[ as if tseng would ever say no to seeing olivine all dolled up. or even to just seeing the outfit, if what olivine intends is to show the garment without wearing it.
he nods, his interest piqued. ]
If it's not too much trouble to show me, I would like to see it.
[ he's equally curious about the priest robes, too, but it doesn't feel right to put olivine out that much and ask him to show both. ]
It's no trouble at all. It's easy to switch between them, especially since I'll be showing off the lingerie in the first place... and I'm happy to show you anything you like, you know.
[therefore, it's not inconvenient at all. in fact, one might think he wants to show off for Tseng.
But it isn't long before their tea and snacks are finished, and as he sets his empty cup down, Olivine reaches forward for the gift still resting on the table. Fingers trace over the surface of it briefly before the priest places it before his guest.]
Then, if you're ready, I'd love for you to open your other gift.
[ frankly, tseng had let the thought of another gift slip from his mind entirely, far more focused on spending time with olivine. now that it's drawn back to his attention, he remembers that olivine said there was another gift for him—one he accepts with a wry smile, reminded again of how his own world's total absence of religion has come back to bite him. ]
Thank you.
[ tseng picks it up, turns it briefly between his hands to admire the wrapping, and then carefully unwraps it piece by piece without tearing either the ribbon or the paper. it would feel rude, even if the point of wrapping paper is probably to be torn. ]
You're welcome. To be honest... this is less of a seasonal gift, since we spoke of it some time ago. But I finally finished it recently, so...
["it" is an simple, black claw clip. its body is adorned with a silvery snake, twining across both sides and curling at the top as if nesting in place. a few long strands of clear fiber hang from the bottom, beaded intermittently to create an understated shimmer where they dangle.]
I thought a claw style would be best, since you said you weren't used to using them, and these have some of the most versatile options.
[ they had talked about hair adornments a long time ago, but tseng hadn't truly expected that olivine would put so much effort in to making one for him. for a moment he doesn't know what to say, feeling briefly overwhelmed by the idea that olivine cares enough about him to put in this kind of work, then briefly foolish for being overwhelmed, because surely this level of care for others is commonplace for someone as lovely as olivine. ]
It's beautiful, [ tseng says, which is true. ] Olivine, really... thank you.
[ he turns it over in his hands, admiring the silver detailing and the beaded accents, and then smiles as he looks up at the other man. not his usual small, restrained smile, but something warmer and more genuine, an expression rarely seen on tseng's face. ]
Modeled after my tattoo? [ the snake on his forearm, twining through the shapes of diamonds. ] Or do snakes just remind you of me in some way?
[seeing that smile, rare and genuine, nearly brings a shimmer to his eyes. Olivine loves the restrained smiles Tseng gives too, but this... well, it looks good on him, after all. His own, in turn, is brimming with contentment and happiness, a soft, almost embarrassed laugh on his lips at the question.]
To be honest, I wasn't thinking about your tattoo at all. [leaning forward a little, he inclines his head thoughtfully.] You do remind me of snakes. Though they're often feared, they're regal creatures—methodical, tenacious, and often protective. I think they're beautiful.
[after another moment, he reaches to brush fingers over Tseng's fingers, gently.]
Would you like me to help you put it on now? That way you have an idea of ways to use it.
Edited (don't do tags when your brain is 90% fog, ugh) 2025-02-04 01:10 (UTC)
[ there is something... almost unbearably intimate about the prospect of allowing olivine to handle his hair. it touches some nearly-forgotten cultural norm that tseng has grown up and away from over the course of his life, the same belief that keeps tseng growing his hair and never letting it be cut. but he trusts olivine, cares for him deeply, and so despite the strangeness of the feeling tseng nods once and offers the clip back to olivine's care. ]
That would be nice. [ he pauses, then turns slightly to turn his back to olivine. (not that olivine would know it, but for a turk to willingly show their back is as obvious a sign of trust as one could ask for.) ] Do you need me to take it down?
[ from its usual half-up style, that is, which tseng wears habitually and is wearing today.
after a moment, he adds, ] I haven't let anyone else touch my hair since I was a child.
[he doesn't know the depths of it, but their conversations have given him an idea of just how much Tseng values control and safety. it doesn't feel as bombastic a reaction as it could, sure, but he's glad to be trusted so.]
That would be perfect.
[setting the clip down beside him for the moment as he takes his hair down, he pauses as the Turk reveals that reality. that only makes it a more momentous thing, wildly world-shaking.]
I'll treat it with the utmost respect. Were we home, I would ask my little sister for her candid opinion to ease your mind.
[he doesn't need to ease the other's mind and he knows it. but he does know how to handle hair, quite delicately in fact. once Tseng has freed it, long fingers reach to thread through the locks, feeling over the strands to decide how to treat it.]
Do you prefer it to be half-down? We can easily do that or all up, in quite a few configurations. I think you would also look good with it braided across here, [he offers, drawing one finger from his ear and around to the center,] and otherwise left loose. Though, that one is much easier with extra hands compared to many others.
[ the reassurance isn't necessary, but it does make tseng chuckle. he would shake his head, but he doesn't want to dislodge olivine's hands from it. ]
I trust your judgment. [ but he does reach out a hand behind him and slightly to the side to rest briefly on olivine's knee. ] Although if your sister has better taste in hair decorations than you, I trust her taste even more.
[ the gentle touches are oddly soothing, although unfamiliar. tseng's hair is thick and smooth and falls easily through olivine's fingers, a fact he's always been grateful for as it makes it easy to style. ]
You can do whatever you think would suit the clip best, [ tseng says. ] I do braid it myself, though, when I'm training—so at least I know how.
[a hand rests on his knee, earning Tseng another soft smile.] Well, she certainly keeps her hair longer than I usually do. It's rare that I got a chance to style it for her, but she seemed to like it when I did.
[the response on the subject of actual styling pulls a soft laugh from him, and he separates the hair at... well, about the same area it had been before. the bottom is swept over Tseng's shoulder and out of the way first.]
I think there are many ways that suit it. But since we're here, let me spoil you a little. [his words are playful, moments before halving the upper portion of Tseng's hair to plait against his crown.] It takes a little longer to do it this way, but I think it's wonderful for this. As if the snake were cradling the hair, ideally.
[which is to say, when he reaches the center of Tseng's hair, his hands shift to hold that half steady and do the same to the other, meeting in the middle where he can marry the two together. a singular loop through the part to keep it all steady, held while he gathers the taller man's unbound hair to draw back behind him. then he reaches for the clip to position it over that loop, closing snugly and gathering the unbraided part to let those suspended beads shimmer amid it.]
[ as olivine's fingers find their way through and into tseng's hair, he stays still, not wanting to pull or tug or inconvenience olivine in the least. it feels good, tseng finds, the slight tension at his scalp, the sensation of someone else's hands running through long strands of hair—when he ties his own, or washes it, he does so with methodical efficiency and no appreciation for the indulgence of it. not so, when it's olivine spoiling him.
when he feels the clip close around his hair, tseng stays still for another moment, then shifts slightly to make the beads twitch and shimmer amongst the dark fall of his hair. he can hear the whisper-soft shift of them just barely, and it makes him smile as he reaches up to touch the edge of the clip. ]
I'll need to find a mirror I can see it with, [ he says. the only mirror he has is the one in the bathroom, but tseng is sure he can figure something out to allow himself a glimpse at olivine's handiwork. ] Thank you, that was... nice. I enjoyed it. And I'm sure it looks wonderful.
[ now he can finally turn back to face olivine again, offering him a small but sincere smile before he leans in to kiss olivine lightly on the mouth. ]
[that smile, Olivine thinks, is worth any struggle. it makes him respond in turn, soft and warm. not that that's unusual for him, but well, it still makes him happy anyway.]
Mm, we can use the full-length one in my room. I have a hand-mirror as well, so you can see it. And I'm glad you enjoyed it. I think I'm a bit biased in thinking it looks good—
[oh. that little kiss is returned easily, Olivine leaning up a little and laughing softly as they break away. a hand reaches, once again, for Tseng's.]
Shall we head to the bedroom? You can see your hair while I get the outfits to show off.
[ there's something so easy about the way olivine gives and receives affection, as though it's as natural to him as breathing. tseng finds it astonishing, wonderful, that he feels so at ease leaning over to kiss olivine or having olivine reach out to touch his hand—as though something about olivine's comfort gives tseng permission to be comfortable as well.
he folds their hands together and nods, feeling once again the subtle swing of beads brushing through his hair. ]
Yes, let's.
[ it's olivine's house, so tseng is happy to let olivine lead the way. he follows close behind, though, admiring as he goes until they reach the bedroom, where tseng is quick to identify the full-length mirror olivine intends him to use. honestly, he's quite a bit more interested in seeing the aforementioned outfits... but he does also want to fully appreciate the work olivine has done on his hair, so he manages to restrain his eagerness. ]
[honestly, he'd be flattered to know how Tseng felt about their shared affection. right now though, his fingers just squeeze fondly, nodding and leading the way without any further ado.
as Tseng might expect, it's a neat space. art supplies and a handful of notebooks sit here and there on the furniture, and just a few pieces hang on the walls. beyond the threshold of the bedroom is similarly simple; a large armoire presumably holds most of his clothing, and notably there is a rather large, hand-carved wooden jewelry box set on his dresser, bearing a bunny motif, that happens to be next to the aforementioned hand-mirror. Olivine only leaves Tseng's side to pick it up, allowing him to position himself in front of the mirror.]
Here. Hopefully you'll be able to see it alright.
[of course, it's easy enough to judge where to hold the mirror to let the taller man see it in the reflection, and his contented expression besides.]
[ the tidiness is indeed what tseng expected, although he's glad to see the small touches of olivine's personality dotted around the space. some of the things are clearly his, jewelry and beads and other things tseng could imagine olivine using himself, but others look more like gifts—the jewelry box among them. it's a good thing to know that olivine is cared for, although not surprising, olivine being how he is.
maybe someday it will cease to bemuse tseng that olivine chooses his presence despite it all, but that day is evidently not today. tseng takes up position in front of the mirror, letting olivine handle the other one to give him a better view of the back of his head—as expected, both the hairstyle and the clip are lovely. ]
You're talented, Olivine, [ tseng says, reaching one hand up to touch a bead before dropping it so he can turn his gaze past the hand mirror to the man holding it. the expression of contentment makes tseng smile in turn. ] Proud of yourself?
I'm glad you think so. I've had a lot of practice. [Olivine's tone is marked by that same contentment, smile creasing the corners of his eyes as he nods.] Of course I am, since you like it. For your sake, you can probably use it pretty easily with your usual updo, too.
[lowering the mirror, he reaches out just to brush his fingertips along the braid on one side, humming.]
Give me a moment and I'll get both of the outfits out, and you can choose which you want to see first.
[after just a moment's wait for confirmation, he turns to return to his desser and armoire, setting the mirror down to rummage through for the clothing. Tseng can probably see the strips of fabric that make up his formalwear... though he probably won't clock them as formal wear on the hanger (or on him, actually). what he does come out with is a set of lingerie and the idol outfit Eiden designed for him, some years ago now, lain neatly out on the bed.]
What do you think? Ah—and if you do have any suggestions for jewelry for the lingerie, I'd be happy to hear them.
[ it's honestly uncertain whether tseng will actually be able to bring himself to use the clip, anytime other than when he's going to see olivine. logically he knows that olivine made it for him to use, but it's precious enough that tseng doesn't know if he can risk damaging it through daily wear. he'll have to fight that battle with himself eventually—but at least for now, he's content to let his attention be captured by other things.
indeed, the strips of fabric that comprise olivine's "formal" wear don't read to tseng like an article of clothing at all, maybe an accessory at best—that's why he doesn't think to comment on it. he just watches olivine retrieve the two outfits, one of which has significantly more fabric involved than the other. ]
Hmm. [ tseng comes to stand at olivine's side at the foot of the bed and looks down at the clothes, then looks over at olivine, a smile tugging slightly at the corner of his mouth. ] I know myself too well to suggest we start with the lingerie.
[ in the sense that, if olivine puts lingerie on tseng is almost definitely going to get handsy, so if olivine wants him to see both he'd better start with the idol outfit. ]
Should I look in your jewelry box while you change?
[of course, it's as much a comfort to know Tseng will wear it with him as anything. that something he's given is useful, or liked, or even that it's worn because of him. he has a few things to work out himself, on that end.
that response makes him laugh again, peering up at Tseng with that sparkle of amused understanding in his gaze. they really are so handsy... which, of course, is just perfect by Olivine's standards.]
That's fair enough, [he says, leaning up to press a kiss to the corner of his mouth and squeezing his hand before moving to tug his top off to change,] though both are more than comfortable enough to play around in.
[because of course he has played around in the idol one. at the question, he pauses before laughing a little, embarrassed.]
Oh—I meant for the piece I'm making to go with it, but you're welcome to choose one for now as well, yes.
[he has quite a collection, after all—from simple, single strands across the two piercings to his oft-worn intricate decorations, not to mention some varied earrings and the occasional necklace. they're in a range of colours as well, though most of them skew lighter than darker (probably also not... exactly surprising, given his general preference for clothing styles).]
Ah—I see. No, no, that's my fault. I misunderstood.
[ far be it from tseng to invade olivine's privacy that way. looking into someone's belongings can be very intimate, after all, and tseng doesn't want to put olivine in an awkward position. he leans against the edge of the dresser instead, watching as olivine undresses and redresses, his gaze appreciative as it traces exposed skin.
tseng has seen olivine nude enough by now to have his body nearly memorized, but he still enjoys getting to watch olivine remove his clothes. sort of like a work of art being unveiled, the revelation is breathtaking—a potent reminder of just how lovely olivine is.
once he's redressed in the first outfit, tseng straightens up and moves over to assist with the last of the buttoning and buckling. ]
These are fun, [ he says, touching the gossamer-thin fabric of the winglike shapes attached to his shoulders. ] You look like a bird or a butterfly. Was that the intention?
[he just smiles in response to that, shaking his head.]
Please, you have my permission to look as much as you like. I don't often get to have another's opinion on what jewelry I use.
[but for right now, he doesn't hesitate on changing. there's plain familiarity in it, and a fondness in how Olivine handles the fabric, on top of his frequent glances and warm smiles toward his companion. very like him, that.
when Tseng moves to assist him, he exhales a little "oh" and a soft laugh.]
Thank you. [his head tips to glance to the sleeves and hanging fabric as Tseng touches it.] Ah... I never thought about it, actually. You'd have to ask Eiden to be sure—he designed our costumes for Tidal Wave of Summer.
Thinking about it, though, I do think Blade's was somewhat shark-like in design, and Yakumo's had designs reminiscent of fish tails, so perhaps he was thinking of animals in addition to mobility.
I'm not sure my opinion is worth much, given how little jewelry I wear...
[ but tseng is smiling as he says it. he touches his earlobe briefly, indicating the lobe piercings that make up the only jewelry tseng ever wears, except for the hairpiece currently holding his hair back. does that count as jewelry? it's so lovely that it must, tseng thinks. ]
I'll have a look when you change again.
[ for now, though, he's not about to hurry olivine through the outfit he's wearing. it suits him in its playfulness, and although tseng has no real idea what an idol fest actually involves, he can certainly imagine olivine performing in a costume like this. ]
It looks good on you, [ he says. ] Eiden must know you very well.
I have faith that you know what you would like to look at most. And, you've seen what I wore with your gifts before.
[It's a more comfortable banter than he usually expects—easy to fall into and out of amid everything. And honestly, it only brings to mind their conversation about Tseng's opinion of himself, at least where his suitability is concerned. He's content in the other's acquiescence in any case, humming his approval.
At the praise, Olivine lifts a hand to his forehead and tips his body in a performative salute and a wink, gossamer fabric fluttering outward around his waist and like honestly I never thought about it but it's probably a jellyfish design. It's a much milder motion than the stage choreography, but even so—it'll certainly give Tseng an idea of what idols do.]
I'm glad you like it. Although I think it was more Eiden's knowledge of what idol bands are like in his world, admittedly... [a soft laugh, as he shakes his head.] we had actually only known each other a few months, at that time.
[ what tseng would like to look at most? the statement recalibrates tseng's understanding of the request. he had thought he would be choosing the jewelry olivine wore with the lingerie when he wore it for someone else—but if it's tseng himself that olivine wants to show off for, well. that makes things a little easier, doesn't it.
the brief performance makes tseng's smile widen, and he applauds lightly as if in response to a real stage performance. ]
Maybe. But he's your Grand Sorcerer, isn't he? And you're a clan member. I would be surprised if there wasn't some kind of connection there.
[ look at him, paying attention to the lore that olivine has dropped about his world. granted, he doesn't know next to nothing about eiden himself, but from everything olivine describes it seems possible and even likely that some force beyond the two of them would have drawn a connection there. ]
[one of these days, Tseng will internalise just how much Olivine does, in fact, enjoy showing off for him. Either way, he'll count it as a win for this moment.
The applause sees his smile creasing the corners of his eyes, humming in response to the theory. There's something at once comforting and a little sad about the idea, if he thinks on it.]
That's possible... as the new Grand Sorcerer, it's not unreasonable that some other force may have had a hand in his connection with us—although it's quite hard to say for certain. I know very little about Huey, the previous Grand Sorcerer, though I've heard from some of the original clan members that he was very different from Eiden. They all seem... much more fond of Eiden, if exasperated by his nature.
[It occurs to him that he's chattering a bit, in a way that is both his usual excited response to sharing knowledge and inexorably affectionate for the world he's been immersed in for these past few years. Not that Tseng ever seems to mind that—but in this moment, and with the prospect of their continued time together, he's happy to step back into the moment.]
Mm, I'm happy to theorise on the situation later, if you ever want to hear the full story as I know it. But—for now, would you help me undo these fastenings again to change before you choose a jewelry piece? It's... surprisingly comforting, having someone else share that moment with me.
[not to mention, he's fairly certain Tseng enjoys being close to him as much as Olivine does.]
[ good luck olivine you have a decade and a half of training to counteract!!!
it also doesn't bother tseng in the least for olivine to chatter about his life and the world he comes from. if anything he enjoys it, the same way he'd enjoyed olivine telling him about klein holidays earlier—and he listens with the same pleased half-smile, the same affection in his gaze. but neither will tseng complain about saving the theorizing for later in the name of letting tseng see olivine in lingerie.
and of course, olivine is right. tseng does enjoy being close to him, and so when he's invited he steps up willingly. ]
It would be my pleasure.
[ he makes careful but quick work of the fastenings olivine indicates, undoing buckles and buttons and letting his fingertips trace lightly over the warm skin exposed beneath. tseng has never thought olivine objected to his closeness, but it's still nice to be invited so explicitly. when it's done, the outfit mostly unbuckled, tseng leans forward to press a kiss to olivine's shoulder, then his lips, and then pulls away again with a smile. ]
I'm not going to watch you change, [ he says. ] Just tell me when you're done and I'll turn around. It'll be a nice surprise, that way.
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he nods, his interest piqued. ]
If it's not too much trouble to show me, I would like to see it.
[ he's equally curious about the priest robes, too, but it doesn't feel right to put olivine out that much and ask him to show both. ]
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[therefore, it's not inconvenient at all. in fact, one might think he wants to show off for Tseng.
But it isn't long before their tea and snacks are finished, and as he sets his empty cup down, Olivine reaches forward for the gift still resting on the table. Fingers trace over the surface of it briefly before the priest places it before his guest.]
Then, if you're ready, I'd love for you to open your other gift.
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Thank you.
[ tseng picks it up, turns it briefly between his hands to admire the wrapping, and then carefully unwraps it piece by piece without tearing either the ribbon or the paper. it would feel rude, even if the point of wrapping paper is probably to be torn. ]
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["it" is an simple, black claw clip. its body is adorned with a silvery snake, twining across both sides and curling at the top as if nesting in place. a few long strands of clear fiber hang from the bottom, beaded intermittently to create an understated shimmer where they dangle.]
I thought a claw style would be best, since you said you weren't used to using them, and these have some of the most versatile options.
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It's beautiful, [ tseng says, which is true. ] Olivine, really... thank you.
[ he turns it over in his hands, admiring the silver detailing and the beaded accents, and then smiles as he looks up at the other man. not his usual small, restrained smile, but something warmer and more genuine, an expression rarely seen on tseng's face. ]
Modeled after my tattoo? [ the snake on his forearm, twining through the shapes of diamonds. ] Or do snakes just remind you of me in some way?
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[seeing that smile, rare and genuine, nearly brings a shimmer to his eyes. Olivine loves the restrained smiles Tseng gives too, but this... well, it looks good on him, after all. His own, in turn, is brimming with contentment and happiness, a soft, almost embarrassed laugh on his lips at the question.]
To be honest, I wasn't thinking about your tattoo at all. [leaning forward a little, he inclines his head thoughtfully.] You do remind me of snakes. Though they're often feared, they're regal creatures—methodical, tenacious, and often protective. I think they're beautiful.
[after another moment, he reaches to brush fingers over Tseng's fingers, gently.]
Would you like me to help you put it on now? That way you have an idea of ways to use it.
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That would be nice. [ he pauses, then turns slightly to turn his back to olivine. (not that olivine would know it, but for a turk to willingly show their back is as obvious a sign of trust as one could ask for.) ] Do you need me to take it down?
[ from its usual half-up style, that is, which tseng wears habitually and is wearing today.
after a moment, he adds, ] I haven't let anyone else touch my hair since I was a child.
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That would be perfect.
[setting the clip down beside him for the moment as he takes his hair down, he pauses as the Turk reveals that reality. that only makes it a more momentous thing, wildly world-shaking.]
I'll treat it with the utmost respect. Were we home, I would ask my little sister for her candid opinion to ease your mind.
[he doesn't need to ease the other's mind and he knows it. but he does know how to handle hair, quite delicately in fact. once Tseng has freed it, long fingers reach to thread through the locks, feeling over the strands to decide how to treat it.]
Do you prefer it to be half-down? We can easily do that or all up, in quite a few configurations. I think you would also look good with it braided across here, [he offers, drawing one finger from his ear and around to the center,] and otherwise left loose. Though, that one is much easier with extra hands compared to many others.
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I trust your judgment. [ but he does reach out a hand behind him and slightly to the side to rest briefly on olivine's knee. ] Although if your sister has better taste in hair decorations than you, I trust her taste even more.
[ the gentle touches are oddly soothing, although unfamiliar. tseng's hair is thick and smooth and falls easily through olivine's fingers, a fact he's always been grateful for as it makes it easy to style. ]
You can do whatever you think would suit the clip best, [ tseng says. ] I do braid it myself, though, when I'm training—so at least I know how.
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[the response on the subject of actual styling pulls a soft laugh from him, and he separates the hair at... well, about the same area it had been before. the bottom is swept over Tseng's shoulder and out of the way first.]
I think there are many ways that suit it. But since we're here, let me spoil you a little. [his words are playful, moments before halving the upper portion of Tseng's hair to plait against his crown.] It takes a little longer to do it this way, but I think it's wonderful for this. As if the snake were cradling the hair, ideally.
[which is to say, when he reaches the center of Tseng's hair, his hands shift to hold that half steady and do the same to the other, meeting in the middle where he can marry the two together. a singular loop through the part to keep it all steady, held while he gathers the taller man's unbound hair to draw back behind him. then he reaches for the clip to position it over that loop, closing snugly and gathering the unbraided part to let those suspended beads shimmer amid it.]
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when he feels the clip close around his hair, tseng stays still for another moment, then shifts slightly to make the beads twitch and shimmer amongst the dark fall of his hair. he can hear the whisper-soft shift of them just barely, and it makes him smile as he reaches up to touch the edge of the clip. ]
I'll need to find a mirror I can see it with, [ he says. the only mirror he has is the one in the bathroom, but tseng is sure he can figure something out to allow himself a glimpse at olivine's handiwork. ] Thank you, that was... nice. I enjoyed it. And I'm sure it looks wonderful.
[ now he can finally turn back to face olivine again, offering him a small but sincere smile before he leans in to kiss olivine lightly on the mouth. ]
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Mm, we can use the full-length one in my room. I have a hand-mirror as well, so you can see it. And I'm glad you enjoyed it. I think I'm a bit biased in thinking it looks good—
[oh. that little kiss is returned easily, Olivine leaning up a little and laughing softly as they break away. a hand reaches, once again, for Tseng's.]
Shall we head to the bedroom? You can see your hair while I get the outfits to show off.
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he folds their hands together and nods, feeling once again the subtle swing of beads brushing through his hair. ]
Yes, let's.
[ it's olivine's house, so tseng is happy to let olivine lead the way. he follows close behind, though, admiring as he goes until they reach the bedroom, where tseng is quick to identify the full-length mirror olivine intends him to use. honestly, he's quite a bit more interested in seeing the aforementioned outfits... but he does also want to fully appreciate the work olivine has done on his hair, so he manages to restrain his eagerness. ]
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as Tseng might expect, it's a neat space. art supplies and a handful of notebooks sit here and there on the furniture, and just a few pieces hang on the walls. beyond the threshold of the bedroom is similarly simple; a large armoire presumably holds most of his clothing, and notably there is a rather large, hand-carved wooden jewelry box set on his dresser, bearing a bunny motif, that happens to be next to the aforementioned hand-mirror. Olivine only leaves Tseng's side to pick it up, allowing him to position himself in front of the mirror.]
Here. Hopefully you'll be able to see it alright.
[of course, it's easy enough to judge where to hold the mirror to let the taller man see it in the reflection, and his contented expression besides.]
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maybe someday it will cease to bemuse tseng that olivine chooses his presence despite it all, but that day is evidently not today. tseng takes up position in front of the mirror, letting olivine handle the other one to give him a better view of the back of his head—as expected, both the hairstyle and the clip are lovely. ]
You're talented, Olivine, [ tseng says, reaching one hand up to touch a bead before dropping it so he can turn his gaze past the hand mirror to the man holding it. the expression of contentment makes tseng smile in turn. ] Proud of yourself?
[ he should be, he's done great work. ]
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[lowering the mirror, he reaches out just to brush his fingertips along the braid on one side, humming.]
Give me a moment and I'll get both of the outfits out, and you can choose which you want to see first.
[after just a moment's wait for confirmation, he turns to return to his desser and armoire, setting the mirror down to rummage through for the clothing. Tseng can probably see the strips of fabric that make up his formalwear... though he probably won't clock them as formal wear on the hanger (or on him, actually). what he does come out with is a set of lingerie and the idol outfit Eiden designed for him, some years ago now, lain neatly out on the bed.]
What do you think? Ah—and if you do have any suggestions for jewelry for the lingerie, I'd be happy to hear them.
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indeed, the strips of fabric that comprise olivine's "formal" wear don't read to tseng like an article of clothing at all, maybe an accessory at best—that's why he doesn't think to comment on it. he just watches olivine retrieve the two outfits, one of which has significantly more fabric involved than the other. ]
Hmm. [ tseng comes to stand at olivine's side at the foot of the bed and looks down at the clothes, then looks over at olivine, a smile tugging slightly at the corner of his mouth. ] I know myself too well to suggest we start with the lingerie.
[ in the sense that, if olivine puts lingerie on tseng is almost definitely going to get handsy, so if olivine wants him to see both he'd better start with the idol outfit. ]
Should I look in your jewelry box while you change?
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that response makes him laugh again, peering up at Tseng with that sparkle of amused understanding in his gaze. they really are so handsy... which, of course, is just perfect by Olivine's standards.]
That's fair enough, [he says, leaning up to press a kiss to the corner of his mouth and squeezing his hand before moving to tug his top off to change,] though both are more than comfortable enough to play around in.
[because of course he has played around in the idol one. at the question, he pauses before laughing a little, embarrassed.]
Oh—I meant for the piece I'm making to go with it, but you're welcome to choose one for now as well, yes.
[he has quite a collection, after all—from simple, single strands across the two piercings to his oft-worn intricate decorations, not to mention some varied earrings and the occasional necklace. they're in a range of colours as well, though most of them skew lighter than darker (probably also not... exactly surprising, given his general preference for clothing styles).]
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[ far be it from tseng to invade olivine's privacy that way. looking into someone's belongings can be very intimate, after all, and tseng doesn't want to put olivine in an awkward position. he leans against the edge of the dresser instead, watching as olivine undresses and redresses, his gaze appreciative as it traces exposed skin.
tseng has seen olivine nude enough by now to have his body nearly memorized, but he still enjoys getting to watch olivine remove his clothes. sort of like a work of art being unveiled, the revelation is breathtaking—a potent reminder of just how lovely olivine is.
once he's redressed in the first outfit, tseng straightens up and moves over to assist with the last of the buttoning and buckling. ]
These are fun, [ he says, touching the gossamer-thin fabric of the winglike shapes attached to his shoulders. ] You look like a bird or a butterfly. Was that the intention?
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Please, you have my permission to look as much as you like. I don't often get to have another's opinion on what jewelry I use.
[but for right now, he doesn't hesitate on changing. there's plain familiarity in it, and a fondness in how Olivine handles the fabric, on top of his frequent glances and warm smiles toward his companion. very like him, that.
when Tseng moves to assist him, he exhales a little "oh" and a soft laugh.]
Thank you. [his head tips to glance to the sleeves and hanging fabric as Tseng touches it.] Ah... I never thought about it, actually. You'd have to ask Eiden to be sure—he designed our costumes for Tidal Wave of Summer.
Thinking about it, though, I do think Blade's was somewhat shark-like in design, and Yakumo's had designs reminiscent of fish tails, so perhaps he was thinking of animals in addition to mobility.
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[ but tseng is smiling as he says it. he touches his earlobe briefly, indicating the lobe piercings that make up the only jewelry tseng ever wears, except for the hairpiece currently holding his hair back. does that count as jewelry? it's so lovely that it must, tseng thinks. ]
I'll have a look when you change again.
[ for now, though, he's not about to hurry olivine through the outfit he's wearing. it suits him in its playfulness, and although tseng has no real idea what an idol fest actually involves, he can certainly imagine olivine performing in a costume like this. ]
It looks good on you, [ he says. ] Eiden must know you very well.
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[It's a more comfortable banter than he usually expects—easy to fall into and out of amid everything. And honestly, it only brings to mind their conversation about Tseng's opinion of himself, at least where his suitability is concerned. He's content in the other's acquiescence in any case, humming his approval.
At the praise, Olivine lifts a hand to his forehead and tips his body in a performative salute and a wink, gossamer fabric fluttering outward around his waist
and like honestly I never thought about it but it's probably a jellyfish design. It's a much milder motion than the stage choreography, but even so—it'll certainly give Tseng an idea of what idols do.]I'm glad you like it. Although I think it was more Eiden's knowledge of what idol bands are like in his world, admittedly... [a soft laugh, as he shakes his head.] we had actually only known each other a few months, at that time.
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the brief performance makes tseng's smile widen, and he applauds lightly as if in response to a real stage performance. ]
Maybe. But he's your Grand Sorcerer, isn't he? And you're a clan member. I would be surprised if there wasn't some kind of connection there.
[ look at him, paying attention to the lore that olivine has dropped about his world. granted, he doesn't know next to nothing about eiden himself, but from everything olivine describes it seems possible and even likely that some force beyond the two of them would have drawn a connection there. ]
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The applause sees his smile creasing the corners of his eyes, humming in response to the theory. There's something at once comforting and a little sad about the idea, if he thinks on it.]
That's possible... as the new Grand Sorcerer, it's not unreasonable that some other force may have had a hand in his connection with us—although it's quite hard to say for certain. I know very little about Huey, the previous Grand Sorcerer, though I've heard from some of the original clan members that he was very different from Eiden. They all seem... much more fond of Eiden, if exasperated by his nature.
[It occurs to him that he's chattering a bit, in a way that is both his usual excited response to sharing knowledge and inexorably affectionate for the world he's been immersed in for these past few years. Not that Tseng ever seems to mind that—but in this moment, and with the prospect of their continued time together, he's happy to step back into the moment.]
Mm, I'm happy to theorise on the situation later, if you ever want to hear the full story as I know it. But—for now, would you help me undo these fastenings again to change before you choose a jewelry piece? It's... surprisingly comforting, having someone else share that moment with me.
[not to mention, he's fairly certain Tseng enjoys being close to him as much as Olivine does.]
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it also doesn't bother tseng in the least for olivine to chatter about his life and the world he comes from. if anything he enjoys it, the same way he'd enjoyed olivine telling him about klein holidays earlier—and he listens with the same pleased half-smile, the same affection in his gaze. but neither will tseng complain about saving the theorizing for later in the name of letting tseng see olivine in lingerie.
and of course, olivine is right. tseng does enjoy being close to him, and so when he's invited he steps up willingly. ]
It would be my pleasure.
[ he makes careful but quick work of the fastenings olivine indicates, undoing buckles and buttons and letting his fingertips trace lightly over the warm skin exposed beneath. tseng has never thought olivine objected to his closeness, but it's still nice to be invited so explicitly. when it's done, the outfit mostly unbuckled, tseng leans forward to press a kiss to olivine's shoulder, then his lips, and then pulls away again with a smile. ]
I'm not going to watch you change, [ he says. ] Just tell me when you're done and I'll turn around. It'll be a nice surprise, that way.
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