#Healing pain with tears

[wowstrawberrycow]

Another Gigolas Drabble

Hello again! This one took me a while and wow is it a doozie. Thank you for the highly emotional prompt recommendation @viiluen! I feel like this piece challenged me in the best ways. I honestly appreciate that so much.

The Day We Saw Each Other

Pairing: GimliXLegolas-Gigolas

Warnings: heavy emotional pain, angst, healing depression with tears, and heavy comfort (I promise it ends decently)

Length: 2,513 words

This is the music I used to pull the writing out of me. I take no credit for the music, only the writing.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JUPoUnqDArk&pp=ygUcZW1vdGlvbmFsIG11c2ljIGluc3RydW1lbnRhbA%3D%3D

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=u5Rz06tMw5g&pp=ygUOIGZlYXIgYW1iaWFuY2U%3D

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=74QT6_P4ZQY

❤️‍🩹Please remember crying can help heal you too. You’re brave for it.❤️‍🩹 - me

Most beings could not fairly describe striking beauty such as the trees within the golden wood. The rejuvenating majesty within the air was undeniable. However, stifling aversion hung within the bodies and minds of all who crossed paths with the roots of trees. Unadulterated was the might of the wooden veins, for they themself held more than wisdom within. The eldritch mingle of refinement and consternation was even more alarming given the words Legolas had remembered about these trees despite their simultaneous welcoming energy.

“For all who dwell and all who visit the wood, Those whose hearts are adorned in icicles, Those whose fortress pinned with false shelter, For joys deceptive, All shall break upon the roots born here, So only the truth may remain.”

Truth? What truth would be torn from their being? What uncanny powers lay hidden in these wooden vessels? A shiver sprinted up their spine. This especially was so after the meeting with the lady of the wood, Galadriel. Being peeled like fruit, even silently, had their mind swirling into a flux of questions. Nevertheless, as the lady of the wood bore eyes undoing them, the stone coldness of their state that legolas kept remained unchanged. It was only after they had witnessed the dwarf's unwavering chivalry, that their mind shifted. 

How gracious the stout fellow was. How humble his soul was. How honorable this man was... The elf felt their cheeks burn brightly before they could no longer handle themself in the eyes of company.  The man's eloquent use of speech was also something they hardly expected from the man's kind.  Maybe there was more to Gimli than they expected. The dwarf certainly did prove himself to be quite the gentleman in the company of the lady. Could this be the truth Gimli hid?

They had always been perplexed by the dwarven race ever since they heard Thranduil speak of them. Their curiosity only grew ever since having dealings with them over the misty mountains. Dwarven kind never struck Legolas as particularly foul, despite actively having to shun the limited-statured fellows for public blending purposes. Their sister had utterly shaken them, as she had eyes for a dwarf herself. They couldn't comprehend it at first. But now,  perhaps maybe after a while of observation, they could finally see. Father was wrong. Legolas had learned that the man was wrong about many things. 

 Rifts strained harder at the seams of their mind. They caught themself thinking back to the gathering in Galadriel's court. The dwarfs' pulchritudinous words echoed ripping through their soul. Their cheeks still dashed with shades of red, while feeling butterflies cut through their stomach. It felt so sudden. What was that?  Perhaps it was the trees holding upon them. Mist filled their vision while they paced frantically attempting to grip at their rigid composure. Father’s freezing reminders crept back to their thoughts.

“Losing yourself is the first step to folly”

“Exposure leads to death. Remember that child.”

“No, little one. You must always remember that attachment too great, opens one to peril.”

They collapsed once feeling safely hidden while twisted in thought. The recent memories made in the woods captured them. Gimli's words to Galadriel chilled their core, yet broiled their heart. Legolas mournfully wished a man would speak to them in such a lovely way...

Shattering splashes of loneliness washed over them. They felt their mind reeling over their current crush downstairs who only had eyes for Lady Arwen.... Feeling glassy, they helplessly ground their teeth. The short-circuiting processes of age-old habits tore their heart further after regards to their friends fighting loved ones. They felt the divide before the group even set off from Rivendell. Friends and lovers, the mortals in the party they were. Then there was Legolas. They didn't have much at home, save for the trees, a sister who had her own path, and a parent who was more interested in alcohol, and hiding. They would gladly say they set upon this quest for the sake of their people. That is very true enough, but their personal life felt so desolate. Journeying far away from all the distractions of home made them realize just how alone they were. Physical jolts of pain seared their body in retaliation for the suppression.

Their voice finally cracked under whistling breaths. Legolas held their knees to their chest cuddling themself as they had no choice to give in. Their body simply could not handle the sharp pains attacking their muscles. Their breaking mind yearned for any gentle touch, while their eyes burned with eons of tears that were never shed. The natural soothing energy the elven land had radiated gave Legolas little comfort at the moment. As those same energies had forcefully rendered them to this state. 

Suddenly, there was a firm yet gentle touch to the elf's shoulder. "Oi laddie, what ails you so sad?" Gimli's voice rang clear and soft like dew on spring leaves.

For once caught off guard they sprang up with unparalleled terror in their eyes. Destroyed from salty streams and beaten red they were. They scooted backward fearfully as if they were a deer caught in a trap. How embarrassing it was to be in such a pitiful state. "nothing that you could remedy I'm sure... Please ... Leave me at peace with my solitude," they replied in a begging tone. Anguish pooled heavily in their eyes when they stood up to find a different, more secluded weeping place.

Gimli stared at the elf baffled by such a vulnerable display. He hardly thought it possible for elven folk to express such emotions. Through his experiences with such people, he assumed them to always seem cold or arrogant at the best of times. That is, outside of their blind merry-making. Legolas was the last he would ever expect to see weeping so fiercely even in solitude, as the royal was so quiet, awkward, and aloof constantly. Gimli finally stepped forward feeling a growing magnetism in his heart. Real kindness in these parts was never hidden among these roots, "Please, I insist.” 

“Stay back!”  legolas held the eyes of a cornered beast, growling as they whipped out a knife in their shaking hand. 

Gimli paid no mind to the royals' request. He easily disarmed the elf and grabbed them by the hand and pulled them to them closer.

"You won't leave even if I demanded you to do so, would you..." Legolas sniffled as unusual stating the obvious. Their seas of salt halted in the presence of company. Their once wavering voice went back to its void, calm, air. However, the numbness was easier to gather via the monotone of their pitch. Their abused, flushed skin that surrounded their eyes began to uncontrollably burn as suppression seeded their actions.

To this Gimli scowled. "No, I won't. There is no use hiding it either my lad. You gave yourself away with that display," unable to set the royal’s hand free he guided them through the wood. The elven vulnerability was a marvel. Gimli felt himself dwell on the raw smolder he saw curled up only moments ago. His own heart pounded relentlessly, unable to relinquish the exquisite pain of the elf's emotional state. As horrible as it was, his heart was entranced in the devastating beauty.

Legolas smiled hallowly at the gentle contact and followed the man. Though they couldn't say for sure why. Perhaps it was only the work of the forest making it feel easier to be among company? But Legolas shook off the feeling, allowing the present numbness to grow stronger at the man's words. "I can't muster anymore of it. It has passed. Just old memories and some newer. That's all. There's nothing anyone can do about things that lay in the past " the elf spoke solemnly but they also made no effort to break away from the dwarf's touch. 

"Ahhh, I see. Well, you are right about that. But clearly it is still painful. It's a shame you don't express yourself more. I like that side of you much better than this mask you put on for show " Gimli looked up at the other to see their lips quiver in restraint.

Gimli’s sensitivities sent Legolas’ heart thumping again. Their cheeks blazed before taking a shallow breath. Their hand subtly trembled in the dwarfs. This blasted forest had a way of effortlessly pulling them to the brink of despair. " I don't know what you mean. I am as I always have been. I'm simply me." their voice revealed the timid fawn that buried itself deep inside their being.

"Oh? Is that so? Well, then perhaps it is my imagination that I sensed pain and saw you flip to a chilly face after your burning eyes were drenched," He emitted the warmest glow with every word while giving the elf a little nudge to the side. 

Legolas couldn't hide their shuddering body, "Fine. Then what would you have me do, I wonder?" they looked down at the man with disdain.

"Why not sing the pain away? You do it often enough. I may not know well the tongue in which you sing. But, I do say you sing beautifully nonetheless," Gimli chuckled deep and jolly. 

Legolas broke their stride whipping around with wide eyes. "You've heard?! When and how?! I coveted my solitude! I'm sure no one could hear my private voice!" The elf’s eyes flashed with embarrassment and inflamed irking. Their voice scorned heavily upon the man.

"Oh yes, one might think you were a maiden with that lovely voice." The dwarf jeered delighted to get a rise from the royal. Though jokingly said, he completely meant it. The elf did have a gorgeous singing voice despite their cold expression worn even in private places.

Legolas scoffed but said no more as their hand was firmly cradled. They found themself again unable to fight the dwarfs' lead. Something was soothing about Gimli's simple act. Physical contact was welcomed after lonely years of thirsting for any drop of affection. 

Gimli triumphed in this situation but said nothing. He simply sat in front of the water that he just noticed at his feet.

Following Gimli's lead Legolas planted themself nearby. They turned their head staring off into the distance leaning against a cool boulder beside them as if it were a person. They placed a hand upon its surface in need.

Gimli sighed gently, caressing the elf's arm, "Your heart is aching. In'et laddie? There is no sense hiding it any longer."

Legolas nodded, daring not to deceive their companion any further in such a pristine place. 

Gimli squeezed Legolas' hand. He couldn't offer many words so he sat with the elf respecting their silence. 

Legolas tucked their blonde locks behind a pointed ear. Looking gratefully at Gimli, their words stumbled out, "I'm going to dub thee elf friend… I-I think," their cheeks tinted themselves pink, right before beginning a melody of sorrows under their breath. No tears were able to form as they still had an audience. Albeit, just one, it was still an audience all the same.

Gimli smiled half-heartedly as his friend finally took his advice. After some time the dwarf scooted closer testing the waters of his company.��

The trees seemed to rustle victorious while working their healing magic. No truth be hidden in Lothlorian so long as the lady dwelled there. Legolas certainly was receptive to the elven magic. They were now feverish from numbness. Their physically ill expression turned to one of almost childlike fear. They quivered feeling intensely distorted as their fever set in their bones. 

Gimli immediately took notice pulling the elf into a comforting embrace, "oi... There's no need to suffer alone. Speak your mind. You've held it quite long enough." With a large hand, he petted Legolas' hair. His eyes widened at the softness of the golden locks. The royal looked delicate as if they were a wilting flower in the snow. His heart skipped while it also crumbled to dust.

Legolas peered up from the man's lap feeling a wave of comfort wash over them. As if hypnotized, the elf's bottled emotions were broken free once more. Tears abruptly poured from their eyes as if salt had been dumped into a wound, "I-I-I... have... n-no-one," their voice broke out into shuttering cracks. 

What was left of Gimli's bleeding heart sank. Even he was not impervious to the centuries of suffering that flooded from the taller form before him. Such sensitivity was a myth until this moment. Witnessing such fragility, urged the dwarf to gently grasp the elf pulling them to his chest. He hardly had a chance to realize he had followed through with his heart's request.

Legolas nuzzled instinctively into the man. Tears assaulted the fabric of Gimli's tunic. The closeness was far more soothing than they could ever explain. Pain escaped, leaving them lighter as their fever finally began to die. 

Gimli rocked them gently, he too began to tear up. With his large hands, he caressed legolas’ trembling shoulders. Hearing the elf’s whimpers only brew up further, allowed him to finally speak, "You have your friends in this fellowship laddie. We work together. You are as much a part of that bond as I or anyone else is." his own voice cracked but there was no falter in him.

"You aren't wrong I suppose." Legolas nodded lifting from their spot only to be pulled back with a gasp.

"No, I can still feel the pain. I'm not so proud that I cannot be a friend in your time of need, " Gimli gave the other a dominant yet gentle expression.

The elf's breath was taken away. Their own heart skipped beats, causing them to breathe shallowly before giving in to the dwarf's command. Such action allowed for a sweet grin to draw upon their face. They could feel the tears finally stopping. They could feel themself now drifting into elven meditative rest. With eyes still open, the exhaustion of the moment had finally taken its toll.

Gimli on the other hand, was still caught in the awestruck radiance that Legolas was. The elven figure was not merely a stoic, pretty face. It was sometimes easy to forget that raw emotions lay behind all faces, even elven ones. Today was quite something... The lady and now Legolas had opened his eyes to much. 

He'd need to be more vigilant with the elf from now on. He often saw Legolas sitting alone pondering. Now he knew sadness was the royal's inner company. How awkward Legolas might feel among expressive mortals? loneliness could drive one to madness. That was something he'd rather not see someone so fair experience. This was especially so, now that he could see the need for love and acceptance in Legolas' heart. Gimli rose carrying the elven flower and with the utmost care. Despite his stout stature he handled the larger body well, "Rest lighter my friend," He tucked the elf into a bed provided for them before going to his own.

[sysig]

Just keep getting back up (Patreon)

[rozecrest]

the readers group guide at the end of the wicked years finishing with this question is so . can you lay the hell off her

[xbratouttahellx]

Welp. My husband’s service dog has torn her CCL and now needs a $6,000 surgery. So that’s fun.

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[laxmiree]

[CN] MLQC's Lucien Binding Knot Date English Translation

⚠️ SPOILER ALERT!! ⚠️

This post contains a detailed spoiler for a date that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation~

She told me that a person's life is too short. In the blink of an eye, it's five years, and then another blink, it's ten years.

That's how she and her husband lived their lives, bickering and muddling through, and they ended up spending their whole lifetime together.

Looking back, the bumps in the road and trivial matters along the way don't hold much significance compared to being able to harmoniously live together for a lifetime.

Translation under the cut~

[Notes from Lux: Here's the CN video link if anyone want to follow along his Voice Acting. VERY recommended to re-read S1 chapter 9 and his Chinese Wedding SP Bound By Love/A Love Not in Vain because this date specifically references these two stories. AND perhaps Sacred Mountain Date regarding his belief in God(s)]

-

[Part 1]

Lucien: Today is Saturday. Didn't we agree not to work?

Lucien places a bowl of freshly washed blueberries on the coffee table and casually feeds me a few. I sit on the sofa, engrossed in the documents on my laptop.

MC: Kiki has sorted the photography registration form; I need to quickly finish reviewing it so that I can contact them earlier.

Recently, our company launched a charity project called "Taking Family Portraits for One Hundred Elderly People." After the announcement was made, we received dozens of registration forms in just two days.

MC: By the way, Lucien, if any professors from Loveland University are interested in this project, you can invite them as well.

MC: We've rented the best photography studio, and the photographers are top-notch, so you can rest assured about the photo quality.

Lucien: With so many people applying, I think we should try to avoid giving slots to people we know, right?

MC: Don't worry. Even though we're promoting it as a hundred people externally, we've discussed it internally and will try to accommodate as many as possible.

MC: We're willing to help strangers, let alone the people we know.

Lucien: In that case... I do have an idea.

Lucien points to the peace knot hanging on my wall- a knot that Grandma Wen taught me to weave, and it still hangs on one side of Lucien's bookshelf.

MC: Are you talking about Grandma Wen?

Grandma Wen is an elderly person who lives alone. Lucien and I have a close relationship with her. We've learned how to weave knots from her and even borrowed wedding attire. So, we visit her whenever we have free time.

She is also very hospitable to us, always arranging snacks for us to enjoy. She also advises us young people not to focus only on work but to remember to take care of ourselves.

MC: Actually, I did consider inviting her at first, but Grandma Wen's husband has already passed away, and having her take a family portrait alone might be a bit…

Lucien: Are you worried that it might make her uncomfortable?

Seeing me nod, Lucien leans back on the sofa, tilts his head, and smiles slightly.

Lucien: [chuckles] I think she won't mind at all.

Lucien: How about we ask her? One never knows.

After a lengthy discussion, we decided to call Grandma Wen. I carefully choose my words and extend the invitation, but Grandma Wen laughs heartily and readily accepts.

We finalize the shooting schedule. Lucien and I will pick her up together when the time comes.

However, Grandma Wen suggests she'd like to bring her cat, Baby, along for the photoshoot.

-

[Part 2]

On the agreed-upon morning, we arrive punctually at Grandma Wen's doorstep. While Lucien parks the car, I take the initiative to go and knock on the door.

The black-and-white spotted little cat lies under the eaves, rolling around playfully and occasionally pawing at something in the air, looking quite content.

MC: Baby~ Come here kitty for a hug~

But the little kitty pays no attention to me, completely engrossed in rolling on the ground. It rolls several times and ends up a meter away from me.

Lucien: (gently calls the kitty) Baby, come here.

Just as Lucien approaches, Baby suddenly gets up, takes two steps, and runs to Lucien's feet. It raises its paw and paw at the cuff of Lucien's pants, meowing incessantly.

MC: That's quite a contrast in treatment!

MC: Although I've played with it plenty of times before, it still prefers you. That's unfair!

Lucien lowers his gaze and sighs at the cat.

Lucien: [chuckles] You see, I didn't do anything, but she's angry just because you like me more.

Lucien: If you could talk, I'm sure you'd also think this is even more unfair to me, right?

Lucien crouches down and strokes the cat's head, using his fingers to rub its cheek gently.

Lucien: Please remember to be a little more coquettish with her later. Otherwise, I'll be in a tough spot.

MC: ...Hmph, you're not in a tough spot at all!

Lucien can't resist laughing and takes out a sealed bag of cat treats from his pocket, feeding them to Baby.

Lucien: Baby is actually relatively easy to please. Just give it some treats a few more times, and it will be circling around you.

Grandma Wen: MC, you're here…

I turn around and see that Grandma Wen is already standing at the door.

MC: Grandma! You look so beautiful today!

Grandma Wen is wearing a short jacket with a standing collar and a diagonal button today. It's evident at a glance that the craftsmanship is exquisite.

The satin fabric is smooth and lustrous, while the embroidery is lifelike with intricate stitching.

Grandma Wen sheepishly waves her hand.

Grandma Wen: These are old clothes I haven't worn in seven or eight years. It's rare that I've taken them out.

MC: Old clothes? I can't tell. They look just like new…

MC: Is the embroidery on the hem here the Lotus Pond? Each lotus is transitioned with several colors... It's really beautiful!

MC: Did you embroider this yourself, Grandma?

Grandma Wen touches the hem, smoothing the embroidered threads of the lotus leaves.

Grandma Wen: My husband made this for me when he was still alive.

Grandma Wen: From pattern drafting to embroidery, he did every step himself, insisting that his craftsmanship was better than mine.

Grandma Wen: These embroideries used to be even more beautiful, but unfortunately, the thread colors have faded over time.

MC: I can't tell that the thread colors have faded. I think it looks incredibly beautiful.

MC: Your complexion looks great today. When it's time for the photo shoot, we'll have a hairstylist do your hair. We must create a hairstyle that compliments this dress perfectly.

Lucien walks over carrying a cat carrier and lets Grandma Wen check Baby's condition.

Lucien: I used some cat treats to coax it into the carrier, and it didn't make any fuss and was very well-behaved.

Grandma Wen: Baby~ Baby, today we're going out for a photoshoot. After we get in the car, you must be good and not cause any trouble for your brothers and sisters, okay?

Grandma Wen claps her hands toward the cat inside the carrier, and Baby starts to scratch the carrier, about to meow. But Lucien offers a cat treat, and it immediately quiets down.

I give Lucien a thumbs up - only he can do it.

Lucien: How about you sit in the back with Grandma Wen later? If Baby wants to come out, you can feed it some cat treats.

MC: Mm, no problem~

Grandma Wen: Is it time to leave? Let me grab a few things.

Grandma Wen goes back inside and returns with a Chángshān covered in a dustproof cover. I have a vague idea of who the owner of this robe might be.

Grandma Wen: I made this Chángshān for my husband when I was young. It was his favorite outfit. I'll bring it along for the photoshoot. So, it's as if he's also accompanying me.

Lucien takes a half step forward, probably thinking that the gown in the bag is not light and wanting to help Grandma Wen get it into the car. However, when he catches my gaze, he takes a step back.

Lucien: Let's get in the car, Grandma.

Lucien opens both car doors, assists Grandma Wen into the car, helps her fasten the seatbelt, and then checks that the cat carrier on my lap is secure before closing the car doors.

-

[Part 3]

After arriving at the photography studio, the makeup artist has to apply makeup and do the hair for Grandma Wen.

I'm worried that Grandma Wen might hesitate to communicate her needs with the makeup artist, so I am constantly accompanying her, talking to her, and helping her with her makeup.

Lucien is responsible for taking care of Baby, who starts running around as soon as they enter the photography studio.

Grandma Wen: When we first found Baby in the wild, it was only as big as the palm of a human hand. I made a nest for it with a towel, and it slept under the dining table.

Grandma Wen: In the blink of an eye, it has grown so big.

Grandma Wen: When it was little, it wasn't this mischievous. It used to lie in the corner every day obediently and didn't let anyone approach. As soon as someone got close, it would run away.

Grandma Wen: Now, it plays with birds, teases dogs, and does all sorts of daring things. There's nothing it's afraid to do.

Grandma Wen gently squeezes my hand and says.

Grandma Wen: You should go outside and take a look. It's not easy for Professor Lucien to keep an eye on Baby all by himself. There are machines everywhere here. Don't let that smelly cat cause any trouble for you.

I nod and walk out of the makeup room.

In the living room of the photography studio, there is a bright lounge area. Lucien is holding a cat teaser toy, playing with Baby as it pounces back and forth on the sofa.

MC: You even brought a cat teaser wand?

Lucien: Not just that, I also have a cat jingle bell ball and a laser pointer in the trunk.

Lucien: I consulted my colleagues who have pets, and they said that if you want your pets to behave well for photos, you need to let them play for a good hour beforehand.

Lucien: Once they get tired from playing, they can cooperate more.

I walk over and sit down on the sofa, gently petting Baby's head. It doesn't resist and tilts its head up, allowing me to scratch its chin.

Lucien finds a moment to rest and casually picks up a book from the bookshelf, leaning back on the sofa.

MC: (smiles) It seems like this method is working. It's already behaving quite well now.

Lucien: It's probably just temporarily tired from playing. After a short rest, it will be jumping around again.

Lucien: After all, it's the most mischievous kitten I've ever seen.

Lucien gently taps the top of the Baby's head, and the kitten raises its front paw, quickly grabbing his finger.

Lucien: It climbs trees, catches birds, and even fights with stray cats... When it's full of energy, there's no stopping it.

I recall not too long ago when Baby went missing again. When we found it, it was in the middle of a fight with a stray cat outside, and its face was scratched up.

We were afraid that Grandma Wen would worry if she saw its condition, so we didn't return it directly. Instead, we told her that we were taking it to the hospital for a check-up and would bring it back once it recovered.

MC: (smiles softly) Do you remember what you said the last time we took Baby to the hospital?

Lucien: Hm?

MC: You said that despite its many escapades, Grandma Wen never considered keeping it indoors and always let it go out to play.

Lucien: I remember, if it were up to me, I wouldn't let this little cat run wild everywhere.

I pick up the cat teaser toy and start playing with the little cat, swinging it on and off.

MC: As soon as we mentioned taking a family photo, Grandma Wen immediately thought of bringing the cat along.

MC: It's clear that in Grandma Wen's heart, it's her most important family member.

MC: That's how it is among family members. No matter how worried or concerned we are, we still want the other person to be happy and do what they want to do.

Lucien: ….Our Great Producer has something to say and found a good way to start the conversation.

Noticing that I had a hidden agenda, Lucien had already guessed what it was.

Lucien: Grandma Wen already told you, didn't she?

MC: Right before the makeup session, Grandma Wen pulled me aside in a corner to talk.

MC: She said that you've been to the Matchmaker's Temple alone several times before and also visited her along the way.

I sigh meaningfully.

MC: Professor Lucien, have you encountered a problem that materialism* can't solve?

-

[T/N: Materialism in this context is more of a philosophical belief that only physical matter exists and that everything can be explained through the physical world and natural laws.]

-

Lucien leans back leisurely on the sofa, wearing only a light smile.

Baby rolls over under his palm, purring contentedly.

Lucien: Gods don't solve problems. I'm a researcher, and I still have to uphold certain principles.

Lucien: But when it comes to matters of the heart, it's just too complicated... variables abound, and there's no optimal solution.

Lucien: So, I often wonder if a certain little fool occasionally worries about me or gets angry for me. Is it because I haven't done well enough?

He lifts the corner of his eyebrows, seeming not to be troubled by this matter, just candidly sharing his feelings.

The unbridled sunlight streams through the curtains, illuminating the tenderness in his eyes with exceptional clarity.

Lucien: Questions without answers are better left to metaphysics.

Lucien: Even if the problem doesn't get solved, you can still find some comfort in it to some extent.

As Lucien speaks, he no longer plays with Baby. The cat feels neglected and keeps nudging Lucien's palm with its head.

I stroke its fluffy head and realize that it's been a very long time since the first time I saw this cat with Lucien in the wheat field.

Some things probably don't have answers in either science or metaphysics; the experiences of life are what will eventually reveal the truth.

MC: Lucien, do you know what Grandma Wen just said to me?

Lucien: Tell me.

MC: She told me that a person's life is too short. In the blink of an eye, it's five years, and then another blink, it's ten years.

MC: That's how she and her husband lived their lives, bickering and muddling through, and they ended up spending their whole lifetime together.

MC: Looking back, the bumps in the road and trivial matters along the way don't hold much significance compared to being able to harmoniously live together for a lifetime.

Lucien straightens up, seeing that there's no one around, and then suddenly leans down to place a kiss on my forehead.

The warm sunshine reflects in his eyes as he looks at me. He smiles a little and casually picks up the kitty, holding it in his arms as if nothing happened.

Lucien: Grandma Wen is right.

-

[Part 4]

After the lighting technician adjusts the lighting, Lucien and I stand in the corner of the photography studio.

Grandma Wen sits on the mahogany bench, spreading her husband's Chángshān flat across her lap. The photographer holds Baby and places it on the Chángshān.

The naturally mischievous cat is being incredibly well-behaved at this moment. No matter how the photographer handles it, it's willing to cooperate and even knows how to look at the camera.

Photographer: Grandma, please reach out your hand and gently touch the cat's head—yes, that's right, just a natural touch will do.

Photographer: This cat is so well-behaved, cooperative and calm.

Grandma Wen: Good Baby, I'll make you some fish to eat when we get back tonight.

Photographer: Grandma, let's maintain this pose and take two more shots.

Lucien gazes at the scene before him, momentarily lost in thought.

Lucien: From the first time we entered her house, I noticed that there were no photos of her and her husband displayed in her home.

Lucien: Upon careful inquiry, I discovered that they had indeed never taken any photos together.

Lucien: ...Two people spending a lifetime together is something worth commemorating. They should have had a photo together.

After he says that, he turns his head slightly and whispers in my ear.

Lucien: Thanks to the producer's help, at least Grandma Wen has a family portrait now, regardless of the circumstances.

For a moment, I'm unsure of what to say.

He's truly humble for someone who has doubted his understanding of love.

—--------------------------------------------------------

After the shoot, Lucien and I accompanied Grandma Wen back the same way we came.

Grandma Wen: Stay for dinner. You two don't be so polite…

Grandma Wen: I feel bad that both of you have been busy all day. Having a meal together is no big deal, just a few extra pairs of chopsticks.

We don't want her to have to deal with cooking after a long day of photoshoots, so we politely decline.

Lucien: Grandma, it's still early. MC and I plan to visit the Matchmaker Temple, so we won't stay.

Lucien: You've had a long day today. Remember to rest well.

MC: Yes, Grandma. After the photos are developed, I'll bring them to you right away. We'll have the meal you promised then.

Grandma Wen didn't insist on keeping us any longer, but she promised that the next time we visit, we must stay for a meal. We quickly nodded in agreement.

—--------------------------------------------------------

On the way to the Matchmaker Temple, the sun gradually sets, casting a beautiful array of evening colors between the trees and stone steps. It's hard for anyone walking through this scenery not to feel relaxed.

MC: It's quite rare for this place to be this peaceful.

Lucien: Festivals have yet to happen recently, so there are very few tourists. The Matchmaker God can take a break too.

MC: With no incense burning at the Matchmaker Temple, does it mean that everyone hasn't been facing relationship difficulties? It seems like a good thing, doesn't it?

Lucien: (shushes and whispers) Shhh... with a troubling view like that, you might upset the Matchmaker God. Be careful not to displease him.

I can't help but laugh at his teasing, and I also find his words reasonable. I quickly pull Lucien to pay respects to the Matchmaker and offer incense.

I hope that the Matchmaker is understanding and doesn't take my words to heart.

After offering incense and making a donation, Lucien and I found a couple of chairs inside the temple and sat down. We plan to watch the sunset for a while and leave when the temple closes.

The faint scent of sandalwood here blends with the natural aroma of the forest, creating a tranquil and enduring atmosphere that instantly soothes the heart. I lean closer to Lucien and ask softly.

MC: Lucien, what wishes did you make when you came here alone before? Have any of them come true?

Lucien bends slightly, brushing away a cluster of dandelion seeds that accidentally caught onto his shirt cuff. He then leisurely curves his lips into a smile.

Lucien: I don't even remember the specific wishes I made anymore.

Lucien: They were probably just about small things, like planning to meet up but then having something come up at the research institute, causing me to break the appointment.

Lucien: Another example is when I promise to sleep well, but then accidentally stay up for a few nights and get caught by you.

Lucien: (laughs softly)....

Lucien: Now that I think about it, they were indeed all trivial matters, and you've always been very understanding.

Lucien lifts his gaze, meeting my eyes.

Lucien: Although we quickly forget these minor disagreements.

Lucien: But occasionally, I do pay attention to these little disagreements that fill our lives. After all, even the smallest things have their own meaning.

I can't help but let my lips curl up slowly, and Lucien lifts his chin, revealing a somewhat helpless expression.

Lucien: It's evident that the Great Producer is very pleased with my introspection.

MC: …..Pfft, not exactly 'very'.

MC: I'm just marveling at how Professor Lucien sets such astonishingly high standards for himself.

MC: It seems like I don't reflect on my actions much when I make you angry... But from today on, I'll try to change that.

Lucien: [chuckles] It's okay.

Lucien changes the topic, and a smile spreads in his eyes.

Lucien: Now that I think about it, these little bumps and trivial matters aren't really that important.

He takes a knot from his pocket and hands it to me. The way the knot is tied resembles the peace knot that Grandma Wen had taught me before, but the weaving method seems more intricate.

Lucien: This is a knot that Grandma Wen taught me to weave as a special thank you for us.

Lucien: She also said that the name of this knot is yí shì yíjiā (宜室宜家).

Lucien: Today, it seems like I have a clearer understanding of the meaning of this word.

-

[T/N: 宜室宜家 is a Chinese idiom that means "live harmoniously; make a harmonious and orderly home." It is often used as a congratulatory message on a wedding. The idiom comes from a line in the poem "Tao Yao" in the Book of Songs, which reads, "之子于归，宜其室家" (the son is returning home, where he should live harmoniously with his wife and make a harmonious and orderly home). And it fits with the date theme of living harmoniously together for a lifetime despite all the small bumps🥺.]

-

Suddenly, my heart feels soft, and I take a small step closer to Lucien's shoulder. I pick up my phone and open the front camera.

I put both of us in the frame.

The setting sun casts a gentle glow behind us, and the breeze is light, creating a tranquil and beautiful atmosphere.

MC: The sunset today looks beautiful. Let's take a photo together.

MC: 3, 2, 1–

My trailing voice fades away in the warm breath as Lucien lowers his head and kisses me.

----------------------------------------------------------

[Bonus Call - "Family Portrait"]

Lucien: Hello, it's me. I have some good news to tell you.

MC: What is it?

Lucien: Didn't you put Grandma Wen's family portrait photo on the company's public social media account?

MC: Um... Grandma Wen said it was okay, so I posted it. What's the matter?

Lucien: A professor from the university recognized Grandma Wen's clothes and said he had seen the person in the photo before, right at the West Moon Street intersection.

Lucien: This professor was a photography enthusiast when he was younger, and at the time, he noticed Grandma Wen's well-dressed appearance and couldn't resist taking a photo.

Lucien: Later on, he always wanted to give the photo to Grandma Wen, but he went to West Moon Street a few times and never encountered them again.

MC: "Them?"

Lucien: Mm, that's the good news I wanted to share. The photo the professor took is a picture of Grandma Wen and her husband.

MC: That's quite a coincidence!

Lucien: There's an even greater coincidence.

Lucien: I just got my hands on this photo, and in it, Grandma Wen is holding a tiny kitten the size of her palm.

MC: Is it Baby?

Lucien: Judging by its patterns, it seems so.

Lucien: Although the photo is quite old, I've contacted a professional photo restoration expert, and if all goes well, it should be restored within about a week.

MC: So, we can bring this photo to Grandma Wen next weekend?

Lucien: Exactly. They're real family portraits, and I hope it can truly make up for her regrets.

MC: ...It's really amazing, it feels like there's something guiding us in all of this.

Lucien: Who knows, maybe it really is.

Lucien: Let's go together to get the photo restored later. I know you're eager to see it as soon as possible.

MC: Um—I'll finish up what I'm doing, and then I'll come find you right away!

--------------------------------------------------------

[Lux's Short Rambles]

I didn't expect this date to be this good huhu. It's far better than last pet date where it feels like a plot that got way longer than it should 😂. It's also nice to see old NPCs getting mentioned again. The story of Grandma Wen with her husband is touching.

The theme of spending a lifetime together, despite how short life is, never fails got my heart clenched. And I love how this date highlights what a sensitive person Lucien is (in a good way, well, most of the time). He doesn't mind her getting angry at him because he knows that she does it because she cares about him. But he also genuinely fears that she might not be happy; so he goes to the Matchmaker's Temple alone and cares about these small conflicts, believing that they also have meaning :". But in the end, such trivial things and bumps on the road don't matter compared to being able to live their whole lives together, so rather than getting caught up in minor conflicts or trivial matters along the way it's better to priotize living together harmoniously for a lifetime.

He also noticed the smallest things, like how Grandma Wen and her husband never had their photo taken together since the very first time he and MC met Grandma Wen back in S1 Chapter 9. To quote MC, for someone who claimed he doesn't understand what love is, he's truly humble; perhaps back then, he already understands what love is in his heart by loving MC.

[in-tenebris-et-in-solitudine]

Eat Clean

[brown-little-robin]

.

[dazzle02]

Done with 911 for now. (Really depends what happens whether I'll go back to it, I think...)

For now, I'm going back to the show This Is Us. Where everything is well written, the characters make sense and sure I cry a lot, but I don't feel like I'm being used.

There's a few queer characters in the show, not like this, but still good.

Best written show I've ever actually watched.

Anyone else here watch This Is Us and wanna talk about it with me? And if you haven't watched it, I'll recommend it. Like I said, not loads of queer rep, but it's there and actually really well done. Just not really the main focus.

[taegularities]

i wish i had the words to explain what yoongi and his d-day did for my mental health this year. i really wish i had the power to somehow let him know that i related to every word he said in that album and everything he spoke about in his documentary, and that his wisdom and reassurances really pushed me forward like nothing else all these months. ugh i wish.

[mysticalpathways]

🐾 Help Khan, my Beloved Husky, Get the Dental Care He Desperately Needs! 🐾

Dear friends and animal lovers, I hope this message finds you well. My name is Faye, and I am reaching out to you today with a heavy heart and a plea for assistance. My loyal companion, Khan, a beautiful 7-year-old husky, is currently suffering from a severe abscessed tooth that is causing him excruciating pain. Khan’s toothache has left him unable to eat or sleep, and he constantly whimpers in…

[frompaintohealing]

The journey you chose to walk will lead you to the destination you want to be. Sometimes it is painful, sometimes it is joyful. Combination of many differences. In everything, I hope we find peace.

-One%Hope-

[idontliketomatoesleavemealone]

oh this song made me cry as a kid

[stardust-moth]

looking at some takes on characters or relationships or scenes in which things happen between them and just thinking,

How in the hell are people interpreting it this way??? But then i step back and realize that the story or character in question is fundamentally and extraordinarily different from the average person's life experience and I go,

ah,

you guys just... don't have a deep enough understanding of trauma responses...

[thewarmestyellow]

i am angered when the child in me is the one hurting because i have other persons in me, like me now, who would rather take the pain. i don't like feeling like a child who never grew because she's carrying weight heavier than her. i am done feeling like i have never moved.

[wordsoftheheartandsoul]

Forgive them. Even if they don't ask for your side. Even if they never apologize. Even if they never know the tears and pain you silently felt. Forgive them because you deserve peace of mind. Forgive them because you deserve the healing of your heart. Forgive them because you deserve freedom.

Morgan Richard Olivier - the strength that stays

[scootkiddo]

thinking about how Joel’s broken watch is now juxtaposed with his injured hand. how much like with the death of Sarah over time he barricaded himself and brushed the injury off just to mitigate the significance of the wound. how there’s this throughline of feeling intense and visible pain yet taking every measure to actively behave numb to it. how over the passage of time his hand will heal. just like how Ellie will heal him