"Bull had some concerns," Huaisang repeats, brow furrowing deeper. He pulls back, no longer pressed against Dorian's side. "I'm aware of Charlotte's virulent post on the network, filled with many of the same cruel and twisted things she slung at me personally, but I don't see how it concerns The Iron Bull at all. Informed you of what?"
“He claims that you have hurt people, abused your position. That you dressed someone up and humiliated them, though he would not tell me who.” Dorian dislikes this topic and it shows on his face, brows pinched together.
“Perhaps it’s the thought that you might be using me and that my involvement might not have been necessary. To be quite honest, I was more upset by him making such suggestions that I left and haven’t questioned him further.” He conflicted. These are two men he loves deeply and to hear Bull talk ill of Huaisang like that just doesn’t sit well with him.
Huaisang blinks in confusion at these further accusations, utterly bewildered about what Dorian's talking about. "I've what?"
It's so unexpected that his defensive hurt fades, replaced by confused indignation. "Using you? Because I called you in on a situation where I was feeling attacked."
Starting to process this, Huaisang sets down his wine glass on the table and scoots up to sit cross-legged, trying to unpack what's going on. "But I wasn't hurt, so it's merely my word against hers--except Lucy can confirm my story, of course. That's not like the Iron Bull at all, making that kind of assumption. Hurt people and abused my position how? And dressed someone up and humiliated them? That's not... I wou.."
Huaisang stops. Blinks. "Oh. Meng Yao." He's absolutely dressed up and humiliated Meng Yao before. "Oh, Meng Yao." And he introduced Bull to Meng Yao. And while these don't sound like the kind of assumptions Bull would make after hearing some rumors on the network, they absolutely sound like Meng Yao's spin. "One moment."
He pulls out his device and sends a quick text to Meng Yao. Come here at once.
Then he turns a slightly more tense smile to Dorian. "I think I'd like him to explain to us both just what sort of impressions he's been giving The Iron Bull about me."
Dorian doesn't speak while Huaisang processes what he's just said, instead he takes a drink from his glass of wine. There's more to say, about him being involved in Huaisang's messes. None of it is at all flattering or savory and he doesn't want to repeat it. A mental note is made to discuss the situation with Lucy. Privately, away from Huaisang and Charlotte. He has to agree that it's not like Bull at all to make those sort of assumptions- not baselessly. Sure he was a spy and lying isn't hard for him, but Dorian dislikes the idea of having either or both men lying to him.
It's sweet that Bull cares and is looking out for him, but Dorian doesn't believe any of it.
Until Meng Yao's name is mentioned. Dorian openly coughs after having swallowed his mouthful of wine. "Wait- so it's true?"
"In a manner of speaking." Huaisang tosses his device aside, satisfied that Meng Yao is on his way. Hurriedly.
"Yes, I dress Meng Yao up and humiliate him. He deserves it, he knows he deserves it, but more importantly, he gets off on it." Huaisang is furious now, but he's also... not particularly surprised. "My relationship with him is unique to the two of us, and it's not something we expect others to understand. There's a lot of pain between us and a lot of affection. But him misrepresenting our relationship to others is not something I intend to tolerate."
Lifting his chin with indignant pride, Huaisang huffs. "As for hurting others--I've told you about my bad break-up. They hurt me and broke my heart, and I know that I hurt them in return. As for abusing my power and Charlotte in particular, it's nonsense. Charlotte interviewed with me for Peggy's position as the manager of Plumage before I found Peggy and before the shop opened. During the interview, she cast an expensive gown on the floor in front of me, so I told her I wouldn't be hiring her and she called me some unpleasant things. That really set the pattern for our encounters."
He picks up his wine again and sips at it as he continues to explain. "Her sister Lucy wanted to open a brothel, and I expressed interest in it. I wanted only to be an investor, but Lucy liked my lack of sexual interest in her and my tendency to give my submissives a lot of freedom, and persuaded me to take her on as a submissive. I needed a lot of persuading and required her to prove her business acumen first. She put together an impressive business plan and convinced me that she would need a minimum of supervision, so I gave her the contract. You can confirm all this with her, of course.
"She wanted Charlotte as the star of the brothel, and I hesitated given my unpleasant impression of Charlotte, but I trust Lucy's business sense. At the grand opening, you may or may not have noticed that the two of them started bickering, and Charlotte dumped a glass of wine on Lucy. I was unpleasantly startled to see Lucy bickering back and not acting like Charlotte's manager, and continuing to create an awful scene in the middle of an event designed to entice clients, so I drew Lucy into the back. Charlotte abandoned the customer she was with in order to follow us, and said some awful things to Lucy in front of me.
"I confess I did have a bit of a temper at that point. I coldly advised them both to shape up and do their jobs pleasantly if they still wanted to have jobs. Lucy knelt immediately when I asked it, and I forgave her immediately. We've spoken, and I still need some convincing that there will be no further incidents under her management, but I trust her and I think it's merely... you know how siblings get. Siblings quarrels can somehow reduce one to behaving like a child. I know I always get bratty around my own brother."
Pulling a face at that, Huaisang shrugs. "Charlotte would not be pacified. Her temper rose further and further when Lucy yielded to me, and she started ranting about me treating Lucy like a dog and property." He rolls his eyes. "Please speak to Lucy to assure your mind. I've never touched her, I've given her lavish clothing and a business of her own, and most of our conversations are about paint colors and profit margins."
He takes a deep breath and gets back on topic. "I most wanted Lucy to try and tame Charlotte, if she could. Lucy was meant to be her boss and manager at the brothel. If she couldn't get Charlotte to do her job, then perhaps she could go with Charlotte and quietly pack her things. If Charlotte was unwilling to do either of those things, then I'd have her dragged out the back."
Arching a brow and pursing his lips primly. "So she spat on me. The shock and affront of it--I confess I wasn't thinking straight, but in my panic I summoned you and Dirk. I didn't know whether her next attack would be to rake her nails across my face--or Lucy's, though I was hiding behind Lucy at the time." He grimaces sulkily. "I've never denied being a coward."
As he listens, he goes about sipping on his wine and only speaks up once he's sure he won't be interrupting.
"I figured that maybe your dressing up and humiliation of Meng Yao might have been some sort of punishment. But if it's something sexual and stimulating for him... I suppose this is all just one big misunderstanding." Though he is more curious about the two men's relationship now more than ever. For the moment, he'll stay silent on the topic and continue on to something else.
"I'm afraid I don't know how siblings get, but yes- I did notice Charlotte decorating Lucy's dress with wine. Petty and those insults?" Dorian scoffs and shakes his head. How childish could the woman be? "Have you reached out to her Dominant at all? I mean, as much as I despise the designations this place gives us, surely she should have some consideration to her contract partner? Is she not aware how that reflects? What damage she's not only doing to you, your business, but her own Dominant?" Of course he still intends to speak with Lucy, but it's less for assurance now and more to see how she feels about the whole affair. It's very possible to love, but also dislike someone.
Dorian smiles for the first time since arriving and sets his now-empty glass down. "I don't mind that you summoned me and I wanted to help. Though I'll admit I acted hastily without any information." He wants to be justified in having frozen Charlotte, but now he feels the slightest pang of guilt. It likely would have only harmed pride and feelings if he hadn't shut her up.
"The next time you call on me, I may be more careful in my actions or refuse to act if I see no immediate threat."
He feels like his heart is going to pound out of his throat.He has no idea what it is driving the anxiety and fear-- was Huaisang injured in some fashion (emotionally or otherwise), or was he angry at Meng Yao specifically? The text hardly provides context for mood and the anxiety is eating him alive.
He's been so careful here, he can't begin to figure what snag might've happened where to start pulling threads loose or something. He takes a breath and sends a message informing Huaisang that's he's arrived before he enters and immediately tracks him down.
"A-Sang, are you alright--" He cuts himself off, drawing himself up short as he spies Dorian as well. The gears shift and turn and he lifts his chin somewhat, eyes hard and cold. There's that glint of something snake-like and dangerous again as he carefully looks from one ot the other, trying to decide if Dorian is the threat here and if he's supposed to be saving Huaisang from him or something.
"Master Dorian," he greets, polite, and lifts his arms to bow. "Forgive my intrusion." Did he know Huaisang had sent the message? What in the world was happening here?
"I sent her Dominant a message recounting the events of the evening from my perspective and letting her know she could collect Charlotte at the Down Court and Jail."
Huaisang's expression is complicated but guarded at the statement that Dorian might hesitate next time. "I did ask for her to be gagged. Given her behavior, I was worried that she would start hollering loud enough to disrupt all of the patrons in the main room, and that would ruin the entire night instead of just denting it a bit. The reputation of my business on its opening night was on the line. I'm only grateful that her network post was as relatively subdued as it was."
Replaying Dorian's words in his mind, he shakes his head, only growing more tense. "If I call on someone to defend me, I want them to trust my word regarding how the situation would be handled."
Meng Yao enters while Huaisang's still bristling a bit, and Huaisang has to mentally re-set back a bit to remember their earlier conversation. "Thank you for coming, A-Yao. Dorian repeated some concerns that the Iron Bull had expressed, and I found them very distressing. Dorian, will you tell Meng Yao what you remember the Iron Bull saying?"
"Do you not have security employed at brothel, though? Not that I'm complaining that you called on me- I did say I wanted to help." As far as he's concerned, he was nicer to Charlotte than Huaisang had instructed he be. Dorian stands at the shake of the other man's head.
"I love you. I care about you and I trust you, but I can make my own judgement and am no one's to command. Not even-" Dorian's words are cut short and abandon him at the sight of Meng Yao. It feels as though something is caught in his throat a moment and he looks from that dangerous glint to the Dominant in the room.
"As I recall, Bull said that there was someone who had endured months of humiliation; being dressed up and put into uncomfortable situations. He even claimed to have witnessed it." Even knowing that Meng Yao gets off on the humiliation doesn't make him feel good about stating it like this. Something like that should be kept private or if it's witnessed, discussed so shit like this doesn't happen. The mage shakes his head, concerned at what Huaisang might do or how Meng Yao might react. He didn't know it was him that Bull was referring to and now he may be getting the man in trouble. "He didn't tell me who. Meng Yao, was that you?"
Meng Yao looks genuinely surprised and then confused, the dangerous look gone as he turns his attention from Huaisang to Dorian. What in the world did Bull have to do with any of this? His mind races on the things he's told Bull and what the problems could be-- he assumes at first that Dorian might have heard of the various things Meng Yao had gotten up to back home and been concerned or something. Maybe he'd gone to Huaisang then to try and protect him...From Meng Yao?
He's not sure, but what he does know is that whatever scenario he's thought up, this was not one of them. Again he allows himself to look as surprised as he feels and then embarrassed, brow furrowing as his fingers curl into his robes.
"It... is likely it was me." He admits slowly, frowning at them both. "Huaisang is in charge of my wardrobe when I'm to accompany him to events or to... other people." He speaks as delicately as possible, clearing his throat, clearly choosing his words carefully. "It's uncomfortable and humiliating, yes. Bull has seen me dress up for Huaisang, and has seen how I dress when I can dress myself outside of those situations." He gestures vaguely to his more conservative state.
"The Iron Bull is... distressingly observant," he continues, voice dry a moment before he continues. "I'm sure he's picked up on these sorts of things and drawn his conclusions about them. But forgive me, I fail to understand why this is being brought up now."
Huaisang frowns as he watches Meng Yao. He knows Meng Yao. They know each other better than anyone else ever could, and the two of them are sharply attuned to each other's moods and expressions.
Though Huaisang considers the possibility that Meng Yao has improved to the point that Huaisang can no longer read him, it seems like Meng Yao is just as confused by this.
"There was also something about me hurting people and abusing my position," Huaisang prompts, though he's not clear about which of them he wants to expand upon it. Either, if they have details.
He snaps out his fan, opening it with a whirl and fanning himself with sharp irritability. "It seems he saw Charlotte's network post and drew some additional conclusions regarding it. I want my name cleared, Meng Yao. Clarify the Iron Bull's misconceptions. I won't include you in scenes with friends of mine any longer if you're leaving them with such impressions."
"I was upset to hear him make such claims about Huaisang, so came here to speak with him directly." Such a messy misunderstanding. Dorian crosses his arms over his chest and shakes his head. He has complete confidence that Huaisang will not hurt of humiliate him, but is it with Meng Yao? A contract? Just play?
Meng Yao's eyes twitch and flicker away at the snap of the fan. Once he would've found it exasperating and amusing, but now it just makes him wary and anxious. It doesn't matter how far along he and Huaisang have come here; Meng Yao was the kind of person who was always hyperawre of the power imbalances in life, and especially between himself and his peers.
Slowly he looks at Huaisang though, frowning slightly. He doesn't feel guilty about his own doubts about Huaisang, since clearly Huaisang still had plenty about him.
"A-Sang," he begins, in a tone that suggests he's disappointed in him, not sure if Huaisang truly believes Meng Yao has knowingly twisted Bull's perception of him, or if he's just latching onto the most convenient scapegoat. "I have only ever discussed my own crimes with The Iron Bull. He asked about the strangeness of our relationship and I told him the things I had done. I have never told him of any punishments you've given me, how I felt about them, or if I thought they were deserved or not. Any conclusions he made beyond knowing I find the clothing embarrassing were on his own, seperate from myself."
I want my name cleared, Meng Yao, Huaisang had said, and though he carefully keeps his expression schooled, on the inside he can't help but smile. Does the thought of building a successful life from the ground up, clawing as high as you can go, only to have it torn down because of one man's all-too-astute observations make you uncomfortable, A-Sang? He thinks to himself, viciously amused.
Huaisang frowns slightly, finding Meng Yao's response to be unexpected. "I'm surprised you discussed your past with him. I've kept my promise on that topic."
He hesitates for a moment, tentatively edging around what he wants to say next. "I'm proud of you for facing such topics."
Huaisang's fan snaps. He's still irritable about this entire situation. "Charlotte's unpleasantness has already been awful enough. She's doing plenty to smear my name, I don't need it compounded with misconceptions. Explain to the Iron Bull urgently. Right now, explain to Dorian. You don't have to be complimentary about me, just be honest."
"Well, now I feel left out." Dorian teases despite this not at all being the time for it. Huaisang is keeping a secret and hasn't told him? Is it because he never asked or just plain out of respect for Meng Yao? Either way, the mage doesn't look insulted for not being included. It's not his business and a smile threatens to tug at the corner of his lips.
He's just glad to be hearing this from Meng Yao, even if it is being a bit... pressured.
The praise from Huaisang catches him a bit off guard and he pauses, expression softening somewhat as he looks at the other man. "I-- Yes, I'm aware. And I'm thankful for it. He's the only one I've told anything to." He's not entirely sure why himself, other than the fact Bull easily poked and prodded at every bruise Meng Yao hadn't known he'd had still, and had seen through his attempts to lie about it until Meng Yao had just given up lying.
The copious amounts of wine Meng Yao had been drinking probably helped on that front too. "It seems little point in hiding these things from either of them now, though." 'Them' being Dorian and Bull. Fenris could probably be included in that, if Meng Yao was at all aware of his existence. "Or others if they truly ask about us."
The permission Huaisang gives him is a powerful thing and he knows they're both very aware of that. He's quiet for a moment longer before he exhales slowly and looks to Dorian again, bowing his head slightly in a nod of acknowledgement that he exists still. "Master Dorian, I believe I've spoken a little about Huaisang before. He's delicate in many ways. He's lazy and can be terribly unmotivated about anything that doesn't strike his fancy or can't hold his interest longer than a few seconds. He doesn't dole out punishments on a whim and he abhors violence."
Meng Yao spreads his hands in a helpless gesture and shrugs, shaking his head. "The only exception is in how he might treat me at times, but our relationship is... complicated. What goes on between the two of us isn't necessarily an indicator of Huaisang's personality as a whole or how he will act towards others.
Either way, Huaisang has a strong sense of justice. He won't punish more than is necessary, if he even thinks it is. If he's called for help against someone, regardless of the reason, I can assure you the designations of Dominant or Submissive aren't on his mind. He would likely have demanded the Lady Charlotte to be arrested regardless of is she was a Submissive or not. If there was excessive force to her removal, I hardly believe that Huaisang can be held accountable for the actions of others acting on what they believe to be his best interests."
Huaisang's fan continues moving as Meng Yao talks, but it slows, becoming more indolent as he listens. The faults that are included are accurate, and Huaisang takes no offense at them. He'd given the permission he had for a reason. Though Huaisang keeps many secrets and is guarded about his past and his privacy, he wants Dorian to have honesty from the two of them, and he doesn't mind his own faults.
When Meng Yao finishes, Huaisang points his fan toward him and looks up at Dorian as if to say 'there, you see? point made.'
"Thank you, A-Yao," he says aloud, lifting his chin with prim pride. If people are going to hate him, he'd prefer that it be for his actual faults.
Dorian sighs after having listened to Meng Yao tell him what he already knows and believes and as such, his expression hardly changes. It’s not him that truly doubted intentions, he merely came for confirmation and to feel better for having acted hastily towards Charlotte.
“If I had any inclination that he might abuse his power, I never would have agreed to wearing this charm.” He finally says, reaching up to gently tap the snake cuff running along his ear.
“Bull doesn’t trust Huaisang and simply thinks I’m going to see things the way he wants me to. That I’m going to be roped into messes that Huaisang is more than capable of cleaning up, but he instead chooses to cower and cry and act weak. If I thought him just a pretty face and incapable of being grown and handling issues with business and personal relations, I never would have gotten this close to him.”
Meng Yao can't help but look amused. "You'll see exactly how much Huaisang wants you to see. Nothing more, and nothing less.
Bull not trusting huaisang doesn't surprise him either, but he smiles slightly at Dorian. Nevermind that he had no idea Bull and him were together at all, or even just friends, Meng Yao figures he knows what to say here. "Bull is protective and cares for you very much. So long as he doesn't act against Huaisang, I see no reason to be angry or upset with him; I would rejoice, if I were you, to have someone who cared about my well-being so deeply. After all, it's better that he cares too much, as opposed to not caring at all, isn't it?"
He tilts his head slightly. "Besides... Skepticism can be healthy. Questioning things keeps you alive and alert. I'm sure Huaisang, too, harbors no ill will for any of this." He looks to Huaisang then as if to say, 'right?'
As pleased and smug as Huaisang had been for a moment, his face falls at Dorian's comments, and it falls worse at Meng Yao's. He's tired, and it's been a long two days of being insulted and doubted. He no longer knows what to do or to say to make it all turn out right. He doesn't know what either of them expect of him, and both of their statements make him feel pushed into a corner.
"No," he says, petulant and defensive. He shuts his fan, gripping it tight, and hunches his shoulders. All of this has been exhausting, and he doesn't have any energy to keep being a problem-solving diplomat. He just wants to get back to the part where Dorian had been comforting him and reassuring him as he cried. Dorian's words make him feel shamed for having cried, and he's still stinging with Charlotte shaming him for his gowns, and Charlotte misrepresenting him harshly on the network, and he just wants to go hide under the covers. "Why shouldn't I harbor ill will if he's starting rumors about me without evidence? Fine, he can be skeptical, but he should have asked me, or you"--this at Meng Yao--"since you're the one he imagines that I've wronged. I will harbor ill will until he apologizes to me. And I won't call you"--this to Dorian--"to help me with my messes anymore. You won't have to see me cower and cry and act weak if you hate it so much."
Tears spilling down his cheeks, Huaisang stands up suddenly, intending to storm off to his bedroom and hide under the covers if no one prevents him.
Meng Yao is right, Dorian is pleased that Bull cares, but it’s his concern that brought up this visit and current conversation. Meng Yao will hopefully speak to Bull about this misunderstanding if it’s not made obvious to him already. But when neither of their words ease Huaisang’s mood, Dorian catches up to him quickly. There’s no way he’s letting the man leave like that.
He shoots Meng Yao an apologetic glance as he rushes to grab Huaisang by his arms, pulling the man’s back to his chest.
“Bull isn’t spreading rumors about you. I didn’t like what I heard and it’s why I came to you directly. I don’t know the details of your relationship, but I don’t think any less of you for what you’ve done. And I most certainly do not hate you.” Sure Huaisang was a bit... overdramatic, but Dorian enjoyed it and how shameless the man was in expressing how he felt. To him, it’s not an act and he realizes now, after the man’s reaction that that was how his words were perceived.
He did try to insist that Bull speak to Huaisang, but since the conversation was cut short between them, Dorian isn’t so sure his Dominant will make amends.
Meng Yao doesn’t move, watching with his hands folded in front of him and an impassive look on his face. He hardly even flinches when Huaisang’s teary dramatics start, more interested in seeing how Dorian reacts to it.
He doubts Bull will reconsider his stance. He doubts even more that Bull will be pleased this spiraled like this regardless, but what can they do now? Inwardly he sighs and he wanders over towards the pair.
“A-Sang, aiya, what are we going to do with you?” But his tone is fond and he reaches up to smooth a hand over Huaisang’s hair. “The only one spreading rumors is that horrible Charlotte. She’s the one you should focus your upset feelings on.”
He glances around, considering. “Why don’t you go lay down—it’s been a dreadfully long day. Dorian and I will bring you wine and stay with you until you sleep.”
Huaisang's glad to be caught. He's not used to it, not like this. Dorian isn't angry with him, he's simply there, refusing to let Huaisang be alone.
Relaxing back against Dorian's chest, Huaisang lets himself be held. He'd expected Dorian to be angry or exasperated with him. Huaisang's friends and family have always just let him alone when he's fussy, waiting until he's settled down enough to be pleasant and charming again.
He's surprised to discover that Dorian might actually love him, not just the charming veneer that almost everyone enjoys. He doesn't know how to deal with that. He doesn't usually let people get past the charming veneer.
"Thank you, san ge," Huaisang says, ducking his head slightly away from the caress. Dorian's genuine comfort has been more effective, and Huaisang wants to dig deeper into it, which makes him uninterested in Meng Yao's usual pandering comfort. "You may go. I'm sure er ge is worrying over you. Thank you for coming so promptly. Please speak to the Iron Bull as soon as you're able."
Dorian dislikes complications and this whole ordeal has been a headache, likely more for Huaisang than anyone else. If Bull hadn't reached out to him on the matter... that train of thought is dropped, it's a pile of unpleasant he doesn't want to dig into. It's so much easier to believe that Bull simply cared about him because of the misconception that Meng Yao was upset about being humiliated by Huaisang.
People aren't always as they seem. He may not know the details of these two's complex relationship, but he knows it's likely too much to discuss at present. Especially when it's supposed to be a promise, is legitimately none of his business and Huaisang is already so upset.
But the mage is angry and swallows it down like bile while he holds his love steady to his chest, trying to be comforting as best he can. Even if he's stopped him from running away to cry in private, the man in his arms seems closed off and Dorian suspects that he will be dismissed shortly. It pains him to think about and he clenches his jaw, grip loosening slightly and eyes cast down at the ground.
Huaisang sags a little in Dorian's loosened grip. He trusts Dorian to hold him up, and if he's let go, he will sink to the floor. He knows that, and doesn't mind it.
Once Meng Yao has gone, Huaisang sighs softly, tipping his head back onto Dorian's shoulder. He has far more emotions roiling inside of him than he knows what to deal with, but he feels immense gratitude and affection toward Dorian at the moment, and that's his priority. "Can we go upstairs and cuddle?" he asks, voice soft and hesitant. "You can ask whatever else you want."
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“Perhaps it’s the thought that you might be using me and that my involvement might not have been necessary. To be quite honest, I was more upset by him making such suggestions that I left and haven’t questioned him further.” He conflicted. These are two men he loves deeply and to hear Bull talk ill of Huaisang like that just doesn’t sit well with him.
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It's so unexpected that his defensive hurt fades, replaced by confused indignation. "Using you? Because I called you in on a situation where I was feeling attacked."
Starting to process this, Huaisang sets down his wine glass on the table and scoots up to sit cross-legged, trying to unpack what's going on. "But I wasn't hurt, so it's merely my word against hers--except Lucy can confirm my story, of course. That's not like the Iron Bull at all, making that kind of assumption. Hurt people and abused my position how? And dressed someone up and humiliated them? That's not... I wou.."
Huaisang stops. Blinks. "Oh. Meng Yao." He's absolutely dressed up and humiliated Meng Yao before. "Oh, Meng Yao." And he introduced Bull to Meng Yao. And while these don't sound like the kind of assumptions Bull would make after hearing some rumors on the network, they absolutely sound like Meng Yao's spin. "One moment."
He pulls out his device and sends a quick text to Meng Yao. Come here at once.
Then he turns a slightly more tense smile to Dorian. "I think I'd like him to explain to us both just what sort of impressions he's been giving The Iron Bull about me."
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It's sweet that Bull cares and is looking out for him, but Dorian doesn't believe any of it.
Until Meng Yao's name is mentioned. Dorian openly coughs after having swallowed his mouthful of wine. "Wait- so it's true?"
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"Yes, I dress Meng Yao up and humiliate him. He deserves it, he knows he deserves it, but more importantly, he gets off on it." Huaisang is furious now, but he's also... not particularly surprised. "My relationship with him is unique to the two of us, and it's not something we expect others to understand. There's a lot of pain between us and a lot of affection. But him misrepresenting our relationship to others is not something I intend to tolerate."
Lifting his chin with indignant pride, Huaisang huffs. "As for hurting others--I've told you about my bad break-up. They hurt me and broke my heart, and I know that I hurt them in return. As for abusing my power and Charlotte in particular, it's nonsense. Charlotte interviewed with me for Peggy's position as the manager of Plumage before I found Peggy and before the shop opened. During the interview, she cast an expensive gown on the floor in front of me, so I told her I wouldn't be hiring her and she called me some unpleasant things. That really set the pattern for our encounters."
He picks up his wine again and sips at it as he continues to explain. "Her sister Lucy wanted to open a brothel, and I expressed interest in it. I wanted only to be an investor, but Lucy liked my lack of sexual interest in her and my tendency to give my submissives a lot of freedom, and persuaded me to take her on as a submissive. I needed a lot of persuading and required her to prove her business acumen first. She put together an impressive business plan and convinced me that she would need a minimum of supervision, so I gave her the contract. You can confirm all this with her, of course.
"She wanted Charlotte as the star of the brothel, and I hesitated given my unpleasant impression of Charlotte, but I trust Lucy's business sense. At the grand opening, you may or may not have noticed that the two of them started bickering, and Charlotte dumped a glass of wine on Lucy. I was unpleasantly startled to see Lucy bickering back and not acting like Charlotte's manager, and continuing to create an awful scene in the middle of an event designed to entice clients, so I drew Lucy into the back. Charlotte abandoned the customer she was with in order to follow us, and said some awful things to Lucy in front of me.
"I confess I did have a bit of a temper at that point. I coldly advised them both to shape up and do their jobs pleasantly if they still wanted to have jobs. Lucy knelt immediately when I asked it, and I forgave her immediately. We've spoken, and I still need some convincing that there will be no further incidents under her management, but I trust her and I think it's merely... you know how siblings get. Siblings quarrels can somehow reduce one to behaving like a child. I know I always get bratty around my own brother."
Pulling a face at that, Huaisang shrugs. "Charlotte would not be pacified. Her temper rose further and further when Lucy yielded to me, and she started ranting about me treating Lucy like a dog and property." He rolls his eyes. "Please speak to Lucy to assure your mind. I've never touched her, I've given her lavish clothing and a business of her own, and most of our conversations are about paint colors and profit margins."
He takes a deep breath and gets back on topic. "I most wanted Lucy to try and tame Charlotte, if she could. Lucy was meant to be her boss and manager at the brothel. If she couldn't get Charlotte to do her job, then perhaps she could go with Charlotte and quietly pack her things. If Charlotte was unwilling to do either of those things, then I'd have her dragged out the back."
Arching a brow and pursing his lips primly. "So she spat on me. The shock and affront of it--I confess I wasn't thinking straight, but in my panic I summoned you and Dirk. I didn't know whether her next attack would be to rake her nails across my face--or Lucy's, though I was hiding behind Lucy at the time." He grimaces sulkily. "I've never denied being a coward."
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"I figured that maybe your dressing up and humiliation of Meng Yao might have been some sort of punishment. But if it's something sexual and stimulating for him... I suppose this is all just one big misunderstanding." Though he is more curious about the two men's relationship now more than ever. For the moment, he'll stay silent on the topic and continue on to something else.
"I'm afraid I don't know how siblings get, but yes- I did notice Charlotte decorating Lucy's dress with wine. Petty and those insults?" Dorian scoffs and shakes his head. How childish could the woman be? "Have you reached out to her Dominant at all? I mean, as much as I despise the designations this place gives us, surely she should have some consideration to her contract partner? Is she not aware how that reflects? What damage she's not only doing to you, your business, but her own Dominant?" Of course he still intends to speak with Lucy, but it's less for assurance now and more to see how she feels about the whole affair. It's very possible to love, but also dislike someone.
Dorian smiles for the first time since arriving and sets his now-empty glass down. "I don't mind that you summoned me and I wanted to help. Though I'll admit I acted hastily without any information." He wants to be justified in having frozen Charlotte, but now he feels the slightest pang of guilt. It likely would have only harmed pride and feelings if he hadn't shut her up.
"The next time you call on me, I may be more careful in my actions or refuse to act if I see no immediate threat."
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He's been so careful here, he can't begin to figure what snag might've happened where to start pulling threads loose or something. He takes a breath and sends a message informing Huaisang that's he's arrived before he enters and immediately tracks him down.
"A-Sang, are you alright--" He cuts himself off, drawing himself up short as he spies Dorian as well. The gears shift and turn and he lifts his chin somewhat, eyes hard and cold. There's that glint of something snake-like and dangerous again as he carefully looks from one ot the other, trying to decide if Dorian is the threat here and if he's supposed to be saving Huaisang from him or something.
"Master Dorian," he greets, polite, and lifts his arms to bow. "Forgive my intrusion." Did he know Huaisang had sent the message? What in the world was happening here?
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Huaisang's expression is complicated but guarded at the statement that Dorian might hesitate next time. "I did ask for her to be gagged. Given her behavior, I was worried that she would start hollering loud enough to disrupt all of the patrons in the main room, and that would ruin the entire night instead of just denting it a bit. The reputation of my business on its opening night was on the line. I'm only grateful that her network post was as relatively subdued as it was."
Replaying Dorian's words in his mind, he shakes his head, only growing more tense. "If I call on someone to defend me, I want them to trust my word regarding how the situation would be handled."
Meng Yao enters while Huaisang's still bristling a bit, and Huaisang has to mentally re-set back a bit to remember their earlier conversation. "Thank you for coming, A-Yao. Dorian repeated some concerns that the Iron Bull had expressed, and I found them very distressing. Dorian, will you tell Meng Yao what you remember the Iron Bull saying?"
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"I love you. I care about you and I trust you, but I can make my own judgement and am no one's to command. Not even-" Dorian's words are cut short and abandon him at the sight of Meng Yao. It feels as though something is caught in his throat a moment and he looks from that dangerous glint to the Dominant in the room.
"As I recall, Bull said that there was someone who had endured months of humiliation; being dressed up and put into uncomfortable situations. He even claimed to have witnessed it." Even knowing that Meng Yao gets off on the humiliation doesn't make him feel good about stating it like this. Something like that should be kept private or if it's witnessed, discussed so shit like this doesn't happen. The mage shakes his head, concerned at what Huaisang might do or how Meng Yao might react. He didn't know it was him that Bull was referring to and now he may be getting the man in trouble. "He didn't tell me who. Meng Yao, was that you?"
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He's not sure, but what he does know is that whatever scenario he's thought up, this was not one of them. Again he allows himself to look as surprised as he feels and then embarrassed, brow furrowing as his fingers curl into his robes.
"It... is likely it was me." He admits slowly, frowning at them both. "Huaisang is in charge of my wardrobe when I'm to accompany him to events or to... other people." He speaks as delicately as possible, clearing his throat, clearly choosing his words carefully. "It's uncomfortable and humiliating, yes. Bull has seen me dress up for Huaisang, and has seen how I dress when I can dress myself outside of those situations." He gestures vaguely to his more conservative state.
"The Iron Bull is... distressingly observant," he continues, voice dry a moment before he continues. "I'm sure he's picked up on these sorts of things and drawn his conclusions about them. But forgive me, I fail to understand why this is being brought up now."
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Though Huaisang considers the possibility that Meng Yao has improved to the point that Huaisang can no longer read him, it seems like Meng Yao is just as confused by this.
"There was also something about me hurting people and abusing my position," Huaisang prompts, though he's not clear about which of them he wants to expand upon it. Either, if they have details.
He snaps out his fan, opening it with a whirl and fanning himself with sharp irritability. "It seems he saw Charlotte's network post and drew some additional conclusions regarding it. I want my name cleared, Meng Yao. Clarify the Iron Bull's misconceptions. I won't include you in scenes with friends of mine any longer if you're leaving them with such impressions."
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Slowly he looks at Huaisang though, frowning slightly. He doesn't feel guilty about his own doubts about Huaisang, since clearly Huaisang still had plenty about him.
"A-Sang," he begins, in a tone that suggests he's disappointed in him, not sure if Huaisang truly believes Meng Yao has knowingly twisted Bull's perception of him, or if he's just latching onto the most convenient scapegoat. "I have only ever discussed my own crimes with The Iron Bull. He asked about the strangeness of our relationship and I told him the things I had done. I have never told him of any punishments you've given me, how I felt about them, or if I thought they were deserved or not. Any conclusions he made beyond knowing I find the clothing embarrassing were on his own, seperate from myself."
I want my name cleared, Meng Yao, Huaisang had said, and though he carefully keeps his expression schooled, on the inside he can't help but smile. Does the thought of building a successful life from the ground up, clawing as high as you can go, only to have it torn down because of one man's all-too-astute observations make you uncomfortable, A-Sang? He thinks to himself, viciously amused.
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He hesitates for a moment, tentatively edging around what he wants to say next. "I'm proud of you for facing such topics."
Huaisang's fan snaps. He's still irritable about this entire situation. "Charlotte's unpleasantness has already been awful enough. She's doing plenty to smear my name, I don't need it compounded with misconceptions. Explain to the Iron Bull urgently. Right now, explain to Dorian. You don't have to be complimentary about me, just be honest."
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He's just glad to be hearing this from Meng Yao, even if it is being a bit... pressured.
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The copious amounts of wine Meng Yao had been drinking probably helped on that front too. "It seems little point in hiding these things from either of them now, though." 'Them' being Dorian and Bull. Fenris could probably be included in that, if Meng Yao was at all aware of his existence. "Or others if they truly ask about us."
The permission Huaisang gives him is a powerful thing and he knows they're both very aware of that. He's quiet for a moment longer before he exhales slowly and looks to Dorian again, bowing his head slightly in a nod of acknowledgement that he exists still. "Master Dorian, I believe I've spoken a little about Huaisang before. He's delicate in many ways. He's lazy and can be terribly unmotivated about anything that doesn't strike his fancy or can't hold his interest longer than a few seconds. He doesn't dole out punishments on a whim and he abhors violence."
Meng Yao spreads his hands in a helpless gesture and shrugs, shaking his head. "The only exception is in how he might treat me at times, but our relationship is... complicated. What goes on between the two of us isn't necessarily an indicator of Huaisang's personality as a whole or how he will act towards others.
Either way, Huaisang has a strong sense of justice. He won't punish more than is necessary, if he even thinks it is. If he's called for help against someone, regardless of the reason, I can assure you the designations of Dominant or Submissive aren't on his mind. He would likely have demanded the Lady Charlotte to be arrested regardless of is she was a Submissive or not. If there was excessive force to her removal, I hardly believe that Huaisang can be held accountable for the actions of others acting on what they believe to be his best interests."
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When Meng Yao finishes, Huaisang points his fan toward him and looks up at Dorian as if to say 'there, you see? point made.'
"Thank you, A-Yao," he says aloud, lifting his chin with prim pride. If people are going to hate him, he'd prefer that it be for his actual faults.
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“If I had any inclination that he might abuse his power, I never would have agreed to wearing this charm.” He finally says, reaching up to gently tap the snake cuff running along his ear.
“Bull doesn’t trust Huaisang and simply thinks I’m going to see things the way he wants me to. That I’m going to be roped into messes that Huaisang is more than capable of cleaning up, but he instead chooses to cower and cry and act weak. If I thought him just a pretty face and incapable of being grown and handling issues with business and personal relations, I never would have gotten this close to him.”
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Bull not trusting huaisang doesn't surprise him either, but he smiles slightly at Dorian. Nevermind that he had no idea Bull and him were together at all, or even just friends, Meng Yao figures he knows what to say here. "Bull is protective and cares for you very much. So long as he doesn't act against Huaisang, I see no reason to be angry or upset with him; I would rejoice, if I were you, to have someone who cared about my well-being so deeply. After all, it's better that he cares too much, as opposed to not caring at all, isn't it?"
He tilts his head slightly. "Besides... Skepticism can be healthy. Questioning things keeps you alive and alert. I'm sure Huaisang, too, harbors no ill will for any of this." He looks to Huaisang then as if to say, 'right?'
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"No," he says, petulant and defensive. He shuts his fan, gripping it tight, and hunches his shoulders. All of this has been exhausting, and he doesn't have any energy to keep being a problem-solving diplomat. He just wants to get back to the part where Dorian had been comforting him and reassuring him as he cried. Dorian's words make him feel shamed for having cried, and he's still stinging with Charlotte shaming him for his gowns, and Charlotte misrepresenting him harshly on the network, and he just wants to go hide under the covers. "Why shouldn't I harbor ill will if he's starting rumors about me without evidence? Fine, he can be skeptical, but he should have asked me, or you"--this at Meng Yao--"since you're the one he imagines that I've wronged. I will harbor ill will until he apologizes to me. And I won't call you"--this to Dorian--"to help me with my messes anymore. You won't have to see me cower and cry and act weak if you hate it so much."
Tears spilling down his cheeks, Huaisang stands up suddenly, intending to storm off to his bedroom and hide under the covers if no one prevents him.
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He shoots Meng Yao an apologetic glance as he rushes to grab Huaisang by his arms, pulling the man’s back to his chest.
“Bull isn’t spreading rumors about you. I didn’t like what I heard and it’s why I came to you directly. I don’t know the details of your relationship, but I don’t think any less of you for what you’ve done. And I most certainly do not hate you.” Sure Huaisang was a bit... overdramatic, but Dorian enjoyed it and how shameless the man was in expressing how he felt. To him, it’s not an act and he realizes now, after the man’s reaction that that was how his words were perceived.
He did try to insist that Bull speak to Huaisang, but since the conversation was cut short between them, Dorian isn’t so sure his Dominant will make amends.
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He doubts Bull will reconsider his stance. He doubts even more that Bull will be pleased this spiraled like this regardless, but what can they do now? Inwardly he sighs and he wanders over towards the pair.
“A-Sang, aiya, what are we going to do with you?” But his tone is fond and he reaches up to smooth a hand over Huaisang’s hair. “The only one spreading rumors is that horrible Charlotte. She’s the one you should focus your upset feelings on.”
He glances around, considering. “Why don’t you go lay down—it’s been a dreadfully long day. Dorian and I will bring you wine and stay with you until you sleep.”
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Relaxing back against Dorian's chest, Huaisang lets himself be held. He'd expected Dorian to be angry or exasperated with him. Huaisang's friends and family have always just let him alone when he's fussy, waiting until he's settled down enough to be pleasant and charming again.
He's surprised to discover that Dorian might actually love him, not just the charming veneer that almost everyone enjoys. He doesn't know how to deal with that. He doesn't usually let people get past the charming veneer.
"Thank you, san ge," Huaisang says, ducking his head slightly away from the caress. Dorian's genuine comfort has been more effective, and Huaisang wants to dig deeper into it, which makes him uninterested in Meng Yao's usual pandering comfort. "You may go. I'm sure er ge is worrying over you. Thank you for coming so promptly. Please speak to the Iron Bull as soon as you're able."
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People aren't always as they seem. He may not know the details of these two's complex relationship, but he knows it's likely too much to discuss at present. Especially when it's supposed to be a promise, is legitimately none of his business and Huaisang is already so upset.
But the mage is angry and swallows it down like bile while he holds his love steady to his chest, trying to be comforting as best he can. Even if he's stopped him from running away to cry in private, the man in his arms seems closed off and Dorian suspects that he will be dismissed shortly. It pains him to think about and he clenches his jaw, grip loosening slightly and eyes cast down at the ground.
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Once Meng Yao has gone, Huaisang sighs softly, tipping his head back onto Dorian's shoulder. He has far more emotions roiling inside of him than he knows what to deal with, but he feels immense gratitude and affection toward Dorian at the moment, and that's his priority. "Can we go upstairs and cuddle?" he asks, voice soft and hesitant. "You can ask whatever else you want."
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