#mq: i want these inside of me

[sweepingboy]

feng xin looks at mu qing's hands and reflects how they changed from rough and dry from housekeeping to soft and strong with the palms calloused by the sabre to burnt and trembling and how they always remained so skillful and careful ( he cherishes them even balled in a fist against his jaw)

mu qing looks at feng xin's hands and think they are stupidly sexy

[novafire-is-thinking]

Speculative Analysis: Why TFP Soundwave is so Terrifying to His Fellow Cybertronians

Time for an essay on why I think TFP Soundwave might have chosen his current cryptid form—electrical tentacles and all. There’s a TL;DR at the end, so feel free to scroll down first and then decide if you want to read the full thing.

This will involve cross-continuity speculation, centered around TFP / Aligned but with some IDW / MTMTE lore thrown in. This could also loosely apply to Bayverse Soundwave, but I won’t be focusing on him. I’m confident you all can infer the potential implications for that version of his character by the time you reach the end.

Okay, so I’ve seen several fellow TFP fans speculate about why Soundwave went from beefy gladiator to bonafide cryptid. Some say it could have been due to the loss of his horde of “minicons” (the term used in ‘Exodus’ by Alex Irvine). Others think it was just Soundwave’s way of adapting to the direction of the war by taking on a form that would give him the best strategic advantage in his position as Megatron’s communications officer. I agree with the latter, but I think there could be more to it than that.

As we see in the flashback for Ratchet’s story and the TFP Titan comics, Soundwave had his current frame type, armor, and alt mode back on Cybertron:

[Sarcastic Soundwave: Superior]

In the real world, Soundwave’s design is based on the MQ-9 Reaper military drone—an earth-based aircraft, but I’m not going to address that small discrepancy since it’s not relevant to this analysis. Skinny, cryptid drone Soundwave existing prior to his arrival on earth supports my theory anyway.

“Can’t we throw a tarp over him? He’s creepin’ me out.”

-Bulkhead in Minus One

On the surface, Bulkhead’s comment and Smokescreen’s subsequent response seem like an interaction between a couple of Autobots who are unnerved because they’re familiar with Soundwave’s reputation—Bulkhead more so than Smokescreen since the latter had probably not seen Soundwave up close in action before coming to earth. However, I think some of Bulkhead’s fear might have been due to an entirely different reason: Sparkeaters.

While reading MTMTE #3, my eyes were met with this lovely sight /s :

[Hey, wasn’t the energon eater in Rescue Bots called “Sparky” too? I guess it’s a cross-continuity tradition to call life-sucking parasites “Sparky” at least once.]

Terrifying? Yes. But I stared in horrified awe at this abomination and thought, “Wait. One. Fragging. Minute. I’m having a galaxy brain moment.”

Mind. Blown. Their overall sharp, jagged appearance, their thin, but formidable frames, their prehensile cables extending from somewhere inside (fuel lines for the sparkeater; multipurpose tentacles for Soundwave). I was—and still am—fascinated by the uncanny resemblance.

[Now who’s Sparky?]

It’s true that sparkeaters aren’t confirmed to be canon in the Aligned continuity, but their existence isn’t denied either. We got something similar with the zombie Terrorcons, but those were a new phenomenon produced either by Megatron’s blind ambition and stupidity or Knockout and Starscream’s lack of forethought and scientific restraint. For the sake of where I’m taking this, let’s assume that sparkeaters, as defined by IDW, do exist in the Aligned universe. What would this mean for Soundwave’s disturbing choice of frame/body type? Why choose a visual motif so strongly associated with death and disease?

One word: Mimicry

Mythologically, historically, and medically, sparkeaters are inseparable from death and disease. Their very existence instills fear in most Cybertronians. What better way for Soundwave to strike terror into the sparks of his enemies (and potential enemies) than to take on a physical form that resembles the sparkeater—something that has been known to kill normal Cybertronians using a deeply disturbing, painful, and even sacrilegious method? Even though the initial shock of seeing a “sparkeater” show up during or around a fight would have dissipated once the Autobots realized it was mostly cosmetic, an impression would have been left. Coupled with his spy capabilities and gladiator-style prowess in combat, a message would have been sent: Be afraid. Be VERY afraid.

And there you have it, folks! Another reason to love Soundwave’s design.

Bonus:

I could see Soundwave being called a few things by allies and enemies alike: “The Decepticon Sparkeater,” “Soundwave the Sparkeater,” or just “The Sparkeater.”

An interaction between two Autobot scouts:

Scout 1, over comms: “You there, kid? Who is it? Who did Megatron send this time?”

Scout 2: “It’s The Sparkeater! He’s here!”

1: “You mean Soundwave!? Do you have a visual?”

2: “How many ‘Cons do we see walkin’ around looking like sparkeaters??? Of course it’s Soundwave! And yeah, I’ve got a visual.”

1: “Aw, hell. Things just got a whole lot more complicated.”

TL;DR: Soundwave may have put more thought into his appearance than is obvious. He may have opted to look like a sparkeater as a way of sending a highly effective warning.

[laxmiree]

[CN] MLQC Lucien Blooming Amidst Turbulent Desires MQ preview

"You can explore me more deeply."

MQ Blurb under the cut!

After finishing my work, I quietly came to Granada to meet Lucien, who was busy with a conference. Due to his "peculiar" behavior, I playfully suggested conducting an experiment on self-control...

The room falls silent for a moment, with only occasional faint sounds of paper rustling. After a while, Lucien suddenly speaks in a low voice.

I respond absentmindedly, my eyes still fixed on the screen. The voice by my ear pauses briefly, seemingly carrying a hint of helplessness.

"Do you want to go inside and wait for me?"

"Hey, did I disturb you? But I haven't even made much noise."

I don't understand, so I lift my head from the screen and notice Lucien's eyes flickering unusually. Suddenly, I grasp what's happening.

A mischievous idea springs up. I lift my heels and move along the long legs hugged by his trousers.

"You haven't said the reason why did you suddenly 'ask me to leave' yet."

Through the firm fabric, the legs beneath my tiptoes seem to tense for a moment. I persistently speak up, refusing to relent.

"Did I really 'disturb you? Professor Lucien, could it be that you can't even resist this level of 'temptation'?"

"Oh, this won't do. When doing research, you must stay focused. How can you let yourself get distracted by a little bee that tests your self-control?"

With those words, my tiptoes press on his leg, watching as Lucien bites his lip, and I can't help but curl up the corners of my mouth.

Having witnessed his usual ease, the sight of him struggling to restrain himself now makes me tempted to tease him further... Unfortunately, it's not the right moment.

However, being able to see him so openly longing is enough to satisfy me.

I close my notes, intending to leave as soon as I can, and am about to do so when he suddenly grabs my ankle.

Lucien's voice seems a little hoarse, and his fingertips are carressing gently.

"What my 'teacher' taught is that."

"I do have a lot to learn about paying full attention."

"So, can you teach me how to do that?

"You walk into my heart, from now on all things converge towards you."

[mxtxfanatic]

Hi 👋. Saw your recent take on how fandom interpret MQ. And I would to here your thoughts about him being the tsundere people try to make him out to be.

MQ trying to make it up to XL when really FX was the only one still sincere. I've only read up to vol. 4 and reread vol. 1 and 2 to get a better look at details. But there are some concerning lines that even XL noticed. Like MQ seems excited at the prospect of XL becoming this mass murder during the Guoshi FangXin reveal. Even the first introductions in the book was him mocking XL's helpful nature.

"Mu Qing’s eyes were glimmering, however, and his restrained shock contained a faint underlying excitement." TGCF Vol. 2 chapter 18

"Since his third ascension, there could only be one phrase to describe the way Mu Qing treated him: passive-aggressive. It always felt like he was waiting for Xie Lian to get booted for the third time so he could make snide remarks. Yet now that Xie Lian might actually get booted that third time, he suddenly became pleasant—he even came specially to deliver medication. This complete reversal in attitude made Xie Lian feel quite disconcerted." TGCF Vol.2 chapter 19

Even XL was freaked out by MQ acting nice to him.

"Mu Qing suddenly asked, “Was everything Lang Qianqiu said true? Did you really kill those Yong’an royals?”

Xie Lian looked up and met his gaze. Even if Mu Qing had been forcibly hiding it, Xie Lian still detected a trace of uncontrollable excitement in his eyes. He seemed highly interested in the details of Xie Lian’s massacre at the Gilded Banquet—he followed with another question.

“How did you kill them?” TGCF Vol. 2 chapter 19

And after XL half lied about his involvement.

"Feng Xin paled. Mu Qing loathed that expression of his the most and said in annoyance, “All right, put that face away. After everything, for who are you looking so pained?”" TGCF vol. 2 chapter 19

I'm not reading this wrong to think MQ is just a very entitled b****** that got high on his position of power and is looking down on XL for coming from a place which is lower than what most people would go through? Is it appropriate for me to interpret him being downright hostile and reveling in XL's disgrace? Because the stans take for MQ questionable character is bothering me a lot. He is not some prickly cat with a soft heart. He is sharp thorns all the way inside and a heart colder than most.

Unless something changes in further volumes I haven't read which is unlikely. Considering MXTX penchant for consistent character writing.

Thoughts?

Something does change about Mu Qing’s character near the end of the novel, but it’s just character growth. You aren’t misreading any of his actions in the earlier parts of the story. What kills me is that yes, Mu Qing is a terrible person who is petty and jealous and insecure and thinks that the only problem with hierarchy is that he isn’t at the top, but he changes and people ignore that! In the best interest of not introducing spoilers, I will say that Mu Qing does explicitly, using clear language, acknowledge his mistakes and how wrong he was about how he viewed Xie Lian and his treatment of the other man. He acknowledges this on his own under no threat and with no prompting. And people ignore this because it does not fit into their perception of Mu Qing as either right or at least well-meaning. He is neither of those things. He knows it. Xie Lian knows it. But he can be those things if he puts effort into it, and for all people call me a hater about his character (which, yeah lol), I for one think he tries by the end.

So no, Mu Qing isn’t a tsundere because he’s not being mean or rude or petty to those he loves to hide a mushy middle. He’s doing it because he thinks he is right to and that eventually people will see that he is right. The story does not agree he is right and duly punishes him for his fuckery, and he changes into a better person who is actually nicer to his friends because he wants to be their friends and not their superiors. That’s his character.

[cl0ckworkpuppet]

hey! so i’ve playing magiquest for a while but i just now found out about people customizing their wands. do you have any tips? my old wand (pink sparkle my dearly beloved) has unfortunately stopped working and i’d love to spice up the one i use in-game a bit. thank you!!!!

(also your magiquest content is AWESOME i have been going insane over it)

YES HI I SEE YOU IN MY NOTIFS!!! im so happy to see people going insane over my special interests

well, i know quite a bit about customizing wands (and also fixing wands!), so here's a few tips!

first of all, know what you want to do. you can take a picture of the wand you have, trace over it, draw over the picture, colour it, etc. to get a good idea of what you want the final product to look like. you don't have to follow it exactly, and it doesn't have to be super detailed, but i find it helps me a lot

if you are going to do a full body paint, remember to sand your wand before applying paint! it helps the paint stick easier (not necessary but a good idea)

GET A PAINT SEALANT. mod podge works good. anything that seals acrylic paint (which is what I would recommend using). i wouldn't personally get a spray version? i use one that goes on with a brush and it works like a charm

on the topic of spray, i would not use spray paint if i were you? i mean i guess you can but like

Painter's tape. Oh my god, use painter's tape. Actual lifesaver

when you are first starting out, be careful of the sensors, gaps, openings, and buttons of the wand. the IR sensor at the tip should be avoided at all costs if you're just starting out and/or you don't have a very thin brush (and a very steady hand). it's also important to not paint over the little slit near the battery compartment at the hilt of the wand, and the hole for the motherboard reset button. try not to get paint inside the topper hole either. again, painter's tape is your best friend forever

for the love of god do not do what i did and try to attach fabrics directly to the wand itself. you can? i used superglue and covered the visible trails with a little bit of trim for one wand, but i would not do it again. if you really want to include fabrics or other attached accessories, make sure they are removable, either through tying or velcro or buttons or whatever you'd like

is there a part of the wand you don't like the look of? just paint over it! ive done that so many times (the MQ+ steampunk wand used to be so ugly before i made her beautiful)

finally, honestly just have fun with it. the most charm i see in a custom wand is when i can tell the artist had fun

and as for your broken wand, i don't know what's wrong with it but it could very likely be a battery issue. make sure you always store your wands without the topper screwed on! it's even better if you know how to take the batteries out, but that's not absolutely necessary. there are tutorials on youtube for how to remove and replace MQ wand batteries! (you might need to hit the wand against a surface repeatedly to get some corroded batteries out. it's going to feel awful doing it. i did it on one of my rarest wands and it turned out fine. these things are really durable)

good luck on your journeys, magi, and may peace find you always!

[pushingdaisies1]

silly posting on main!,!!! >_<

Okay omg I know I don’t talk on here much but im alive and I have thoughts! My writing brain has kicked in for another interest and my idea is like jumping around like a little cockroach. Feedback sounds nice but it’s okay if there’s none of that because this is living in my head rent free and I’m trying to kick it out!! (Not rlly but yk.)

so I love mythic quest. Der duh as I’m posting this in the Mythic quest tag. I was introduced to the show through watching it’s always sunny of course. And now this idea about a Ian centric oc insert story is living inside of my head.

Okay , SO - take it back to when it all started. 2013 , characters a struggling artist who hit it big once after graduating with a fine arts degree. Probably having an online presence , they run an active blog. Posting their stuff , internet slooth if you will. I know they said something about Ian having an internet presence before MQ so stay with me here. Sharing similar interests , maybe playing into the one off story similarities of Doc and Bean - similar interests cause them to connect. Soon enough meet , kindle a sort of kinship and here comes casual!!

if I’m thinking about it all correctly, this would be at least around the same time Ian and Sharon split. Fresh from his divorce and ‘abandonment’ of his own son he’s like a fresh and searing piece of beef, and you decided to press your prongs into him. Soon incomes this under-wraps sort of casual deal. (I know there’s technically a art director but the guys barely around on screen and two creative directors became a thing) with the fact that Ian specifically spotted them out for their art , they were able to find a position. A high ranking position that basically caused them to be one of the biggest pillars of MQ itself. Yadda yadda secret relationship until issues start to come up. Ian and poppy’s relationship, context being platonic or not , is so rich. So co-dependent , destructive , but rich in man ways. Not to mention that Ian , even in his Ian-ness , isn’t the nicest tool in the shed either. As he can admittedly be Ian , also known as a scared little boy.

in short , it becomes the whole idea of twos a party three is a crowd. I don’t wanna drop the entire idea on here but that’s the basis of it. I want feedback, boo tomatoes or whatever. But it’s like I love Brad , BUT BUT there’s so many other good characters rich with personality to write for too in that show. Also , rob is just so rob<3

yap to me , throw tomatoes, I just want to hear thoughts. Also because mythic quest just deserves a lot more love in general. I wish a lot of people talked about the show more because so many amazing creative minds r involved. I say this as a it’s always sunny fan and an Ashley burch lover from her guest role on critical role. Anything with the gang tied to it will always be either a masterpiece or somewhat enjoyable.

done yapping , back in my cage I go.

(SRRY for tagging the it’s always sunny in Philadelphia tag instead of just mythic quest , I thought it made sense cause I mentioned it once or twice.)

[hualianff]

Diver/Swimmer

You know the hockey/figure skater trope? 

Well, I’m proposing the swimmer/diver trope - aka sports that are both competed in water but require completely different skill sets. 

College AU. Diver HC, my beloved, would be the most beautiful diver. Tol and lithe, flexible and strong. HC would be the type of person to hyper-fixate on mastering control of his own body.

Exquisite lines and form. He would be so graceful with his approach and also get tremendous height! There’s a feeling of untouchable elegance when a diver works the board into throwing them into the air - flipping and twisting - and then entering the water. All while making it appear effortless, as if they’re floating. 

(Visual)

Swimmer XL would be an absolute powerhouse of a swimmer, built like a tank. XL is one of the few swimmers who doesn’t ridicule HC for diving.

In fact, XL very much appreciates the sport itself, and HC cheekily asks from time to time: “Gege, wanna hit the boards with me ?” 😇

Unfortunately, XL actually has a fear of heights, but he doesn't tell HC until XL is disassociating on the edge of the 3-meter board like 🧍🏻

HC: “Gege, you don’t have to jump-“

XL, not able to hear HC at all: “HERE I GO- AHHHHHH!!”

Cue XL crashing down into the water, nose plugged and eyes squinted shut.

Luckily, HC is wading in the water not too far away and quickly swims over to XL who is lowkey fighting for his life to get back above water.

XL immediately latches onto HC like “ahh that was so scary, I truly don’t know how you do it, San Lang!” And HC grunts as he struggles to kick his legs to hold XL in his arms-

Because HC is actually not a great swimmer. 

Oops.

***

XL walking around with his broad swimmer shoulders and ripped back muscles. 

Big pecs too. 

And tattoos! Along XL’s lower back/hip area, a chain of flowers very visible above his swim bottoms. 

HC can’t help but stare.

XL noticing HC’s intrigued gaze: “you can touch it, if you want” 🥰 

Without his permission, HC’s cheeks would be dusted with pink because of the way XL is looking up at him so earnestly paired with such words… 

HC is merely human, of course he’s gonna fucking blush. 

***

MQ would be such a pretty diver too!

HC would be the INSANELY talented new underclassman on the team; seems nonchalant and cold on the outside but is very competitive and passionate !

MQ instantly catches on to HC’s curious glances at XL - MQ’s childhood friend - and shakes his head like “this kid” 🙄

Then MQ sees the equally interested expressions on XL’s face: “f-f-fool!”

But yes, the divers are so serious and catty 🥵

***

Insert swimmer FX. Tan. Bulky. Abs. The last third of the Fengqinglian trio.

Is clearly close to XL, who is naturally physically affectionate and thus, they are touchy-feely with each other so much so that HC thinks they are a couple.  

HC, from the other side of the pool, staring at Fenglian who are doing their above-water kicking drills and talking together: 😠

Not a second later, someone smacks the back of his head.

“You’re supposed to be stretching, dimwit,” MQ scolds.

“yOu’Re sUpPosEd tO bE StrEtcHiNg” HC mimics under his breath, then quickly prances away out of MQ’s slap-vicinity.

Also…

HC trying his best to finish his basics practice ASAP so he can be with Fenglian when they go to the locker rooms to shower: 🌪🌪🌪🌪🌪

MQ: “I cannot with this one”

***

HC is happy because he has at least a few centimeters on FX and can look down on him.

(FX is always like “what’s this kid’s problem with me, i breathed???” 

HC, internally: “yeah and that’s enough reason to beat you to a pulp- 🤺”)

FX feels HC’s stupid fucking laser glare on him all the time. Like fuck, what is WRONG WITH THIS KID??

Pan to XL standing off to the side, watching HC look at FX: “I sense San Lang likes someone” 😔

***

During practice, when he’s not so inside his head about diving or XL, HC notices MQ sneaking glances at FX. 

HC: “not you looking at a taken man”

MQ, eye twitching: “what the actual fuck-“

XL, who just happened to walk by exiting the bathroom: “taken? by who?” 🤔

***

FengLian having their own private conversations like:

FX: “how am I gonna get Mu Qing to look at me?”

XL: “ok back up, what about San Lang’s crush on you??”

FX: [chokes on spit] “exCUSE ME WHAT??”

XL: “I just think you should acknowledge San Lang’s feelings for you before you approach A-Qing.”

FX: “literally what?? Are we living in the same dimension? What are you on about?” 😭

Ten minutes later, XL has somehow convinced FX that HC likes him. 

FX: “ugh fine, i’ll talk to him next practice”

***

Before the beginning of the next practice, FX pulls HC to the side. After stumbling over his words and avoiding the questioning deadpan of the younger man, FX finally manages to choke out something along the lines of:

FX: “Listen, Hua Cheng, I know u like me but I like Mu Qing, so, sorry bud” :/

HC doesn’t move, doesn’t even blink. 

Ten seconds pass. 

Then twenty. 

FX fidgets in place, thinking the poor kid’s gone into shock. But then, HC explodes into sarcastic laughter - right in FX’s face. He cackles like an absolute maniac, the sounds echoing in the indoor pool, and ends up hunched over as he tries to catch his breath. 

(XL watching from afar: “seems like they’re getting along” 🥺)

And before FX can even act as offended as he wholeheartedly feels, HC does a complete 180 as his expression suddenly turns dark. HC takes one swift step forward so they’re chest-to-chest. 

“Are you seriously confessing feelings to another person while in a committed relationship?” HC seethes. FX, currently suffering from extreme fucking whiplash, is rendered speechless.

“Wait wha-”

“And in a relationship with Xie Lian, no less? You’re fucking sick.”

FX has heard enough. He pinches the bridge of his nose in irritation because how the hell could HC be so delusional to think FX was dating XL?? And what does that say about XL when he was 100% convinced HC liked FX!? 

A pair of fools, those two. 

“You fucking BRAT, you have it all wrong!” FX curses as he jabs a finger at HC’s chest, which doesn’t even move the taller man. (A moment of silence for FX’s ego.) “You know what, just come with me-”

FX drags HC by the wrist to the locker room. 

***

A few minutes later, HC and FX exit the locker room, neither of their dignities in sight.

***

At the end of the season championships where HC places third, XL is not only the one who cheers the loudest but also congratulates HC by scooping him up into his arms in a warm embrace.

XL: “you did so well! I’m so proud of my San Lang!!”

HC is on the verge of tears because no one has ever supported him so genuinely and strongly. Wrapped around XL like an octopus, HC happily buries his face into XL’s neck.

Fengqing watching from the side: 😑😑

Some photographers for their uni apparently decided this was a great moment to capture and put it on the front of the school newspaper. It’s certainly a picture that will stay with XL and HC for years to come. 

After that first season, HC and XL date soon after (considering the build up of their relationship the entire season), and now, MQ and FX are subjected to even more mushy hualian antics they can’t escape in or out of practice. :)

[blogauroragloryme]

Hello from the other side.

SPOILERS:

I wonder how many ghosts of the past Xie Lian encounter's from time to time. Fleeting shadows of three friends laughing and bickering together,too close to glimpse the smiles on the faces ,but yet so far when wanting to reach out.

It reminds me of a few lines from Adele's song "Hello"

(Hello, it's me I was wondering if after all these years you'd like to meet.To go over everything.They say that time's supposed to heal ya, but I ain't done much healing:

These line feels like an internal monologue of XL,FX and MQ. Time has not healed their wounds. They want to meet, but don't know what to say and how to confront each other)

(Hello, can you hear me?I'm in California {my head} dreaming about who we used to be.When we were younger and free.I've forgotten how it felt before the world fell at our feet.

There's such a difference between us.And a million miles.

This is like a reminiscence of their good old days when all they cared about was cultivating and answering the prayer of their believers. Especially that line which XL says to MQ and FX, "I hope the sight of the three of us standing together fighting will become a tale of the ages". They believed in a Happy forever.

But now they are millions of mile aparts both in body and heart.Their hierarchy has changed.)

(Hello from the other side.I must've called a thousand times.To tell you I'm sorry for everything that I've done .But when I call, you never seem to be home)

They're still trying to reach out to each other somehow. There is longing and so many things left unsaid,but they just cannot seem to reach out to each other without feeling choked.)

(Hello from the outside At least I can say that I've tried To tell you I'm sorry for breaking your heart But it don't matter, it clearly doesn't tear you apart anymore.

This line seems to be a sort of resignation. They try to reach out to each other,but at the last moment they draw themselves back because there are so many regrets and apologies are not enough. They all think that the other party has already forgotten and moved ahead from the past, while they don't realise time is still at a standstill for all the three of them.)

[Pheww.. I hope this didn't came out as too cringey.😅

This is my kind of interpretation for the time all those three spent apart and they cannot help but think about all their memories be it happy,sad, guilty, resentment etc.. I think it is more evident for FX and MQ who try their level best to be at XL's side after his ascension. For XL he has moved on in the sense that he doesn't hold his two dear friends responsible , but that doesn't me he does not have guilt and pain inside his heart.He has just managed to conceal it better.]

[hualianisms]

18 and 19 for the fic writers asks? :)

thank you for the questions! <3

18. What is a line/scene you’re really proud of? Give us the DVD commentary for that scene.

Hua Cheng can't die, but it's like dying all over again. Once more, the raw, abject torment; once more, his love consuming him from the inside - the single weakness of a ghost king. Once more, his heart in his god's hands, Xie Lian his salvation and demise both - a grave of Hua Cheng’s own making.  He closes his eye, his heart a mess of jagged glass shards in his chest, a shipwreck already in motion between dead ribs.

this is from my fic of hua chengs pov of canon scenes, specifically the confession scene in the original chapter 177 of the webnovels. im proud of this line and this whole fic bc i put in my best writing into it and i like how the lines turned out

for this fic, i initially thought it would be hard to write hua cheng pov but it turned out not that hard actually. i just put myself in his shoes, tried to imagine i was an immortal being existing solely because of love whose mortal existence was suffering but who is made of eternal, undying devotion on a level that most mortals cannot comprehend or achieve. how i interpreted hc when writing this fic was that he's defined by both immense suffering and ineffable love.

in this particular line, he thinks xl would be too disgusted by him upon finding out hc harbours romantic & sexual feelings towards xl, and it's the most vulnerable hc has ever been. xl has always been everything to hc, both his salvation and ruin - he died for xl, and he exists bc of xl, so that's how this line came about. a reflection on how xl literally holds hc's ashes in his hands, having the power to both save hc and end hc, and hc wouldnt have it any other way, bc every single inch of his existence is entirely for xl, devoted entirely to xl. so in this fic i wanted to portray this immortal, eternal love that's beyond anything mortal, is instead a religion on its own, that exists on a scale that no mortal love or mere crush or infatuation can compare to

19. Who is the easiest/hardest character for you to write about? Why?

answered this before here, but basically easiest is feng xin, i love writing him. not just bc he's straightforward but also bc he loves swearing so much and has so much aries Angy/hotheaded energy that it's fun to write his vulgar, hyperbolic and indignant internal monologue and dialogue akshsh

for hardest in tgcf, im not sure, maybe jw or hx if i ever tried to write their pov but i haven't yet. of the tgcf charas whose povs ive written (xl,hc,fx,mq,qyz,yy,sqx), sometimes i actually struggle with xl pov, im not sure why. maybe it's bc his mbti and enneagram are very different from mine and im more used to writing introspective fics so i accidentally end up writing a xl who is more introverted than he actually is (in the novel he often downplays his own feelings to focus on hc's feelings or others' feelings instead). however when writing his pov of pining/thirsting for hc it's really easy kfjddj either way im working on improving my xl pov to be as in-character as possible

thanks again for the asks, have a neat day/night 🩷

(send me a number for the Behind the Scenes of Fic Writing Asks)

[freewilllife]

@atqht16 personally I don’t really mind asshole characters but what makes MQ annoying to me at the beginning is that his slight against XL is very much in his own head. Understandable but still so much so. Where as HC’s actions are more understandable. Especially considering his background. His anger is very justified especially since to him MQ and FX should have tried harder/didn’t try hard enough.

I am sorry, but you are wrong. It is not in Mu Qing´s head. Xie Lian really hated him greatly enough that he would have punched him to death if they had met before. Mu Qing cannot look inside Xie Lian´s head to know what he thinks.

And Xie LIan´s reaction was also unjustified. Let me spell it out for you:

Mu Qing did not owe Xie Lian anything anymore. He had served him for years, even when Mu Qing assumed soon that Xie Lian would go down. He still stayed until it was unbearable for him.

2. Mu Qing left Xie Lian, because he was the poorest pauper. The one who had to cook, wash, care for the parents of Xie Lian even though he had a blind mother, who he needed to take care as well. Funny, how she has been never a point Xie Lian considered. And to top it all, Feng Xin often screamt at him for suggesting actually sound advice. They did busk in the end after all.

3. When Xie Lian claimed Mu Qing was a friend, this was factually untrue:

Mu Qing did not want to jeapardize his own fortune and his very livelihood for Xie Lian. That is fair. He had also a blind mother, who needed his help.

Xie Lian is his former master, not his friend.

If he was a friend, Xie Lian would have considered Mu Qing´s own perspective and wishes, not just his own.

Xie Lian did not try to make things easier for Mu Qing after the fall of Xianle. That was a mistake. How convenient that it is the friend, who is a servant that always has to serve them and work more.

4. Mu Qing had the ability to become a god. And he became one of the most powerful gods in Heaven. If he has the ability for it, why should he not seek his greatest desire?

5. Xie Lian treated him horribly, when he wanted to stretch his hand out. Mu Qing wished to be Xie Lian´s friend, yet Xie Lian cut his cheek and humiliated him. Throwing rice at him and driving him out with a broom.

-> So when you expect Mu Qing to obey Xie Lian, you treat him as a servant, not as a free being with his own will.

-> You expect him to be an eternal servant or slave to Xie Lian who cannot ever work enough for him

-> You expect him to throw away his own wishes and life for Xie Lian

-> a friend is an equal, whose situation should be also considered.

Yes, Mu Qing had every right to be mad at Xie Lian, especially if you excuse Hua Cheng´s actions. In fact it is great of him, how much he still cared for Xie Lian.

Especially considering his background. His anger is very justified especially since to him MQ and FX should have tried harder/didn’t try hard enough.

You expect them to understand the person that wanted to kill them? For real?

He had tried to get rid of them, but luckily for them they were better people, than Hua Cheng expected.

My beef with Mu Qing can be summed up into “bruh you’re 800 years old. Do some self reflection and get your head out of your ass”

[truly-morgan]

[Kinktober 2021: Frottage (18+)]

FengQing | Heaven Official’s Blessing 22-10-2021

Day 22: S̷h̷o̷t̷g̷u̷n̷n̷i̷n̷g̷ / [Frottage] / M̷a̷s̷t̷u̷r̷b̷a̷t̷i̷o̷n̷

Both generals are on an investigation when they nearly got caught. They now hide in a closet and there is barely enough space for them both.

====

Another investigation on weird things happening at the border of the southeast and southwest. Which means Feng Xin and Mu Qing were both on it (as if they would let the other take care of everything). So they were on the same mission, again.

And stuck in a closet barely big enough to hide both of them. 

“I told you it was a fucking bad idea" fx whispered harshly before quieting down again when someone seemed to pass their hiding spot.

“Because you had a better idea maybe? “ mq replied in the communication array as fx was moving around a bit to try and find a more comfortable position.

“Quit squirming around” mq mumbled, trying to lean as much as possible on the wall. “tch maybe if you hadn't fucking pulled us both inside the single most minuscule hiding spot in this room I wouldn't need to" fx growled.

They had been investigating the room when suddenly people entered. They were supposed to be new people in town, it would be bad to be seen here. And now they were stuck here because these people were doing who knows what in the room.

Every now and then fx would move again, not finding a comfortable position, especially with their legs tangled up a bit. Then he noticed a shift in mq breathing and the stutter of his hips every time the leg between his was moving and- 

Oh.

This made fx smirk a bit, trying to keep in a laugh. “Would you look at that, are you that pent up that me moving around a bit is enough to make you hard” fx mocked in the communication array, mq shooting him a glare.

But the glare quickly goes away when the knee suddenly keeps getting up and down, making rub against it. He has to bite his lips to not let any sound escape him, trying to stop fx despite there being nothing he can really do about it (and his hips betray him by moving on their own too).

Mq soon also realised fx was also starting to be hard (despite mocking him!)and decided to retaliate, moving his hips up and down a bit, grinding against fx. “Fuck” fx whispered at that, starting to move his hip in sync with him, anymore mocking come back slipping from his mind.

Fx ended up grabbing mq by the hips, forcing him even a bit closer to him, closing the very little space there still was between them.

They were panting into each other space and mq was starting to be a little bit too loud now and fx didn’t want to be found out, especially like this.

So he kissed him, a bit surprised when mq quickly replied to it, both ending up more passionate than they thought it could be between them.

And so like this, they keep grinding against each other through clothes, kissing deeply and hand tightly grabbing at the other to keep him close. Moans were swallowed when they finally came, trembling against each other.

Fx leg help mq stay upright, both men quietly catching back their breath as fx looked through the small opening he did in the door to see if anyone was left.

The sight was clear and he couldn’t hear anyone, yet when he went to open the door, he felt a hand stop him, turning back towards mq confused, only to be pulled into a kiss again. 

Maybe they wouldn’t be out of this closet so quickly then.

====

(these two are rather fun to write about tbh ojdnfjnfd really love doing that, two idiots horny for each other but still fighting all the time)

Original - AO3

[imperium-wealth-management]

Look at the asset name reaper mq 9 reaper

Just look at passed mass effect clips and see what citadel is building for what? Now who's trying to be Dominion right because I said imperium darks that is Dominion code name

That's what they were hired for because they're snitching on their names and using their names and using their like rough riders like these Fanboy n***** f**** always steal my stuff they think it's like self-fulfilling prophecy or something and you're going to get pinched every one of you guys

I mean look at the Dead look at the debt that I don't owe federal reserve on anything on other than this huge troves of cash of your stupid mouth and your actions the country is bankrupt Western Civilization is bankrupt do you understand? Everybody?

I was aware I didn't know my asses were bankrupted why is it bankrupted when I had cash flow and revenue forward projections?

Where's my bank and monies why do you want direction for mergers for fees I don't think so we do our own house in style mergers and acquisitions we don't use dirty white trash hands like you guys

Past historical business dealings and promises and false promises and false narratives and trying to overcome something that is impossible to by trying to be imperium and try to do something inside him. But it doesn't work

So all these tricks in the book have been exhausted and exercise the hits are hard no money no cash flow right look who's having the last laugh you stupid ass f****** Jack m************ b**** ass f*** Hawaiian quiet and f****** b**** f***

You said you were going to f****** hit me with the frequency right you Hawaiian little piece of s*** mother f****** b****

You Hawaii should realize you live because of Koreans and you still going to f****** talk s*** you stupid ass mother f******

Is Hawaii Navy talking s*** is Hawaii NSA talking s*** or is Hawaii 56 n***** f****** Homeland security f*** face this f****** s***?

N***** Homeland security b**** ass f****** cracker mom f****

[laxmiree]

[CN] MLQC Lucien Mind Quest: Slow Motion Fireworks translation

do⚠️ SPOILER ALERT!! ⚠️

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

I staggered and stumbled into Lucien's chest, my hands haphazardly pulling his already loose tie, causing his slightly open shirt to spread open completely.

I couldn't help but be captured by the charming bareness in front of me. His muscle tightened and then relaxed following our rhythm.

Like a vague provocative tease.

As if falling into his silent trap, my fingers were drawn to caress his bare skin, feeling the hard, clear lines beneath it.

My fingertips were tinged by the burning heat, and I slowly traced from the hard abdomen to his chest.

Translation under the cut!

(T/N:!! uploaded the full SP MQ on youtube with subtitle because I simply love how the bgm and voice add to the tension)

[Chapter 1]

MC: Hmm… A little more to the left, up a bit…Yes, yes, that's it! Now it's symmetrical!

MC: Lucien, what do you think?

While talking, I pulled Lucien back to the corridor, "appreciating" the New Year's arrangement that we had worked hard on all afternoon with satisfaction.

There are still a few days until New Year's Eve. We plan to keep everything simple and celebrate the New Year at home. So these days, the time after work has been reserved for our tacit project.

I took Lucien's arm and approached him.

MC: Do you think the new look is perfect~?

Lucien: I think it's hard not to be perfect with the Great Producer herself being in charge.

MC: Hmph, sooner or later, I will steal "The Art of Speaking: The Encyclopedia of Praising People" written by the Great Professor Lucien and study it carefully.

Lucien: Then, the next time I say something from my heart, I'll remember to write it down before I say it. So this curious student won't be disappointed.

He smiled with curved eyebrows and a serious tone as if he was simply stating a matter of fact.

MC: I-I can't beat you! Quick, put the stool away and go inside.

While Lucien put the footstool into the storage room, I put the holly into the vase in the entrance and hung a few small red lanterns on the fortune tree.

Just as I was happily taking out my phone to take pictures and record them, an alert popped up on the screen at an untimely moment-

"Unable to Save, Insufficient Storage Available"

MC: ...

Lucien: Looks like another big project will take place tonight.

Lucien: I wonder which unfortunate photos will be deleted by MC this time.

MC: There may also be unlucky app that will turn into dust.

Hearing Lucien's joking words, I couldn't help sticking out my tongue. I dragged him to sit on the sofa and nestled my whole body into his arms.

His familiar warmth gave me a sense of relief, and I couldn't resist nuzzling into the nook of his neck.

Then I skillfully opened the album, emptied the "recently deleted", and slid my finger to enter the thumbnail mode. A colorful mosaic instantly came into view.

I clicked on the last deleted section and went through the photos from that time one by one.

MC: Hahaha, this sticker pack is too funny. How did I save so much?

Lucien: Judging from the saving time at 02:28, this question should be easily answered.

MC: Hehe, Professor Lucien's eyes shouldn't be so sharp~

MC: Check out this barbecue… Is it the one near the institute?

Lucien: I think so. And if I remember correctly, we wanted to eat hot pot on that day, but we accidentally walked into this barbecue restaurant and got a delicious surprise.

MC: So, should we go and relive this delicacy tomorrow after work?

We had a little chat. Lucien raised his hand to stroke my bangs and suddenly changed the subject.

Lucien: Actually, I found something interesting.

MC: Hmm?

Lucien: Each time you clear your phone's memory, you seem to enjoy the process of flipping through your albums more than cleaning it.

MC: ...Yes, that's true. Perhaps "recalling" is the most important thing for me when it comes to organizing albums.

MC: You can save your photos in the cloud to solve the trouble of deleting them whenever you don't have enough memory.

MC: But I'd rather have the hassle and see these memories whenever I click on the album.

MC: After all, since I don't have a super brain like Professor Lucien, I can only use some stupid methods~

As I was talking, my fingertips passed over a beautiful landscape photo. I thought about it for a second and then prepared to press delete.

Lucien: Hold on a second.

I looked at Lucien with some confusion.

Lucien: I remember that this photo is lucky enough to have "survived" last week's session.

Lucien: At that time, the Great Producer said that the composition and light of this landscape were worth studying, so she wanted to keep it as a template for us to follow in our travels.

MC: It seems to be the case…

MC: But surprisingly, I could still feel the same feeling it used to give me when I saw it last week... Is it the visual impact?

MC: But today, I don't seem to feel it at all. It's just a simple and beautiful landscape picture.

Lucien: Is that so?

Lucien paused and faintly lowered his eyes.

Lucien: I think it may be because human emotions are very sensitive.

Lucien: It brings you pleasure for a fixed moment, and the emotion associated with it only stays in that moment.

Lucien: So when it is not "stimulating" enough for you to respond in the present, the brain receives a signal that allows you to conclude that it is "not important".

MC: It sounds like a somewhat cruel process...

MC: But both the phone memory and the brain are limited. I just want my limited memory to record what I want to remember.

Lucien softly laughed, his eyes twinkling as he looked at me.

Lucien: It seems that things that are not "exciting" enough can't have a place to MC.

Lucien: Even if they only existed for a short time, it is difficult to escape the possibility of being forgotten or abandoned.

Seeing that he was talking about it in a serious way, I couldn't refrain from reaching out and hooking my arm around his neck, slightly narrowing the distance between us.

MC: Isn't it because Professor Lucien is by my side?

MC: I wouldn't worry about losing the "excitement" in my life. Because I have someone who can always keep my life fresh.

Lucien: Then, in order to live up to this expectation...

He lowered his head and dropped a gentle, light kiss on my lips as he said that.

Lucien: (whisper) I have to work harder than I imagined.

[Interlude- Lucien's Exclusive Radio: On a Whim]

Pete: Professor, the results of today's experiment are expected to be available tomorrow afternoon.

Pete: Do I need to call you after the results are out?

Lucien: No need. I won't be in Loveland City tomorrow.

Pete: Are you going on a business trip tomorrow?

Lucien: Pete, do I seem like a workaholic to you?

Pete: …You misunderstood, Professor. I had just never heard about your vacation before.

Pete: Then I will compile the experiment's results into a report and send it to your email address.

Lucien: Thanks for the hard work.

Pete: Professor, since I am curious, I would like to ask you a question… Are you going to travel on vacation?

Lucien: Well, not really. Just an unplanned decision to sail on a cruise.

Pete: So sudden? Oh, I see, it must be the idea of your family member.

Lucien: It is my idea.

Lucien: With New Year's Eve just a few days away, it's the perfect time to take a short cruise.

Pete: I see~ So, Professor, which route are you going to choose? It's almost New Year's Eve. I want to take my family out to have fun too.

Lucien: It's still undecided.

Lucien: Because I was just about to book a ticket.

Pete: Oh, oh! I will not bother you.

(Lucien calling someone)

Customer Service: Hello, this is the special line for the cruise ticket purchase. How can I help you?

Lucien: Hello, I saw on the internet that tomorrow there is a trip to the neighboring sea. Are there any tickets left?

Customer Service: Please wait for a moment.

Customer Service: Are you talking about the two-day, two-night trip that leaves tomorrow in the early evening?

Lucien: Yes.

Customer Service: Yes, there are some. What should I call you?

Lucien: Doctor X.

Customer Service: Doctor X, let me confirm with you that we have a special feature on our cruise-

Customer Service: In order to provide a more pure enjoyable experience, the signal is completely blocked once the ship is sailing.

Customer Service: WiFi service is still provided, but it is an additional purchase. Is this acceptable to you?

Lucien: Of course, I chose this cruise because of this feature.

Customer Service: Okay, how many tickets do you need?

Lucien: Two.

Customer Service: Do you share a room?

Lucien: Book me two rooms that are next to each other.

Lucien: If possible, please try to arrange a quiet floor for us.

Customer Service: Okay. I will send the ticket information to your phone later.

Lucien: Just send me my ticket information.

Lucien: The other ticket information can be sent directly to this lady. I will read out her number.

[Chapter 2]

The receding scenery outside the car window passed me by, and I was still in a trance when I looked at the cruise ticket information on my phone screen.

MC: ...Lucien.

MC: Are you sure we're not going shopping for New Year's Eve but going to the pier for a cruise?

Lucien: I think I already answered this question when you received your ticket information.

Lucien's voice came from the end of the receiver.

Lucien: It's not a scam, nor is it a prank.

Lucien: We indeed have a two-day, two-night cruise waiting for us.

MC: But you didn't mention this trip at all until now, and… Why don't we go together?

Lucien: If I were to say that I was trying to copy a certain Miss Kidnapper, would you accept that as a reason?

(a reference to Devotion Date :")

His soft voice is wrapped in a smile, and when I listen closely, I can hear the sound of the waves lapping against the rocks.

MC: Then I now seriously suspect that this "kidnapping" was premeditated!

Lucien: You wronged me. It's really just a "whim".

MC: Are you going to say, "No matter how rigorous a scientist is, there are times when he doesn't plan"?

Lucien: (chuckle) Here's the thing. Just allow this guy to get hotheaded and self-indulgent for once.

Lucien chuckled very shallowly, which led me to raise my eyebrows. He slowly opened his mouth as if guessing what else I wanted to say.

Lucien: I chose this cruise because it will return to Loveland City before New Year's Eve.

Lucien: I don’t think it’ll affect our planned New Year’s Eve dinner.

Lucien: So, for the rest of the trip, Miss MC just needs to enjoy this unexpected trip. I'll see you on the cruise.

After successfully checking in, the staff led me to my room.

The warm sunlight poured in from the terrace, and the sea breeze carrying the water vapor gave a light gold coating to the scenery in front of us.

The large room is neat and bright, but there is no trace of luggage, let alone a person.

Strange, where is Lucien? He should have boarded the ship before me.

MC: Excuse me, is there another gentleman in this room who hasn't checked in yet?

Staff: The only guest information shown here is that of Miss MC.

MC: ...?

I was stunned for a moment. After thinking about it, I took out my mobile phone but found that there was no signal. I hurriedly walked outside with my mobile phone in hand, but the signal was only restored to one bar.

Staff: Miss MC, I'd like to introduce you again. Our cruise's special feature is blocking the signal after we go to sea.

Staff: The goal is to provide cruise guests with the ultimate experience and to enjoy a cruise that is not dominated by the information age but rather to focus on themselves.

Staff: If you have special circumstances, you can contact the service desk for a WiFi purchase.

MC: …Okay, thank you.

After sending off the enthusiastic staff, I couldn't help but sigh. How do I get in touch with Lucien?

I circled the room. Perhaps because of my sixth sense, I vaguely feel that I can find something

Finally, I found a crumpled post-it note on the floor of the entrance door, which appeared to have slipped through the door.

I leaned down to pick it up and saw familiar handwriting.

MC: "Looking forward to meeting you by chance."

For a moment, I felt as if I could see the expression on his face as he wrote this line.

The corners of his lips are drawn up, and he probably curved his eyes.

Although I couldn't guess what this Great Professor was thinking, I couldn't let him down if he was waiting for me to find him.

Without hesitation, I picked up the cruise brochure on the table and left the room.

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

20 minutes later.

The red sunset has been swallowed by the ocean, and the sea breeze is gently blowing, but it does not dispel the anxiety in my heart.

I looked in almost every place I thought Lucien would go, from the library to the screening room and coffee shop, but I still couldn't find him.

MC: Where on earth did this guy run off to….

I pursed my lips and wondered if I was going in the wrong direction.

If Lucien is not where he might be, then maybe he's where I don't think he'll be?

With this in mind, I went to the nearest bar to try my luck.

As my vision becomes dim, the sound of loud music rushes into my ears. The air is filled with the scent of alcohol, and the ambiguous atmosphere corrupts the senses.

Within the mottled light and shadow, the whole world seems to be tinted with a hazy sense of unreality.

I saw the figure my heart longed for almost at a glance.

Lucien wore slim-fitting strappy pants, and his collar was wide open. He combed up almost all of his bangs. The light refracted beneath his eyes, making those eyes appear even brighter.

He slightly narrowed his eyes at the countless expectant eyes and raised his hand to throw the dart in his hand.

In the next second, the dart landed squarely in the bullseye.

Crowd: Whoa-

Bartender: Congratulations to the gentleman who scored another 50 points and succeeded in securing the victory!

Lucien: Thanks, I appreciate it. It's just good luck.

Amidst the cheers surrounded by the crowd, Lucien nodded in appreciation. The smile on his face was always mild.

I seemed to be completely nailed to the spot, unable to take my eyes off the person in front of me.

He moved in a way that I am familiar with, yet it was as though everything was different.

For a moment, I couldn't even tell what the cause of this restlessness was.

Lucien cast his gaze over and bumped into me.

My heart inexplicably beat a bit faster. I was about to walk towards him, but Lucien naturally averted his eyes and turned his head to joke with the people beside him.

MC: Eh?

Didn't he see me? I vaguely felt that this person must have done it on purpose, so I pretended to walk back and forth naturally in his peripheral vision, secretly observing.

But Lucien remained calm as if he didn't care about my existence at all.

It was as if I was isolated in a small world, separated from all the noise around me, filled with only one person in my heart and eyes.

Bartender: Anyone else wants to challenge our Mr. Challenger?

MC: I... I want to challenge him!

I didn't expect my voice to be so loud that the atmosphere seemed to be silent for half a second.

When I came to my senses, all eyes fell on me, along with the person I had been looking at.

[Interlude- Lucien's Memory Silhouette: Special Game]

People are coming and going in the corridor of the cruise ship, and the tourists are confirming their room numbers one by one.

Lucien stood in front of the door of one of the rooms, bent down a little, and slipped a sticky note through the door's crack.

The passing tourists just looked at him and smiled politely when they saw his elegant manner without asking further questions.

Lucien stood up, lifted his hand to confirm the time, then turned around and left the corridor.

He wanted to play a little word game with her to kick off the cruise trip with some special "excitement".

As smart as she is, she will not fail to discover this little hidden secret.

But he still hoped she would find the clues he left behind as soon as possible and then find him.

Lucien aimlessly came to the front of the deck, watching people enter one after another from the boarding gate, and his gaze unconsciously lingered for a while longer.

He has to admit that he was looking forward to her familiar figure.

But now is not the right time.

There is still a lot to do before they "reunite".

Lucien looked away, walked to the cruise ship's bar, and ordered a non-alcoholic mojito from the bar.

This was probably the last place she would have thought of, at least not so early.

But it's enough to show that meeting here will bring them something different.

Waiter: Your Mojito.

Lucien: Thank you.

Lucien lowered his head and took a sip, the refreshing and stimulating taste smeared between his lips and teeth. He couldn't wait to recommend this drink to the girl.

With that in mind, he turned on his phone and habitually tried to check if a call had come in, but the space in the upper right corner reminded him that there was no signal there.

So he scrolled the screen twice and unconsciously opened his photo album.

The photos on the screen were so well organized that he couldn't resist recalling the thumbnails of her albums.

Not only are the colors rich, but sometimes there are even several remarkably similar photos in a row.

When compared to her photo album, his own album seems to be quite monotonous.

But all of them are related to her.

It is like when you plant a flower, you record it from when it is still a seed until the moment it blooms.

Lucien recalled the girl's slightly distressed expression due to the lack of memory on her phone and unconsciously smiled softly.

He always planned and arranged everything, so he never encountered the problem she was struggling with.

But her look as if she is facing the world's problems is very cute, which makes him feel much happier when he thinks about it these days.

In this happy mood, Lucien quickly finished drinking the mojito in his hand.

The bar gradually becomes more and more lively, with people's desire for the festival and the wonder of exploring the cruise ship showing in their expression.

What will her expression look like when she sees him here?

Will her eyes widen slightly, or will she purse her lips in puzzlement?

Lucien again admitted that he had added a few more expectations for her appearance.

To be precise, he was looking forward to seeing her with each passing second.

He glanced down at the time again. It would take some time to get from home to the pier. She should still be on her way.

Even he who had been able to spend several years waiting for an experimental result peacefully, now began to feel a little impatient because of this expectation.

He even opened 3 match game by accident, and after absent-mindedly playing a few levels, he suddenly heard a round of applause from behind him.

Lucien followed the sound and found a group of tourists playing darts, seemingly playing in some kind of competition.

He observed for a moment as if realizing something and looked in the direction of the bar entrance.

From the entrance, the darts game is right in the middle of the bar, the most visible part of the entire bar.

Lucien slowly stood up and walked towards the lively crowd.

He wanted her to see him at a glance.

[Chapter 3]

The crowd tacitly dispersed to two sides, and suddenly a narrow road leading to Lucien was spread out in front of me.

I belatedly took a deep breath and walked towards him. Faced with my probing eyes, Lucien calmly looked back.

Lucien: I accept this lady's challenge.

.....Still pretending not to know me? All right, then I will play along with you.

I suppressed the complex emotions in my heart, turned my gaze to the bartender, cleared my throat, and slightly lifted my chin.

MC: What are the rules of the challenge? Or…

I deliberately stretched out the end of my sentence and turned my gaze to Lucien, putting on a polite smile.

MC: Are the rules set by this Mr. Challenger?

Lucien leisurely looked at me and raised his eyebrows as if he didn't expect me to say that.

Lucien: Is it true that no matter what my rules are, this lady will definitely obey them?

MC: Absolutely. Since I'm challenging you, of course I will respect your requirements.

Lucien: [chuckle] Okay.

He didn't hesitate to speak and even curved his lips in a good mood. I suddenly felt diffident and quickly spoke up before he could propose any unreasonable rules

MC: …But I have one small request.

MC: Actually, I was a little nervous because Mr. Challenger seemed to be very good at this kind of game.

MC: I'm also sincere about the challenge, so please don't make it difficult for me. I hope your rules are simple and easy to understand.

Lucien: I've always admired girls with a lot of courage, so naturally, I won't intentionally make things difficult.

Humph, you better be.

He ignored my stabbing glare and pretended to think seriously for a moment.

Lucien: My rules are simple.

Lucien: You have three chances to throw. If the cumulative points of those three chances are more than 50, you will win the challenge.

Lucien: What do you think, brave lady?

His words stirred up a lot of discussion among the crowd, as if everyone didn't expect Lucien's rules to be so simple, and there was even some suspicion that he was throwing the game.

MC: Since Mr. Challenger is so "generous", I can't disappoint this kindness.

Looking at the taunting look at the corner of Lucien's mouth, I gritted my teeth and picked up a dart, carefully gauging the angle. I can't let him underestimate me!

But the result of "careful calculation" is that one miss, one 25 points.

MC: ...

A thin layer of sweat seeped out of my palms as I looked at the dartboard in front of me. I took a deep breath and forced myself to calm down.

I still have a chance, as long as I get double points on the last try…

Lucien: [chuckle]...

The familiar soft laugh came to my ears and instantly disturbed my thoughts. I looked at the perpetrator with some annoyance. He was facing the bar and slightly raised his fingertips.

Lucien: One non-alcoholic mojito please.

Lucien: For the lady.

After he finished speaking, he looked at me with a meaningful smile on the corner of his mouth.

Lucien: I think you might need a little more time. While I don't mind waiting, the outcome of this challenge now seems to have attracted too much attention.

Lucien: Maybe it's time to let the curtain fall.

Following Lucien's gaze, I realized that twice as many people had surrounded the surrounding area as earlier.

My cheeks felt a little hot, I lowered my head and rubbed the dart repeatedly, but I was still not ready to throw it.

At that moment, a brightly colored drink slowly appeared in my view. I raised my eyes, and my gaze collided with Lucien's.

Lucien: But if this lady would like to be friends with me...

Lucien: I'll voluntarily admit defeat in this challenge.

His low and deep voice was tainted with an inexplicable flirtation, and my heart suddenly missed half a beat.

The light cast an obscure shadow on Lucien's face, adding a bit of unpredictable danger to those smiling eyes.

He looked like he was expecting an answer or simply admiring the object's reaction in his hand.

I reached out and gently placed my fingers on the bottom of the glass to push it towards Lucien, my fingertips inadvertently brushing against his fingers.

In this challenge that I knew I didn't have much chance of winning, I chose to outsmart him.

MC: Thank you sir, for your kindness, but I still want to try again.

MC: Why don't you teach me by hand? Is that okay?

Lucien's eyes moved slightly as if he were a little surprised. Amidst the booing, he quietly walked behind me and slightly bowed his body.

My back instantly felt warm, and his breath fluttered against my ear, tickling it.

Lucien: Then I'd like to ask for your cooperation.

As he said that, he gently took my hand and led me to bend my arm as he did.

His broad palm wrapped tightly around the back of my hand, and his fingertips suddenly tickled my palm twice in a restless manner.

MC: (blush) You...

Lucien: Don't be distracted. Focus.

His righteous tone was as if he was not the one who did the little action.

Before I could react, he held my wrist with a slight force-

In a smooth parabola, the dart hit the one he had left on the target earlier, firmly striking into the bullseye.

My eyes widened in surprise, and I instantly thought of a perverse idea.

MC: This should be considered as my third chance.

MC: Does that mean I've won the challenge, Mr. Challenger?

I slightly distanced myself from him and winked slyly at Lucien. He sighed in feigned regret and extended his hand toward me in a friendly manner.

Lucien: Mm, you won.

Lucien: It's a pleasure to meet you, this brave, beautiful and clever lady.

Lucien: Now, can we sit down and have a drink?

MC: Of course we can. It would be my pleasure.

I cocked my head pretentiously, gently shook his finger, and withdrew my hand. I looked down and took a sip of my mojito.

The refreshing taste washed away the warmth that had been in my chest since earlier, making my whole body much more comfortable.

The misty light passing through the wine glasses cast colorful light spots on the wall. As the light dimmed, the joyful music changed into a lingering dance song.

(Cue his 5th birthday bgm 🥺)

Scattered people walk onto the dance floor, hugging and clinging to sway along to the melody.

I raised my head and found Lucien's eyes waiting for a long time.

MC: As a thank you for the mojito, may I ask you to dance, sir?

Lucien: It was my negligence to let the lady ask first. I don't think I have any reason to refuse you.

In the lazy melody, Lucien stepped on the beat and took a small step to the left, elegantly extending his hand as if in invitation.

But the moment I approached him, an irresistible force wrapped around my waist and guided me to spin around.

My mind went blank for a moment, and I instinctively clung to Lucien's shoulders, trying to clutch the only fulcrum among the imbalance.

MC: …Y-you, wait a minute!

He didn't give me time to catch my breath. His broad palm slowly moved up to my back, causing a tingling feeling, and then powerfully swept me into his arms.

The scorching breath swept over the tip of my nose, and there seemed to be some kind of emotion swirling in those deep eyes.

Lucien: (whisper) What if I say I don't want to wait anymore?

Lucien: (chuckle, then continuing his whisper) We have wasted some time, so we should hurry now.

MC: You… You are simply unreasonable! You're the one who left a message with no clue, so I had to spend a long time looking for you.

MC: It's hard to find you, but then you pretend to be a stranger, playing some kind of chance encounter game with me…

Looking at my feigned angry pout, Lucien raised his eyebrows with interest and took advantage of the change in the melodic beat to tug my wrist and embrace me from behind.

Lucien: But you played along very well, didn't you? I think you're having fun with it.

MC: And that's not because of you!

Lucien: Oh? What's wrong with me?

His earnest voice is wrapped in bright and bold confidence, so I can't resist lightly pinching the palm of his hand, breaking away from this somewhat flirtatious embrace.

Lucien smoothly hooked my little finger, and with a little force, he made me mess up my steps to go toward him again.

Lucien: Not going to answer?

He looked at me persistently, his deep eyes like a pool of water that would engulf me at any moment.

The strange emotion in my heart stirred and clamored quietly, making me raise my head unconsciously and look straight into his eyes.

MC: Do you want a straightforward answer or a tactful one?

Lucien: (chuckle) I want both.

MC: Aren't you being too cheeky?

Lucien: Mm, I'll admit that.

I couldn't stop my smile, and by some mysterious chance, I put my arms around his neck and let him lead me through the melody.

MC: Now that you are like this, you look like the Lucien I am familiar with.

Lucien: What kind of Lucien are you familiar with?

MC: He's just like you now, righteously rogue, openly wicked, a complete big bad villain.

Lucien: He sounds so bad.

I nod my head in agreement.

MC: But I like this kind of him very much.

The melodic rhythm suddenly became more passionate, and the intense tempo drowned out my pounding heart.

Lucien's eyes flickered. His dance steps suddenly accelerated, making me subconsciously catch up and tighten my arms around him,

Lucien: Do you only like this kind of him?

MC: Of course not… cough.

MC: You, why do you have so many questions! I have a bunch of questions that I haven't even asked yet.

I changed the subject awkwardly, secretly annoyed at my disobedient mouth. Fortunately, Lucien didn't chase the question. He raised his eyebrows, showing a look of listening attentively.

Only then did I realize that the distance between us had unknowingly become too close. I could clearly see his eyelashes fluttering as he breathed.

I don't know if it's because he slicked back his bangs, but today his subtle expressions seem to have become more vivid, or even more…

Alluring.

Lucien: Is your question in my face?

MC: …That is true as well.

MC: After all, I've hardly ever seen Professor Lucien put on hair wax. I don't know how good you are at bar games and…

MC: ..how good you are at dancing.

I said as I slipped my fingers through his straps, sliding them slowly down his collarbone to his chest, and with a wicked hook, I used the force to move away.

The music ends at this moment.

Lucien didn't let go of my hand; instead, he gently lifted my hand and bent down. A gentle kiss fell on the back of my hand, tickling the edge of my heart.

Lucien: When it comes to the first meeting, it is necessary to create a deep impression.

Lucien: It seems that my purpose has been achieved.

Lucien: I hope you'll have good dreams tonight. Beautiful lady, I'll see you tomorrow.

[Chapter 4]

I didn't sleep well all night.

I don't know how many times I rolled over, the thin sunlight squeezed through the cracks in the curtains, and it was finally dawn.

Last night, Lucien turned around and left after saying a few words without glancing back at me.

I returned to my room in a daze, and after a series of emotional struggles, I decided to wait and see what would happen.

But I didn't expect that the person who disturbed my thoughts all night would be staying in the room next to mine.

Perhaps while I was up all night thinking about him, he continued to plan things beyond my imagination wickedly.

And, of course it is also possible that he waited leisurely and calmly for my various reactions to appear.

I gritted my teeth and turned my gaze to the terrace next door.

Is he still up at this hour?

...Damn it, don't think about it anymore! I quickly shook my head, hoping my brain would recover, at least for a short time to enjoy the moment of relaxation.

??: Good morning, Miss Next Door. Did you sleep well last night?

MC: ....

A familiar voice sounded behind me, tinged with a lazy chuckle.

For a moment, I wondered if Lucien had some kind of superpower to listen to my inner voice.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to be quiet for ten seconds before turning back, and changed to an unperturbed expression the moment I turned around.

The light swayed on his body and slipped into his eyes, creating gentle ripples.

Like yesterday, he slicked back his bangs, making the eyes looking at me look even more bewitching.

My heart beat faster than it should. I blinked at him and looked around in mock confusion.

MC: Are you talking to me?

MC: Sorry, I don't think I know you.

Lucien: Really?

Lucien: We had a dance last night. It breaks my heart if the lady forgets it so soon.

MC: Really?

I imitated his voice and pretended to look up and down at him.

MC: Oh~ I have a little impression.

MC: I'm sorry, I have a poor memory. The lights were too dim last night, and the dance was too short, so it's hard to remember.

He nodded thoughtfully and then changed the conversation.

Lucien: The lady seems to travel alone?

MC: …Yes, just, alone.

Hearing the undisguised teasing in his words, I maliciously popped out a few words, showing a flattering smile.

MC: You also seem to be alone too, sir. You are interesting, traveling on a cruise by yourself~

Lucien: Maybe it's because I want to meet someone who coincides with me.

MC: And, have you met them?

Lucien: Mm. But she didn't seem impressed with me.

Lucien: I'm also a little hesitant now. Not sure if I should take the initiative again….

MC: Of course, you should!

I subconsciously blurted out. Lucien's lips raised an inch of smile.

Lucien: What if she refuses?

MC: ...You should try it first.

Lucien: Then...

Lucien: Would you like to give me the opportunity to deepen your impression of me, the lady with poor memory?

His voice was soft as if it was melting with all the sunlight of a warm winter.

Looking at the neatly folded bathrobe on the sofa, I felt my ears getting a little hot.

Staff: Doctor X, your reservation for the ice sauna room is at 3:30 pm. You can change your clothes in the lounge and sit for a while.

Doctor.X? I looked at Lucien questioningly but found him nodding a little.

Perhaps feeling my persistent puzzled gaze, Lucien solemnly stretched out his hand towards me.

Lucien: I was in too much of a hurry last night and didn't have time to introduce myself.

Lucien: What's your name, Miss?

MC: ....

MC: Producer.MC.

As if he didn't expect me to say that, Lucien was stunned for a moment and then couldn't help laughing.

He lowered his head and came close to me, his overflowing breath brushing against my ear.

Lucien: (chuckle then whisper) The Great Producer can always do something beyond my imagination.

Lucien: (whisper) It's surprising, delightful… and joyful.

Without waiting for my reply, he turned around and naturally took off his coat as if he was planning to change.

It's as if the whisper was just a secret no one knew about.

Seeing that I didn't move, Lucien turned his head back, but his hands kept moving.

Lucien: Aren't you going to change?

He spoke in a sincere and honest tone, which in turn gave me nowhere to hide my secret little thoughts.

I sheepishly turned my attention to the inner ice sauna room, just a curtain away, where the staff was preparing for the sauna.

MC: I was thinking that…

MC: We just met last night, and now you are asking me to "lay ourselves bare"*. Isn't it seem to be a bad idea?

(T/N: 坦诚相见 is an idiom that means that two people treat each other sincerely and tell each other what they think without reservation.)

I deliberately spoke measuredly, secretly observing Lucien's expression, trying to get back in this "role-playing" game.

Lucien squinted his eyes and raised a smile.

Lucien: So, things seem to be moving a little fast.

Lucien: How about we make up for the steps we skipped?

MC: What do you mean?

Lucien did not answer. Under the dense light, his fingertips slowly slid down to the front of his waist, seemingly rubbing a circle.

Lucien: Can you help me?

Lucien: I can't seem to do it alone.

He said it sincerely, and his tone had a hint of grievance. It seems to be a request, but it is irresistible.

As if compelled, I instinctively walked towards him.

MC: What do you need me to do?

Lucien: Give me your hand.

Instead of turning around, he took my hand and made me approach him from behind.

My view was blocked entirely, and I could only feel my fingertips being moved past the scorching heat and to the side.

Lucien's movements were unusually slow as if tracing. Our hands finally ended up on his strap, and he let go of my hand.

Lucien: Help me unbuckle this. It's hard to do it myself.

Compared to the soft and silky shirt, the slightly stiffer texture allowed my fingertips to find their place instantly, but this is not where the buckle is.

MC: I can't see you this way…

Lucien: This buckle is special. It is more convenient to unbuckle from the back.

He spoke with a great conviction that I had no choice but to close my eyes and grope down for the strap buckle.

I held the strap and slipped my fingers between it and his shirt.

His body heat is quietly burning through the shirt. I moved down, and my fingertips trembled when they touched the cold metal.

Lucien: (whisper) You've found the right location.

His voice was a little low, drifting in my ears, and seemed to burrow into my heart from the other side of my chest.

I fumbled with the buckle's position and moved it down vigorously the way I used to unbuckle the strap.

But the buckle seemed stuck, and I couldn't release the strap from the buckle even after going up and down for a while.

Lucien: (chuckle) ....

MC: I...can't seem to find the right place.

MC: Help me out… Wait, no. You're the one who wants me to help you from behind...

As I said that, I felt a little irritated and wanted to let it go, but in the next moment, I was firmly restrained in place.

Lucien: It is very elastic. You have to hold it tightly, don't let go easily.

Lucien: Last night, I was hurt for a long time because of a certain "unintentional act" by Miss MC.

MC: …What kind of nonsense are you talking about!

I want to reach out and cover Lucien's mouth, but I don't dare to let go of my grip on the strap buckle.

At a loss, I had no choice but to use my eyes to hint him that there were other people in the room.

But Lucien obviously ignored me, or rather, he did it on purpose.

Lucien: (whisper) Don't you remember what you did to me last night? Are you so irresponsible?

MC: ...!

I subconsciously pinched his waist, causing the person in front of me to utter a muffled grunt.

As if he was finally done playing, he tugged my fingertips and moved them up and down a bit.

"Click"

Lucien: It seems that I get caught in my own trap.

He let go of my burning hand and turned his face sideways to cast a somewhat deep glance at me, and with his other hand, he pulled down the other strap that had not been unbuckled.

Lucien: I'll take care of the rest myself.

MC: Hmph, you'll have to do it yourself this time.

I was a little dismayed by his mischief. So I stood on my tiptoes and tugged the strap down, intending to buckle it back up.

MC: Didn't you say that you can't do it alone?

MC: I'll buckle it back for you, and you can unbuckle it yourself.

Lucien turned around and grabbed my wrist, my center of gravity was unsteady, and I crashed straight into his arms.

In the next second, an unexpected kiss landed.

The tip of his tongue gently and overbearingly pried open my lips, and his hot breath fluttered on my face.

MC: Lu...

He completely swallowed my whispered words, and his breath was overwhelming.

Instinctively, I closed my eyes and felt his grip on my chin, forcing me to tilt my head up and completely surrender myself to him.

Our hot breaths rose and fell, and my brain became dizzy from the rising heat. I tightened my arms around him, responding to his eager demand.

Until a rustling sound came from the room separated by a curtain.

[Interlude- Memory Silhouette: Terrace Trap]

The lights in the bar gradually became darker, and the music confused my thoughts. I stood blankly by the bar counter, somewhat at a loss.

Lucien left the bar after kissing my hand, leaving me with a racing heart and chaotic thoughts.

Bartender: Miss, do you want to order?

MC: No, thank you.

No matter how lively the bar atmosphere is, without Lucien's presence, there is only dull noise left for me.

I walked out of the bar, through the ornate lobby, the crowded deck, and the long hallway, and returned to my room in one breath.

After closing the door, I realized that I was looking around intentionally or unintentionally all the way just now, looking for that familiar figure. My heart was inexplicably a little blocked.

This Lucien… Why didn't he come to see me?

I took out my phone and confirmed the signal. After thinking for a moment, I went to the bedside and picked up the phone in my room. I wanted to ask the reception desk about buying the WiFi.

But as soon as I put my fingertips on the button, I couldn't help but see those sly and determined eyes in front of me.

MC: ....

I rubbed my face with slight annoyance and put the phone down.

Well, then let's see what you really want to do.

I forced myself to stop dwelling on it and simply changed into a comfortable set of loungewear, pulled open the terrace door, and went outside the room to the terrace.

The sea at night is like wrinkled blue silk, spreading deeply in front of me.

The room I was in seemed to be quiet, with only the sea breeze blowing away some of the mixed emotions in my mind.

It wasn't until I took two steps forward that I caught a glimpse of a familiar figure on the terrace next door.

MC: Lucien?

Lucien: Good evening, Miss Next Door.

Lucien: I didn't expect to see you again so soon.

The man who greeted me was sitting calmly on a cushioned chair on the terrace, holding a foreign-language novel in his hands.

A bathrobe casually wrapped around his slim body, his hair falling in front of his forehead, swaying slightly with the sea breeze.

So much for a leisurely and relaxing vacation time!

When I thought I was distracted by this "culprit" five minutes ago, I felt a hot current rising in my chest.

I wish I could take a big stride and bite him right now, then ask him exactly what he wants to do.

But to deal with such "cunning" people, I must use a more clever way.

For example, treat others the same way they treat you.

Since you want to indulge in this encounter game, I will accompany you to the end!

So I grunted softly, resisted the urge to peek at him, forced myself to look out to sea, and then turned back to my room without a second glance.

Lucien couldn't help smiling when he saw the girl leave the terrace and pull the curtains.

He did show up here on purpose.

In the most direct and somewhat mischievous way, he told her he was in the closest place.

And from a selfish point of view, he also wanted to see her one more time. So he made a little bet with himself that she would show up.

It's like finding an outlet for his own anxious mood.

But looking at her back as she left in a huff, that strange feeling returned again.

Lucien put away the novel he hadn't read and stood up.

It turns out that a flower takes such a long time to bloom.

[Chapter 5]

My brain instantly regained its discarded sanity. I snapped open my eyes and saw the unhurried smile in the corner of Lucien's eyes.

He pressed his palm on the back of my head with a slight force, and his fingertips dug into my hair, cutting off my room to retreat.

Steady footsteps sounded in the inner room, and I quickly blinked at Lucien, but he remained indifferent.

He even pressed me step by step against the wall and closed my eyes, not giving me a chance to breathe.

MC: ...Uh!

My lips and tongue were repeatedly nibbled on, causing a slight twinge of pain, and soon only a tingling sensation remained.

Staff: The room is ready. Now we will give you a brief instructions on how to use the ice sauna room.

Staff: Before entering the room, please…

The sudden unfamiliar voice made me tremble subconsciously but was quickly eliminated by the scorching heat surrounding me.

Behind the thin curtain, I could see the vague silhouette of a person, and I felt as if my heart was about to pop out.

My hands were clutching Lucien's shirt and the unbuckled straps. My ears were buzzing, and I couldn't hear what the other side was saying.

Lucien: MC.

Lucien softly called my name, finally distancing ourselves a little. His breath landed on the corner of my lips, and the end of his voice was wrapped in an ambiguous tone.

Lucien: The ice sauna room has another exit reserved for the staff.

Lucien: (whisper) So, he won't come over.

I blinked and slowly understood what he meant.

MC: Did you already know that? Then why are you telling me just now…

Lucien: Maybe it's because... I'm what you call a big bad villain.

His fingers slowly brushed the side of my neck, the corners of my lips, the tip of my nose, and then he tenderly and lovingly cupped my face.

Lucien: Now that there are no more worries, can I continue?

The kiss that fell again was tender and lingering, like a gentle rain, making people fall deep into it.

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

After a very long time, Lucien finally let me go. His arm naturally slid to my lower back while still wrapping me in his embrace.

Then he just quietly looked at me without saying anything.

The air still seemed to be dense with vapor; I was a bit shy from his stare, so I poked him in the face.

MC: You, why do you keep looking at me.

Lucien: Because I want to look at you.

MC: That's an invalid answer.

Lucien: But that's my answer.

Lucien: Because I want to look at you, and I want to kiss you. So when my brain gives these signals, I follow the instructions.

He said it bluntly and frankly, but it made my heart ripple.

Lucien: In my calculation, an unexpected encounter takes a certain amount of time to develop.

Lucien: 48 hours is enough for a relationship to grow from unfamiliar to familiar, with different emotional stimuli.

Lucien: That was my original plan.

Lucien reached out and tucked the strands of loose hair into my ears. He spoke in riddles, but I seemed to understand something.

A sudden softness in my heart enticed me to ask the question I knew the answer to.

MC: So Professor Lucien's carefully planned chance encounter was disrupted by me, right?

Lucien: The subjective factor is you, but the objective factor…

Lucien paused for a moment.

Lucien: It's me who is greedy.

Lucien: I didn't want the things related to me to become boring and ordinary after a long period of time. So I impulsively carried out this somewhat wilful plan.

Lucien: After you appeared, every expression and every movement of yours was beyond my plan.

Lucien: I was left to follow my brain's instructions and impulsively disrupt my own rhythm.

His voice was very soft, but it landed heavily on my heart.

MC: Lucien, have you noticed that your frankness is becoming more and more frequent?

Lucien: Isn't that good?

I stood on my tiptoes and gave him a peck on the corner of his lips.

MC: In fact, I'm also very greedy.

MC: I like this frank and honest you, but I also like the wicked you. I like the occasionally distant you, but also like the rogue you.

MC: The way your bangs are scattered between your eyebrows, and the way your bangs are all slicked back. Familiar or unfamiliar.

MC: No matter what kind of you, I really like it all.

In a trance, I felt like I heard something blooming in my heart.

Lucien looked at me deeply, and after a moment of silence, he slightly raised the corners of his mouth.

Lucien: We might need to reschedule this ice sauna for another time.

MC: What a coincidence. I thought so too.

The afterglow of warm colors falls into the sea, creating a gentle luster on the pink-purple sky.

(from the afternoon at 3.30 pm until twilight…. can you guess how long were they stuck in that room-)

Lucien and I intertwined our fingers. We walked non-stop, started running as we walked, and ran all the way from the deck into the cabin.

The sea breeze blew our hair into a mess, and our clasped hands were seeping with warm heat, but we didn't care at all and still held hands.

It's like two people who have thrown away all shackles, just want to hold the hand of the person they like, and move freely to the same destination.

A huge crystal chandelier hangs above the lobby, refracting the light that looks like falling stardust.

There was a constant flow of tourists coming down the staircase and heading opposite us towards the deck.

I subconsciously looked back at the crowd going against us and felt my hand being squeezed.

Lucien: Do you want to check it out? I heard there's a celebration at sea tonight. There should be a fireworks show.

I shook my head.

MC: Fireworks are not as good as the person in front of me.

MC: I just need to look at you. As long as I look at you, there will be fireworks in my heart.

Lucien: Compared with MC's frankness, my performance can only be said to be unsatisfactory.

Lucien: I would like to ask my teacher to give me more advice, preferably by giving me a small lesson.

His eyes are bent, but he looks humble and sincerely asks for advice.

The sound of melodious music gradually plays and enveloped the whole hall.

The sentimental melody evokes my memory. It was the song that Lucien and I danced with in the bar yesterday.

I looked at Lucien and found that his gaze was already waiting for me.

His tie was loosely tied around his chest, and his collar was slightly open. His clear eyes were particularly bright between the hair that had scattered when we ran.

I couldn't help but laugh and raised my hand to ruffle his scattered bangs.

MC: Mr. Lucien is not as refined as Doctor.X now.

Lucien: Then can I ask you to dance?

MC: You should know very well that there is something else I want to do right now more than dance.

Lucien: And that's precisely why it is more necessary to "warm up" properly.

With that, he took my hand and led me through the dance steps

As the music flowed, we gave each other our warmth against the flow of people.

His familiar body heat seemed to bring me a new experience this time, and I felt Lucien guiding me closer in the gentle beat, stretching my body in a natural and lingering way.

Lucien: Do you know the name of the dance we did last night?

MC: Isn't it ballroom dancing? I don't really know much about dance.

Lucien: It is known as Rumba, the dance of love. It's one kind of Latin dance.

His fingertips entwined seductively around the ribbon of my skirt, gently pushing me away and pulling me back the moment the next note leaped out.

The melody gradually surged and accelerated. The air was filled with a scorching breath.

Lucien: Scientific studies have shown that the waist can be twisted up to 180 times per dance, and the highest heart rate can reach 200 beats per minute.

As he spoke, he led me to rotate and walk with his rhythm, pushing me out and pulling me back according to the inertia of the strength in his hand.

Slowly moving, swaying, spinning…

My heartbeat involuntarily accelerated, as if it had been incorporated into the rhythm of the tempo, rising and falling one after another.

Boom-

There was a sound of fireworks exploding in the distance, and the cruise ship seemed to shake for a moment amidst the crowd's cheers.

I staggered and stumbled into Lucien's chest, my hands haphazardly pulling his already loose tie, causing his slightly open shirt to spread open completely.

A reassuring hand was placed on the back of my neck, holding me steadily in place.

I couldn't help but be captured by the charming bareness in front of me. His muscle tightened and then relaxed following our rhythm.

Like a vague provocative tease.

As if falling into his silent trap, my fingers were drawn to caress his bare skin, feeling the hard, clear lines beneath it.

My fingertips were tinged by the burning heat, and I slowly traced from the hard abdomen to his chest.

A steady, strong heartbeat rose up, and even my heart trembled along with it.

Lucien: I think this dance should be impressive enough now.

MC: How can you still hold a grudge?

He didn't say a word. He just strongly swept me up and dropped a feathery kiss on my forehead.

My whole heart surged like a wave, and I felt inexplicably dizzy.

Everything was spinning. Only his close face was clear, effortlessly occupying all of my vision.

We danced our way from the hall to the room.

My vision was suddenly dimmed, but a brighter light broke through the sky and blossomed in the night with a warm color.

The pouring fireworks dragged a long trajectory, depicting a star curtain.

I eagerly kicked off the shoes on my feet and stepped on the ground with bare feet.

Suddenly, a warm sensation replaces the cold floor and settles beneath my foot.

Seeing myself stepping on Lucien's instep, I raised my head in a daze and met his smiling eyes.

Without words, we just looked at each other. I smiled knowingly and then stepped gently on the other foot.

MC: I always seem to fall into Professor Lucien's trap unconsciously.

Lucien: Rather than saying it was a trap, it was better to say it was a silent and open invitation.

He took a step to the right, and I took a step away with it.

Lucien: Besides constantly creating freshness in life, I always want more.

Lucien: I want our experiences to be exciting enough for them to be engraved into your memory.

Lucien: (whisper) And what I want, only you can give me.

MC: I'll give it all to you without reservation.

The night is long and lit up with fireworks.

In that moment, we seem to meld into one.

[T/N: Those fireworks in the end aren't actual fireworks if you get what I mean- But anyway, what a great MQ :" D. I genuinely enjoy it from start to finish. This one has made me cry, laugh, and h-word at the same time asksks. The game between these two is always enjoyable to read lol.

There's no big sad here, but if you think about it, the whole plan is caused by his insecurity,, the way he overthinks stuff that MC said to him, worrying if things related to him will feel boring to her, and ends up devising a whole plan to bring more 'excitement' to their life. The memory silhouette hits you with the fact that although this person seems calm and indifferent, he also suffers as much as her when they're separated. Guess it's a good thing that although his plan got wrecked, at least they did find excitement in this date huh-

I am currently translating Top Up SSR, which I think complements this SP MQ that covers the same 'theme'. So, I hope y'all will look forward to it? Thank you for reading!]

[marjaystuff]

Matthew Quirk interview

Inside Threat by Matthew Quirk is a political thriller that will remind readers of Vince Flynn’s Transfer of Power and David Baldacci’s characters Sean King and Michelle Maxwell, retired Secret Service Agents. The plot has secrets, lies, and betrayals with the readers not knowing who the bad guys are and who are the good guys.

The book begins with an attack on the White House, obvious that it has been breached.  The President, his wife, the most trusted officials, and the best Secret Service Agents move to a secure underground facility known as Raven Rock.  Most impressive is how Quirk drew a simplified version of this complex.  It is a facility 700 feet under a mountain near Camp David.  

Secret Service Agents Eric Hill and Amber Cody, soon discover the threat is locked inside with them. Communications have been cut, exits sabotaged, and bodies piling up. Hill and Cody must use their skills and instincts to determine who can be trusted.  Are the perpetrators the officials, or those in the Army, or the Secret Service? Both know they must do whatever it takes to protect the institution they have been sworn to serve and protect.

Given the current events, this concept of a threat to the government from within is very scary. Wondering who is a friend and who is a foe has readers taking the dangerous journey with Hill and Cody. The many twists will keep people reading, not wanting to put the book down. The Q&A below comes from notes from a conversation with Quirk that has been condensed.

Elise Cooper: How did you get the idea?

Matthew Quirk: I try to strike a balance between a conspiracy shadow behind certain powers, while adding hope, realism, and not feeding into the cynicism.  The premise has what would happen if a President came under attack?  I played with these questions for the readers to think about. What is the drive behind someone going against the office they are protecting? Are they protecting a larger value by taking matters into their own hands? Is going rogue part of the problem or solving the problem? Who can be trusted? This is my go at a Die Hard or Seven Days in May story with a bit of Agatha Christie thrown in.

EC: Was the President based on anyone?

MQ: This is an interesting time for politics, with such a high temperature. I try in writing a plot to be non-partisan. Some readers of my books have diametrically opposed views.  They find corollaries of what is currently happening. For them, the story will often confirm their views of how they perceive Washington DC.  For instance, if there is a crooked President in the book, each side thinks the President is part of the other side. For me, it is interesting that I can write these political thrillers in an incredibly polarized time and still have them appeal broadly. 

EC:  How would you describe President Kline?

MQ:  Some think he is paranoid, elitist, aloof, but others think he is caring and protective. One of the mysteries of the book is, can the President be trusted to defend the Constitution?

EC:  What is real in the book?

MQ: “Yankee White,” a special background investigation, basically a clearance, required of anyone who will hold the President’s life in their hands such as a chef, helicopter pilot, and a doctor. There is this distinct circle of people that would single handedly be able to kill the President. 

The saying “shut up and color,” which is military slang for “do your job and follow orders.” This was one of the themes of the book because what if doing the right thing and following orders are at odds.

My friend had written an entire book on Raven Rock, the bunker 700 feet under a mountain near Camp David. I tried to find a bunch of imagery. In the beginning of the book, I drew a simplified layout of the architectural buildings and tunnels.  I wanted the reader to follow along with the action I did take some liberties to streamline things, but everything in the book comes from real life. 

The Presidential Emergency Action Documents, which are documents that can be invoked by the President.  No one knows what is in them. The President could possibly create martial law, suspend Congress, nationalize industries, and ignore the Constitution.

EC:  Do you think Secret Service Agents can be flies on the wall?

MQ:  I have this book quote, they “can see everything and see nothing.” I did talk to Secret Service people for the book. Their job is to protect the person and yet they are seeing Washington politics up close. They still do their job, which is protecting the office. Even if it someone they do not respect they are still willing to protect them, even to the point of sacrificing their life. This is very honorable.  

EC:  How would you describe the Secret Service Agent Eric Hill?

MQ:  Direct, a straight talker, protective, has a slight temper, loyal and suspicious.  Because of his backstory he is disillusioned. 

EC:  How would you describe the rookie Secret Service Agent Amber Cody?

MQ:  Tough, smart, stubborn, enthusiastic, disciplined, and feels she needs to prove herself to be brave.

EC:  There is a book quote about the Secret Service that reminds me of those in the military.  Please explain.

MQ:  You are referring to this book quote, “The Service was in many ways closer than family.  Agents spent more time with each other than they did with their wives and husbands and kids. They gave everything to the job, including their lives… They lived together, ate together, counted off endless hours driving through the sticks, standing in the rain, staked out in cars, and holed up in hotels.” Many of them are former military.  Talking to the real-life Secret Service Agents gave me this impression. They are so dedicated. It is like a military brotherhood.

EC:  A movie or TV show being made?

MQ:  Yes, we just announced that Chernin Entertainment has optioned the book for a feature film. I’m really excited to be working with them. The Night Agent has been renewed for season two with the plan to be out in 2024.

EC: Your next book?

MQ:  It’s early, so this could change, but the premise is that an actress who always plays tough characters and is well trained in weapons and martial arts has her friend gone missing. While looking for them, she is drawn into the world of espionage and diplomacy.  To save her friend and survive she needs to become as tough as the characters she plays on TV.

THANK YOU!!

[camillelespanayesbtch]

I have so many ideas too but like- I can't gather them enough to make it make sense.

I feel like they'd spend literal hours going over the different properties of plants along with the effects they have on the body.

Maybe they'd even, with the safer ones, experiment on reader?? To see how quickly they make someone sleepy but usually only when the reader has been bad.

Misty would absolutely need to have reader wearing something with her initials on it, whether it's a signet ring or necklace because it would dull the jealousy (just enough to be manageable) she feels whenever reader is either sitting on Mari's lap or holding her hand.

"I can see you seething from here, Misty. Don't worry, your little poodle is still in love with you too." From Mari whenever reader is sitting on her lap.

"I've still got the necklace on, Missy, see?" Reader showing her the necklace with MQ on it, "Still love you, Missy."

"If you still love me so much, why don't you sit in my lap instead of hers, huh? Picking favorites-" Until her eyes catch sight of her initials and she feels all warm and squishy inside, giving her, slightly creepy, smile, "Oh- Well- I love you too."

Poodle because that's what Misty was teased about and they decided to reclaim it as something endearing so they call reader their little poodle.

Oh! I just thought also about the cannibalism. I feel like she'd still occasionally have this really insatiable urge to just bite reader.

"Missy, you're looking at our little poodle like she's prime veal again, you want to mark her, don't you?" From Mari to which Misty would be all, "What? Me? I'm not a- a cannibal. I'd never."

Only to moments later start nibbling on the reader's neck, getting her comfortable with the sensation until reader is just, "Just fucking bite me Misty!" Which gives Misty the go ahead to sink her teeth into the reader's neck or shoulder or some other limb.

The sight would also make Mari feral too because lbr Marilyn definitely has a thing for blood and seeing her two favorite women now bloody would just- She'd have to join in.

Do you think Misty and Mari would be besties? I feel like they'd both absolutely adore a puppy!reader.

okay answer to ur first question!!

because going based off of canon characterisation (thats very important here) i think absolutely not ksdkfk

laurel gates!marilyn would find misty intolerable and annoying and find her constant need for love and acceptance really pathetic.

she would look at mistys history and be like oh u cannibalised ur team mates and were stranded for 18months? and u didnt even take advantage of the money you could have made? sad. anyways.

i think laurel would also see how much misty desires friendship and constantly roll her eyes and sneer like: "my god woman, get UP."

misty herself would admire laurelgates!marilyn's drive and attitude in doing anything she could to get what she wants, and find it ironic that they both have really similar styles of um. getting what they want (needles filled w poison)

but misty would loathe and grow very tried of laurel's constant belittling and yapping abt crackstone, and also wonder why she doesnt just like, get another hobby, my god.

but! if you wanna talk abt marilyn just as the marilyn we love and know ie in my fic eat your young, or ur own headcanons (without the genocidal outlook she has in wednesday)

then yes! i think misty and marilyn would get along reeaaally well :'))

marilyn would sympathise sooo much with misty's trauma and they'd bond over both yearning for connection and understanding, since they both are always used to being on the outskirts of other peoples lives and just out of love's reach

misty would constantly do things for marilyn that weren't necessarily asked for or wanted, with marilyn awkwardly accepting mistys weird love language but being like "aww she um. got me a plant with a camera hidden in it. thats sweet 🥰"

misty would find marilyn being a teacher really interesting, but scrunch her nose up in confusion at how much marilyn loves her students, very offput by the idea of having to be around teenagers all day.

marilyn would constantly ask misty abt the plane crash, bc surviving something that horrific is intriguing to her. but its something misty at first was hesitant to divulge in bc "oh my god are u another reporter??" but once shes comfy they definitely have tea and biscuits and talk for hours abt it, and marilyn's very happy to listen to misty infodump and yap.

marilyn does not even bat an eye at the cannibalism btw and mistys like "did u hear me. i said i ate jackie. our soccer captain." and marilyn's like [furrows brows, fixes glasses] "i heard you. am i meant to be shocked?"

now ive already gone on for too long but the idea of them having a puppy!reader is soooo my god.🥺😵‍💫

marilyn's definitely the good cop in this situation. always the soft dom mommy who bends to her puppy's needs and cant say no to reader. mistys a little more standoffish and awkward, but practically melts if you say i love you, or bat your pretty eyes

they'd be enamoured by you, and even though misty haaates the idea of sharing (very jealous, seething just at when you sometimes roll in bed and snuggle marilyn instead) she can't say no to the dynamic you all share when she sees how dumbed down and needy you get in their presence <33

[hualianff]

XL would definitely have a squishmallow addiction.

His favorite is a giant fox that reminds him of San Lang 🥰

They take up so much space on the bed that HuaLian eventually get a new bed specifically for the squishmallows.

To let out pent up frustration, XL sometimes throws the squishmallows across the room or smacks them. HC walks into the room and stands there like 🧍🏻 as XL growls while attacking his squishmallows.

HC fully indulges XL in his squishmallow addiction and makes quite the picture of a tall, brooding man in the checkout lane holding a gigantic bananya squishmallow to present as one of his endless offerings to his Gege.

If HC has to leave for business for a few days, XL insists he take one of the squishmallows as a companion so he doesn’t get to lonely. HC usually chooses the ferret squishmallow.

If XL ever sees someone who feels down, he’ll offer one of his squishmallows for comfort. FX lowkey has many and MQ hastily accepts them but always returns them. QYZ loves them too

As many people do, XL sets up fictional storylines where the squishmallows have tea parties, go to war, fall in love, etc.

HC walking in on XL making the fox and ferret squishmallows kiss: 😳

XL: “now kiss” 😇

HC, in his head: “isn’t that us?” 😭

Somehow, XL convinces HC to change a few of his opponents in squishmallows instead of daruma dolls - just for funsies!

This leads to HC turning himself into a squishmallow because Gege has been neglecting him for inanimate stuffed animals.

(Read: If you can’t beat them, become one of them!)

Plus, wouldn’t it be so funny if HC turned himself into a squishmallow to surprise Gege for his bday ?

When XL sees the San-Lang-squishmallow waiting for him on their bed, he positively squeals while squeezing and poking the squishmallow and HC is completely defenseless to the attack 😭

XL: “SO CUTE I MUST SQUISH”

HC, a squishmallow: “aBORT ABORT”

Except-

HC can’t change back! He becomes stuck like that. 😭

XL, walking around the realms with San Lang’s squishmallow body, wondering where his husband is: “it’s my bday, I deserve kisses, where is he? 😡”

While looking for his boss, YY spots XL carrying around a Hua Chengzhu squishmallow: “I don’t even want to know”

XL asking everyone if they’ve seen or heard from HC. Everyone answers no, that they haven’t seen him since so and so.

XL: “Oh…anyways, look what he gifted me!” 🥰

XL proudly showing off the San Lang squishmallow, encouraging them to squeeze and pinch the extra soft plushie.

HC, on the inside, assaulted by prodding fingers: “so this is what hell is” 🫠

The day passes by and XL is just very confused and misses his husband.

XL cooking alone in Puqi Shrine, talking to San Lang squishmallow: “where did he go? you would know, right?”

XL hugs the squishmallow snug to his body, smelling the familiar scent of HC lingering. He sighs, eyes closing in comfort.

HC, a squishmallow: “GEGE IM RIGHT HERE IN YOUR ARMS BUT IDK HOW TO CHANGE BACK BUT I SWEAR I DIDNT LEAVE YOU”

XL doesn’t even have to think twice before he’s leaning down and pressing his lips to San Lang squishmallow forehead.

POOF!

HC, now a human, still in XL’s arms, eye wide in surprise. XL, not even total shock will cause him to drop his San Lang.

XL, on the inside: “he looks at me…and I look at him-“ 👁👁 ↔️ ◼️👁

HC, sweating and really embarrassed: “hehe, surprise ?”

XL puts HC down and happily hugs him, ready to finally celebrate his bday with his husband !

After that, XL reels his addiction in a little bit so HC doesn’t get too many ideas in the future… 😅😂

OOMF’S ART