lαn sízhuí (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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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
[a noise that immediately draws sizhui's attention, prompting him to hand over what fruit remnants he still has to his horse and fully upturn toward the sky. he narrows his eyes in question, gives the faintest head-tilt then looks away, directing his glance to ji chong as he approaches.
no words could've said it better than that and whenever strange familiarity registers, it shows on his face, in how he's suddenly become wide-eyed and open-mouthed. now, he knows this isn't wei wuxian; they may share the same face but there are clear distinctions with their appearances (even besides the scruffiness). armor, the man's sword, his bird flying down and alighting on his arm. he closes his mouth, opens it again, asks,] Are you—? [hesitates halfway then shuffles forward a couple steps.
obviously, it's who he's waiting for, because who else would know where exactly to meet him outside baling?] You're the ‘chaotic existence’ I'm here for?
no words could've said it better than that and whenever strange familiarity registers, it shows on his face, in how he's suddenly become wide-eyed and open-mouthed. now, he knows this isn't wei wuxian; they may share the same face but there are clear distinctions with their appearances (even besides the scruffiness). armor, the man's sword, his bird flying down and alighting on his arm. he closes his mouth, opens it again, asks,] Are you—? [hesitates halfway then shuffles forward a couple steps.
obviously, it's who he's waiting for, because who else would know where exactly to meet him outside baling?] You're the ‘chaotic existence’ I'm here for?
At least he's still breathing. When he finally sits upright, Jiang Cheng looks at him, then looks at the sky. Perhaps he's a rogue cultivator that got knocked off his sword.
"I'm unsure myself. I saw something falling from the sky and came over."
Again, he looks back and forth. With how high he was flying, there had to be danger nearby or else he wouldn't have flown up so high.
"Where did you come from?"
"Great!"
He clears his throat, standing straighter. There's a small smile on his lips about Sizhui agreeing to spending more time together. Jin Ling offers his arm to Sizhui.
"Then would you like to explore the rest of the market with me?" he asks.
[ Fingers brush along Zhui Ri's belly before the bird takes flight again, Ji Chong dismounting from his horse. He notes the way that Sizhui watches him and it amuses him a little.
He doesn't want to burst the boy's bubble and tell him that anyone could find him, especially outside Baling. All it would take is a bit of hard work and a scout. Though, he gives Sizhui a grin, as well as a bit of a laugh. ]
I would be that chaotic existence you're here for.
He doesn't want to burst the boy's bubble and tell him that anyone could find him, especially outside Baling. All it would take is a bit of hard work and a scout. Though, he gives Sizhui a grin, as well as a bit of a laugh. ]
I would be that chaotic existence you're here for.
That's probably the most enthusiastic-sounding thing Sizhui's ever heard Jin Ling say, which instantly draws his attention away from the comb he's holding, widened eyes wholly focused on his friend. After Jin Ling clears his throat, he sets the item aside, turns toward him and brightens a significant amount whenever he offers his arm.
“Absolutely,” comes without hesitation, then he hooks Jin Ling's elbow with his own and continues, “Where shall we go from here?”
“Absolutely,” comes without hesitation, then he hooks Jin Ling's elbow with his own and continues, “Where shall we go from here?”
His attention eventually drifts back to Jiang Cheng, he lifts his eyebrows with inquisitiveness and stares, open-mouthed. Did this man just say he fell from the sky? Oh no, oh no, this is terribly unfortunate if that's the case, given he's most definitely supposed to be in the sky right now!
“You... you rescued me from that lake.”
Whenever Jiang Cheng looks away, Sizhui does the same, though it's to consider his options, how he'll explain he came from a civilization above the clouds without sounding like a lunatic. (Let's be real, there isn't a way, which is why he's also wondering if he should maybe lie? But he knows next to nothing about land-dwellers, so!)
Following a quick head-shake, “I'm almost positive you wouldn't believe me, even if I told you the truth,” then he downcasts again, lowers his hand from his head and uses it to help push himself up the rest of the way. “But I came from the sky.”
“You... you rescued me from that lake.”
Whenever Jiang Cheng looks away, Sizhui does the same, though it's to consider his options, how he'll explain he came from a civilization above the clouds without sounding like a lunatic. (Let's be real, there isn't a way, which is why he's also wondering if he should maybe lie? But he knows next to nothing about land-dwellers, so!)
Following a quick head-shake, “I'm almost positive you wouldn't believe me, even if I told you the truth,” then he downcasts again, lowers his hand from his head and uses it to help push himself up the rest of the way. “But I came from the sky.”
[his attention upturns to the bird, watching as it flies away before directing to ji chong again, brow still faintly creased with confusion. sizhui knows that staring is rude, but he can't help himself, the resemblance between this man and his father is so uncanny, he wonders if it's possible wei wuxian has a twin brother without realizing.
(although how could one possibly not know something like that? unless it's a case of separated at birth and—) that train of thought is derailed by laughter, which causes more skepticism but also makes a faint smile uptick his own lips at the corners.
he shuffles forward a few steps, circles his arms in front of himself and politely bows.] Nice to finally meet you in person. [after he's restraightened, he then counters,] Stable force, Lan Sizhui, at your service. [like it's an actual title, even though he knows better, just like he's well-aware anybody could've found him at this location, but all that matters is the somebody he'd been waiting for.]
(although how could one possibly not know something like that? unless it's a case of separated at birth and—) that train of thought is derailed by laughter, which causes more skepticism but also makes a faint smile uptick his own lips at the corners.
he shuffles forward a few steps, circles his arms in front of himself and politely bows.] Nice to finally meet you in person. [after he's restraightened, he then counters,] Stable force, Lan Sizhui, at your service. [like it's an actual title, even though he knows better, just like he's well-aware anybody could've found him at this location, but all that matters is the somebody he'd been waiting for.]
[although it's been more than a few months now since his abrupt appearance in gotham city, sizhui's found it somewhat hard to adapt to his new lifestyle, mostly because he feels like he's being held captive inside this ostentatious mansion. sure, he has free roam throughout it and yes, he has his own room, but at what point is he allowed out by himself without cover and someone chaperoning him the entire time? he knows everything out there is brand new, given his time displacement from the far past of ancient china, yet he also believes in his ability to have adapted even a little during those same aforementioned months, to have gathered enough information for ‘blending in,’ as it were, that he's allowed outside more than a handful of times in the week.
however, he can't exactly complain much either, what with everything being provided to him; that earlier mentioned room, food, clothes, what entertainment can be achieved while staying inside. it's still not enough to dissuade him from lingering near the windows, watching people walk by, or wandering the manor in search of company in the form of those who come by the wayne estate every now and then.
jason is who has arrived today, rather inconspicuously, instantly drawing sizhui's attention away from his book once he realizes so he can chat up the other male instead, bright and exuberant at the idea of hearing about someone else's life on the outside. (such an overdramatic way of putting it, really, despite sizhui thinking otherwise!) the first time they'd talked, he's well-aware he might've not made the best impression, but with time to adapt, adjust and at least halfway find his place, it's become easier to converse.]
Any particular reason you've come today? I do believe it's only Alfred and myself, in case you were looking for Mister Wayne...
[maybe it's silly, having the slightest hope jason's there to see him, that doesn't curb his enthusiasm any, nor does it keep him from being somewhat nosy when it comes to jason's initial reason for visiting.]
however, he can't exactly complain much either, what with everything being provided to him; that earlier mentioned room, food, clothes, what entertainment can be achieved while staying inside. it's still not enough to dissuade him from lingering near the windows, watching people walk by, or wandering the manor in search of company in the form of those who come by the wayne estate every now and then.
jason is who has arrived today, rather inconspicuously, instantly drawing sizhui's attention away from his book once he realizes so he can chat up the other male instead, bright and exuberant at the idea of hearing about someone else's life on the outside. (such an overdramatic way of putting it, really, despite sizhui thinking otherwise!) the first time they'd talked, he's well-aware he might've not made the best impression, but with time to adapt, adjust and at least halfway find his place, it's become easier to converse.]
Any particular reason you've come today? I do believe it's only Alfred and myself, in case you were looking for Mister Wayne...
[maybe it's silly, having the slightest hope jason's there to see him, that doesn't curb his enthusiasm any, nor does it keep him from being somewhat nosy when it comes to jason's initial reason for visiting.]
( Someone from another time or universe pops up, and Bruce gets himself all wound up over it. It'd just been another Tuesday by Jason's standards the night he'd found Sizhui wandering around Crime Alley. Someone in that get up sticks out like a sore thumb in a place as dark and gloomy as Gotham, even more so when they're wandering the streets of the places Jason tends to haunt. After the initial and awkward attempt to pull Sizhui into a (mostly) safe spot, he'd done his best to try and explain everything with broken language skills. Not his best moment, but no one got shot or stabbed. Always a plus, right?
But things are never that easy in Jason's life. What had started out as trying to get Sizhui back to one of his own safehouses while he figured out this whole thing, Batman had intercepted. It wasn't pretty. To see two men the size of Batman and the Red Hood squaring up against one another in a heated argument that had gotten a little loud and colorful on Jason's end had to be a worrying sight. And in the end, Batman wins their argument. Batman always wins their goddamn arguments, and Jason is left seething as Batman drives off with the other man. Despite his own anger, Jason can admit this is probably for the best. The Batcave is way more equip to deal with weird things like this, and Alfred will take care of the guy.
Jason keeps his distance at first. Gets the occasional updates from Tim or Dick who reassure him that yes, his walking ancient Chinese friend was safe and doing well. Sizhui is his name. And after a stiff conversation with Bruce, he gets reluctant permission to spot by just this one time. Only - Jason doesn't stop by just once. He waltzes through the front door the first time to check on Sizhui, spends some time with him and learns a bit more. But the times are never quite so direct.
Of course, Jason is sure Bruce knows he's been sneaking in. He's friggin' Batman. But he still does it. No one stops him, and Alfred always gives him the courtesy of telling him when one of the others has arrived or is on their way so he can cut and run as if he hadn't been there at all. It's a strange realization that he can't stay away for long, that something about Sizhui always draws him back to the manor every couple of weeks. Maybe it's the idea that he understands what it feels like to be under metaphorical lock and key of the Bat, to be the dirty little secret of the Batfamily. Or maybe he just likes Sizhui. The latter is a thought he doesn't know how to process, but he's trying to work through it, at least.
It's been a couple weeks since his last snuck in, and he appears in the room silently as many of them often do. But he's got the foresight and manners (ha) to announce himself by leaning a bit too heavily against the door frame and letting the creak of the old wood give away his position. )
It's like you don't know me at all, thinking I'm looking for that guy.
( There's mock offense in his voice, but he offers a small smirk quickly enough as he makes his way over to where Sizhui is sitting. He drops onto the nearest chair, throwing his arms over the sides to get comfortable. )
Thought you could use some company. I know how lonely it is when all you have is a dog and a bunch of hallways and doors to talk to.
( No offense to Ace - he'd been good company when Jason actually lived here and the dog wasn't at Bruce's heels. )
But things are never that easy in Jason's life. What had started out as trying to get Sizhui back to one of his own safehouses while he figured out this whole thing, Batman had intercepted. It wasn't pretty. To see two men the size of Batman and the Red Hood squaring up against one another in a heated argument that had gotten a little loud and colorful on Jason's end had to be a worrying sight. And in the end, Batman wins their argument. Batman always wins their goddamn arguments, and Jason is left seething as Batman drives off with the other man. Despite his own anger, Jason can admit this is probably for the best. The Batcave is way more equip to deal with weird things like this, and Alfred will take care of the guy.
Jason keeps his distance at first. Gets the occasional updates from Tim or Dick who reassure him that yes, his walking ancient Chinese friend was safe and doing well. Sizhui is his name. And after a stiff conversation with Bruce, he gets reluctant permission to spot by just this one time. Only - Jason doesn't stop by just once. He waltzes through the front door the first time to check on Sizhui, spends some time with him and learns a bit more. But the times are never quite so direct.
Of course, Jason is sure Bruce knows he's been sneaking in. He's friggin' Batman. But he still does it. No one stops him, and Alfred always gives him the courtesy of telling him when one of the others has arrived or is on their way so he can cut and run as if he hadn't been there at all. It's a strange realization that he can't stay away for long, that something about Sizhui always draws him back to the manor every couple of weeks. Maybe it's the idea that he understands what it feels like to be under metaphorical lock and key of the Bat, to be the dirty little secret of the Batfamily. Or maybe he just likes Sizhui. The latter is a thought he doesn't know how to process, but he's trying to work through it, at least.
It's been a couple weeks since his last snuck in, and he appears in the room silently as many of them often do. But he's got the foresight and manners (ha) to announce himself by leaning a bit too heavily against the door frame and letting the creak of the old wood give away his position. )
It's like you don't know me at all, thinking I'm looking for that guy.
( There's mock offense in his voice, but he offers a small smirk quickly enough as he makes his way over to where Sizhui is sitting. He drops onto the nearest chair, throwing his arms over the sides to get comfortable. )
Thought you could use some company. I know how lonely it is when all you have is a dog and a bunch of hallways and doors to talk to.
( No offense to Ace - he'd been good company when Jason actually lived here and the dog wasn't at Bruce's heels. )
[if sizhui had known what sort of place he'd stumbled upon, he might've turned around and immediately attempted using his spiritual energy to open another portal, somewhere far away from the darkness that is gotham— maybe a place where sunshine, rainbows and puppies and kittens filled the world? but one: he'd already been absolutely drained after the initial pull and two: jason had found him, whisked him away to a spot that felt less intrusive, then began brokenly speaking to him in his native tongue, easing at least half of the uncertainty he'd been feeling before. (there's a third in there somewhere about not having the proper amount of qi for another world-hop, but he'd ignored it for the time being.)
watching bruce and jason argue had made him quite apprehensive, worried that regardless of who he went with, it would end up in a fistfight (or something worse) and they'd be at another stalemate. yet somehow, it's bruce who wins out, no matter how stubborn jason is during their whole altercation; being swept away by batman doesn't keep him from staring longingly after jason, like a puppy who's been taken away from its owner, until he's out of sight.
thus began his secret life inside the manor, mostly with alfred as company since bruce always seemed busy, but it's a nice little surprise when someone else would come by. he talks with dick about training, discusses foreign technology with tim, savoring what little time he has with them before they eventually take their leave. although he does enjoy their visits, it's jason he waits for every day, wondering when he'll show up – if he ever shows up? – and what they'll talk more about. for the longest time, he'd resigned himself to not seeing him again, given jason's and bruce's fight after he'd been found, but imagine his surprise whenever jason does finally come to see him. his greeting is warm, enthusiastic, amiable like they've been friends for years and he falls into the easiness of chatting with jason until he has to leave too.
sizhui wouldn't be at all surprised either if bruce knew jason had been sneaking into the mansion; it's odd, but he always seems to just know when something's amiss, no matter how diligently he hides the fact. even more bizarre is that bruce doesn't inquire about it, which makes him offhandedly wonder why. not like he'll ask either, as he'd hate for it to mean jason wouldn't be allowed back, but deep down, he somehow knows that's not the case and it likely won't be, despite all the rule-breaking. gods bless alfred, who never forgets a little reminder, and though his heart always sinks way, way down after jason leaves, he's reassured by the notion he'll return at some point, counteracting his disappointment with eagerness all over again.
the few weeks always seem so long, but it's worth the wait in the end when jason shows up.
a soft, airy giggle passes sizhui's lips, the hand not holding his book open lifting to cover his mouth in an attempt at smothering any leftover laughter. his hope isn't misplaced, it seems, which further reassures that jason has clearly come to visit him and this isn't some unfortunate moment where he might get run off.] My apologies, [he offers first, dropping the hand then continuing,] I should know by now.
[not necessarily, since bruce and jason have a lifetime between them, but still.] Absolutely. The dog is better company than the doors and halls, at least, because he can give me some sort of answer back. [another snicker, one that's a bit more derisive this time, almost dismissive.
also no offense meant in his response, except he does know:] But I think your company is what I most prefer.
watching bruce and jason argue had made him quite apprehensive, worried that regardless of who he went with, it would end up in a fistfight (or something worse) and they'd be at another stalemate. yet somehow, it's bruce who wins out, no matter how stubborn jason is during their whole altercation; being swept away by batman doesn't keep him from staring longingly after jason, like a puppy who's been taken away from its owner, until he's out of sight.
thus began his secret life inside the manor, mostly with alfred as company since bruce always seemed busy, but it's a nice little surprise when someone else would come by. he talks with dick about training, discusses foreign technology with tim, savoring what little time he has with them before they eventually take their leave. although he does enjoy their visits, it's jason he waits for every day, wondering when he'll show up – if he ever shows up? – and what they'll talk more about. for the longest time, he'd resigned himself to not seeing him again, given jason's and bruce's fight after he'd been found, but imagine his surprise whenever jason does finally come to see him. his greeting is warm, enthusiastic, amiable like they've been friends for years and he falls into the easiness of chatting with jason until he has to leave too.
sizhui wouldn't be at all surprised either if bruce knew jason had been sneaking into the mansion; it's odd, but he always seems to just know when something's amiss, no matter how diligently he hides the fact. even more bizarre is that bruce doesn't inquire about it, which makes him offhandedly wonder why. not like he'll ask either, as he'd hate for it to mean jason wouldn't be allowed back, but deep down, he somehow knows that's not the case and it likely won't be, despite all the rule-breaking. gods bless alfred, who never forgets a little reminder, and though his heart always sinks way, way down after jason leaves, he's reassured by the notion he'll return at some point, counteracting his disappointment with eagerness all over again.
the few weeks always seem so long, but it's worth the wait in the end when jason shows up.
a soft, airy giggle passes sizhui's lips, the hand not holding his book open lifting to cover his mouth in an attempt at smothering any leftover laughter. his hope isn't misplaced, it seems, which further reassures that jason has clearly come to visit him and this isn't some unfortunate moment where he might get run off.] My apologies, [he offers first, dropping the hand then continuing,] I should know by now.
[not necessarily, since bruce and jason have a lifetime between them, but still.] Absolutely. The dog is better company than the doors and halls, at least, because he can give me some sort of answer back. [another snicker, one that's a bit more derisive this time, almost dismissive.
also no offense meant in his response, except he does know:] But I think your company is what I most prefer.
“Have you tried the lotus buns here? They’re a delicacy that I enjoy whenever I visit jiujiu.”
He greets a few vendors that he’s known since childhood. Jin Ling tries not to be too embarrassed when a few of them stop them and pinch his cheek.
“Perhaps later, we could get a lantern to send up to the heavens. That’s something you do in Gusu, right?”
Jiang Cheng scowls, mouth set in a hard line, ready to snap at the youth to try him when he says he came from the skies.
“The sky.”
He’s right, it does sound ludicrous.
“As in from the Heavens.”
He looks him over. The boy looks like any other youth. One who came from a lavish house but still. He barely looks over twenty one.
“Are…are you a god, then?”
“Yes,” Sizhui confirms, already feeling ridiculous but growing more and more uncertain by the minute. The expression on Jiang Cheng's face isn't helping matters much, though he doesn't question it because again, he knows just how nonsensical it sounds, especially being said aloud.
“I know, I know, it sounds absolutely unbelievable but...”
He trails off, shakes his head then continues shifting until he's upright, both hands flattening across his thighs, a slow, steadying sigh passing his lips as he allows himself a moment to recollect. It's true, wherever he came from, he's young and well-dressed even without the ostentatious headdress, heavy outer robe and thick belt he'd abandoned during his pitiful swimming attempt. The pale, cream-colored underclothes he's been left in look made of the finest silk and sparkle like iridescent gemstones have somehow been embedded into the fabric.
At the questioning of his status, however, the young man perks, a smile brightening his features as he amends, “A prince. I've not quite ascended high enough to reach godhood.” Someday, he'll figure it out and ultimately make that leap.
“I know, I know, it sounds absolutely unbelievable but...”
He trails off, shakes his head then continues shifting until he's upright, both hands flattening across his thighs, a slow, steadying sigh passing his lips as he allows himself a moment to recollect. It's true, wherever he came from, he's young and well-dressed even without the ostentatious headdress, heavy outer robe and thick belt he'd abandoned during his pitiful swimming attempt. The pale, cream-colored underclothes he's been left in look made of the finest silk and sparkle like iridescent gemstones have somehow been embedded into the fabric.
At the questioning of his status, however, the young man perks, a smile brightening his features as he amends, “A prince. I've not quite ascended high enough to reach godhood.” Someday, he'll figure it out and ultimately make that leap.
“Not yet,” he admits, “but if they are as good as you say, then perhaps we should get some?” It would only be proper, after all, to have actual food before eating any of the sweets he's gotten while wandering through the marketplace by himself earlier.
As they proceed together now, Sizhui does his best to not laugh at the few people who stop them to interact with Jin Ling by pinching his cheeks; it isn't difficult, he's quite used to hiding his laughter and smiles behind his sleeves, but it does prove a bit harder than it may have been if it were anything besides watching his friend get admired by his elders.
Once they've started moving forward again, Jin Ling mentions a lantern and Sizhui's eyes alight with excitement. “It is, yes, something we do after classes have ended.” Also during other festivals and such when they celebrate but those might be one of the most memorable times. “Is there any particular lantern you might like?”
As they proceed together now, Sizhui does his best to not laugh at the few people who stop them to interact with Jin Ling by pinching his cheeks; it isn't difficult, he's quite used to hiding his laughter and smiles behind his sleeves, but it does prove a bit harder than it may have been if it were anything besides watching his friend get admired by his elders.
Once they've started moving forward again, Jin Ling mentions a lantern and Sizhui's eyes alight with excitement. “It is, yes, something we do after classes have ended.” Also during other festivals and such when they celebrate but those might be one of the most memorable times. “Is there any particular lantern you might like?”
[ what.
what?!
how is jin ling supposed to function in a world where lan sizhui has said that to him. ancestors, gods and demi-gods have mercy on him. wait. jin ling scrunches his nose, not wanting to think of the slew of ancestors at this time.
not that jin ling is really thinking, not with teeth on his collarbone and sizhui's grip in his hair. he's learning a lot about himself in this moment, as he ruts up to meet the heat of sizhui's hardness between his legs. ] You can't just say that -- [ the man who's outgrown the title of 'young mistress' complains, but that is not all he does. jin ling's hands slide to sizhui's outer thighs, to hoist him up and lift him so that he falls back flat on the table with jin ling kneeling between his thighs. ] You're going to drive me crazy if you say that.
what?!
how is jin ling supposed to function in a world where lan sizhui has said that to him. ancestors, gods and demi-gods have mercy on him. wait. jin ling scrunches his nose, not wanting to think of the slew of ancestors at this time.
not that jin ling is really thinking, not with teeth on his collarbone and sizhui's grip in his hair. he's learning a lot about himself in this moment, as he ruts up to meet the heat of sizhui's hardness between his legs. ] You can't just say that -- [ the man who's outgrown the title of 'young mistress' complains, but that is not all he does. jin ling's hands slide to sizhui's outer thighs, to hoist him up and lift him so that he falls back flat on the table with jin ling kneeling between his thighs. ] You're going to drive me crazy if you say that.
[with great skill and dexterity, clearly—
but no, really, sizhui knows exactly what he's done by saying that and is all of a sudden very glad he's got his face buried against jin ling's skin. busying himself with nudging aside the other man's robes so he can nip at the spot below his collarbone instead, just the slightest catch of teeth, a faint amount of suction then sizhui pulls back once he's certain there will be an angry red mark; a little something jin ling can remember him by later, yet is still able to cover so no one else knows their business.
to be honest, what he's done feels fair, especially after jin ling bucks up against him like that, earning an abrupt and high-pitched, though somewhat stilted groan. sizhui's teeth sink into the side of his cheek, a pitiful attempt at muffling the last of his already petering-off sound, his ears flushed bright red.] And why can't I—? [while there's more he'd been hoping to say, all coherent thought is momentarily derailed as jin ling's hands move to his thighs, lift him up and drop him backward on the table, where jin ling then pitches over him, settled in-between his thighs.
it takes a moment for clarity to return, for sizhui to catch his breath enough and softly ask,] What if I want you to go crazy, Jin Ling? [what then, hm? he's considering, but in this new position, he can't resist shifting, hooking his legs over jin ling's hips and drawing both hands around to his neck, one thumb pressed up underneath his jaw, the other stroking down over his throat while sizhui finds the pulsepoint on the opposite side of jin ling's neck and decidedly starts working on giving him a hickey there too.]
but no, really, sizhui knows exactly what he's done by saying that and is all of a sudden very glad he's got his face buried against jin ling's skin. busying himself with nudging aside the other man's robes so he can nip at the spot below his collarbone instead, just the slightest catch of teeth, a faint amount of suction then sizhui pulls back once he's certain there will be an angry red mark; a little something jin ling can remember him by later, yet is still able to cover so no one else knows their business.
to be honest, what he's done feels fair, especially after jin ling bucks up against him like that, earning an abrupt and high-pitched, though somewhat stilted groan. sizhui's teeth sink into the side of his cheek, a pitiful attempt at muffling the last of his already petering-off sound, his ears flushed bright red.] And why can't I—? [while there's more he'd been hoping to say, all coherent thought is momentarily derailed as jin ling's hands move to his thighs, lift him up and drop him backward on the table, where jin ling then pitches over him, settled in-between his thighs.
it takes a moment for clarity to return, for sizhui to catch his breath enough and softly ask,] What if I want you to go crazy, Jin Ling? [what then, hm? he's considering, but in this new position, he can't resist shifting, hooking his legs over jin ling's hips and drawing both hands around to his neck, one thumb pressed up underneath his jaw, the other stroking down over his throat while sizhui finds the pulsepoint on the opposite side of jin ling's neck and decidedly starts working on giving him a hickey there too.]
( It always feels different to be with Sizhui. Jason doesn't know if it's because he isn't part of this trainwreck they call a family or something else entirely. Whatever it is, it draws him in every time he sets eyes on the other man. Every soft word or bit of laughter is a reminder of everything their family isn't. Everything Jason wishes he had more of in his life. It's a brightness Jason wants to hold onto for Sizhui's sake and for his own selfish reasons.
He watches the other man as he takes his time sprawling in the chair he's in. He sinks deeper into the plush cushion, lets his legs spread further apart. Taking up as much space in the chair as he can and absolutely enjoying every second of it. Bruce's stuff is way more comfortable than what he has in his various hideaways after all. But even as he works on settling, his attention never leaves Sizhui. )
He's a good dog. ( And he is. Jason's grateful Sizhui at least has Alfred and Ace considering how often the rest of the family disappears or hides away somewhere.
The mention of his company makes one corner of his lips curve upward in a small, smug smirk. ) At least I'm someone's favorite. ( He tips his head back, lets it rest on the cushions as he continues taking the other in. )
Is that what you've been doing all day? ( Not really a question considering Jason knows the answer. It's not just Bruce that keeps tabs on people after all. )
He watches the other man as he takes his time sprawling in the chair he's in. He sinks deeper into the plush cushion, lets his legs spread further apart. Taking up as much space in the chair as he can and absolutely enjoying every second of it. Bruce's stuff is way more comfortable than what he has in his various hideaways after all. But even as he works on settling, his attention never leaves Sizhui. )
He's a good dog. ( And he is. Jason's grateful Sizhui at least has Alfred and Ace considering how often the rest of the family disappears or hides away somewhere.
The mention of his company makes one corner of his lips curve upward in a small, smug smirk. ) At least I'm someone's favorite. ( He tips his head back, lets it rest on the cushions as he continues taking the other in. )
Is that what you've been doing all day? ( Not really a question considering Jason knows the answer. It's not just Bruce that keeps tabs on people after all. )
Edited 2022-05-17 16:25 (UTC)
closes my eyes, i do not perceive (even though i'm sure they're fine!)
deferences
2022-05-18 04:30 am (UTC)(link)
[perhaps some of this and a little bit of that, but it seems most likely it's because lan sizhui is such a bright sunspot, he's impossible to not want to be around. where it's this way for jason, the same goes for sizhui in his case; everyone living inside or visiting every so often is great, but jason's the one who makes him laugh, joke and talk so casually. if he closes his eyes, it's almost like being home and bantering with his best friend, these things just come naturally with jason. he doesn't mind brightening jason's day at all, especially when he gets the same in return. (and the others may not understand why, so he's one-hundred-percent fine keeping it between them.)
he's very keen-eyed himself as jason's watching, his own gaze never wavering from the other man's slouching, even when he reaches for the bookmark near his knee and slides it between the pages. afterward, he closes the book between both hands, twists it about, eventually balancing the front cover on his fingertips.]
I think so too, although I'm winning him over with extra treats, slowly but surely. [mostly with whatever extra meat comes from the food alfred makes, being he's still trying his best to stick with his vegetarian diet. just like back home, however, he does his best to not be picky about what he's given.
sizhui grins following jason's smirk, the tips of his ears blushing faintly, even if that doesn't deter him.] Of course you are. [sometimes, it feels like you're the only one who wants to see me, he thinks, expression faltering somewhat, but he's quick to correct whenever jason's head tilts further in his direction.] What, talking to the dog or reading? [he rotates the novel again, taking it between his fingers and setting it aside, then he adjusts his position to be sitting cross-legged on the couch, both hands turned palms up on his thighs.] Actually, regardless, the answer is ‘yes’.
he's very keen-eyed himself as jason's watching, his own gaze never wavering from the other man's slouching, even when he reaches for the bookmark near his knee and slides it between the pages. afterward, he closes the book between both hands, twists it about, eventually balancing the front cover on his fingertips.]
I think so too, although I'm winning him over with extra treats, slowly but surely. [mostly with whatever extra meat comes from the food alfred makes, being he's still trying his best to stick with his vegetarian diet. just like back home, however, he does his best to not be picky about what he's given.
sizhui grins following jason's smirk, the tips of his ears blushing faintly, even if that doesn't deter him.] Of course you are. [sometimes, it feels like you're the only one who wants to see me, he thinks, expression faltering somewhat, but he's quick to correct whenever jason's head tilts further in his direction.] What, talking to the dog or reading? [he rotates the novel again, taking it between his fingers and setting it aside, then he adjusts his position to be sitting cross-legged on the couch, both hands turned palms up on his thighs.] Actually, regardless, the answer is ‘yes’.
The light in his eyes is worth everything and Jin Ling can't help but smile back.
"Well," he drawls, "I thought perhaps you would accompany me in picking one out. I pick the same thing every year."
Which has Sizhui's smile somehow widening in turn, his heartbeat stutter-stopping briefly at such a sight; it's exciting, getting to see such a lovely smile on Jin Ling's face, and in particular when he knows he's the one that's caused it.
He faintly tightens his arm around Jin Ling's, nods his head then reaches his other hand to gesture offhandedly while commenting, “There's nothing wrong with being consistent, to be fair, but I would love to help you switch it up and pick something different.”
He faintly tightens his arm around Jin Ling's, nods his head then reaches his other hand to gesture offhandedly while commenting, “There's nothing wrong with being consistent, to be fair, but I would love to help you switch it up and pick something different.”
“Well, I was... uhm.” He lowers his gaze, shifts his hands, clenching them tight around his robes for a moment. “Let's just say I was somewhere I wasn't supposed to be when I fell.” Although, the mention of his temple now has him wondering, “Actually, that's a good idea, going to where the temple is.”
Sizhui moves again, scooching closer to Jiang Cheng and reaching out to grasp his forearm, gaze so sincerely earnest and expectantly wide-eyed, it's almost ridiculous. “Will you please help me get there?”
Sizhui moves again, scooching closer to Jiang Cheng and reaching out to grasp his forearm, gaze so sincerely earnest and expectantly wide-eyed, it's almost ridiculous. “Will you please help me get there?”
The grip on his arm has a warmth bloom in his chest. He takes his risk and leans to whisper quietly in Sizhui's ear:
"You look very lovely tonight."
Just as quickly, he pulls away and leads them through the throng of people until they see the lantern vendor.
He almost refuses him outright but the earnest sort of way his eyes look up at him has his heart go out to the fallen star.
"It'll be a few days' journey but...I can take you. We'll need to take a rest tonight. It'll be easier if we depart early in the morning. We also need to check if you have any injuries and are in good condition to travel."
Jiang Cheng stands and offers his hands out to the fallen star.
Good, good, nothing like a little overzealous genuineness to dig down real deep and find someone's soft spot. Sizhui's expression briefly creases when Jiang Cheng mentions it will take a few days and they can't head out tonight, but it softens afterward, replaced with a small, yet still quite exuberant grin.
“Okay,” he accepts with ease, outstretching both hands to accept the ones being offered, holding tight as he clambers upright. Nothing feels injured at the moment, but they cannot rule out any possibilities.
“I feel alright, for what it's worth? But I understand the concern and it's better to be safe rather than sorry.”
“Okay,” he accepts with ease, outstretching both hands to accept the ones being offered, holding tight as he clambers upright. Nothing feels injured at the moment, but they cannot rule out any possibilities.
“I feel alright, for what it's worth? But I understand the concern and it's better to be safe rather than sorry.”
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