[Jing Yuan is dressed in a style more familiar to his homeland, though it might appear a bit casual. When it comes to the game, it made baring any necessary skin far more easy than his General's uniform on the Luofu. He smiles at the blond, rattling the dice in his hand before letting it drop onto the table. For a moment, they roll, bouncing off the side of the box, before settling on 3+3.
Caress Mouth
It's no Sniff Ass, but it's still comically bad, and the general lets out a shocked laugh when the image of what he has to do comes to mind.]
[ He certainly has had the option to simply leave this place. It's not like they're chaining him down and keeping him here. He is playing by choice. He watches the man, trying to keep a certain air of indifference about him. It's not the weirdest thing that could come up on the dice, he's certain of it. But he has also never really had anyone just....touch his mouth like that. He's not particularly excited about it, but he's not left so he sees that as having given his permission. ]
[Fair enough, though he figured he'd ask anyway, since he doesn't make a habit of grabbing people without permission. The immortal steps over to the blond, smiling a little as he looks down at him, and he tilts his head a little to the side.
It doesn't have to be weird and awkward. Jing Yuan takes a moment to consider the other's lips, before he lifts his hand. Instead of just pawing over them, he slips his calloused fingers under the younger man's chin, his thumb settling upon his lower lip. He circles slowly over them, feeling them pliant beneath his thumb, then draws it away.]
[ it's still very weird to Knives to have anyone put their hands on him, but the moment passes so quickly and it's done before he has much time to think hard about it. It's for the best that way. He prefers to keep it as uncomplicated as possible. ]
It should.
[ He'll roll for himself now. And immediately -
Grab. Breast.
He's fairly relieved because he saw there's some interesting things on those dice. But this is fairly straightforward. ]
[The sound of his name being said by Dan Heng always gets his heartbeat thumping a little quicker in normal circumstances; this was already far from a normal circumstance, and Jing Yuan can't hide the bob of his adam's apple as he swallows.
He feels a bit like he's being scolded. He probably is, since while Dan Heng has more patience than Dan Feng ever had, he seems to have inherited his reaction to nonsense excuses.
The older man's brows are slightly raised as he looks down at Dan Heng. His hands move a little hesitantly, sliding over his shoulders and up until he's cupping the younger man's cheeks.]
There are likely few who wouldn't want to kiss you. [He's sort of tiptoeing around the question. He's so bold to admit what he'd rather be doing with his life than spending it wasting away behind his desk, but too cowardly to admit to something he can do something about in this moment. He's not sure he can trust his own feelings.
It all feels a little silly. The situation is insanely alarming on all levels— suddenly waking up in this strange Penaconian-like resort in the nude and no memory of how he got there, the sex game they're supposed to play, and now on top of it he finds himself caught in a trap with one of his fantasies dangled in front of him.
Is this what it feels like to be mara-struck? Out of his depth and control? No idea what's going on and no idea how to be free, with temptation in front of him... If this is a dream, is temptation so bad?
Jing Yuan's laugh is light and honeyed at the thought. His head dips down, closer to Dan Heng's.] I want it more than I should.
[Is it terrible of him, that he finds the way Jing Yuan swallows at the sound of his name enticing? There's something satisfying in knowing he can draw a reaction from the man like this, though perhaps it's unkind of him to feel so. But Jing Yuan's reactions are more honest than his words, at times.
The way he cups his cheek is hesitant yet kind, and is met with a quiet noise of surprise, quickly followed by Dan Heng leaning into the warmth of his touch. It feels nice-- something about the air in this closet is making it harder for Dan Heng to think straight, but Jing Yuan's touch is grounding and magnetic all at once.
Part of him wants to question when he says few wouldn't want to kiss him, because Dan Heng could certainly argue on that point. He's yet to comprehend what sort of attractive quality there might be that he is displaying without realizing it, because he's certainly not the type of man who seeks out a great deal of attention.
And the question at hand is whether Jing Yuan would mind kissing him. So he waits for a response in silence instead, watching Jing Yuan intently.
The response he gets is much more than he expected, however. Jade eyes widen at the admission of want, a sharp intake of breath as Jing Yuan moves closer.
'More than I should'...? It's a strange way to phrase himself, and yet it makes Dan Heng burn to hear it. His voice comes out a soft rasp as he tilts his head upward towards Jing Yuan.] Then what are you waiting for?
[Breath catches in his throat, and Jing Yuan still finds himself conflicted. What is he waiting for? A paranoid part of him wonders if he's being tricked, unsure of his grip on what he knows to be true for the moment, but Dan Heng— oh, what a temptation he is.
This human disguise is unlike Dan Feng; Jing Yuan's fingers stroke over the shell of his ear, seeking if the pointed edge is just out of sight. He's never gotten to touch the younger man like this, he can't help but be a little curious.
He lets out a little sigh, looking Dan Heng in the eyes, face hovering a few inchest above his.]
I'm not certain.
[That phrasing sounds strange from his mouth. He is always certain of something, but the alien surroundings and demands have thrown him a bit off. Dan Heng is willing, the tenor of his voice saying even more unsaid, but still a shiver runs up his spine.
He should say no.
Jing Yuan responds yes, gripping Dan Heng under the chin as he closes the distance. Their lips meet, and the old man can hear his heart thundering in his ears. Maybe Dan Heng could even feel his pulse through his lips, pressed softly together, but unmoving.]
[Stroking the edge of his ear does indeed elicit a response: A quiet tremble, a soft inhale. While he's hidden his true features away, the sensitivity remains mostly unchanged between forms.
And still he waits, well aware that it is on Jing Yuan to make the first move. He licks his lips nervously as he glances up at the man, and then finally, finally Jing Yuan is leaning in, fingers tilting his chin and warm lips pressing against his.
There is something about kissing that seems to drag all his senses to focus on that single point of contact. The heat, the softness, the feel of another's breath brushing against his face, the scent of Jing Yuan's hair. It is intimate and a little unnerving, but strangely nice.
And yet something about it still feels off, too quiet, too still.
Hesitation does not suit Jing Yuan.
So Dan Heng reaches up, hand cupping Jing Yuan's cheek to tug him a little bit closer, lips moving lightly against the taller man's in a slow and experimental manner.]
[He was thinking Dan Heng is cute, with his little tremble and the soft blush, but the thought is suddenly started out of him as the shorter man tugs him closer. Centuries of being starved for intimacy hits him like a speeding starskiff— maybe the emotional surge he feels is misplaced.
But, Dan Heng.
He'd thought about kissing that dull expression off his face as the vidyadhara scolded him for his recklessness. It had been a flutter of want, squashed and yet still managed to be hopeful he'd consider staying. That was purely a selfish desire.
Jing Yuan's arm moves, curling under the vidyadhara's own and around his back as they kiss, holding him in a loose embrace as he leans for him. His mane of hair falls over his shoulder, brushing over Dan Heng's own. Lips move more certain against his, slightly less chaste and more of a proper kiss, his eyes sliding closed.]
[There's a little flutter of apprehension in his gut as he waits for Jing Yuan to respond. He has no experience in this, acting entirely on instinct and what little he's seen of such things in his travels. But to a surprising degree, Dan Heng wants Jing Yuan to be engaged in this. He'd said he wanted this after all, and Dan Heng wants too.
So when Jing Yuan finally, finally responds, he'll find Dan Heng relaxing slightly, the feel of his arms curling against his back oddly reassuring. It's more comfortable like this, and Dan Heng finds himself leaning into the embrace, his hand slipping from Jing Yuan's cheek to brush through that soft, fluffy mane of hair as he allows Jing Yuan to take the lead, mimicking his movements as the kiss continues, his other hand settling against the taller man's waist.
That Jing Yuan is much larger than he is is also a first: What few embraces he's had have been platonic, and primarily a result of friendly exuberance from certain shorter friends. This? This is wildly different... and rather enjoyable, in all honesty. He finds himself pressing closer, a quiet noise of contentment escaping him after a few moments.]
[Guilt is pervasive despite Dan Heng's consent— he deserves this with someone he really likes, somewhere nicer, on his own terms. In the general's eyes, that cannot be him. It can't be helped, so he instead focuses his thoughts on that he has to make it good for him.
As the younger man presses forward, he gently rubs a circle between his shoulders to reassure him that he can do whatever he pleases— the way his pulse quickens only notable to himself. Dan Heng's inexperienced, but not clumsy so far; being a little more bold, he drags his tongue against his bottom lip right before he draws back a little, just to see how he'll react.
They just started, but he's already stopping, his brows knitted as he looks down at him.]
Would you lie down with me? I know it's... it won't be the most comfortable, but there's some pillows... We'll probably be at this a while.
[Meanwhile, Dan Heng is thankful that Jing Yuan is willing to do this with him. He knows he likely wouldn't be the general's first choice for something like this. He isn't the man he used to know, and he wasn't even someone with any experience with things like this.
It had never been something he'd felt nervous about until this moment, and yet Jing Yuan soothes those nerves as they come, with gentle touches and welcoming manner.
And when Jing Yuan pulls away, Dan Heng follows, chasing after his lips with a quiet noise of frustration escaping before he remembers himself and flushes deeply, backing away.
He licks his lips lightly, nervousness buzzing in his veins along with excitement, jade eyes focusing on Jing Yuan's own lips for a moment more before looking away.]
I suppose you're right... kissing like this for several minutes would likely be easier if we were sitting or laying. [He glances around, looking at the pillows.] Seems like they'd be comfortable enough to me. Shall we?
[Not everyone has Dan Heng rather bizarre sense of personal comfort, however.]
[Even just backing off makes Jing Yuan's stomach twist a little, uncertain if he maybe did the wrong thing from the low growl the vidyadhara makes. That's familiar, at the very least; he's surprised to see that sort of behavior from Dan Heng.]
Mm, let's.
[Gathering up pillows at armfuls at a time, he brings them around to a section between two shelves, then starts to layer them out againt the floor, starting with an area to prop their upper bodies on. He continues to go around the corner, gathering more, taking a few extra sheets, until they've made the area sufficently padded.
Of course, he'll leave the vidyadhara as the best source of criticism for his work, so he stands at the foot of their makeshift little space, gesturing.]
[Dan Heng wasn't expecting it from himself either, honestly-- but the kissing had been nice, as brief as it had been. It's embarrassing that he'd reacted that way to begin with.
He also isn't expecting Jing Yuan to set about making a padded area on the floor without even letting him help. But the older man clearly has an idea for what he wants, and so Dan Heng lets him do what he likes, watching as he works.
And trying very hard not to focus on the fact that he's still wearing a very, very tiny robe, and all this shifting about is not concealing a great deal of Jing Yuan's body.
The end result of his work does look comfortable, admittedly. Dan Heng steps forward when Jing Yuan asks what he needs, and shakes his head as he kneels down to test the softness of the pillows. Honestly, he'd have been fine without, but it was nice.] Just you, I think.
[...It's a half second later he realizes what he said, and that blush on his face looks almost painful.] I mean... You should probably get comfortable, yes?
[He holds out his hand to Jing Yuan and gestures for him to sit, still flushed.]
[Dan Heng's opinion was very important here. After all, he was setting up a spot comfortable enough for them to lie close and be warm. Not much makes the old man miss his beat but the assessment sure does.]
Ah?
[His clueless brain catches up to him as Dan Heng clarifies. He feels a little bit of that blush on his neck, which his hair does little to help conceal, but he doesn't hestitate to take the vidyadhara's hand and join him on the pillows.
The general sits first, moving ontto his knees, but the robe hikes up enough he's sure he just flashed Dan Heng instead. Feeling a little more embarrassed about that, he grabs the edge of it, holding it as he guides Dan Heng by their clasped hands to lie down instead.
His head hits the pillow, curled onto his side to face Dan Heng.]
Plus one of me. Do you think you'll be warm enough?
No. [It's a concise answer, and Jing Yuan doesn't immediately lead into anything else. There's just a small pause as he ladles soup into another bowl.] It's slightly sweet. The lotus root should be soft and the meat tender. You can make a dipping sauce, if you want spicy.
[He sets the bowl down in front of Tighnari, then settles into his own seat next to him. He smiles, leaning a cheek into a hand. There a little bit of disappointment not to have run into someone with a common ground, but his expectations about that were fairly low.]
It was mostly just a hopeful question. There are a people where I come from called Foxians who share features similar to yours.
[He can't just leave it there and be awkward, so he starts to eat a little, placing a few pieces in his mouth and chewing before he continues the conversation.]
[ despite being from sumeru.. rip tighnari. nevertheless, he gets comfortable, glancing toward his dinner companion, taking in his warm smile before lifting his utensils in padded hands. should jing yuan look closely enough, he will see the marked differences between himself and a foxian - notably, his hands (and feet), and the size of his ears, easily twice the size than that of your run of the mill foxian. ]
I come from a place called Teyvat. More specifically, the nation of Sumeru. My people are called valuka shuna, but we're not very common, so you're unlikely to run into another one here. Foxians.. I've never heard of them, but that would make sense, I suppose.
[The differences are interesting to him in scholarly ways; though Jing Yuan had chosen military life as a way to escape the boredom of paperwork (a futile effort now), he would have been well suited in a research role like the previous generations of his family.
At least Tighnari doesn't look anything like the Foxians of the Luofu— now, he could have just been from another ship.
Conversation over food seems natural despite the fact they've never met. Jing Yuan returns the smile desire actively biting into a piece of lotus, and continues when he was done chewing.]
I'm Jing Yuan. [He reaches, pouring himself a small cup of wine.] Foxians are fairly common within the Xianzhou, so you might get to meet one. I wouldn't be surprised to find if you had a common ancestor.
[The cosmos is big, after all. He holds the small wine bottle up, offering the other man some as well.]
[ tighnari nods, lifting his glass to be filled. ]
Perhaps so, I can't know for sure. Worlds work in interesting ways.
[ and evolution is ever-branching. now, it's tighnari's turn to sample his food, and he starts first with a spoonful of warm broth, which he finds agreeable, then after, a bite of lotus, which is quite delicious. he chews thoughtfully, then smiles, clearly pleased.
though his expression flattens when receiving that next question. ]
Oh, I could go on about my thoughts, that much is certain. Suffice it to say, despite the.. generous amenities of the resort, I would much rather be home and back to my work.
[He pours Tighnari a drink of his own, and then the general seems to settle in. He leans a little further back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other, and picks up his cup of wine.]
Few would be particularly enthusiastic about suddenly finding themselves plucked away from their lives, "vacation" like this are not. There will always be some who will find this preferable though.
[The general drains his cup— it's a small, asian style cup, so easy to do —and then goes to pour himself another.]
[ taking his cup back, tighnari enjoys a drink. the flavor is foreign to him, and it's a little bit strong, but not bad, not at all.. ]
Mm, well I suppose there are a few people who find this preferable to their previous lives.. but I can't count myself among them.
[ tighnari loves his work, after all, and he loves his home, his family, his friends - being away from all of it gives him a deep sense of longing, a painful homesickness that refuses to quit. over time it will surely only get worse.. until he grows used to the ache of its loss. ]
As for my plans.. well, to get home as quickly as I can, really, and take as much information back with me as possible. One doesn't learn about foreign worlds so easily every day.
[How he had yearned for adventure, a vacation, to see other places. This was not exactly what he had in mind. It might be karma's way of telling him he has foregone intimacy for way too long, but this was a little too on the extreme end of dealing with it.
The comment prompts the general into giving Tighnari a guilty, but unapologetic smile; all this questioning was him being a little bit of an erudite too.]
I take it then your planet hasn't reached spare travel technology yet.
[He suspected, but this was a good as a confirmation.]
[ though tighnari has suspected the presence of foreign worlds before, truth be told. there's quite a lot of evidence to support it, and besides, there's so much, well.. space out there, it stands to reason that they wouldn't be alone in the vast universe. ]
We haven't yet found solid proof that other worlds exist yet, though I suppose it's proved itself, now. Granted that this all isn't a wild fever dream of mine.
Well. I promise you I'm quite real. You can touch, if you wanted to be sure.
[The general laughs at his own joke, just to punctuate that it's light hearted. He decides to drink to that, having another cup of wine. Conversation always made him want to continue to drink.]
Likely the tracks connecting your planet to the star rail decayed long ago. Most routes through the stars rely upon them.
[Jing Yuan's parents were scholars that specialized in the history and culture of the Xianzhou, as were generations of his family before them. It stuck with him, but he shakes his head.]
It was ruled by the Primeval Imperium. Weaponry was banned and aurumatons and ingenia were the planet's sole security force. I've read that it was quite beautiful— fields of rice, mountains of jade —but I've never seen it. The Luofu is my home.
[ but what if it's just a very detailed fever dream that makes him think he can feel it?? all right no, he's pretty sure that this is all very real, but considering that it might be a hallucination is a nice coping mechanism. nevertheless, tighnari listens closely, both ears leaned toward jing yuan. ]
.. aurumatons and ingenia?
[ not words he is familiar with. nor is he acquainted with this.. star rail, but that, at least, he can sort of put together through context. ]
[It's not polite, but Jing Yuan leans his elbow on the table so he can prop his head in his hand. He finds it likely that Tighnari will forgive him for having less than proper table manners.]
They accompanied the Xianzhou when we set sail for the stars and controlled the ships, though during the Three Sufferings Era they rebelled on their own during a time of upheaval between the course and nobility. Opposing forces of the civil war united to defeat them. In the present day, many ingenia are still in usage, though auromatons are fitted with talismans to suppress consciousness.
[ tighnari, in fact, does not rebuke jing yuan for his table manners. but he does look.. quite surprised. ]
Suppress consciousness.. that sounds - [ a beat, and he shakes his head. ] - cruel.
[ mechanical life forms are still a very sensitive and heated topic at the akademiya, but tighnari has seen with his own eyes, the anguish of the machine, karkata's utter despair when it was unable to repair its master. whether it was simply programming or not is impossible to say, but.. he'll never forget what he saw that day. ]
Wouldn't it be more humane to decommission and destroy them?
[He's used to a variety of attitudes about aurumatons from the Artisanship Commission— many who saw them as tools, others that thought they were too dangerous, others that sympathized. Tighnari's concerns aren't out of place.
Jing Yuan offers a little shrug.]
The uprising was millennia ago, before my birth or the birth of any other citizen on the Luofu. The aurumaton of the Primeval Imperium were war machines— they aren't quite suited to the peacefulness of the modern era. If an aurumaton still exists from such period, they no doubted would be contained in the Shackling Prison.
[Hint, this exact scenario is true, but he isn't going to go about spilling military secrets to a stranger.]
Modern aurumaton are built with the talisman installed as a preventative measure and few have autonomy; when they do they're often used strictly for the apprehension of mara-struck and dangerous criminals.
[ jing yuan's explanation does little to assuage tighnari's concern. it's none of his business, really, how a foreign world conducts their business, but.. he's never been particularly good at keeping his opinions to himself, especially when they concern something ethical in nature. ]
That still sounds cruel, to me.
[ like a human born into servitude, brainwashed to be obedient; why build machines capable of sentience in the first place, if only to suppress them? those left over from previous ages are one thing, but to continue building them and installing talismans, knowing that they may be capable of autonomy.. it feels wrong. but after a moment, tighnari shakes his head. ]
But it's none of my business, I realize. It's not as if I'll ever see your Luofu.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
divineforesight) wrote2023-12-25 01:55 am
@diechotomy
[Jing Yuan is dressed in a style more familiar to his homeland, though it might appear a bit casual. When it comes to the game, it made baring any necessary skin far more easy than his General's uniform on the Luofu. He smiles at the blond, rattling the dice in his hand before letting it drop onto the table. For a moment, they roll, bouncing off the side of the box, before settling on 3+3.
Caress Mouth
It's no Sniff Ass, but it's still comically bad, and the general lets out a shocked laugh when the image of what he has to do comes to mind.]
So, are you going to let me touch your lips?
no subject
[ He certainly has had the option to simply leave this place. It's not like they're chaining him down and keeping him here. He is playing by choice. He watches the man, trying to keep a certain air of indifference about him. It's not the weirdest thing that could come up on the dice, he's certain of it. But he has also never really had anyone just....touch his mouth like that. He's not particularly excited about it, but he's not left so he sees that as having given his permission. ]
no subject
[Fair enough, though he figured he'd ask anyway, since he doesn't make a habit of grabbing people without permission. The immortal steps over to the blond, smiling a little as he looks down at him, and he tilts his head a little to the side.
It doesn't have to be weird and awkward. Jing Yuan takes a moment to consider the other's lips, before he lifts his hand. Instead of just pawing over them, he slips his calloused fingers under the younger man's chin, his thumb settling upon his lower lip. He circles slowly over them, feeling them pliant beneath his thumb, then draws it away.]
That should satisfy it.
hi i lost this one oops.
It should.
[ He'll roll for himself now. And immediately -
Grab. Breast.
He's fairly relieved because he saw there's some interesting things on those dice. But this is fairly straightforward. ]
@skypiercing
He feels a bit like he's being scolded. He probably is, since while Dan Heng has more patience than Dan Feng ever had, he seems to have inherited his reaction to nonsense excuses.
The older man's brows are slightly raised as he looks down at Dan Heng. His hands move a little hesitantly, sliding over his shoulders and up until he's cupping the younger man's cheeks.]
There are likely few who wouldn't want to kiss you. [He's sort of tiptoeing around the question. He's so bold to admit what he'd rather be doing with his life than spending it wasting away behind his desk, but too cowardly to admit to something he can do something about in this moment. He's not sure he can trust his own feelings.
It all feels a little silly. The situation is insanely alarming on all levels— suddenly waking up in this strange Penaconian-like resort in the nude and no memory of how he got there, the sex game they're supposed to play, and now on top of it he finds himself caught in a trap with one of his fantasies dangled in front of him.
Is this what it feels like to be mara-struck? Out of his depth and control? No idea what's going on and no idea how to be free, with temptation in front of him... If this is a dream, is temptation so bad?
Jing Yuan's laugh is light and honeyed at the thought. His head dips down, closer to Dan Heng's.] I want it more than I should.
Re: @skypiercing
The way he cups his cheek is hesitant yet kind, and is met with a quiet noise of surprise, quickly followed by Dan Heng leaning into the warmth of his touch. It feels nice-- something about the air in this closet is making it harder for Dan Heng to think straight, but Jing Yuan's touch is grounding and magnetic all at once.
Part of him wants to question when he says few wouldn't want to kiss him, because Dan Heng could certainly argue on that point. He's yet to comprehend what sort of attractive quality there might be that he is displaying without realizing it, because he's certainly not the type of man who seeks out a great deal of attention.
And the question at hand is whether Jing Yuan would mind kissing him. So he waits for a response in silence instead, watching Jing Yuan intently.
The response he gets is much more than he expected, however. Jade eyes widen at the admission of want, a sharp intake of breath as Jing Yuan moves closer.
'More than I should'...? It's a strange way to phrase himself, and yet it makes Dan Heng burn to hear it. His voice comes out a soft rasp as he tilts his head upward towards Jing Yuan.] Then what are you waiting for?
no subject
This human disguise is unlike Dan Feng; Jing Yuan's fingers stroke over the shell of his ear, seeking if the pointed edge is just out of sight. He's never gotten to touch the younger man like this, he can't help but be a little curious.
He lets out a little sigh, looking Dan Heng in the eyes, face hovering a few inchest above his.]
I'm not certain.
[That phrasing sounds strange from his mouth. He is always certain of something, but the alien surroundings and demands have thrown him a bit off. Dan Heng is willing, the tenor of his voice saying even more unsaid, but still a shiver runs up his spine.
He should say no.
Jing Yuan responds yes, gripping Dan Heng under the chin as he closes the distance. Their lips meet, and the old man can hear his heart thundering in his ears. Maybe Dan Heng could even feel his pulse through his lips, pressed softly together, but unmoving.]
no subject
And still he waits, well aware that it is on Jing Yuan to make the first move. He licks his lips nervously as he glances up at the man, and then finally, finally Jing Yuan is leaning in, fingers tilting his chin and warm lips pressing against his.
There is something about kissing that seems to drag all his senses to focus on that single point of contact. The heat, the softness, the feel of another's breath brushing against his face, the scent of Jing Yuan's hair. It is intimate and a little unnerving, but strangely nice.
And yet something about it still feels off, too quiet, too still.
Hesitation does not suit Jing Yuan.
So Dan Heng reaches up, hand cupping Jing Yuan's cheek to tug him a little bit closer, lips moving lightly against the taller man's in a slow and experimental manner.]
no subject
But, Dan Heng.
He'd thought about kissing that dull expression off his face as the vidyadhara scolded him for his recklessness. It had been a flutter of want, squashed and yet still managed to be hopeful he'd consider staying. That was purely a selfish desire.
Jing Yuan's arm moves, curling under the vidyadhara's own and around his back as they kiss, holding him in a loose embrace as he leans for him. His mane of hair falls over his shoulder, brushing over Dan Heng's own. Lips move more certain against his, slightly less chaste and more of a proper kiss, his eyes sliding closed.]
no subject
So when Jing Yuan finally, finally responds, he'll find Dan Heng relaxing slightly, the feel of his arms curling against his back oddly reassuring. It's more comfortable like this, and Dan Heng finds himself leaning into the embrace, his hand slipping from Jing Yuan's cheek to brush through that soft, fluffy mane of hair as he allows Jing Yuan to take the lead, mimicking his movements as the kiss continues, his other hand settling against the taller man's waist.
That Jing Yuan is much larger than he is is also a first: What few embraces he's had have been platonic, and primarily a result of friendly exuberance from certain shorter friends. This? This is wildly different... and rather enjoyable, in all honesty. He finds himself pressing closer, a quiet noise of contentment escaping him after a few moments.]
no subject
As the younger man presses forward, he gently rubs a circle between his shoulders to reassure him that he can do whatever he pleases— the way his pulse quickens only notable to himself. Dan Heng's inexperienced, but not clumsy so far; being a little more bold, he drags his tongue against his bottom lip right before he draws back a little, just to see how he'll react.
They just started, but he's already stopping, his brows knitted as he looks down at him.]
Would you lie down with me? I know it's... it won't be the most comfortable, but there's some pillows... We'll probably be at this a while.
no subject
It had never been something he'd felt nervous about until this moment, and yet Jing Yuan soothes those nerves as they come, with gentle touches and welcoming manner.
And when Jing Yuan pulls away, Dan Heng follows, chasing after his lips with a quiet noise of frustration escaping before he remembers himself and flushes deeply, backing away.
He licks his lips lightly, nervousness buzzing in his veins along with excitement, jade eyes focusing on Jing Yuan's own lips for a moment more before looking away.]
I suppose you're right... kissing like this for several minutes would likely be easier if we were sitting or laying. [He glances around, looking at the pillows.] Seems like they'd be comfortable enough to me. Shall we?
[Not everyone has Dan Heng rather bizarre sense of personal comfort, however.]
no subject
Mm, let's.
[Gathering up pillows at armfuls at a time, he brings them around to a section between two shelves, then starts to layer them out againt the floor, starting with an area to prop their upper bodies on. He continues to go around the corner, gathering more, taking a few extra sheets, until they've made the area sufficently padded.
Of course, he'll leave the vidyadhara as the best source of criticism for his work, so he stands at the foot of their makeshift little space, gesturing.]
Does it need anything?
no subject
He also isn't expecting Jing Yuan to set about making a padded area on the floor without even letting him help. But the older man clearly has an idea for what he wants, and so Dan Heng lets him do what he likes, watching as he works.
And trying very hard not to focus on the fact that he's still wearing a very, very tiny robe, and all this shifting about is not concealing a great deal of Jing Yuan's body.
The end result of his work does look comfortable, admittedly. Dan Heng steps forward when Jing Yuan asks what he needs, and shakes his head as he kneels down to test the softness of the pillows. Honestly, he'd have been fine without, but it was nice.] Just you, I think.
[...It's a half second later he realizes what he said, and that blush on his face looks almost painful.] I mean... You should probably get comfortable, yes?
[He holds out his hand to Jing Yuan and gestures for him to sit, still flushed.]
no subject
Ah?
[His clueless brain catches up to him as Dan Heng clarifies. He feels a little bit of that blush on his neck, which his hair does little to help conceal, but he doesn't hestitate to take the vidyadhara's hand and join him on the pillows.
The general sits first, moving ontto his knees, but the robe hikes up enough he's sure he just flashed Dan Heng instead. Feeling a little more embarrassed about that, he grabs the edge of it, holding it as he guides Dan Heng by their clasped hands to lie down instead.
His head hits the pillow, curled onto his side to face Dan Heng.]
Plus one of me. Do you think you'll be warm enough?
@veardant
[He sets the bowl down in front of Tighnari, then settles into his own seat next to him. He smiles, leaning a cheek into a hand. There a little bit of disappointment not to have run into someone with a common ground, but his expectations about that were fairly low.]
It was mostly just a hopeful question. There are a people where I come from called Foxians who share features similar to yours.
[He can't just leave it there and be awkward, so he starts to eat a little, placing a few pieces in his mouth and chewing before he continues the conversation.]
Where do you come from?
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That's all right, I don't do well with spice.
[ despite being from sumeru.. rip tighnari. nevertheless, he gets comfortable, glancing toward his dinner companion, taking in his warm smile before lifting his utensils in padded hands. should jing yuan look closely enough, he will see the marked differences between himself and a foxian - notably, his hands (and feet), and the size of his ears, easily twice the size than that of your run of the mill foxian. ]
I come from a place called Teyvat. More specifically, the nation of Sumeru. My people are called valuka shuna, but we're not very common, so you're unlikely to run into another one here. Foxians.. I've never heard of them, but that would make sense, I suppose.
[ and at last, he smiles. ]
My name is Tighnari.
no subject
At least Tighnari doesn't look anything like the Foxians of the Luofu— now, he could have just been from another ship.
Conversation over food seems natural despite the fact they've never met. Jing Yuan returns the smile desire actively biting into a piece of lotus, and continues when he was done chewing.]
I'm Jing Yuan. [He reaches, pouring himself a small cup of wine.] Foxians are fairly common within the Xianzhou, so you might get to meet one. I wouldn't be surprised to find if you had a common ancestor.
[The cosmos is big, after all. He holds the small wine bottle up, offering the other man some as well.]
So, what do you think of the situation?
no subject
Perhaps so, I can't know for sure. Worlds work in interesting ways.
[ and evolution is ever-branching. now, it's tighnari's turn to sample his food, and he starts first with a spoonful of warm broth, which he finds agreeable, then after, a bite of lotus, which is quite delicious. he chews thoughtfully, then smiles, clearly pleased.
though his expression flattens when receiving that next question. ]
Oh, I could go on about my thoughts, that much is certain. Suffice it to say, despite the.. generous amenities of the resort, I would much rather be home and back to my work.
no subject
[He pours Tighnari a drink of his own, and then the general seems to settle in. He leans a little further back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other, and picks up his cup of wine.]
Few would be particularly enthusiastic about suddenly finding themselves plucked away from their lives, "vacation" like this are not. There will always be some who will find this preferable though.
[The general drains his cup— it's a small, asian style cup, so easy to do —and then goes to pour himself another.]
What are your plans?
no subject
Mm, well I suppose there are a few people who find this preferable to their previous lives.. but I can't count myself among them.
[ tighnari loves his work, after all, and he loves his home, his family, his friends - being away from all of it gives him a deep sense of longing, a painful homesickness that refuses to quit. over time it will surely only get worse.. until he grows used to the ache of its loss. ]
As for my plans.. well, to get home as quickly as I can, really, and take as much information back with me as possible. One doesn't learn about foreign worlds so easily every day.
no subject
The comment prompts the general into giving Tighnari a guilty, but unapologetic smile; all this questioning was him being a little bit of an erudite too.]
I take it then your planet hasn't reached spare travel technology yet.
[He suspected, but this was a good as a confirmation.]
We left our homeworld many millennia ago.
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[ though tighnari has suspected the presence of foreign worlds before, truth be told. there's quite a lot of evidence to support it, and besides, there's so much, well.. space out there, it stands to reason that they wouldn't be alone in the vast universe. ]
We haven't yet found solid proof that other worlds exist yet, though I suppose it's proved itself, now. Granted that this all isn't a wild fever dream of mine.
[ which is, you know, a possibility. ]
Do you know what it was like? Your homeworld?
no subject
[The general laughs at his own joke, just to punctuate that it's light hearted. He decides to drink to that, having another cup of wine. Conversation always made him want to continue to drink.]
Likely the tracks connecting your planet to the star rail decayed long ago. Most routes through the stars rely upon them.
[Jing Yuan's parents were scholars that specialized in the history and culture of the Xianzhou, as were generations of his family before them. It stuck with him, but he shakes his head.]
It was ruled by the Primeval Imperium. Weaponry was banned and aurumatons and ingenia were the planet's sole security force. I've read that it was quite beautiful— fields of rice, mountains of jade —but I've never seen it. The Luofu is my home.
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[ but what if it's just a very detailed fever dream that makes him think he can feel it?? all right no, he's pretty sure that this is all very real, but considering that it might be a hallucination is a nice coping mechanism. nevertheless, tighnari listens closely, both ears leaned toward jing yuan. ]
.. aurumatons and ingenia?
[ not words he is familiar with. nor is he acquainted with this.. star rail, but that, at least, he can sort of put together through context. ]
Some sort of.. automated protections?
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[It's not polite, but Jing Yuan leans his elbow on the table so he can prop his head in his hand. He finds it likely that Tighnari will forgive him for having less than proper table manners.]
They accompanied the Xianzhou when we set sail for the stars and controlled the ships, though during the Three Sufferings Era they rebelled on their own during a time of upheaval between the course and nobility. Opposing forces of the civil war united to defeat them. In the present day, many ingenia are still in usage, though auromatons are fitted with talismans to suppress consciousness.
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Suppress consciousness.. that sounds - [ a beat, and he shakes his head. ] - cruel.
[ mechanical life forms are still a very sensitive and heated topic at the akademiya, but tighnari has seen with his own eyes, the anguish of the machine, karkata's utter despair when it was unable to repair its master. whether it was simply programming or not is impossible to say, but.. he'll never forget what he saw that day. ]
Wouldn't it be more humane to decommission and destroy them?
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Jing Yuan offers a little shrug.]
The uprising was millennia ago, before my birth or the birth of any other citizen on the Luofu. The aurumaton of the Primeval Imperium were war machines— they aren't quite suited to the peacefulness of the modern era. If an aurumaton still exists from such period, they no doubted would be contained in the Shackling Prison.
[Hint, this exact scenario is true, but he isn't going to go about spilling military secrets to a stranger.]
Modern aurumaton are built with the talisman installed as a preventative measure and few have autonomy; when they do they're often used strictly for the apprehension of mara-struck and dangerous criminals.
no subject
That still sounds cruel, to me.
[ like a human born into servitude, brainwashed to be obedient; why build machines capable of sentience in the first place, if only to suppress them? those left over from previous ages are one thing, but to continue building them and installing talismans, knowing that they may be capable of autonomy.. it feels wrong. but after a moment, tighnari shakes his head. ]
But it's none of my business, I realize. It's not as if I'll ever see your Luofu.