#i do wonder if we asked her if she'd be willing to spoil it

[grapecaseschoices]

I honestly have nothing else to add (I slightly disagree about how much of N’s responses is true to their character vs how much of it feels like a narrative dislike of internal conflict; by my definition being - as stated by both of you: tensions and ‘fights’ are just “glazed over” to push us to one possible result. The result seen as “best” by the writer. I describe it as the ‘smoking dilemma’. Basically, even if YOU head canon your MC as a smoker, and even though the text has a very visible cigarette smoker, the decision is clearly seen as not a good one by the writer and any attempt to have your own mc smoke in text, is shut down without any real push back from the MC. As mentioned above, this isn’t an issue that happens only against MC. I don’t know it’s weird. Sera does allow the characters to be called out in situation but only in set, very brief instances.

Anyway, personally, I feel this is much more of a balance between N’s flaws vs what Sera WANTS to happen. But maybe that’s just my N bias, and is also not the end point here.) You both (@oiseinswife , @chargeortega) said it so well. 

That said, I naively remain hopeful. Only because a part of me wonders why let us have strong options to have our MCs shut Rebecca down if that isn’t an acceptable response? I feel the ability to be more neutral or indifferent or uninterested in rebuilding a dynamic feels clearer in the book 3 demo (if I remember right). Also given the snippet MC gets from N during the friendship/romance routes, my desire is that their can actually be a DISCUSSION of the DETECTIVES feelings and a more clear opportunity to shut things down.

@chargeortega @grapecaseschoices i hope it’s ok to reply via a post Akskskks i was just discussing this rn!!

i really hope the sensitivity readers picked up on this point for book 3 - so far it’s been v clear narratively that mishka WANTS us to like rebecca. to the point where this remark was just completely Buried and it’s seriousness glazed over??

I rly enjoyed N being so wildly incorrect, but am torn bc so far that’s completely at odds to their sensitive nature. it feels like N was almost a proxy for mishka in that part? i like ROs disagreeing w us, even when they’re wildly wrong (ppl do be like that), but I 100000% agree it’s been super unbalanced so far. the detective should be able to justify their viewpoint and be rightfully pissed at N for a long while if they so wish LMAO

[cripplecharacters]

Debated on whether I wanted to resend but here goes nothing.

This is Margo, my OC. She is currently being developed into a Stardew Valley mod. I don't wish to spoil too much, but she fought in The War and was injured. She now has facial + body scarring and a cane. I'm still writing the story, but so far, she has two plots: A, which is her learning to open up and accept the player. And B, which is her trying to find a hobby with the help of other NPC characters.

I'm mainly sending an ask in for feedback on her design. As of now, her torn lip has been edited to show her gums instead of all teeth. Otherwise, nothing has changed. Thank you!

Side question: How should her facial difference and cane be addressed, if at all?

[Image description: two pixel drawings. The first one shows the full body of the character; she has light tan skin, a burn scar on her face, and long red hair. She's holding a cane. The second drawing shows multiple versions of the character's portrait with various facial expressions.]

Hey!

She looks good! I especially like the top right one, very cute :)

I think my only concern would be re: her right eye - is she meant to have corneal scarring or a traumatic cataract? I'm asking since it looks like she has corneal blindness, but that's rarely caused by an injury like that (it's mostly a vitamin deficiency/parasitic thing). It's not impossible that she'd have it from a burn, but I want to make sure you're not confusing the two (since I see that a lot) and these two conditions do have different symptoms (outside of blindness).

If you're willing to address her disability then I think it would be a good idea. I'm not sure what kind of narration you're going for, but it wouldn't be ableist for the player character to simply Acknowledge that she has burns on her face (e.g., before the player learns her actual name, the placeholder could be "red-haired woman with a burn" since these are just her most visible characteristics). It also wouldn't be out of place if the player character wondered "what happened" - I know we (disabled people) all hate this question, but I don't think it's weird for someone to just think that in their head when they see someone (thought crime isn't real, etc.). As long as the player character isn't going around harassing her asking why she's disabled as the first thing they do (unless I guess it'd be to show that the player is ableist and has a lot to learn?) it should be ok.

If you want the characters to discuss "what happened" in the actual dialogue, it'd be preferably after they actually develop a relationship. I don't think it's weird to ask one's friend about their disability (as opposed to demand that information). Depending on Margo's personality and/or feelings toward the player she could either explain the whole story in great detail, leave it at "during the War, a building caught on fire, I was in it; it took them three months to put me back together but at least I'm finally back home, isn't modern medicine incredible?", or simply decline to answer that. All three are valid options; it's not like her character arc will fall apart if the player doesn't know what happened. She's visibly a burn survivor, there's hardly any mystery as to what's going on. Not everyone wants to talk about the origin of their disability, even (sometimes especially) to people they're close to - sometimes it's PTSD, sometimes it's the fact that they're tired of being asked that.

Her cane is more straightforward since in her case, her main "thing to address" are her burns and the cane would probably fall under that for most players. If you want you can have the player character compliment the design of her cane* or how well built it is, especially earlier on when it would be more awkward to just go straight to discussing her actual disability.

*Real life (not writing) tip: Not everyone likes that, please don't randomly compliment real strangers' mobility aids, especially if they're undecorated or without anything else that would imply they want to bring attention to it. A lot of people (myself included) will think you're being condescending.

Other than that, there's no reason to ignore her burns or cane; e.g. if the player visits her at home before going out she can mention that she needs to grab her cane, or put a pressure sleeve on before leaving, maybe on some days she's not available to talk to because she has physical therapy scheduled at that time, etc. As long as she has other character traits that have nothing to do with her disability (which it sounds like she already does) it should all be good.

I also like the plot B she's involved in - I wish this wasn't the case, but so many characters with facial differences don't have any damn hobbies ("obsessing over revenge for making them disabled" doesn't count) and almost never seem to have casual friends, so this is cool to see!

Hope this helps,

mod Sasza

[delucadarling]

NSFW 5, 15, 16 for Barbie and/or Lucas (or any combo), please 🥰 (~agentnatesewell)

NSFW OC Asks

Thanks for asking! I've been having fun mulling these over today >:3c

5.) Do they have any really out-of-left-field kinks/fantasies? Maybe even something that they wouldn’t necessarily want to act on but have still thought about?

Lucas

He would be very willing to indulge a partner's kinkiness, but he doesn't have any particular kinks himself. That said, Lucas is also definitely interested in shaking things up in the bedroom. He gets bored of the same old thing easily.

Barbie

Collars and bondage, both of which are the gateway drug for her wanting to be someone's spoiled little pet. I imagine she only really discovers this side of her sexuality with Nate, MAYBE Mason. Barbie is kind of a control freak in most of her daily life. She really struggles to let go, even when having control of everything stresses her out. Having structures and rules to couch the idea of letting someone else be in charge would take a huge weight off her shoulders.

None of these things are particularly needed for her to get off, she's happy to have sex however it's being offered (so long as that includes frequently). It's just the icing on top.

15.) Describe their favorite sexual encounter.

This one honestly stumped me. I have so many AUs floating around with these two (plus Kira) that it's hard for me to settle on any one favorite encounter. So I'll put down encounters they've had that they really, really liked.

Lucas

I imagine after a less-than-legal street race in a modified nitro-fueled smart car (you can all thank @crownleys for that imagery) he ends up fucking one of the guys he raced against. In the smart car. Lucas is 6'5" so take that as you will.

Barbie

I've mentioned before that I love the idea of Barbie not realizing she's bi until she's in her 30s. It makes Morgan/Barbie very fun for me, because Morgan is flirting up a storm and Barbie's SO confused about how she feels about it for a long time. Until Morgan straight up propositions her in Book 2.

Barbie's a little horndog, so even though she's pretty sure she doesn't like women that way, she'd agree because...well why not? Sex is sex and she needs to get off after the night she just had.

Then, of course, Morgan blows Barbie's back out and leaves her staring at the ceiling wondering why her ex-husband never managed to make her come that hard before. Fucked Barbie straight into a gay crisis.

(Barbie: that was amazing Morgan: [lighting up] uh huh Barbie: I wish we could do that again. It's just too bad I'm straight. Morgan: okay dyke.)

[fandomluver-101]

Note - tagged "bashing" because my friends were upset by my thoughts on Panam. This is mostly a rant.

Long story short, I replayed 2077 alongside Phantom Liberty and my opinion on Panam went from "she's annoying" to "she's insufferable." The first time I played, beyond how buggy everything was, I automatically disliked Jackie and Panam despite it being obvious how much the devs WANT us to love them.

Panam was whiney as hell to me. We make a deal and she wants more. You tell her no, point out that you didn't agree to that and she acts like a child. Seriously makes me wonder if Nash betrayed her because of her personality. Then further down after saving Mitch, Panam has the nerve to say V was an asshole for not helping with Nash. How!? You just met, you asked last minute, and then threw a legit tantrum while telling me to listen to your nonsense of "he betrayed me, I want revenge" while having no viable plan.

Her persoanliy in general just rubs me wrong and I don't like how narratively, you're supposed to view her as a badass who gets things done. She's rash and bullheaded, but where V can be played the same way, V also has the skills to back it up. Panam does not. Without V dropping everything to do what Panam wants, people die BECAUSE of Panam and then?

SHE BLAMES V!

If she would once, at any turn, accept some level of fault, maybe she wouldn't be so insufferable. Seriously, she has the nerve to tell you not to hold a grudge while holding one for you not helping her find and kill Nash. Despite JUST MEETING EACH OTHER - you're not helping a friend get revenge, you're on a gig with set terms and she wants to add more work for you.

You don't help her with Saul and his death is blamed on you. While she ignores how none of her FAMILY are willing to help save him either. But it's V's fault for not helping her - when the people that should be doing the mission REFUSE. Carol claiming she's grateful you're going only further pisses me off - you people keep talking about the clan being family, but you clearly don't want Saul back because it benefits you.

And lowkey, Panam probably only wants to save Saul so she can prove that she's right and he's wrong, not because it's the right thing to do. Nothing in her character screams "I'm a loyal member of this family," it screams "I'm a spoiled brat who needs to be better than everyone." Yet even then SHE IS NOT THE ONE RESCUING SAUL!!

V does all the work, gets in and gets Saul out while she acts like yelling in your damn ear is being useful. And it's worse when you go in hot and cause a chase. When you guys bunker down to wait out the storm, Panam orders you around while doing nothing. She wants the heat on and instead of braving the storm her damn self, she makes V do it. Saul is injured, him not doing it is fine, but Panam has legit done NOTHING BUT DRIVE A VAN! Carry your nomad ass outside if you want heat!

Then her killing the pilot (Life During Wartime) in my second playthrough. I spent multiple redos trying to find a way to spare the dude (was aiming for an "I only kill Scavs and Maelstrom" type of V). Panam kills him if you don't. And don't point out that she didn't have to kill him to save Mitch because then you're in the wrong.

Why isn't there an option to tell her to shut up? Seriously, Panam is far from perfect and yet the game wants you to treat her like she is. Her becoming co-leader with Saul is completely unfounded. Again, she does nothing to warrant any of the praise and rewards she's given!

And frankly, the mission to get the Basilisk SHOULD'VE been a trap. It would've made being pressured by the devs to help way more interesting. An option to let more characters die, force Panam to realize that her actions got them killed (though I highly doubt she'd actually admit it and would instead just blame V). Simply not force you to tell Saul about the plan and just wash your hands of the entire situation, learn from Panam's angry voice-mail or seeing her at the Afterlife exiled from the clan.

There were so many ways to salvage Panam's awful personality or at least make it more interesting. But she's so ANNOYING and the story doesn't acknowledge this at all because we're meant to kiss her ass and love her from the first gig.

[dylan-westwick]

Dylan grinned even more at the superlative and looked over to Lysander as well. "You hear that? Your sister is the cleanest girl in the world. Aren't we so proud of Daddy and Leda?" She asked before looking over at Theo's shirt with a smile. "Maybe try one of the attachable changin' tables? Or we could put a changin' station near the sink for right now when we do baths so that we can have the towels ready to go?" Dylan thought aloud, unsure if that would work, but also figured if Theo was willing to try that so was she. She never wanted him to feel like she doubted him and mostly because she didn't at all.

Her eyes went back to the twins though as she just couldn't help but be in awe of their wonderful existence. She nodded at Theo's words. "Yeah, just don't get too far down any rabbit holes." Dylan warned knowing that he was indeed prone to do that, just as she was when she went looking for things. But could not help but agree fully that not only was it nice of Dallas but that it did take more than just them and allowing that help was good. "Speakin' of family and friends...I think Mama Ida wants to come in next week to meet the babies." She felt a bit spoiled in the fact that she'd gotten to see her mother so much after the past few months.

She was glad that Theo wasn't disappointed at all by her want to stay home, hearing him echo her sentiments exactly. Her brows raised at his suggestion, her smile growing wider as she nodded. "Yeah? I mean I think we gotta be the parents who celebrate their babies' birthdays for a whole month. Not to sound like a total sap, but anywhere is exquisite with you and the twins though." Dylan absolutely knew that was sappy and was happy to admit it. But like Theo had said, TV would be just fine this year. Watching him get settled in, she was more than happy to move into the spot that was the perfect size for her. She still had to be careful about showing her affection so she wrapped her arms around his side and sighed as she nuzzled her face into his neck. "I'm feelin' a little less sore each day and things are healin' alright. And I can't complain because you're very nice and cozy." She murmured as her eyelids began to feel heavy again.

@theobailey

"The cleanest girl in the world," he said, pushing away and showing Dylan his damp white t-shirt across his chest. "I'm still figuring it out." It had been a challenge managing everything ever since they got home from the hospital―the adaptations they'd made before the babies were born came in handy, but there were things he could only do through trial-and-error. Still, brought him great relief seeing how things were doable.

Theo watched both his babies sharing the bassinet, like they'd been doing for the past week, Lysander still so small he feared holding him. The twins had picked up the habit of cuddling each other―that too seemed to calm them down. It seemed like they'd gotten used to sharing an uterus. Sometimes, he'd spend hours watching them sleep, taking it all in. He carefully tucked them in. "I can look it up online," he volunteered. He couldn't imagine what fireworks must sound like to newborn babies. "That's awfully nice of him. It does take a village." Theo said. "I'm glad we have great family and friends."

Then chuckled. "Definitely too ambitious. I don't know what we were thinking. Maybe next year, we'll be watching fireworks somewhere... exquisite." The twins would be one year old then. He thought they could somehow manage that. "TV will do for now." And even though he said it in a funny way, he honestly couldn't imagine being somewhere exquisite right now, wearing anything other than socks and pajama pants. He transferred into the couch surrounded by all the fluffy pillows, then patted the spot right next to him so Dylan would join him and they would be all cuddly. "How are you feeling, dear?"

@dylan-westwick

[robininthelabyrinth]

Lan Yueheng promised Lan Qiren that he would wait to have children, but apparently a child choosing him as a parent doesn't count. That's how he became little A-Ying's father (aka baby Wei Wuxian).

A Quiet Life of Leisure - ao3

"So how do you feel about small children?" Cangse Sanren asked, swooping in without warning and making poor Lan Yueheng jump nearly a chi into the air.

In his defense, he'd been concentrating on his nightmare plants, and she hadn't bothered introducing herself with a greeting like any normal person. In fact, Lan Qiren was willing to bet that Lan Yueheng, characteristically unaware of what was happening in his immediate vicinity despite being startling well informed on gossip happening elsewhere, hadn't even known she'd arrived at the Cloud Recesses.

"He likes them," Lan Qiren said, dryly amused. Lan Yueheng's field remained under Lan Qiren’s window, so he wasn't far away, leaning close to the window from the inside to enjoy a bit of early summer sunshine. "More than I do, I suspect. Were you asking me or him?"

"Don't be silly, Qiren-ge. You like small children plenty, as long as they're your students or your nephews," Zhang Xin said from where she was sitting on the porch just outside the window. She didn't even bother to look up from the clothing she was applying arrays to - what arrays, Lan Qiren didn't dare to contemplate. The usual set applied by the laundry were enough for most people, but apparently not for Lan Yueheng’s wife…something which Lan Qiren completely understood and sympathized with.

It was, after all, Lan Yueheng. Things often exploded in his vicinity, and sometimes it was even on purpose.

Damn alchemists.

“My students aren’t small children,” Lan Qiren objected. “And my nephews…”

Well, they were perfect. That wasn’t his fault.

"Nephews...? Oh, right, there's a second one now! Brand new, right?" Cangse Sanren beamed. "You’ll have to introduce me, Qiren-gege! And I did mean you, in the first instance, though I suppose…say, pretty lady, you didn't answer the question yourself: any thoughts or feelings about small children?"

"Extremely positive," Zhang Xin said, not taking offense at Cangse Sanren very obviously not remembering her name. "I intend to have ten."

"Absolutely not," Lan Qiren said at once.

"I'm willing to compromise with slightly fewer," Zhang Xin conceded, retaining all her dignity, such as it was. "If necessary."

"We're waiting until A-Huan and A-Zhan are a bit older," Lan Yueheng said, that silly smile he always got when the subject was raised on his face. "Then we'll have some of our own! It'll be nice, having a big family."

"Think of A-Xin’s health," Lan Qiren said, disapproving.

"We didn't say they all had to be mine, Qiren-ge!” Zhang Xin protested half-heartedly. “There could be a second wife! Share the burden!"

“Don’t be absurd, Yueheng-xiong would never and you know that perfectly well,” Lan Qiren scolded, ignoring the way Zhang Xin smirked in satisfaction. “Anyway, I wasn't talking about your womb. Children are exhausting! Don't underestimate it!"

"We still have a few more years to go, given A-Zhan," Lan Yueheng said thoughtfully, and Lan Qiren flinched: he'd tried time and time again to convince his friend to start having children already and not to wait for him, worried as he was about them getting too old for it to be easy, but he'd had no luck. Bad enough they were putting their lives on hold to help with A-Huan, but now there was A-Zhan, too... “We’ll be ready by then. In the meantime, I’m putting together an invention that’ll let us move faster to chase after them with less effort.”

“Oh no,” Lan Qiren said, abruptly alarmed. “Yueheng-xiong…”

"You're all wonderful," Cangse Sanren declared, clapping her hands together. "Absolutely wonderful. Qiren-gege, don’t spoil their fun. In the meantime, Yueheng-di, tell me – what are those plants for..?"

"I'm not getting involved with this," Lan Qiren announced, seeing Lan Yueheng's face brighten with anticipation of sharing one of his hobbies with someone. He reached out to pull the window closed - he had a great deal of work to do, being acting sect leader, and he had hope that he might be able to spend some time with Cangse Sanren during her visit if he finished everything currently on his desk. Unfortunately, the only way to do that, however, was to spend time focusing on it right now. She had said something mildly worrying about dragging him out onto a night-hunt. He wasn’t sure if he ought to be excited or scared.

“In the meantime, Zhang Xin,” he said, pointedly enunciating her name so that Cangse Sanren could hear it and, if she had been the sort of person familiar with shame, feel bad about not knowing it. “Keep an eye on your husband, will you?”

“Oh, you’re married,” Cangse Sanren said in a tone that sounded strangely approving, looking between the two of them with an expression that suggested she was thinking of blowing something up. ��Oh good, good, I have some questions –”

Lan Qiren closed his window with a snap, and then put several silencing talismans up for good measure. He did not, and to be very clear did not, want to know what Cangse Sanren, fairly newly married herself, wanted to know from a married couple. She’d always had the strangest blind spots when it came to what she so charmingly (and mildly worrisomely) called ‘human customs’…

At any rate, Lan Yueheng was a remarkably steady person, excluding his love affair with mathematics and alchemy, and Zhang Xin was extremely practical most of the time. How much damage could Cangse Sanren do?

Three shichen later, when the fire had been put out and the illicit gambling den that she’d managed to lure poor Lan Yueheng into thoroughly dispersed, Lan Qiren decided he had only himself to blame for the disaster.

-

“What do you mean Yueheng-xiong is gone?” Lan Qiren asked when he found out. “He normally logs all his travel well in advance of leaving the sect, and he hasn’t registered anything like that for this time. The Cloud Recesses is only so large, surely he’s just hidden himself somewhere you haven’t checked?”

“No, Sect Leader, he left,” the disciple said stubbornly. “I checked with the gate guards and everything. They said he looked like he was following some sort of compass.”

That…sounded like Lan Yueheng.

Lan Qiren did not need this.

He pinched his brow. “Someone go ask his wife where he might have gone,” he instructed. “And then go find him.”

He didn’t actually need Lan Yueheng for anything that important, but that wasn’t the point, the point was that Lan Yueheng was generally there. Rumors had been going around the cultivation world claiming that Cangse Sanren had died, rumors with enough truth to them that Lan Qiren regretfully actually believed it, and damnit he wanted his friend around – or more correctly, he wanted to know that his friend was somewhere nice and safe. Not outside of the Cloud Recesses’ borders without the slightest bit of protection or guards to keep an eye out for him when he inevitably forgot where he was going, and certainly not aimlessly following some new invention of his that was undoubtedly going to blow them all sky-high sooner or later!

Unfortunately, no one knew where he’d gone, and a sweep of the immediate vicinity of the Cloud Recesses didn’t turn out anything.

Even Zhang Xin had no idea where he might be.

“I’m sure he’ll be back sooner or later,” she said, looking undisturbed and above it all. “Don’t worry, Qiren-ge. It’ll be fine. He won’t be gone long, and nothing bad will happen to him.”

Lan Qiren looked at her suspiciously. “Are you pregnant again? You always get especially tranquil when you’re pregnant.”

Zhang Xin scowled at him. “You can’t extrapolate based on two instances, Qiren-ge.”

She’d had her first child, a little girl, when Lan Wangji was three, and then her second, a boy, just this past year. She was still nursing him, so all reason suggested that she was not pregnant again – and yet…

He arched his eyebrows at her.

She made a rude gesture at him. “We were going to surpriseyou with it,” she complained. “Why do you have to be smart and perceptive? It’s just rude!”

Lan Qiren shook his head at her – she wasn’t going to use compliments to get out of this – but he did feel his mood improve a little. Lan Yueheng was terribly unaware of his surroundings as a general rule, and his skill with a sword were positively horrific, but he was exceptionally stubborn, handy with an explosive, and remarkably lucky, as could be determined by the success he and Zhang Xin were in having in having children. More to the point, he was also an exceptionally devoted husband and father and would not, if there was any way he could prevent it, miss any key moment in his little family’s lives, such as a birth.

He would find a way to come back.

“Do you have any idea where he might be?” Lan Qiren asked, though he was rapidly giving up hope. “I could at least send someone to watch over him…”

Sure enough, Zhang Xin shook her head.

“Don’t worry,” she said again. “How much trouble could he really be in?”

Lan Qiren stared at her speechlessly.

“…maybe I shouldn’t have said that,” she allowed. “He has a history.”

-

“So I’m bad with faces, and actually I don’t think we’ve seen each other in a few years when you were much, much smaller,” the man in the white robes said, blinking owlishly down at Wei Ying. “So I’m probably completely off, but in the event that I’m not, is there any chance that you’re Cangse Sanren’s Wei Ying?”

Wei Ying stared at him without blinking, lest the man disappear if he did. “Gongzi,” he said. “You just blew up a building!”

“That’s true, but also a remarkably unhelpful answer,” the man said, and pulled something that looked like a compass out of his pocket. “Hmm, it’s spinning in circles again. I must be close by…if you’re not Wei Ying, could you help me find him? His mother asked me to look for him.”

Wei Ying squinted at the man. “No she didn’t,” he said. “She’s dead.”

The man at the inn had said so when he’d kicked Wei Ying out of the room he’d been staying in and taken all of his family’s belongings that had been left with Wei Ying while he waited for his parents to finish their night-hunt. Normally, Wei Ying wouldn’t believe it, but it’d been a few weeks of sleeping out in the streets and feeling very hungry because he couldn’t get enough food from what the merchants gave out or threw away and he was pretty sure if his parents were alive they would’ve come back to get him already.

At least it was still summer, or at least fall. The other street kids said that in the winter there was even less food, and they might even need to fight for it with the dogs –

“I know that! That’s why I’m here,” the man said. Was he pouting? “You see, I won her son in a betting game.”

Wei Ying blinked and stared at the man even harder. “How do you know that?” he demanded. “That was my mom’s special joke with me!”

It was the one joke that his father never laughed at, only rolled his eyes, so it had been his mother and his special joke, just for the two of them – she loved to tell him about how she’d infiltrated a gambling den (set it up, his father would interject; incited, she would correct) and how she’d put a bet down wagering her first-born son with the nicest person there, a sweetheart mark who was losing the robes off his back. And then Wei Ying, giggling, would get to say his part: If you bet me away, why haven’t you paid up?

His mother would kiss the tip of his nose. I won the lifetime rights right back off of him, she would say. Sorry, monkey, you’re mine for as long as I live.

And then she’d laugh.

Wei Ying didn’t really get the joke, but he hadn’t thought much of it. His mother laughed, so he laughed; that’s all that mattered.

The man blinked down at him. “Your mom? Are you Wei Ying, then?”

Caught, Wei Ying nodded.

“Wonderful! What do I do with you, then?”

Wei Ying blinked. “What do you mean?”

“Your mother told me ‘when I’m dead, use this compass to find my son’,” the man explained. He looked very earnest. “She didn’t say what I was supposed to do when I found you. Other than you, who else can I ask? So, little Wei-gongzi…”

Wei Ying started giggling. This man was very silly. He could very easily see his mother tricking him into agreeing to take care of Wei Ying after she died – she was very good at tricking people into things. Had been very good, anyway.

Of course, that didn’t take away from the most important fact.

“You should buy me something to eat,” Wei Ying said, deciding to make that clear up front. “But – you blew up the restaurant!”

The man glanced back at the ruined building and looked sheepish.

“In my defense,” he said, scratching his head, “it was full of bandits that wanted to rob me. I think.”

“You think?!”

“…I’m pretty sure…”

Wei Ying liked this man, he decided. He liked this man a lot.

-

“So A-Ying, based on ages, you’re going to be the oldest,” Lan Yueheng was explaining when Lan Qiren finally found him, right back at his very own workshop table and carefree as if he hadn’t been gone nearly half a month. “See, there’s little Yanyu – say hello! – and baby Zhijin – yes, you can hold him, careful, he’s breakable – and there’s going to be another one soon, we’re thinking on naming –”

“You don’t even know if it’s a boy or a girl,” Lan Qiren interrupted, even though it was rude, and swept in to help the young boy he didn’t recognize stabilize little Zhijin’s head properly. One year old or not, he was a wobbly child. “Don’t invite bad luck by naming too early. Where have you been? And who is this?”

“This one’s name is Wei Ying,” the boy said promptly, and Lan Qiren nodded in approval at his manners, then did a double take once the words actually reached his brain.

“Wei Ying?” he croaked, and had to sit down quickly. “Cangse Sanren’s Wei Ying?”

“Mine now,” Lan Yueheng said. “I won him fair and square, and the lifetime rights expired.”

“…this is about that gambling den,” Lan Qiren concluded, knowing enough about everyone involved to be able to follow that ridiculous logic. “Yueheng-xiong, you didn’t win anything. She was cheating you from the moment you sat down at the table.”

“Really?” Lan Yanyu said. She was nearly four, and precious with it – she had a marvelous talent for identifying the precise part of anything anyone said around her that they didn’t want her to hear and immediately starting to repeat it.

“My mom is the best,” Wei Ying said. He looked very proud.

“Even if she cheated me into it, I still won him, that’s how the game works,” Lan Yueheng pointed out. “Anyway, now that she’s dead, what else am I supposed to do with him?”

Lan Qiren felt that there were some flaws to this argument. He was certain that once he had recovered from the emotional blow he’d just taken, he would even be able to point them out.

Though…he really had no idea what the alternative might be. It wasn’t as if he could write Baoshan Sanren a letter – he’d been tempted to in the past, just on principle, but sadly one could not deliver one’s complaints to an unfindable immortal mountain – and as far as he knew, Wei Changze had no living family. He’d been a servant in the Jiang sect and close to their sect leader, so Lan Qiren supposed that Jiang Fengmian might be willing to take in the boy…

On the other hand, a nice normal family in the Cloud Recesses seemed like a better option than being a servant in the Jiang sect, or maybe a guest disciple if Jiang Fengmian were feeling especially generous. The boy couldn’t be any older than seven or eight, he still needed a mother and father, and given how jealous Madame Yu was said to be (especially as related to Cangse Sanren), it was highly improbable that Jiang Fengmian would dare her anger by taking the boy into his own family in any serious respect; that would be showing blatant disregard for his wife’s feelings and his own reputation besides. Very likely best Wei Ying would be able to hope for was a placement in one of the side families, with someone who didn’t even know his mother…

“Well, I suppose,” he finally conceded, and Lan Yueheng cheered.

“It’s official now,” he told Wei Ying. “We’re definitely keeping you. Qiren-xiong here is our sect leader, so if he says it’s all right, then it’s all right.”

Wei Ying cheered, and then Lan Yanyu joined in, cheerful as anything, and Lan Qiren put his hands over his ears in pain.

“It’s not official yet,” he insisted. “You still need to go through all the proper procedures if you’re going to adopt him or take him in as your ward. There are rules, Yueheng –”

-

It turned out Jiang Fengmian would, in fact, have been willing to take Wei Ying into his own family.

He was also extremely upset to discover that Lan Qiren had ‘stolen’ him away.

“You would have to have a claim on the boy for it to be theft,” Lan Qiren said testily. He didn’t appreciate the accusation in the slightest. “Are you saying you have one? Do you own his father’s life-bond contract?”

Jiang Fengmian looked offended. “Wei Changze was a servant, not a slave!”

“A servant who you released from service to your sect upon the occasion of his marriage, if I recall correctly. Did you not do that?”

“Well, yes, I did, but –”

“Do you have any other relationship to the boy beyond a friendship with his father?”

“What exactly are you implying?” Jiang Fengmian said, glaring death, and for a moment Lan Qiren was surprised at the extremity of the response to a perfectly reasonable question.

Except then a moment later Lao Nie swept in and, pretending not to see Jiang Fengmian standing right there, said, “Hey, Qiren! What’s this I hear about you letting someone in your sect adopt Sect Leader Jiang’s bastard?”

Which – explained Jiang Fengmian’s ire, although not why it was aimed at Lan Qiren. It was like everyone forgot that his sect had rules against engaging in unnecessary gossip…

“He’s not my bastard,” Jiang Fengmian said stiffly.

Lan Qiren nodded. “Cangse Sanren would not be unfaithful to her chosen husband,” he agreed, not going out of his way to opine on whether Jiang Fengmian might’ve been willing on his end if she had been willing on hers, “having gone to such lengths to select him in the first place. As a result, when she died, there was no one else with any claim on him at all, and so I permitted my cousin to adopt him. I do not see the issue.”

“No issue, no issue at all,” Lao Nie said, having very clearly only brought up the matter at all in order to needle Jiang Fengmian. “I hope you know what a headache you’re getting yourself into, that’s all, taking in an offspring of Cangse Sanren – or of Wei Changze, for that matter. I recall him having a sense of humor for the ages.”

Lan Qiren had already braced himself.

“I’m not satisfied that the matter is settled,” Jiang Fengmian objected. “Sect Leader Lan, why are you so insistent about this?”

Lan Qiren stared at him in disbelief – was the man stilltrying to claim poor Wei Ying?

“Maybe Sect Leader Lan had a fondness for the beautiful Cangse Sanren as well,” someone said, but looking around Lan Qiren could not see who it was; they had attracted an audience of sect leaders from the smaller sects.

Lao Nie was starting to scowl, though, and it was best not to let him get into it on Lan Qiren’s behalf – he was far too temperamental in defense of his loved ones for Lan Qiren’s taste, and it would only irritate Wen Ruohan to hear about Lao Nie getting into a fight when he wasn’t around to spectate. The only result would be all three of them getting annoyed.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Lan Qiren said instead, letting his own irritation slip out. “If I’d been in love with her, I’d have proposed marriage to her and been rejected like all her other suitors. My concern here is with Wei Ying – he has already settled in quite happily, and I see no benefit to disturbing him, or indeed in disturbing the order and tranquility of how things have been arranged within my sect. Even my nephews have befriended him!”

-

“You have befriended Wei Ying, have you not?” Lan Qiren asked Lan Xichen during one of their lessons, feeling a little anxious. “He’s settling in well?”

“Oh yes,” Lan Xichen said cheerfully. “I like A-Ying a great deal – though maybe not as much as Wangji does.”

Lan Qiren arched his eyebrows. Lan Wangji was an introverted boy, much the same way Lan Qiren had been. Lan Qiren had never doubted his young nephew’s affection for his family, but he knew that Lan Wangji usually didn’t go much beyond that. He certainly didn’t like strangers very much – or at least, he usually didn’t.

“He’s following him around like a duckling,” Lan Xichen confided. “It’s adorable! I haven’t seen Wangji this happy since – since – ”

Since their mother had died, no doubt.

It had been less than two years ago, and remained a shadow on Lan Qiren’s mind. Lan Wangji had taken it terribly, which was to be expected, and had only very slowly emerged from the gloom it had cast over him. Now that Lan Qiren thought about it, Lan Wangji had started doing better after the visit from the Nie sect heirs – perhaps what he really needed was friends, and if Wei Ying could be that friend for him, that would be good.

Still, while worrying, Lan Wangji’s reaction was not outside the realm of what was to be expected; if anything, Lan Qiren worried more about Lan Xichen, who had soldiered through his mother’s death with almost too much equanimity. He had gotten into a fight with He Kexin a year or so before her death – Lan Qiren did not know on what subject, having not attended that particular visit on account of Lan Wangji being sick with a fever and needing tending – and their relationship had never been the same after that.

Neither had ever explained what had happened, and by now, with He Kexin gone and Lan Xichen still steadfastly refusing any offers to talk, Lan Qiren suspected he would never learn.

Still, since he was unwilling to force the issue, there was nothing to be done about it, and no reason to dwell on it. He could focus on connecting with his nephew in other ways, instead.

“A duckling,” Lan Qiren said. “Wangji? Really?”

Lan Xichen grinned so widely that Lan Qiren almost wanted to quote do not exult in excess at him.

“Oh yes,” he said, looking positively mischievous. “Come see!”

Lan Qiren had to admit that there was a distinct familiarity to the sight of Wei Ying, trotting along the paths of the Cloud Recesses, talking at top speed with one hand moving every which way and the other firmly grasping Lan Wangji’s sleeve, dragging him along. Not that that was necessary, what with Lan Wangji trotting right beside him, watching him with an intent look and nodding along with whatever it was he was saying. Moreover, completing the picture was little Lan Yanyu, right behind them, chiming in at random intervals, and she was pulling the even littler Lan Zhijin behind her in a little cart, since the boy had only barely started walking.

“…I see,” Lan Qiren said, making a mental note to start teaching Wei Ying the Lan sect rules as soon as possible.

He was very fond of Lan Yueheng, strange as the man could sometimes be, but Lan Yueheng was an adult, capable of living by the rules in the manner that fit him best, and his idiosyncratic interpretations weren’t necessarily the ideal ones for children to learn. A proper orthodox education was better for children, serving them as a firm foundation – it would be unfortunate if Wei Ying got the wrong idea about how members of the Lan sect were supposed to behave.

Of course, for that Wei Ying would need a courtesy name. Perhaps they could allow Jiang Fengmian to opine on that, in the interest of smoothing over ruffled feathers…?

“I’m glad they’re happy,” Lan Xichen said, watching them.

Lan Qiren glanced at his obedient nephew.

“Indeed,” he said. “They are, however, going the wrong way – perhaps you would like to join them? We can continue the lesson we were doing tomorrow.”

Lan Xichen was gone almost before he finished saying his thanks.

-

The number of ducklings had multiplied, but the sight of them trotting through the Cloud Recesses in a bunch had not changed.

It was usually a pretty good way to tell that some trouble was on its way, too.

At this point, Lan Qiren was starting to wonder if Lan Yueheng and Zhang Xin had determined that the best and possibly only way to keep Wei Wuxian from making too much trouble was to have another child and then to graciously allow him to help out with the babysitting. If so, it was a brilliant ploy – Wei Wuxian loved having younger siblings to take care of, and any attempts to chase him away so that he could focus on playing with other children his age resulted only in increasingly dramatic moping and behavior not unlike that of an extremely small child himself. At least he always had Lan Wangji to listen to him, his steadfast companion through thick and thin and even an endless interest in carting around small children.

It did wonders for their arm strength, if nothing else.

Of course, Wei Wuxian was charming enough that even his penchant for bringing his younger siblings everywhere wasn’t enough to drive away the other children in the sect, and he remained exceptionally popular. At least part of that was his penchant for mischief – at this point, he had so much copying to do that he had just made it part of his schedule, and Lan Qiren thought he’d actually looked somewhat lost and confused on the rare occasions that he didn’t have something to be working on – and the rest of it was simply his manner, light-hearted and easy-going in a way the Lan sect rarely was.

Perhaps he really should have been raised a Jiang.

Well, it was far too late for such concerns now.

Although sometimes, the temptation…

Lan Qiren raised his teacup to avoid the now-predictable vibrations stemming from an explosion, counted to four, then put it back down.

“Why do we keep letting them do that?” he complained, and thought wistfully again of sending certain people off for a visit to the Lotus Pier even though he knew perfectly well that Wei Wuxian’s penchant for explosives had more than likely come from Lan Yueheng himself rather than any external source.

“Because it’s better if they do it in a controlled manner at a predictable time than at random,” Lan Wangji answered obediently – he’d done the same thing with his own teacup. “And because creativity is to be commended. Wei Ying has made great contributions to the sect through his inventions in talismans, arrays, and alchemy.”

A brief pause.

“And Third Uncle and his children too, of course.”

Lan Qiren did not roll his eyes, but it was close – he was by now perfectly aware of his younger nephew’s extreme partiality towards Wei Wuxian. He decided to change the subject: “What do you think of your peers in the classroom this year, Wangji? It’s an interesting group.”

They’d gotten virtually all the sect heirs, in fact: Jin Zixuan and Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang, and the only reason they hadn’t gotten Wen Chao was because Lan Qiren had personally expelled him the year before last for disrupting the education of other students and cited that as a reason not to accept him again. He’d expelled Jin Zixun for the same reason the year before that, so Wen Ruohan couldn’t even complain about it.

“They’re interesting,” Lan Wangji allowed. “Jiang-gongzi has become fast friends with Wei Ying and Nie Huaisang, and they make even more trouble together than Wei Ying did with Nie Huaisang alone last year.”

“I see,” Lan Qiren said. “And have you resolved your argument with Nie Huaisang?”

“…mm.”

That would be a ‘no’, then. Sometimes Lan Qiren wished his boys were still young enough that he could personally intervene in their friendships to try to fix their problems.

Although there were still some things he could do.

“Wuxian has still not noticed that you’re arguing, has he?” he asked mildly, and Lan Wangji gave him an alarmed look. “Perhaps I should ask him to be an intermediary.”

“That is unnecessary, shufu,” Lan Wangji said quickly. “We will resolve it ourselves.”

“If you’re sure.”

A firm nod.

Lan Qiren picked up his teacup once more – another boom sounded in the distance – and took a sip, then said, “Wuxian has an exception grasp on the Lan sect rules. Although he often uses it as a means to argue his way out of trouble, I would not have made you two the joint heads of the discipline hall if I did not believe him equally capable of enforcing them. He would not appreciate you acting alone in his defense.”

Lan Wangji only looked stubborn.

Lan Qiren decided to drop the matter for now. He’d bring it up again tomorrow, and the day after as well if necessary. There simply was no reason for the two boys who had been friends with each other for even longer than they’d been friends with Wei Wuxian to fight over something as ridiculous as a fleeting infatuation.

…well, he hoped it was a fleeting infatuation on at least one of their parts. Ideally Lan Wangi, but he was starting to lose hope in that.

At least he was pretty sure that Lan Yueheng would consent whole-heartedly to the marriage.

Lan Qiren took another sip of tea, and tried to ignore the smell of smoke.

It usually wasn’t anything serious.

-

There was smoke in the air, thick and choking, and the heat made it difficult even to see.

The Cloud Recesses were burning.

Lan Qiren coughed into his sleeve, and thought to himself that it was good that the laundry had long ago updated the arrays to include ones designed for fireproofing as part of the regular set. He’d initially only asked for it for his own robes, but they’d taken it as an update to the general set and he’d never bothered to stop them.

“Shufu?” Lan Wangji asked, looking concerned, but Lan Qiren waved him away. He wished he could send Lan Wangji out from this horrible situation through one of the hidden paths, but he had already sent Lan Xichen that way – one man fleeing might be overlooked, but no more, not with how well his nephews were known as the Twin Jades.

Not that Lan Wangji would agree to leave. Not leave his home, not leave his uncle, and certainly not leave his beloved, with whom he had been fighting back-to-back with for the past shichen.

“Do not mind me,” Lan Qiren said, since saying ‘I am fine’ would breach the prohibition against lying. He was very far from fine. “Where is Wuxian?”

“Looking for Third Uncle. They got separated when they started setting off explosives in defense of the sect, and we have not been able to find him.”

Lan Qiren grimaced, and spared a moment to hope that Lan Yueheng and his family were all right. Zhang Xin would be in the women’s area, at least, with the twins and little Zixi, and that would have been locked down as much as they could manage as soon as possible, but the older children…Lan Yanyu was very nearly fifteen, old enough to think that she could pick up a sword and go out to fight, and both Lan Zhijin and Lan Wanli had probably been in the classrooms when the attack had come, making them unwilling participants whether they wanted it or no.

Lan Qiren had been there, too, but he couldn’t remember whether they had listened when he had ordered all the students to evacuate; he had had no time for anything else, rushing over to activate the sect defenses using his own blood before taking his sword and guqin to defend his home as best he could.

It had been a relief when the explosions had started. He’d known that it must be Wei Wuxian and Lan Yueheng behind them, them and their little group of alchemy enthusiasts, using whatever means at their disposal to fight back.

It had been a relief…

Not so much now.

Wei Wuxian, at least, could be trusted to defend himself properly, with his sword and his dizi and a dazzling array of deadly talismans, while Lan Yueheng…years and years of neglecting the sword in favor of his mathematics and alchemical experiments meant that he would never be a good fighter, no matter how fearsome the talismans and arrays and elixirs he wielded. He simply lacked a good sense of his surroundings, and had no notion whatsoever as to where an enemy might be or what they might do.

Wei Wuxian was better, much better, but what could win a duel would not win a war.

And Wei Wuxian was – too talented.

He’d unexpectedly won third place in the archery competition, locking in the entire thing as a Lan sect sweep while knocking out Wen Chao and making the Wen sect lose face, and with his sense of humor he’d gotten more attention for that feat than the calmer and quieter Lan Wangji had for his second-place finish or Lan Xichen for finishing first.

The Wen sect had a tendency to hold grudges. If they got hold of him…

“Call him here instead,” Lan Qiren said, making a decision. “I have a task for him.”

Lan Wangji looked at him in silent question, but long-term habits of obedience kicked in; he nodded and swept off to find his beloved.

Lan Qiren hoped that they would both forgive him.

-

Wei Wuxian wanted to destroy the Wen sect more than anything, but he was starting to have some unwilling sympathy for Wen Ruohan’s desire to dominate other sects and force them to do what he wanted.

Jiang Fengmian just wasn’t listening to him.

Oh, the man had been kind enough, offering Wei Wuxian shelter with his sect after what had happened with the Cloud Recesses, but it was as if all of Wei Wuxian’s warnings about it meant about the threat of the Wen sect fell on deaf ears. The Jiang sect believed in living freely and doing as you liked, and Jiang Fengmian did not want to go to war; therefore he would not, and certainly not for another sect’s sake no matter how much he liked the person doing the requesting.

Wei Wuxian felt obscurely betrayed by it. Jiang Fengmian had always been very kind to him whenever he was visiting the Lan sect or if they ever encountered each other outside – he’d been friends with Wei Wuxian’s father, and was always full of stories about him and some small knick-knack or gift from the Lotus Pier that his father had liked back when he’d lived there. He’d even allowed Wei Wuxian to call him Uncle Jiang.

But now, now when Wei Wuxian really needed him…

Wei Wuxian had only agreed to leave the Cloud Recesses in its time of need because Lan Qiren had insisted that he was the only one who might convince Jiang Fengmian to help them.

Wei Wuxian had believed him at the time, but he was starting to think that Lan Qiren hadn’t actually thought he could do it, but rather had done it just to get him out of the way.

It wasn’t that Wei Wuxian didn’t know that Jiang Fengmian and Lan Qiren were on moderately bad terms, insofar as sect leaders with as much influence as they had could be on bad terms – they had the usual set of alliances, but they didn’t like each other, and Wei Wuxian had always secretly suspected that the fact that Lan Qiren had taken him into the Cloud Recesses was at least part of the reason why. Jiang Fengmian had always spoken so highly of the Lotus Pier to him, encouraging him to come and visit – Lan Qiren had never allowed it – and Wei Wuxian had known from a young age that Jiang Fengmian had wished he’d been allowed to raise him instead of Lan Yueheng.

Indeed, even now, he had the feeling that Jiang Fengmian secretly hoped he’d find a reason to marry into the Jiang sect and therefore stay with them for good.

Not that there’d be anywhere to stay if the Wen sect did to the Lotus Pier what they’d done to the Cloud Recesses.

Not that Wei Wuxian would want to marry anyone other than Lan Wangji anyway.

“No offense meant,” he said to Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli, who both looked amused.

“None taken,” Jiang Cheng said. “I don’t want to marry you either, and Jiang Yanli’s engaged.”

“And also doesn’t want to marry you,” Jiang Yanli said. “Sorry, A-Xian. I see you only as a cute little brother.”

Wei Wuxian had in turn always seen Jiang Yanli as a friendly older sister, but he still put his hands on his heart and said, “Ouch. Leave me some dignity, all right? Just because I’m taken doesn’t mean that I don’t like to flatter myself about being attractive to women.”

“Flatter yourself another time,” Madame Yu interjected from the door, making them all jump. Her expression was grim. “The Wen sect has sent word that they are summoning one direct disciple from each sect to the Nightless City.”

“A direct disciple?” Wei Wuxian asked, looking alarmed. “You’re not going to send them Jiang Cheng, are you? And you can’t send Jiang Yanli!”

“I’m certainly not sending A-Li, but I don’t see that we have any choice about A-Cheng,” Madame Yu said. She gave Wei Wuxian that strange look that she always had for him, the one where she wasn’t sure if she ought to be angry at him for being the other person’s child in her husband’s heart or grateful that he had stayed in the Lan sect where he belonged, far away where he wouldn’t impact her own son’s position. It seemed a little more the latter than usual, perhaps because he’d shouted at Jiang Fengmian earlier in the hall of the Lotus Pier that he had only one father, Wei Changze, and only one adopted father, Lan Yueheng, and that he had no availability for any others. “I’m going to send you, too.”

Wei Wuxian blinked.

“There’s no point in your staying here as long as my husband refuses to take up arms,” she said, and Wei Wuxian grimaced in agreement. “You resemble some of our servants. If we change your hair and put you in Jiang sect colors – you will need to remove that forehead ribbon of yours – if we do all that, you’d pass well enough. If they’re collecting sect heirs, I’d assume your Lan Wanji would be there, too.”

“Teacher Lan sent Wei-xiong here to avoid him getting captured,” Jiang Cheng protested. “How can we send him to the Nightless City?”

“The safest place is the most dangerous place. Sect Leader Lan didn’t want him to get captured by those with a grudge against him, but Wen Chao is far less dangerous, and less observant, than Wen Xu. If he keeps his mouth shut, it’s possible they’ll overlook him entirely…that’s assuming you want to go, Wei-gongzi. I won’t force you.”

“No, you’re right,” he said. “I want to go. If Lan Zhan is there…I can’t leave him alone.”

Jiang Cheng sighed, but nodded.

“Good,” Madame Yu said. “If you find a way, get out of there and come back here. And don’t be subtle about it, either.”

When they looked at her, she smiled grimly.

“If burning the Lan sect isn’t enough to cow the whole cultivation world – and it’s not going to be – then they will need to bring down a second great sect to make the point. Wei-gongzi is right: we’re the obvious next target, and they won’t hesitate to do to the Lotus Pier what they did to the Cloud Recesses as soon as they have an excuse. ‘Harboring Lan sect fugitives’ would do the trick quite nicely.”

“You want to lure the Wen sect into attacking?”

“I want to lure them into attack at the time of my choosing,” she said, and swept her thumb across Zidian, letting it crackle a little. “Will you do it?”

Wei Wuxian smiled.

-

Losing a leg had done absolutely nothing to stymie Lan Yueheng’s enthusiasm, and – if anything – seemed only to encourage Wei Wuxian, who had already invented four different types of prosthetics that mixed arrays and metal in innovative new ways, each of them far better than anything they’d had previously.

“Are you certain I can’t convince you to take them more permanently?” Lan Qiren asked Nie Mingjue while rubbing his temples to try to make the headache go away. He didn’t exactly expect tranquility in a war, but the constant explosions, however useful, were starting to get to him – he was starting to hear them in his sleep. “Surely the Hejian front could use some heavy artillery.”

Nie Mingjue was visiting to check in on Nie Huaisang, who had been sent to the Cloud Recesses for his own safety. He smiled.

“You’d miss them if they were gone,” he said, and he was right. “Anyway, I’m quite happy with their inventions keeping the Cloud Recesses safe – and isn’t Wei-gongzi usually with the Jiang sect front these days?”

“He travels, like Xichen and Wangji, but yes, he goes to ground there more often than not.” Lan Qiren sighed. “I suspect that he still feels guilty for not having managed to get as much help out of them in the early days as he thought he’d be able to. Wangji goes with him when he can, of course.”

“Of course…why is he here, anyway? Huaisang said in his letters that they’d thought up some idea that I wouldn’t like, so naturally I came as soon as possible.”

That was a very Nie Mingjue thing to do, and also a very Nie Huaisang way of getting him to do it. Lan Qiren suspected Wei Wuxian to be behind it all.

“He’s probably invented something new,” he said, though he started frowning. Usually he was the first one to receive word of a new invention through Lan Yueheng, who couldn’t resist boasting about his adopted son’s genius, and he hadn’t heard anything recently.

Also, something Nie Mingjue wouldn’t like was very likely something Lan Qiren wouldn’t like, and by and large Lan Yueheng was typically pretty good at figuring what those things were in advance and squashing them before they turned into full on “ideas”.

“In all honesty, I’m not sure what would constitute something I dislike at this point,” Nie Mingjue said, rubbing his forehead. “Provided it helps us do better in this war, I’m willing to be flexible.”

Lan Qiren doubted that very much – Nie Mingjue was many things, but flexible about ethics was not one of them – but he didn’t say as much.

“Have something to eat,” he said instead. “You look too thin.”

Everyone looked too thin to his eyes these days. It was worry, that was all. He worried about his nephews, and his cousin’s children, and all the others, too.

Nie Mingjue accepted his concern with grace and a touch of humor, and then they went to go find the others.

The others, in this case, were Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji, Nie Huaisang, and Lan Yanyu, as well as Lan Yueheng balancing little Lan Guanling in one arm and Lan Yuhui in the other – how the twins had managed to get here from where they were supposed to be, only they knew.

“I’m just the babysitter,” Lan Yueheng said at once upon seeing Lan Qiren. “They said I wasn’t allowed to know what it was because then I’d blurt it out to you.”

That seemed – very in character, yes, and explained a great deal.

“Dare I ask what it is?” Lan Qiren asked Wei Wuxian, arching his eyebrows and giving the children a look that made them all squirm in their seats. “Now that you’ve managed to lure Chifeng-zun here to hear it out as well?”

Looks were shared – no, to be clear, looks were being very pointedly directed at Wei Wuxian, who cleared his throat.

“All right,” he said. “We think we’ve come up with something that can help change the course of the war.”

“That’s the good part,” Nie Mingjue said dryly. “Can we skip ahead to what the bad part is?”

Lan Qiren nodded. “Specifically the part that will make us hate the concept and want to refuse it without hearing anymore about it.”

“Well,” Wei Wuxian said, and coughed again, not denying that that part was coming. “Before we get there, how familiar are you with the Yiling Burial Mounds…? Because I got stuck there for a tiny little bit and it gave me this idea…”

[cutegirlmayra]

Hey Mayra, I’ve just been watching Japanese Sonic X, and I’d like to know what you think about Japanese Sonic X’s Episode 52 ending vs. the English one? And what do you suppose happened after that moment? Hehe, I just love them🤩

There is so much to go over... well, for starter's the original Japanese song they choose for that particular episode was described as, "A good song that I felt represented Sonic when it came to Amy." Loosely quoted, not exact lines.

Second, the original audio is cut out. A common theme in Japan, usually for romantic declarations of love.

An example would be when Sora mouths something to Kairi at the ending of the DLC in KH3, and I'm sure you can think of a lot of media that has this trope between couples/younger characters who can't be 'couples' yet XD

It's later revealed in Season 2 what Sonic actually says, (Japanese translation loosely reiterated by my own words) "He said, here, Amy! This flower is for you! And that I knew-" so we are actually told that he was comforting her, showing kindness, but remember that another Season to Sonic X wasn't exactly in stone yet... they were originally going for a 'romantic tone' and I believe they tried that again in the last season's ending arc as well, but made it about 'Amy's undying faith in Sonic' which inspires the Planet Egg to save them cause 'Life Energy triggered--I guess--by love.'

Even in Japanese, I found this a little hard to understand XD

Amy's actions were followed by the original 'Natsu No Hi' song which was directly meant to show Sonic's POV of that scene, that love is fleeting, so while it's here, take my love and don't doubt it for now. I'm speaking my own words, but the Song is reflecting the memories of love that can come and go, but while we're together, let's be in love.

I think that actually does shows Sonic's very 'free-spirited' nature. He lives in the moment, while Amy is looking towards the future.

"Carry my heart", have my affections, "At least, until, the autumn ends~" suggesting spring, which is a representation of 'the season of love', will be over. "And put no one else there." Sonic may not be committal but he still cares about Amy.

The scene represents a Japanese endearing love trait, Loyalty. She was willing to for her beloved hero, like a devoted wife/girlfirend who waits for her returning soldier from war trope, "No matter how long it takes, I would still wait for you... WHAAA but you came back-ah-ack! It took a lot to make that decision!" - Japanese translation loosely reiterated by me.

Sonic's actions were meant to not only comfort Amy, but confirm that he appreciates her loyalty to him. The episode suggests that the first thing Sonic did when he returned home, was fly straight to Amy's house. This indirectly states not only that he was missing her as much as she was, but that he knew she'd be worried about him, and went to check-in on her first and comfort her that he was alright. (MY KOKORO! TAT -japanese for 'heart'-)

... The English version makes it a bit whiny... That Sonic is 'pacifying her' rather anything else. They removed the ENGLISH SIGN POST that said, "House of Amy Rose" cause GOODNESS FORBID WE HINT AT ANY ROMANTIC UNDERTONES IN A CHILDREN'S CENTER MEDIA CARTOON AHHHH!!!!

Okay, Karen.

I think it's wonderful, personally, to teach children young how to treat and respect both little boys and girls, cause I think socially it would help instill good morals and etiquette that maybe modern-day parenting is lacking?

But I digress...

After that moment, I tend to fantasize she made him that big dinner meal she reminisced about beforehand XD She loves to feed and spoil her man, lolol But I'm sure Sonic ended up visiting the others to let them know he was back and alright, too ^^ Amy was just top of the list which--grabs heart--THE WHOLESOME.

The mad respect I have for Sonic being chivalrous about visiting the home girl first XD

That's what I can think of off the top of my head so far ^w^ Thanks for the Ask, Precious Anon!

[lowkeyerror]

She's Not That Bad

Madison Montgomery x Reader

Word Count: 1561

Warnings: Violence

Madison Montgomery was untouchable. Everyone knew this which is why no one bothered to get close to her.

I mean if you think about it no one in the coven was truly her friend. Not that she even cared about having friends. The closest thing she had to a friend was Zoe and it was clear as day that Zoe only used her for her power.

Y/n was indifferent when it came to Madison. She insisted that it was not enough to see how she acted in the past but didn't want to make the effort to get to know the girl.

Y/n had a feeling that Madison was nothing more than the product of a shitty environment. Anytime the other girls would sit and talk shit about Madison she'd remove herself from the room.

To be honest Y/n felt a little protective of the bitchy movie star. No one knew her story so maybe they shouldn't be so quick to judge her.

Y/n had opted out of performing the seven wonders. She didn't believe she was the Supreme. She was powerful but her powers were different from the other coven members.

So she had the pleasure of being a spectator. The tension in the air was thick. She knew that this would be a long grueling process for the girl's and hoped that nothing too bad would happen.

" Since you aren't participating, who do you think the next supreme is?" Zoe asked as they prepared for the first task.

The other 3 witches stared at Y/n as the girl weighed the probability in her head.

" Well you're all very powerful. You all have strengths and weaknesses..."

"Will you just cut to the chase?" Madison didn't have the patience to listen to the bullshit preface. She wanted to know what the girl thought without all the dramatics in the beginning.

" I think it’s Madison."

The other girls let out a collective groan except Madison of course.

" She's literally a spoiled little bitch"

" She locked me in a tomb"

" She doesn't have a nice bone in her whole body."

Inside Madison shrunk at the hateful words that were thrown at her. On the outside she willed herself to stay strong. She had already prepared a comeback but before she could speak, Y/n did.

" Would you guys knock it off already? Is Madison the most likeable person ? No. But none of us have taken the time to truly get to know the girl. Sure she's done some questionable things but who hasn't? No one here is innocent, so calm your tits."

Queenie scoffed at Y/n's little tangent," Since when did you start dick riding Madison?"

The black woman's words upset Y/n and before she knew it a storm was in her eyes. It began pouring rain outside accompanied by intense lightening.

" I'm not dick riding anybody. I'm  just tired of this gang up on Madison bullshit. We know what kind of person she is so what is the point in bitching about it."

Y/n fists were now clenched and the storm hadn't left her eyes.

" Why is there a storm outside?" Cordelia had entered the room causing the attention to shift to her.

" That young witch has a storm in her eyes," Myrtle had come right behind Cordelia.

" Y/n remember what we talked about. You can't let your emotions get out of control. Now find your center."

Y/n's most prominent power was weather manipulation. It was mostly based on her emotions. It was hard to control and frustrating to deal with.

Cordelia had taught her a few things about the power. The first being she needed to have an anchor that would bring her back to zero. The second one was turning anger into a storm instead of a fire.

Finding her center was fairly easy for the girl. It makes almost no sense but her anchor was the movie star. For some peculiar reason the thought of Madison Montgomery calmed her down.

The witch had told herself it was because Madison was controlled chaos rather than emotional overload.

When the storm stopped the other witches were baffled. They had no idea Y/n could manipulate the weather. This was a result of the witch keeping to herself.

They had only seen her move a few things with her mind and maybe once light a match with her finger. They didn't know the power she held.

" You can control the weather?" Madison asked looking out of the window at the now sunny sky.

" Yep"

" And you're not doing the seven wonders?"

" Nope. Most of my power is concentrated on weather control. I can do a few basic other things but not enough to feel comfortable putting my life on the line."

Zoe interrupted my conversation with Madison," Speaking of the seven wonders are we starting or what?"

Cordelia had a stoic look on her face as she spoke," Let's begin."

Skip to Divination

Y/n was not prepared for how stressful watching the tasks would be. Misty got stuck in hell and Zoe got stuck on the fence.

It was fucked up that Madison didn't want to revive Zoe but it didn't bother Y/n much. Originally she thought that Madison was the next supreme but when Cordelia entered the race she was almost certain it had been their teacher all along.

Madison was unable to do divination. She couldn't find what Mrytle had asked her too and she was pissed off. When she finally accepted failure she stormed off in that way she often does.

Y/n sighed and after a minute or two went to check on the girl. When she reached Madison's room the scene she saw unfolding scared the shit out of her.

Zoe's undead boyfriend, Kyle had his hands around Madison's throat.

" KYLE, GET OFF OF HER" Kyle turned his towards the witch and released his grip on the blonde witch.

However now he was stalking towards Y/n.

" She let Zoe die. Why do you protect her?" He was now in Y/n's face.

" Killing her won't bring Zoe back Kyle." Y/n's heart was pounding. Kyle was a strong guy and she knew if he decided to attack her it was over.

" I know it won't but it will make me feel better. You are stopping me from feeling better."

That's when his hands wrapped around Y/n's throat. He held her off the floor so her feet dangled as he choked her. Madison was too weak to use her magic but she tried to pry his hands off of the girl's throat. He simply smacked her away. She hit the floor with a hard thud.

Y/n tried her best to calm herself in the man's grip. If she struggled it would just end faster for her. She tried to get a peek at Madison. She didn't see much but she did catch a glimpse of a tiny pool of blood encircling the blonde girl.

This triggered something inside of Y/n. Thunder clouds had appeared outside and a huge bang followed. The sound startled Kyle enough for him to drop Y/n.

Before he could pick her up again a lightning bolt had come through the roof and struck the man.

He shook as his body collapsed on the floor. Y/n scooted away from the man as foam started to form at his mouth.

She jumped as she felt a hand rest on her shoulder. She turned to see that it had just been Madison. She stared at the dark hand prints on the girl's neck.

" Are you okay?"

Madison gave the girl a tired smile," I could ask you the same thing."

Before they could say anything else Cordelia burst into the room.

" What happened in here?" Her eyes were back to normal. Not only that but Zoe stood behind her with Queenie and Myrtle.

They must've of continued the tasks and found out that she was the Supreme. At least that's what Y/n was thinking.

" KYLE"

" DON'T TOUCH HIM"

Y/n stumbled to her feet to hold back the girl. " If you touch him he will electrocute you."

Y/n could only stay on her feet for a minute before collapsing back down to the floor.

" Is anyone going to answer my question?"

Y/n opened her mouth to speak but Madison beat her to it," She saved my life." Madison's tone was soft as she stared at Y/n.

" Kyle tried to kill me and Y/n saved me." The gears were turning in Madison's head. Why was Y/n doing so much for her? She had defended her earlier and now she saved her life.

" I'm sorry but he was going to kill us. I had to do something," Madison took note of the girls shaking hands and reached out to hold one of them.

Zoe was going to argue but Madison sent her a glare ," You did what you had to do. Anyone who thinks differently basically wanted us both to die tonight."

" He wasn't meant to be alive and sadly I think this was inevitable. Let's go girls," Cordelia exited the room with Zoe and Myrtle following.

" Thanks for..." Before Y/n could get words out Madison's lips were on hers.

" You're mine now understand."

" Yes Madison."

[tortilla-of-courage]

Alright, I have all my thoughts together, so here's that ask I mentioned for the LU SU AU that's just 100% Fi.

So, Fi is a pearl. Specifically, she's a replacement pearl.

Spoilers for SU after this point for anyone who cares about not getting spoiled for this show still.

So, Sky eventually gets outed as the 'renegade pearl' fighting alongside the 'rebel jasper' and 'rouge (whatever we decide Twi is, currently I'm leaning towards citrine)', and so he needs to flee. With some help from FD/Time, he makes it away and becomes a rebel full time. Which is annoying, but workable.

And then FD gets a new pearl.

See, Ganondorf/White Diamond is worried that Sky was using his place at FD's side to try and sway him towards the rebels. And so this new pearl of FD's was specifically designed to 'fix' whatever damage Sky caused.

Enter Fi: factual, logical, emotionless, and completely dedicated to her role. She was designed this way and meant solely to keep FD on track with the war and colony. (This can play a bit into how, in LU canon, Time sees the Master Sword as a burden, because that's what Fi is here, a burden.)

Except, Fi was placed with the most caring and benevolent of the Diamonds. Even playing the role of being against what he's fighting for, Time still loves his gems, both the Homeworld gems and his rebels. He loves them all deeply. And Fi sees this. She sees him break down after high casualty reports where no one can see him, sees him stressed and breaking down over the deaths. Hears him asking himself when it will end, lamenting that none of the other Diamonds are even willing to consider negotiating, much less a treaty or peaceful retreat. She sees this, and she learns.

Eventually, Time realizes the only way to end the war is to shatter FD, and so he makes a plan with the only two in the know. Twilight, using a device that Four and Legend built, would disguise himself as Time so Time could be FD, and they'd stage the shattering. Meanwhile, Sky had a different job.

Time did not like Fi, and he resented what she represented, but he didn't hate her. And he knew she cared about FD in that detached way she was capable of. He didn't want her to be there when FD died. So he asks Sky to get her out of the way.

So Sky kidnaps Fi, and takes her somewhere far away from the shattering. He doesn't question this at all, because he knows Time, and he knows how much Time cared about all of his gems. And so he follows his orders without question, and makes sure Fi is safe and out of the way while it happens.

And Fi does not like or trust this other pearl at first. He betrayed their Diamond, waged war on Homeworld. What kind of pearl would do that?! But, she was also curious. What kind of pearl did do that? What would possess a gem, a pearl, to turn their back on their Diamond? This gem was just like her, a pearl to FD, and yet he turned rogue and betrayed him. She wanted to know why.

And Sky answered all of her questions as best he could, because he'd already been bound to silence about FD being Time (I'll go into more detail for this later). And so they talk. And they talk. And Fi learns a lot, but mostly she learns about 'love'.

She learns Sky left Homeworld to join the rebels because he loved this planet, and he loved Time and Twilight, and he loved all of the rebels. He loved his Diamond too, deeply, but he couldn't stand by while others he loved died while doing nothing. He had to join the fight, no matter how much he'd loved FD.

And Fi learns that love is powerful. She hears Sky speak, and she thinks of FD, sobbing alone where no one will see as he grieved the gems killed in this pointless war. She thinks of the kindness he showed every gem he met, regardless of rank. She thinks of the hours and hours spent pouring over battle plans with the only goal to make sure as many gems left the fight alive.

Fi hears Sky speak about how much he does love their Diamond, and she remembers when FD finally snapped at her that she couldn't tell him what to do because she wasn't Sky. She hears Sky speak about love, and thinks of how much FD loved all of his gems, and she realizes something. Emotions are not bad like she was made to believe. Because love is what made their Diamond strong, and what gave Sky the strength to leave, and she thinks maybe it wouldn't be so bad to learn to feel.

Maybe, just maybe, their Diamond would stop looking at her like she wasn't supposed to be there if she learned to love him, with real love and not the emotionless substitute she was programmed with. Maybe he would warm up to her and offer her that same kindness as others if she could love him like Sky did.

And then she learns that FD was shattered, and for the very first time, she feels something.

She's angry, and sad, and shocked, and disbelieving. She learns that FD was shattered, and she screams.

And Sky is there, and he holds her, and he lets her cry. And she does cry, and she feels, and he lets her.

She goes back to Homeworld, unable to remain with the rebels who killed the only gem she'd really cared for, and they let her go. Sky sees her off, and tells her she's always welcome if she chooses to return. She thanks him, tells him she won't be taking him up on his offer, and leaves.

And eventually Fi is given a new Diamond to serve, Hylia (Sun). And she's still grieving FD and does not want a new Diamond yet. And she suddenly realizes why FD never warmed up to her, never showed her that same kindness and love that he did other gems. She was replacing someone he loved when their absence was still fresh.

And now her Diamond has been replaced while she's still grieving, and she gets it. Because Hylia is not FD. Hylia is a replacement for the gem that Fi was still grieving. And she understands why FD was cold to her.

But she's not cold to Hylia. It is not Hylia's fault that she is a replacement anymore than it was Fi's. And Fi remembers what it was like, desperately trying to appeal to FD, to get him to notice her as her. No, she wasn't Sky, and she knew the betrayal was still fresh, but even so the resentment hurt. She wasn't going to hurt Hylia because she was still grieving.

So instead she told Hylia stories. Hylia was young, and new, and curious, and Fi had a lot of information to give. And so she told Hylia stories about anything and everything.

The stories about FD were always Hylia's favorite. Fi had known him personally, known him and loved him, and whenever she told those stories it was in the way of someone who had lost the most important person in the world to them. Fi told Hylia stories about the sides of FD that no one else had ever seen. She spoke of the tears shed over gems he'd never met, of his unwavering kindness, about how much he cared. She spoke about his love, his gentleness, his pain at the betrayal of the pearl he loved so much.

These are the stories Hylia grew up on, and she would often compare the FD Fi told her about with the one she'd heard from everyone else, and the one the other Diamonds told her of. She liked Fi's version of him the most.

And Fi told her about Sky too. The renegade pearl who betrayed the Diamond he loved so much because he loved something else more, but who never stopped loving his Diamond. About how he abandoned everything he knew for love. About how he showed he kindness, and what he taught her.

And Hylia would think about this brave pearl. She would imagine him too, and she fell a bit in love with this mystery pearl who was forced to chose between what he loved and chose the rebels over his Diamond. She admired how brave he must have been.

And so when she arrives on the plant to learn about her predecessor, this is why she doesn't outright attack or kill the Chain. This is why she asked them questions instead. Because in all of Fi's stories the rebels weren't evil, they just loved the planet and were very brave. And Hylia wanted to learn more.

And when Sky showed up, Fi was not surprised that she was happy to see him. He taught her how to feel, and so she loved him too.

Some days she does wonder what it would be like if she had stayed when Sky offered the first time, what it would be like living with the rebels. But then Hylia laughs or asks her to tell a story, and Fi knows she made the right choice. She is a pearl, and she was made to serve her Diamond.

Hylia was not FD, nor would she ever take his place, but she is Fi's Diamond, and Fi loves her.

-Attllhak

i am speechless. this is SO good Att omg??? I've known LU SU AU Fi for 5 minutes but if anything happened to her id destroy everyone on tumblr and then myself

[ofallthingsnasty]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVELY🎂🎉🎁

I hope you day is wonderful and everything goes great!!!

What I'd ask for from Overhaul: obviously, I know that he has very set limits on what he'd be willing to give but honestly, if I could persuade him to go out to dinner. A small romantic little date, which he would probably be super sceptical of unless I had been with him for an insane amount of time. If he said no though, a nice candle lit dinner would suffice, one where it's actual food and face to face at the same table. And maybe a bath, together, and some cuddles.

What I'd ask for from Rumi: Where Rumi is overbearing, in my opinion, she's also a giving lover. If asked correct, I'm sure she would be willing to give nearly anything, and if I ask for a night full of passion love making, I'm sure she could be convinced. However, I feel like she would make me regret that on several different levels. It would be mind blowing to the point of it being blown stupid. She's a rabbit after all and most definitely has the stamina of one so she only stops after she's been satisfied (way after a normal person is) even if the night is supposed to be about me.

What I would for Overhaul: Honestly, I'm not sure. He's a funny little man. I'd do my best to make him happy and everything I could, no matter how humiliating or dehumanizing it might be since it's his birthday after all.

What I would do for Rumi: it's more more like what I wouldn't do is the easier questions. Depending on what I'm allowed to do for her though, I'd start off by making her dinner and a cake like a normal birthday. As the night went on however, I'd start off by giving her a bath as there is no way we are getting there after fucking, and a massage which I probably what leads to sex. I'm sure she would have plans of her owns so it would be simple to follow along like a perfect little doll for her.

Eeeee anon thank you!!! And omg @ what you typed out 🥺💕 So, so much love in there and just. So good. (Also me and a friend brainstormed a little for the Rumi portion lol)

mini birthday ask game

100% agreed on Kai. If you've been together for some time (and you've been good according to his standards) I can see him giving you a little tête-à-tête, no problem. I think he'd gift you jewelry or something nice to wear as well - even if you didn't ask for it (and it's suitable for your dynamic). Just a little something to show he cares and values you (probably ironic considering this dude, but... that's how he is)

And I honestly think he wouldn't ask for much/anything at all - I don't peg him as the guy who cares for his birthday or would use it to make you do despicable things. He makes you do these anyway, birthday or not 😂 (But seriously I think he'd be touched if you got him something/baked him a cake/cooked him a nice meal - he wouldn't really show it, but it's very much appreciated)

I think Rumi would love to spend a good chunk of money on you, it's your special day after all - I think she can be quite flashy, especially when it comes to you. Loves to spoil you, loves to see your eyes light up with wonder as she takes you somewhere expensive and then (when she pulls out a nice new wristwatch) loves to see your eyes turn into dinner plates 🤭 And don't be shy asking for gifts - she doesn't think less of you (as long as you don't overdo it) for wanting something nice for your birthday - she views it as some sort of memorabilia, something you can wear and insteadly think of her. And yes, if you go and ask for sex - you better come prepared 😏

For her gift - I think she'd love that. It's from you, all for her (no one else) - that's more than enough. But. You know what I think she'd also love? Something sporty, maybe a nice hike for you two or something a little more exciting like windsurfing (might be a little too cold in March, but you get my drift hehe). If you can manage to organize all that (talking about a non-yan context here haha) and keep it a secret from her (while also ensuring it doesn't mess with her actual plans) - she'd be so, so happy. She gets to make new memories with you, how special! (And even if you're all tuckered at the end of the day, she's still going to fuck you silly once you come home)

[fairytail-fanworks]

Day 18- Costumes

*(Takes place after chapter 21, Longing to be Together. As for within this story, it takes place after the events in chapter 13, Pillow Talk, but before the events in chapter 5,Watching the Sunrise)

With his one good arm, Gray lifted the lid off of the small box in which he kept Joy's things. Natsu had once thought it funny that his kitten had what was essentially her own luggage. Out of necessity, everything in the house had its own designated spot, and Gray and Lyon were diligent in returning everything they used, so those objects would be easy to find again later. This included all of Joy's cat toys, collars, blankets, and clothes. Yes, even clothes. Gray's cat had her own wardrobe.

It was cold out today. Joy's been rubbing up against both Gray and Lyon all morning. After feeding her, giving her treats, playing with her, and even changing her kitty litter a day early, the only thing they could think of was that she wanted to go outside. Gray was against it. She was still too young to fully regulate her body temperature, and a cold front was moving in tonight. They could already feel it in the air. It wouldn't be cold enough to snow, but rain was on the way. No one wanted to handle the misery of a cold and wet kitten.

But Joy was insistent, and Gray was so weak-willed when it came to his cat, Lyon sometimes wondered who'd really trained the other. But she was one of the few things in his life that would always make him smile, so he was grateful for that at least, and wouldn't blame him for spoiling her. But right now, it looked like he was having trouble deciding what she should wear.

"Do you need any help?"

Gray had to improvise a few of his Gestures, since Lyon insisted he keep his arm in a sling. His movements were slow and somewhat jerky, as if that arm was slow to respond to his commands, but he was managing, and Lyon was able to figure out his meaning with a bit of thought. Gingerly, he replied, "Nothing in here is warm enough."

Lyon leaned over Gray's shoulder to see for himself. Among a collection of catnip mice, dingle balls, and a stuffed fish that flapped its tail whenever Joy batted at it, were an assortment of outfits people have gifted her. Lucy, Wendy, and Mira all found cute accessories for her to wear. She'd been attired in so many hats, bonnets, scarves, and ribbons, to all the ladies' delight. Erza was especially fond of showing up out of the blue with full length dresses, perfectly tailored for a feline form. Not even Asuka was that fervent in treating her like a dress up doll. Joy just took it all in stride, and enjoyed the extra treats she always got out of them in the end.

But in all the clothes she had, none of them were actually designed for warmth.

"You know, the doctor in Calla Valley said it'd be good to exercise that leg a couple of days after your surgery. We could walk to the store and buy her an actual cat sweater," Lyon suggested.

"I have an appointment with Loren soon. It'd take me too long to walk there and back. Plus, I wouldn't have a lot of time to choose one I'd love, especially when you'd have to describe them all for me."

Ah yes. Of course. More than just a therapist, Loren Bradley has been essential in helping Gray become more independent in the wake of all his disabilities. It certainly wouldn't do to miss that appointment.

"Then maybe when he gets here, we can all go there together."

"Can't. He's supposed to help me write some letters today."

"Letters?"

"It's not like I can write them."

Gray was still receiving injections to numb the site of his recent skin grafts, leaving him unable to feel the entire right side of his chest, nor could he move that shoulder. Even if he didn't need a sling, he still had dexterity issues, and of course he couldn't see what he'd write anyway.

"I could have written them for you. What are the letters for?" asked Lyon.

"Appreciate it, but I've seen your handwriting. It's just an idea I had for Christmas."

Ignoring that slight against his impeccable penmanship, he instead asked teasingly, "It's not a letter to Santa, is it?"

"Depends on how the publishers answer back,"Gray smirked in answer.

"Publishers? You mean book publishers? What business do you have with them?"

"It's for Lucy. I know a guy who knows a guy. Still doesn't solve Joy's problem, though."

Sighing in defeat, Gray picked up Joy, who'd been rubbing up on him and nudging at her belongings all this time, and rose slowly and steadily to his feet, then limped his way to the couch. Sitting down, he released her, and heard as she continued to paw at his arm and meow at him incessantly. She was really eager to get some outdoor time today.

"Guess I can just let her out, and hope she has enough sense to come back inside when the rain comes."

Joy must have gotten tired of the wait, and was now roaming around the couch, jumping across the furniture, and making a nuisance of herself. He really needed to consider a way for her to get some exercise now that winter was coming.

"You can always leash-train her."

Gray gave a affronted look, before replying, "That very suggestion demeans both her and me."

"*Chuckle* Okay. No leash. Then what about—"

He was interrupted by the sound of something being knocked down, followed by further sounds of something sliding against paper. They both looked towards the dining room table, where a gift bag that had once sat on top was now turned on its side on the floor. Joy was inside of it, poking around at whatever lay in there. Lyon recognized it as the bag in which the exceeds had delivered their get well gift to Gray: His beloved Frosch pillow.

Lyon went to fetch the bag, picking it up with Joy still inside, smiling at how cute she looked as she gazed up at him in complete innocence.

"It appears Her Highness has discovered the wonder of paper bags," he said as he placed the bag in Gray's lap. Gray was very taken with the idea, smiling humorously at his kitten's antics. Reaching into the bag, he laughed as she grabbed at his hand, nipping and licking at his fingers. He gave her a few pets, and was wrapping his hand around her belly, when he brushed against a fabric she was laying on. Curious, he pulled her out first, laying her on the couch, then reached in to find what else was in there.

How could they have forgotten about the other gift?!

What Gray was pulling out of the bag had Lyon sighing, and sending out a prayer for strength.

It was that set of cat pajamas Happy had gotten for her. Ostensibly, it had been a get well gift for Gray, and with how strongly Joy tended to resist wearing it, it was definitely more for his enjoyment than for hers. Seeing the look of delight on Gray's face, he knew he'd already decided that they were perfect to keep his baby warm for a fun filled day outside. But guess who had to go through all the trials and tribulations of getting her to wear the thing?

But he also knew there was no way he'd ever be able to talk Gray out of it. Because not only was it a finely crafted garment, made of soft material, warm and comfortable; there was also the factor of the very design of those pajamas. Heaving another sigh and a quiet, resigned chuckle, he prepared himself for a bevy of tiny bites and scratches, and took the pink fabric from Gray's proffering hand.

ooooo

Loren Bradley was walking up the stone pathway towards Gray's front porch, taking a quick peek in his travel bag to ensure he had all his training aids tucked away where they belonged, as well as the fine pens and stationary he'd promised to bring for the task Gray had asked him to perform today. As part of his profession, such services for the visually impaired were quite common, and he was more than happy to help pen a letter to Gray's "friend of a friend", for Ms. Heartfilia's sake.

Ruminating on how fortunate his young client was to have such loyal friends, whom he cared for so much, that he'd go through the trouble of trying to advance the writing career of one of them, he was caught completely off guard by the sight that greeted him upon reaching the first step of the porch. He was shocked, and flustered, and wondering if he's been working too hard. Sitting on top of the railing that ran around the sides of the porch was the largest, strangest, pinkest frog he has ever seen. And it appears to have eaten Gray's cat!

Next Prompt: Flowers

Featuring: Gray, Lucy, and Joy

[d-noona]

MAKE OVER

Chapter 16: New Year’s Eve | FINAL

Jung Hoseok x Reader

Reader as Kang Hyeonji

SUMMARY: When Kang Hyeonji transformed herself into a striking redhead, the entire male population of Seoul stood up and took notice. But her make over was for Jung Hoseok’s benefit alone. He began to show interest in the new look but not in the way she wanted. Suddenly he was over-protective, perhaps a little jealous. It seemed that the idea of having a relationship with her couldn’t be further from his mind. The girl however wants more. So it was time for an ultimatum. If Hoseok didn’t want Hyeonji to lose her virginity to another admirer, he had no option but to make love to her himself.

The party was in full swing, a large motley collection of people having gathered in the Jung's house to celebrate New Year's Eve, plus the engagement of Hoseok to his long-time girlfriend slash next door neighbor, Kang Hyeonji.

As the glamorous guest of honor, the happy couple were dressed for the part. The proud groom-to-be was resplendent in stylish Balenciaga navy trousers, an open neck Gucci blue shirt and a suave cream silk sports jacket by Supreme. is bride-to-be was stunning in a strapless party dress of emerald satin by Chanel, with an even more stunning emerald and gold choker gracing her elegant neck. It had been a Christmas present from her adorning fiance, one of many he'd lavished on her during the past year.

Hoseok had, in fact spoiled Hyeonji rotten with gifts of expensive clothes and jewelry, not to mention his myriad smaller purchases of chocolates, flowers and perfume. He'd taught her to drive in his precious car, and would've bought him a new car if she'd let him. Then there were the fantasy getaways he'd taken her on, weekends here and there at romantic places designed to seduce and soften even the hardest of hearts. Not that Hyeonji was a hard girl. Hoseok knew she wasn't.

But she'd been surprisingly difficult to win, he'd found to his consternation. He'd never been quite sure of her feelings. She'd keep him dangling, had often been late for dates, and had sometimes even dared to cancel them. He'd never quite known where he stood with her, which had been both irritating and intriguing. Only in the love making department had he been sure of his domination over her. There, she was a putty in his hands, melting at his touch, quick to be aroused and always willing, no matter how often he wanted her, or where.

She'd never said no, even when there;d been some danger of being discovered. His choosing precarious places, such as behind rocks at the beach or in a sparsely filled movie theater - had sometimes soothed the sense of emotional insecurity she instilled in him, he'd almost felt loved. There'd been no doubt she craved him sexually; could not deny him. But was that love?

Till Christmas Day, when he'd produced an engagement ring for her which would have done Elizabeth Taylor proud. It was huge brilliant-cut yellow Argyle diamond, set in white gold. But it had been his words as he'd given it to her that had seemed to do the trick. "This cost me a fortune, Hyeonji," he said. "But a fortune means nothing to me without you. Marry me, my darling. I love you so much and I think you love me. You don't have to say you do if you don't want to but it would be nice, just once, to hear it from your lips."

Hyeonji had stared at him and then burst into tears. He gathered her to him and heard the words he'd been dying to hear all year. "Of course I love you. Don't you know that yet? I love you, Hoseok. With all of my heart, I love you. I love you..."

He looked over at her now across the crowded living room and caught her eye. She smiled at him, brown eyes sparkling. It wasn't so much different from the smiles she'd given him before, but tonight he saw the love in them. Why hadn't he seen it before? Hoseok was about to walk across the room to join her when someone tapped him on the elbow.

"Hello, you gorgeous hunk, you. If I wasn't married, you know, I'd given Hyeonji a run for her money." It was Choon Hee, from the library. One of Hyeonji's best friends.

Hoseok smiled "You would have to be good."

Choon Hee nodded up and down. "You're right. Hyeonji's a grand girl and I'm very happy for her. You don't know how lucky you are."

"Oh, I think I do..."

"She's loved you for so long, you know." says Choon Hee

Hoseok was about to say he didn't know at all when he stopped himself. It was then he realized Choon Hee was off in another world, smiling at something in her head.

"I can still remember the day she came into the library and told me about Mr X. You must remember Mr X, Hoseok," she added, glancing up at him.

"Only too well," Hoseok said dryly, and he lifted the glass he was holding to his lips.

Choon Hee chuckled. "I nearly cracked up when she told me about him, especially when she said you hadn't twigged. I mean...you have to admit it's very funny, but rather typical of men, not seeing beyond their nose. But I dare say you've laughed together about it since."

"Laughed about what?"

"About you being Mr X, of course."

Hoseok's drink froze midway to his mouth. He stared at Choon Hee over the glass. She grimaced, then groaned. "Oh, dear heaven, you didn't know. I always assumed she'd told you. Oh Lord!"

Hoseok could hardly think. He was Mr X. His head spun with the news, and all it implied. Hyeonji had loved him all along. But she'd also lied to him, laughed at him, manipulated him. She'd been a schemer, as Tinashe had warned she was. He recoiled at his thought, and his feelings showed on his face.

"Don't you dare take that attitude," Choon Hee warned.

"Dont you DARE! That girl loves you. No, she adores and worships you. Always has done. But did you ever see it? Not on your nelly! You sailed on through your glamorous privileged life, tossing her a few crumbs from your table when it suited you. You didn't give a fig for her feelings. You took her for granted and you broke her heart."

"But that's not..."

"Oh, shut up and listen!" Choon Hee snapped. "So what if she protected her self-esteem by inventing Mr X? So what if she had some fun with it? She'd had little enough fun in her life at that point in time. Give credit where credit is due, Hoseok. When she saw her chance she went after what she wanted. She changed for you, lied for you, fought for you. And she won you, by God - won your love and your respect. Look at her, Hoseok. She's beautiful and very brave woman; a woman in a million. Don't you dare tell her I told you about Mr X. Don't take her pride. Go on letting her think you believe she once had a Mr X in her life, because maybe she needs that Maybe she...Oh my God, she's coming over. Promise me, Hoseok. Promise me, you won't tell her I told you."

"I promise Choon," he said faithfully. "And thank you...for making me finally see the light."

Hoseok watched the girl he loved walk towards them, a lovely smile on her lovely face. He felt humbled and incredibly moved as the full import of Choon Hee's words sank in. Hyeonji had always loved him. Oh, how cruel life could be sometimes. And how wonderful. He saw now why he loved her so much. Because she loved him so much. He must have sensed in it at some subconscious level, had known that to let her go would be the worst, most stupid thing he could ever do. He vowed now he'd never let her go. Never.

"What are you two sneaky devils talking about over here?" she asked, glancing from one to another. "You two were looking rather very serious, Choon Hee. You too love."

Hoseok's heart kicked over. Never had the word "love" on her lips sounded so sweet, or so touching. He wound his arm around her slender waist and pulled her against him. "We were having a very serious discussion on having children in this day and age, weren't we Choon?"

Choon Hee laughed. He could see the flicker of surprised pleasure in her eyes "I've been wanting to discuss children with you. I would like to have a baby quite soon, but I wasn't sure about you..."

No, he thought, understanding dawning. She still wasn't sure of him. It was a cruel legacy of all those years when he hadn't noticed her, hadn't wanted her. That's why she kept him unsure. She'd been protecting herself, had made him keep proving his love over and over. There was still a lot of work to be done, he realized, before she would feel totally secure in his love. But having children together would be a good start. He gave her a reassuring smile, and a loving squeeze.

Hyeonji gave a self-conscious laugh. "How about nine months after the wedding day?"

"How about six?" he returned, squeezing her again. The wedding date has been set in March.

"I think this conversation is getting too private for me," Choon Hee exited.

"Hoseok laughed "I like your Choon Hee. I think we'll ask her to be Godmother to our first child."

"Our...first child?"

"You don't honestly think we're going to have only one child, do you? Only children are notoriously spoiled."

"Yes, well..."

He kissed her. Then kissed her again. "Wanna get out of here?" he murmured

"Where?"

"Your room" Hoseok smirked.

Hyeonji sucked in a startled breath. "Mine? But it...it only has a single bed in it."

Hoseok took her hand and began drawing her from her room. "Single beds were just made for lovers." Hoseok loved her, Hyeonji, the simple, solid girl who'd always loved him. He would make sure she would never doubt it again, and he would never cause her to.

Midnight came with cheers and shouts, whistles and car horns. People spilled out of houses into the streets below. Everyone was kissing.

No one missed the guests of honor.

Back to Masterlist

[dear-alex-chill]

((HAHAHAHA!! I'VE FOUND IT AND ITS BEEN 2 MONTHS!!))

*cracks knuckles* time to update this with Frank's recent posts and the new announcements...

Beakly:

((She's always on here))

"Cough up the information Bentina!"

'How far would Beakly go to protect Webby?' ...

Let's break those two down a bit. First things first, while it's not uncommon for Huey to ask for information and with the Swanstintine Episode we see he's got some anger going on. The main concern here is the use of 'Bentina' rather than any other name or no name at all. While it's plausible that Huey could just be in a rage fit and 'Bentina' sounds a lot more serious than 'Ms. Beakly'. Looking at the other part, while Frank could be joking with us a little or unsure of how to answer without spoiling ((I'm assuming it's the former)) that's highly unreassuring seeing as one of my main hcs is that Beakly is doing this to protect Webby. ((Side note, this FOWL partnership could've started in the pilot episode when Webby went on an adventure without telling her)) It's undeniable that Beakly is willing to lie and even convince Webby to fight her friends to stay safe to do what she believed is protecting Webby. Beakly has a long history of wanting to protect Webby.

Alternatively it's interesting to mention how Beakly isn't a member of clan McDuck which means she remembers suspicious activity in Scrooge's area during the episode where we see a young Donald and Della. Despite this, Beakly still recommended Bradford even if she didn't know his connections extent, you can still assume she'd have caution around him. Has she known all along?

Additionally, Fowl has a lot to gain from having her join. She's got wits, strength, and an in with Scrooge all as one person, not spread out amongst people. She's a total catch for FOWL with all her abilities.

Fenton:

((I'm still not a fan of him being on here but it's still to be considered))

Biggest thing, Fenton is in a relationship with Gandra and they're working on a project. The episode description of Beaks in the Shell shows us that. It's a well known fact that Gandra is part of Fowl but Fenton is known for a little bit of obliviousness in addition to his desire to see the good in people. However Fenton can also be manipulated and quick to trust. If Gandra apologized and seemed to be on the good side, Fenton could easily trust her again and want to impress her. Gandra can use that to her advantage. Of course this could also be a classic 'partners in crime' type relationship and Fenton willingly helps Fowl.

I personally want to believe that if Fenton was to betray Scrooge, it wouldn't be on purpose. He would've been manipulated, tricked, or forced. That's personal bias though.

The big thing here to refute this is: Fenton is good at heart. He's an optimist and a hero, always trying to do better. He knows Fowl isn't good and he wants to stop the bad in the world. Not to mention Fenton demonstrates loyalty, he's a good guy that appears to want good in the world.

Gyro:

((yeah yeah I know. He's pretty unlikely but he's my favorite character so-))

We haven't heard from him in a long while and it is shown he's returning.

Watching the imposibin episode makes you begin to wonder if the inventions were faulty on purpose or if it was a genuine mistake, something Gyro is fully capable of both ways.

However, to refute this, he could be changing as a character. He's now more of a Dad and is busy with Boyd. Even with Boyd's history of getting corrupted, you still gotta love the little guy and he really seems to change characters for the better.

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

I know this post was really more arguing a point against Beakly, but I needed to update this soon before the episodes started back up. As always, feel free to discuss or share your points in the comments.

!SPOILERS!

Just finished imposi-bin.

Recognize this list?

I've made my own

Likely:

Beakly

Huey or Dewey (my logic for Dewey is they'd play on his weakness and his wish to be favored and appreciated)

Unlikely but still possible:

Fenton (I'm sorry but I just have my suspicions)

Gyro (he was bound to make the list somehow)

Boyd (only if Akita works with fowl and hacks his coding)

Completely Ruled Out (in my opinion):

Bulb, Scrooge, Donald, Webby, Drake Mallard, Launchpad, Violet, Lena, and Manny