#tka fanfic

[lynne-monstr]

[fic] hot championship singles in your area

the king's avatar, yuhuang, secret relationship, blind dates, 2k words

Summary: This date will be no different than the rest. They’ll eat dinner and make polite conversation. At the end of the night, Yu Wenzhou will let her down easy and report to his mother that it didn’t work out. It’s a good plan, a reliable plan that hasn’t failed him yet.

Some of his dates—the ones who were also Glory fans—even giggle and make jokes that it wouldn’t have worked out anyway since he spends too much time with Huang Shaotian to make room for a girlfriend.

If only they knew how right they were.

read on ao3

[blueberry-ash]

[fic] On the cusp of sleep

The King's Avatar (mostly LA), Su Mucheng/Sun Xiang/Xiao Shiqin. 1,086 words. Rated Explicit. Established relationship, consensual somnophilia, PiV and oral.

Written for Duck Prints Press's Kink-Your-Tober (“somnophilia”).

Summary: SMC, SX, and XSQ fuck while at least two of them are half asleep.

---

One of them is in her when she wakes. Warmth. Pleasure. Broad press of hands against her. Xiao Shiqin, Su Mucheng thinks vaguely, although she also thinks she could be dreaming. She’s so heavy with sleep. It’s still dark, the light glow of the city seeping in beneath the curtains and tinting Sun Xiang’s hair amber. Her eyes flutter closed. He’s spooned up right behind her—Xiao Shiqin. His touch feels so warm, so vast.

Keep reading on the AO3

[audriel]

behind the scenes: let's start thinkin' bout it

chapter 2 : lingering wounds

this chapter really writes itself. all i have clearly in mind is a conversation between Qiao Yifan and Wang Jiexi. i have thought of writing the remaining All Stars, but the conversation ends up much bigger than i expected. definitely more angst and hurt-comfort, which is me going back to my roots lol. it also makes it harder to find a proper ending. after scrapping some rough ideas, this is the end result that i am pretty satisfied with.

this chapter can be said an analysis of Tiny Herb. and I know how risky it is, and it's rather hard to avoid bias. but Tiny Herb is among the teams that we do have more knowledge of their inner workings from the novel. and i must admit, while i admire Wang Jiexi and his dedication to Tiny Herb (fangwang is also one of my fave pairings), for me current Tiny Herb is not impressive... and its future is worrisome.

my bad impression did indeed start with the way they handled Qiao Yifan. it can be summed up as a mere mismatch between Qiao Yifan and Tiny Herb. that our Yifan is unsuitable for Tiny Herb and vice versa. that ultimately Tiny Herb is an employer and workplace, that this kind of thing does a common occurrence. no one is at fault. we just happened to be spoiled with teams like Happy and Blue Rain who are in comparison very flexible and inclusive. (then there's God Ye, who stands tall above the rest, who notices things that the Magician doesn't)

but i cannot help but disagree.

in my experience as an employee (or capitalist slave lol) who ends up studying about business&management, human resource is the greatest investment a company or any business can have. it can make or break the business. so usually, HR recruitment and training get a lot of attention, if not a priority. so it's no wonder that all teams will have their own training camps, so they will have easier time to mold and pick their future team members. especially there's an obvious quota or limitation of how many people can be in the team. then there's also nature of the teams, which highly requires ability to adapt and to work with others. this should make being promoted to the team very difficult. the ones who did get to be a member of the team, even though only a sub, should be the cream of the crop.

Qiao Yifan is no exception.

this is clearly implied in the novel when it's mentioned that he has only played Glory for a year by the time we got to know him (Ch147). only further strengthened with how quick he adjusts to Ghostblade class and to rough diamond Happy in the new server.

However, Qiao Yifan has never played an official match, to the point that all pro players and the All Stars' audience have no idea of his existence in Tiny Herb. and by then half season have passed.

half season!

(forget how strange the timeline is, s8 is a mess)

that's such a waste of time and money. seriously. HR is an investment because the result will not show immediately. HR is also costly because they put a lot of money into developing the people into what the company need. recruiting a fully developed talent (transfer) is expensive, so it's usually more cost effective to acquire from universities (training camp) and develop them in the company (the team).

how can you develop your team member without giving them experience??? especially when it's highlighted throughout the novel, through many pro players, how important experience is. how it's the only way for a rookie turn into a veteran.

not only it doesn't make sense from business standpoint, it also doesn't make sense from team standpoint. by benching Qiao Yifan, Wang Jiexi has crippled his own team, reducing the potential strategies he can use. and by not giving him a chance to grow, thus reducing his chance to stay, requiring Tiny Herb to seek and acquire and train/introduce another new person, adding another new variable into the team that might end up the same.

then there's Wang Jiexi's thoughts of Qiao Yifan.

Wang Jiexi already couldn't see any value in keeping Qiao Yifan in the team. He also knew the kid was having a hard time meshing with the team. Perhaps if he wasn't in a Champion team and in some other no pressure mid-tier team, he might be able to make some progress? -Ch144

made worse with the rare time Qiao Yifan shows any negative feelings towards others.

"How lucky... to be instructed by a god-level player like captain so often..." Qiao Yifan silently thought. -Ch145

on my the first time reading it and on my reread, these words still rub me the wrong way. first, it's so cold and ruthless. he strips down Qiao Yifan to his value to the team. okay, we can accept that it's necessary in such highly competitive environment that is Glory. you cannot just add all good vegetables into the shopping cart, just like Ye Xiu said. second and my greatest source of vexation is that he knows that Qiao Yifan is not meshing with team, but his solution is to put Qiao Yifan in an environment with no pressure? really? true to his magician, title his reasoning doesn't make sense, which irks me so much. because it doesn't seem he bothers to know the reason why.

teamwork requires everyone to work together. it's a relationship of mutual trust and respect. it takes all sides to make it work. from his thoughts, it gives me the impression the fault lies in Qiao Yifan for being weak, for buckling under the pressure, thus not gaining trust and respect from his teammates for them to willing to work with him.

the least kind explanation for his way of thinking is that Tiny Herb's self-sacrificing values are taken to the extreme. considering he has changed my playstyle for the team and the championship, he really cannot fathom why the others can't. the less kind explanation is that being a genius make him unable to understand others who are not. the kindest explanation is that he's too busy to instruct the substitutes personally, which is reasonable considering Tiny Herb's overdependence on him, so he cannot really see the problem in Qiao Yifan. he might leave that job to his vice captain, which unfortunately for Qiao Yifan is Deng Fusheng, who might not even fully understand why Wang Jiexi assigns Qiao Yifan an Assassin account to properly instruct him.

it might also be all of them. if we think kindly of Wang Jiexi, he might be aware of his shortcoming, so he relies on his vice captain in developing and training the rookies. Fang Shiqian is particularly good at this, as seen from the main roster that used to have Fang Shiqian as the vice captain. case in point, his attempts in recruiting new member for his team after Fang Shiqian retired are by acquiring developed talents: Xu Bin, an exchange with Li Yihui, Tang Rou and Qiu Fei who have been personally instructed by Ye Xiu.

this kinda explains his cold rationality. and the way he handles Gao Yingjie. whose personality is not much different than Qiao Yifan. it really gives an impression he really doesn't know how to deal with such a different personality compared to his own. that's why he takes such an extreme approach, by losing publicly against Gao Yingjie, which i don't think it's well thought out.

it might be just me, but in my own experience in teaching people (and also from Ye Xiu/Happy and Wei Chen/Blue Rain's example), in order to build confidence it's not really that complicated. just let them gain experience, let them try and fail, but also make sure they know that failure is not the end of the world, that they have the team's support and understanding. that's it. others might scorn them, but the team will have their back. call it tough love. call it a balance of care and cruelty. everyone's a beginner at first, even geniuses. meanwhile, Gao Yingjie is too well-protected. he's kept from hardship too much. that's why i've got the feeling that Wang Jiexi's approach has a high chance of blowing up on his (and Tiny Herb's) face.

and also why future Tiny Herb is worrisome, because it's not only the team who is overly dependent on Wang Jiexi, the whole club, too. it can be minimized if Wang Jiexi stays after retirement... but i feel he will be as decisive as his predecessors. Gao Yingjie will have such big shoes to fill, if not too big.

then there's the team environment.

particularly among the reserve players, which eerily reminds me of Excellent Era's training camp, which might be what Ye Xiu's also thinking with his comment of role model and crutch to Wang Jiexi after the match.

Is he saying that I've been working too hard all this time? But when you were in Excellent Era, weren't you also giving your all to carry the team on your shoulders? Wang Jiexi watched Ye Xiu's retreating silhouette. -Ch1334

in the later match against Thunderclap, it seems that Wang Jiexi does stop trying too hard and let himself being isolated from the others in order to reduce the dependence and in the playoffs against Samsara, it suggests that the younger members manage to make a turnaround. that it bodes well for the future of Tiny Herb.

but here's the thing. it only shows hope for the current main roster of the team. the subs? they don't really have the proper mindset. it's shown in the way they barely worked together and then lost against Lord Grim and co., in the way they made excuses, made worse with Xiao Yun's behavior when he's being the most senior, the one considered as half-main roster and half-sub, but also always being sought to be replaced by Wang Jiexi. no wonder he acts out, bullies are often insecure. this paints a rather grim picture of the championship team environment that Wang Jiexi (and Tiny Herb) creates, and also the double standard he's shown in the different way he treats Gao Yingjie compared to other rookies.

there's a ticking time bomb right there.

the problem might even lay deeper, or start sooner in the training camp. this is a high possibility, considering how Qiao Yifan got promoted despite his unsuitability and how Wang Jiexi is always seen looking outside the team for potential talent.

that's why i come to the conclusion that Tiny Herb's future looking grim. being a rich championship team in the capital, they might manage to draw high-quality talents, but if they are unable to develop them... they might be left behind other teams with better team environment, championship team or not (Thunderclap, for example).

wow it ends up long, i actually want to add my thoughts about Qiao Yifan's characterisation. but i think the chapter speaks for itself. just because we see Qiao Yifan moving on, focusing on the good things, showing no resentment towards Tiny Herb. it doesn't mean he's not hurt. i am close to tears when i read Qiao Yifan's thoughts during his time in Tiny Herb. he's just a kid. it needs to be acknowledged, by themselves, and by the club. it might create a better environment for them all.

[greenhorn-art]

Two roads diverged by vqt, Chapter 5

“What is your relationship with Captain Han Wenqing?”

“He’s my consort,” [Ye Xiu] said dryly. “We’re going to have victory sex after this press conference.”

Everyone present, including those who remained from Tyranny, stood in shocked silence.

.

Loved this scene from chapter 5. Everyone’s shock, HWQ’s rage! (and how later CG is like ‘omg they totally ARE a Thing, how else could that rookie get away with it!’) Tyranny’s management/PR team must be having kittens over it!

😱😏😡😶

Drawn April 14, 2023 | Posted April 16, 2023

[beyond-the-m0ons]

we deserve a soft epilogue (my love) on ao3

Just a little fic I came up with after learning that Lee Hwi and Jung Ji-un had twins after episode 20! I plan to turn it into a series — since I feel like they could’ve given us a bit more of happiness after so much suffering —, but this is the only one I’ve published so far. Hope you guys like it!

[rose-tinted-vision]

Fic rec masterlist

The bllk-hq-knb-op-gi fic rec list

The sgdlr-bsd-tgcf-tka fic rec list

Qiubing CN fic rec (will be live updated)

Qingye fanart/fanfic rec (will be live updated)

The Double fanfic rec (will be live updated)

My ao3 | My writing tag

[fortune-maiden]

😊📚✨ for the fic rec asks!!

Thank you :D

😊 A fic that made you smile on a bad day

As before I don't really remember fics in terms of bad days/good days so we're just going with smiles haha

This is a delightfully silly drabble series :D

Eveything's better with a little murder :D

📚 A fic you wish you could display on your bookshelf

SO MANY!

The one pm/nmj fic I linked earlier is a contender for sure, but let's go with this one, which I saved with the bookmark note:

"If you only ever read one fanfic in your life, let it be this one."

(sadly hardly anyone has read TKA so this fic would be a bit hard to follow without a basic overview of the many characters that appear (i myself barely remember half of them lol) but but this fic is just everything! Comedy! Drama! Shenanigans! SO MUCH CREATIVITY!)

✨ A fic you wish you could read again for the first time

I guess any mystery fic since reading it a second time kinda loses the mystery part xD

...

...

....So I actually had a very specific fic in mind here but when I went to find it I... couldn't... There is absolutely no way I hadn't bookmarked it or subbed to it so I'm left to conclude that it was deleted T_T

For a fic that I'm not mourning now though, this one:

This is an extremely unique fic/logic puzzle but it's the most fun the first time since you have no idea what to expect as you hunt down the clues :D

It's very fun!

[cywscross]

I just got into king;s avatar, do you have any good fics to rec? anything with ye xiu in it would be awesome.

I can rec you some of my favs! A few have ships but most are gen or just the usual AllYe vibe.

A Documentary by Kisalot

Su Muqiu was always convinced that Lord Grim and the Myriad Manifestations Umbrella would one day become the best creation in Glory history. He wanted to document everything in preparation for that day they became a legend.

After retiring from Happy, Ye Xiu finishes it and posts it on Weibo.

For you, my old friend. With this, our dreams have been made complete.

-0-

The Story of the Mary Sue Character the Excellent Era Captain Made Up and Ships Himself With by Kisalot (Su Muqiu/Ye Xiu)

The story of regressor Su Muqiu missing his best friend who still hasn't appeared yet, recreating his One Autumn Leaf first server legend for him, and telling everyone stories about his star-crossed soulmate-bff of a past life.

And the story of how most everyone thinks Ye Xiu is his imaginary crush or chuunibyou delusion for many seasons until the man himself appears and causes chaos on Weibo and in the pro circle. And maybe makes everyone think that he's their dream come to life too.

-0-

Completely Self-Indulgent by SudeniShindeIru

As Ye Xiu is going through a hard time because of Excellent Era, he receives a call that Ye Qiu had gotten into a car accident and fell into a coma, leaving his two kids behind. Ye Xiu retires to return home and take care of Ye Qiu's illegitimate kids, and as he does so, he begins to heal and enjoy things he once never thought he could enjoy before as well as the things he once thought he had, but now was beginning to fall in love with all over again.

tldr: Ye family reconciliation and fluff, Ye Xiu being a dad, Ye Xiu going to All Stars and later rejoining the Pro League, and Pro player chats and shenanigans

-0-

It Starts with a Dream by Autumn_Rain

In a collaboration with Make-a-Wish Foundation, the Glory Professional Alliance hosts an event in Shanghai so that the children could meet their idols and heroes. It was a normal publicity stunt and charity event until it stopped being one. Trust Ye Xiu to always derail the Alliance's plans, but this time no one could blame him, or Han Wenqing, for that matter.

Who would expect them to be so good with kids?

-0-

Awaiting Your Reply by Autumn_Rain

From the start, Ye Xiu has never cared for reputation or fan opinions. But even if Ye Xiu disappears from the public eye, 'Ye Qiu' still continues to exist in the eyes of the fans, and no amount of evasion can change how powerful and damaging a public image can be.

When Su Mucheng realizes just how much tension lies simmering beneath Excellent Era's surface, she decides to fight a war before the first shot is even fired and sets out as Ye Xiu's unofficial PR manager to make him the nation's darling.

The end results are quite unexpected.

-0-

Brother is on the case by Silvera_M

No one is allowed to mess with his brother. No one. And Ye Qiu will make sure to punish any idiot who even attempts. (Ye Qiu finds out what is happening. He is not pleased. And people suffer.)

(Set during season 7)

-0-

in carnage i bloom (like a flower in the dawn) by paradisetrain

Excellent Era is counting on Ye Xiu’s lack of social media presence to make the Glory fans forget him. Ye Xiu had always avoided social media, and for a reason. But Mucheng has this wonderful idea - he can have socials and not expose his true identity at the same time.

Ye Xiu had never played Glory for the fans, but it sure is more fun with them.

The following contains the events of QZGS/TKA from the perspective of the official Ye Qiu Weibo. It’s cryptic. It’s confusing. It’s infuriating for pros and fans alike.

Honestly, did you expect anything less?

-0-

Baozi was a bouncer by Ourliazo

Ye Xiu keeps getting into trouble. Thankfully, Baozi was a bouncer for his last job.

-0-

Piercing Gold by ShootMeDead

Ye Xiu left behind in Excellent Era a piece of himself. As he walked in the streets, the hollow space within him burned with a frozen fire, colder than the weather, colder than dry ice.

Sun Xiang wondered, for just a moment, if Ye Qiu had broken the account card out of spite.

-0-

less drowning, more land by jenwryn (Wei Chen/Ye Xiu)

Wei Chen sometimes feels like he's parenting the team right alongside Ye Xiu: all of the work of being-married-with-kids, but none of the bedroom perks.

Or, the one where Team Happy holidays on a beach in northern Australia, and Wei Chen finally ends his dry streak.

-0-

At Home (With You) by TheDefenestrator (Wang Jiexi/Ye Xiu)

Soulmates spend their lives together, learning preferences and circumstances from shared snacks and tiny mementos, never farther from reach than an object passed across a table.

By the time they meet in person, they'll know exactly what it is their partner is looking for.

-0-

Quest Fulfilled by Invidia_Envy

In a meet and greet event, Ye Xiu is forced to hang around despite not joining the event at all. Whilst loitering around, Ye Xiu met a fanboy and made an unlikely friendship with the kid. Accident happened and the boy can't join the meet and greet, Ye Xiu decided to take his place.

The pros are all speechless, why is Ye Qiu lining up in Tyranny's booth?

-0-

Safeguard by Invidia_Envy (Han Wenqing/Ye Xiu)

Since he was young, Ye Xiu was always used to watch out when he crossed the road. His parents had nailed it to his head to always look left and right when crossing the road and always make sure to hold Ye Qiu’s hand while at it.

So it became a habit. Holding Ye Qiu's hand, holding Su Mucheng's hand. Until one day he held someone else's hand while being absentminded.

“Sorry, Old Han, I didn’t realize it was you.”

“No worries.”

-0-

telltale heart, beating like a drum by Synoshian (Ye Xiu/Yu Wenzhou)

Smiling eyes regarded him. “Don’t you think we’re moving too slow?”

“No,” Ye Xiu replied, “but you would know, I guess.”

-0-

World Champions by TheDefenestrator

At the end of season 4 of the Glory Pro Alliance, the government finally receives the information it has been waiting for: The other players have caught up.

Or,

In which Glory has been a government recruitment ploy for remote-piloted mecha operators all along.

[speckled-dragon]

the law of mortal pain (8381 words) by speckled_dragon Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: 全职高手 | The King's Avatar (Cartoon), 全职高手 - 蝴蝶蓝 | Quánzhí Gāoshǒu - Húdié Lán Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Qiáo Yīfān & Yè Xiū, Sū Mùchéng & Yè Xiū Characters: Yè Xiū (Quánzhí Gāoshǒu), Sū Mùchéng, Qiáo Yīfān, Táo Xuān (Quánzhí Gāoshǒu) Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Sword Art Online Fusion, Virtual Reality, Stuck in a Video Game, death game, Canon-Typical Violence, QZGS Big Bang 2022, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence Summary:

With the new VR server coming out for Glory, Ye Xiu was one of the lucky few to have a NerveGear to play on the day of the server launch.

If only things had stayed that simple.

Written for the QZGS Big Bang 2022!

[arvion-creates]

(Alt text: a header reading "Kinky Fanfic Rec List" above a kink bingo card, some squares marked off with a star.)

Hello all, and welcome to my kink bingo rec list! I bring you 16 fics from 11 different authors, written from 2018-2021, with ratings from general to explicit, with a word count from 2k to 15k words.

All are kink-centric or otherwise kinky oneshots from the Quanzhi Gaoshou / The King's Avatar / 全职高手 fandom. (All adaptations are considered.)

Sound like fun? Good! This will be long, so join me under the cut to get started.

EDIT: Tumblr has been preventing non-logged-in users from viewing the entire post. If that is you, click here (URL under the cut) for a copy uploaded to the web using Google Docs. (The link does not collect your Google login, and neither I nor others can see who has viewed it).

Here is the URL for anyone having trouble with the GDocs link above: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTs8H91R-FMqcvW8-tpDwQfNyG1HyVx948mK8m8coeUZzrI3MCqgvE8J3y8vtKY8emUuMQd64dirr0g/pub

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Glory- Based Sex Wagers  the same as always (https://archiveofourown.org/works/30902807) GeniusCactus   @geniuskaktus

Han Wenqing/Ye Xiu Heart 7k

A 5+1 fic starting in Season 2, in which Ye Xiu and Han Wenqing made a bet that the championship loser gives the winner a handjob. Here’s the thing: YX and HWQ are Glory gods, not sex gods, and this fic portrays them as the teenage virgin gamers they are. It’s endearing, it’s sweet, it’s funny, it’s at some points intensely secondhand embarrassing. Ye Xiu feels distinctly live-action flavored, so if you liked him there, give this fic a shot.

Player/Avatar never once more (https://archiveofourown.org/works/28535274) lynne_monstr   @lynne-monstr

Swoksaar/Wei Chen Gut 5k

Wei Chen and Swoksaar fuck over a desk while trying to one-up each other. Now, my fondness of this type of power dynamic is in kink territory even on its own, so it as part of actual sex is a treat. And it’s good sex, too! Wei Chen is so obviously into the rough handling, and it’s both hot and funny to watch him complain when he’s so clearly enjoying himself. Bonus points for hidden knives with a happy ending.

Handjobs/Fingering powered by horny (https://archiveofourown.org/works/33104620) BlueberryAsh @ghostgum

Dai Yanqi/Liu Fei Heart 2k

Dai Yanqi and Liu Fei meet up in the corridors before their post-match press conferences. I enjoyed this fic’s balance: one part the connection of being women in a sexist field, one part comfort, and one part kinky sex. Dai Yanqi fingers Liu Fei under her skirt, right there, before the conference. There’s a dash of hurt/comfort thrown in as well. 

Dual-Core, Captain/VC  Following Instructions (https://archiveofourown.org/works/21025952) eloboosting

Han Wenqing/Zhang Xinjie Head 2k

A slice-of-life with Han Wenqing and Zhang Xinjie together, including sex. I enjoy this piece because of the way the author leaned into Zhang Xinjie’s characterization. now I’m not saying it’s the autism, except that I am. In the novel, we don’t get to see Zhang Xinjie so personally, so this is a treat for ZXJ Appreciators (of which I lead the fanclub). Their relationship isn’t a traditional TV romance (nor is it, arguably, a romance at all) or a fanfic-shipper’s-special, and I like the piece all the more for this. The way they’re together feels right. Additional mention for dom/sub.

Praise Kink one big exhale never did me no good (https://archiveofourown.org/works/24758542) UndeadRobins   @undead-robins    

Xiao Shiqin/Sun Xiang  Gut 2k

Speaking of power dynamics that are inherently kinky, *gestures vaguely to Sun Xiang*. In this fic, Xiao Shiqin instructs SX through some arena matches while properly motivating him to obey. Sun Xiang not only listens to directions but enjoys it. A combo of narrative tension and sexual tension that had me metaphorically on the edge of my seat. Especially notable for the dom point-of-view. 

Free Space  Self promo lol  @arvion-creates    What Happens At All-Stars (https://archiveofourown.org/works/28100205)

Huang Shaotian/Everyone 3k Gut

Free space, time to plug my own fic. I like characters being turned on in situations where they can’t immediately take care of it, and I like Huang Shaotian and his energetic spirit, so these two appreciations are at the heart of this piece. Other self-indulgences include exhibitionism, a strong network of intimate non-romantic relationships among the pros, and Huang Shaotian literally managing to talk himself off. If these also seem enjoyable to you, you might just like my fic!

Sex Toys solongfuturelover pink like blossoms (https://archiveofourown.org/works/30530190)

Tang Hao/Zhang Jiale Heart 2k

Zhang Jiale makes up with Tang Hao after a fight, including an unorthodox gesture of reconciliation (this is where the “sex toys” bingo square comes from). ZJL’s characterization is a highlight here– he really seems like he’s let go of much of his tension. Now, I am always a big fan of sexual tension and hatefucking, so TH/ZJL is a great pairing, but this one, despite the odds, manages to be a relatively healthy relationship! Congrats to them! lol

Tentacles of unusual size (https://archiveofourown.org/works/29759712) lynne_monstr   @lynne-monstr   

Zheng Xuan & Blue Rain 2k Heart

Some teen-rated tentacle fluff. Everybody has tentacles, and Zheng Xuan spends time with his team and revisits his boundaries for his tentacles. Part of the “Blue Rain as Family” tag. It’s both thoughtful worldbuilding to make tentacles just an everyday thing and heartwarming team fluff.  

Kink Exploration Shadaras   @shadaras    thrill of the night (https://archiveofourown.org/works/33495397)

4k Tang Rou/Sun Xiang Gut

It’s in some ways ironic and in some ways fitting to classify this as a “kink exploration” fic, given that the author mentioned they chose not to tag it as such in part “because sx is not self-aware”. In this piece, Tang Rou and Sun Xiang have sex in a back alley, and Sun Xiang likes it much more than he expected. Sun Xiang’s characterization manages to nail that confidence that I’m so proud of him for discovering, while still a hot dose of “embarrassed but I like this”. Tang Rou’s lack of self-consciousness, too, is attractive.

Ritual Sex try to keep each other afloat (https://archiveofourown.org/works/32814805) Synoshian @synoshian

Fang Rui/Ye Xiu 7k Head

In this setting, team captains have sex with new team members as a form of bonding. After Fang Rui transfers to Team Happy, he and Ye Xiu get to know each other better. Now, sex can be about so many more things than satisfying arousal, and this fic speaks to a part of human emotion that isn’t often seen in fanfic. There’s discussion of asexuality, and they both enjoy the sex they’re having. This is one of the more unique pieces on the list. If you want an unconventional read, give it a shot.

Junior/Senior devils all around you (https://archiveofourown.org/works/17137115) Synoshian @synoshian   

6k Sun Xiang/Ye Xiu Gut

Set during the China Glory training period, Sun Xiang is so desperate for Ye Xiu’s approval that he digs himself into a hole (and keeps digging). Of course, this is not how *he* sees the situation, because he hates Ye Xiu, and that’s all there is to it, of course. It’s like a high-suspense trainwreck of “can he make this worse?” Fun fact: this fic inspired me to try writing fanfiction, because I simply Could not stop thinking about it. I will read (and almost certainly enjoy) anything with Sun Xiang praise kink, and this is a classic.

Dom/sub Crown of Faith (https://archiveofourown.org/works/29021757) Shadaras @shadaras 

Zhang Jiale/Zhang Xinjie 3k Gut

Zhang Xinjie experiments with doing Zhang Jiale’s hair. This one’s a nonsexual kink piece that creates such a vibrant mood. It’s a good comfort read. I am generally very much in favor of Zhang Jiale relaxing and receiving kindness, and this hits that spot. (As well as the “zhang xinjie dom” agenda.) This piece was made to be enjoyable even if you aren’t familiar with canon, so if you’ve forgotten who Zhang Xinjie is (Tyranny’s cleric, master tactician) don’t let that stop you!

Magic Used for Sex/Kink blood and weed and bones (https://archiveofourown.org/works/27955286) BlueberryAsh @ghostgum

2k Qiao Yifan/Ye Xiu Head

Qiao Yifan, magically bound to Wang Jiexi, is tasked with killing Ye Xiu. The “magic used for sex/kink” may not be the kinkiest aspect of it– to me, that’s the power dynamics, but you all know I’m biased. The worldbuilding in this short little piece is soooo vibrant, too. The setting’s a bit fucked up, the ship is QYF/YX, and QYF starts by trying to kill him, so what more do you really need?

In-Universe Fanworks AND Biting Fayah  @unrivaled-super-hottie A Case Study in Demonic Courting Behavior (https://archiveofourown.org/works/17906363)

Han Wenqing/Ye Xiu (Desert Dust/One Autumn Leaf flavor)  Head 2k

Ye Xiu, a mage titled the Battle God, challenges Desert Dust, demon and the King of Fighting, for world-typical stakes for the winner. I love pieces with more of a story than we see, and this piece leaves me with a dozen questions and a desire to see more. There’s magic and rules the magic operates on, and the context of their motivations gives you a fascinating little glimpse into what could easily be a rich and exciting long story. Of course, the worldbuilding isn’t to the detriment of the smut; the two go hand in hand.

Femslash For the Girl Who has Everything (https://archiveofourown.org/works/31536923) madmaenad  @madmaenad

Chu Yunxiu/Dai Yanqi 2k Heart

Dai Yanqi propositions Chu Yunxiu for a hookup. Dai Yanqi is such a sweet, energetic young woman in this one, which is a nice complement to Chu Yunxiu’s weariness. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and she gets Chu Yunxiu eager and into it. It’s nice to see the two of them have an uncomplicated good time! The spice adds definition to the sweetness.

Monsterfucking in whom we rest (from whom grows the grass that feeds us) (https://archiveofourown.org/works/36044218) BlueberryAsh @ghostgum   

Wang Jiexi/Other, Fang Shiqin/Wang Jiexi 15k Heart

Here’s another intriguing sex worldbuilding one. All Glory teams have a patron deity of some sort. Naturally, a deity demands offerings, and the captain gives the most. There’s no Hurt/Comfort tag on this fic (there are, however, “Extremely Dubious Consent”, “Multiple Penetration”, “Sex Pollen adjacent”, and “Forced Orgasm”, among others) but it feels… hurt/comforty, somehow. This fic takes place in that world of difference between “saying yes” and “wanting it”. Although this piece bruises him up a bit, it bandages the wounds at the end.

-----

That's all, folks! This rec list is my submission for Kink Bingo 2022 (https://archiveofourown.org/collections/QZGSKinkBingo2022). Our kinky writers don't get nearly enough appreciation, so if you enjoyed any of these fics, consider leaving a nice comment. If you enjoyed lots of these fics and want to see what I'm up to these days, you can find me at this tumblr or on Ao3 as Arvion. Have fun and happy reading!

Thank you to @pyrrhicprose for the support and feedback!

[flycatchxr]

I got really bad brainrot someone help

[lynne-monstr]

[fic] the wind dies down but comes back

The King's Avatar, gen. Wei Chen, Fang Shijing, Yu Wenzhou, Lu Hanwen, Huang Shaotian. 2,517 words. the four captains one desk fic

Written for Writer's Month Day 27: office

Summary: Wei Chen inadvertently starts a Blue Rain tradition.

.

The room is pathetically small and barely furnished, more prison cell than office. Even the sole, sad window overlooking the courtyard is pitch black this time of night. But that kind of thinking is for losers. The bare walls won’t stay that way forever, not once Wei Chen starts winning trophies. There will be plenty of memorabilia to display.

He leans forward in his gaming chair, the better to survey his new kingdom. The desk under his elbows is a battered secondhand thing, but it’s fucking huge and doesn’t wobble like all the cheap crap in stores these days. Excitement fizzes in his blood as he lights his first cigarette in his new home. He did it, he made this. His dream, crafted with his own hands. The paperwork is signed and Team Blue Rain has officially joined the newly minted Glory Pro Alliance.

When Fang Shijing finally shows up, the ashtray is full and Wei Chen is hunched over the desk. Smoke lazily curls into the air around him.

“Should I be worried?” Fang Shijing asks, eyeing the pocket knife in Wei Chen’s hand. Despite the words, he doesn’t sound concerned, just amused.

Read at ao3

[blueberry-ash]

[fic] In this house, we kiss Qiao Yifan

The King's Avatar, allQiao. 4,500 words. M-rated. Open relationship, accidental and on-purpose kissing.

Posted for QYF's birthday. Also, apparently, my 100th TKA LA fic, how on earth did that happen?!

Summary: The first time someone in Team Happy kisses Qiao Yifan, it’s an accident. After that, though? All bets are off.

---

The first time someone in Team Happy kisses Qiao Yifan, it’s by mistake.

They’re messing around in the lounge—throwing cushions and elbows—wrestling, and tickling, and laughing hard.

Qiao Yifan is laughing the hardest, all pink-cheeked and dancing-eyed, when Wu Chen accidentally slams into him.

The collision ought to be rather painful, but it isn’t: Wu Chen reacts quickly enough to limit the force with which their lips meet like something out of one of Su Mucheng’s dramas. Of course, Wu Chen’s care taking is hardly a surprise. What is a surprise that when he apologises to Qiao Yifan, Qiao Yifan does not immediately echo him with a heartfelt “sorry!” of his own.

Everyone is watching when, instead of apologising, Qiao Yifan laughs. Touching his bottom lip with his thumb, Qiao Yifan says, “It’s okay.” His tone is openly, achingly wistful as he adds, “Ha, I really miss being kissed.”

Read on the AO3

[audriel]

fourteen: behind the scenes

this story can be said a character study of Fang Rui and his relationships (tbh when is it not lol).

in truth, in the earliest draft, there's only one relationship that's become the focus, but as it typically happens, the character and the story tend to take a life of its own. but ultimately what brings it to completion is the Secret Santa prompt. as per en's request, the two characters chosen to become the main focus in their relationship with Fang Rui are Ye Xiu and Yu Wenzhou, with two more from the Chinese Glory team. so special mention to en (empatbelas) since they’re the reason this story gets completed.

Huang Shaotian: in comparison to the other three, there's no obvious interaction in the novel that suggests that they are closer than the typical familiarity between top gods of the League. it doesn't help that Huang Shaotian (and Fang Rui himself) is friendly with everyone. Huang Shaotian among the first to comment in Fang Rui's weibo post, then Fang Rui joins Happy's bullying of Huang Shaotian during the pre-match handshakes in the playoffs. until the prequel 'Summer of Blue Rain' that is.

not only Fang Rui shows up in Blue Rain, he also calls Huang Shaotian, Shaotian. again, considering how naturally friendly they are, it might not be enough as an evidence of their closeness. however, it's important to note that both spend time together in Blue Rain, and considering how tight-knit Blue Rain is and how social the two are, it's not impossible that they are more than merely colleagues and rivals, but friends that chat and hangout together outside of games.

Zhou Zekai: in the novel, there's only one notable interaction outside of games between the two, which is when they encountered each other after Samsara-Happy first regular match of Season 10. then there's a mention of a familiarity that's typical between pro players that debut together during the finals, but it doesn't suggest Fang Rui is as close to Zhou Zekai as Wu Yuce or even Zhou Guangyi, though it's interesting to point out that he called the latter Old Zhou, likely because he called Zhou Zekai, Little Zhou. however, then there's the prequel.

there's a pattern in the prequels: For the Glory and the Expectations of the Mediocre. all the stories tends to revolve around first meetings: Ye Xiu-Su siblings. Ye Xiu-Han Wenqing. Ye Xiu-Wu Xuefeng. Sun Zheping-Zhang Jiale. Yu Wenzhou-Huang Shaotian-Wang Jiexi. Wang Jiexi-Fang Shiqian. Yu Wenzhou-Huang Shaotian-Zhang Xinjie-Xiao Shiqin. Zhou Zekai-Fang Minhua. and based on the characters that become the focus, they are all play important roles for each other: partners, rivals, tacticians. they are equals.

and in the latest prequel, in what supposed to be Zhou Zekai and Samsara focus, suddenly a wild Fang Rui appeared. and he's not a mere cameo, unlike his previous appearance. he actually has an actual interaction, genuine exchange. and for people who's quiet and introverted like Zhou Zekai, they tend to stick close to people they're familiar with when they're getting into new place aka the League. Fang Rui might be the first friend he made outside Samsara, and quite possibly, his partner and/or rival in the future (or BB just plain adore FR, which is... fair, me too).

Yu Wenzhou: before the prequel, it's less likely for Fang Rui to be close to Yu Wenzhou, in comparison to Huang Shaotian. although there's a notable interaction in the playoffs when Lu Hanwen attempted to play dirty, the keyword here is 'attempted', making Fang Rui rolled on the ground laughing as he gestured wildly towards Blue Rain team. the one being shown having a reaction towards him is Yu Wenzhou (though this also points out how good of a relationship he has with his old team that he dares to openly tease them right in the middle of the match, it's the playoffs too).

then there's the prequel, while Fang Rui appears to mainly summon Huang Shaotian for his new silver weapon, he stays behind and calls Yu Wenzhou, Wenzhou. Unlike Huang Shaotian, Yu Wenzhou is more reserved and not to mention he's Swoksaar successor and future captain, even young as they were, I don't think any ordinary newbie (as per timeline suggests that the Challengers League conclude around the same time of S3, Fang Rui should only have less than a year in the training camp) would have that kind of familiarity with Yu Wenzhou. i come to believe, as reflected in this story, that in actuality Fang Rui is closer to Yu Wenzhou than Huang Shaotian.

Ye Xiu: and lastly, putting the most important relationship and the one that started everything. as i fall in love with Fang Rui, i recall vividly all his scenes and his interactions with others. his dynamics with Ye Xiu particularly caught my eye. Wei Chen is the first who can keep up with his trash talk in Happy, but ultimately after they officially enter the Glory Pro Alliance, it's Fang Rui. Su Mucheng is undeniably his best partner, but Fang Rui is Ye Xiu's partner in trash talk and in close range offensive. there are plenty of instances of these two working together in dealing damage in close range (i can give the receipt, if anyone wants it). these are some of my favorite interactions:

"Nice snipe." Fang Rui's Boundless Sea said in the public chat.   "I can't stay rusty forever :)" Ye Xiu replied with a smiley face. -Chapter 1163

"Clearly explain? You didn't explain at all!" Fang Rui said. "I saw that he was looking at them himself!" Ye Xiu said. "What use is looking at them himself! Are the rules that easy to digest? You need to properly teach him how to exploit the loopholes in the rules." "You shut your mouth, is exploiting loopholes and whatnot something that a respectable pro player should do?" "But there will always be a few sneaky players that do this. To defeat their sneaky tricks, you first have to understand how they'll be sneaky!" said Fang Rui. -Chapter 1164

"The ones who should be strictly criticized are the two players who went up next. Two players, and you couldn't take down the opponent's one player? Especially the third player, the great general anchoring the group arena, Fang Rui! The team didn't spend so much money to get you over here just so you could be a useless dim sum! You couldn't even take care of a Wang Jiexi?" Ye Xiu berated him. The tone of that "couldn't even take care of a Wang Jiexi" was deafening! Ever since Wang Jiexi had entered the Alliance, the reporters had never heard this kind of sentence before. "Yeah yeah yeah." To the side, Fang Rui confessed, ashamed, "I messed up, I couldn't focus my spirits to play well. Someone like Wang Jiexi, I should at least be able to fight ten of him." "That's a bit much!" Ye Xiu said. "Eight?" Fang Rui said. "Mm." Ye Xiu nodded. -Chapter 1195

“What do you mean? We purposefully gave you a shot at him, y’know?” In the chat, Fang Rui replied to Wei Chen. “Look at what wonderful people we are, giving you a chance to show off in front of your disciple. Where’s your gratitude?” Ye Xiu added. “Fine, thank you, you dumbasses,” Wei Chen retorted. -Chapter 1415

At such a crucial moment of time, Happy’s team members were still relentlessly trash talking Wei Chen, reminding him that it wouldn’t look good if his junior to defeated him. “You’re twice his age!” Ye Xiu reminded. “More than,” Fang Rui corrected. “If you get cut down so easily then that would be quite the embarrassment,” Ye Xiu said. “Indeed.” This time, Wei Chen didn’t reply. Naturally, this wasn’t because he was alright with being mocked like this, but it was because he couldn’t spare any effort into arguing with these two -Chapter 1416

“If you were my opponent, I definitely wouldn’t have fallen for that,” Fang Rui said honestly to Ye Xiu. “Nah, you definitely would have,” Ye Xiu replied back honestly. “Definitely wouldn’t have.” “Definitely would have.” -Chapter 1525

“How’s it going there? If you’re still holding on, type 1,” Fang Rui messaged. “11111111111,” Ye Xiu typed a line of 1s, showing that he was doing great. “Wow, amazing! What are we even here for?” Fang Rui replied. He was actually very shocked. -Chapter 1618

those interactions never fail to bring a smile to my face. their exchange is easy, comfortable. while at the same time when they do it during games, neither loses their focus. there also are times when they use it to cover their real intentions or use it as a mental attack, making their opponents second guess. then, i thought of the teams they left behind. 

i cannot imagine Excellent Era with Liu Hao and Wind Howl with Tang Hao responding positively to their trash talk or their overall playful, not so serious exchange, not realizing it’s also their way to lighten the team’s mood. i imagine how lonely it has been, how difficult and uncomfortable it might be, and yet here they are in Happy. another person, their teammate who can actually give as good as they get, without getting offended or losing focus in game. it’s like finding someone who can get your jokes. if i’m that happy in that situation, i bet Ye Xiu and Fang Rui are too.

and i want to particularly highlight these two interactions:

"Good joke. On the other hand, look at how sincere I am," Fang Rui said to Ye Xiu after leaving the stage, and was met with a kick. -Chapter 1139

"You useless dim sum! Are you looking for death! Hurry up and kneel!" Ye Xiu hit Fang Rui on the head. "My mistake, my mistake!" Fang Rui was weeping and crying. The others didn't know whether to be angry or amused. This communication issue was really a big problem! -Chapter 1208

my memories might be faulty, but i really, really cannot recall Ye Xiu being as physical with others as he has been with Fang Rui (besides Su Mucheng, but like that’s only once too, i think cmiiw). that’s display of another level of comfort right there

this also brings me to the other dimension of trash talk (and dirty playstyle).

Fang Rui had completely ruined the tense atmosphere in the stadium. The peak-level match had suddenly turned into an in-game 1v1 in the Glory Arena.  -Chapter 1605

Fang Rui received a warm welcome from Happy’s fans. As they cheered, he strutted around as if Happy wasn’t the team falling behind right now. He walked onto the stage, waving his hands towards the crowd as if he had won. It was only until the referee rushed over and berated him did he go into the player booth dejectedly. The crowd laughed. The tense atmosphere from Zhang Jiale’s 1v2 had lightened considerably. [...] The public chat had been very calm previously, but Fang Rui’s presence changed that. “How mighty! 1v2!” Fang Rui gave praise towards Zhang Jiale. “It’s not over yet!” Zhang Jiale replied.  “It pretty much is,” Fang Rui said. [...] You could say it was dirty, but that explosive burst of qi was very heroic. You could say that it was tyrannical, but hiding behind a wall and gathering qi was very dirty… In any case, Happy had won this round. It was a clean victory, chasing back the advantage that Zhang Jiale had gained. If Fang Rui’s previous interactions with the crowd had eased the crowd’s tension, then his dominating performance this round was a tranquilizer to Happy’s fans. -Chapter 1491

these excerpts can be said to be the best examples of how much a mood maker (or destroyer) Fang Rui can be. he can only pull this off if he is perceptive, he’s sensitive towards people’s moods and knows how to influence them. so it’s not a stretch to say that Fang Rui is a master at people’s psychology. and interestingly, this exchange sounds a bit familiar…

"Our captain is mighty." "If you've got the time to spout useless words, why don't you use it on moving your character instead?" The praise that he had typed into the public chat was only met with Ye Xiu's disdain. [...] Liu Hao would never forget the icy contempt that Ye Xiu showed towards his well-meaning compliment. To Liu Hao, calling out a beautiful play by a teammate was a way of boosting the morale of the team, but Ye Xiu maintained that his praise was too excessive. -Chapter 1279-1280

why is there such a difference in response from Ye Xiu? is it because of it’s directed towards an opponent instead of teammates, as it can be disruptive? Ye Xiu’s explanation in that very same match is that Liu Hao is always unable to put one hundred percent of his attention into the match. there are far too many other things he’s concerned about. is that all, or is there something else?

my first and main guess, is that Ye Xiu has a higher and better regard for Fang Rui. this started from their first official interaction in the novel.

"In the end, it's the experienced players who are harder to deal with!" When Ye Xiu saw Fang Rui's decision, he couldn't help but sigh in his heart. [...] In the end, it's the experienced players who are harder to deal with! Fang Rui came up with the same evaluation. -Chapter 1110

what’s also interesting in this chapter is that this shows their thoughts, and their thoughts are strikingly similar. this also might be BB sowing the seeds early of how Fang Rui would have fit in Happy under Ye Xiu easily.

“He’s not wasting the foundation that Mo Fan lay down for him. What a reliable guy!” Ye Xiu sighed. -Chapter 1447

Reliable, such an assessment coming from Ye Xiu should be a huge compliment. after all, this is the man who believes that Glory isn’t a single-player game. 

“You gonna be okay?” Ye Xiu grinned as he asked Fang Rui. For the other Happy players who didn’t know that Fang Rui wasn’t himself right now, it didn’t sound like anything was wrong. The team had four senior members. Apart from Su Mucheng, the other three weren’t exactly the most serious people. It was common for them to talk trash about each other. But Fang Rui knew that these seemingly normal joking words had real meaning today. “Even if I’m not, I’ve got to go. The team really can’t do without me,” Fang Rui said proudly. The others on Happy didn’t find anything wrong, but Ye Xiu could hear what Fang Rui was implying: Yes, we don’t have any other choice. No matter how things are, I have to go. Ye Xiu didn’t say anything more. He wasn’t completely clear how Fang Rui’s condition was, but he knew that Fang Rui was a responsible player. He wasn’t going to play if he didn’t think he could win. It could only mean that he could still fight. He didn’t want to go before probably because he only wanted to fight if it was necessary, and right now was the time. -Chapter 1655

Responsible. 

THIS. this might be what sets Fang Rui apart from Liu Hao the most: he’s a responsible player. he always sees the big picture, he thinks of the ultimate goal: victory, and he never forgets he needs a team to achieve that. his trash talk and his playful demeanor onstage and offstage, his silence when he’s not feeling the best, his voluntary choice to step up when needed… are all in consideration of victory, and being as perceptive (and former vice captain) as he is, he knows how important morale is. Liu Hao can preach as much as he wants that he wants to boost the team’s morale, but Ye Xiu isn’t buying it, he knows Liu Hao’s doing it for himself, not for the team, not really as he’s always concerned about other things irrelevant to the game, to victory.

it’s no wonder that Ye Xiu finds it easy to trust Fang Rui despite having less time to build a rapport with, especially compared with the rest of Happy who has been building the team with him from scratch, and even when he’s not exactly close to Fang Rui. i say this with confidence because it’s noted that Ye Xiu needed to open a new chat window to pull Fang Rui to Happy, which means their only contact is limited to around official matches or All-Stars.

Ye Xiu’s trust and reliance in Fang Rui shows up many times throughout the novel, but it’s notably obvious in during the playoffs.

“I would’ve been fine even without your help,” Fang Rui suddenly said. “Huh?” Steamed Bun replied. “Not you, Steamed Bun,” Ye Xiu typed a reply as fast as he could. Though he knew that Fang Rui was talking to him, but if they let Steamed Bun misunderstand, then things would go downhill very fast. “We��re counting on you, Steamed Bun,” Fang Rui also broke out into cold sweat, hurriedly pitching in and making sure that Steamed Bun was focused and happy. [...] Ye Xiu and Fang Rui’s hearts calmed. Let him be as wasteful as he wants; it’s better than going completely out of it. “It’s all up to you!” Ye Xiu once again made sure Steamed Bun focused, but his words had a second meaning. Fang Rui understood, knowing that Ye Xiu was actually talking to him. As for Steamed Bun, the other cheerfully gave an acknowledging reply. Fang Rui didn’t dare tell him the truth of the matter. -Chapter 1474

Ye Xiu is trusting the handling of Steamed Bun, the most difficult to understand player in Happy, the greatest wildcard and variable in the game, to Fang Rui.

then there’s the playoffs against Tyranny.

Back on the battlefield, Happy had regrouped under Ye Xiu’s orders. They clearly didn’t want to continue fighting with Tyranny here. They wanted to reset the battle and fight in a different place. During this gradual process, Happy’s players began to regain their calm. Even Ye Xiu had felt distressed over the loss of Fang Rui. He wasn’t nearly as calm as he appeared. The others were even more so. -Chapter 1565

before finally Fang Rui is sent out of the game, until the very end Ye Xiu tried to save him, even when Fang Rui himself told the team to leave him. In that scene, Ye Xiu is even shown to be visibly distressed, which says a lot.

"Du Ming's in really good condition today. Be careful," Ye Xiu said to Fang Rui. "In better condition than me?" Fang Rui scoffed. "Haha," Ye Xiu laughed. "What's 'haha' supposed to mean!" Fang Rui could feel the disdain from Ye Xiu's laugh. "You're getting paid the most out of all of us. Please," Ye Xiu said. -Chapter 1605

the please tacked on really shakes me to the core, i can imagine it's more so for Fang Rui. that proud and stubborn Ye Xiu, needs to resort to something close to begging in desperation. i may be reading into things, but another interesting point in this scene is how Ye Xiu is not hiding his disdain. Ye Xiu is really careful in revealing his emotions, particularly negative ones. and yet here he is, doing so. for me, it’s like the mask is off, the guard is lowered, in that single moment.

“But… No matter what the map is, have you thought about not letting Fang Rui go onstage?” Chen Guo said. Ye Xiu fell silent.  -Chapter 1635

Just two of them were left. Su Mucheng stood behind Ye Xiu, watching him reclassify the recordings, articles, images, etc. from before and save them. “How do you feel?” Su Mucheng suddenly asked. “How do I feel? You mean about Fang Rui?” Ye Xiu said, without turning his head.  -Chapter 1636

By then, Ye Xiu had returned to Happy’s area. He also had to decide on the next person Happy was to send up. But this was not an easy decision. Even though Ye Xiu did not lose in spirit to Zhou Zekai, not even he could suppress the opponent’s confidence. Zhou Zekai would continue his fight-to-the-death attitude and launch an aggressive offensive. Happy needed to send up someone with lots of experience and ability to quickly adapt to changes to tango with Zhou Zekai. Fang Rui! He was the most suitable choice. When Ye Xiu thought this, his gaze wandered in Fang Rui’s direction. But just as he did so, his heart sank a little. Fang Rui was also looking back at him, but his gaze gave off an abnormal sense of calm. Ye Xiu understood Fang Rui. Even though he was the epitome of playing dirty, he was definitely not the kind to bully the weak and avoid the strong. Fang Rui must also understand how crucial this coming match was. In these moments, judging by Fang Rui’s usual personality, he probably would have already volunteered to play next without being asked. But now, not only Fang Rui did not speak up, but he still stayed silent when he caught Ye Xiu’s eyes. Ye Xiu immediately knew that Fang Rui wasn’t at his best. The burden from last match probably hadn’t been completely erased by the two days’ worth of rest. Fang Rui staying silent was his way of not hurting Happy’s morale. But at this moment, he decided to stay silent after he exchanged looks with Ye Xiu. This was because he knew Ye Xiu would understand him right away. -Chapter 1651

Mo Fan, who hadn’t contributed anything last round, looked even more dejected when he returned. The comforting from his teammates were completely ignored. “Don’t worry,” Ye Xiu looked towards him. Mo Fan walked right past him. Those words were too light. How could he casually wave off such a devastating defeat? “Your teammates are still fighting,” Ye Xiu continued. Mo Fan turned his head. Ye Xiu was no longer looking at him. Mo Fan followed Ye Xiu’s gaze to Fang Rui, who was still holding his clenched right hand up in the air. “So we haven’t lost,” Ye Xiu turned his head to look at him. -Chapter 1655

Fang Rui patted Qiao Yifan, and his attitude was also very sincere. “Without me, you guys will be the ones working very hard.” Everyone laughed. But after laughing, they felt that these words, although shameless, were true. Fang Rui’s strength, Boundless Sea’s strength, were stronger than the new players and new accounts of Happy. Without him, the rest of them really would have to work very hard. “Then we’ll work harder.” Ye Xiu nodded. -Chapter 1675

the first to the last scenes are Ye Xiu not denying Fang Rui’s strength and importance to the team. it also shows Ye Xiu’s tendency to look to and for Fang Rui. i want to remind you of the scene when Ye Xiu was checking on everyone’s state before the playoffs, and kept wondering of Fang Rui’s whereabouts until Su Mucheng told him that he went to bed early. Don’t also forget this infamous scene:

It was a shocking performance, but as Ye Xiu watched and watched, his original smile grew a bit heavy. He glanced at Fang Rui’s booth again, and seeing that there was still no movement, he quickly walked over. [...] Even though Ye Xiu was still smiling, that heaviness from earlier still hadn’t faded. When he saw Su Mucheng looking at him, he returned the gaze, answered Su Mucheng’s doubts. -Chapter 1634

Ye Xiu is the first to notice the abnormality of Fang Rui and the first to make a move to check on Fang Rui. he's also the one who doesn't buy Fang Rui's act.

this trust and understanding go both ways.

"It was well done," Fang Rui nodded. "But it wasn't easy, no?" "What?" Chen Guo was puzzled. When she looked at Ye Xiu, she discovered that he didn't look too happy about his win. Even though Ye Xiu wasn't the type to show his emotions easily, his expression wasn't very relaxed despite winning. Chen Guo realized her perspective of the match was too shallow. She looked at Su Mucheng, and from Su Mucheng's gaze towards Ye Xiu, she could see… worry. [...] "It wasn't easy," Ye Xiu said.  -Chapter 1273

The trophy. The gleaming golden trophy, symbolizing the greatest Glory, was finally given to Happy. Ye Xiu accepted it with both hands. But immediately afterwards, the trophy slipped between his fingers. “Ah!!” As the crowd cried out in surprise, to Ye Xiu’s left and right, Su Mucheng and Fang Rui swiftly reached out to support the trophy. -Chapter 1727

It’s Su Mucheng and Fang Rui who are the first to react and help Ye Xiu to support his tired fingers to lift up the trophy, and Fang Rui himself is unlikely to have fully recovered by then too.

whoops it grows into such a long analysis into Fang Rui and Ye Xiu’s relationship. i’d also point out that Ye Xiu’s trust and reliance on Fang Rui is not baseless, besides the legendary play that heralds Fang Rui’s return to godhood. it’s been pointed out that Happy’s excellent record is due to Fang Rui as much as Ye Xiu’s. (not core player my ass. sorry my beloved dimsum, but we’re gonna agree to disagree)

Fang Rui growing accustomed to his new playstyle was an indispensable contribution to Happy's recent strong performance. After being thrown off by Ye Xiu's unspecialized Lord Grim, the various members of the Alliance now faced another playstyle that they couldn't immediately understand, that caused them just as much difficulty as Lord Grim. -Chapter 1225

this, alongside the brief mention that player(s) from abroad seems to disdain these kinds of dirty tricks from Wei Chen, makes a strong argument that if Ye Xiu has his pick in the national team roster, he will certainly have Fang Rui.

meanwhile, it is merely my speculation that Fang Rui is the one replacing Han Wenqing. however, i feel it’s not without basis. the numbering on the national team, for one. then there’s the distribution of class and ability. I’ve read some analysis, and many are leaning towards Fang Rui as one of the candidates. more so if Wei Chen’s comment of dirty playing is being disdained is true and not mere exaggeration, Fang Rui’s not being the first choice is much higher and for Ye Xiu, who needs to work miracles as the Team Leader in the short time, for him choosing Fang Rui is a no brainer: a player that is unpredictable and unfamiliar to opponents, and a teammate whom he trusts and relies on, with whom he can pick for both individual and team competition. 

i kinda have to add the last one because the younger members of the national team are not very known for their teamwork. and Fang Rui, both as a player and as Qi Master, is incredibly versatile. he has high adaptability. case in point: him fitting in the grassroots, online game background Happy with surprising ease. for this reason Happy is nigh invincible in online games and robbing BOSSes compared to other pro players. this shows that that online game style is not easy for pro players with a formal training background, and yet here Fang Rui who debuted in the Fifth Year easily fitting in like he’s been with Happy from day one.

that’s why i headcanon Fang Rui as a diplomat’s son, who is used to moving to different countries, learning different languages and cultures. it’s also why he’s so perceptive when it comes to people and language (read: loopholes). in the national team, he will be the unofficial vice captain to Yu Wenzhou and right hand to Ye Xiu. while they have single rooms during training, they will have roommates during the actual competition abroad, which i think will make more sense, in the case of anything going wrong (lateness, forgetfulness, you name it). so it’s likely for Ye Xiu and Fang Rui to room together. yeah, i definitely have some ideas for the World Invitationals, writing them is another matter.

thank you for reading this long author’s-note-turned-meta! i’d love to hear more from you about this story (and my note).

[enlightened-lord]

i'm kind of crying but in hopes of getting an answer from the void (or maybe remembering it after posting this)

what fic was it that it was a cross between a steampunk au and a qing dynasty ish au??? wu xuefeng was sent to protect ye xiu and ye qiu was kind of the prince and ye xiu was the runaway prince and there were paper kites that wang jiexi sent AND OMG IT WAS SUCH A COOL UNIVERSE BUT I FREAKING FORGOT THE TITLE I WANNA REREAD IT STAT

ahahhahahaha omg i feel so crazy

ejkrofmtlf

updated draft:

omgggg i found it!!!!!!

aaaaaaaaa after 30+ mins

T^T

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

i found it omg i'm so

(i'm 20+ tabs longer than my internet open tabs used to be omg)

(going thru the search is like: "i read this, i read this, ooh i have not read this *opens new tab* *continues* i read this, i did not read this but i am not interested, etc etc")

(BUT I FRIGGIN FOUND IT)

(also, in the back of my head, I kind of knew who the author was but JOKES ON ME I DONT TRUST MY MEMORY THAT MUCH SO)

(anyway, if anyone is interested in a steampunk au that sort of reminded me of the qing dynasty era hit up "The City is Full of Secrets (And Secrets are Stranger than Lies) by madmaenad)

it's really good

and i

just

a

[sakuwritestkafics]

Change the New World

So, I’ve been rereading World Trigger lately and just reached the newest published chapter. And now I’m getting ideas for a TKA x Wold Trigger fic. 

More info and ideas will be added later.