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houseofsushi2020-05-22 10:34 pm
deferences) wrote in houseofsushi2020-05-22 10:34 pm
Entry tags:
- lan sizhui,
- open,
- rp
Exactly, so maybe it's okay that we let them have whatever time they can get? [and they distract themselves with what free time it allows for moments like these instead. sizhui's heartbeat is jackhammering, he can feel it, and not only that but there's also an intensely warm sensation creeping along down his neck now, a silent reminder his own skin hasn't lessened in color any.
while he's desperately trying to ignore this, he can't help imagining he looks ridiculous, which causes his lips to mirthfully quirk at the edges. here's hoping jin ling doesn't mistake it for him being amused by how he looks, though! he's laughing at himself, not at him, et cetera and so on.
much to jin ling's misfortune, sizhui does feel the warmth, something that makes him smile wider and with a bit more genuineness, even if he draws no specific attention toward the other's blush. (also, his trick is to use whatever tools at his disposal that can soften his hands and keep them that way despite consistent, prolonged swordplay.) poor, poor jin rulan, his life is about to become a hundred times harder because if he thinks just having a hand on his face is a lot, he's certainly not prepared for what's coming next:] We'll give them nothing to criticize, [he assures, and where there's more obvious threat in jin ling's voice, there is an almost unnerving steady coolness to sizhui's words too; reassuring, nevertheless, but promisingly intimidating.
he softens as his hand drifts, fingertips brushing the corner of his boyfriend's mouth then settling near his chin.] Jin Ling, [it's already breathy, yet somehow, sizhui's voice becomes barely a whisper when he blurts out,] I would like to kiss you now.
while he's desperately trying to ignore this, he can't help imagining he looks ridiculous, which causes his lips to mirthfully quirk at the edges. here's hoping jin ling doesn't mistake it for him being amused by how he looks, though! he's laughing at himself, not at him, et cetera and so on.
much to jin ling's misfortune, sizhui does feel the warmth, something that makes him smile wider and with a bit more genuineness, even if he draws no specific attention toward the other's blush. (also, his trick is to use whatever tools at his disposal that can soften his hands and keep them that way despite consistent, prolonged swordplay.) poor, poor jin rulan, his life is about to become a hundred times harder because if he thinks just having a hand on his face is a lot, he's certainly not prepared for what's coming next:] We'll give them nothing to criticize, [he assures, and where there's more obvious threat in jin ling's voice, there is an almost unnerving steady coolness to sizhui's words too; reassuring, nevertheless, but promisingly intimidating.
he softens as his hand drifts, fingertips brushing the corner of his boyfriend's mouth then settling near his chin.] Jin Ling, [it's already breathy, yet somehow, sizhui's voice becomes barely a whisper when he blurts out,] I would like to kiss you now.
He steps into the shower and leans against the tiled wall, hissing a little at how cold it is.
"I can wash myself, Sizhui," he gently tells him. "I wouldn't want you to see what lies beneath the dirt and grime on me."
His own expression pinches at the distressed-sounding noise, the hand he's already got lifted reaching out toward Vincenzo, though coming up short after his remark.
A blink then another, Sizhui absently tilts his head and can't help grinning again as his own playful retort comes, “See what, skin? How scandalous,” he teases, dismissively waving his hand at even the thought of something so ridiculous. “Truly, I do not mind helping, but if you insist...” Well, he can't very well argue forever.
A blink then another, Sizhui absently tilts his head and can't help grinning again as his own playful retort comes, “See what, skin? How scandalous,” he teases, dismissively waving his hand at even the thought of something so ridiculous. “Truly, I do not mind helping, but if you insist...” Well, he can't very well argue forever.
What? [everything that sizhui says before he runs his fingertips over jin ling's skin is really lost to him.
whatever part of his mind that's responsible for coherent thought chucks itself off the nearest mental cliff, leaving him a bit lost. he knows what the words mean, he does. he wants what those words mean since they haven't really gotten the chance to do anything beyond the most innocent caresses of hands and-- well, jin ling is human.
he's a young, hot blooded man with a very attractive boyfriend. who he is courting and does want to formally court, the proper way.
which is tricky cause they shouldn't be doing this if that's the case.] I mean-- Yes. Yes, do that. Do that now.
whatever part of his mind that's responsible for coherent thought chucks itself off the nearest mental cliff, leaving him a bit lost. he knows what the words mean, he does. he wants what those words mean since they haven't really gotten the chance to do anything beyond the most innocent caresses of hands and-- well, jin ling is human.
he's a young, hot blooded man with a very attractive boyfriend. who he is courting and does want to formally court, the proper way.
which is tricky cause they shouldn't be doing this if that's the case.] I mean-- Yes. Yes, do that. Do that now.
[clearly, that's a redundant question, isn't it? (...isn't it?) at least he's hoping so because if he truly has to repeat himself after it already took this much courage to admit the first time, lan sizhui might expire.
they needn't do anything else besides kissing anyhow, since that should for sure be safe enough, given how careful they've been this whole time. he would like to assume, though he's never courted nor been courted before; everything's new, foreign and there are so many things he could do to mess up— it's something that's kept him awake many nights and now, in the moment, he hopes whatever they decide, it'll work out. (also, no couple is ever the exact same, it's up to them what's comfortable and what isn't.)
‘yes,’ jin ling says, disrupting his preoccupied state, leaving him gawking.] Ah... [sizhui's mouth slowly closes, he bites his cheek, then his eyes become half-lidded and following jin ling's ‘do that now,’ he closes what little distance remains between them to press their lips together.]
they needn't do anything else besides kissing anyhow, since that should for sure be safe enough, given how careful they've been this whole time. he would like to assume, though he's never courted nor been courted before; everything's new, foreign and there are so many things he could do to mess up— it's something that's kept him awake many nights and now, in the moment, he hopes whatever they decide, it'll work out. (also, no couple is ever the exact same, it's up to them what's comfortable and what isn't.)
‘yes,’ jin ling says, disrupting his preoccupied state, leaving him gawking.] Ah... [sizhui's mouth slowly closes, he bites his cheek, then his eyes become half-lidded and following jin ling's ‘do that now,’ he closes what little distance remains between them to press their lips together.]
He can't help but give a soft huff of amusement at how easily Sizhui brushes off what he might see. So Sizhui may be stronger than he looks. Vincenzo reaches up to take his chin in a soft grip, analyzing his bride.
"I insist," he says quietly, "I'd rather you see it when the reason isn't because I may not be able to bathe myself."
Jin Ling sighs as he walks along the main market of Lotus Pier. It's something familiar, happy. Even if jiujiu thinks it to waste of time. He'd spent more than enough years playing nice with sect leaders, undoing the damage that had been done to the Jin name. He grips the sword in his left hand a little tightly.
Not only did he have his grandfather's reputation looming over him, but also xiao shu--he stoops himself--Jin Guangyao. It'd been five years since that night in the temple when xiao shushu showed his true colors, when they learned of...well, everything. The night he became sect leader. He'd had jiujiu, of course. But word somehow got out about the events that transpired that fateful night.
Even more whispers from every part of his world as he took the lead and tried his hardest to undo the damage xiao shushu had done.
When he walks through Lotus Pier, he likes to think he's able to feel his mother's presence amongst the lotuses in the water, hear her converse, maybe, with the different merchants.
He'd grown taller, more lean. Fairy's barks draw him out of his reverie and he smiles at his faithful companion. His only friend besides the other juniors. He'd kept in touch with them but...everything kept them from being able to be together even just for a night hunt. He's grateful for this opportunity to visit jiujiu and had heard that he had Wei Wuxian had even begun to try to repair their relationship. A small hope springs in his heart: perhaps he'd finally see his friends after so long.
Not only did he have his grandfather's reputation looming over him, but also xiao shu--he stoops himself--Jin Guangyao. It'd been five years since that night in the temple when xiao shushu showed his true colors, when they learned of...well, everything. The night he became sect leader. He'd had jiujiu, of course. But word somehow got out about the events that transpired that fateful night.
Even more whispers from every part of his world as he took the lead and tried his hardest to undo the damage xiao shushu had done.
When he walks through Lotus Pier, he likes to think he's able to feel his mother's presence amongst the lotuses in the water, hear her converse, maybe, with the different merchants.
He'd grown taller, more lean. Fairy's barks draw him out of his reverie and he smiles at his faithful companion. His only friend besides the other juniors. He'd kept in touch with them but...everything kept them from being able to be together even just for a night hunt. He's grateful for this opportunity to visit jiujiu and had heard that he had Wei Wuxian had even begun to try to repair their relationship. A small hope springs in his heart: perhaps he'd finally see his friends after so long.
All the hustle and bustle of Lotus Pier isn't something he'd forgotten over the years, but given how long it'd been since he himself had visited, it is initially somewhat jarring. The longer Lan Sizhui spends scurrying around between stalls, collecting trinkets, incense, ribbons, food— whatever his fathers allow, he gets, even paying with his own money despite how much he knows they enjoy spoiling him; it's after he's taken his things, put them away and parted ways with Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian that he wanders.
Not far, obviously, just outside the marketplace every so often to see the boats on the docks, watch children flying kites and view the lotuses.
This, of course, means he doesn't go away empty-handed; there's a big purple lotus in his hair and a bag of seeds in one hand, the latter of which gets tucked away in his sleeve for later snacking whenever he isn't distracted by other activities. Including but not limited to: an elderly fellow coaxing him to sample some tea, someone bargaining with toys, a young lady selling cute bunny-shaped candies that he absolutely has to have and—
Wait, why does that person out of the corner of his eye look familiar? (Because that's most certainly Jin Ling, meandering around with his dog in tow, who's just as distinguishable.) Goodness gracious, it really has been a while now, considering how Jin Ling's been busy with sect leader duties and Sizhui's had his own preoccupations being one of the eldest disciples training underneath Hanguang-jun. His fellow junior looks... quite different now, actually? Taller, more filled-out, wearing nicer robes than himself even if in his defense, he's freed of his responsibilities for a while. Alongside his simple two-layered pale blue and white robes, all his hair is pulled atop his head in a high ponytail, far different from its usual half-up topknot.
Sizhui's face has filled out a bit more too, still recognizably youthful yet changed with age, and he might've grown an inch or two. “Jin Ling!” he calls, lifting a hand to wave. Unfortunately, in spite of gaining some extra height, it doesn't help him at all whenever a tall man with a cart obscures the line of sight.
Not far, obviously, just outside the marketplace every so often to see the boats on the docks, watch children flying kites and view the lotuses.
This, of course, means he doesn't go away empty-handed; there's a big purple lotus in his hair and a bag of seeds in one hand, the latter of which gets tucked away in his sleeve for later snacking whenever he isn't distracted by other activities. Including but not limited to: an elderly fellow coaxing him to sample some tea, someone bargaining with toys, a young lady selling cute bunny-shaped candies that he absolutely has to have and—
Wait, why does that person out of the corner of his eye look familiar? (Because that's most certainly Jin Ling, meandering around with his dog in tow, who's just as distinguishable.) Goodness gracious, it really has been a while now, considering how Jin Ling's been busy with sect leader duties and Sizhui's had his own preoccupations being one of the eldest disciples training underneath Hanguang-jun. His fellow junior looks... quite different now, actually? Taller, more filled-out, wearing nicer robes than himself even if in his defense, he's freed of his responsibilities for a while. Alongside his simple two-layered pale blue and white robes, all his hair is pulled atop his head in a high ponytail, far different from its usual half-up topknot.
Sizhui's face has filled out a bit more too, still recognizably youthful yet changed with age, and he might've grown an inch or two. “Jin Ling!” he calls, lifting a hand to wave. Unfortunately, in spite of gaining some extra height, it doesn't help him at all whenever a tall man with a cart obscures the line of sight.
After the years had passed, there are so many people who make it a point to tell him that he's practically the spitting image of his father. Though his temper, from those same lips that turn around and whisper, is too similar to Sect Leader Jiang. He supposes that could be a blessing, like his grandmother. Jin Ling had been inspecting reed toys, smiling to himself about how Sizhui had been partial to reed toys when they were younger, maybe he'd like one.
And he hears his name.
He looks up, eyes narrowing slightly at the disembodied voice. Is someone playing a prank on him? Someone that is behind the cart of something just rolled by. But when the vendor leaves, Jin Ling recognizes the bright white and blue robes immediately. Fairy barks and immediately runs over to Sizhui in recognition and sniffs at whatever treats he may have in his pockets.
Jin Ling, however, isn't fair behind as he walks over. Sizhui looks...different. Still soft. Still beautiful. Though that probably shouldn't be said aloud. Still, it doesn't stop the goofy smile on his face as he approaches him.
"Sizhui, you're here too?"
While Sizhui never had a chance to meet Jin Ling's father (or his mother for that matter), he can imagine how they looked in his friend's similarities to them, but there's no mistaking that Jin Ling certainly takes after his jiujiu too; his carrying voice, uppity attitude, the boisterous energy he'd exude whenever Lan Jingyi would call him out. It's enough to make his chest warm and his throat tightens, but he'll at least have it under control before approaching Jin Ling.
The man politely tips his hat with a soft excuse me! and scurries along, which Lan Sizhui can't help giggling at, quickly bowing his head in return to show appreciation.
And as he circles his way around the cart's edge, weaves between a couple of people then finally stops in an open spot, he perks further at the realization it is Jin Ling. Fairy's woof draws his attention, making him glance down, one hand raising to cup around his face and smother his laughter. With the opposite, he cups Fairy's chin, fingertips gently scratching in an attempt to deter from the candies he's got stowed away. “Those aren't for you, silly.” He'd hate if the lovely spirit beast got sick because he was careless!
Fast approaching steps make him upturn again, his expression already so brightened, it's a wonder he's able to grin any harder at Jin Ling's eager look. Thankfully, he still has his hand at his face, allowing him a moment to at least not look so manic before he lowers it and nods.
“I am,” he confirms, somewhat redundant in practice, though Sizhui adds, “Wei-qianbei and Hanguang-jun are visiting Jiang-zongzhu for a few days, so I asked if I could come along.”
The man politely tips his hat with a soft excuse me! and scurries along, which Lan Sizhui can't help giggling at, quickly bowing his head in return to show appreciation.
And as he circles his way around the cart's edge, weaves between a couple of people then finally stops in an open spot, he perks further at the realization it is Jin Ling. Fairy's woof draws his attention, making him glance down, one hand raising to cup around his face and smother his laughter. With the opposite, he cups Fairy's chin, fingertips gently scratching in an attempt to deter from the candies he's got stowed away. “Those aren't for you, silly.” He'd hate if the lovely spirit beast got sick because he was careless!
Fast approaching steps make him upturn again, his expression already so brightened, it's a wonder he's able to grin any harder at Jin Ling's eager look. Thankfully, he still has his hand at his face, allowing him a moment to at least not look so manic before he lowers it and nods.
“I am,” he confirms, somewhat redundant in practice, though Sizhui adds, “Wei-qianbei and Hanguang-jun are visiting Jiang-zongzhu for a few days, so I asked if I could come along.”
That sound is something far better; comforting, reassuring, it makes Sizhui faintly smile wider even if he's instantly softening when Vincenzo takes hold of his chin. He arches his eyebrows and tilts his head, holding eye-contact while lifting a hand to brush his fingertips against Vincenzo's wrist.
“Okay,” comes in quiet acceptance, although color rises high on his cheeks following the other remark. “Perhaps later then, but I will wait outside nearby in case you need anything.”
“Okay,” comes in quiet acceptance, although color rises high on his cheeks following the other remark. “Perhaps later then, but I will wait outside nearby in case you need anything.”
[kiss is-- well, jin ling actually isn't sure what he expected of kissing. he doesn't really have practice in it and it's not like he could talk to his uncle about these matters.
he'd been too young, to nervous to ask his xiao-- to ask jin guangyao when he'd been alive and who would have told him.
he's not about ask his dai-jiu, now. first of all, because he's pretty sure he'd give awful advice and going to your uncle to ask him about kissing his---no, nope. jin ling doesn't finish that train of thought and focuses on the now, on the feel of sizhui's lips against his own.
he likes this, they way they're a little dry and taste like something he can't place but is distinctly sizhui. jin ling lifts his hand from where it's been awkwardly laying on the table, finds himself cupping the side of sizhui's neck. there's still so much distance between them and that-- well, that's not right.] You're so far away. [he says over the table, spoken against sizhui's lips. there's a hint of petulance there that is a faint reminder of the 'young madam' he once was.]
he'd been too young, to nervous to ask his xiao-- to ask jin guangyao when he'd been alive and who would have told him.
he's not about ask his dai-jiu, now. first of all, because he's pretty sure he'd give awful advice and going to your uncle to ask him about kissing his---no, nope. jin ling doesn't finish that train of thought and focuses on the now, on the feel of sizhui's lips against his own.
he likes this, they way they're a little dry and taste like something he can't place but is distinctly sizhui. jin ling lifts his hand from where it's been awkwardly laying on the table, finds himself cupping the side of sizhui's neck. there's still so much distance between them and that-- well, that's not right.] You're so far away. [he says over the table, spoken against sizhui's lips. there's a hint of petulance there that is a faint reminder of the 'young madam' he once was.]
[whatever he might've anticipated (which isn't much, given his own lack of experience), it wasn't anything like this and it's absolutely nothing like the sloppy drunken cheek-kiss lan jingyi had planted on him one night.
no, this is warm and inviting and all jin ling, made even more welcoming by the faint hint of honey-sweetened tea lingering on sizhui's lips.
and as tempted as he is to poke his tongue out, lick over the line of jin ling's lips, he hesitates for now because this already feels like a lot despite it only being a rather simple liplock. besides, he's somewhat struggling with where to put and keep his hands, something he's hoping isn't too noticeable while they're kissing. these poor boys, their lack of advice will inevitably come back to bite them, but that's the furthest thing from his thoughts. what has lan sizhui pausing and earning jin ling a breathy gasp is when that hand finds his neck, goosebumps prickling his skin once those words come, a little sulky, though not failing to pique his interest.]
So it would seem, [he murmurs, super-duper tempted to tease jin ling further even if his next shift will be more than playful. lowering both hands, they splay on the table between them, holding him steady as he straightens, carefully guides himself onto then effectively over it so he can straddle jin ling's waist instead and hook his arms around his shoulders after he's settled.] How is this? Better, you think? [asked innocently enough with an actual inquiring head-tilt, but alongside his small half-smirk, it isn't looking too sincere.]
no, this is warm and inviting and all jin ling, made even more welcoming by the faint hint of honey-sweetened tea lingering on sizhui's lips.
and as tempted as he is to poke his tongue out, lick over the line of jin ling's lips, he hesitates for now because this already feels like a lot despite it only being a rather simple liplock. besides, he's somewhat struggling with where to put and keep his hands, something he's hoping isn't too noticeable while they're kissing. these poor boys, their lack of advice will inevitably come back to bite them, but that's the furthest thing from his thoughts. what has lan sizhui pausing and earning jin ling a breathy gasp is when that hand finds his neck, goosebumps prickling his skin once those words come, a little sulky, though not failing to pique his interest.]
So it would seem, [he murmurs, super-duper tempted to tease jin ling further even if his next shift will be more than playful. lowering both hands, they splay on the table between them, holding him steady as he straightens, carefully guides himself onto then effectively over it so he can straddle jin ling's waist instead and hook his arms around his shoulders after he's settled.] How is this? Better, you think? [asked innocently enough with an actual inquiring head-tilt, but alongside his small half-smirk, it isn't looking too sincere.]
[oh.
well.
fuck.
jin ling isn't so sure how sizhui is so proper about this. how he's so collected as he says 'so it would seem.' as if they aren't talking about how far he is when they're kissing.
as he he hadn't just climbed over the table.
a part of jin ling that's holding on to reason here cackles and implodes. it's not the part that's in charge, luckily, because that would be the most awful thing and ruin the mood. the mood of lan sizhui in his lap. right there, where jin ling can place his hands on his hips and confirm that he is in fact in his lap.] Yes. [which, okay, thank every immortal and Heavenly being that jin ling's voice does not crack.]
Much better, closer for sure. [closer, really there. jin ling has a sense of entitlement and bravado about a lot of things, and whole this isn't one of them he feels somehow more comfortable with sizhui here and this close.] Now this is better for proper kissing.
well.
fuck.
jin ling isn't so sure how sizhui is so proper about this. how he's so collected as he says 'so it would seem.' as if they aren't talking about how far he is when they're kissing.
as he he hadn't just climbed over the table.
a part of jin ling that's holding on to reason here cackles and implodes. it's not the part that's in charge, luckily, because that would be the most awful thing and ruin the mood. the mood of lan sizhui in his lap. right there, where jin ling can place his hands on his hips and confirm that he is in fact in his lap.] Yes. [which, okay, thank every immortal and Heavenly being that jin ling's voice does not crack.]
Much better, closer for sure. [closer, really there. jin ling has a sense of entitlement and bravado about a lot of things, and whole this isn't one of them he feels somehow more comfortable with sizhui here and this close.] Now this is better for proper kissing.
"Jiujiu had mentioned that. And...I had hoped you would come along."
Jin Ling clears his throat and stands straighter.
"So that we could catch up. I haven't seen you, Jingyi, or even Zizhen in so long. Why do you all never accept my invitation to visit in Lanling?"
It's all bluster. They were all busy with their own things. Zizhen with his aging father; Jingyi and Sizhui with their duties; him wrangling his sect into order. Still, it's nice to fall into familiar roles with his friend even if Sizhui is looking more and more like a senior than a junior each time he ever catches sight of the other.
"Could you pour me a wine as well?" he asks.
He nods, making his decision.
"I want to know you better."
[the beat of silence after he's moved into jin ling's lap speaks volumes where words do not; sizhui almost second-guesses himself, but only hesitates because the other male's hands settle on his hips and whatever nervousness he'd been feeling before disappears with that simple gesture.
to tell the truth, he's sort of faking it until he makes it here. his heartbeat has been jackhammering nonstop ever since he'd considered doing what he did and now that he has, he is sincerely hoping jin ling can't hear it being as close as they are, even though he's rather certain that isn't a possibility. nevertheless, his attention darts from his boyfriend's eyes to his lips, to his throat, then he glances down between them, licking his lips in an attempt to focus on anything that's not how nice it feels sitting in jin ling's lap right now. (and while being held onto? surely it doesn't get much better—)
except when jin ling confirms that yes, this position is more proper, a fond, warm feeling comes rushing through him, flooding his cheeks with color now too whereas it'd simply been his ears moments ago.] For sure, [he parrots softly, grinning, tilting his gaze back upward until they're eye-to-eye again (which is also different with how easy it is, given he ordinarily has to look up higher). although he'd like to tease jin ling, ask him ‘well, are you gonna kiss me or not?’ he decides on something else.
something he's thinking will be a simple motion at first, then reconsiders from jin ling's point of view, yet it's not enough to make him drop the idea entirely.] Is kissing considered ‘proper?’ [a quiet, contemplative hum and afterward, he tilts, brushes their noses together, lips barely parted and his left hand moving around so he can drift his fingertips over jin ling's throat.] I'm not so sure in this situation...
[is he goading him? mmmaybe just a little.]
to tell the truth, he's sort of faking it until he makes it here. his heartbeat has been jackhammering nonstop ever since he'd considered doing what he did and now that he has, he is sincerely hoping jin ling can't hear it being as close as they are, even though he's rather certain that isn't a possibility. nevertheless, his attention darts from his boyfriend's eyes to his lips, to his throat, then he glances down between them, licking his lips in an attempt to focus on anything that's not how nice it feels sitting in jin ling's lap right now. (and while being held onto? surely it doesn't get much better—)
except when jin ling confirms that yes, this position is more proper, a fond, warm feeling comes rushing through him, flooding his cheeks with color now too whereas it'd simply been his ears moments ago.] For sure, [he parrots softly, grinning, tilting his gaze back upward until they're eye-to-eye again (which is also different with how easy it is, given he ordinarily has to look up higher). although he'd like to tease jin ling, ask him ‘well, are you gonna kiss me or not?’ he decides on something else.
something he's thinking will be a simple motion at first, then reconsiders from jin ling's point of view, yet it's not enough to make him drop the idea entirely.] Is kissing considered ‘proper?’ [a quiet, contemplative hum and afterward, he tilts, brushes their noses together, lips barely parted and his left hand moving around so he can drift his fingertips over jin ling's throat.] I'm not so sure in this situation...
[is he goading him? mmmaybe just a little.]
“Of course,” Sizhui agrees, giving the faintest head-bob of his own before doing a neat heel-turn toward the door. “I think that would be a terrific idea as well.” Perhaps alcohol might loosen Vincenzo's lips enough that he explains what happened while he was gone; it's not prying if something accidentally slips out, right? Whoops!
After collecting clean clothes and leaving them outside the door for his husband, he pads back downstairs, gathers three wineglasses and two bottles (one red wine and the other white), fills two glasses with white and the remaining with red so Vincenzo can choose whatever he prefers. He, however, picks up a lighter-colored glass then settles into a seat beside the bar, waiting patiently, sipping real slow-like despite half-frazzled nerves telling him to do otherwise.
After collecting clean clothes and leaving them outside the door for his husband, he pads back downstairs, gathers three wineglasses and two bottles (one red wine and the other white), fills two glasses with white and the remaining with red so Vincenzo can choose whatever he prefers. He, however, picks up a lighter-colored glass then settles into a seat beside the bar, waiting patiently, sipping real slow-like despite half-frazzled nerves telling him to do otherwise.
He opens his mouth, readying to say ‘I'm sure you did,’ yet instead of being that emboldened, he smiles politely and does his best to not look too amused instead.
Then Sizhui reopens his mouth and remarks, “So we could catch up, yes... of course.” In spite of himself, his lips are quirking at the edges, though he lets his expression soften somewhat, feigning being wounded now. “Goodness, certainly Jin-zongzhu can understand being busy with duties. Jingyi and I certainly tried but, much to our dismay almost every time, something came up.” Not every single time, obviously, so they'd visited here and there, though it couldn't have been more than a small handful of times throughout these past years. “And Zizhen, well...” They both know without him having to specify.
Following a brief head-shake, he perks again, knowing all too well Jin Ling's laying it on thick, except he's not unwilling to fall right back into old habits either (with perhaps a bit of flattery on the side). Sizhui's posture straightens too, his lips curve into a full-on mirthful smirk then he can't help chuckling softly before speaking.
“But it's good to see you, Jin Ling, you look well.” Handsome, in fact, which is also just a bit more courageous than he's willing to be right now.
Then Sizhui reopens his mouth and remarks, “So we could catch up, yes... of course.” In spite of himself, his lips are quirking at the edges, though he lets his expression soften somewhat, feigning being wounded now. “Goodness, certainly Jin-zongzhu can understand being busy with duties. Jingyi and I certainly tried but, much to our dismay almost every time, something came up.” Not every single time, obviously, so they'd visited here and there, though it couldn't have been more than a small handful of times throughout these past years. “And Zizhen, well...” They both know without him having to specify.
Following a brief head-shake, he perks again, knowing all too well Jin Ling's laying it on thick, except he's not unwilling to fall right back into old habits either (with perhaps a bit of flattery on the side). Sizhui's posture straightens too, his lips curve into a full-on mirthful smirk then he can't help chuckling softly before speaking.
“But it's good to see you, Jin Ling, you look well.” Handsome, in fact, which is also just a bit more courageous than he's willing to be right now.
[he could die right now.
it would be a great way to go, jin ling thinks, but then he won't have experienced all the things in life that he's supposed to.
like what happens after this.
all the dirty books zizhen has shared make it seems like that's worth sticking around for. jin ling tries not to let his mind race ahead to sex with sizhui when all they've done is hold hands and now he has him in his lap. he needs to survive and kiss him a bit more before he gets too wound up.
sizhui is definitely not helping.] What--? [you can't expect him to form a coherent thought like this, sizhui.
he blinks and then his mind seems to catch up with what's happening here, even as he shudders at the touch on his neck. that's sensitive, apparently. who knew?] It doesn't matter if it's proper, if we like it. [he says, narrowing his eyes a bit because who is jin rulan if he's not one to fall for being goaded even by his boyfriend? there's a set of determination in his jaw as he leans in, but the kiss -- for what is is -- is still playful and gentle before it melts into something more.
his hands still are firm as one rests on sizhui's hip, the other slides down his outer thigh to pull him closer yet. ]
it would be a great way to go, jin ling thinks, but then he won't have experienced all the things in life that he's supposed to.
like what happens after this.
all the dirty books zizhen has shared make it seems like that's worth sticking around for. jin ling tries not to let his mind race ahead to sex with sizhui when all they've done is hold hands and now he has him in his lap. he needs to survive and kiss him a bit more before he gets too wound up.
sizhui is definitely not helping.] What--? [you can't expect him to form a coherent thought like this, sizhui.
he blinks and then his mind seems to catch up with what's happening here, even as he shudders at the touch on his neck. that's sensitive, apparently. who knew?] It doesn't matter if it's proper, if we like it. [he says, narrowing his eyes a bit because who is jin rulan if he's not one to fall for being goaded even by his boyfriend? there's a set of determination in his jaw as he leans in, but the kiss -- for what is is -- is still playful and gentle before it melts into something more.
his hands still are firm as one rests on sizhui's hip, the other slides down his outer thigh to pull him closer yet. ]
[honestly, given how sizhui's being an absolute awful tease at the moment, it wouldn't surprise him if jin ling did expire on the spot; his own face isn't getting any less red though so perhaps he could be right there with him.
because the soft little huffs he's exhaling sound far more labored and they've only just kissed.
also, let's be honest, there's a whole bunch of other things they can experience once they get past that; selfishly, sizhui would prefer if they both make it past this moment, which is exactly why he's letting himself remain bold and uninhibited (or as much as he can possibly manage, anyhow). quiet, tainted with the scent of honey-sweetened tea, he sighs another breath between them, readying an answer to jin ling's earlier ‘what?’ yet hesitates once he sees recognition flitter across his boyfriend's expression, even as he trembles underneath sizhui's touch on his throat. ah, yes, he will certainly be filing that away for later . . .
he nods faintly,] You're right, it's no one else's business what we do together. [then comes a grin toward jin ling's determined look, lasting for some odd seconds before their lips meet again in another kiss. he hums, warm and satisfied, sliding his hand from jin ling's throat to his nape, fingers cupping to steadily hold him in place while he licks over the other man's mouth.
and when one hand lowers to his thigh, he lets himself be tugged, shifting on his knees, slotting their bodies together so more of his weight rests on jin ling's lap instead. sizhui then hooks his other arm around jin ling's waist, reaches up over his back and cinches his fingers in the fabric of his robes just below his shoulder.]
because the soft little huffs he's exhaling sound far more labored and they've only just kissed.
also, let's be honest, there's a whole bunch of other things they can experience once they get past that; selfishly, sizhui would prefer if they both make it past this moment, which is exactly why he's letting himself remain bold and uninhibited (or as much as he can possibly manage, anyhow). quiet, tainted with the scent of honey-sweetened tea, he sighs another breath between them, readying an answer to jin ling's earlier ‘what?’ yet hesitates once he sees recognition flitter across his boyfriend's expression, even as he trembles underneath sizhui's touch on his throat. ah, yes, he will certainly be filing that away for later . . .
he nods faintly,] You're right, it's no one else's business what we do together. [then comes a grin toward jin ling's determined look, lasting for some odd seconds before their lips meet again in another kiss. he hums, warm and satisfied, sliding his hand from jin ling's throat to his nape, fingers cupping to steadily hold him in place while he licks over the other man's mouth.
and when one hand lowers to his thigh, he lets himself be tugged, shifting on his knees, slotting their bodies together so more of his weight rests on jin ling's lap instead. sizhui then hooks his other arm around jin ling's waist, reaches up over his back and cinches his fingers in the fabric of his robes just below his shoulder.]
[ It's the sort of ridiculous comeback that Jiang Cheng would have expected from Wei Wuxian, not Lan Sizhui, and for a moment all he can do is blink and stare at the man in front of him. There's something almost strange about it, a familiar echo that makes his heart ache somewhere deep in his chest, but he has to swallow it down, has to force himself not to think too hard about his brother. That just makes his heart ache all the more, beyond anything else that might be rolling through his mind.
There are thorns in his throat and his heart hurts; he doesn't know what to do with himself.
What he wants, of course, is to get this done, to escape so he doesn't have to think too long on the matter of being in such close proximity with someone who is, unintentionally, killing him. Jiang Cheng knows if he isn't careful the taste of flowers will completely destabalise him; he has to try and maintain his composure, has to force himself not to fall flat in terms of his own emotions.
He has to be the stronger one here.
So, he shakes his head, leaning back and giving a raised eyebrowed look of disappointment. ] Does that matter? Rules are the rules, that's what I was taught. [ And it's not as if Lan Wangji or Lan Xichen do anything to break those rules outside of Gusu either, so he had valid reason to imagine Sizhui as being the same.
Leaning back, he tries not to appear as frustrated as he is. ]
Either way, we should be working on getting ourselves back, on ensuring that we can return to the others, not arguing over semantics. So let me take care of you.
[ It comes out with a cough that stains his lip a little red with blood. ]
There are thorns in his throat and his heart hurts; he doesn't know what to do with himself.
What he wants, of course, is to get this done, to escape so he doesn't have to think too long on the matter of being in such close proximity with someone who is, unintentionally, killing him. Jiang Cheng knows if he isn't careful the taste of flowers will completely destabalise him; he has to try and maintain his composure, has to force himself not to fall flat in terms of his own emotions.
He has to be the stronger one here.
So, he shakes his head, leaning back and giving a raised eyebrowed look of disappointment. ] Does that matter? Rules are the rules, that's what I was taught. [ And it's not as if Lan Wangji or Lan Xichen do anything to break those rules outside of Gusu either, so he had valid reason to imagine Sizhui as being the same.
Leaning back, he tries not to appear as frustrated as he is. ]
Either way, we should be working on getting ourselves back, on ensuring that we can return to the others, not arguing over semantics. So let me take care of you.
[ It comes out with a cough that stains his lip a little red with blood. ]
Yeah, I am. [smug, yes, but still he sounds a bit dumb and breathless even in his determination. the older man, and they are no longer boys following their uncles and fathers around, has found a new way to leave jin ling lightheaded and captivated.
it isn't fair, really.
he has no ammunition of his own, no way to retaliate. the reality though, is there is nothing to retaliate against and jin ling is happy to follow the lead if it takes him to another kiss. another touch. he parts his lips, meets sizhui's tongue with his own.
in theory, this should be strange but it's far from it. jin ling doesn't really know what he's doing, if he's good at this but he's not about to stop and ask. not now. not when then he'd die of embarrassment and hurl himself out of the resurrection cycle, thank you very much.
it's a wonder that he can have all of these thoughts, really, as his mind also simultaneously short circuits as sizhui moves wholly into his lap. and that, that heat pooling low in his stomach as their bodies meet is unlike anything he's felt. unlike anything he's fantasized about. it's instinctual to groan into sizhui's mouth, to pull him closer as his hips rock up and-- and then he freezes, realizes that this is a line they haven't crossed yet.
haven't discussed---]
it isn't fair, really.
he has no ammunition of his own, no way to retaliate. the reality though, is there is nothing to retaliate against and jin ling is happy to follow the lead if it takes him to another kiss. another touch. he parts his lips, meets sizhui's tongue with his own.
in theory, this should be strange but it's far from it. jin ling doesn't really know what he's doing, if he's good at this but he's not about to stop and ask. not now. not when then he'd die of embarrassment and hurl himself out of the resurrection cycle, thank you very much.
it's a wonder that he can have all of these thoughts, really, as his mind also simultaneously short circuits as sizhui moves wholly into his lap. and that, that heat pooling low in his stomach as their bodies meet is unlike anything he's felt. unlike anything he's fantasized about. it's instinctual to groan into sizhui's mouth, to pull him closer as his hips rock up and-- and then he freezes, realizes that this is a line they haven't crossed yet.
haven't discussed---]
Not likely that he would ever let important information slip from him. But it's sweet that Sizhui might think so. Vincenzo finishes his shower and keeps his grunts to himself as gingerly pulls on the expensive silk pajama pants. How sweet of Sizhui to leave them for him. Every thing a donna could be. Or at least the beginnings of a proper donna. He watches as Sizhui settles beside the bar, the moonlight and starlight catching him so handsomely. He walks up to the bar and takes the glass of red, swirling it a little.
"You truly believe you would be able to handle being la donna di casa for the Famiglia di Cassano?" he asks, looking at his bride over the rim of his wine glass. "I could send you back to your family's home, where it's safe. And you would only be my wife by name."
His entire face flushes when Sizhui points out how he, as a sect leader, should understand being busy with duties. He peers at the other boy. Certainly, they had all grown up but Sizhui had grown into a handsome young man. Of course, who would think otherwise for the son of Hanguang Jun? When he says he looks well, Jin Ling straightens a little more.
"Of course. I had to mature far quicker than Lan Jingyi in order to fulfill my duties as sect leader."
He's sure if he said it loud enough, and if the other Lan were within hearing distance, he'd see the other turn up, ready to pick a fight with him.
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