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June | Test Drive Meme
Jikan Test Drive MemeMinimize
You've seen this before. The thought strikes suddenly, during whatever it is you were doing. Having an important conversation? Running away from home? Dying in the midst of a fierce battle? Where ever you are, one things is true: you're certain this isn't the first time you've lived through this. But upon realizing this, that's when it happens. Like someone hitting rewind on the VCR, you're back where you were ten minutes ago. And it happens again. And again. And again--Until finally, something is different. A door stands in front of you. Will you go through it? Nothing else seems to be working, so this might be your only chance.
Upon opening the door and heading inside, a strange feeling overwhelms you. It's comforting and warm, like being enveloped in a soft, heavy blanket. You hear a voice murmuring in your ear, but it's unintelligible.
And in the next moment, you've appeared in front of a mysterious stone shrine in the middle of a forest, surrounded by the unfamiliar yet worried faces of fox-like humans in red and white robes, speaking in a foreign language that doesn't sound so foreign to you anymore.
Maryouku University
There isn't much time to process what's happening before characters are transported to the nearby Maryouku University. All injuries are completely healed, and those under mental duress will have a powerful soothing spell cast on them to calm them down. Their every need is met: food is offered, and questions are answered. "You've arrived in the Western Kingdom of Nippon, on a planet called Gaia," they explain. "When you became aware of the timeloop, we... well, let us explain."
Orientation Maryouku University, Kyoto
Everyone is brought to a large auditorium, where dozens of other people looking similarly out of place are seated around them. The Kitsune Yokai from before filter on stage, as well as a number of humans and other Yokai in labcoats. And after a brief introduction, they begin to explain. What they experienced back home was a timeloop. While the loops in their home worlds are smaller and likely to resolve on their own, the fact that such a small amount of time is being repeated is what makes them so dangerous for those who become aware of it. And they've been working around the clock, checking adjacent universes for others who've become aware. While the technical explanations may go over the heads of most, that's not the reason they were all brought together like this.
And they continue to explain: their own world was trapped in a year long loop for decades, if not longer. Through the use of an ancient form of bonding magic, they bound their world to the present flow of time, allowing it to progress past the timeloop. Or at least, that's how they thought it worked. In truth, Kizuna is very powerful reality-warping magic. And thanks to the powerful bond all refugees now share with the country of Nippon, the magic surrounding them will only continue to evolve.
Until a means of resuming the flow of time back in their home world is found, they'll just have to make due with this one. But not to worry, because Nippon is fully committed to taking care of the refugees!
A Brand New Home Kyoto, Kansai
Once orientation is over, characters will be allowed to choose housing in both Kyoto and Tokyo, enabling them the means of easily living between both cities if they please. These housing options will be fully paid for by the government of Nippon, with the NRL and MRU providing a stipend for food expenses in Tokyo and Kyoto respectively.
In lieu of providing transportation, all refugees will be granted an unlimited rail pass that they can use to travel all across Nippon, with express routes connecting the two kingdoms. Additionally, teleportation terminals exclusively for Refugees can be found at the NRL and MRU, allowing instant travel between Tokyo and Kyoto. While this TDM and its prompts are focused on the Western Kingdom, you are welcome to have your character arrive in the Eastern Kingdom instead.
In Higashiyama, a new shop has opened selling enchanted candles, said to utilize a unique method of spell-casting by using thin wooden talismans as wicks. Only while the candle is lit will the spell function. And for refugees, they've developed a special variety that's designed to nullify the effects of passive magic -- essentially, an anti-kizuna candle. Although the area of effect is rather small, it does appear to work in temporarily nullifying all kizuna side effects while lit. But for those hoping for something more exciting, other scents include: a scent that alters a person's personality randomly, a scent that makes people intoxicated, and even a scent that can bring people to orgasm. Light all three at once for a wild time!
In Gion, the local Geiko of the Hanamikoji Okiya dorm are holding a special workshop for those interested in traditional culture. While the workshop itself is certainly worth watching, what they really need is volunteers to be dressed up on stage, dressed as traditional Geisha, or as the more risqué Oiran. But the best part comes after, in which all volunteers will be taken out on the town to bar hop through Gion's most exclusive district. Those dressed up will even be allowed to drink for free, in exchange for singing or dancing for other patrons.
In Uji, those who visit MRU's campus will be surprised to find a high number of Oni visiting from Kyushu. Although it's not uncommon to see Oni in Kyoto, these Oni are distinctly pure-blooded, their skin a vibrant shade of blue, which they show off by wearing sleeveless kimono, or simply going shirtless. It seems they've come to assist with Kizuna research, and as such, can be found curiously watching refugees, or asking to "bond" with them. For science, of course. Sure, it might be a little intimidating to have a seven-foot-tall blue muscle man asking if he can hold your hand, but they're perfectly friendly. Oddly enough, despite being natives, Kizuna side effects will always manifest when bonding with one, and they may even linger for longer than usual.
NRL Time Refugee Support Network
Once they've received their housing assignment, all refugees will be given small handheld devices called magi-tech comms, or magi-comms for short. They're heavier than a conventional smartphone would be, but far sturdier, and powered by the ambient magic that flows through the city. They don't need to be charged, but they won't work outside of cities at all. Upon booting it up, they'll find a message linking them to a special channel for refugees.
#nrl_time_refugee_support - online
Use the following code for your top-level if you'd like! This is how network communication will look for characters in the game until more advanced magi-tech comms become available for characters.
Above The Trees
Sitting south of Kyoto, the city of Nara is a popular destination for refugees, given the city's almost magical appearance. Located around a forest of massive trees, most of the city proper extends up into them, vast canopies stretching from tree to tree with buildings and infrastructure built into them. With little light able to reach the forest floor, the streets of the lowest district are lit up with naturally occurring bio-luminescent flowers and mushrooms in place of streetlights.
After all the excitement last month, why not take some time to relax in one of Nippon's most peaceful regions?
Wildlife Strife Narashi, Nara
Although the West is well-known for living in harmony with the ayakashi, no where is that more true than Nara, where ayakashi are treated with the utmost reverence.
One of the more common ayakashi found is the Arukibake, the ghost-walker ayakashi. Utterly harmless, these little leggy ghosts can be found strutting around the city at every corner, ranging from the size of an apple to waist-height. However, they're known to be attracted to people who have recently experienced bouts of depression or loneliness. The exact reason for this is unknown, but anyone seen with a small procession of these fellas marching silently behind them is certain to get more than a few concerned passer-bys offering them a warm meal, a hug, or even a shoulder to cry on if they need it. Even for the Western Kingdom, it seems the people of Nara are especially compassionate.
But among all the ayakashi in Nara, the most well-known is the Saiwaika, the good-fortune deer. Growing no more than two feet high, these miniature deer can be found in parks throughout Nara, where they've become so docile and used to the presence of Yokai that they'll walk right up and cutely beg for food. Those who look upon their tiny, dainty forms will find themselves strongly compelled to be generous and kind to every living creature they meet. Originally a defense mechanism against predators, the saiwaika instead offer this power as a blessing to the people of Nara, which is said to have the lowest crime rate of any city in the Western Kingdom.
Thankfully, vendors selling special crackers for the saiwaika can be found everywhere. And while they've learned not to steal them off the stall tables, once the wrapping comes off, it's a free-for-all. The tiny deer have been known to swarm, nibbling at the clothes of those bearing the treats. Some even attempt to jump and steal them, with the saiwaika being well-known for its ability to leap nearly ten feet into the air. Yes, this looks as silly as you can imagine.
But for all that the Ayakashi in Nara are peaceful, there are still more than a few troublemakers. One in particular to look out for is the Gurakurage, the glass-jelly ayakashi. Appearing in an array of beautiful colors, these ayakashi are attracted by greed and feelings of lust. It's not uncommon to see them tethered by a string in shops, where their increased activity serves as a warning to look out for shoplifters. But when encountered in the wild, these strange jellyfish will latch onto the bodies of people experiencing sexual frustration. A minor annoyance to be sure, as they can simply be peeled off, but just don't break the glass dome atop their head. Doing so will greatly anger the ayakashi, causing them to grow in size before... well. I think we all know where the prompt with the tentacle creature is going.
Sweets in the Sky Narashi, Nara
In the highest levels of Nara's main district, Narashi, a new sweets shop has been drawing in customers from all over the west. Very few businesses are allowed in the highest level, which is usually reserved for shrines or particularly wealthy homeowners, as it's the only area that breaches the top of the forest. With outdoor seating, guests will be be able the see the rarest view in all of Nara -- a sea of green stretched out as far as the eye can see, with the city of Kyoto visible in the distance. Probably not ideal for anyone with a fear of heights.
In addition to some of the cutest parfaits this side of Nippon, their biggest claim to fame is their enchanted candy, each variety possessing one of a number of special effects. Children in particular are quite fond of the goofier ones, such as chewing gum that alters a person's voice, lemon hard candies that cause people to shrink in size, and little sugar stars that create illusions of fireworks over the consumer's shoulders.
They even have special varieties for adult customers, which include: lollipops flavored with uki, ice cream filled mochi flavored with uki, uki taffy, uki hard candies, uki ice cream... you get the idea. As with all sweets filled with uki, those who consume them will feel a mild and pleasant high, lowering inhibitions and reducing stress, and occasionally functioning as a mild aphrodisiac.
That said, please don't fuck in their bathrooms (looking at you, Kazuha). There are plenty of reasonably priced hotels in the lower streets of Nara.
Starry Night Narashi, Nara
Those who visited Nara last October may recall the serene waters of Sarusawa Pond, built into an artificial park within the trees, and one of the best places to view the stars in Nara. Visitors can climb up to the highest balconies of a nearby five-story pagoda, or watch the stars as they're reflected in the near mirror-like surface of the water. And thankfully, this month, it's entirely safe to do so (we don't talk about October).
A special meteor shower is taking place during the second week of the month, and as such, many locals have taken the opportunity to hold a small festival within the park around the pond. Throughout the day, stalls selling food and little trinkets line the edges of the park. But once night comes, all lights are turned off, as a spectacular view of shooting stars can be seen in the starry sky overhead. And better yet -- the ring that exists around the planet Gaia causes some of these meteors to grow rainbow tails as they shoot across the sky.
Among the crowd, some refugees may hear whispers of locals suggesting that one should make a wish when they see a meteor with a rainbow tail. And while this is just a local superstition, for the refugees, it'll be so much more than that.
Those present in the park will find that their wishes may very well come true. Material goods will suddenly appear in their hands, any aches or ailments will immediately be healed, and those who wish for the company of a good friend will find them seated next to them (provided they are in Nippon, or are an incoming castmate or auxiliary NPC, see the notes for details).
Unlike usual kizuna-powered wishes, these ones will 100% stick around! How nice! Even the locals, though perhaps a little jealous, will see this miracle as a sign that their world has accepted them, the gods wishing to reward them for any hardship they have faced.
OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's June TDM! The TDM is considered game canon, and also serves as the intro log! That said, whether you choose to carry threads over to the game or not is up to you!
• Current players are more than welcome to top-level, or take prompts from the TDM and use for their own logs! This may change in the future depending on how busy TDMs become.
• CRAU characters may start regaining their CRAU memories one month after the TDM. However, vague feelings of familiarity are allowed between previous game CR! For more on this, please read the FAQ!
• You do not need to sign-up for housing! Choose whichever style you prefer, in both Kyoto and Tokyo. Roommates can be chosen by the characters or can be random. If you want to switch housing later, your character has the option of moving at the beginning of each month.
• Uki-flavored treats are available for customers 15 and older, as the age of majority in the West varies based on race.
• All players are welcome to wish any item from home, magical or otherwise, using the meteor shower wishes. Keep in mind, the item must be something they can reasonably carry home with them.
• Players bringing a new character into the setting may have them wished into the setting using the meteor shower wishes. They will still recall a timeloop, but instead of a door, they will hear the voice of the character wishing them into the setting calling their name, and will appear in Nippon when they turn to look for that voice. These characters must visit either the NRL or MRU within the next few days to receive a proper bond with Nippon to ensure they don't disappear. Additionally, players may bring in Auxiliary NPCs using this mechanic as well. Keep in mind, these characters will remain in the setting, but you are not required to actively play them, nor add them to the auxiliary NPC page unless you wish to do so.
Please leave any questions about the TDM prompts in the thread below! General game questions can be directed to the FAQ!
Apps are always open!
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no subject
Does it... I suppose that is something I don't do very often.
[also, wow, he is not stuffy and strait-laced??? rude, Pyre. he's just.... okay, yeah, he's stuffy and strait-laced.]
You needn't-- [and they're fishing a wallet out of their top, so Zhongli just... shrugs it off. he's supposed to be a mortal and living the rest of his life out, right?] If you insist, I will accept your generosity.
[and so he picks a couple of candles - one supposed to ease one to sleep, one that's supposed to bring about feelings of euphoria - and add them to the list. once Pyre has paid and subsequently looped an arm around his, he only exhales a slight sigh.
does this make him miss Tao? perhaps, just a tiny bit.]
Very well, lead the way. I'm Zhongli, it's a pleasure to meet you, Pyre.
[evidently, he knows better than to try to escape this. small positives.]
no subject
[Like buy magic candles with strangers, apparently.
They lead the way, bag swinging from their other arm. They don’t seem to be paying attention to the bustle of the city around them, but they don’t come close to bumping into anyone.]
He said we could go test ‘em out at an inn, yeah? You down for that?
no subject
he's also sure he's not escaping it, which is why it makes it easy to follow their lead.]
There is not that much I haven't done, I think. And most of what I would never do, I wouldn't do here, either. [that protest is largely semantics though, and he purses his lips in thought.] Yes, if you're this insistent on trying them, I believe an inn room should be of sufficient size to get an idea of their use and efficacy without disturbing others.
[is he just assuming the one candle they picked isn't going to work?]
no subject
Guessing you’re not gonna tell me what’s completely off limits if I ask real nice?
[Though they don’t really care about what those things are. Pushing limits to a breaking point isn’t as fun as figuring out what people will do of their own free will. Some people are willing to do more than they think, but they’re not sure that’s the case with a guy like Zhongli.
They drag him to an inn, laughing brightly.]
Well, I definitely think the inn is better than the crap public housing I’ve got going on right now. I can cover the room, too, but you’ll owe me for it.
[winku]
no subject
[there are places he doesn't want to go back to, things he won't do, agreements he won't violate - but those aren't conversations for an inn anyway, even the ones he can answer.
his pace is simple and even the entire way to the inn, posture straight and not the least bit worried about what they're planning to do once they arrive.]
The public housing isn't so bad, but this is definitely more... put together. [he agrees, raising a hand to his chin.] I can pay you back for the room later. I simply... left my wallet in my room. [again.]
no subject
Saying it’s reasonable isn’t saying much at all, you know. Everyone has a different idea of what’s reasonable and what isn’t. One guy might think it’s reasonable to stab someone for lookin’ at them the wrong way, an’ another one might think it’s reasonable to eat two whole pizzas for breakfast, but neither of ‘em would look at the other and think the other one’s reasonable.
[There’s a slight slip in the way they’re talking, in the way they laugh at that before they shake their head and reign themself back in.]
Try not to forget next time, alright?
[Getting a room for them isn’t much of an issue, and the room Pyre booked for them is… honestly pretty nice. Spacious, large bed… It definitely seems like one of the nicer rooms the inn has to offer.]
no subject
[it's... strange, that slip. something he can't wrap his fingers around - but that's to be expected. not everyone here is from Teyvat. not everything conforms to the twisted rules set in place by its history...]
Of course.
[he'll try... probably. he won't succeed, because this is Zhongli we're talking about, but he'll try. and as they enter the room, the Liyuen's gaze sweeps over it, humming softly. he has a feeling there might have been a misunderstanding by the innkeep, but that isn't his problem either. it's a nice room, and isn't that a relief?
he does consider asking them if it's a normal thing to do, bringing strange men to inn rooms on a whim, but thinks better of it.]
How shall we go about this, then?
no subject
[They laugh it off, hopping onto the bed and upending the bag of candles. The glass jars clink and clatter, but nothing breaks.
Maybe they’re just really lucky, between this and avoiding collisions.]
Well, we gotta lot of options.
[They turn over all of the candles so their labels are facing up. They finally bother to read the supposed effects of the other candles they picked up - enhanced sensitivity, which gets a raises eyebrow, and a minor personality shift, which gets their other eyebrow raising.]
Can’t say I’ve got any preference for one or the other - wouldn’t even mind if we just picked at random.
no subject
in any case, the man himself takes a moment just to sweep the candles together, settling much more lightly on the bed in turn.]
... We certainly do have some... options.
[there's only a hint of hesitation there, seeing the two other choices Pyre had made.]
Some of these come with a marked difficulty in judging them, I would think. Several are also rather more suited to... individuals who are more knowledgeable about one another, wouldn't you say?
[he just got here, is he really going to be testing potentially intimate magical candles with someone he just met?
it's sure looking like that might be happening.]
no subject
Well.
He could just leave. While Pyre has been enthusiastically dragging him along the whole time, they're not going to force him to stay.
Probably.]
Right, yeah. I don't think I know you well enough to know that your personality's changed!
[Though they are kind of curious what would change... hm.]
Also not really sure I want to take a nap right now. Maybe later, though, when it's not the middle of the afternoon.
[They look at the other three candles, but the only one they move off to the side is the sleeping one. That one is being exiled for now.]
...
[There's a thoughtful pause as they look at the remaining four.]
What if we lit them all at the same time? D'you think they'd cancel each other out?
no subject
[Zhongli's eyes close in consideration even as Pyre makes their choices, the soft tap of glass being set aside pleasant to his ears. Minor changes... euphoria, sensitivity, and then... the orgasm one.]
The spell effects are all different enough that I can imagine they would work simultaneously. It would probably be sensible to set aside the one that brings one to orgasm, as there is no need to be intimate within the remainder...
[this is definitely not him trying to get out of the idea that this is going in a horny direction. It's just not necessary, that's all. Nothing to do with the fact that Zhongli hasn't actually done much of anything in his new mortal body, whatever could give that impression?]
There is value in trying them both separately and together, of course. When learning how something works, all angles should be considered thoroughly.
no subject
[They tap the orgasm candle.]
This would be the easiest way to know that it works, isn't it? It's got the most obvious proof of working. The personality is a minor change, and sensitivity... does it mean emotional, physical? It would need a lot of testing out, and with the euphoria... It doesn't mean that what's causing it is magic, right? Could be laced with somethin' that's not magic. Like that weird uki stuff that seems to be everywhere in this place.
[They're pulling the lids off of the four remaining candles, sorry Zhongli.]
But an orgasm, that's not gonna happen out of nowhere, and we'd actually know it happened. [...] I mean, you could take your pants off if you're worried about getting the stains out.
no subject
[They sure are just going for it, aren't they? Honestly, perhaps the worst part is he's practically burning with curiosity. In Teyvat, there was so very little that he didn't understand on a nearly intrinsic level that, when faced with something truly new, he's almost swept up in the feeling of needing to understand.]
You have a point... though I'm a little surprised you're so immediately willing to suggest it with someone you've only just met. [... do they just want to see him naked? The thought barely even crosses his mind, honestly. For Zhongli, there's no shame in nudity - this form is one he created for himself, from head to toe.] I suppose under those factors, it would be most beneficial for both of us to do remove some articles of clothing. Unless the candles only affect one person, of course.
[He's not going to stop with his pants, though... or start with them. Zhongli is a snappy dresser, after all, and he's not in the mood to have to clean stains out of his nice suit. Unfortunately for Pyre, this means the effort is fairly slow. Hopefully they don't get too impatient as Zhongli slips off and folds his tie, jacket, and undershirt before even thinking about unbuttoning his pants.
At least the sight of his bare chest, sculpted with lean muscle indicative of a spear fighter, ought to be worth it.]
no subject
Huh. I don't know if the smell isn't being overpowered, though... but I can't catch it either.
[Though it seems like they don't need to do any more convincing, anyways, but they do laugh at Zhongli saying he's surprised.]
Is there a reason I shouldn't be? Are you not someone I should be trusting, Zhongli?
[The view is very, very nice so far. They kind of imagined his body wouldn't be awful, but they weren't expecting him to be that sculpted.
They have far fewer layers than he does, though, so they've already tossed their shirt and skirt by the time his chest is even bared, which gives them plenty of time to oggle.]
Though I guess that's a good question. Does it only impact the person who lights the candle, or is it anyone who can smell it?
no subject
[It's interesting whenever he doesn't observe it in a mortal, honestly. Differences always occur, but someone like Pyre is a rarity in many ways.]
If what I was reading proves true, then it should affect a small area around the candle. We would need to ask the charm writers to be sure, but that seems the most likely turn of events.
[As he speaks, Zhongli is finally working on his pants, slipping them downward after his shoes are set aside. An imperious gaze glances over Pyre, but it's difficult to guess what he's thinking from his expression. They're not at all unattractive, and they're certainly curious... as for him, Zhongli leaves himself in thinly wrapped underwear, sighing as he settles back on the bed. Even like this, he's pretty plainly sizeable - those tailored pants work wonders at hiding it all. His gloves... he may have just forgotten to take off. It's fine.]
Probably it's not so far as the smell goes, save the candles made with uki directly.
no subject
[They flap a hand dismissively.]
Take moments when you can get them. That's how I tend to look at things, even if it's a bit deep for like... taking off your clothes in an inn room with a total stranger. Still, there'll never be an opportunity to do this again! Next time we run into each other, if we even do... This wouldn't happen the same way.
[And besides, Zhongli's hot. Also totally hung, apparently, and they do not make any effort to hide the way their gaze lingers.]
It'd be funny, though, if people walking down the hall got the giggles.
[Or creamed their pants.]
Alright! Do you wanna do the honors, should I? Or should we divide and conquer!
[They don't bother to take off their bra, but the do take a moment to slide off their panties after a moment of consideration. They shuffle so they can lean on the bed with their legs pressed together - mostly out of consideration for Zhongli, since he seems a bit Stuffy, and prop themself up with a hand.]
no subject
This is true, naturally. You are, nonetheless, a rather unusual individual, Pyre. [of that, he has no doubt.] this happenstance is certainly one I would never suspect to see again, even in its normalcies.
That said, I do not believe I would find it nearly as funny if the effect was much larger than expected.
[There's a faint purse of his lips at that comment, followed by the shake of his head. His arms cross too, gloved finger tapping his arm absently.]
Unfortunately, I don't have any matches or other objects with which to start a fire. Unless you would be willing to share, I will leave the effort of lighting things to you for now. As we don't know how long it will take for the magic to take effect, it would perhaps be most sensible to start with one at a time and work our way forward.
[stuffy though he may seem, he's not the least bit uncomfortable with their state of undress. He's even helping - setting down the candles to make it easy for them to decide which candle to light first.]
no subject
[They wink at that, smile cheeky.
But then they're frowning, grabbing the shopping bag and frowning into it.]
Aw, man. Thought that was gonna be the kind of place that gives you a free matchbook with a purchase, but I guess not. That's so stingy!
[The huff, thinking for a moment. But then they're humming, looking far too determined for someone staring down horny candles. They have an idea, and they think it's bound to work at least a little bit, but they're not sure they could target just one candle.
But Zhongli'll feel too good to get mad, right?]
It's alright, though! I didn't get the name Pyre for no reason!
[Which... is surely reassuring, because it's not like pyres are bad things!
They shuffle a bit, taking a moment to focus, to picture the candles lit - and then they simply are. Pyre would cheer, far too proud of themself, but all that comes out is a choked out moan as raw pleasure washes over them.]
no subject
[Zhongli crosses his arms for a moment as he watches them, brows furrowing slightly. Pyre is not a name he would find reassuring, especially knowing one Hu Tao.]
That is--
[it's such a sudden sensation that it almost doubles him over. raw pleasure, and how long has it been? one hand presses into the bed and grips so hard the mattress almost creaks beneath it, a growl of a groan that wracks through him.
that's... oh. he can actually feel the shift as it happens, alarmingly. head dipping downward as he tries to catch his breath, Zhongli lifts a hand to cover his face. it's burning hot, following an inexplicable (well, no... is this the shift the candle talked about?) sensation of shyness.]
no subject
They wonder how far they can push him.
They're also suddenly very aware of everything touching them - must be the sensitivity - so they spare a moment to unhook their bra and toss it aside before shuffling over on their knees. They reach out, resting their hand on Zhongli's wrist, leaning forward.]
Are you embarrassed, Zhongli?
[This is delightful. They feel wonderful, honestly.]
You look so cute like this.
no subject
I'm not-
[He's not really aware that they've even removed their bra yet. A hand touches his wrist and blooms awareness to it and the glove it's nearly touching both, drawing his gaze. It's a little lazy, lips parted for breaths he's still struggling to keep steady and even.]
I am not embarrassed. [except he definitely is. The indignant tone of his voice is new and out of place, too, his other hand still curled in the bedsheets like it will help ground him somehow.
Spoiler: it's not helping at all.]
Please stop looking at me like that. [The euphoric feeling lingering from their touch only recedes a little bit when he pulls his hand away, clearing his throat.
Notably, he doesn't actually ask them not to touch him, though.]
no subject
[Their grin is cheeky, and they absolutely don't take their eyes off of him. Him pulling away just gets them to encroach on his space even more, trying to cage him in.]
What are you embarrassed by? The candle doing what it would say, or...?
[Is it the candle? The personality change? It does seem to be entirely against the impression Zhongli gives off, this bashfulness.
There's actual, genuine concern in their voice, though. It's that concern that keeps them just hovering there, hands on either side of him. There's a part of them that doesn't want to push him too far, which is - unusual. It's not a feeling they're used to.]
Didn't it feel good, though?
no subject
[Maybe he doesn't mind it. They encroach on his space and there's a little flick of his gaze over their form, all without moving the slightest bit away from them.]
Haaah... [The warmth of them so nearby makes his whole body want to squirm, somehow. It's... odd.] Of course it wasn't... unpleasant... though it was alarming.
... What are you doing now?
[Curiosity and wariness filter into his expression, tongue flicking briefly across his lips. It's not hard to guess at his hesitance, but he doesn't seem like he's leaning toward refusal by any means.]