[personal profile] lighterclick 2021-07-15 04:07 am (UTC)(link)

"I am trying to warn you of what sort of things you would see when you marry someone like me. There are many expectations of you in this position."

Vincenzo caresses along his hand, letting his own move over the slim digits. How could he lay out all that is expected for the position and expected of Sizhui as the wife of the head? From what Luca had told him, the Lan had many rules and expectations as well, being one of the very few families whose gentry survived through the years. He presses his lips together and gives a soft sigh. Luca would not have arranged this if he didn't think Sizhui was capable of fulfilling the role.

"I want you to be sure that you are aware of what it all means. That isn't simply a charmed life."

[personal profile] lighterclick 2021-07-15 05:17 pm (UTC)(link)

A huff. Of all people, he would be the last one to judge a person's character based on their appearances. He doesn't flinch at the touch to his bruises. Bruises fade with time, they heal. He'd known about the thousands of rules. Luca had made sure that Vincenzo was well informed of the Lan family. Sizhui is not as soft as he seems. Given the situation, he would also be able to defend himself. Vincenzo worries of whether or not he could stand firmly as the head of the household.

"You may be asked to keep secrets; witness horrible, terrible things; all while running the household while I run the family."

He cups his cheek and nudges his face up so he could look into those eyes.

"You would need to be firm, calm, even in the face of people who would want to hurt our family. Even if that person is me. But know that I will always be loyal to you; all of me."

[personal profile] lighterclick 2021-07-15 10:36 pm (UTC)(link)

He really did go through with being a bride, didn't he? Vincenzo watches as he casts the fluffy robe aside to reveal a white nightgown beneath. It's simple; beautiful in its own flowing way. Something warms and loosens in his chest when Sizhui gently caresses his hand and his forearm in return, swearing his own loyalty. The gentle touch to his cheek is kind, soft in a way that his life isn't.

Vincenzo reaches up to undo the rest of the buttons of his shirt and pulls it off, leaving him bare from his waist up. He watches Sizhui the entire time, moving slow enough to not jostle the other as he moves. The blood stained shirt falls on the floor, joining his tie.

"There must be no surprises for you. Or for me. Everyone will be at your command. There will be things I ask for you to do and yuo will need to do them without a moment's hesitation. The house must be running in well working order without anything out of place or in chaos so that it can be your sanctuary, my sanctuary. But also the first thing that those that I deem worthy enough to come here, come under the protection of the Cassano family sees."

Safety in the fortress, the physical protection that the Cassano family can provide.

[personal profile] lighterclick 2021-07-16 02:50 pm (UTC)(link)

"Depends on the request," he teases back.

It's strange how easy it is to tease him back like this. Sizhui is a handsome man. He would even go so far as to say he's beautiful. Vincenzo could see how dangerous Sizhui is; to fall in love with such a vision can easily compromise any hardened criminal. He is very aware that they are on their honeymoon in one of the most beautiful places in all of Italy. It's here that he could stay and pretend that the troubles of the real world were far. Only if Sizhui wants. And he wonders if he should look at the contract once more; perhaps allow Sizhui a sanctioned playmate, as it were, so that he wouldn't feel so lonely or unloved.

[personal profile] lighterclick 2021-07-16 10:22 pm (UTC)(link)

"Yes."

The answer comes without hesitation. He knows he should carry Sizhui but his current state does not allow for him to do such a feat. He turns toward a hand and kisses the back of it softly. He had given his word to Sizhui's father that he would always be a gentleman to his son, that he will never be left wanting anything.

[personal profile] lighterclick 2021-07-17 04:33 am (UTC)(link)

The touch is sweet and Vincenzo closes his eyes at the feel of his fingers along his nose. He can't help but chuckle a little.

"Aren't I supposed to carry you?" he asks.

All the same, Vincenzo leans on him as they move up and toward the bedroom.

"Let me at least shower to wash off all this," he says. "I can manage that."

[personal profile] lighterclick 2021-07-17 05:50 pm (UTC)(link)

"I may need some help," he admits.

Vincenzo easily shrugs the fluffy robe from around his shoulders, letting it pool around his feet. He watches Sizhui's expressions as he leans against the sink and allows him to take his fill of looking at him.

"I shouldn't be straining myself too much."

[personal profile] lighterclick 2021-07-18 04:01 am (UTC)(link)

How sweet is he for being so shy. He shifts until he could curl around Sizhui and test the water himself.

"Seems hot enough," he says quietly. "Thank you for helping me."

He unbuttons and unzips his trousers, lowering it and his underpants without shame until he could shimmy and push it down over his hips and legs.

[personal profile] lighterclick 2021-07-19 08:51 pm (UTC)(link)

"Perfecto," he replies easily.

Why not allow himself the luxury of having his new husband wash off the grime of the world? He almost wishes he could lean to whisper promises of a better wedding night tomorrow. That his duties wouldn't call him away the next day.

[personal profile] lighterclick 2021-08-12 09:58 pm (UTC)(link)

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."

[personal profile] lighterclick 2021-08-27 07:42 pm (UTC)(link)

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."

[personal profile] lighterclick 2021-09-07 10:55 pm (UTC)(link)

"Could you pour me a wine as well?" he asks.

He nods, making his decision.

"I want to know you better."

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[personal profile] lighterclick - 2021-11-05 20:31 (UTC) - Expand