vestigenet | Voice - un: nie.huaisang

[ It was just enough time for him to get things ready. He's used to lavish displays of his wealth and power; here, he has to settle for small tea light candles and wildflowers he found in the woods to decorate.

He also has the making for a birdcage, but that's far less important to him than having the proper aesthetic for the evening. It's not much but he made due with what he had.

When the knock comes, he's just finishing setting (double-checking, really) everything. He fluffs up his hair, checks his breath, and straightens his only remaining nice button-up shirt. ]

Hello, [ he greets warmly. ] Come in, come in. I'm glad you made it! I hope you didn't have any trouble finding the place. [ He walks in, giving room for Huaisang to enter. His house isn't much, like most, but he already has the startings of a makeshift laboratory scattered about. ]

[The door opens and there here he is. The man of the hour. The cage maker himself! Huaisang peeks inside first before coming in, shaking his head a little.]

Actually it wasn't too hard. Our cabin isn't so far away from yours.

[Ours being the cabin with five young men and one odd young woman who spoke kind of strangely. Definitely wasn't boring.]

Ohh, candles! Where did you find some?

[Huaisang wanders over, happy to see the familiar glow of a candle. His eyes drift to the flowers too, gently reaching to touch at them.]

The electricity stuff is really amazing... but it's so different from back home, it sometimes feels too bright. The flicker of a torch or candle is much softer, more welcoming.

[He misses home okay, don't mind him waxing a little poetic.]

[ He makes a mental note of that. If he's not far, that might become convenient in the future. Easy access to potential allies is always smart. ]

Luck while foraging. I found them in a pile of otherwise unusable rubbish. Used, but not completely burned out. [ It seems he's done well for what he was able to put together. Perfect. It starts things off on a good foot, which makes things look... promising. ]

I'm used to it, I admit, but can concede sometimes simple is better. Which will also be something to keep in mind while building this birdcage. [ No funny business, it seems.

Not yet. He's playing this very carefully. ]

Oh... hm, guess if I want to find any I'll have to work for it too.

[Alas! Huaisang sighs a little, but his spirits are quickly lifted by the mention of the cage.]

Of course, right, we don't have the means to make any cage that's the quality I could commission back home. It just needs to be big enough for the little bird to move about and have food and water.

It's okay if it's not fancy.

[See? He can compromise. Simple cage, but he gets to put the prettiest bird in it!]

I could help you, if you'd like. Though I wouldn't want to take up more of your time than I am already. [ He would, actually, but the fun of the game is not admitting such things. ]

I'll try to make it as quality as I can. But first-

[ He steps forward and bridges the distance between them suddenly. One of his hands raises to the side of Huasiang's face to tuck back the stray bit of hair behind his ear. ] You might want to put those back, for now. I wouldn't want any of that beautiful hair to get in the way.

[ He gives a warm smile and his fingers linger perhaps just a bit longer than they should before he steps back again and says: ] Shall we begin?

Perhaps, if it's not too late when we're done?

[Candles aren't imparitive after all. He could definitely wait till another time.

When Quin trails off Huaisang's brows pinch slightly, curious. First what? Oh. O-Oh. He's sure his face goes through a small journey of emotions as Quin tucks one of his bangs behind his ear.

Calls his hair beautiful. Now Huaisang knows his hair looks good, he takes good care of it and Wuxian has been helping with the braids and such too, but it feels really good hearing someone say that. He'll clear his throat a little, definitely a light flush dusting the tops of his cheeks in the candle light. Tucking the other bang away he'll pull out his fan.

Gotten a little warm in here okay, don't judge him.]

Mm, please.

[Huaisang hides his face partially behind his paper fan, a little embarrassed.]

I've never made something like this before, will it be difficult?

[ He's cataloging away all that he's learning from those flicks of emotion on Huaisang's face. Does he not get complimented often? Quin can use that, if so. Or maybe he does, but just not as obvious as this. When the fan comes out, he knows that he's at least had some success in steering things the right direction.

Perfect. ]

Perhaps, [ he agrees. If everything goes according to how he sees this night unraveling though- They won't have time. Somehow, he thinks that might be fine. ]

It won't be too difficult, no. [ Among the supplies he has are some (almost) evenly cut planks to form a box for the base. Then, some sort of mesh that resembles chicken wire but not exactly. It's a little frayed at the edges and patchy but not unusable. None of the holes are big enough for a bird to get through, at least. ]

I think the hardest part will be fashioning a working door for the bird so you can take it out if you'd like. My brother was the engineer, not me- But I'll do my best.

[It's complicated, Quin. Ancient fantasy China and every one is repressed and super polite and all sorts of social niceties. Besides, disregarding all of that, Huaisang's older brother and leader of their clan probably scares away any possible suitors. If there have been any.

Mingjue means well, buuuut...]

Oh, you have a brother too? Older or younger?

[Same hat!]

I did, [ he says, idling collecting and organizing the supplies to construct the bird cage. There's a wistful hint to his tone as he speaks now. ]

Abithanth. He was a year or so older than me. [ He was the sunshine to Quintalian's grey when they were younger; there's a tinge of genuine melancholy as he remembers. It's shoved down easily enough, however, since his grief can't overshadow lest it ruin what he's trying to do. ]

I often find myself wondering what could have been, but- I think he would have wanted me to keep forward as I have.

[I did, Quin tells him and Huaisang listens quiet and some what somberly as he speaks of him.

It makes him think if his own older brother, the fate that will eventually befall him in the future. Lowering his fan, Huaisang's mouth presses into a thin line.]

I'm sorry... it's not easy losing someone, especially family.

[Annnd going to set his fan aside on the table, hesitating a second before reaching to gently rest his hand on Quin's forearm.]

I'm sure you're right, Professor.

Edited (Hhhhhh html u fiend!!) 2020-09-11 00:44 (UTC)

[ Oh.

That's actually more than he expected. It's more the psychological rush than the physical that hits him at the moment though. Thankfully, the way he smiles is warm and touched with just the right amount of sadness so that it comes across as sincere. He reaches one of his hands to lay over Huaisang's gently. ]

Thank you. I appreciate that. [ He gives the other man's hand a gentle squeeze, touch lingering... ] So while I may not be the engineer he was, maybe some of it rubbed off on me and we can build this bird cage to satisfaction.

[He won't pull his hand away, letting it stay there and only fall away naturally once Quin takes his own hand back. Offering a soft smile in turn, Huaisang nods.]

With all of this, [Huaisang motions at the stuff Quin had collected for this little craft project.] and all of your um... science? I'm sure it will come together.

It can't be any harder to build than an AI, right?

[He still doesn't really understand what that is, but he remembers Quin talking about it before. See! He pays attention!]

Hopefully not.

[ It isn't as difficult as building an AI, but it is a bit more challenging than he expected. If he had his 3D printing technology or all his usual tools at his disposal, it'd be perfect. But, as is with most things here, he is making do with what he has.

There comes a point during the building of the birdcage where both his hands are occupied and, on instinct, one of his tentacles reaches out to grab something else near Huaisang. It brushes against him briefly but he doesn't seem to notice at first.

He does, of course, and it's a test to see if there's still that apprehension. ]

Oh, my apologies. [ He offers up with a sheepish laugh. ] It's just second-nature now, I suppose.

[He knows he offered to help if he was able, but let's be real, Huaisang is here to linger nearby and look pretty while Quin does all the work. If he's not sitting, he'll move to stand beside the good professor and lean in to get a better look.

It's just a birdcage, but to him it's fascinating watching someone work with their hands. He's not much a builder or tinkerer, but he does like to work with his hands too in other ways. Like his painting or back home he'd make his own fans, when he wasn't buying the most beautiful ones he could find. Of course the one he always carried with him was the best!

When that tentacle comes out and lightly touches him in passing he does jump a little, mostly because he'd completely forgotten about them in the moment. He'll laugh a little, embarrassed at his own reaction.]

No apology needed, haha, I just kind of forgot about them...

[But his eyes follow the tentacle now, watching it work like just another limb while Quin keeps building.]

So, um... can it feel things? Just like your hands?

[ And that's perfectly fine by him. He works much better when he has someone pretty to impress. So far, he's managed to build the main base. It took a few nails, some makeshift glue, and a few splinters but it's done and sturdy. Enough. Now, he's trying to finagle the mesh onto the front of it for viewing space but requires both hands to hold it down while he parses out how and where to make a door. What he was looking for with his tentacle was a pair of scissors or even just a knife, but he gets conveniently """distracted""" instead. ]

Sort of, [ he answers, the tentale coming to rest on the top of Huaisang's hand briefly. ] Right now, it's a little more... vague than what I'd feel with my hands. I can tell that's your skin but not what part exactly. However- [ His tentacle suddenly lifts the man's fingers and twines through them and circles lightly around his wrist. They feel like warm, damp velvet against the man's skin and suction lightly with little pops that leave red marks (quick to fade, thankfully) in their wake. ]

With a better grip, like that, it's more clear that's your hand.

[When it comes to rest over his hand he has to stop himself from pulling it away. He's a little jumpy, but Quin is just trying to explain things to him. This is fine. In fact... it feels strange, but not bad at all. The tentacle is strangely soft, moving between his fingers and then wrapping around his wrist.

Huaisang stares mouth agape watching the odd appendage as it moves over his skin, sees the little red marks left there that fade almost as quick as they come.]

Whoa... it feels so weird, b-but not bad!

[He'll flex his fingers some, then curl them gently around the tentacle.]

What are these-?

[Huaisang curiously lets his fingertips brush over the underside of the tentacle, feeling the little suction cups there.]

[ He feels that initial instinct to recoil but is (pleasantly) surprised when he doesn't. Mm. He might make more headway than he thought this evening. While he knows it's better to wait, he also has to combat his racing brain that keeps whispering what if. ]

I'm glad. I know it's an... interesting feeling. [ Moist, mostly. He doesn't feel anything but the pressure of gentle push of his fingers against the- ]

Suction cups. Some people call them 'suckers.' They're for extra grip when it comes to things like moving around or catching prey. [ There's a certain hint of amusement to his tone that might mean he's making a joke at Huaisang's expense.

Another tentacle slllllides forward testingly. ]

While unique in feeling, however, most people tend to find the sensation rather enjoyable.

[Back home Huaisang would have most definitely not have been as receptive to all of this, and to be fair while he was interested he was still a little jumpy about all of this.

Huaisang's fingers feel the little suckers, running over them curiously as he looks up at Quin.]

Wha? Prey? What would you need to catch?

[Sure he's got these tentacle things, but he looks human otherwise. Does he just catch things with them and eat it? Like some wild animal?

At first he doesn't even notice the other tentacle sneaking in, but his eyes widen a little before he swallows and tells himself to just stay calm. They're just weird extra arm things. This is fine.]

H-Hello.

[He'll greet the other tentacle, pulling his hand away from the first one gently.]

... wait enjoyable? [It just hits him what Quin said. His voice is quieter then, this is so scandalous!] Like... ehem, you know... that enjoyable?

Specimens I'm trying to learn more about, usually. Or ones that catch my eye.

[ Winkwonk.

They are just extra limbs. Well, for Quin, they are anyway. Since Huaisang doesn't seem too alarmed by the second tentacle coming out to play, it begins to wind up the other man's arm. There's a gentle suction against his skin as the appenage rolls up as far as he can get away with. ]

Yes, I do mean that enjoyable. Most people find it quite pleasant and it tends to work out. I do so love to please.

[ While he comes off as authorative to most, Quin's really a basic bottom bitch at heart. ]

[... wait is this flirting? Look he's not used to this modern flirting stuff. With tentacles and blatantly stating someone is pretty or has nice hair.

It's all the little things back home. Glances and little touches and social niceties. This was like third base back home.

The tentacle that slides and curls up his arm has him squirming a little.]

I-It kinda tickles-

[Hmm why was he here again? Birdcage what? If he had his other arm still he might try to stop it from sliding too far up, but as he's one armed he's kind of at a loss here.

So just some awkward squirms and his shoulder pressing up to his ear as if to halt the tickly tentacle.]

Professor, u-um- [Look, it's hard to possibly flirt back when tentacle tickles.] -are you trying to catch me? I won't- ehehe, I won't fit in that cage!

[Worst attempt ever. Giggling from tickles is not hot, Huaisang. D- at best.]

[ It is, in fact, flirting. Zenith is a bit more progressive -and aggressive - when it comes to this sort of thing. He feels like he's being subtle but doesn't realize that to most he's, in fact, being extremely forward to a good number of people here. ]

You're not the first to say that, [ is all he says, tentacle continuing to explore along Huaisang's skin. Despite the fact that it kind of falls flat as far as flirting goes, Quin actually finds it rather adorable. ]

Not the cage, no, [ he says, slllliding forward to brdige whatever distance is between them yet again. ] But maybe you might fit well with me? [ The question is punctuated with him pressing his body against Huasiang's, hands reaching forward to rest at his hips. He's seizing this opportunity while he can.

One of his tentacles now comes to wind around Huaisang's waist and tease at the waist of his pants. It slips just slightly beneath the cloth but lingers there. He's trying to maintain some sembelance of control even with as difficult as it is. ]

[Forward isn't necessarily bad, not for Huaisang at least. He's always had a very healthy interest in sex and all that comes along with it, but again. Unless you're a leech of an adulterous clan leader, who shan't be named, most people are being very goddamn boring and vanilla about romance and courtship. Much less sex. At least where he's from.

Huaisang has had his hefty and impressive collection of porn since he was a teenager, but books can only do so much. Things definitely weren't like THIS in them! Though he's had some experience since he's come to Vestige. Experience by the way of a little heavy patting and some making out with his new modern pal Klaus. His future stuff guru who's been helpful with a lot and been patient and has emphasized going at Huaisang's pace 100%.]

Oh-

[This is definitely 100% at Quin's pace and it's a bit dizzying, but Huaisang is more concerned he might not be enough for him. What his limited experience and uh, well he's missing a goddamn arm. Flushed, he'll press his hand to Quin's chest and has to collect his thoughts a bit. A lot is going on all at once.]

I don't... I really don't know. Professor, what if I've never done this before?

[He's not entirely sure how it goes with these modern folk. Is experience better in this situation or do they prefer someone, relatively, "untouched". He'll duck his head a little, looking sheepish.]

All my books back home never had anything like this in them.

[ Quin supposes The Fisherman's Wife was before Huasiang's time. That's alright. Maybe this will be an inspiration for it once he returns. What a fun thought. There's a lot of fun thoughts running through his mind now though.

A lot is going on. Even though he tries to behave, Quin finds himself barreling forward more often than not. And once he has his mind set it's difficult to steer him off course. The hand to his chest does press his pause button though momentarily since he recognizes it as a 'slow down' gesture rather than reciprocal. ]

I don't mind, [ he says, smiling. One of the hands on Huasiang's waist move to place it over the hand he's planted on his chest.
Hopefully, it's reassuring. ] Honestly, I think it's fun to give people the experience.

And who knows! Maybe you'll be the one to write books with this in them.

[The absolute absurdity of the idea that he'd go back home and if he remembered any of this would write a book, porn or otherwise, about fucking a strange tentacle man. Honestly he probably maybe would... and he'd illustrate it too. He'd have to do it under a false name though, if his brother found out he'd be so furious!

Nie Huaisang why are you writing and drawing porn when you should be practicing saber!

With reassurance that Quin is more than fine to help him with his lack of experience, Huaisang looks up with a smile on his face, nodding. Maybe he will do that when he goes home! Maybe he will. The fact Quin gives him that little nudge and doesn't judge him only makes him feel better about the situation. The hand on Quin's chest presses more firmly, fingers curling in his shirt as he pushes up on his toes to go in for a kiss.

It's not the best kiss Quin will ever receive, but what Huaisang lacks in finesse at the moment he makes up with eagerness.]

[ Quin hopes that he remembers. Of course, the good professor hopes that everyone remembers him in some way. He doesn't mind in what context just as long as he always occupies some part of their mind. And the idea of his, ahem, unique person being known to other worlds is an intoxicating idea.

#justnarcissitthings

He actually doesn't expect Huasiang to initiate. Not that he minds, of course, it just comes as a mild surprise. The eagerness is appreciated though, make no mistake. It isn't the best kiss, no, but he doesn't care because it's a kiss and, more specifically, his kiss. Since this seems like some semblance of consent, Quin will go ahead and charge forward as before.

If the man thought he'd be satisfied with one kiss, he'd be absolutely wrong. It's a wonder if the professor can even really be truly satisfied anymore, but- At least he can get close. Quin kisses him back heartily, helping guide his hand to remove his shirt. Meanwhile, his tentacles ( four now, as two slide out from under his collar) starting making moves to disrobe Huaisang as well. They're far too overdressed right now for his liking. ]

action!!!

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Warning for the spicy levels rising! Don't look children!

so spicy!!

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cw: officially diving into nsfw territory