[ sometimes he feels as if the loneliness that he's felt for so long has only recently been surfaced now that he knows what companionship feels like. for a while after he had been picked up by the Express, Dan Heng enjoyed his own solitude. Welt and Himeko were both very supportive of his needs, never pressing, but being present when they needed him.
then came March, babbling, full of energy as if she were experiencing the world for the first time. it was a different sort of feeling to have someone who cared enough to be in his space. after that, Caelus, who, like March, quite liked being in his space. however, Caelus came with a certain level of understand of sharing nightmares and the feeling of something else in your head with you. perhaps they all came from some place similar, wandered alone, then found one another.
so, when Caelus offers to bunk with him, Dan Heng welcomes the company in his own, muted way. it's also nice to have his company be wanted, as well as want the company, even if Caelus is, well, the way he is. Dan Heng has only taken a little bit of getting to know him to find all of eccentricities rather endearing.
he leaves the door open because he's busy tagging something in the data bank, figuring that Caelus can let himself in whenever he decides to head over. March is in her room, which is between the two of them, and he idly wonders if he can trust Caelus to make it without alerting her, but he's just going to have to ... deal with it (and try not to think about it). he has a distraction: he has to prepare to store all the information that Caelus wants to add about hot yaoi, after all. ]
[ To his credit, despite his slightly boxy frame and the destructive boisterousness with which he sometimes carries himself, Caelus slips into the archives almost soundlessly. Turns out he can be pretty light on his feet on those sneakers of his — and, well, when he's doing kind of an exaggerated ninja secret agent thing, spinning into the room from the hall and immediately pressing his back to the wall like he's been trained to minimize enemy attacks.
Solemnly, he catches Dan Heng's eye in the middle of this nonsense, and then nods, returning to a more relaxed posture. ]
Clear. No assassins here.
[ Which — well, obviously he knew that. But honestly, every time someone calls Dan Heng "Dan Feng" instead of his real name, Caelus gets incensed about it. Today is no exception, and he's frustrated because he doesn't have an outlet for these feelings, but it's just so irritating, the fact that it would cost these people nothing to just be decent and treat Dan Heng like a person, but they all want to hold him in contempt for things he didn't do, all the same.
Whatever. It's annoying because he knows that Dan Heng wouldn't want him to be like this anyway, but nothing will satisfy his angry heart except holding Dan Heng in his arms for the entire evening, and Dan Heng wouldn't want that, either. (Maybe? Maybe not. Maybe it's more doable than Caelus thinks it is.)
He walks over to where Dan Heng's standing near one of the bookshelves, peeking over his shoulder with a slightly guilty look on his face. It's almost as if he expects to be chastised for his overprotective behavior.
He rests his chin on Dan Heng's shoulder and wraps his arms around Dan Heng's waist. But, y'know. In a bro way. As bros do. Just draping himself over Dan Heng, casually. ]
...I won't let anyone touch you.
[ It sounds more like he's trying to reassure himself. ]
[ as he tries to somehow settle himself between his former and current incarnations, he has Caelus, who advocates him so fiercely that it touches something inside of him. it's a reminder of how he's Dan Heng, like a chime through the silence when his past threatens to suffocate him. it makes him feel soft, even when Caelus slides through the door like some kind of spy from a radio drama. the whole thing is somewhat ridiculous, even the bit about the assassins, but he lets his friend sweep in and attach to him.
it's a little odd to be touched, but it's not unwelcome. he's baffled at times at how easily this sort of affection comes to Caelus, and he wonders if it comes without having the baggage of certain memories.
when Caelus rests his head on his shoulder, Dan Heng lets those thoughts fade. he tilts his head slightly toward his friend from the data bank entry he was reading. ]
You don't have to be this protective. Are you really that worried?
[ but he doesn't do anything to dislodge him. while Dan Heng seems purposefully distant, he doesn't feel the need to be that way with Caelus. ]
[ Caelus hums thoughtfully, moving his head slightly where it's resting on Dan Heng's shoulder. ]
Not really, I guess? I mean, I know that if anyone actually came, you'd just — [ he imitates Dan Heng's two-fingered hydromancy gesture, to great comedic effect, though it does nothing ] — fwshhh, and then they wouldn't be a problem anymore.
[ He puts his hands down and wraps them solidly around Dan Heng's waist again. He's warm and solid, like a big blanket. ]
...I just don't like it. Everyone is so mean to you, and you just have to put up with it. [ He sounds more sulky than he is incensed. Idly, his eyes flick forward, trying to read the data bank screen over Dan Heng's shoulder. ] It shouldn't be that way. People should be nicer to you.
[ He closes his eyes, relaxing, though there's a slightly dark, destructive undertone to the way he adds: ]
[ it's a vulnerable confession, and Dan Heng understands. there are times that he hates everyone too, but it came in fleeting waves, rather than anything that sunk deeply into his soul. as soon as someone needs help, Caelus will be there, like turning a switch in his mind. he feels deeply, especially for others, and it's moving in its own way, though occasionally he wishes that he could pull Caelus to the surface so he wouldn't harm himself in the depth of his own emotions.
the people who hated Dan Feng had reason to. it wasn't as if Dan Feng hadn't wrought them in the consequences of his experimentation, deliberate or not. if he sat in all of those he could hate, it would eat him away, bit by bit. however, Caelus' intensity toward the subject is ... comforting. ]
I have you, and I have the Express. [ he says it as if he's trying to comfort Caelus rather than himself. his voice is steady, but gentle. ] That's all I need. Besides, I have my own freedom now.
[ though he wonders if Jingliu and Blade will ever be relieved of their own personal hatreds – it had been a long time for them, and they've stood steady against it. they'll both live forever, after all. he doesn't want to think about that. after all, to feel great joy is to feel deep wounds.
Dan Heng shakes his head, as if clearing his thoughts; in the same motion, he reaches down to path one of Caelus' hands around his waist.
he changes the subject. ]
Didn't you have something to add to the data bank?
[ he's looking at the entry for the arctic bear cub, updating it with a picture March took last time they were in Belobog. it's cute, and the bear is making a cute yawning motion. maybe looking at cute things makes him feel better. ]
[ ...He's forgotten. He's just kind of content the way he is right now, snuggled into Dan Heng's back, feeling his warmth and the firm planes of his body through his clothes. Looking over his shoulder at a cute, helpless bear that is often placid and docile enough to let him pick it up to see if it's sitting on anything useful. It's just too bad they can't take one of those bears with them...
...
Cute bear...
Cute boy...
What was he mad about again? Suddenly his rage and hatred for the universe seems to have melted away. He closes his eyes and buries his face in the nape of Dan Heng's neck again. It just feels so nice to be so intimate...
...
Then he remembers. ]
Oh, shoot! My yaoi!
[ In an instant — sorry, Dan Heng, it's not that he doesn't love you — Caelus has abruptly detangled himself from the hug to go over to one of the terminals that Dan Heng isn't occupying. (There are actually several in the data bank room, although Dan Heng typically only uses one; the Nameless used to be greater in number, though, and the archives can probably support about five points of data entry at one time, with room for expansion whenever Pom-Pom wills it.)
He is, apparently, extremely inspired. Never let it be said that the Trailblazer is not a skilled writer when he wants to be. He's typing away with gusto, starting immediately on an entry that will explain the entire history of "boy's love" and "slash" to Dan Heng, complete with — one hopes, when he gets to the end of the article — fanfic about Dan Heng and Caelus themselves. ]
Damn it, I need citations for the history... Well, I'll do the research later, let me just get through the basics...
[ ...Your ideal (?) archives partner, Dan Heng. He's so hardworking when he wants to be. ]
[ Dan Heng breathes in through his nose, and out his lips, watching Caelus write the fanfic response to Untouchable Lovers. it's keeping his mind off the worse parts of the world, so Dan Heng can't be too exasperated about it. of course Caelus works diligently when it's something that interests him – even if that's ... yaoi ...
Dan Heng realizes he'll have to review the entry later. well, darn, he sort of walked right into that one. (shut up Dan Heng, it might be hot.) ]
Just remember to do it you have some time. I'd rather the article be fully sourced if it needs to be referred back to later.
[ he sounds so serious about this, as everything within the archive must! have! proper! citations! sourcing! in a specific format!
(why would they need to refer back to it later, Dan Heng? huh??)
then he goes back to updating the passage on the arctic bear cub and its recorded habits. it's amazing that he can do it with such a straight-face, because this is all data bank business, and it's Serious. ]
...
[ he's quite for a moment as they clack clack clack along their duties, and then he feels compelled to follow up in the comfortable silence: ]
[ There's a naughty little smirk in Caelus's voice when he asks that, though if Dan Heng turns to look at his face, it only shows a tiny smile. Just the barest quirk of his lips as he types away, ironing out Dan Heng's very special Data Bank Business. ]
Like stuff about us? [ He tips his head to one side, slightly knowing. Unless he's off-base, then he doesn't know anything at all. ] Is that what you're thinking?
[ A light laugh, as he shakes his head. Well, yes, there is that, but... ]
[ Dan Heng looks up at him and he knows that Caelus knows what would be unnecessary. though he can't really say much about it, he is the one who likes things in the data bank, no matter how absurd they may turn out. all he can do is give Caelus an classic Dan Heng side-eye and sigh, and expect some semblance of behavior from him.
(Dan Heng is probably being a bit to overly dramatic about his exasperation, but he does drop it.) ]
What kind of stuff about us? [ he casually looks uninterested, flickering through images on his terminal. ] Are you thinking about it that much to have something ready?
[ his attention is off Caelus now and back to his business of whatever he was doing before Caelus arrived, intent on finishing it before Caelus somehow distracts him again and they end up sampling Xianzhou specialties or something. ]
[ Caelus says this with a handsome grin that is probably slightly more dazzling than he realizes it actually is. This is a non-answer, though, or at least it doesn't answer Dan Heng's actual question. The Vidyadhara, it seems, will just have to wait and see how Caelus constructs the Trailblazerpedia article on Hot Yaoi.
He is typing at an alarmingly rapid pace for a while before he suddenly stops, leans back slightly where he's standing, and asks: ]
Hey, don't you have portable terminals?
[ C'mon, Dan Heng, this is the sci-fi zone! There's got to be laptop-esque devices somewhere on the Express, right? Caelus wants to work off a laptop so that he can — ]
[ it is particularly charming when Caelus manages to pull that smile off, along with a sweet bit of sincerity where Dan Heng can't help but feel his chest flutter. it's not a feeling that takes him often, but perhaps more often now, here on the Express. maybe he doesn't notice the barest smile turn up on his lips as Caelus continues to click away. ]
On the shelf under the desk.
[ he replies like it's some normal thing.
adjacent to the futon laid over the blue tiles. it's the one thing in his room that's always in some state of disarray, along with the books that he pulls off the shelves around it.
Dan Heng doesn't follow him right away, he's finishing up at his terminal with his entry. Caelus has spoken, but he may need to do a little seducing to get Dan Heng to follow him at a timely pace (he gets a little too into his work sometimes). ]
[ They don't need to be in any kind of rush. Caelus calmly wraps up what he's working on, then powers off his terminal to go pick up one of the portable ones. Two of them, in fact, because he's expecting Dan Heng to join him. Feeling playful, he half-shuffles, half-dances his way over to Dan Heng's futon — it's dorky, but he did get lessons in Penacony, so it's actually kind of good — and then makes himself seductively comfortable in the bed.
Seduction time. He poses like he's got a rose in his mouth, leaning his head on his arm, flexing his juicy biceps (which are a bit hard to see through his loose shirt anyway). Dan Heng, come to bed. ]
Master Dan Heng... your bedwarmer is here to serve you.
[ It is possible that Dan Heng doesn't quite like being addressed in this way, but to be fair, Caelus's silly, dramatic tone of voice and roguish wink will go a long way to let the Vidyadhara know that he's joking. Haha... unless? ]
[ Dan Heng keeps his eyes on what's working on, even though Caelus is being awfully distracting. his philosophy has always been around discipline, making sure his work is completed before he indulges (honestly, he's still having quite the time learning how to indulge).
keeping his eyes forward, he types whatever silly thing he's got about the cute bear on Belobog as Caelus makes himself comfortable on his futon. he's dimly aware of his boyfriend sniffing around the sheets before he settles, and he should join him, shouldn't he ... ]
Master Dan Heng needs a moment–
[ then he looks up. there's Caelus, on his elbow, beckoning for him beneath the comfy sheets looking ludicrously attentive.
he doesn't, actually, need more time for his work. what he needs is to center himself enough to feel comfortable allowing himself to accept the invitation. really, he feels like it sounds kind of stupid, but pleasure has never been his strong suit. he wants it to be something he can accept, and, well, Caelus is enthusiastic about it.
for a moment he looks torn between his work and his cozy partner, but ultimately he breathes (though it sounds more like a sigh), and goes to join Caelus. he shrugs off his jacket, draping it over the back of one of the chairs, and leaves his boots beneath it, neatly.
[ Dan Heng can take his time. After all, Caelus is patient. He loves Dan Heng so much, so eagerly, and so wholeheartedly that he'll wait for as long as it takes for the Vidyadhara to conclude, correctly, that the best course of action is to settle into bed with his cuddly Caelus. Pleasure can be so addictive, if only he lets himself enjoy it. ]
I'm warm and I'm in your bed, right?
[ Though they both know that's not what he really means. Dan Heng is only sitting on his bed right now, but Caelus slithers over to him like a snake, wrapping his arms around the Vidyadhara's slender hips so that he can rest his head on Dan Heng's thigh. To be honest, Dan Heng's kind of stick-thin and wiry-ripped, but the lap of a loved one is always soft no matter what.
Caelus sighs contentedly where he is, big and heavy like an old, lazy dog. ]
But I can do the other thing too. There's a lot of kinky porn in the Luofu bookstores.
[ Dan Heng spent most of his life not being comfortable, trying not to be comfortable for others, and not being comfortable himself, so this is a little new. it's not unwelcome, but it does bring about feelings that Dan Heng isn't quite certain what to do with. while they've done this before, Dan Heng grapples with the same demons each time, though each time it becomes less and less. it may never completely fade, but he forgets about his discomfort more in favor of Caelus, and that's certainly something. ]
I suppose those are two pre-requisites.
[ of course that's not ... something he's terribly interested in, himself, but he can see both Caelus and March huddled around the new releases at the bookstore, commiserating between which may be smuttier. ]
Is that part of your inspiration? The romance novels on the Luofu?
[ as Caelus presses his cheek against his thigh, settling himself for a cuddle, Dan Heng presses a hand against the side of his face, petting him from jaw to ear and flattening his hair. ]
[ A funny thing about Caelus is that his hair is actually quite a lot longer than it tends to look from the front: Dan Heng can probably trace an unbroken line of silky hair down from the crown of his sleepy boyfriend's head to around the end of the nape of his neck. He doesn't really stir as Dan Heng pets him — he just hums, his head growing a little heavier on Dan Heng's firm thigh. ]
Mmm... maybe? [ If he had a tail of his own, it would surely be wagging right about now. His closed eyes look more or less neutral, but somehow, Caelus just exudes utmost happiness. ] When you're in your dragon form, you kinda feel like the hero in one of those stories. Regal and lordly and stuff.
[ He lets out a long sigh, blissfully relaxed. ]
But I like you when you're just Dan Heng, too.
[ A little absently, Caelus rubs Dan Heng's hipbone with the hand coiled around his waist. He feels silly and lazy and full of love. ]
You don't have to be Master Dan Heng unless you wanna be.
[ Dan Heng's long fingers vary in the type of petting: soft strokes with his palm against Caelus' cheek, a rub of his thumb against his temple, or rubbing just behind his ear where his hair is softer. they're all freer here than they are anywhere else, but there are hardships here, too, and he knows it's hard on Caelus at times. it makes it all the more important to embrace soft moments like this, where the voices in both their heads numb gently in favor of gentle touches. ]
... I don't ever feel that regal or lordly. [ he admits, quietly. admittedly he feels rather awkward, but it's nice that Caelus sees him that way. that form had always been more like a curse. ] I like that you see who I am, all the same.
[ while Caelus' eyes are blissfully shut, something sneakily slips between his hip and sheets, wrapping in a loop around his waist through the smallest opening there. scales brush against his bare skin, warm and smooth, as he makes himself comfortable. ]
[ He feels soooooooo good. Little pets, long pets, sweet pets, loving ear rubs... Caelus has no animal appendages of his own, but maybe he doesn't need any to look like the most comfortably flat, relaxed, large animal Dan Heng has ever handled. When he opens his eyes just slightly — barely open, golden catlike slits, like those of a lion lazing in the sun — they swim with utter contentment.
Ah, yeah, he was going to write something, wasn't he?
...Wait, is that Dan Heng's tail? ]
Is that your...
[ He opens his eyes wider, lets his irises focus on Dan Heng's shape again. Sure enough, there are his horns, his long hair; that's his tail wrapped around Caelus's waist.
...What does Dan Heng do with the long hair when it's not visible, actually? ]
Oh. I'm your little sushi roll.
[ The Trailblazer wiggles happily. Well, he wiggles as much as he can when Dan Heng's got his tail wrapped around his hips like a boa constrictor, anyway. Caelus has a big smile on his face. There's a length of tail still not wrapped around his waist; he wraps his arms around it loosely to hug it. Happy little sushi roll. ]
I don't wanna write anything anymore. I just wanna cuddle with you.
[ it is Dan Heng's tail. it's certainly something that he feels comfortable enough to allow this shape to come through, when to so many people it is a reminder. to Caelus, it's a tail, and there's something relaxing about that. it's silly, Dan Heng thinks, that this simple thing in the entire complex idea between who he is and who he was, is what makes him comfortable.
Caelus wiggles under the constraint of his tail, and the end flickers, the fur tickling his back. Dan Heng reaches back to tie back those long locks that Caelus is currently pondering, pulling the dark cascade into a messy bun. it's not something he likes in his face. ]
You did say you were going to.
[ it's mildly chiding, but Dan Heng anticipated this, and he doesn't seem to pressed about it, because he's already drawing his legs to the side to properly lay beside Caelus. ]
Now you just want to be sushi.
[ there's a resigned sigh as he pulls Caelus closer, nestling him between his collar and his chin, so he can rest it on the top of his head. his tail gives a mild squeeze, before sliding closer and also curling around his thigh. ]
[ Caelus says this in a tone of voice that somehow conveys the emojis attached. Batting his lashes, snuggling close, he lets Dan Heng wrap him up and manhandle him so that he's nestled in the young man's neck, right underneath his chin. Leaning close, Caelus presses a kiss to the Vidyadhara's neck, right about where his jugular vein would be. Then he settles into the pillow. ]
You're squeezing all my squishiest parts... You like my thighs and my ass, right?
[ This is comfortable, and intimate, and perfect. Dan Heng looks super hot in his little manbun. And yet, as perfect as everything is, Caelus always craves more.
He lets one of his hands rest temptingly on Dan Heng's hip. At least he isn't grabbing Dan Heng's ass. But as for his own... ]
[ Dan Heng sighs, as if he's tolerating all this ass talk, but he can't deny he finds the whole thing kind of endearing. Caelus snuggles so easily, finding a nook to fit himself into, and put his hands in places that Dan Heng is not used to be touched in. sometimes he forgets how good it feels to be touched, and moreso when Caelus is the one doing it. ]
Is that really what you want to hear right now?
[ there's a pause, and Dan Heng can be heard murmuring fine, fine that sounds more like a quiet vibration than words. the flickering of his tail goes just a bit lower, until the soft part is thumping pleasantly against Caelus' backside. ]
My sushi has a nice ass.
[ it doesn't sound terribly enthusiastic coming from Dan Heng, but his tail seems to be having a great time. perhaps dragons are somehow akin to cats, where their expressions seem flat and their tails hold a majority of the emotion. it could also account for why Dan Heng tends to hide it. ]
[ Calues giggles — yes, giggles — as Dan Heng's tail slaps his ass lightly, in the way that a raunchy husband might go for an appreciative smack just for the sake of smacking it. He's got his hand resting comfortably on Dan Heng's hip, but then he realizes that his fingertips are pretty close to the soft, fluffy end of Dan Heng's tail, so he goes to run his fingers through the fur. He teases the end of it, winding a little length of the fluff around his index finger. Mmm, fluffy Dan Heng tail...
There's no one in the world he's more comfortable with than with Dan Heng. Sometimes he worries — or rather, he's keenly aware — that their bond has an intensity that borders on codependence. But so what? They'll always be together on the Express, so what does it matter if they're a little overly attached to each other?
Caelus transitions from a giggle to a chuckle as his thoughts take a slightly horny direction. ]
My Dan Heng has a great ass...
[ He pauses for a moment, as if really considering it, and then breaks into another boyish snicker. He can't stop laughing tonight, it seems. At least he's having a great time. ]
Okay. To be honest, that's a lie. You're kind of bony. But you've got great tits! Don't ever forget that you have great tits.
[ His hand slides up and rubs Dan Heng's flat stomach, as if to assess his boniness. Sure enough, there's nothing that he can jiggle, but he's gonna try anyway, rubbing his palm over Dan Heng's body in search of softness. He probably won't find much worth mentioning until he gets to the Vidhyadara's chest. ]
[ the tail touching isn't quite the sensation he was expecting. most of the time he keeps his limbs and tail tucked away where they can't be seen, let alone touched, but here's Caelus running his fingers over the furry parts in contrast with the scales. it's nice, kind of as if someone ran cool fingers just along the the surface of his arm, causing tiny prickles of sensation. ]
What are you ... hey, hey ...
[ there's a little sigh as Caelus puts his hands all over him in search of something that isn't bony (good luck, Caelus), but Dan Heng's physique certainly isn't soft. he's less curves and more straight lines. still, Caelus' touch is familiar, and he eases into it well, even when his boyfriend is being giggly and ridiculous.
(though he partially muses that it's that sort of playfulness that was missing from his life, and as much discomfort as he thought he may have in it, he's finding it more and more comfortable.)
after a moment, he takes one of Caelus' wrists and puts it on his head, right near the base of one of the horns, which is, indeed, covered in a very thin layer of soft velvet. ]
Here.
[ it's more soothing like this, rather than being someone who's appearance is so iconic that he feel as if he's always on display. the intimacy is welcome in that way, as he tries to adjust himself to his more draconian appendages. ]
Edited (sorry i forgot the title that was literally in my head while i was writing this) 2024-08-05 04:40 (UTC)
They're... soft? Well, no, they're hard, but they've got this — this velvety outer layer, and that's soft. He never thought they'd be soft! They look hard and glassy, like candy! (He's always kind of wanted to suck on Dan Heng's horns a little bit.) But this, this velvety sensation — actually, it makes sense, doesn't it? Deer do grow velvet on their horns. So dragons naturally — well, assuming the same biological rules —
The Trailblazer really just marvels at the feel of those horns, golden eyes big as saucers and with his mouth slightly ajar, running his fingers over and over them (gently) until... well... it suddenly occurs to him that Dan Heng's been putting up with him the whole time. ]
O-Oh! Sorry — are they sensitive? I just, um, I couldn't help...
[ Feeling them up and caressing them all over? Yeah, that sure did happen. But he looked fascinated while he was doing it! ]
[ as Caelus ponders the biology of the Vidyadhara, Dan Heng focuses on the touch. it's light, gentle, but curious in a way that he's not used to. most of his draconian parts remain deliberately hidden, as he's tried so desperately to remove himself from the way he looks from Dan Feng. it is, in some ways, uncomfortable, but also the most comfortable he's felt like this. perhaps it's because Caelus does not see Dan Feng as his fingertips draw down the length of his horn, just Dan Heng.
slowly, he allows his shoulders to relax, and when they do, it feels quite good. there's a sensitive place at the base of his horn where it meets his head, and he sighs quietly when Caelus finds it.
the words bring him back. ]
...
No, it's alright, I put your hands there. They're sensitive ... but it doesn't feel bad. It's nice.
[ after a moment, he adds: ]
You don't have to stop.
[ his tail flickers at the end, tickling somewhere near Caelus' waist. ]
[ Caelus pauses, worried, but Dan Heng's response is firm, with little room for doubt. It's nice, he says. They're sensitive. You don't have to stop. His little tail is swishing near Caelus's waist and it reminds him of the way cats wave their tails when they're curious and pleased.
The problem with the Trailblazer is this: sometimes he lets his impulses get ahead of himself.
So. Because Dan Heng said it's alright, and he doesn't have to stop. Because he's always really, really wanted to do it.
Caelus's face goes blank for a moment, like he's having all thoughts in his head permanently erased by the hand of the Remembrance THEMSELVES — and then he leans forward, and he wraps his mouth around the sensitive base of Dan Heng's horn.
Does... this... feel good? Is it just weird? Who knows! Caelus seems pretty happy with it, though, as he sucks and slurps hard on those glossy blue horns like they really are candy. Yeah, he can sort of feel the velvet on his tongue, but it's... not bad, actually? It's soft. Soft blue candy...
Sorry, Dan Heng. Your boyfriend is like this. But you've seen him chase after origami birds no one else can see, so you're kind of used to it, right? He seems happy! ]
[ this is something he could learn to get used to; it's enjoyable, moreso than he thought it would be, the close contact and intimacy of Caelus exploring all of his draconic appendages with gentle curiosity. he thinks that it might be good to do this more often, to allow himself to ease into some kind of comfort when he's in this skin.
that is to say, he's completely unsuspecting.
actually, he's finding a nice nook to press his cheek, breathing steadily and enjoying the touch. his tail waves back and forth, wrapping more tightly around Caelus' thigh and flickering in contentment.
then everything is wet, because Caelus' mouth is on his horn, and he opens his eyes and his tail begins to flicker back and forth and back and forth. really, he should have expected something like this. still, he doesn't have any intention of moving. ]
What are you doing?
[ well, if he ever had any question about how he tasted, he could always ask. ]
[ If Caelus had any concern that Dan Heng might dislike this (and really, that concern only lasted about so many seconds), well, all of his concerns are assuaged the minute he sees that cute dragon tail swishing back and forth. He's not really sure what that... means... whether it's a sign of interest, arousal, or rising irritation, but Caelus knows for certain that Dan Heng usually stiffens up and keeps a straight face when he's genuinely angry. So surely this random bit of horn slurping is fine! It's fine!
Caelus gives that horn one more lick and then murmurs, his lips pulling back in a smirk: ]
Mmmm... just getting a taste. Dragon horn soup sounds pretty good, right?
[ Slightly sheepish despite his outward confidence, Caelus lowers himself by a few inches until his lips are closer to Dan Heng's. Still smiling, the gray-haired Trailblazer noses closer, until the tip of his nose is caressing his lover's. ]
I want a taste here, too. Can I?
[ He leans in to claim that kiss regardless of Dan Heng's response. It's not too deep, not too demanding — he's perfectly happy to keep things light right now if Dan Heng's not in the mood — but he does want a bit of tongue, a little hint of exploratory licking. Half in apology for the horn slobbering, and half just because he's frisky and he likes the feeling of Dan Heng's tail squeezed tight around his thigh. ]
[ he sounds resigned in the fond way that seems to be creeping into his voice more and more lately, when Caelus or March do something absurd and amusing for the sake of their own questionable impulses. it's become entertaining, in its own way, if not endearing.
as Caelus gets handsy with him, messes around by putting his mouth in places Dan Heng wouldn't expect, he realizes that he's comfortable like this. it's a feat, really, considering he spent so much time hiding his appearance like this. he wonders if it's just Caelus, and if he'd be this comfortable with himself alone, and he doesn't think so.
the kiss is warm, and he sinks into it, parting his lips and giving Caelus the tongue that he wants. along with his tail, his arms pull him in closer, pressing in to fill the any open space between their bodies. his tail slithers against Caelus' thigh, looping and slinking closer to his groin, causing little wrinkles in the fabric of his pants. ]
[ When Caelus returns to his room, there is nothing too out of the ordinary. All his snacks remain safely unmolested, the couch is still clean save a few bits of fur where Peppy napped, the game he left open on the massive screen by the desk is still paused and open, and the giant Pom-Pom plushie is resting peacefully against the side of his bed.
There is, however, something rather out of place, apparent the second he opens the fridge.
The most beautiful, decadent slice of mousse cake known to mankind rests on a platter, light drops of condensation glistening on the strawberry resting atop. Each layer has been sculpted by only the most skilled hands, and the delectable dessert has been adorned with delicate curls of milk chocolate shavings, each twisted to form elegant designs along the edges of the cake and dusted with what looks almost like gold. Something tells you that this single slice of cake may be worth more than what the average overworked IPC employee makes in a week… Isn’t that absurd?
There is even what looks like a golden fork sitting beside the plate, daring you to consume the entire slice without leaving a single trace…
If Caelus decides to take a closer look at the surroundings, he may notice that the number of credits that have been left on the counter per his rule that all Fridge Borrowers must pay a fee for usage and upkeep of their items…has increased. Significantly. Perhaps the pile is triple what it used to be…
[ It's the most beautiful cake that Caelus has ever seen in the world.
Naturally, he wants to eat it immediately. The temptation to eat it is stronger than any pull of the Trailblaze he's ever felt in his life. Surely that beautiful fork was also left in his refrigerator so that he can eat it! Surely this is an offering to the Galactic Baseballer in all his glory!
But wait... no. He has to second-guess himself. Suppose this is a trap from his numerous and varied enemies? He's gotten in trouble for putting random things in his mouth before. What if this beautiful slice of cake is only temptation sent by the forces of the Antimatter Legion, or slipped into his things by a dastardly servant of the Plagues Author?
Caelus is not ordinarily a man who leans upon the guidance of Ena, but he is blessed by the attention of many Aeons. He calls upon the Order now, to steady his wavering heart. THEY can guide him towards balance. Away from temptation. (Sunday would be proud, if also slightly puzzled. It is entirely within the understanding of the Astral Express that Caelus would eat anything pretty placed in front of him as a treat.)
Order compels him to remember that he has set rules for the use of his own refrigerator. By that token, he himself must comply by the rules. The money set on his counter means that someone else is using his fridge and has left this treat... for themselves? For later? Also, the sheer volume of money that has been given in tribute to the Refrigerator Aeon can only mean one thing:
This is Aventurine's cake.
Knowing that only encourages Caelus to take an absolutely bizarre series of photos of the cake and promptly send it to the man in question: ]
I wanna eat it
[ He's done something funny with the sending of the images so that they're animated on Aventurine's screen. No, they're not videos. They're animated photos. As in, one glossy photo of the cake swooshes in from the corner of Aventurine's screen towards the other corner. Another photo of the cake from a different angle zooms in and out on his screen as though it's bouncing eagerly at his face. A third static photo of the cake spirals in like the slide from a bad Powerpoint presentation. All of this adds up to a... slightly unhinged image of cake worship...? ]
I wanna eat it I wanna eat it I wanna eat it I wanna eat it I wanna eat it I wanna eat it I wanna eat it
[ One can... practically imagine Caelus shaking, like a dog that's been well-trained but hasn't been given permission to eat yet... ]
[ This feels good. There's something nice about hovering in this brainspace, warm and fuzzy and just a little aroused, though not so achingly hard that he needs sex immediately. He could go either way with it, Caelus decides. Even if they don't wind up having sex, he'll be pretty happy with a half-sleepy makeout session and the satisfaction of having gotten his dirty little raccoon paws all over Dan Heng's pretty tail and pretty horns.
At least, Caelus thinks that, up until that tail loops around his thigh as if squeezing it, applying slight pressure to his groin.
Caelus groans with satisfaction, relishing in the strangely pliant feeling of being manipulated by Dan Heng's tail. He loves how comfortable Dan Heng seems right now, and how greedy he can really be, once Caelus has worked past his huffy exterior and into the gooey sentimental core within. Eager and needy, he noses at Dan Heng some more, still diligently kissing him back, wanting to see if he can sink Dan Heng into the same state of half-drowsy, half-aroused madness.
Aeons have mercy on him. He loves this dragon man so much.
Greedy for more, the Trailblazer wraps his arms around Dan Heng's shoulders, fingers teasing the soft black hair at the back of his neck. He sighs contentedly, leaning on Dan Heng ever more heavily.
Your move, Dan Heng. Maybe, if you don't have any objections, you can just be crushed by your twunky boyfriend. ]
[ Indeed, Aventurine is imagining this exact image; it's hard not to, given the flurry of photos and texts. The Trailblazer, bouncing around this single slice of cake, stars in his eyes, rigging up the most chaotic slideshow Aventurine has ever seen in his life... And how had he managed that particular angle? Has he been sent on one too many bizarre requests to assist with photo shoots of gourmet food dishes in the past? Sometimes, Aventurine has to wonder what sorts of things Caelus has seen and done on his journey... ]
Haha, do you like it that much?
If you wait patiently for me, I'll let you enjoy it and give you an additional reward.
But only if you manage not to eat it in the interim.
[ A challenge for Caelus—will his desire for cake win out, or will he be a good boy and stay steadfast waiting for his treat? The logic of it is easy enough to grasp: better rewards in exchange for time, but resisting when such a perfect specimen of cake is before your very eyes, close enough to touch and smell? Good luck, friend. ]
[ Imagine the puppy eyes, Aventurine. The pleading face. Caelus is shameless enough even to get down on all fours and beg like a real dog if he has to. Plus, the longer this cake stays in the refrigerator, the soggier it's gonna get!
(Note: This is more of an issue with First Amber Era refrigerators. The refrigerator in Caelus's room is state-of-the-art and near perfectly preserves the cake. It's not going to be overly affected by the cold temperatures... he's just impatient.) ]
[ maybe there are situations where he quite likes his tail. like now, there's something intoxicating about the closeness, when Caelus makes a soft noise in response and kisses him again. then Dan Heng kisses him back, his lips parted as if to suck him in, letting his tongue lazily wandering in his mouth like Caelus' once wandered over his antlers.
the tail slides around his thigh in loose loops, inching closer to the heat between his legs. despite his demeanor, he suddenly finds very affectionate ways to put his appendages: his arms slide just under Caelus', a leg keeping his knees apart while his tail curls all around him. perhaps it's the weight that Caelus leans into him with, but Dan Heng's grip seems to get a bit more possessive, his fingers curling into his shirt between his shoulder blades.
instead his tail does the work, the slow movement at the junction of Caelus' thigh, rubbing up against his arousal until he becomes stiff. there's a sort of quiet satisfaction about this that Dan Heng can't exactly place – perhaps it is that comfort that Caelus managed to tease out of him, turning him into something that enjoys this slower, lazy affection. he may be opening an unintentional door to more of this, but right now he doesn't seem to care (or it doesn't seem to cross his mind, anyway). ]
[ A pause ensues despite Caelus’ desperate flurry of texts. What could be taking Aventurine so long…?
Still, the reason becomes clear after several moments longer: Aventurine has one-upped expectations with an attached photo of yet another cake slice, and this time, it’s an even more exquisitely decorated one made with triple artisan chocolate and expensive vanilla beans, the various layers visible along the side. Flakes of gold leaf and what seems to be a tasteful pattern of edible diamonds form a glittering trail atop the icing, making it…somehow look even more extravagant than the other slice? And that one already seemed like it would make paychecks bleed…! ]
Double the winnings, and only for a little bit of patience~
There is, truthfully, a part of Caelus that is almost concerned about where Aventurine gets these cakes. Edible gold? Edible diamonds? Oh, there are plenty of luxuries like that in this beautiful universe, to be sure, but do such things really cure the holes in one's heart? Talk to me, he almost wants to say to Aventurine. Tell me if this heals you.
On a much less serious note, though: god damn, he really wants that cake.
Two cakes... two cakes just for waiting a little while...
...Right?
Wait, before he agrees to anything — he's gotta figure out all the terms first, right? ]
...How long do you want me to wait?
[ This is a matter of life and death, Aventurine!! ]
[ For a second, it's really all just sweet. All just innocent. Dan Heng picks him up and supports him properly and Caelus likes it. Feels good. He's a pretty big guy and he knows it, so there's something strangely sweet about being kissed like this, nice and lazy, while being picked up and held like baby. Caelus loves being baby.
It's because Dan Heng usually isn't the one with appetites that he isn't braced for how things just sort of — shift.
It's funny. He knows Dan Heng can be horny, knows that because they have raunchy sex at least once or twice a week (usually way more than that). But somehow, he still never expects Dan Heng to be the horny one. It's all slow lazy kisses and firm patient hold, and then all of a sudden his patient kisses aren't quite so innocent, and the grip on his limbs is more possessive than it is supportive. And his tail —
Caelus moans. Loudly. Ohhhh, he never even in his wildest fantasies thought about how it'd feel to have that powerful, coiling tail rub up against his dick like this, and the friction is incredible. Addictive. He wants more than just this, wants to feel that tail rubbing and bumping and grinding up against his dick. He can't believe Dan Heng is giving him a tailjob. ]
Dan — Heng, that — oh, fuck, that feels good...
[ Panting, grinding — now he's the one rubbing and bucking his hips into it. Look what you made him do, Dan Heng. ]
[ it's true, Caelus is generally the instigator of their encounters. Dan Heng, for the longest time, was unaware of how nice it was to be with another person until Caelus coaxed him gently into affection – after that, well, he fell into it easily. then, they became boyfriends. now, he likes it far too much. now, here they are, somewhere he thought he'd never be, comfortable with his tail enough to use it to pleasure his enthusiastic partner.
that frisky tail loops around his thigh, slithering in slow movement until it creates friction between Caelus and the fabric as he moves his hips. it's long, smooth, a little cool to the touch, just like a tepid spring, and seems to have a mind of its own. the friction gets a little tighter, giving Caelus leverage to lean into it to grind. Dan Heng is content enough to keep hold of Caelus, cling to him as if someone suddenly told him that if he doesn't hang on tight enough, Caelus will leave him. ]
You like this ... [ he trails off, the question more of a statement. ] Me too.
[ Dan Heng doesn't usually embrace his vidyadhara form, instead choosing to hide it, but he can't deny that it's nice being able to hold Caelus close like this with his arms, and allow his tail to roam freely. he's usually uncomfortable like this, always very aware of where all parts of his body are at all times, but this is liberating, in a way, because he's suddenly aware that he's comfortable enough not to be overthinking where he's putting himself in space. no, he's right here, and Caelus is enjoying his tail. ]
[ Caelus knows that he should at least check if Dan Heng wants a taste of pleasure, too, but he can't quite help himself: he feels as though he's forgotten where his limbs are, and all that matters in the moment is the cool silky friction of that damnably adorable tail slithering between his legs. Dan Heng's tail coils more tightly around his thigh and presses up against his cock and Caelus finds himself moaning, utterly lost to it now, grinding into it with the leverage that Dan Heng has intentionally given him.
It feels good to have his arms wrapped around Dan Heng while he's doing this. It feels good to have Dan Heng's arms wrapped around him.
Dimly, it occurs to Caelus that this is the first time they've had sex while Dan Heng was in his vidyadhara form, and this is the first time that he's seen Dan Heng seem so at ease with himself in it. But he can't really voice his surprise while his brain is being turned to jelly by how damn good it feels to have that tail rubbing between his legs, and Caelus is not particularly good at holding himself back or behaving. (Dan Heng likes those things about him, right?)
He comes. It's preceded only by a shaky, incredibly grateful low moan from deep in Caelus's chest, a slight grip from his fingertips — one which could have been much harder, much stronger, but Caelus is sweet and gentle, always careful not to hurt Dan Heng if he can help it.
His eyelids flutter closed, breath catches in his lungs — he surrenders perfectly, shuddering as he comes in his pants. He doesn't even care about making a mess in his underwear, though. Being with Dan Heng just feels too good. ]
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trailblazers2024-04-15 12:00 am
sleepover with a side of tail
[ sometimes he feels as if the loneliness that he's felt for so long has only recently been surfaced now that he knows what companionship feels like. for a while after he had been picked up by the Express, Dan Heng enjoyed his own solitude. Welt and Himeko were both very supportive of his needs, never pressing, but being present when they needed him.
then came March, babbling, full of energy as if she were experiencing the world for the first time. it was a different sort of feeling to have someone who cared enough to be in his space. after that, Caelus, who, like March, quite liked being in his space. however, Caelus came with a certain level of understand of sharing nightmares and the feeling of something else in your head with you. perhaps they all came from some place similar, wandered alone, then found one another.
so, when Caelus offers to bunk with him, Dan Heng welcomes the company in his own, muted way. it's also nice to have his company be wanted, as well as want the company, even if Caelus is, well, the way he is. Dan Heng has only taken a little bit of getting to know him to find all of eccentricities rather endearing.
he leaves the door open because he's busy tagging something in the data bank, figuring that Caelus can let himself in whenever he decides to head over. March is in her room, which is between the two of them, and he idly wonders if he can trust Caelus to make it without alerting her, but he's just going to have to ... deal with it (and try not to think about it). he has a distraction: he has to prepare to store all the information that Caelus wants to add about hot yaoi, after all. ]
You don't have to knock.
[ he says without looking up. ]
tail tail tail tail
Solemnly, he catches Dan Heng's eye in the middle of this nonsense, and then nods, returning to a more relaxed posture. ]
Clear. No assassins here.
[ Which — well, obviously he knew that. But honestly, every time someone calls Dan Heng "Dan Feng" instead of his real name, Caelus gets incensed about it. Today is no exception, and he's frustrated because he doesn't have an outlet for these feelings, but it's just so irritating, the fact that it would cost these people nothing to just be decent and treat Dan Heng like a person, but they all want to hold him in contempt for things he didn't do, all the same.
Whatever. It's annoying because he knows that Dan Heng wouldn't want him to be like this anyway, but nothing will satisfy his angry heart except holding Dan Heng in his arms for the entire evening, and Dan Heng wouldn't want that, either. (Maybe? Maybe not. Maybe it's more doable than Caelus thinks it is.)
He walks over to where Dan Heng's standing near one of the bookshelves, peeking over his shoulder with a slightly guilty look on his face. It's almost as if he expects to be chastised for his overprotective behavior.
He rests his chin on Dan Heng's shoulder and wraps his arms around Dan Heng's waist. But, y'know. In a bro way. As bros do. Just draping himself over Dan Heng, casually. ]
...I won't let anyone touch you.
[ It sounds more like he's trying to reassure himself. ]
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it's a little odd to be touched, but it's not unwelcome. he's baffled at times at how easily this sort of affection comes to Caelus, and he wonders if it comes without having the baggage of certain memories.
when Caelus rests his head on his shoulder, Dan Heng lets those thoughts fade. he tilts his head slightly toward his friend from the data bank entry he was reading. ]
You don't have to be this protective. Are you really that worried?
[ but he doesn't do anything to dislodge him. while Dan Heng seems purposefully distant, he doesn't feel the need to be that way with Caelus. ]
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Not really, I guess? I mean, I know that if anyone actually came, you'd just — [ he imitates Dan Heng's two-fingered hydromancy gesture, to great comedic effect, though it does nothing ] — fwshhh, and then they wouldn't be a problem anymore.
[ He puts his hands down and wraps them solidly around Dan Heng's waist again. He's warm and solid, like a big blanket. ]
...I just don't like it. Everyone is so mean to you, and you just have to put up with it. [ He sounds more sulky than he is incensed. Idly, his eyes flick forward, trying to read the data bank screen over Dan Heng's shoulder. ] It shouldn't be that way. People should be nicer to you.
[ He closes his eyes, relaxing, though there's a slightly dark, destructive undertone to the way he adds: ]
...Sometimes I really hate everyone.
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the people who hated Dan Feng had reason to. it wasn't as if Dan Feng hadn't wrought them in the consequences of his experimentation, deliberate or not. if he sat in all of those he could hate, it would eat him away, bit by bit. however, Caelus' intensity toward the subject is ... comforting. ]
I have you, and I have the Express. [ he says it as if he's trying to comfort Caelus rather than himself. his voice is steady, but gentle. ] That's all I need. Besides, I have my own freedom now.
[ though he wonders if Jingliu and Blade will ever be relieved of their own personal hatreds – it had been a long time for them, and they've stood steady against it. they'll both live forever, after all. he doesn't want to think about that. after all, to feel great joy is to feel deep wounds.
Dan Heng shakes his head, as if clearing his thoughts; in the same motion, he reaches down to path one of Caelus' hands around his waist.
he changes the subject. ]
Didn't you have something to add to the data bank?
[ he's looking at the entry for the arctic bear cub, updating it with a picture March took last time they were in Belobog. it's cute, and the bear is making a cute yawning motion. maybe looking at cute things makes him feel better. ]
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[ ...He's forgotten. He's just kind of content the way he is right now, snuggled into Dan Heng's back, feeling his warmth and the firm planes of his body through his clothes. Looking over his shoulder at a cute, helpless bear that is often placid and docile enough to let him pick it up to see if it's sitting on anything useful. It's just too bad they can't take one of those bears with them...
...
Cute bear...
Cute boy...
What was he mad about again? Suddenly his rage and hatred for the universe seems to have melted away. He closes his eyes and buries his face in the nape of Dan Heng's neck again. It just feels so nice to be so intimate...
...
Then he remembers. ]
Oh, shoot! My yaoi!
[ In an instant — sorry, Dan Heng, it's not that he doesn't love you — Caelus has abruptly detangled himself from the hug to go over to one of the terminals that Dan Heng isn't occupying. (There are actually several in the data bank room, although Dan Heng typically only uses one; the Nameless used to be greater in number, though, and the archives can probably support about five points of data entry at one time, with room for expansion whenever Pom-Pom wills it.)
He is, apparently, extremely inspired. Never let it be said that the Trailblazer is not a skilled writer when he wants to be. He's typing away with gusto, starting immediately on an entry that will explain the entire history of "boy's love" and "slash" to Dan Heng, complete with — one hopes, when he gets to the end of the article — fanfic about Dan Heng and Caelus themselves. ]
Damn it, I need citations for the history... Well, I'll do the research later, let me just get through the basics...
[ ...Your ideal (?) archives partner, Dan Heng. He's so hardworking when he wants to be. ]
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Dan Heng realizes he'll have to review the entry later. well, darn, he sort of walked right into that one. (shut up Dan Heng, it might be hot.) ]
Just remember to do it you have some time. I'd rather the article be fully sourced if it needs to be referred back to later.
[ he sounds so serious about this, as everything within the archive must! have! proper! citations! sourcing! in a specific format!
(why would they need to refer back to it later, Dan Heng? huh??)
then he goes back to updating the passage on the arctic bear cub and its recorded habits. it's amazing that he can do it with such a straight-face, because this is all data bank business, and it's Serious. ]
...
[ he's quite for a moment as they clack clack clack along their duties, and then he feels compelled to follow up in the comfortable silence: ]
Don't add anything unnecessary.
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[ There's a naughty little smirk in Caelus's voice when he asks that, though if Dan Heng turns to look at his face, it only shows a tiny smile. Just the barest quirk of his lips as he types away, ironing out Dan Heng's very special Data Bank Business. ]
Like stuff about us? [ He tips his head to one side, slightly knowing. Unless he's off-base, then he doesn't know anything at all. ] Is that what you're thinking?
[ A light laugh, as he shakes his head. Well, yes, there is that, but... ]
I know when to behave.
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(Dan Heng is probably being a bit to overly dramatic about his exasperation, but he does drop it.) ]
What kind of stuff about us? [ he casually looks uninterested, flickering through images on his terminal. ] Are you thinking about it that much to have something ready?
[ his attention is off Caelus now and back to his business of whatever he was doing before Caelus arrived, intent on finishing it before Caelus somehow distracts him again and they end up sampling Xianzhou specialties or something. ]
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[ Caelus says this with a handsome grin that is probably slightly more dazzling than he realizes it actually is. This is a non-answer, though, or at least it doesn't answer Dan Heng's actual question. The Vidyadhara, it seems, will just have to wait and see how Caelus constructs the Trailblazerpedia article on Hot Yaoi.
He is typing at an alarmingly rapid pace for a while before he suddenly stops, leans back slightly where he's standing, and asks: ]
Hey, don't you have portable terminals?
[ C'mon, Dan Heng, this is the sci-fi zone! There's got to be laptop-esque devices somewhere on the Express, right? Caelus wants to work off a laptop so that he can — ]
I want us to work while we cuddle.
[ You heard the man. ]
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On the shelf under the desk.
[ he replies like it's some normal thing.
adjacent to the futon laid over the blue tiles. it's the one thing in his room that's always in some state of disarray, along with the books that he pulls off the shelves around it.
Dan Heng doesn't follow him right away, he's finishing up at his terminal with his entry. Caelus has spoken, but he may need to do a little seducing to get Dan Heng to follow him at a timely pace (he gets a little too into his work sometimes). ]
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Seduction time. He poses like he's got a rose in his mouth, leaning his head on his arm, flexing his juicy biceps (which are a bit hard to see through his loose shirt anyway). Dan Heng, come to bed. ]
Master Dan Heng... your bedwarmer is here to serve you.
[ It is possible that Dan Heng doesn't quite like being addressed in this way, but to be fair, Caelus's silly, dramatic tone of voice and roguish wink will go a long way to let the Vidyadhara know that he's joking. Haha... unless? ]
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keeping his eyes forward, he types whatever silly thing he's got about the cute bear on Belobog as Caelus makes himself comfortable on his futon. he's dimly aware of his boyfriend sniffing around the sheets before he settles, and he should join him, shouldn't he ... ]
Master Dan Heng needs a moment–
[ then he looks up. there's Caelus, on his elbow, beckoning for him beneath the comfy sheets looking ludicrously attentive.
he doesn't, actually, need more time for his work. what he needs is to center himself enough to feel comfortable allowing himself to accept the invitation. really, he feels like it sounds kind of stupid, but pleasure has never been his strong suit. he wants it to be something he can accept, and, well, Caelus is enthusiastic about it.
for a moment he looks torn between his work and his cozy partner, but ultimately he breathes (though it sounds more like a sigh), and goes to join Caelus. he shrugs off his jacket, draping it over the back of one of the chairs, and leaves his boots beneath it, neatly.
he sits first, glancing over at Caelus. ]
Bedwarmer, really?
[ look, he knows it's a joke, but ]
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I'm warm and I'm in your bed, right?
[ Though they both know that's not what he really means. Dan Heng is only sitting on his bed right now, but Caelus slithers over to him like a snake, wrapping his arms around the Vidyadhara's slender hips so that he can rest his head on Dan Heng's thigh. To be honest, Dan Heng's kind of stick-thin and wiry-ripped, but the lap of a loved one is always soft no matter what.
Caelus sighs contentedly where he is, big and heavy like an old, lazy dog. ]
But I can do the other thing too. There's a lot of kinky porn in the Luofu bookstores.
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I suppose those are two pre-requisites.
[ of course that's not ... something he's terribly interested in, himself, but he can see both Caelus and March huddled around the new releases at the bookstore, commiserating between which may be smuttier. ]
Is that part of your inspiration? The romance novels on the Luofu?
[ as Caelus presses his cheek against his thigh, settling himself for a cuddle, Dan Heng presses a hand against the side of his face, petting him from jaw to ear and flattening his hair. ]
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Mmm... maybe? [ If he had a tail of his own, it would surely be wagging right about now. His closed eyes look more or less neutral, but somehow, Caelus just exudes utmost happiness. ] When you're in your dragon form, you kinda feel like the hero in one of those stories. Regal and lordly and stuff.
[ He lets out a long sigh, blissfully relaxed. ]
But I like you when you're just Dan Heng, too.
[ A little absently, Caelus rubs Dan Heng's hipbone with the hand coiled around his waist. He feels silly and lazy and full of love. ]
You don't have to be Master Dan Heng unless you wanna be.
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... I don't ever feel that regal or lordly. [ he admits, quietly. admittedly he feels rather awkward, but it's nice that Caelus sees him that way. that form had always been more like a curse. ] I like that you see who I am, all the same.
[ while Caelus' eyes are blissfully shut, something sneakily slips between his hip and sheets, wrapping in a loop around his waist through the smallest opening there. scales brush against his bare skin, warm and smooth, as he makes himself comfortable. ]
Weren't you going to write something?
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Ah, yeah, he was going to write something, wasn't he?
...Wait, is that Dan Heng's tail? ]
Is that your...
[ He opens his eyes wider, lets his irises focus on Dan Heng's shape again. Sure enough, there are his horns, his long hair; that's his tail wrapped around Caelus's waist.
...What does Dan Heng do with the long hair when it's not visible, actually? ]
Oh. I'm your little sushi roll.
[ The Trailblazer wiggles happily. Well, he wiggles as much as he can when Dan Heng's got his tail wrapped around his hips like a boa constrictor, anyway. Caelus has a big smile on his face. There's a length of tail still not wrapped around his waist; he wraps his arms around it loosely to hug it. Happy little sushi roll. ]
I don't wanna write anything anymore. I just wanna cuddle with you.
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Caelus wiggles under the constraint of his tail, and the end flickers, the fur tickling his back. Dan Heng reaches back to tie back those long locks that Caelus is currently pondering, pulling the dark cascade into a messy bun. it's not something he likes in his face. ]
You did say you were going to.
[ it's mildly chiding, but Dan Heng anticipated this, and he doesn't seem to pressed about it, because he's already drawing his legs to the side to properly lay beside Caelus. ]
Now you just want to be sushi.
[ there's a resigned sigh as he pulls Caelus closer, nestling him between his collar and his chin, so he can rest it on the top of his head. his tail gives a mild squeeze, before sliding closer and also curling around his thigh. ]
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[ Caelus says this in a tone of voice that somehow conveys the emojis attached. Batting his lashes, snuggling close, he lets Dan Heng wrap him up and manhandle him so that he's nestled in the young man's neck, right underneath his chin. Leaning close, Caelus presses a kiss to the Vidyadhara's neck, right about where his jugular vein would be. Then he settles into the pillow. ]
You're squeezing all my squishiest parts... You like my thighs and my ass, right?
[ This is comfortable, and intimate, and perfect. Dan Heng looks super hot in his little manbun. And yet, as perfect as everything is, Caelus always craves more.
He lets one of his hands rest temptingly on Dan Heng's hip. At least he isn't grabbing Dan Heng's ass. But as for his own... ]
Say it. Say I have a nice ass.
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Is that really what you want to hear right now?
[ there's a pause, and Dan Heng can be heard murmuring fine, fine that sounds more like a quiet vibration than words. the flickering of his tail goes just a bit lower, until the soft part is thumping pleasantly against Caelus' backside. ]
My sushi has a nice ass.
[ it doesn't sound terribly enthusiastic coming from Dan Heng, but his tail seems to be having a great time. perhaps dragons are somehow akin to cats, where their expressions seem flat and their tails hold a majority of the emotion. it could also account for why Dan Heng tends to hide it. ]
TAIL TAIL TAIL TAIL
There's no one in the world he's more comfortable with than with Dan Heng. Sometimes he worries — or rather, he's keenly aware — that their bond has an intensity that borders on codependence. But so what? They'll always be together on the Express, so what does it matter if they're a little overly attached to each other?
Caelus transitions from a giggle to a chuckle as his thoughts take a slightly horny direction. ]
My Dan Heng has a great ass...
[ He pauses for a moment, as if really considering it, and then breaks into another boyish snicker. He can't stop laughing tonight, it seems. At least he's having a great time. ]
Okay. To be honest, that's a lie. You're kind of bony. But you've got great tits! Don't ever forget that you have great tits.
[ His hand slides up and rubs Dan Heng's flat stomach, as if to assess his boniness. Sure enough, there's nothing that he can jiggle, but he's gonna try anyway, rubbing his palm over Dan Heng's body in search of softness. He probably won't find much worth mentioning until he gets to the Vidhyadara's chest. ]
HORNS HORNS HORNS HORNS
What are you ... hey, hey ...
[ there's a little sigh as Caelus puts his hands all over him in search of something that isn't bony (good luck, Caelus), but Dan Heng's physique certainly isn't soft. he's less curves and more straight lines. still, Caelus' touch is familiar, and he eases into it well, even when his boyfriend is being giggly and ridiculous.
(though he partially muses that it's that sort of playfulness that was missing from his life, and as much discomfort as he thought he may have in it, he's finding it more and more comfortable.)
after a moment, he takes one of Caelus' wrists and puts it on his head, right near the base of one of the horns, which is, indeed, covered in a very thin layer of soft velvet. ]
Here.
[ it's more soothing like this, rather than being someone who's appearance is so iconic that he feel as if he's always on display. the intimacy is welcome in that way, as he tries to adjust himself to his more draconian appendages. ]
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They're... soft? Well, no, they're hard, but they've got this — this velvety outer layer, and that's soft. He never thought they'd be soft! They look hard and glassy, like candy! (He's always kind of wanted to suck on Dan Heng's horns a little bit.) But this, this velvety sensation — actually, it makes sense, doesn't it? Deer do grow velvet on their horns. So dragons naturally — well, assuming the same biological rules —
The Trailblazer really just marvels at the feel of those horns, golden eyes big as saucers and with his mouth slightly ajar, running his fingers over and over them (gently) until... well... it suddenly occurs to him that Dan Heng's been putting up with him the whole time. ]
O-Oh! Sorry — are they sensitive? I just, um, I couldn't help...
[ Feeling them up and caressing them all over? Yeah, that sure did happen. But he looked fascinated while he was doing it! ]
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slowly, he allows his shoulders to relax, and when they do, it feels quite good. there's a sensitive place at the base of his horn where it meets his head, and he sighs quietly when Caelus finds it.
the words bring him back. ]
...
No, it's alright, I put your hands there. They're sensitive ... but it doesn't feel bad. It's nice.
[ after a moment, he adds: ]
You don't have to stop.
[ his tail flickers at the end, tickling somewhere near Caelus' waist. ]
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The problem with the Trailblazer is this: sometimes he lets his impulses get ahead of himself.
So. Because Dan Heng said it's alright, and he doesn't have to stop. Because he's always really, really wanted to do it.
Caelus's face goes blank for a moment, like he's having all thoughts in his head permanently erased by the hand of the Remembrance THEMSELVES — and then he leans forward, and he wraps his mouth around the sensitive base of Dan Heng's horn.
Does... this... feel good? Is it just weird? Who knows! Caelus seems pretty happy with it, though, as he sucks and slurps hard on those glossy blue horns like they really are candy. Yeah, he can sort of feel the velvet on his tongue, but it's... not bad, actually? It's soft. Soft blue candy...
Sorry, Dan Heng. Your boyfriend is like this. But you've seen him chase after origami birds no one else can see, so you're kind of used to it, right? He seems happy! ]
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that is to say, he's completely unsuspecting.
actually, he's finding a nice nook to press his cheek, breathing steadily and enjoying the touch. his tail waves back and forth, wrapping more tightly around Caelus' thigh and flickering in contentment.
then everything is wet, because Caelus' mouth is on his horn, and he opens his eyes and his tail begins to flicker back and forth and back and forth. really, he should have expected something like this. still, he doesn't have any intention of moving. ]
What are you doing?
[ well, if he ever had any question about how he tasted, he could always ask. ]
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Caelus gives that horn one more lick and then murmurs, his lips pulling back in a smirk: ]
Mmmm... just getting a taste. Dragon horn soup sounds pretty good, right?
[ Slightly sheepish despite his outward confidence, Caelus lowers himself by a few inches until his lips are closer to Dan Heng's. Still smiling, the gray-haired Trailblazer noses closer, until the tip of his nose is caressing his lover's. ]
I want a taste here, too. Can I?
[ He leans in to claim that kiss regardless of Dan Heng's response. It's not too deep, not too demanding — he's perfectly happy to keep things light right now if Dan Heng's not in the mood — but he does want a bit of tongue, a little hint of exploratory licking. Half in apology for the horn slobbering, and half just because he's frisky and he likes the feeling of Dan Heng's tail squeezed tight around his thigh. ]
Mmhmmhmm... ♥
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You're ridiculous ...
[ he sounds resigned in the fond way that seems to be creeping into his voice more and more lately, when Caelus or March do something absurd and amusing for the sake of their own questionable impulses. it's become entertaining, in its own way, if not endearing.
as Caelus gets handsy with him, messes around by putting his mouth in places Dan Heng wouldn't expect, he realizes that he's comfortable like this. it's a feat, really, considering he spent so much time hiding his appearance like this. he wonders if it's just Caelus, and if he'd be this comfortable with himself alone, and he doesn't think so.
the kiss is warm, and he sinks into it, parting his lips and giving Caelus the tongue that he wants. along with his tail, his arms pull him in closer, pressing in to fill the any open space between their bodies. his tail slithers against Caelus' thigh, looping and slinking closer to his groin, causing little wrinkles in the fabric of his pants. ]
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There is, however, something rather out of place, apparent the second he opens the fridge.
The most beautiful, decadent slice of mousse cake known to mankind rests on a platter, light drops of condensation glistening on the strawberry resting atop. Each layer has been sculpted by only the most skilled hands, and the delectable dessert has been adorned with delicate curls of milk chocolate shavings, each twisted to form elegant designs along the edges of the cake and dusted with what looks almost like gold. Something tells you that this single slice of cake may be worth more than what the average overworked IPC employee makes in a week… Isn’t that absurd?
There is even what looks like a golden fork sitting beside the plate, daring you to consume the entire slice without leaving a single trace…
If Caelus decides to take a closer look at the surroundings, he may notice that the number of credits that have been left on the counter per his rule that all Fridge Borrowers must pay a fee for usage and upkeep of their items…has increased. Significantly. Perhaps the pile is triple what it used to be…
What will you do?! ]
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Naturally, he wants to eat it immediately. The temptation to eat it is stronger than any pull of the Trailblaze he's ever felt in his life. Surely that beautiful fork was also left in his refrigerator so that he can eat it! Surely this is an offering to the Galactic Baseballer in all his glory!
But wait... no. He has to second-guess himself. Suppose this is a trap from his numerous and varied enemies? He's gotten in trouble for putting random things in his mouth before. What if this beautiful slice of cake is only temptation sent by the forces of the Antimatter Legion, or slipped into his things by a dastardly servant of the Plagues Author?
Caelus is not ordinarily a man who leans upon the guidance of Ena, but he is blessed by the attention of many Aeons. He calls upon the Order now, to steady his wavering heart. THEY can guide him towards balance. Away from temptation. (Sunday would be proud, if also slightly puzzled. It is entirely within the understanding of the Astral Express that Caelus would eat anything pretty placed in front of him as a treat.)
Order compels him to remember that he has set rules for the use of his own refrigerator. By that token, he himself must comply by the rules. The money set on his counter means that someone else is using his fridge and has left this treat... for themselves? For later? Also, the sheer volume of money that has been given in tribute to the Refrigerator Aeon can only mean one thing:
This is Aventurine's cake.
Knowing that only encourages Caelus to take an absolutely bizarre series of photos of the cake and promptly send it to the man in question: ]
I wanna eat it
[ He's done something funny with the sending of the images so that they're animated on Aventurine's screen. No, they're not videos. They're animated photos. As in, one glossy photo of the cake swooshes in from the corner of Aventurine's screen towards the other corner. Another photo of the cake from a different angle zooms in and out on his screen as though it's bouncing eagerly at his face. A third static photo of the cake spirals in like the slide from a bad Powerpoint presentation. All of this adds up to a... slightly unhinged image of cake worship...? ]
I wanna eat it I wanna eat it I wanna eat it I wanna eat it I wanna eat it I wanna eat it I wanna eat it
[ One can... practically imagine Caelus shaking, like a dog that's been well-trained but hasn't been given permission to eat yet... ]
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At least, Caelus thinks that, up until that tail loops around his thigh as if squeezing it, applying slight pressure to his groin.
Caelus groans with satisfaction, relishing in the strangely pliant feeling of being manipulated by Dan Heng's tail. He loves how comfortable Dan Heng seems right now, and how greedy he can really be, once Caelus has worked past his huffy exterior and into the gooey sentimental core within. Eager and needy, he noses at Dan Heng some more, still diligently kissing him back, wanting to see if he can sink Dan Heng into the same state of half-drowsy, half-aroused madness.
Aeons have mercy on him. He loves this dragon man so much.
Greedy for more, the Trailblazer wraps his arms around Dan Heng's shoulders, fingers teasing the soft black hair at the back of his neck. He sighs contentedly, leaning on Dan Heng ever more heavily.
Your move, Dan Heng. Maybe, if you don't have any objections, you can just be crushed by your twunky boyfriend. ]
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Haha, do you like it that much?
If you wait patiently for me, I'll let you enjoy it and give you an additional reward.
But only if you manage not to eat it in the interim.
[ A challenge for Caelus—will his desire for cake win out, or will he be a good boy and stay steadfast waiting for his treat? The logic of it is easy enough to grasp: better rewards in exchange for time, but resisting when such a perfect specimen of cake is before your very eyes, close enough to touch and smell? Good luck, friend. ]
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But I want to eat it now...
What's the additional reward?
Aventurine :(((
[ Imagine the puppy eyes, Aventurine. The pleading face. Caelus is shameless enough even to get down on all fours and beg like a real dog if he has to. Plus, the longer this cake stays in the refrigerator, the soggier it's gonna get!
(Note: This is more of an issue with First Amber Era refrigerators. The refrigerator in Caelus's room is state-of-the-art and near perfectly preserves the cake. It's not going to be overly affected by the cold temperatures... he's just impatient.) ]
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the tail slides around his thigh in loose loops, inching closer to the heat between his legs. despite his demeanor, he suddenly finds very affectionate ways to put his appendages: his arms slide just under Caelus', a leg keeping his knees apart while his tail curls all around him. perhaps it's the weight that Caelus leans into him with, but Dan Heng's grip seems to get a bit more possessive, his fingers curling into his shirt between his shoulder blades.
instead his tail does the work, the slow movement at the junction of Caelus' thigh, rubbing up against his arousal until he becomes stiff. there's a sort of quiet satisfaction about this that Dan Heng can't exactly place – perhaps it is that comfort that Caelus managed to tease out of him, turning him into something that enjoys this slower, lazy affection. he may be opening an unintentional door to more of this, but right now he doesn't seem to care (or it doesn't seem to cross his mind, anyway). ]
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Still, the reason becomes clear after several moments longer: Aventurine has one-upped expectations with an attached photo of yet another cake slice, and this time, it’s an even more exquisitely decorated one made with triple artisan chocolate and expensive vanilla beans, the various layers visible along the side. Flakes of gold leaf and what seems to be a tasteful pattern of edible diamonds form a glittering trail atop the icing, making it…somehow look even more extravagant than the other slice? And that one already seemed like it would make paychecks bleed…! ]
Double the winnings, and only for a little bit of patience~
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It's so beautiful...
There is, truthfully, a part of Caelus that is almost concerned about where Aventurine gets these cakes. Edible gold? Edible diamonds? Oh, there are plenty of luxuries like that in this beautiful universe, to be sure, but do such things really cure the holes in one's heart? Talk to me, he almost wants to say to Aventurine. Tell me if this heals you.
On a much less serious note, though: god damn, he really wants that cake.
Two cakes... two cakes just for waiting a little while...
...Right?
Wait, before he agrees to anything — he's gotta figure out all the terms first, right? ]
...How long do you want me to wait?
[ This is a matter of life and death, Aventurine!! ]
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It's because Dan Heng usually isn't the one with appetites that he isn't braced for how things just sort of — shift.
It's funny. He knows Dan Heng can be horny, knows that because they have raunchy sex at least once or twice a week (usually way more than that). But somehow, he still never expects Dan Heng to be the horny one. It's all slow lazy kisses and firm patient hold, and then all of a sudden his patient kisses aren't quite so innocent, and the grip on his limbs is more possessive than it is supportive. And his tail —
Caelus moans. Loudly. Ohhhh, he never even in his wildest fantasies thought about how it'd feel to have that powerful, coiling tail rub up against his dick like this, and the friction is incredible. Addictive. He wants more than just this, wants to feel that tail rubbing and bumping and grinding up against his dick. He can't believe Dan Heng is giving him a tailjob. ]
Dan — Heng, that — oh, fuck, that feels good...
[ Panting, grinding — now he's the one rubbing and bucking his hips into it. Look what you made him do, Dan Heng. ]
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that frisky tail loops around his thigh, slithering in slow movement until it creates friction between Caelus and the fabric as he moves his hips. it's long, smooth, a little cool to the touch, just like a tepid spring, and seems to have a mind of its own. the friction gets a little tighter, giving Caelus leverage to lean into it to grind. Dan Heng is content enough to keep hold of Caelus, cling to him as if someone suddenly told him that if he doesn't hang on tight enough, Caelus will leave him. ]
You like this ... [ he trails off, the question more of a statement. ] Me too.
[ Dan Heng doesn't usually embrace his vidyadhara form, instead choosing to hide it, but he can't deny that it's nice being able to hold Caelus close like this with his arms, and allow his tail to roam freely. he's usually uncomfortable like this, always very aware of where all parts of his body are at all times, but this is liberating, in a way, because he's suddenly aware that he's comfortable enough not to be overthinking where he's putting himself in space. no, he's right here, and Caelus is enjoying his tail. ]
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It feels good to have his arms wrapped around Dan Heng while he's doing this. It feels good to have Dan Heng's arms wrapped around him.
Dimly, it occurs to Caelus that this is the first time they've had sex while Dan Heng was in his vidyadhara form, and this is the first time that he's seen Dan Heng seem so at ease with himself in it. But he can't really voice his surprise while his brain is being turned to jelly by how damn good it feels to have that tail rubbing between his legs, and Caelus is not particularly good at holding himself back or behaving. (Dan Heng likes those things about him, right?)
He comes. It's preceded only by a shaky, incredibly grateful low moan from deep in Caelus's chest, a slight grip from his fingertips — one which could have been much harder, much stronger, but Caelus is sweet and gentle, always careful not to hurt Dan Heng if he can help it.
His eyelids flutter closed, breath catches in his lungs — he surrenders perfectly, shuddering as he comes in his pants. He doesn't even care about making a mess in his underwear, though. Being with Dan Heng just feels too good. ]