#also xaden: *pls say carry pls say carry*

[violetriorsons]

no but the contrast between xaden spending 90% of the book refusing to coddle violet (to the point of him just being an asshole), and his sudden "i can't stand the thought of you being cold" is just so so meaningful to me

cause when you realize he's actually been dying to baby her out of love but actively held that back because he could see how much she hated it ("i know you don't like other people to see you vulnerable")

imagine the relief baby boy felt just being able to express that he didn't want to see her shivering from the cold for a couple of mins at formation, like it's truly been a STRUGGLE for him

[wingedshadowfan]

“I’m not going to baby you like Aetos does,” he says without turning around. “That’s only going to get you killed once we get out of Basgiath.” “He doesn’t baby me.” “He does and you know it. You hate it, too, if the vibe I’m picking up on is any indication.”

yes!! i think the whole thing with him being a heartless asshole is a huge misunderstanding/misconception - he cares, very much so. and it's not just that he knows she hates being coddled, he's also adopted this sort of calloused, no-nonsense attitude because he's seen horrors™ and while he cares so much about violet (and the marked ones too), he's scared she'll remain weak and die if coddled (and he'd be correct, that's partially why he's always so pissed at dain)

“Aetos,” Xaden calls out from across the mat. Dain’s head snaps up and his jaw locks. “She could use a little less protection and a little more instruction.” Xaden stares Dain down until he nods.

the solution is "tough love" - he chooses practicality over "niceties" every time because niceties don't save lives

“If they need a fucking pep talk, then we both know they’re not flying out of the quadrant on graduation day. Let’s get real. I can hold their hands and make them a bunch of bullshit empty promises about everyone making it through if that helps them sleep, but in my experience, the truth is far more valuable.” He turns his head, and I can only assume he’s looking at the panicked first-year. “In war, people die. It’s not glorious like the bards sing about, either. It’s snapped necks and two-hundred-foot falls. There’s nothing romantic about scorched earth or the scent of sulfur. This”—he gestures back toward the citadel—“isn’t some fable where everyone makes it out alive. It’s hard, cold, uncaring reality. Not everyone here is going to make it home…to whatever’s left of our homes. And make no mistake, we are at war every time we step foot in the quadrant.” He leans forward slightly. “So if you won’t get your shit together and fight to live, then no. You’re not going to make it.”

Only crickets dare to break the silence. “Now, someone give me a problem I can actually solve,” Xaden orders.

he wants violet to be strong, skilled, armed, not because he has a thing for knives, but because that means she'll be safe

“Nope. Defenseless women have never been my type. We’re done for today.”

so when he actually allows himself to "baby" her not only is he letting that constant on-edge part of himself finally take a breather, but i think it's precisely because he considers her capable and powerful enough even without him that he allows himself to be sweet to her sometimes?? she's brilliant, violent, stronger, and a lightning wielder now

no but the contrast between xaden spending 90% of the book refusing to coddle violet (to the point of him just being an asshole), and his sudden "i can't stand the thought of you being cold" is just so so meaningful to me

cause when you realize he's actually been dying to baby her out of love but actively held that back because he could see how much she hated it ("i know you don't like other people to see you vulnerable")

imagine the relief baby boy felt just being able to express that he didn't want to see her shivering from the cold for a couple of mins at formation, like it's truly been a STRUGGLE for him