farsickness | Seasonal Event: Oktoberfest

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Seasonal Event: Oktoberfest

WHO: You
WHEN: October/November
WHAT: It’s that time of year, Fall is in the air, the trees are changing, and Gazin is celebrating Harvest! Below you will find celebrations and prompts for your consideration.
WHERE: Gazin
WARNINGS: None

Catfe Gerdri
A small cafe opened its doors onto its friendly little street. Inside it was selling hot drinks with funny names to make its clientele laugh for the season. There were pumpkin drinks and apple drinks, drinks made with coffee, drinks made with tea but the real draw was its cats. There were cats of all sizes and all needed to be pet and loved on. They were even autumn colours; creams and whites, gingers and deep browns. Some of them were up for adoption and had little red collars on with little golden bells. They looked fancy and neat and ready to travel.

In the cool autumn air, come in for a hot drink, meet fellow travellers, and stay for the fabulous company of Mrs Gerdri’s cats. If you’re looking for a job, the cat lady herself is hiring! Must love cats.

Harvest Festival
Gather around! It’s that time of year of harvest and merriment that no other season can do just right! It’s the Harvest Festival in Gazin, of course! There’s games and prizes to be won, music and laughter, magic to be seen, and all sorts of harvest foods to be had. Try some cake, have some bread, make something magical for a friend!

Whatever you choose, leave room for dancing because Gazin sure goes all out with spectacle and music and their finest of beers. There’s something for everyone at the Harvest Festival, which will run for six weeks before it’s done.

Gazin’s Shield Day
Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian, Xue Yang, Wen Kexing, Zhou Zishu, Merlan O’Keefe and many other locals have been busy for quite some time working on a citywide shielding project for Gazin. On this day, they’re making it official with the revealing of the project in its final state. It’s enough of an accomplishment that it’s become a bonafide celebration in itself. There will be a magic fireworks display as well as festivities. With so many talented magic users in on this feat, its success is assured.

Monsters beware, Gazin is now officially protected!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The bread is shifted out of the way and Zichen steps closer, offering himself as a resting place for Xingchen. He presses their palms together, entwining their fingers and he gives a little shiver when they part from the kiss. The way Xingchen leans against him has him smiling and he closes his eyes, enjoying the fact that they are breathing in the same air.

"I won't ever speak cruelly to you again. I want to spend my life loving you." he opens his eyes slowly - the eyes Xingchen had given him, "Would you...spend a day with me?"

He has gone on dates with Xue Yang, but he has yet to have that joy with Xingchen.

"Forever." Not just until these lives end. Soulmates spending this life and into the next. Xingchen sees himself walking through all it with Zichen. He knows that they can't always controls the path their lives take them down but if he can help it, he will not make the same mistakes he once did.

"Of course. There is nothing I would rather do." Spending the day with Zichen was the best way he could spend any day. He doesn't know what the man has planned but whatever it is, Xingchen will gladly partake in all of it.

There is hope in that word. Forever. Zichen nudges their foreheads together affectionately, shyly, gazing unblinkingly at Xingchen's features. His soulmate's sweetness will follow them from one life to the next, he is sure of it. He must protect this dear man.

"Tomorrow." he leans in for another kiss, this one a little firmer, "We can walk together and visit the hot springs."

Many wonderful things are possible in water. He wants to teach Xingchen what he has learned.

He is looking forward to the day out. Even though they live together, there is something different about having planned day together. There is still much in this place that Xingchen has ventured out to do.

He returns the kiss, noticing the slightly stronger way that Zichen gives this one. Clearly a sign of how much he is also looking forward to tomorrows events. When their lips part he smiles, "I look forward to it. I'm not sure I have visited them before."

Ushering his soulmate into their house, he takes the bread to the kitchen before he rejoins Xingchen. He is excited for their date and he is finding it difficult to not touch the other man. From Xingchen's soft hair to his warm skin, it almost feels like he was made to be held.

"You will like them. I will make sure we have privacy." so Xingchen doesn't have to worry about embarrassment.

Taking a chance, he tucks some hair behind Xingchen's ears and bends his head, nuzzling his soulmate's neck.

He finds it sweet how Zichen wants to make sure they will be able to enjoy the hot springs quietly. He doesn't necessarily want to usher anyone away from them if they are also there to enjoy the hot springs. But he does want to be able to enjoy the alone time with the other man. They will be far more comfortable if there aren't any others around. And he doesn't necessarily want to disrobe in front of other people. Xingchen is a private person and not one that wishes to draw attention to himself any more then necessary.

"Just don't go through too much trouble on my account." He doesn't want the man to have to make too much of a fuss. If it is too busy they will figure something out.

He feels a warmth through his body as Zichen nuzzles against his neck. His arms come up to encircle the other man, flattening his hands against his back. His head tilts slightly, almost out of reflex as if allowing the other to have as much access to that place as possible.

For the sake of being alone with Xingchen, Zichen is prepared to be a little...selfish. And protective. He wants to sit in the hot springs with his soulmate without any interruptions. They are both private men and Zichen too dislikes attention, especially when he feels vulnerable.

But he has no trouble being vulnerable with Xingchen.

"It's no trouble." he would move heaven and earth for his soulmate, yet saying so won't set Xingchen's worries at ease. So instead he nuzzles in close, pleased at the arms that welcome him. With more of that beautiful neck exposed, his nuzzling turns to soft, feather-light kisses.

He is sure that Zichen can feel his heart beating a little too quickly, whether through his chest which is pressed against the other man's or the pulse that his lips place kisses so close to. He tries to keep it steady but he can't help how the close contact makes him feel. So unused to such affections before coming to this place. Never expecting himself to be able to share such an embrace with Zichen after everything they have been through.

"You are too good to me." He says softly, holding the man just a little tighter, as if afraid that he might leave him at any moment. Worried that if he lets his grip loosen even a little this place might send him away. He has never felt like he belonged as much as he feels it when in Zichen's arms. To lose that would be devastating.

But isn't he the one that always seems to leave? That he was here before and left suddenly...even more reason to hold on tightly to that which he doesn't want to lose.

He loves that heart and the body that keeps it safe. Zichen has learned a great deal about how to show love - and how to enjoy this - from Xue Yang. He had needed someone stubborn and resilient to break through his fears and help him gain courage and confidence. Now, thanks to those lessons, he can finally draw Xingchen as close as he has always wanted him to be. Yes, his heart races too, but from exhilaration - not terror.

"How can I be too good to you? You deserve everything I have to give." Zichen embraces Xingchen snugly, finding that quick pulse and pressing a firmer kiss to the skin covering it, "I love you, Xingchen."

His hands are gentle, caressing his soulmate's back and softly teasing his hair.

"I need you with me."

Those words are so lovely to hear. He'll never grow tired of them, especially when they are said by Zichen's voice so close to his ear. "I love and need you too." And if he can help it they will never be apart again. It will take an incredible feat to tear them from each other. Something this world is probably capable of but Xingchen will do anything he can to make sure that doesn't happen.

"I've made many mistakes. I'm happy that they are not ones that could not be forgiven."

"I'm here." Zichen shakes his head and brushes a soft kiss against Xingchen's lips, "There was never anything to forgive. You've never done less than your best and...I have learned. I need to be less harsh; I need to adopt your empathy."

No, his arms haven't released his soulmate. He doesn't want to. Xingchen is everything precious in the world.

"You're perfect as you are." He couldn't and never would ask Zichen to change anything about himself. The mistakes of their pasts are long behind them and moments like this as what heals the wounds that were caused because of them.

He nuzzles against the other's face, feeling completely enveloped in Zichen's love.

"Would you allow me...Xingchen...to make love to you?" Zichen murmurs against his soulmate's cheek, "You will have complete control, I give you my word. I would never force you."

Ever. The very idea disgusts him. However, the idea of loving Xingchen, of touching him and showing him how good intimacy can be makes his heart beat faster.

He sucks in air at the request, surprised but also finding that he wants that more then anything. To be completely with Zichen in every possible way. But there is also a hesitation because Zichen is wedded to another. And that is a trust that Xingchen dares not break. Even if the both of them have always simply treated him as part of the family.

His hands come up to touch either side of Zichen's face, gently laying his hands against his cheeks. "I want that. I want to be with you in that way as well...but...I don't want to make you break your vows to another."

He knows that Zichen would never make him do anything he wouldn't want to do. But he wants this and he knows it. And even though being like this makes him want to forget all propriety, the small piece of him holds out just to make sure that they can go forward without guilt.

Before he even knew he could care for Xue Yang, Zichen had understood and accepted that the delinquent was in a relationship with Xingchen. It had been difficult for him and he had to face his jealousy daily, but since Xingchen asked him to keep Fuxue sheathed, he had done so.

Now the tables are turned and Zichen wants to be very clear. He holds Xingchen against him and kisses each of his soulmate's palms as they come to rest against his cheeks.

"The vows I made A-Yang include you."

They always have. Neither Xue Yang or himself have given up on or forgotten their love for Xingchen. That would simply be impossible.

"I love you, Xingchen. A-Yang knows that and it has never given him pause."

In fact, it was something they shared; a point of bonding for them once the jealousy dimmed.

"I think he would be happy for us." his cheeks flush, "I know this isn't...normal, but there has always been a place for you."

Edited 2021-11-02 11:02 (UTC)

"Zichen..." It's overwhelming to think he would be included in such a thing. He knows that he has been here before even if he doesn't remember it. He might not fully know the whole story but he understand their love and that is what matters.

"I love you too." He kisses him, feeling that worry about everything melt away. Zichen wouldn't like to him and so if he says that the other would accept this then he believes him. He has no reason not to. And a part of him already knew it even if he was afraid to accept it. He can feel the warmth of those cheeks beneath his hands.

When he breaks the kiss, keeping it brief as more like a promise that he won't let his guilt keep them apart. "I would like nothing better then be able to share everything with you."

A sweet smile curves Zichen's lips and he returns the kiss, amazed that this could be his too. He feels entirely undeserving, but he is determined to make it good - no, perfect - for his Xingchen.

"Come with me." he takes his soulmate's hand and guides him to his bedroom. Xingchen's bed will be a better place to be together, he thinks. The bedroom he shares with Xue Yang might inspire feelings of jealousy or discomfort.

He turns to face the other man when they are standing by the bed and draws him into a slow kiss, his hands rubbing over Xingchen's back. There is no rush. This is about them knowing each other better. Loving each other better.

Edited 2021-11-02 11:18 (UTC)

He follows along quietly, feeling his heart beat in his throat as he thinks about what is about to happen. He notices immediately the direction he is taken, grateful for the familiarity of his own room without thinking about any of the reasons for choosing it.

He wraps his arms around Zichen as he draws him into that kiss, returning it with all the love he feels in his heart. Thankfully keeping any of his anticipation of excitement at bay for now. His fingers threading through Zichen's hair as he encircles the man's neck with his arms. He has so much to discover about his soulmate. He had thought he knew all there was, but this is all new territory for him. It makes him nervous and excited all in one.

His hands are soft as he touches Xingchen, treating his soulmate as gently as he would a bird with a broken wing. Zichen knows some of what Xingchen has gone through - and will go through - and he wants to show him the love he deserves. They have had too much tragedy.

The kiss deepens and Zichen makes a soft sound in his throat, his hands stroking Xingchen's hair and then...

Loosening that blindfold. Xingchen has nothing to hide from him.

"I love you." he repeats, "You don't have to hide."

He sucks in air sharply as he feels that bandage loosening. There is so much pain, anxiety, ugliness hidden by that white piece of fabric. It is a shield for others so they don't have to be disgusted by his appearance. But it is also armor for himself in a way. A reminder of what he has done that he cannot forget. A way to protect himself from scrutiny of others and questions they dare not answer.

But that is being stripped away, leaving him more vulnerable and naked then even the removal of clothing could possibly do. "Zichen..." The one person who he trusts so completely and perhaps the only one that he would allow to remove that bandage. Always so careful to change it and clean it when alone.

"I love you too...I never want to hide anything from you, or hide from you...ever again."

Xingchen is so thoughtful of others, ready to endure isolation, discomfort and pain in order to make those around him more comfortable. But Zichen is sensitive to how his soulmate feels and Xingchen has no need - no reason - to hide from him. Thus the bandage is removed and placed on a table. He then cups Xingchen's beautiful face between his hands, pressing a kiss to each eyelid. Softly.

"You don't need to hide from me." he smiles shakily, gathering his poor sweet mate into his arms, "The sacrifice you made for me... I've never forgotten. Thank you." his voice shakes with tender emotion, "Let me love you."

One of his hands falls to tug on the tie around Xingchen's waist.

Edited 2021-11-09 14:23 (UTC)

He wraps his arms around Zichen, feeling that warmth as those kisses land on that sensitive part of his face. Hearing the emotion and the love in Zichen's voice. He is ready to let the other man love him, to be completely his not only in soul and heart but in body as well. He realizes he has probably been ready for far longer but was just too worried that he didn't deserve to have so much.

One hand comes up to run along Zichen's trim on his robes, following it up Zichen's chest. Tentative but exploring. "I'm ready to let you have everything." Said softly, but firmly as he lets his hand rest against Zichen's neck.

Xingchen deserves all he can give. He holds his breath as his soulmate's delicate hand explores him. Then he smiles, broadly, bringing Xingchen's hand up so he can feel the expression. Zichen's heart hammers in his chest and he makes a quick decision, flushing.

"I have taken your blindfold from you. Let me be as open with you." he brings Xingchen's hands up and kisses those palms. Then he begins to undress, untying his robe and letting it fall from his shoulders. With each move, he encourages Xingchen to touch him, to feel the fabric stripped away.

Edited 2021-11-25 02:37 (UTC)

He smiles as he feels that expression beneath his hand. Letting his thumb pass over that set of lips and feeling that smile beneath the skin before his hands are moving down again. He lets fingers feel along the skin that has been revealed. He holds his breath as fingers feel along Zichen's collarbones and then down the smooth shoulders.

He lets the air out of his lungs slowly as he brings his hands back up to flatten his palms against Zichen's chest. Part of him can't believe they have gotten to this point.

He loves watching Xingchen explore and when that sweet hand settles on his chest, he understands. Covering Xingchen's fingers with his own, giving them a little squeeze, he presses a soft kiss to his soulmate's lips.

"I belong to you. I always have." Zichen counts that as one of his unchangeable truths. He gently guides Xingchen's hand lower, down his abdomen.

"Since you can't see me, you must build a picture in your mind." he brings their foreheads together, "Do I suit you, Xingchen?"

Seasonal Event: Oktoberfest

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