[It's impossible not to be infected by that bright giddiness—almost literally, thanks to the Bond. After a year, Fang's adept at separating their feelings, but in such a good mood she didn't see a reason to tonight.]
[She tilted her head, smiling warmly.]
I'd love to. They even have technology like that here? Never bothered to look.
[Now that flower crown's settled and Fang has nothing else to do with hands, she curls an arm around Chariot's waist.]
[ Chariot leaned into the contact, but also fished into her purse to pull out a magitech camera she'd brought along. It was something she'd bought ages ago, but never really used outside of snapping some photos of Monika and Natsuru. ]
[Fang let out a surprised little hah when the camera appeared in Chariot's hands, her eyes full of amused delight.]
Would you look at that? Never can tell what this ancient place will or won't have.
[She shifted Chariot in her grip so she stood behind the Witch, chin resting on her shoulder. Her free hand settled on the camera as well, helping to hold it steady.]
Don't drop it, now. [Fang chuckled, looking up at the curious camera.] Really, I'm surprised you're still standing with as much as you've had tonight.
[ I can handle the wine well enough. Chariot giggled, though she was glad to have Fang's hand helping stabilize the camera itself, getting it at just the right angle. She leaned into Fang's embrace and pressed the shutter button, forever capturing the dopey, blushing smile on her face that was so enraptured by the woman surrounding her, the strength she found so much comfort within... ]
A year for both of us... to have made a home together. [ Chariot hummed, slowly setting the camera back into her purse, but not at all wanting to move from where she was. Not yet. ]
Is it selfish of me to want even more reminders of this? To just... revel in who were are now, in this moment, after so long?
[She hummed softly.] Little crazy, when you put it that way.
[A year. One blip in the span of her too-long life and Fang's found something she's been without for most of it. Even if it's ultimately temporary, even if Fang needed to one day leave this behind, she hadn't realized how desperately she'd needed this home. How desperately she'd needed the warmth and shelter and care.]
[Fang lifted her head just enough to press a simple kiss to Chariot's jaw.]
And just how's that selfish? Isn't that the point of this festival, celebratin' life and loved ones?
Wanting you all to myself doesn't sound a little selfish? We've celebrated a lot of life already, this evening, with the wine, and the flowers, and the food...
[ Chariot giggled, drawing in closer to that kiss, and closer still, enough to whisper in Fang's ear. ]
I'm ready to celebrate the love part. Just you and me...
[Fang grinned against her skin, delighting in the low warmth that whisper sparked. Her other hand drifted along Chariot's side.]
Don't see anyone else fightin' for my attention, do you? [Fang kissed her jaw again.] But they wouldn't get it anyway. We headin' home, or somewhere closer?
[Granted, the city was lax about a lot during Litha, but by a busy street might be crossing a line. Not like it was hard to find a room though, especially now.]
Edited (Oh my god I got home and saw "me attention" guess she's a pirate now) 2020-06-23 20:55 (UTC)
[ Somewhere closer, huh? She remembered something else from last year, having been invited into one of the "inns" to enjoy more drinking, but had lacked any of the courage or gumption to actually find a partner and stay in one, despite the amount of spiced wine in her at the time... ]
Let's go somewhere... romantic.
[ The tree was special. She was grateful for a chance to immortalize it within a magic photograph. But it was indeed well too public, despite how romantic it was for her. So she had a feeling Fang got what she meant... ]
[Fang answered by promptly hoisting the Witch up like her weight was nothing, scooping an arm under Chariot's thighs so that she more or less sat perched on her arm.]
Then let's get movin'. We've got a lot of celebrating to do. [The Turnskin grinned up at her as she started weaving into the crowd at a steady pace. Looks like they didn't need to go far.] Or are you just sayin' that because you want to be handed more wine?
[ Chariot yelped slightly at being hoisted up, clinging to Fang as a result, but didn't actually protest. In all honesty, it made her feel like a queen, hoisted about by a loyal and darling night. Just the sort of romantic mood she was craving, really... even if this was a little more public than she'd ever go for normally. But hey, that's what the wine was for.
Speaking of. ] I'm sure there's wine at every Inn in town, you know... I-it's not as if I'm being especially keen on that!
[Eh, it's Litha. Everyone know what couples hanging off each other were about. Fang was just being eager.]
Sure. Guess that's good for you, since I'm not bein' too particular.
[Fang really wasn't, swinging into the first one she passed with its unsubtle array of flowers and ribbons framing open doors. Her free hand swipes a mug from unattended tray just in case. People mill about in the lobby, some staff, but most chatting over cups of the stuff. Fang wastes no time sweeping up the stairs and beelining for the first open room.]
[ The room was just the sort of romantic Chariot has been aiming for. The curtains were drawn, only allowing little slivers of the evening sun to cut through, creating blades of light that caught the motes of dust in the air... The rest of the light was provided by candles, letting their incense drift into a smokey air, casting the entire room in an aura of reverence that could only come from the worship of lovers...
Chariot wiggled free of Fang's hold on her, taking care with her landing, but discarding her cane quickly enough.
There was indeed wine... she'd get to that later. ]
Sit on the bed... please... I'll join you in just a moment.
[ She had to adjourn to the folded screen, pulling something from her satchel to change into... ]
[The incense was... odd, and stung her nose a little. She wasn't sure if there was something else in it, or her senses as a Turnskin were overwhelmed by it. Knowing this festival, she wouldn't be surprised if it were some kind of 'special' scent.]
[Fang reluctantly let Chariot go, hands lingering as Chariot departed. Her head canted curiously to the side, but she did as asked. The turnskin lounged back on her hands, one foot swinging idly over the edge of the bed.]
[ The dress she'd worn for the night out was cute enough on its own, the sort she knew Fang liked, but it wasn't really... night alone in an Inn kind of wear, was it? No, she'd brought something else for that... And while the prickles of her nerves passed through the bond, the wine had helped temper it into more sincere excitement, eager to see how Fang'd react.
It took her a moment, and thankfully there had been a stool back there, but eventually she emerged from behind the scree, hair up, and a much different outfit on, markedly different from anything she'd worn around Fang before... ]
[Fang busied herself with taking off her many bangles while she waited, even faintly humming something or other. It wasn't impatience; she was relaxed and yet had energy to burn, drunk on the good cheer even if Fang was only a little buzzed on the drinks.]
[She went stock still when Fang glanced up, eyes widening in time with the pulse of surprise with the Bond. Fang took her time absorbing it all in, eyes raking slowly down Chariot's form, and winding its way back up just as slowly, her surprise melting into something warm and hungry in their link.]
[When her gaze finally made its way back up, Fang's mouth crooked in a lopsided smirk.]
Well... Look at you. Where did you even buy that thing?
[She scoot up closer to the edge of the bed, leaning forward a tad, posture inviting Chariot closer.] Almost makes me feel bad you went through the effort of puttin' it on when it's just gonna come off again.
[ Dressing up like she was for someone she loved was generally new territory for her, but the Bond made it pretty much impossible for her to misread any reaction. Fang's appreciation of her, her desire, that familiar hunger was as naked within the bond as Chariot's own... ]
I volunteered as a model for one of the tailors that work for the brothels... [ The honest truth. ] They had a girl working who has a disability similar to mine, so they wanted to make sure it was something that'd look really good, and... I got to keep the result.
[ She stepped closer, just as directed, her hips swaying both with intention and because she was getting about without her cane. When she reached the bed, she placed her arms at Fang's shoulders, crawling right into her Bonded's lap. ]
I want you to keep as much of it on as you can... I want you to remember how I look in this, tonight, as you make love to me. I don't know when I'll ever have the courage to wear it again, so... make it count, okay?
[Fang hummed warmly as she accepted Chariot into her lap, one arm circling protectively around her lower back and her other hand settling against a bare thigh. That request giving her another excuse to rake her eyes over her lover's attire.]
A challenge, huh. [Fang's hand dragged across her skin, finger edging along the straps around Chariot's thigh.] Guess I'll just have to make the memory so good you won't need courage to wear it.
[Fang leaned in—and despite all the hunger in her eyes and heat in her touch, the kiss she gave was exceedingly soft and tender.]
Cheers, [she whispered, after parting a hair's breadth,] to meeting you a year ago today.
[ Fang's touch inspired a shiver in Chariot. The Bond made it easy, sure, to know exactly how and where to touch her, but she could tell Fang had very much learned at this point without needing it. She could feel the experience in the way she held her, the edge of her fingertips, how intimately she knew Chariot's body, and how to please her...
... Which was partly why she intended to give her something she couldn't just rely on experience for.
Slate blue soon began to give way, the brilliant vermilion of her true hair bleeding into it, bit by bit. The kiss inspired it, as did the love she felt within it. ]
A year... A year of time I've spent learning to be myself again, in your love... [ Chariot whispered back. ]
I want to mark this year... and for you to mark me.
Leave a symbol that I am yours... something that cannot just be washed away, or fade with time.
[And with that creep of vermilion came a swell of joy in Fang. It's been far, far too long, and the hand around Chariot's back immediately reached up to tangle in those brilliant strands, murmuring there she is as the blue faded.]
[That joy stalled some as the words sunk in, Fang pulling back a little in shock—and shivered, her fingers flexing against Chariot's thigh. The Bond revealed that conflicting tug of reluctance and excitement plainly.]
That night, when we shared a bath together... the way you touched me, touch that place... It inspired some thoughts. I want a mark on me from you. Something that symbolizes not just our survival, but our love. Something for you and me...
[ Something to reclaim their intimacy with, something to symbolize Chariot belonging to her. A way to make her body shared between them in a way it hadn't been before. ]
[The emotions that responded were complex. That reluctance remained, accompanied by a little flicker of dread and at the same time an understanding. There was certainly no hiding the way the fur at her shoulders bristled slightly in excitement under Chariot's hands when she said 'mark' again. That now-familiar guilt simmered under it all. Hadn't she scarred Chariot enough?]
[But Chariot was so taken with the idea--her conviction was steady and warm, a surety that couldn't only be born of the copious amount of wine she'd had.]
[Fang swallows, laying her head on Chariot's shoulder as she mulled it over. Idly, the hand on her thigh began to stroke again. ]
It'll hurt, [she warned. ] If you want something that's go to scar that well. Not too keen on making you bleed, [Fang admitted. ]
[ Chariot moved through it, that mire within the Bond, the excitement and trepidation blending together not unlike the smokey incense, forming a veil that despite its thickness could still be seen through, to find Fang within... But the guilt was what she responded to, the most, and what she pushed against with her own assurance, her trust and love.
This was a mark for them, owned by them. No one else could claim it, claim her the way Fang was in that moment. Even if Kaede and Ramesses got their own marks, of some kind, at some point, this one would always be Fang's. She could have ownership and agency over it in a way that was so cruelly denied them both back then... ]
I know it'll hurt. But if it's you... it will also feel wonderful.
[She respected her lover's wish, and her agency in making this decision for herself. Fang kissed the skin where her head rested and began ghosting her lips up Chariot's neck, breathing her words along the way.]
Then let's get movin', yeah? I can't do something like that cold.
[She settled for kissing that sensitive little hollow under the jaw as the hand tangled in Chariot's brilliant hair released to caress paths down her back through the thin fabric of her attire.]
[ The tie that held her hair up was loose as it was that Fang's combing pulled it all loose so easily, letting a rain of red flow over them. Chariot's breath hitched against those attentions, her body rolling, and yet...
Her hands moved up between them. Gentle pressure signaling to stop, or at least pause, as she tried to find her gumption again. ]
Let me be the one to warm you up, this time... Lay back.
[Even without the Bond, the surprise in Fang's sudden pause was palpable—for a shred of an instant she wondered if she'd done something wrong. It melted away quickly enough, her surprise replaced by intrigued curiosity.]
[Fang leaned back as told, her hands dragging slowly across Chariot's body as they retreated, and she smiled her understanding up at her Bonded with hunger. With the onset of warmer weather, Fang only wore enough to be decent; shorts and brassiere like she she wore under her sari, and her jewelry.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[She tilted her head, smiling warmly.]
I'd love to. They even have technology like that here? Never bothered to look.
[Now that flower crown's settled and Fang has nothing else to do with hands, she curls an arm around Chariot's waist.]
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How do you take a selfie with this thing...
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Would you look at that? Never can tell what this ancient place will or won't have.
[She shifted Chariot in her grip so she stood behind the Witch, chin resting on her shoulder. Her free hand settled on the camera as well, helping to hold it steady.]
Don't drop it, now. [Fang chuckled, looking up at the curious camera.] Really, I'm surprised you're still standing with as much as you've had tonight.
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A year for both of us... to have made a home together. [ Chariot hummed, slowly setting the camera back into her purse, but not at all wanting to move from where she was. Not yet. ]
Is it selfish of me to want even more reminders of this? To just... revel in who were are now, in this moment, after so long?
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[A year. One blip in the span of her too-long life and Fang's found something she's been without for most of it. Even if it's ultimately temporary, even if Fang needed to one day leave this behind, she hadn't realized how desperately she'd needed this home. How desperately she'd needed the warmth and shelter and care.]
[Fang lifted her head just enough to press a simple kiss to Chariot's jaw.]
And just how's that selfish? Isn't that the point of this festival, celebratin' life and loved ones?
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[ Chariot giggled, drawing in closer to that kiss, and closer still, enough to whisper in Fang's ear. ]
I'm ready to celebrate the love part. Just you and me...
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Don't see anyone else fightin' for my attention, do you? [Fang kissed her jaw again.] But they wouldn't get it anyway. We headin' home, or somewhere closer?
[Granted, the city was lax about a lot during Litha, but by a busy street might be crossing a line. Not like it was hard to find a room though, especially now.]
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Let's go somewhere... romantic.
[ The tree was special. She was grateful for a chance to immortalize it within a magic photograph. But it was indeed well too public, despite how romantic it was for her. So she had a feeling Fang got what she meant... ]
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Then let's get movin'. We've got a lot of celebrating to do. [The Turnskin grinned up at her as she started weaving into the crowd at a steady pace. Looks like they didn't need to go far.] Or are you just sayin' that because you want to be handed more wine?
[Lush.]
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Speaking of. ] I'm sure there's wine at every Inn in town, you know... I-it's not as if I'm being especially keen on that!
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Sure. Guess that's good for you, since I'm not bein' too particular.
[Fang really wasn't, swinging into the first one she passed with its unsubtle array of flowers and ribbons framing open doors. Her free hand swipes a mug from unattended tray just in case. People mill about in the lobby, some staff, but most chatting over cups of the stuff. Fang wastes no time sweeping up the stairs and beelining for the first open room.]
You just happen to be keen on the wine, mm?
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Chariot wiggled free of Fang's hold on her, taking care with her landing, but discarding her cane quickly enough.
There was indeed wine... she'd get to that later. ]
Sit on the bed... please... I'll join you in just a moment.
[ She had to adjourn to the folded screen, pulling something from her satchel to change into... ]
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[Fang reluctantly let Chariot go, hands lingering as Chariot departed. Her head canted curiously to the side, but she did as asked. The turnskin lounged back on her hands, one foot swinging idly over the edge of the bed.]
And just what are you up to?
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[ The dress she'd worn for the night out was cute enough on its own, the sort she knew Fang liked, but it wasn't really... night alone in an Inn kind of wear, was it? No, she'd brought something else for that... And while the prickles of her nerves passed through the bond, the wine had helped temper it into more sincere excitement, eager to see how Fang'd react.
It took her a moment, and thankfully there had been a stool back there, but eventually she emerged from behind the scree, hair up, and a much different outfit on, markedly different from anything she'd worn around Fang before... ]
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[She went stock still when Fang glanced up, eyes widening in time with the pulse of surprise with the Bond. Fang took her time absorbing it all in, eyes raking slowly down Chariot's form, and winding its way back up just as slowly, her surprise melting into something warm and hungry in their link.]
[When her gaze finally made its way back up, Fang's mouth crooked in a lopsided smirk.]
Well... Look at you. Where did you even buy that thing?
[She scoot up closer to the edge of the bed, leaning forward a tad, posture inviting Chariot closer.] Almost makes me feel bad you went through the effort of puttin' it on when it's just gonna come off again.
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I volunteered as a model for one of the tailors that work for the brothels... [ The honest truth. ] They had a girl working who has a disability similar to mine, so they wanted to make sure it was something that'd look really good, and... I got to keep the result.
[ She stepped closer, just as directed, her hips swaying both with intention and because she was getting about without her cane. When she reached the bed, she placed her arms at Fang's shoulders, crawling right into her Bonded's lap. ]
I want you to keep as much of it on as you can... I want you to remember how I look in this, tonight, as you make love to me. I don't know when I'll ever have the courage to wear it again, so... make it count, okay?
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A challenge, huh. [Fang's hand dragged across her skin, finger edging along the straps around Chariot's thigh.] Guess I'll just have to make the memory so good you won't need courage to wear it.
[Fang leaned in—and despite all the hunger in her eyes and heat in her touch, the kiss she gave was exceedingly soft and tender.]
Cheers, [she whispered, after parting a hair's breadth,] to meeting you a year ago today.
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... Which was partly why she intended to give her something she couldn't just rely on experience for.
Slate blue soon began to give way, the brilliant vermilion of her true hair bleeding into it, bit by bit. The kiss inspired it, as did the love she felt within it. ]
A year... A year of time I've spent learning to be myself again, in your love... [ Chariot whispered back. ]
I want to mark this year... and for you to mark me.
Leave a symbol that I am yours... something that cannot just be washed away, or fade with time.
no subject
[That joy stalled some as the words sunk in, Fang pulling back a little in shock—and shivered, her fingers flexing against Chariot's thigh. The Bond revealed that conflicting tug of reluctance and excitement plainly.]
...you... want me to scar you?
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That night, when we shared a bath together... the way you touched me, touch that place... It inspired some thoughts. I want a mark on me from you. Something that symbolizes not just our survival, but our love. Something for you and me...
[ Something to reclaim their intimacy with, something to symbolize Chariot belonging to her. A way to make her body shared between them in a way it hadn't been before. ]
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[But Chariot was so taken with the idea--her conviction was steady and warm, a surety that couldn't only be born of the copious amount of wine she'd had.]
[Fang swallows, laying her head on Chariot's shoulder as she mulled it over. Idly, the hand on her thigh began to stroke again. ]
It'll hurt, [she warned. ] If you want something that's go to scar that well. Not too keen on making you bleed, [Fang admitted. ]
But if you're heart's set on it, you'll get it.
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This was a mark for them, owned by them. No one else could claim it, claim her the way Fang was in that moment. Even if Kaede and Ramesses got their own marks, of some kind, at some point, this one would always be Fang's. She could have ownership and agency over it in a way that was so cruelly denied them both back then... ]
I know it'll hurt. But if it's you... it will also feel wonderful.
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[She respected her lover's wish, and her agency in making this decision for herself. Fang kissed the skin where her head rested and began ghosting her lips up Chariot's neck, breathing her words along the way.]
Then let's get movin', yeah? I can't do something like that cold.
[She settled for kissing that sensitive little hollow under the jaw as the hand tangled in Chariot's brilliant hair released to caress paths down her back through the thin fabric of her attire.]
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Her hands moved up between them. Gentle pressure signaling to stop, or at least pause, as she tried to find her gumption again. ]
Let me be the one to warm you up, this time... Lay back.
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[Fang leaned back as told, her hands dragging slowly across Chariot's body as they retreated, and she smiled her understanding up at her Bonded with hunger. With the onset of warmer weather, Fang only wore enough to be decent; shorts and brassiere like she she wore under her sari, and her jewelry.]
I like this already.
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