[semi-closed] the master of my own disguise

[illicitly]

Who ⬤ Nie Huaisang and others
What ⬤ July/August Catch-All
When ⬤ All throughout July and August
Where ⬤ Various
Content Warnings ⬤ MDZS spoilers are a given. Casual discussion of kink of varying extremes and sex work, probably. Possible talk of war, violence, death, trauma, and mental illness. I'll update and include specific warnings in headers as they come up. Sex.



[If you'd like to thread, feel free to plot with me on my permanent plotting post or DM me through the game's Discord server or add me (Mimarin#7493). If neither of those options work for you, I also have a RP plurk at talespinner if you want to add me on there.]

Comments

[illicitly]

"It is a nice dream. And I'm tired of wasting years on stuff I don't want to do."

Once the school's organized and ready, he'll be able to step back and focus on the career he actually enjoys and wants to advance in. Building a life here appeals to him more and more. He doesn't even need to climb through the ranks to live well here. The cash bonuses and small mountain of reward vouchers they've managed to accumulate together is proof of that. They just need to stay beautiful and keep those clients happy and satisfied in their care.

He slips his arms around him, his expression soft.

"I wonder how much it costs to buy a house here. Young Master Gao has some real estate connections... It might be nice to make some plans of our own."

[taintedpeony]

"Me too."

In many ways, this place was kinder than it was back home. No one judged him for his work and he was exhausted as a beauty. No one looked down on him either and he was happier here than he was in many places.

"It is certainly something to look into. Perhaps we can save for one. Maybe even save a room for Da-ge if he ever shows up. I'll give him a piece of my mind but I would like for him to learn how to actually relax. We can bully him with calligraphy and no saber practice if you like.

I do miss him too. How he used to be."

[illicitly]

"He'd be useless in the Tamamo Clan," Nie Huaisang says bluntly, softening his words with a brittle laugh. "He has no subtlety, patience, or grace for such things. Can you imagine him working as a host? It'd be a total disaster."

But deep down, he wants to see his brother again more than anything. To be able to sit and paint while Nie Mingjue did his own thing. To be able to have his brother look at him and recognize who he is. To know who he himself is. There isn't a day that passes that he doesn't miss him or isn't keenly aware of the holes in his life where Nie Mingjue's supposed to be.

He blinks back sudden, unexpected tears. How long has it been since he's cried for real or wept for his big brother's passing? There's always been so much work he's had to do. Existing as Sect Leader Nie never leaves much room for him to simply be Nie Huaisang.

[taintedpeony]

"He would be such a mess. In subtle conversation. Perhaps he can be a bouncer or in one of the restaurants." he laughed as well softly.

There were holes in all of them whether they were brothers by blood or oath. At his tears, he just wrapped his arms around the other and pulled him in closer. His fingers moved through his hair. He held him like this when Da-ge died.

He leaned forward to place little kisses along his hair.

"You can cry. It's okay."