voidtreckerexpress | [closed] i've been ghosting along; ghost in your house, ghost in your arms

Entry tags:

[closed] i've been ghosting along; ghost in your house, ghost in your arms

Who: lan sizhui and dennis severs.
Where: training gym carriage.
When: nebula, day nineteen. (or something there roughly?? before the event.)
What: sizhui's practicing, dennis happens across him, training (and feelings) ensues.
Warnings: gonna be mushy-gushy stuff here, avert your eyes!!! (no but really, n/a, will updated if needed.)

One, two, thr— “Agh!” Swing and yet another miss, but at least Sizhui catches himself before he's thrown too off-balance this time, right hand catching on the nearby wall, left outstretched for extra steadying while still holding his practice weapon, the long black cat tail behind him flicking irritatedly.

He glances over his shoulder at it, halfheartedly narrows his eyes, looses a sigh then turns to face the dummy again. Focus, Sizhui tells himself, stilling everything – newly gained limbs included! – and taking another breath that he holds for a moment.

Before he exhales again, the wooden sword gets raised, then out comes a huff and his arm begins moving; it's an untamed, almost reckless-looking motion but Sizhui has complete control, drawing closer toward the dummy, coming just short of decapitating the thing (or whatever the equivalent would be for an inanimate object). Once more, he withdraws and resets his stance, swinging with wild abandon, except the opposite hand now to make certain he's balanced out on both sides. Who would've known training with a tail could be so difficult? Perhaps he should have asked Jingyi for more tips about how he manages... but no, that's why he's here, right? Right.

Learning by himself is fine and besides, he's starting to get the hang of things in his opinion! Practice makes perfect though, after all, which he has all the time in the world for while still aboard the train.

However, Sizhui does take the briefest break, even if just to rehydrate and cool down somewhat before getting right back to it.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Dennis is not a stranger to the gym and maybe he was planning to go there to work out or maybe he was just passing through, but he ends up there all the same. Sizhui's impressive display has him stopped in the doorway, doing what he does best when it comes to his friend, watching.

God but it's so amazing, the way he can move so fast and smoothly like that, even when he seems to fumble. It's. Hot. Yes, that's it, that's the thought sliding through his brain right now. Dennis can admit to himself and is some what pleased that he doesn't immediately try to rational it away into something else. It's perfectly fine that he finds Sizhui hot, pretty, handsome and other things.

Now the thing that does throw him off and maybe is a bit odd... the tail. When did Sizhui get a tail? Once it seems like his pal is stopping for a little break, Dennis makes his presence known, clapping as he walks into the gym.

"That was brilliant!" He's jogging over to come meet Sizhui, smiling big. "How long did it take for you to learn how to do that?"

Were he not so focused on what he's doing, perhaps Sizhui would've felt that tell-tale sensation of being watched by someone; it's not as if he minds, people can do whatever they like, and maybe they'll even learn a thing or two by doing so? Besides, more than one person has had to have used the gym at the same time, so having multiple individuals working around each other certainly isn't odd, just as he's not unused to working side-by-side with other disciples.

But as per usual, he never has minded Dennis staring – probably won't ever? – and isn't someone he'd call out for gawking, regardless.

Still, it's one of those lingering feelings, but the sound of clapping, followed closely by approaching footsteps is more than enough to get his actual attention. Sizhui's head twists, gaze upturning, a bright, enthusiastic smile overtaking his features too despite his obviously winded state. “Dennis!” Then he's moving to stand upright more proper-like, a handtowel draped across his shoulders, one end of which he's swiping across his forehead. “I'm glad you think so.” Good thing he's grown accustomed to (most of) Dennis's slang or else he'd probably question what he means.

To be fair though, ‘brilliant’ at least isn't too difficult to figure out. He adjusts his modified sleeveless hoodie then hooks the collar, tugging faintly in an attempt at cooling himself off, tail curling low behind him. “Ah, let's see... about a year? Perhaps a year and a half? To blend and perfect it, anyhow.”

His "slang", Sizhui please. That was tame compared to some of the things he usually says, let's be real now.

It always makes him tingle and feel warm when Sizhui turns to smile at him like that. The way his whole face warms up and the apples of his cheeks are more prominent. Knowing someone is happy to see him that much? Feels real good.

"You really put the work in, huh?" He smiles. He'll tilt his head a little before peeking down at the tail.

"And that? Don't remember that last time we hung out. You get cursed or something?" It's very cute, but seems a bit random.

Okay, true, but it is (or was) still considered slang to him! Not anything like ‘taking the piss,’ as Dennis had once said, though it seems like something that'd count as Dennis's lingo. Which, despite how odd it can sound at times, Sizhui also likes nevertheless because it's a part of Dennis, an individual he cares about a whole lot.

Exactly why if he knew just how pleased Dennis felt by his happiness around him, he would make absolute certain to do it more often so he could share all that smiling with his friend too. Sort of like how what's happening now while Dennis compliments him and checks out his tail.

“Always as much as I can.” Look at what he's doing right now, after all, practicing his sword-fighting and figuring out how to balance with extra appendages. Speaking of— “Well, that's because it's new! Not a curse, thank goodness, something that I have—” pause, his nose wrinkling then he corrects, “—something I'm learning control over. Remember when I tried healing your hand after you burned it?” Another moment's silence for contemplation, Sizhui's features brighten into a full-on beam and, “What's your favorite animal?”

Taking the piss is definitely top tear when it comes to sayings that Sizhui has probably heard while being on the train.

"Wait you got new powers?" Dennis questions, wondering when that happened. Maybe they're latent powers from the same place they'd gotten the other ones and Sizhui hadn't realized...? Either way, he's trying to explain and Dennis squints looking confused at the two questions.

"... not sure what one's got to do with the other, but I'll play." He thinks for a moment, expression turning a little cheeky, "If I say a pig are you gonna turn into one?" Not that that's his favorite animal, but he's just checking.

Some day soon, Dennis will say something worse than that and Sizhui's gonna have another bit of slang to mull over for however long until he decides to just ask for it to be explained. It's always easier that way anyhow because he usually never can figure out most slang by himself.

“Either that or they're ones like my healing and I hadn't figured them out yet.” Regardless, they're new to him, which is why he'd said so, but maybe he should've clarified further. No reason to now since Dennis has decided he'll play along with whatever Sizhui's got planned; nothing that's harmful, at least, though there might be a little mischief involved.

“Yes, good, don't question it! Just pick an animal.” Thank goodness it seems Dennis is also joining in with the nonsense, asking about a pig of all things, but despite his initial surprise at the suggestion, Sizhui grins and remarks, “And if that's your favorite, I'm sure I could figure it out.”

Nothing wrong with a little mischief. In fact mischief can be great!

Dennis holds his hands up all 'okay okay', laughing at little. Don't rush him Sizhui! Considering for a beat longer he then blurts out:

"A shark!" There's an immediate realization as he says it, "Wait no- uh probably would be a bad idea, no water in here." Okay sorry, he's already failed at this. Rubbing at the back of his neck he'll try to think quick again.

"... a goat?" Be the goat, Sizhui.

Exactly, yes, it's good and fun to let loose every now and then. No need for seriousness all the time, particularly when Sizhui's got this new ability they can fool around with a little.

He waits, patient as always, eyes widening momentarily after Dennis decides on ‘shark!’ which draws an abrupt giggle from Lan Sizhui. Listen, he would've turned into it without hesitation if they'd had somewhere with enough water for him to submerge himself in. (Using the spa isn't a bad idea but water that's too hot might not be good on sharkskin? He'd need study time to figure out more—)

But Dennis changes his mind and he remarks, “I like the enthusiasm though! Next time, we'll find some water and give it a try.” Dennis's second choice will be far easier anyway; goat horns or a tail are at least something familiar to him.

With a slow, measured inhale, he lets his eyes flutter shut, wrinkles his brow and – after a moment's hesitation – soft silvery light washes over him from head-to-toe and tiny twinkling stars burst into glitter-speckled smoke that reveals twisted goat horns atop his head once it's cleared. There would've been ears too but Sizhui's still perfecting his technique; two different types of appendages at once might be stretching it, so better safe than sorry! Though perhaps not the goat, he's one all the same, which counts for something.

Also, please don't judge the ridiculousness of his transformation Dennis, he has no control over that.

Oh no oh no, the giggle-!

"Yeah... next time." Dennis smiles, looking rather fondly at Sizhui as he readies himself for the great goat transformation. The light from him using his powers isn't bright, but it's still got him blinking a little from it, not sure what to expect when he's doing this. So when the light fades it's almost comical that after all of that... the most that's changed is Sizhui still looks very much like Sizhui, now he just has some very cool horns on his head.

It gets an amused giggle of his own from Dennis.

"Y'know with all that flare, I expected you to twirl around and turn into a magical girl." Sorry sorry, probably something that will go right over Sizhui's head. Still... Dennis reaches up to gingerly touch at one of the horns.

"Shit they're actually real." He grins, "That's amazing."

Careful, Dennis, it'll reel you in and you won't even know until it's too late!

And hey, he shouldn't be judged for what he can and cannot transform either; it's a learning process, a slow one at that, but it's far better he does this rather than take risks he might not be able to come back from. (Imagine: Sizhui being stuck as an actual goat for however long it takes to figure out how to shapeshift into his proper human self again! Terrifying—) But it's something and Dennis is laughing now too.

Sizhui grins, lifts his left hand and cups it around his face, hiding somewhat, yet smothering another snicker in the process. A magical girl? Really, Dennis??? Perhaps it does go over his head, that doesn't stop him from inquiring, “Magical girl? Well, it might be possible one day...” For now though, he's far too distracted by the fact Dennis has reached up and is touching his horns, because even if they technically have no feeling in them, he can register they're being touched anyway.

“Of course they are, silly! I wouldn't lie to you.” Particularly about abilities and such that he's already shared so much of. “I'm slowly but surely learning how they work, so that's why it's just horns... although I'm hoping to be able to do more soon. I could try something else too if you like?”

If Sizhui was stuck as an actual goat no worries, Jinyi would probably murder Dennis for it then take care of his pal. It's fine.

"Yeah they're- well I guess it's kinda explanatory, but don't worry about it. Maybe I can show you one day." With a movie or something. Who knows. The train could get anime one day!

"Nah I know you wouldn't lie..." But as for what else he could turn into. Hm... actually no hmms, the thought enters his head what he could say next and it's already coming out if his mouth before he can stop himself.

"Can you turn yourself into a boyfriend?" Ah- "I mean-" Don't choke Dennis! Go for it!

"What I'm trying to say is-" Face flushed and stabling over himself, Dennis shoves his hands into his pockets trying not to panic, "What if you became my boyfriend? If um, mean if that's something you'd like?"

Stuck the landing, can't say it's a good one though.

Can't very well murder anyone when there's a goat chewing on his clothes! (Jingyi's not allowed to do that and Sizhui would make certain he wouldn't, regardless of what ‘form’ he might have at the time.)

“I imagine you mean a particular sort of magic? But sure, we'll discuss that more on another day.” Of course, now Sizhui's gonna be distracted, trying to imagine how he'd turn himself into a magical girl— until Dennis genuinely throws him for a loop with the next question following his affirmation that Sizhui wouldn't lie.

Somehow – it's really quite unexplainable, to be honest! – the younger male's eyes go from wide and watching to almost comically broadened, his mouth falling open with astonishment after Dennis asks if he can turn himself into a boyfriend of all things.

But rather than answer right away and interrupt Dennis, he purses his lips, hoping it's enough to keep him from grinning while Dennis's words fumble somewhat. Nevertheless, he manages, which makes it all the more difficult for Sizhui to not smile, especially when he's being asked in an actual proper-like way; it's super-duper cute, seeing his friend (boyfriend!?) flounder here and there before eventually finding the right words. Sort of makes it feel more real, natural in whatever sense it means once asked to be someone's significant other.

He takes a deep breath, exhales it slowly, reaches out and clasps Dennis's forearm, gently squeezing. “So long as you're certain it's what you want too.” Because he's been waiting for this moment, already well-aware what he would want, but giving Dennis his time he needed to figure out what he wanted too; friends or boyfriends, Sizhui's just happy to have Dennis's presence in his life at all.

“My answer is ‘yes’ though,” he finally says, letting his lips quirk into a faint grin, “it's something I would really like, actually.” Yet only if Dennis has an unequivocal response as well.

It feels like a whole goddamn year goes by while he fumbles through his boyfriend proposal and even longer as he watches Sizhui take it all in. He expects the worst cause that's just how his life usually went, okay not always but there was a tendency, yet at the same time this is Sizhui. At the most he would politely let him down, but he doesn't look upset or conflicted...

And then he's reaching over to take his arm, there's a reassuring squeeze and-

Dennis let's out the breath he'd been holding in, smiling big. They're both smiling and it's such a huge relief. Of course he'd have respected his friend if he'd said no, especially after what he put him through, but hearing 'yes' is great. A little overwhelmed for a moment he can only nod vigorously, before breaking out in a laugh.

"Yeah..." He'll reach over, hand resting over Sizhui's on his arm with a little squeeze of his own. "I'd really really like that." It's then he hangs his head a bit sheepishly.

"M'sorry I was such a mess trying to figure that out, but I'm sure of it now."

Thankfully, Sizhui's adorable kitty-cat tail vanished with the appearance of his goat horns or else there's a chance it would've been twitching the whole time with his steadily growing excitement.

By the time Dennis exhales that breath, he's actually beaming, unable to contain himself whenever his friend has all but confirmed their newly developed relationship in a nonverbal manner; Dennis's smile, the nodding, his outburst of laughter that somehow has Lan Sizhui smiling wider. While he might've normally raised his other hand to cover it, Sizhui's actions are sort of the opposite this time, his unoccupied hand instead moving to rest atop Dennis's hand that has taken hold of the one he'd originally clutched his arm with.

Maybe it's silly to do so, there isn't anyone around to judge him for shifting their hands, curling both of his own around Dennis's one, his thumbs gingerly, reassuringly kneading over his knuckles. “So, we're both in agreement then?” Making them official now and goodness, wait until he tells— well, everyone, really? But a handful of particular people come to mind at once, all of which he files into the recesses of his mind for now so he can dispel Dennis's worries.

“And there's no need to apologize for taking the time you need for yourself.” He could very well just raise a hand but rather than stop what he's doing, Sizhui slides half a step closer, leans in and nudges their foreheads together in an attempt to meet Dennis's eyes. “Honestly, I... I'm glad you waited until you were certain.”

A goat boy with a cat tail would have been pretty cute though, let's be real. God though, but this feels so good, it's like some weight has been lifted off the both of them in a way. A weight Dennis knows he placed there, but still. It's gone now and it's amazing.

"No, I need to, cause I said some shit... but like you said, even then, was better to be sure than just jump in unsure." He'd said things that probably hurt Sizhui even if he was the sweetest and would insist they hadn't. Dennis doesn't want to ruin this moment with what ifs and the like either, but thankfully Sizhui again saves him from that mess. Their foreheads pressed together he feels himself tense wondering if this means they're going to kiss.

Should they kiss? It's not like they hadn't when they'd been on the one mission that started this all. It was different though, then it had sort of been against their will, now... now this was all them. Clearly nervous, Dennis reaches up again to give a teasing tug at one of Sizhui's horns.

"... y'know, you're really talented. Changing into both a goat and a boyfriend at the same time."

True, in a weird, chimeric hybrid sorta way. Sizhui's shoulders visibly lift after Dennis entreats that – despite what he'd insisted – he did need to apologize for some things said before, which he won't disregard for fear of seeming like he's simply brushing it off.

“Fair enough,” he admits. “Truthfully though, that's what I believe to be most important here.” Whatever had been said would be left in the past where it belongs in exchange for Dennis's sincere admittance now. Surprisingly, it hadn't occurred to Sizhui at first that this gesture might be too intimate, could maybe suggest they do something unintentionally conveyed through what he'd assumed was a harmless action. He blinks once, twice, swallows hard then clears his throat, although no words come to him immediately.

As much as part of him wants to so badly, his smarter, more rational half knows full-well they shouldn't rush anything. Lucky for them both, Dennis tugging at his horn is a decent enough distraction, making Sizhui huff playfully, right hand lifting and batting at Dennis's fingers while he feigns pulling back.

“Flatterer,” comes underneath his breath, followed by the quietest giggle. “But thank you for noticing! I've been practicing a lot, after all, so it'd be a shame if I wasn't improving.”

It's good they both agree about the most important part. And look it's not like he doesn't want to kiss Sizhui. The idea has crossed his mind more than once on his little gay panic journey, but maybe he's just a little gun shy at this point.

"Ain't flattery if it's true." Dennis insists, smirking. "Gotta catch up to you, won't grow horns, but maybe on being a good boyfriend." Shh look he's just teasing, don't worry Sizhui.

"So... we're gonna have to break the news to people, huh? Surprise?"

The two of them can figure it out later; it's not like they won't have more than enough time now, particularly with everything else already settled, so it offers a chance for them to eventually . . . experiment a little later on.

He opens his mouth to protest, closes it, opens again then sighs and admits, “I suppose that's fair,” a beat while he lowers his hand, reaching it out to instead take hold of Dennis's unoccupied hand. “And goodness, you needn't worry so much... though it's good to know you'd work toward improvement.” Rather than attempting to run away from his feelings and make himself upset when it's really alright for him to feel his emotions. “You are already doing fine now in my opinion.” Aside from pulling his horns, gosh!

Sizhui's eyes widen briefly following that remark, he tilts his head then hums with contemplation, despite knowing his answer. “Yes, we will, and I'm certain it will surprise more than a handful of people.”

There will be plenty of experimenting. Especially when they get their own room together. Some privacy for such things and all. The big disgusting PDF can come later.

"M'just pulling your leg, Sizhui." Dennis chuckles, beaming a little though because Sizhui is so cute and earnest about everything. "... or horns I guess."

"Bet a certain group of people won't be shocked at all." He's thinking of certain knuckleheads they're friends with, "Pretty sure Jingyi will just be relieved I got my head out of my arse." Don't you just love these sayings, Sizhui?

Lords Almighty, they're both going to fumble over hand-holding already, let alone the other things that coincide with being in an actual relationship— but it's fine because that's all part of being in said relationship, right? Figuring things out with one another they've agreed on while setting boundaries for stuff they may not be ready for yet.

“Unsurprisingly,” he teases back, playfully narrowing his eyes this time. “And if it weren't my horns, it'd be my tail, I'm sure.” Which he also wouldn't mind whatsoever, given his contentment with their finalized romance.

Instinctive as it is to laugh (and he does!), Sizhui clears his throat afterward, makes a contemplative mmn then lifts the hand not holding Dennis's to come up between them, index digit gently tapping against his boyfriend's nose. “Joking aside though, you're right, I think he will probably be the most relieved to hear.”

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[closed] i've been ghosting along; ghost in your house, ghost in your arms

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject