lαn sízhuí (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
deferences) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
houseofsushi2020-05-22 10:34 pm
deferences) wrote in houseofsushi2020-05-22 10:34 pm
Entry tags:
- lan sizhui,
- open,
- rp
[continued from here]
Oh, I see. Is this not something that could've been remedied by wearing the mask you carry around? Or are you with people where it does not matter? (For what it may be worth, my face doesn't always help, either.)
As I said: drink more. Keep your mouth busy.
[which is probably the exact opposite of what he should be encouraging, but sizhui'd rather not walk into an argument or worse— an outright fight.]
Oh, I see. Is this not something that could've been remedied by wearing the mask you carry around? Or are you with people where it does not matter? (For what it may be worth, my face doesn't always help, either.)
As I said: drink more. Keep your mouth busy.
[which is probably the exact opposite of what he should be encouraging, but sizhui'd rather not walk into an argument or worse— an outright fight.]
[continued from here]
[he has been Shamed. :(]
Yes, of course. I'll try catching the rabbit myself next time rather than bother you. Again, I am sorry for your troubles and if you happen to change your mind, I still have salve that could help ease the discomfort.
[he has been Shamed. :(]
Yes, of course. I'll try catching the rabbit myself next time rather than bother you. Again, I am sorry for your troubles and if you happen to change your mind, I still have salve that could help ease the discomfort.
[continued from here]
Perhaps, but what excuse would we have to all go out together? [also: will lan wangji be accompanying them?]
I'm sorry, Xian-gege. I've just gotten used to being the one who looks after everyone else while they drink. Ah, but if you had this sort of tolerance, it would truly be much easier for... a lot of people.
Perhaps, but what excuse would we have to all go out together? [also: will lan wangji be accompanying them?]
I'm sorry, Xian-gege. I've just gotten used to being the one who looks after everyone else while they drink. Ah, but if you had this sort of tolerance, it would truly be much easier for... a lot of people.
1. Did u pay ur friends to not make fun of me?
2. I've decided that it's a bad thing. But I've also decided that I don't give a fuck.
3. I just woke up in my locked bathroom. It's 5 PM. What happened?
4. I said "one day" and that day is not today.
5. I will kick you in all of your body parts. All at once.
2. I've decided that it's a bad thing. But I've also decided that I don't give a fuck.
3. I just woke up in my locked bathroom. It's 5 PM. What happened?
4. I said "one day" and that day is not today.
5. I will kick you in all of your body parts. All at once.
[continued from here]
[being quite honest, sizhui doesn't know, either; he's simply doing whatever zewu-jun asks him to. although this case is technically different in the fact that he volunteered for the plain and simple reason that he wants to help. if that means being kind and respectful to someone who many people don't think deserves such niceties, then so be it.
and from what the message says in return, it seems like meng yao is going to try, at least.]
So long as you're sure, I'll not worry about it as much. [oh, there is absolutely something he could say to make jin guangyao upset beyond belief— isn't it nice that sizhui isn't that type of person, though?
accepting his gift, like sizhui's something that special!he is, but don't call him out for not believing.] I'm collecting my things then I'll go by the kitchen and be there soon.
[being quite honest, sizhui doesn't know, either; he's simply doing whatever zewu-jun asks him to. although this case is technically different in the fact that he volunteered for the plain and simple reason that he wants to help. if that means being kind and respectful to someone who many people don't think deserves such niceties, then so be it.
and from what the message says in return, it seems like meng yao is going to try, at least.]
So long as you're sure, I'll not worry about it as much. [oh, there is absolutely something he could say to make jin guangyao upset beyond belief— isn't it nice that sizhui isn't that type of person, though?
accepting his gift, like sizhui's something that special!
♪ right from the start, you were a thief, you stole my heart
deferences
2020-08-08 10:09 am (UTC)(link)
[on the side of the road is where sizhui finds this bizarrely-dressed stranger. whoever he is, it's quite obvious he's not from around anywhere nearby and if he were to leave him, there's a likely chance the poor foreigner would first: be imprisoned then secondly: be executed when he has no way of explaining his whereabouts before he arrived here.
what's also extremely convenient? the fact he rode horseback rather than fly on his sword or else carrying jason would've proved far more difficult than simply setting him on the mare's back behind himself.
the ride to the inn isn't rushed, either. he takes it nice and easy the whole way, manages piggybacking his injured party most of the walk inside before ultimately having to set him down near the stairs. it's a wonder the innkeeper lets him stay, but he'll chalk it up to luck (plus being of the lan clan) and take whatever he's given. right now, that's just the awkwardness of the proprietor watching him – as carefully as possible – maneuver jason upstairs, inside the room then onto the bed. after taking a brief moment for checking the male's breathing, sizhui slumps down beside the bed's edge, takes some odd minutes to catch his own breath then immediately gets back to his feet to gather supplies.
when he returns again, it's with a small bucket of lukewarmish water, clean cloths, bandages, and medicines, the former two things which are getting used right away. channeling his qi into his injured guest lets him know everything's fine aside from what's on the surface and— oh. oh no, wait, his arm is... definitely broken? except that's alright, all of those wounds outside are easily handled and the bone can at least be halfway mended. this guy's gonna be unhappy with his situation once he wakes, but it's better than being decapitated.
fixing and setting jason's arm he does first, so once he likely starts stirring, sizhui's leaned over him, using the remaining unsoiled rag for cleaning the cuts along his face.]
what's also extremely convenient? the fact he rode horseback rather than fly on his sword or else carrying jason would've proved far more difficult than simply setting him on the mare's back behind himself.
the ride to the inn isn't rushed, either. he takes it nice and easy the whole way, manages piggybacking his injured party most of the walk inside before ultimately having to set him down near the stairs. it's a wonder the innkeeper lets him stay, but he'll chalk it up to luck (plus being of the lan clan) and take whatever he's given. right now, that's just the awkwardness of the proprietor watching him – as carefully as possible – maneuver jason upstairs, inside the room then onto the bed. after taking a brief moment for checking the male's breathing, sizhui slumps down beside the bed's edge, takes some odd minutes to catch his own breath then immediately gets back to his feet to gather supplies.
when he returns again, it's with a small bucket of lukewarmish water, clean cloths, bandages, and medicines, the former two things which are getting used right away. channeling his qi into his injured guest lets him know everything's fine aside from what's on the surface and— oh. oh no, wait, his arm is... definitely broken? except that's alright, all of those wounds outside are easily handled and the bone can at least be halfway mended. this guy's gonna be unhappy with his situation once he wakes, but it's better than being decapitated.
fixing and setting jason's arm he does first, so once he likely starts stirring, sizhui's leaned over him, using the remaining unsoiled rag for cleaning the cuts along his face.]
[continued from here]
Me too! It's okay though, I don't really mind taking the reins for a little bit.
[there's just one slightly minor detail he may have forgotten to mention:] Doesn't seem like any of us will be going anywhere soon.
Me too! It's okay though, I don't really mind taking the reins for a little bit.
[there's just one slightly minor detail he may have forgotten to mention:] Doesn't seem like any of us will be going anywhere soon.
♪ fightin' for my trust and you won't back down, even if we gotta risk it all right now
deferences
2020-08-30 07:22 am (UTC)(link)
[it's after work one day – damn near close to almost the one month mark of jason's birthday back where he'd accidentally messed everything up (???) by inviting dick inside – when sizhui stops at the nearby corner store to collect junk food to take home. because if there's something he's fallen in love with, it's having sweets at his fingertips. while roaming the aisle for gummy snacks, he sees an advertisement for alcohol and an idea briefly flickers through his thoughts: jay's been known to leave some stuff behind in the house, so surely he wouldn't miss a shot or two? there's no way the cashier won't card him, after all.
hmmm, as sizhui considers, decides on a slushee he can sip during the walk back that will cover the taste.
vodka, it turns out, is quite stronger than rice or fruit wine and when mixed with a partially-melted cherry sugar-sludge, one can hardly taste the alcohol. the unfortunate part ends up being he finishes the bottle (which is fine, he'll buy jason more to replace it), but once sizhui's gotten through almost the entire cup, his inhibitions have lowered enough that he doesn't just text dick, oh no. this intoxicated fool pulls up the number, dials then presses the phone to his ear, waiting patiently while it trills. what are you going to say? who knows, to be honest? words seem like they'll come easier without self-consciousness and he's sorely lacking every single bit of it right now.
something about drinks, he finally fixates on. and jason. since dick evidently feels a way about him he hasn't quite put his finger on yet. ‘brothers’ seems like a placeholder; sizhui saw how dick stared though, won't ever forget it or the way it'd made he himself react.
by the time the line clicks through, he's significantly emboldened (and bordering on almost uncomfy with how warm he is, though he'll handle that at a later moment).] Dick? [he murmurs against the mouthpiece, clearing his throat and slurring the faintest amount in spite of himself,] I'm s-sorry, I hope this isn't a bad time...
[thank the stars, sizhui's reminded to wait for an answer before just seguing right into whatever else he has to say; because he'd hate to interrupt if now does happen to be an inconvenient time, but especially so while he's under the influence.]
hmmm, as sizhui considers, decides on a slushee he can sip during the walk back that will cover the taste.
vodka, it turns out, is quite stronger than rice or fruit wine and when mixed with a partially-melted cherry sugar-sludge, one can hardly taste the alcohol. the unfortunate part ends up being he finishes the bottle (which is fine, he'll buy jason more to replace it), but once sizhui's gotten through almost the entire cup, his inhibitions have lowered enough that he doesn't just text dick, oh no. this intoxicated fool pulls up the number, dials then presses the phone to his ear, waiting patiently while it trills. what are you going to say? who knows, to be honest? words seem like they'll come easier without self-consciousness and he's sorely lacking every single bit of it right now.
something about drinks, he finally fixates on. and jason. since dick evidently feels a way about him he hasn't quite put his finger on yet. ‘brothers’ seems like a placeholder; sizhui saw how dick stared though, won't ever forget it or the way it'd made he himself react.
by the time the line clicks through, he's significantly emboldened (and bordering on almost uncomfy with how warm he is, though he'll handle that at a later moment).] Dick? [he murmurs against the mouthpiece, clearing his throat and slurring the faintest amount in spite of himself,] I'm s-sorry, I hope this isn't a bad time...
[thank the stars, sizhui's reminded to wait for an answer before just seguing right into whatever else he has to say; because he'd hate to interrupt if now does happen to be an inconvenient time, but especially so while he's under the influence.]
[ It’s inappropriate and he really ought to be ashamed of it, but he also knows that it’d get weird real fast if he didn’t come. Sizhui had invited him before any of what happened next followed during that phone call. They hadn’t talked about it. They had both been inebriated enough, Dick had been out of it and riding on a high of a mission well done and it was among the worst decisions he had ever made.
He should have cut the conversation off, said good night, and left it at that. The moment Sizhui started talking about Jason with that tone in his voice, Dick should have stopped it. But it was a strange mix of curiosity, guilt, desire that had him continuing. Truth is, they both saw each other and the way they’d been fascinated by that star black bo staff in Jason’s hands.
And here he is again. For drinks. For a test of his resolve, maybe. He grips a pack of beers in a hand while the other raises, hesitates for a single beat, before rapping in quick succession at the door. ]
He should have cut the conversation off, said good night, and left it at that. The moment Sizhui started talking about Jason with that tone in his voice, Dick should have stopped it. But it was a strange mix of curiosity, guilt, desire that had him continuing. Truth is, they both saw each other and the way they’d been fascinated by that star black bo staff in Jason’s hands.
And here he is again. For drinks. For a test of his resolve, maybe. He grips a pack of beers in a hand while the other raises, hesitates for a single beat, before rapping in quick succession at the door. ]
♪ everything collapses around me, overwhelms and astounds me; a terrible truth
deferences
2020-09-15 12:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[mid-autumn comes far quicker than he ever could have anticipated.
life falls into a steady rhythm even with an unexpected guest; they both wake up at six am, have breakfast, exchange a few words here or there as lan sizhui prepares for the day then he heads out, leaving jason to his own devices. whatever those may be, he isn't sure, he's always simply trusted his friend to stay hidden. he's there when he returns at the end of every day, so what worries should he have? (many, he has many despite never having the courage to question it.) regardless, at nine pm each night, they're asleep together, wake up and do it all over again the following morning.
today, however, is different. he comes back earlier in the evening – thank goodness, jason is here whenever he does! – and announces they'll be going out, explains the festival, what it entails and so on. he surprises jason with a set of robes, tailor-made just for him, measurements having been snuck while he wasn't paying attention. what the actual surprise might be is sizhui stepping out from behind the screen divider in his own set, quite reminiscent to a particular someone he knows. mostly, his intention was catching jason off-guard by wearing his favorite colors too, which works better than he would've expected.
much to his surprise, everything goes rather smoothly. almost too easy, one might think, although the younger boy doesn't consider, especially not when they are in town and making merry.]
Did you enjoy yourself? [sizhui's hoping the traditional mooncakes they shared during the festivities were just as good as he'd gushed about, along with the wine: gusu's famous emperor's smile. he knows he's not supposed to drink, but it's part of celebrating, right? there's no harm in a glass, which quickly became another then another and— well, he's got the faintest stumble in his usual step on their way back to cloud recesses. some backwoods way, obviously, seeing as there's no possible chance of sneaking through the front gate like this. (gods bless lan jingyi, his being privy to the secret paths and his willingness to share them with a friend!) because let's not mention the soft small-talk or how slinking through the back mountain is noisier than usual, it's lucky they'll be far enough away from anyone that might've stayed behind.
once they reach the small pagoda outside his bedroom, that's where he leads rather than inside, guiding them deftly across the stone bridge to sit on the bench. there are still fireworks popping off above them and those are undoubtedly distracting, yet he's far more captivated by how handsome jason looks in his robes; it's a wonder he doesn't make some drunken move right then but his self-control, staring aside, is blessedly firm.
perhaps he looks ridiculous, gawking at him all giddily, blinking dreamily through the lingering alcohol-induced haze after he realizes. sizhui seems unbothered still, just closes his mouth, keeps watching him, enjoying the comfortable silence that's settled between them.]
life falls into a steady rhythm even with an unexpected guest; they both wake up at six am, have breakfast, exchange a few words here or there as lan sizhui prepares for the day then he heads out, leaving jason to his own devices. whatever those may be, he isn't sure, he's always simply trusted his friend to stay hidden. he's there when he returns at the end of every day, so what worries should he have? (many, he has many despite never having the courage to question it.) regardless, at nine pm each night, they're asleep together, wake up and do it all over again the following morning.
today, however, is different. he comes back earlier in the evening – thank goodness, jason is here whenever he does! – and announces they'll be going out, explains the festival, what it entails and so on. he surprises jason with a set of robes, tailor-made just for him, measurements having been snuck while he wasn't paying attention. what the actual surprise might be is sizhui stepping out from behind the screen divider in his own set, quite reminiscent to a particular someone he knows. mostly, his intention was catching jason off-guard by wearing his favorite colors too, which works better than he would've expected.
much to his surprise, everything goes rather smoothly. almost too easy, one might think, although the younger boy doesn't consider, especially not when they are in town and making merry.]
Did you enjoy yourself? [sizhui's hoping the traditional mooncakes they shared during the festivities were just as good as he'd gushed about, along with the wine: gusu's famous emperor's smile. he knows he's not supposed to drink, but it's part of celebrating, right? there's no harm in a glass, which quickly became another then another and— well, he's got the faintest stumble in his usual step on their way back to cloud recesses. some backwoods way, obviously, seeing as there's no possible chance of sneaking through the front gate like this. (gods bless lan jingyi, his being privy to the secret paths and his willingness to share them with a friend!) because let's not mention the soft small-talk or how slinking through the back mountain is noisier than usual, it's lucky they'll be far enough away from anyone that might've stayed behind.
once they reach the small pagoda outside his bedroom, that's where he leads rather than inside, guiding them deftly across the stone bridge to sit on the bench. there are still fireworks popping off above them and those are undoubtedly distracting, yet he's far more captivated by how handsome jason looks in his robes; it's a wonder he doesn't make some drunken move right then but his self-control, staring aside, is blessedly firm.
perhaps he looks ridiculous, gawking at him all giddily, blinking dreamily through the lingering alcohol-induced haze after he realizes. sizhui seems unbothered still, just closes his mouth, keeps watching him, enjoying the comfortable silence that's settled between them.]
Edited (don't mind me, coming back 87 million years later to fix things) 2020-09-16 01:44 (UTC)
It's been a long goddamn day full of grading and if he hears one more smartass quote another wikipedia article, Jiang Cheng swears he's going to just fail the entire class on purpose.
He'd already gotten rid of the maroon waistcoat and pulled his violet tie loose. Hell, he'd even unbuttoned the top few buttons of his lavender button down. Doesn't matter. Wei Wuxian's already left for the day and his is the only light on in the entire department. It's late. The last classes of the day had already been dismissed and fuck if Jiang Cheng has forty papers to still get through in the next few days.
He could also be frustrated because of Wei Wuxian's jailbait like student who keeps showing up like he walked out of a goddamn Lolita novel. Cherry lollipops, innocent bends here and there, asking him questions even when he's not in his class.
He curses and gets up, pacing his office like a caged tiger.
He'd already gotten rid of the maroon waistcoat and pulled his violet tie loose. Hell, he'd even unbuttoned the top few buttons of his lavender button down. Doesn't matter. Wei Wuxian's already left for the day and his is the only light on in the entire department. It's late. The last classes of the day had already been dismissed and fuck if Jiang Cheng has forty papers to still get through in the next few days.
He could also be frustrated because of Wei Wuxian's jailbait like student who keeps showing up like he walked out of a goddamn Lolita novel. Cherry lollipops, innocent bends here and there, asking him questions even when he's not in his class.
He curses and gets up, pacing his office like a caged tiger.
[ There's a good reason they're here, but he doesn't think it's for a dip in the hot spring. When everyone has talked it up so much, Dick couldn't quite so no, not to a little prize for all their hard work.
And mostly because apparently it's expected. They traveled all this way here for the hot spring, right? Right.
After what was close to pulling teeth, they're here. A hot springs sounds great to him, but Jason doesn't seem like he's as big of a fan. Sweat washed off, but tense under the little nip in the air, they make their way out to the springs. The moon is over head, combining with the dim glow of hanging line lights in creating a cozy, warm atmosphere.
Dick stands at the edge, the warm steam billowing up over the spring's blue water. This time of night, they've got it to themselves seemingly. He glances back at Jason, raising a brow with a smirk. ]
Are you still complaining?
And mostly because apparently it's expected. They traveled all this way here for the hot spring, right? Right.
After what was close to pulling teeth, they're here. A hot springs sounds great to him, but Jason doesn't seem like he's as big of a fan. Sweat washed off, but tense under the little nip in the air, they make their way out to the springs. The moon is over head, combining with the dim glow of hanging line lights in creating a cozy, warm atmosphere.
Dick stands at the edge, the warm steam billowing up over the spring's blue water. This time of night, they've got it to themselves seemingly. He glances back at Jason, raising a brow with a smirk. ]
Are you still complaining?
Couldn't there just simply be a day when Merlin didn't face a magical backfire? The battle for Camelot had just been won. But no, after Morgana and Morgause disappear, he felt winds pick him up off his feet and toss him away quicker than he could come up with a spell to counter it.
Beautiful music fills his ears and he lands with a thump, hard enough to knock the seven bells in his head. He sees a young man in a ll white before losing consciousness.
Strange. Usually, it's Arthur that loses consciousness.
Beautiful music fills his ears and he lands with a thump, hard enough to knock the seven bells in his head. He sees a young man in a ll white before losing consciousness.
Strange. Usually, it's Arthur that loses consciousness.
Standing outside the entrance of a place called the Cloud Recesses is a new experience that Merlin certainly has to chalk up to his books. Spell gone awry. That's just how he's going to explain anything. So he crosses his arms and leans against a tree, waiting for someone, anyone to let him into the place. Maybe they have a means to get him home.
He should have felt his entire body disintegrate. He should have felt the body return to the onmiyoji known to the world as Bo Ya and himself return to stone or even pure energy, returning to the south.
Yet after he felt the barbs that Shouyue had shot into his body, he disappears from sight, body and spirit, and appears elsewhere, in the snow. He stands and looks about, wondering if he had been called to the realm of the Snow Hound. But the Snow Hound was a demon, a spiritual servant, how could he summon him? This place is...peaceful.
Zhuque turns until he sees someone, a cultivator?, and perhaps the one who had summoned him. He must be very powerful if he's able to summon him away from Qing Ming.
Yet after he felt the barbs that Shouyue had shot into his body, he disappears from sight, body and spirit, and appears elsewhere, in the snow. He stands and looks about, wondering if he had been called to the realm of the Snow Hound. But the Snow Hound was a demon, a spiritual servant, how could he summon him? This place is...peaceful.
Zhuque turns until he sees someone, a cultivator?, and perhaps the one who had summoned him. He must be very powerful if he's able to summon him away from Qing Ming.
[jin ling has been sect leader of lanling jin for nearly three years now. with his uncle's help, he's found his way and feels more sure on his feet.
his jiu jiu has taught him how to read people, how to be observant and when to stand his ground in meetings with other sect leaders. jiu jiu also said to be vigilant and to expect the unexpected, but that no one would stand against him with yunmeng jiang supporting lanling's new sect leader.
what he did not say, was to watch out for him as well.
jin ling feels utterly, totally, wholly betrayed as he sits in cloud recess across a small table from sizhui. they're in one of the rooms normally used for lessons, but it's empty now beside the two of them. not that jin ling is here for lessons. a year ago, they'd come up with the plan of match making their uncles. zewu-jun really did fit all of his uncles criteria. okay, nearly all of them but really the man couldn't afford to be picky anymore!
and who in their right mind would be too picky about zewu-jun? it had to work.
so, in the last year they'd worked on trying to help their uncles unknowingly romance each other. and along the way -- jin ling still feels his ears heat when he thinks about it -- realized that maybe some of their suggestions were really things they wanted to share together. which feels like the biggest development of the last week, given they've confessed to each other. they haven't really done anything about it but that's a big step!
he blushes thinking about it even though that's not even top of mind somehow!
jin ling wants to laugh and cry a little, because he's sitting across the table from the friend turned something more that he definitely intends to court! and it's not the biggest development.
he takes a deep breath and crosses his arms, leaning back from the table.] Okay but what do you mean jiu-jiu had his hair up? Up how?
[because if sizhui saw what he thinks he saw, they've been played.]
his jiu jiu has taught him how to read people, how to be observant and when to stand his ground in meetings with other sect leaders. jiu jiu also said to be vigilant and to expect the unexpected, but that no one would stand against him with yunmeng jiang supporting lanling's new sect leader.
what he did not say, was to watch out for him as well.
jin ling feels utterly, totally, wholly betrayed as he sits in cloud recess across a small table from sizhui. they're in one of the rooms normally used for lessons, but it's empty now beside the two of them. not that jin ling is here for lessons. a year ago, they'd come up with the plan of match making their uncles. zewu-jun really did fit all of his uncles criteria. okay, nearly all of them but really the man couldn't afford to be picky anymore!
and who in their right mind would be too picky about zewu-jun? it had to work.
so, in the last year they'd worked on trying to help their uncles unknowingly romance each other. and along the way -- jin ling still feels his ears heat when he thinks about it -- realized that maybe some of their suggestions were really things they wanted to share together. which feels like the biggest development of the last week, given they've confessed to each other. they haven't really done anything about it but that's a big step!
he blushes thinking about it even though that's not even top of mind somehow!
jin ling wants to laugh and cry a little, because he's sitting across the table from the friend turned something more that he definitely intends to court! and it's not the biggest development.
he takes a deep breath and crosses his arms, leaning back from the table.] Okay but what do you mean jiu-jiu had his hair up? Up how?
[because if sizhui saw what he thinks he saw, they've been played.]
Edited 2021-06-18 03:47 (UTC)
♪ 'cause most of us are heaving through corrupted lungs (hanahaki, @fennu)
deferences
2021-06-24 01:16 am (UTC)(link)
[lan sizhui can distinctly remember the first time he coughed up tiny purple lotus petals; it was during a night-hunt alongside his fellow juniors where they'd ended up overwhelmed by an enemy they didn't understand. this, of course, meant it had taken them far longer to finish their task than earlier anticipated and whenever they finally arrived back in yunmeng from baling, hell broke loose—
no, it wasn't really that bad! though even after the explanation, jiang cheng remained irritated (worried in his own way), scolding jin ling some feet away but, despite their distance, sizhui had no trouble hearing. he'd smiled faintly then, abruptly and all at once, a tightness in his chest made him cough, which in turn caused him to raise his hand and cover his mouth. the disease isn't unheard of, he remembers learning about it during his studies, delving further into its subject for a few weeks until he ran out of material, yet whenever he'd turned away and coughed up flower petals, the only proper reaction was being surprised. that, thinking oh no! and being glad hanguang-jun and wei-qianbei weren't looking so he could dispose of the small blooms before they became noticeable. still, he hadn't gotten away with his sneakiness completely. ‘a-yuan!’ hearing the name from wei wuxian had all but made him jump out of his skin, except as he whirled around, it'd simply been to get his attention so they could get going.
and the moment they had taken off is when his – or so he thought! – artful discarding was brought into their conversation. lucky for him, it's to just question his cough: if he's sick, if he needs medicine or something before they leave, all of which he politely declines and, despite what he thinks isn't discreet enough, effectively plays off. since then, he's done everything within his power to keep things in check, to make certain he doesn't have another flare-up around sect leader jiang; it proves simpler than part of him likes, but his other half's grateful for no more possible awkward mishaps.
this means it would be just his luck to get called away on a night-hunt with said sect leader, of course. blessed immortals above, what sort of karmic backlash has been laid upon him? something unfortunate enough that it ends with jiang cheng getting injured and them trapped inside the cave they'd gone into after the monster fled.
(and all because he couldn't control those ridiculous flowers, ugh!) first, sizhui makes quick work of the aforementioned beast in its weakened state with his guqin, but now that they've gotten it cornered inside this oversized tunnel, there's a sudden cave-in dropping them to the very bottom of the alcove, which is where sizhui'd gotten hurt too. he, however, has nothing besides some bumps and bruises whereas the other man has actual wounds that need tending, regardless of his stubbornness.
sizhui briefly glances up as jiang cheng paces by him again.] You will exacerbate your injuries if you keep fussing. [then he sighs and downturns, still steadily working shi cao and goldenroot flowers into a thick, gritty kinda paste.]
no, it wasn't really that bad! though even after the explanation, jiang cheng remained irritated (worried in his own way), scolding jin ling some feet away but, despite their distance, sizhui had no trouble hearing. he'd smiled faintly then, abruptly and all at once, a tightness in his chest made him cough, which in turn caused him to raise his hand and cover his mouth. the disease isn't unheard of, he remembers learning about it during his studies, delving further into its subject for a few weeks until he ran out of material, yet whenever he'd turned away and coughed up flower petals, the only proper reaction was being surprised. that, thinking oh no! and being glad hanguang-jun and wei-qianbei weren't looking so he could dispose of the small blooms before they became noticeable. still, he hadn't gotten away with his sneakiness completely. ‘a-yuan!’ hearing the name from wei wuxian had all but made him jump out of his skin, except as he whirled around, it'd simply been to get his attention so they could get going.
and the moment they had taken off is when his – or so he thought! – artful discarding was brought into their conversation. lucky for him, it's to just question his cough: if he's sick, if he needs medicine or something before they leave, all of which he politely declines and, despite what he thinks isn't discreet enough, effectively plays off. since then, he's done everything within his power to keep things in check, to make certain he doesn't have another flare-up around sect leader jiang; it proves simpler than part of him likes, but his other half's grateful for no more possible awkward mishaps.
this means it would be just his luck to get called away on a night-hunt with said sect leader, of course. blessed immortals above, what sort of karmic backlash has been laid upon him? something unfortunate enough that it ends with jiang cheng getting injured and them trapped inside the cave they'd gone into after the monster fled.
(and all because he couldn't control those ridiculous flowers, ugh!) first, sizhui makes quick work of the aforementioned beast in its weakened state with his guqin, but now that they've gotten it cornered inside this oversized tunnel, there's a sudden cave-in dropping them to the very bottom of the alcove, which is where sizhui'd gotten hurt too. he, however, has nothing besides some bumps and bruises whereas the other man has actual wounds that need tending, regardless of his stubbornness.
sizhui briefly glances up as jiang cheng paces by him again.] You will exacerbate your injuries if you keep fussing. [then he sighs and downturns, still steadily working shi cao and goldenroot flowers into a thick, gritty kinda paste.]
Edited 2021-06-24 06:23 (UTC)
Luca, in all his wisdom, his right hand man, had made it clear that he needed someone to run the household as Vincenzo. Someone alongside the mafia head to temper him. It can't be Hong Cha-Young. She needs to look after the law firm and Geugam Plaza back in Korea. A free spirit that cannot be contained and confined by the rules of what it means to co-head a mafia family. It can't be a daughter or son of any of the Families around Europe or even Italy; the unification would be great but at what price? It would compromise what Vincenzo had brought to the Cassano name.
An old family, consigliere, Luca had said. Clearly, his dear friend had someone in mind. Not someone affiliated with the Chinese Mafia but someone whose family wealth had been steeped deep in the past. It would bring a boon of money to the Cassano family, consigliere.
He had flown to China. He made the bows. The wedding is as beautiful as it could be for an arranged marriage. His bride easily could seem to be a decade younger than he is. Fine. Someone young could potentially bode well, grow into the Cassano family as its matriarch. There was a clause for no dalliances from either of them. Halfway into the celebrations, his attentions were required in Italy and he had to bid his bride a farewell with a soft kiss to the back of his hand, as he figured out very quickly that his bride was no woman, and a promise to meet him at the villa where they were to honeymoon on Lake Como. Everything had been arranged. It should go through swimmingly.
Of course.
Nothing ever goes through swimmingly.
It's nearly two in the morning when he arrives at the property and lets himself into the master suite, panting and sweaty, and with blood splotches all over his suit and some on his face as well. Ah damn, he'll need to have that sent out for dry cleaning. He stumbles over to a loveseat to sit down and just rest for a moment and close his eyes.
His poor bride. Married and tied to a sinner that even the Devil himself wouldn't want.
An old family, consigliere, Luca had said. Clearly, his dear friend had someone in mind. Not someone affiliated with the Chinese Mafia but someone whose family wealth had been steeped deep in the past. It would bring a boon of money to the Cassano family, consigliere.
He had flown to China. He made the bows. The wedding is as beautiful as it could be for an arranged marriage. His bride easily could seem to be a decade younger than he is. Fine. Someone young could potentially bode well, grow into the Cassano family as its matriarch. There was a clause for no dalliances from either of them. Halfway into the celebrations, his attentions were required in Italy and he had to bid his bride a farewell with a soft kiss to the back of his hand, as he figured out very quickly that his bride was no woman, and a promise to meet him at the villa where they were to honeymoon on Lake Como. Everything had been arranged. It should go through swimmingly.
Of course.
Nothing ever goes through swimmingly.
It's nearly two in the morning when he arrives at the property and lets himself into the master suite, panting and sweaty, and with blood splotches all over his suit and some on his face as well. Ah damn, he'll need to have that sent out for dry cleaning. He stumbles over to a loveseat to sit down and just rest for a moment and close his eyes.
His poor bride. Married and tied to a sinner that even the Devil himself wouldn't want.
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.
♪ i will be chasing a starlight, until the end of my life
deferences
2022-03-08 07:09 am (UTC)(link)
It's a night like any other at the Celestial Tower; Sizhui traveling long, winding iridescent pathways, dotting the skyline here and there with stars as he moves. This time is when he thrives most, burning bright, free to do whatever he pleases while daytime citizens dream away. Right now, the nighttime is his and he plans on seizing, using it to his full advantage and exploring past his usual boundaries that he's always joked about being unnecessary.
Tonight, however, he'll learn differently.
Outside those high protective gates, past the safety of moonlight and into the darkness, near the edges of the plain in sections he's not supposed to go alone is where Sizhui travels, soft starlight guiding him further onward once brilliant paths fade away to untrodden roads. Rumors constantly circled: if one were to travel too far, they might succumb to twilight and lose their way, return different than they'd been before— but sometimes, something worse would happen, like becoming a fallen star and never being seen again. (Nobody has ever disappeared in his lifetime despite hearsay, nor have they lost anyone to such things in the past either, so he hasn't worried nearly as much as he probably should.) The problem here is venturing into the unknown can also reap great rewards that are worth the risk; moonstones, shining with extraordinary light and containing miraculous healing properties, reside in the great beyond and he's determined to obtain one (or burn out trying).
For a bit, everything seems absolutely fine, he even starts the trek back sometime before dawn, precious rocks in hand. Moonbeams of the tower are within sight, pinpricking through the gate slats, thin beacons of reassurance that he's almost home-free in his perilous task, yet just as he's nearest his destination, there's a sudden floundering, a sideways stagger, his arms windmilling momentarily, until he's knocked fully off-balance by something that feels like a gut-punch and is sent rocketing downward by some unseen force.
I wish...
His glowing hand flickers, twinkling bleakly, a sunburst lights up the night sky as he's falling, falling— and Sizhui's eyes slam shut right as he breaks the chilling calmness of a lake. Sinking feels different, but it's being temporarily suspended in cold liquid that rouses Sizhui, has him awakening just long enough to start clawing his way back toward the surface.
Tonight, however, he'll learn differently.
Outside those high protective gates, past the safety of moonlight and into the darkness, near the edges of the plain in sections he's not supposed to go alone is where Sizhui travels, soft starlight guiding him further onward once brilliant paths fade away to untrodden roads. Rumors constantly circled: if one were to travel too far, they might succumb to twilight and lose their way, return different than they'd been before— but sometimes, something worse would happen, like becoming a fallen star and never being seen again. (Nobody has ever disappeared in his lifetime despite hearsay, nor have they lost anyone to such things in the past either, so he hasn't worried nearly as much as he probably should.) The problem here is venturing into the unknown can also reap great rewards that are worth the risk; moonstones, shining with extraordinary light and containing miraculous healing properties, reside in the great beyond and he's determined to obtain one (or burn out trying).
For a bit, everything seems absolutely fine, he even starts the trek back sometime before dawn, precious rocks in hand. Moonbeams of the tower are within sight, pinpricking through the gate slats, thin beacons of reassurance that he's almost home-free in his perilous task, yet just as he's nearest his destination, there's a sudden floundering, a sideways stagger, his arms windmilling momentarily, until he's knocked fully off-balance by something that feels like a gut-punch and is sent rocketing downward by some unseen force.
I wish...
His glowing hand flickers, twinkling bleakly, a sunburst lights up the night sky as he's falling, falling— and Sizhui's eyes slam shut right as he breaks the chilling calmness of a lake. Sinking feels different, but it's being temporarily suspended in cold liquid that rouses Sizhui, has him awakening just long enough to start clawing his way back toward the surface.
Edited 2022-03-08 15:33 (UTC)
[continued from here]
Southside it is. I'll be there!
[unsurprisingly, that's where he'll be waiting, patient as ever with a black and white speckled horse at his side, munching away on apples. sword-flying would've been faster, but it also consumes quite a bit of energy and he'll have a long way to go after they've convened.
however, won't sizhui be in for a surprise once they finally meet?]
Southside it is. I'll be there!
[unsurprisingly, that's where he'll be waiting, patient as ever with a black and white speckled horse at his side, munching away on apples. sword-flying would've been faster, but it also consumes quite a bit of energy and he'll have a long way to go after they've convened.
however, won't sizhui be in for a surprise once they finally meet?]
[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.]
♪ cause there's nothing else in this broken world that i'll ever, ever love as much
deferences
2023-01-13 04:00 am (UTC)(link)
[the hustle and bustle throughout caiyi town has always proved to be good coverage when he's out night-hunting; men and their fishing boats, children running about with wild abandon, people selling their wares in the many stores that the line the walkways— they're all great ways to play into where he's taken up space beside a familiar teashop to play his guqin for currency. (or any payment, really, as some of the earlier mentioned children do happily approach and leave him things like flowers and tiny trinkets.) whatever they give is no matter, as his ‘act’ is merely just that: an entertaining presentation to perhaps suss out anyone who might have information about the goings-on in the city lately.
many of them who stop and chat him up don't have much to give aside from what he already knows concerning the fever, though there are a few helpful tidbits from a small group of drunken fellows that stumble their way inside the restaurant to sober up. the particulars aren't much to go on, but admittedly, they're better than nothing.
afterward, once the sun begins to set, he gathers his items and heads toward the nearby inn where he has a room, eats, cleans himself up and goes to bed in preparation to do it all again tomorrow.
however, as he collects more intel between gossipy folks, his tactic changes from morning routine to nightly, which doesn't work well for someone who's so used to being an early bird, but he handles it (and uses whatever means necessary to make absolute certain his body will not choose otherwise for him). with this new choice comes a change not just in awakeness but wardrobe too; a new get-up which offers some half-protection of his identity if the situation were to get dicey.
he plays a familiar tune, something slow and calming, his qi spreading forth an odd amount of feet from where he's sitting, radiating tranquility, yet also feeling for any possible disturbances amongst the buzzing night-life.]
many of them who stop and chat him up don't have much to give aside from what he already knows concerning the fever, though there are a few helpful tidbits from a small group of drunken fellows that stumble their way inside the restaurant to sober up. the particulars aren't much to go on, but admittedly, they're better than nothing.
afterward, once the sun begins to set, he gathers his items and heads toward the nearby inn where he has a room, eats, cleans himself up and goes to bed in preparation to do it all again tomorrow.
however, as he collects more intel between gossipy folks, his tactic changes from morning routine to nightly, which doesn't work well for someone who's so used to being an early bird, but he handles it (and uses whatever means necessary to make absolute certain his body will not choose otherwise for him). with this new choice comes a change not just in awakeness but wardrobe too; a new get-up which offers some half-protection of his identity if the situation were to get dicey.
he plays a familiar tune, something slow and calming, his qi spreading forth an odd amount of feet from where he's sitting, radiating tranquility, yet also feeling for any possible disturbances amongst the buzzing night-life.]
[ It wasn't often that Red found himself back on the mainland, but he had met a particularly adorable guy on Grimr who hailed from Lavender Town. The haunted city brought back nostalgic feelings for Red, seeing as he had helped many people there when he was just but ten years old. Red couldn't believe it had been about 20 years since all of that happened..
They had met up several times before and he thought Goldenrod would be a good place to hang out.. especially with what they had discussed and had planned. Red rented out a love hotel for them to stay the night at and they had a list of things to do and they would start their weekend with him meeting up at a cafe. Red sends out a text message: ]
nearly there...
sorry i am late...
[ He got.. distracted. Probably by a Pokemon. ]
They had met up several times before and he thought Goldenrod would be a good place to hang out.. especially with what they had discussed and had planned. Red rented out a love hotel for them to stay the night at and they had a list of things to do and they would start their weekend with him meeting up at a cafe. Red sends out a text message: ]
nearly there...
sorry i am late...
[ He got.. distracted. Probably by a Pokemon. ]
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