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imaginaryelle · 4 years

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I just re-watched THAT scene and a thought hit me: Lan Wangji just stands there watching Wei Wuxian fall from the cliff... Why doesn't he jump onto his sword and swoops down to at least try to save him? Or is he all out of spiritual power? Or does it simply take to long to start and rev the sword? Not saying it's a plothole, I was just wondering...

I mean, I think this is a fair question and I know I’ve seen it discussed elsewhere. I just can’t seem to find the post or remember if any conclusions were reached, so I’m excited to dive into this. As always if anyone has insights or headcanons they want to add on to this, please do.

Because I like pictures, here’s ep 33 Lan Wangji holding his sword and staring in horror as Wei Wuxian falls (what is Jiang Cheng thinking? Who knows.)

Why isn’t Lan Wangji doing anything? He just stands there for long enough that Jiang Cheng backs away and leaves him on the outcropping, all alone.

Poor guy.

Okay, moving on. I think there are at least two ways to approach this, and one is from the production perspective (since this cliff encounter is a thing that only happens in the drama) and the other is from the in-universe perspective (aka, Doyalist vs Watsonian), so I’m going to look at both.

For the production pov, there’s really only one scene (I think) where we see anyone actually riding a sword in the drama, and it’s when they’re confronting the water demon/abyss in Caiyi (ep 5). At that point there’s no prep time, everyone just jumps up and then steps onto their swords (which is actually even more ridiculous to me than the image had already been in the novel because I thought they were at least riding on the scabbard but no! Riding the bare blade like a skateboard. I love it.)

How majestic.

Lan Xichen is the only graceful and cool person here. The only other sword-riding shot in this scene that shows more of a person’s body than their head and shoulders is when Lan Wangji drags three people into the air at once and we get a brief glimpse of Su She’s feet kicking wildly.

So, based on this scene’s execution and the general scarcity of other sword-flying scenes (even with the Nightless City confrontation, Lan Wangji just flies in with his quqin, no sword under his feet), my out-of-universe theory would be a combination of budget and aesthetic at play. If the production can get by on wire work with super extra long jumps that don’t seem to require actually riding the sword, they will. It’s logistically simpler, and it frankly looks better on screen. It’s also a staple of the entire film genre, whereas this sword thing is not, so the crew and effects people would have more experience with it as well. (In-universe I have a lot of questions about Wei Wuxian’s retained ability to do those jumps. Do they not use spiritual energy? Does he still have spiritual energy, just not a golden core? Is he using resentful energy instead? How does this work?)

From a more story-side view on the production, they’re working against the fact that they changed the plot to add Lan Wangji’s presence at Wei Wuxian’s death and they want to capitalize on that relationship, so having Wei Wuxian knock himself over the edge as he destroys the seal (or something where he steps back as Jiang Cheng rushes him or any other number of possibilities) no longer fits with the emotional beats they’re trying to hit. Also they really need Wei Wuxian to die here for the plot to function. Having Lan Wangji mount a sword and swoop down to try and save him again just adds extra complications and delays the desired outcome of WWX = dead and LWJ = distraught. In that sense, it really does start to look like a plot hole, because it feels like they’re ignoring the capabilities of a character in order to get the result they need. I do think they try to address this, but since multiple people have this question and I personally had to watch the scene more than once while actively thinking about it to notice all the relevant details… the efficacy of those efforts is maybe questionable. (Also like.. why does Jiang Cheng wait three days to go look for Wei Wuxian’s remains? Why is anyone waiting at all? Why is anyone surprised they can’t find a corpse when the visual we get implies Wei Wuxian is falling into lava? There are many, many questions that can be asked here and for a lot of them the out-of-universe answer is probably going to resemble “because the plot/original source material demands it” without much helpful in-universe support.)

In-universe (and probably more pertinent to your question), yeah, Lan Wangji could be low on spiritual power (and upon rewatch, I think he genuinely is). He could be physically exhausted as well as injured, too. For someone who carried three people in two hands 2-3 years ago and canonically has only gotten stronger since, he sure is having trouble pulling one person up over the side of a cliff. And that exhaustion really isn’t outside the realm of possibility, no matter how strong and powerful he is. He just traveled pretty far! If the theories that he found A-Yuan before coming to Nightless City are true (since he’s not injured in those flashbacks), he likely spent a ton of spiritual power even before getting into this battle where he first confronted Wei Wuxian and then started fighting pretty much everyone on the field by himself. Then, in a moment of fear-induced distraction, he gets injured! He’s actively bleeding! So yeah. He could definitely just be physically exhausted.

All that blood loss is not a good sign, and it actually speeds up (visually) as he expends this effort. We can see his arm trembling all throughout this scene, and then his grip slips (thus the face). Even after that he slips again, not losing his grip, but losing the strength to hold himself up at all. In the end he’s literally just lying on the rock depending on gravity to keep him in place and putting everything else he has into holding on to Wei Wuxian. He can’t do more than glare in Jiang Cheng’s general direction and tell him to stop.

Bichen is right there. If he had spiritual power left, I think he’d probably be sending his sword out to block Jiang Cheng’s angle of attack. That, or he needs two hands to accomplish such an action (It doesn’t require hand motions later/in the future, but maybe he develops that skill precisely because of these events). So yes. He’s physically exhausted. He’s spiritually exhausted. But I think there’s more going on here, too: He’s also at the end of his rope emotionally, and that’s how he ends up standing there, horrified and unmoving.

He’s had a rough time recently: Everyone hates his best and only friend/love of his life, and he has to listen to them call for his death/judgement at fancy dinner party meetings on and off for over a year. No one will listen to him when he tries to present a different view. Even his own brother is (not unreasonably) much more concerned about Lan Wangji’s personal safety than what his silence on this issue is costing him emotionally, and his uncle is distinctly unsupportive of the friendship from the beginning.

I think Lan Wangji spends a lot of time questioning his upbringing in those months (we see him actually verbally do so when he’s punished after Wei Wuxian’s death, but I think it starts well before that). What is right and wrong? Who decides it, and how? When does justice and holding people responsible for their actions turn over into unjust persecution? What is true, and what is a lie, and how much does that matter when weighed against social/political/spiritual harmony? These are concepts that are buried pretty deeply in the Lan Sect’s teachings but the world is twisting all of them before his eyes, and I have to think that takes a toll on him. Additionally, just as things start looking up (they let him write the letter to invite Wei Wuxian to Jin Ling’s celebration! They listen to him, other people support his idea!), he has to deal with the facts that:

1) His best friend who he’s in love with just killed a bunch of people, including Jin ZiXuan and some of Lan Wangji’s own Sect brothers.

2) Wei Wuxian is clearly losing control of his resentment-based cultivation path, and is thus personally in danger on a spiritual level, and

3) Everyone now wants to kill Wei Wuxian again, possibly even more than they did before, and anyone who supports Wei Wuxian is an enemy of the entire cultivation world.

Later in the series, Lan Wangji says he regrets that he wasn’t at Wei Wuxian’s side at Nightless City. That he didn’t support him, despite what we see of him trying to help Wei Wuxian find Jiang Yanli and then, after she dies, stop him from killing himself. To me, this could very easily imply that Lan Wangji is still trying to walk a tightrope in those scenes, or perhaps trying to be a bridge. He’s deliberately not choosing a distinct side, because he refuses to hate and reject Wei Wuxian, but he’s also refusing to declare open support. He’s acting entirely on his own, in a balancing act between friendship and love vs his family, his entire life’s teachings, and all of his society. Certainly I find that sort of situation exhausting, and I’ve never had to do it for something so high-stakes or large-scale.

Then there’s the actual cliff scene itself, where he’s visibly desperate. How intense does an emotion have to be for Lan Wangji to so clearly show it?

Wei Ying, he says, come back. He knows Wei Wuxian is breaking down. He at the very least guesses that he’s going to do something wild like step off that outcropping, which is why he follows him in the first place. But he has no idea what to do, so he tries the same thing he’s been trying for years: Come with me. Let me help you. This is a bridge, and he’s offering to help Wei Wuxian cross it. But just like every other time he’s tried it since the Sunshot Campaign ended, it doesn’t work.

Note that Lan Wangji actually is flying here, without the sword, so if he doesn’t have any spiritual power when Jiang Cheng shows up, this is probably a last, desperate burst to go with this last, desperate act.

I don’t think he really has a plan here. Not a new one, anyway. This is a still a plea of Let me help you. And, notably, Wei Wuxian doesn’t accept his help.

Not once during this whole scene does Wei Wuxian reach up with his free hand or try to help Lan Wangji help him in any way. He smiles, and he says: Lan Zhan, let me go. Because he doesn’t want a bridge. He doesn’t want to go back. Honestly it’s a pretty explicit and heartbreaking message: Lan Wangji’s offer of help is not enough to make Wei Wuxian want to stay alive. Not right now. He needs more than that. He’s lost too much to believe, right now, that anyone is going to choose him and his side, or that he’s worth that effort. And to be clear, Lan Wangji isn’t even offering that in this situation. Wei Wuxian is one slippery handgrip away from death, and Lan Wangji is still not saying “You, I choose you.” From anything Wei Wuxian can be expected to infer, his offer here is no different than it’s ever been: let me show you the way back to the right path. Let me help you fit back into the world the way you used to. And Wei Wuxian can’t do that; he has no golden core, it’s literally impossible even if the rest of the world would let him try. But at this point he doesn’t want to go back either. He doesn’t even want to try. That world hates him, and willfully misunderstands him, and has taken too many people from him now for it to be worth staying in. He wants to die.

And then Jiang Cheng arrives.

Wei Wuxian’s reaction to his brother’s presence is to smile, say his name, and just–accept his hatred. He closes his eyes and waits for the sword to fall even as Lan Wangji calls for Jiang Cheng to stop. The only time he shows distress between stepping back off the cliff and his actual death is when Jiang Cheng twists his sword and compromises the stability of the outcropping so that Lan Wangji is also in danger.

I think it’s possible that if Jiang Cheng had also reached for him and tried to pull him back up, things might have gone differently. Maybe that would have been enough to alter Wei Wuxian’s thinking. But as it is, when Wei Wuxian falls, he falls with his limbs relaxed and a smile on his face. There’s no flailing and screaming like when he was thrown into the Burial Mounds (in ep 33. There’s some arm-waving in ep 1). And I think that moment of him pushing Lan Wangji back and then letting go, more than anything, is what stops Lan Wangji in his tracks, because Wei Wuxian could have saved himself. He had strength and energy left. Enough to push Lan Wangji up and back and nearly to a standing position. He could have accepted Lan Wangji’s help, easily. But he didn’t, because he wanted to die, despite all the effort and inner turmoil Lan Wangji has gone through on his behalf (most of which Wei Wuxian doesn’t know about but, still).

That’s a pretty serious emotional kick in the head. Lan Wangji cannot ignore, at this point, that even if he did have any physical or spiritual energy left, Wei Wuxian doesn’t want to be saved. And that’s when we get this face (actually from ep 1):

He has nothing left. He has at this point spent over a year, maybe two, trying to save someone who, when it came down to the final moment, didn’t want to be saved. There’s nothing more he can do, in this state of exhaustion and despair, and it wouldn’t matter if he tried.

Personally, I think he looks like he’s about to be sick, and I don’t think it’s just the image of Wei Wuxian falling and dying that’s working on him here. It’s also the knowledge that he fucked up. He didn’t do enough, or more accurately, didn’t do the right things, in order to encourage Wei Wuxian to keep fighting for himself or anyone else (I’m not saying this is a healthy or reasonable thought, I just think it’s a thought he’s having). And I think this realization plays directly into how he treats Wei Wuxian when he comes back sixteen years later. He knows that questioning Wei Wuxian on his path of cultivation doesn’t go where he wants it to, so he doesn’t do it. This time is going to be different. He’ll break rules. He’ll drink alcohol. He doesn’t scold Wei Wuxian for making dumb, selfless decisions like transferring the curse mark from Jin Ling’s leg to his own, he just accepts it and expresses concern over Wei Wuxian’s well being. He stops asking if he can help and starts just doing it: Wei Wuxian can’t walk so he’ll carry him. Wei Wuxian needs someone to speak for him, so Lan Wangji will do that, with his brother and with the whole cultivation world. And then we come to this:

This is exactly the same move. Wei Wuxian will protect Lan Wangji, but not himself.

But.

Lan Wangji is no longer trying to be a bridge. He’s not going to hold out his hand for Wei Wuxian to accept or disregard. He’s crossed over to be on Wei Wuxian’s side. And that’s what makes the difference.

#lakritzwolf #cql meta #the untamed #chen qing ling #wangxian #lan wangji #wei wuxian #possibly i got a bit carried away #but this was fun #tw: blood #tw: suicide #in the novel lwj makes that change before wwx dies #and is thwarted by a combination #of wwx's breakdown and his own clan #but the drama cut that scene #so it had to happen after #long post #so long #seriously

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simply-zhouye · 3 years

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Entering the rivers and lakes for the first time, brutal heart丨Interview with Zhou Ye

Zhou Ye’s first full length interview with Sohu’s 骨朵星番 Gu Duo Xing Fan is out! She talks about her character Gu Xiang in-depth, working with her costars Gong Jun plus how she’s handling netizens feedback about her acting. [Rough translation] Spoilers ahead for her character’s history & future ~

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/fQphUwOd9ATrIV8QXXv6DQ #山河令 #wordofhonor

"Savage Sniper Little Witch", Zhou Ye replaced with this as her Weibo signature when "Shanhe Ling" was broadcasted.

This is Gu Xiang’s character in the play. She and "Please call me Philanthropist Wen" Wen Kexing, "Chief Editor 裸辞事业 " Zhou Zishu, and "Optimism Researcher" Cao Weining and other actors collectively entertained and opened a happy atmosphere. Overflowing the screen.

However, the little witch Gu Xiang is a somewhat tragic character. Her destiny and feelings affect the hearts of the audience, so that when netizens find clues from the screenwriter that Gu Xiang and Cao Weining may be happy ending for the CP pair, celebrating in advance, it can be seen how attractive this girl in purple clothes and holding a long whip is, and she likes it to the point that "the audience has already begun to feel unhappy before saying goodbye."

This is not unexpected. Quite a few actors in the world leave some mark in the audience’s brains and hearts when they “pass”, deep or shallow. Those spiritual marks are often called “impressions”, and Zhou Ye’s especially, the scratches she left on people are deeper.

This may be due to the characteristics of her character, clear loves and hates, or complex and multi-faceted, or from her pure and awe-inspiring face under the lens, which is unforgettable, but it is certain that people have seen it in Zhou Ye. Something, what is that thing?

When we don’t know how to explain the “goodness” of an actor, we often add the word talent to it, but Zhou Ye doesn’t think she belongs to this type of actor. She said, “I think I’m a little bit of an acquired taste.”

01 First entry into the arena

This is Zhou Ye's first time filming a costume drama.

Some people say that there are "walls" between ancient costume dramas and modern dramas, and the moment Zhou Ye decided to take over the role in "Shanhe Ling" was the beginning of Zhou Ye's breaking of the wall.

"When I read the script, I thought it was a very good story. It told a series of stories from the rivers and lakes at the time, including the fact that I actually liked the role of Gu Xiang. She was eccentric, dare to love and hate, and had her own shining point."

Zhou Ye's love for "Shanhe Ling" is beyond words. A few hours before the show went live, she wrote a small essay on Weibo to interpret the Gu Xiang in her eyes. In an interview with Gu Duo, Zhou Ye missed that unforgettable environment. "It’s actually very happy to be on the shooting scene. Gong Jun sings in the dressing room every day , and everyone often chats together."

More under cut. Spoilers ahead.

However, playing Gu Xiang is not without pressure. For the first time in ancient costumes, Zhou Ye didn't know what kind of state the costumes should be, and she didn't know if she could play this role well.

"She has a miserable life experience. She had no parents since she was a child, and was later taken in by Wen Kexing. Although A-Xiang is from Guigu (Ghost Valley), she is not bad in the full sense. She has some things from Guigu, but she is very naive. For example, she has rescued two people, the first time was to rescue two girls from the hands of the jealous ghost, the second time was to save the singing girl when she met Cao Weining in a tavern.

When Gu Xiang saved people for the first time, Wen Kexing mentioned that the dog she raised when she was a child was stewed and eaten, and she cried for three full months, as a reminder: If saving people is irresponsible to the end, It's better to give it a pass.

"Gu Xiang agreed, because she is particularly eager to have companions and sisters. The multi-faceted character of Gu Xiang is very attractive to me."

In the play, Gu Xiang followed Wen Kexing from Guigu to the "world". She felt that the people she met after leaving Guigu were stupid, but she also said that "Wen Kexing next to Zhou Zishu feels is like a person." However, the "different paths between people and ghosts" laid the tragic tone for the master and servant to walk through the world, just like the implied meaning of the names of Wen Kexing and Gu Xiang, "the hometown of mourning for the guest."

In Zhou Ye's eyes, Gu Xiang and Wen Kexing have a feeling of being dependent on each other.

"Wen Kexing is like her brother and her father, because Gu Xiang was saved by Wen Kexing since childhood, so her broken mouth and her violent temper were actually learned from Wen Kexing. The guest line said, "Gu Xiang is the only living thing around him."

When Zhou Ye talked about the relationship between Gu Xiang and Wen Kexing, she seemed to have re-entered the role, and everything was vividly visible.

02 "The people I play are not very like me"

"Have you seen the eyes of wild animals?" When the policeman played by Yin Fang uttered this line to Wei Lai, a bullying girl played by Zhou Ye, in "Better Days", Wei Lai's eyes were pure and chilling.

That was the first time Zhou Ye entered the public eye. With her outstanding performance in this film, Zhou Ye was nominated for the 33rd Chinese Film Golden Rooster Award for Best Supporting Actress, and also received a lot of support from netizens. "Sister Wei in society, there are not many people who are ruthless", "This damn bad woman is so sweet" , there is no lack of pampering in the words.

Actors who have portrayed villains often have an annoyance, that is, if they act well, the audience will hate the actor if they are too deep into the play, and it will be difficult to transform in a short time. But for the newcomer Zhou Ye, the audience is uncharacteristically "double standard". They are afraid of Wei Lai, but like Zhou Ye.

As a newcomer actor who has just entered the industry, Zhou Ye admitted that when facing the camera, she was actually a bit "fearful". Whether it was when the director shouted at the beginning or when working with seniors, she would be a little nervous, but she couldn't take this fear away. Show it.

"Because Wei Lai herself is an aura and relatively calm person, so of course the Wei Lai you look like will not show your fearful side in front of your eyes."

"Then are you a calm person?"

"I am more in line with the stubbornness of the Taurus. I am more stubborn. Calmness still depends on the situation. I am not particularly calm." Zhou Ye paused for a while and continued, "It seems that my role is not very close to myself. Wei Lai is very close to me unlike Gu Xiang. She is a little girl who has lived in a particularly bad environment since she was a child. Lin Huajun of "Our Southwest Associated University" is a schoolmaster, but she is a talented girl from Peking University, and Tang Susu in "Ah Cradle" in fact, is not too different from Gu Xiang’s character."

The reporter tried to get Zhou Ye to summarize herself in four words. She only thought of two words- "stubborn and delicious", and then she added herself in the eyes of the staff, "They said I was hardworking and well-behaved." It's too early for a girl who is new to campus to analyze herself. It is far from the time to analyze and summarize. Everything has just begun.

Last week, she just graduated from the Beijing Film Academy. She spent six yuan to get the graduation certificate photo and happily shared the joy of "saving money" with netizens.

"At that time, it was a rather unexpected result to be admitted to the film school. Later, when I was in school, I found acting was more and more interesting, and then I embarked on this road. I didn't really have a long experience as an actor. I started an internship when I was almost a senior. I took the stage slowly, and didn't make many films."

03 The life she loves and understands

Regarding "professionalism", Zhou Ye expressed that he is a person who "takes one step at a time and sees another step."

Although she is not the main protagonist in the broadcast of "Youth in the Young / Better Days" and "Shanhe Ling / Word of Honor", she feels that "the protagonist and the supporting role are no different, they are all a role, and each role will have its own shining point. With her own story, I will definitely play a supporting role in the future. If I have to have any small goals, it is to play every role well.” Zhou Ye seriously emphasized the matter of “playing every role well”.

"Then what do you think is the standard for acting well?"

"Then it depends on the reactions of the seniors who filmed with me, the feedback from the director, and the feedback from the audience."

When "Shanhe Ling" first aired, some viewers responded that they were not comfortable with the "not cold" Zhou Ye played by Gu Xiang, but now they love this role more and more.

"I pay attention to the audience's evaluation and criticism. I think their feedback is reasonable and I will accept it with a humility. As for Wei Lai and Gu Xiang, in fact, each character must be different. I will try a variety of roles and let everyone see a different me ."

This year Zhou Ye is only 23 years old. When answering the question, the tone was a bit childish, but the words spoken were surprisingly peaceful, with a natural sense of transparency.

She said, "I don't mind the comparison. I think everyone has their own choice. I can't interfere with other people's ideas, so I don't mind what they say. Everyone has the right to express their preferences."

As for the audience who likes her, Zhou Ye said: “Thank you very much to them for liking me so much. I want to make a good film and reward them with more good film and television works. I can’t let them down. In fact, some of the films I’ve filmed have not been broadcast yet. I especially want to see how I am in a different state in different scenes."

During the epidemic, Zhou was not very anxious. She read books at home, played with slimes, and chatted with her mother.

"Because all the work at that time was pushed back, it was actually quite good, and I could rest at home for a period of time." Zhou Ye entered busy work after the rest.

"The pace of work is actually good now, because you have to adapt if you don't adapt. You are a worker, of course you have to adapt to your job ."

The wish of "Playing Workers" Zhou Ye this year is to take a driver's license, and like all southerners, Chongqing Girls, Zhou Ye also has an obsession-"skiing".

“I didn’t go skiing when I was in college in Beijing. Now I graduated, and I’m filming in other places every day, skiing is even more impossible. In my impression, I haven’t skied before, but my mother told me that when I was very young, I didn’t go skiing. I went to the Fairy Mountain in Chongqing once and glided there once, but I don’t remember."

"If you were say a few words to your future self, what do you want to say?"

"Filming every day, staying up all night every day, you have to protect your body, and then protect your hair."

However, Zhou Ye told Gu Duo that he has not yet begun to pay attention to health preservation.

"Because young and capricious."

#zhou ye #word of honor #gu xiang #cdrama #wei lai #sohu interview #周也 #better days #shan he ling

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olderthannetfic · 3 years

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Escapade Vid - The Untamed

I could say this was my attempt at meta on an underappreciated character and that's why I wanted to vid Wen Ning…

Nah, I just think he's hot.

Wen Ning has this adorable babyface and big eyes. Just my type. And then he got a goth makeover and became a creepy zombie, increasing his hotness by ten thousand times. The Living Dead was everything I wanted except for dubcon possession porn, and it both irritates and cracks me up to see how many people find it OOC and badly made. I agree the colors are an abomination though--but more on that later.

I like Wen Ning the best because 1. He's hot and 2. He's one of the most competent characters and compromises his morals the least. Mianmian might be one up on him given how her story turns out, but in a whole series of craven idiots, I like the suicidally moral characters, especially when they're competent.

And also JC. Because I like his face. (What? I never said my Untamed feels were deep.)

I wanted to make this vid last year, right after Escapade. I spent forever finding a song, and I'm glad I did it then because it was a nightmare. I can find love songs easily, but I don't really care about WN/WWX, nor would most love songs fit that. It's clearly one-sided, but WN is also clearly totally happy to follow him around forever. Happy love songs are out. Pining angst is out.

WN is also motivated by high ideals more than specific family feelings. WQ wants to protect her family. WN wants to repay his debts. WN is a shy doofus on the surface when we first see him, and he acts flustered around most of the older characters, but this is deceptive. I feel like the most revealing scene is when he pops up at Lotus Pier, ready to grab JC and take on his entire clan. In what universe was this a good idea? What is he even doing there? Why did it actually work???

I wanted a song that encapsulated WN's quiet stubbornness. The trouble is that like 99% of popular music is either about romance or about being a confident badass, and most of the confident badass music is "Fuck you, ex boyfriend, I'm stronger now". I did not want an ex boyfriend song. A bunch of other songs are macho, flexing dudes talking about how they'll win the sports competition. Obviously, that was out. There are a very few songs like Try Everything, but they're awfully perky for covering Wen Ning's entire story, including him getting, you know, gruesomely murdered.

I honestly can't remember how I found the song I picked. I was probably listening to Happy Hanukkah on endless repeat and saw it in the Youtube sidebar. (Look, it's a great song for all times of year. Shut up.) Matisyahu has many amazing songs that build and move in ways ideal for vids.

I then sat on this source/song combo for a year because, well, it sure was a year. But when we got close to Escapade, I realized I wanted to finish it for the con.

Clip choices:

I'm not going to include the full lyrics on their own since they're in English and on every lyrics site. Instead, I'm putting the relevant bits between my explanations of what I chose and why. A lot of it came together quickly. I knew I wanted to include cute WN moments, like him being bullied by kids, and they wouldn't fit in the main narrative, so I had to put them in the intro.

Feel like the world don't love you They only wanna push you away Some days people don't see you You feel like you're in the way

I had a lot of trouble with 'push you away' since, generally speaking, no one does push him away. However, this is a vid from Wen Ning's own perspective, so it felt like an acceptable match to use the part where Wen Qing tries to leave him behind as they go on a hunt. She's objectively correct to do so given what happens, but Wen Ning is clearly upset that she tried. He doesn't want to be protected, especially at the cost of other people's safety.

Today you feel as if everyone hates Pointing their fingers, looking at your mistakes You do good, but they want great No matter what you give they still wanna take

I was very clear from early on that I wanted to use 'mistakes' for what Wen Ning is actually upset about: ruining Jin Ling's life. Of course he feels super guilty about what he did, despite it not being his fault, but the specific fallout Wen Ning is going to care about is a kid's feelings, not the political drama. That gave me the idea for what to do with 'good' and 'great'. More than most characters in the series, WN is not impressed by the power structure or reputations--scared, yes, but not impressed. WN likes bringing people food, at little things that are quietly good, and their society does not value that. (Cf. everything about Jiang Yanli's betrothal before Jin Zixuan catches feelings.)

'No matter what you give' I used for a shot that is probably not going to read as anything in a convention vidshow. He's bruised up, so I was hoping it would read properly visually. The actual context of the shot is WN having been thrown in the dungeon for being a traitor to the Wen. And yet, when the Wen are defeated, does he get a pardon? Nope, ignominious death. It really didn't matter what he did: these factions are all thoroughly corrupt and the entire system is garbage. It's all power-hungry assholes and sanctimonious prisses ripe for manipulation. All that mattered was that he was a Wen, and the Wens were either on top or being exterminated.

Give your love and they throw it back You give your heart they go on attack When there's nothing left for you, Only thing that you can do, say

The next part is WWX being an ungrateful little bitch. He's understandably stressed, but it still cracks me up that he's all up in WN's face and WN is literally only there to help him. WN might feel an obligation, but WWX sure isn't earning it here.

'When there's nothing left' I wasn't sure about. WN hitting rock bottom is arguably when he gets killed or maybe when they're in the burial mounds, but that didn't work with my structure. I chose to put a montage here of all the times that WQ tells him to stay safe by ditching WWX. I sympathize with WQ, but as WN comments in one of these scenes, he's following their own family code that she taught him. WQ cares so much about protecting WN (and the rest of their little part of the clan, but let's be real, it's mostly about WN) that she's willing to collude with a mass murderer just to keep him safe. Maybe it's only because he's a younger sibling, but WN seems to see things a lot more clearly. I laugh every time he's like "Uh huh, uh huh" as she lectures, and then the next scene is him running off to do something dangerous again.

Today, today live like you wanna, Let yesterday burn and throw it in a fire, in a fire, in a fire, Fight like a warrior, Today, today live like you wanna, Let yesterday burn and throw it in a fire, in a fire, in a fire, Live like a warrior

For this round of the chorus, WN is burning his Wen clan membership in a fire, and the heroic thing is running away, living to fight another day. WN has no ego, nor would ego be helpful here.

Buuuut, equally, being an actual warrior means hurting people, and while he was literally mind controlled into murder, that still couldn't have happened if he hadn't been already involved in violence and fighting. Violence you regret is also part of this life, and so is accepting responsibility for your actions. (Sure, he's very literally not responsible here, but WN doesn't know that at the time and doesn't feel that even later.)

There's some things you should let go, They're only gonna pull you down, Just like weight on your shoulder They are only gonna make you drown

I swear The Untamed has the best casting for a variety of face types. I recognized everybody from the moment they appeared… Except for Su She. Whom I forgot entirely and couldn't recognize at all. Doh.

It wasn't till I was clipping the whole series for this vid that I realized that the reason Wen Ning gets possessed here is that he's the only one to notice Su She's plight and go to his aid right away. I think on first viewing, I read it as him just getting possessed before he could get in the air, but that's not what's happening at all. His dumb ass stayed behind to try to help someone. Seriously, fuck Su She. They live in a grotesquely shitty power structure, but WN responds in admirable ways, while Su She just whines that he's not on top.

We all swing high, we all swing low, We all got secrets people don't know We all got dreams we can't let go, We wanna be brave, don't be afraid

WN's secret is that he gets possessed so easily and why. WQ is refusing to tell WWX in this scene, but he has figured out something is up and gives her a talisman for WN, which shows up later in the plot to great emotional effect--though not in this vid, alas.

The butterfly reveal was one of the first things on my timeline as I recall. I have Many Feelings. Also, this is me, so yes, I totally ship them. >:D

WN and WQ showing up to accept responsibility is kind of a dumbass move, but it's definitely brave. I enjoy how WN just keeps barrelling through the plot in a way that should mean he's the cute woobie who dies early on to prove the world is bad… and that instead leads to him being one of the strongest fighters, making it through the series, and finding A-Yuan again. (Though, okay, he did that first thing also. Heh.)

I ended on Jin Ling because I was so struck on rewatch at how the juniors first meet Wen Ning.

I dimly recalled this fight, but it wasn't till I was clipping that I realized just how much focus each of them gets and how WN is literally strangling them and such. I just remembered him fighting people, not who. It's hilarious how quickly after this (in their timeline) we have doofus woobie WN being cute and them being like "He's my murder zombie! ♥"

For this chorus, I focused on that change. WN is rescuing them. "Yesterday" is their scared faces. Here, being a "warrior" is apologizing to JL. And maybe WN doesn't really owe an apology, but JL does deserve one. Almost no one in the series seems to give a shit about how JL is feeling.

And then my favorite scene with my two faves! WN is finally telling JC what he has probably wanted to for ages. WN is a wuss when it comes to himself, but he gets righteously pissed when someone else is being mistreated. The yesterday he's letting burn here is his promise to keep quiet… along with viciously burning down every bit of self perception and hubris JC ever had. Ouch!

Your heart is too heavy from things you carry a long time, Been up you been down, tired and you don't know why, But you're never gonna go back, you only live one life Let go, let go, let go, let go, let go, let go,

Bless the sequel movie for literally being entirely about Wen Ning's internal struggle. The way he breaks free of the bad guy's hold is by accepting the past and letting go of his guilt over things he can't change.

Today, today live like you wanna, Let yesterday burn and throw it in a fire, in a fire, in a fire, Fight like a warrior,

He's just so hot in this movie! This first chorus is him coming out of the hallucination, having beaten his self doubt and then beating on the villain.

Today, today live like you wanna, Let yesterday burn and throw it in a fire, in a fire, in a fire, Live like a warrior

Okay, in actual canon, JL mostly joined them because he was competing with LSZ like the bratty little asshole he is, but I wanted to highlight how JL got over himself enough to join the other juniors on team WN. Also, WN defends both him and LSZ in this scene in ways he couldn't back then.

Today, today live like you wanna, Let yesterday burn and throw it in a fire, in a fire, in a fire, Fight like a warrior,

This I wasn't planning on at all. As I was clipping the whole series, I was thinking that WN's possessed footage here wouldn't be narratively useful since he went and got taken over again, but when I rewatched for visually impressive stuff to use interstitially, I realized that--holy shit--he's defending Jin Ling in this scene. And he succeeds. I included both a shot of Jin Zixuan, which everyone caught in the vidshow, and a shot that nobody mentioned: Wen Ning's bloody fist after ripping JZX heart out to go with Wen Ning's bloody hand on the sword in the present as he struggles to keep it from Jin Ling. Here, fighting like a warrior means keeping the sword off of JL, even if WN can't defeat the spirit or resolve the entire situation himself.

ALSO I HAVE MANY FEELS ABOUT JC JUMPING IN FRONT OF JL.

Today, today live like you wanna, Let yesterday burn and throw it in a fire, in a fire, in a fire, Live like a warrior

Sometimes, WN is not that sweet. He traps this dude in a hell of his own making instead of letting him kill himself because Wen Ning can be a vindictive little bitch. And then he strides off into the matte painting sunset.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Other vidding notes:

I totally wanted to do something with Chinese characters, but there wasn't really space, and after much dictionary-searching and asking, it's clear that Chinese does not use morality metaphors involving a compass pointing true north. But that effort was not wasted since I needed a good font for my other vid.

Vidding The Living Dead turned out to be a pain. I had completely forgotten it was in another aspect ratio. The shots look much more beautiful before one crops them. That said, none of them are that beautiful because the entire film has this atrocious green color filter over it. It's like they're all wading through mud at all times. Ughhhhh. I spent so long trying to fix the color on that final scene to be at least a little pretty for my vid.

Still, the film had exactly the emotional tone I wanted. It very much skewers the fanon that WN is entirely the bashful wimp he appears to be on the surface when we first see him. It makes overt the change that we see over the series. It's also fundamentally different because it's a situation where WN is the senior person and in charge of someone. We've seen him babysit a small child, and we've seen him around the juniors with lots of people of his generation also there, but we've basically never seen him out from under WQ and WWX's thumbs. It's only natural that he's acting more authoritative here. His smackdown of the villain is very much in line with how he treats JC during the golden core reveal. WN is not a forgiving guy when he thinks someone has been selfish and awful.

Throughout this vid, there are shittons of color, speed, and motion effects. I don't normally use a lot, but it turned out to be a lot of fun this time. I should find another project to use effects on.

The vid:

Available on AO3.

#vidding #wen ning

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syncogon · 3 years

Text

[QZGS TL] Butterfly Blue Interview from the “All Knows” Yan Ling Artbook

This interview was included in the Yan Ling artbook from (I believe) 2016. Thank you to dtriad for the images!

As usual, normal disclaimers apply, translator notes in brackets, and please let me know if you notice any mistakes.

Past BB Q&A translations are available on my blog: /tagged/bb-interview

Finally, happy belated birthday to Butterfly Blue!

***

Q1: What was the initial turning point [motivation; opportunity] for the creation of The King’s Avatar?

A: Mostly, it all came from technique. Weak narrative has always been a common shortcoming of novels about online gaming, and so when TKA combined online gaming and competitive esports, there was a clear narrative to be told.

Q2: Are the characters in TKA based on anyone? For example, is God Ye based on yourself?

A: I don’t think they’re really based on anyone. I’ve just drawn inspiration from many real phenomena in the esports circle, but I haven’t targeted any specific one person.

Q3: Can you reveal a bit of God Ye’s family situation?

A: I really haven’t thought that much about this, and I don’t plan to.

Q4: Does Zhou Zekai have high value in the entertainment industry? Or is he just exceptional in gaming, that’s all?

A: He’s exceptional all-around.

Q5: It seems that Sun Xiang and Zhou Zekai have two very different personalities, so how were they able to work together so well as to become Best Partners?

A: To work together on the battlefield, first and foremost you need skill and awareness. As two exceptional, top-level players, they wouldn’t be lacking in this professionalism. As long as they’re willing to coordinate, personality would not become an obstacle on the battlefield. Learning how to work together is the process of understanding each other’s skills and habits, and high-level players will naturally be able to complete this kind of mutual recognition very quickly.

Q6: When training, does Team Happy usually order takeout? Does the boss invite someone to cook for them?

A: This isn’t the important point of this novel, is it!

Q7: Almost all of Samsara is of the same generation. Will the eventual transition be painful?

A: Pro players are constantly moving through transfers. Right now it looks like they’re basically all of the same generation, but after year after year of movement, this might not be the case later. The ideal generation transition would occur gradually through this kind of movement. For example, Samsara currently has the younger Sun Xiang, and in the future they will continue to recruit exceptional young players.

Q8: What would Ye Xiu and Su Mucheng do after retirement?

A: They’ll simply continue to live their lives in whatever way suits their position.

Q9: When Zhou Zekai truly wants to speak, how many words could he say?

A: Speaking is only one method of communication. And Zhou Zekai doesn’t like, nor is he good at, this method. Perhaps under some circumstances he would be forced to use this method to express himself, but there isn’t really such a thing as “a time where he truly wants to speak.”

Q10: Which pro players have a bit of a belly?

A: Everyone gets some belly when they’re old.

Q11: Does Wang Jiexi’s Magician style have a weakness / counter?

A: A mature playstyle will have changes and adjustments in varying conditions; it won’t be restricted to one pattern. If, under these kinds of conditions, a so-called “counter” still exists, then that simply means that the playstyle is not yet mature enough, or that there’s a huge drawback. For Wang Jiexi to become famous in this way, his playstyle certainly would not be this kind of unskilled immature style. But ultimately, what determines the strength of the playstyle is the player. Thus, there is only one Magician, Wang Jiexi.

Q12: How many housing properties does Big Eye have in Beijing? And why is so he keen on undermining foundations? [T/N: referring to his “digging for players”, e.g. TR, QF]

A: Why are you bringing up housing properties? Because he was chatting about housing prices? They were just talking about a trending topic, it has nothing to do with properties, okay! As for saying that he’s keen on undermining foundations I don’t know where you’re getting this from… even if there is, as the captain of a team, inviting outstanding players to join his team is just his professional responsibility. It’s not his passion, it’s his job.

Q13: Just how well-off is Tang Rou’s family? Will Du Ming be able to catch her?

A: Well-off enough that she’s set for life without worry. Wealth will never be a bargaining chip to sway her. I think it would be very very hard for Du Ming to pursue her.

Q14: Have you seen the TKA donghua? What are your thoughts? [T/N: this would be referring to the not-yet-released Season 1]

A: Like everyone, I saw the few promotional trailers that were released. I think the artstyle is excellent. So long as there are also no issues with the plot, I can thoroughly anticipate it.

Q15: Can you reveal any news about the TKA movie or TV series? Do you have any dream choices for Ye Xiu’s actor? Or actors for any of the other characters?

A: It’s all still in the preparation stages. For now I can’t discuss actors or whatnot.

Q16: Having created such an iconic IP as TKA, what do you think is the most important thing when creating a work?

A: Probably perseverance in reading and writing.

Q17: You’ve created many novels about gaming, so are you yourself a gaming expert?

A: TKA is actually the only novel I’ve written about competitive esports, the other games were just ordinary online gaming. My own skill is average.

Q18: Could you talk about something that’s left a deep impression on you recently?

A: Recently I’ve been at my old home, the weather’s been cool, I’ve been visiting old friends and family. My deepest impression is: a hangover ruins three days.

Q19: When it comes to creating works, what are your plans for the future?

A: I still have a lot to write for my current serializations, so the future is still far-off for now. As for hopes for the future, I hope that I can write works that are more excellent and refined.

Q20: What would you like to say to the fans that have supported you all these years?

A: I knew it, I knew that this question would be the finale! To those that have supported me for so many years, thank you, thank you, still thank you. The words are simple, but truly, only these two words can most accurately express what I wish to say.

#quan zhi gao shou #qzgs #the king's avatar #tka #全职高手 #mine #translation #bb interview

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shypotato-translations · 3 years

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QTVW Chapter 16

Showbiz* Sexy Queen (III)

----

Aunt Wen saw Mei Mu Lan's instantly happy and smiling look and silently looked down and poked the cake in her hand.

She said in a slow tone,

“Mu Lan, do you really like that movie star called Ling Yi Yao that much? Auntie Wen used to think that you were still young and is just a momentary obsession, but now that you have graduated from university and are going into society, you should know that she and you are not from the same world.

Aunt Wen has privately investigated, this Ling Yi Yao is actually the daughter of the boss of the giant Ling family in the entertainment industry, and is also the only proper heir of the Ling family, the background of the Ling family is not clean, such a woman is too far away from you.”

When Mei Mu Lan heard this, the smile on her face dimmed and she whispered,

“I know all this, but I don't want to regret later that I didn't pursue it hard enough and just give up, at least let me give it a try, no matter if it's a good result or a bad one, at least I have no regrets.

Auntie Wen, thank you, you have been looking after me all these years, I promise you that if there is really no hope, I will let go completely.”

Mei Mu Lan said, curled her lips into a smile and murmured,

“Let me at least give it a try, I want to visit her and give showbiz a try.”

Aunt Wen slowed down the pace of poking the cake in her hand, she placed it on the coffee table, then drew out a tissue and looked down to wipe her white fingers, a few dark glints flashed in her eyes.

After she had done this slowly and methodically, she said to Mei Mu Lan in a gentle tone,

“Now that you've made your decision, Auntie Wen will definitely give you a hand. I'll call director Wang Ye later and check the time to meet him, so you can have a good talk when you meet. You can find out about the film called 《The Burial Man》online first so you can give the director a good impression.”

Mei Mu Lan smiled brightly in spring as she nodded vigorously and said,

“I'll go check out the plot and characters of the film, thank you Auntie Wen.”

She stood up and gave Aunt Wen a hug before immediately striding off towards the bedroom.

Aunt Wen stiffened in place and said helplessly,

“Why can't they behave better, both of them?”

With that, she pulled out a cigarette and slowly stammered the smoke ring, dialing the director's number.

After turning on her computer, Mei Mu Lan remembered that she had to do something, she logged on to Weibo and Twitter, and a username called "Zero One Fan" appeared.

"Zero One Fan" is an alias for Ling Yi Yao's fans, and the origin of this alias is also related to the original owner.

The original owner created the first posting forum and micro-blog for Ling Yi Yao's fans. Before Ling Yi Yao's movie was a hit and before Ling Yi Yao became a movie queen, Mei Mu Lan had already become her backbone fan, making the posting forum and micro-blog a success, attracting a large number of people who initially fell in love with Ling Yi Yao, and by the time Ling Yi Yao became famous, the posting forum and micro-blog had been officially certified and became the only authentic fan communication platform.

The original owner was the founder and senior administrator of Zero One Fans.

The original owner's daily task, apart from singing and practicing a Peking Opera passage, was to log on to the two platforms every day and post the latest information she had gathered about Ling Yi Yao on the website, or to put out a large piece of factual evidence to those who came to scold her, so that they would leave without any success.

The original owner was a calm and sensible fan most of the time. When confronted with a black fan, she will be generous enough to listen to the suggestions; but when in secret, she will put on a small vest to track down the black fan and call the black fan names that she doesn't even know.

Her username "Zero One Fan" has also become the most famous of Ling Yi Yao's fans.

Mei Mu Lan looked at the record of the original owner's speech with a black line on her face, the big username "Zero One Fan" spoke more ably. Like:

Confronting black fans – “The new era advocates people's freedom of speech, you have the right to choose to speak, we also have the right to choose to block you, I hope you will be a calm fan and become a strong backer of Ling Yi Yao.”

Confronting a scandal – “About Ling Yi Yao having dinner with other male celebrities, I think this matter is very common in daily life, don't you guys have dinner with the opposite sex? I hope everyone understands and doesn't catch wind of it.”

Confronting plastic surgery – “For those who say Ling Yi Yao is a face-lifter, you can look at photos of Ling Yi Yao when she started out and photos of her life as a child, and then go to a plastic surgery clinic to see if Ling Yi Yao's face has shown any signs of change.”

The countless small vests, similar to "Ling Yi Yao I love you", "Kneel down to Ling Yi Yao", "Lord Ling Yi Yao I want to have babies with you", etc., with more direct usernames, will have an impact on the The above questions, so back to:

Confronting black fans – “Your head is half water, half rice, and together, it's called paste; your IQ is not online, please come back after networking; it feels like talking to you is pulling down my evolutionary time history.”

Confronting a scandal – “凸(艹皿艹) , Who is this man? He's a white boy who wants to take advantage of his position. Don't stop me, I'll take a bottle of acid and destroy his face.”

Confronting plastic surgery – “When you were born, you accidentally landed face first, go blame the midwife, don't come out to get back at society!”

The original owner took the split personality and elevated it to the level of life.

The corners of Mei Mu Lan's mouth twitched as she copied and pasted all of the statements that had been made on those ponies into the relevant part of the message, and after doing so, two hours had passed.

She couldn't wait to turn off Twitter and posting and instead opened the novel 《The Burial Man》and read it word for word.

《The Burial Man》, a novel set in 1916, a time of warlords in the country.

At that time, there were intense conflicts between warlords in various regions and frequent wars in the country, and at a time when everyone was actively fighting, an aged and well-known scholar deciphered a historical tablet that had been handed down for more than 4,000 years. And a shocking message was told to the present generation by this stone tablet.

That is, 4,000 to 5,000 years ago, in the time of the gods and goddesses of the West, an elixir called "immortality" was introduced, in fact, historical mythology also tells this point, that is, the well-known story of Chang'e, who stole the elixir to run to the moon in order to preserve her beauty.

On this stone tablet, however, this event is used as a lead-in to the fact that there are still burial mourners around the Kunlun Mountains in China who have been guarding this elixir of immortality for generations, waiting for the right person to come and obtain it.

The story has a slightly mythical setting, but the word "tomb raiding" is already closely associated with various myths and ghosts, and just as the scholar is about to make the news public he is murdered, in an "impossible" type of homicide for no apparent reason in front of a public audience, with his body intact and his blood tested for poisoning. But when the forensic pathologist performed an autopsy, his brain and heart were missing.

The incident caused an uproar, but it did not get out and was kept secret by the local warlord.

They sent relevant tomb raiders to Kunlun Mountain to raid the tomb, their actions were carried out in secret but there is no impervious wall in the world, the news was soon known by many other forces and sent people to investigate this matter one after another.

And so the story unfolds.

Ling Yiyao plays the female lead, the only undertaker in the film, and the other undertaker is her brother, the two of them are considered immortal and have been guarding the place for almost a thousand years.

The decrypted monolith brought in other forces which they fought against in a fight for life and death to guard the place.

Countless people died here, but this did not stop people's quest for immortality, and the blood-stained Kunlun Mountain Road finally opened this mysterious tomb.

Those who have entered the tomb are true experts, including tomb raiders from families with a heritage of more than 3,000 years, international mercenaries with the best skills, warlords and female agents who have entered undercover….

The traps inside the tombs killed countless people, but there were also many who remained at the end, and only a dozen people arrived at the end of the tombs after the great wave.

After a fight to the death, the male lead is killed by an undercover lineage girl from a family of tomb raiders, the blood stains the throne on the tomb and opens up the fantastical inner space of the mountain, fantasy and mythology come into play one after another, ghost soldiers and demons started killing them, and after all these battles, the only ones left are the nine-year-old child from the family of tomb raiders, and the undertaker female lead.

The child, chosen by the tomb mourners as the "best choice in history", swallowed the elixir of immortality and remained in the tomb forever, becoming the latest generation of tomb mourners.

And it is only here that the mystery of the matter is unveiled, and it turns out that the so-called stone tablet and the decryption are all traps set by the female lead.

Thousands of years ago, she was also a tomb raider who, together with her brother, swallowed the elixir of immortality, but at the cost of guarding this place for eternity and never leaving it more than a metre away.

And now, after more than a thousand years, she feels tired and weary, so, as she did a thousand years ago, she recruits a large number of people to raid the tomb and choose a new successor from among them to guard this place in her place for eternity.

The story ends with the female lead, dressed in an ancient outfit, singing a song from a thousand years ago, leaping from the throne of the tomb into the endless abyss inside the mountain.

After reading this story, Mei Mu Lan felt a shock in her heart that this was indeed a well-written novel and worthy of being followed and interpreted by so many people.

The production team has invested unlimited funds to produce an absolutely profitable production that will be passed on to the next generation; Wang Ye, a national and international director; Ling Yiyao, a movie queen, and Gu Junxi, a movie star in the lead roles; an international design team to create the costumes; and even the supporting characters are chosen from stars with millions of fans.

A lavish star cast, top-notch processing and production, a mysterious story background, and a large number of fans of the books could indeed make this film the top production of the year.

Mei Mu Lan closed the novel's webpage, opened the section on roles, and then found two supporting actresses who had "accidental" problems, so she guess it wasn't really an accident.

She looked at the two characters vacated above, one was the undercover agent of the tomb raiding family who killed the male lead, pure and bright looking, simple and innocent. It didn't fit her image at all, so she passed on the role.

The other character, an undercover female agent, is explicitly the mistress of a powerful warlord, a sultry-looking Shanghai beach dancer, but is actually a high-ranking intellectual undercover agent from a family of emerging powers.

She looked at the role and recalled the characteristics of the character and felt that it did resemble her. She could not help but curl her lips and smile, thinking: good, this is the role, she will be chosen.

Aunt Wen told her at dinner about the casting call to the Yokohama outside the suburbs in three days' time. Mei Mu Lan nodded when she heard that and started to arrange the plan.

Three days later, wearing an exquisite cheongsam, Mei Mu Lan slowly stepped down from the top-class sports car.

Her figure is sublime, her features are charming, her hair is curly as was popular at the time, and her make-up has a twenties and thirties flair.

She approached the Yokohama store on her thin, bare-backed heels, swaying like a weak willow.

Just like a real 1930s singer-songwriter, she walked slowly from the cabaret of Shanghai Beach to the eyes and hearts of those present.

At the moment of her appearance, everyone on the set stopped moving, the sound faded away, and everything was fixed on this woman who had stepped out of history.

A bearded man in his early thirties approached, a roll of scripts squeezed tightly in his hands, and then said in surprise and amazement,

“You're Miss Mei Mu Lan, right? I knew you were the one I was looking for when I saw your picture! It's you, no need to look any further,”

With a broad stroke of his pen, he wrote down Mei Mu Lan's name in the character field undercover agent.

Then he blushed and said,

“My name is Wang Ye and I'm the director.”

The corners of Mei Mu Lan's mouth are smiling, her lips are slightly hooked, and her charming phoenix eyes are slightly narrowed, slender and upturned, charming and seductive.

She exhaled softly,

“Hello, Director Wang Ye.”

The voice is so soft and mushy.

After greeting Mei Mu Lan, her eyes involuntarily fell on a woman in an ancient dress with a long green dress.

The woman didn't turn her head to look over like the others did.

She sat quietly in her recliner, her white, slender fingers tracing the pages of the script slowly, with gentle, yet harsh movements. At this moment she had her head slightly hung down, revealing a perfect and delicate side face.

Mei Mu Lan could not restrain the emotions that were violently evoked in her heart, she walked up quickly and reached the woman. Seeing her slowly look up, the perfect face that she had seen countless times before, officially entered her eyes.

Mei Mu Lan's breathing stopped as she desperately tried to control herself, but her body reacted with instinct.

Her cheeks burned red like the dusk sky, her beauty was startling, and her voice trembled slightly as she said,

“Hello Ling Yi Yao, I am Mei Mu Lan.”

She paused, then suddenly said aloud,

“I ...... I want to do prop play with you!”

Mei Mu Lan: "......"

Ling Yi Yao: "......"

Director Wang Ye, who followed her: "......"

The crew silently watching: "......"

#shypotato #yuri #transmigration #world hopping #QTVW16

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ceescedasticity · 4 years

Text

Jin Guangyao’s Hoarding Problem, part 4

part 1, part 2, part 3

Jin Guangyao is having a really good week, and then suddenly he is having a really bad week.

This is mostly his father's fault. But he does feel that Madam Qin really could have chosen to share this information literally any time earlier in the courtship. Even if it was after Qin Su was pregnant, more time might have enabled him to come up with something! Even if she weren't pregnant calling off the wedding this late would be a significant scandal — what was Madam Qin thinking? Probably she wasn't thinking. No one around him ever thinks.

(He's not exactly thinking his clearest, either, but he doesn't realize that.)

He wants to get out of it. (The marriage still has its good points, if the secret can be guaranteed — but I don't think he would want a marriage which could only produce children who 'had to die'.)

(He could order Wen Qing to prepare an abortifacient, but then, he could in theory procure an abortifacient in any timeline. Honestly I wouldn't even be surprised if Madam Jin quietly keeps a stock on hand in case any of the household staff has a problem. And it seems like something Meng Yao ought to know about, doesn't it? But perhaps Meng Shi insisted he shouldn't pay attention to such filthy things, and he knows no more than most young gentlemen. Still, he could get his hands on one somehow — doing so discreetly is a challenge but not an insurmountable one. The trouble is that without Qin Su's forewarned cooperation, any termination of the pregnancy will be obviously a failed pregnancy, and marrying her is still the only honorable thing, but now with an added taint of sin for premarital sex and the shame of failing to cover it up, he can hear the remarks about his mother already.)

(He could have Qin Su non-fatally poisoned — enough to make her very sick and put off the wedding. But medical examination might reveal the pregnancy, and too long a delay definitely would.) (If he were willing to entertain the idea of telling Qin Su, this would be a good way to buy time to talk. There are so many more possibilities when she's not one of the people who has to be lied to.)

(He could have Qin Su fatally poisoned, and make sure no postmortem exam found the pregnancy, or at least that no one talked about it. But he doesn't have a scapegoat set up for a murder, and Madam Qin might suspect him.) (He also doesn't want to kill her, but that's not what deters him.)

(He could have Qin Su kidnapped, into the Dizang or elsewhere. But he doesn't have a scapegoat ready for that, either, and that still doesn't fix the pregnancy.)

(Now, if he could have her kidnapped, terminate the pregnancy, somehow alter her memory so she doesn't remember there ever was a pregnancy, somehow alter her memory so she doesn't remember the kidnapping, 'rescue' her, give the impression she's temporarily lost her wits from the experience and has probably also been ruined, well, the only compassionate thing is to cancel the wedding, cancel the engagement, send her home to her parents, terrible tragedy, maybe someday she can find happiness elsewhere. If he had a way to alter memories that quickly and precisely he might go with this despite the lack of prepared scapegoat.)

He decides the best option is to go through with the wedding and… deal with it later. Somehow.

(Highlights/"highlights" of the wedding celebrations include, but are not limited to:

It is Jiang Yanli's first major social event since her mourning period concluded. She spends most of her time trying to get Jiang Cheng to stay still long enough for her to talk to him. She's not mad at him!

Lan Xichen averts a disaster when he overhears and shuts down some speculation on whether Jiang Yanli will marry again — she'd have to come with a pretty hefty dowry, what with the health problems and so-so looks and rumored madness — before Jiang Wanyin hears any of it.

Nie Huaisang gets blackout drunk and throws up in the banquet hall, but not before laying the groundwork for five different problems with minor sects he can beg San-ge and Er-ge to help him with.

Su Minshan is totally unaware that Jin Guangyao's good week has become a terrible week and cries tears of joy at his benefactor's good fortune.

Sect Leader Yao gets tipsy and attempts to tell a bawdy story. It does not work very well.

Jin Ling is prevented from inviting himself to the banquet and throws a screaming tantrum not quite out of hearing.

Jin Guangshan comments on Qin Su's hips.

Jin Guangshan offers a minor Sect Leader's daughter jewelry to meet him in an inn in Lanling.

After both of the above incidents Madam Jin glares daggers at Jin Guangyao for some reason.

In fact Madam Jin glares daggers at Jin Guangyao the entire time.

Using the rebuilt Seal, Xue Yang sneaks into Jinlintai proper and steals an entire dessert course out of the kitchen.

On the plus side, he doesn't kill anyone and isn't spotted.

Congratulations!)

(Jiang Yanli eventually corners Jiang Cheng and tells him she isn't mad at him, and he's doing a wonderful job, and as soon as she can get the idea past the Jins she wants to take Jin Ling to Lotus Pier for at least a few months. Jiang Cheng is dubious about the first two assertions but can at least appreciate the third.)

Back in the Dizang it's been convenient that courtship and wedding preparations have occupied so much of Jin Guangyao's attention, because the preliminary results of the 'crying' research have been slightly more disruptive/strange than anticipated. It turns out that it is indeed possible to manually activate the tear glands of a fierce corpse, either by acupuncture needles or by talisman. After this, they will stream for four to six hours no matter what anyone does, which also gives them runny noses. After that, though, their eyes will water when they didn't before. When Wen Ning went through the procedure, he found that he could get tears triggered by emotions. He also discovered that crying gives him a dry mouth — the initial four-hour rain of tears gave him such a dry mouth he couldn't speak for a while.

This spun into everyone getting pulled into a study of 'how do fierce corpses regulate their moisture levels'. Water ghouls don't get waterlogged and fall to pieces. Fierce corpses in deserts don't desiccate and fall to pieces. They must regulate somehow. Missing moisture has to come from somewhere, and extra moisture has to go somewhere, and no one has ever looked into how before. It's disgusting. Xue Yang's never had so much non-homicidal fun in his life. (Well, a little homicidal, since he made the corpses, but not currently actively homicidal.)

Besides Xue Yang, all of this has been productive for Wen Qing and Wen Qing, Wei Wuxian is reluctantly fascinated, and Mo Xuanyu is non-reluctantly fascinated. He Zhi and He Jian are not having such a a good time, because all the fierce corpses besides Wen Ning are, you know, their relatives. Mo Xuanyu tries to help by suggesting Xue Yang can swap out the active experimental corpses with some that used to be whichever relatives they hated? There aren't any?! This leads to a discussion of Mo Xuanyu's maternal relatives. Xue Yang offers to kill them if the opportunity arises. Mo Xuanyu doesn't say no.

As soon as Jin Guangyao can get away for a day or two without anyone noticing — some nominal discreet inspection tour — he comes back to the Dizang and brushes off Mo Xuanyu's attempt to present his report on everything that's gone on while Jin Guangyao was busy with courtship and wedding (he doesn't want to think about courtships or weddings). He just goes and orders Wen Qing to invent a poison that can be administered either slowly or in parts, which will make the victim insane with lust and ultimately cause dramatic heart failure, preferably during sexual intercourse.

Wen Qing doesn't ask what his father did to finally push him over the edge, but it's a struggle. She does point out those are extremely specific requirements and she's not an herbalist. She will try if ordered to, but…

Hmmm. Yes. Good point. Perhaps what we want here is a curse. Yiling Laozu, design me a curse.

Wei Wuxian: What? I don't do curses, that was a false accusation—

Wei Wuxian's internal monologue: 'Mad with lust' curses exist, demons hit commoners with them all the time. I don't know the mechanics — well, I have a few ideas how it might work now that I think about it — I don't know how they work, though. A curse to kill someone the next time they have sex should be fairly straightforward, would be more straightforward if I'd gotten around to having sex, not bringing that up. No, I'm not bringing any of this up, I'm going to try to get out of helping Jin Guangyao murder someone. Even if it is probably his father, who deserves it. No. Besides, getting any of this to work on someone with high cultivation would be a challenge— PROBLEM! Would be a problem.

Jin Guangyao leaves him to think about that — for now — and goes down to the cell in the subbasement to (a) look at practically-a-puppet Nie Mingjue and feel smug about his own triumph and superiority, and (b) fantasize about using Nie Mingjue to kill Jin Guangshan.

He sends a message to Qin Su saying he's been injured, but please don't tell anyone, he doesn't want to show weakness. When he gets back, he claims the injury rendered him incapable of sex — but she can't tell anyone, she can't, he'll be ruined. Qin Su is dismayed, but vows she will keep the secret and considers him no less her husband for not being able to fulfill that duty. And at least they have the one child on the way! What a blessing.

Yes. A blessing.

(Qin Su keeps her word and doesn't tell anyone about the 'injury'. She does tell Jiang Yanli, in confidence, that her marriage isn't quite turning out as she expected it to.)

(Meanwhile Madam Jin has nothing against Qin Su personally, but is very determined that everyone remember Jin Guangyao's wife is not on the same level as other Madams Jin. Jiang Yanli does her best to mitigate it, but she still isn't taken as seriously as she should be. When it becomes known Qin Su is pregnant Madam Jin's attitude sours further.)

(Jiang Yanli is privately of the opinion that Qin Su is welcome to be preeminent Madam Jin; she just wants to go back to Yunmeng for good and have A-Ling adopted as a Jiang. Sadly that definitely won't happen unless Jin Guangshan and Madam Jin are both dead.) (Not that she'd be so unfilial as to hope for that.) (Much.)

(Madam Qin dies, somewhere in here. Jin Guangyao is nothing but relieved.) (Did he have something to do with it, besides causing distress by going ahead with the marriage? We may never know.)

Jin Guangyao introduces He Lei to Qin Su, although obviously not under that name. A-Lei is the mute half-wit sister of a loyal servant of his, he says; the man is often away on business so Jin Guangyao promised to find his sister safe and honorable employment — a touching story.

Qin Su promises to be kind to poor half-wit mute A-Lei, and is very patient with her inexperience as a lady's maid and shy nervousness.

Madam Jin not so much. Despite Qin Su's poor taste in husbands, she is still a gentlewoman and deserves better servants than a mangy stray that son of a prostitute brought in, probably out of a brothel.

Jiang Yanli has to try to mitigate this, too. She also makes a few suggestions about ways A-Lei could communicate without speaking — pointing to pictures, perhaps? Hand gestures? Pantomime isn't very dignified, but they ought to let A-Lei express herself…

He Lei runs away from any such suggestions. She's not willing to 'speak' when Jin Guangyao doesn't want her to and jeopardize her siblings.

Jiang Yanli is disappointed, but respects her shyness.

(Nie Huaisang is not going to respect her shyness, especially when he's mostly sure he's seen her among Jinlintai's servants some time before her official appearance, but for the moment he's biding his time.)

He Lei goes to extreme lengths to avoid Jin Guangshan.

Meanwhile Xue Yang hears that Wen Qing is going to see if she can do anything for Wen Ning's sense of taste, next, and "helps" by providing a half-dozen fresh tongues for her to dissect.

(Wei Wuxian's internal monologue: —just mathematically there have to be at least a few resentful ghosts who have it out for Jin Guangshan with sex-related grievances. Now if you could both locate them, and then use their motivation to direct enough other ghosts to overcome Jin Guangshan's level of cultivation… Well, I could, if I had Chenqing and the Seal. Not sure how you'd package it as a curse— Not that I'm trying to package it as a curse this is idle speculation!)

#jgy's hoarding problem tellfic #more random mdzs thoughts

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captaincoffeegirl515 · 4 years

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I just saw the live-action Mulan movie, and in short, it sucked.

It’s not worth the money! Not worth the 37 dollars you’ll need to pay so that you can merely rent the movie. Don’t worry, I pirated it. I didn’t give Disney any money, and I’m writing this so you won’t have to as well.

To think, my mom was so excited about this film especially since we are Chinese and the animated Mulan film was one of her favourite Disney films. But throughout the film, we were disappointed again and again.

First of all, the directing, camera work, pacing, and editing was terrible. The pacing of the movie was all over the place. The fight scenes especially, were so erratic and badly put together. Either they’d have the scene move at a normal pace but would cut and change to a new angle or perspective multiple times until you can barely tell if there were any hits or what they were doing. Or they would do slow-mo and do a zoom-in on Mulan’s blank, stiff face.

They had Donnie Yen, a famous martial artist and actor, doing some incredible swordsmanship and martial arts in front of the soldiers but then they ruined it by constantly cutting away from him to some random blank-faced soldier. What wasted potential!

Did I mention the blank faces. Everyone looked so stiff during the movie, barely any proper acting done. This was especially obvious with the Witch, whose face barely seems to move. The most emotional I saw her was when she had teary eyes, but still, the rest of her face stayed smooth.

My biggest problem lay with the fact that they took the sexism of the animated Mulan movie and managed to crank it up to a thousand. The whole concept of chi/qi was wrong. For starters, real chi lies in everyone, and it does not give you superpowers or suddenly makes you a good fighter. But in the movie, apparently only men can use chi and gain superpowers, and that if a woman somehow had chi then she’s a witch and must be outcast or killed. And it made it seem like the only reason Mulan could keep up with the men or be better than them was because she had these superpowers. I honestly have no words to express my anger and disappointment at this.

I understand they removed Mushu in the live action since it was offensive to Chinese mythology. But replacing it with a phoenix based on Greek mythology?? That made no sense. And not only that, the CGI was terrible. Not only did it look obviously fake, my siblings and I all felt like the phoenix was made of paper. One of them joked that it was a kite. The coloring also reminded me of the bird in Wings of Time that I saw in Sentosa Singapore.

Btw, Chinese don’t have any concept of witches or witch hunts. Lord knows why Disney tried to put more Western concepts when they wanted to make an Asian movie.

Moving on to the characters and their chemistry. In short, there was none. Little to none actually. I don’t understand why Honghui was supposed to be her love interest. No chemistry and barely any meaningful interactions. They met with him insulting her and continuing to insult her throughout most of their scenes. The “love interest” also spent a lot of his time staring at Mulan like one of those creepy perverts that you try your best to ignore. Is this really the kind of lesson you want to teach kids?

And Ling? Yao? Chien-po? What happened to them? Their names were barely mentioned and their characterizations were so one-dimensional. There were not enough scenes building them up as proper characters, which made them easily forgettable. Because of this, we also had trouble telling all of the soldiers apart, and this includes Honghui and Cricket. Cricket was initially mistaken as Chien-po. There was even less time emphasizing their friendship with Mulan. I also didn’t understand why the need to add Cricket in the movie as another soldier. Disney still didn’t give him any proper growth or arc beyond that one shining moment with the arrow. I also didn’t understand why he suddenly decided to play dead at the end of the corridor fight. Another “dramatic moment” that fell flat.

Where do I begin with the Witch? Shan Yu was an incredible bad guy already. Why did they try to make his falcon human and have her as a witch? For the most part, it seemed like she was just there to drive down the movie’s point that women should be subjugated. She had the power to kill Bori Khan easily, but… chose not to because she thought he would help make her not an outcast?? And even when she changed sides, instead of idk killing Bori Khan when he tried to shoot Mulan, she just… flew… in front of… the arrow… and died. Wow.

What was Bori Khan’s revenge supposed to be anyways? For the most part, it looked like he was trying to slow-cook the Emperor. Like what was up with the random forges and the 2 inch pool of lava?? Were forges back then even hot enough to make lava and have it stay red hot the whole time even when it was in that pool?? Also, swords do NOT melt that fast.

Also, the part where Bori Khan was talking to the captured Emperor was so unintentionally funny. Like at the end of every sentence he would just suddenly make sparks with his weapon at the Emperor’s face. If it was a one-time thing, it would have been fine. But he just… kept… doing it. And with every strike I just started laughing more and more.

The Emperor was… something. Of course he was probably one of the men who has chi powers judging by his sleeve attacks. Honestly, that part felt so random, my siblings and I were all laughing and going “what??”. His voice was so clearly dubbed in, and badly done. He also seemed to have been given the clunkiest dialogue in the movie. I also miss the scene in the animated movie where Shan Yu tells the Emperor to bow down to him and the Emperor replies, “No matter how strong the wind blows, the mountain cannot bow down to it.” because that line was awesome.

The sister’s character was also completely unnecessary. According to Disney, she’s to showcase Mulan’s devotion to her family and give her more motivation to do what she does. But?? She took her father's place in the war to protect him?? Wasn’t the whole point of her story is her pretending to be a man to protect her father from certain death?? Is that not already a huge motivational factor and shows her devotion to her family??

Does anyone else also find it weird that when Mulan was in the army, everyone referred to her by her full name? Like everyone had their first names and were called that, but for Mulan it was always Hua Jun? Btw for those not aware, with Chinese names, the surname is at the beginning. Hua is Mulan’s surname. So shouldn’t they be calling her simply as Jun??

Moving on, I have to bring attention to several of the changes in the movie. It’s like they cut out all the scenes that gave the movie an emotional impact and replaced it with bland scenes that didn’t add to the story at all. Her decision to take her father’s place in the war and steal his armor was replaced with some weird thing about her getting lost and the phoenix having to bail her out.

The incredible moment when Mulan gets the arrow from the top of the post was replaced by bringing two buckets to the top of the mountain. Anyone who is strong and determined enough would have been able to do that. With the arrow, she needed to think and strategize, using the weights to help carry her up. With the buckets, she just used her chi superpowers.

The drama and shock as the happily-singing soldiers come upon the destroyed village becomes a drawn-out traveling scene that has the General asking Mulan to marry his daughter, and then cuts to the army at the village.

The scene where it looked like Shang was going to kill Mulan but then he spares her because she saved his life is gone completely since they decided to split Shang into two characters instead. Even Mulan’s line where she says, “You believe Ping, why not Mulan?” was given to Honghui instead, robbing Mulan of her moment.

Honestly, there was no need for the Witch and her fight scene with Mulan, but apparently in the movie, chi is weakened by dishonesty. It’s weird that the Witch is even telling her that since they’re supposedly enemies, and telling her about the dishonesty will make Mulan stronger.

Another thing is Disney’s weirdly intense focus on arranged marriages and matchmaking, with multiple characters mentioning whether or not they are matched or asking others if they are. Even at the end, the sister goes “oh I am matched”. I didn’t see the point of having that in the movie.

I almost forgot about the trebuchet/catapult! The Rourans are supposed to be a Nomadic people. Where are they finding the time and energy to drag that gigantic thing around? I also have to mention that the Rourans had some incredibly good aim when firing at the soldiers but missed by a long shot when they fired at where Mulan was hiding. That was… dumb, to say the least.

How did Mulan even get there anyways? And how did she carry all those helmets with only two hands? I’m even giving her some leeway because there are people who can control a horse with just their legs. The actress for Mulan also has clearly never fired an arrow before and was not given training for it. The way she loaded the arrows and how her fingers sprung open like that screamed CGI arrows

And now I’m remembering the random horse gymnastics the Rourans used to turn around on their horse so that they could fire arrows while riding. It looked cool, yes, but I don’t think that was the most efficient way to turn around.

Back to the fight scene, Mulan managed to go from chasing the Rourans into the mountains and fighting the Witch, to back to where her army was, then somehow teleported to a different mountain behind where the Rourans were. She also somehow outran an avalanche?? She also killed her own men in that avalanche. Not the best plan in my opinion.

Ultimately, Mulan’s growth and arc to become a soldier and hero of China was undermined by the fact that she was already perfect due to her chi powers. There was no need for her to grow and train because her chi made her strong, her chi made her skillful. And because of this, she lost her relatability. I hate to say this, but she became a Marysue.

I don’t know where to put this but Mulan’s makeup and outfit for the matchmaker scene was the ugliest thing I have ever seen. Green eyebrows?? Really?? What happened to her face? What happened to her dress? Everyone’s costumes also felt unrealistically colorful for a poor farming village.

Lastly, I’m sure many of you know that Disney worked with, credited, and gave thanks to the Xinjiang authorities. Those authorities are responsible for imprisoning up to TWO MILLION Uighur Muslims in concentration camps, forcing them to learn and be patriotic about China’s communist doctrine and propoganda, not allowing them to practice their faith, and subjecting them to horrific conditions, torture, sexual abuse, forced sterilization, brainwashing, and other abuses.

To end this overly wordy review, I don’t understand why Disney would willingly get so much wrong. They tried very hard to make changes and appeal to the Chinese audience but refused to have Chinese creators to help with the screenplay, directing, costume and makeup, etc. Now all they’ve done is alienate said audience.

#mulan 2020 #mulan #disney #rant

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bloody-bee-tea · 4 years

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Out and proud

Today I pitched a Xicheng headcanon at @ruensroad who beautifully expanded on it, and almost all of Jiang Cheng’s reactions towards JGY are from her <3

Warnings for an unhealty Xiyao relationship at the beginning and the allusion to some dubious consent in ther sex-life, though it’s just one sentence. The Xicheng is completely happy and healthy.

Lan Xichen feels dirty, used. He’s ashamed to admit it, even to himself, but the feeling has crept up on him for a few weeks now, and he cannot stand it anymore.

No matter just how often he bathes, it doesn’t lesson. If anything, it gets worse with every conference he has to attend, every time Jin Guangyao shows him off like a prize.

Lan Xichen feels sick just thinking about it.

He thought Jin Guangyao, Meng Yao back then still, loved him, but Lan Xichen is forced to face the truth now.

Jin Guangyao is using him. First, to make his father notice him, and now, to secure his place as Sect Leader and Chief Cultivator.

Jin Guangyao only cares about power and his reputation, and Lan Xichen only matters to him because it looks good, having the Sect Leader of the Gusu Lan Clan at his side.

That is all, Lan Xichen is sure of that by now.

Lan Xichen is never asked to share his experience as a Sect Leader; Jin Guangyao doesn’t listen to him, even when Lan Xichen does say something.

He is asked to be silent, and still and pretty, while Jin Guangyao shows him off like a prized cow.

Lan Xichen has never felt more like a courtesan, and he feels a deep sympathy for all the girls and women who get pushed into a similar position like his.

This, at least, is his own fault.

Lan Xichen is aware that he let Jin Guangyao walk all over him, but it’s also his own decision to end it now.

Lan Xichen doesn’t think he would have found the strength to do this, if Jin Guangyao hasn’t acted like the hanshi, and everything in it including Lan Xichen, was his. His to take, his to command, his to demand.

It’s Lan Xichen’s home. At least here, he should get the respect he deserves. But Jin Guangyao is still only ever concerned for himself; even during the conference at the Cloud Recesses, he kept Lan Xichen still and by his side, demanded his attention without giving his own.

Lan Xichen has never felt as dirty and small as when Jin Guangyao had shushed him.

But it was the kick he needed apparently.

“A-Yao,” he says, not at all surprised when Jin Guangyao only holds up his hand to demand he waits.

Shame curls low and heavy in Lan Xichen’s gut, because he cannot believe he let Jin Guangyao behave towards him like that for so long.

It even drowns out the anger he feels towards Jin Guangyao.

“A-Yao, I’m breaking up with you,” Lan Xichen says, despite Jin Guangyao’s still raised hand, and that, at least, gets him his attention.

“Don’t be stupid, Lan Xichen,” Jin Guangyao says, but he still finishes reading the page. “You’re not.”

“Yes, I am,” Lan Xichen says, voice much more firm than it was before and Jin Guangyao narrows his eyes at him.

“You can’t. What will the others say?” Jin Guangyao asks and of course that’s what he’s worried about.

Lan Xichen doesn’t even know why a small part of him has hoped for something else.

“I don’t care,” Lan Xichen gives back, because he doesn’t.

He never cared what people said about their relationship. That was always Jin Guangyao.

“You can’t do that. It will look bad for me.”

“That’s not my problem, now, is it?” Lan Xichen asks and he straightens up with his words, uses the height he has over Jin Guangyao to give him at least a little bit of advantage over him.

“Xichen,” Jin Guangyao says warningly, and usually that tone of voice works on Lan Xichen.

He doesn’t like conflict, that’s not a secret, but even he has his limits, it seems.

“Do you even really love me?” Lan Xichen wants to know, but he knows the answer.

Can read it in every defensive line of Jin Guangyao’s body.

He’s going to say whatever he thinks will make Lan Xichen stay. Lan Xichen has had enough time to learn that about him.

“Of course I do, Xichen,” Jin Guangyao immediately says, and even the fact that he didn’t even pause to think about it, reads as suspicious to Lan Xichen now. “Don’t you love me, too?” Jin Guangyao asks, and his voice turns all sweet and coaxing.

“I don’t think I do,” Lan Xichen gives back and then smiles at Jin Guangyao. “I wish you the best,” he says and even though he knows he should bow, he can’t bring himself to do it.

He already lowered himself enough for Jin Guangyao.

~*~*~

When Jiang Cheng approaches him, with an offer of courtship, Lan Xichen is surprised and wary. He can’t deny that Jiang Cheng has always been in his mind, maybe even his heart, but his relationship with Jin Guangyao has made him cautious.

But Jiang Cheng takes his hesitance in stride; the only thing he asks of him is to think this over properly and, no matter Lan Xichen’s answer, to stay friends.

Lan Xichen can at least promise that.

Can promise even more, a few weeks later, when he finally tells Jiang Cheng that he accepts the courtship. He’s gratified to see honest joy on Jiang Cheng’s face and he hopes that maybe this will turn out better than whatever he had with Jin Guangyao.

It still doesn’t prepare him for their next meeting.

“Lan Xichen, can we talk for a second?” Jiang Cheng asks him when they see each other, and he doesn’t offer the first customary courtship gift to Lan Xichen. Immediately dread settles heavy in Lan Xichen’s gut.

He reminds himself that this is better than Jin Guangyao still; he never wanted to talk.

“Of course,” Lan Xichen replies and brings Jiang Cheng to the hanshi, knowing that they won’t be disturbed there. “What’s on your mind?” Lan Xichen asks, though he can’t deny that he’s shaking with nerves.

“Listen, I know that this is highly unusual,” Jiang Cheng starts and Lan Xichen is already resigned to the fact that he will have to walk away from this before it even started. “But the next conference is coming up,” Jiang Cheng goes on, and Lan Xichen goes very, very still.

Of course.

“And you want me to be by your side,” he mumbles, almost too numb to get the words out.

“Actually, quite the opposite,” Jiang Cheng admits and he rubs his neck in an embarrassed gesture.

Lan Xichen stares blankly at him.

“What?” he asks, too confused to remember his manners and Jiang Cheng sighs.

“We barely got the chance to court before this conference, and to be honest, I am not ready to share what we have, or what we hopefully will have, with the world yet. We didn’t get to spend that much time outside of Clan business and quite honestly, I’m a little bit afraid of your brother. And of everyone else judging our relationship. And of my brother sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong. Jin Ling will threaten you, your whole family will threaten me, and then they will watch our every move. I’m not ready for that.”

Lan Xichen wants to answer, really, he does, but this is so unlike what he expected, that he continues to stare at Jiang Cheng.

“I understand if you don’t want that,” Jiang Cheng says when he gave Lan Xichen ample time to answer. “If it’s what you wish we can make it public right away.”

“No!” Lan Xichen almost yells and then slaps his hand over his mouth, because yelling is forbidden.

He’ll have to copy the rules later.

“It’s just me here,” Jiang Cheng reassures him and reaches over the table to lower his hand. “No need to cling to the rules like that.”

Lan Xichen watches how Jiang Cheng doesn’t let go of his hand, tangles their fingers together instead and a very warm feeling spreads inside his chest.

“I don’t—my last relationship didn’t go that well,” Lan Xichen finally says and immediately Jiang Cheng tenses.

“I always did dislike how Jin Guangyao showed you off to the world and treated you in public,” he mutters and lightly squeezes Lan Xichen’s hand. “So, tell me what you want. So that I can make sure this time it goes better for you.”

‘You already are’, Lan Xichen thinks, but he doesn’t quite dare to say it yet.

“I would like it very much if we could keep it a secret for now,” he agrees and smiles slightly at Jiang Cheng. “To get to know each other better.”

“Good,” Jiang Cheng says and then slides a small package over to him. “My courtship gift. Not that you think I have forgotten about it.”

“I wouldn’t,” Lan Xichen says, though he has wondered why Jiang Cheng didn’t greet him with one, but now it makes more sense.

“No need to be so polite,” Jiang Cheng says with a huff. “I just thought handing you a gift in your own hall might not be the best way to go about keeping this secret.”

“You’re right,” Lan Xichen says, not clarifying what part he means but Jiang Cheng smiles at him anyway.

Lan Xichen pulls the gift towards himself, and carefully opens the box. He’s met with different vials of oil and a soft cloth.

“For your flute,” Jiang Cheng helpfully explains when Lan Xichen stays silent for too long and Lan Xichen relaxes.

His mind has flashed to another aspect of his relationship with Jin Guangyao, one he desperately doesn’t want to think about ever again, but he pushes it away.

“Thank you,” Lan Xichen honestly says and cautiously pops one vial open. The oil inside is of the most exquisite quality, and Lan Xichen’s fingers already itch to tend to Liebing with them.

“You can get Liebing if you want,” Jiang Cheng says with a small laugh. “If you’ll allow me to stay.”

“To do what?” Lan Xichen asks, confused, because he’ll be immersed in his flute and won’t have time to entertain Jiang Cheng.

“To watch you,” Jiang Cheng says, like it should have been obvious to Lan Xichen. “To spend time with you. It pleases me if you use my gift, you know,” he says with a teasing lilt to his voice and Lan Xichen blushes faintly.

“Oh,” he breathes out, because he didn’t anticipate this; didn’t anticipate how easily Jiang Cheng would get under his skin. “Of course. If you want to.”

“I’ll prepare some tea, if you’ll allow,” Jiang Cheng says, already moving to stand up, and while it should grate on Lan Xichen, this is his home, and Jiang Cheng is the guest, he relaxes.

At least Jiang Cheng asks for permission.

“Sure,” he says and points over to the tea pot. “Help yourself.”

Jiang Cheng does, under the watchful eyes of Lan Xichen, but he still serves Lan Xichen first.

“My tea won’t be as good as yours,” he tells him with a lopsided smile, but when Lan Xichen takes a sip, he finds that to be untrue.

“It is good,” he honestly tells Jiang Cheng who rolls his eyes at him.

“Don’t compliment me. Go, get your flute,” he says with a little shooing motion and Lan Xichen is helpless to obey.

The warmth in his stomach it too strong to simply be from the tea, and he hopes it won’t go away any time soon.

~*~*~

They have been together for almost a year now, and still, the cultivation world isn’t the wiser.

Lan Xichen enjoys it, the secrecy, and it’s not like they hide the most important part of their relationship. Everyone knows they are good friends, and that is enough for Lan Xichen.

There have been rumours here and there, but neither Jiang Cheng nor Lan Xichen have confirmed or denied anything, and so they died down pretty quickly.

Lan Xichen loves it.

He loves Jiang Cheng, with all his heart, and he never has to wonder if Jiang Cheng feels the same about him. It’s apparent in every small smile he gets, in every thoughtful gift Jiang Cheng brings him, in the way he opens up about some of his worst wounds and memories.

And Lan Xichen does the same in return, for him.

They don’t have to be side by side in public; they don’t have to kiss or hold hands, or have other’s know about their relationship.

They know where they stand, and both of them stand there proudly.

Sometimes, Lan Xichen wants to do nothing more than to lean against Jiang Cheng during a conference, or to kiss him when he sees him, and while he knows Jiang Cheng wouldn’t be mad at him for revealing their secret, Lan Xichen never does it.

Because he gets to do all these things later, in the evening, after the conference, and every time they visit each other. He gets to do all of these things without eyes on them, without people judging and speculation and demanding answers.

And that is everything to Lan Xichen.

He can even talk to Jin Guangyao again, one Sect Leader to another at least, but when Jin Guangyao asks him for a little chat, Lan Xichen still throws a small private reassuring smile over his shoulder to Jiang Cheng, who observes them with hawk eyes.

“You seem to be doing very well,” Jin Guangyao opens with and Lan Xichen can only think about Jiang Cheng when he replies.

“I am, thank you.”

He is doing so well, with Jiang Cheng.

“Listen, I don’t quite like where we left our relationship,” Jin Guangyao then says, and effectively wipes the smile away from Lan Xichen’s face.

“We didn’t left our relationship,” he corrects him. “We ended it.”

“But maybe it doesn’t have to be that way,” Jin Guangyao says with a little tilt of his head and Lan Xichen can only stare at him.

“I don’t feel that way about you anymore,” Lan Xichen tells him firmly and he can see Jin Guangyao’s honest confusion, as if this is incomprehensible to him.

“It can come back,” he tries but Lan Xichen shakes his head.

“No, it can’t,” he says, because all of him, and all of his feelings, belong to Jiang Cheng now. “Thank you for this talk, Chief Cultivator,” Lan Xichen formally says, and gives him the bow his status demands, and not an inch more.

Lan Xichen turns away from him and walks over to Jiang Cheng, who frowns quite heavily at Jin Guangyao.

“Sect Leader Jiang,” Lan Xichen greets him and Jiang Cheng’s eyes snap to him.

“Sect Leader Lan,” he gives back and then points to the table next to him. “Join me for a drink, won’t you?” he asks, and Lan Xichen can see how the tension flows out of his shoulders and he smiles brightly at him.

“Of course,” he agrees and quickly settles down next to Jiang Cheng, slightly leaning towards him.

He wants to reach out and smooth the furrow between his brows out, but it seems like his presence is already enough, because Jiang Cheng gives him a small, private smile.

Lan Xichen knows he’ll have questions afterwards, but for now he gives him a reassuring smile, that Jiang Cheng is apparently helpless to return.

It’s only when the conference is coming to a close, that Jin Guangyao corners Lan Xichen again.

“You and Jiang Cheng?” he demands to know, and Lan Xichen bristles at the informality towards his partner.

“It’s none of your business,” he gives back, because it isn’t, but Jin Guangyao doesn’t seem to want to let it go.

“Is he making you keep this a secret?” he asks and Lan Xichen frowns at him. “You know he does that only because he’s ashamed of you, don’t you? He doesn’t want the world to know about you.”

Lan Xichen might have believed that, once. But now, he is secure in the knowledge that Jiang Cheng loves him and would tell the world in a heartbeat if Lan Xichen should even hint at wanting that.

So instead of taking the bait, he simply smiles at Jin Guangyao.

“I’m sure you’re simply tired,” he reasonably says and something vicious flares up in Jin Guangyao’s eyes.

“He’s ashamed he only gets my leftovers, isn’t he?” he snarls and Lan Xichen’s stomach drops at those words.

He and Jiang Cheng have worked so hard on his issues, and it’s unfair that Jin Guangyao can bring them all back with a few words.

“He’s not,” Lan Xichen says, but his voice is thin and wavering.

He startles badly when a hand slides over his waist, but he immediately leans into the contact when he realizes that it’s Jiang Cheng.

“Oh yeah, little man, is that how you want to play it?” Jiang Cheng asks, and Lan Xichen should scold him for his rudeness, but he’s too busy leaning into him. “Just fucking try me.”

“Then why don’t you announce it to the world?” Jin Guangyao says with a smarmy smile and Jiang Cheng huffs.

“Gladly,” he says and presses a quick kiss to Lan Xichen’s cheek before he turns around.

“Attention, everyone,” he calls out and immediately has the attention of everyone on him. “It is my absolute pleasure to announce that Sect Leader Lan and I are dating.”

His statement causes an uproar, voices demanding an explanation, and dropping into hushed whispers, and Lan Xichen can only smile at Jiang Cheng’s back.

It isn’t how they wanted to reveal their relationship, but he cannot say that he minds. Jiang Cheng sounds beyond honoured and really, what more can Lan Xichen wish for.

“You’re just saying that to prove a point,” Jin Guangyao says from behind Lan Xichen, and his voice carries, just like Jiang Cheng’s had. “Why don’t you just admit that you intended to keep our esteemed Zewu-Jun your dirty little secret.”

Gasps echo in the hall and Lan Xichen fights the urge to strangle Jin Guangyao.

He is not prepared for the sly smile Jiang Cheng has on his face when he turns around to him, his eyes never leaving Lan Xichen’s.

“Is that so?” he asks and reaches inside his robe.

When his hand emerges again, a Yunmeng Jiang wedding bell is in his hands.

“Then how do you explain this?” Jiang Cheng asks, but he keeps his eyes on Lan Xichen. “I know it’s more public than we ever wanted to make this, and you have every right to say no, but I’m going to ask now anyway,” he says and Lan Xichen presses his lips together, because all he really wants to do is laugh out in joy and happiness. “Lan Xichen, will you marry me and be my cultivation partner?”

“You couldn’t find a better time?” Lan Xichen asks, hiding his smile behind his sleeve and Jiang Cheng sighs.

“Well, I’ve been carrying this with me for weeks now, so clearly I couldn’t,” Jiang Cheng laments, and this time, Lan Xichen does chuckle.

It silences the entire hall, because no one has heard him laugh like that in quite some time.

“You absolute unromantic fool,” Lan Xichen fondly says and then holds out his hand. “I accept your proposal. I do want to marry you,” he says, loud and clear, so his voice carries and everyone here knows that he is Jiang Cheng’s.

“Lucky me,” Jiang Cheng mutters and pulls him close by his hand, to put the bell in, but also to give him a scorching kiss.

“Oh no, lucky me,” Lan Xichen disagrees breathlessly when they finally part, and the hall erupts in cheers and applause.

Lan Xichen can see Jin Guangyao stalk off, but it’s barely more than a fleeting observation, because his fiancé in his arms is much more important.

“Lucky us,” Jiang Cheng softly says as he rests their foreheads together and Lan Xichen has to agree with that one.

Lucky them, indeed.

#bt writes #xicheng #the untamed #mdzs #xiyao #break-up #unhealthy relationship #some dubious consent #for the xiyao #and then for the xicheng #getting together #fluff #marriage proposal #soft and good

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enbyleighlines · 4 years

Note

Wangxian modern au drabble where one of them gets a little jealous?

Ahhhh, okay, okay! I know this one isn’t everyone’s fav trope, but I personally don’t mind it as long as there is a healthy resolution to the jealousy. So yeah! That’s what I’m going to do here!

I’m also using this as an opportunity to explore one of my headcanons! Since “Wuxian” can translate to “no envy”, I think it would be neat if Wei Wuxian was just... completely immune to jealousy. Like, he doesn’t understand it at all. Which would naturally lead to conflict with Lan Wangji, the king of jealousy

Anyway... I hope you like it, anon!

—

Dating Lan Wangji is like a dream come true. Wei Wuxian has never been happier. Between their blossoming romance and getting to raise A-Yuan together, Wei Wuxian thinks his life might just be as perfect as it’s ever going to get.

A couple of months in, though, Wei Wuxian notices a strange little habit Lan Wangji has taken up. Or, rather, Jiang Cheng brings it to his attention.

Specially, the fact that Lan Wangji often bites the soft underside of Wei Wuxian’s wrist.

The first time it happened, Wei Wuxian had yelped and accused Lan Wangji of acting like a dog. But he didn’t tell Lan Wangji not to do it again, and sure enough, it became a thing between them.

Wei Wuxian thinks it odd, but charming. Lan Wangji is often both odd and charming.

It doesn’t occur to Wei Wuxian that the new behavior could be a response to something, until he notices that Jiang Cheng can predict, with alarming precision, exactly when Lan Wangji is about to chow down. Wei Wuxian knows this because Jiang Cheng always looks away right before it happens.

They’re at an end of the summer barbecue at the Jin-Jiang house when Wei Wuxian decides to determine, once and for all, what Lan Wangji’s biting means.

Most people have gathered by the grill to socialize, since it’s already getting a bit chilly outside. A-Yuan and A-Ling are chasing each other through the yard, with swords cut out of construction paper. Besides the kids and their guardians, the friends present include Jiang Cheng, Jin Zixuan’s three siblings, Qin Su’s girlfriend Zhao Zhiruo, Mian Mian, Wen Qing, Wen Ning, Lan Xichen and his wife Nie Yuyan, Nie Mingjue, and Nie Huaisang.

Wei Wuxian strategically waits for Lan Wangji to head back into the kitchen to grab them both another can of iced tea. As soon as his boyfriend leaves his side, Wei Wuxian rushes to Jiang Cheng.

“Hey, dearest Didi?” Wei Wuxian asks.

“Gross,” Jiang Cheng scoffs, “Don’t ever fucking call me that again. What do you want?”

“Tell me how you know when Lan Zhan is going to bite me.”

Jiang Cheng reacts predictably, which means he flinches away and scrunches up his face like he’s got a mouth full of lemon. “Excuse me, what?!”

“You know, when Lan Zhan does that thing.” Wei Wuxian demonstrates by nipping his own wrist.

Jiang Cheng’s nose scrunches up even further. “Ugh, you mean that gross power play thing he does? Why do you think I would even want to discuss that—“

“Power play?” Wei Wuxian is so lost.

They both spot Lan Wangji at the sliding glass doors to the patio. Jiang Cheng yanks Wei Wuxian close to whisper into his ear. “Try getting all cuddly with Wen Ning and see what happens.”

When Jiang Cheng releases him, Wei Wuxian is even more confused. What does an occasional bite to the wrist have anything to do with Wen Ning? And why did Jiang Cheng refer to it as a “power play”? A power play for what?

This obviously merits further investigation. Wei Wuxian decides he needs to find Wen Ning.

Wen Ning is a little off to the side, watching the children play. He has a soft smile on his face, which widens even further when Wei Wuxian throws an arm over his shoulders.

“Hey there,” Wen Ning says, “How are you enjoying the party?”

“It’s good,” Wei Wuxian replies, “How’s the apartment hunt going?” He and Wen Ning used to share, but ever since he moved into Lan Wangji’s place, Wen Ning has struggled to pay the rent all by his lonesome.

Wen Ning shrugs gently. “It’s not the best,” he admits.

An idea tickles the back of Wei Wuxian’s mind. He’s recently more or less moved into Lan Wangji’s room, leaving his own room empty night after night—

But the thought is only half formed, and then Lan Wangji swoops in, completely derailing Wei Wuxian’s train of thought.

“Your iced tea,” he says, and offers it to Wei Wuxian.

“Thanks,” Wei Wuxian says. He lets go of Wen Ning and reaches for the can, only to have his wrist snatched by Lan Wangji’s free hand. “Wha—“

Lan Wangji lifts the wrist to his mouth, gives it a kiss, and then a bite.

Wei Wuxian watches the teeth clamp down into his skin. The pressure is just enough that it kind of stings, right on the edge of pain. Lan Wangji’s teeth leave behind pale marks which fade after a few seconds.

Wei Wuxian glances off to where Jiang Cheng stands. He watches his brother roll his eyes and turn away.

Then Lan Wangji lets Wei Wuxian’s wrist go, and places the can gently into his slack palm. He holds the cold metal against Wei Wuxian’s racing pulse until he regains his senses enough to establish a firm grip on the tea.

It was just as Jiang Cheng said. Wei Wuxian had gotten “all cuddly” with Wen Ning, and then Lan Wangji bit him!

Wei Wuxian frowns. He decides he needs to experiment some more.

—

Wei Wuxian spends the afternoon trying different things. He finds excuses to become physically affectionate with others, and waits to see if Lan Wangji bites him.

So far, he’s found that physical affection is, in fact, the trigger. However, it doesn’t work with everyone.

Wei Wuxian can get as clingy as he wants with Jiang Yanli, Jiang Cheng, A-Ling, and A-Yuan, and Lan Wangji doesn’t bite him. In fact, any interaction he has with the kids seems to have the opposite effect. More often than not, it will prompt Lan Wangji to lean over and kiss his temple.

Some results are less conclusive. Jin Zixuan, Lan Xichen, and Nie Yuyan fall into this category. After contact with any of them, Lan Wangji will kiss his wrist, but no bite will follow.

The rest definitely produce bites. For some reason, Lan Wangji seems to bite the hardest when Wei Wuxian gets affection with Wen Ning, Wen Qing, Mian Mian, or Mo Xuanyu. Those four seem to be in their own category.

After dinner, Wei Wuxian tries to figure out some sort of pattern. Children earn him a kiss on the temple. That one is easy enough. His siblings have no effect whatsoever on Lan Wangji’s behavior. But, for some reason, Lan Wangji’s own sibling does, only he only prompts a kiss on the wrist.

It’s all rather puzzling, and Wei Wuxian is starting to think maybe it’s more random than he’s giving this strange behavior credit for.

But then Lan Wangji pulls Wei Wuxian aside, hand clamped tight on his wrist.

Wei Wuxian waits for a kiss or a bite, or both, but nothing of the sort happens. As soon as they are out of earshot of the others, his wrist is released.

“No more teasing,” Lan Wangji says.

“What?” Wei Wuxian’s head spins. His boyfriend sounds... angry? But he can’t think of any reason why.

“No more teasing,” Lan Wangji repeats.

That doesn’t help Wei Wuxian at all. Had he been teasing anyone? More than usual, anyway? He doesn’t think so. He rubs his wrist, which is getting a little sore after all of the biting it’s received. Over time, Wei Wuxian has learned that sometimes Lan Wangji needs to be asked clarifying questions, or else he’ll just keep repeating himself.

“Okay, so.... who am I teasing?” Wei Wuxian asks.

Lan Wangji’s eyes narrow. “Me.”

“You?” Okay, now Wei Wuxian is unsure if he’s dreaming. Has Lan Wangji been experiencing an entirely different barbecue?

“Me,” Lan Wangji repeats, “Making me jealous.”

“Jealous?” Wei Wuxian repeats the word, as if it’s foreign to him. In truth, it’s not an emotion he has much experience with. All his life, he’s tried to be grateful for what he has. It always felt selfish to wish for more.

“Yes. Jealous.”

Wei Wuxian watches his boyfriend. The gears in his head start to turn. It takes a second, and then Wei Wuxian suddenly understands everything.

“That’s what the bites are about?”

Lan Wangji’s face twists. His hand takes Wei Wuxian’s wrist again, lifts it to his mouth. But he still doesn’t kiss or bite. He just speaks into the sore skin there. “You... you just realized?”

“I guess so.” Wei Wuxian wonders if he’s dumb for not figuring it out sooner, or if Lan Wangji’s dumb for expecting him to figure it out at all.

“Yes.” Lan Wangji’s eyes dart up to Wei Wuxian’s face, but he continues to partially muffle his words against Wei Wuxian’s wrist. “When I get jealous... I want to remind myself.”

“Remind yourself of what?”

Lan Wangji’s eyes dart to the side. “That... you are mine,” he mumbles.

There’s a sharpness to Lan Wangji’s words that sends a delicious little spark of warmth down Wei Wuxian’s spine. He laughs nervously, startled by his body’s unconscious reaction. “Of course I’m yours,” Wei Wuxian blurts.

“Hence, the reminder.”

Lan Wangji’s voice is so husky... Wei Wuxian wants to kiss him. But that would be bad, right? They should probably talk about this.

“Right,” Wei Wuxian says, “But, when you say you get jealous... are you worried I’m going to cheat on you or something?”

“No.” Lan Wangji’s answer comes quick and firm. “You are a virtuous person. You would not cheat...” His voice trails off, and the ‘but’ goes unvoiced.

“But?” Wei Wuxian prompts.

“You could... fall for another,” Lan Wangji finishes, “Love someone else.”

Wei Wuxian barely holds back a snort. He knows it would be inappropriate, but the idea seems so outrageous to him! Who else would Wei Wuxian love, if not Lan Wangji?

“Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian says, “I’ve been in love with you since the first day we met. I didn’t know it at the time. I was young and I misunderstood my feelings for a long, long time. But now I look back at that time, and it’s so obvious to me! I’ve been in love with you since day one.”

Lan Wangji’s eyes lock onto his, as if searching his very soul.

“It’s true,” Wei Wuxian insists, feeling frantic, “Lan Zhan, do you know how many people I’ve gone out on a date with?”

The question seems to cause Lan Wangji physical pain. “A lot,” he grits out.

“That’s right! A whole lot. Mostly girls and in college even a couple of guys. And how many have I kissed?”

Lan Wangji’s breath hitches. He doesn’t reply, though.

“Only one!” Wei Wuxian is so desperate, and he knows his voice is climbing high because of it. But he needs Lan Wangji to know. Wei Wuxian feels like he’ll suffocate if Lan Wangji doesn’t understand. “I never kissed any of them, because I... I always got cold feet! And I never knew why. It just didn’t feel right. But with you, I didn’t hesitate. I’ve never hesitated with you! I think it’s because I’ve been holding out hope for you, this whole time!”

Lan Wangji does kiss Wei Wuxian then, right on the lips. It’s a little too rushed, and the angle isn’t quite right.

But Wei Wuxian feels the warmth of Lan Wangji’s breath on his lips, and the simple sensation melts away all of his hysteria. He kisses back, to remind himself. To remind himself of their deep bond.

Wei Wuxian thinks he may understand where Lan Wangji is coming from, after all.

They part soon after, both aware of the fact that they are outside, and that they have friends and family waiting nearby.

“Do you... dislike it?” Lan Wangji asks.

“Hmm?”

“The biting...”

“Oh.” Wei Wuxian pauses to think. It’s a good question to ask, actually. He knows if he says he dislikes it, that it won’t ever happen again. And Wei Wuxian suddenly really doesn’t want that.

“I don’t dislike it,” Wei Wuxian says, “I dislike thinking you don’t know... that you doubt my love.”

Lan Wangji gives him another, more brief kiss. “I’m sorry. I... don’t want to doubt. But it’s been so long.” His words come slowly, like he has to drag them, unwilling, from his heart. “All this time, I thought my love went unrequited. Ten years. Ten years of unrequited love.”

Wei Wuxian lets that sink in. He can’t imagine the pain. He’s been blissfully unaware of his own feelings this whole time, happy just to get Lan Wangji’s undivided attention once in a while.

Lan Wangji takes his silence the wrong way. “I’ll stop biting,” he says.

“No,” Wei Wuxian protests, “I like the biting. Please don’t stop the biting. But maybe...” A metaphorical light bulb flickers on within his mind. “In the future, can you only bite me when we’re alone?”

Lan Wangji blinks. “Alone?”

“Yes, alone.” Wei Wuxian smiles weakly. “You can even count them, the bites you want to give me. And then, while you bite me, and remind yourself that I’m yours, I’ll remind you, too. I’ll tell you just how much I love you. Over and over again, until you have no choice but to believe it.”

“Yes,” Lan Wangji breaths. He sounds incredibly in favor of the idea. “Yes, Wei Ying. I’d like that.”

“Good.” Wei Wuxian nervously peeks back towards the party. There is definitely at least one person pretending not to look at them. “How about one more kiss, and then we go back to the barbecue?”

Lan Wangji smiles, and nods. And then they kiss.

#asks #anon #anonymous #mo dao zu shi #wangxian #mdzs modern au #drabbles #leigh’s writing

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jesse-mills · 4 years

Text

Convenience Store AU

Quick summary: Jesse dies on the beach and wakes up in a convenience store back near Crestwood. A dimension in which Jesse has sick new tattoos, the OA looks like an actual goddamn angel, French is a nerd ass loser who's been pining for Jesse for like 2 years, and everyone gets to be happy.

[[MORE]]

(apologies for awful formatting, this was so fucking long that I got tired of trying to make it read perfectly.)

ok so after Jesse dies it's just. dark for a long ass time right? but he wakes up to blinding light and it takes a moment for his eyes to focus. his first thought is "is heaven a 7/11?" and his second thought is "OH SHIT OA?!?!?" She found him passed out in the middle of the store aisle when she came in from the back room and after a very confused minute of conversation they realize that oh shit, it's the real OG them from the Crestwood dimension. so OA basically hires Jesse on the spot and Jesse has to help her get Hap (the manager, he's suppressed in this body but still a jackass of monumental proportions) kicked out and sent somewhere else. They do succeed after a few weeks (aka they get everyone to file complaints about him until he's relocated to somewhere out of state).

Jesse, however, has a Hell Of A Lot of new things to adjust to, the first of which being that What The Fuck, he looked in the mirror and he has fucking moving tattoos that Definitely weren't there before!! Turns out this dimension has such a thin membrane between it and the invisible river of the Between, weird ass shit tends to happen around people who have travelled through worlds. Jesse soon finds out that he isn't the only one with weird shit happening to him: the angels from the lab, especially OA, have some definite traditional angelic characteristics. OA has a ton of extra eyes on her face and neck and like. everywhere so she tends to wear gauzy scarves around her neck and ling sleeves everywhere. nothing can really be done about the ones on her face but she doesn't really show her face anywhere anyways so it's not that big a deal for her. Homer works at a patisserie in town and has extra eyes on his arms and back, as well as extra mouths on his hands (he wears gloves during work, don't ask). Rachel works there with him (and yes they're all in a thruple because. Oachel rights yo) and has extra vocal chords as well so her singing sounds absolutely ethereal. (She convinced Homer to hire Buck and Angie to work with him there after the OA told them about them.) Scott doesn't have too many extra weird eyes but his hair grows flowers and though he acts pissy about it he secretly really likes them. He works as the town's electrician and Steve apprentices under him. Renata tours around and always brings them back gifts from places she visits, and has both extra eyes on her arms that become part of her signature style (she claims it's prosthetics for the press) and a second mouth beneath her collarbone hidden under scarves so she can harmonize with herself.

BBA already works at the school and so knows them all already, and she shops at the convenience store for snacks at night during Jesse's shift and so is already close to him. She slowly puts the puzzle together herself, but in a very peaceful, calm manner; basically, she notices that he's acting different but doesn't throw a fuss about it ("I think Jesse's a different Jesse now. Hm. I'll ask if he still likes shortbread next time I go."). Lucky for Jesse, BBA and the angels all kind of adopt him.

Why do they keep working at the store after Hap leaves? a) it pays bills and like. they need to eat. and b) it's something to do, it's a normal part of a normal life that lets them spend time with each other and feel like they can finally live happy lives. Plus, Jesse and OA both desperately want to contact their home dimension and tell the others that they're okay, so the store provides a good space to do that.

and then French walks in the door one night because Olive Garden fired him and he needs to support his brothers and mom, and Jesse's world suddenly becomes a Hell of a lot more convoluted. French is confused when the pretty boy from school he was always too nervous to talk to looks up from the front counter and chokes on his drink; he's even more confused when Jesse stays bright red through their entire awkward conversation of "I need a job, are you hiring?" "UH. we are now. let me go grab the paperwork" (read: gay hyperventilating behind the backroom door for the minutes before grabbing the papers.) French is very concerned when as soon as he signs his name the paper just. crumbles to ash without any warning but Jesse just sweeps it into the bin and says "yeah you're hired, UHHH what hours???? work for you????? actually just come in when it does work and we'll get you started okay goodbye!!!" Of course night shift works best for French so Jesse has a mini conniption when French walks in the next night an hour after Jesse gets there and asks if he can start working Now.

French is a fucking NERD ASS LOSER in this dimension. so he's very confused when after a week of training almost nightly (hey, he needs to provide, yo) Steve, his old bully, walks in and greets him very nicely and apologizes for anything he did in high school (he does not notice Jesse glaring at Steve. he is also not aware of Jesse calling Steve the first night he came in and incoherently rambling for twenty minutes straight before yelling "I'M GAY" and hanging up. Steve was confused because didn't Jesse come out in like 10th grade to him??? he didn't bully French for being gay he bullied him for being a nerd ass loser).

French also begins to notice that things are fucking weird in this convenience store, and by that I mean he walks in one night and Jesse is calmly reading a comic book while one of the freezers is literally emitting fucking fire. ("Jesse. Tell me you fucking realize that THE FREEZER IS ON FIRE." "Yeah, OA said to just leave it. Scott's gonna fix it later" "But. But it's on FIRE." "Yeah lol apparently she's been workin on portals without dying and opened a hell dimenson? haha wack right. Just keep the door closed and it'll be fine.") He ends up calling Steve (who is being almost suspiciously friendly now under threat of bodily harm, and who is genuinely trying to be a better person) to ask if this is normal after Jesse tells very seriously after setting up "wet floor signs" that he should stay away from the soda fountain, OA accidentally fucked with it and it's biting people. (French, talking to Steve over the phone: "Yeah dude and then it just fucking crumbled to ash and he said I was hired. Like what the fuck. What the fuck." "Oh yeah lol apparently her husband's shop does the same thing. Btw tell Jesse to stop hoarding snakes in the cupboards behind the desk bc I'm the one Scott sends to fix that shit." "...........SNAKES?!"

Jesse has a weird thing with snakes in this dimension since he 1) found a weird tattoo of a snake with wings that just roams around his body as it pleases and acts like a pet (yes he named it Ramen Noodle. no he does not have shame.) and 2) realized that he can basically charm snakes just by talking to them. Friend shaped noodles. French walks in one night to find Steve trying to convince Jesse to "take them out of the cupboards" and after French cautiously asks what's in the cupboards Jesse just opens it to reveal like 30 snakes that he rescued from the cold (French yells and almost falls on his ass. Steve just sighs as Jesse picks up a ton of them and lets them curl up around his arms). OA does bi-monthly snake banishing (read: making Jesse go to different animal shelters to give the snakes away during winter or releasing them into the wild in warmer weather). (For his birthday about three months in she and Homer and Rachel find him an albino boa constrictor and Jesse genuinely looks like he's about to pass out from joy. He names it Theo, and for some reason, BBA tears up when he tells her and gingerly pets the snake.)

And the thing is, French is such a skeptic that he just can't bring himself to take Jesse seriously when one night about a month in he locks the glass doors and sits down to tell French very seriously that he's not the original Jesse from this dimension. Jesse realizes that French won't very easily be convinced, so he just does his best to flippantly include it in conversation in the hopes that it will slowly convince him. Even after French notices the moving tattoos (he was staring at Jesse's stomach when he stretched one night and almost yelled when a weird, almost tentacle looking tattoo idly moved across his skin) he can't bring himself to believe it, even when he realizes Jesse's eyes are a odd, almost shifting blue as opposed to the warm brown he searched for in the halls every day of senior year, even when there's fire and weird portals and a manager who has even more eyes than her husband (Homer comes in often with baked goods for Jesse and French. the first time French saw what he thought was a prosthetic eye on the back of Homer's hand wink at him, he almost passed out.). What finally convinces him is when Hap comes back.

Hap' s consciousness somehow came through after almost four months of wondering what was wrong with his old job, and when he comes back, French is in the store early just as Jesse is getting there and Homer is about to pick up OA when Hap comes in and points a gun at him. He's yelling what French thinks is nonsense, about a rose window and Prairie and how she lied to him, but he knows better now, he knows, and French is dead sure he's going to die when OA starts yelling back that he's wouldn't dare harm him or any of her friends. He can see in the reflection of the mirror above the front desk that Hap looks deranged, and it's enough to convince him of two things: one, Hap is about to kill him, and two, Jesse was telling the truth all along. He's about to do something desperate, kick Hap or try to grab the gun, something, when there's movement in the mirror and he spots something heavy swinging towards them. He ducks just as Homer creeps up behind them and brains Hap with a piece of scrap metal. The cops are called and everything is mostly sorted out-- Hap, of course, is going to jail-- but French is still shellshocked from realizing that it's all real, that Jesse died and came back in this dimension and that there are angels that act more like his parents than his mother ever has. It's a shock to him, but he gradually adjusts, and Jesse begins slowly filling him in on their old life in the original Crestwood, how they came together when a once-blind victim of a kidnapping came back with vision and stories, how he died on a beach on the way to San Francisco after overdosing on an old man's pain medication. Eventually, he gets the go-ahead from OA to tell the others and fill them in on exactly what happened. They reunite as they're supposed to and eventually become just as tightly knit as they had been. The Steve from Crestwood eventually joins them and while it takes him some time to adjust, he's so thrilled to have Jesse back and that everything is okay here that he's content.

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stella-maria7 · 4 years

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THE UNTAMED FAN FIC: DARKNESS & LIGHT

3. LAN SIZHUI

Just as we have planned, I am now hitting the road with my new group of friends. Ronald is driving his Toyota Siena with Lina sitting at the passenger seat, hands intertwining romatically as Ronald brushes his thumb over the back of her small hand every so often. I don't mean to sneakybeak but since I am sitting right behind Ronald, it is hard not to see it. Maybe I can just avert my eyes but something inside just won't let me. Ever since I step foot in America, I have been feeling something indescribable. I have no idea whether it is the effect of puberty or else, but my heart is hankering for something. Someone. Someone significant, AKA, a soulmate.

Yes, I still believe in this kind of thing.

I look at the seat next to me which is left vacant for no reason as if it has been reserved. Steven, Yichen and Kiro are sitting -sleeping to be exact- in the backseat with their heads colliding occasionally when the car swerves.

It isn't like my friends are trying to avoid me but it just turns out that way. I was the only one living in the dorm so when Ronald came to pick us up, my stop was the last one. When I climbed into the car, everyone was already jammed in the back.

Honestly, I really am thankful enough that I get asked to hang out with them. Back at home, everyone knows who I am so none of my schoolmates want to even stay close to me. They say that they are afraid that if I am to get injure or get caught in an accident, my father will skin them alive. Well, it is hard to blame them though since my father has earned a title for himself; a strict, stone-cold face vice-president of the Lan conglomerate, Lan Wangji. So, besides from my cousin Jin Ling, who is three years my juniors, no one dares to even walk next to me at school.

Coming to America is a new change. Not many people knows of my identity. As for those few that do, my new gangs included, they just act indifferent. Thanks for that, I am able to live a life that is not so much different from the others.

Despite my papa's complain, I was able to convinced him to let me live in the dorm so I could experience living with a roommate. He didn't agree at first but after I put my heart in explaining, he finally yielded. However, my effort is in vain. In the dorm I am living now, my room is the only one that is short of one residence. In short, I still live alone. Sigh.

Our road trip is accompanied by endless of music but the one that is playing right now is the English song titled Take me home, country roads. I have never heard of this song before but I have to admit that it is really good. I like the melody, and it fits the whole road trip thing. I hum along the melody even though this is my first time hearing it. Ever since I wake up this morning, I feel antsy for no reasons. I feel something marvelous is about to happen but it's weird to even have a thought like that when we are just up hiking at the mountain, right?

The drive takes less than four hours, so it is lunch time by the time we arrive. I help Lina out with setting up a table and food as Ronald is taking a rest in the car after the long drive.

"Thank you so much Sizhui for helping me out. It's strange to have a boy helping me preparing a table, especially a rich boy like you. I am not saying that you're weird, but I usually am in the circle of friends that left this kind of chores to a girl. Well, Ronald helps out sometimes but since he is already exhausted from driving, I don't want to tire him out anymore. But other boys, you know, they just disappear." Lina sigh as she sets down the plastic plates and cups on the table.

"Oh, it is okay. I am glad to help. My parents don't raise me up in a spoil environment. Besides..." I trail off debating whether or not to tell her the truth of my background that I am adopted. But who doesn't know about that? So what is the point of hiding it from a friend. "Besides, as you know, I am not born with a silver-spoon in my mouth. I used to live in an orphanage until I was three or four years old. So I am accustomed to do things on my own."

"Oh, you're adopted?" Lina stares at me as if it is the first time she has heard it.

"Yes, the newspapers cover this topic for a while. I thought you might have already known."

"I am sorry. I am way too focus on my computer stuff that I don't really have much time reading newspapers. No offense."

I smile at her. "None taken."

The boys come back once everything is ready to eat as if they have a clear sense of time. Lina walks to the car to wake Ronald up. We enjoy our lunch joyously as the topic of discussion varies between one topic to another. I remembered way back home during our lunch, our dining table was so silent that even the sound of a spoon touching the plate could reverberate the whole dining room. This lively atmosphere can be counted as something new for me.

Once we are done eating, Ronald and I help Lina clean up. And the discussion of the plan starts right away.

"There are alot of hiking trails in Yosemite, each has its own best view." Ronald explains as he is pointing to a map. "but I think we should start with this one, the Mist Trail. It has a beautiful view with high water fall cascading down the beautiful stones. And if we are lucky, we may stumble upon a rainbow."

"Ooh, rainbow. Cool." Lina beams with satisfaction.

I guess girl really likes rainbow, don't they? But for me, what captures my interest is its mystifying characteristic. The waterfall and the conifers surrounding it appears to me like a fantasy world that may have enigma being not known to anyone. More importantly, it is somehow responding to that antsy feeling I have been feeling for the whole while ever since I know I will be coming to Yosemite. Maybe this is the reason. Maybe that place is the answer to my anxiety.

After we suit up and get ready for hiking, my stomach lurches in anticipation.

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a-butterfly-on-his-tummy · 6 years

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Day Twelve: Happy Christmas

Gracie’s eye’s shoot open as she wakes up the morning of Christmas. Without wasting any time, including skipping the loo, Grace bolts into the master bedroom where her parents are asleep.

“Daddy!” Grace whisper yells as she approaches her father’s side of the bed. “Iss kiss-muss!”

Harry opens one eye, peeking over at his little girl. Harry may look like he was sleeping but he actually has been awake for the last two hours, too excited to sleep.

“Morning Bug!” Harry whispers to daughter whose curls are currently all over the place. Much like his own: bedhead for curly hair people is a real thing. “Happy Christmas!”

“Happy kiss-muss daddy.” Grace steps on the bed frame; Harry reaches his arms out to hoist his daughter into bed. Grace cuddles under the blanket, lying on Harry’s chest. Harry wraps his arms around his daughter, snuggling her close.

“Okay! Goodnight.” Harry closes his eyes and pretends to fall asleep, snoring quietly so to not wake you up.

“No daddy!” Grace pats her father’s cheeks, giggling at how silly he is being. “Iss Kiss-muss! Pes-ants!” Her eyes expand as wide as round Christmas ornaments. Harry continues to snore, moving his hands across Grace’s back to her sides. Harry starts to tickle his daughter. Grace wiggles as her giggles fills the room with happiness.

“Shh baby Bug! Mumma is still sleepin’.” Harry whispers to his daughter, ending his tickle attack.

“Sing me kiss-muss song, daddy.” Grace taps Harry’s nose with her Christmas-colored fingernails.

“Only if yeh sing with me!” Harry says. Grace nods her head. The fact that Grace loves to sing as much, if not more than Harry makes his heart so happy. Harry loves this Christmas tradition he has with Grace. Every Christmas morning since she was born, Harry and Grace have a moment just to themselves while they allow you to sleep. They talk, and sing their favorite Christmas song. Harry secretly hopes this tradition will last for the next 50 years, because it is his favorite.

Harry starts to sing softly, while Grace sings along to the parts she knows.

Silver bells, silver bells

It's Christmas time in the city

Ring-a-ling, hear them ring

Soon it will be Christmas day

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks

Dressed in holiday style

In the air there's a feeling of Christmas

Children laughing, people passing

Meeting smile after smile

And on every street corner you hear

Silver bells, silver bells

It's Christmas time in the city

Ring-a-ling,

Hear them ring,

Soon it will be Christmas day

Strings of street lights, even stoplights

Blinkin' bright red and green

As the shoppers rush home with their treasures

Hear the snow crunch, see the kids bunch

This is Santa's big day

And above all this bustle you hear

Silver bells, Silver bells

It's Christmas time in the city

Ring-a-ling, it fills the winter air

Hear them ring, you hear it everywhere

Soon it will be Christmas day

Harry leans forward, kissing Grace on the forehead as they finish the song together. Singing with Grace is the best present he could have received on this Christmas morning.

“Pes-ants?” Grace is giddy; she feels like she has been waiting for a million years.

“Let’s wake mum!” Harry whispers. “Kiss attack?” Harry raises his eyebrow mischievously.

“One… two… freee!” Grace says, her voice shaking with excitement.

“Go!!” Harry and Grace attack your face with kisses, kissing every inch of skin that is visible above the fluffy comforter. Waking you up with a big smile on your face.

“Happy Christmas!’ You voice sounds like it is full of gravel as you wake up and stretch.

“Happy kiss-muss mumma! We open pes-ants?” Grace is now bouncing on the bed, too excited to contain herself.

“Let’s go!” You say, rolling over to get out of bed. Before you even have a chance to set your feet on the ground, Harry and Grace have hopped out of bed and are bolting towards the door. You pick up your dressing gown from the chair and jog to catch up to the two excited children.

You and Harry hold Grace’s hands as you take the stairs slowly. You can see the family room from the stairs. You see that the lights on the tree have been plugged in, meaning your husband has been up before your daughter. Taking a final hop as a family, the Styles clan lands on the wood floor ready to see what Father Christmas has brought them.

Grace pulls away from her parents, running at full speed, causing her mess of curls to fly all over the place.

“Ah-Maze-ing!!!’ Grace claps her hands on her cheek in amazement as she looks at all of the gifts left for her by the jolly old man in a red suit. “I so site-ed!!!” Three-year-old Grace runs in place bursting with excitement.

“Should we see wha’ Father Christmas brought yeh?” Harry says with a chuckle, as he watches his daughter explode with happiness.

“Yes!! Yes!!! Yes!!” Grace shouts, pumping her hands high into the air.

“Go for it love Bug!” Harry encourages as Grace jumps in carefully tearing away the paper of each package.

The rest of the morning is spent opening gifts from Father Christmas and each other. Laughter and tears of happiness fill the Styles home.

-------

The doorbell rings and Grace skips towards the front door. Her maroon velvet Gucci dress swings against her legs as she makes her way to answer the call.

“Happy Christmas!!” Anne, Gemma and Michal shout as Grace opens the door.

“Happy kiss-muss!” Grace envelopes her Nan, Aunt, and Uncle into a big hug. “Dinner all weady!!” Grace grabs her Nan’s hand, leading the family into the kitchen that has been beautifully decorated for a Christmas Feast.

“Happy Christmas!” Anne says, giving you and Harry side hugs, as Grace refuses to let go of her hand.

“Happy Christmas mum!” Harry says. “Happy Christmas Gem, Michal!” Harry walks over, giving both of them a classic Harry hug that makes the receiver feel warm and safe. “Dinner is almost ready! About 15 minutes.”

“Cwackas!!! Pwease!!!!!” Grace picks up a Christmas cracker from the dining room table, begging her father to allow her to open them.

“Good idea Grace. Give a cracker to everyone!” Grace walks around the room, passing out the red and green Christmas crackers to everyone in the family.

“On the count of three!” You say, smiling as the crackers are your favorite part of Christmas.

“One… Two… Three!” The family chants together. Everyone cracks their cracker with a big “Pop” and laughter fills the kitchen.

“Alright, read yeh jokes!” Harry smiles. “The jokes are my favorite I hope yeh know!’ His smirk is the cutest thing you have seen all year.

“I’ll go first!” Gemma says opening her joke. “How do you know when Santa's in the room? You can sense his presents.”

Harry bursts into laughter. Leaning over and smacking his leg as he tries to control the giggles that have hit his body.

“That… was… Hilarious!!!” Harry says. The whole family stands with wide eyes, watching Harry laugh himself silly over a joke that was just fine.

“You are a dork!” You say, chuckling more at the fact that Harry has lost it. “But I love you.”

“A… Cown!!!!” Grace has eyes the size of saucers as she pulls out the paper crown that is inside her cracker, the sweets falling to the floor, obviously forgotten about. “Wear your cown!!” Grace smiles as everyone in the family pulls out their paper crown, placing it upon their heads.

“Wow! “ Anne says looking around at everyone.

“So… Fas-on!” Grace smiles, causing everyone to chuckle at the thought of flimsy paper crowns being fashionable.

“Happy Christmas!” You say to the family.

“Happy Christmas everyone!!”Harry smiles, “Thank you or making my life the best life anyone could ask for.” He adds, wiping a tear from his eye, thankful for his family and wonderful Christmas traditions he looks forward to each year.

A/N: It’s over!!! A big massive thank you to @whoopsharrystyles for all she has done for me and this series!! Thank you to everyone who has read this series and for loving it as much as I do. I am excited to get back to writing Grace as well as something new!!! Happy Christmas!! I love you all!! Check out my Masterlist and Wattpad pages!

#it's over #The 12 Days of Grace and harry #I want to know your favorite #I think my favorite is Giving makes your heart feel warm #except I do love them all #THE ADVENTURES OF GRACE AND HARRY #Harry styles #harry styles fanficiton #harry styles fan ficiton #harry styles fluff #harry fluff #dad harry #dad!harry #original writing #harry styles imagine #Harry Styles imagines

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purpleswans1 · 7 years

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Why do you Want to be a Hero?

Warning: There’s a pretty graphic description of violence in this one. Read also on FF and AO3, especially if you get confused because there’s a cast of characters on those.

Disclaimer: I don’t own FMA or BNHA.

May walked through the entrance to Yuei on her first day of school feeling optimistic. She had gotten into the school of her dreams, in the hero course no less, and if she was really lucky she might get to meet her celebrity crush, the star of last year's freshman sports festival, Edward Elric!

Today is going to be the best day of my life! She would later on want to slap herself for thinking so naively.

Someone bumped into her from behind, almost knocking her over.

May turned around. "Hey! Watch where you're…"

She could see him. Edward Elric was right there. Only a few feet in front of him.

Unconsciously, May let out an undignified fan girl squeak.

Edward Elric opened his mouth. May knew, she had always known, it would be love at first sight, he was going to ask her to marry him…

"Would you move, shrimp? Some of us have to get to class."

May's whole world shattered.

A long, somewhat familiar arm wrapped around May's shoulders. "Come on Ed, can you lay off a little? It's my kid sister, and it's her first day of school."

May's face turned beet red. Now she recognized who that was Ling Yao, her older half-brother. She knew that he was going to Yuei, but had hoped that she'd the able to avoid him as much as possible.

She pushed Ling's arm away. "I don't need your help!"

"Aww, don't be like that," Ling whined. "We haven't see each other in a couple of years, and now we're going to school together. We should catch up!"

"Well, I'm out of here." Edward Elric walked away. "See you in class, Ling."

"Yeah, see you!" Ling called back.

May pushed him away again. "What's your problem? You've never wanted to be all buddy-buddy and loving siblings before!"

Ling just shrugged. "Eh, I guess a year away from dad's dysfunctional influence did wonders for me. Also, seeing how normal people feel about their siblings may have helped."

"What are you talking about?" May asked. "Look, my day has already fallen apart since my crush just turned out to be an absolute jerk. I don't need you to mess things up as well."

Ling covered his mouth, trying to hold back laughter. "Are you.. are you saying… that you had a crush… on Ed of all people?"

May couldn't deal with this anymore. "I'm leaving. I need to get to class."

"Wait, wait wait!" Ling grabbed her arm. "I'm serious about catching up. Do you want to have lunch together? I'll even ditch Ed if it would make things less awkward."

"Again, why do you care?" May asked. "I thought the whole reason you decided to become a hero in the first place was so you could rub it in all your less-accomplished siblings' faces."

"Is that really.. oh, well I guess I can't blame you for thinking that." Ling admitted. "May, why did you decide to become a hero?"

"Why would you want to know that?" May crossed her arms.

"Because, being a hero is hard work," Ling admitted, "and this school is going to test your limits. You need to have resolve, and just wanting to prove yourself to dad isn't going to cut it."

May sat in her homeroom, waiting for class to start. She couldn't stop thinking about Ling's question. For some reason, she'd never really thought about why she wanted to be a hero, only that it was something she knew she should strive for.

"Um, May Chang?"

May looked up. "Yes?"

Someone who apparently was wearing an ENTIRE SUIT OF ARMOR was standing by her desk. "Hey, I just wanted to come by and apologize for my brother's actions earlier. I saw the whole thing, and you seemed really bothered by it."

May blinked. "Um, who's your brother again?"

"He's Edward Elric. I'm the little brother, Alphonse." It wasn't obvious from the armor, but May could tell he had a cheerful smile.

May sat up straight. "He's your older brother?"

"Yep!" Alphonse clearly hadn't noticed the disgust in her voice. "And your older brother is Ling Yao, right? Ed considers him to be his best friend, so I think it would be cool if we all hung out together."

May shifted awkwardly in her seat. "I don't know…"

Luckily, she was saved from having to give a more significant answer when the teacher called class to order.

When lunchtime came, May couldn't ignore the frantic waving in her direction coming from her formerly-estranged half-brother. As such, she resigned herself and walked towards his table with a tray.

"May! You actually came!" Ling actually stood up and hugged her, of all things.

"For the record, I still don't know why you suddenly want to act like we're close," May mentioned.

"Like I said, a year at this place really changed my perspective. Well, I guess most of it might have been hearing my new friend gush on and on about his little brother." Ling guided her to an open seat across from him. "Oh, and I'm not sure if you remember Lan Fan?"

May looked at the girl sitting next to Ling. Two years previously, she'd conducted a sneak attack on May when she and Ling were sparring. "We've met."

Lan Fan nodded, eyeing May with a look that somehow combined wary caution and forced acceptance.

"Yay! We all know each other!" Ling sat down and started on his food. "So May, have you made any new friends yet?"

May raised and eyebrow. "I've been in the classroom for half a day. I haven't gotten the chance to get to know anyone yet."

"Eh…" Ling was scratching his chin, probably figuring out how stupid his question had been. And that the had stolen probably her most important socializing opportunity by insisting she ear lunch with him. "Maybe you'd talked to someone between classes?"

May thought back. "Well, Alphonse Elric did come up to talk to me. He apologized on behalf of his brother."

That made Ling laugh. "I hope he doesn't plan on apologizing every time Ed blows up at someone, or he'll spend the whole school year saying 'sorry, sorry!'"

"He also mentioned that you and Edward are practically best friends," May added.

"Yep!" Ling was smiling. "I've been friends with Ed since we first met. I've even gone over to hand out at his house after school, which is how I know Al so well. Honestly, that kid has been though so much, he's a real trooper."

May looked up. "What do you mean?"

Ling seemed to realize what he just said. "Oh! Err, that's just something… I really shouldn't say. It's not my story to tell."

May stared at him suspiciously, but Ling wouldn't say anything else in the subject.

"Alphonse? Can I talk to you for a second?" May had approached the armored boy during one of their breaks.

The helmet turned in May's direction. "Sure! What do you want to talk about?"

May shifted a little, nervous. "Actually, it's kind of personal, so I'm not sure you'll want other people eavesdropping."

Al looked at her for a moment, then nodded. "Let's go to the back of the room."

May followed him to a corner far away from their classmates. She cleared her throat. "When I was talking with Ling during lunch, he mentioned something about you… having gone through some stuff. He wouldn't tell me what he meant, but…"

"You want to know about what happened to me?" Al asked gently.

May nodded. "I know it's probably really personal, and I'll understand if you don't want to tell me, we only just met…"

Alphonse cut her off. "No, it's fine. To be honest, I kind of expected people to ask me about my armor at some point and make me talk about this."

"I did wonder about that," May admitted.

Alphonse took a deep breath. "If you've heard about my brother, then you probably heard that his right arm and left leg are made of metal."

May nodded. "I heard he lost them in a villain attack."

"Yes. What most people don't know is that I got hurt then as well. The gas line in our house blew up, and I got badly burned in the resulting fire."

May gasped in horror.

Alphonse continued his story without a second thought. "Brother lost his leg when our house fell on him, but he knew that I was under the rubble and got his arm crushed trying to get me out. We probably would have died if the Flame Hero, Mr. Mustang, hadn't noticed us and gotten us to a hospital."

May felt a teardrop slide down her cheek.

"Brother was able to make his new limbs with his quirk, and we discovered that our friend Winry's quirk allowed him to make them actual extensions of his body. At that point the doctors had already told him that between the risk of infection and some respiratory problems I wouldn't be able to have a normal life, but Ed came up with the idea to create this armor, which provides protection while allowing me to have a semi-normal life. Thanks to Winry's quirk, it's really just a second skin, and I don't have any issues feeling or using my quirk." Al looked more directly at May. "It's not perfect, but I'm better now than I had been."

May swallowed back more tears. "Is that why you decided to become a hero? To get revenge on the villain who did this to you?"

Al shook his head. "Not really. I mean, he's already in prison, so he won't hurt anyone else. I can't say that's true for brother though."

May looked at her feet, embarrassed. "Why do you want to be a hero then?"

Al tilted his helmet. "I can't say for sure. Part of it is that I want to help brother. Other than that… I don't want anyone else to have to go through what I did. I want to be a hero to stop bad things from happening."

"I see," May mumbled. She decided to go back to her seat, contemplating all this new information.

"Ling! Wait up!" May called out. It was the end of the school day, and everyone, including her and her brother, were heading home for the day.

"May! You're actually wanting to talk to me!" Ling looked pleasantly surprised.

"Where are you going?" May asked.

"I was going to hang out at Ed's place. I can understand if you don't want to come…" Ling explained.

May shook her head. "No, I don't mind. I can hang out with Alphonse."

Ling beamed. "Great! I'm glad you want to come. The whole gang is going to be there. You already know Ed and Lan Fan and Al of course, which only leaves Winry, who I don't think you've met yet."

"I think Al mentioned her," May admitted.

"She's known both brothers pretty much their entire lives," Ling explained, "and I swear she's practically Ed's wife already. She's in the support course."

May raised an eyebrow at that information, but decided to change the subject. "Hey, Ling? Why do you want to become a hero?"

Ling was silent for a minute, thinking. "I'll admit, at first my only reason for coming here was to impress dad. But as I got to know Ed and got to know more about the profession, I realized that was a stupid reason to do anything. Then, during class, I realized that although a hero is someone who protects the people, they themselves are largely dependent on the opinion of the people. In some ways, the only difference between heroism and villainy is the opinions of society. I think that's an interesting relationship, and want to be a part of that."

May listened intently. She wasn't sure she really understood what he meant, but he did seem passionate enough. "Huh."

Ling looked down at her. "So? Have you figured out why you want to be a hero?"

May bit her lip. "I don't know if this is good enough but… after hearing about the things that have happened to Alphonse and other people, I feel like I'm not as invested in this as I could be. But, I want to help people like them. And right now, the world has given me the opportunity to try and be a hero. I want to see where this takes me."

Ling actually gave May a smile and put his hand on her head. "As far as I'm concerned, that's just as good a reason as any."

#almei #almeiweek #Fullmetal Alchemist #fullmetal alchemist brotherhood #boku no hero academia #fma #bnha #myfanfic

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heartfeltheart · 4 years

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Alchemy: Tiny Steps

Chapters: 38/45 Fandom: Fullmetal Alchemist/Harry Potter Rating: T Relationships: Edward/Winry, Lan Fan/Ling, and May/Alphonse. Primary Characters: Edward Elric, Severus Snape Additional Tags: Crossover, Teacher!Edward, BrOtp Edward/Severus. Sassy beyond measure. Pro!Snape Series: Part 2 of 9. Summary: Part two of the Alchemy Series. Politics. Either you love it, hate it or you live it. For Alchemy Teacher Edward Elric, he lives it, hates it and loves it when he gets the upper hand. Here is to another year of hell… D/C: I do not own Harry Potter or Fullmetal Alchemist. Discord: La Red(Mesh Mash of… stuff.): https://discord.gg/KYjmVAb Alchemy Series: https://discord.gg/DejEYNJ

Warning: I apologize ahead of time, I do not know how to write a character with PTSD.

"I don't want to go!"

"Shut up."

"Make me! Let go of my ear!"

"Stop acting liking a child."

"No! Let go!"

"…"

"Please."

"No."

Edward pouted, he didn't want to deal with Sirius Black any more than Severus does. However, with how things are going… nothing is going well for any of them. "The guy doesn't even like me. He tried to throttle me."

"Which you proceeded to knock him out in one punch."

"You had to admit, the guy had it coming."

"True. He is still stuck in the past."

"I guess we'll have to use an ancient technique to knock some sense into him."

"…Does it have to do with physical violence?"

"Yes, of course. You will not believe how it works with his type."

Severus couldn't help but smirk at the notion of having Edward beat Black once more to a bloody pulp. He shook his head of that and continued with their schedule of their day. "Lupin and Madam Bones requested us to speak to Black before his therapist and the social worker."

"Why?"

"He wants…ugh… he wants to know if I blackmailed or brainwashed you into convincing the court to place several regulations before the notion of having his god-son placed into his care."

"...Is this man deluded?"

"I ask myself that question every day…"

"Typical… Seems like I'm going to have to beat some sense into him. I do not have time for this, I have to plan the winter trip back to Amestris for my class."

"That is still on? Even with what is occurring between Amestris and Drachma?"

"Yeah. Alphonse called, he said that the guy we were supposed to hand over that journal is dead but taught his grandson how to crack the code." Edward grinned, contentment filled within him at the news. So far, there is a standstill until the kid cracks the entire journal and it is already showing great strides in doing so. So far… several oil paintings were found along with a sculpture of a famous opera singer from Drachma that was born in that small town near Briggs. "You want to know the funny part about it?"

"Hm?"

"The kid goes to a magical school in Norway. Apparently, that school teaches Alchemy in a lower level than at Amestris and but is miles ahead from here."

-.-

Sirius grumbled under his breath, wondering how his life seemed to want to screw him over repeatedly. His personal issues with his family, friends, people he thought as friends, and people in general. He's pretty much back where he was back in that retched prison. Alone.

Stuck in his childhood home with no one to talk to. He wasn't even allowed to have a wand yet, as there is a fear he would do something that would cause him to go back. No flue powder for the same reason. The whole aura of the place wasn't helping his mood either. It makes Sirius wonder if he was back there… in that tiny cell… alone with his thoughts…

With a snarl, Sirius grabbed hold of the coffee table and flung it across the room. The sound of glass crushing, and wood splintering filled the room, along with the heavy breathing of the only living human in that so-called home. For him, it only brought along a moment of sound that he needed. He needed more noise, something to fill in the silence. Anything. If he had to fill this entire place with sound…that wasn't his mother's constant screaming, then maybe he'll won't go mad.

"SHUT UP YOU OLD HAG!"

-.-

Alphonse looked through the notes that his father left behind to be deciphered by his friend for future use. He was asked by the man's grandson to help decode them and it is proving to be rather insightful to see his father's work outside of the office…and not causing mayhem. Said grandson ended up being a thirteen-year-old that goes to a magical school and appears to be rather excited at finally fulling his grandfather's work. His name is Ivan from what Alphonse been told and was not told last name for fear of Amestris hunting down the kid.

Silly but true notion, still, Ivan reminds Alphonse of himself and Edward a lot from their own time whenever they found something excited about Alchemy.

"I found the location of a... tomb? Of a princess? Mr. Elric, could you verify this?"

-.-

"This is why I wanted him checked over…" Edward whispered to Severus as both men entered Grimmauld Place. The entire place was trashed, wallpaper teared off the walls, furniture thrown against the walls and some didn't even survive the crash. There was a woman screaming on the top of her lungs, screaming about her pathetic son and how a muggle even dared to enter her home. The sad part about it all… everything looked like it matched the eeriness of the Place. Both men could hear someone is upstairs throwing around furniture and other random items.

"Muggle… no… you're something else… what brings you here to my mistress home."

Edward and Severus turned their head to see an old House-Elf, glaring at them from down the hall.

Edward pulled out a couple of crackers from his lunch earlier. "Crackers? You look like you need them for having to deal with the idiot upstairs."

"Are you trying to bribe him with food?" Severus raised an eyebrow at Edward, not actually believing what he was seeing in front of him.

"Hey, from what I have seen from pure-bloods, they treat their house-elves like shit. I am trying to be respectful when I entire their home. Why? Did you want them instead?"

"…"

-.-

Not once in his entire time he ever lived in 12 Grimmauld Place, did Sirius ever hear music fill the entire Place in such rhythm. Sure, they enchanted instruments to play themselves, but never to this caliber. This time, the music feels… relaxing and it's starting to fill his mind with noise. Much appreciated noise…

The close Sirius got closer to the music, he started to hear voices coming from downstairs. He recognized one of them, Severus Snape. The other one is one he only heard just recently, Edward Elric. It sounds like…they are arguing?

"If only I still had my alchemy, it would make fixing things so much easier. I'll have Alphonse do something once he gets back to show you!"

"Why not the General or Major?"

"And deal with their own brand of stupidity? No."

"The doctor?"

"He's more of a scholarly type alchemist… He avoids doing alchemy when he has to."

"Ah… What about that one man you once told me? The one with the long ridiculous name?"

"Scar? His religion is opposed to Alchemy."

"… The princess?"

"She does something completely different."

"…Anyone else?"

"…There is Teacher… but that is highly dangerous…"

"The one that set a bear off on you?"

"Yes."

"Young Elric… I got the… tools you requested." Kreacher?

"Thanks, 'Reacher. This should do, we'll call if we need anything else."

Sirius curiosity got the better of him and walked down the stairs. Why were they here at Grimmauld?

"Why did they place Sirius here? It looks like shit, feels like shit, and so on. No offense to 'Reacher."

"He's currently in-house arrest, people are still skeptical about him and is kept here for everyone's safety, including himself. Including that of his god-son, we do not want him to accidentally reveal where he is located at."

"Of course, sucks though…"

"…You're planning something…"

"You know me so well."

"Could someone explain to me why you two are in my home?" Sirius made his presence known to Snape and Elric.

"I don't know, I was forced here."

Smack.

"Oi! Stop doing that!"

"Once you stop acting like an idiot, perhaps."

"Ugh! Why are we even best friends again?"

"We both enjoy torturing our students and firewhiskey."

"Oh right… hee-hee, torture."

-.-

"I swear… he hates us."

"How much?"

"It's still up in debate."

"He can't expect us to finish all of this work before he comes back!"

"I think I'm losing my mind…"

"We lost that a long time ago…"

-.-

"Yeah… torture. Seriously, why are we here? Why couldn't they assign someone else to this? He doesn't like you, and I'm not exactly his more favorite person right now?" Edward questioned Severus with an eyebrow raised. Sirius copied his expression towards the Potion's Master as well, wondering that himself.

"There's a full moon tonight, other wise Lupin would be here. Apparently, the Ministry are using him as a test subject for a newer version of the Wolfsbane Potion. So far…there's been soaring reviews… Everyone else… they are not connected well enough with the Muggle world help with Black." Severus coughed into his hand when he said the word, muggle. Edward hates the word and is currently roughly sanding a chair at the mention of said word. "Mr. Elric," "Really, Severus? Back to last names?" "Has made several calls and found someone to be your personal therapist."

"A therapist?" Sirius face scrunched up at the word. "What in bloody hell is that?"

"They help you. In your' case, Ms. Hammond will help you transition from prison life to civilian life…and make sure this does happen again." Edward lifted up what appeared to use to be a coffee table. "Can't have you destroying everything in your path again."

"Oh, come on! Is one of your rules you had on me! You made them do this to me, Snape! Is that it!" The world around Sirius seemed to be growing smaller by the minute. His eyes kept darting everywhere, trying to look for an exit or a way to figure out what they are saying to him. He didn't have a problem. No problem. Just needed a way to fill the silence. Something to occupy himself. That was it. Just a one-time thing. Why do they think he has a problem? Are the purposely trying to keep Harry away from him! Don't they know the danger he is in Lily's sister's care!

Edward slowly reached over and grabbed hold of Severus shoulder to give Sirius more room. "Let's give him room… look's like he is going to explode."

"I take it you have experience in…this sort of thing?"

"Afraid so... Sirius? Would you like us to leave? We need to grab some items to fix this place up for you and Harry…" Edward said in a low calming voice to Sirius, maintaining eye contact with the man. "Would you like me to put on another record? Something more upbeat? Music?"

"…Th… that… that would be nice…" Sirius physically deflated, music will fill his mind for now. The place does need a change of look…

-.-

Arty Fuchs waved at his co-worker dropped a couple of files on his desk before they walked out, closing the door behind themselves. Just what he needed, more work. He reached under his desk and pulled a lever he had underneath there to reveal a secret compartment. Reaching into said secret compartment, Arty pulled out a file that needed his immediate attention.

It's the file of the infamous Harry Potter, the case no one wants to take on. It wasn't because the kid was horrible or anything, it's his current guardians and the higher ups that seemed to want him permanently placed there until further noticed.

"They are proper people, there is nothing wrong with them."

"It's clear the child…is anything but normal."

'Anything but normal my arse… Money is the only reason that blasted family is keeping the poor kid. Just wait until he's of age, he'll sue them for misuse of his family's money.' Arty thought to himself as he looked through Harry Potter's file. Not only was it a muggle issue, it was a magical issue. Sure, the muggle side of him wants to take that kid out of the situation but he also has to think about the charm he has over him. Before the kid could even be moved elsewhere, he has to make sure said location is safe enough to be moved into. The Black's place seems more than an adequate place for Harry to placed into, but… as of right now, his god-father does not meet the criteria. First thing first, he has to make sure where the kid is going to stay is up to standard, ensuring it is a healthy environment and so on. No way is he going to allow personal bias going to interfere with any of it. 'What time is it? Hm… it's almost time for me to meet with Sirius Black.'

-.-

"I still say we get the light blue paint with black or dark blue accents."

"We have to make the place seem…ugh… welcoming."

"…yellow? Green?"

"He won't stand for green, Black is a Gryffindor in a family of Slytherins."

"…Yellow and white?"

"It'll look like Easter puked all over the place."

"Then you pick!" Edward leaned into the cart he was pushing around the hardware store in defeat. He and Severus have been arguing about the color scheme for the entry hallway and main sitting room. "I prefer the look of wood and painted white walls. Simple. Rustic."

"Never pegged you for a country boy." Severus mused, he picked out some paint samples and wondered which ones worked together.

"I grew up in a farming community, we didn't have much but…it was more than enough." Edward eyes glazed over at the memories of his childhood home. So many memories, good and bad. "Mother loved flowers, she had painted them on tiles and stick them around the kitchen. I think I saved a few… hm."

"…What were her favorite?"

"Myosotis sylvatica, forget-me-not."

"Could you two get a move on, you're both taking up the entire room here!"

Severus and Edward turned their heads to see a… man that pretty much occupied the entire aisle with his size. He was glaring at the two with his beady eyes, judgingly. The man muttered under his breath about how strange and rude they are, going out in public in such manner, whatever that means to Edward. Then the Alchemy Teacher heard a loud squawk from behind the walrus of a man, and out popped a woman wearing a ridiculous salmon colored hat, her eyes bulging out at the sight of Severus.

Severus in turn, raised an eyebrow at the woman. His eyes held recognition and mainly annoyance. He wasn't wearing his typical wizarding garb as he was currently in muggle London, opting for a buttoned up black long sleeve shirt, black pants and leather shoes. He had on a thick dark green peacoat that was left unbuttoned. How Edward managed to get hold of his muggle clothes, the Potion's Master still has no clue, consider how the younger male prefers clothing that was more…traditional. "…Petunia…"

"You know them?"

"Unfortunately."

-.-

Harry attempted to make himself as unnoticeable as possible. Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon and Dudley had planned to go to a fair, Mrs. Figg wasn't available to babysit him, so he had to tag along with strict rules. After leaving the fair, Aunt Petunia said she wanted to repaint the kitchen and wanted paint samples.

It resulted with the ten-year-old to duck around the aisles to avoid being seen by anyone and by his cousin, who currently is hunting him down to hit him. It came to a stop when he took a quick turn smacked into someone. He gulped, the color on his face drained when a man with hair that was nearly identical to gold with matching eyes looked down at him with questioning eyes. "So-sorry…"

The golden eyed man raised an eyebrow at him but didn't say anything. He grabbed hold of his friend and strolled over towards the cash registers. The man did however wink at him, along with a smirk. Looking back at his relatives to see that they had no color left in their faces. From shock or fright, it is unknown to Harry.

-.-

"…So that was Harry Potter?" Edward murmured under his breath to Severus, eyes calculating as he took in the information.

"Yes." Severus confirmed.

"Now I am starting to understand why Sirius wants him out of there."

"There is so much we can do from this point on. Even if we want him out of there, Dumbledore remains adamant on making sure he remains there."

"Typical."

"How did you get your hands on Pott-"

"Harry. The kid's name is Harry. Your beef is with his dad, not him. Until it is revealed the kid is a complete and utter brat, then you may act like he's a stuck-up a-hole."

"…Ugh… How did you found out they were embezzling Harry's inheritance?"

"So close… You'd be surprised how loose lipped some people are… and the walrus never kept quiet about his endeavors. There is no way in Truth's Name the guy can afford up to four flashy vacations on his payroll and in that company, and still afford to get his kid in a pricey private school." Edward shifted the paper bag he was carrying to his other arm, feeling right arm was going numb for caring it. "I have been placed on this case and I plan to see it through."

"And messing with Dumbledore?" Severus lips quirked upward.

"But, of course!" Edward laughed, nodding in agreement

-.-

"Children, I have received word from Mr. Elric and confirmation from the Minister that this year's trip to Amestris is a go!"

#Alchemy Series #Tiny Steps #HP #FMA #FMAB #HP/FMA #HP/FMAB #Crossover #AU

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ceescedasticity · 4 years

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@tanoraqui regarding your AU idea:

Have some disconnected fragments!:

Jiang Yanli was very seriously injured, and very genuinely distraught, and people treating her like something breakable was not in any way new.

It took far too long to realize what was happening.

She asked them to reduce the pain medication they were giving her ahead of Jiang Cheng's next visit, so she could have a more coherent conversation with him. If anything they increased it, and she only dimly remembered an explanation that he was taking Jin Ling to see Lotus Pier.

She asked for perhaps some different robes than stark unornamented white — she had been widowed for over a year, now, and A-Ling was getting old enough she wanted to look less like a ghost when he saw her again. No different robes appeared.

She asked what options there were to get around, if as it seemed she would, at best, be unable to walk for a very long time. She was planning to perhaps steer things in the direction of 'Lotus Pier doesn't have nearly as many stairs'. But they brushed off the questions completely.

She asked for writing supplies so she could send her brother a letter. None were forthcoming.

Finally Jin Guangyao came in, and bowed most respectfully, and knelt by her couch to speak to her.

"Sect Leader Jiang will be visiting Koi Tower again soon," he said.

"There are some things you should understand before he does."

She was "mad with grief". Everyone knew this.

If anyone came to not know this, Jin Guangyao very carefully did not exactly say, things might not go well for her. Or for Jin Ling.

And yes, of course Sect Leader Jiang would react badly if his nephew or his sister died under Jin Sect's watch. One might say he would react… imprudently.

"You look terribly pale, Madam Jin. I've overtaxed you. I'm so sorry, I'll call your maid and your doctor immediately."

Fragment 2:

At first she wasn't expecting working on her cultivation to do more than fill up a few of the endless, endless hours. What does she care anyway, now, if she feels dizzy or has a few heart palpitations? No one is around to worry for her except her watcher-maids. Maybe it would give Jin Guangyao a scare.

But that didn't happen.

No dizziness, no shakiness, none of the worse symptoms that made even Madam Yu stop pushing her. Meditation isn't frightening anymore. She can work with her spiritual energy until exhaustion with a clear head and a steady pulse. If this keeps up for years… It's late for her to form a functional golden core, very late, but it's not out of the question.

Maybe the injury… knocked something loose, somehow.

Or maybe she should have tried cultivation while reclining with her feet up years ago.

She doesn't know whether she wants to laugh or cry.

She does neither, but keeps cultivating, month after month, year after year, closing her eyes and pretending she's dozing.

She doesn't know where her sword is now, and she never did much with it anyway, but it turns out with enough practice you can send spiritual energy into an embroidery needle.

Fragment 3:

Her company, little as it is, falls in three categories.

The first and largest is Jin Guangyao and his creatures. Her doctors. (Not the first doctor, she thinks — not the one who saved her life despite all expectations — but that woman died not even a year after Jiang Yanli was recovered enough to take any notice of doctors. The four since then have been, although surely not the most valued of tools or he wouldn't dispose of them so freely.) Her 'maids'. (And how she wishes she could trust the people she's forced to rely on to help her to the toilet.) Su Minshan.

Then there are the risks, those Jin Guangyao is concerned about and demands her cooperation in deceiving, whose visits he always monitors — her brother, mainly, and her son as a source of information to her brother. Madam Jin, until she died.

(She doesn't know which category Jin Guangshan would have fallen into, because he never appeared. She's not sorry to not have encountered him while helpless, and it makes no difference in the end, but she would have liked to know whether Jin Guangyao started this at his father's behest.)

And there are the ones he dismisses. Not on his side, but not threats.

This does not include the servants, for which she must give Jin Guangyao credit. Many men — and more than a few women, among them her mother and Madam Jin — would have made that mistake. No, any servant who spends more than a minute in Jiang Yanli's presence is working for Jin Guangyao first. (There is more overturn in staff than there was in Lotus Pier, before. She isn't sure whether things are just different in Lanling or if Jin Guangyao is disposing of them.)

It does include Nie Huaisang.

He sent her a painted fan 'to brighten her rooms' late in the first year when word got around that she was confined by 'illness'. It was not the only pity-gift she'd received in that period, and at the time it hadn't annoyed her any less than the others, but after she calmed down she did appreciate that it was painted only with aesthetically pleasing birds, without heavyhanded symbolism.

(If she's going to be cast as the hysterical madwoman anyway, she may as well throw a fit at anything… overly embellished with peonies. Keepsakes of Zixuan's may have peonies. Gifts from A-Ling may have peonies. Nothing else needs peonies.) (Lotuses are allowable, but she doesn't like getting those from absolutely everyone, either.)

He sent another fan a year or two later, a few months after his unexpected ascension to Sect Leader. —The gossip of the maids when the fan was delivered was in fact how she learned of Nie Mingue's death, as well as the general poor opinion of the new Sect Leader.

Not handling Chifeng-zun's death well, they tutted.

Not handling anything very well, they tittered.

Sect Leader Nie himself stumbles into her secluded courtyard a while after that, while Koi Tower is abuzz with Jin Guangyao's elevation to Chief Cultivator. Nie Huaisang flutters his fan and compliments the embroidery she is (supposedly) working on, and her maid isn't quite confident enough to try to chase out a Sect Leader, even one like this. Instead the maid stands by in increasingly thinly veiled annoyance as Nie Huaisang rambles on about his birds, and when Jiang Yanli suggests they could use some more tea she actually goes.

With the maid gone, she dares probe for more information about the outside world. "You're here for the ceremonies, then?"

"Well, yes, and," he ducks behind his fan, "also to ask San-ge's advice on a few things, I'm so over my head it's shameful, I really don't know what I'd do, he's such a help and support to me, it's almost hard to believe he killed my brother, I really rely on him."

His fan flutters, but his eyes eyes, watching her over the top of it, are rock-steady.

They shouldn't count on even a minute before the maid returns. Jiang Yanli wishes she could rise, could lean across the table and grab his hand. Her fingers twist in the embroidery instead. "Believe it," she says. "I'm sure he had something to do with his father's death, maybe Madam Jin's too, and he's threatened A-Ling, and I'm just here to keep my brother on a leash, and— You should believe it."

(That and was Qiongqi Path, and oh, she wants to include that — wants to say the architect of her imprisonment was also the author of her worst suffering. Wants to say he set up my husband to be killed by my brother. But he might not have meant to. He might have sent Jin Zixuan there simply to undercut Jin Zixun — to stop Jin Zixun, even. She will not condemn a man for things he didn't do. Just for how ruthlessly he exploited the opportunities they gave him.)

Nie Huaisang closes his eyes for a moment. "Thank you, Madam Jiang."

And then the maid is back and they can't say anything else of substance.

But she's been seen. Someone knows that if she's mad it's not from grief.

And while she can't have any kind of honest, meaningful correspondence, no one seems to care if she and Nie Huaisang exchange art. Just harmless amusements for two weak, grieving, helpless people.

(They are, slowly, working towards some degree of coded communication, but not having been able to discuss a key ever is making it very slow to start.)

...aaaaaaaaaaand I should really get back to my preexisting writing commitments but I am pretty sure by the time Wei Wuxian crashes in the door she’s ready to escort them out with a swarm of spiritual-power-infused embroidery needles. and probably she’s suborned Qin Su at some point.

#other fic

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