He scrambles to catch up, tugging a piece loose from Lan Zhan's hands- his tank top, and wastes no time in tugging it over his head. The woman offers a faint apology for intruding and starts tidying the room. Wei Wuxian makes use of Lan Zhan's body blocking her line of sight, and grabs his pants next, hopping into them beneath his towel before removing it.]

Oh- Ah- It's alright, we were just- we were just- on our way out! Thank you again for the bandages! We should ah- go, right?