𝐻𝒜𝒫𝒫𝒴 𝐻𝐸𝒜𝑅𝒯𝒮 𝒮𝒯𝒜𝐹𝐹 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
happyheartsstaff) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
angryhearts2020-08-11 11:18 pm
happyheartsstaff) wrote in angryhearts2020-08-11 11:18 pm
Entry tags:
you want to hear it? well —
ONLY, MY SECRET'S MINE, AND I WON'T TELL
The garden may no longer be available upon return to the hotel, but there is still a bustle of energy. How fortunate all the Oysters are, to reside in such a renowned place! It's a great honor for those in Wonderland to be granted opportunity to teach their skills or ply their trade here, and the Queen permits only the best. Hotel staff themselves seem to delight in the presence of the traveling merchants. Many trade teas or favors for enchanted items, and will eagerly discuss their purchases. "Oh, it happens regularly enough," they will say if asked, "but you never know if the merchant you liked or the item you eyed will be back next time!"
The talk lingers after the guest instructors and merchants have departed, but it isn't the only thing left behind. Glimmers of green may catch your eye, tucked away in hidden places that seem almost impossible to reach without drawing attention to yourself. Those who manage it will find a scrap of heavy paper with a drawing of a stylized caterpillar, a series of numbers, and the words call a friend.
Are you curious enough to input the numbers into your Empathy? It will ring, if you do, until an answering machine picks up and asks a single question — How doth the little crocodile improve his shining tail? Do you dare leave a message? What will it be? Whatever you decide, the call will disconnect after a few minutes. It seems the only thing you can do now is wait for a call back.
But of course, the hotel is not in the habit of allowing such a thing as idle waiting. Her Royal Highness has noticed that some of her beloved Oysters seem quite reluctant to partake of the many splendors that the hotel provides, and she will be offering a special treat — indulgence.
QUEEN'S GAMES
8/12 - 8/22
What's more fun to indulge in than a little healthy competition? It's time for the Queen's Games, a truly dazzling spectacle. Competitors come from all over Wonderland, and this year for the first time ever, Oysters are invited to join! Announcements for the games schedule will be posted all throughout the hotel, along with directions on how to register to join.
The games will be held in either the pool area or the gym, which seems to have expanded to accommodate the number of spectators. Available games include:
Of course, even the games that Oysters are familiar with may not be quite the same. Chess in Wonderland is a team sport, for example, with each member of the team filling a role as a chess piece and a coach as a strategist directing the plays. Attempting to capture one of the other team's pieces includes having to successfully win a fight against them. Gymnastics and diving competitors include growing and shrinking in size to their routines, ice sculptures come to life when they've been completed, artistic swimmers and ice skaters change costumes and swap partners in the blink of an eye.
If they're lucky, Oysters may find one of the competitors willing to show them the ropes. If they're even luckier, or more persistent, there may be a spot or two open on one of the teams that Oysters can slot themselves into. For the most part, team members will be delighted to have Oysters there.
"You all just feel so much," one may say, sounding a little awed.
"Show off those emotions, it'll get us points," another will add.
Although competitors are friendly, with Osyters and with each other, it's clear that most of them are here to win. Rivalries may flare up throughout the month, ex-lovers may be reunited and broken up again, infighting may spark among the teams — all things that can be soothed or exacerbated, for Oysters who may have inclinations towards utilizing such things to increase their chances of winning.
Or to fan the flames of drama for its own sake.
The games will be held in either the pool area or the gym, which seems to have expanded to accommodate the number of spectators. Available games include:
- archery
- chess
- croquet
- artistic swimming
- diving
- gymnastics
- flamingo flying
- ice skating
- ice sculptures
Of course, even the games that Oysters are familiar with may not be quite the same. Chess in Wonderland is a team sport, for example, with each member of the team filling a role as a chess piece and a coach as a strategist directing the plays. Attempting to capture one of the other team's pieces includes having to successfully win a fight against them. Gymnastics and diving competitors include growing and shrinking in size to their routines, ice sculptures come to life when they've been completed, artistic swimmers and ice skaters change costumes and swap partners in the blink of an eye.
If they're lucky, Oysters may find one of the competitors willing to show them the ropes. If they're even luckier, or more persistent, there may be a spot or two open on one of the teams that Oysters can slot themselves into. For the most part, team members will be delighted to have Oysters there.
"You all just feel so much," one may say, sounding a little awed.
"Show off those emotions, it'll get us points," another will add.
Although competitors are friendly, with Osyters and with each other, it's clear that most of them are here to win. Rivalries may flare up throughout the month, ex-lovers may be reunited and broken up again, infighting may spark among the teams — all things that can be soothed or exacerbated, for Oysters who may have inclinations towards utilizing such things to increase their chances of winning.
Or to fan the flames of drama for its own sake.
THE CALL
8/16
Starting in the early morning hours and continuing late into the night, any who left a message will get a call back.
Those who completed the poem will be greeted immediately by a friendly male voice, with an apology for the delay. "Ugh, our lines are backed up like crazy," the caller will say. "Where are you reporting in from?"
Those who somehow identified themselves as an Oyster, as residing in the hotel, from off world, being held by the Queen, or otherwise potentially against the Queen, will have their call returned by a cold female voice, guarded and wary.
"Show me your Oyster mark," the caller will request. "We can't risk giving you anything without proof."
Regardless of which caller contacts them, anyone who cooperates will receive similar information.
The friendly caller will readily provide assurances that the resistance base was not found, despite Mad March and the Order's attempt at reconnaissance in the old kingdom.
"Can't say much more than that over these channels, you know, but worry not! Everyone is safe. We have a follow up from the last mission — sorry about the air conditioning, you know, couldn't be helped — you ready for this? Keycodes. Access keycodes. Didn't get more than a handful, of course, and the intel is vague about what they access. Are we glad to get your call! How about it, you ready to try one out and see what information you can get?"
The guarded caller will allude to the Order not being able to find what they wanted out in the ruins.
"Did you think they took you out there to show you the sights? They're looking for us, obviously. No I'm not going to tell you more than that — just because you're an Oyster doesn't mean we can completely trust you. All right, look. Last time we broke into the hotel, we recovered a few access codes. We had to get out of there before we could find out what they accessed. How about a trade? We give you the code, you call us back and tell us what you find."
Those who completed the poem will be greeted immediately by a friendly male voice, with an apology for the delay. "Ugh, our lines are backed up like crazy," the caller will say. "Where are you reporting in from?"
Those who somehow identified themselves as an Oyster, as residing in the hotel, from off world, being held by the Queen, or otherwise potentially against the Queen, will have their call returned by a cold female voice, guarded and wary.
"Show me your Oyster mark," the caller will request. "We can't risk giving you anything without proof."
Regardless of which caller contacts them, anyone who cooperates will receive similar information.
The friendly caller will readily provide assurances that the resistance base was not found, despite Mad March and the Order's attempt at reconnaissance in the old kingdom.
"Can't say much more than that over these channels, you know, but worry not! Everyone is safe. We have a follow up from the last mission — sorry about the air conditioning, you know, couldn't be helped — you ready for this? Keycodes. Access keycodes. Didn't get more than a handful, of course, and the intel is vague about what they access. Are we glad to get your call! How about it, you ready to try one out and see what information you can get?"
The guarded caller will allude to the Order not being able to find what they wanted out in the ruins.
"Did you think they took you out there to show you the sights? They're looking for us, obviously. No I'm not going to tell you more than that — just because you're an Oyster doesn't mean we can completely trust you. All right, look. Last time we broke into the hotel, we recovered a few access codes. We had to get out of there before we could find out what they accessed. How about a trade? We give you the code, you call us back and tell us what you find."
INDULGENCE
8/13 - 8/23
Throughout the event, there will be a number of activities available alongside the games designed to encourage unwinding. A concert set up in the hotel lobby will kick off the start of the games, at which indulgence teas will be made available for the first time. They will continue to be served readily at all hours of the day. Enhanced spa facilities will be made available as well — dazzling pedicures and manicures with nail polish that can do anything from change colors based on your mood to emit light so bright it can function as a flashlight; makeup that gives you a kiss that will literally stun the recipient; aromatherapy that will cure any kind of hangover; oils that double as aphrodisiacs, for those interested; healing massages that will take away your aches and pains, wiping away any bruises or injuries with no questions asked. A clean slate, ready to indulge again.
Then, of course, there are the less official activities. Whispers will begin to spread about another kind of competition being run after hours, when all good competitors should be sleeping. No one quite knows who's running it — one person heard it was the coach of one of the chess teams, eager to get her players extra practice; another heard it was one of the chess players themselves; still another will say it is an ice skater, a flamingo pilot, a gymnast. After all, it hardly matters, does it, as long as it runs, and there is a fight every night? Oysters are welcomed into this competition as well, where the only rule is not to kill your opponent. Teas of all kinds exchange hands as bets are placed on the fights, and the champion is rumored to receive a truly spectacular prize.
If fighting is not to your speed, fear not. All of the competitors seem to have different ways to unwind after the games are completed for the day, and all are happy to allow Oysters to indulge in attending the various get-togethers and parties they host. The knight on one of the chess teams has the most renowned wine collection, and he's brought some of his finest with him to be enjoyed alongside cheeses and poetry. One of the swimmers is a passionate musician, and has recruited anyone who can play an instrument to discuss musical theory and play together. A croquet player is known for hosting the wildest parties, with free-flowing moonshine and sips of ecstacy tea readily available. There is a flamingo pilot with a book club, an archer who is a fabulous chef, a diver who is a skilled debater with a wicked tongue — whatever you like to indulge in, chances are, someone's throwing a party for it.
The games will end on the 23rd, with a roaring celebration of all who participated in the competition. The pool area will be taken over for the farewell party, with music, food, alcohol, and dancing available. It is here that the winners of the competitions will be announced, and prizes will be awarded.
Then, of course, there are the less official activities. Whispers will begin to spread about another kind of competition being run after hours, when all good competitors should be sleeping. No one quite knows who's running it — one person heard it was the coach of one of the chess teams, eager to get her players extra practice; another heard it was one of the chess players themselves; still another will say it is an ice skater, a flamingo pilot, a gymnast. After all, it hardly matters, does it, as long as it runs, and there is a fight every night? Oysters are welcomed into this competition as well, where the only rule is not to kill your opponent. Teas of all kinds exchange hands as bets are placed on the fights, and the champion is rumored to receive a truly spectacular prize.
If fighting is not to your speed, fear not. All of the competitors seem to have different ways to unwind after the games are completed for the day, and all are happy to allow Oysters to indulge in attending the various get-togethers and parties they host. The knight on one of the chess teams has the most renowned wine collection, and he's brought some of his finest with him to be enjoyed alongside cheeses and poetry. One of the swimmers is a passionate musician, and has recruited anyone who can play an instrument to discuss musical theory and play together. A croquet player is known for hosting the wildest parties, with free-flowing moonshine and sips of ecstacy tea readily available. There is a flamingo pilot with a book club, an archer who is a fabulous chef, a diver who is a skilled debater with a wicked tongue — whatever you like to indulge in, chances are, someone's throwing a party for it.
The games will end on the 23rd, with a roaring celebration of all who participated in the competition. The pool area will be taken over for the farewell party, with music, food, alcohol, and dancing available. It is here that the winners of the competitions will be announced, and prizes will be awarded.
If you have any questions, please leave them over here! Results for the access code sign ups and the distractions will go out on the 14th, so players have until then to sign up. Characters can use the keycodes to access areas and cause distractions from the 16th through the 23rd — and beyond, but after the final party they may no longer have an easy excuse. If you wish to have your character compete in one of the competitions for the prizes, you can sign up here! Winners will be RNGed.
© tessisamess
no subject
Hadn't they thought of their doubles as having the same soul? Even if their experiences differed, what was inside remained. He might get irritated at times, with his own soul-twin, and he'd known, just as well, it was exactly because they were so similar, right down to their frustrating habits.
"I do care about him, he's... he's Lan Zhan, after all," he starts. It would be much stranger if he didn't care for the man at all. When Wei Wuxian had finally gathered enough courage to tell his Lan Zhan what was in his heart, hadn't he said that no matter where they ended up or whatever lifetime it might be, Wei Wuxian couldn't imagine one where he didn't love Lan Wangji.
"But he's not you," it's hard to think that someone as perfect and accomplished as Lan Zhan could still feel insecure, and after everything Lan Zhan has done and all the ways he's supported him, how could he ever want him to feel that way?
Lan Zhan's double had asked him more or less the same thing, and he hadn't had an answer then. Despite thinking on it almost constantly since, he wasn't sure he had one now, either. He knew he cared about the other Lan Zhan, but...
"I didn't think he felt like... I thought we were just friends? He has his own Wei Wuxian, from his own world, why would he want me?"
no subject
But it is enough for him, that Wei Ying chooses him, chooses to be with him, is upset enough over being kissed by someone else that he would tell Lan Wangji. Isn't it? In the same way that he hasn't asked Wei Ying about the other one for fear of hurting him, Wei Ying is afraid of hurting him, out of love for him. Out of fear of losing him, of giving him something in the back of his mind that he might continue to pick at, that might be irrevocable.
It shouldn't be that way. He knows, he belongs fully to Wei Ying, this Wei Ying. And so he should trust, it's the same.
"You have Wei Ying's spirit," he responds, after a moment. "You have Wei Ying's smile." And his laugh, and his eyes, and his body language. They might have been different in small ways, but in all the big important ones, and in all the small details lovers know each other best, they are the same. They both like to drape over Lan Wangji, both like to toy with him, both can get so very flustered mentioning dirty or excessively romantic things. They like to be held close. They like to tug on sleeves, and play with the headband, and hold hands just so.
no subject
It wasn't as if this was a moral dilemma he ever thought he'd be facing, wondering whether or not he ought to be in competition with himself, more or less. Or making his husband feel like he was in some sort of competition with his other self. If Lan Zhan knew such things because he was close to his soul-twin, just as he'd grown to be friends with the other Lan Wangji. He might have once felt jealous, but seeing how Lan Zhan's soul-twin had been so devastated without the one he loved the most, he knew he'd want his own soul-twin to help mend that wound, to show his Lan Zhan comfort, in whatever form he needed it.
"And Lan Zhan?" he glances up, a small knot of worry between his brows, "How do you feel?"
no subject
"I love all Wei Ying, but he is not you," he repeats. "I chose you. And I will choose you every time." Which, honestly, probably the most shocking thing about the kiss, but he also doesn't regularly kiss Wei Ying while he's blindfolded and against his permission either. If Wei Ying has asked if he kissed the other one, he can at least truthfully explain that it was because he was a rabbit.
It's also a little rude to say because they don't know if the other one is gone forever - it would break Lan Wangji's heart, but at least, now, he feels liberated to grieve.
In either case, he probably should have told Wei Ying earlier, which is the story of his life, but at least they can have an honest conversation about it, except the part where his soul twin already asked for permission and this misunderstanding is probably what started this entire situation that has Lan Wangji so incensed.
no subject
Hearing Lan Zhan use a word so strong as love for both Wei Wuxian and his soul-twin might have once made him jealous or unsettled, but now it feels a comfort, to hear that he's still the one Lan Zhan will choose, and something of a relief, to know that no matter the Wei Wuxian, he'll bring Lan Zhan some happiness. Maybe he'll have to think on it deeper than that, sort through it, but for now, it feels like enough.
All that remains then, he supposes, is talking to Lan Zhan's soul-twin. He must feel similarly, wouldn't he? To feel love for both Wei Wuxian here, but the one from his world would be the one closest to his heart. What of the kiss then? A moment of weakness? His way of coping with his own Wei Wuxian being missing? Part of him wants to ask, if Lan Zhan would act the same if the circumstances were switched, but he can't quite bring himself to ask.
"Then... you're not mad?" he asks tentatively, stepping closer so he can wrap his arms around Lan Zhan's neck, resting his head on his shoulder.
no subject
He reaches for Wei Ying's hair, carding his fingers through, kissing his crown, holding him tightly.
"He did not ask you," he explains. Even if he thought that Wei Ying assumed that it was alright to kiss the other Lan Wangji, he should have at least asked first, talked to him about it.
And, okay, it's not like he asked the first time he'd kissed Wei Ying, but he'd waited there so long that he'd thought he might qi deviate if he had to stay there any longer without kissing him. He makes no comment over why he's mad at himself.
no subject
"Why yourself? You haven't done anything, Lan Zhan. You can't get upset with yourself over hypotheticals," he shakes his head faintly, amused, as he holds him a little tighter.
"Well, no, but... Why? You think you would have done the same?"
Was that it? If so, wasn't it all the more reason to be lenient with his other self?
no subject
A beat. "I think that has given Wangji the wrong impression about what we have done. And of the extent of what you and I have discussed and permitted." So, kind of it's a little bit his fault. But the other two were just somewhere else in their relationship development, so they were just... fast.
Not that this Lan Wangji waited at all to jump straight into marriage from sex from a kiss, all without even having made a single confession - they were just all out of sorts, these two. Perhaps they should have stuck to the order of events that generally happened, that have been proven to work for most couples. But they are also not most couples.
He expects now that Wei Ying has leeway to be the one who is a little mad.
no subject
The rest was... okay maybe he couldn't blame his other self for loving every Lan Wangji he saw, but that didn't mean he didn't feel a twinge of jealousy thinking about it.
"So he thought you already... with... the other Wei Wuxian?"
Kissed? He meant kissed, right? But if he'd reacted more favorably to the other Lan Zhan's impromptu kiss, would it have led somewhere else from there? And...
It's not like it was an unheard of practice; Jin Guangshan sat on the far other end of things, married and still flaunting all the other women he bedded. When he'd considered Lan Zhan as his soulmate, then, it was because he didn't think there was another soul who knew his own so well, and he hoped the same was true in return. But if the other who loved him was... well... also him?
Could he really say something like, I want you to look at only me, when he'd not even realized the other Lan Zhan saw no issue in pursuing him just as readily as the one from his world? He wasn't sure he could even bring himself to ask whether anything had happened between Lan Zhan and the other version of Wei Wuxian. Partly worried to hear the answer, and partly because he could feel the weight of his own hypocrisy in even asking.
"Why did you have to be so perfect?" he mumbles into Lan Zhan's shoulder, "of course he loves you."
no subject
It really wasn't an unheard of practice at all, particularly in Qinghe - Mingjue and Huaisang were half-brothers after all, but as far as Wangji knew, their mothers got along just fine, because as long as both boys were cared for and in high standing, neither passed up for the other's ambitions (and Nie Huaisang was, by his nature, neither ambitious nor competitive with his brother), and their mothers had nothing to quibble about. It wasn't like with Jin Guangshan, who ignored his sons, who forgot his daughters' existences, who made his own bastard son bear the title of "Guang" just so that he could not compete with those in his actual generation who bore the title of "Zi" instead.
There was, of course, nothing of the sort for the Lans and the Jiangs. Marriage was one of the most important relationships for Lans, superseded only by a relationship between a parent and a child, or that of a sibling. Even then, Lan An had chosen his love over his cultivation, over the entire sect, in the end. And so, extramarital affairs were not really a thing in the Cloud Recesses. And so, it would pain him to hurt the other Wei Ying, but if they did not want to reach an understanding the way the Nies do, then all four of them already knew their choices.
Wei Ying doesn't even seem to be mad, or jealous, or anything, and Lan Wangji feels relieved. He has his hand in Wei Ying's hair, and it's not like he can read Wei Ying's mind, but he knows it must weigh on his heart. And so, after a brief pause, he says: "Mm. But we have an agreement to be strictly friendly, since you, and the other me, did not know." And therefore, couldn't have a say. Because, when was he supposed to bring this up?
He does suddenly grow serious, as he says: "Wei Ying. If something is to happen to me here... I want them to take care of you." He doesn't want Wei Ying to have to be alone. And when Lan Wangji had left for those few days and he didn't feel right inviting the other Wei Ying to come stay in Cloud Recesses with them to be less lonely, it made him feel terrible. So he wants Wei Ying to know, in that case, he would be alright if he'd want to go live in the other Cloud Recesses, or the other Lotus Pier.
no subject
It's hard to be objective, to consider how he might feel if he hadn't been kissed by Lan Zhan's soul-twin. Would they change? Would he feel more justified in his defense? He likes to think he could think of it logically, but he's not entirely sure he'd have been able to. Besides, he'd pushed Lan Zhan away so many times before, how would he not enjoy the comfort of one who clearly wanted him? Who professed his feelings so easily? He was lucky Lan Zhan hadn't given up on him entirely.
He's about to open his mouth to say as much, when the tone of Lan Zhan's voice changes, and it's enough for Wei Wuxian to pull back, if only so he can study Lan Zhan's face. His hands come up to cover Lan Wangji's mouth, and he shakes his head.
"Stop, stop, that's not going to happen," he insists, and if there's a crack to the last of those words as his throat feels tight, he swallows it down, faintly red-rimmed eyes searching Lan Zhan's large golden ones.
"Nothing is going to happen to you, I won't- I won't let it," he finishes weakly, knowing full-well how powerless they are here, how easily suppressed. It doesn't mean he won't fight tooth and nail to keep anything from harming Lan Wangji; there has to be a way.
no subject
Lan Wangji would not have such a fate.
And if they were on the opposite sides, if he had been hanging off a cliff with Wei Ying holding onto him for dear life, if someone had come to jostle the rock, and he thought that Wei Ying might fall, he too would have wrested out of his grasp, and fallen with grace to his death.
He will not pull Wei Ying into a second grave.
And yet, there is no sense in telling Wei Ying the truth, in insisting on it. As long as he's received the message: that Lan Wangji always wants for him to be cared for, that he wishes for him to never be alone, to carry on, to find happiness. Not to waste away, not to pine after a dead man, as he had.
Carefully, he lowers Wei Ying's hands from his mouth, and holds them in his. "Wei Ying..." He thinks of nothing better to say, and leans in to kiss the corner of his eyes, a reassuring, comforting gesture.
no subject
"We're going to get out, together," he insists, even as Lan Zhan leans in to kiss him. If nothing else, he is stubbornly resolute in his goals, unwilling to bend so long as he's fighting for a worthy cause. So many times it has meant putting aside his own feelings, his own power, his own pride, whatever it took. And he'd do it here too, if he had to, but the difference was that he had a selfish stake in it as well. His own happiness is tied so intrinsically to Lan Zhan's, he can't possibly sacrifice one without the other. For perhaps the first time in his life, his own survival is starting to play a factor in his decisions.
no subject
When Wei Ying tells him this, in this way, it lets him know that he might not have made all the right decisions in his life, but this was among them. He holds Wei Ying's face in his hands and then pulls him into an embrace; without the wings and without the scales that are against his cheek, Wangji would feel completely normal.
It's not like he consciously wants to leave Wei Ying - if it were up to him, they would have had these last sixteen years together. If it were up to him, they'd have married at home, and he'd have come to live with him at the Cloud Recesses, and they would've already fought through all the things young couples fight through, and made up a hundred times, and both really understood what forever might be like.
"We won't talk about it anymore," he promises.
no subject
"Lan Zhan, I know I make it hard to get a word in sometimes, and... I can't tell you how to feel or anything, but I don't want you to ever feel like you can't talk to me, you know?" Wei Wuxian's eyes flick up to meet Lan Wangji's inhuman golden ones without flinching. He knows it's two-faced to ask that and not give the same in return, but he's trying. At least, it feels that way. And the number of secrets between them seems to be diminishing. Besides, that's been at the heart of it, every time, hasn't it? Trying to guess at what's in the other's heart, rather than speaking it clearly.
"But," he smiles, a hand resting softly on Lan Zhan's neck, thumb stroking the curve of his jaw, "there are things I'd much rather be talking about."
He presses a kiss to the corner of Lan Zhan's lips, "like how handsome my husband is. And how much I want to kiss him right now."
no subject
"You shouldn't hold back," he answers, hands at Wei Ying's hips, getting in his space, breathing in his air. "If you want to kiss your husband." He feels a little bit strange, being here like this, when the other Lan Wangji is missing his Wei Ying. But he is a dragon, and he's feeling emotional, and Wei Ying is so close to him...
He wonders idly, if Wei Ying were a demon as well, what sort of demon he would be. Perhaps a fox, with nine long tails.
no subject
It's reassuring, just hearing Lan Zhan's encouragement. He hadn't realized just how many things had been weighing heavily on him until they all came spilling out. He doesn't hesitate, given the opportunity, pressing in close before capturing his lips. He teases, as ever, tongue sliding over the seam of his mouth, teeth nibbling on a plush lower lip.
The feel of scales beneath his fingers is strange, but only serves to fuel Wei Wuxian's limitless curiosity, tracing them with his fingertips before they slip into his hairline. Just how far do those scales go beneath his robes? How do those wings attach? Can he feel it, if Wei Wuxian were to touch them?
no subject
The scales go pretty far down, and despite what it may seem like, they're warm to touch. Not very much harder than his skin, more like a snake than a fish.
He blinks, and his golden eyes take up his whole sclera, his pupils going from large to slit-like immediately. What is Wei Ying thinking, he wonders. "Are you hungry?" he asks. "Or should we head back home?"
no subject
"Oh, ah..." he can't help noticing the way those odd, golden eyes move, or the suddenly slitted appearance they take on. Is it in reaction to something?
Taking the question at face-value, he supposes he hasn't eaten since earlier today, when they'd planned their attempt to use that keycode they'd been given. His stomach hasn't started rumbling yet, so he shakes his head.
"Are you?" he takes a half-step back, studying Lan Zhan and how this form affected his familiar expressions.
"Probably good to make ourselves scarce for a while, after all of that."
no subject
He doesn't bite, this time, because his teeth are quite sharp, as it turns out, and his tongue is forked. He hopes these things don't discourage Wei Ying, as he pulls away only to rest their foreheads together.
They don't have to do anything else; being around Wei Ying is enough for him.
no subject
His tongue slides over the point of a sharp incisor, and he makes a soft sound when he finds that forked tongue. It isn't a long kiss, perhaps, and while he loves these sort of quiet moments, where their souls can find peace in one another, he doesn't want Lan Zhan to feel as if he has to hold himself back.
It'd been something of a surprise, finding out through a series of bad decisions and accidents involving a handful of aphrodisiac oils from the spa, that sometimes Lan Zhan needed encouragement, just as much as he did. Sometimes he wanted to know how much Wei Wuxian wanted him, giving full and enthusiastic consent. He couldn't bear his husband wanting for anything, least of all his affection.
"Lan Zhan," he whispers, so near his parted lips, "I want you."
no subject
But.
That's not the entirety of the problem, and so he looks down, and not into Wei Ying's eyes, and the tips of his ears turn slightly red.
"I..." he starts. "Am not sure I understand how my sex is operated." Apparently, those have changed as well, so he's feeling a little more self-conscious than he would have any right to be if the changes were merely facial. And those were all of them. This was a question of utility.
no subject
Was his body that different? He hadn't even though of that, but then, Lan Zhan hadn't exactly tried to initiate anything while in this form either. Was this why? It had to be.
"Then... let me help you figure it out," he says, with more confidence than he feels. No one can say Wei Wuxian isn't adventurous, or that he doesn't take absurd risks. Besides, how different could it be?
His hand moves to Lan Zhan's belt, fingers working blindly at the ties while he watches Lan Zhan's face, careful not to move too fast, ready to stop if he doesn't want to.
"I'll... I want to make you feel good, Lan Zhan."
no subject
Worse comes to worst, he has hands, and a mouth, and thighs, and an overly-willing spirit. He is just glad that this is temporary, because he doesn't think that either of them would be willing to accept this in the long-term.
He places a hand on Wei Ying's wrist to halt him, but it's not maliciously. Instead, he guides his husband toward their bed, so they can properly get in somewhere comfortable first.
no subject
If Lan Zhan is nervous about his body, Wei Wuxian is hardly shy about his own, not when he's sure Lan Zhan has already seen every inch of it. He sits on the edge of the bed, hands on his own clothing this time as he passes Lan Zhan a flirtatious smile.
"Do you want to help me?" he offers, "or watch?"
(no subject)