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That's right. Unfortunate that you're not a Spade, really. I am quite lacking in cards from that suit... Elusive, that lot. But oh well, profit is profit.
[Without hesitation. Bloodless, mutually-beneficial trade; that is how the man before Lan Wangji treats all of this, as though it were no different from the negotiations of a piece of land or any other trade of political power, aside from the window dressing.]
[He thinks he's made his initial read: determined, measured, but not without the ever-exploitable weakness of kindness. To have someone precious to you present in the resort must be the greatest curse of all, Matoba thinks. He is thankful that is not the case for him, here.]
Game 52 aside, what I really wanted to ask you about was your read on the nature of this realm. [Cultivators, if he remembers right, could supposedly control and read the flow of energy in things, in a way that haraiya- more conduits and manipulators of their surroundings- could not.] I am interested in your professional impressions.
[Without hesitation. Bloodless, mutually-beneficial trade; that is how the man before Lan Wangji treats all of this, as though it were no different from the negotiations of a piece of land or any other trade of political power, aside from the window dressing.]
[He thinks he's made his initial read: determined, measured, but not without the ever-exploitable weakness of kindness. To have someone precious to you present in the resort must be the greatest curse of all, Matoba thinks. He is thankful that is not the case for him, here.]
Game 52 aside, what I really wanted to ask you about was your read on the nature of this realm. [Cultivators, if he remembers right, could supposedly control and read the flow of energy in things, in a way that haraiya- more conduits and manipulators of their surroundings- could not.] I am interested in your professional impressions.
[ At least with treating it like a business deal he does not need to worry about feelings getting involved. That is honestly part of the problem too— the partnership of sex with affection— something that couldn't possibly happen when he has, will have, only one person in his heart. ]
We may discuss it at a later date.
[ If all goes the way he wants they can somehow find a way to get out of here without all the sex, but if not... well.
Lan Wangji is quite thankful for the topic to steer towards the resort once more, giving a rundown of what he has noticed so far. ]
An underlying energy sensed in the resort. But no source. Uniform, mostly. Unclear if it changes within restricted areas. So far has not affected the ability to cultivate. Other patrons do not appear entranced.
All wear a cursed mark. Attempts to remove it have failed.
We may discuss it at a later date.
[ If all goes the way he wants they can somehow find a way to get out of here without all the sex, but if not... well.
Lan Wangji is quite thankful for the topic to steer towards the resort once more, giving a rundown of what he has noticed so far. ]
An underlying energy sensed in the resort. But no source. Uniform, mostly. Unclear if it changes within restricted areas. So far has not affected the ability to cultivate. Other patrons do not appear entranced.
All wear a cursed mark. Attempts to remove it have failed.
[HATE TO BREAK IT TO YOU LAN WANGJI, BUT--]
[Akira laughs, a bit breathless]
i know what you mean. it IS nice having them here.
[. . .]
but i'd rather they weren't brought to this place at all.
[Akira laughs, a bit breathless]
i know what you mean. it IS nice having them here.
[. . .]
but i'd rather they weren't brought to this place at all.
[They both have no idea what the other is talking about 90% of the time]
Fuck yeah it's efficient! And lots of fun! And yeah, it's a neat little surprise for people when they get a few volt running through their bodies all of a sudden!
Fuck yeah it's efficient! And lots of fun! And yeah, it's a neat little surprise for people when they get a few volt running through their bodies all of a sudden!
[ The tempting words hit his ears and that's right, he was going to do that. Wei Wuxian will soon change his tune when he's pressed against the bed, writhing and moaning as his body is pushed to its limits. Mark your words Wei Ying...
His teeth let go finally as he hums a noise of confirmation against Wei Wuxian's poor abused skin, dropping a kiss over what will soon be a spectacular bruise before doing the very same thing at a spot lower down— at least less intense, more forgiving this time, though likely a sharp nip all the same. ]
Only if Wei Ying behaves.
[ And can reign in his teasing.... allowing Lan Wangji to tease him in his own way, in return? Talk about double standards...
He raises his head then to kiss once more, fingers still digging in to Wei Wuxian's waist to keep him in place as he becomes more emboldened, claiming his soulmate's mouth, his tongue, and allowing himself to explore the sensation and the taste in a way he hadn't allowed himself before, not letting up and immediately chasing those lips every time they have to break apart for air until eventually it becomes too much. Letting their foreheads rest against one another once more while catching breath as he reaches for the arms wrapped around him, guiding them down to the loose ties of his underrobe, hoping that Wei Wuxian understands the hint. And if not, he speaks, in a voice shaky and low: ]
..Undress me.
His teeth let go finally as he hums a noise of confirmation against Wei Wuxian's poor abused skin, dropping a kiss over what will soon be a spectacular bruise before doing the very same thing at a spot lower down— at least less intense, more forgiving this time, though likely a sharp nip all the same. ]
Only if Wei Ying behaves.
[ And can reign in his teasing.... allowing Lan Wangji to tease him in his own way, in return? Talk about double standards...
He raises his head then to kiss once more, fingers still digging in to Wei Wuxian's waist to keep him in place as he becomes more emboldened, claiming his soulmate's mouth, his tongue, and allowing himself to explore the sensation and the taste in a way he hadn't allowed himself before, not letting up and immediately chasing those lips every time they have to break apart for air until eventually it becomes too much. Letting their foreheads rest against one another once more while catching breath as he reaches for the arms wrapped around him, guiding them down to the loose ties of his underrobe, hoping that Wei Wuxian understands the hint. And if not, he speaks, in a voice shaky and low: ]
..Undress me.
Do take your time to consider your options, [Matoba agrees mildly.] I am always happy to work out a deal when it is convenient for both parties.
[Or, when the other party is so desperate that he is guaranteed the upper hand in negotiations. That's even better.]
[He definitely appreciates the concise answer- a few things he has picked up, and others he cannot. Cultivation, he imagines, would not benefit nearly so much from the spirit-rich nature of the resort as his own magic. But neither does it interfere, it seems. That's probably an advantage, to be able to keep a tidy internal spiritual habitat when outside influences can't be trusted.]
I would not call them entranced so much as.... no longer counting among "us", [Matoba adds- speaking of those so-called longstanding guests.] Perhaps many of them- the staff, as well- were once normal humans. But there are many stories in my land of humans spirited away to a realm where time passes until their bodies have died away and leave only their souls, without realizing. Likely, it is something just like that.
And we are the next batch. [His smile tilts, a little sardonic.] To see which will assimilate, and which......... Well, to tell the truth, I am still not certain what happens to the rest.
[Or, when the other party is so desperate that he is guaranteed the upper hand in negotiations. That's even better.]
[He definitely appreciates the concise answer- a few things he has picked up, and others he cannot. Cultivation, he imagines, would not benefit nearly so much from the spirit-rich nature of the resort as his own magic. But neither does it interfere, it seems. That's probably an advantage, to be able to keep a tidy internal spiritual habitat when outside influences can't be trusted.]
I would not call them entranced so much as.... no longer counting among "us", [Matoba adds- speaking of those so-called longstanding guests.] Perhaps many of them- the staff, as well- were once normal humans. But there are many stories in my land of humans spirited away to a realm where time passes until their bodies have died away and leave only their souls, without realizing. Likely, it is something just like that.
And we are the next batch. [His smile tilts, a little sardonic.] To see which will assimilate, and which......... Well, to tell the truth, I am still not certain what happens to the rest.
A bathroom in House Finch.
Not the most dignified spot, but they all move from time to time.
[ not this man's vibe, he suspects; it really was just blind luck that he stumbled on it so quickly. that, or supernatural interference — hard to tell the difference these days. ]
Not the most dignified spot, but they all move from time to time.
[ not this man's vibe, he suspects; it really was just blind luck that he stumbled on it so quickly. that, or supernatural interference — hard to tell the difference these days. ]
[ It does something to his brain chemistry, the way Lan Wangji tells him to behave. He wants to do something crazy, like push at Lan Wangji and tease him until he punishes him. But he also so, so, so desperately wants to listen, wants to submit. It makes him feel a little wild and any flagging arousal from before reawakens inside of him as he swallows, hard.
Thankfully, after that they're just kissing and Wei Wuxian falls into it. Moaning softly into the kissing, he kisses Lan Wangji with in an eager and needy way, his arms curled around his neck, fingers in his hair as he slides more properly into Lan Wangji's lap. He rocks himself into Lan Wangji's lap, his erection pressing up against Lan Wangji's stomach and he can feel Lan Wangji's own arousal against his body. It makes him feel so eager, so wanting, he just wants to do this forever.
It's when he's out of breath and their foreheads are pressed together that he feels a little flushed and heated. Even the card suit on his chest, the same spot the Wen Clan brand used to be, is a little darker from his arousal. His body feels so sensitive and worked up and he feels amazing.
His eyes will open when he feels Lan Wangji pull his arms off his shoulders, watching as he lowers them to his robes and swallowing hard at the command. Yes, yes, yes, whatever Lan Wangji wants, he will obey, he'll give him everything. He nods a little blearily and starts to untie his belt, pulling himself back a little so he can squint and see the fastenings of his robe in the dark of the room. They should really turn on a light... ]
Lan Zhan...
[ Mumbled softly as he gets the underrobes open, and he splays his palms against the front of Lan Wangji's chest, sliding over his skin and up to his shoulders. His eyes flick up to meet Lan Wangji's in the dark and then he's surging forward to kiss him again. ]
Thankfully, after that they're just kissing and Wei Wuxian falls into it. Moaning softly into the kissing, he kisses Lan Wangji with in an eager and needy way, his arms curled around his neck, fingers in his hair as he slides more properly into Lan Wangji's lap. He rocks himself into Lan Wangji's lap, his erection pressing up against Lan Wangji's stomach and he can feel Lan Wangji's own arousal against his body. It makes him feel so eager, so wanting, he just wants to do this forever.
It's when he's out of breath and their foreheads are pressed together that he feels a little flushed and heated. Even the card suit on his chest, the same spot the Wen Clan brand used to be, is a little darker from his arousal. His body feels so sensitive and worked up and he feels amazing.
His eyes will open when he feels Lan Wangji pull his arms off his shoulders, watching as he lowers them to his robes and swallowing hard at the command. Yes, yes, yes, whatever Lan Wangji wants, he will obey, he'll give him everything. He nods a little blearily and starts to untie his belt, pulling himself back a little so he can squint and see the fastenings of his robe in the dark of the room. They should really turn on a light... ]
Lan Zhan...
[ Mumbled softly as he gets the underrobes open, and he splays his palms against the front of Lan Wangji's chest, sliding over his skin and up to his shoulders. His eyes flick up to meet Lan Wangji's in the dark and then he's surging forward to kiss him again. ]
[ perhaps out of respect, or mercy, Getou is no longer present in the facilities, but he is still in the club: warm bass humming through his ribcage as he texts on the device that casts his face in cool blue instead of all those blistering neon reds. close enough to watch Lan Wangji make his way into the bathroom, seated at a velvety, oversized couch. ]
Only in the flesh. You know how it is around here.
Seemed nice... Lan-san.
He could come back. It's happened before.
Only in the flesh. You know how it is around here.
Seemed nice... Lan-san.
He could come back. It's happened before.
[ Lan Wangji is in there for a while, studying the statue, attempting to move it, even trying to feed it spiritual energy in the hopes something happens. Only when all ideas have been executed with no change does he finally step out, stood there under the lights as he turns his focus to the watch once more. ]
Unfortunately, I do know how it is. I do not wish to see him return if he is safe in Gusu.
Had shared a meal with him, shortly before my own arrival here.
[ How best to describe their connection? A junior of his clan, a lead disciple? His ward? In the end he settles for the most personable explanation, one that holds the most truth in his heart even if it is not official when it comes to workings of the clan. ]
He is my son.
Unfortunately, I do know how it is. I do not wish to see him return if he is safe in Gusu.
Had shared a meal with him, shortly before my own arrival here.
[ How best to describe their connection? A junior of his clan, a lead disciple? His ward? In the end he settles for the most personable explanation, one that holds the most truth in his heart even if it is not official when it comes to workings of the clan. ]
He is my son.
Mn.
[ A little nod in confirmation. If the need arises they can revisit the offer of an 'arrangement' to collect each other's cards. At least in this moment Lan Wangji is still hopeful he won't need it, that he can find a way to dispel whatever this is, but we shall see. We shall see.... ]
What do you recall? Of the tales told in your world. [ There could be a clue in those tales, something missed that could be picked up by the fresh eyes and ears of an outsider. ]
We should research. Invoke assistance from others with similar intentions.
[ i.e. getting the hell out of here ]
[ A little nod in confirmation. If the need arises they can revisit the offer of an 'arrangement' to collect each other's cards. At least in this moment Lan Wangji is still hopeful he won't need it, that he can find a way to dispel whatever this is, but we shall see. We shall see.... ]
What do you recall? Of the tales told in your world. [ There could be a clue in those tales, something missed that could be picked up by the fresh eyes and ears of an outsider. ]
We should research. Invoke assistance from others with similar intentions.
[ i.e. getting the hell out of here ]
[Matoba will see, indeed. :) They always are so stubborn at first...]
[Matoba raises a hand to his chin.] Aah. There are many such tales, some merely folklore passed throughout the ages as tales of caution against spirits. And some are actual events that have been recorded within our community's histories from past jobs. All quite situational, with different ayakashi to blame...
But there are some common warnings. "Do not eat food offered by spirits, or while within the real of spirits, for eating of their food and drink will assimilate you into such a form". Haha, that one is probably true in practice, but we don't have a lot of choice, do we? If that were partly to blame for the state of the other mortals that have lost themselves, I would not be surprised.
However, if I were to guess based on my observations, it isn't merely eating or drinking, but the general excess that the resort encourages, that is to blame for the eventual loss of self. Much of it is laced with various drugs and additions that further encourage relaxing of wits and the corruption of one's facilities.
...There are others like us, [Matoba agrees, thinking of a few of those he's met and had similar conversations with.] There is a woman- Topaz-san. She also has been interested in this topic, and her area of knowledge is quite different. Quite, ah... scientific, shall we say?
[Matoba raises a hand to his chin.] Aah. There are many such tales, some merely folklore passed throughout the ages as tales of caution against spirits. And some are actual events that have been recorded within our community's histories from past jobs. All quite situational, with different ayakashi to blame...
But there are some common warnings. "Do not eat food offered by spirits, or while within the real of spirits, for eating of their food and drink will assimilate you into such a form". Haha, that one is probably true in practice, but we don't have a lot of choice, do we? If that were partly to blame for the state of the other mortals that have lost themselves, I would not be surprised.
However, if I were to guess based on my observations, it isn't merely eating or drinking, but the general excess that the resort encourages, that is to blame for the eventual loss of self. Much of it is laced with various drugs and additions that further encourage relaxing of wits and the corruption of one's facilities.
...There are others like us, [Matoba agrees, thinking of a few of those he's met and had similar conversations with.] There is a woman- Topaz-san. She also has been interested in this topic, and her area of knowledge is quite different. Quite, ah... scientific, shall we say?
You don't think that I wouldn't have gotten my hands on one, if something similar existed here??
Wanted to wish for it back on my birthday at the end of the month, but something else came up, so I need that wish for something else.
Wanted to wish for it back on my birthday at the end of the month, but something else came up, so I need that wish for something else.
[ Lan Wangji stills, allowing his robes to worked loose, breath slow and steady though it very obviously hitches once nimble fingers come to rest upon his chest instead, trailing upwards. They meet halfway, throwing themselves into another kiss as he surges forward, pushing Wei Wuxian down onto his back once more as their bodies press together, the friction of erections trapped between them conjuring a groan from his throat.
Even this feels good, so much more than it should. Perhaps it is because of this place. Perhaps it is because it is Wei Ying. He could take him right now, he thinks, but this is not like the first time. When the game had certain.. side effects, allowing for ease of access. ]
You make it difficult. [ Spoken against a well-kissed mouth, Lan Wangji loathe to fully break free from him. ] To exhibit patience.
[ But he will, even if it tests him. Besides, he really wishes to Wei Ying moan. Two fingers appear then to take the place of his tongue as they run against Wei Ying's kiss-swollen lips, pressing against them for entry and assuming his intentions for when they are sufficiently wet are well understood. ]
Even this feels good, so much more than it should. Perhaps it is because of this place. Perhaps it is because it is Wei Ying. He could take him right now, he thinks, but this is not like the first time. When the game had certain.. side effects, allowing for ease of access. ]
You make it difficult. [ Spoken against a well-kissed mouth, Lan Wangji loathe to fully break free from him. ] To exhibit patience.
[ But he will, even if it tests him. Besides, he really wishes to Wei Ying moan. Two fingers appear then to take the place of his tongue as they run against Wei Ying's kiss-swollen lips, pressing against them for entry and assuming his intentions for when they are sufficiently wet are well understood. ]
[ They have similar such tales in their own world. Warnings to heed, against the offerings from spirits, yao, those possessing a human form or otherwise. Yet as mentioned, the nature of this place leaves them with little choice. ]
Hard to avoid, when our access to necessities is controlled. Food, water, shelter.
[ Sure, he could practice inertia for a while, refuse to take in any sustenance, but then what? Be too weak to fight anything, should the need arise? ]
This woman. [ Topaz? He said? ] Perhaps we can arrange a meeting point when opportunity arises. Discuss our observations.
Hard to avoid, when our access to necessities is controlled. Food, water, shelter.
[ Sure, he could practice inertia for a while, refuse to take in any sustenance, but then what? Be too weak to fight anything, should the need arise? ]
This woman. [ Topaz? He said? ] Perhaps we can arrange a meeting point when opportunity arises. Discuss our observations.
Yes. We have spoken a few times, sharing theories and knowledge. I'm told she is in contact with some others who have been investigating the nature of this realm, as well. She is cautious, which I cannot blame... It is difficult to speak privately when the resort itself is our captor.
But not impossible. [Matoba gestures towards the spells he's posted at his doorframes, at certain corners of his room. The same principles governed the flow of energy and spirits in both cultivation and the practices adapted by modern exorcists.] Although it is wise to remain discreet when possible.
[He pauses thoughtfully, a little rueful.] ...It has been, I think, a year's time since I arrived. I cannot say there has been no progress- there have been... some incidents within the resort, slipping of power. Even Great Demons are not completely impervious.
But not impossible. [Matoba gestures towards the spells he's posted at his doorframes, at certain corners of his room. The same principles governed the flow of energy and spirits in both cultivation and the practices adapted by modern exorcists.] Although it is wise to remain discreet when possible.
[He pauses thoughtfully, a little rueful.] ...It has been, I think, a year's time since I arrived. I cannot say there has been no progress- there have been... some incidents within the resort, slipping of power. Even Great Demons are not completely impervious.
Something for a friend. She used to plant flowers back in our world and wants to do that here again. So I'll get her a piece of land to do that on. Hopefully.
[ though his intent has been to keep a watchful eye and a low profile, any attempt at stealth is pretty effectively ruined when he reads that last message, and — ]
[ very nearly sprays his fruity little cocktail all over the place, trying to be subtle about the liquor and sugar now inside of his sinuses. very smooth. if it does draw Lan Wangji's gaze, he can't bear to meet it, squirming in his seat until he's faced away enshrouded in black clothing and hard again to pick out but for the bluish light from his texting: ]
Yeah. Maybe.
It's not like I'd tell my father if I'd wound up in a place like this.
[ tired of being the bearer of bad news — he lies. ]
[ very nearly sprays his fruity little cocktail all over the place, trying to be subtle about the liquor and sugar now inside of his sinuses. very smooth. if it does draw Lan Wangji's gaze, he can't bear to meet it, squirming in his seat until he's faced away enshrouded in black clothing and hard again to pick out but for the bluish light from his texting: ]
Yeah. Maybe.
It's not like I'd tell my father if I'd wound up in a place like this.
[ tired of being the bearer of bad news — he lies. ]
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