[ elmott pauses at the mention of mail and it suddenly dawns on him. that's right, he made something for him, didn't he? it was just something he was experimenting with the previous night, it wasn't supposed to be anything special.
well, now he knows what this is about. ]
Oh, yeah? [ he's gonna play along anyway. ] What happened?
[ he knows that little bit of magic wouldn't be enough to burn his place down, but he can't hold back the quiet chuckle anyway. ]
Yeah, maybe. Seems like it's a hit with kids. [ hehe. anyway, something softens in his tone, feeling warm even as he steps out into the cold behind the cafe. ] Even if I said no, you'd still show up anyway, wouldn't you?
[ probably, or if not, he's likely heard of the cafe's new fiery chef. he doesn't keep it a secret. ]
How far are you? [ he's scanning the street as he walks back towards his apartment, but also looks up at the buildings, as if he could spot yan qing doing his parkour thing again. ] It's fine, I'm almost there. I'll see you in a bit.
[Elmott might catch a glimpse of hair like ink, flying in the wind! But that's all he'll see. Though Yan Qing's moving too fast for Elmott to track, he can be sure that Yan Qing will be there. He's never broken a promise yet.
When Elmott arrives, he'll find Yan Qing in front of his apartment and leaning against the door, looking incredibly bored as he waits for him. He might even be asleep?]
[ yan qing gets there before him as he expected, but he wasn't expecting him to wait for him outside of his door like that. elmott takes a moment to look at him, feeling stupid for feeling this fond already before he goes to nudge yan qing awake. ]
Hey, sleepyhead. [ he's gonna ruffle yan qing's hair, waving his other hand in front of the door to unlock it. ] Get inside before you catch a cold.
[Elmott should feel stupid, but Yan Qing is the bigger fool when he jolts awake from his nap. He stumbles backward from leaning on the door, catching himself the second he sees who he's been waiting for. Can't look too lame! Though now that Elmott's messed up his hair, he already does.
He kind of likes it, though.]
Woah! El? Uh... Welcome back!
[Shit, he missed his cue while he was sleeping! All that's left for him to do is follow Elmott and scramble inside, but that's okay. This is only Phase 1 of his master plan.]
How was your day? By the way, I ate your present, so mine was really good!
[ he's unfortunately unaware of whatever yan qing has planned, nudging the door closed with his foot as he pulls off his scarf and coat, the ugly earmuffs that he still kept from kobato. he looks tired as usual, but the fondness has yet to leave his expression as he listens to yan qing. it's nice, having someone to come back to, like being back home with the crew again. it's something he misses the most after arriving in lunatia. ]
Good to know. [ he puffs up a little inside, and if he looks pleased about it, well. no one can blame him. ] Mine was alright. Just busy.
[ he disappears into the kitchen to quickly heat up a pot of tea, coming back out with two mugs, one of which he gives yan qing. ]
So, what's this about, huh? You gonna spend Valentine's with a boring guy like me?
Aww, you're not boring! Wouldn't be here if you were.
[One might think that's because Yan Qing's wearing Elmott's jacket, but he truly doesn't think so. The guy does fire magic, likes motorcycles, and gives good life advice. That's more than Yan Qing could ever offer. Which begs the question: what can he do for him? Yan Qing's on the couch when he fidgets and it's unlike him, the way he looks into his teacup as he aearches for the words.]
You know, I always thought you were cool. Not a lot of people would hang out with me just like that, and you looked like you never gave a damn about what other people thought about you... Me, I'm always trying to please people all the time. [He bites his lip.] It was cool that you liked me.
[ it reminds him of the night when yan qing came over to give him that staff — seems like his couch is starting to become the go to place for deep conversations. elmott is quiet as he lets him take his time to find the right words, though he wasn't expecting the compliments. ]
Hanging out with you ain't a chore, you know. [ despite everything, he's always enjoyed the time they spent together. ] I don't go out of my way, or anything like that.
[ he's not used to being put on the spot like this. ]
Liking you isn't some difficult struggle to go through.
[ he's not sure what to say at first. he knows logically that the same could be applied to him, he's just never thought about it like that. things have changed since he met the crew, but the fact is he's not personable like the others, not as sociable or likable. ]
I guess I just didn't expect you to keep coming back.
[He sets his tea down, and his gaze softens as he leans back, looking at Elmott with fond green eyes. He knows the feeling of not expecting anything, of pushing others away despite yourself. The little things about Elmott start to click, and Yan Qing finally thinks he's begun to understand his kindness. No, not kindness—but what's it called? In his desire to understand, he draws closer.]
So I got every reason to, don't I? And now we're here.
[He takes him by the chin and it reminds him of that day at the amphitheatre. Same distance, same strong grip.
But this time, he smiles.]
You always look so tired. I hope I'm not wearing you out.
[ he watches as yan qing shifts closer, lets him hold his chin like he did not that long ago. he's close enough to feel his breath on his face again and elmott has to make a conscious effort not to pull away out of nervousness or whatever else that's always plagued him whenever yan qing gets close. he doesn't think he's been as physically close to anyone since djeeta, and it's a sobering thought, makes his whole face warm again. ]
I ain't as young as I used to be. [ he feels like he's aged ten years since he's arrived in lunatia. but yan qing's smile lingers in his mind even as he closes his eyes, relaxing into his touch. ] Keepin' up with you kids is a full time job.
I'm a kid? Well, sorry for giving you a hard time, teach.
[His laughter is low in his throat. Elmott talks a lot about getting old, but Yan Qing's not the one scared stiff from his touch. He doesn't judge. This is new to him, too: the beat of his heart, the rush of heat across his skin. If he should lose himself to the feeling, it won't be because he's afraid of finding anything else. So Yan Qing traces a careful line from Elmott's lips to his throat, and the next time he speaks, his breath is hot on his neck.]
I just wanna learn more about you.
[Slowly, Yan Qing pushes him down, the smirk still on his lips as he begins to savor the taste of everything he needs, right where he wants it.]
[ because he wouldn't allow one of his kids to get this close, nor would he allow himself to do this either — his lips part beneath yan qing's fingers, and his next inhale is shakier than it should be when he feels his breath on his neck. yan qing has barely touched him and elmott's chest feels too tight, heart beating rabbit-quick in his sternum.
i just wanna learn more about you, he says, and elmott thinks he already knows how to read him better than most people he knows.
he doesn't register that yan qing has pushed him down until his back meets the fabric of his couch and he swallows hard, finally blinking his eyes open to see him. but he can only see the top of yan qing's head as he shudders beneath him, and it's not fair that he feels this wrecked already. ]
Hey. [ it comes out breathier than he'd like, reaching up to frame his fingers along yan qing's jaw. ] C'mere for a sec.
[ at the very least, he owes him a proper kiss this time. ]
[He follows Elmott's hands without resistance and it's his heart's turn to race, every beat loud in his ears as he looks up and sees Elmott with a face he's never seen before. He's vulnerable, for once, and Yan Qing is overcome with a feeling he has yet to name.]
[ he shakes his head, suddenly forgetting how to speak, now that yan qing is so close to him. they're not in an amphitheater this time and neither of them are hurt, elmott can see him clearly, can smell him; yan qing is in every one of his senses and it's almost too much.
it doesn't take a lot of effort to lean in the scant distance between them, to press his lips against yan qing's soft and slow, a far cry from the hurried and desperate first kiss. he has his eyes closed again and he slides his hands from yan qing's jaw up into his hair, long strands slipping through his fingers like water. he feels lightheaded, feels like he's floating, and he breathes in shakily once he realizes that there should be more to this. he should... do more with his hands, or mouth, or something. but he hasn't done this before, has never entertained the thought of doing this with anyone because he's him and he knows he's not so easily likable.
but maybe it's okay. there's a million reasons why he shouldn't be doing this, but none of them stick. he holds yan qing close, cradles the back of his head with one hand and counts the seconds until he pulls away. ]
[Elmott doesn't know what to do. Yan Qing can tell. It doesn't matter. Yan Qing knows his struggles. Elmott likes to say he isn't meant for this, that he could never kiss or touch or hold someone for too long. It's never happened before. Yan Qing can't see why, but he thinks he can see how Elmott asks for it. Because if Elmott can be so kind to someone who doesn't deserve it, Yan Qing wants to believe it's selfishness. Otherwise, Elmott is a fool. Yan Qing knows what it's like to feel he is not wanted, and that he will never be. The desperation is all-consuming. There isn't a day he doesn't think about suddenly losing everything. Is Elmott scared of that? Lips are on lips and hands are in his hair and Yan Qing thinks he is scared, too, of losing this: the feeling of belonging, of trusting, of understanding the reason behind every action so that he can know what to do. And when Elmott brings him closer, Yan Qing doesn't need to ask what comes next.
The kiss returned is slow and deep as it savors the chroma running beneath their veins. Pleasure closes in on them as they forget the cold tea on the coffee and the breaths they need to keep going. Elmott runs his fingers through Yan Qing's hair and he draws out a soft sound of pleasure that pours into their kiss, followed by the murmur of a name. Hurried hands begin to tug at Elmott's shirt, tearing it open button by button. Rough fingers find bare skin. A command:]
[ it's difficult to think about things like the tea getting cold, or how one of his legs hangs off the couch in an awkward angle so that both of them can fit on his couch. it's difficult to think at all, really, the moment yan qing makes that sound and it shoots right down his spine, like he'd poured hot water down the back of his shirt. his fingers twitch in yan qing's hair, almost tugging it on instinct, but he's distracted by the hands working his shirt open. ]
—What? [ how is his voice so rough already? he clears his throat, blinks past the dizziness to focus on yan qing's face, and shivers when the cooler air meets his skin. ] You already know, don't you?
[ yan qing has to know. elmott is easy to read despite how much he covers it up with his prickly exterior, and it's harder to do around people he cares about. tell me what you want feels like a broad and hazy concept, something all-encompassing that even he's not sure he can really define. but it starts with yan qing and it ends with yan qing, so— ]
[Yan Qing's hand slides down Elmott's chest, fingertips brushing against a nipple before they reach his tight stomach. The kisses don't stop. They are constant and overwhelming, as the first time always is, all these sensations and points of touch they never thought they could feel here and now. Is it the chroma? Yan Qing doesn't want to think that it's science working in their favor. It can't be just anybody, not the chemistry or the way their bodies fit. Honesty can't only be found in the night. And now that he has it, he'll wear it down and wring out every last drop.
The clink of Elmott's buckle sounds like a ringing in his ears as he undoes it in a hurry, his whispers hot on Elmott's skin when he asks,] You've done this before?
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[ he's so glad no one is in the kitchen with him right now to see his pink face. ]
Nothing's changed much since last time. What about you?
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[Casually sitting on the edge of a tall building right now, swaying his feet.]
Yeah... Actually, I didn't get it in the mail, someone passed it onto me. Said I couldn't open it 'til I got home. You wanna know what happened next?
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well, now he knows what this is about. ]
Oh, yeah? [ he's gonna play along anyway. ] What happened?
1/2
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But I dunno. I still wanna come over. Can I?
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Yeah, maybe. Seems like it's a hit with kids. [ hehe. anyway, something softens in his tone, feeling warm even as he steps out into the cold behind the cafe. ] Even if I said no, you'd still show up anyway, wouldn't you?
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[He hops from building to building, looking for that cafe. Has Elmott told him about it? Probably. Probably not! He knows either way.]
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How far are you? [ he's scanning the street as he walks back towards his apartment, but also looks up at the buildings, as if he could spot yan qing doing his parkour thing again. ] It's fine, I'm almost there. I'll see you in a bit.
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[Elmott might catch a glimpse of hair like ink, flying in the wind! But that's all he'll see. Though Yan Qing's moving too fast for Elmott to track, he can be sure that Yan Qing will be there. He's never broken a promise yet.
When Elmott arrives, he'll find Yan Qing in front of his apartment and leaning against the door, looking incredibly bored as he waits for him. He might even be asleep?]
Zzz... Zzz... Elmott's place...
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Hey, sleepyhead. [ he's gonna ruffle yan qing's hair, waving his other hand in front of the door to unlock it. ] Get inside before you catch a cold.
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He kind of likes it, though.]
Woah! El? Uh... Welcome back!
[Shit, he missed his cue while he was sleeping! All that's left for him to do is follow Elmott and scramble inside, but that's okay. This is only Phase 1 of his master plan.]
How was your day? By the way, I ate your present, so mine was really good!
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[ he's unfortunately unaware of whatever yan qing has planned, nudging the door closed with his foot as he pulls off his scarf and coat, the ugly earmuffs that he still kept from kobato. he looks tired as usual, but the fondness has yet to leave his expression as he listens to yan qing. it's nice, having someone to come back to, like being back home with the crew again. it's something he misses the most after arriving in lunatia. ]
Good to know. [ he puffs up a little inside, and if he looks pleased about it, well. no one can blame him. ] Mine was alright. Just busy.
[ he disappears into the kitchen to quickly heat up a pot of tea, coming back out with two mugs, one of which he gives yan qing. ]
So, what's this about, huh? You gonna spend Valentine's with a boring guy like me?
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[One might think that's because Yan Qing's wearing Elmott's jacket, but he truly doesn't think so. The guy does fire magic, likes motorcycles, and gives good life advice. That's more than Yan Qing could ever offer. Which begs the question: what can he do for him? Yan Qing's on the couch when he fidgets and it's unlike him, the way he looks into his teacup as he aearches for the words.]
You know, I always thought you were cool. Not a lot of people would hang out with me just like that, and you looked like you never gave a damn about what other people thought about you... Me, I'm always trying to please people all the time. [He bites his lip.] It was cool that you liked me.
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Hanging out with you ain't a chore, you know. [ despite everything, he's always enjoyed the time they spent together. ] I don't go out of my way, or anything like that.
[ he's not used to being put on the spot like this. ]
Liking you isn't some difficult struggle to go through.
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[Yan Qing says so, just so he can own it. He takes a sip of his tea to wash it down, too.]
The same goes for you, you know? [He snorts.] You're always telling me you look like shit before I can say anything. You saying it's hard for me?
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[ he's not sure what to say at first. he knows logically that the same could be applied to him, he's just never thought about it like that. things have changed since he met the crew, but the fact is he's not personable like the others, not as sociable or likable. ]
I guess I just didn't expect you to keep coming back.
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[He sets his tea down, and his gaze softens as he leans back, looking at Elmott with fond green eyes. He knows the feeling of not expecting anything, of pushing others away despite yourself. The little things about Elmott start to click, and Yan Qing finally thinks he's begun to understand his kindness. No, not kindness—but what's it called? In his desire to understand, he draws closer.]
So I got every reason to, don't I? And now we're here.
[He takes him by the chin and it reminds him of that day at the amphitheatre. Same distance, same strong grip.
But this time, he smiles.]
You always look so tired. I hope I'm not wearing you out.
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I ain't as young as I used to be. [ he feels like he's aged ten years since he's arrived in lunatia. but yan qing's smile lingers in his mind even as he closes his eyes, relaxing into his touch. ] Keepin' up with you kids is a full time job.
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[His laughter is low in his throat. Elmott talks a lot about getting old, but Yan Qing's not the one scared stiff from his touch. He doesn't judge. This is new to him, too: the beat of his heart, the rush of heat across his skin. If he should lose himself to the feeling, it won't be because he's afraid of finding anything else. So Yan Qing traces a careful line from Elmott's lips to his throat, and the next time he speaks, his breath is hot on his neck.]
I just wanna learn more about you.
[Slowly, Yan Qing pushes him down, the smirk still on his lips as he begins to savor the taste of everything he needs, right where he wants it.]
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[ because he wouldn't allow one of his kids to get this close, nor would he allow himself to do this either — his lips part beneath yan qing's fingers, and his next inhale is shakier than it should be when he feels his breath on his neck. yan qing has barely touched him and elmott's chest feels too tight, heart beating rabbit-quick in his sternum.
i just wanna learn more about you, he says, and elmott thinks he already knows how to read him better than most people he knows.
he doesn't register that yan qing has pushed him down until his back meets the fabric of his couch and he swallows hard, finally blinking his eyes open to see him. but he can only see the top of yan qing's head as he shudders beneath him, and it's not fair that he feels this wrecked already. ]
Hey. [ it comes out breathier than he'd like, reaching up to frame his fingers along yan qing's jaw. ] C'mere for a sec.
[ at the very least, he owes him a proper kiss this time. ]
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What? Did you want to go first?
[Because he's trying not to be.]
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it doesn't take a lot of effort to lean in the scant distance between them, to press his lips against yan qing's soft and slow, a far cry from the hurried and desperate first kiss. he has his eyes closed again and he slides his hands from yan qing's jaw up into his hair, long strands slipping through his fingers like water. he feels lightheaded, feels like he's floating, and he breathes in shakily once he realizes that there should be more to this. he should... do more with his hands, or mouth, or something. but he hasn't done this before, has never entertained the thought of doing this with anyone because he's him and he knows he's not so easily likable.
but maybe it's okay. there's a million reasons why he shouldn't be doing this, but none of them stick. he holds yan qing close, cradles the back of his head with one hand and counts the seconds until he pulls away. ]
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The kiss returned is slow and deep as it savors the chroma running beneath their veins. Pleasure closes in on them as they forget the cold tea on the coffee and the breaths they need to keep going. Elmott runs his fingers through Yan Qing's hair and he draws out a soft sound of pleasure that pours into their kiss, followed by the murmur of a name. Hurried hands begin to tug at Elmott's shirt, tearing it open button by button. Rough fingers find bare skin. A command:]
Tell me what you want.
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—What? [ how is his voice so rough already? he clears his throat, blinks past the dizziness to focus on yan qing's face, and shivers when the cooler air meets his skin. ] You already know, don't you?
[ yan qing has to know. elmott is easy to read despite how much he covers it up with his prickly exterior, and it's harder to do around people he cares about. tell me what you want feels like a broad and hazy concept, something all-encompassing that even he's not sure he can really define. but it starts with yan qing and it ends with yan qing, so— ]
I want you, stupid.
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The clink of Elmott's buckle sounds like a ringing in his ears as he undoes it in a hurry, his whispers hot on Elmott's skin when he asks,] You've done this before?
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i can't believe this is happening
same I'm just closing my eyes
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