Chapter Text
They are all awoken by a loud alarm. Korra shoots up so fast her head hits the bottom of the top bunk. “OW!” Asami winces in sympathy. “You thought that was a firehouse alarm, didn't you?” She teases. Then Pei Ming shoots up as well-without hitting his head- because he took the large bed.
Beatrice has to shove Ava awake. Rooney and Georgia rub their eyes as they get up slowly. Mafuyu smiles while softly whispering Uenoyama’s name and poking his cheek. He yawns and softly hugs Mafuyu. “Five more minutes.” “No Uenoyama, we gotta go.”
The guitarist shakes his head and tries to get him to fall back asleep. He is about to kiss him when Mafuyu covers his mouth. “Uenoyama! The game!” He whispers harshly.
“Huh?” Then Uenoyama bolts up and looks around them. “UGH!”
Xie Lian rolls out of bed. “San Lang! Wake up!” He pushes him lightly. He just rolls over. He starts touching the band of his eye mask when Hua Cheng jerks away from him.
“Sorry if I startled you..” Xie Lian says looking confused.
“I.. I need to put my contacts in. I will be right out.” Hua Cheng says as he swiftly turns away and into the bathroom.
Once they are all ready they are told to meet outside.
The robotic voice greets them. “Today we will start by asking some personal questions about intimacy.”
There is an uneasy look from most of them. “Please answer the first question. What are your feelings surrounding sex and relationships?”
Ava decides to answer first. “I guess sex is fun and enjoyable whether you are in a committed relationship or just hooking up. I don’t have any particular feelings about it.”
Rooney nods, “Adding to that sex is a personal thing that varies for everyone. Society seems to shame people who either have too much sex or if they are not having enough sex! I know personally sex can also be an unhealthy way to escape emotional vulnerability. It is something that can also be meaningful as well.”
Mafuyu nods, “In my past relationships sex helped me get closer to my partner but sometimes we used it to distract ourselves from talking about our issues. But in recent relationships I have been able to find the balance of communication and sexual bonding.”
Uenoyama nods while blushing slightly. “I didn’t really care much about sexual stuff until I was in my first relationship. I was the weird guy, who cared more about music than getting laid. But I found out physical intimacy can be just as passionate as making music.”
‘Wow. That is super romantic,” Georgia starts, “Um, I think it is more important to build an emotional relationship with someone. Personally, the physical aspect is less important than getting to know someone authentically. For me that is.”
Korra nods, “I think it varies by who I am with. Sometimes we have a better physical connection or emotional or even both combined.”
Beatrice takes a breath. “Honestly my relationship with sexual intimacy is strained. I grew up being told to be ashamed of my body and desires. To hide myself away from others lustful thoughts, and remain pure by their standards. I am still trying to figure out some things about how to be more authentic while combating these misplaced teachings.”
Xie Lian nods, “I agree with both Beatrice and Georgia. I was raised more spiritual than religious but we were taught that purity and avoiding physical desires would decrease distractions in our practice. I generally prefer to have a strong connection before considering entering a physical relationship.”
The rest add on to others' comments. Then, Pei Ming adds “I think sex is great. It doesn’t have to be serious and emotional. Relationships just make everything more complicated. It is fun for me!”
“It is important to at least let your partners know that, before you hook up , to avoid misunderstandings. If you want casual sex be open about it; don’t lead someone on just for a one night stand.” Rooney adds.
“Sometimes I get caught up in the moment.” Pei Ming winces, “Some ladies were not happy with me.”
[…]
They are allowed to mingle in the afternoon.
They all relax and have drinks. Then Korra finds a beach ball. She looks over to Asami & Mako. “Wanna play some pool volleyball?”
They agree. “Does anyone else wanna play?”
They all decide to play Korra,Asami, Mako , Pei Ming are on one side.
Ava, Beatrice, Mafuyu , Uenoyama, and Rooney begin to form the other side.
“This seems a bit unfair.” Rooney complains.
“Are you scared already?” Korra teases.
Ava sighs, “You guys are buff! Like actual athletes.”
“We have a nun, a small young woman - no offense- musicians , and a tall theater kid.” Rooney adds.
“Does anyone else wanna play?” Mafuyu asks.
Georgia, and Hua Cheng shake their heads. Xie Lian ponders for a moment. “I suppose I could try to be on the athletes team. If they will have me. I would balance it out.”
Hua Cheng tilts his head. “How so?”
“Oh, I am a total klutz.” He laughs.
“I am sure you are good .” He reassures him.
Asami smiles, “Come on. We can help you.” Pei Ming groans but the others veto him.
It ends up being an exciting game. It turns out the non-athletic team can hold their own. Mafuyu and Uenoyama work well together ; so do Ava and Beatrice, Rooney has a great serve. However, Korra , Asami, and Mako are incredibly in sync, with Pei Ming assisting with a little help from Xie Lian.
“You two are good! Are you athletes or rockstars?!” Ava asks the boys during a break.
“Our friends played basketball . We joined them during lunch a lot. Mafuyu is surprisingly good at it.” Uenoyama explains.
Mafuyu splashes him “Why was that a surprise ?!”
“You were so quiet back then.” He shrugs.
Ava then looks to Beatrice, “You are also killing it. You are laser focused.”
Beatrice blushes, “Thanks.”
As they get back into it , Hua Cheng and Georgia cheer on their friends. Georgia dips her feet in and shouts. Hua Cheng claps when Xie Lian does well.
Hua Cheng is walking on his way to sit on the edge with a drink in hand when Xie Lian serves the ball.
Xie Lian hits the ball too high and it goes flying. As Hua Cheng is mid crouch it hits him in the head. He drops his drink and falls into the pool.
Xie Lian quickly swims over. “Oh no, San Lang!!!”
The man is a bit groggy. He faints in Xie Lian’s arms. Pei Ming helps him carry Hua Cheng out of the water. As he lays him down he feels his pulse. “Oh No! His pulse is slowing!”
Korra calls for the paramedics. Xie Lian gasps then tilts Hua Cheng's neck back and begins to administer rescue breathing.
As Xie Lian leans down again , he feels Hua Cheng begin to move his lips along with his. “San Lang!” Xie Lian shouts as the other man gasps.
“Oh my.” Pei Ming teases, everyone shushes him.
“I am so sorry! I could have killed you! I am so careless. I should be more careful, are you alright?”
“Gege, you saved me..” Hua Cheng rasps out.
“I am also the reason you needed saving!” Xie Lian whimpers out.
“I am fine.” Hua Cheng grunts. He is a little dizzy , his sunglasses are lost , and his hair is covering the left side of his face.
“How many fingers am I holding up?” Xie Lian holds up 3 fingers. “Eh.. five?” Hua Cheng guesses.
“Oh no. That is not good.”
Korra comes over with some ice. “The paramedics are five minutes away.”
After the paramedics check him out they say he is alright. He should just take some pain medicine and rest.
Xie Lian helps him to a smaller couch in the house. The older man makes him some tea and makes sure he is comfortable.
“Would you like something to eat? I can make something for you?” He asks.
Hua Cheng nods. “Thank you Gege.”
The others are milling about outside and in the house.
Some pop in to check in on them. Uenoyama comes into the kitchen to grab a snack. He smells food cooking. “What are you making?”
“Some stew for San Lang. Would you like to try some?” Uenoyama shrugs and grabs a spoon.
As soon as he takes a bite he begins coughing and chugs some water.
Xie Lian and Mafuyu look at him concerned. “Did you choke?” The redhead asks.
“Don’t give him that. It will make him feel worse!” Uenoyama blurts out.
“Ue! That is rude.” Mafuyu scolds. “Take a bite and see for yourself!” Mafuyu does and tries to hide his grimace. “Um, is that your own recipe?”
Xie Lian nods, “I make it all the time at home.”
Mafuyu shakes his head at Uenoyama while Xie Lian is not looking.
Pei Ming comes in and asks for a bite. “Don’t!” Uenoyama & Mafuyu yell. “There is enough to share right?” He chuckles. He gags as he tries to swallow it down. “Are you trying to poison everyone?!?”
“What?! I know it is not great but I eat it all the time. I was trying to help San Lang,” Xie Lian frowns.
Hua Cheng then appears . “What are you doing?!? Lay back down!” Xie Lian scolds. “I wanted a taste of this highly contested stew.”
Xie Lian frowns, “I guess it is not good. Maybe we should order something.” “No need! I want to eat what Xie Lian made for me.” He says softly.
“Ok, then. Sit back down. I will bring some to you.”
A few minutes later he hands him the bowl. The others look at him in horror as he eats it.
“Is it alright?” Xie Lian asks hesitantly.
He smiles “It is great. Thank you gege!”
Pei Ming scratches his head, “Maybe he was hit harder than we thought.”
Xie Lian looks worried, “I am fine! You are all rude. Thank you for the stew, gege.” Hua Cheng reassures him.
Georgia & Rooney are talking as they wind down for the night. Rooney brushes out her hair as Georgia puts on face wash. “Do you think there is something going on between Hua Cheng & Xie Lian?” The shorter girl asks.
“They seem to be getting along, well.”
Georgia chuckles, “ I swear there is some tension there. They are hitting on some romantic tropes already. Saving someone, taking care of him when he is hurt.”
Rooney hums. “Ya know, I heard Pei Ming warning others not to try Xie Lian’s cooking. Even Mafuyu agreed. But, Hua Cheng ate it all. No issue.”
Georgia nods, “And they already have nicknames for each other. Although, I am not sure what they mean.”
Rooney gasps, “Georgia they basically kissed!”
The blonde nods, “I swear , Hua Cheng was reciprocating it while he was half conscious.”
“We should keep an eye on those two. Do you think they are ~ya know~?” Rooney snaps her wrist dramatically.
“Maybe, who knows. But there is at least a heavy bromance happening.”
Day 2
They all await todays’ agenda on the patio.
The announcement device chimes “Since , there was an accident yesterday we were not able to finish all our challenges. Today there will be 2 challenges,” Xie Lian rubs his neck nervously.
“First , everyone needs to sit in a wide circle; someone go into the cooler for a bottle, and place it in the circle.” She instructs.
Pei Ming smirks, “Is this spin the bottle?”
“No this is a modified version of truth or dare. All the questions and dares will be supplied by me. The bottle decides who will be paired up in partner dares. You may drink in favor of answering a question. All of the rules still apply. No kissing.”
There are a few grumbles from the group.
“Georgia, Truth or Dare?”
The blonde looks at her friend and thinks for a moment. “Truth.”
“What was your most embarrassing moment in front of a crush?”
Georgia looks a little uneasy, Rooney steps in “remember the bonfire you told me about ? with that guy from highschool?”
Georgia’s eyes widen, “I , um, was nervous and was about to kiss a guy I kinda liked in high school. But I almost set him on fire.” She says awkwardly.
“How does that happen?” Ava asks, shocked.
“Well we were by the fire and he was leaning in. I was nervous and kinda flinched , he lost balance and we kicked up sparks. Some got on my jacket and his arm.”
Ava nods. Korra shrugs, “Teens , alcohol and fire do not mix well.”
“Pei Ming, truth or dare?” Ling prompts, “Dare.” He smiles and rubs his hands.
‘Tie a cherry stem with your mouth.” He is instructed. He plucks one from the bar and proceeds to wiggle his mouth around. He proudly shows off the tied cherry stem. ‘If anyone wants to learn from a master , I am free to give you a lesson.” He winks to the camera.
That gets a few groans from the girls. “Hua Cheng, truth or dare?”
He shrugs, “Dare.”
“Spin the bottle and hold hands with whoever it lands on.” He gives it a powerful spin. It lands on Xie Lian. He holds out his hands, “May I, hold your hands, gege?”
Xie Lian blushes a little and turns to face him. “Yes.” He holds both hands out in front and joins hands with Hua Cheng. “Your hands are so soft.” He whispers looking at Xie Lian.
“Beatrice truth or dare?”
“Truth.”
“When was the last time you masturbated?”
Beatrice goes red, “Um, I don’t… I think I tried once in boarding school. It was not pleasurable.”
“Does that mean it has been years since you did it?” Pei Ming asks in shock.
The girls all look at him like they are about to go off. He puts his hands up “Wait! I am not trying to be a jerk this time ! I just cannot imagine going that long without pleasure.”
Rooney shrugs, “Not everyone does it all the time, or some hardly do it. Not everyone has the same sex drive.”Ava smiles, “It is also not always convenient. I mean if you have roommates or even family around a lot it is hard to even make time for it. Sometimes it is just not worth the trouble.”
Beatrice smiles a little . “Right.”
Up next is Mafuyu, he is dared to sit in someone's lap for the rest of the game. The bottle lands on Uenoyama. Mafuyu smiles and decides to wrap his arms around Uenoyama’s neck and sits in his lap facing away from the circle.
Uenoyama makes a startled face ,and a few chuckles can be heard from the group. Hua Cheng and Xie Lian are still holding hands. “Xie Lian, truth or dare?”
“Truth.”
“What was your most embarrassing sexual experience?” He thinks for a second then lets go of Hua Cheng’s hands to put one to his forehead.
“Um, I was propositioned by a lady of the night, and to get her to stop I told her I had erectile dysfunction.” He recounts face turning red.
Everyone looks at him in confusion. “You, what?!?” Korra asks.
Xie Lian sighs, “I was in a busy part of town, the entire street heard me!” He whines, “She was very persistent.”
Pei Ming looks at him in confusion. “So, you are telling me a woman repeatedly offered to sleep with you, and you refused!? Why!?! Were you too broke?”
Xie Lian sighs, “I did not have the money but I was just visiting town. I had to get home in a few hours anyways.”
“That was a kinda embarrassing lie to tell, though. I guess being in that position would be intimidating.” Georgia chuckles.
Xie Lian opens and closes his mouth before taking a sip of Hua Cheng’s drink, he makes a face. Hua Cheng looks amused. “Does gege not drink often?”
Xie Lian shakes his head, “Sorry, I was thirsty.”
Next, Korra is dared to have a body shot taken off of her. She blushes as the bottle spins to decide who she is paired with.
“Why didn’t I get the body shot?” Pei Ming grumbles.
It lands on Asami. Korra laughs nervously as she lies down. Asami hesitates. Korra grins “are ya thirsty?.” She teases. Asami laughs then begins to pour her wine on her stomach. “I would go for the chest.” Pei Ming encourages.”
Korra shrugs, “Go for it. The full experience.” Asami blushes as she finishes pouring.
“Oo! Don’t forget the lime!” Ava shouts.
“Are you ready?” Asami asks. Korra nods and puts the lime in her mouth.
Asami begins to slowly lick up her stomach. Korra gets chills. Asami adjusts her position and then licks a strip between her breasts. Korra’s breathing picks up. Whistles are heard from Ava & Pei Ming. She finishes it off by biting part of the lime from her mouth- without kissing her.
Asami smiles at her . Korra mutters a “holy shit” as she regains her breathing.
They begin another round. More questions and dares are fulfilled. We find out Mafuyu has a fantasy of being tied up in bed, which makes Uenoyama almost combust.
Rooney demonstrates she can fit a quarter of a banana in her mouth without gagging. Xie Lian congratulates her and offhandedly mentions he learned how to swallow swords.
Hua Cheng almost spits out his drink as Pei Ming smirks knowingly.
Then Beatrice is dared to thoroughly apply sunscreen to Ava. It is specified not to forget her back, thighs or chest. She tries to do it in a formal way , which makes Ava laugh. “You can be a little less clinical Bea.” She teases.
Some other dares include Xie Lian giving Georgia a piggy back ride; Hua Cheng and Asami awkwardly having to look into each other's eyes and cup each other’s faces for an entire minute.
Pei Ming happily proves his strength by scooping Rooney into a bridal carry for 30 seconds.
Mako gives Korra a shoulder massage.
They are all blushing by the end of the second round. Then they are told to split up and report to the cabanas.
“The next exercise is a body confidence building activity. In 5 minutes everyone should come back out in only their swimsuit bottoms. Please separate by gender.” The robotic host chimes.
“You are asking the girls to go topless on live television?” Rooney asks.
“We will have a dividing barrier that blocks your nudity from the camera. There is also a divider between each side. You may wear a top until you can see the setup yourselves.”
They go to the cabanas and see the blockers are set up in front of where they are standing. They can still see each other from the sides. A few of them test it out in their swimsuits.
“Alright. On the count of three take off your tops. The task is to compliment your fellow contestants. Please be respectful of others' bodies and don’t be too crude. This exercise is about being vulnerable and encouraging confidence. ”
They take off their tops. They display various levels of comfort. Georgia tries to cover up with her arms, Rooney tries to cover her chest with her hair. Korra blushes. Beatrice quickly looks to her side, does the sign of the cross and then drops her arms.
Rooney goes first, “Wow. Um everyone is looking properly fit” she smiles.
“Yeah! You all are muscular and strong. Korra obviously lifts but Bea and Asami have rockin abs.”
“That is so true, but I didn’t only mean strength. It is a British way of saying , "hot or good looking.”
Ava laughs, “Oh! Well that too!”
Asami adjusts her hair and something catches in the sun. Korra’s eyes widen and she blurts, “are those nipple piercings?!?” Then puts her hand over her mouth.
Asami blushes, “Oh! Yes.”
Korra looks at her own feet, “I am so sorry! That was inappropriate, I was not trying to be sleazy,”
“Respectfully, you could be a model.” Rooney saves Korra. Everyone nods their heads. “Also, Georgia, my girl, I love all of your freckles.”
Asami looks over to Korra, “You have a really nice smile, it is fun with a hint of mischief.” Korra giggles, “Oh thanks! Um, respectfully, you are really gorgeous.”
Asami turns away and blushes. Ava then looks at Beatrice, “I like your expressions. You may seem very serious at times but I like when you smile or joke too. We can begin to see more of your personality.”
Beatrice is silent for a second. “Thank you. I like your eyes and hair color. Both can look lighter or darker depending on the light.”
Ava blushes and rubs her own shoulders, “Oh my god! That gave me chills! You are so smooth without even trying.”
Georgia shyly pips up , “Uh Korra, you have nice arms , like you could give a good hug,”
All the ladies agree, “Asami has great hair and smile, Rooney always looks gorgeous, I like Beatrice’s softer face structure, and how you are very determined but nice. Ava has a very open and welcoming personality.”
“Georgia! You are so sweet!” Rooney hugs the shorter girl. Georgia makes a face of horror “Rooney! Please get your boobs out of my face.”
“Oh , I forgot.” She blushes.
On the guys' side, things are more uncomfortable. They alternate between looking at each other and forward, not saying anything for a while.
Hua Cheng looks over to Xie Lian, “Gege, you are beautiful.” Xie Lian is startled, “Oh stop teasing San Lang!”
“I am not, you are so lean but strong, your hair is so luscious, your hands are so gentle—“
“Please! San Lang!” He stops him.
“Um, San Lang, you are also strong , you have lovely eyes—“ Hua Cheng turns away.
“Please, Gege enough, don’t humor me.”
“But—“ Xie Lian starts.
“Ugh, you also have some cool tattoos,” Mako tries to help , “The butterfly is pretty but in a tough way.” This makes Hua Cheng smile, “Thanks, I guess.”
Mafuyu then smiles at Uenoyama, “I like your arms, I can really tell you have been working out and your hands are so strong from playing guitar.”
Uenoyama grunts, “I like your face!— Wait. No, your cheeks—Ah shit! I mean they are cute and round— Oh my god-” He goes red, Mafuyu laughs as his boyfriend stumbles.
Pei Ming smiles knowingly, “Anyways.. Xie Lian, I am surprised by your muscles, I didn’t know you were athletic.”
“Thanks, I try to exercise when I can.” He rubs his arms.
Hua Cheng looks down and realizes Xie Lian has a scar on his stomach. Xie Lian sees him looking, Hua Cheng looks back up. Xie Lian rubs his hand over the area. “Oh, this. I saw a man trying to mug a woman. I tried to fight him off but he suddenly pulled a knife on me.”
Hua Cheng hangs his head, “I am sorry for staring. You did not have to explain. You are so brave for helping her.”
Uenoyama nods, “I am sure she appreciated it. I have a sister and hope I would be able to help if anything happened. I am sorry you got hurt.”
Xie Lian shrugs, “It was a while ago . Body in the abyss, heart in paradise”
The other men blink at him in shock. “That is an awesome saying.” Mako says.
“Can we use that in a song?” Mafuyu asks. Uenoyama nudges his shoulder, “not now,” he whispers.