[open] might be gold

[royalfling]

Who: Wu & you!
What: Event prompts & Wu getting progressively more corrupt
When: Throughout April
Where: At the Raccoon Room & around the city

Content warnings: None yet, will add in comment headers


[tl;dr: Wu is getting progressively more corrupt throughout April. Check out my plotting comment, as well as Wu's corruption stages for more info. For the Raccoon Room prompt, let me know which week you're interested in in your tag-in. Planned individual starters in comments! ]

1: At the Raccoon Room
Throughout April

[ Wu is a familiar sight at the Raccoon Room. He’s there every night that it’s open, introducing the acts, welcoming people in, talking with regulars. He’s effusive, friendly, always has a smile for anyone who’s decided to come visit his venue. He’s thrilled by each and every patron.

Usually.

In April, this changes, slowly. The first week of April, Wu’s still smiling, excited to see you, but there’s something a little more to him: he’s magnetic, his skin and hair are perfect, he’s hard to look away from. His nails look painted gold. He’s thriving, his jokes land better, his singing is a little more in-tune. Conversation flows naturally if you sit down with him. During the first week, you might experience sunlight flooding into the Raccoon Room. It’s a hallucination that Wu isn’t aware he’s creating, but whenever someone performs, the stage lights look a lot more like sunlight, bathing the Room in light like it’s noon.

The second week of April, things start to shift. His baby-face looks a little less full, his eyes have less light in them, he’s less likely to greet patrons, his riffing between sets becomes more adversarial, and he might single you out in the crowd and make a comment about your choice of clothing or drink: ]

Honey, who did your coiffure? Because you need to fire them.

[ Or: ] Straight whiskey? Someone’s trying to prove something. [ As an aside ] I buy the good stuff, but it’s not that good here.

[ Or: ] I know it’s dark outside, but we can see you in here.

[ If you’re wearing something particularly nice or interesting, he’ll comment on it, and might try to take it. Even if Wu doesn’t, Fritter, his raccoon omen, might sneak a paw into your pocket and steal something from you.

The third week of April, the changes are more obvious. Wu is gleaming, literally: gems sprout from his face, his throat, down his arms and hands, where his fingers end in golden talons, sharp and menacing. His smile is more threatening than friendly. His greetings feel more like threats. He doesn’t put effort into his emceeing, something he’s always taken pride in. Now, you get what you get. Sometimes, he won’t even get on stage between sets, and if asked, he’ll just wave it off, like it’s beneath him. He spends more time sitting at a table at the back, nursing a drink, looking out at the Room like it’s his kingdom, and you’re a citizen under his thumb. He sits in one of the spindly chairs like it’s a throne. ]

2: He needs a hero
Mid-April
Watch out!

[ Something is coming out a portal at you. Maybe you’re aware, maybe you’re not, but Wu comes rushing to your rescue, sword unsheathed. If you know Wu, you probably wonder why he has a sword (you can thank Sasuke for that). If you don’t know Wu, you might still notice that he doesn’t really seem to know how to use it.

Either way, Wu puts himself between you and whatever is coming out of the portal. It might be a dark spirit, or any monster of your choice. ]

Get behind me! I can handle this.

[ He really, really can’t. ]

Comments

Mako - Early April

[royalfling]

Guess what!

[ Wu sidles up to Mako in their loft with a bright smile on his face. He’s been thriving this last week, energetic and excited despite the constant darkness of the month, and he has his hands behind his back and a mischievous smile on his face as he leans forward toward his husband. ]

[arclightning]

[ Mako hasn't exactly been thriving.

The constant cool darkness is wreaking havoc on his system. He's colder than ever and his fire is a sputtering joke of a thing, barely there and entirely uncontrolled when it is. Mako's taken to wrapping himself up in coats and blankets even when he's inside, and he's gotten a new scarf which he keeps his nose shoved into.

It's hard to be outright grumpy, though, when Wu is so clearly having a great time. Mako can't remember the last time he was even like this. The suite, maybe? But looking back, he'd been driven by a tight, secret anxiety pushing him to be louder and brighter and shinier. This is different. Wu is confident and grinning and witty and charming, without any of that fear pushing him to be those things. He just is and Mako would be lying if he said he didn't kind of like it. It's nice to see Wu so happy, and the flirting is—

It makes him blush, even now, but it's nice, and as bundled up as he is, he can't help but smile, abandoning the notes he was compiling to pay attention to Wu instead. Weirdly, he's not picking up anything that Wu might be accidentally broadcasting about whatever this is, although he has a vague idea.

He does, however, reach out to press his fingers to Wu's elbow, just a bare little touch. ]

I'm not gonna guess.

[royalfling]

[ Mako certainly looks cute like that, all wrapped up in blankets and sweaters, and at least one scarf that Wu brought home for him this week. That was a practical gift, the one in his hands most certainly is not.

He likes to have Mako's attention all on him, and it makes his grin grow wider. He likes it when Mako is all his, no one else's, that he can make Mako blush like that. Mako can hear those thoughts, even if Wu's a bit better at shielding others from him. He figured early on that surprises would be impossible with their bond, unless he learned how to hide certain things from Mako. Only for surprises. Only for Mako's sake, of course. He would only hide things for Mako's sake.

Pouting now, Wu shifts a little closer to him. ]

It's more fun if you guess.

Ryan - Mid-April

[royalfling]

Hold on, it’s just right here.

[ Wu holds out a hand to stop Ryan in front of a small hole-in-the-wall store. There’s a grin on Wu’s face that he can’t quite keep back, and he pats Ryan's chest twice before flitting into the store. Ryan might have an inkling of what's going on here. This isn't the first gift Wu's gotten him this month. Before this, it was a sweet red leather jacket, and then a chunky gold necklace. To make up for the last month, for Ryan having to be inside all the time, not having any fun.

Just as Wu leaves, Fritter leaps from Wu’s shoulder over to Ryan's. He’s in there for a good few minutes. In that time, Fritter paws at Ryan's chest, too, making little noises as she does so. She sneaks a paw into his pocket to see if there’s anything worth taking there. ]

[chickenchoicejudy]

[Ryan hasn't thought much of it - which isn't to say that he isn't grateful, but it doesn't strike him as odd, even if it's a lot. Once he found out Ryan was living in a building that was basically condemned, he got him all sorts of decorations to make it more livable. Wu loves by giving gifts, and Ryan knows this about him.]

Okay, okay! You sure I can't come in?

[It might ruin the surprise, but he's very curious. Even after Wu leaves, Ryan peeks through the door after him to try and see what's happening inside the store. He doesn't feel Fritter going through his pocket until she's already there, right next to his face.]

Woah there, Princess. What are you up to?

[There isn't much in the chest pocket, but she will find one thing of note - a glittery red guitar pick.]

Manabu - Mid-April

[royalfling]

[ Somehow, Wu has dragged Manabu out with him. He knows Manabu isn't the biggest fan of shopping or anything frivolous, but Wu promised that it was his treat, that he just wants to spend some time with him.

If Manabu found anything along their meandering stroll through the city that he showed even a modicum of interest in, Wu would buy it for him, brushing off any complaints. Manabu, however, is the unlucky one, laden with the bags from both his and Wu's purchases.

Wu's eyes flick to something, some store that he's never really noticed before, and he pulls Manabu to a halt, squeezing his arm tight. ]

Manabu, Manabu! We have to.

[ He points at the store, which has Tattoos in big, worn letters over the door. Wu's already dragging him toward it ]

[siriusly]

[playing packmule isn't the worst thing in the world: more often than not, it's what people needing favors done in exchange for a meal or materials needs from him anyway! or at least that's what he insists they need from him after all the dubious looks at his half-pint frame. randoms aside, carrying things for Wu is no problem at all, even if he can't say he really gets the need for most of the stuff; doesn't this guy have enough clothes...? he may never understand, but he won't snub a friend who needs a hand either.]

Eh...?

[he might need to learn to snub friends now and then.]

Eh??

[he double blinks, straightening up out of the little tilt Wu's yank brought him in.]

Have to what? Aren't those things permanent?

1, third week

[entreats]

[ Wu might not exactly be fluttering around the Raccoon Room the way he usually does, being the social butterfly that he is, but Ange sure does notice him.

One might imagine that it's because of the way he looks right now, making him stand out even as he's sitting there at a table in the back - but it's more just that Ange makes sure to go look for Wu once she's arrived at the Raccoom Room. She certainly wouldn't spend as much time here if it wasn't his establishment, after all. One of the upsides of coming here is being able to have a few moments of Wu's company, even if Ange has a hard time dealing with crowds and this much socialising going on, especially after spending weeks on end inside of her house.

But that search for him does lead her towards that table in the back - and towards seeing his current state. The gems all over him, seemingly embedded in his skin. His odd nails, like claws.

Something is very wrong here, and it makes her heart feel like it's been trapped inside of a vise as she approaches the table. ]

.. Wu?

[royalfling]

[ Wu's watching whoever's on stage without much interest. A glass sits mostly undrunk in front of him, his fingers playing over the rim, his nails making a soft sound against the glass.

He doesn't look up when Ange approaches him, but he's aware she's there, and that it's Ange, his paleblood power able to feel her general emotional state, the one unique to her. His lips curl in a small smile, but it isn't very friendly ]

Won't you join me?

1 - week 3

[droptheious]

[Varian, as usual, had dropped to the raccoon room to do a little technical work- always determined to make sure the space was running as top-notch as he could get it. He's finished up for the day and is headed over to Wu.]

Hey, Wu- the monthly check-up is fine, everything looks-

[And then he notices the gemstones, and worry immediately sinks into his stomach like a stone. He hasn't even properly noticed the change in Wu's demeanour- the gems are too much of a distraction. ]

...Please tell me you glued those on.

[royalfling]

[ Wu doesn't look up at him, instead taking a slow sip of his drink. It would be picturesque for it to be some sort of high-class sipping whiskey or something, but, no. It's still a fruity, sweet drink, it's just his demeanor that's changed, not his tastes. ]

I would never glue anything. This is all natural.

[ He gestures at himself with those long, golden fingers, preening a little. ]

1-Third Week

[cuddlery]

[Scorpia can't help but notice that Wu's been acting a bit... erratically this week! And now, he's starting to look somewhat different too. Normally she wouldn't pay any mind to him possibly just making a fashion statement, but with everything combined? She's worried a bit for him.

So over an hour before her performance for the evening, she manages to spot him seated near the back with a drink, and she meekly tries to approach him.]

Oh hi! Hey there, Wu. [She waves a pincer uncertainly.] Didn't, didn't notice ya there. ...How's it going!

[royalfling]

[ Wu's eyes slowly shift to look at her, even though his face stays forward, body unmoving. He smiles slowly, and it's a bit of a scary smile, not reaching his eyes ]

Scorpia.

[ His voice is a little off, too, much more neutral than he ever is ]

Are you ready for your set?

[ Should that question be menacing? Well, it is. ]

1- week 2 light him up wu hahahaha

[monoceroscaeli]

[Childe's just gotten done with one of his sets, and he's decided to relax a little after performing. Usually he orders straight vodka, but you know what? On a whim, he's going to try that whiskey. He gets some quickly from the bar while they're setting up the next act, and Wu's doing his thing between sets now. He finds a place towards the front, his guitar case on the floor next to him as he relaxes in his chair and sips on it.

Childe's clothing is a little dressy, though he's ditched the jacket he normally wears for a black vest with a silver chain that's attached to his hydro vision that rests against his left shoulder. A blue collared button up is underneath, with his red Harbinger mask settled against his auburn hair, and a pair of nice light grey slacks tucked into his same slavic style boots.

When Wu calls him out in the crowd, he only smiles back, but doesn't completely let it slide.]

Come now, aren't you going to tell us all what the good stuff is?

coming for hiiiim

[royalfling]

[ Wu's smile is sharp as a knife as he looks down at Childe from the stage. He had a good set, he's a good performer and friend. Maybe he's worth keeping on Wu's good side.

Wu looks him over, humming softly into the microphone. Fritter, her own claws sparkling gold in the spotlights, hops down off the stage, making her way toward Childe's chair, weaving between people's feet ]

I can't just tell everyone! [ Implying: it isn't for the everyday rabble ] Play me something special, you just might earn yourself a bonus.

1 - week 3

[laminae]

[It's really, really hard to miss the changes that have overcome Wu. Fern has a good idea what's going on, though he doesn't want to believe it. Maybe it's just some new kind of fashion, or some side effect of some dark blood magic. He doesn't know, and that's what concerns him the most.

He's come by to listen to some music, try to not think about the endless night that's currently going on, but Wu's condition has him nervous. He waits until the music has started up before approaching Wu at his table, his parasol with grow lights on the inside in his hand and his orchid mantis omen perched on his shoulder.]

Hey dude, how're things?

[royalfling]

[ Unlike most of the people who have come by, Wu spares Fern a glance and a smile, even if it isn't exactly a kind smile. ]

Fern. Are you enjoying the evening? Join me, won't you?

[ He inclines his head toward the chair next to him, and it's more of an order than an invitation. ]

racoon room

[shiro2hero]

[Honey, who did your coiffure? Because you need to fire them]

[What.]

[Frankly, Shiro isn't even sure what that word means. He actually looks around, like he's expecting someone else to be standing there. Laughing at a joke, or being offended, or something. But nope. It's just him.]

[And Wu?]

I... have no idea what you're talking about?

[royalfling]

[ Wu looks him over with the sort of smile of someone who pities you, and is smug about it ]

Your hair, Shiro. Really, darling. Adam lets you out of the house like that?

Raccoon Room - Third Week

[snakesdonthavelegs]

[ Jessica has been a regular fixture at the Raccoon Room since late March, finding in her music career a way to rebuild herself from the trauma that had torn her down. It's something that she puts quite a bit of passion into, and she finds herself spending quite a bit of time around the club, getting to know the other performers, the patrons, and of course Wu as well.

It's a balm for her wounded heart, and it's absolutely what she needs right now. But Trench being Trench, nothing can stay peaceful and pleasant forever. Wu begins to change, and more subtly, so does Jessica. Though still outwardly friendly, there's a hardness to her now. She's more assertive and bold, but also more closed off. And behind it all, an almost fierce determination.

That determination allows her to weather Wu's petty barbs, though she does become increasingly irritated and curt with him off-stage. But something about seeing him coming in, obviously corrupted (though her dull eyes and sallow complexion indicate that its reach her too), and worse, not even bothering to do his job, makes her snap. She's supposed to be on stage in a half hour, but she marches over to him with a glare, sitting smug on his little throne. ]

What the hell is your problem, Wu!? Do your goddamn job.

[royalfling]

[ Wu isn't used to people talking to him like that, at least, not anymore. When Jessica approaches him, he doesn't look at her for a long moment, before turning his gaze on her. He holds her gaze and takes a slow sip of his sweet, fruity cocktail before setting it down with a soft sigh ]

You don't talk to me like that.

[ He looks her over with a twist of his lips ]

Look at you. You're not ready for the stage. Can't you even do your own make up?

[ It's quite a switch up from their first conversation, and the supposed many after that, which were friendly and excited and Wu building her up, encouraging her to perform. This isn't that at all. Her appearance is one thing, but her deriding him, is another ]

2 save me jazz king

[dialscientist]

[Min hasn't been here long enough to be ground into numb acceptance. You'd think the train would have prepared him for that, but it hits different for whatever reason. Maybe because he's supposed to stay here. It's supposed to be home. He's supposed to put down roots and craft a life in this city. It should be safe, and if ii can't be that, then it should at least have some kind of baseline.

It all happens very fast. The portal opens out of nowhere some ten feet to Min-Gi's left as he's walking towards The Raccoon Room to set some stuff up before Ryan wakes up and joins him.

The scent of ozone rips through the air, followed by light and a roar as something pushes through the barrier between worlds. The creature is enormous in comparison to the hole it crawls through, all black smoke and blazing yellow eyes.

It sees Min almost immediately and takes a swipe at him, just barely dodged with a yelp and a hard dive out of the way. Then all of a sudden someone with a sword appears-

-and it is the last person in Trench that Min-Gi would expect to come running to his rescue.

He scrabbles to his feet, but he's unarmed (damnit he knew they should be focusing on self defense, this is exactly what he's been talking about!) and before he knows it he is, despite his pride, hiding behind Wu.

Maybe if min were feeling more himself he would have looked for another option, but lately it's like he's been going on autopilot. (Are his teeth sharper? His nails sure are long..) Can anyone complain? At least he's doing what he's told.]

Wu- there's no way we can fight this thing, we have to run!

[royalfling]

[ Courage courses through Wu, and he is beyond certain that he can do this. He's a king, after all. Nothing can touch him. Nothing will get him or his friends, nothing will hurt them if Wu is there to stop them.

He faces up against the monster, eyes narrowed, sword held up somewhat competently (at least he knows how to hold it, now). ]

I've got this! This guy's nothing. You hear me? Nothing! You're not going to touch him!

[ Wu dodges forward toward the spirit, sword raised, only for it to so easily grab him and throw him aside. He hurtles back and lands against a wall with a loud "oof" sound, his teeth clattering against each other in his head ]

For Mako - late April

[royalfling]

[ To say that things have gotten bad would be a n understatement. Wu's skin is encrusted with jewels, his regard for others is at its very lowest its ever been, and his possessiveness over Mako is at an all time high.

He lounges on the couch in the middle of their loft, an equally bejeweled Fritter resting no his chest. He idly pets her, gold fingers brushing over golden fur, the image of unhurried luxury. But he isn't quite relaxed. His eyes track Mako as he moves through the kitchen. And while usually Mako is the one to cook and clean, Wu's become more and more demanding about it, and less and less grateful of Mako's efforts.

But Mako is working on something in the kitchen, and not paying attention to Wu, and that's clearly been going on for long enough. His eyes flick over what of Mako he can see from behind the kitchen island, wearing some of the clothes Wu has bought him over the last month-- a nice linen coat, pants that fit him perfectly, and an apron that is still pristine ]

You look good in that.

[arclightning]

[ Mako's working on something kind of indulgent, is the thing.

Very indulgent, actually. They'd picked so much fruit last month: it had been sprouting from the walls, from under the mattress, growing and ripening at a touch of Mako's hand, a kind of wild abundance Mako has only experienced once before in his life, when he and Bolin were staying at the Sato estate and seemed to be able to get anything they wanted with a snap of fingers (or, in Mako's case, an awkward and politely-worded request).

Not wanting to waste it and not quite trusting it either, Mako had spent the month after their wedding in a kind of haze of canning and prep, making jams that line the pantry he had to expand, glittering like gems in neat rows two shelves deep.

Now they're drowning in preserved fruit—pineapple jam and marmalade and preserved citrus—and Mako is restless and trying to free up space in their pantry and so he is making a cake.

A complicated, multi-layered cake, an absurd confection of a thing using way too many of the eggs Raleigh gave them. He's already made the bases; they're cooling fragrantly on racks beside the stove. The frosting is another thing entirely, and Mako is just staring down at the little tray of raspberries Wu had demanded he buy despite their absurd price, trying to figure out whether it's worth it. Wu's gotten him a lot this month. This jacket, for one, and the pants he's wearing, the apron wrapped around him to protect the jacket and the spatula he'd used to mix up the batter. The headpiece still glittering in his hair, all outpourings of affection that just seems to be mounting.

At Wu's words, Zuko—curled up on the radiator near the windows—pokes her head up, alarm skittering through her. Mako looks up too, a little sharper than he means to, stares at the glittering form of his husband for a long, quiet moment.

Wu has been... weird.

Mako's mouth twists, slight and barely-there, before he smooths his expression back into neutral. Through their bond filters just a bit of his immediate thought: pay attention. ]

Well, you bought them for me.