longquan | [ Open RP | Memes / TFLN overflow ]

You don't know cake pops, but you know an English writer from last century. A man of beautiful contradictions.

[Lin Lie has already read every book and manuscript, and there's no one else. Better to have someone like Loki enjoying what the house, and perhaps Lin Lie, has to offer. It almost makes it feel like a home again.

He starts to take off his jacket as Loki fishes for the first choice of clothes. They're nice colors, they both like green, and even from a distance Lin Lie can tell the fabrics are good quality. ]

Are you aiming to sneak a peek for free?

[ He tries to sound playful, but there's a tint of punk color blooming in his cheeks. It's silly; it's just changing clothes like in the gym, but well. There's Loki.

...

He tugs his shirt off after a moment. ] Okay, what do you have for me?

Okay, what do you have for me?

Has it been a century?

[That's something to muse over as he digs among the fabric. One hundred years really wasn't such a terribly long time in the comparatively-immortal scheme of things, but it does twist something in his core to consider. Midgard was funny like that.

It's an idle sort of question, most of his attention on pulling out a mess of green on green on green--a fairly modern, fairly western suit in lightweight fabric, trimly tailored; a neat Oxford shirt in a warmer tone, a midweight scarf to pull it all together. The only real interruption comes from the need to shoot a brief brow over his shoulder at the first joking question.

It's just all very bold after flashy skin selfies, surely.]

These. [The pants and shirt are offered first as he keeps digging for a belt.] Tell me if you think something's going to rip.

[He is, after all, now aggressively aware that Lin Lie has Shoulders(TM).]

A little over that, even, since she was born in 1890. Time flies when one's immortal, uh?

[ Sometimes it's weird to think about their age difference because most of the time it really doesn't register to Lin Lie. One day, he might be gone for real, and Loki could still be looking like he does now. If that happens, he hopes that the next Iron Fist that comes after him makes a point to befriend Loki as well. Maybe he should leave that annotated in the Iron Fist book when he writes his own story down. ]

That's a lot of green alright, even for you. But it seems lightweight and nice, and before Loki fully hands it to him, he runs the back of two fingers over the fabric, feeling it and totally ignoring that look Loki threw it at him.

If he wants to keep getting occasional photos like the ones before, it's better now to bring them up when they're talking in person.

Okay, yes…one moment. [ He's going to put on the shirt first so he can have his arms free to work on the pants, but he's going to leave it unbuttoned for now. It's already fairly snug on his arms; it might not even fit his pecs. Lin Lie is now very scared of flexing an arm and ripping a sleeve by accident.

He leaves his jeans in a nearby chair after managing to step out of those and end up in nothing but his navy blue boxers without tripping or looking at Loki. He needs a moment to remind himself why he's doing all this, and he's decided already that if Loki comments on his underwear, he's throwing the jeans at the god's face. ]

[There's a non-committal hum at the question. It's always difficult to square with Midgardians that he's nearing 1,000 years of life but still just coming to the end of his relative youth. (It's also a very strong reason not to notice when Midgardians have really excellent lats--but really, gods have eyes.)

Loki should be rewarded, all the same, for using his eyes now for artistic criticism, head cocking to one side with a slight squint in his gaze as Lin Lie changes. Good color, good cut; not a good fit.

Politely, he'll wait until the pants are fully on before stepping closer.] Don't move.

[His tongue catches between his teeth as he moves closer, the (perhaps familiar, now) cool of his magic vibrating from his fingers as he tugs at the cuffs, the hems, the panels of the fabric, willing more carefully into existence for more space in the arms and shoulders.]

[ Lin Lie had learned that age is not much of a factor when it comes to heroes, gods, and the like, so he doesn't concern himself much with it. Pants on, although unbuttoned, he stays still when Loki demands it. Lin Lie only keeps his hands slightly raised so that the other man can adjust the clothes as he sees fit. Seems like someone's not bad at following orders.

There's a tension to his shoulders that goes away the moment the clothes fit loose enough for him to be properly comfortable. He beams at Loki for the change. ]

I wish I had your powers. Fixing clothes so easily is a dream; you don't want to know how often clothes get dirty or ruined when you're fighting demons with large claws.

[ Lin Lie is all too happy to offer sincere praises to Loki's magic abilities. Credit where credit is due. He still hasn't moved, which means his chest is still on display for Loki to stare at if he wishes or to finally button up the shirt. ]

Do I look presentable enough for your tastes now? Should I do a little spin?

[Will Loki ever not perk up slightly when his magic is praised, even with his attention still more or less on his work? No. It's not shocking, but it's deeply, deeply true.]

If you like hearth magic, you should see what I can do in a fight.

[Now, if the goal is presentability, the shirt does need to be buttoned. Half his attention is still skittering here and there over Lin Lie's frame as his fingers got to the buttons, watching the seams to be certain he's refit correctly as the fastenings are closed and the shirt is tugged more snugly into place. If there's the occasional odd brush of cool fingers against all these excessive abs and pecs? That's probably normal tailoring business.]

Scarf and jacket before you spin. [Although, admittedly,] It is coming together. A good color on you.

[ It's not surprising to Lin Lie that Loki would enjoy that, but he also doesn't think it's a reason to make fun of him. People likes being appreciated every now and then, don't they? And frankly, it's rather cute to see Loki react that way, so it's hard not to smile in response. ]

Hearth magic...I didn't know it was called that. How many kinds of magic are there? And if I were to see you in a fight, that would mean that things have taken a turn for the worse. But perhaps you can give me a demonstration of your skills one day.

[ It's harder to stay still when Loki's fingers brush against his front; his chest has always been sensitive. He doesn't complain, but he does shudder slightly or suck in a breath as Loki finishes closing the shirt and cold fingers brush over his pecs. ]

Alright, thanks. I can put that on on my own. [ It comes out a little rushed, and it also takes Lin like a second longer to realize he's been complimented. He's unused to praise too, but unlike Loki, it makes him more flustered than anything. ] It looks good because the clothes are good quality. It would look good on you too.

[ He puts on the jacket with ease; it doesn't have any fitting issues, and then he's fidgeting a little with the soft scarf, because when he wore those as Sword Master, they were usually longer and simply wrapped around his neck. ] Do I make some sort of bow, or?

Oh, I can't imagine anyone actually knows how many kinds there are.

[Which is deeply, genuinely wonderful. Discovering new worlds, new cultures, new realities was all very good and fun, but knowing there was more magic to discovery? That had always (well, for given values of "always") felt incredibly worthy.

Also a bit wonderful are the slight shudders and clear fluster. Foolish, but a bit wonderful all the same.

Loki turns to let Lin Lie handle the jacket himself, going thoughtfully back to his bags--because obviously there hadn't just been one outfit--until drawn back by the ridiculousness of the question.

Although.] If that's what calls to you.

[Listen, no one said Loki was above letting people be ridiculous. And taking pictures of them being ridiculous. And laughing for the next hundred years or so about it.]

That's amazing then. I wonder if that means people can create new forms of magic as well. [ It's clear that Lin Lie has pretty much the same point of view about magic. He always enjoyed the idea of it, even before gaining mystical powers of his own. ] In the city of K'un-Zi, one of the Seven Capital Cities of Heaven, they are also powerful magicians, although they are more inclined to practice the dark arts. So I've heard. The capitals aren't merged now, so I never got to meet any of the crane warriors.

[ Even when Lin Lie is overwhelmed by a situation, he tends to keep pushing forward, and so far, it has worked well for him. He’s still alive, so it must mean something. Here and now, his life isn’t in danger, but he acts with the same determination. It helps him get over his previous embarrassment. ]

It does. [ He makes sure the jacket is buttoned right and there are no creases, and that the scarf is wrapped around his neck properly; he takes a step forward towards Loki. He taps the man's arm lightly just so his attention is back to him instead of the bag of clothes, and then that same hand slides down Loki's sleeve as Lin Lie bows forward.

Calloused fingers gently wrap around more delicate ones, and he brings Loki's hand up to his lips to kiss the back of it. Just because he sometimes acts like a punk doesn't mean he can't be a gentleman too. ]

[Yammering about magical research? Very good, very top-notch flirting. Checking creases in an outfit intended to look neatly pressed? Also very good, very tier-one flirting.

But the very slick shoulder-tap, arm-touch, hand-kiss maneuver? Actual advanced nonsense that gets a startled blink from the Asgardian, body briefly caught still and fingers tensing slightly against the threat of his hand being dropped before he's properly processed things.

His tongue clicks before overly long, attention flitting from being caught on their hands to studying the final effect of the outfit.]

...not awful. [Very good. Very handsome.] Keep that one, hm?

[ If nerdy and enthusiastic talk about books, history, or magic is what interests Loki, then he will have a good time hanging out with Lin Lie. He's not that much of a talker otherwise, but if you hit one of his hyperfixations...

Dark brown eyes look up at Loki through long, dark lashes, and Lien Lie is still bowing, and it. It would be a lie to say he's not a little pleased by being able to catch Loki by surprise. He gently lets go of Loki's hand a moment later, straightening and waiting for the final verdict. Loki's generosity is something he didn't see coming, and for a moment he thinks he must have heard him wrong. ]

W-what do you mean, 'keep that one'? This suit alone probably cost more than my whole wardrobe, and it's yours.

[ Looking down, one of Lin Lie's hands goes to the front of the suit, fingers moving up to brush over the lapels and scarf. Barring some traditional clothing in the past, this is one of the nicest clothes he's ever put on; that is true. It's also very Loki-like, and it will always remind him of the god as well. ]

I can't possibly take it from you like that. Not without giving something back; it doesn't seem fair.

So keep it long enough to sell it and get a new wardrobe? [Just in case being idly flip doesn't work, Loki shrugs and goes back to his bag.] I didn't pay for it--in a gift way, not a crime way. [Just in case they would have had to go through some sort of hero-related farce about it in the other case.] And I've already got what I need from it.

[He straightens properly, giving one hand a quick upward sweep. The illusion isn't instant, something like a shimmer running from shoes up to shoulders, his actual neat Asgardian clothes seeming to turn into an exact replica of the suit Lin Lie (well, not an exact replica, because someone couldn't help but add a pop of gold at the cuffs and collar). His hand drops, and the illusion does as well.]

But this-- [The next bundle of cloth being tugged from the bag isn't green or gold, but the amorphous black fabric certainly looks luxe.] --you can't have. Because I did steal it. From Thor.

[Look, the shoulder issue is clearly real and he was right to do this. Support Loki's wrongs.]

I'd never sell or give away a present like that! [ By the slightly alarmed tone, it's clear that doing such a thing is a horrible faux pas in Lin Lie's book. To reject a gift is the absolute height of rudeness in Chinese culture.

He eyes Loki with some unease, less because of the means in which the clothes might have ended in the god's position and more because he's torn between finding this a nice gesture and hating that it feels a little like charity. In the end, the 'nice gesture' idea wins over. It helps that Loki is nonchalant about giving the clothes away while showing off his magic. Lin Lie looks at the matching suits—plus the nice, extra gold accents—and then acquiesces. ]

Alright, you've made your point. But if you change your mind and want them back, just let me know. Thank you for the gift.

[ He's going to delicately run his fingers over the scarf or the jacket's sides and smile a little to himself, because it really feels so nice to the touch. Brown eyes stare at the black bundle, unsure of what sort of clothes they are but not missing the high-end fabric and probably state-of-the-art design. ]

Since Thor is going to get his clothes back, let's say you borrowed them. It is not stealing if you don't keep them... Technically.

[ It's all about the technicalities, sometimes. Even if it's for Lin Lie's peace of mind. He's not sure if it's right to wear something that belongs to one of Earth's mighty heroes, so he's not going to think about it too hard and be Loki's doll for a bit in exchange for the green suit. Which he is going to start taking off now, first placing the jacket on the back of a nearby chair to avoid creases. ]

What is that, exactly?

[Feather-ruffling aside, it's a good conclusion. Much better than the suit stay with someone who keeps clearly enjoying the quality of the fabric than sitting in his closet with all the other Midgardian clothes he rarely actually wore outside of his own illusions.

It's also probably a good conclusion to simply not respond to that technicality. After all, who knew? He might well return his brother's clothes when he got home again. Anything was possible--including, more often than not, Loki surprising even himself.]

I don't know if there's a word for it, here.

[True, as he shakes the actual pieces apart, the heavy black fabric resolves into what is clearly a cowl-necked cloak. The lighter fabric shaken out from within it is definitely a long, loose tunic, dyed a deep regal blue, with trim pants of a similar material and golden cloth belt to bind it all together.]

They're formal. But... house-formal. When you don't expect to be attacked at any moment, so you can be-- more comfortable.

[Rarely used, if the way every Asgardian tended to wear some level of armor at any moment of any day was any indication. (But that would have been a bridge too far. Even Thor's old armor, too small and sitting idle, wasn't for stealing and lending out.)]

Do you know what I mean? [Whether there was a good word for it here or not, it's up for offer for in Loki's hands now.]

[ This present isn't something Lin Lie will forget anytime soon, and he will take good care of the suit. Perhaps he will find the right occasion to wear it soon, maybe during the New Year celebrations. ]

Hm.

[ Now that he can take a good look at the garments, he can't help but admire the craftsmanship. His eyes light up in something resembling recognition, even though he's aware that these are typical Asgardian robes. ]

I do. We have similar clothes in my country; the cuts aren't an exact copy, and the fabrics might be different, of course, but it's interesting how these resemble ancient Chinese clothing. Similar to our Hanfu or Qizhuan. Perhaps our cultures aren't so different after all.

[ Sadly, Lin Lie has grown used to being attacked pretty much at any random time of the day or night, because that has been the pattern (or lack of it) of Chiyou's demons coming after him, but he sees Loki's point regardless. ]

I think I have an idea of how to put these on by myself. Let me try and see, then you can correct me if I get it wrong.

[ Enthusiasm aside, he's still going to be careful while handling these. He takes off the previous set of clothes, which means that for a moment he's simply standing in his underwear as he holds up the loose tunic. He's going to take a few seconds to admire the blue coloring of the tunic before putting it aside to grab the pants and put them on. They're actually a bit baggy on him this time; his waist is smaller than Thor's. ]

I feel like you should try some of my clothes too; [ Lin Lie jokes as he slides the tunic over his shoulders. ] They might not be as nice as yours, but don't underestimate the power of being comfortable.

[It is, truly, very like a hanfu. The density of the fabric likely feels more like a European weave (although it is, obviously, ultimately simply alien), but the mechanics are all generally the same. Fashion is fashion is fashion, perhaps--and the confirmation of that does seem to put a pleased little perk into Loki's crooked grin.]

I do believe in you to manage this.

[He believes in himself a little less not to let his attention linger briefly on Lin Lie as the man studies the clothing. Surely it's not staring in a rude way if he's been told that there might be difficulty in getting into clothing. Surely it's just polite hovering in case something goes wrong and needs intervention, or if he's guessed wrong and somehow these shoulders are even bigger than Thor's. (They aren't, obviously, but they are very nice to look at.)

What truly keeps something soft at the corners of Loki's lips is a combination of the clear care with which Lin Lie treats the clothing and the quiet heart-tug of having things so clearly from home inhabiting a space far away from it. A Midgardian suit in Midgard, even his own? Nothing remarkable. Proper Asgardian garb in Midgard, even his brother's? Lovely; nostalgic, despite the fact he'd only barely just left the realm to come here.

He clears his throat thoughtlessly, doing his best to wander back into something wry and detached.]

I've seen your sweaters, you know.

[ Thor's clothes are a good blend of surprisingly new and yet beautifully familiar. Truth be told, Lin Lie had his doubts at first, but this is turning out to be a pretty fun afternoon, a cultural exchange of sorts. Doing a twirl at some point has not been fully ruled out, either.

Loki's words would have seemed more sarcastic without that little satisfied glimpse in the man's smile, so Lin Lie can't even be mad. He also misses most of the staring, attention focused on not accidentally ripping anything. ]

See, not being a prince myself means I never had valets, so I had to learn how to dress up the boring way. On my own. I became quite skilled at it. That said, this thing doesn't seem to want to stay on.

[ The gold belt is pretty, but it seems determined to ride low on his hips, like the most refined-looking belly chain, even if it's actual cloth. One of Lin Lie's hands is holding the fabric at the front, and maybe it's because it's so silk-soft that it keeps slipping or that he just doesn't know how to tie it up. ]

A little help? Please, Loki. [ The last two words come out in a lower voice, a bit more breathy. He hadn't forgotten their previous conversation when Loki mentioned that being wanted was half the fun. Hearing someone's bed probably was the other half. ]

You've seen them, and they're soft and cozy, yes. [ Detached Sarcasm? He doesn't know her. ]Just because I don't wear them often, it doesn't mean I don't also have some nice clothes. I have a changshan that would look good on you. I'll fetch it after this. It's white and gold, since I mostly wear it for the Spring Festival.

[It doesn't fit quite right--Lin Lie is much more in the vein of Thor's body shape than Loki, but even other Asgardians were often slightly smaller than the older prince--but it still twitches Loki's lips to study properly. Or, well, something twitches his lips. (It might be the request. He does like begging.)]

Of course, my lord.

[There's no resorting to magic this time. Loki moves in to fit the belt by hand, fingers deft and nimble in tucking the fabric in on itself, shrinking the fabric practically until the sash fits properly, fingers linger just for a heartbeat in satisfaction.]

Gold does suit me.

[So that's not a no on a full costume trade.]

[ Lin Lie still has a few training years to go before he can grow anywhere near as large as Thor. Maybe he never will, to be honest. He's muscular, but he's actually shorter than most heroes, so the chances of him putting on THAT much more mass are unlikely. But he would say that what's important is not how much you have, but how you use it.

He's still studying Loki's face and body language for any signs that he might have appreciated the begging or found it ridiculous, and he concludes that it perhaps has been a bit of both. Good enough for him, especially when Loki answers. ]

Who would have thought that all I needed to do for you to be this sweet to me was to ask nicely?

[ There's something in Lin Lie's tone that makes it clear he will remember it for the future. And then Loki steps closer and gets all over his space, and Lie decides to shut up. He knows Loki is only making sure that the clothes fit right, but they've rarely been this close before, and he thinks he could even count Loki's eyelashes if he tried hard enough. He gets a bit distracted by them and by the curve of Loki's cheekbone that he doesn't seem to notice, or really mind, Loki's hands staying on him longer than expected. ]

That it does. But then, it doesn't take you a lot to look good.

Would you call this "sweet?"

[In some ways, Loki has to admit that it's a fair assessment. Helping someone dress isn't exactly his usual brand, particularly this far from home. But it probably isn't exactly sweet, now that the belt is neatly set, to catch lightly at the tunic's collar and briefly lean closer to Lin Lie's ear.]

Because I wouldn't have called that "asking nicely."

[There was saying "please," after all, and there was dropping one's voice into a breathier pitch while asking something, having previously established... well, a number of kinks, truth be told.

One light pat to smooth the collar back into place, and Loki turns away to take up and shake out the cloak. Lin Lie will almost certainly be able to manage it himself, but there's no harm in shaking out any almost-wrinkles.] I've been told it takes me nothing to look good, actually.

Compared to what people try to do when they get close to me? Yes, definitely.

[ Mei Min and a few other friends are the exceptions, but almost everyone who gets this close, especially men, does so to fight him or to remind him he's not worthy of the Iron Fist title. This is very much an improvement.

Lin Lie has been looking down, eyes half-lidded as he watched Loki adjust the belt with deft fingers that might as well belong to a musician. Part of the reason is that he wanted to make sure he learned how to properly tie the belt, and another big part is that he just enjoys watching Loki's hands. He's forgotten that the tongue is so much more dangerous.

He gasps softly, his body shivering as Loki's hot breath brushes against the shell of his ear when he speaks. That is more closeness than expected, and it does things to Lin Lie because the first thought that comes to mind after Loki's rebuttal is 'I can do better next time.'

And why would there ever be a next time??? He's too busy gathering his thoughts and trying not to blush to actually answer with anything witty in return He's still a bit numb as Loki fixes his collar and turns around, but the man's last words shake him from his stupor. ]

Well, lucky you. I guess it's the opposite with me; I might just look better without wearing anything at all.

[The gasp is nice. The little shiver is nicer. The clear moment of being simply too flustered to speak for a moment is nicest of all.

Perhaps that's why Loki doesn't bother stifling his pleased laugh as he turns back to Lin Lie, eyes wrinkled at the corners and lips twisted into his crooked version of a pleased smile.]

Is that what you'd like to try on next?

[It's nice, having the outlet of easy flirtation. It's even nicer, having someone to spend this sort of idle, unimportant time with, like the universe wouldn't fall apart if they were allowed the space to breathe. It's nicest, feeling this readily trusted in someone else's personal space.

Lin Lie could absolutely manage the cowl cloak. Loki moves to help him into it anyway, just to continue enjoying the warm sensation of proximity.]

Loki seems to have a natural talent for leaving. Lin Lie was speechless, and not just from sheer irritation. His cheekbones are still dusted red by the time Loki turns; that laugh did nothing to help the matter. At least someone is having fun here. (He is, too, not like he will admit it right now). Lin Lie rocks a little on his heels, shaking his head but unable to stop a smile from splitting his lips in two, eyes dancing.

Sorry, I don't start to get naked until at least the second date. My baba raised no hoe.

Despite the occasional embarrassing moment arising, Lin Lie would agree that it's nice to just test the water and be a bit silly and flirty. He's never had many chances to do such a thing, and he could use some practice. Somehow Loki makes it feel natural. But they still have an outfit to finish putting together, and he reaches out for the cowl cloak, adjusting it with some of Loki's help.

This is kind of fun. [ He tugs at the corner of the cowl, adjusting it, and then swaying his shoulders to make the cloak more. ] I look a bit like a witch; I like it. It's a pity that the Iron Fist suits does not have a cape, but it would get in the way of moving during fights.

[The speechlessness and flush are lovely. The grin and cheeky response is even lovelier. It all keeps something pleased sparking at the back of Loki's eyes, lips still twitched up at the edges. Being relaxed is an absolute treat.

Also, in a small way, seeing Lin Lie in this familiar fashion context is an absolute treat as well. It all feels a bit... closer knit, in a way that seems to settle something he doesn't have a name for.

The next laugh is a bit more amused, mostly on the inhale.]

This is what your witches look like? [Thoughtlessly, one hand traces a little circle in the air, and a small magical breeze briefly kicks up the cloak, floating it dramatically in support of Lin Lie's fluttering of it.] Thor will be furious to hear.

[ Having a good time with a friend without worrying too much about his duties or legacy is a rare occurrence for him as well, especially because Lin Lie wasn't even that social even before he became Sword Master and later the Iron Fist. It all feels much easier with Loki. ]

Ehhh...sometimes. Especially in myth or in movies. In real life, I haven't met many of those.

[ He lets out a delighted laugh when Loki uses his magic to make the cloak wave in the magic wind, and it's a bit close to an actual giggle. He couldn't help himself even if he's aware that it might seem a bit too childish. He's in a rare good mood, so he's going to enjoy all this and not think too hard about it. ]

Thor isn't here, so what he doesn't know can't hurt him. [ Lin Lie's not going to seek out the Thunder God to tell him. He's got better things to do, and those include reaching out to tug at the front of Loki's clothes. ]

Come on now, come to my room. I'll fetch the changshan I told you about, and you can try it on. I want to see you all in gold.

[ If Loki follows and doesn't mind waiting a few minutes as Lin Lie rummages inside his wardrobe, he will see the younger man pull out a red and gold decorated box. The box is covered in satin fabric and the gold decor is embroidered, and Lin Lie is careful when he handles it and places the box on his bed. It's obviously important. ]

There it is, feel free to have a look.

[ Inside the box, the outfit Loki will see is: a pair of brown pants with cloud-like patterns embroidered in gold, a silk changshan in white with a gold rim that tapers at the waist and then falls on the front, and a bolero jacket with a depiction of a guardian lion in a darker yellow color on the back of it. There's also a traditional ornamental waist pendant that functions as a belt, a red rope with a jade circle and tassels, a symbol of spiritual protection. It's very striking but the color harmonize.

Lin Lie hasn't worn these clothes since he was eighteen, so there's a chance they might fit Loki more or less well. ]

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oops, so much brackets fail. Sorry!