#killed his abusive step father and was put into power

[dogsrotten]

"i couldn't breathe until i saw you ."

[lgbtlunaverse]

Could someone tell me where the interpretation that, in book canon, the promotion Nie Mingjue gives Meng Yao made Meng Yao's life worse than it was before, came from?

I have seen that claim made multiple times now and I've looked at the text over and over trying to see where the basis for it is and I. Can't find it? Don't get me wrong, it absolutely spells out that it does not and cannot fix everything for Meng Yao, but the idea that it was actively bad for him?

Lacking other evidence, I kind of have to assume that it comes from cql canon being sort of projected backwards onto book canon. In cql canon, meng yao is suffering active and explicit bullying and abuse from the captain while under the nie, and does so because the capain believes he has risen above his station via nmj's promotion of him. (In book canon this... isn't happening. It happens with the captain in Langya instead) However, in cql canon he has also been with the nie for years and is openly close to both Nie Mingjue and Nie Huasiang, whereas in book canon he has only been working with nie mingjue for a few months (though has, in that time, apparently become close enough to him for Lan Xichen to explicitly state Meng Yao is able to calm nmj down in ways no one else can? Ofc he does this... Right after that stops being true. But. Food for thought. Not what this post is about tho.) So, if you project the much more explicit abuse from the nie sect captain in cql back on novel jgy who has a presumably much less stable position in the sect overall you get... a meng yao for whom the promotion only means a bigger target on his back and virtually no protection from nmj, who we must assume he can't trust to talk to his about because he never mentions it. (This also explicitly violates book canon when it comes to meng yao's general behaviour, we'll talk about that in a sec)

And look. We all do frankencanon in this house. I get it. And for fanfiction that is very fun. But for a serious reading of the character, his situation, and the actions that lead from that this... doesn't make much sense, in my opinion.

So. Why is that? Why did I say this was out of character for the novel? Because Meng yao spoke up about the jin captain mistreating him. Multiple times! It's just that none of it mattered because no one cared to listen to him. This is a pretty important line for his character because it flatly shows that meng yao is not and has never seen murder as something trivial. He's not trigger happy. He will only do it if he sees no other way out that doesn't end in himself being seriously harmed. (Whether he's right or justified in these cases is not the point of this post.)

If anything remotely similar was happening in the Nie sect, he would have said so. Cql Meng Yao doesn't do this because cql Meng Yao is a different character, and also the plot wouldn't work if he did. Cql Nie Mingjue, by extension, comes off as a fundamentally less trustworthy figure in cql Meng Yao's life because apparently for whatever reason, he cannot be trusted with the information that the deputy he has already publicly defended is still being harassed, and doesn't notice even when it is really blatant. The assumtpion the audience is given is that, like a middle schooler getting the principal involved when being bullied, it would only make the harassment more viscious.

This... actually has a somewhat solid basis in the book. Because after nmj yells at the bullies in question Wei Wuxian says this.

And it is important to keep in mind that this is Wei Wuxian saying this. Not Meng Yao, not an omniscient narrator. Wei wuxian is drawing on his own experiences, likely from the Jiang family, to conclude that if someone is angry at you and thwarted by someone defending you, this generally does not make them less angry at you.

This is leaving out two crucial things, though.

Firstly, this worry isn't about the promotion at all.

The promotion hasn't even been brought up. In the novel it doesn't ctually happen immediately, it takes another few battles where meng yao continues to do his job well and nie mingjue continues praising him for him to eventually go "yeah, you deserve a raise."

This is another aspect that is being projected from cql canon onto book canon I presume, because it does happen quite quickly there, and it's a throwaway line in the books so it's easy to miss. I can't be mad about anyone forgetting the difference, but it is important to mention for this particular analysis.

Which is the second point: change in status

Wei Wuxian couldn't exactly change status within the Jiang family. (And if he could, that would just fuel rumours that he was jfm's bastard even more and make madam yu even angrier at him, etc etc.)

This isn't comparable to Meng Yao. The worry Wei Wuxian is talking about is explitly about Nie Mingjue's initial very loud defense of him. Before he has any idea Nie Mingjue is going to promote him.

Promoting him would likely decrease his chances of cultivators coming after him because now he was in a higher standing in the sect than they were. If applied to that earlier metaphor of middle school bullying it's like if the bullied kid suddenly got hired as a teacher. Which. Doesn't work with the metaphor at all. Touché. But what I am trying to say is that any payback they would have planned for him relied on the fact that they could make sure that Nie Mingjue wasn't going to be within very convenient earshot a second time, and as a random disciple Meng Yao couldn't just go complain to him every time.

But as his right hand man? Who spends most of his time working directly alongside him? Lmao. Good luck. Oh, sure, it is very likely that they feel offended a son of a whore has been raised in status above them, and many will continue to do so as jgy rises through cultivation society (in fact, Wei Wuxian's observations are absolutely on point for how Madam Jin will be treating jgy later on). But as we can also see from the way jgy is treated and how he treats others throughout the story: you can be upset all you want, but if that person is higher than you in status there's jack shit you can do about it.

If I am correct and Wei Wuxian is basing this on his experiences with the Jiang family, it makes sense why he'd miss this. Madam Yu gets to be way angrier at Jiang Fengmian as his wife than some random disciples can be at Nie Mingjue. Insulting Meng Yao, suggesting that he didn't deserve his promotion or that he earned it through less than proper means (you know who is mother is) is also an insult to Nie Mingjue and the way he chooses to run his sect. They can't do that.

Another thing I see brought up in this regard would be the tea scene. There may be no explicit harassment like in the show, but cultivators still don't respect him! The disrespect is just quieter and more subtle.

Tiny detail: these are actually not Nie cultivators

They're cultivators Lan Xichen is escorting with him, making a pitstop in heijan.

The book confirms this by basically outright stating that this is the first time they see his face, and recognize him as Jin Guangshan's bastard son.

Now, just because there is no proof that it happened doesn't mean it definitely never happened. Mdzs is a novel that often leaves stuff out or up to interpretation. Similar stuff to the tea situtation could very well be happening in the background. But I do think it is pretty significant that there is no mention whatsoever of Meng Yao having any negative treatment from Nie cultivators betwen him and Nie Mingjue meeting and him executing them while spying for Wen Ruohan, and the most we get is Wei Wuxian's personal speculation, after which he immediately goes to wax poetic about how surprised he is that Meng Yao and Nie Mingjue are getting along super well.

And, again, novel Meng Yao would have said something. He doesn't say anything about the tea scene. - Or? Does he? Notably 3zun have some very long in depth conversations that Wei Wuxian zones out from because he's busy thinking about Lan Zhan again. But let's not rely on what-ifs. Let's say that neither he nor Lan Xichen find it worth bringing up. Major reasons for that would be that a) these are not nie cultivators, nie mingjue wouldn't really have the authority to scold them. Especially because b) it's such a subtle offense it could easily be handwaved as coincidence. "They just always brush their cups clean like that!! It's wartime you know, and they were traveling! They're used to drinking from vessels that aren't thoroughly washed everytime! It's just a habit!" And would therefore not be worth reporting.

But anything worse than that? A "price tens or hundreds of times greater" like wwx mentions? He'd report it! I do understand that "well if it was happening why didn't he say something?" would, in real life, be victim blaming. This is not real life, and I am not talking about this in a matter of blame. If Meng Yao was being mistreated in the Nie and stayed silent about it, it would still not be his fault. I am talking about this in a manner of character consistency.

His admission of seeking help in the Jin sect shows that at that time and prior to it (a very good argument can be made that he loses faith in this idea) he believes that if he is being mistreated and someone with the authority to say something about it takes his side, things can improve. If Nie Mingjue standing up for him in Qinghe only made things worse, he would not have tried to ask for help in an even more hostile environment. You can call Meng Yao many things, but naïve isn't one of them.

Meng yao's later habit of completely isolating himself and lying to everyone around him comes from the fact that revealing his suffering would mean explaining several horrible things he's become complicit in and he does not feel safe admitting to that. But he's done nothing wrong here!

The reading where he says nothing would imply an either correct or incorrect belief in Meng Yao's eyes that Nie Mingjue did not much care for his wellbeing or safety. Oh sure he defended him once but doing so again multiple times would be such a bother. This also contradicts his later behaviour, where he banks solely on Nie Mingjue's protective instincts to seal his qi and escape during the confrontation in Langya. After having been caught murdering a man, he is still convinced Nie Mingjue will immediately try to help him when he is in serious danger.

And even if you very badly want to characterize Nie Mingjue as a blundering idiot who is apparently less trustworthy in Meng Yao's eyes than the jin cultivators who had already resoundly rejected him by the time he tries to ask for help with the langya captain. He doesn't say anything to Xichen either! Lan Xichen, who has explicitly and exhaustively been portrayed as kind and understanding to Meng Yao's circumstances and very willing to talk to Mingjue if Meng Yao wants something from him he doesn't otherwise think he'd get. The conversation Mingjue overhears where Meng Yao's new position in the Nie is explictly brought up would be kind of the perfect time to go "yeah I've been promoted but I'm not treated well by other soldiers" aaaand. Nothing. So unless you come to the conclusion that Meng Yao trusted the Jin he told about the captain's abuse more than Lan Xichen you kind of have to conclude that Meng Yao's treatment after his promotion improved significantly. And that even if people still disliked him they could not openly do anything about it because he was high enough in status for that to be socially inappropiate. Which is, explicitly, one of his main motivators over the entire course of the story: Avoiding mistreatment by getting high enough on the social ladder it doesn't matter what people think of him, they can't hurt him.

And I'm not sure how to reconcile that character journey with the idea that he would, at any point, have preferred to keep his head down and stay where he was. When he was so desperate to crawl his way out.

[flowerandblood]

The Price of Pride (5/?)

[ canon • Aemond x Royce • female ]

[ warnings: the angst, sexual tension, targcest stuff, imprisonment, abuse of power, manipulation, mention of murder ]

[ description: Prince Aemond finds a solution to the disproportion in the number of dragons between Dragonstone and King's Landing: he decides to find dragon blood and, like his half-sister, train dragon riders. He takes as his target the daughter of Daemon Targaryen and Rhea Royce, whom he abducts and imprisons in the Red Keep. Slow burn, darkish, insolent, arrogant Aemond. I have combined several requests here: (dragon blood female & prisoner female). ]

* English is not my first language. Please, do not repost. Enjoy! *

Next chapters: Masterlist

_____

I will treat you like my little sister.

He had no idea what had crossed his mind to say something so pathetic and absurd – he thought at that moment that he had to find a way to make her choose him, not Daemon, at the time of the trial.

Since her father had abandoned her, he would let her stay by his side, since her father had denied her her inheritance, he would let her be part of it, since her father did not want her to be part of his family, he would let her become it in his eyes.

Until they win the war.

He didn't know what he would do with her afterwards, once they had defeated his sister – she might begin to demand more, putting pressure on him, threatening that she had a dragon she could always take away from them.

He thought, trying to quell the inner feeling of guilt, that he might have to kill her.

Now, however, she had to love what he could give her.

What he could be for her.

He was sure that he had her in his grasp, that she craved him both spiritually and physically, that she would become a docile shadow of herself just to satisfy him.

She, however, once again acted as if nothing had happened.

Neither the way he had shamelessly touched her nor what he had said to her allowed the wall she had built between herself and him to collapse – worse, he had the feeling that for some reason she had closed herself in even deeper.

Walking with him through the valleys, she remained silent, not even bestowing a single glance on him, thoughtful and focused on her task.

She walked a few steps behind him – she did not seek his proximity, she did not try to start a conversation, she did not do what the ladies of the court did, hoping to fall to the fate of the prince's wife.

This made him feel uneasy and uncomfortable – he had the feeling that he had made a fool of himself and she had seen through his plan.

He wondered if this was all a good idea, or if maybe he should pull out his dagger and just kill her, instead finding someone else in her place, someone who would be easier to manipulate.

And then they heard it.

A screech in the skies.

They both fell to the ground as a large, dark dragon flew over their heads, landing in a valley not far away, burning several sheep beforehand that had tried to flee from it in terror.

They started to run in that direction, clambering down the stones, stopping only when the dragon's head turned towards them, concerned.

He looked at her and swallowed hard, watching with some kind of admiration as she moved towards the creature, several times her own size, without any hesitation.

A male dragon the size of Meleys, he thought with satisfaction.

He could fight and make a difference, protecting him and Vhagar.

The dragon roared squeakily, opening his maw, tense, ready to breathe fire, her hand extended forward.

"Daor!" She called out.

The dragon hesitated, the red flame in his maw extinguished, but he continued to hiss, shifting on his paws closer and closer to her, as if considering whether to devour her.

"Lykirī!" She said and, to his surprise, crouched down on the ground, still keeping her hand stretched forward.

The dragon stopped in his half-step, as bewildered as he was.

What the fuck was she doing?

She was supposed to get on its back, not sit down.

However, the dragon seemed intrigued. He closed his maw and leaned forward as if to sniff her – she sat with her legs crossed, placing her hands on her thighs, simply looking at him.

"Lykirī." She repeated, and the dragon croaked, however in a different way than before. He walked sideways around her and circled her figure, making a strange high-pitched sounds, and she watched him the whole time, a wide smile on her lips.

"What are you doing?" He asked loudly, feeling his heart pounding like mad in his chest.

He hadn't burned her yet.

A good sign.

"He can't feel I'm a threat to him. When I sit I'm smaller and I don't move. He needs to get to know me." She said lightly, extending her hand towards the dragon as if she was just trying to tame the dog – the dragon extended its muzzle towards her slightly, but did not touch her, instead gushing warm steam from his nostrils at her.

She laughed.

Gods, they didn't have time for this.

"Try to mount him." He commanded, seeing with excitement that this beautiful beast with spikes on its back seemed to accept her.

He will return to King's Landing with two dragons.

He will win this fucking war.

His cousin gave him a stern look from above her furrowed brows and shook her head as if she thought he was a fool.

"That's what gets people like you killed. Lack of patience." She said with an anger from which he felt himself boil inside. He moved at her suddenly, furious, making the dragon step back and hiss, and she rose from her place.

"– FUCKING MOUNT HIM, I SAID –" He shouted and froze as the dragon's maw aimed at him opened, the pillar of fire in his throat testifying to what he wanted to do.

"– DAOR – DAOR, SHEEPSTEALER –" She called out desperately, standing between them, extending her hand in front of her. "– Rȳbas! –"

The dragon stepped back at once and squealed, howling like a child being rebuked by its mother, writhing from side to side with its eyes fixed on him.

"– YOU SCARED HIM! –"

"– he is a dragon – how the fuck could I scare him? –" He asked in a voice trembling with rage thinking that she was talking some sort of tendentious feminine nonsense.

"– he was trying to protect me – he senses your lies, your hypocrisy – he knows you are deceiving me, he knows what you want – what you will do with me when it's all over –" She exclaimed to him with tears in her eyes.

He didn't know why he had lost his voice completely, looking at her with big eyes, feeling that he was quivering all over, his throat and guts clenched as if she had punched him in the stomach with her fist.

She sat down again and he stepped back, doing the same, simply watching as the dragon lay down opposite her and crawled closer, without touching her nonetheless.

For a few hours, he watched with a blank stare as she lay next to this dark beast with her arm outstretched, while the dragon rolled around her and squawked like it was a puppy.

He was trying to protect me.

He knows you are deceiving me.

What you will do with me when it's all over.

He swallowed hard, looking away.

He was doing all of this for his family.

He didn't want to kill her – he only feared she would become a threat.

A problem.

And with those, he didn't know what to do.

The easiest way was for them to just disappear.

He shuddered when he heard her footsteps, the dragon behind her squealed, but stayed where he was.

"What are you doing?" He asked, rising with her, escorting her away with his eye as she walked past him without a word.

"That's enough for today." She said, and he felt his jaw clench in rage and regret.

Now she was going to give him orders?

"You are to mount him."

"I will." She threw over her shoulder.

He clenched his eyes, shaking his head and cursed under his breath, following her to Vhagar's lair.

They didn't have time for this.

He watched with indifferent eyes as she, a woman, did what had been a man's task and vocation for centuries – with a sharply pointed stick she threw into the water she hunted for fish while he ate what he took with him.

When she returned, welted and pink with exertion, he watched as, with the knife he had used to cut bread, she cut off the heads of the fish and began to scrape the scales from them.

She rubbed some herbs into them that she had probably found along the way, and then impaled each one on a stick, which she rested on top of two others over the hearth so as not to burn them.

Curls of her dark hair that were not braided clung to her sweaty red cheeks, her lashes even longer in the flames of the fire, her irises infinitely black but not empty, filled with something he did not understand.

They were silent – all around them only the sizzle each time she added wood to the hearth and turned the stick of fish to roast them properly on all sides.

When she thought they were ready, she took out two wooden bowls and slid them into it.

He swallowed hard as she handed him one of them without a word, herself placing the other between her crossed legs, tearing pieces of meat from the bones with her fingers.

"I didn't poison them." She said softly, putting the bite into her mouth, swallowing it at last without even giving him a single glance.

As much as he wanted to think of it that way, her attitude wasn't aggressive or defiant – on the contrary, he had the feeling that something inside her had faded.

He lowered his gaze, shamefully grabbing a piece of fish and, like her, tore off a piece of meat, putting it in his mouth. It was tasty; the herbs she had rubbed into it added a pleasant, salty flavour, the meat was crispy and melted in his mouth.

For some reason he felt tears under his eyelids.

He was furious with himself for being so pathetic.

Even though he knew she was freezing, she lay alone on the other side, covering herself with one of the blankets as soon as she finished her meal.

Some part of himself kept telling him that he had a right to do this, that he had a right to think of her this way, to use her as his brother-king had used him.

However, another whispered that he was disgusting, that if his mother knew what he planned to do she would look at him with disappointment and pain from which his heart would break.

He couldn't be both the caring, sensitive son and the cold, shrewd prince who would protect them from falling.

Like his mother, brother and sister, he simply wanted to live and hold in his hands what was rightfully his.

He looked at her, her figure curled up from the cold, her small hands clenched into fists, and felt ashamed.

I will treat you like my little sister.

I will care for you, and your place will always be by my side.

He felt embarrassment because some part of him wanted this.

To have his little sister, a copy of his mother, who at the same time would not be his mother, but someone only his, his destiny, his relief, his solace, warm, gentle hands, soft, plump breasts between which he could cuddle his face and hide if only for a moment, the scent and warmth he so longed for but could never ask for.

Not out loud.

His body lay down behind her on its own, embraced her on its own, hugging her to his chest, wrapping the second blanket around them, his fingers tightening on their own around her shoulders, his face sinking on its own into the crook of her fragrant neck.

He closed his eyes and felt her gasp as his manhood pulsed hard, pushing against her buttocks, his hands ran over her wrist up to her fingers, entwining them together.

He felt a squeeze in his throat, felt painful tears under his eyelids, felt his eyebrows arch in the pathetic despair that was his realisation that he was alone because he had so decided, over and over again humiliating himself by chasing a simple tender embrace.

He heard her draw in a loud breath as his erection swelled all over, pulsing and twitching even harder, her fingers tightening on his as if she was afraid of what he wanted to do.

"Sleep." He whispered in a trembling voice, feeling a single tear run down the side of his face to the ground, his thumb stroking the soft skin of her hand.

I'm sorry, he thought, but no words left his throat.

I'm sorry, but I can't do it any other way.

The next day they waited by one of the herds, watching the shepherds and their flock from above, hoping, surely to their despair, that Sheepstealer would arrive, encouraged by the vision of a feast.

"DRAGON!!!!!" Shouted one of them, pointing a finger upwards – they both looked to the side and saw a shadow pass over them like an arrow – the men managed to dodge to the side and run away, however, several sheep were burned on the spot.

They both ran downhill, but this time he let her go ahead, surprisingly sure of what she wanted to do.

He decided, albeit reluctantly, that he would try to be patient and give her another day.

To his surprise, the dragon seemed overjoyed by her presence – he cackled high and swished his tail, then moved the carcass of one of the sheep towards her with his head, apparently wanting to share his meal with her.

She laughed, shaking her head, sitting down on the ground again.

"Daor. Daor." She said, but Sheepstealer didn't seem to understand what she meant after all, as he threw the leftover burnt bones and meat into her lap, looking at her expectantly.

She swallowed hard, tore a piece of meat off the bone and put it in her mouth, looking straight into the beast's eyes.

The dragon, as soon as she did so, fell to the ground and stared at her as if it was observing something beautiful. When she reached out her hand to him he put his muzzle out and let her touch him.

He closed his eyes and sighed, feeling relieved.

Feeling pride.

His cousin shifted to the dragon on her knees, and he watched with interest as she came to his side, placing her hand on his back – he felt his heart beat quickly when the dragon made no movement, the sound it made from its throat gentle, as if encouraging her to do it.

As soon as she had managed to get on his back, Sheepstealer rose, spread his wings and soared into the sky.

He gasped in disbelief, hearing her squeal and laugh, seeing her circling around them, wondering if she would burn him now for everything he had done to her.

She could have done that.

He was defenceless.

But after a short ride she commanded him to land in the same place, and as soon as she slid to the ground she fell to her knees.

She was panting heavily, staring at the clouds as if she was thanking the gods in her mind that she had survived this.

"I did it." She said, picking herself up from the ground and walked towards him, her face flooded with tears of happiness and disbelief. "Gods, I did it."

She stood in front of him, looking at him with her big doe eyes, for some reason looking more beautiful than ever, all welted and glistening with sweat, her lips swollen with emotion, her dark lashes with tear drops shining like stars.

"Take me home." She breathed out, and he felt a squeeze in his heart at her words, a pain, as if she had stuck a needle in his chest.

Take me home.

She didn't move away when he approached her, when his hand sank into her soft hair at the back of her head, when his forehead pressed against hers, his gaze fixed on her dark eyes.

She stroked his wrist and closed her eyelids as if she wanted to remember this moment – he did the same, concentrating on her scent, the pleasant cool breeze on his heated cheeks, the closeness that wasn't stolen or taken by force.

He stepped back and nodded, her hand stroking his arm as his thumb ran over the line of her jaw.

His little sister.

Only what he'd experienced when he'd tamed Vhagar could compare to the feeling of pride that filled his chest when he'd returned to King's Landing with not one dragon, but two.

He knew that the sight of them, together, gliding through the skies had spread throughout the keep even before they reached it on horseback from Vhagar's lair.

As soon as they crossed the fortress walls, one of the guards announced to him that the King had called a meeting of the Small Council, at which he and their cousin were to appear to report on how their mission had performed.

He stepped into the chamber confidently, upright, with his chin held high, feeling the weight of what he had done, what he had achieved on his shoulders, knowing that he had perhaps determined the fate of the war while his brother sat idly in the Red Keep.

He sat down in his chair and stretched comfortably in his seat, placing one of his hands on the table top, looking the King straight in the eye.

Aegon smiled and nodded.

"I have heard of your success, brother. Bravo. Our cousin has returned victoriously on the back of a dragon." He said, and he smirked, feeling satisfaction rather than blood flow through his veins.

"Indeed. Sheepstealer is the size of Meleys. He's still untamed and unfamiliar with warfare, but it's a matter of practice." He replied calmly, glancing at his mother out of the corner of his eye, hoping to see pride and warmth in her gaze, just what he needed.

She, however, looked at him with fear, her lips slightly parted, her eyebrows arched in worry.

He felt a tightening in his throat, his hand clenched into a fist.

Why?

Why didn't he deserve at least one gentle look from her?

"We will hold a feast in your honour, brother. And, of course, our courage-filled cousin." The King said, and he pressed his lips together, thinking that his brother was a complete imbecile.

"You will organise a feast when our subjects are starving?" He hissed with anger and frustration, not understanding how he could come up with such ideas and spout them with such ease, without thinking, without analysing the situation, whether it was appropriate.

Aegon grunted loudly, clearly displeased with his harsh response.

"It will be a small feast. You will have another reason to celebrate. Your betrothed, Lady Floris Baratheon, concerned that her beloved prince has set out on a solitary expedition with an unmarried woman has written a letter to our mother demanding an explanation. I thought it best if you, in your own person, explained your reasons to her. She is heading for King's Landing."

He stared at him dully feeling that he had suddenly gone deaf, his heart in his throat.

She is heading for King's Landing.

"NO, VHAGAR! NO!" he heard himself shout, the figure of his nephew and his dragon disappearing into Vhagar's maw with Luke's loud, childish cry.

He could only watch as the remains of their bodies fell from the sky.

"Fear not, brother." His brother continued, snapping him out of his reverie. "You have done your part – now the Crown will take care of our cousin and her dragon, and you will devote yourself to softening the heart of your beloved."

What?

"She's not ready yet." He muttered, feeling his heart begin to pound like mad in his chest.

He wanted to take her away from him.

"Did you fuck her?"

He froze, as did the rest of those present at the table, their mother shaking her head, horrified and heartbroken.

"Aegon."

"They spent three nights alone in the cold. I need to know if anything happened to my cousin during that time that she might be afraid to speak of of her own accord. We all know what my brother is capable of when he acts in a rage." He said lightly, throwing him a bored, cold look that made him feel like vomiting.

"I didn't touch her." He hissed, leaning over the table.

"There are rumours among Lord Lannister's servants that contradict your words." He said in a raised voice, making his eye open wide in horror.

"What rumours?" He scoffed through clenched teeth.

Fucking fool.

I'll personally cut out his tongue, he thought.

"I will not quote them out of respect for my cousin and you, my brother." He said, and he burst into a low, cold laugh, feeling his whole body quiver.

"So they are mere slanders. Gossip. You judge me by your measure." He hummed in a voice drenched with sweet poison, grinning broadly.

"The Maester can see who is right. Does he not, cousin?" Aegon asked her, and he glanced over his shoulder, seeing her eyes open wide in horror, her hands clasped in front of her, her shoulders raised slightly in a defensive posture.

Gods, what if she had lied to him?

If she was not a maiden?

"No, Aegon. I do not permit you or anyone in this room to humiliate her in such a manner." Queen Alicent protested.

"No." She spoke up suddenly, and all those gathered looked at her. "I have nothing to hide. The Maester can examine me."

He circled the chamber in fury, angry and bitter, glancing again and again towards the bed with the curtains covering each side, feeling both anger and remorse that she had to go through this.

It was her fault.

They were humiliating her because of him.

She had wanted it herself, fucking whore.

He himself had let her understand that he wanted to watch.

He wanted to watch, hoping it would end very differently.

That he would be the one to do this to her.

His brother, his mother and his lords were all looking at him, as if they had already prejudged the fact that he was guilty, that he had done this, that he was even worse than everyone had predicted.

He felt like crouching down, hiding his face in his hands and bursting out crying, mumbling that he hadn't done it.

He wanted to, but he didn't.

He shuddered as the Maester stepped out from behind the curtains, her sad, red face flashing before him for a moment, her gaze lowered in regret.

"She is a maiden, My King. I have no doubt." He said, and he swallowed hard and closed his eyes, feeling a wonderful relief full of satisfaction.

Praise be to the gods.

He left, not looking at the bewildered faces of his mother and brother, not wanting to hear their explanations or apologies, the false words that it meant nothing.

Only when the door of his quarters closed behind him, when he sat down alone in his chair did he lean forward, resting his elbows on his knees, hide his face in his hands and burst into tears.

His brother pretending to greet him like a hero, pretending to appreciate what he had done at the same time humiliated him, taking away his credit, his pride and her.

His little sister.

[adamarks]

The thing is. Not gonna put this on fox’s post bc it’s a tangent. Anyway the thing is Ed and Stede are kinda codependent? What they are, though, is a) two animals who have pair bonded and b) ed seems to have more of an actual clinical depiction of codependency.

The big thing about codependency is that it’s not actually “one partner keeps the other partner good and pure and keeps them from being Mean and Bad.🥺” Codependency’s whole thing is control. It’s a saviour complex. And THE THING IS? It doesn’t work. You cannot “save” a person from being themself, from engaging in their addiction, from hurting themself. They need to make the executive decision to change, the codependent person cannot do that for them. Thus it becomes a cycle. Try to save -> see that they’re not doing what you want -> get angry/upset/punish yourself for not succeeding/sink with them -> rinse and repeat.

Izzy? Now HE is codependent on Ed. You can be codependent on someone who is perfectly fine. He tries to control Ed’s every move, doesn’t succeed, and inevitably gets angry. If you pick up an on god actual textbook, or like any Melody Beattie book, you will see that he is the very definition of codependency.

Cycling back to Ed, though. I do think he’s codependent. You don’t kill your alcoholic father to protect your mother. We don’t mysteriously never see his mother again and know that he went to sea at a young age for no reason. He tried to save her, it backfired. A woman telling her child that they’ll never have better because god decided they’d be miserable is not ready to be saved, is not ready to get out of an abusive situation.

Then, of course, there’s Jack. Jack is eternally getting Ed to do shit for him. To help him because he’s so helpless uwu or whatever. A douchebag who can’t seem to take care of himself and is on the hunt for someone to cater to him??? Mmm yummy! A codependent’s dream! In the episode, he caters to Jack’s every whim, makes excuses for him, and finally does the “sinking with him” thing when he inevitably pushes too far. This is partly because of Jack’s manipulation, partly because that’s what Ed’s family situation had been.

Now that we’ve established all of that, back to my original point: you don’t stop being codependent just because you get into a healthy relationship. I’m certain that a small part of the breakup era sads was that yet again he’d done something huge, sacrificed something big, and his efforts had gone wholly unwanted, just like what he’d done for his mom. And then there’s that fear. Ed knows the power that people he loves have over him. He knows how he acts in love! He knows how much it hurt when Stede left him! It makes sense, then, that he would run away when he sees Stede doing something he’s not too keen on (going full pirate party animal when Ed doesn’t want to be a pirate anymore). It’s fantastic that he’s running away though! He’s not doing shit he doesn’t want to do to humor Stede like he did with Jack. He’s not trying to force Stede to change directions. He’s not trying to control the situation! He’s seeing that he’s freaking out and he’s removing himself. Albeit poorly, but this is a step closer to being able to actually communicate things. He realizes he’s the variable he can change in dynamics.

So to close up, yeah the relationship is maybe a little codependent but not in the way people seem like to say? It’s codependent in that Ed has codependency issues and those will inevitably crop up in any deeply intimate relationship you’re in. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be in a relationship. It doesn’t mean that the relationship is bad or unhealthy. It just means you’re a human person with shit to work on.

[storytellerslense]

JJ Maybank character analysis

The meaning of the gun

"I got this thing, you know, to protect us" (JJ Maybank, Season 1, Episode 3)

At the start of the Pilot we see JJ Maybank as a funny, imaginative, rebellious guy who, although doesn't really think through the consequences of his actions, seems quite harmless.

However, his personality becomes a bit darker and erratic after he steals a loaded gun. He gets literally obsessed with always carrying it around and, to the dismay of the Pogues, does not hesitate to show it off for intimidation.

The possession of the gun holds a deep symbolic meaning for JJ Maybank, which goes far beyond the simple necessity of self-defense. Psychologically it can be described as "compensation" and a "defense mechanism." These terms describe how individuals use symbolic objects or behaviors to cope with inner conflicts or to make up for a lack of control in their lives.

The gun as a symbol for power and control

For JJ, who grows up in an environment where he has little control over his own life and safety, the gun symbolizes the opportunity to regain control. The gun gives him the feeling that he can protect himself and his friends.

Also, JJ is the one who faces the most oppression from many sides—whether it's from his abusive father, societal stigmas, or conflicts with the Kooks. Owning a gun represents a form of power that he otherwise lacks. It serves as a means for him to defend himself against those who oppress him.

In a powerful scene in Season 1, JJ points the gun at his abusive father and later breaks down crying to his friends: "I can't take it anymore... I was gonna kill him!"

The gun as an expression of JJ's inner conflicts

JJ's decision to possess a gun is an expression of his inner anger and desperation. The weapon represents his deep-seated frustration and his drive to combat the feelings of helplessness that overwhelm him due to his familial and social circumstances. It also expresses JJ's self-destructive tendencies. His willingness to take extreme measures highlights the depth of his emotional pain and despair.

The gun as a proof of coming of age

For JJ, forced to grow up early due to parentification, the gun also symbolizes his claim to independence and maturity. It is a means through which he can prove himself as capable and adult, someone who can protect himself and others.

Because he is often not taking seriously, JJ believes that possessing a gun will earn him more respect. It is an attempt to strengthen his position in the social hierarchy and assert his autonomy.

"(...) Remind you that I am the only one who can properly defend us." (JJ Maybank, Season 1)

The key moment of JJ losing his weapon

In "Outer Banks" Season 2, Episode 4 JJ Maybank finally gives up his weapon. It happens when the Pogues are about to get cornered by the police. JJ brandishes his gun in order to assert control over the situation. Recognizing this, John B steps in by assertively taking the gun out of JJ's hand, letting it fall to the ground, gently reassuring him, that he is going to be ok.

This message was extremely important for JJ, lifting the heavy weight of responsibility finally off his shoulders. JJ, being usually prepared to constantly put his own life on the line for the well-being of his father or his friends in order to "earn" their love and respect, was now protected and guided himself by his best friend.

"It's gonna be alright." (John B., Season 2, Episode 4)

After a short moment of indecisiveness and shock, JJ gives in and completes the act by quickly kicking dirt over the gun, so it stays hidden before the police can find it.

This is one of the most powerful, though underrated scenes in Outer Banks, because it really marks a key moment of JJ's personal development. It signifies his willingness to confront his inner demons: giving up control- for once not relying on himself but really trusting someone else's judgement. He is also accepted and cared for without having to proof himself or fulfill someone else's needs beforehand.

[azrielslightintheshadows]

Can I make a request? Like what about if Rhys had a Daughter before amarantha and somewhow she took her and made her be just like rapuzel, like she was a baby and used her powers to her own benefit, and he didn’t know that she was still alive… and somehow she ran away from amarantha…

Family.

Inner circle x f!Reader -Rhysand's daughter

Warnings; mentions of abuse, trauma and death.

Masterlist.

So it's not exactly what you asked but I hope you enjoy it! P.s; I just realized I have never seen a movie about Rapunzel and I just know the basics of the story :')

“Ah there she is!” Beron smirked “Come my dear, I want you to punish those traitors”.

You approached him quietly and stared at the two young males on the floor in front of Beron’s throne.

“Come on dear I don’t have all day” he scoffed.

You held the tears back not wanting to be punished and kept your hands behind your back as you focused on the males. Both tensed and cried out as you let your talons pierce their minds and turn them into mist.

“Good” he purred, and you nodded.

“Put her back in her room” He ordered the guards and you let them grip your arms and drag you away.

Your room was cozy, and it offered a perfect view of the forest beneath the house. Even though you were trapped there you were thankful that they treated you with some kindness. You were only a baby from what you heard when Amarantha took you and locked you away. You would be dead if she didn’t want your powers. You grew up in a dark cell feeling tired and abused every time she used a piece of your power. You were always alone, you couldn’t remember your mother or your father but some nights you dreamed of a male, tall and graceful, screaming at the guards who carried you away, his violet eyes and tanned skin were the only proof that he was your father. Sometimes when you stared at the mirror you could see him staring back at you. Even though you couldn’t remember anything else, the thought that he cried out and tried to get to you when they took you away made you feel a bit of love for him.

 When Amarantha was defeated all the magic that kept you in the cell disappeared and your powers came back, you ran away like your life depended on it - it probably did- and you tried to find your father only to smack into Beron’s chest. “What do we have here?” he had smiled.

Beron informed you about your father’s death and took you in, he kept you in a room where his servants brought to you everything you needed. The guards would come and get you when your powers were needed and then you would be locked in the room again. You didn’t mind it, at least it wasn’t a cell, and no one ever tried to take some piece of your power. These people saved you and you owed them so even though you hated killing those innocent faes, you never showed it, you wanted Beron to be proud of you.

A knock on your door pulled you out of your thoughts and you smoothed your dress. Beron’s eldest son -your fiancé walked in. His father had decided to wed you to him, yet you only saw him on special occasions.

“Y/n” he greeted.

“Lord Eris” you smiled politely.

“Follow me” he said and walked out. You quickly obliged with a curious look, he led you into his room and picked a cloak from his closet.

“Listen to me carefully…” he cupped your jaw and lifted your head making you look at his eyes “I’m taking you home, I want you to tell them the truth, that I never touched you and that I saved you multiple times from my father’s abuse”.

“Tell who?” you asked him softly.

“Your father and his guard dogs” he replied, and you took a step back shaking your head.

“My father’s dead” you breathed.

“No he isn’t, Beron lied because he wanted you.” He said and your knees trembled.

“What?” you felt tears streaming down your face.

“Come on before the guards realize you are gone” he said and pulled you closer, lifting the hood of your cloak and hiding your face. He winnowed you into an office and gestured to the chair.

“Don’t take the hood off yet.” He ordered and you nodded, keeping your gaze to the floor.

You heard footsteps and the door opened.

“I hope you have a good reason for disturbing me Eris” a deep voice said and you almost gasped. You had heard this deep and velvety voice again in your dreams.

“I have something that belongs to you” Eris spoke.

“Who’s that?” another voice said.

“Before I show you, I want you to promise to let her speak before pouncing on me.”

“I promise” the male scoffed.

You felt Eris’ hand on your hood, he pushed it back and you lifted your head, your violet eyes met your father’s and his breath hitched.

“Mother’s tits!” a winged male exclaimed.

“Is she…” your father started.

“Yes, Amarantha didn’t kill her, she kept her for her daemati powers. Her name’s y/n” Eris explained.

“Where did you find her?” another male spoke, you noticed some shadows flowing out of him and approaching you curiously.

“Beron found her when she escaped, he told her you were dead and took her in our court.”

“You had my daughter all this time?” he growled and grabbed Eris by the neck.

“Stop” you gasped and raised from your seat. He glanced at you and released your fiancé. “He never hurt me, he was the only one who cared about me… he saved me multiple times from Beron’s tortures.”

“Rhysand….” Eris spoke “I’m not the enemy”.

“Why now Eris? You could bring her here two years ago when Amarantha died” Rhysand snarled, and you flinched.

“I couldn’t, my father wouldn’t let her out of his sight and even if I managed to sneak her out you know I would be punished, he would kill me” Eris shouted.

“What changed now?” The one with the shadows asked.

“I want you to help me kill him and become High Lord”. Your fiancé said.

You ignored the ache in your heart as you realized that you were nothing more than a bargaining chip. “Leave” Rhys told him “We will have a proper meeting tomorrow, you can stay in Hewn city if you don’t want to go back”.

Eris nodded and opened the door. “Should I come with you?” you asked softly.

“No, stay with your father.” He smiled at you.

“But you’re my fiancé” you furrowed your eyebrows and Rhysand growled.

“No I’m not. My father wanted to marry you, I only offered myself to save you” he said and closed the door behind him.

You stared at the three males in front of you and took a step back.

“Its okay sweetheart, no one will hurt you” your father spoke and his eyes watered “Cauldron I thought you were dead”. You could see how much he wanted to touch you, but you couldn’t move, you don’t know him and even though he is your father you fear him.

“I remember you…” your voice was barely above a whisper. His eyes widened and he took a step closer. “I dreamed of you crying out and trying to get to me as guards took me away”.

“I couldn’t save you” he was crying now.

“Uhm, is my mother here?” you asked, and he shook his head.

“They killed her…”

You nodded and stared at him.

“Let’s get you home” he offered you his hand and winnowed away.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

He took you to a city he called Velaris and showed you your room in his house. You couldn’t really believe that you finally found someone of your family, especially a parent.

“I will send someone to buy you some clothes and if you want, we can go into the city tomorrow and you can buy whatever you want.” Rhys smiled.

“Uhm thank you, I just need one or two dresses.” You said softly and he frowned.

“Nonsense you are my daughter!” he exclaimed.

“I don’t want to waste your money…” you confessed.

“Honey you’re not wasting my money, I will buy you the whole world if you want.” You could see that he meant it, from the moment he saw you he has a longing look on his face and you knew that the only reason he kept a distance is to not spook you. Your heart melted at the thought and the need for love became too much so you let your body take the lead and walked up to him.

“Can I hug you?” your voice was barely above a whisper, and you avoided his eyes. Your father gaped at you.

“Of course. Never ask for my permission honey!”

You wrapped your arms around him and pressed your cheek on his chest, you could hear his heart beating faster as he engulfed you and rested his chin on your head.

“I wish I could turn back time and watch you growing up to that beautiful female you now are” he whispered, and you felt a tear landing on your head. You let a soft sigh and pulled him harder against you. Even though you were a baby the last time he held you, his warmth felt familiar, and you could feel all his love pouring out of him into the hug.

“We’re together now, we can make up for the lost time” you told him.

“I will spend the rest of my life giving you all the love you missed.” He promised and you gasped as you felt something burning your skin behind your ear.

“It’s a bargaining tattoo, that’s how we make promises here” he explained, and you teared up. You would spend the rest of your life worshiping this tattoo.

“Would you like to meet the rest of our family?” he asked and pulled back.

“Yeah sure” you nodded, your heart skipping a beat when he said 'our'.

Rhysand stared at you for a few moments and grabbed your hand pulling you outside.

“We can fly to the house of wind” he said, and suddenly huge membranous wings appeared behind him. You giggled at the sight, and he furrowed his eyebrows.

“What?” he asked. “And I wondered where I got those from” you replied and summoned your own wings making him gasp and tear up again.

“You can fly?”

“No… didn’t have much room in my cell” he cursed under his breath.

“I can teach you” his eyes flashed with hope.

“I would like that.” You smiled.

He picked you up and you flew to the house of wind, the moment you walked inside you felt several pairs of eyes on you.

“Cauldron she looks just like him” a blonde female gasped and got up. “Hi I’m your father’s cousin -well your aunt Mor” she hugged you.

“Mor!” Rhys growled and you shook your head.

“It’s okay… I haven’t been held for a very long time.” You told him with a sad smile.

“Well this is the job for me! I’m Cassian your dad’s best brother, not from the same parents though” the huge male said before picking you up and spinning you around.

“Hi” you giggled “I’m y/n your brother’s daughter” he chuckled at that.

“This is Azriel my other brother” Rhys pointed at the male with the shadows. He scanned your form and approached you.

“It’s nice to meet you” he smiled and pulled you for a hug making everyone’s jaw drop. You weren’t surprised though, the way he hugged you showed that he understood the need for affection you had, and you wondered if he had ever experienced something similar.

“This is my mate Feyre” Rhysand said after Azriel let go of you. The beautiful female smiled at you kindly.

“Hello, I’m glad you’re finally home” she said softly and stepped closer. “Can I?”

“Yes” you smiled, and she hugged you. “You are the one who defeated Amarantha” you noted, and she nodded.

“Thank you” you breathed and hugged her harder.

After meeting her sisters and Amren you all sat around the table for dinner, everyone seemed so excited that you were there and soon the whole house buzzed with laughter and curses as Cassian shared stories of your father when he was younger. At some point you wanted to take the bottle of wine that was next to Rhysand, you stared at him for a few moments not sure how to address him. You yearned for a family and now you had one, and with that thought and a deep breath you said.

“Dad can you pass me the wine?”

[greenflamedwriter]

The First Husband.

Tianglang-Jun X Transmigrated Shen Qingqiu. Instead of burying and chaining the Heavenly Demon into a mountain, instead he's chaind by marriage. The sects sent forth cultivation partners and required offspring with Heavenly demon blood.

With the entire cultivation world threatening him and his son, Binghe, Tianglang-jun had to accept...

Prompt:

 Instead of destroying Tianglang-Jun, the sects realised the heavenly demon actually kept the demon realm in order.

  if he died it would create a power vacuum they knew about his love for human culture, and if demons ruined that, he couldn’t enjoy their plays and literature-

 But with the death of his empress the Huan Hua Su Xiyan leaving him alone with Luo Binghe, Huan Hua planned revenge assuming that the demon killed their disciple.

The other Sects disagreed and wanted no part in it, with no proof why would they take down someone who kept the realms at peace?

So the Old Palace Master devised a new plan. His eyes on Shen Qingqiu, smile growing making the other mans skin crawl-

But to the others they thought nothing if it.

 “Then a marriage, if Tianglang-jun is as powerful as they say his off spring should be powerful also, if we choose who to marry that could give us some assurance.”

 Instead of chains, instead it was wives hand picked from each sect, pointing daggers at Tianglang-jun, surround him with disarming smiles but at a hidden signal will strike.

Each Sect had to volunteer someone and of course two sects denied.

 They were faithful to their cause both the nuns and daoist priests snd choose to remain celibete and so they offered themselves as servants to the wives in the harem to be their ally afterall, he is a demon it’d be best to have cultivators to face any threat.

“What about the men? How could Tianglang-Jun have for us if we can’t aqquire offspring?”

The old man nodded “Their are ways for men to procreate, some with elixers, flowers. Before we discuss we’ll make sure everyone is well informed.”

Shen Qingqiu spoke up.

“Hild on a moment, had Tianglang-jun expressed his desire for wives? Especially after the loss of his empress?”

 The Old Palace Masters eyes narrowed.

“Of course, the sect leaders had discussed it.”

More like cornered the man and threatened him till he had no choice butbto comply or inact war any other time he would put these cultivators in their place.

But his sons cried snapped him out if it, Xiyan gave her life for him and Tianglang-jun other than his nelhew had no one. He needed help.

 Maybe not all the women sent to him would be cruel…

Shen Yuans heart panged for Tianglang-jun. As he read this stkry abkut the demonic emporer who would chain himself for the sake for his son, would place his head beneith the cultivatirs heel just to save Su Xiyans child. And all kf that to be in vain! He was a giid father! Itbwasn’t his fault the cultivators took advantage of his vunerable state and tricked him into a contract that made him take wives and make off spring! He sidnt want to do it but itvwas either that or bloodshed!

The cultivatirs feared Tianglng-jun but his power was ridiculously op if they could choose canditates they can in turn gain powerful soldiers.

 Luo Binghe was left in the care if these wives since tianglang-jun had to keep the peace only he could face powerful demons and keep the cultivators apoeased when he kept his demons in line.

 Leaving Luo Binghe alone with his cruel step-mother.

Its what everyone calked Shen Qkngqiu, and the man abused Luo Binghe each chance he took but he wasn’t stupid enough to leave obvious marks for Tianglang-jun to notice!

 And the blood parasotes? 

There was a loop hole, unless Shen Qingqiu saw it as discipline, they never alerted Luo Binghes father.

And in thrn Luo Binghe assumed his father disnt care ans knew about the abuse.

Shen Yuan hated the story and how it ended that Luo Binghe after bejng pushed into the abyss came back killing both Tianglang-jun and his step-mother. 

 It was just too cruel that Tianglang-jun did all that for Luo Binghe and his son didnt see his suffering.

And then in a stupid twist Luo Binghe took over the harem, he ended up killing all Tianglang-juns offspring and took the wives himself, it apoeared that Binghe ahd a tyoe and that was cougers!

He was too young for them, Shen Yuan was spitting fury and not only that-

 There was some build up with Huan Hua! That they were evil and instead of revealing that they just went-

“Oh well whatever we don’t care abkut demons anymore!”

The fuck! It made no sense that the ending…fizzled out like that.

It sucked, it hinestly sucked!

“Stupid dumbfuck author!”

_________________

Shen Qingqiu took his eyes away for a moment, distracted by Ming Fan, the son of Ning Yingying he was only three but a hellion and liked to bully the crown primce Binghe-

Splash!

Shen Qingqiu turned in alarm and saw Luo Binghe disapear into the pond in their courtyard.

 “Binghe!”

Shen Qingqiu flew forward reaching out and pulling Luo Binghe out the pond, just in time for Luo Binghe to cough and hack up water, but his lips were already turning blue-

Shen Qingqiu shed Luo Binghes robes and wrapped him up in his outer layer.

“Xiao- get Tianglang-jun!”

Gongyi Xiao was the same age as Luo Binghe he was the son of a servant. When Qin Wanyrue had her miscarriage others assumed she would want no children near here-

But she took in Gongyi Xiao raising him.

And made him a playmate for Luo Binghe but even so he was faster knew the servant quarters and shkrtcuts and clukd get their junshang in time.

“Ming fan go to Ning Yingying!”

 He moved with haste to Mu Qingfangs quarters.

The man was at his desk and turned pleasent.

 “To what do I owe the visit-“

“Its Binghe! He fell in the pond!”

Seeing his frantic face, Mu Qingfang set to work.

And thats hiw Tianglang-jun flound them. After dismissing Gongyi Xiao, he entered but was halted by Mu Qingfang.

“A word, Junshang.”

Tianglang-jun trusted this man, su Xiyan swore he was a friend and he even helped with the birth of Luo Binghe and tried to save Su Xiyan tk the best kf his ability.

And she would’ve been alive if it wasn’t for the cultivators ambush…

 “There is no need to test Qingqiu anymore. If he were to harm Binghe he would’ve dine so by now. But this almost harmed Binghe there is ni need to lretend.”

Properlly chastisied Tinaglang-jun finally entered and saw his son swallowed in blankets- 

And Shen Qingqiu holding his hand, looking worried.

 “Shizun, I feel bad…” Tianglang-juns beart squeezed. Luo Binghe sounded so weak.

 To think when Binghe cried saying Shizun was kind and he didn’t want to be mean anymore Tianglang-jun told him he had to, once Shen Qingqiu reveals his true colours and yet it never came.

It was too cruel to cintinue on, Binghe almost got hurt.

 “I knkw it feels bad, Binghe. It’ll pass, you’ll be up on your feet in no time.”

 “Wheres Baba?”

“He’ll be here soon-“

Tianglang-Jun finally stepped into view noticing Binghes weak smile, Shen Qjngqiu thrned then stiffened, face pale as he ripped his hand iut if Binghes to bow-

“J-Junshang! Apologies it was this ones fault, I took my eyes of Binghe for a second-“

 Tianglang-jun help him stand up straight.

“Its alright, young Xiao told me everythkng.”

Shen Qingqiu nodded, “This one will accept any punishment as he sees fit,”

“Enough of that now, no ones getting punished. You did the right thing bringing him to Mu Qingfang,”

As Tianglang jun settled into the bed he patted the other side and Shen Qingqiu who almost thought he was dismissed settled on the other side of Bknghe who thanks to the medicjne was dozing off.

 “This Lord had his nephew raise Binghe. But during the talks of marriage and oeace treaties rebellions began to rise, Zhuzhi-lang had to deal with them in my stead.

 And I had no one to watch Binghe who was only one years old at the time.” He spoke gazing at his son.

 “Qin Wanyrue was a charming girl, but after her miscarriage was not suitable so I trusted her little sister to watch him, as well as other concubines and servants.”

Tianglang-jun sighed.

“This lord felt someone strike Luo Binghe, and the worst thing is that I cant tell who did it only that he was hurt. When they were caught out, they were banished or punished but Binghe refused to speak.

 So I made it a game, for Binghe to try to expose thise women with warm charming smiles and saw how quick their real faces showed when a child acted like a child.”

 Tianglang-jun looked at him with guilt, and Shen Qingqiu was entranced by it feeling his chest grow tight with that attention.

 “This Lord and his son were testing you. That seems wrong but for the sake of my son and to keep him safe that was what I could think off.”

 Shen Qingqiu found himself smiling.

 “This one understands, I would do the same thing.”

“It was not my intention to lie to you for so long though.”

“Well better safe and sorry, Luo Binghe is your sole heir.” 

 Although there was a plot hole here-

If Tianglang-jun knew Binghe was abused why didnt he stop Shen Qingqiu in the originol story?

 It didnt seem in character but if he knew then he let Binghe get abused and did nothing about it, turning a blind eye.

 But what changed? Was Tianglang-jun tired?

Did he think humans were softer and saw the blatant attacks as being sinilair to demons and thought it was normal?

Shang Qinghua, the son of Qiu Haitang.

Blth were awful characters in Shen Yuans opinion, both using under handed tricks to make it worse for the protagonists and scum villain alike-

 What was gross he thought with a sneer, was that neer the end in one line, it said Shang Qinghua married Mobei-jun.

Nkthing too bad unless you forget their siblings!

 Qingqhua was a prince but was the lowest of the low, meanwhile Mobei-Jun was the son of Tianglang-jun and the Mobei Elder.

 Shen Qingqiu found this out when he was trying to pursuade Binghe from calling him mother.

“I am not your mother.” Seeing the hurt, Shen Qingqiu tried to explain.

 “Your mother was Su Xiyan and she loved you very much, this one does not want to replace her but I do see you like a son, you’re my family. I just dont want you to forget about her, and how much she means to your father.”

“Does Shizun…hate mama since she was BaBa’s first love?”

Shen Qingqiu laughed “No, I wish I had tge easure of meeting her. They say you look just like her.”

Luo Binghe grew mullish.

“Is that why Baba doesnt visit anymore?”

Yeah, Tianglang-jun defiently was busy with his own rule, the other wives and rryjng to father one kther offspring or they’ll see this whole thing as a waste of time.

But Luo Binghe was starting to look more and more like her and Tianglang-jun was being obvious about his abscense.

Shen Yuan would have to beat it into him.

 And then for some reason he can’t remember when- but he ended up explaining the birds and the bee’s to Binghe. 

 And of course that was when Tianglang-jun appeared Shen Qingqiu smiled always delighted tonsee hisbfavourite character then stiffened to see a dark bruise on Tianglang-juns neck.

A kiss bitten mark.

 “Thats one way to do it, but men can create life too.”

He gave Shen Qingqiu a knowing look and Shen Qingqiu gaped-

Male preg?

“Men can conceive like women can or the oreffered method to demons and humans is sereogacy.”

Tianglang-jun sat with them leaning one arm on his leg.

“This lord was thinking about it, after talks with Mobei-Jun he wants this Lord to sire his child to pass down the line, and to keep the child safe till the time comes. The Mobei Clan has been nkthing but loyal,” he glanced at Shen Qingqiu whos insight has helped the lord more than he can say.

If Qingqiu hated they idea Tianglang-jun would do nothing.

 “Yes, it can be beneficial to both, and the long run. With two princes both can watch assist wach other and create a united front- but my Lord you couldn’t carry the child- and neitger can Mobei-jun they are weak during consumtion when they pass on the title that burden would make it worse for them.”

“Hmm, which is why I thiught you should do it.”

“Hmm- what!?”

Tianglang-Jun leaned closer nuzzling his shoulder.

 “That child will have the power of the heavenly demon clan and Mobei Clan but he’d just be a shell, he would be Qingqius child entierly he will look like you, and take after you.”

Shen Qingqiu was stiffening even more.

“T-that I din’t think I can-“

“It wont hurt, its not the same as a typical pregnancy.” He placed his hand on Qingqiu’s stomach right where the dantian is-

“Only our spirtual energy goes through here along with the help of a flower and it should form a spirtual womb we just need to keep feeding it the energy and Mobei jr will be born!”

“Im gonna be a big brother!”

Luo Binghe looked so excited and Qingqiu found it hard to say no.

 “How do you get it out?”

“The same way as putting spiritual energy in, if Qingqiu using his spiritual cultivation and pushes can eject the baby that way, its why most people end up with child during qi deviations.”

Ah, he kept getting confused that men can be impregnated.

“What else is tgere? There has to be a catch.”

Tianglang-jun looked sheepish.

“Well the flower that creats the spirtual womb will be permanent, so theres a chance that Qingqiu can create life but wont go back to normal.”

That was the catch?

“Okay.”

“You don’t have to decide now- what?”

“Okay.”

It happened in the story too, Shen Qingqiu had to hold the off spring it was an honour and most women were failing to make children so they decided a string cultivatir would do-

 But still to marry him to Qinghua? Airplane got so many death threats for that.

 So when he was babysitting the brat along with the others- ckz yeah as a shizun he wasnt just teaching Binghe he taught all the offspring.

Only Gongyi xiao who attented was the odd duckling out as he was adopted by Qin Wanyrue so he faved discrimnation.

Only Luo Binghe stuck up for him remaining sticky with his little brother it was sweet.

But that rat Qjnghua was watching him.

 And he didn’t like it.

“Wait so- no one is Tianglang-juns son!?”

“It was Gongyi Xiao who created the idea when the servant died and Qin Wanyrue took him in most wives adopted sons and daughters. 

 They all panicked not knly cknfortable with their life, but the pressure frkm tge sects to bear children and make sure that children is a high ranking prince! But Demon blood is incompatible to weak cultivators- they inly sent the weakest and they’re not string enlugh tk host a demon offspring.”

Meanwhile Su Xiyan was too of her class almost Yue Qingyuan.

After hearing the draft, Shen Qjngqiu was crying.

Luo Binghe yelled “You made Shizun cry!”

Oh well at least he learned qinghua wasn’t related to his soon to be born son, Mobei-jun. It appeared Qinghua did that to protect himself when both Mobei-jun, who was also abused bejng kidnapped by Linguang-jun and Shen Qingqiu too weak to save him- so when all their siblings died he lived.

But after the cruelty kf Binghe and Mobei-jun wished he was dead instead kf a life as a host creating offspring when Luo Binghe realised the same problem and his father was facing.

Only strong cultivators can host a heavenly demon, the same strength as a peak lord.

And the cultivation world sent disciples…

Even so, Shen Yuan didnt mean too cry it was too tragic!

 To think Tianglang-jun was fightjnf monsters body ripped tk shreds so of course he didn’t notice Qjngqius abuse to Binghe-

And then Qingqiu he had his own misunderstood arc.

 He was a burden child and hated himself, and saw how honest and sweet Tianglang-jun was and how he was enslaved to the cultivators.

 They were both prisoners and Shen Qjngqiu related and felt touched by that and thought it was unfair his life was over but tianglang-jun deserved better so he figured if he killed Binghe the reason Tianglang-jun was suffering then Tianglang-jun would be free. 

So Tianglang-jun was blindsided and he lost his son but he was so busy he barely even got to know him.

Letting hinself die at his sons hands and uncaring of Shen Jiu’s death, feeling as if the man becane a stranger before his very eyes and instead kf behng angry, destirying the world…instead he became tired.

Shen Yuan found himself in his husbands arms, tears streaming down his face.

“Husband, whats the matter?”

Shen Qingqiu suddenly felt embarresed scrubbing at his face, “This one is fine, just told a sad story that moved me. Shang Qinghua is gifted and this one will have to sponser his pursuits in the arts if he so wishes to be a writer.”

 Tianglang-jun hummed uncknvinced, as Shen Yuan released a shaky breath.

 “Promise me something.”

“Anything.”

“You fight so much, for us, for your son Binghe. But one day you’ll turn around and see him as a man, his life passing like sand and you wint know him and he wont know you. Try, try for me to soend time with him. Do sonething tigether, make memories…”

Tianglang-Jun smiled pressing his lips to Shen Qingqiu’s neck hiding his smile and tears.

“Yes.”

_______________

So heres what Qinghua told him.

The Shens were a shady family whk dealt with demonic cultivation butvwere never exposed as such, too well hidden and acted like rich nobles.

 The Lord and Master was called Wu Yanzi, but his civilian name would be Shen -something-Zhu

And he visited brothels and had a son calked Shen Jiu.

Xiao Jiu was raised by a women who wanted nothing to do with him and saw him as a burden. When she died and he was trapped in the brothel the women urged him to find his father or he would end up like them, he had the fave for it.

 So when he found Master Shen.

The man sneered in derision at the audacity at this bastard of his, and to make sure he would never plague his doorstep or even dirty his name he sold Shen Jiu to another Lord, Qui Jianlou two towns over as far away as he could and the man did good on his word to travel even further away from the Shen estate.

 But during that time, he found a servant but named Yue Ge-

 But thats not important, Shen Jiu cane back to the shen estate older, stronger and strangely enough had cultivation and bloody.

He had massacred the entire Qui estate.

And Master Shen was proud and took Shen Jiu in for this showing, his own son was too weak to take over and Shen Jiu showed promise.

 And to be unafraid to spill blood?

After fighting Shen Jiu was then sent to Cang Qiong mountain, and told if he failed to become peak lird to never come back.

 And then it turns out that Master Shen had a sponsor a client who asked him to…get rid of conpetition and in turn he delivered as Wu Yanzi he killed Su Xiyan, poisoning her as she was with child but failed to kill the offspring as well.

 Luo Binghe’s existence proved Tianglang-jun loved a human.

 So Shen Qingqiu became a peak lord.

He only became such to escape, he only went to the shen estate because of his mother, and he only went there because thats all he knew.

  And then was giving a mission sent by the huan hua master and his own father.

 To kill Tianglang-jun.

But then he would be killed for treason. He laughed mirthlessly. As if he would do such a stupid thing.

 He was a peak lord, he didnt have to answer to them anymore.

And his own peak lords sent him in- uncaring.

No matter what he was sold from one master to another.

When he embarresed himself as the old palace master called his name as first husband along with the other canditates, he blee up denying it.

The old palace master was told the vote was unanimous.

 The peak lords had a meeting a voted him with shen qingqiu absent, with no say. They didnt look at him, most of all Yue Qingyuan.

 Hurt, and publically shamed, Shen Qingqiu felt empty.

The peak spoke of unity, ascend together and all that.

He never realised he was sold from one master to another.

His wedding, he was barely paying attention. He let Tianglang-jun do whatever he wanted, it was no different than Qiu jianlou.

And when it appeared that Tianglang-jun was sweet in his rare moments-

 How shocked Shen Qingqiu was to realise both where in the same boat.

His ire turned to Luo Binghe, his burden, same as how Shen Qingqiu was a burden…

Tianglang-jun was killing himself for this brat…why not free him of his obligation?

Or better yet, Qingqiu showed how dishonest he was that all humans would do nothing but hurt both of them for being demons.

He wanted Tianglang-jun to look at him.

 He will not waste away in this palace like this. He hurt Binghe taking it out on the boy.

 He tossed him into the abyss.

 And still tianglang-jun did nothing, didnt hurt him or kill him instead of rage or anger it was apathy.

It infuriated Qingqiu.

 But he never could give him a response, all the times he was kind, how he protected Qingqiu from his own father and the palace master.

Qingqiu had to repay that by helping Tianglang-jun settle a dispute with the northern clan.

 They needed a host to carry Mobei-Juns offspring and not have his brother take the throne.

Qingqiu was willing.

 But he didnt have the aptidude to be a mother so he let the clan take it and was done with it.

 Mobei the youngest almost died, he was alone at Huan hua left there by his uncle and planned revenge on those who hurt him.

When his brother Binghe killed Qingqiu he felt nothing for the one who gave him life.

 But kept one of Tianglang-Juns sons.

 Just because…

Qui haitang mascaraded as a servant, helping Luo Binghe take revenge for her brother and became first wife.

And thus, with both Tianglang-Jun dead, Huan hua came in giving Binghe the same deal. Already marrying off the same women from one heavenly demon to another. 

 Luo Binghe had no plan outside his revenge but learned that the palace master was a sponser who made qingqiu marry the emporer.

And it was him that killed Su Xiyan so Luo Binghe kills him and the shens leaving Shen Qingqiu alone a husk in the dungeon. Knowing all if this was his fault…he laughed, they wanted an assasin to break the royal family apart he succeded.

_______

Shen Qingqiu tried to keep his excitement locked in, he barely let it show on the surface, he had shut his face down to keep the surprise a secret and yet his Emperor knew him too well it seemed.

 “Hmm, is something the matter Husband?”

 Dammit.

“Nothing.”

“You’re being quiet, should this Lord be worried.”

“It’s uh, nothing too bad. Can’t this one be happy his Emporer has some free time to spend with Binghe?”

Well sure he was happy for that he just loved seeing Binghe being spoiled by his father, it was healing for all the truama and angst he was subjected to read.

 Seeing Tianglang-jun bounce Binghe on his leg and show him a new toy he found on his travels.

 It defiently dimmed Shen Qingqiu’s mood.

 It was the contract the heavenly demon signed, at sword point, to protect Binghe and the realms it was just unfair that he only had so many fleeting moments.

 The two barely had time to even have a painting together…

Now that was a thought…

No, he mentally shook his head, he planned a speical day for both of them, they couldn’t leave the palace but Shen Qingqiu thought of the next best thing.

“Junshang, young Prince, this one has planned something just for the two of you.”

 Tianglang-jun opened his mouth, he really didn’t like that Shen Qingqiu never called himself his husband or Binghe’s mother, he deserved the highest honour and he can be shameless if he wanted too, seeing him hold himself back and distance himself was heartbreaking-

 But Tianglang-jun said nothing, maybe it was a boundary and his Husband only felt comfortable showing affection this way-

“What has Husband planned in mind?”

But Tianglang-jun wants it to be known that he values his First husbands time. The marriage may have been for political reasons both never having a choice or say in the matter but making the best of it.

And yet even though Shen Qingqiu could just wile away in his pavillion and even give the responsibility to someone else and do what he likes he never had to do so much as a husband to take care of them both.

 “Well you both like stories, so this one had asked the servants to put on a performance for my Lord and the crown prince.”

 Shen Qingqiu was a little nervous but Tianglang-jun and Binghe perked.

-cue the servants beinging a large tapestry with curtains and placing a stage in the courtyard, Shen Qingqiu took his Qiqan and sat and at the nod of the servants who wore cloaks to hide their costumes nodded, the performance began.

 Shen Qingqiu played his instrument and began to narrate the story, and he made one up of Luo Binghe, the same story he used to trick the prince into reading.

He saw the prince perked and gave a secret smile as he told the adventures of Luo Binghe.

 It was airplanes first chapter before he got cyber bullied then had to rewrite the whole story as some japanise cinderlla story.

But Shen Yuan liked it the story, but then realised by trying to get Luo Binghe to read he’d have to rewrite the whole thing.

As well as not mention Luo Binghe’s parents. 

 “Luo Binghe, after losing his mother kept the jade amulet close to his chest, he climbed the stairs if Cang Qiong-“

Luo Binghe gasped “That's the Sect Shizun is from!”

 Shen Qingqiu smiled, “Correct.” He continued with the story anticipating the surprise, both Tianglang-jun was glued in fascinated with the show, and Shen Qingqiu was loving their expressions as he went into detail about Luo Binghe’s journey, bravery and perseverance at the trials.

 “And then…” he began to pluck the strings but kept the melody on loop like a pause in the story

“Which peak should Luo Binghe go to?”

He did have to think on the fly, but luckily all the stories were the same at its core so it rarely mattered just changing the peak name-

“Shizuns peak!”

 Shen Qingqiu smiled, “Very well, from the top of the summit a voice spoke after observing the hard working youth-“

 “This one will be my disciple.”

And on the stage a man appeared, looking uncomfortable and borderline crying.

“Uncle!”

“Nephew!”

Both Tianglang-jun and Binghe gasped to see Zhuzhi-lang dressed as a peak lord.

 He just came back and he admitted to Shen Qingqiu that Binghe’s birthday was coming up and they both planned this surprise.

“Shen Qingqiu was a harsh man,” Shen Qjngqiu reminded his wayward actor who stood up stiff.

 “Borderline cruel, and when Luo Binghe came before him…”

 Shen Qingqiu voice became melancholy and even the tube plucked sadly.

 “He asked why Luo Binghe wanted to be a cultivator,” He played the notes slowly, on the stage both Zhuzhi-lang and Gongyi Xiao who was the same age as Binghe kneeled before the master in this story.

 It’s all that Shen Qkmgqiu remembered of the first chapter and it was too sad, but he wanted to know what happened next but Airplane changed it, giving in to the masses.

He wondered if it was a good idea to use Binghe’s name…

“To make my mother proud.” Luo Binghe spoke, a smile on his face.

 Both Tianglang-jun and Luo Binghe watched in bafflement as Zhuzhi-lang poured cold tea on Gongyi Xiao’s head and sneered.

 “What a sorry sight to behold, no one would be proud of this.”

 Gongyi Xiao had practised this and Shen Qingqiu asked a million times if he was okay and Gongyi Xiao nodded passioned.

And his acting payed off, Luo Binghe had tears in his eyes. Shen Qingqiu was worried for a moment but had to keep going it gets better Binghe! He promises!

“Luo Binghe had no idea what he did wrong, but his Shizun seemed to be very strict with him, talking back earned him a beating, failing to understand his manual? Another beating.”

 They used shadow work for this part, and Gongyi Xiao’s pained cries was oscor worthy.

 “But one day, Shen Qingqiu began to pace in his room, his qi fluctuating, and anger in his heart.”

 Shen Qingqiu narrated and Zhuzhi-lang was playing this perfectly.

“What no one knew, and of course Shen Qingqou wouldn’t tell a soul. Was that he was not as lofty as he appeared, he himself had no mother, he had grown jelous of Luo Binghe and his potential. Shen Qingqiu was fit to qi deviations and had a faulty base, his own maritial siblings sneered down at him for it, and to see a child with potential, who had similar circumstances have the ability to surpass the master? Shen Qingqiu couldn’t bear it-“

Zhuzhi-lang coughed blood and fell over in a slump-

“Uncle!”

Luo Binghe looked like he was going to run over and see if he was alright.

“This one is fine young prince-“

“Zhuzhi-lang stay in character!” Shen Qingqiu snapped making the man flinch and slap back down on the ground.

Tianglang-jun laughed and it diffused the situation.

Maybe this was too subject heavy for Luo Binghe- he’ll do a romance story after.

“After being cared for, Shen Qingqiu had suffered a qi deviation. His…his brother stayed up with him, waiting for his Shidi to wake up.”

Shen Qingqiu still felt the lump in his throat of the betrayal but shook it off.

“Where is Luo Binghe?” The first thing that cane out of Shen Qingqiu’s mouth as he awoke, and his brother face fell.

“After you beat him isn’t he where he always is? In the woodshed?” His brother spoke.

And Shen Qingqiu felt his heart skip a beat.”

He played his qin, as the actors dragged in Gongyi Xiao to his knees and zhuzhi-lang face grimaced into pain and sympathy.

 Shen Qingqiu began to pluck his strings more.

“Shen Qingqiu’s had died, the young master had perished and no one noticed. Even the anti-possesion talismans failed to pick up on such a thing. But the soul that was placed in the body of Shen Qingqiu knew Luo Binghe, it knew if he had a kind a caring master he would be the treasure of Qing Jing peak, a renowned cultivator and the pride of Cang Qiong Mountain, on the other hand if he was treat cruelly and these shadows unchanged he would come back swearing revenge on his Shizun and relaying that cruelty tenfold. The soul, easily masqueraded as the Scum Shizun with none the wiser and decided to be kind to the young disciple only to save itself, if this powerful person became indebted to him that was even better.”

 All the actors bowed.

“And that concluded part one.”

Luo Binghe was crying, and Shen Qingqiu regretted using airplanes chapter for the first part no wonder so many people hated it.

“Shizun isn’t a villain that can’t be the end!” Even Tianglang-jun looked put out.

“That was too tragic, do humans always have such sad tales?”

Oh Shen Qingqiu laughed, as he moved over towards the two as the actors began to take the set apart.

“No this is an intermission. The play is in a couple parts, this is so you can have a break, drink, go to the bathroom or stretch your legs.”

Shen Qingqiu took a drink his own throat parched.

“Its also so the actors can change costumes for the next part.”

 “But Shizun isn’t cruel…” Luo Binghe spoke and Shen Qjngqiu patted his head.

“And Luo Binghe was never raised in poverty, and had a washerwomen as a mother. This is a story but sometimes it’s based on peoples experiences. It has character arcs, and unreliable narration, things in books you’ll see, but this is also a learning tool for Binghe to learn that not all is at it seems that most people will say one thing then then their actions say something else.”

Tianglang-jun hummed “Of course, this lord doubts your Shizun would ever hurt you or even raise a hand against you.”

Shen Qingqiu’s face fell in guilt.

“This isn’t too scary for Binghe? This Shizun can tell a different story or use different names-“

“No- it’s just getting good!” Luo Bknghe pouted.

“It’s just…Shizun isn’t bad…”

Shen Qingqiu patted his head with a find huff.

 “The Shizun in this story is…complex. Some people…don’t realise they are hurting others until it’s too late, its thanks to Binghe that his Shizun goes on a journey to become a better man, the student educates the teacher and all that.” Shen Qingqiu explained, then placed a hand to his lips.

“I’m saying too much, it’s time for the second part.”

 After the messy beginning, this was when Shen Qingqiu really became passionate, it was what he envisioned for the continuation of PIDW.

 But With the twist of a transmigrated soul, how the soul kept claiming that it only wanted Binghe to like him to save his own neck in the future when the time came, but would place itself in danger during the skinner attack, as well as the attack on Cang Qiong mountain and was then took the brunt if the attack saving Luo Binghe.

 At first Shen Qingqiu thought of being hit with without a cure then felt embarrassed and how that would set up the story, so he lost his arm.

  And then the next part as the qin picked up a battle tempo about how blth Binghe and Shen Qingqiu fought side by side at the Immortal alliance, Binghe was attacked by a monty Python rhino and fell down the cliff.

 Shen Qingqiu tried to find him but his search was in vain, Luo Binghe had perished and Shen Qingqiu mourned making a burial mound and wasting away on his mountain.

 It was his fault, he wasn’t strong enough to save Luo Binghe, his cultivation lacking and nothing but a hindrance he became more strict with his disciples needing them to get stronger and learning his lesson to never get attached ever again.”

Luo Binghe when he had fallen had fell into a pocket, it transported him to someplace else and when he found himself tumbling through a cave, sore but otherwise uninjured he sensed something and when he came forward using his spiritual qi to light the way he froze to see a man wrapped up in chains, trapped in this cave for years and someone who looked familair.

 The man trapped beneath the mountain was tianlang-jun.

 And curtains fell, and Shen Qingqiu took another drink, he could see both father and son were really getting into the story. 

 He had to include the emporer! A cute father son duo story they could bond oved this.

-

After the story, after seeing Luo Binghe falling asleep, Zhuzhi-lang offers to take him to bed.

Blushing when Tianglang-jun compliments his acting.

 Shen Qingqiu fanned his face as he followed down the pathway, missing the starry eyed looks and gigles from his court.

  “Does Master Shen like his new fan?”

Shen Qingqiu hummed, it was a gift from the emporer not only was it beautiful, it was even a spirtual weapon. After teh failed assasination attempt Tianglang-jun figured it’d be best if his husband was armed.

 “Yes, it’s been very useful.” He praised, and Tianglang-jun preened.

 It seems his nephew was right that his husband would like the fan.

 He cleared his throat.

 “If in the future, this Lord has free time…would he like to accompany this Lord to the town, I hear theres a play in production there about [the man and women who can only meet once a year for the doves wings etc]”

Shen Qingqiu brightened, “Yes! This Master thinks Binghe would enjoy a proper show, this one could only do so much, but Binghe needs to learn more than to life ohtside this courtyard.”

 Tianglang-jun deflated a little, he only wanted to go with Master Shen, his nephew even lffered to babysit-

Although.

“Hmm Zhuzhi-lang should come too. Master Shen has been nothing but a diligent Shizun, but he deserves a break.”

Maybe it might make Shen Qingqiu anxious bejng away from his son, so a compromise sounds better.

-

So Tianglang-jun buys shen qingqius books for him as a surprise then blanches in horror when Shen Qingqiu says he’ll go to the bookstore. So in a panic Tianglang-jun pays more to make the owner close his shop only until the emporer leaves and payed him for his trouble-

No good for Master shen to pay for his books twice it was a surprise!

Alas when they went to get a meal, Tianglang-jun patted his pockets and realised he had no money.

Shen Qjngqiu laughed “Thank god the book store was closed.” Tianglang-jun wilted when Shen Qingqiu payed.

 And he looked like a right idiot while he was at it.

 So when they got home he requested Zhuzhi-lang reimburst.

“N-no its fine! It was your money anyway!”

Tianglang-jun took his hand, “Even so it was this Emporers fault for putting his husband in that position. Especially after asking Shen Qingqiu out in the first place, this one should be taking care of you and Binghe-“

“Silly, we’re partners. We can take care if each other.”

 Tianglang-jun looked at him in wonder.

He wanted to kiss him. So so much.

And yet that would frighten his husband, he only felt confortable knowing it was fake and Tianglang-jun never wanted to ebar his heart more-

But he’s been burned before.

He retreated.

“Very well, you did enjky yourself?”

“Very much, yes.”

“Then the day wasnmt a conplete failure.” He laughed, and even when beinging a small chuckle from Shen Qingqiu he took hisbhand and kissed it.

“Goodnight, husband.”

Shen Qingqiu was stunned,  Tianglang-jun leaving while Shen Qingqiu tried to pick up his face from the floor hiding behind his fan, When he walked into his room he saw the books piled on his desk with a note from his husband he checked them over mouth gaping in stunned surprise to know Tianglang-jun bought them-

Thats why the book store closed don’t say the emporer bought the entire shop!?

 Even so, Shen Qingqiu placed the fan to his lips, cheeks flushed feeling too much at once.

 What a silly demon. Too soft even the humans would take advantage of how sweet he was.

 It made Shen Qingqiu feel even more to protect them, in anyway shape and form from the plot.

A/n: Ironic since the mindset of Shen Qingqiu had not changed, he figured one was a burden and should die to set Tianglang-jun free. Either it was Binghe in one life and in this one himself.

________________________________

When an assasination attenlt happened it was from a demon, from the south who like Qingqiu had the same idea.

Disgusted at the idea that the Heavenly Demon their soverign leader would bend over for the humans was too disgraceful!

 So Elder Hammer who wore poison on his arm had managed to get into the courtyard declaring if the spawn didd Tianglang-jun would be free!

 Of course as if Shen Qjngqiu would sit and nod going sure have fun while your at it-

No! All that hard work will not go to waste!

Using his qi and still training even if he was a pampered wife he waan’t a layabout!

He was a cultivator!

He kept Binghe close aiming sharpened bamboo blades and they shot forward slicing agajnst the demon and all his major arteries but someone that size and with demonic healjng it would only slow him down.

“Gongyi Xiao!”

He pushed Binghe into the young lads arms “take him down the servants quarters alert tianglang-jun!”

As Gingyi Xiao slipped away, Shen Qingqiu sealed the door ripping a tailsman.

Hopefully. Tianglang-jun might make it in time.

When Tianglang-jun gkt the summons he rushed back home, the old Palace master be damned!

 Master Shen wouldn’t activate the emergency tailsman for something little- and he was right. Seeing his palace under seige he was able to make way striking down the rebellion as soon as he could.

 Gongyi Xiao the elder ran forward.

“Junshang! Thank goodness!”

“What happened?”

And where were his generals? Where was Sha Hualing?

 “Demons from the south charged the attack, Luo Binghe is hidden in the servant quarters but Master Shen.…”

Tianglang-juns heart seized.

 Did he finally do it? Did Shen Qingqiu finally reveal his hand and tried to assasinate his child?

“Master Zhuzhi-lang barely got their in time- Shen Qingqiu is in the medical bay he was struck with without a cure!”

Tianglang-jun gaped-

“What?”

“Hurry! There isn’t much time!”

Since the rebellion were defeated, and Sha Hualing also dealt with and banished for her treason Tianglang-jun found Luo Binghe picking him up close and trying to soothe his tears as they bith made their way to the medical ward.

“The man was after me- and Shizun…”

Shizun…?

 Is that what his husband told Luo Binghe to call him? Instead of father…it was probably a strange human custom.

When they entered Tianglang-jun masked his oresence and told Binghe to remain silent as bkth Qingqiu and the doctor was speaking.

 “How much time do I have, months, days?” Shen Qingqiu spoke, bracing himself for the worst.

 “You’ll live,” Mu Qingfang was their doctor who was requested to live in the palace and take care of allthe Emporers spouses.

“You’re cultivation however can halt at any time, someone has to cleanse your meridians nightly so you can ck tinye cultivating but Shixiong…you won’t be able to ascend or even progress your cultivation this way.”

“Thats fine, have you checked Binghe?”

“Binghe’s fine, had quiet a shock though.”

“Hmm, and it wont be the last, other demons and humans will stop at nothing to attack the royal family.”

“…shixiong, you can leave if it beckmes too much being struck with without a cure is grounds that the emporer is unfit to keep you safe-“

“It’s managable. And he came just in time, theres no need for such fuss.”

Tianglang-jun knocked and both Peak Lords straightened as he entered.

“See Binghe, he’s fine.” Tianglang-jun spoke placing the lad down and watching the toddler climb up Shen Qingqiu’s lap, the other adjusting his son and resting back against the pillows looking soft.

Tianglang-jun couldn’t explain what he was feeling, only frustration that he didnmt cone in time.

 Shen Qingqiu’s arm was bandaged and bleeding, Tianglang-jun used his blood larasites to scope the area and felt without a cure festering away at the limb, if it continues the man could lose the use of his arm-

 The blood larasites swarmed eating the poison, and using the energy to heal the wound.

 “Binghe was so brave.” Shen Qjngqiu spoke looking at his son with pride, a shane his son didnt share the sentiment.

“Shizun was hurt.”

Shen Qingqiu laughed, “this? This is nothing this Master has had worse.”

And everyone in the rolm believed it.

Luo Binghe more so when he began to cry.

“Shizun should never be hurt!” 

Shen Qingqiu awkardly held his son clise but patted his back making cooing noises, Tianglang-jun asked to see the doctor alone.

 “There is a cure for without a cure- but it’s unconventinal.”

Mu Qingfangs eyes widened “What-“

“Duel cultivation with a heavenly demon. 

But Shen Qingqiu even with threat of death doesnt seem confortable with men. This Lord has respected such wishes, perhaps theres a way Mu Qinggang can convert such things to a pill for him to ingest instead.”

Mu Qingfangs hummed, “it depends on how Dual Cultivation works, is it the dual energies, or kther attributes we’ll try it one way but if that doesn’t work, this one will have to tell his Shixiong even if he’s uncknfortable it coukd save his life.”

“Only if he agree’s.”

_____

“Ah…” Shen Qingqiu stared at the packed and Mu Qjngfang lokked serious.

“Take two a day, if Without a cure doesn’t subside then there’s the next option.”

“Which is?”

“Duel cultivation with a heavenly demon.”

“Ah.”

Shen Qingqiu tyoe of embarresment was different to others instead of blushing a bright red, instead he became quiet. Too many enotions to appear on the surface so none show on his face.

 “Do I…swallow them?”

“No…” Mu Qingfangs eyes flickered down and Shen Qingqiu became more pale.

“Ah, right.”

“Does this Doctor have to explain-“

“N-no need this one understands.”

Dear lord.

When Shen Qingqiu had a bath and prepared for bed he glanced at the two pills placing one on the tip of his finger.

 He took a breath, think it could be the heavenly pillar its just a tiny pill he’ll be fine!

 But imagining Tianglang-jun doing such a thing, Shen Qingqiu wasn’t blind the man was handsome!

 But even so, he loved Su Xiyan. This was just a political marriage and havjng the man gaze at him with nothing but enptiness in his eyes…

Shen Qingqiu couldn’t bear it.

But if he inagined his emporer on the second dose and ended up going further than he should, thats between him and god.

Thankfully it only required two doses as he awoke feeling lighter like going to bed with a migraine and waking up with it gone!

 He told Mu Qingfang, ecstatic and the healer checked his meridians-

And when Mu Qingfang asked Tianglang-jun to supply him more of the ‘cure’ he was met with a dry look.

“Good doctor, it’s hard enough to satisfy my wives to bear more heirs when this lord wants nothing of the sort, I don’t think its physically possible.”

Tianglang-jun was already givjng wverything he could to the cultivation world he wouldn’t be surprised if he died they would take his body apart and make cultivation materials from his own body!

Mu Qinggang hummed, a bit miffed that someone who had the cure did nothing for others.

Although…he did supply a lot for Shen Qkngqiu, Mu Qjngfang had the thiught it the two just got over it and Duel cultivated both would have another mini Binghe on the way.

 …huh…now thats a thought…

_________________________

Tianglang-jun didn’t like his wives, and the feeling was mutual. It wasn’t hatred just nuetral bordeom.

 He was a lover of the arts, while they were warriors nothing in common at all.

 When they said it didn’t take and he had no new heirs a weight lifyed of his shoulders then dread that he would have to do it all over again.

And worse he was havimg mutinous thoughts of moving Shen Qingqiu and his son into the Sun Pavillion.

The pavillion he made for Su Xiyan. It was their home, where she was expected to live and all of them would be a family.

 It didn’t feel right, having Shen Qingqiu who stepped up in place as a mother and took care kf not knly Binghe but Tianglang-jun asking for nothing in return.

 He wasnt replacing Su Xiyan, but he felt it fair to word for Shen Qjngqius efforts.

 But then their was his first wife, Qin Wanyrue.

 The miscarriage. The girl was under a lot of pressure from her sect and from the cultivation world, the stress unbearable she was the one who lied about having a son and in a panic both adopted Gongyi Xiao.

 Then Tianglang-jun decided to use miracle elixers and yes children were born…but they weren’t demons. 

 For a demonic energy to be hosted by humans of spirtual energy it just wasn’t possible…

 And it appeared there was  some type of race whoever had a baby second to Luo Binghe would reflect on the cultivation world.

Even a lie, Huan hua were smug they had a child first [With Qin Wanyrue and Gongi Xiao only as the figure heads the palace master and princess would be in power pulling the strings once the demon emporer died]

  Tianglang-jun noticed during the demon invasion most kf the servants were collatoral- so many children left without parents.

So he gave them to the wives and told them to pretend. Until further solutions came it would shut up the sects, even so it wasn’t looking good for only one heavenly demon child and tge rest were human. 

The cultivation world will have to settle on human Princes and demon kings. No matter what Binghe will he the next emporer wether they liked it or not, but to appease the sects he tood them the order of princes since the sects were also butting heads on who was better.

 He told them the order of wives.

So Gongyi Xiao was now raised under Qin wanrong.

Ming Fan under Ning Yingying.

And Yue Zixian under Liu Mingyan.

And Shang Xihua for Qui Haitang.

The last prince and the royal familys lunshing bag.

Now they could all breathe.

______________________________

Shen Qingqiu couldn’t believe it- so they weren’t even Binghe’s siblings!? 

 Although the bullying under Shen Qingqiu and suddenly having servants treat the crown prince cruelly no wonder Luo Binghe was pissed.

And the ones with elixers- the wives just reproduced asexually!!! They weren’t tianglang-juns at all!

 Until one day, Tianglang-jun said he had a surprise for him. Most majority of his husbands surprises have never failed before.

 “This Emporor invited your brother for tea,” He moved Shen Qingqius chair as he stood gaping at the imposing figure.

 Well…there can be exceptions.

“This husband has been hogging Master Shen it appears this one has failed to be filial to his brother in law!” 

 Tianglang-jun kissed Shen Qingqiu on the head, “let this lord know if uou need me.” And activated a silence barriar for bkth him and the sect leader Yue Qingyuan.

…he bet Zhuzhi-lang put something ridicoulous in that mans head.

“Shen-Shidi, you are looking well.” 

Shen Qingqiu glared at him over his fan, still feeling the sting as his sect siblings had turned their back on him.

“Is Shidi going to talk to me?”

  “You betrayed me.”

You wouldn’t know who was more surprised, Yue Qingyuan or Shen Qingqiu.

The words slipped out, almost as if the original goods came back to spit curses at his sect leader. 

 “...Shen-Shidi-”

“You just decided…to marry off this master instead of yourself, without consulting this Master at all, my own Peak dissolved and you let this Master humiliate himself in front of the entire cultivation world by calling it into question and not once were you transparent.”

Shen Yuan tried, before the conference, thinking if he just…changed and proved he was a good Shidi and was polite and helpful to his siblings showing maybe if he wasn’t married he wouldn’t then be in such a position and they can all avoid Luo Binghe destroying them all. Or at least, they would include him in the meeting…ask- they threw Shen Jiu under the bus and Shen Yuan thought the Scum deserved it, he was crooked a villain and now? Now he realised that the entire Cang Qiong were never a family, he let his expression show, and if Tianglang-jun was peeping in on them would realise how much of a mistake this was.

 “This Master had no choice-”

“What? Too many voices saying how much they want to get rid of me? At least Qi Qingqi would make sense as she was a women and the cultivation world was looking for wives- did you hate me that much? Glad to finally get rid of such a burden?”

Maybe Shen Jiu was right, and saw through the polite mask and knew that the mountain hated him, wanted him gone-

 Yue Qingyuan sighed closing his eyes, looking pained, and for a moment Shen Qingqiu faltered feeling bad then straightened not showing weakness.

 “This one, if he had the power, never wanted Shen-Shidi to go. No one was happy with the vote and no one was pleased about keeping you in the dark.” 

 Yue Qingyuans eyes opened looking him in the eyes, “It was this Qingyuans choice to keep Shen-Shidi in the dark, to make it more believable.”

“Believable? What on earth are you talking about!?”

“This Masters hands were tied- Shen Qingqiu, the Sect Leaders kept it quiet, but the threat of Tianglang-Jun was more severe than it lead the world to believe and…other information came to light.”

Shen Qingqius eyes narrowed, “What information?”

Yue Qingyuan looked away then spoke, “Shen Shidi is the master strategist and has been doing well by integrating here as First Husband, he was the best choice to survive in this type of environment-”

“You are changing the subject, if you think evading the topic will make it easier it won’t, if you continue to talk in circles this Qingqiu see’s no point in talking to you civil like, it’d be best you leave.” Shen Qingqiu snapped.

 “Shen-Shidi-”

“Keeping this one ignorant will create more danger, so just tell me.”

Yue Qingyuan gaped then sighed, “Shen-Shidi was blackmailed, if he wasn’t sent as a candidate to The Heavenly Palace.”

“...What?”

Yue Qingyuans smile was rueful “As a…lower concubine in a less ostentatious pavilion, Cang Qiong agreed…it wasn’t our fault we couldn’t foresee the emperor…favouring Shen-Shidi so and making him first husband.”

Wait…no, he was already promised the role of first husband as-oh…

 They had no choice to give him up- but they damn well made sure he was ‘comfortable’ so what nodded and pretended they would do as the blackmailed said but actually put Shen Qingqiu in their eyes somewhere safer, like a witness protection program raising a middle finger to the blackmailer while they were at it.

“And Shidi showed no intention of hurting the emperor, and this one figured Tianglang-jun had more power and resources to keep Shen-Shidi safe.”

“Safe from what?”

“Shen Qingqius past. The blackmailer had evidence of Shen Qingqiu’s family, and their ties to demonic cultivation. Once that comes to light Cang Qiong mountain couldn’t protect Shidi from these allegations.”

…”You have no idea who sent the blackmail?”

“We are still looking into it, and the Shen Family at least your father has already been exposed as Wu Yanzi.”

Shen Qingqiu’s eyes widened behind his fan- the hell? What type of plot twist was that!?

The only thing he knew was that Wu Yanzi assisanted…the empress.

 His face paled, his father killed Tianglang-juns wife.

“Already Shidi has proven his blackmailers wrong, if he was the son of an assassin and followed in his footsteps both Tianglang-jun or Luo Binghe would be dead by now,” Yue Qingyuan spoke. 

 It’s true it’s been years, and Luo Binghe was already sixteen, just another year for the immortal alliance conference to show off the princes skills as well as neighbouring Sects in a show of goodwill and talent.

 Even so, Shen Qingqiu was sent as an assassin? And Cang Qiong agreed to it only knowing that Tianglang-jun would keep Shen Qingqiu safe-

 Huh, it just shows what happens in the palace stays in the palace, no one knew of the assasination attempts on both Binghe and his own life!

He literally suffered from without a cure! He could’ve died!

Yue Qingyuan- the best Big Brother someone in another life could ask for, and Shen Qingqiu did still feel fod for him. 

 Felt even more awful knowing he only had good intentions. Yue Qingyuan only saw the good aspects- argh 

 When Shen Qingqiu only spoke highly and favourably of Tianglang-jun and his idolisation of Su Xiyan- it was only proving to others that he wouldn’t kill the royal family!

Ugh! Imagine if he was an assassin! 

 They make it too easy! Although same rules apply, if he was caught then he would be in trouble meanwhile the blackmailers would be fine.

“What if my father?”

“Dead. For his crimes, most of the Shen Estate has payed for it as well, the cultivation world has even demanded you as well but being the favoured first husband…” 

 Shen Qingqiu hummed closing his fan.

But inside? To think he just sailed by death without even realising- Yue Qingyuan these talks aren’t good for his Heart!

“What else?”

“By pretending to cut of ties with Shidi, cang Qiong was watching the other sects and who would be most suspicious, when the information came to light about Wu Yanzi, it came from Huan Hua.”

…hah! He knew it! Shen Yuan KNEW their was buildup from the original story that airplane forgot about!

 “The only reason Huan Hua had information is because they are the ones who had the Shen Estate under their payroll.” Shen Qingqiu hypothosised.

 His brow furrowed.

“But exposing Wu Yanzi after all those years of servitude? And only realising that this Shidi has no plan to harm the royal family is suspicious…if the goal os to eliminate Tianglamg-jun and his heirs and you get rid of the only trump card means that Huan hua-if they are the peritrators- have found someone else.”

“Who?”

“This one…doesn’t know.”

 He honestly knew nothing about Shen Jiu’s past- hell he didn't even know he was raised to be an assassin- it was so conflicting.

 He thought he was the son of a rich family a spoiled noble and yet some chapters hinted at Shen Jiu being an orphan-and if he didn't figure this out soon he could lose everything.

 Yue Qingyuan looked down.

 “This Qingyuan…this one had no intention of upsetting Shen Qingqiu or making him believe Cang Qiong didn’t want you- the opposite. Everyone wanted you to stay but knew barely keeping Tianglang-jun contained was a miracle-“

“You don’t have to explain- but…someone is going to attack Tianglang-jun or myself. And this one can’t gather information outside this palace. You’ll have to be my eyes and ears. Can you do that?”

Yue Qingyuan perked up, “Yes. Anything Xi-Shen Shidi commands this Master will do everything in his power to do so.”

Once he left both bowing and Tianglang-jun joking about his next visit Shen Qingqiu gave him an amused smile.

With Yue Qingyuan gone did he finally tease.

 “So you heard everything huh?”

Tianglang-jun sighed, “Yes it was so disappointingly boring, this Lord thought my husband would wax poetry about his handsome emporer and how lucky he was to have me and yet it was politics.” He stuck his to gue out and Shen Qingqiu gaped.

 “Did you stop listening halfway through?”

“Yes, was it important? Did you tell that young man how great of a husband this Lord is?”

Shen Qingqiu was unsure if he was being serious enough.

 “Well handsome enough to not enact an assasination attempt then yes.”

“Huh? Assasination? Husband!”

He hit him with his fan “So you wern’t listening! Always be vigilant!”

“Why!?” Tianglang-jun was fake crying, “I trust my husband!”

And that…shouldn’t break his heart as it should even Tianglang-juns teasing smile faded.

“You shouldn’t- even with me you shoukd never let your guard down with anyone, especially not me.”

 Tianglang-jun hummed, “yes yes, my little assassin. Ah I remember now all those time you tried to kill me…with kindness.”

“This Master is being serious.”

“So is this emperor.” He said in the most unserious tone ever.

“Ugh, you are so frustrating.” It slipped out, but Tianglang-Jun looked even more proud to not take this seriously at all- how is he not dead yet or buried in a ditch somewhere!?

“Husband loves me so.” He spoke, with nothing but pure joy at the fact.

…It this was Shen Jiu who was the assassin then this would’ve been so easy.

_______________________________________________________________________

When it was revealed- Shen Qingqiu couldn’t wait to tell Binghe about his new baby brother on the way, Binghe was busy following in his fathers footsteps going out and sending a commands with Gongyi Xiao as his general. Both were making headway with the sowers and doing pretty well.

 But Binghe always cried begging his Shizun for a little brother, and after talking with Mobei the Elder they had finally did it. And Shen Qingqiu held off telling Binghe until after- he was still freakin out about it unlike girls he was never really emotionally prepared for kids or even hosting them he was going to tell Binghe after, it was going so well!

 But when Qui Haitang showed her hand trying to kill Binghe, to hurt Qingqiu like how the scum villain killed her brother.

 “You stole my life from me! Now this Haitang will return the favour!” Binghe fell, but not before he lashed out, grabbing Haitang and pulling her with him into the abyss!

Shen Qingqiu couldn’t breathe- he stumbled forward throat burning and realising he was screaming, the abyss snapped shut before he could even make it to the edge.

 Shen Qingqiu suffered a qi deviation. At the death of Luo Binghe [if the cultivation world thought he did it, they were all witness to his state] He was alone in his pavilion, knowing Luo Binghe would return but he thought he spared him his fate- he didn’t push him in but if he knew there was some way- he would prepare him!

He created a quqin it was for Binghe- he wanted to gift it to him but now…when he came to it was destroyed so he started recarving the wood and remaking it- the servants unsure how to proceed when he told him it was for Binghe it had to be better-

Then one day, he realised something…something was missing.

He placed his hand onto his stomach…feeling nothing- he panicked- no, don’t say he lost them both-

He ran around frantically, the servants stopping him “Master Shen what is the matter-”

“M-Mobei what happened to Mobei!” He was not hysterical. There was a gap in his memory, it was like he was asleep and now wide awake he couldn’t remember what happened at the abyss but what happened to the child!?

 “Get the Emperor now!”

“Master Shen, please calm down!”

And he realised something even more horrifying. He did not recognise the staff, not one person. Had they changed staff or- where was Gongyi Xiao? Where was the young princes?  

When Tianglang-Jun finally found him, Shen Qingqiu stared eyes wide. Tianglang-Jun looked just as bad as he felt. “Husband.” Shen Qingqiu’s eyes burned, but this was important. “What happened to Mobei?”

Tianglang-Jun lips pressed together and Shen Qingqiu’s legs buckled, Tianglang-jun grabbed him before Shen Qingqiu could steady himself “I lost him?” Shen Qingqiu’s voice wheezed-

He already failed him once by losing Binghe and now Mobei-Jun as well? He had one job-

“Husband you didn’t lose him Mobei-Jun is healthy and alive with his father!” 

“What?” but how-

“The Qi deviation set the delivery early, husband was not…well to raise him. His Father requested Mobei be placed in his custody.”

Probably messed that up making Tianglang-jun have to fix his messes, Shen Qingqiu should be taking care of him.

 “This one made a mess of things-”

“Husband did not,” Tianglang-jun gathered him close fully supporting his weight. “Husband did nothing wrong, but please-” His voice sounded wrecked, and it broke Shen Qingqius heart to hear it. “Come back to me.”

What?

 Then Shen Qingqiu stiffened, “H-how long has it been?”

“A couple months now-”

Shen Qingqius eyes widened in horror, months- Tianglang-jun cupped his face-

“Please, don’t go away again-”

Shen Qingqiu snapped out of it shaking his head and latching onto the emperors hand “It’s fine- this Master is okay now.” 

 He left Tianglang-jun to deal with this alone- he was a terrible husband! He knew Binghe was coming back if he could slap himself in the face he would- wait.

…There was a moment where Shen Qingqiu after getting rid of Luo Binghe took Mobei to his home to see his future kingdom since Tianglang-jun was grieving for Luo Binghe [and celebrating his freedom since the contract was now void]

 And Mobei-Jun was kidnapped by Huan Hua because of Linguan-jun which meant-

“Husband- can this one…visit Mobei-Jun and apologise for the mess to the Northern King?”

Tianglang-jun wanted to say no, but after seeing Shen Qingqius face and finally seeing that light in his eyes again, he couldn’t say no.

-saving MBJ from Huan Hua- Teaching Mobei-Jun to be less rough- importance of being gentle and strength.

 After hearing the news that Mobei-Jun was missing, Shen Qingqiu knew he couldn’t just barge down Huan Hua doors with no proof and no idea where his son even was!

 So when he vanished leaving Tianglang-jun in a fright wondering where his husband disappeared off to- Shen Qingqiu donned a disguise and made his way to the south, after going to an inn to pay for some food and gossip he barely had to spare a coin as a bunch of Huan Hua disciples laughed about the little demon they had in their dungeon and how fun it was to mess with-

Shen Qingqiu barely bothered to remain, anger and frustration with himself, others would look back on that day and would say he was like a demon-

 How the great Master and Husband of Tianglang-jun blasted down the doors to Huan Hua disarming cultivators and easily invading the sect.

Most thought he lost his mind, other sects coming to arms along with Cang Qiong to see Shen Qingqiu enraged holding a demon child in his arms.

 “May Huan Hua explain why they have my son in their dungeons!” He yelled for the whole world to hear.

 After that Cang Qiong knew by the look that was a northern demon, everyone thought the baby perished but to see the man hold the child, Yue Qingyuan stepped in shielding Shen Qingqiu who looked ready to murder anyone who even so much as comes close.

 And thats when the demons arrived.

Overall Shen Qingqiu’s reputation with the demons skyrocketed, even Mobei-Jun the elder had approved finally giving his blessing to have the Southern Emperor and his Spouse raise Mobei-Jun. The youngest looking up at wonder at the one who gave his life and saved it.

The cold glare and frost directed at his uncle suddenly warmed when his eyes gazed at him. Mobei-jun never knew warmth until that moment. 

 It was drastically different living at the southern Palace instead of the north. Shen Qingqiu wrapped in layers and moved into a colder pavilion for Mobei-Jun.

Shang Qinghua always frequented being a playmate for young Mobei-Jun, Shen Qingqiu even made it mandatory.

 Qinghua didn’t like this “When I wrote the character, I loved him, but this Qinghua had no clue how much of a spoiled brat he was.”

 Shen Qingqiu paused and gazed at Qinghua shrewdly.

 “...Bro? Why are you staring at me?”

“Shang Qinghua and Mobei-Jun married in the original story, yes?”

“Uh yeah?” Shang Qinghua looked adorably confused, but Shen Qingqiu wasn’t sure who to be upset at or if he even should be wary in the first place.

 “And he’s your favourite character?” “Yes- what is this about?” “Are you planning on marrying Mobei-Jun in the future?”  

Shang Qinghua stared, “Bro don’t even joke about that-”

“Because your related? Why did you write such a thing?”

Shang Qinghua almost physically jumped in the air “Wait- no- we’re not related Tianglang-jun is not my father!”

He squeaked now Shen Qingqiu’s gaze narrowed “What?”

[Qinghua explained that none of the children are the father except for Mobei-Jun and Binghe.]

“HUh? HOW!?”

“Strong cultivators who can take demonic energy. Su Xiyan was strong enough to host a demonic offspring and so could Yue Qingyuan if he wanted- but Shen Qingqiu,” “This Master’s cultivation isn’t that strong,” he suffered from Qi deviations all the time so QInghua wiggled under his stare.

 “Well it was thanks to Wu Yanzi, Shen Qingqius body had suffered demonic cultivation as a base and uh…Wu Yanzi never wanted Shen Qingqiu recognised as his son so he basically molded him to be a cauldron…your body was literally made for this although…Wu Yanzi probably didn’t intend you to birth the new Royal family.”

Shen Qingqiu might strangle him “Why did you not write this?”

“Well I was! But you saw how people responded to my first draft! So I played it safe!” 

Anyway, Shen Qingqiu raised the two together, even though Qinghua would pull faces and pick up Mobei-Jun and play even when he looked tired it still made Shen Qingqiu feel at ease that someone was looking after Mobei-Jun.

 Although the two having a fight was to be expected.

 “Your a spoiled brat!” Shang Qinghua yelled, he looked pretty mad- When Shen Qingqiu came over his mouth fell open at the ripped paper on the floor and Qinghua in tears.

 “I’m never talking to you ever again!” He ran away before Shen Qingqiu could even ask what was going on, tears in his eyes.

 Mobei-jun glared at the paper, “This prince wanted that.” he pointed at the paper ripped on the floor, oh Shen Qingqiu sighed as he picked Mobei-Jun up and asked the servants to clean up the paper and try to fix it if they could.

 It seems he spoiled Mobei-Jun too much,

But unlike Binghe who soaked up attention and tried to be better, Mobei-Jun wasn’t learning the same way the two couldn’t be more different. He was a quiet child and didn’t speak much so it was hard to tell if something was wrong until it was too late.

 Tianglang-Jun even joked about it, “He’s more like Xiyans son than Binghe.” Then grimaced, Shen Qingqiu smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes “Yes, he might need to go to the demon clan with you instead. This one has taught him everything he can but Mobei-Jun must be stifling in this pavilion.” 

And Mobei-Jun wasn’t interested in the same things the family was, plays that used to make Binghe laugh? Mobei-Jun saw no point. Stories? He could never quiet understand the story and took it at face value.

 So Shen Qingqiu decided another outlet was probably better. He began teaching Mobei-Jun to fight.

 And that improved his mood alot, his expressions were slight but he could tell when Mobei-Jun was happy or upset. Of course Shen Qingqiu could only teach him so much…

When he came back from huants with his Father, Mobei-Jun was…bigger. When asked spiritually made children aged faster but mentally were still a child but Shen Qingqiu ended up treating Mobei-Jun like he was smarter than he was. Mobei-Jun seemed to like being treat like an adult even if he was only a couple years old. He was half Shen Qingqius height and was taught how to fight and defend himself.

He saw nothing wrong with this until one day, he found Mobei-Jun beating up and hitting Shang Qinghua.

 Shen Qingqiu immediately put a stop to it, and even yelled at Mobei-Jun and of course the boy had frustrated tears in his eyes and it was the first time he cried and for a moment Shen Qingqiu almost softened then hardened his heart. 

 Shang Qinghua face was swollen and kept flinching around Mobei-Jun it had to stop.

“Humans are more weaker than Demons- and hitting others is not okay.” 

Mobei-Jun only looked more frustrated and confused.

So Shen Qingqiu had to explain that in demon society fighting was about dominance, showing strength or even polite depending on the clan. But humans don’t like being hit, he had to be more gentle.

Mobei-Jun saw no point in this.

 “How can this one know his partner is strong, if he can’t handle a few beatings.”

“Who told you that?” No way Mobei-Jun thought this nonsense up himself, 

So Shen Qingqiu ends up giving Mobei-Jun a fruit, that he had to peel without destroying it. Shen Qingqiu peels it easily and Mobei-jun is frustrated that he can’t do such a simple thing.

 And Shen Qingqiu wanted him to learn a lesson but when he sees Mobei-jun trying to peel the fruit everyday looking frustrated Shen Qingqiu had an idea.

 “Mobei-jun can you break this fruit for me.” Shen Qingqiu watches how Mobei-jun easily does such a thing and Shen Qingqiu eats it offering him a piece.

 And then Mobei-jun watches Shen Qingqiu struggle.

Blth try for days until one day, Shen Qingqiu breaks it looking proud and smug. Mobei-jun gapes.

“See? Still think this master is weak now?”

Mobei-jun never thought this man who gave him life was weak, he remembered how he saved him from that hot and awful dungeon.

  But if his Mama could open the fruit, then Mobei-jun can do it too. If humans can work hard to be strong, then demons can strive to be gentle. Humans strength couldn’t be measured the same.

 Mobei-jun finally peeled the fruit. 

And he gave it to Qinghua who flinched then stared at the fruit confused and even unsure.

 “For you.”

“Oh…thanks?” He saw cucumber bro giving him a thumbs up and was completely lost but took it and even ate a piece when Mobei-juns staring became unnerving.

What the hell was that about?

___

Anyway- Old Palace Master admitting to funding wu yanzi and his illegal activities.

-Luo Binghe returning from the abyss thinking Shen Qimgqiu and his father replaced him esp with Mobei-jun calling Qingqiu ‘mama’ something Luo Binghe could never call Qingqiu but Mobei-jun can?

 -Shen Jiu is reborn as a son. He and qingqiu talk that he never saw Tianglang-jun that way he was already in love with someone and when Tianglang-jun took care of him it felt transactional he had to because they were husbands if he abused Qingqiuthe cultivation world will strike.

Tianglang-jun on the rare occasions he could surprise his cute husband and son, usually struggled trying to get gifts for his hisband he got him so many thkngs but Shen Qingqiu would sniff uniterested and said it woukd clutter up his storage and if its out kf sight? What use was it? He was tricky, but then he heard him talkimgbwith Qinghua one day. After adopting him once haitang vanished the two got closer- he overheard his husbands love for demonic beasts.

Shen Qingqiu eyes widened “Husband! Do you like it!”

Give head lats please- no Even if your the emporeor you can’t just make your own demon zoo on a whim!

“Do you want to pet him?”

Shen Qingqiu’s fingers itched, he could pet a monty python rhinoceros!?!?!?!?

 “Very well simce Husband went through the trouble.”

Tianglang-jun guided his hands and watched how gentle his husband was and cooed at the beast.

And he was holding his hand. Win win.

 -Qingqiu gives Tianglang-jun a painting of Su Xiyan- talk that qingqiu is not replacing xiyan that he will hold her in his heart but qingqiu has done nothing but be the best husband and risen up to the occasion without asking for anything back? That tianglang-jun wants to spoil him, know his husband learn about him and talk through the night about the recent yellow books they’re just read how he could just watch Qingqiu rant and become impassioned and tear the book to shreds Tianglang-jun agrees but feels more flexible with the story but can see the issues meanwhile qingqiu looks like he would tear someones head of for it.

 Tinaglang-jun clasps his hands telling him he wants to marry Qingqiu, not for political reasons, not for ulterior motives. He wants to spend the rest of his life trying fo figure out his husband and keep him by his side with the possesivness of a demon.

 And Shen Qingqiu burns red unsure how to take this as far as he knows this cane out of nowhere!

Tianglang-jun tells him he wants to marry Shen Qingqiu if he’ll have him.

 T-there are plenty of people-

All the marriages are dissolved. Without binghe theres nothing keeping me here in the human realm, the cultivators can’t use me for their own agendas anymore there is nothing for me here.

Except for you. Even if you don’t want to marry this emporer and want to remain friends this one will gladly stay for you, where you go this one will follow!

 Shen Qingqiu needed to sit down- or pikch himself to wake up.

But…marriages…dissolved- Binghe was missing years ago he could’ve left any time but he stayed…

 And the thought kf waking up without Tianglang-jun… the time he can finally no longer go on missions or be in court and wake up spoiled in his husbands bed-

Qingqiu wanted that. He wanted that all the time.

 “Yes.”

The thought of going home to the sect- but no…they didn’t want him. If Tianglang-jun dismissed him Shen Qingqiu wouldn’t return. Blackmail or no- they proved they would never defend him or they wished they could but had to appease those in power. Yue Qingyuan always did that tried to appease both side with that smile on his face and mitigate the damage.

But Tianglang-jun wants him to stay, even at the thought of being free and could easily remove this burden its the one chain he wants to keep his arm wrapped in. 

Tianglang-jun was waxing poetry about his hair but paused “yes?”

When he said yes, it held everything he dared to believe his fear his hope, and longing. He wanted to stay, and Tianglang-jun saw it in his eyes, feeling breathless and elated unable to believe that his husband said yes!  

“Yes.” Shen Qingqiu nodded, with more strength and confidence, then smiled. “A demon wedding.”

Tianglang-juns eyes widened “Are you sure? Demons will try to kidnap you-“

Shen Qingqku raised an eyebrow “Will they? Or will they kidnap my husband instead.” He placed a hand on Tianglang-juns chest that was always too low and exposed skin and slid up.

 “Maybe this Qingqiu will have to rescue you…”

“Husband-“

Shen Qingqiu pushed him away.

 “Ah ah, not until the wedding. We shouldn’t even be talking without a chaperone.”

Tianglang-jun gaped “Husband!”

Afterall they didnmg really consumate the marriage so his honlur was still on the line. 

-Shen qingqiu forgot one thing…if Binghes pillar was large enough to be called heavenly then his fathers pillar would be…

…

…

…

“T-this one will go on top instead…” the room felt loud in its silence as Shen Qingqiu gaped.

“You don’t have to look too pleased ablut it!”

__________

“Just this one…just for us, after all Mobei-jun is staying at the northern palace longer establishing his rule…”

Tianglang-jun pouted “I could help! But he’s embarresed by his dad…”

Shen Qingqiu leaned on him, turns out lying on top and smothering Tianglang-jun calms him down like a dog with anxiety needing a vest.

 “He wants to do it with his own strength. He has this strange fascination with being string but its not for strength sake he’s growing up so fast.”

 “Yes soon it’ll just be us too in the sun pavillion.”

“…what if this husband and you…make another…”

“Anlther what?”

“Anotger one a sibling to mobei-jun.”

Tianglang-juns hands clenched on his arms still gentle “husband?”

“Just ours. No reason, or political gain, just ours.” Shen Qingqiu hummed, “Luo Binghe always wanted a little brother he’ll be excited when he gets back”

Tianglang-jun hands touched his face concerned “Qingqiu?”

“He’ll come back. This one knows it.” Luo Binghe survives the abyss he knows he will.

___

“Whats the name of our lotus?” Tianglang-jun asked and Shen Qingqiu hummed “How about Shen Jiu, or would you want your name?”

Tianglang-jun laughed, “Until its my turn to make offspring then this lord will name them- this lord likes Shen Jiu.”

…

“It’s funny how even this one acts with the same cold brutality of my Xiyan.” Yeah it was odd then again it could be the body of the scum villain making them all what? Dna of the evil stepmother making them evil? He hoped not.

 “They’ll thaw out after a while.” He hummed leaning against Tianglang-jun.

When Shen Qingqiu prepared for bed his one year old now standing stared at him, scissors in hand. Shen Qingqiu tensed.

 “Baobei, hmm lets put the scissors down its sharp-“

The kne year old raised it.

 “Who you calling baobei fake! Thats my body!” Huh?

“One moment its me whose married to that fool now its you!?”

 Shen Qingqij snatched the scissors tossing them and picked up the baby.

“Shen Jiu!?”

“You even called me that name??? Die! Die by a thousand arrows!”

Tears streamed down the babys face and he began to cry.

Binghe was so much better than this he could hear the jokes now “I’m the one that made the parents want more kids- you’re the one that made them stop!”

“Shh shh, its alright…”

“It’s not that beast will come back and kill us!”

“He won’t. Binghe’s a good boy and a great big brother. Shh, dry those tears.”

When Binghe was being…difficult, even he was too much of a sweet bun to leave an impact.

 Shen Jiu on the other hand was like the tasmanian devil!

Any sharp object had to be hidden the pavillion child proof and Shen Jiu had a strange habit of biting so Shen Qingqiu commisioned a teething ring for him.

Overall he was tired.

 And the worst part?

He calmed down with tianglang-jun, going limp and floppy in the mans arms sucking on his ring and glaring at Qingqiu.

The man threw his hands up.

“Fine! Since you like him more than your papa who gave birth to you! I see how it is!”

He was still fuming after having to walk away and cool off.

He wanted to just dump that brat on Tianglang-jun and wash his hands clean but decided not too.

 He commisioned tiny brushes for Shen Jius small hands and decided to write his letters wjth Shen jiu present.

 “You will begin reading and writing, you still retain your memories but your coordination will need some work.”

 So Shen jiu struggled he knew the characters but couldn’t grip his pen right he handmt practised the muscle yet.

 So Shen Qingqiu used a hair tie wrapped it around Shen Jiu’s fingers and the other began to write in wonder.

Then it became known that the new son and heir of Tianlang-jun and Shen Qingqiu was a genius. And of course the cultivation world had to pay their respects to the emperor.

 Yue Qingyuans reaction to seeing their son was like a punch to the gut.

 Of course their son looked exactly like his Xiao Jiu.

 Even the way his brat stood tall, chin raised high and nose scrunched into a sneer.

…Shen Qingqiu will have to get him a fan.

 Shen Qingqiu accepted the meltdowns if Shen Jiu wasn’t bejng cold and aloof he ended up giving into his impulse kicking, screaming-

And not a normal scream, high pitched bust your ear drums scream.

“I hate you!”

“I know…”

 Shen Qingqiu even let Shen Jiu beat him with his fists- he’s a cultivator he can handle it-

 But once Shen Jiu finally got his anger out he began to cry.

 Eyes aged beyond their years and trapped in a child frustrated to being a slave to his emotions.

 Shen Qkngqiu drew him close playing the quqin and humming a song.

 “It’ll pass, you’ll be older befkre you know. Play this yourself one day.”

 Shen Jiu clutched his robes and thats hiw Tianglang-jun found them.

 It was a routine Shen Qingqiu established. He liked being kept busy, and told Tianglang-jun he need his iwn hobbies away.

 Wu yanzi isn’t dead-

 The palace master is and-

Shen Qingqiu was on another trip with his husband and both were havjng fun lretending to be hinourable cultivatirs and even more so when Tainglang-jun purposfully held himself back so Qingqiu could look like a badass.

And wu yanzi ends up killing shen qingqiu in public loudly proclaiming-

 “This is how you assassinate, boy!”

Shen Qingqiu died.

How? How in the flying fuck is he dead!?

Shen Qingqiu’s eyes blinked open -huh? 

He could’ve sworn he died.

 “See, I told you Necromancy was my specialty. Qui Haitang is standing before you, and now my precious son and yet you still doubt me?”

Shen Qingqiu gazed up, and saw the Old Palace Master, as well as Qui Haitang along with…Luo Binghe!?

 Luo Binghe spoke, eyes devoid.

 “Why did you kill him in the first place if you needed his body?”

“The world needs to believe Shen Qingqiu died, afterall once we’re done the body will no longer look like Shen Qingqiu.”

…What the fuck? What the fuck is going on.

Shen Qingqiu gaped “Binghe!? Whats the meaning of this?”

Why was he working with Wu Yanzi and the Palace Master!

 “Don’t worry, son. Soon we’ll bring your mother back you know she would never had abandoned you and would love you always fate had other plans. Until now-”

“You’re the one that killed her” Shen Qingqiu snapped eyes filled with hatred, and replaced? The hell did he mean?

“Binghe? How can you think I replaced you? The very thought is ridiculous!”

Luo Binghe finally looked at him, black pools swirled with madness, no way- don’t say Xin Mo twisted things or maybe…

Qui Haitang is alive, the two maybe travelled the abyss together she may have fed poison of Shen Qingqiu.

“You had a son, you have Mobei-Jun and this…Xiao Jiu to replace me! You never really loved Binghe it was all an act to get to my father!”

Shen Qingqiu’s eyes widened, what?

How…how could Binghe get this so wrong?

“This one fails to see why it has to be Shen Qingqiu’s body, why couldn’t this one have him instead?” The old Palace Master spoke enraged, 

 Hmm?

“That’s right! You promised to make my brother like himself again but now you’re doing this! My brother shouldn’t be walking around wearing the face of this old geezer!”

The old man nodded furiously.

And Shen Qingqiu realised with dawning horror that Qui Jianlou was in control of the old palace master.

 And now they were going to what…? Put Su Xiyan in his body? 

“Yes you’re brother did good on his word,” Wu Yanzi said, as he began to prepare for some sort of satan ritual.

 “For many years being my sponsor,”

Wait-

“For manipulating events to make Shen Qingqiu the bride of Tianglang-Jun…” 

Wait-!

“And for even helping dear Binghe find the truth, now Qui Jianlou can step down and be free with his sister, and the new emperor can continue assisting me in your place.”

 They brainwashed Binghe!

Shen Qingqiu’s eyes narrowed into a glare, and the Palace Master was never here! It was all Qui Jianlou and Qui Haitang both were squatting like toads at Huan Hua while helping the demonic cultivator.

 Maybe promised them revenge for his wayward bastard son.

Shen Qingqiu gritted his teeth, Wu Yanzi…really was a scumbag.

And yet, after all the things Shen Qingqiu put in place to protect Binghe, Mobei-Jun and in turn Shen Jiu- were told to always carry weapons on their person.

 If anything Shen Qingqiu was thankful that the knife he had was still on him and that his hands were tired behind his back.

With all eyes on Wu Yanzi they didn’t notice him hack at the immortal binding cables.

“Keep still, son. This won’t hurt much.”

 Shit- Shen Qingqiu screamed as Wu Yanzi touched his forehead, and Luo Binghe startled eyes wide, looking clear until Qui Haitang grabbed his arm.

 “Shh, it’ll be over soon, Binghe…”

How dare she act so overly formal!

His body burned and Wu Yanzi was speaking gibberish and Shen Qingqiu suddenly felt full, flashes and memories of things that weren’t his-

 The knife slashed through the rope, and Wu Yanzi fell over on his ass when Shen Qingqiu lunged forward.

 The old man was holding Xiu Ya.

His arms free his body moved on its own free will.

Cucumber-Bro, Shen Yuan and now holding the title Shen Qingqiu was just floating in his own state distanced from everything.

 The old man had his throat slit, dropping Xiu Ya, Qui Haitang cried out in horror, after grabbing Luo Binghe on the sword and flew down the corridors, Wu Yanzi struggled up, scowling but was grabbed by Qui Haitang.

“Save him- save my brother!”

Shen Qingqiu’s body kept running digging their nails into Luo Binghe’s arm.

 “Impertinent brat. Where are they holding your father?”

They finally made it outside, but the body of Shen Qingqiu flew shoving Luo Binghe forward on the side. It wasn’t exactly tugging him on his ear like a misbehaving boy but it was close enough.

 “You know where the locked him down. Or he would be here to save u-me.” 

Luo Binghe was lost, “Shizun?”

“Shizun? Is that what you call him? Ungrateful. And it’s that attitude that killed him.”

“What?”

Luo Binghe’s voice sounded weak and it broke Shen Qingqiu’s heart.

 The one riding the sword sneered. “Shen Qingqiu is dead, his soul ejected from this body. And now you are in the company of your darling mother.” The word carried derision.

 And Luo Binghe began to cry,

“I- I didn’t mean for this-”

“Speak clearly, boy. And intent matters. What were you expecting to happen? A happily ever after with you’re shizun oh wait. He’s dead.”

 But he wasn’t the hell-

Shut up. The brat needs some humility for the damage he almost caused and for locking our husband up. You coddled him too much, that explains the tantrum.

Shen Qingqiu couldn’t believe it- Su Xiyan was co-habiting this body? But why couldn’t he move?

It won’t last, temporary possession, but let’s make him sweat a little…

“Shizun…he’s really-”

“Yes, now…where is your father.”

“...Buried under a mountain? Overkill much?” 

“Husband…?”

He cracked. Shen Qingqiu seriously couldn’t take it, seeing Tianglang-jun trapped under the mountain, face bloody and looking like every bit the fallen hero. Shen Qingqiu couldn’t take it, wanting to rip the tailsmans of the wall and even kill the people invovled.

 “Husband!” 

Su Xiyan was promptly pushed to the back, surprised while Shen Qingqiu leapt forward grabbing Tianglang-Jun close and burying his face into his husbands neck.

 “I thought you were dead,” tianlang-jun spoke, voice watery and Shen Qingqiu was hiding his face clinging him close.

 “You can thank Wu Yanzi for that, he brought me back.”

Luo Binghe stood away, guilty look on his face. 

“Binghe?” Tianglang-jun finally looked up, tensing.

“Shh, its alright, now.” 

Shen Qingqiu stiffened as Su Xiyan took back control.

“Thank god this is temporary.” She took a step back biting her thumb and marked the tailsmans relishing in how satisfying it was to see them all snap.

She caught him and placed one arm around her shoulder to support him.

“Now where is that nephew of yours, usually joined to the hip or a second growth.”

“Husband?”

“Wife.” Shen Qingqiu smirked, glancing at her husband then sighed. As Luo Binghe gave a soft sob.

 “You! Stop crying and help me! It’s all your fault anyhow!”

“What- what happened?” Tianglang-Jun asked, as the three of them began to leave the mountain.

 “Luo Binghe this Master weeps that you only got your brains from your father- use your sword!” Luo Binghe snapped to attention and drew Xin Mo to make a portal.

 “Shen Qingqiu cuddled you too much.” She sneered and Luo Binghe eyes narrowed, “Don’t disrespect Shizun with his face!”

 Tianglang-Jun now blinked eyes wide, “Su Xiyan.”

She sighed, “Idiots, the both of you.” She then kicked them through the portal and entered their pavilion.

Miss Su?

 Su Xiyans eyes pricked with tears as she spoke softly “The Sun pavilion.” 

Tianglang-Juns face crumpled with guilt, “Xiyan-”

“No.” She took a step back, shaking it off. “This possession is only temporary and came from demonic cultivation.” She used Shen Qingqiu’s fan to place against Tianglang-Juns chest holding him back.

 “My time here is temporary. So don’t embarrass us both by doing something you’ll regret.”

Shen Qingqiu was confused, regret? Regret what?

Hey- it’s fine you can use my body, I mean it was my bastard father who-

“Hush up,” Su Xiyan spoke looking upwards, “Stop talking nonsense, and that man is not your father.”

“Shen Qingqiu? What did he say?”

“Nothing of importance.” 

At least be kinder to Binghe!

“That brat? He’s the reason we’re in this mess. You coddle him too much and you!” She yelled at Binghe who was still fuming then flinched at the duress.

 “You wanted a little brother! It was always Shizun I want a sibling, oh Shizun I want a baby brother- Mobei-Jun doesn’t count he has his own empire and won’t play with me!”

Luo Binghe’s eyes widened, “And He did! He kept telling everyone you were coming back because he believed you weren’t dead and this is how you repay him! Unfilial!”

“Xiyan! There’s no need-”

“And where were you in all this? Mobei-Jun was kidnapped and you did nothing, Shen Qingqiu always has to clean up your messes. If this Xiyan was still alive this one would divorce you!”

“Xiyan!”

Tianglang-Jun only laughed, that women always so cold! And telling them like it is!

Although, Luo Binghe fell to his knees slamming his head against the floor, Shen Qingqiu’s spirit responded making the body flinch at the action.

“This Binghe has been unfilial! This one truly thought Shizun had abandoned him,” He hit his head again, and Su Xiyan wanted to stand there still and aloof meanwhile Shen Qingqiu wanted to pick him up.

 “This one came back and saw- saw Shizun with-”

“Binghe?”

The three stiffened to see Shen Jiu, staring at the man on the floor crying his heart out. Shen Jiu scoffed.

 “It’s about time you got home!”

Luo Binghe blinked, Shen Jiu looked older, almost fifteen of course, spiritually made children aged faster and since Shen Jiu was mentally an adult man he was perfectly fine with that. 

 “Now Mama won’t be gloomy anymore!” Shen Jiu approached then proceed to kick Luo Binghe while he was down.

 “Ack-”

It barely hurt him, although maybe Shen Jiu was using Qi in his kicks.

“You made him cry! Apologise!”

Luo Binghe gaped “What?”

“Apologise!”

He kicked him again- “O-okay Xiao Jiu thats enough. Luo Binghe is sorry,” 

Shen Qingqiu couldn’t take it anymore, he crouched down picking Binghe up and tugging him close.

 “I wanted to do that as soon as I saw you.”

Luo Binghe stared ahead eyes wide his hands coming up to clutch his robes.

“Shizun,”

“You’re too big for tears, ah there there.”

“Sh-shizun won’t leave me?”

“Never.”

Where did this abandonment issue come from? 

“Qui Haitang…she kept saving me in the abyss, she…told me about you that it was all lies and- when I saw I believed-”

“It’s okay…”

Tianglang-Jun took Shen Jiu’s arm and made them all sit together, Luo Binghe flinched as he felt two more presence press against his back, then exhaled.

 “Okay- now thats enough.” Su Xiyan spoke, “We don’t know what Wu Yanzi is planning,”

“-Wu Yanzi!?”

Su Xiyan looked at Shen Jiu in surprise “Oh, you would know more about him wouldn’t you.”

Shen Jiu scowled, while Tianglang-jun and Luo Binghe looked confused.

 “Explain we don’t have much time.”

Su Xiyan stared then the lips of Shen Qingqiu pulled into a smirk “I like this boy,”

You would.

Tianglang-Jun hummed “Both cold, and brutal. You would’ve gotten along like a house on fire.”

“Yes, Shen Qingqiu would’ve made a fine first husband if this one had become empress…both of them.”

Now Tianglang-Jun’s eyes narrowed, and She smirked more before walking passed to get their palace ready.

 All wifes from Huan Hua were rejected for conspiracy, they were already divorced in name only stayed since they had no where else to go.

 Ning Yingying and Liu Mingyan maintained the perimeter, Cang Qiong and the other sects had given aid and other cultivators to assist.

 Shen Jiu stared at the man who he once called father, Wu Yanzi sneered “You look just like him, the bastard who came back on his hands and knees begging to be taken into my loving arms hah!” 

 Shen Jiu sword didn’t waver, staring straight at the threat.

He knew how Wu Yanzi operated, knew how he would access the palace.

 “So, you wanted to put Binghe on the throne a puppet to have direct power over the demon and human realm. But that plans fallen through, Luo Binghe and Tianglang-jun will never agree to your terms.”

“What If I made you my hostage? Hmm? That would be easy-”

Wu yanzi struck and Shen Jiu dodged, sending out a demonic qi blast to disrupt the talisman Wu Yanzi’s eyes widened.

 “As a body created from both Human and Demonic qi, this one has the gift to manipulate both. And with your teachings this one has an advanced handle on them.”

“My teachings…you…” Wu Yanzi’s eyes widened-

“You’re-”

The walls crashed around them, Shen Jiu covering his head while Wu Yanzi evaded until he was slammed against the wall by Xiu Ya,

“Shen Jiu!”

Wu Yanzi hesitated, “Shen Jiu?”

Shen Jiu gaped- he didn’t expect Tianglang-Jun and the others to come-

 Su Xiyan was gone. Her soul moving onto reincarnation, Shen Qingqiu stood in front of Shen Jiu raising his hands to hold the sword in place.

 “Its over Wu Yanzi.”

  The man laughed, pinned to the wall “Seems like it is-”

He raised his hand and screamed when a sword glare struck, slicing it clean off.

 “I know all your tricks, Wu Yanzi…”

The man laughed, falling back against the wall, “This Master…supposes you do.”

Shen Jiu hesitated, the warm fond look on the mans face was strange, it only made his parents more wary and Luo Binghe raise Zheng Lang, and Tianglang-Jun raised XIn Mo.

 “Not bad, not bad. The son has far surpassed the master.” Wu Yanzi raised his arms to clap then realised he didn’t have one.

 “Ah never mind.”

“Stop talking, Shen Jiu ignore him.”

 “Why should he? The brat wants to know doesn’t he. Why? Why would your old man do this, why would he sell you to the highest bidder again, and again and again.” 

Shen Jiu hands narrowed, shaking.

“Don’t listen to him-”

“Ah, a stranger shouldn’t involve himself in such matters! This is between me and my boy, isn’t that right Shen Jiu? You did the same thing I did, swapping souls? Beautifully done being the whore of the emperor was beneath you, but his son? Couldn’t have done it better myself!” he laughed loud.

 “What is he talking about?”

“It’s true isn’t it, that Qingqiu isn’t the bastard I spawned, he’s nothing like himself. You on the other hand- you’re mine aren’t you.”

Both the shens gaze narrowed as Shen Jiu raised his sword, “This one is not your anything, you made that quite clear when I returned after you abandoned me.”

 Wu Yanzi's smile was so annoyingly consistent, and Shen Qingqiu pushed Xiu Ya deeper into his arm the man grunted in pain.

 “And that Qui abomination of a family…they were made to train you…you didn’t kill Qui Jianlou, I did. My own bastard son…a prodigy, better than my own son. The bullshit that is society saying you weren’t my true heir out of wedlock. And now, the slate is wiped clean.”

Wu Yanzi smile widened and Shen Jiu face fell in horror “Don’t-”

 “This Father…wishes he could do better, but as a crooked man of demonic cultivation everything I gave you would’ve been poisoned. A Demon emperor was fitting for your station. Do with this gift as you will.”

Shen Jiu almost lunged forward, “No!” Shen Qingqiu held him back not knowing what the man was planning-

 Until he self destructed, warm smile still on his face.

 Tears streaked from Shen Jiu’s eyes as he fell to his knees.

 Shen Qingqiu fell with him, holding him close. He didn’t understand-

“W-why would he do that?”

“Maybe he felt cornered.” Luo Binghe spoke, “Or maybe a spare body to hop into-”

“Binghe, enough.”

 Shen Jiu sobbed into his arms, “Why would he do that?” 

 Shen Qingqiu looked at the body of Wu Yanzi.

…Was he instead an a morally grey character? Who had done everything for his son? Who knew his reputation and the eyes of society would hold Shen Qingqiu back?

 Shen Yuans eyes widened.

He must have observed how he was treated on Cang Qiong, knowing no matter what a honourable cultivator may well as still be a dirty slave to those above.

 So he manipulated and pulled strings to make him the beloved husband of Tianglang-Jun knowing no one would cross him or harm his reputation with a renowned demon lord such as that-

The only thing Wu Yanzi didn’t factor in, was that Tianglang-jun wasn’t demonic enough to protext Shen Jiu’s reputation especially with the loss of his wife and that Shen Jiu’s own self hatred would doom himself not seeing it for the gift it was.

 Protection, and stability. Knowing no one was good enough for Shen Jiu so he created this marriage for him.

 Shen Jiu wailed, beating his arms against Shen Qingqiu’s body.

Wu Yanzi was a demonic cultivator, a cruel and cold father…but his actions said otherwise.

“Let’s go home.”

Tianglang-Jun and Luo Binghe were useless as always. Shen Qingqiu picked his son up holding him close as they stepped away and back towards their home.

 “Husband,” Tianglang-juns eyes were burning with curiosity “Explain.”

With no system in this transmigration, Shen Yuan had to break under pressure and explain.

Tianglang-Jun nodded, the thought of two souls inhabiting a body his husband and wife, this wasn’t that far fetched.

“Well? Aren’t you going to say anything?”

“Hmm, you should tell Shang Qinghua, this sounds like an amazing story.”

[villainsandvictimsalliance]

Ok, I’m arguing with someone about the Todoroki family, and like I get there maybe some responsibility on Rei’s shoulders as a parent. However, they’re saying Rei was abusive towards Enji, that she abused him and her being aggressive and constantly yelling is what changed him. They said he was a victim turned abuser, and that his family emotionally abused him. Did Rei abuse him? Was he emotionally abused by his family? Like the situation was a spiral I guess but in no way did it give off that he was the victim of the family situation???

Tell them to reread the manga. In the best way possible, really. I probably have to reread the manga too because I don't remember all that well the whole Todofam drama, but here I go:

Long post, beware!!!!! ;)

For what I know, Enji's trauma started with the death of his father. That's what motivated him to become a hero. After that, he got blinded by his perfectionism and his jealousy towards All Might.

The only reason the Todofam exists is because Enji wanted a child with both fire and ice quirks. That's why he proposed to Rei. The Himuras were very old-fashioned, in the sense that they didn't even like their members marrying outside of the family so as to not stain their names. Their quirks got weaker with time, they started losing money and influence. That's when Enji arrived: he'd give money to the Himuras if Rei were to marry him.

Now, Rei's trauma comes from her family and the ways of the Himuras. Her trauma didn't start with Enji, but it surely intensified with it.

Attempting to create a quirks through arranged marriages is a dangerous dangerous thing to do. We see a doctor telling that to both Enji and Rei. They were aware of that. The problem with the union of Enji and Rei is that, even if there was love at the beginning —even if— it depended solely on the quirks of the children. A man who willingly pushes away his children because they don't have the quirk he wants and that forces their mother to raise them alone— that's not a good husband or father, you know?

Rei was there to provide him with children and to take care of them. It sounds more like she was an employee than her wife. It was abuse right from the start, okay?

Rei did what he asked. Birthed his children and took care of them. She was submissive at first. Went along with his plans. You know the drill.

When it was revealed that Touya's body couldn't handle the heat of his flames, that's when things got ugly. They knew the risk, it shouldn't have been a surprise. At that point, Enji had put a lot of pressure and expectations on little Touya. He filled the kid's head with lies, made Touya value himself only by his dad's expectations. Touya was born for one reason alone and he had been living for it and it was killing him.

Rei saw that. Enji saw that.

Both tried to do damage control and backtrack, but Touya was too smart. While they told Touya he could live his life as something else than the hero his father wanted, he knew that it made him a failure in their eyes. The stress of destroying her children's lives got to both Rei and Enji. It wasn't something intangible. It was their son burning alive right before their eyes. It was their son telling Rei the truth of her marriage to her face.

Let's be honest here, Rei was one step away from being a slave. She married Enji to save her family and damned children in the process.

I think in order to properly understand Rei's role in the whole drama, you need to consider certain cultural aspects. Like how women are viewed in Japan, what is expected from them once they get married, the power a husband has over his wife, how women get economically trapped by men in relationships all the time... I'm not an expert on those aspects, but it's worth mentioning them.

Now, back to Rei and Enji.

Rei started "fighting" Enji after Touya was fully deemed a failure. You can see that she didn't like the idea of another child, especially because it'd be terrible for Touya's wellbeing. It'd confirm he was not enough. Still, she went along with Enji's plan. It was not a happy house. Enji was acting more and more aggressively, Rei was more and more nervous. Shouto was born and Touya tried to kill him— he didn't want to be replaced, he did not want to lose his place at home.

It started building. what happened to Touya was not confined to Sekoto Peak. It was years in the making, that tragedy. I can only imagine how Rei felt when she got the news. She had begged her son to stay, but her submissive role couldn't save him. It wouldn't be enough.

Touya dies. Enji spirals.

Horikoshi is careful to draw Rei terrified. She tells ugly truths to Enji's face. Is that abuse? Is it abuse if a woman who's being treated like an employee and who had to watch her husband traumatize their kids screams at said man? We know that Enji was physically abusive with Shouto and that he even went against Rei, which made Shout stand up to him to stop him from hurting his mom.

The only reason why Rei had a mental breakdown (freaking diagnosed) is because the very eyes of Enji were enough to make her shake and want to defend herself physically.

It's obvious she was scared for her life. It's even more obvious she was convinced he would hurt her. She was terrified of her own children 'cause they looked like him.

Rei was definitely not the best mother. She didn't deserve to reach that level of abuse, tho.

What made Endeavor be like that is the violence of the society he grew up in and his very own competitiveness and low self-esteem. Then the consequences of his own actions. For All Might and Deku to feel like they need to protect Shouto from Endeavor? For Rei to rather be in a mental hospital than at home? For Touya to go back and decide he didn't want to be alive?

He is textually treated like a villain in the manga. At least at first.

Even if Rei confronting Enji caused him some psychological damage, it's the same as saying that a criminal got physiological trauma from committing his crimes. Saying Rei was the one who made him like that is awful victim blaming.

Enji created all those situations himself. I guess that's why Rei reminds him at the hospitals that he doesn't get to play the "poor me" role, when they all have been dealing with the hurt of what happened to their family.

Later, Endeavor acknowledges it himself. He takes responsibility for it, stops feeling pity for himself and decides to do something about it. Namely, puts his life on the line to solve the issue with the Todorokis. You know how fire is known for its purifying properties? You can say that the Todofam burning together gave them a second chance, somehow.

Their resolution involved Rei taking an active role in saving Touya (same with Fuyumi and Natsuo), while Enji put himself at the service of the son he always ignored and mistreated. I didn't write it, it was all Horikoshi.

So again, kindly tell the other person to reread the manga and then you both can engage in that discussion again. As it is, I doubt it'd reach any productive term.

Hope this answer satisfies you, anon!!!!!

[ladyodium]

TW: Abuse, child abuse

(I would like to say, I am not defending anyone’s actions. I also asks that you respect my opinion, we don’t have to agree but don’t be crazy. I am also discussing the show, I know what happens in the books.)

“I have sinned.”- Alicent Hightower

“I do not wish to hear it”- Otto Hightower

Team Green and their family dynamic are so interesting to me. It’s the cycle of abuse that keeps on giving. I haven’t seen a single Team Green member break from this cycle.

It’s starts with House Hightower, in specific, the expectations that are put on Otto Hightower by his family since he became the hand. He is expected to bring the Hightower blood upon the throne and is also the most powerful man next to the King.

He’s strictly religious and despises the customs of the Targaryens, but he stays because he knows that eventually he can use his own pawns (children and grandchildren) to intermix with the Targaryen blood and put Hightowers on the throne. He doesn’t really care for his daughter’s emotional needs, he manipulates her and forces her to act on the houses behalf. He’s constantly plotting on his next move and is honestly maybe one step ahead of everyone else. He doesn’t discuss his plans with his daughter, who is queen. The only time she’s clued in is when he whispers threats of death about what will happen when Rhaenyra takes the throne.

Alicent Hightower is a victim and an abuser. These two things can simultaneously be true. She’s a victim of her father’s abuse and the expectations of being a woman in a world ruled by men. Even when she has power, she never goes against the men who inflict the pain. Instead she uses her power to inflict that same pain onto other women and her own children. We see how she suffers as a victim to further push her father’s ambition and we also see how she’s an abuser. She inflicts punishments on Rhaenyra for simply fighting against the system in place, she hits her children, she isolates them from Rhaenyras children and she constantly tells them that Rhaenyra will kill them all if she takes the throne. She sets the same expectations her father places upon her onto her children, and we see how that affects each of her kids.

Aegon- the son the realm wanted but to Alicent he will always represent her stolen childhood, her stolen innocence, her stolen life she could have had. Aegon was expected to be the perfect prince, a king. Alicent can’t even pretend to comfort him when he’s crying for his dead child. She feels these immense sense of guilt, but she can’t even offer her son a simple act of kindness. She leaves.

Helaena- Helaena is the only daughter Alicent has and you’d expect her to protect her daughter from the very same fate she was put upon. No, instead she finds her own daughter strange. She doesn’t understand that Helaena is a dragon dreamer because she herself never wanted to dabble in the Targaryen customs. She finds Helaena strange and thinks her simple, which is a terribly thing to think of your own kid. She can’t bond with Helaena at all, she tries and fails. She never tries to get to know her children and she gets frustrated when they aren’t acting like she expect them to act.

Aemond-Aemond is a very special case. He would be considered the favorite child simply because he’s dutiful like his mother. Alicent doesn’t have to worry about Aemond because he does as he’s told. He’s the perfect prince. Aemond is the only child (before his eye was taken) that meets Alicents expectations. When Aemond’s eye is taken we really see how resentful he becomes. Alicent can’t even recognize her own son anymore. 

Not only does the cycle of abuse continue but we see how the characters also abuse themselves. Alicent picks at her fingernails as a punishment, Aegon drinks himself silly, Helaena shuts down and Aemond becomes resentful. They find ways to not only abuse others but themselves at the same time.

From Otto, to Alicent, to Aegon, to Helaena, to Aemond.

It’s really funny to me because the ONLY reason that Team Green is fighting together is because they all have a common enemy; Rhaenyra. However, even with a common enemy in place they still are fighting amongst themselves. It’s a cycle that never stops turning.

It makes me wonder, what was the last act of kindness that they received?

[nixie-writes-aot]

Reactions to S/O with Abusive Family

Warnings: mentioned abuse, abuse of power/status, hurt/comfort, fluff

Characters: Reiner Braun, Bertholdt Hoover, Zeke Yeager

Author's Note: This was written purely because I wanted some hurt/comfort fjndkdmd. There are two other parts because theres like 9 characters I wrote this for

Reiner Braun

Oh boy

Family is something that means a lot to Reiner. Especially s4 Reiner. He would do anything to protect his own so someone hurting their family member?

He can't fathom it

Reiner just wants to hold you close, shield you from everything that would dare even try to hurt you

Reiner is a broken man in many aspects but you make him feel whole, you make everything okay do seeing you hurt is not something that Reiner ever wants

When you come to him? Hurt and even scared? He wants to know why, he wants you to know he's there and always will be

Reiner is stunned when you tell him the stories, the way you feel around your family, how you felt the end to always always apologize or people please just to avoid conflict

Reiner decided then and there that he hated your family, that there was no excusing how they had been adults around you and instead of nurturing you, destroyed any semblance of a child that had existed within you

He pulls you close, enveloping you in a hug and let you sob and cry into his chest

Reiner had decided he would do anything just to help you move on from them

Although Reiner could barely hide his relief and a touch of disappointment when you said you hadn't seen them in years

Reiner was half tempted to mention his desire to make them suffer using his rank as Vice Chief but opts to keep that from you. For the moment, at least. Time and place and all

Bertholdt Hoover

When you tell him, Bertholdt is quiet at first. He's the kind to process things a touch slowly 

But he is horrified

Bertholdt became a Warrior for his sick father, not unlike Pieck, so when you tell him that you admire that but could never do the same for your family? That some fathers never earn the love of their children?? Bertholdt is stunned

Not because of the "but family is family" bullshit no no. Bertholdt is stunned at how you're opening up and with him of all people and the fact that anyone would dare hurt you

Bertholdt mutters about wanting to hurt them for hurting you

This is a man who was pushed into killing hundreds just because he was convinced that Eldians were devils and those who were on the island were the worst of the worst 

You can't tell me when faced with the story of how your abusers are still alive, he would be kind

Well. To you, he is kind

To them? He wants to feed them to the titans

Bertholdt slowly but surely pulls you close, buring his face in your chest and whispering positive affirmations that you are worth loving, deserved so much better, and are one of the best people he had ever met

Zeke Jeager

When you tell Zeke about it, he remembers his own parents

How only his grandparents earned his love and how his father especially received his ire

In Zeke's mind, Tom Ksaver is still his real father. Even if he had to eat him in the long run

Zeke is an odd man and he doesn't really emote much but he takes a hit off his cigarette, puts it out and turns to you. Zeke offers you a sympathetic nod, an apology, and pulls you close

Zeke, unlike Reiner, would absolutely use his position as the Warchief against the people who hurt you most

Zeke would lull you to sleep, letting you sleep in his bed and feel all the perks he gets as a Warchief that can actually speak during meetings with Marleyans 

His sweet nothings persistent until you've drifted away and then he steps out, probably finds Yelena while he leans beside him with a cigarette

"Find two people for me. Full name and everything, then frame them. Make them suffer. They've hurt someone I care about greatly."

Yelena doesn't even have to ask who that person is, she knows its you so she does so without question nor fail 

When you hear the news, you climb into his lap and sigh, kissing him sweetly and thanking him for the small amount of justice you get to see served

Zeke would do just about anything for you, he's sure of that much

[hazshit-hotel-hater]

"I own you, b***!"

"Yeah, you do. In the studio. And you can do whatever you want to me there, just like our deal says. But out here, I get to do what I want." - Valentino and Angel (episode 6)

That one scene made me come up with a solution of how Angel can be freed and Valentino getting what he deserves. OK, fine, let's say that Charlie and Lucifer don't have the power to mess with other demons' contracts and can't free Angel's soul with just a snap of their fingers. BUT they do have the power as a royalty to take down Valentino's business. "And you can do whatever you want to me there(in the studio), just like our deal says." Think about it:

(No business + no studio) + Valentino losing his power and his overlord title = Angel's freedom (and the freedom of many others)

Just imagine: a powerful man-turned-demon doing a lot of terrible things in order to get wealth and fame, and people to step on (pls, don't take that out of context). He gets what he wants every time, and everything is perfect. For him, at least 😒. And then, out of nowhere, the "stupid, blonde, good-for-nothing" princess of Hell and her father, the King, declare that this porn business is coming to a close, and Valentino shall no longer be an overlord. Everything, EVERYTHING, that this disgusting moth-man has worked for crumbles right in front of him. Money, gone. Porn movies and drugs, bye-bye 👋🏻. His favourite toy (Angel) and the souls he has under contracts are free. Even Vox and Velvet are leaving him behind because he is worthless to them now. Personally, I think this will be more satisfying than simply killing Val with an angelic weapon.

But, alas, knowing Vivzipop, it's highly unlikely that she will come up with something like this.

I kinda feel proud of myself 🤗, and I'm not even a writer. 😅

(Sorry if I have any grammar mistakes, English is not my first language. )

Your grammar is very good don’t worry! Also you had me terrified a Valentino roleplay blog messaged me for a second

This is a really interesting idea actually! I’ve seen a lot of people mad at Charlie for not doing something about Angel’s situation and honestly I am too but Angel asked her to stay out of his business which is something I and many other have experienced of that “It’s fine I can handle it myself this is my issue” mindset, but still in the future I really hope she actually steps up and does something. Especially with her stupid “But thats so meaaan :(” line when Vaggie tells her to actually use her authority.

I also agree on the point I’d like to see Val have more consequences to his actions instead of just killing him. Of course I want him dead but I’d like it to be later on. Number 1 thing I hate is character’s abuser dying and then suddenly the character is fine and has no issues.

Id draw a picture of Valentino and put him through the oven and stove but I don’t want to draw anything more than the back of his torso and hands. Maybe someday you’ll see me make an animatic of Val being gunned down but certainly not soon.

Anyway expanding on this idea sounds like it’d be very interesting, if you’d have anything to add I recommend toying around with it!

[threepandas]

Hate Like Ours: Yandere Dabi

You couldn't rest until he was DEAD.

No matter how much it hurt. And God, did it HURT. Every moment, every DAY. A fucking reminder of what that BASTARD had DONE to you. Your fucking so called Father.

Ha! What a joke.

A so called Heroooo~☆! Moral and true! He would NEVER abuse his own KID! NEVER abuse the power he held over them for his own GAIN! Don't be SILLY, sweetie! You're just GRUMPY. Like a FUCKING TODDLER. Now do as you're told and DIE FOR US!

You'll kill him.

You'll KILL HIM!

If it's the last thing you ever do.

No matter the pain. The failing lungs. The brittle bones and bruising skin. The agony of each fucking step. You'll hunt him down. Show him EXACTLY what sort of monster he's made. He RUINED you. Took EVERYTHING! You were just a KID! A KID!! And he USED YOU.

Whored out your Quirk until there was nothing let to give!

Thought he could dump you in some hospital to DIE like a dirty little secret! As though you'd be a good little girl and take his crimes to the grave for him! Fuck that. Fuck HIM and everyone who KNEW something was wrong, KNEW something didn't add up, and looked the fucking other way!

Fuck so called Heros.

Everyone thinks healing quirks are some magical god damned gift from god. The ticket to a better life. A guaranteed life of doting and being catered too. HA! Ha ha HA HA HA!!!

Try endless emotional manipulation! You don't want this person to DIE do you? It would be YOUR FAULT! You just have to try a little bit longer! I know you feel sick, honey, but look how much PAIN they're in! Don't be SELFISH. Just one more.

Oh! And let's not forget the SOURCE. Where do you think all that fuel COMES FROM? Not every Quirk is like Recovery Girl's! Hell, she's an OUTLIER! It's why she's FUCKING FAMOUS! She can heal and heal and HEAL for DAYS. Other people? Have to STOP.

Or they'll DIE.

But tell that to DEAR OL DAD! Did HE care? No! He got the golden goose, then abused it til it DROPPED! It's FINE! He'll just pump another one out of his wife! To HELL with what he's done!

Your Quirk ATE YOU ALIVE. He KNEW it was doing it. In bits and pieces, your stamina, your strength, your muscles and organs. Past the point of no return. Past the point any amount of rest could FIX. But, HEY! At least he got his little promotion in the ranks! At least HE benefits!

You'll kill him.

As you slowly, painfully, put one foot infront of another. That's what keeps you going. You're going to KILL him. No matter what it takes. All you need to do... ALL YOU NEED TO DO! Is get him immobile long enough to RIP the life out of HIM.

Because, oooooh ho ho! That's RIGHT! Hospital beds and agony gave you time to THINK. If you can PUSH? Surely you can PULL right? Pull and pull and PULL all that health away? Take BACK what was stolen? He should PAY. He's GONNA pay.

They ALL will.

There! After walking for so long. Plotting for so long. The BASTARD. Getting chummy with Endeavor. Ha ha! Trash really does call to trash, huh? He never could resist ass kissing. Pity he doesn't have his pet healer to whore out anymore.

It's time.

The grin on your face, trapped beneath your oxygen mask, must be something ugly and terrible to behold. You feel insane. The world sharp. The crowd between you and him immaterial. You'll take them too! Take ALL OF IT! Ha ha! Why not?! All you need to do is-!

An almost burning hot hand grabs the back of your stolen hoodie and yanks, hard. You go crashing back and to the ground in a clatter of oxygen tank, cords, and quickly bruising limbs. You sprained something. You can FEEL it. Possibly cracked bone. The pain is so much worse.

You wheeze, barely manage to roll over to face your attacker.

Burned skin and burning eyes. Staples barely holding beautiful ruin together. Grin? Or baring teeth? He crouchs, looming, his eyes too intent as he informs you that Endeavor is HIS. You were stepping on toes. Ah. Got it.

You tell him that you want Regenerate. Not Endeavor. Apologize for the mix up, you didn't know if there was like... a formal way to declare that, oooor...

He laughs. Then asks the million yen question. How are you going to kill Regenerate, busted up as you are? You're kinda miffed. You WERE going to walk up and suprise attack him. Maybe use the crowd as a boost. But now? You'll be lucky to stand under your own power. Asshole.

He prods you for answers. You're kinda trapped on the disgusting ground, so like? Why the fuck not? Might as well. Your health was transferred away. You got used as fuel. Regenerate is your bastard of a sperm donor and you plan to deliver unto him, what he did to YOU. But you have to be able to MOVE for that.

The burned man above you tilts his head in consideration. Leans back, looking around, before rising to his feet. With a smirk, he tell you not to go anywhere.

Ooooh fuuuuuck YOU!

He knows DAMN well you can't move! Well, maybe crawl. But you're not there YET. You ARE curious to see what Hot N Staple-y has planned though...

He comes back. Dragging an unconscious Sidekick.

.......okay that's kinda hot. He then OFFERS you the unconscious Sidekick. Which? You take it back. REALLY hot. You manage to move your arm. Slap your hand against the fucker's face. Aaaand? Just like you practiced....?

Oh...

Like kitten fluff against the soul. Warm soup on a cold day. Relief. Pain stopping and aches you've leaned to live with, ending. You can MOVE. You... God, you could CRY. You sit up. It... for the first time in MONTHS, it's EASY.

You're not sure what expression your making. But you don't care. You thank the burn guy. Genuinely. He seems to get it. Tells you his name.

Dabi.

He seems to think you'll be seeing more if each other. And..? Yeah. Yeah you can see that. You'd work well together. Heck, with enough Health? You could probably do something about those burns. Might be nice. Teaming up. He seems pretty level headed, experienced. Maybe he could show you the ropes.

We could get our revenge.

Together.

[inhuman-obey-me]

𖤐 MASTERLIST: HEADCANONS & REACTIONS

Updated: 8/14/2023

New items added to the list are marked with the 🩸 emoji!

The Demon Brothers Torturing the Dead

Demon Brothers Tempting People to Their Sins

An Alternate Take on non-Lilith descendant!MC

A Royal Demon’s Birth (corresponds with Ghosts of the Prince’s Past fic)

MC accidentally catching the Demon Brothers being Demonic/Violent

How the demon brothers would react to MC asking to borrow their powers to torture someone

MC accidentally steps on Leviathan, Satan, Belphegor, and Barbatos’s tails

Interview with a Demon (question session meant to reveal a demon pretending to be an angel)

The Ring of Wisdom / The Ring of Light

How Lucifer reacts to an MC that was turned into a demon similar to his form (father/child like relationship)

How the demons fight when they go feral

Dates in the Devildom

The Brothers finding out MC was almost killed by a lesser demon

The Side Characters finding out MC was almost killed by a lesser demon

The Brothers Finding Belphegor sleeping and crying about missing Lilith in his sleep

Lucifer’s reaction to an eye-contact averse MC

The Brothers + Nowdateables reacting to Belphegor threatening to kill MC again

The Brothers Torturing Someone for Hurting MC

Demon begging MC because the brothers are after them

Barbatos and his “tattoos” (corresponds with Shadows fic)

Demon Brothers reacting to an MC that is turned on by their violence

Devildom for a Blind MC

Demon Brothers React to a Sleep Paralysis MC (+ part 2)

Demon Brothers Adjusting Behaviors and Protecting MC from Dangers of the Devildom

Demon Brothers True Demon Forms vs What They Show MC (+ sides/new characters 🩸 )

Curses the Demon Brothers Would Put on a Human for Bothering MC

Barbatos cleaning up after torture for a baking lesson with Luke

What steps do the brothers take to make sure their demon forms don’t hurt MC by accident?

MC telling the demon bros/undateables they had an abusive ex and they “take care” of the ex - Part 1 (Older Brothers), Part 2 (Younger Brothers)

What’s Really in Demonus?

Everyone gifting Asmo flowers for his birthday

Have the brothers had relationships before MC? 🩸

MAIN MASTERLIST | CHARACTER STUDIES/ANALYSIS | WORLDBUILDING | WRITINGS/FICS | MISC

[comicaurora]

If you've finished The Dragon Prince, S5, what's your opinion? Personally I'm still processing everything and there were a few things I was kind of "ehhhhh" about, but those were just one-off moments and overall I'm satisfied, even though it ended up playing out very differently from how I was expecting (for one, I was certain Aaravos would be getting out by the end of the season).

I liked it a lot!

SPOILERS AND STUFF:

Because I liked it a lot, most of my more specific thoughts are about the few things that sort of jarred me a little bit and felt a little rough or strange. But before I get to that I wanna list some of the stuff I loved:

Soren! My sweet boi has finally gotten the acknowledgement the previous seasons denied him. Soren locking eyes with Deadwood and going "yo same issues" was incredible, and after the last season treated his abduction by and confrontation with his abusive father as 90% comedy funtime hijinks in a nightgown, it was really refreshing to see him get a chance to actually shine in a serious, heartwarming context and be narratively rewarded for it.

In fact, that whole sequence with the pirates was incredible. I knew there was no way they were gonna cleanly outrun the bad guys, but I was not expecting how exactly they would catch up.

They did a lot of elegant work this season setting up Claudia as going from being family-motivated to being anger-motivated, and I like that, because at the rate things are going she's gonna run out of family to be motivated by in T-minus one episode, and if she's going to continue being the main boots-on-the-ground antagonist she's going to need some new motivation to swap out for her dad. Showing her actively reveling in having power over creatures that used to frighten her is a clever way to ease into that.

Viren's arc this season of being forced to confront his own coping mechanism, "I had no choice", was damn elegant. He had to realize he did have a choice the whole time, even if it was a choice between two bad options - he took every step along the path of his own free will, and he can choose to stop walking at any time. I'm not anticipating a redemption arc - my guess is Aaravos is going to let him die and just keep his soul imprisoned with him, "your soul is my treasure" and all that - but it was a very cool way to confront the audience and Viren with his humanity, which is easy to lose sight of when he spends all his time being a horrible dick.

The stuff with the Nova Blade screams "sneaky poetic double meaning" and there's absolutely no way it can actually kill Aaravos. The fact that the novablade and the three quasar diamonds they need to let Ruunan out of his coin after four goddamn seasons are all in the same place called the Starscraper that is so most definitely a boss arena makes me absolutely certain that they won't get there until some sort of final battle or immediately-pre-final-battle confrontation, but it's also almost guaranteed that the novablade is not going to cleanly resolve everything because the characters were realistically sus about that poem but quickly dismissed their entirely reasonable concerns. My guess is the novablade has already stabbed Aaravos once and he's the dude from the poem who was somehow both immortal and "no more," which feeds into the other thing they're 100% setting up, which is that Callum is one thousand percent going to be the one who lets him out in an ill-fated attempt to save his loved ones, which would cleanly make Callum three for three. Which segues into my "things that bothered me a little bit" zone-

Every time there's a story where the heroes are like "we're going to make our way through the incredibly circuitous and hard-to-navigate traps and secrets to finally find our way to the closely-guarded and ludicrously dangerous macguffin so we can take it with us and put it somewhere much less guarded" I feel my investment slip just a little, because how can anybody be surprised when the bad guys then get ahold of it with a tenth of the effort it would've taken them to get through the circuitous treasure hunt themselves? Claudia was not on track to figuring out the secret in time, and Aaravos didn't seem to have a way to tell her directly, and once the deadline ran out she'd have almost no reason to want to release Aaravos anymore. I worry this plotline could've solved itself if the heroes hadn't inexplicably concluded that they could guard a magical prison better than a centuries-deep conspiracy of archmages and archdragons.

The Dragon Prince character writing is usually rock-solid and very good at showing slow growth and development, while occasionally being vulnerable to characters seemingly losing their braincells to facilitate plot points that they would reasonably be too smart to let happen. That happened a few times this season, most notably with Zubeia getting very clearly bit by a shadowbeast - something we know everyone riding on her back saw, because Corvus intervened to get it off her and nearly died in the process, and we later see Soren talking to her about it - which means Amaya at minimum, and probably Callum and Rayla as well, should reasonably be expected to have both the information "a wound from a shadowbeast magically festers and turns the infected victim into a shadowbeast" and "zubeia was injured by a shadowbeast." So it's a bit weird that this doesn't come up and they just leave her alone about it, and only Soren - who doesn't know about shadowbeast stuff - even asks her about it.

I have this theory that there was a draft of the season's plot where the main characters had access to a different space of information - for instance, knowing about Zubeia's wound and its implications instead of her inexplicably brushing it off, hiding its true severity and then nearly dying. The most notable instance of this feeling struck me in the same episode, when right after Amaya's incredibly dramatic "go!" moment and the gang are about to fly away, Callum pointedly looks down one last time, then sees her shove Corvus and herself into the book drop, and he says "they made it into the book drop! they'll be totally fine!" and then they fly away. It feels a little jarring because it seemed like the natural flow of the episode would've been to let Amaya and Corvus's sacrifice play out as expected, with Chekov's Book Drop at their backs to save them as soon as the heroes were out of sight. Then Amaya and Corvus could show back up later in a big heroic moment, possibly even keeping the camera off them until Amaya rides to Janai's rescue a few episodes later - a classic "aragorn goes over the cliff jk he's fine" style reveal.

The reason they didn't do this, I think, is because it would've been hard for the kid heroes to be quippy-fun-time jokey-joking mere hours after losing their last living relative to presumed horrible zombie death. And I get that! But I think that was a notable factor in the way some of the episodes were structured around making sure that the heroes mostly got to spend their time being light-hearted and funny, which meant troubling information was artificially kept from them and encouraging information was shoehorned into their eyeline in slightly contrived ways so they could stay safely partitioned away from the actually heavy emotional implications of their situation. That's why I think the pirate episodes hit the audience as hard as they did, because suddenly the story dipped really seriously into the extremely painful and scary side of this otherwise fun and exciting fantasy adventure, and the characters shone in the unusually serious environment.

I kinda feel the same about Viren, but in the opposite direction. He spent the entire season comatose and safely partitioned away from the other characters, and while his highly symbolic coma dreams were extremely cool and revelatory to see, it feels like a squandering of his character potential to keep him from interacting with anyone but Aaravos - which is why I think they're gonna keep his ghost around at minimum. Hell, maybe Claudia will take a page out of his book and store him in a coin for safekeeping. Either way, they've had no problems sticking Viren on the proverbial shelf for seasons at a time and it seems like it's just too convenient for them to stop now. Viren's inner life is very cool, but I want to see him actually interact with the real world, because he's so bad at it.

I don't really know why the sunfire civil war thing is still happening, and my only theory is that Aaravos is still influencing the bald elf guy he possessed to kill the Queen back in season 3, meaning that these guys will be bolstering the ranks of General Problems in season 6 onward. I don't mind that concept, but I kind of feel like the problem they're running into is they killed their actually interesting Dickhead Royal back in season 3, and without Prince Kasef they have to make do with We Have Kasef At Home, aka Karim, who's not good enough at machiavellian scheming to be interesting and not enough of a dickhead to be fun to watch. They didn't even let Amaya take one of his eyes and make him look cooler, so I can only assume he'll be usurped as the primary threat next season and replaced with someone actually threatening, aka Aaravos. It seems plausible that Aaravos is going to sell both the poison and the cure, promising a way to fix Lux Aurea's corruption, but it's just a weirdly disconnected plot thread at present.

The thing with the ocean archmage felt like a very transparent Yoda homage, which started out cute and then went on about three times longer than I wanted it to, and it kind of highlighted the running theme of how every new character in this story is introduced saying "I absolutely cannot let you do this thing you need to do to progress the plot, no way no how." and then after some arguing and quips and ten minutes of wasted time and optional sidequests they're like "you may now proceed with the story." The ocean archdragon had the exact same gimmick in the opening scene, even the pirates were introduced that way. I think part of the reason the pirate episode felt so different and cool is that it broke the episodic formula in almost every way and highlighted some character tropes that the lighthearted tone doesn't normally allow for, which is why people keep describing it as "like a fanfic, but in a good way!" It took the characters we were at this point very familiar with and put them in a Situation, and fans love it when characters get put in Situations.

Kinda feels like the show only remembers Ezran has geopolitical kingly responsibilities when it's most inconvenient for the gang, and while I find his presence in this season refreshing, it is a little weird that he can just run around adventuring and getting kidnapped by pirates without anyone bringing up how the throne and the crown are burdens like they've been banging on about for the previous four seasons. I assume that'll come back into focus later, but it ties into the same thing I've observed where it feels like the characters are very carefully contextualized to only have to consider serious responsibility things in very specific contexts, usually when it will facilitate actively frustrating character arcs and decisions, so they can just loosely quip and react to things the rest of the time.

Anyway I had a dang good time, excited for more! Harrow is one thousand percent in that bird.

[tsukiakurotori]

Character Intro

Hello. So, I have decided I would venture into the FFXIV side of things after a break from it due to some irl stuff. Tsukia's story has changed much from when she first came into being, but I'm excited to see where this new direction takes her as I reclaim this beloved character. And I want to share it with any who care to join me in the slow, lengthy adventure. 😊

Without further ado, allow me to introduce you to the unsuspecting tiny dragon who went from searching for her sister to stepping into her fallen sister's shoes as the Warrior of Light.

(❗Trigger warning: mention of suicide and assault)

"I was given this power to protect and to heal. The elementals entrusted it to me. They put their faith in me. I will not let down that faith."

Age: 24 (as of the start of HW)

Height: 5'0"

Pronouns: She/Her

Nameday: 8th Sun of the 6th Astral Moon

Guardian: Menphina

Laughing, bright, wise, empathetic, confident, and powerful. A young Raen Au Ra, Tsukia was born into an old family with a long tradition of being master Ninjas. However, Tsukia eventually grew to realize this was not the path she wanted, though both she and her sister were highly skilled. Both of them wanted something else. Much to the ire of their strict father.

After a traumatic event, Tsukia chose to become a Conjurer in order to protect and heal others, and then later a White Mage under the guidance of the elementals, who took a liking to her. They know she is not the type who would abuse such power, hence why they allow her to have it. She had great potential, becoming extremely powerful, though she prefers to use her strength to heal and protect. But make no mistake. If you try and harm those she loves, she will not hold back.

This event also led to her elder sister (Seiren) leaving their clan behind, casting aside who she was, for it was Tsukia's sister who killed the man who had assaulted Tsukia, a man Seiren had once considered a friend. She took up the lance rather than being a Ninja, the path she chose as Tsukia did hers. Even if it was for her little sister's sake, Seiren could not stay. They did not know what came of her after. Until the day Tsukia began to look for her.

She’d finally been able to gain approval to venture out of the clan and so went in search of her sister, only to find that Seiren took her life by walking into the waters of Costa del Sol and never emerging, leaving only her worn lance behind.

So ended one story...while another shall begin.

“Where do you wanna go? How much do you want to risk?” Her smile was dazzling as her eyes shone, still swirling with the aether she'd called upon.

(Some explanation below, with slight spoilers)

Side notes: Her sister was the WoL during the Calamity and who returned during ARR, without her memories of the battle, inadvertently assuming the mantle once more. She fell in love with Foulques, saving him from death and helping him turn his life around. However, he was lost to her during Operation Archon, as he fought alongside the Twin Adders at the cost of his life. This sent her into a dark spiral, leading to her death before the commencement of Heavensward. By some twist of fate, it is Tsukia who ends up bearing her sister's mantle from there on.

Other OCs:

Liena Eryssel

Safianne Sahain

(I will say that, though I do not have much practice in it, I would be open to attempting some RP. I am a beginner at RP compared to writing, but my two Elezen OCs have some leeway that makes it possible. So, I just wanted to put this out here. After all, it might be nice to try new things occasionally.😊💕)

[maleyanderecafe]

My Gently Raised Beast (Webcomic)

Created by: Yeoseulki, Early Flower

Genre: Fantasy/Romance

This webcomic is actually really good and I enjoyed reading it. The yandere and the female lead are a big power couple in this one and their relationship feels really genuine. The yandere isn't as extreme as other ones, but fits more into the protective yandere type, as he's always looking out for and caring for the female lead, and the female lead is pretty well written as well. As of writing this, there are 90 chapters and it feels like it will be finished fairly soon.

The story starts out with the king declaring that he's found his missing daughter, before cutting to the daughter, Blondina (yeah, that's her name) being abused at an inn. She is saved and brought into the king's palace to be raised as a princess, though she is heavily ridiculed by her step siblings, Lart and Adellai for being a half blood. She meets and saves and black cat named Anon, who reveals himself to be a Divine Black Panther, a descendent of one of the great gods. She meets her maid, Lucy and becomes friends with her. As the story goes on Lart starts to develop feelings for Lucy and slowly becomes more understanding and befriending Blondina, while Adellai continues to hate her for taking everything away from her. Wanting her father's approval, Adellai attempts to take over the Divine beasts by finding the descendent of one of the god's ancestor, a man with golden hair and eyes who has the ability to control divine beast, while Blondina's love and friendship with Amon leads to conducting a peace treaty between them. Adellai attempts to take Blondina's life in a series of accidents, which leads to also killing two helpers to prevent them from spilling any information. We learn slowly that Blondina and Amon are actually reincarnations of the gods, and that the descendent was a god as well. While the god that eventually became the Blondina wanted to become a human, the golden eyed ancestor wished to retain his power as a god, and killed Amon to prevent her from reincarnating (which failed anyways). The descendent has his body taken over by the god and attempts to storm the castle, though with the help of everyone, they are able to stop him. Blondina almost dies in the process and Amon sacrifices his power, thus erasing his memories to save her. The last couple of chapters have Blondina pregnant and attempting to rekindle her relationship with Amon.

The progress of this story is actually very well written and paced. It's really nice to see Blondina (or Briddy) and Amon slowly get close together and the progression feels rather natural, so at the end, when the two are fighting to protect each other, it feels natural. I also just like how Briddy is able to slowly build up friends and essentially drag various characters into redemption arcs including her brother Lart and even to some extent her father, the king. The clash between seizing control of the beasts and forming a treaty with them pushes them back and forth, making the story suspenseful in how Adellai will try to overthrow the beasts. I also think that Amon and Briddy are a very strong power couple, with Amon being king of the divine beasts and Briddy having strong power in the kingdom, not only because of status but her unwavering personality as well. They really do make a very good team.

Briddy as a character starts out rather uncertain and in a very bad position of being a half blood and having to adjust to her life there (not even knowing how to read, if I recall properly), but I think one of the strengths that Briddy has is just how she's able to befriend people. She is a kind person, but she also will put her foot down if their friends are getting hurt or if she feels she needs to. I think one of my favorite scenes is Briddy going back to the inn where she was abused and buying the inn for Lucy, having to face her abusers, which is a very difficult thing to do. She is able to use her powers in other ways and befriend others, but I really do like her development as the story goes on.

Amon on the other hand starts from a tsundere style character to a more protective one as time goes on. I still would categorize him as light since he doesn't do anything too drastic that's outside of protecting Briddy. There are some good moments such as threatening to kill Adellai after Briddy almost died, attacking one of the innkeepers that attempted to kill Briddy in her sleep and of course sacrificing his memory just to save her. He initially stays a lot in his animal form but as time goes on he shows more of his human side and man, am really happy to see another dark skinned yandere boy. I just think having variety is pretty neat and I just have a soft spot for darker skinned boys. In any case, he is generally fairly protective over Briddy just as she is for him.

As for the other characters, I really liked them as well. I liked Adellai's plot to find the ancestor so she could take over, and Lucy and Lart's relationship. Especially Lart's general progression in changing sides- attempting to be king so he can marry Lucy. The other side characters are pretty impressive. The art looks really nice as well, and the animals don't look too jarring to look at (as some webcomic artist uh... sometimes can struggle with drawing animals, I suppose).

Overall, I really like the story and I think it should be read for the story first and the yandere second. Considering that he is the male lead though, you will see him often and watch as he and Briddy's relationship grows.