crescentview | December Open Post/Catch All/Overflow

December Open Post/Catch All/Overflow

Who: Van Zieks and whoever
What: General catch all for bingos and other effects
When: December
Where: Various
Warnings: TBA

Something has gone terribly wrong? (December 9th)
[You are just minding your own business, walking on the beach, or through the wood, when you hear what is certainly an unfamiliar laugh. If you look around, you'll soon attach it to... van Zieks? No, this can't be him. He's smiling. He's barefoot and covered in dirt. His hair isn't immaculately combed back and he's simply wearing a loose cotton shirt with his tight lawyer pants, though he does have a sword now hanging at his waist, which is new. This cannot be van Zieks. Even the cadence of his voice is lacking his normal ominous grit, but the voice is certainly his otherwise.]

Oh, come here! I have something to show you.
[Seriously who the hell is this and what did he do with the real van Zieks???]

Nevermind, Uncle has the Depression Again (December 10th)
[The following day, van Zieks is back in his austere best, looking more glowery and somber than ever before, like he's making up for the time he lost yesterday. You may find him at his usual haunt in the darkest corner of the winery, OR if you're wandering around in the woods, you might find him surveying the plot of land on his farm, or rather, the chaos that the him of the day before wreaked, which is to say, something was done to the plots, but it's hard to tell if it was anything constructive because they're upturned earth everywhere. Van Zieks is leaning heavily on the shovel he's holding, looking tired.]

Let me know if you have something specific in mind for bingo
[Hit me up on discord or on plurk

agentmaine]

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I would. You've certainly surprised me today.

[Though he's begun to figure that this is absolutely abnormal for van Zieks, maybe that wasn't always the case. Who knows? Maybe he was closer to this before the Reaper's curse settled in over him.

Now that he's identified the worst tension spots, he turns his attention to them with a firmer touch. He presses and kneads into those nasty knots, nice and slow with the hopes of removing them.]

You're just as rigid as I expected you to be, though. You really need to relax more from now on, darling.

That's the plan! Assuming I don't wake up feeling different again tomorrow. [Alas, he will.]

But you know, some people have been so rude about it. He Xuan thought there was something wrong with me!

[But he leans back into the pressure, maybe letting out some soft noises as the knots are worked out, but nothing suggesting real pain.]

[He simply can't help it: a light laugh escapes him.]

Honestly, that is exactly what I would expect from He Xuan.

[Don't worry, van Zieks. He Xuan will get a similar treatment from the Goddess soon enough.

There's a bit of a lull as Sylvando settles into a gentle hum while he works. He can tell already that his efforts are paying off. Every so often, his hands seemingly drift a little further down van Zieks' arms in what is surely not some sort of massage technique. But maybe that's all imagination?

Eventually he speaks up again.]

But you have to admit that you are usually a very different person! Surely you remember mentioning how you don't like me calling you "darling"? Not to mention how no-nonsense and intense you can be... I would think that any other day you wouldn't give flashy crabs in the tide pool a second glance!

[Van Zieks as he is now is certainly not going to say anything about the drifting hands. But Sylvando will be able to get an idea that under the thin cotton of his shirt, van Zieks is surprisingly muscular given his profession.]

Well, sure. Where I'm from, there's a lot of expectations for how to behave, particularly in my station. Even being out in public without my waistcoat would be considered highly inappropriate.
[He sighs a little, maybe in relief from the tension being worked out of his muscles, maybe in exasperation at victorian society.]

But even beyond that, I didn't trust anyone, after everything that happened. So I was in the habit of pushing people away and focusing on my work. Harder to feel alone if you keep busy, you know?

[??? Sylvando makes a gobsmacked noise to replace the expression van Zieks wouldn't be able to see. He knows that some societies can be stifling—Yggdrasil knows he's received push-back for how open and flamboyant he is—but he's certain he'd have a hard time surviving London's upper class now.]

Goodness, how strict! You've cast away more than a few expectations today, it seems.

[His touch softens again after this, as does his tone. His hands come to a rest on van Zieks' shoulders and he leans in enough for his breath to be felt against the back of the other man's neck.]

You know... Distractions are only that, darling: distractions. You can be a workaholic, but loneliness always finds a way to seep in through the cracks. From what I can tell, this is something you've desperately wanted for a long time. I don't plan to take the trust you've put in me lightly.

[Van Zieks had gone through the trouble of unbuttoning some of his shirt earlier, which makes it all the easier for Sylvando to push some of that fabric aside in order to place a kiss against the nape of his neck.]

[We got all sorts of different spoons and forks you have to use in a certain order, and also half the time you want to say something you have to say it in a vague roundabout way!!!! Everyone is very horny but no one is allowed to say a single thing about it in most situations. It's wild.

Anyway he shivers a bit when he can feel Sylvando's breath on the back of his neck, and his response is cut short with a slight yelp of surprise at the kiss.]

A-ah, well, you seemed like you were sincere about wanting to help people... And all the pet names...
[Just seemed like the person to go to for this sort of thing.]

And in any case, like you said... not trusting anyone didn't work out at all.

[Van Zieks' reactions are handled with care. Sylvando even figured a kiss would be a shock to his system, so he better start with something a bit indirect.]

I meant every word of it. This [he lifts a hand up to brush against van Zieks' cheek to signify what "this" means] isn't quite in my usual repertoire, but that doesn't mean I'm opposed. If this is what you need the most help with, then I am happy to guide you through it.

[He's not quite done with the massage yet, though. With a few graceful steps, he rounds the chair and stands with his van Zieks' lap between his legs.]

May I?

[He doesn't go for a direct seat because he's worried he'd give the Victorian man a heart attack out of surprise.]

[Yeah the mere threat of a lap sit has him going red in the face, though he certainly doesn't seem displeased. He also seems like he's not exactly sure what's being asked, but regardless;]

Please!
[WHATEVER YOU'RE PLANNING ON DOING, YOU FANCY SPANISH MAN. GO FOR IT.]

I-I just feel like I should chase this urge while I still have the ability to!
[Regular van Zieks would never have allowed things to get even this far.]

[Down he goes, then! But not before laughing softly at how immediately red van Zieks got. There's something very charming about the juxtaposition of van Zieks' usual intense demeanor and this boyish eagerness to try something new and exciting...and salacious.

Using van Zieks' arms for support, he lowers himself down until he is resting comfortably on the other man's lap. His hands effortlessly slide back up to those shoulders that could still use a little work...this time while he's hovering just in front of van Zieks, of course.]

How long have you been holding this urge in, anyway? It couldn't have been fun at all.

[van Zieks hesitates for a moment, before tentatively placing his own hands at Sylvando's waist.]

I suppose... not quite a decade, but close.
[He sighs.]

After Klint was murdered, I suppose I really stopped living myself. How stupid is that, really?
[He laughs oddly genuinely, with the bombshell he just casually dropped. His older brother, who he likened to a dashing knight, in whose footsteps he'd followed to uphold the law. That man that he clearly looked up to so much had been killed. Lame to be hung up on that!!!

Also OOC: I accidentally wrote murderered at first which I fixed but isn't actually really wrong if you think about it.]

[Van Zieks is handling this very well, so Sylvando rewards his courage with a soft noise of contentment at that touch. It really does feel nice for him too, since it has also been a while since he enjoyed the company of another like this.

...definitely not for similar reasons as van Zieks, though, good god.

The revelation comes completely out of the blue, leading him to hold a hand up to his mouth with a startled gasp. Murdered?

...]

I don't think it's stupid at all. [That hand comes to a gentle rest against van Zieks' cheek.] Grief affects everyone differently. From what you told me, Klint sounded like an amazing man, and it's obvious how much he meant to you. You have my sincerest condolences, honey.

[Loss and grief... They are the most difficult shadows for even a Knight in Smiling Armor to pierce through.

But...]

[Sylvando's hand trails along van Zieks' jawline as a smile reappears on his face.]

I never had the pleasure of getting to meet him so I can't assume too much, but I think he would be glad to know that you have finally been able to make steps toward moving on. Toward living for yourself.

[Normally van Zieks would argue. A million arguments would have rallied to be spoken first, about Sylvando's lack of knowledge, of Klint's personality, and of his own defenses as to his life choices.

But of course, today he's not saying any of that.]

Hmph, whatever! Like I care what he thinks! I'm doing this because I want to.
[Who is this man honestly. Anyway.]

But thank you, not that you have any real reason to be sorry.

[Van Zieks would be right to do so. Sylvando only has the best intentions, but there is so much that he doesn't know. It would certainly be awkward to find out.

That said, van Zieks' little huff cuts through some of the tension in the air and Sylvando laughs softly in return. So this back-and-forth of feelings is what it's like to have a sibling, huh?]

It simply felt like the right thing to say.

[...]

You're doing well, though. This is nice, isn't it?

["This", referring to what they have going on right now.]

[He perks up at the praise, in a way that is readily apparent but also clearly him trying to mask how motivated he is by it.]

Yes! I-
[He fumbles over his words, reddening a bit.]

It's just such a...a whole to-do at home. It's illegal, so you have to know someone who can get you into a certain type of gentleman's club... and then any meetings you have there you have to keep carefully guarded.
[No wonder van Zieks is normally so uptight.]

So it being so straightforward here... it's nice.

What? This is illegal in London?

[He sounds utterly flabbergasted. It's by no means a common sight in Erdrea, but really... Still, it definitely does explain a lot.]

Ridiculous! Love is love, no matter what sex you find attraction toward.

[As irritated as he is by London society, he figures it's something that van Zieks grew up with instilled in his mind. It must be horrible to have to quash any potential interest or affections before they could even have a chance to blossom.

He lets out a small huff, then brings his hands back down to rest on van Zieks' shoulders.]

I'm so glad you're getting a good change of pace here though, darling. By all means, feel free to explore as much as you like. I'm not going anywhere.

[It's strangely satisfying, Sylvando getting outraged on his behalf, and at the same time he almost feels as if he should apologize as if he set these laws and customs himself. Regular van Zieks would stew and dwell on all that, but wrong van Zieks can't be bothered to engage with systemic issues.

That said, he also doesn't know where to start!? Sure, he has a vague goal in mind, but he can't just jump right to that, Sylvando is worth more than that.]

Mm... Well I want to return to favor you just did me, you know? It's only fair. What do you want me to do?

[That's so sweet... Honestly, helping someone explore their sexuality isn't something Sylvando feels he needs to be repaid for, but that doesn't mean he doesn't appreciate the intent.]

I'm more than happy to give you the reins, but the freedom of choice can be pretty paralyzing if you don't get to do this very often, huh?

[He leans in a bit to get more level with van Zieks.]

Why don't you start with something simple like a kiss? See where that takes you. And if you still feel lost, I'll lend a helping hand.

[He flushes deeply, but rather than out of embarassment, it's clear that yes he'd very much like that, and was probably already thinking about it a little.

In the same token, his Little Brother Disease flares up at just how gently he's being handled. He's a grown man!!! He's Been with People before!!! It's just been a while!!! So rather than acknowledge the suggestion he just goes for it, fiercely. He's not conflicted!!! He's not at all feeling inwardly weird about this personality shift!!!]

H-How's that for lost?
[Sylvando doesn't have siblings so he will unfortunately have no context for this behavior.]

[Sylvando's gasp is muffled against van Zieks' lips as the intensity catches him completely off guard. Where did that come from? Not that he's complaining, given how holds his own in returning that fiery kiss, but damn.

He lets out a startled laugh when van Zieks pulls away so the both of them can breathe. There's no hiding the fact that his own face is a little pink by this point.]

Wow. Color me pleasantly surprised, darling! That was really something!

[He didn't think van Zieks was completely green at this or anything, but he just seemed so nervous...]

What else do you plan on surprising me with, hmm?

[Really, he hasn't seen much action since he was still a university student, still a young man, and thus was often the less experienced person, and not expected to take the lead or initiative.

That said, his boldness was rewarded with both actions and words, which means he's only encouraged to keep riding this urge to prove he's very cool and powerful and good at kissing and other things like that!!!

So he leans forward again, but this time his target is lower, Sylvando's neck. (Un??)fortunately he's not actually a vampire so he doesn't break the skin but he's definitely going to leave a mark in the form of a hickey. His hands, meanwhile, are shifting from their grip on his hips to slip under Sylvando's tunic, questing upwards in search for bare skin.]

[Practice makes perfect, and Sylvando is more than happy to let van Zieks use what he's learned as he takes the lead. He's also quick to reward him for his exploration at every step.]

Oooh, looking to lay claim on me already, eh~?

[It's obvious that he doesn't object to this. He even shifts a little to give van Zieks easy access. It's also obvious that this isn't even close to his first rodeo, given how little that bite seems to affect him. But he's hardly going slack on his performance, oh no. He utters a low, pleased hum as he lifts a hand up to run through van Zieks' disheveled hair. It's a shame the usually prim and proper Victorian is foregoing his full regalia today. It'd be so fun to make a show out of taking it all off...

Maybe another time.

The next thing he knows, exploratory hands are making their way across his well-defined abdominal muscles, sending a gentle shiver up his spine. If his profession didn't imply that he takes good care of his body, this is certainly some conclusive evidence. He makes an effort to lean into van Zieks' touch, encouraging him to continue.]

[Maybe Sylvando will have another opportunity to take the rest of it off some other time... Hard to say. There definitely aren't some clear opportunities in the Fall.

Anyway, van Zieks sits up, though his hands remain where they are, he looks a little flustered.]

I mean, I wouldn't go that far! Surely someone like you have plenty of other options, Sylvando.
[This self deprecation aside, his hands are still traveling upward, at a slow and thorough pace that speaks to keen appreciation of the muscles, even if they're mostly being used for clownery these days.]

[It is a mystery, clearly!!

Sylvando lets out a soft, breathy laugh as he tips his head down to meet van Zieks' lips.]

And you, my dear, are too quick to rule yourself out of the running.

[With that, he closes the gap and steals a kiss.]

If nothing else, that mark makes me yours until it fades. Why don't you make the most of it, hm?

[Those muscles have also come in handy for all the farm work he's been getting accustomed to. Clownery is on the backburner for now, but who knows...it could make a comeback. Much to van Zieks' chagrin, most likely.

As van Zieks reaches Sylvando's chest, while he's not like, huge or anything, his pecs are similarly well-defined. There's some volume there for the touching.]

[normal Baz is not the type to make the most of anything. wrong van Zieks, however...]

You-You're right! You know, I was once considered among London's most eligible bachelors.
[Obviously not that he was actually interested in any of the women who'd sought him out at that time, but. You know, it's something. Even though now he definitely wouldn't be so highly regarded, despite having more status, given that he never goes to social events and also until recently was suspected by many to be somehow causing the deaths of numerous people.]

I... We'll have to change positions for what I'd like to take next, then.

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hypnowhip - 2023-03-20 17:19 (UTC) - Expand

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December Open Post/Catch All/Overflow

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