Now Illustrated: "Down from the Red Hills"

[opalmatrix]

So after lots of back-and-forthing by me about what exactly I wanted, danny_sama was finally able to finish three lovely color illustrations for my four-part 2008 NC-17 Saiyuki epic, Down from the Red Hills, and I have finally inserted them into the story.

The first section is the only one that doesn't have an illustration - parts 2, 3, and 4 each have one near the end. Here are direct links in case you're interested but don't have time to re-read 33,000+ words at the moment.

Illustration for part 2 [rating PG-13-ish ... implied nudity, guys cuddling]: Then [Hakkai] raised their joined hands up to where they could both see them. Vines spilled off his wrist and spiraled around the handclasp. "You really don't mind this."

It was a statement, but Gojyo could hear the question in it. "Nope. I don't. It's ... they're OK. I mean, they're part of you, you know?" He moved his hand to his mouth, bringing Hakkai's along with it, and kissed the twined tendrils.

Illustration for part 3: [rating NC-17 - definitely not work-safe - m/m sex from some distance] At first, when [Hakkai] called Gojyo's name, Gojyo thought it was just more sexy sound effects, but then something about the tone made him look up. And up, to where Hakkai was looking.

Illustration for part 4: [rating G - clothed guys hugging affectionately] Hakkai stopped playing with Gojyo's hair and wrapped his arms around his friend's shoulders, resting his cheek on top of Gojyo's head.

Comments

[smillaraaq.livejournal.com]

Waaaaaah! But if you've had this plotbunny for ages and you drop it because I got a random idea a week ago, then I'll be the one feeling guilty! Would it help if I mention it's just the immediate aftermath -- hours, not days? And not really smutty? So clearly we're already going in different directions, right? Right? :(

[opalmatrix.livejournal.com]

(Sorry for the mess here ... I answered on the wrong account!)

Waaah, we are such a pair! Watch the INFPs have a disagreement! They both run and hide and then burst into tears because they both feel guilty as hell!!!)

Ooof, I guess so, Yeah. Huh. Depending on exactly where I pick mine up, yours could even be the action that happens before mine. Because I'd pictured mine starting with both our patients momentarily stable, in bed, and Gojyo is watching over them and thinking about bedding down on the floor between them when there's a knock on the door.

[smillaraaq.livejournal.com]

Whoops, I didn't even notice! XD And yes, we're predictably pathetic, as usual.

And yes, it sounds like you're thinking of something taking place later on in the missing continuity than my tiny little scene. We should pick this up in chat or email or a locked post so as not to spoil two separate plotbunnies and detract from the art squee, of course. But red_squared is right, there really is precious little fic set in that period, so that's all the more reason to encourage alternate takes, IMO...