#the blatant flirting with the traveler is honestly hilarious

[anisohtropy]

lyney is t4t (twin for twin)

[lookbluesoup]

3. By contrast, what was the moment that first made their ~heart~ Soft for the other person? Not necessarily a conscious realization of “I love this person,” but a moment that had them like “Oh…I adore them…”

7. Do they (or would they) pursue the other character’s affection, and if so, how? Do they tell the other character how they feel? Try to earn their admiration? Woo them with romantic gestures? Flirt with them, skillfully or otherwise?

For Lyrha, with love <3

Thank youuuu :D <3

3. What was the moment that first made their ~heart~ Soft for the other person

There's a few moments like this for Lyrha. A big one is, of course, the first time they sleep together. She was already pretty attracted to him at that point, but X'rhun is gentle and attentive to her in a way she's never had before, which totally changes her perspective on what intimacy with another person can mean. While it might sound a little cliche to say the sex did it... for Lyrha, sex had always been a tool to protect herself. An act of giving something of herself away. It was a really big deal for her to realize that there was someone out there who would take her needs into account too, even when he didn't have to.

It shatters one of the last holdouts in her mind that everyone is selfish and in it for themselves, and helps her realize X'rhun really is the honorable man he claims to be.

And hilariously(?) the tenderness scares her so much she actually retreats from him for a while. She doesn't think he reciprocates any stronger feelings and doesn't know how to handle her own. She's never been in love before.

For the most part I suspect it kind of sneaks up on X'rhun. Having someone to travel with, banter with, fight beside... someone who stays. Though he always had hopes for her as an apprentice, he wasn't really looking for an attachment. But Lyrha is,,, sticky. And got herself gobbed up in his heart anyway.

I do think a particularly significant moment for him - and honestly, Lyrha, too - is the fight against Lambard. When X'rhun is badly injured and tries to tell Lyrha and Arya to flee... there's this Moment.

X'rhun is objectively a better fighter than Lyrha at this point, and she knows it. And Lambard's still strong thanks to his voidsent powers, something Lyrha is terrified of. His fight isn't with her. She could leave. She could bargain. In her old life, she'd probably have tried to ally herself with him because he was the stronger figure, and it made no sense to make herself his enemy.

But that means leaving X'rhun to die.

X'rhun... expects to die. He realizes he can't bring his rival to justice and despite spending decades with the pain of Lambard's betrayal, he doesn't cling to it. His only hope left is to protect his companions. He doesn't want to lose them, the way he lost his friends before.

And for Lyrha it's not even a serious consideration to flee. She's scared. She knows it's foolish. But she steps in between Lambard and X'rhun with ears pinned, sword drawn, and growls. It is entirely in defiance of her old life, a blatant pledge of loyalty to Red Magic. She'll fight for X'rhun.

And as horrifying as it is to X'rhun to watch her and Arya face his great enemy while helpless to aid them, seeing her choose that secures a place for her in his heart that no hell or high water could dislodge.

---

7. Do they pursue the other character’s affection, and if so, how?

This kind of ties in with the first one - but Lyrha soliciting X'rhun for sex was actually partly an attempt to foster attachment in him. Her body was a "gift" she was giving in gratitude for all he'd done for her, and in the back of her mind she felt that if she could give him physical satisfaction, he'd be less likely to leave her behind.

And when he blows her out the water with it (because X'rhun doesn't just take, he gives back) she realizes there's a lot she doesn't know, doesn't understand, and that is terrifying. She's no longer confident in her ability to please him, because he isn't like any man she's been with before. Sex had been her trump card.

So there's a lot of... Lyrha learning the difference between ingratiating herself to someone to have protection, and being in a relationship built on mutual affection and care. A huge element of her story is this very realization, growing in the ways that she wants and reasons she pursues someone's affection.

But overall they're both very good at flirtatious banter. And when they finally have a good sit down and actually talk about their feelings, it's... difficult, they've both got baggage, but extremely sincere.

And though X'rhun initially tries to keep some emotional distance, Lyrha's energetic attitude indeed pulls him in. He'll dance with her, bring her gifts (including one extremely temperamental Vochstein), and isn't afraid to get a little handsy. She gives as good as she gets.

For Lyrha, her determination to stay by his side no matter what is the greatest declaration she could ever offer, and he knows it.

---

Development Questions for Couples

[wangxianficrecs]

Follower Recs

Stories I haven’t read yet, but clearly need to put on my ever-expanding List.

~*~

I don't know if you've recced this before but this is just so good tbh. It's so cute and written so well! he gets under your skin by Skadiseven is a must read!!!!   It's an underrated gem that's honestly my favorite fic in this fandom rn. It has the right amount of everything and it's so well written. Not all the way written but the writer has a posting schedule which is great!

he gets under your skin

by Skadiseven (M, 88k, wangxian)

Summary:  From his job in the Armitage L train station booth, Wei Ying has watched The Most Beautiful Man In The World ride the train at 8 am and 4:30 pm for years, always in perfect suits, always with perfect hair, always with a perfect smile.

He's going to marry that guy someday. So what if he doesn't know his name. Names have nothing to do with true love.

When he saves His Future Husband from being squished by a train, Wei Ying finds himself engulfed in a tsunami of Lans who think he really is going to marry Mr. Wonderful, Lan Xichen, their son/brother/uncle/nephew. Despite himself, Wei Ying likes belonging to them. Except for the lying. Except for the guilt. Except for the fact that he took one look at his pretend-fiancé's brother, Lan Zhan, and maybe, MAYBE fell stupidly, hopelessly in love.

He can't tell them. He can't not tell them. How could this possibly get any worse??? (spoiler alert: it gets worse)

~*~

Hi, "Content Warning: Romance" by Ariaste is an excellent fic that I don't think you have recced yet. It's 6k words and mostly about Lan Zhan praising Wei Wuxian and made me happy cry so I wanted to recommend it. Also this blog is amazing and I hope you're having a great day! [Oh, thank you so much!  And I am, thank you.  Hope you are, too.]

Content Warning: Romance

by Ariaste  (M, 6k, wangxian)

Summary:  Wei Wuxian just wants a little warning before Lan Wangji says nice things.

Lan Wangji just wants to love on his husband, thanks.

~*~

hi :D can i just rec "Wen Chao's Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day" by Shializaro? :D it's a wangxian timetravel one-shot from the pov of jc 😂😂 they land at the wen indoctrination and it is very hilarious [Ah, I just read this one recently and it is a hoot!] - @christinefromsherwood​ 

Wen Chao's Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day

by Shializaro (T, 3k, wangxian, my bookmark here)

Summary:  Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian travel back through time and right into a most unfortunate situation. Alas, what situation could be unfortunate enough to contain Hanguang-Jun and the Yiling Patriarch?

Alternatively: Jiang Cheng can excuse unexpected necromancy, but he draws the line at blatant flirting.

~*~

Hi! I'd like to rec you a series that recently finished, To Dwell Inside a Body by typefortydeductions. It's so hard to do a good dom/sub, gender themed piece that's also not full of exposition dump and negotiations - which is important, but hard to write in an engaging way and let me tell you - this author does it genially. It's wonderful and sweet, with so much heart and love it makes you ache in the best possible way. - @manaika-chan [That one’s on my list!]

to dwell inside a body

by typefortydeductions (E, 88k, wangxian)

Summary (Part 1):  “Hey, Lan Zhan,” he says, after a while “why do you like it? Why do you want me to cry, I mean?”

Lan Zhan’s ears go bright red, an immediate, suffused flush, and Wei Ying cackles, pokes his arm.

“If I have to talk about it, so do you!”

//

Wei Ying cries during sex for the first time, and doesn't know quite what to think. They keep trying, and keep talking, and learn a lot about how best to love each other in the process.

~*~

Hiiiii I'm pretty sure I found a post with a lot of amnesia fics and wanted to suggest one? It's called 'no balance' by @silverclaw :)

no balance

by silverclaw (G, 20k, wangxian)

Summary:  Extreme sports show host Wei Wuxian incurs a head injury while mountain climbing and wakes up with no memory of the last five years of his life— including his painful divorce with his college sweetheart, Lan Wangji.

“Working out, hosting a show, travelling,” Wei Wuxian mumbles, eyes drooping. “Do I at least buy groceries every now and then to make up for it?”

Lan Wangji watches him drift to sleep. He doesn’t get to answer Wei Wuxian’s question, and he’s all the more thankful for it. He knows what Wei Wuxian is really asking: ‘where do you fit into all of this?’

The answer is, he doesn’t.

~*~

Have you read kizukatanas cultivating immortality? It's a work in progress but it's actually how I got into the fandom to begin with and it's really well written.

Cultivating immortality

by KizuKatana (M, 81k, wangxian, WIP)

Summary:  Wei Wuxian has gotten used to being a rogue cultivator and generally on his own. He has also gotten used to his best attempts at befriending Lan Wangji to end with the man ignoring him or glaring at him (and occasionally taking down legendary monsters). Which makes sense, he supposes, since Wei Wuxian is known for breaking dangerous rules as much as he's known for being brilliant, and Lan Wangji is known for being frigid as much as he's known for following the rules.

Rumors start to circulate that the GusuLan Sect has been pressuring Lan Wangji to find a cultivation partner to further extend his longevity, due to his spiritual prowess. But war erupts amongst the clans and no one has time for things like cultivation partners. Wei Wuxian becomes what he must to help win the war.

When it's over, the talk of Hanguang-Jun taking a cultivation partner resurfaces. Wei Wuxian is now less suitable of a partner, since he has been labeled a demonic cultivator. Wei Wuxian knows better than to wish for things he can't have. But he doesn't understand why Lan Wangji spends so much time night hunting with him instead of choosing a cultivation partner like he promised his clan. (updates weekly)

~*~

Hi! I want to bring a fic to your attention that I've just read. It's called "Ghost out on the water" by twigofwillow on AO3. Amnesia fics don't usually do it for me but this one works so perfectly and actually has an underlying point. It's heartbreaking and sweet, I had to send it to you. - @manaika-chan

ghost out on the water

by twigofwillow (T, 15k, wangxian)

Summary:  “Wei Ying,” Lan Zhan says at last. His voice is low and hoarse. “Wei Ying, what is the last thing you remember?”

~*~

Hi! Not sure if you have this in your recs already and I just can't find it, but I've been looking through your time travel tag and, in my humble opinion, Lynchpin by ShanaStoryteller should definitely be there, it's an awesome read and what got me into the fandom. Thank you for running this blog, it's awesome!!! [Thank you, and also, yes, I’ve read and loved this one but haven’t made a post yet!]

Lynchpin

by ShanaStoryteller (not rated (I’d say T), 103k, wangxian, my bookmark here)

Summary:  He can’t get Jin Guangyao’s words out of his head.

If he’d only believed in Wei Wuxian, if he’d only been willing to stand up for him, could it all have been avoided?

~*~

For the person who asked about mermaids, I highly recommend The Ocean Between Us by catbrainedschemes! It's one of my favourite fics - a good balance of angst, fluff and humour, alternates between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji's POV. Overall so well written and should be given more love! The author in general has amazing fics.

The Ocean Between Us

by catbrainedschemes (M, 42k, wangxian)

Summary:  The young man – confirmed to be unconscious and not dead, much to Lan Zhan’s relief – is not wearing a scrap of clothing. His face is smooth and peaceful, dark lashes trembling in the ocean breeze, lips parted softly. He lays in a bed of ruined roses, the red flowers and petals strewn haphazardly across his body.

If not for the unusual surroundings, the scratches and bruises blooming on his honey-coloured skin, Lan Zhan would think he is taking a nap.

OR

Lan Zhan is haunted by vivid dreams of a life long past. Also, he finds a naked stranger outside his beach house.

The two occurrences are closely related, somehow.

~*~

omggg i found this fic that i really thought you'd like!!! it's a modern reincarnation au where lwj meets wwx's ghost!! it's called "every love story is a ghost story" by aisthuu

every love story is a ghost story

by aisthuu (M, 59k, wangxian)

Summary:  The man is in Lan Zhan’s bed. Did they—he begins to wonder, eyes trailing to where the man’s body lies under the blanket. Had Lan Zhan—?

Then the sleep-fog clears and Lan Zhan realizes that the young man isn’t quite opaque around the edges.

“You’re a spirit.”

The spirit narrows its eyes. “I’m so much more than that.”

(Lan Zhan buys a guqin off eBay for a suspiciously low price, only to find that it’s haunted. And now there’s a ghost in his bed.)

[mitsuhidethesnek]

Time to liveblog Ikepri!

There will be complaining so I won’t tag the characters when I’m complaining lol. Also, this will reflect my blatant bias for scary boys plus Leon. I’m not into softies or tsuns. This is just me airing out MY opinions, so please feel free to disagree and have your own thoughts. I knew I should have started this liveblog earlier. I’m already 4 chapters into Chev’s route. Character first impressions under the cut. Just prologue content.

Prologue thoughts - I like that she owns a bookstore. IkeVamp also had an MC after my own heart, travel journalist. - Yves and Chevalier both lay it on so thick with the insults. Everyone is unworthy to Yves, but it’s his overcompensation from the start. For Chevalier, everyone is just literally inferior because apparently he’s worked so hard to be so ruthlessly superior.

- Eight princes have gathered, one of them will be chosen to be king. Except only our three starter pokemon want to be king, and more than half of them have asked you to be less formal with them lol.

- pfft. Everyone calling Sariel out for kidnapping me. Sariel is like “how dare you accuse me? MC is here of her own free will, right, MC?” and only LEON actually asks my opinion. But he also tries to persuade me by pointing out the icing on top of the ordeal lol.

- I like that Sariel was impressed with me the moment I slapped a drunk. A man who appreciates violence “for a good cause.” I mean, a solid reason to choose me.

- Okay, it is furthermore not about eight different princes vying for power. It’s really just two factions. Team Chevalier and Team Leon. plus Yves kind of

- Prologue Chapter 8 is where Leon starts being nice to you wants to know your thoughts. uwu

- This MC asks questions multiple times. She asked “why her?” for Belle multiple times. It’s extra self-deprecating, which I’m not into, but I guess it’s humble. She doesn’t understand that just being a commoner is enough. It could be anyone. And it just one unlucky standout moment she was chosen for. Leon gives a good reason though. We need someone common who understands what it’s like to be human, because all the royals are a bunch of beasts.

- I love that Belle is a title. Such a good trope. Like how Alice is a title in Ikerev

- I wonder if our translation enthusiasts are complaining. Probably. >> The English localization seems really on the nose with some lines. ><

Individual character thoughts

Rio

- I was expecting puppy immaculate sub. I wasn’t expecting literally obsessed with you. But the fact that he makes Sariel nervous and is too much for Sariel is HILARIOUS. Terrifying levels of enthusiasm. I approve.

- Unfortunately Rio is exactly the type of man I have often had to discourage. It is never just harmless flirting! >< Girl, he gonna keep trying even once you’re married.

Sariel

- Sariel has some sexy lines, but it is 100% creepy since we don’t know each other. - I figured he was my type. Sadistic. Devil-type. The way they do it is he says some pretty unnatural things that imply violence and madness. Disciplinarian. He’s extra and kind of unbelievable and way too handsy in a way that makes him come off shady, but I’m here for the sadistic disciplinarian ride.

-I was looking forward to the contrast between Sariel and Rio, someone who makes you serve and someone else who loves to serve, so I’m here for that contrast. Yves

- No, I don’t appreciate you insulting me every second. He seems like a dainty tsun, so not really my type off the bat.

- However, something tells me his story might be surprisingly moving and relatable? Kind of like Ikevamp Mozart or Ikerev Jonah. Very prim condescending characters who reveal relatable insecurities and standards. Characters that reveal more in their routes than as NPCs.

Luke

- I’m not into big kind guys, but he’s honestly a breath of fresh air. I like that he’s not an active flirt, but what he says is just extra friendly so it comes off flirty. He’s the tallest and is compared to a bear. He doesn’t want to be king. So he seems like someone who will just be nice. I like that he’s super not into the drama and tries to get away from it and discourages it.

Jin

- He’s not my type either. He’s the eldest brother, so he has this knowing air about him all the time like nothing surprises him. But he’s just an observer and commenter so far, doesn’t really interfere. He’s more cool like IkeRev Ray, not an uptight brother-mom figure.

Licht

- Not my type either. Reminds me of IkeRev Harr and Luke. Just really quiet at first so it’s hard to say. He might be the most normal though of all the brothers. Similar to Luke, where he wants to stay out of the drama, but much more taciturn and grumpy about it.

Nokto

- He’s my type. Constantly trying to get in your pants. But he’s coming off kind of cheesy and just nonstop horny to me. Idk, I like seductive enticing dialogue, and I lose interest when it goes past coaxing to full on pushing.

Clavis

- I was REALLY hype for Clavis. Constantly amused character. Turns out, he’s not just this puppeteer in the background. He’s a full on meddler, which I’m still into. He likes starting chaos for its own sake.

- I wonder if he’s different in other routes, but so far having started Chev’s route, I don’t like that he’s mostly here to cause chaos in all matters relating to Chev, instead of being about causing mischief in general. And I don’t like that he’s more of a prankster. I was hoping for sophisticated knowing trickster.

Chevalier

- He lays his superiority complex on SUPER thick. The payoff is supposed to be good when he goes from being utterly unimpressed with you to being obsessed with you. But it’s super disheartening to have characters that make me feel like an idiot. And it’s just how he treats everyone, not just me, but he lays it on thickest at me.

- I literally only like this dude because he’s got that regal IkeSen Kenshin gaze and black fur-lined cape. My brain goes stupid for the regal fur boa, and I like that it’s black against his white color scheme because it suggests that he is the sinister brutal white of winter. So I’m here for all those metaphors.

- But he’s really extreme in how his character revolves around basically two thoughts: Love is worthless. Everyone has a use, and I don’t care about anything but the use of things.

Leon

- saved Leon for last because he’s too easily my favorite!! I’m glad I started Chev’s route because there’s no way I would have touched anyone else if I had started with Leon.

- He’s the best parts of Ikesen Masamune and Nobunaga and Ikevamp Napoleon and Leo! 

- I’m a sucker for the one character who actually cares about what I think and values it even when I underrate my own opinion. ;~;

- He’s the domestic faction in contrast to Chev the foreign faction. so already Chev is about conquest, and Leon is about doing a good job as King taking care of the people. Leon radiates power and can apply it at will, but mostly he asks first, and it’s so nice. Best of both worlds! Power and compassion!

- In a lot of his dialogue, the way he appeals to you is: “You don’t have to if you don’t want to. You don’t have to do anything that you’re not ready for. But if you do, it will be fun and life-changing. What do you say? Will you put your trust in me?” He never makes me feel bad for choosing what makes me feel safe or better. And he makes the danger option sound good because he acknowledges the danger and shifts your focus to the benefits, and you know you’ll be protected if you stay by him.

In summary...

I’m here for Leon.

I’m hopeful that Chevalier, Nokto, Sariel and Rio will scratch my itch for their tropes.

Luke and Yves surprised me. I’m open.

Lost interest in Clavis.

No interest in Jin and Licht so far.