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!

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

© tessisamess

Comments

[scaredofdogs]

It's not him saying dirty things..it's Lan Wangji's dirty mind hearing them.

He doesn't know if he will actually be able to sleep, but just laying down for a minute does feel good. Plus Lan Wangji promised to sing for him, so he intends to stay awake enough to listen to it.

"You act like you don't trust me." He's teasing just a little.

[billowing]

How can his mind not jump to conclusions when Wei Ying says things like that?

He takes a deep breath, and slowly sinks into a lying position, though he does so in his regular sleeping position with arms crossed over his chest, looking quite like he might be buried today.

Some things never change.

[scaredofdogs]

He smiles victoriously and he will resist putting his head on his chest for now at least. Even though that is how he has gotten used to sleeping before coming to this place.

"Don't fall asleep, Lan Zhan. You still owe me a song."

He studies the strong profile next to him, admiring it not for the first time.

[billowing]

He hums the song. You know the song.

It's a different song than Wei Ying is expecting, probably. But the feeling is the same, like the two Lan Wangji sat down on different days and poured out their hearts into a song, and came up with different results.

[scaredofdogs]

He closes his eyes and listens, enjoying the tone of his voice. It is similar enough, familiar in tune even if there are slight changes in the cadence. It is a constant across dimensions or worlds.

[billowing]

He keeps humming it, watching to see if Wei Ying's fallen asleep.

He looks so peaceful like this, either way. It makes him feel a weight slough from his heart.

And, now that he's allowed, he reaches over to brush a piece of Wei Ying's hair back.

[scaredofdogs]

He tries to stay awake to listen to as much of it as he can. But the sound is soothing and he allows himself to drift a little. He feels that movement of his hair, a small smile coming to the corner of his lips even while in sleep's grasp.

The room is warm but the humming is like a cool breath washing over him and cooling him, settling any unease in his mind or heart or body.

[billowing]

He hums for a bit longer, though Wei Ying's breathing patterns indicates he's asleep.

After awhile, he also falls asleep, and he hadn't realized it. But he moves in his sleep, towards Wei Ying, arms around him, the clingy sleeper that he is.

[scaredofdogs]

That familiar feeling draws him closer, shifting so that his head is on Lan Wangji's chest. His arm wrapped lazily over him as he lays against him. It's been weeks since he's gotten to enjoy this warmth. Not since before arriving in this place. And even though it is hot, all that is forgotten in this comfortable embrace. He buries his face against him, breathing in that scent of his skin as the steady beat of his heart is a soothingly lullaby that replaces the humming.

[billowing]

Dead asleep, Lan Wangji feels a soft blanket cover him and it's rather heavy, but feels nice. It's too warm, but it feels and smells just like sunshine, so it's possible he's just taken a nap outside, on a summer's day, out in a boat on a still lake, dreaming of the one he loves most.

[scaredofdogs]

Wei Wuxian has never been a particularly restful sleeper, often plagued by nightmares. But whenever he has slept like this, he has been able to sleep more soundly. Apparently Lan Wangji's presence, even in sleep, is enough to calm his soul. And his body had been tired. Exhausted from the stress of being in this place as well as the effort it took to use Inquiry so many times in such a short period. He should have known his body wouldn't have been able to handle something like that for long. And so he slept better then he has in weeks.

Eventually he will wake from his nap and realize what has happened...where he is and who he is dozing on top of. He stays completely still, not wanting to wake the other man. He's content to just lay right like this, listening to his breathing and his heartbeat. Afraid that if he moves or makes a sound the other will wake up and leave him. And so he lets him sleep, closing his own eyes to keep the illusion.

[billowing]

Lan Wangji eventually wakes, slowly, wondering what it is heavy on his chest. He sees it's Wei Ying, and his heart feels like it's being pulled in several different directions.

He knows he had done this, had pulled him in close in his slumber.

Furrowing his brows, he tries to gently extricate himself without disturbing Wei Ying, though he has a feeling he's already awake from the sound of his breathing.

[scaredofdogs]

He smiles as he feels the other wake, letting him come to the slow realization of what he has done. "You don't have to be so gentle Lan Zhan. You can toss me off if you want."

He knows the other man would never just toss him away like a rag. But he does sit up so that Lan Wangji doesn't have to keep attempting to squirm out from under him. He stretches his arms up into the air with a yawn as he works out any stiffness in his body.

[billowing]

He seems offended at the idea that he would do such a thing. "Did you sleep well?" he asks instead, moving out from underneath him and sitting up to fix his hair.

Somehow his hair is perfectly coiffed, with very little out of place, despite how complicated his hairstyle is and how easy it would be to pull little strands away.

[scaredofdogs]

"I slept very well. Must have been that really good pillow I had." Wei Wuxian's hair never looks perfect but at least he has that braid in still that Lan Wangji did and that helped keep most of it tamed. He drops his arms back down and watches as he fixes his hair. Reaching out to fix a stray piece.

"You seemed to be sleeping well too."

[billowing]

He nods affirmatively, but looks at Wei Ying questioning whether or not they should've done that.

Still... he heaves a breath and his eyes become soft. He can't help it. He reaches for the hand in his hair, and does nothing else, just gently grasps his wrist for a moment before letting go.

"Must have been the blanket. It was especially fine."

[scaredofdogs]

Wei Wuxian laughs. Not bothered at all by being a blanket or what they did. All it was, was sleep. No one is betrayed by a nap.

"It wasn't too warm? I'm sure that blanket can be pretty hot. But you didn't have to lay under it for too long so maybe it was okay."

[billowing]

"It is a hot and oddly-shaped blanket," Lan Wangji answers. "But it is comfortable."

Is he making a joke? Is Lan Wangji making a joke? Someone call the press.

Maybe it's because he actually got to sleep during the day. He seems rather refreshed.

[scaredofdogs]

Wei Wuxian is pleased and a bit surprised that Lan Wangji is showing a little bit of humor. He pounces on him, wrapping his arms around his shoulders in a hug and placing a small playful kiss on his cheek.

"I'll happily be your blanket anytime you want a nap."

He definitely feels ready to conquer the rest of the day. Maybe mid-day naps are something he should consider doing all the time.

[billowing]

Lan Wangji places his hands on Wei Ying's waist and looks up him with the sweetest expression on his face, open and welcoming.

But even though it's just spending more time with him - even though they're not doing anything untoward, he still does feel a little guilty. Because it makes him fall a little more in love, just to think about it.

"Should we get up, then?"

[scaredofdogs]

He nods, even though it means pealing himself away from the other man. It's hard to have motivation to do that when Lan Wangji gives him those wonderfully warm expressions that are just for him. His own becoming just as soft in response.

"Mm..should we look for more spirits? I can make sure I didn't sleep it all away." Though..part of him thinks it was worth it considering what he got in return. He doesn't know if the spirits on this side of the hotel will be any more useful but it might not hurt to ask. But also, since they have been enduring the warmer area of the hotel, he wouldn't fault Lan Wangji for wanting to go back where it is cooler.

[billowing]

"If you wish, I will accompany you," he says, moving to get up, which means having to get out from under Wei Ying.

A shame, but there's work to be done and they can indulge in a little friendly cuddling later. If Wei Ying exhausts himself from performing inquiry without a core, then Lan Wangji will need to be there to make sure he makes it back to safety.

[scaredofdogs]

Wei Wuxian hops out of bed and walks over to the table to grab chenqing. "Of course I would wish it, Lan Zhan!" He picks up the flute and twirls it around his fingers.

"Where should we try it? We could stay here or try more of the off limit areas and see what we can find."

[billowing]

"I think perhaps we should try to ascend the stairs and see what is beyond the elevator box."

But honestly he will follow Wei Ying wherever he chooses to go.

[scaredofdogs]

"Alright! Let's head to the end of the hallway and go up from there." He heads out of the room and points to where the big exit sign glows at the end of the hallway.

"Since this is a different area we might find some spirits that know more information. If you think of the questions, I'll try to ask them."