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« Age: 26
« Gender: Male
« Designation: Submissive
« Orientation: Homosexual
« Contract Status: Not contracted
« OOC: Down for anything ~~though someone may need to teach Linneus what sexting is…~~
Inbox is here and always available~! As am I, over on Plurk (

sooth)

NSFW

Edited 2024-09-07 21:04 (UTC)

[From here]

I suppose it may be somewhat awkward, navigating these kinds of things with family, too. With any family at all, I imagine, but particularly with sisters - and more than one at that? How many have you here?

I am managing. I don't think I ever considered myself particularly prudish, but it seems I have an aggressive sense of propriety that is rather at odds with this place. Not only its "displays", but the people here. They seem to find me too formal...!

Two of my sisters and two of my brothers are here. There are eight of us in total, back home, and although I miss my younger siblings dearly I should be glad to never see them arrive here.

People here are terribly informal! I have had to get used to the idea of everyone calling me by my Christian name rather than by title. But there is nothing to be done for it, one either learns to adapt or feels woefully out of place.

Edited 2024-09-07 21:26 (UTC)

Heavens, practically an invading army! Perhaps it is but a tactical decision that your siblings remain where they are - though fortunate nonetheless.

And you understand! People seem to take exception to me even just using simple titles and - there are exceptions of course, but generally it is strange for me to use first names so soon after meeting, even if I have been permitted to do so.

Yes, our parents were quite prolific, even amongst society families. Fortunate indeed the rest remain. I am certain when Hyacinth comes of age she will be a force to be reckoned with.

Precisely! It is something shared between family or lovers, not just everyone that one meets. And, personally, I like it better that way. It makes it all the sweeter, when it is finally earned.

But I am sure you must miss them all dearly, regardless.

That is a lovely way to think of it. Perhaps one may not with to be addressed with such familiarity by a relative stranger.

Admittedly, I've little choice in the matter myself, but I do think these things are important.

I do. And my home as well, but I try not to dwell on it.

What do you mean by that? That you've little choice in the matter?

No, and I am sure four siblings are already quite enough to keep track of!

Linneus is the only name I have to use - if my family had a name, I don't know it and I doubt I ever shall.

I am sorry to hear that. And here I've been terribly impolite, talking all about my family. Please forgive my insensitivity.

Heavens, no, please don't apologise. It is not anything I am sensitive over - if anything I rather enjoy hearing people talk of their families and the relationships within them.

Alright, if you are certain. They are, obviously, an easy topic for me to talk about.

<I am sure.

I also enjoy good stories, and I understand siblings make for a good many of those!

That they certainly do.

Perhaps we could meet in person sometime, and share stories?

I would like that very much! Though I'm afraid I can't suggest a place - I'm not familiar with a great many establishments here. My position makes that a little difficult, unfortunately.

But if it were otherwise, I would offer to host you! It is what I am used to.

That's quite alright, I am the one who offered. Would you prefer tea or alcohol?

Tea is my preference, though I understand it is not everyone's. But I can drink to be companionable!

No, tea is a perfectly good choice. I like Café Leblanc in the Down, have you been there yet?

I know it - it is near here - but I have not been inside. I would be delighted to visit with you.

Excellent. Sometime this week, perhaps?

That would be wonderful.

I shall look forward to it, Lord Bridgerton.

[ tea date here! ]

[ a sturdy blue envelope addressed to / TO MR. LINNEUS / with a periwinkle wax seal arrives at your home address on october twelfth.

attached is a handwritten note -- ]

Dear Mr. Linneus,
It would be a delight to my husband and I if you are able to attend. Please do bring a friend if you should like.
With regards,
Daphne ]

💙 PARTY LOG LOCATED HERE 💙

Thank you for signing up for our Secret Santa! Please let me know if you require any assistance at all. Here is the information for your gift recipient.

Yours,
Daphne Basset

Name: Roronoa Zoro
Address: here
Age: 21
What are your hobbies and interests? drinking and training
What is your favorite color? green
Do you drink alcohol? is water wet

OOC
Character Journal:

swornsword
Character Inbox Link: link

[ steve drops linneus' gifts off very early on christmas morning, long before sunrise, at his apartment's door. ]

To: Linneus

In one box there's a yellow knitted scarf and a tea set, a spoon and infuser adorned with raw citrine. The second box contains a series of holes for air and a plant is inside in a pretty yellow hanging container. In its soil, there's a wooden marker labeled Cotyledon Pendens.

"Merry Christmas, I hope you enjoy the gifts and your holiday.

—Cheers, Steve Rogers,
Your Secret Santa"

[ click the present to open! ]

[a message appears on Steve's device at a more civilised hour of Christmas morning-]

Thank you for the gift, Mr Rogers. The plant is quite lovely, and I'm not ashamed to admit that the scarf and the tea items have seen immediate use!

I hope you have a peaceful midwinter, and that there are wonderful things in store in the year to come!

With my wishes,

Linneus

[A beautifully wrapped gift box gets delivered on Christmas Eve. Inside is the city's best assortment of chocolates with a note:

Merry Christmas!
M]

Linneus, it's Tseng. Do you have a moment?

Of course, dearest.

I'm on my way home now. Managed to get some of the old staff to work overtime. Would you perhaps meet me somewhere instead of me coming back right away?

[there is a gentle chuckle down the line at that.]

Ah, how vague...! If you are trying to intrigue me, you are succeeding.

Where shall I meet you?

[ There's that chuckle he so loves. Tseng, smiling on his end of the phone. ]

Good. As I intended indeed.

The Solace Trees. There's one in the UP, I've already booked a cab to take you there so you need not worry about making your own way. Oh and Linneus? Please do mind that you don't touch the trees, should you arrive before I do.

[there is the briefest sound of hesitation, set to protest - he doesn't mind the walk, or finding his way there. But the daylight is shorter, and the air is still chilly, and he knows Tseng would hold concern for him walking alone]

All right. And all right - I shan't be tempted.

[well, he can't promise that. Gently amending]

Or if I am tempted, I shan't act on it. And I shall meet you there?

[ Tseng already knows that his little songbird is possibly going to protest in some form or another and he also knows that they'll think better of it eventually. So, he patiently waits until Linneus responds. ]

Please see that you do not. I do not think I could stand to see you encumbered by sleep again so soon after your last brush with slumber.

[ Because that's what the trees do apparently, the can knock you out if you touch them, however just being near them can make you feel dream-like and wonderful, hence wanting to meet him there. ]

I am on my way now. You should have at least 10 minutes before the cab arrives outside.

[he can't help but protest, if it's a matter of putting somebody out. It's just his way]

In that case I shall be extra careful!

[no admiring of foliage, no checking for blossoms.]

Ten minutes. I shall be sure that I gather up my things, then, and be ready to go. I'll see you soon, dearest.

[Linneus doesn't tend to carry a lot but it is more than usual, being less accustomed to winter weather. A pair of gloves and earmuffs, a scarf, though a light one - more easily stowed if he must display his collar, but enough to keep the chill from his neck. He enjoys the warmth of the indoors though, until he sees the car pulling up. Just at the timing Tseng had suggested - no need for him to wait outdoors until then...!

He is just getting on his gloves as the car slows to the location, pausing in the task to take a look out of the window. Oh, those are fascinating trees indeed!]

[ Tseng is well aware of how polite and kind Linneus is, its why he won't take no for an answer sometimes. ]

Good. See you shortly.

[ Linneus will see the trees in all their beauty as the car pulls up, the driver stepping out and moving to open the door for him. Tseng isn't there right away, he's actually walking down the path of a small hill to the side, two people on his tail: a man and a woman, one playing a violin the other a flute, as the sweet music drifts on the air in Linneus' direction. ]

[thank goodness for the driver opening the door, or he might have sat and gawked in the car for far too long. Instead he gets to stand and gawk outside, how novel...! But to his credit, he manages to temper his expression after a moment, if only by carefully schooling himself behind a gloved hand]

Tseng? Dearest, what is all of this?

[he had not expected to see him accompanied with musicians...!]

[ Tseng smiled as he made his way over to his lover, the musicians remained under the beautiful glowing tree as Tseng extended his bare hand for Linneus to take. ]

Why, it's all for you, Linneus. Come, please, I've something I wish to say.

[ Gently he tugged until his little flower stepped beside him, sliding a hand behind them to rest on the small of their back, while he kissed the hand he was still holding. Guiding them to come closer to the tree and the pretty music. ]

What have I...?

[the question trails off with Tseng's guiding hands on him, though. Reminded that he doesn't have to have done anything at all - that he doesn't have to earn things. Even though this seems so much, the planning that must have gone into it.

A gently-amused hum, seeing Tseng's bare hand holding his, gloved against the chill. Softly-]

Might I have your help? With my gloves...

[just a little reversal of their usual routine. But he trusts Tseng will keep his hands warm]

Certainly. Here…

[ Tseng started to peel their gloves off and when they were free of his delicate hands, he took them both and stood before him, raising them to his lips and kissing them one after the other. ]

I have thought about this often, how I would do it, what I would say and each time I fail to think of something coherent. That is what you do to me, Linneus. You intoxicate me… I am constantly in awe of you… You have made me feel things I never thought possible, and I can only hope I make you feel a fraction of the same…

[ There was a crack in his tone, like his nerves were getting the best of him. Nerves? Something people would not think Tseng struggled with, but in this moment, he did. ]

I love you, Linneus… I know it seems impossible, here and all, but… I want us to be together, officially.

[oh, his hands are perfectly warm when Tseng is holding and kissing them like that; but the more he speaks the more the rest of Linneus warms too, radiating from the heart outward. Trying to take everything he says in, though the hitch in Tseng's voice has him reaching out, gently, to touch his face--]

Tseng...

[--even as he feels he must catch his own breath, stolen with every passing word, and more every word following.

Love. Love, he said...!]

[ Tseng tips his face into Linneus' hand as it comes out to gently touch his face like that, pressing a kiss to their palm and nodding when he hears his name on his lover's lips. ]

Say you'll be mine? Not just in contract. Not just in this place, but here...

[Tseng pressed a hand to Linneus' chest while getting ready to pull and place one of their hands on his own. There was no doubt about it, Linneus would be able to feel his heart beat and pound against his chest. ]

Yes. [stepping nearer to encourage that hand against his chest, pressing it there with his free one as Tseng gathers his own hand up] Yes, my dearest.

[and just a little closer - if he can't cup Tseng's cheek in his hand, he must be closer even if they are standing palm-to-chest, close enough to catch his gaze and confide-]

My first sight in the morning, my last at night. And highest in my heart, my dearest.

Then so be it. I am yours and you are mine, we're one soul in two beating hearts.

[ Tseng pressed his forehead against Linneus' his long, silky black hair falling softly against their cheek as he gazed into the pale blue of his lover's eyes with those smouldering, burnt cherry hues of his.

It didn't take much to close what little distance was between them. Pressing his lips against his lovers in the most tender of kisses, as the musicians behind them swelled in their chorus, petals from the flowers falling around them gently. ]

"Mine".

[he doesn't realise quite how bright the smile on his face is, as he repeats the word. He had spent long years muting himself, dampening reactions like that; so wary of wanting things, declaring things. Still a little in disbelief at the thought that he can have this, now. As much as that disbelief is easing day by day, thanks in no small part to Tseng's careful tending, he almost hopes it shall never fade completely.

There are still wants he has not managed to put into words - things he hasn't quite the bravery to declare for himself yet. But he hopes he shall always stand a little in awe at the miracle of being loved by this man. And he cannot help but fling his arms over Tseng's shoulders as he presses in to kiss him]

[ The second he feels Linneus' arms wrap around his shoulders, his own fall to their slender waist to heave him up against his chest and slightly spin him around. The violins are ringing out their song and all around do pretty petals fall. Tseng was deaf and blind to it all; however, his lover had enveloped all of his senses, as it should be.

The few people who were wandering the park had gathered to see why there were musicians playing, and upon spotting the couple kissing and embracing, they awe'd and coo'd in delight for them. It was something Tseng never could have imagined being a part of and yet here he was, falling madly in love. ]

[he gives a little noise as Tseng picks him up and spins with him - one that would have been a squeal, if he were a less dignified person, though it quickly tails into delighted laughter as Tseng holds him]

You planned all this?

[his hands shifting in a little gesture where they are draped over Tseng's shoulders, still keeping close even if the other man puts him down, but smiling with his nose against Tseng's]

You planned all this?

[the location, the musicians, everything...?]

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a housewarming party invitation 💐 open to +1s

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secret santa gift! 🎁

text - un: Linneus

backdated to Christmas Eve

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