#the other precepter there was much more helpful.

[deathmetalunicorn1]

Yandere Thor, Poseidon, Lu Bu, Hades and Beelzebub with an Uta Reader from Demon Slayer?

Reader is kind, bubbly and quite a talkative woman, even having a smile constantly on her face, yet she’s also very perceptive as she can easily tell what her Husband is feeling by his face even if it never changes (She loves her Stoic and Silent Husband)

Love is very protective of his beloved Wife after her death on Earth as she went to Valhalla with their unborn child and he swears to not fail this time protecting her (Reader can only laugh seeing how her Husband is so protective and clingy towards her)

Love glares darkly whenever someone gets too comfortable around his wife (The audacity they have thinking they can take his wife is astonishing to him)

-It was a bit odd, seeing the stoic and rather intimidating (Love) clinging to you, a bubbly ray of sunshine, his darling wife. The two of you were opposites, but many adored that about you two, seeing how wonderfully you fit together.

-You were a chatterbox, always talking about random things, while (Love) was more reserved, only talking when necessary, but he loved to listen to you talk, you felt soothing to him when you talked about the flowers or animals you saw, the food you ate, and much more.

-You and (Love) met on earth many years ago, when he came across you by accident, but he was quick to fall when you invited him out, to get out of the foul weather, and made him a meal, providing him shelter. When he found out you were alone and had been for so long and seeing that you were just so happy to have someone to talk to, he realized what a unique individual you were, helping others despite being alone.

-You were also scary preceptive, noticing even the slightest changes in his personality and demeanor when he was worried about something, and you would always ask him how you could help. He had never met someone like you before.

-He married you, much to your glee, and he couldn’t help but relax around you, knowing you were a safe space for him where he would relax and just be with you, not worrying about any responsibilities or battles.

-It was when you were pregnant with your first child that he lost not only you but your child as well. He had left to get some medicine for you, as you had been dealing with bad morning sickness, when a demon had attacked you, killing you both.

-He lived in anguish, even long after he went (or went back) to Valhalla, mourning the loss of you, until you popped up, greeting him brightly like nothing was wrong.

-It was surprising to many when he charged at you and instantly had you in his arms, hugging you close, elated to have you back which just made you laugh, cupping his cheeks as he basked in your affections after so long.

-Your child didn’t ascend with you, and while you both mourned the loss of your child, (Love) swore to protect you at all costs this time around, and you found it a bit amusing that he was following you like a scary guard dog everywhere you went.

-Many thought it was rather adorable, seeing him being so attentive to you, but they could see the adoration he had for you in his eyes.

-(Love) was very protective of you, and anyone he deemed a threat that got close to you was asking for an ass-beating, especially those who tried to come and flirt with you.

-You belonged to (Love) and despite your polite method of turning others down, (Love) had no issues being the rude one, hugging you close, glaring darkly at these offenders with pain and malice in his demeanor, giving them only one chance to walk away.

-You thought it was cute after they ran when (Love) would hug you close, cuddling you like a child, pouting because he didn’t want to share you.

-You had to wonder what his reaction was going to be this time when you told him that you were pregnant~~

[llycaons]

oh lmao some of the cohort asked me how my day was in the locker rooms and I said well girls this was a rough one and one of them was like 'omg was it [her name] and I was like YES and she was like yeah she's like that with everyone she was so mean to me last week and so and so was there for remedial work and she was also mean to that person and I was so relieved thank god it's not just me

[sizzlingstarlightsky]

A Court of Burns and Scales

Azriel Week 2024 [Day 2: Scarred]

Azriel x F reader

Summary: His hands burnt, hers flaking. As solstice arrives, you both notice each others hands and attempt to remedy any of the discomfort. Either from scar tissue or dried out skin, you don't have to suffer alone.

work count: 2.3k

Her skin was perpetually cracked, no matter the season, and she was always seen fidgeting with a small, worn-out tub of lotion.

She walked with her head down, a silent guardian of her secret, her eyes darting up only briefly to survey her surroundings for any signs of contamination.

On a day much like the others, the sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow across the training grounds of the inner circle. The air was cool, hinting at the winter solstice approaching, and the smell of roasting meats and sweet spices wafted from the distant kitchens.

The sounds of laughter and camaraderie filled the air, as everyone worked tirelessly to prepare for the upcoming celebrations.

Her hands stung with the cold, the dryness a constant reminder of her condition.

She pulled out her lotion from the pocket of her cloak, the soft sound of the lid opening barely audible amidst the bustle around her. Applying a generous amount, she worked it into her skin, her eyes fluttering closed as she focused on the soothing feeling of the cream against her parched palms.

It was in that moment of solitude, her mind briefly detached from the chaos, that she felt his presence. The air grew colder, and she knew it wasn't the wind.

She looked up, her gaze meeting Azriel's, his eyes a piercing shade of cramelized green that seemed to see straight through her.

He was watching her intently, his expression unreadable, and for a fleeting second, she felt a flicker of embarrassment. But his gaze didn't linger on the tub of lotion; it remained on her hands, as if he could see the unspoken battle she waged every day.

"Your hands," he said, his voice a low rumble that seemed to resonate within her chest. "They're dry."

"You really are preceptive Mr. Spymaster."

Her voice was a gentle tease, but there was an edge of vulnerability to it that she hadn't meant to reveal.

She quickly turned her attention back to her task, her eyes darting around to ensure no one else had noticed her odd behavior. But his gaze remained fixed on her, his silence more profound than any words could ever be.

"Let me," he offered, holding out a large, calloused hand.

His palm was a stark contrast to hers—marred by scars and burn marks, a testament to his own battles.

Her heart skipped a beat as she handed over the lotion, their fingers brushing briefly. He took her hand in his, his grip firm yet gentle, and began to apply the cream.

His touch was surprisingly tender, each stroke deliberate and soothing. She watched as the lotion disappeared into her skin, leaving a trail of softness in its wake.

"You should tell someone," he said, his voice softer than she had ever heard it. "They can help."

"It's nothing," she replied, trying to pull her hand away.

But he held firm, his gaze never leaving hers.

"It's just something I deal with."

"But you don't have to deal with it alone," Azriel insisted, his grip tightening slightly. "I can see the torment it causes you. It's clear you're fighting something more than the cold."

She swallowed hard, her pulse racing.

No one had ever cared enough to notice, let alone speak about it. The realization was both comforting and terrifying.

"It's... It's just contamination... it's nothing to worry about."

He studied her for a moment, his eyes searching hers.

"Is that all it is?"

"It's just... I need to keep my hands clean. It's a compulsion." The words tumbled out of her, a confession she had never uttered to anyone before.

She felt a weight lift from her shoulders, but also a deep fear of what he might think. Would he judge her, pity her, or worse, think her weak?

But Azriel's expression remained steadfast, a rare softness etched into his features. He finished applying the lotion to her other hand and gave it a gentle squeeze before letting go.

"It's not nothing," he said firmly. "But I won't push you if you're not ready to share."

The silence that followed was heavy with unspoken understanding.

They both knew they had just shared something deeply personal, something that had the power to either bond them or drive them apart. She looked down at her now-moisturized hands, the flakes of skin settled, and felt a sense of gratitude towards him that she couldn't quite put into words.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely audible.

"It's the least I can do," Azriel replied, his eyes never leaving hers.

He tucked the lotion back into her pocket before turning to reveal his own hands.

They were a map of his life, etched with the scars and burns from years of fighting and serving in the shadows. He held them up to the fading light, showing her the stark contrast between them.

"My hands have seen their own battles," he said, his voice laced with a hint of sadness.

Her gaze traced the jagged lines that crisscrossed his palms, the burns that had long ago turned to scars. She could see the pain in his eyes, a pain that was not just physical, but one that ran much deeper.

"They're beautiful," she murmured, surprised by her own words.

He raised an eyebrow.

"Beautiful?" He repeated the word as if it were foreign to him. "They're my failures."

"No," she said, her voice firm. "They're your strengths, your proof of survival. They tell a story."

He stared at his hands for a long moment, contemplating her words.

"But they ache," he finally admitted, his voice a quiet confession. "The tightness, especially when the cold sets in..."

"I know," she said with a nod of understanding. "I have my own remedies, but I've never found anything that truly works."

The rest of the day passed in a blur of preparations, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between her and Azriel. His gesture of kindness had been so unexpected, yet it felt as if it had been the most natural thing in the world for him to do.

As they worked side by side, she found herself stealing glances at his hands, wondering if he felt the same discomfort she did.

The winter solstice had arrived, bringing with it a biting cold that seemed to seep into the very marrow of their bones.

The inner circle had gathered around a roaring bonfire, the flames casting flickering shadows across the snow-covered ground.

Her eyes found Azriel across the bonfire, his cheeks flushed with the exertion of the day's festivities. He caught her gaze and flashed a rare smile, his teeth gleaming in the firelight.

The sight of him, so carefree and happy, warmed her more than the blaze before them.

But she noticed his hands—clenched into fists at his sides, the tightness of his skin around his knuckles a stark reminder of his own silent struggle.

The snowball fight had been a highlight, a playful reprieve from their usual solemn duties. But she knew that beneath the jesting and camaraderie, his hands must have suffered.

Approaching him, she offered a warm mug of mulled wine.

"Your hands look like they could use a break," she said with a knowing smile.

He took the mug with a nod of thanks, his eyes never leaving hers.

"They ache," he admitted, "but the victory was worth it."

Her own hands felt tight, the cold air exacerbating her skin. She pulled out her tub of lotion and began to apply it, watching as the flakes of skin disappeared once again. But this time, she didn't do it in secret. This time, she did it openly, as if daring anyone to judge her for her compulsion.

"These are for you," she said, holding out a small, velvet pouch. "I had Thesan enchant it."

He took the pouch with curiosity, his eyes narrowing slightly as he felt the weight of the contents within.

"What is it?"

"An oil," she said with a soft smile.

"It's supposed to soothe the tightness of scar tissue." She watched as he pulled out a small vial and opened it, the scent of something warm and earthy filling the air.

His eyes widened as he took in the deep, amber liquid.

"You had this made for me?"

"It's the least I could do," she said, echoing his earlier words. "You've been so kind to me, and I noticed how much your hands hurt."

With a nod of understanding, Azriel dropped a small amount of the oil onto his palm. He tentatively touched the scarred skin of his hands, his eyes closing as he felt the warmth spread.

"It feels... amazing," he murmured, his voice filled with wonder.

Her heart swelled with pride and relief. She had hoped it would help, had spent hours with Thesan perfecting the enchantment.

"It's a blend of arnica and comfrey oil, with a hint of magic to penetrate deeper."

He nodded, his eyes still closed, savoring the sensation. "It's perfect." He looked at her, his gaze intense. "Thank you."

No was the infamous Spymaster. He knew everyone. Yet no one truly knew him.

Y/N did. She always saw him. Noticed him.

Y/N was always there.

She ducked her head, feeling a blush creep up her neck.

"It's nothing," she mumbled.

But Azriel didn't let the subject drop. He studied her for a moment before speaking again,

"You're always looking out for others, but who looks out for you?"

The question hung in the air, heavy with meaning. She took a sip of her wine, the warmth spreading through her chest, and considered her response.

"I manage," she said, her voice a little too bright.

"But you shouldn't have to manage alone," he said, his eyes searching hers. "Not with something like this."

"It's just OCD," she said, trying to downplay it. "It's nothing compared to the battles you face."

"Our battles are different," Azriel said, his voice low and serious. "But that doesn't make yours any less significant. We all have our demons, some we carry in plain sight, others we hide away."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, intricately carved box. The wood was dark and gleaming, the edges inlaid with shimmering silver that caught the firelight.

"This is for you," he said, holding it out to her.

Her eyes widened in surprise.

"What is it?" she breathed, reaching out to take the box.

It was surprisingly warm to the touch, as if it had been cradled in his hand for hours.

With a gentle smile, Azriel opened the box to reveal a small bottle of lotion nestled in velvet.

"It's an enchanted lotion," he explained. "Looks like Thesan helped both of us. This is supposed to lock in the moisture, no matter how much you wash your hands."

Her eyes lit up with hope as she took the bottle, her trembling fingers tracing the delicate silver runes etched into the glass.

"This is... I don't know what to say," she whispered.

"Say you'll use it," he said, his voice firm yet gentle. "You deserve to find some comfort."

Her heart fluttered as she looked up at him, his eyes holding hers with an intensity that made her feel seen. She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Thank you," she murmured.

As they stood there, the warmth from the fire and the newfound warmth between them seemed to create a bubble of comfort around them.

She could feel the eyes of the others in the inner circle on them, curiosity and speculation in their gazes.

But she didn't care. For the first time in a long while, she felt understood, accepted, and even a little bit cared for.

"Let's sit," Azriel suggested, gesturing to a bench nearby. "Give it a try."

Her heart pounded as she sat beside him, the warmth from his body seeping into her side. She unscrewed the cap of the enchanted lotion, the sweet scent of vanilla and sandalwood wafting out.

Carefully, she applied a dollop to her palm, feeling the rich cream sink into her skin. It was unlike any lotion she had ever used, cool and calming, as if it were whispering reassurances to her very soul.

As she rubbed the lotion into her cracked hands, Azriel's gaze remained on her, a hint of something unreadable in his eyes. It was as if he was memorizing the sight of her, the way the firelight played across her features, the way her eyes lit up when she talked about her potions, and the way her hands looked after being coated in the magical balm.

"Better?" he asked, his voice a gentle rumble in the cold night air.

"Much," she replied, smiling genuinely as she examined her now-softened skin. "It feels like a miracle. I never thought my hands would be truly moisturized again."

"I'm not one for miracles," Azriel said with a small smile, "but I'm happy it helps."

They sat in comfortable silence, their breaths coming out in little puffs of mist in the cold air. She noticed the way the flames danced in his eyes, the way his scarred hands looked less harsh in the flickering light.

Without thinking, she reached over and took his hand, the one that wasn't wrapped around the warm mug of wine.

His fingers were large and rough, a stark contrast to her small, smooth ones. But the moment their skin touched, she felt a connection, a silent understanding that went deeper than words.

He looked at her, surprise flickering in his eyes before they softened.

He didn't pull away, instead, he entwined his fingers with hers, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. The heat from his palm seemed to meld with the magical warmth of the lotion, sending a rush of comfort up her arm and into her chest.

@azrielappreciationweek

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[aishangotome]

Matthias Ausprink: As Long As You Don't Break The Law...

From A Hidden Oath: King of the BEAST (2024 Election) - Collection Event

—

(What is she doing now?)

As I walk through the familiar streets, the face of my only female friend comes to mind.

(Is she looking at this falling snow, just like me?)

(Is she breathing out white breaths, shivering from the cold?)

(If so, I wish I was there. If I was by her side, I would gently take her hand and warm her cold fingertips...)

At that moment, the image of her in my mind smiled softly -

Emma: No, it wasn't me!

When I turned my gaze, the woman I had been picturing was there, but with a bewildered expression, different from what I had imagined.

(Miss Emma, I'm glad to see you, but...)

Shopkeeper: Someone saw you break my merchandise. Confess.

Shopkeeper: If you try to run, I'll hand you over to the officials as a criminal.

(Is she being falsely accused?)

Emma: But...

The moment I saw her face turn pale as if she had lost all hope, my body moved on instinct.

Matthias: Wait, let me hear her side of the story.

When I stood in front of her protectively, she blinked in surprise.

Emma: Prince Matthias!

Matthias: You are not a person who would break the law. Therefore, I am on your side.

Matthias: It's okay, calm down and explain the situation to me.

When she looked straight into my large eyes and slowly spoke, the tension in her expression eased a little.

Afterward, I heard the situation from her, the store owner, and the people around them, and investigated the scene ---

-

Emma: Prince Matthias, thank you very much.

After clearing her name of the false accusation of "breaking the merchandise" and catching the real culprit, she bowed deeply with a formal expression.

Matthias: You don't need to thank me.

Matthias: Maintaining order is one of my jobs.

Matthias: Protecting good and righteous people is a natural thing to do as a man of Ausprink.

"Righteous people should be protected," it is also stipulated in the family precepts.

No matter who the other person was, I would have done the same thing.

(But, I may have lacked composure.)

(Normally, I would have checked the situation a little more before stepping in...)

Emma: I can't help but express my gratitude.

Emma: I was relieved when you came, Prince Matthias, when I was feeling uneasy.

Emma: Also, I was very happy when you said you were on my side.

The moment she smiled like a blooming flower, it felt like the temperature in this place suddenly rose.

For a moment, I was surprised to think that the falling snow had stopped, but there was no way that could happen.

(Is it me who is hot...?)

At the same time that I became aware of it, the question that had just arisen was also solved.

(The reason my body moved before I checked the situation was probably because I wanted to bring back this smile as soon as possible.)

Matthias: You and I are friends.

(It's not uncommon for women I meet at evening parties to smile at me, but I've never felt this way.)

(...Female friends are great.)

Emma: Hehe, you're right. But if that's the case, I feel the same way.

Emma: No matter when, no matter what happens, I am on Prince Matthias's side. Because we are friends.

(No matter when, no matter what happens, huh...)

The reason I ruminated on it in my heart was that I couldn't agree with those words.

(It's true that I think friends are allies. But there are exceptions.)

(If the other person breaks the law.)

In the past, I have judged many "former" friends who broke the law.

They were uniformly despairing when I imposed harsh sentences on my former friends.

(What I did was right. Criminals are not allies, but enemies.)

After thinking that far, I glanced at her smiling in front of me.

(She is not a person who would break the law. But if she did break the law...)

(Would I capture her, consider her an "enemy," and punish her?)

(...Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn't be a guardian of the law.)

(If you commit a crime, I will take away your warm smile myself.)

(No, not just a smile...)

Matthias: ...................

Matthias: ...Miss Emma, please never do anything that would break the law.

(I promise to be on your side as long as you don't break the law.)

(So... please.)

Emma: Of course, that's my intention... but that was very sudden, wasn't it?

Matthias: No, I just thought of it again. That's right, I'll give you a lecture again sometime.

Matthias: If you don't have enough knowledge, you might unconsciously break the law.

Emma: Um, thank you, but...

Matthias: After the lecture, why don't we eat sweets at a café? After using your brain a lot, it's best to take in sugar.

Matthias: There's a shop with an interior that you'd like, with a snowflake motif.

Matthias: In a romantic atmosphere, the two of us snuggled up... ahem, how about sometime next week?

Emma: Hehe, I'd love to join you. I'm looking forward to it.

Matthias: Yes, I'm very much... looking forward to it too.

Just having a plan with her makes the future seem even brighter.

(As expected, female friends are great.)

As I walked slowly through the snowy city, I gently tucked away the treasure-like moment in my heart.

FIN

[drdemonprince]

I recently finished reading your book Unlearning Shame, and I absolutely loved it. I found the conceptual framework of Internalized Shame and your techniques for it so very helpful, especially when most ideas of mental health (anxiety and depression, trauma, etc.) have seemed insufficient and useless to me.

However, there was one thing that kind of bugged me the whole way through reading it. Your primary focus was the shame people face as part of marginalization, but often, this too felt insufficient for me. Like, I do face a lot of this flavor of shame: I'm an autistic trans woman, feeling like I'm cringey or childish or creepy or obscene or whatever are things that bug me daily, and restrict a lot of my freedom.

However, a lot of the shame I deal with stems from some kind of awful things I've done in the past, and this is perhaps the loneliest and most difficult kind of shame I deal with. To be fair, I think a lot of this has been very closely linked to my marginalization: people would interpret genuine mistakes of mine as signs I was some awful, manipulative predator, and quickly oust me from their friend groups as a result. If I had been an allistic cis man I would have faced far gentler behavior, or at least far more people would have justified the shit I did.

Regardless, very little in the book dealt with shame tied to guilt and wrongdoing. I remember there was mostly just this one tantalizing line about how even previous members of neonazi groups can benefit from speaking shame, but other than that, I didn't see much.

So my question here is, do you know how to deal with the shame of doing something really bad, and facing the consequences?

Thank you for asking, I'm glad you liked the book!

There are answers for you throughout the book, I think. Arguably, many of the examples of shame I outline involve feeling regret or shame over one's actions. People who do not recycle "enough" and feel profound shame and anxiety about it are people who have done something "wrong," in their minds. So are people who have repeated internalized transphobic/racist/fatphobic/etc messages to other people who share the same identities as them. These people's actions are systemically caused, and they are suffering from those same systemic forces that provoked them to take actions they feel bad about.

You aren't any more morally culpable than any of them, and you aren't qualitatively different from them -- even if you are likely telling yourself that what you did is so much "worse" and so much less justified.

You can find much of the advice that I apply to people who feel ashamed about an experience (a rape survivor, say), apply equally to you as someone who might have done something you view as "wrong." You can also look to the material in chapters 7 and 8 about finding grace and perspective for others who have done wrong to us, and apply much of that yourself. A person must be held in community before they can be held accountable, for example. Understanding the circumstances that contributed to your behavior is important, which it sounds like you've already done some work on, as is contemplating the needs you were attempting to meet with your actions, and the social supports you currently still need in order to move forward.

If someone has taken actions that go against even their own morals and they feel profoundly ashamed about it, I'd say they are generally still in a state of far-reaching systemic shame that goes far deeper and requires far more healing and support than just addressing the morality of their own actions. There's usually a lot of shame about one's identities, deprivation one is facing, fears of abandonment and attachment insecurities, and other major issues going on. Because a person wouldn't just violate their own moral precepts for no good reason.

No one wants to feel that they are a horrible person according to their own personal standards of goodness. A person's actions always make sense within their own context, and so when someone does something "wrong," either they have done something that they do not actually believe to be wrong, but fear societal judgement for, or they have been pushed to the brink by extreme distress, deprivation, abuse, indoctrination, political repression, exclusion, or likely a combination of those things.

I hope this is making sense. If you feel ashamed of something you have done, you need the exact same healing, safe vulnerability, social support, and trust as someone who is ashamed about something over which they have no control. There is no difference, you are no more deserving of that shame, and shame still will not prevent you from changing your behavior for the better. You can believe wholly that your actions in the past were wrong, and uphold your current values in the present, without deserving to feel any more shame about it.

[jaynovz]

Madi Fic Rec List

Well hello again! I’ve been compiling this list for quite awhile, but I finally sat down to finish it. 

To me, Madi is characterized by this strict balance between her fiery spirit and the poise she must display as someone raised from birth to be a leader, to be royalty. She’s wicked smart, but also desperately young and inexperienced. She’s thoughtful and conscientious, but with an underlying desire to just go, explore the world, be part of something big, and effect change for her people.

Anyway I just love Madi a lot, and these are some of my favorite stories featuring her in the fandom. They’ve been helpfully categorized into sub-sections! 

Enjoy~~

--

Madi-centric:

Burial at sea by le_mru:

Summary: Two years after Skeleton Island, Madi sets out to find Flint and recover the treasure for the Maroon community, Flint is adjusting to a life after death, and Silver interferes as usual.

in a vault of starlight by whimsicalimages:

Summary: The distance between Nassau and Savannah can be measured as: six hundred and thirteen nautical miles, five thousand pounds’ worth of pearls, or four extraordinary lifetimes.

Alternatively: in the aftermath, Madi writes her own story.

Lightbringer Verse by ElDiablito_SF:

Summary: After failing to fix her relationship with Silver, Madi sets off to find Captain Flint again.

i’m a black ocean leaping and wide by loosedindecember:

Summary: ��I am going to Jamaica,” she tells Long John Silver, pirate-killer and pirate king, “and I will have my war after all. And you are going to help me.”

Madi gets her war, and a life beyond war, too.

Quid Pro Quo by annbonny:

Summary: "Trust is a strong word, particularly pertaining to pirates.

She trusts John Silver, but with every day that passes, she is gradually realising that he may not always be around. If Flint ends up killing him- or more likely, she suspects, they kill each other- who will guarantee that the alliance will hold? What is to keep Teach from wiping out her and her people when he feels they inconvenience him?”

OR: Madi adjusts to her role as queen. It is a steep learning curve.

armed with the past and the will by whimsicalimages:

Summary: The language of winning and losing, this language that men favor – Madi can speak this language, though she disagrees with its precepts. Success takes different forms, and failing once does not mean failing forever. It does not even mean failing the next time.

lacuna by doomcountry:

Summary: Madi loves him, and that is her misery. She hates him, too, and the two are at war without ceasing in her breast; the torment, now, after sixteen years together all told, is that it has all dulled, all settled out like water undisturbed.

SilverMadi:

Where There Is Great Love by stele3:

Summary: A brief interlude in the Tether series that jumps back in time to...establish certain things.

“Do you not have a comb?”

Twitching with surprise, Silver turns. The princess—Madi—stands on the shoreline, only a few feet away. Silver quickly glances around and finds her bodyguard standing back near the treeline. Kofi, that’s his name. (Stoic man, much taller than Silver, always has a knife and knows how to use it. Silver would need the captain or Billy with him to survive an encounter.)

He smiles for the princess. “I fear that would only make the problem worse. We had little to eat in the doldrums, and that made all of this quite breakable.” He gestures to his hair but lets his hand trail longer through the air. Better that she think them weak and easily overcome. If his own body is to be a metaphor, well, at least he finds it apt.

Love and Kindness by Wildehack:

Summary: “This is insulting,” John complains, as Madi fastens the shackles around his wrists, looping a chain through to the hook in the bulwark above his bed. “I’m not rabid.”

(Or: the inevitable sex-pollen AU.)

anything for your queen by urca:

Summary: the Silvermadi pegging fic, as promised!

lover please do not fall to your knees by lucystonersix:

Summary: Despite themselves, despite everything, Madi and Silver fall in love. Missing scenes, with spoilers only through the end of season 3.

Into the Blue Blue Sea by Magnetism_bind:

Summary: Madi slowly realizes she's drawn to the pirate with the blue eyes.

FlintMadi:

Maybe in Another Life by samedifference61:

Summary: At the rail of a ship James doesn’t command, they stand shoulder to shoulder.

"John still thinks you’re dead,” James states, because it’s something that needs to be said aloud before they continue.

With eyes unblinking toward the rolling sea, Madi says, “And he still thinks you should be dead.”

James’ lip curls in anger. The wounds of betrayal are too fresh for either to say anymore.

your legs are the north star by jaynovz:

Summary: Then there’s a hand on his shoulder, warmth seeping through his shirt. He peers up into deep solemn eyes. Madi. They've struggled, side by side, ruling in concert, for weeks. Through the toil of retaking Nassau, hardening themselves from this feeling which weakens his knees in its intensity, the sheer hopelessness swamping him like dark waves.

Flint cannot let himself fall away into the abyss, he cannot fade and forget. There is at least one thing left, standing strong and entrenched as a mangrove tree, even as she mirrors his own sorrow.

"Come, Captain, it is late. Let us rest."

taking orders by le_mru:

Summary: Written for the Black Sails Rare Pair Week:

“To be entirely frank,” Madi says, her voice loud and clear in the silence of the evening, “I am concerned if you can take orders, Captain.”

“Orders?” He scoffs. “From whom? Blackbeard?”

There has been some discussion around making Teach Admiral of the fleet, which Flint was, of course, firmly against.

“No.” Madi takes a step to the side and turns graciously, facing him fully. “From me.”

she hangs upon the cheek of night by ElDiablito_SF:

Summary: Madi won't let Flint sleep, but he secretly doesn't mind.

(Set after 4x05)

Line of Sight by samedifference61:

Summary: Flint leans in close so the others won’t hear him. “She wants me to teach her how to use a blade.”

Or, Flint finds it difficult to refuse Madi, and Silver has insecurities.

On Gossamer Wings by khazadspoon:

Summary: It was the first time he had seen a woman naked since Miranda.

Miranda had been slender. Her skin was pale and soft, her hands lightly calloused but still delicate when they touched him. She had been commanding in her sexuality and he had loved her because of it. She had taken control from him, taken the reins and lead their lovemaking with confident and caring hands.

But Madi… Madi was not Miranda.

stitched with its color by x_etoile_x:

Summary: He is my friend too.

She’d reached out to him for the first time after he’d said those damning words, slipping her small hand into his and leaning against his side. Had duty not pulled them back into the world, he thinks they might yet be standing on that beach, like silent watchers in some myth, fading away to nothing with their eyes fixed on the sea.

-

The scene where Madi tells Flint that Silver is alive.

let it rain, cuz you and I remain the same by jaynovz:

Summary: “We have some time yet to wait,” Madi says, taking note of the sun’s position. Their contact isn’t due at the tavern until after dark.

James strides over to the bookshelf. "What would you suggest?" he asks, humming. He strokes a finger along the spines. "I bought a new book in the last port. If you wish, I could read it aloud." James casts her a hopeful smile over his shoulder, standing at a loose parade rest, eyes crinkled and warm.

Madi is so helplessly fond of him in this moment, the way he brims with excitement at the thought of such a simple pleasure. It is appealing, she admits, the thought of settling against James’ sturdy chest as he reads to her, feeling his voice rumble against her back while Madi is charged with turning the pages. Madi stretches languidly and rises from her seat. As much as she enjoys that type of quiet domesticity, she has a more adventurous suggestion for how to pass the time. In truth, it’s something that she's been considering for a while.

Madi cuts James a sly glance as she approaches. "Do you remember the time I caught you in here with John?"

something beyond by eleutherya:

Summary: "The bay isn’t visible from the rebel encampment, but he faces it as surely as a compass points north. Up on the fort, Flint stands with his back straight and his shoulders set, his hands folded neatly behind him. He stands there as though, if he simply waits long enough, if he hopes hard enough, the sea will return John Silver to him."

Madi and Flint have a discussion about grief after losing John Silver. Set directly after 4x01.

By Faith of My Body by x_etoile_x

Summary: Flint is unmoored in the aftermath of the battle on Maroon Island, struggling with grief and his troubled relationship with Silver. Discovering an unexpected bond with Madi prompts a difficult conversation, and perhaps the start of a new friendship. But what evolves between them quickly becomes more complicated, and Flint is forced to confront parts of himself he'd thought buried.

This fic started as a response to a prompt asking for more FlintMadi content, with a special request for non-sexual BDSM, building on the special deference he shows her and the beliefs they share. However, the dynamics between all three characters are explored and it's building toward OT3.

Written for the Built On Sand Black Sails Event 2023

OT3, MadiSilverFlint:

I’m getting tired, and i need somewhere to begin by lacecat:

Summary: Madi watches him steadily as he approaches her. “Perhaps one day,” she begins, but cuts herself off with a swallow, blinking back tears. They won’t be able to fill the hole between them, but maybe they can try to build around it, accommodate it.

He lays a rough palm on her cheek, gentle. He loves her so much. “Perhaps,” Silver says, even though they both know it’s the furthest from a promise. They have survived on far less, after all.

how we could be brought here by love by mapped:

Summary: A 4x03 AU where Flint receives a minor injury in the battle of Nassau Town and Silver is very shaken by it.

I wish for once we could stay gold by jaynovz:

Summary: Madi has discovered that pirates truly are a grimy bunch, but her two have managed to keep fairly clean the last few months when they had access to fresh water.

The governor’s mansion is filled with bustle, men scurrying about, seeking answers from both Captain Flint and their new King, but there is time enough to steal them away. Time enough this evening for some respite, to cleanse the grief and violence from the last few days alongside the dirt.

Good Morning by bana05:

Summary: As Madi prepares to take care of her lovers, they instead decide to take care of her first.

the only way out is the way back in by samedifference61:

Summary: And Silver obviously means to further agitate Flint’s state when he says, “Do you know what she said to me this morning? She said, ‘I cannot understand why the two of you have not been intimate yet.’”

a shared bath, a conversation about death, and a promise

a three way knot by jauneclair:

Summary: Flint knits; Silver pries; and Madi secretly doesn't mind at all.

your heart is the only place I call home by vowelinthug:

Summary: Madi learns the secret of John Silver's past: he used to be the worst.

pass on your way, then, with a smiling face by youremyqueen:

Summary: Flint sleeps in the spare room until he doesn't.

join your hands to your hearts by jauneclair:

Summary: Madi's approach to diplomacy in negotiating relationships is not what Flint expected.

Two Points In Space by illgiveyouallofme:

Summary: Since Silver returned from the dead, Madi has watched him and Flint dance around each other. She decides to take matters into her own hands.

And then everyone takes some things into their own hands.

--

As always, if you have a potential inclusion, feel free to DM me and I will check it out! Thanks.

[lunastrophe]

What kind of education do young drow receive in the underdark? I imagine the noble houses employ their own tutors, but what kind of schooling can those of lesser means expect? What is life like for drow children in general?

🕷️ Early Education - as for the education of young Lolth-sworn drow from noble houses, there is some information about it in R. A. Salvatore's Homeland, in chapters about Drizzt's childhood. For young drow from families of lower station, things are probably somewhat similar.

Drow children, especially sons, are not raised by their mothers, unless probably the family is very small and poor, or the mother has low social status. The child is typically raised by weanmother - usually older sister or other female relative. Daughters, especially the first daughter, most likely receive more attention from their mothers.

For the first ten years or so, the child learns basic things about living in drow society and about Way of Lolth:

"For five long years Vierna devoted almost every waking moment to the care of baby Drizzt. In drow society, this was not so much a nurturing time as an indoctrinating time. The child had to learn basic motor and language skills, as did children of all the intelligent races, but a drow elf also had to be grilled on the precepts that bound the chaotic society together. In the case of a male child such as Drizzt, Vierna spent hour after endless hour reminding him that he was inferior to the drow females. Since almost all of this portion of Drizzt’s life was spent in the family chapel, he encountered no males except during times of communal worship. Even when all in the house gathered for the unholy ceremonies, Drizzt remained silent at Vierna’s side, with his gaze obediently on the floor. When Drizzt was old enough to follow commands, Vierna’s workload lessened. Still, she spent many hours teaching her younger brother - presently they were working on the intricate facial, hand, and body movements of the silent code. Often, though, she just set Drizzt about the endless task of cleaning the domed chapel." (R. A. Salvatore, Homeland)

In commoner's house, a child is most likely expected to help in household chores, but does not live as secluded life as a child of noble family and has more contact with other children.

🕷️ Indoctrination - "Beyond the supremacy of female drow (a lesson always accentuated by the wicked snake-headed whip), the most compelling lessons were those concerning the surface elves, the faeries. Evil empires often bound themselves in webs of hate toward fabricated enemies, and none in the history of the world were better at it than the drow. From the first day they were able to understand the spoken word, drow children were taught that whatever was wrong in their lives could be blamed on the surface elves."

Drow education often involves beatings - male children typically receive beatings more often, "to be taught their place".

🕷️ Free Time - drow children are allowed to play in their free time. Toddlers play, for example, on the floor with deep rothé bones (mentioned in Archmage). Female children often play together - some popular girls' games are called Stalking Spider and Flay the Slave (mentioned in The Lady Penitent, don't remember which book though).

Sources rarely mention drow children and what they do in their free time, though.

🕷️ Serving The Household - after ten years, the weanmother relinquishes care of the child. It is also the time when drow child is typically considered old enough to be given a bit more serious duties. In case of male children, including sons of noble houses, that usually involves serving the household.

Children of noble houses usually start their lessons in using their innate magic abilities when they are around ten.

🕷️ Training - this period of servitude / early education ends when a young drow is sixteen. Then mother officially accepts her child as a member of the house. In noble houses, it involves a formal family meeting in the chapel and a ceremony during which the young drow receives the house piwafwi. In families of lower station, there is probably also some kind of a ceremony for that occassion, but not as grand.

It is also the moment when the mother makes decisions about the child's future - what training the youg drow is going to receive and how she or he is going to serve the family. In noble houses, sons are typically trained to be warriors or wizards, and daughters - to be priestesses. They are students of house weapon master, house wizard or first priestess until they are old enough to start their education in the Academy.

In families of lower station, it is most likely the time when a young drow officially starts apprenticeship.

[microwavingtoniii]

Was thinking about this post and dear god that was incorrect, so I did a better assessment of how good Zote would be as a roommate and did the other characters because I kinda just wanted to

The Knight: Rooming with the Knight is pretty much just adopting an outdoor cat, so if you’re into that then great! But they also kill civilians and steal their money so maybe not, the good thing is you won’t face legal repercussions for this, the downside is that they will and this roommate situation will be cut short when they get taken to jail for killing people, or alternatively they kill police and you just aren’t safe anymore 1/10

Hornet: Not much to note, she’d probably fall somewhere between hating you and tolerating you and will kill less people hopefully. She seems mentally stable enough to get a regular job with stable pay, and seems like the type to help with rent and chores, also you will be safe from home intruders pretty much forever, overall she’s 4 stars

Quirrel: Quirrel is cool, will vibe with you and has the lowest chance of starting fights to the death with your neighbors, but considering how much he travels around, he probably won’t pay for anything or do chores because he’s too busy wandering, but lets assume he does stay home, his ass will not get a real job, he is selling random shit he found to random people and will somehow figure out a way to help with food and rent. Also he’ll help with chores because he’s chill like that and could probably cook at least a few good meals, he’s a good option, 2 Michelin Stars

Grimm: A cultist will move into your area and start fires whilst trying to convince you to join his religion. He won’t help you in any way unless you join the troupe because his ass isn’t even moving in with you, he’ll just set up his tent outside your house and yell at you about rituals. If you do join the troupe then you’ll be fine, but that depends on how much you’re willing to join a cult. He gets a 0%

Zote: This whole thing was inspired by my Zote hypothetical and I said he was good, but that implies that 1: You can convince him to pay rent (which would be borderline impossible) and 2: You can put up with his constant yelling about precepts. This bitch will criticize you for literally everything, you couldn’t walk to the kitchen without being told which precepts you’re breaking, he will eat all your food and call you a bitch certified F Tier

Hollow Knight: The Knight but bigger and scarier and more fucked up. You will wake up with their internals splattered on your face because they’re stabbing themselves instead of sleeping. There is infection and bug juice on your floors and they aren’t gonna do anything about it, they get a 0/100

[wolfcubx2]

Until eternity ends

The Fountain of Youth - a beautiful clear mystic pool that can grant eternal life. A single priceless existence or a least that is what most believe. The True fountain of youth is not a singular existence and it most definitely has a price. Every Fountain has their curse.

One the curse of insanity.

One the curse of need.

Another the curse of blood.

A millennia ago a war was fought for one such existence. A millennia ago it's once clear waters bled crimson, and the land around filled with a perpetual resentment.

An age ago a young man was thrown in to this mound of resentment. Bathed in a power no other had controlled before, his mind on empathy instead of domination he drank from this cursed pool. In this he found both death and immortality.. he became a progenitor of a new race.

This is the story of the Yiling Wei Sect, of the Yiling Patriarch (Guāngyǐng-Mo.. Wei Wuxian) and his Husband the immortal Hanguang-jun (Lan Wangji).

Lan Wangji was the prodigie of the Lan Sect, one of it's precious jades, someone who knew the precepts of his ancestors by heart. In fact as a child he had spent many hours reciteing them. That was why he was absolutely certain he was breaking at least seven of those rules currently, most involving the invasion of another's privacy... the last having to do with the fact that he was technically running.

'But that is something that can not be helped',..

Or at least that was what Lan Wangji was telling himself. He was only following Wei Ying out of concern for his heath.

The day Lan Wangji and Jiang Wanyin had found Wei Wuxian, he had been all to thin and deathly pale. In the months since his return his condition had barely improved and in the recent days it seemed to have worsened. Which was why when Lan Wangji saw Wei Ying running into the forest outside of camp, he could not help but follow.

"*gag*"

By the time Lan Wangji caught up with Wei Wuxian, he was clinging to the side of a tree gaging and coughing up the small amount of food Lan Wangji had seen him eat that night. The thought flashed in his mind that this was likely an effect of the other's use of resentment, but he shook it off. Wei Ying's health was more important right now and he could not afford to fight with him if he had taken ill.

"Wei Ying."

Lan Wangji voice seemed to startle the other as he jumped backwards stumbling. Wei Wuxian would have crumbled to the ground completely had Lan Wangji not rushed forward to catch him.

"Lan zhan..?"

Wei Wuxian was freezing to the touch and his eyes unfocused in a way that reminded Lan Wangji all to keenly of his fever after their fight with the Xuanwu of Slaughter. It was worse than he had thought,..

"Wei Ying... "

"Lan Zhan your so.. warm."

The younger seemed almost dazed by their contact. It was almost ironic considering how he had acted in the past.

"Mn"

Lan Wangji adjusted the other in his arms as he made to stand, he would take Wei Ying to the healers immediately. However as he made to transfer him some of his spiritual energy he froze. Dread suddenly coursed through his veins, thoughts filling his mind were almost to much to bear.

'Was I to late?'

He felt sick... had his inability to express himself... Had he let his beloved ruin himself in his- it took everything in Lan Wangji to look down.

"Wei.. Ying"

But Wei Ying was staring back at him, mercury eyes watched Lan Wangji with the same emotions he felt. Then suddenly everything made a terrible sort of sense. Wei Ying had always been so sure he could pay any price that would come his new cultivation... but how could one be so sure..how could he be so sure unless... the price had already been paid.

"Hey Lan Zhan... can you put me down?"

Lan Wangji nodded and did as he was asked his mind realing.

"Wei Ying .. wha-"

The sentence stuck in his throat. In response Wei Wuxian let out a somewhat bitter laugh one hand coming up to rub his arm.

"I think you already know the answer to that, Lan Zhan."

Lan Wangji felt his heart sink, he didn't want to believe it, but how could he not when the proof was so obvious, so blaringly right infront of him in the shape of his beloved.

"Wei Ying"

There was a almost relived look on Wei Wuxian face. His grey eyes flickered over him, gauging him as he spoke.

"I always sort of figured it would be you, I mean you're you Lan Zhan and.. you'll make it quick right?.. *oh uh* if you want it to stick you should probably behead me so... *ah haha*."

Lan Wangji couldn't believe what he was hearing, what he was being asked to do. His mind felt muddled as he tried to processed everything. It hurt that Wei Ying would expect this of him.

"Will not kill Wei Ying."

He watched as a bit of hope flashed in the younger's silver eyes before Wei Ying's face darken and he gave another of those self-deprecating laughs.

"Right.. of course even if you do hate me, I'm a necessary tool for the campaign."

The words all but slapped Lan Wangji.

"Do not hate Wei Ying.. if- does"

Lan Wangji could not bring himself to finish the sentence, he promised himself that he would not let Wei Ying suffer, but only.. only if it was what the other truly wanted and that he would follow. On the other hand Wei Wuxian seemed frozen in shock.

"You don't? "

The question was quiet and hopeful but before Lan Wangji could answer Wei Wuxian came to his own conclusions.

"Ah right there was a rule about that wasn't there."

Wei Ying was correct but Lan Wangji couldn't help but dispises the way that caused the other to wilt.

"Not a Rule, like Wei Ying."

Wei Wuxian brighten immediately and as much as the sight brought Lan Wangji joy it also hurt knowing that was it took to bring light back to his beloved. This was something he should have done months ago, but instead he.. he was being stubborn. In his worry Lan Wangji had never stopped to question why the other would go down such a path, because of that he had added to the suffering Wei Ying's condition and secret caused.

"Wei Ying I-!!!"

Lan Wangji's words once again caught in his throat, as he watched Wei Wuxian doubled over in pain. How could he think of anything else when his love was still clearly suffering.

"Wei Ying what is wrong?"

"Lan.. zhan"

Wei Wuxian's voice had a lisp to it that hadn't been there before and his body was still in a way that told Lan Wangji he was holding his breath

"Lan zhan you- you need.. To go."

He muttered pushing him away, his eyes were flickering red like they did in battle, like when he used Demonic cultivation.

"Wei Ying.."

Wei Wuxian forced himself further away, the corners of his eyes tinging black. Lan Wangji hated how small, how scared this made the usually confidence cutavator looked.

"Lan Zhan.. please Lan zhan.. your not safe.. I-Im... so hun... I'll hurt- . "

He seemed more pained with every word.

"Wei Ying would not hurt me."

The younger startled slightly at his words, but then he was shaking is his head as if to deny Lan Wangji's trust.

"Please Lan Zhan.. please just.."

"Wei Ying what do you need?"

Wei Wuxian scrunched his eyes shut and shook his head.

"What do you need?"

" I- blood... Lan Zhan it's.. I need blood "

Wei Ying started at the ground not daring to even glance at Lan Wangji, worse than that was the resigned look that flashed across Wei Ying's face when he reached for Bichen. How he once again just excepted that Lan Wangji would kill him,...

"Lan Zhan! What-what did you do?"

Lan Wangji started at Wei Ying as he held out his sliced palm. His eyes had gone a crimson almost blood red as ink-like tears ran down his cheeks. He looked somewhere between horrified and shocked but his eyes never left the blood welling up on Lan Wangji palm.

"Drink Wei Ying."

Those crimson eyes flickered up towards his face once more before the hunger in them took over. Wei Wuxian surged forward at a speed a lesser cultivator could have never seen much less stopped, but Lan Wangji could only think it suited him.

'Wei Ying has always been agile.'

The second Wei Ying's mouth made contact with his palm Lan Wangji felt the scrape of what must have been fangs, but instead of the pain he had been expecting at sort of comfortable warmth spread through him. It was almost nostalgic, it reminded him of a once warm house, and the woman who lived there. Lan Wangji couldn't help but think that anyone under this venom, because it couldn't be anything else; would die happily.

"Wei Ying is good."

Lan Wangji muttered softly his thumb rubbing softly on an ink stained cheek. Wei Wuxian sobbed slightly into his palm. By the time Wei Ying had finished drinking Lan Wangji was slightly light headed and he was vaguely aware that if his core was weaker it would have never kept up with the blood loss.

'Any other would have been much more greatly affected. '

It felt like fate that he would be the one strong enough to give his beloved what he needed.

"How.. how could you...how could you..? *sob* Lan Zhan"

Wei Ying still had his face buried in his palm his saliva having longsence healed the wound.

"Wei Ying?"

The responding sob was enough of an answer. Lan Wangji was at something of a loss as for what to do.

"L-an *sniff* Zhan "

Currently Lan Wangji though his beloved looked very young (a somewhat hypocritical thought considering he was only ten months older), but his cheeks were fuller and the color had even returned to them. He seemed more alive than he had in months.

"That wasn't fair."

Wei Wuxian muttered glancing up from where he had been trying to bury his face in Lan Wangji's palm.

"Mn?"

Lan Wangji didn't have a clue about what nonsense Wei Ying was spouting. He thought it was very fair.

"Lan Zhan! your being way to nice, it's not fair."

"Mn.. is fair."

"Lan Zhan!!!"

This was the Wei Wuxian he had been worried about losing, he had just been wrong about the cause. It wasn't his new cultivation style, at least not completely, no it was this war in general. It was eating away at the kind and mischievous boy he had met on the walls of his own home.

"Wei Ying comforted me.. it is fair that I do the same."

"I did?"

Wei Wuxian tilted his head in confusion getting a nod from the other.

"*Oh * I guess I forgot? "

"Mn"

Lan Wangji though for a moment before holding out his arms in invitation. Wei Ying's response was instantaneous, his whole face lighting up as if he had been offered the greatest treasure, like this single hug was worth more than all the riches of the cultivation world.

"Lan Zhan!!!"

Wei Ying all but tackled him ink-like tears once again dripping down his face and soon staining Lan Wangji white robes with the mutter of a thousand thank yous.

"Wei.. Ying?"

It took a second for Lan Wangji to understand what had happened. To understand why the other seemed so.. he didn't know how to describe his reaction, but then it clicked. Wei Wuxian had always been a tactile person in all the way Lan Wangji himself was not. Clinging to anyone who would let him, and even with those who wouldn't he would still be seen patting their sholders or back. That had changed in the months since his return, he seemed to avoid touch and the few times someone had managed to Wei Ying had startle almost violently. Lan Wangji didn't know what had happened during those months but it had left the other traumatized and scared to touch others less his secrets be found out. So it almost made since that Wei Ying would react like this having been staving himself of touch.

"Hey Lan Zhan.. does this mean we're friends now?"

Lan Wangji blinked a bit at the boy in his lap, Wei Ying could not be this dense right. After all in this position, he was relying on ever ounce of his own self control and possibly a blessing from the heavens not to react in a way that would embarrasse both of them.

"Not friends. "

Wei Wuxian's face dropped and he pouted a bit. His now blood colored lips pointing out in a way that was almost too much of a temptation.

"Eh Lan Zhan that's not what you're supposed to say when you like someone."

"Mn like Wei Ying"

And suddenly Wei Ying was smiling that sunlight smile. Lan Wangji couldn't help but feel like he was on the edge of something that could be very dangerous..

"Then we're friends right!"

Lan Wangji almost wanted to sigh. A small part of him thought Wei Ying must be messing with him at this point, but Wei Wuxian wasn't that cruel.

"Wei Ying is playing dumb?"

"Eh no I'm not look I'm very talk a- ohh.. Lan Zhan did you want to be best friends. "

It was then that something clicked and Lan Wangji felt almost incredulous.

"Wei Ying is very.. innocent?"

"I-i'm not!!"

Wei Ying sputtered, his hands flailing around as if he could wave away Lan Wangji's assumption.

"I'm not and Lan Zhan.. and-And even if I was you can't say anything, I mean remember what happened to that spring book, so you can't say anything, and I'm not 'cause I definitely flirt more than Jiang Cheng."

"So Wei Ying is aware?"

Lan Wangji felt almost amused as he watched the other's reaction. Wei Wuxian's face had turned slightly red, a need to prove Lan Wangji wrong flashing in his silver eyes.

"Of course I am, I know flirting is how you decide if you want to court someone or not, and if you do you get married and do the sort of thing they do in Nie-xiong's spring books right? But how else am I supposed to make friends and Lan Zhan I even get snacks out of it sometimes. "

Lan Wangji wonder slightly if he had lost more blood than he thought. The world didn't seem to be making the sense it should.

"Wei Ying flirts for food."

"Lan Zhan!! You can't say it like that it makes me sound like some sort of begger, I am not anymore so you can't say it like that."

And just like that Wei Ying had dropped something else on his head. He had known the Jiang sect had taken his beloved in at some point after his parents death but he had realized what that had ment for Wei Ying.

"*ah* we should head back shouldn't we, I don't think anyone will be looking for me but it would do to have them thinking their Hanguang-jun has been carried off by Wens right."

Wei Wuxian stated with a laugh. He dusted himself off after standing before holding out a hand to help Lan Wangji. It wasn't necessary but he excepted anyway.

"*Ah!* Lan Zhan you should have said something I completely ruined your robes!"

"Mn"

"Lan Zhan!!! You not supposed to agree"

Wei Wuxian shreaked. Seeing this Lan Wangji smiled softly.

"Wei Ying."

"Yeah? "

"Want to help Wei Ying."

Wei Wuxian wilted slightly shrugging, they had argued over this topic just days ago.

"Ah Lan Zhan.."

"Wei Ying.."

"No Lan Zhan I need you to listen.. you felt it didn't you.. I'm not. I can't go back from this Lan Zhan. "

Wei Ying stated gesturing to himself.

"Mn"

"Don't Mn me, Lan Zhan... Don't you get it... I'm dead... I'm the same as the things I control.. I have been ever since Wen Cheo threw me in the Burial Mounds... your music can't change that, Lan Zhan. "

A sigh punctuated Wei Wuxian sentence. He stared at the ground once again not daring to look up.

"Wei Ying. "

"Hmm"

Lan Wangji moved slowly as he took the other's hand not wanting to startle him.

"Want to help Wei Ying, will not ask you to stop cultivating any more, and if my sect's music does not work then I am willing to try anything, whatever you need. Please just let me help, Wei Ying. "

A few seconds past before Wei Wuxian responded, but Lan Wangji saw the build up of black tears before they fell.

"Lan Zhan you fuddy-duddy."

He muttered wiping his arm across his eyes harshly. The black cloth of his sleeve didn't stain like the white of Lan silk.

"You keep making me cry you meany"

When Lan Zhan just blinked at him clearly unimpressed by his antics, Wei Wuxian let out a wet chuckle.

"Okay sure, but only if you promise to keep my secret... and.. maybe give me more hugs. "

It was odd to see the other look so shy.

"Mn promise. "

They both nodded, before the seriousness of the moment got Wei Wuxian and he began cackling.

"Haha sorry it's just your face looks so cute~ when you're serious, Lan Zhan. "

Wei Wuxian said wiping away the last of his tears.

"Does Wei Ying want more blood."

He blinked a bit.

"Huh?"

"Wei Ying flirts for food."

"Eh Lan Zhan~!!!"

.........

"A-Xian are you in there? "

Jiang Yanli asked as she pushed open the tent flap. Her A-Xian had changed since the war began, been hurt so much. Because unlike the many cultivators she could see how paper thin his smiles were, how the arrogance he exuded wasn't pride but protection... it had always been slightly so, but she was weak.

'If I was stronger then, maybe A-Xian wouldn't be carring the weight he does.'

Having never been the one to force A-Xian to tell her what or who was hurting him. She wasn't able to do so now, and it was becoming her greatest regret as she watched the boy she raised wither under the force of a war and its people who saw him as little more than a weapon.

"I'm here Shije. "

Wei Wuxian watched as his Shije nodded before glanceing at the bowl of broth she had brought. He hadn't been able to keep anything even remotely solid down since the Burial Mounds, Shije had picked up on that. Wei Wuxian suspected she suspected something, but his Shije was too kind to ask and he didn't have the heart to tell her.

'But now Lan Zhan knows so maybe it won't be so bad.'

"I was worried you'd made yourself sick again, but..."

Her hand made it's way up to his face. Jiang Yanli couldn't help the smile that made it's way onto her face at seeing the color returned to her A-Xian.

"My XiaoXian looks better. "

Wei Wuxian rubbed his face against her hand; it was a calming motion one he had done many times; before remembering something he wanted to tell her. It really wasn't his fault he was easily distracted, like when Lan Zhan caught him earlier he couldn't be blamed. After all Lan Zhan was very warm and he always sme- and he was getting distracted again.

"Shije I spoke with Lan Zhan earlier and do you want to know what that fuddy-duddy told me.."

Shije smirked.

"And what did he tell my A-Xian?"

"Shije!!!"

Her tone was teasing so if he pouted it was only fair.

" Anyway he said that he didn't hate me after all!!! and that he even liked me, but Shije!!"

"Hmm but what A-xian"

'Shije was really to good for that peacock, she was playing along with him and everything. '

"That fuddy-duddy still doesn't want to be my friend. "

"Well that is a problem.."

His Shije tapped a finger to her chin as if she was thinking, then she flashed him a smile.

"Perhaps he wants to be more than friends."

"That's what I said but he doesn't want to be best friends either... and Shije I have to figure something out because Lan Zhan must have magic healing hugs or something.."

"*pffft * is that why my A-Xian look so much better."

"Shije!!!"

Really Jiang Yanli felt quite bad for the second young master Lan, as smart as her A-Xian was years of living on the street and with her mother had made the poor boy very dense. But she shouldn't tease him too much.

..........

Lan Wangji made his way to his brother's tent with the same a surety he did with everything in his life; which right now wasn't as much as most believed.

"Brother"

"Yes Wangji?"

Lan Xichen asked looking up from the temporary desk he had been given. Lan Wangji paused seeing the amount of scrolls piled around his brother, as sect leader his brother had to do much more that just raise his sword.

"I'm almost done Didi you can tell me whatever you need to. "

"Mn"

Lan Wangji nodded but chose to make tea first, he should do at least this much for his brother, considering he was here for advice. Lan Xichen smiled seeing this.

"So what brings you to my tent Wangji, it seems like something more personal than information involveing the war?"

"Mn spoke with Wei Ying.."

Lan Xichen's smile brightened, Wangji didn't look angry meaning they hadn't fought. That was good, his brother had been hurt enough.

"That's great Didi, did you manage to tell him how you feel? "

"Yes"

Lan Wangji felt his brother was waiting for him to continue, he glanced at his brother before stating.

"Wei Ying is very innocent. "

An now Lan Xichen was blinking at his brother. He wasn't sure what to make of his brother's statement, especially considering the rumors he had heard about young master Wei, the ones that as a Lan he wasn't supposed to be hearing.

"I see?"

He didn't see he really didn't, and Lan Wangji just nodded as if he had gotten his point across.

"Wangji are you telling me you confessed to young master Wei?"

His brother nodded.

"And that instead of responding, young master Wei was confused? "

Lan Wangji shook his head.

"Wei Ying did not understand my words as a confession."

"Ah Didi.. that doesn't necessarily mean he is innocent. "

And now his brother was giving him a flat look. The one he gave him when he missed what Wangji considered a simple problem on one of their uncle's tests.

"Wei Ying flirts for food."

Lan Wangji stated as if that explained everything, it didn't but Lan Xichen went along with it. He was really beginning to wonder what went on in the conversation his brother had had with Wei Wuxian.

"Brother"

Lan Xichen couldn't help but feel his brother would sighing at him if he could.

"Yes?"

"Wei Ying is only vaguely aware of what he is inviting when he flirts."

After a moment in thought Lan Xichen nodded.

' if Wangji is sure as his brother I should believe him.'

"Then perhaps now would be a good time to begin courting him officially."

His didi startled a bit at his statement.

"Brother? "

"It will be very hard for Young master Wei to misunderstand if you state you intentions formally."

Lan Wangji though for a few seconds then nodded.

"Brother is wise."

He bowed respectfully then went to leave.

"Wangji. "

"Yes?"

"Be careful when you do so, Sect Leader Jiang seems to be of the same temperament as Nie Mingjue. I can only imagine how my friend would react if someone asked to court his brother."

Lan Wangji nodded.

"I will act accordingly."

.........

"What the h*ll"

Lan Wangji had gone to speak with Sect Leader Jiang the next morning.

"What the actual h*ll!"

Even Wei Ying who had join on Lan Wangji request had frozen out of shock when he heard his statement, so Lan Wangji could only think to repeat himself.

"I would like to court Wei Ying."

"What the hell! Why would you... he's not a cutsleave, he likes girls and only flirts with other guys on accident, and besides that You Hate Him... and You why aren't you rejecting him already?"

Jiang Wanyin questioned pointing at Wei Wuxian, who seemed to startle out of his daze.

"Oh!!! So that's.. Ohh!"

"Wei Ying? "

"I like you too!! Lan Zhan!!!"

And just as suddenly as his own words Wei Ying was in Lan Wangji's arms. Wei Ying may be freezing to the touch, but Lan Wangji though this moment was quite warm. He was even half considering this might be a dream.

"What the h*ll... you know what I'm getting A-jie."

Neither saw as Jiang Wanyin left to caught up in each other's gaze.

"Hey Lan Zhan, does your clan have some sort of rule against couples being friends? "

Lan Wangji blinked a bit, and thought of his parents.

"No?"

"Then why did you keep rejecting me, you were so mean about it too *sniff *"

"Wei Ying!"

Lan Wangji didn't know what to do, he hadn't meant to upset Wei Ying, but then the younger was chuckling into his chest.

"I'm just teasing Lan Zhan."

"Boring."

"Lan Zhan!!"

Lan Wangji wasn't sure he would ever understand what Wei Ying found so amusing about his face, but he was certain he didn't care.

"Wei Ying."

"Hmm?"

"Will not follow that rule."

"Huh what rule?"

"Will be Wei Ying friend.. but Wei Ying must be my partner as well."

"Lan Zhan!!!"

He blinked a bit at the younger's reaction, but then silver eyes were staring up at him again and Wei Ying was blushing that pale red he did.

"You can't say things like that Lan Zhan My Heart can't take it."

"Wei Ying? "

"I know, I know but Lan Zhan even like it is you make it go all fluttery and and... but yes, to your question I mean. "

Wei Ying was smiling that smile that wasn't good for His heart, and Lan Wangji was once again wondering if this might be a dream. When another voice came from the door.

"Oh my, am I interrupting something?"

Jiang Yanli voice was kind and unlike her brother's reaction she sounded vaguely amused, but Wei Ying still jumped away from him like they had be caught doing something much worse than hugging.

"Shije!!!"

"Oh so you'll listen to A-jie, but not your Sect Leader. Not that that matters A-jie will put an end to all this nonsense. "

She just chuckle softly, before turning to Lan Wangji.

"I glad the two of you finally figured things out, A-Xian was so upset when you fought."

"Shije! You can't tell him that!"

"She can tell him whatever she wants as long as she kicks the b**tard out when she done."

"Jiang Cheng you take that back!"

Lan Wangji could only watch as Wei Ying began squabbling with Jiang Wanyin.

"A-Cheng you're being rude."

"Eh but A-jie. "

"A-Cheng."

Sect Leader Jiang huffed but bowed slightly in apology.

"You always take his side."

Maiden Jiang rolled her eyes before turning back to him.

"I apologize A-Cheng is quite upset, he is very attached to A-Xian and he thinks you want to steal him away completely. "

"That..was not my intention."

"I am glad to hear that, and in my brother's place"

She shot Jiang Wanyin a look, who grumbled something under his breath an continued glaring at Lan Wangji.

" will agree to your courtship of our A-Xian."

As she spoke Jiang Yanli thought of the little boy who had come to the lotus Pier all those years ago. How small he had been then, and a promise she made to him, that first time she realized her father wasn't going to be much of a help. As kind as her father was, he was also indifferent to this little boy who smiled even though their healer told him he was broken.

" However for the sake of protecting my Didi"

Wei Ying lit up at the endearment.

" there are a few things I would like to speak with you about. I hope you will be amenable to joining me after dinner."

Lan Wangji nodded which earned him a soft smile.

.......

"Ah Wangji there you are.. how did it go?"

Lan Wangji paused and looked at his brother.

"Jiang Wanyin was distressed by my request. "

"I see, I could attempt to speak with him."

His brother shook his head.

"No need, after he informed their sister when Wei Ying did not reject me as he wish, she approved my request in his stead."

Lan Xichen was once again at a loss for words involving his brother's love life. Really it was to complicated for his tastes.

"I-i see that is good Didi."

"Mn, Madien Jiang expressed her wishes to speak with me at another time."

Really he was very worried for his Didi.

" I have made plans to eat with Wei Ying."

"Yes of course."

"Thank you Brother. "

Lan Xichen could only smile as his brother walked away. Sometimes he just wished Lan Wangji would tell him a bit more, maybe then he would understand what was going on a bit better.

..........

"Lan Zhan your here!!"

Wei Ying smiled at him so happly, he couldn't help but be glad as well. A small part of him the darker part had thought that with time to think Wei Ying would decide that he didn't in fact like him back.

"Here Lan Zhan."

Lan Wangji held the bowl he was handed, glancing Wei Ying he noted that his bowl had only broth.

"Ah yeah normal food doesn't really sit right since well you know,"

"Mn"

He frown slightly, but it did explain a few things.

"but I can still drink stuff so I'm good."

Lan Wangji nodded, he didn't like the sad look on Wei Ying's face, but the only thing he was sure would comfort him (a hug) wasn't viable while holding soup.

"So what do you think?"

Wei Wuxian asked gesturing to the area around them as they sat. The clearing was a little ways from the main camp, but someone had built up a suitable fire pit.

"It's sort of peaceful right?"

"Mn"

The other let out a laugh at Lan Wangji's response, before smiling at him.

"Lan Zhan you have to try Shije's soup she made it with tofu just for you.."

"Mn"

Lan Wangji blinked a bit after tasting said soup, it was very good, he could see why Wei Ying was always praising it. They were quiet after that. However Lan Wangji while used to quite meals knew something was off. Wei Wuxian was not one to be quiet.

"Wei Ying? "

The other startled.

"*ah* sorry Lan Zhan I was just thinking about something. "

Wei Wuxian stated as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Hey Lan Zhan.. I think I know what shijie wants to talk to you about, and it's sort of a secret so *um* well you know."

*Mn *

"But well it's something we plan- talked about a while.., me and Shijie I mean back when I first joined the Jiangs, anyway I should probably take you over there."

After that Wei Ying lead him back to the Jiang sect leader's tent. Jiang Yanli was standing by the entrance with a soft smile, while Jiang Wanyin stood there glaring.

"Good evening Second young master Lan"

"Maiden Jiang, Sect Leader Jiang. "

Lan Wangji bowed in greeting at which Jiang Wanyin snorted.

"I hope you don't mind but my brother is here for propriety's sake."

"Mn I understand"

Jiang Yanli nodded before directing them to a small table where she had prepared tea. She smiled softly at her Sect brother, before turning to Lan Wangji.

"I am glad you could join us Lan-er-gongse, I had a promise to keep after all."

Lan Wangji saw Jiang Yanli glance towards Wei Ying as she spoke.

"A promise? "

"Yes, one made to a certain young boy just a few months after my father brought him into the sect."

Watching his beloved, Lan Wangji felt the other looked nervous even as he shared a sentimental smile with Jiang Yanli.

"Where should I start.. it is a somewhat well known fact that my father was not brave enough to risk my mother's wrath by adopting A-Xian.."

Wei Ying cringe slightly at her words, and something about her words made Lan Wangji's protectiveness flare. A small part of him wanted to grab the other's hand comfertingly, but he wasn't sure Wei Ying would except.

"which is why I sit here infront of you now not as a sister, but as the person who raised A-Xian."

As soon as her words processed into Lan Wangji mind, he was making to bow. This ment the woman in front of him was basically his mother-law he should show her his respect.

"Lan Zhan!..Shije!!"

This of course flustered Wei Ying.

"What hell?"

And confused Jiang Wanyin.

"There is no need for that Lan-er-gongse, I am only telling you because I want you to understand how important Wei Wuxian is to me."

Lan Wangji nodded. Seeing that Jiang Yanli stopped to think, coming to a decision she said.

"Three months after A-Xian came to Lotus Pier our sect healers diagnosed him with Focus Scattering Disorder (Aka Adhd)"

He glanced a Wei Ying, who seemed to find something very interesting about his own robes.

"they determined it wasn't a result of a pre-natal curse, but instead infantile Qi syndrome. While common in the children of cultivators, A-Xian has a somewhat severe case causeing his focus disorder. "

She paused trying to gage his reaction. Lan Wangji wasn't sure how he felt, a part of him was almost happy to hear this information; that they shared another common ground, but the rest of him was upset to learn his Wei Ying was likely struggling even before the war.

"I have spoken with A-Xian before and we thought it was best we told his partner before we begin the official Marriage Talks."

Jiang Yanli stood as she finished, she squeezed Wei Wuxian's shoulder gently as she left taking Jiang Wanyin with her.

"I still have obligations to attend to, however I hope Lan-er-gongse is aware of the consequences he will face should he hurt my A-Xian. "

Her eyes flashed with what he suspected was a bit of her mother's temper, like lightning that threatened pain should he hurt her A-Xian.

"Wei Ying. "

A few minutes passed but Wei Ying still wasn't looking at him and Lan Wangji felt almost angry.

"Does Wei Ying think I will revoke our courtship?"

Whatever anger Lan Wangji had felt however fizzled out when Wei Ying flinched.

"I... lan zhan.."

At this point Lan Wangji was contemplating ruining anyone and everyone who had caused his beloved to be so unsure of himself, that was until he realized he was among them.

"Wei Ying..."

Thankfully Wei Ying glanced up at him when he spoke.

"I will not abandon Wei Ying. "

The flinch was even more obvious this time.

"I.. don't.. I didn't.. say that"

"Wei Ying does not have to be perfect, will take Wei Ying however he is."

Lan Wangji saw the argument in the other's stormy gray eyes before the words even finished leaving his mouth.

"But that's the problem Lan Zhan... you just keep excepting, maybe.. not when we were younger, but now..."

Wei Ying muttered, standing suddenly.

"Lan Zhan! anyone else would have ended me in those woods! But you..."

He was pacing now.

"You Lan Zhan you're so nice to me, and you act like nothing happened and and."

Their eyes met.

"You even chose to court me and everything,.. and I should be happy right."

Wei Ying seemed to be searching for something in Lan Wangji's eyes.

"And I am happy, so so very happy that I feel like I might just vibrate right out of my skin, but Lan Zhan."

He paused, his throat making swallowing motions.

"I just keep thinking what if this is the thing... you know the thing that makes me to much trouble... that will make you leave... and You say you won't but they all do Lan Z-zhan... *sob*"

Ink-like tears dripped down Wei Ying's face... and suddenly Lan Wangji was kneeling on the ground with him as rubbed harshly on his own cheeks.

"Lan Z--zhan! *sniff* they.. it's all my fault Lan Zhan.. my shidi.... everybody."

And then Lan Zhan was pulling him into one of those magic hugs, and everything felt just a little less overwhelming.

"Wei Ying."

"Hmm"

"I am not perfect. "

Wei Wuxian blinked not quite understanding what he was hearing.

"I.. have trouble with words."

"Lan Zhan? "

Lan Zhan was looking him straight in the eyes.

"As a child I did not truly speak until my third summer. My sect healers even suspected I was dumb (mute), "

Lan Wangji grabbed his hand gently.

"but my uncle did not believe them, he insisted I could learn... I was able to quote our sect's rules long before I ever called him uncle."

Wei Wuxian though Lan Zhan looked regretful as he spoke.

"I am not perfect Wei Ying..."

There was a pause.

"Will Wei Ying abandon me?"

He shook his head vehemently.

"No! Lan Zhan.. how could I..i"

"Mn.. Wei Ying is good. "

"But I'm not Lan zhan I'm.. I... It's my fault.."

Lan Zhan shook his head, bringing a hand up to wipe away Wei Wuxian's tears.

"Not Wei Ying's fault. Wei Ying is good. Love Wei Ying"

"Lan Zhan? You- "

Lan Wangji couldn't be blamed if he felt now was a good time to kiss his Wei Ying... and if Wei Wuxian lost his train of thought that really wasn't his fault. After all he did just have his first kiss stolen.

.......

A week had passed since Lan Wangji had learned his beloved's secret. He had watch as the color once again drained from Wei Ying's face and by the seventh day how he was beginning to look stretched all to thin.

"Wei Ying."

Wei Wuxian's eyes still flickered red, dispite the battle being longsence over.

"Wei Ying needs to feed."

It was a statement not a question, and how could it be when his Wei Ying still lingered among the dead a hungry look in his eyes.

"*Ah* Lan Zhan, I'm fine."

"WEI YING."

The younger flinched slightly at the elder's tone.

"Okay Okay... I might be a little hungry... but there's a lot of blood around.. I will be fine."

"Wei Ying can feed from the dead? "

Lan Wangji wasn't entirely sure what he thought about that.

"*Ah* yeah.. But it doesn't last as long, in fact even animal blood is better than it, considering the dead have basically no Yang.. which means it does nothing to help with the su- I'm rambling aren't I."

Perhaps a bit but Lan Wangji didn't care, so he shook his head.

"Like hearing Wei Ying speak, want to understand what you.. Wei Ying's condition. "

Wei Ying blinked at him.

"Lan Zhan!!!~ *pffhaha *"

From an outside perspective the two of them made quite a sight. Standing there talking among the dead they appeared almost like two desended imortals surrounded by the carnage of the War.

"Wei Ying?"

"Yeah Lan Zhan?"

"Does Wei Ying require Qi as well?"

"Huh.. no? I mean all blood has a certain amount of spiritual energy, but I don't need Yang specificly.."

Wei Wuxian shuffled his feet, kicking at a rock.

"it helps sometimes, but that's mostly because the sun is one big ball of Yang so any weaker Yin has trouble with it.."

Lan Wangji nodded, beginning to understand what the other was implying.

"and since I'm basically Yin in human form right now, it's a little uncomfortable,"

He shrugged, before smiling softly at Lan Zhan.

"but I'm fine Lan Zhan. "

"Will feed Wei Ying. "

Just seeing his lovers baffled face made Lan Wangji's statement worth it.

"Huh... No Lan Zhan you know how dangerous that is."

"Wei Ying did not hurt me. Wei Ying requires blood with a strong Yang, mine is suitable. "

Lan Wangji stepped forward and grabbed Wei Wuxian's hands.

"I-i don't want you to see me like that Lan Zhan."

"I have seen Wei Ying feed..?"

Wei Ying chuckled but shook his head.

"Not everything.. I was planning to go hunting that day anyways.. so I had already prepared... Lan Zhan I- .. I don't want you to see."

"Wei Ying agreed to let me help."

"..."

They stared at each other for a long moment, silently trying to convince the other.

"*sigh* Fine Lan Zhan you win,.. but you have to promise that you won't get mad."

"Mn"

Seeing Lan Wangji nod Wei Wuxian's head bobbed a few times in thought.

"We should head back to my tent."

Wei Ying was subdued as they made their way back.

"Wei Ying? "

And Lan Wangji could not help but question as he watched the other do a full circle around his tent, checking both inside and out as if he was worried about being followed.

"*Ah-haha* sorry.."

Wei Wuxian muttered rubbing at the back of his neck.

"Hey Lan Zhan it's not as bad as it looks, and it really is necessary."

Kneeling as he pulled as small sliver dagger from under his bedding, Wei Wuxian stated. Lan Wangji didn't understand until the knife made contact with Wei Ying's wrist drawing black blood to the surface.

"Wei..Ying.?"

At Lan Wangji question Wei Ying glanced up from the bowl he had prepared to catch his blood. Flashing a nervous smile he continued.

"Just think of it like blood letting, I mean that's basically what it is... and I really wouldn't do this if I didn't need to. I promise Lan Zhan."

Lan Wangji watch as he trembled slightly, causing the blade to cut deeper.

"Wei Ying "

He knelt besides him, and Wei Ying chuckled as he took the knife.

"You know being dead is pretty annoying.. my body doesn't replace its own blood anymore, I think that's why I have to drink it..."

Wei Ying gave one of those self-deprecating laughs.

"but worse than that it can't get rid of the dead blood either, so..."

Lan Wangji felt the other shrug into him.

"I have to do this."

He nodded, and held the dagger steady. If it was necessary he would not let Wei Ying do this alone.

"It really is necessary, if I forget... the blood will start dripping out of my qiao.."

Wei Wuxian muttered as he leaned further into Lan Wangji's side.

"Wei Ying. "

"Ah sorry Lan Zhan."

"Unnecessary... How long?"

"*Oh umm* you can stop when the blood stops bleeding black."

Lan Zhan nodded.

"Mn, Wei Ying can continue."

"I- I don't..."

He was flattered that Wei Ying did want him to feel upset, but he would rather him be distracted in such circumstances.

"Wei Ying. "

"Okay sure where was I... I ... hey Lan Zhan did you know my nails have sharpen... that's actually how I did this the first time.. back in the Burial Mounds. "

"Mn"

Wei Ying's blood no longer bled black. Lan Wangji removed the blade from his lovers skin, blinking in awe as the wound sealed itself. Wiping the reminder of the blood away he brought the pale wrist to his own lips. Kissing it softly

"*Eep!* Lan~Zhan!!"

"Wei Ying can feed now."

Lan Wangji stated placing a second kiss, on Wei Wuxian's pale cheek.

"*A-ha* Y-yeah."

"Good"

He pulled Wei Ying further into his lap, before placing his own wrist infront of the younger's mouth.

"Wei Ying."

"You know you don't have to do this Lan Zhan. "

"Wei Ying."

That seemed to be the last straw in whatever it was holding Wei Ying back, a second later Lan Wangji felt a familiar warmth spread through his body. It was a very comfortable feeling, he was beginning to think he may become addicted feeding his Wei Ying.

"Wei Ying "

He muttered softly as the other melted even further into him, trailing sloppy kisses down his injured wrist once he finished. Lan Wangji had noticed this last time, but..

"Wei Ying is able to heal as well."

"Hmm"

Wei Wuxian looked up dazedly from where he was currently nuzzling into Lan Wangji chest.

"Oh-Yeah I haven't figured that one out either. "

"Mn"

Lan Wangji nodded placing a kiss behind his lovers ear. The part of him he often allotted to his father's blood wanted to go further, however the wiser part of himself reminded Lan Wangji of propriety (and a softer voice said to be careful lest he scare off his more innocent lover).

"Lan~Zhan"

Even if he and Wei Ying had come to an understanding on their relationship, the rest of the world was still at war, that put any sort of marriage bearing elopement off the table.

"What's on your mind?"

"Want to marry Wei Ying."

"Lan Zhan!!!~"

It would never cease to surprise him how easily he could make his Wei Ying a blushing mess. No matter what Lan Wangji loved seeing it, that flush of red told him his love was both healthy and fed.

.....

"Hey Lan Zhan"

"Mn?"

Lan Wangji glanced towards his beloved who lay proan on the floor beside him.

"I think I drowned... that day in the Burial Mounds... I don't think I was dead before then."

Wei Wuxian paused to steady his voice. He was looking at the tent ceiling he didn't dare look at Lan Wangji.

"At least not like I am now, I was just so thirsty Lan Zhan.. that was when I found it.. it was the first clean water I had seen in days.. I shouldn't have drank it..... nothing safe is the color of blood..."

Lan Wangji sat up from where they were laying.

"Wei Ying."

His voice was soft a he pulled the other close.

"I.. just didn't care, I think maybe I had figured I was going to die down there any ways... Not that I drown myself Lan Zhan, I wouldn't. "

"Mn"

He nodded as he ran a comforting hand down the younger's arm.

"That pool was made up of pure Yi, not resentment but something different.. similar.. I'm not sure, after I drank it, it was almost like what happens when Qi overloads."

Wei Ying shuttered in his arms.

"I don't remember how long I was down there, maybe minute, or hours, maybe even longer."

"Mn, Wei Ying is here now."

That sparked a laugh from his beloved.

"That's true."

They lapsed into a comfortable silence for a moment before Wei Ying was chatting about something else, a compass he was planning on making. They stay like that until morning, neither of them required much sleep.

.......

Many titles were given as the Sunshot Campain processed, however one was more of a rumor than a title to be used. A whisper no one dared say aloud.

"Guāngyǐng-Mo"

It was whispered among the Wens like a curse, muttered among the common people with fearful awe. For them it was one of a pair.. the completion of another's title. The Yin to a bright Yang.

"Hanguang-jun's Guāngyǐng-Mo."

How could it not be whispered as such when the two were so clearly in love. Together they were a symbol of balance, but alone the people whispered of a man who controlled the dead, of a demon who killed with its hands and dared not touch a sword.

When Wei Wuxian first heard the rumors he couldn't keep himself from laughing.

"Lan~Zhan!! Lan Zhan! Their calling me your shadow."

"Mn."

"The light's shadow for the light bearing lord.. *pffft hahaha*."

Lan Wangji had two reasons why he didn't like his lovers unofficial title. The first being his Wei Ying was not a demon and should not be called as such. The second was more possessive as only he was allowed to use Ying when it came to his fiancee even if it was a different ying.

"They say if you say the name to loud you will summon Guāngyǐng-Mo."

"If that's true then you should be more worried about Hanguang-jun."

"Eh why?"

"Well how would you feel if someone summoned your wife."

"S**t"

Soon the name was whispered not just for fear of it owner, but also for the light that it followed. Like this Wei Wuxian never officially received a title, after all who would dare use a title that would put them on the bad side of a man who was controlling a demon.

......

Mdzs vampire Au- is the blood pool was a corrupted version of the fountain of youth, and turn Wei Wuxian into a vampire. This is a story idea I wrote out partially but couldn't finish, so I'm posting it in the hopes someone else can.

[yanban-san]

if it's not a bother,

could you show some more artwork of yours?

-a person who loves others art🩵

Sure! I've been doing a few sketches of some Android-mas (Yandroids, courtesy of Stardust on Ro's Discord <3) over on Discord- I'll share em here though. ^^

Here's the first one, I got bored when I got the legs lol:

Here's the second attempt- I once again got bored when I got to the legs but not too much

I saw some art of Android Ingo and Emmet with screen display faces and tbh that's my absolute favorite kind of "face" for any robot character- LED screens are really fun and cute looking, imo.

Some Headcanons about the Android boys: ◮ These two are bio-electric androids, rather than straight up machines. They're half synthetic cellular construct, half AI-powered battle machine- And beloved by the public as unofficial heroes and mascots of Android tech. ◮ They are completely autonomous, and can function for years without maintenance- They are self repairing, self fueling, and they were also some of the first androids ever released before someone realized it was a bad idea to give your lethal autonomous AI bots the ability to self-sustain. ◮ They have two "cores" that power their bodies- A biological core, much like a "heart", that supplies their biological functions with fuel, and a power core that provides them with all the power they need for their mechanical functions- They can also use their power core to power other machinery, or give themselves a super-boost in combat if needed. The bio-core is a biological hazard and contains chemicals known to the town of Undella to cause not just regular cancer, but probably Super Android Cancer- Luckily no one's trying to eat them or rub their eyeballs on their hearts. Their power cores, on the other hand, are radiation hazards when exposed- And protected by thick metal and polymer plating to prevent leaks.

◮ They are battle Androids, designed to protect interstellar transit routes or regular passenger transit- Protecting passengers is how they ended up becoming heroes as people recorded their battles against rogue drones and other threats.

◮ They have nanobots- Innumerable armies of miniscule robots inside of them that repair any broken pieces, heal/repair/grow any synthetic cells, or even specialized attack bots that dissolve any foreign materials in their bodies- Or outside. They also come equipped with the ability to synthesize human/pokemon medic bots to stabilize any injured passengers- And they can control their nanobots, as well.

◮ Androids have an extremely long list of precepts and codes they have to follow- If they attempt to disobey their precepts, their bodies literally stop working. Most precepts were things along the lines of the Three Laws of Robotics, but more and more kept being added with various legal cases and lawsuits and eventually P.R cases and public safety. ◮ They have regulators that prevent their synthetic neurons and other biological functions from acting on any... organic urges they might have, despite their genetically engineered origins. Sure would be bad if those broke, wouldn't it?

◮ Their LCD screen displays can make various emoticons for them to convey their meanings- Ingo and Emmet also use their signature triangle smiles to help differentiate the two for maintenance crews and the public.

◮ Also! Forgot to add, their limbs aren't attached to their body normally- They can launch them like drones at targets or grapple things from afar, and they can pull themselves to their limbs if needed.

And finally, some emoticon displays:

[simslegacy5083]

Today's (12/5/2024) Episode: Teen Troubles

Skye now had a label for his personal feelings about gender, but he hadn’t settled on a properly agender pronoun to use for himself yet.

He was sure that deciding how he’d like other sims to refer to him would give him a good starting point for telling friends and family the news. However, the thought of doing so and possibly being rejected terrified him so much he made himself sick just thinking about it.

It didn’t help that puberty decided to choose that moment to hit with a vengeance. Bad breath… acne… Skye felt like an ogre, and all of it happened just in time for the most important romantic events of his young life!

It seemed like all anyone at school wanted to talk about was Love Day and the prom, which would follow shortly after.

Skye dreamed of impressing Elyse with a romantic promposal during a Love Day date like the one his family had set up for his parents before he was born, but he was sure that she’d be disgusted by how “gross” he’d become and had been avoiding her. That made it really hard to ask her out!

Skye threw himself into his studies, using the excuse of being “too busy” to avoid hanging with Elyse the way he had before. When Mr. Haas insisted that he “go have some fun” during free periods, he hid in the bathroom or snuck to the pool for a swim after everyone was seated in the lunchroom.

All Skye’s hard work in the classroom paid off, and he soon found himself an “A” student. His academically mind parents were thrilled, but they were also preceptive enough to notice that something wasn’t quite right.

“Fantastic job son, we’re so proud of you!” Luigi began “but I have to ask, how are things going with your friends and the newspaper? I noticed Elyse hasn’t come to visit in awhile and you haven’t told us anything lately about your assignments for the Weekly.”

“Well…” Skye began, “My last assignment for the paper was supposed to be taking photos at sports day, but the event got rained out. Mrs. Romano was there; she was really disappointed she wouldn’t get to see Bruce play.”

“That’s a bummer all right” Luigi nodded “What about your friends? Is everything OK there?”

Skye sighed, knowing he wasn’t going to wiggle out of this conversation. When his cheerful father sensed something was wrong and focused on someone other than himself, he wasn’t satisfied until he felt like he’d helped them find “the silver lining”. “I haven’t really seen much of them lately. My face is a mess, my breath smells… I sort of wanted to ask Elyse to prom on Love Day but there’s no way she’ll want to go anywhere with me now!”

Luigi grinned at finally hearing confirmation of what he’d long suspected regarding Skye’s feelings for Elyse.

“So…” he began “I’ll admit I don’t know the first thing about a successful promposal, my attempts at it were a complete failure, but I think I can confidently say Elyse isn’t going to reject you because of a couple pimples or a little bad breath. Anyway, I can help you fix those right up!”

“And I can help you with the promposal Skye” Noemi chimed in “Unlike your father I got my prom invite right” she stuck her tongue out playfully in Luigi’s direction. “My ex-partner Pat and I had a great time at our High School dance.”

The next morning Skye began his day in front of the mirror, using the toothpaste and face powder Luigi had made a special trip out to purchase for him.

Just as promised they worked wonders, leaving Skye feeling much more like his old self and ready to once again enjoy the company of his friends.

Now that he was feeling better about his appearance Skye was ready to approach Elyse about Love Day. “I think your idea sounds perfect Skye” his mother told him “Ask her on a date for the holiday, take her somewhere special, and then surprise her with your promposal at the end”.

Skye caught Elyse after their next newspaper meeting. “Hey” he began, before suddenly being flooded with self-doubt… what if she says no, and then hates me for ruining our friendship? “Hi!” Elyse replied, arresting her friends doom spiral with three little words “I’ve missed you”.

 “You have?” Skye was shocked to see Elyse looked a bit nervous herself. “Of course! … I wanted to get together, but didn’t want to bother you.”

“I’m sorry” Skye said “I… well it doesn’t matter.” he took a big deep breath, closed his eyes and said all in a rush “ElysewillyoubemydateforLoveDay?”

Elyse nodded “Absolutely. Do you know where you’re going to take me? Wait… don’t tell me! I want it to be a surprise.” Jumping out of her chair she engulfed Skye in a giant hug “I just know we’re going to have a great time.”

That night Skye made his promposal sign and finally chose Xe/Xem as xir new pronouns.

Xe wanted xir best friend to be the first person xe told about xir new gender identity, and if xe did it before xe promposed then Elyse would be saying yes to the real them. Skye went to bed that night nervous but excited, hopeful that everything would work out according to xir grand plan.

Skye's Pronouns:

View The Full Story of My Not So Berry Challenge Here

[therealslimshakespeare]

so how do ida and John both deal with the grappling between religion and the fact that she’s pregnant? I imagine there’s a lot of nuance and interesting perspectives with that

Ooh this hits. *straightens up in my seat and tightens the harness*

I’m assuming you mean Ida and John Brady -not John Egan…I’m gonna assume that but, there’s too many John’s in one place here haha.

Ok, caution, this gets dark, cheers—-

I do have the headcanon, and it’s very much just my headcanon, that the Brady’s are a rather typical Irish American Catholic family from rural New York. Different say, from that of the inner city rough and tumble sort.

They grew up with community, a church where mass was attended and precepts considered law, rosaries are in their footlockers, crucifixes tangled in the dog tags. They give thanks for their food, they save sex for marriage and they try to do right by their fellow man -and sometimes that requires bombing the fuck outta nazi bullies.

So here they are. And now…this.

I think from a religious stand point the “blame” is very obviously not on Ida. Johnny would never think so, ever, although there’s certainly the very real aspect of “shame” about it, but not in a faulty way. She didn’t have fun in the backseat during a drive in movie and now she’s knocked up.

Obvs there is no “blame” for any rape victim but I don’t think even a very “self-blaming” person like Ida thinks she coulda done more in this case.

However, also from a religious stand point, what’s ahead is very very very rough because, according to their beliefs -this means she’s with child, that’s a life in there, and yet, all circumstances considered, both brother and sister can’t help but hope the pregnancy doesn’t last.

Malnutrition and a host of other natural stressors could easily -and guiltlessly- terminate this “condition” and I think it’s a bit of a pall on both of them that they almost want to pray for it. But could never.

Ok, maybe Johnny does so his sister isn’t the damned one…

Let’s add Bucky in here too because even though it’s not a religious issue for him, he still considers that to be a baby, and to wish it away is awful, to have Ida killed for it is awful, to have a baby born with German fathers is also awful.

Literally all of it messes with everything he feels is fair or right and ought to be untouched by this war. He figured there’d be hard decisions, this is another level entirely.

Anyway, hope this didn’t get too dark for you but hey, welcome to the sorta history deep dives I do instead of drinking sangria and chilling out. 🫡🤗

[ahsoka-in-a-hood]

I’m not sure where this business with the concept of force-sensitive Sabine is going (feels a bit of a red herring but we shall see) but after cycling through my kneejerk ‘but not all heroes need to be force sensitive’ to ‘i do like to know what happens to the force sensitives that don’t get jedi training’ to ‘but wouldn’t Kanan have noticed she was force sensitive’ to I am also intrigued by the idea that someone who is not ‘force sensitive’ could become, by virtue of spending a lot of time around jedi and being very attuned to them and connected to them and interested in what they’re doing and internalizing some of their practices and learning along side them could start to basically become that little bit force sensitive themselves. As Yoda says to his men: “the force resides in all life forms. Use it you can, to quiet your mind”. It’s not an all or nothing deal, it just takes practice, and having a natural affinity certainly helps, but jedi are not just born, they are taught. A big part of being a jedi and using the force is connection; so it would be almost natural for that to translate into people sort of amplifying each other, and another big part is that it takes discipline and openness and attentivity, which is something anyone can do and to do while focused on a jedi could lead down A Path.

(And that would tie into the whole precept of children growing up in the creche developing their connection versus children not given to the order not developing extraordinary superpowers by themselves so much, and more specifically the whole idea of separating the twins and hiding them with ‘normal’ families being safer than being together and growing up with the surviving jedi, making them less connected and therefore less noticeable to force users such as the sith)

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

New Rule: The War on the West | Real Time with Bill Maher

New Rule: For all the progressives and academics who refer to Israel as an "outpost of Western civilization" like it's a bad thing, please note: Western civilization is what gave the world pretty much every goddamn liberal precept that Liberals are supposed to adore.

Individual liberty, scientific inquiry, rule of law, religious freedom, women's rights, human rights, democracy, trial by jury, freedom of speech. Please somebody, stop us before we Enlighten again.

And since one can find all these concepts in today's Israel and virtually nowhere else in the Middle East, if anything, the world would be a better place if it had more Israels.

Of course, this message falls on deaf ears to the current crop who reduce everything to being only victims or victimizers, so Israel is lumped in as the toxic fruit of the victimizing West. The irony being that all marginalized people live better today because of western ideals, not in spite of them.

Martin Luther King used Henry David Thoreau's essay "Civil Disobedience" to help shape the Civil Rights Movement. The UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights owes its core to Rousseau and Voltaire. Kleisthenes never showed up for a sexual harassment seminar, but without him there's no democracy. The cop who murdered George Floyd got 21 years for violating his Fourth Amendment rights, an idea we got directly from John Locke, who no one in college would ever study anymore because he's so old, and so white, and so dead, and so Western.

Yes, that's how simple the Woke are. It's never about ideas. If it was, would they be cheering on Hamas for their liberation? Liberation? To do what? More freely preside over a country where there are no laws against sexual harassment, spousal rape, domestic violence, homophobia, honor killings or child marriage. This is who liberals think you should stand with? Women there should be so lucky as to get colonized by anybody else.

And for the record, the Jews didn't "colonize" Israel or anywhere ever, except maybe Boca Raton. Gaza wasn't seized by Israel like India or Kenya was by the British Empire. And the partitioning of the region wasn't decided by Jews, but by a vote of the United Nations in 1947 with everyone from Russia to Haiti voting for it. But apparently, they don't teach this at Drag Queen Story Hour anymore.

Now it is true that for too long we didn't study enough Asian or African or Latin American history. But part of the reason for that is, frankly, there's not as much to study. Colleges replaced courses in Western Civ -- boo! Eyeroll! Dead white men, am I right? -- they replace that with World Civilization classes, which is fine in theory, but what it meant in practice is you read queer poetry of the African diaspora instead of Shakespeare. And I'm sure there's value in both, but as usual, America only ever overcorrects.

And so, we're at this place now where the words "western civ" became kind of a shorthand for "white people ruined everything." But they didn't ruin everything. No, they didn't live up to their own ideals for far too long and committed atrocities. But people back then were all atrocious, not just the white ones depending on who had the power.

But it was the western Enlightenment that gave rise to the notion that the law of the jungle should be curbed. Henry David Thoreau. John Stewart Mill. Ralph Waldo Emerson. Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Three-named dudes. It was all about three-named dudes. Three-named dudes like that were the OG social justice warriors. The ideas that came through Athens, Rome, London, Paris, and yes Philadelphia, are what make life good for most people in free societies today. That the individuals have value, and even the powers that be must submit to the rule of law. That punishment should not be cruel and unusual. That accused people get a trial. That there is such a thing as a war crime.

Why is it that every other culture gets a pass, but the West is exclusively the sum of the worst things it's ever done? You think only white people colonized? Historians estimate that the very non-western Mr Genghis Khan killed 40 million people, and that was in the 13th century. He single-handedly may have reduced the world's population by 11%. On the other hand, he kind of made up for it, because he was such a prolific colonizer of vaginas that today an estimated 16 million people are his direct descendants.

So, stop saying "western civilization" like it's a contradiction in terms. It's not. You're thinking of "moderate Republican."

==

The people who snarl "western civilization" went to elite universities with air conditioning where they used their MacBook Pros and iPhones on extensive Wi-Fi networks.

[odinsblog]

If you have any doubts that the phenomenon of Donald Trump was a long time a’coming, you have only to read a piece that Gore Vidal wrote for Esquire magazine in July 1961, when the conservative movement was just beginning and even Barry Goldwater was hardly a glint in Republicans’ eyes.

Vidal’s target was Paul Ryan’s idol, and the idol of so many modern conservatives: the trash novelist and crackpot philosopher Ayn Rand, whom Vidal quotes thusly:

“It was the morality of altruism that undercut America and is now destroying her.

“Capitalism and altruism are incompatible; they are philosophical opposites; they cannot co-exist in the same man or in the same society. Today, the conflict has reached its ultimate climax; the choice is clear-cut: either a new morality of rational self-interest, with its consequence of freedom… or the primordial morality of altruism with its consequences of slavery, etc.

“To love money is to know and love the fact that money is the creation of the best power within you, and your passkey to trade your effort for the effort of the best among men.

“The creed of sacrifice is a morality for the immoral…”

In most quarters, in 1961, this stuff would have been regarded as nearly sociopathic nonsense, but, as Vidal noted, Rand was already gaining adherents: “She has a great attraction for simple people who are puzzled by organized society, who object to paying taxes, who hate the ‘welfare state,’ who feel guilt at the thought of the suffering of others but who would like to harden their hearts.”

Because he was writing at a time when there was still such a thing as right-wing guilt, Vidal couldn’t possibly have foreseen what would happen: Ayn Rand became the guiding spirit of the governing party of the United States. Her values are the values of that party. Vidal couldn’t have foreseen it because he still saw Christianity as a kind of ineluctable force in America, particularly among small-town conservatives, and because Rand’s “philosophy” couldn’t have been more anti-Christian. But, then, Vidal couldn’t have thought so many Christians would abandon Jesus’ teachings so quickly for Rand’s. Hearts hardened.

The transformation and corruption of America’s moral values didn’t happen in the shadows. It happened in plain sight. The Republican Party has been the party of selfishness and the party of punishment for decades now, trashing the basic precepts not only of the Judeo-Christian tradition, but also of humanity generally.

Vidal again: “That it is right to help someone less fortunate is an idea that has figured in most systems of conduct since the beginning of the race.” It is, one could argue, what makes us human. The opposing idea, Rand’s idea, that the less fortunate should be left to suffer, is what endangers our humanity now. I have previously written in this space how conservatism dismantled the concept of truth so it could fill the void with untruth. I called it an epistemological revolution. But conservatism also has dismantled traditional morality so it could fill that void. I call that a moral revolution.

To identify what’s wrong with conservatism and Republicanism — and now with so much of America as we are about to enter the Trump era — you don’t need high-blown theories or deep sociological analysis or surveys. The answer is as simple as it is sad: There is no kindness in them.

(continue reading)

[scientia-rex]

I have not seen the show but I love it when people tell me about their passions/interests/hyperfixations/etc, so I have abe a Sports night question for you. You mentioned a bunch of things that Sorkin fucked up in the second season. If you could only fix one, which would it be? And conversely, if you could fix everything except one issue, what would you be most willing to let stand?

AUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGH okay this is a GREAT question that I may die trying to answer.

If I could only fix one thing: Jeremy's arc. The rest of it I can kind of live with. Dana goes batty? Sure. It's stupid and it ruins the Dana/Casey love story, which I was originally very invested in when I watched the show at 14, but it's not out of the realm of possibility. Dan turns into an asshole and Casey also turns into an asshole? Very conceivable, especially given that Dan is dealing with going to therapy for the very first time while hating himself about it and Casey has the emotional awareness of a grapefruit.

But Jeremy and Natalie deserved better. They deserved so much better. Jeremy was a kinder, better character in the first season. Jeremy in the first season would never have yelled into Natalie's face about what a slut she was, and Natalie in the first season would never have taken that standing there silently. Aaron Sorkin fucked that up. He fucked it up to a degree I can't even begin to comprehend. I hate that even more than I hate how ham-handedly he threw in William H. Macy as the fixer, which I hate so much I often just straight up forget to include in stories.

Aaron Sorkin ruined Jeremy's character because he always uses all of the male characters as stand-ins for himself. He doesn't do that with the women; he sees them as fundamentally somehow different and other, and who knows why crazy women do what they do, right? He's at his best with female characters when he writes them even a little like his male characters--see CJ Cregg from West Wing.

When he uses the men as stand-ins, and he's in a reasonable place emotionally, it's fine. It's enjoyable. He's witty! He's entertaining. He recognizes that he needs mental help, although the way he writes therapists makes me want to find his home and break in and tie him to his bed and then carefully explain to him the guiding precepts behind therapy and why he's an asshole in ways he hasn't even considered.

But when he's also using drugs, which he has struggled with repeatedly, and he did during the writing of that second season, suddenly the writing is incoherent and his stand-ins are now terrible people because on some level he's trying to excuse his own terrible behavior. Being an asshole to a sex worker? Sure! That's normal! Lovable characters like Jeremy can do that and we'll still love them! Right? Right? (A sex worker Sorkin frequented during that time has noted that he stole a lot of his material directly from her, without ever crediting her or admitting it.)

He was also splitting his attention between Sports Night and West Wing, and he was already presumably stretched thin, so on top of the drugs there's a lack of thought, care, attention, love, and time going into that season. The best parts were written by other people. So he doesn't even earn the credit for those parts of season 2 that were deeply moving.

If I could fix everything except one thing........ okay I would probably let William H. Macy stay. I hate to admit it, because I don't know that he deserves this, but I have an abiding affection for that weird fucking mustache on that weird fucking man.