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 Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2024 9:07 am
With Effi so effortlessly handling the details behind the scenes, it was up to Nyko to make any outward appearances and discussions of the more 'obvious' wedding plans. Despite living in the manor for a few weeks now, Nyko's presence in the upper market of Sulburi was still an off putting one. While many of the shop workers were younger and welcomed him like any other patron, those of the older generations gave him hard, side stares. He was never outwardly turned away, especially once it became known that he had some amount of wealth and honestly it was amusing just to see them struggle with no calling him a mud licker or something equally as vile.
All he had to do now was wait for Yunan and that in itself was more nerve-wracking than poking about the flower selection. He had information to give, and worst of all...it was information he knew the other man would loath. Which was exactly why he'd worn the tighest pair of pants he owned, a tunic with an open back and the scented oils that Yunan liked so much.
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2024 9:51 am
The date for the ceremony was quickly approaching. Yunan had scheduled another day to work out event details with the coordinator since at least he was able to leave the manor easier than Aaricia currently could. Yunan had also argued for privacy to enjoy a date together, the pack of escorts always following Aaricia being a hassle for their more intimate moments but even those options were limited and not nearly as favorable as needed for a true meeting with Nyko. With the ceremony so close there was tension and even with so much seemingly in Dazhiq’s favor it was hard to convince him to allow Aari some freedoms. It was his way of securing things to continue going in the direction that he wanted, the Oban thinking that Yunan was desperate to do whatever it took to establish business relations.
Now that he was finally in the markets Yunan let out a soft breath. He wasn’t completely ignorant to the situation and had the feeling that others from the manor had tried to follow in secret. So he had darted around a few stalls, mingling with the crowd to get rid of any followers as necessary. Eventually the flower shop came into view and he found himself walking even faster, the hybrid determined to catch up with Nyko and enjoy whatever few moments they could together. However, when he did finally see Nyko the hybrid paused with a frown. Not that he minded the attire, but something was definitely up if Nyko was dressing like that. Yunan took a long glance over the Matori and then hesitated. After so long together Yunan had learned that any visual rewards like this often meant a ridiculous request would be attached next. But what could it be? If something was amiss wouldn’t he have sent notice instead of waiting this close to the final day?
“Let’s go behind the lilies.” Yunan commented quietly, taking advantage of the chaotic market and slipping past Nyko into the store itself. The lingering scent of oils nearly made him stumble, the hybrid’s golden gaze narrowing once more even as he entered. What was Nyko up to this time? “I see you arrived early.” He eventually managed before glancing at Nyko once more. “What news am I going to dislike this time?” They had no time to waste as much as Yunan enjoyed playing games on occasion this time he was direct, his expression guarded as he braced himself for something unfavorable.
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2024 3:21 pm
That’s a little forward. And the true meaning of it didn’t dawn on Nyko under they were well fast the storefront itself. This wasn’t the first time he’d had to remind himself that ‘stealth’ and ‘secrecy’ were best, and honestly he was just glad he hadn’t shown any expressions that could have them trailed.
“Should I have waited?” He quipped. “Maybe I’m a little impatient and I wanted to look over the options before you came.” Not that he had a clue as to what any of these flowers were other than the pink ones made him sneeze. Once they were well and truly hid, he leaned a little closer, making sure that he tilted his head just right and left his collarbone exposed. “I’ve got us a meeting with the best sort of contact you could hope for…but there’s a catch.”
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2024 3:37 pm
“Anything crimson or indigo will do.” Yunan replied without missing a beat, the hybrid’s expression bemused as he glanced around the shop then back to Nyko. “If you believe in the language of the flowers then wild roses or iris would be fine for the event.” His aunt was very much into such things and even Yunan had been subjected to learning such things in his younger years. If anything it had proven useful on occasion when passing secret meanings to his aunt while they had visitors, the pair replacing a vase in the main hall to signify how they should handle the meeting between potential business partners and such. For now though he simply reached out to pluck a white gardenia flower from a vase, the hybrid offering it to Nyko. “This one suits you.” If Nyko knew the language of the flowers, the meaning for secret love behind those petals, then perhaps he would appreciate it and if not at least it would amuse Yunan to offer it towards him. It was only a momentarily distraction, his gaze quickly hardening again at the sound of there being a catch.
“Of course there’s a catch. It’s already hard enough to get these meetings…” Yunan began with a frown. “If the contact is worth it then I’ll do my best to accommodate their request. What are the requirements for meeting with them?”
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2024 3:50 pm
Wild roses and Iris'? Was he supposed to know what they meant? They were just different flowers, right? Nyko made some appropriate 'ahh's' and nodded his head. He didn't have one damn clue what flowers meant, but he would remember them and have Effi figure it out once he was back to the manor.
"Does it really?" Nyko's face betrayed more than his tone was giving. His face was a mess of confusion and a horrible attempt to hide it. He lifted the flower, looking at it's petals to try to figure something out, but..."What...is this one? Exactly?"
To try and keep the distraction going, Nyko leaned a little further and this time try to use the flower as part of his display. "So...When I lived in Oba one of my best friends was a serving girl named Aiyonna. She knew everyone who was anyone and was great at keeping a secret. Aiyonna is now Mistress Primrose and she works at The House of Virtue." The House of Virtue was Sulburi's best known secret. It was a house of pleasure that many a Noble knew of, but none spoke of. After letting that sink in, Nyko added, "I don't need to tell you how bad that would look if you were seen, but I have a way we can get in, through the front door no less, if you're willing to trust me."
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2024 3:59 pm
Ah, so Nyko probably didn’t know the meanings behind the flowers. Yunan’s lips curved slightly upwards, a hint of an amused smirk there as Nyko seemed to study the petals of the gardenia. “I think it does.” He offered after a moment, leaning forward so that his breath brushed the Matori’s ear. “But it’s a secret.” That was a good enough hint, Nyko would figure it out later. The hybrid leaned back, his teasing done as he prepared himself to face whatever frustrations awaited him. At least he had gotten some of the tension out, the amusement from leaving Nyko to ponder the flower helping him keep his poise even as Nyko led into the topic of their next meeting.
“Mistress Primrose.” Repeated Yunan, his smirk disappearing into a firm line as he pressed his lips together thoughtfully. He had never been one for any of those particular places, but he knew many who had frequented them. It would be easy enough for those there to gather information and honestly it made sense to check it out. So why did Nyko seem so…Oh no. Yunan closed his eyes for a moment, the hybrid bracing himself before opening his gaze to stare Nyko down. “While I want to say that I trust you there’s a very likely chance that I’m not going to enjoy your solution, isn’t there?” What other way could one get into a pleasure house in the open without arousing suspicion? Perhaps Nyko could, but an ice hybrid like Yunan who Dazhiq had his eyes on who was supposedly lusting after his daughter and marrying her soon? This was going to be one of those afternoons indeed.
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2024 4:08 pm
"I would like to start out by saying this wasn't my first choice." He held up a finger, quick to put a line between himself and Yunan's ire. The hybrid could be truly terrifying when he was upset. "But it's our only option. If you go through with it you won't be followed and you can speak with her directly." There was no way Yunan hadn't been trailed. Even now there was probably someone outside the door, waiting to watch him when he left.
"You can say no, but I'm still going. Someone has to secure the contract." Taking a step back, Nyko started to move toward the back of the flower shop. The proprietor spared a look at the pair before seemingly going blind and moving onto other projects. Nyko made a motion with his head before disappearing into the store room.
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2024 4:28 pm
Only option. Oh how he despised that sentence. Yunan didn’t enjoy being told he had to do something or that there wasn’t another solution, often he made his own new solution afterwards regardless of who paid for it. But it was Nyko and not another so Yunan reigned in his temper, the idea of Nyko going alone somehow softening the only option aspect even though the hybrid wasn’t willing to let Nyko go alone into something dangerous if he could help it. And it would be foolish to assume that he had safely gotten here without at least one person managing to keep up despite the crowds. Dammit. So he followed Nyko into the back, the hybrid dreading whatever awaited them.
Closing the door quietly behind him, Yunan waited a moment before even daring to look around the store room. Was it more secrecy that Nyko wanted back here? His gaze skimmed over shelves of floral arrangement pieces, vases and other accessories being tucked neatly away until the owner could create more bouquets and the like for any upcoming shipments of fresh flowers. “It would be shame to let someone like you go alone, especially if you’re wearing that.” He finally mused, his voice quiet as he studied Nyko with a dangerous glint in his gaze. One that would probably have won if it wasn’t for the fact that their time was limited and Yunan still didn’t know exactly what his companion was going to suggest they do for this cursed meeting. “So, tell me your wonderful plan."
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2024 4:39 pm
The entire time Nyko was walking into the store room his heart was beating out of his chest. Not because of anything lascivious, oh no, out of pure fear. This was going to be bad. So, so, so bad, but then...there was a part of him that was almost anxious with, what? Excitement? Amusement? If he'd thought he would be here, with everything going on, he'd have pinched himself.
"Oh, I'm not wearing this," Nyko answered easily. "I'm wearing this," He dipped down and pulled out a crate hidden behind several sacks of soil. When he opened it the Matorian lifted a deep, velvet dress from inside, "And you'll be wearing the other. I have wigs as well, some padding for your hips and chest....and...I can't see it, but there should be some cosmetics and a mirror near the bottom. I think the foundation I chose should match your skintone well enough to make you look pure ice if you wanted."
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2024 4:44 pm
“You’re wearing….that.” Repeated Yunan, his voice terrifyingly calm despite the ridiculous thing that Nyko had presented to him. “And you want me to wear that with wigs and padding, because?” He already knew the plan now, it was impossible not to piece it together after Nyko had already told him the destination but there was a strong denial in Yunan’s expression as he glanced over everything inside the crate. This was truly the plan?
“I can’t just use charcoal to temporarily dye my hair black and go in as a client?” He questioned, his voice trying to remain quiet even though there was a sharp edge to every word that came from his mouth as the ridiculousness of the proposed situation continued dawning on him. There was no way he was going along with this, right? Absolutely not! Yunan’s gaze was molten as he glanced over Nyko. “It’s a bad time for jokes, not with so much at stake.”
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2024 5:03 pm
"I'm wearing this." Nyko repeated slowly. He laid his dress over the lip of the crate and to commit to his part of the deal the Matorian crossed his arms, grabbed the hem of his tunic and pulled it up over his head. "Madame Primrose doesn't take personal clients anymore and there isn't a backdoor that isn't watched. The only way we can speak with her is if we disguise ourselves as employees." It was hard to emphasis the importance of something when he was already peeling off his pants and reaching for a pair of bloomers. The underclothing had been meant for the stage, which both meant it had been easy to acquire and already had fake curves sewn into it. The dresses had been a recent addition to match current fashion, but a little backdated so they wouldn't stand out against the other girls.
Reaching for the second set of bloomers, Nyko held them out to Yunan with a purely serious look on his face. "Hurry up and change. The sooner we get this over with the sooner you can run away." Impressively stern, considering Nyko now sported a thick pair of hips and supple derriere.
"Look, Matorians are a dime a dozen in Sulburi. Matorian Zenan hybrids, though? Not as much. At least, not in this district. I'm sorry, but you don't have the luxury to half-a** this."
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2024 5:30 pm
Oh gods. Nyko was actually serious about this. Yunan’s lip curled in distaste as he took the bloomers from his companion, the hybrid dangling the material from the tip of his fingers as if touching it burned him. What did he hate more? Dazhiq and his corrupted connections or wearing this? One was an active menace who had harmed others, including those he cared about and his own business, while the other would just be a horrible memory that would result in a night of heavy drinking afterwards. Having to pick between two devils though was not an ideal situation at all and it was hard to keep his temper in check the longer he thought about it. “If it turns out that there was another option for this meeting then I’ll hold you responsible for every moment I endure tonight.” He finally relented, his fingers twitching as if fighting the desire to toss the underwear to the floor. Damn his heritage for forcing this choice upon him and damn Nyko for raising valid points. Yunan slowly removed his clothing, the man reluctant to even slide the underwear and matching dress onto his body. It was so humiliating, robes and dresses were similar but the padding…he could feel it everywhere.
“If someone even dares to touch me I will not hold back.” If only he could wear a sword or bring his folmar with him. Yunan desperately missed Dusk who was lingering with Madam Zayn at the moment, the seamstress and old friend of his aunt taking care of the beast who would without any hesitation jump another earthling to protect her master. “Just hand over the wig and help me secure it. The longer we take the more likely it becomes that I’ll be ripping this ridiculous getup from my body before we even leave this room.” He had deep indigo tunics and robes that were nearly identical in color to the dress and Yunan would make certain to burn them afterwards. He wanted nothing to do with the memory of this, especially when he was forced to look down at the faux breasts that the padding had created for him. Was it necessary for his curves to be so prominent? “These are a bit exaggerated, no?” It reduced his own balance, the awkward weight on his hips and chest, and he would be surprised if it wasn’t a struggle to keep from bumping into something with the changes.
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2024 5:53 pm
"I wouldn't expect anything less." There truly was no way to impress just how many options Nyko had tried out before settling for this one. Nearly every other avenue would have placed them directly into the path of a viper. While this route wasn't without it's risks, Nyko felt safer going out like this than he would with Yunan in some charcoal and a cloak.
Before slipping into his dress, Nyko reached down for a strange bit costume garb. It was something akin to a vest, with the lower half resembling a corset. As he talked Nyko work on the snaps that stopped just below his pecs. "I'll be with you. If I see someone start to go for you I'll distract them." Once the snaps were in place, Nyko reached back down inside the crate for two sheer satchels. Each were filled to the brim with small, dry beans and were heavy enough to spill out of Nyko's hand. He slipped a bag a piece into the pockets over his pecs before situating them and reaching behind himself to tighten the corset.
"I'm sorry, did you want to be an ugly concubine?" Nyko motioned for Yunan to turn around so he could properly secure the other man's wig in place. A few pins and some styling helped to bring it to life. Which was something, considering the deadly scowl of it's wearer.
"If I'm doing this I'm going to be hot." Nyko had made sure his 'breasts' would look as real as possible under his dress and once he slipped his violet - because the man wouldn't be caught dead in crimson - dress over his form he looked every bit the part of a luscious woman. Getting his own wig together wasn't' difficult; the dark green piece had already been style, curled and hung over his shoulder in a half up look. Almost as if he'd already tumbled out of bed.
"You'll need a different name too so you should pick one. I can't just say your real one if we get separated."
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2024 6:20 pm
Yunan gave Nyko a glance, his brows furrowing at the idea of a distraction. “As if that wouldn’t tempt me to harm them more.” He murmured, the very idea of someone trying to touch Nyko in front of him like that making the hybrid irritable. As if this get-up wasn’t already bothering him enough, that was. Out of all the things he had endured thus far for his ploys this one definitely was at the top of his never again lists. Or at least that was the hope, Yunan praying that they wouldn’t need the Madame’s help again for this situation.
Yunan grit his teeth as Nyko replied to him, the hybrid tense but staying still as the Matori finalized the wig for him. He had seen how Nyko filled in the extra areas of their disguises and he quickly followed suit, a small shake of his head showing his frustration once more. “Being overly curvy like some sort of…well, it doesn’t necessarily mean hot.” He retorted, though there was a moment where he had some confusion at Nyko’s disguise. How did he pull it off so well? Yunan opened his mouth, closed it and simply shook his head again. He didn’t want to compliment Nyko’s disguise but he would give his approval at the least, his gaze lingering again as he tried to piece together the woman he saw with his actual lover. “At least you’ll pass the inspection at the door. How do I look?” He truly didn’t want the answer, but they would need to be believable even if he didn’t want to acknowledge the way the curls of the wig falling over one shoulder could be appealing to anyone gazing his way. While Yunan had muscles they were lean, his flat and hard stomach hidden under the folds of the indigo dress that were layered to make him somehow appear more slim with the padding providing the necessary curves for a woman. The long sleeves with embroidered edges in gold worked to hide his arms as well, keeping them from looking too firm from anyone who was giving him a glance over.
“I don’t visit these types of establishments. What names would you suggest? Something like Leila or Iris, perhaps?” The words came out clipped, each syllable forced as he was fairly certain he would not like any suggestions considering the situation. At this point though he was committed to the act, the iceling looking more like a Matori woman until one noticed her ears and cooler skin tones. The wig hid some of it, but the long points of the icelings ears were nearly impossible to hide unless they had a veil as well tucked in those crates. He would also try to avoid speaking, Yunan not wishing to put on any fake voice especially with how awkward he felt in the moment.
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2024 6:37 pm
"I mean, no, but-" He gesticulated with his hands for a moment before clucking his tongue. "-they don't hurt." There really wasn't a good way to say he was a breast man considering his current relationship was with a man. "The extra curves help balance out a man's broader shoulders." That sounded better than what he wanted to say which was 'if you're going to dress as a woman why not have the biggest, most amazing brea-'.
It took a minute of hip rolling to get the hang of his padded hips, but by the time the Nyko was digging back into the crate for the cosmetics it was like they were a part of his body. When he popped up with a mirror and a few pieces of makeup he smiled. "Here, see for yourself." Nyko held up the hand mirror and turned it around. "You look every bit the part of an exotic beauty." He grinned. "In and out of the dress." As much as his partner loathed the situation Nyko had to admit that he made an alluring woman. Now if only he could get him to be a little less stiff.
"Okay we need to work on that." After letting the other look at himself, Nyko directed Yunan's attention toward himself so he could work on his makeup. "Don't speak so formerly. You're a call girl; not a mistress." Picking out the right shades was easy enough. As much as Nyko had hated learning stage makeup, it came in handy more times than he could count. "Either of those will work. Iris definitely has a little bite to it, though, so that might work for you."
When he was done he took a halfstep back. "Well? How did I do?"
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