[ Merlin puffs his cheeks out, but then realizes Wei Wuxian is being serious and he can't play it off with humor. He takes a moment to take in the fact someone's worrying over him...a little? It doesn't happen very often, so he's a bit surprised as well.
Fou, on the other hand, looks plenty satisfied about whatever concern that was just voiced. As well as more pet ruffling, making a little happy noise. ]
Aha, I'm not even sure if what's behind it is a creature or not, but...
Well, I'm working it out, okay? [ He pitches his voice up cheerily because he doesn't want to sound otherwise. ] I'm the great and powerful Merlin! If anything went wrong, it wouldn't be because a spell back-fired on me, I promise. Someone would have to interfere or kill me first to stop it, of course. Naturally, I won't let either happen! I'm good at running away when it gets too dangerous.
Have faith in me, alright? The best thing is I'm not going to just rush ahead into it either. I have a plan. It's important to gather information first before taking action, right?
[ Which, he assumes will afford him enough time to potentially take action in the first place, but...you know. ]
Okay, that's a lie. So, there's a pause as he hums a little. He's told someone else about just a little bit of his plans, but he's been a bit stubborn about the 'help' factor. Though, here, he figures it can't hurt. Maybe because he feels the two of them have a lot in common... ]
Well, I plan to ask questions of our captors first. Simple enough, you know. So maybe both of us could do that in our own ways...then compare notes.
Next stage is heading out to the beach, and then testing the strength of the barrier surrounding the island. My offensive magic is rather long-range, of course. I never bothered to do it before because I thought we had more time.
Then, the follow-up is seeing if we can find where this distortion usually originates. It was a bit unclear last time, but if we can narrow it down to the exact location, that might help as well.
Pinning down a location will indeed help us eliminate the threat at its source.
[ Wei Wuxian can swim, but he knows he can't do anything about the barrier. That's entirely beyond him and his skills as a human, so he can just leave that to Merlin.
But there is a problem with this plan... ]
Do you really think those bastards are going to tell you a single thing?
As for Wei Wuxian's criticism, he doesn't necessarily think it unfounded. Though he's not deterred either; he has already decided on his course of action, after all. ]
That depends. I'm not hinging the plan on them telling me everything, because that's just silly, and shouldn't be the main way to gather info. And you certainly don't have to talk to them either if you don't want to. Though in my experience, the more arrogance someone has...if you get them talking, sometimes they let slip something they shouldn't have. Something that might lead to their downfall, so to speak~
I can handle it myself, of course. If it ends up a nothing-burger, then that's just fine. We can work on the other two together just as well.
You'll be the first person I'll find...whether I decide to get back-up for poking them for info, or in the event I'm just successful, of course.
[ He gives a wink. ]
After all, I can't remember the last person who worried so much over me. I was starting to wonder if I would make you go grey too early! Not that I imagine it'd diminish your appearance any~
[ Merlin is going to try to interject some levity back in as much as he can. He totally ignores the judging look his companion animal throws him. ]
[ As for the severity of the comment, he just laughs lightly.
He thinks it's...nice. He shouldn't be so surprised, really—he knows it's his own fault that people rarely say things like that to him. ]
...Haha, that's—fair. Honestly, I'd be upset if something happened to you.
[ That's also true—Wei Wuxian is one of the people he likes being around, and he finds that he has come to like some others as well, wishing that they will remain safe too. But, he turns his head away quickly, looking back out to the sea, because getting choked up over this feels a little embarrassing. ]
I wish we'd all met under better circumstances. It'd be nice. [ ... ] Some things you can't change, though. At least at the end of the day, most of us can be sure that we try our best. And I think, with all our efforts...we'll earn our happy ending. Away from this hellhole.
[ They're a relatively dysfunctional group, but Wei Wuxian thinks that enough of them want to live that they'll manage through this. ]
While it would have been nice to meet in better circumstances, I think we can be grateful we met at all, can't we? There are positives, even in situations such as these.
[ Merlin turns to face Wei Wuxian when he says that, a more subdued smile on his face, that reaches his eyes. No additional commentary about how difficult it'll be, when they know it both will be.
...He thinks he's glad, that even though they certainly have different opinions on certain matters, both of them can see the situation the same way. ]
Yes, you're right. I think I've even gotten along a bit better than most of the people I've met back "home". It probably sounds strange, but that, our meetings, and other things...it's probably why I won't want to forget this ever happened.
[ Ah...so that's another similarity they have, huh? He has noticed some similarities between them, but this was beyond his expectations. ]
In that case, I'd have to extend those sentiments back to you, hm? About appreciating that you have had a better experience, even with our situation being what it is.
I guess this also says something about the two of us.
[ That they're particularly good at alienating people, or others can't reach them well. Perhaps...Wei Wuxian feels as distant as he does from people as well, among other things. ]
[ He smiles, thinking along the same lines as Merlin. Personalities like theirs always cause a stir, gaining them friends or enemies depending on the tide of opinion at the time. ]
That it does, doesn't it? Perhaps we instinctually picked up on that, and it's why we get along so well.
But, here I thought it was simply because we had similar tastes. [ But, this is different than currying surface, temporary popularity or infamy. ] In all honesty, I never expected I could really relate to anyone. Those kind of things are strictly usually reserved for other people. Those who live in a world where days still turn to night...those who live mortal lives.
[ Maybe in his heart, Merlin wished for that sort of thing. The part of him that is still human, which he hardly ever properly acknowledges. ]
I wonder, what other similarities we so happen to share. How much would you be willing to let me find out?
[ A brief, amused look is passed on over to Wei Wuxian, as if he has an inkling, since they are similar. One that speaks louder than words, given the way he also has just hummed.
Though, he answers the question seriously, despite the gentle, non-verbal tease a moment ago. ]
As you wish. Usually, I do prefer to be the only one who knows. But, I think I can make an exception for someone like yourself. For some reason, the idea doesn't seem as fun when it's with you...an equal exchange of sorts sounds more exciting!
[ Then, unable to jest a little, he adds on with a wink: ]
And now that I have said that, maybe we should do something to symbolize our agreement? I wonder, what would you consider to be acceptable...?
[ An equal exchange is definitely more exciting—and much, much more rewarding in Wei Wuxian's opinion. So, he grins, also inclined to add a bit of levity to the situation. ]
Well, we could shake on it. I'd suggest blood just to be a bit dramatic, but that seems over the top right now.
Oh, certainly. Though, that would be interesting! Usually when blood is involved in an agreement regarding myself and another, that'd mean someone is contracting me to be their loyal Servant~
[ That is not a joke, even if it might sound like one.
Anyway, Merlin hops on over, very happy to have the chance for hand-touchies with Wei Wuxian again. Except with no nonsense, as he grasps a hold of it firmly, and gives a shake. Though with the other hand he playfully reaches out to see if he can tap one of his shoulders too. ]
Boop. And just like that, you'd never be rid of me! But this will do just fine, of course.
Merlin still has a hold of his hand, so he also gives it a little squeeze, and smiles a little in what is undeniably a coquettish manner. He can't help himself, even a bit. ]
Maybe be forced to put up with me for quite a long time. What a fate that'd be!
Would you find it exciting? Or do you think I'd be the type to easily overwhelm you~?
[ Wei Wuxian...are you trying to call Merlin's bluff? Him of all people? But, judging by the look on his face, he appreciates the challenge. Naturally, he will immediately do what he can to meet it.
And so, he laughs, lightly—a different sort of laugh. Then, he dares to lean in closer. ]
[ Of course he is! While it's a miracle he doesn't instinctually move back when Merlin pitches forward, he still doesn't believe Merlin will actually commit.
So, he laughs. ]
Why would I be overwhelmed? Weren't you at the party? I've already kissed someone before. There's no need to do such a thing now to overwhelm me.
[ Also fair of Wei Wuxian to think so, given that at times Merlin simply messes around with no intention of follow-through. Sometimes.
But, he has no intentions of not rising to the challenge; he has wondered what it'd be like to kiss Wei Wuxian, after all. Though, he wants to see how far this can go. Of course, he will tease a little more first, moving in closer, though not ignoring the words, so he doesn't claim those lips or anywhere just yet, instead speaking nearby his ear. ]
I remember, yes.
Then, are you saying that if I did do so right now...it wouldn't overwhelm you, if it isn't necessary? How about we put that to the test and do something for fun, if you're up for it? Choose a place where you would be fine with receiving a kiss, and I will give it to you. If what you said is proven to be true, I will owe you a favor that you can call upon at any time.
Of course, you are not obligated. And I could always come up with something else to potentially spring upon you~
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mysticpowerbroker) wrote2023-05-15 09:11 pm
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Fou, on the other hand, looks plenty satisfied about whatever concern that was just voiced. As well as more pet ruffling, making a little happy noise. ]
Aha, I'm not even sure if what's behind it is a creature or not, but...
Well, I'm working it out, okay? [ He pitches his voice up cheerily because he doesn't want to sound otherwise. ] I'm the great and powerful Merlin! If anything went wrong, it wouldn't be because a spell back-fired on me, I promise. Someone would have to interfere or kill me first to stop it, of course. Naturally, I won't let either happen! I'm good at running away when it gets too dangerous.
Have faith in me, alright? The best thing is I'm not going to just rush ahead into it either. I have a plan. It's important to gather information first before taking action, right?
[ Which, he assumes will afford him enough time to potentially take action in the first place, but...you know. ]
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[ He frowns, looking out to the sea before his gaze shifts back to Merlin. ]
Let me gather information with you. I may be useless against that thing, but I can at least help you prepare.
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[ ...
Okay, that's a lie. So, there's a pause as he hums a little. He's told someone else about just a little bit of his plans, but he's been a bit stubborn about the 'help' factor. Though, here, he figures it can't hurt. Maybe because he feels the two of them have a lot in common... ]
Well, I plan to ask questions of our captors first. Simple enough, you know. So maybe both of us could do that in our own ways...then compare notes.
Next stage is heading out to the beach, and then testing the strength of the barrier surrounding the island. My offensive magic is rather long-range, of course. I never bothered to do it before because I thought we had more time.
Then, the follow-up is seeing if we can find where this distortion usually originates. It was a bit unclear last time, but if we can narrow it down to the exact location, that might help as well.
That's about all I have at this time.
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[ Wei Wuxian can swim, but he knows he can't do anything about the barrier. That's entirely beyond him and his skills as a human, so he can just leave that to Merlin.
But there is a problem with this plan... ]
Do you really think those bastards are going to tell you a single thing?
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[ At least he sounds confident of that.
As for Wei Wuxian's criticism, he doesn't necessarily think it unfounded. Though he's not deterred either; he has already decided on his course of action, after all. ]
That depends. I'm not hinging the plan on them telling me everything, because that's just silly, and shouldn't be the main way to gather info. And you certainly don't have to talk to them either if you don't want to. Though in my experience, the more arrogance someone has...if you get them talking, sometimes they let slip something they shouldn't have. Something that might lead to their downfall, so to speak~
I can handle it myself, of course. If it ends up a nothing-burger, then that's just fine. We can work on the other two together just as well.
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[ He sighs, long and thin. Wei Wuxian really doesn't think Merlin will find out much at all and that it might be a huge waste of time for him. ]
Come find me if you need assistance getting information out of them. I'll likely be in one of the hammocks.
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[ He gives a wink. ]
After all, I can't remember the last person who worried so much over me. I was starting to wonder if I would make you go grey too early! Not that I imagine it'd diminish your appearance any~
[ Merlin is going to try to interject some levity back in as much as he can. He totally ignores the judging look his companion animal throws him. ]
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[ He laughs, taking the comment in stride. While his smile doesn’t fade, the look on his face is still serious. ]
I consider most of us a team. Why wouldn’t I worry about a teammate I like being around?
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[ As for the severity of the comment, he just laughs lightly.
He thinks it's...nice. He shouldn't be so surprised, really—he knows it's his own fault that people rarely say things like that to him. ]
...Haha, that's—fair. Honestly, I'd be upset if something happened to you.
[ That's also true—Wei Wuxian is one of the people he likes being around, and he finds that he has come to like some others as well, wishing that they will remain safe too. But, he turns his head away quickly, looking back out to the sea, because getting choked up over this feels a little embarrassing. ]
I wish we'd all met under better circumstances. It'd be nice. [ ... ] Some things you can't change, though. At least at the end of the day, most of us can be sure that we try our best. And I think, with all our efforts...we'll earn our happy ending. Away from this hellhole.
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[ They're a relatively dysfunctional group, but Wei Wuxian thinks that enough of them want to live that they'll manage through this. ]
While it would have been nice to meet in better circumstances, I think we can be grateful we met at all, can't we? There are positives, even in situations such as these.
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...He thinks he's glad, that even though they certainly have different opinions on certain matters, both of them can see the situation the same way. ]
Yes, you're right. I think I've even gotten along a bit better than most of the people I've met back "home". It probably sounds strange, but that, our meetings, and other things...it's probably why I won't want to forget this ever happened.
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[ He pauses, a subdued smile of his own on his face. ]
I feel similarly.
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In that case, I'd have to extend those sentiments back to you, hm? About appreciating that you have had a better experience, even with our situation being what it is.
I guess this also says something about the two of us.
[ That they're particularly good at alienating people, or others can't reach them well. Perhaps...Wei Wuxian feels as distant as he does from people as well, among other things. ]
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That it does, doesn't it? Perhaps we instinctually picked up on that, and it's why we get along so well.
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But, here I thought it was simply because we had similar tastes. [ But, this is different than currying surface, temporary popularity or infamy. ] In all honesty, I never expected I could really relate to anyone. Those kind of things are strictly usually reserved for other people. Those who live in a world where days still turn to night...those who live mortal lives.
[ Maybe in his heart, Merlin wished for that sort of thing. The part of him that is still human, which he hardly ever properly acknowledges. ]
I wonder, what other similarities we so happen to share. How much would you be willing to let me find out?
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[ And yet he pushes people away through vagueness and turning the attention right back around on them.
Still... he thinks Merlin is probably similar. After all, here he is, asking Wei Wuxian if he can find out more about him. ]
Only if you'd let me in on such similarities. Where's the fun in you being the only one who knows?
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[ A brief, amused look is passed on over to Wei Wuxian, as if he has an inkling, since they are similar. One that speaks louder than words, given the way he also has just hummed.
Though, he answers the question seriously, despite the gentle, non-verbal tease a moment ago. ]
As you wish. Usually, I do prefer to be the only one who knows. But, I think I can make an exception for someone like yourself. For some reason, the idea doesn't seem as fun when it's with you...an equal exchange of sorts sounds more exciting!
[ Then, unable to jest a little, he adds on with a wink: ]
And now that I have said that, maybe we should do something to symbolize our agreement? I wonder, what would you consider to be acceptable...?
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Well, we could shake on it. I'd suggest blood just to be a bit dramatic, but that seems over the top right now.
[ He laughs softly as he sticks out his hand. ]
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[ That is not a joke, even if it might sound like one.
Anyway, Merlin hops on over, very happy to have the chance for hand-touchies with Wei Wuxian again. Except with no nonsense, as he grasps a hold of it firmly, and gives a shake. Though with the other hand he playfully reaches out to see if he can tap one of his shoulders too. ]
Boop. And just like that, you'd never be rid of me! But this will do just fine, of course.
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Ah, what will I ever do if I can't rid myself of you?!
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Merlin still has a hold of his hand, so he also gives it a little squeeze, and smiles a little in what is undeniably a coquettish manner. He can't help himself, even a bit. ]
Maybe be forced to put up with me for quite a long time. What a fate that'd be!
Would you find it exciting? Or do you think I'd be the type to easily overwhelm you~?
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Do I look like a man that can be easily overwhelmed? I’d like to see you try.
[ He raises the dead, after all. ]
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[ Wei Wuxian...are you trying to call Merlin's bluff? Him of all people? But, judging by the look on his face, he appreciates the challenge. Naturally, he will immediately do what he can to meet it.
And so, he laughs, lightly—a different sort of laugh. Then, he dares to lean in closer. ]
If I kissed you, then, would you be overwhelmed?
[ On his hand, then his lips, maybe? ]
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So, he laughs. ]
Why would I be overwhelmed? Weren't you at the party? I've already kissed someone before. There's no need to do such a thing now to overwhelm me.
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But, he has no intentions of not rising to the challenge; he has wondered what it'd be like to kiss Wei Wuxian, after all. Though, he wants to see how far this can go. Of course, he will tease a little more first, moving in closer, though not ignoring the words, so he doesn't claim those lips or anywhere just yet, instead speaking nearby his ear. ]
I remember, yes.
Then, are you saying that if I did do so right now...it wouldn't overwhelm you, if it isn't necessary? How about we put that to the test and do something for fun, if you're up for it? Choose a place where you would be fine with receiving a kiss, and I will give it to you. If what you said is proven to be true, I will owe you a favor that you can call upon at any time.
Of course, you are not obligated. And I could always come up with something else to potentially spring upon you~
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internalized homophobia/biphobia cw sorry to hit you with this lum
No problem at all :> mild apology for Merlin being...himself
crying
😎
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