#and yes cxs is kneeling like that

[saelterlude]

Asking for a confession, by your (not) dead partner.

mitsukou from tbhk really do be pushing me to draw angsty shiguang

[mykingdomforapen]

LC's Link Click fic shout-outs

I worry I'm going to come off as nagging but I do feel strongly about it. Link Click has some INCREDIBLE fic, written by people who put a lot of time and energy and effort into writing, but they don't always get a ton of reader interaction. I feel like I often find a fic I enjoy, scroll down to comment, and find I'm maybe one of 2 or 3 people to comment on it.

Link Click is technically not a small fandom--on the contrary, it's so incredibly active! But it seems that unless a fic was published in the s1 era or happens to get lucky, this is the norm. Which strikes me as sad, because the fandom is popping and active on other platforms.

So here are a handful of fics (by no means exhaustive) of fics that I've thoroughly enjoyed that I had scrolled down and went, They deserve so much love! (again, not exhaustive!)

liminal by Anonymous

Qiao Ling and Lu Guang talk. Much is left unsaid.

It's such a subtle fic, but so effective in showing Lu Guang's emotions, Qiao Ling's worry, and the nature of their relationship in conjunction to Cheng Xiaoshi. It's truly just so soft and nice.

stain by HeavenlyDusk

The only way for Cheng Xiaoshi to be dead is for Qiao Ling to have died first.

I just love a Qiao Ling confronts Lu Guang about Cheng Xiaoshi's death fic, and this one really captures big sister Qiao Ling and how much she cares about both of her boys. I love it!

resolve and reverberations by macrauchenia

Lu Guang rarely fumbles, rarely cracks, and rarely steps up to the sparring mat first. Nevertheless, on a random day in the middle of September, he does all three. Alternatively, Qiao Ling and Cheng Xiaoshi can't figure out why their best friend seems so *wrong* for no explicable reason.

A slice of life fic that adds such a delicious sprinkle of angst at Lu Guang's expense hehe. But it makes me feel so sad for Lu Guang, who just is so traumatized of losing Cheng Xiaoshi, and then it gives him a soft encouragement at the end. It's so sweet.

Instinct (Part One) by JordannaMorgan

Hired to solve a wealthy client’s personal mystery, Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang discover there are even darker powers in the world than they realized… and the damage left in the fallout will not be easily fixed for anyone.

Man, this fic is so CREATIVE. It is great at suspense, kept me on the edge of my seat from chapter to chapter, and the Cheng Xiaoshi angst is so delicious. And then the ENDING. gahhh, I cannot wait for Part Two and really hope that it will come!! I think about this fic so often

A Day Like Any Other by rane_ne

After three long years, for the very first time ever, Lu Guang finally gets to turn 20.

It's just ... gahhhh. Cheng Xiaoshi is my blorbo, yes, but Lu Guang being so relieved and emotional at the end because he's finally done it, and is turning another year older because he no longer has to dive back because his friend is alive??? GAHHHHH

Memoriam by JordannaMorgan

Even for those who have no powers, photographs are powerful things.

This is a lovely case fic that is so thoughtfully, emotionally, and tenderly told. I love the compassion that the story has for the characters, and it gives me the feelings that the Earthquake arc concluded with--finding joy and kindness even within the tragedy. I really love it.

sept, oct by Toothpaste_Fresh

The first time around, there are no rules, and Lu Guang and Cheng Xiaoshi must learn all of their lessons the hard way. The first time around, Cheng Xiaoshi is the seventh of Liu Min’s victims. The second time around, there will be no seventh victim.

Gosh, this fic is so goooood. I love the speculation of what the first time round was like, and GOSH it's just such a gut punch of dramatic irony, of both CXS and LG being bold and idealistic and naive, and then how it tragically leads to CXS' death. It's EXCELLENT.

Golden Hour by StuckIn_aTimeLoop

The salty breeze feels nice. Cheng Xiaoshi smiles as he kneels down in the sand, happy they managed to make it in time for golden hour. Cheng Xiaoshi holds up the camera to capture his shot.

I LOVE ME SOME PARALLEL SCENES THAT ARE CONNECTED AND INTERTWINED BY AN EMOTIONAL MOTIF!! The juxtaposition of two types of golden hours is done so well, and both are so full of energy of opposite kinds in such a well balanced way. I was so excited when I heard this fic was being written and I was so happy reading it.

the shine in your eyes reminded me of the moon by StuckIn_aTimeloop

Cheng Xiaoshi was barely a child when his parents died. The king took him in, raised him as his own. Now he's older, it is time for him to choose his own knight.

Prince Cheng Xiaoshi and Knight Lu Guang. Need I say more??? It's so indulgent and I love it.

[anulithots]

hello this was the ask i promised you when i sent in that reblog uh

FINISHED SEASON ONE (EPISODE TEN AND ELEVEN) SO NORMAL. SOSOSOSOSOOOO NORMAL.

OH MY GOD. OH MY GODSHFKDSJF. IS LU GUANG DEAD??? IS HE DIENE??? IS HE AN UNSATURATED HYDROCARBON WITH TWO DOUBLE BONDS BETWEEN CARBON ATOMS???? (dying i don't even like organic chem why am i making the stupidest dead-diene puns in existence) THAT WAS SO WILD. DID NOT SEE THIS HAPPENING IN A MILLION YEARS

CXS was so badass in these two episodes. that really took what we all thought of him in the first few episodes (shitty impulse control, can't see past the end of his nose) and flipped it on its head. god that was so cool. oh my god.

CXS's little speech!!!! it's so lovely!!!! oh my goodness!!!!!!! i did not know that there was a poet in him but we need more

already said this in the reblogs but qiao ling #1 shiguang shipper. and we love her for it. except for accidentally killing (?????? status of beinghood unsure ??????) lu guang ofc but it's not her fault we still love her

the fact about lu guang being weirdly mature for a kid — is that just some unexplored trauma or is he part primordial deity or something

this actually has nothing to do with episode ten or eleven but in episode five (?) where CXS just punched lu guang in the face. and he just took it with no resistance, then kneeled down and held him as he cried. heartbreaking. i realised i didn't say anything about that in my earlier fevered commentaries so i will now skfjdksjfkdjfkjf

KSFJKSJFKSJFKJFJKSDFJ

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME

OGANIC CHEM REFERNCE THAT I WISH I GOT BUT I KINDA DO FROM AP BIOLOGY AND I NEED TO HYPERFIXATE ON BIOLOGY AGAIN LDKJFKLDJSFKSDFJKSDLF j (love science references when raving about shows it's my favorite thing)

ALSO YES OF COURSE LINK CLICK HAS TO FLIP EVERYTHING ON IT"S HEAD IN THE LAST MINUTE AND RUIN THE HAPPY ENDING /pos but also KJSDFLKLDSKFJDSLKFJ:DLSKFJLKSDFJ

CXS IS AMAZING ESPECIALLY IN THE LAST TWO EPS KDJFLKSDFJ

Like yesss his observance and ability to predict behavior and use that to his advantage akjfaksfjaksldfjaksldf.

My headcannon is that this is what happens when he gets time to process his emotions and trusts himself a little more (like after his 'alone dive' he tries to take his time more, but of course... emotions... they be hard and overwhelming and he's so adhd core holy herbs)

(Also when he has time to process his emtions he's always so serious, the poor bean.)

YES POET CXS

(I screenshotted the whole thing.)

(and it was at this point that I exploded/pos)

BUT ALSO THE SPEACH AND HOW IT WAS NOT ONLY PERFECT TO COMFORT EMMA, BUT ALSO REFELCTED HIS GROWTH AS A CHARACTER... which would require a whole essay to explain... I have it written tbh but I would need to transcribe it... EVENTUALLY I WILL BUT THE WAY CXS CRAVES A PERFECT PAST (meanwhile Lu Guang craves a perfect future) AND LEARNED ABOUT ASPECTS OF HIMSELF THROUGHT THE PARRALLELS OF THE OTHERS LKJDFLKJDSFKJDSKFJDSK I CNA"T THIS SHOW IS TOO GOOD.

(Mild spoiler for Qiao LIng but it's not her fault so that's all good! She's still peak character of all time)

about your 5th point... season two will both shed light on that and make you scream soooooo (it's all foreshadowing and it's crazyyyy)

THAT MOMENT IN EPISODE FIVE YESSS

It's so perfect and heartbreaking and perfect and heartbreaking and KJSDLFKJDSLKFJDKLSFDKSF SKDF aaaaaa

CXS completely breaks down and Lu Guang tries to be comforting in his typical 'fool don't change the past, but it's okay because we'll change the future and.....' AND WAIT A MINUTE past and future for both of them and what they find comfort in alkjflaksdjfklaj AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA (my analyzig brain is having so much fun with link click kalsdfjkasldfj;askdfl)

THANK YOU FOR SCREAMING WITH ME ABOUT LINK CLICK!!!!

[reflect-re]

Popsicles

It’s a hot day. CXS is dying and QL has come back from the store with some popsicles in hand

Rating: Gen

Fandom: Link Clink

342 words

“Hey, Cheng Xiaoshi,” Qiao Ling calls out. Said man was currently dying on the couch, a small fan in hand lethargically waving air to his face. He doesn’t look her way or even twitch as beads of sweat drip down his face.

“Hey,” he greets back lazily as more of an acknowledgement that he heard her than anything.

She steps into the room, a bag in her hands. “Ugh, how can you even stand being in here with no AC?” Qiao Ling plops onto the other side of the couch and pulls out a popsicle. She tears into it with no hesitation before sticking it into her mouth, relishing its sweet coldness.

“I have a fan.”

“Ah yes, a very effective fan. I can almost see the icy wind it creates with each wave.”

“Shuddup. Where’s my share?”

“Hmph, I’m the one who went out in 34 degree weather. What makes you so deserving of some popsicle?”

“Please Qiao Ling…”

Ignoring him, she proceeds to gush about how nice her popsicle was. “Ah, so cold and refreshing!” She exclaims, really lathering in her enjoyment. “It’s so sweet and good to have a cold treat in this heat.”

At this point Cheng Xiaoshi has abandoned his fan and seat to kneel at her feet. Mustering up his best puppy dog eyes, he looks up, pleading. “Qiao Ling… Please be kind and give this poor man some popsicle,” he whines.

Qiao Ling almost laughs, but she holds up her cool facade and peers away. “Hmm… What will you do for it then?”

“Anything!”

“Anything?” She smiles. “Then my portion of the chores for a whole month!”

“On second thought, maybe I’ll just deal with-”

“Two weeks!”

Cheng Xiaoshi starts to stand.

“One week! You do one week of my chores,” Qiao Ling cries out, trying not to waste the opportunity. She quickly tosses the bag towards Cheng Xiaoshi who catches it with ease.

Her affirmation came in the form of an eager nod as her friend tears into the popsicle like a starved man.

[yumikoflare]

1, 2, and 100 for ur ocs ask meme! Cx

!!! thank you nash! this is gonna get long so it’ll be under the cutocs used: kaede otani, alfie, kailani nerine

1. “Come over here and make me.”warning : nsfw implied !!! i usually don’t write anything near nsfw so this is honestly the closest i’ll get ahaha

Kailani took one step out of the closet, flaunting her poorly chosen garments with a flourish. “How do I look?” she asked her lover, twirling as though a superstar. She was clothed in a neon green dress which fell to her ankles. The top half was bedazzled in glittering silver sequins and gems. Her lengthy, pale pink and wavy hair and dark green eyes managed to complement the repulsive dress, which was the only good part about it. 

“Oh my god,” came Leucothia’s disturbed response, but she wore an amused smile on her lips. Leaning against a wall with crossed arms, she added, “There’s no way you’re wearing that. I can’t believe you even have that.” Kailani offered a light giggle. “Why not? Cute, isn’t it?”

“No. ‘Cute’ is the least accurate thing you could say about that.”

“So cruel, Lulu! C’mon, just look at this!” Another few twirls.

“I’ve seen enough, take that off.”

Kailani halted midstep, a coy smile creeping onto her face. “Yeah? Come over here and make me.” What made the demand all worth the while was Leucothia’s clumsiness. Indeed, the duo was more accustomed to spending their time underwater, kicking away with their tails. However, Kailani happened to have a bit more experience on her legs than Leucothia, and in result, Leucothia was prone to bumbling on land.

So, with a mockingly angry semblance, Leucothia looked ready to protest, but instead accepted the challenge. “As you wish,” she said with a confident grin, stepping forward with a few shaky steps as she tripped over her own feet, only to stumble onto Kailani. She took Kailani down with her as they toppled over, the two never forgetting the sweet, sweet taste of that night.

2. “Have you lost your damn mind!?”(this one is so bad i’m sorry LOL i had no ideas)

They call her callous.

Kaede treads a new village, new eyes on her back, new buildings and smells and cultures and things she will never catch onto the same way that the others did. She adjusts the strap on her shoulder bag, trying to avoid the gazes of others as they whisper amongst one another, ‘who is that?’. And that’s all it takes for the rumors to spread.

They raise eyebrows when they hear her shout, “Have you lost your damn mind!?” at the chief, the chief of the village who the villagers wholeheartedly placed all of their trust in. She slams down a hand on the table they stand across each other from. “Who the hell would put dwarves on the frontline?! Are you a complete idiot?!” She’s shouting, even though the chief remains cool headed.

Of course, she isn’t belittling him. No, not at all. She’s angry because she’s scared--she’s afraid that if they make one wrong move, their village will be destroyed, and it will be her fault for not making adjustments to their battle plans. Why? Because she can see the vivid memory of past villages going down in flames, and all she can do is watch while others suffer.

That’s why. That’s why.

100. “I’ll come with you, then!” (author’s choice)

Alfie trots along with a skip in his step, a smile on his face as he walks through the forest with bare feet, the blades of glass tickling his skin as he went about the land. Sunlight peeked through the canopy of leaves above him, and he laughed gently when he whistled and the birds did it back. It was the most he could communicate, really--there was nobody else around for him to speak to.

Yes, it was lonely, but Alfie did not mind. He spent his time in solitude, away from others as he traveled far and wide, looking for more and more places to explore by himself. And while it was not a very meaningful existence, it was certainly a happy one.

While walking, he stopped in the middle of his tracks as he spotted a small rabbit, hopping along much like he was, before stopping and gazing up at him. Kneeling down, Alfie’s short white locks swayed as he shifted, asking, “Oh, hello...! Who are you? Where’re you going?”

The rabbit blinked once, then turned and continued along its own aimless path. “Oh, over there?” he asked, leaning forward with a hand over his eyes as he examined the way ahead of them. His eyes lit up. “I’ll come with you, then!” Alfie exclaimed, smiling ear to ear as he padded alongside the small creature.

Who would have known that such a gentle wood elf like Alfie was none but machinery? Ah... sometimes he wished he forget that fact himself.