#mq barely had a childhood

[sweepingboy]

Feng Xin and Xie Lian remember their childhood with warmth, as a time when they didn't have so many worries.

Mu Qing prefers not to think about his yearly years at all.

The same events evoke completely different emotions in them. Feng Xin and Xie Lian talking about the luxurious feasts in the royal palace feel nostalgic and Mu Qing thinks about the greasy looks that some noble guests would throw at the pretty servant, sleepless nights spent washing the magnificent clothes on which the prince accidentally spilled a drink or dripped sauce and how after barely resting he will prepare the morning outfit for the prince as a day of grueling training awaits them. He remembers the cold tone of the guoshi, tryings to slip away from a group of bullies and work work again.

He recalls waiting for the week to end so he can return to his poor little house and feel the warmth he's been dreaming of as he hugs his mum tight.

[peculiaritybending]

I cannot stop thinking about Brad Bakshi it’s insane, he’s such a multi-faceted character that so many people seem to somehow not understand even though they make it painfully obvious within the show that he is an insecure and compassionate person who is closed off and greedy as a front and protection tactic, possibly even a trauma response. It’s barely even subtext and I still see people characterize him only as “evil mean guy who hates everyone and loves money” which is true to an extent but so many people don’t look past the surface level which annoys me because for me personally I think he’s one of the most interesting MQ characters. I really hope we learn more about his childhood because I need to know where he and his brother’s obsession with wealth comes from and what kind of upbringing he had that would entail raising a pig for slaughter and resulted in him having an eating disorder as an adult

[hualianff]

Our Time Will Come

(CW: Omegaverse, mention of r*pe)

Thinking about alpha half-brothers HC and SL. HC is older by two years and is insanely protective of his younger brother. SL admires HC with just as much vigor. 

Neither of them are mentally or emotionally stable. 

While their mother died giving birth to SL - something SL will always blame himself for - HC was conceived through rape. Thus, their mother’s death will always plague SL while HC lives with the knowledge that his mother never wanted him in the first place.

This never stopped their mother from loving them both.

The brothers grew up in an abusive pack that had very strict regulations in order to survive constant food shortages and the biting frost of the winter. SL’s father - the one their mother willingly mated and loved - died by saving all the food and water for his pups when HC barely reached age ten.

Years down the road, the brothers climbed the ranks of the pack, swearing to always have each others’ backs. 

When HC turned eighteen, he successfully killed his own father.

When HC turned twenty-two, he challenged their scum pack leader and won. 

In both these incidents, HC sustained grave injuries, including a permanently damaged right eye. Fortunately, he had SL to tend to his wounds and scent him comfortingly. 

HC and SL now lead the pack together. HC is nearing thirty, standing at a considerable 190 cm, as bulky and scarred as one expects a full-grown alpha to be. On the other hand, SL is shorter (187 cm) and thinner - though he’s yet to finish growing - and somehow has a set of straight, healthy teeth. He smiles more often out of the two, making him seem more approachable compared to HC.

In addition to trying to heal from childhood trauma, the brothers must figure out how to survive without torturing or neglecting their packmates - adamant on breaking the cycle of tyrannical leaders.

Because of the copious amounts of blood spilled due to neighboring packs trying to conquer their territory, the brothers gain their reputation as the “Crimson Kings.” No other packs want to risk their necks in an attempt to establish a cordial relationship with such violent wolves.

Except for one, apparently. 

All because of a certain head omega, XL. 

XL, whose parents are pressuring him to mate but XL will only mate with the one he chooses, which they exasperatedly agree to.

XL, who has had some pretty bad experiences with alphas who manipulate his kindness and end up trying to control him.

He’s just turned twenty-six, and is expected to mate and have pups as soon as possible. Because he’s waited and learned the ropes of pack leader since presenting, XL is already really noble in his position as head omega.

Not completely naive or untainted (read: unharmed), XL is a well-liked leader and co-pack counsel representative. Of course he will be the first one to invite the Crimson Kings to the annual winter celebrations held in Xianle pack!

(Ironically, XL knows what it’s like to be excluded.)

Ever the strategic leader, XL believes forming positive relations with the Hong Xue (红雪) pack will be beneficial for both sides.

Unsurprisingly, HC and SL are quite skeptical at first. Their pack has never been included in these sorts of things. Plus, they’ve never met XL before, unsure of whether his intentions are genuine or not.

Therefore, XL offers to travel to the Hong Xue pack to acquaint themselves.

The Crimson Kings can’t say no to that.

***

When XL finally arrives at his destination (accompanied by his trusted friends and advisors, MQ and FX), the Hong Xue pack leaders are there to greet him. HC’s and SL’s noses instantly twitch with interest…XL smells pleasantly sweet. Paired with his friendly smile, XL is so soft yet dignified; it makes them feel at ease, for some reason. 

HC and SL forgot what peaches smelled like before meeting XL. Because peaches have always been a luxury, which suggests that XL himself is…

XL is speaking now, marveling at the taller alpha with long, ink-black hair pulled back into a long braid, and an eyepatch fastened over his right eye; then, the alpha who shares similar features, but with shorter raven locks framing a sharply cut jaw, and a small fang peeking over his bottom lip. 

SL and XL instantly become friends. SL calls XL “Gege” not a day after meeting him and HC still addresses him as “Head Omega Xie.” Under FX and MQ’s distrustful gazes, the brothers treat XL with the utmost respect, ensuring his housing and meals are more than satisfactory. In exchange, XL discusses the hopeful future he envisions between their packs. 

“I wouldn’t dare claim that I am knowledgeable in how your pack functions, nor the history and culture that had shaped it into what it is today,” XL says, pausing his eating for a moment.

SL beats FX in placing another piece of meat onto the head omega’s plate (because FX had put a piece of meat on another certain omega’s plate beforehand), which he receives a nasty glare from the other alpha for.

“But I want to learn. I’m willing to take the time and effort to understand your pack. I hope…that is something you guys wish for as well.”

XL glances between the two pack alphas with shining, amber eyes. HC’s expression doesn’t confirm or deny XL’s statement, but his stomach drops upon spotting the dazed look on his brother’s face as the younger alpha eagerly nods.

“I can see that working out for us, gege,” SL says, smiling with both dimples on display. XL offers his own warm smile in return. 

“I’m glad, San Lang.” A pause. “Does Head Alpha Hua have any input he wishes to add?”

Unlike SL, who has always dreamed about finding the perfect partner to mate, HC never wanted to mate. Looking at XL’s gentle features, HC realizes it was less about wanting a mate and more about how he simply shouldn’t have one. 

After all, HC ruins everything he touches. Death and destruction follow him like a lost pup drawn to its ma. No one should have to witness how crazed the monster within him could get - just like his father.

His mother and SL deserved better. 

HC clears his throat before answering, “Like my brother, I’d be open to future negotiations with Omega Head Xie and the Xianle pack.”

A burst of tang - clementine ? - joins the underlying sweetness of peach. The brothers’ noses twitch again, in sync. Their own scents of blackberry and iron spike in response. 

The rest of the meal continues without a hitch. 

Until after, when FX pulls XL away and MQ confronts the pair of Crimson Kings privately. 

“What in the world has you two so high in the clouds? You know I’m-” MQ abruptly cuts himself off. “Feng Xin and I-”

“Are mated?” HC interrupts.

“Yeah, we can tell. Not like it’s hard…” SL adds, eyes flickering to the visible mating mark on the juncture of the omega’s shoulder. MQ sharply inhales at that. Just as he expected, but…

“So you can smell him?” MQ croaks out. HC and SL share a confused look.

“You mean gege?” 

MQ wordlessly nods.

“Of course we can. He smells like peaches,” SL informs, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. HC grunts in affirmation. 

MQ’s eyes widen, sheer shock written on his face. 

“You guys aren’t shitting me, right? Cause I swear, you fucking knotheads better not mess around with His Highness-”

“We have nothing but respect for Head Omega Xie,” HC states firmly. “We aren’t lying either. Anyone would be able to smell his scent.”

“No.”

The brothers blink once. Then twice. 

What?

“No one’s ever…I-I mean, he presented with a heat, so we know he’s an omega,” MQ shakily starts. “But we always thought he was…”

SL crosses his arms while HC tilts his head. 

“...scentless.”

Both brothers violently balk at that. 

Impossible.

[driveyourdestiny]

What would we do without our friends?

Wannabe - Spice Girls (Pop) 

Link: https://youtu.be/Wzxo8sUHYvQ?si=9NzGVl4KkeJjc-Mq

Lyric: “If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends.” 

When finalizing my theme for this project, I knew I had to include this song. I chose this song because it resonates with one of my most valuable friendships. When I was young, my mother would drive me to softball, where she would coach my team. And I remember us always playing this song and having a blast singing it together. This song represents womanhood and is personally connected to the friendship I carry with my mother. 

Count on Me -Bruno Mars (Folk) 

Link: https://youtu.be/6k8cpUkKK4c?si=LCnXLksFp3lK0K3u

Lyrics: “When we are called to help our friends in need 

You can count on me like one, two, three 

I’ll be there.” 

The lyrics to this song are so impressive to me and honestly describe the meaning of friendship. I remember singing this song with my childhood friends. Bruno Mars is one of my favorite artists; his music and lyrics are a masterpiece. 

See You Again -Wiz Khalifa (Hip-hop/Rap)

Link: https://youtu.be/RgKAFK5djSk?si=h3XX0S08Sf_Zf08y

Lyrics: “It’s been a long day without you, my friend 

And I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again 

We’ve come a long way from where we began 

Oh, I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again.” 

I chose this song because it reminds me that friendships are everlasting no matter how far apart you are or how much time you spend apart; it’s so beautiful to watch your friends grow in life and know that no matter the changes you go through, you will still have that friendship at the end of the day. 

4. Lean On -DJ Snake (Electronic/Dance) 

Link: https://youtu.be/YqeW9_5kURI?si=_HqJk0nqGVGejO0o

Lyrics: “We all need someone to lean on” 

This lyric symbolizes the importance of friendship. The beat of This song is fun and energetic and I like listening to this song with my best friend. We all genuinely do crave friendship and that person to lean on. 

5. Castle on the Hill -Ed Sheeran (Pop) 

Link: https://youtu.be/K0ibBPhiaG0?si=3ZhR6mFCEmLFarLd

Lyrics:“One friend left to sell clothes, one works down by the coast 

One had two kids but lives alone, ones brother overdosed 

Ones already on his second wife, Ones just barely getting by 

But these people raised me and I can’t wait to go home. 

I discovered this song through a friend group I was in at the beginning of high school. I immediately fell in love with the lyrics. It’s so interesting because these lyrics above show that people have their own lives and can be so extremely different but we are all connected at the end of the day. I am not close with this friend group anymore, but I still see some of their lives through the internet, and it’s so fascinating to see how lives changed for all of these people I was close with at that time, and we will always have the memory in common. 

6. You’re my Bestfriend -Queen (Rock) 

Link: https://youtu.be/HaZpZQG2z10?si=IGNVFNcIp_dN50FH

I learned this song from my grandparents, and we sang it together. My grandparents are two of my best friends, so sharing this song with them is nice. “You’re my sunshine, and I want you to know… That my feelings are true, I really love you.” These lyrics are so positive and loving. 

[hualianff]

Birthday Boy HC

Modern AU with police chief HC who is very dedicated to his job, especially because he grew up in a “bad” area and has first-hand experience from inadequate police service in poor neighborhoods. His co-workers and friends never see him go on second dates or have one-night stands. When HC’s birthday comes up, he insists he doesn’t want a grand occasion.

However, a simple party, he will permit.

Leave it to HX’s partner, SQX, to invite all of HC’s friends and acquaintances to HC’s own penthouse for a surprise birthday party, scheduled for the evening since HC typically works very late. When the police chief arrives home, still in his black uniform pants and red dress-shirt that goes under his suit jacket, the party is on the precipice of a full swing celebration.

HC is a bit put off by how loud and crowded his home is but it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Things are lonely, he will admit. And if this is a once-in-a-blue-moon thing, then HC won’t stop others from enjoying themselves and frankly, spoiling him.

At the height of the party, right when YY is about to present the birthday cake, SQX whistles for everyone’s attention.

“All right, Hua Cheng, time to sit on that chair over there,” SQX says while steering HC from behind, pushing on his shoulder. The chair is placed in the middle of the living room, in the perfect spot to watch the front door open.

The lights are gradually dimmed.

HC is too confused to protest. He cautiously sits down.

The front door pivots open. The person who walks through the door makes HC’s eye widen in surprise. They are dressed in all black: jean-booty shorts, stilettos, and a tight-fitting crop top. A sheer veil is also draped over their shoulders, falling gracefully behind them as they enter the room. They wear a headband with pointy horns and dark, red lipstick.

As the person gets closer, HC’s breath picks up.

“You didn’t-“ he whispers mindlessly, directed at SQX. His best friend’s partner merely holds their hands up in surrender, as if saying they did nothing wrong.

The scarcely-dressed person looks around demurely, aware everyone’s eyes are on them, ogling at their outfit that exposes lots of skin.

And then they set their gaze on HC, who sits frozen in the chair, hands gripping his thighs.

“Are you the birthday boy?” The stranger asks, smirking slightly. HC audibly gulps, not quite believing the sight of his childhood neighbor standing right in front of him, dressed like a demon summoned for punishment for his sins.

(It takes .05 seconds for HC to tent up in his pants.)

HC can’t bring himself to speak without stuttering like a fool. It’s clear that he’s the birthday boy—he’s sitting in a chair in the middle of the room, goddamn it. But for whatever reason, HC feels like he needs to respond to every one of this man’s signals.

So he stiffly nods, managing to maintain eye contact.

XL’s smirk widens mischievously, holding a secret promise behind those glistening lips. He prowls forward slowly, the click of his stiletto heels echoing across the marble floor.

“It looks like I’ve gotten myself into a little trouble,” he says with faux-innocence, slipping the veil off his shoulders. Instead of coming onto HC, XL slinks around him, letting the veil skim across HC’s lap, up to his chest, and over his face.

It faintly smells of peach.

“All right, Mr. Policeman,” XL addresses, pausing to stand behind HC. “What should I call you?”

HC breathes out harshly through his nose, desperately wanting to tilt his head back in order to get another glimpse at the angel- no, minx who has evoked the intensity of desire and lust long-buried under HC’s skin. It steadily rises to the surface, heating HC’s skin, making him feel too hot in a room where too many people remain to watch the show.

“Hmm, will ‘chief’ do? Or perhaps...sir?”

“Hua Cheng is just fine,” HC grits out. He gives in to looking behind his shoulder with curious eyes. XL’s face is startlingly close, amber eyes holding a sultry look that sends pleasure down HC’s spine.

Then, those eyes fixate on him, getting a really good look for the first time. Familiarity flashes across XL’s expression but he quickly wipes it away in favor of connecting their foreheads.

“Hua Cheng it is.”

The click of handcuffs binding HC’s wrists behind the back of the chair makes his heart drop to his stomach. He whips his head around to SQX and HX who stand off to the side. HX raises an amused eyebrow.

Somehow, SQX convinced HX to steal a pair from the office.

These are his own cuffs.

“Is this okay, Hua Cheng?” XL whispers genuinely in HC’s. When HC audibly hitches, he giggles.

“Yes.”

XL unties HC’s low ponytail to card his fingers through the police chief’s hair.

“Does it feel good?”

Fuck, XL is barely touching him, but the light brush of his fingers ignites a flame in HC’s heart, making him feel alive.

XL unbuttons the top three buttons of HC’s shirt.

“There. All ripe for the taking,” XL purrs. He drags the veil up and over HC’s face as he walks away. A strong bass pounds from HC’s built-in speaker SQX has managed to operate.

XL begins dancing for HC, swiveling his hips and rotating in time with the music. HC’s breath quickens up, his police attire also feeling unbearably hot. XL ditches the veil, and then he’s walking to HC, long legs crossing with every step.

HC is certain he won’t survive this.

***

It turns out to be nothing more than a sensual lap dance. There was no kissing on the lips, no groping on HC’s part, and no intimate touches because XL isn’t that kind of dancer. SQX knew this. He also knew HC wouldn’t want anything more than a bit of teasing anyways.

Luckily, SQX contacting a fellow friend who he’d modeled with once has allowed HC to see XL again. When he’s released from the cuffs, HC stands up and approaches where XL picks up his veil from the ground.

“Gege?” HC questions quietly. XL turns to look at him, a pink blush dusted on his cheeks.

“Oh, hello again, San Lang,” the other man greets, nearly the same height as HC with the stilettos on. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

“Hmm.”

It hadn’t been either of their faults. Or maybe it was both. HC traveled to another part of the country to be enrolled in the most prestigious academy in the nation. XL moved to a different big city to pursue a degree in economics. Years of separation caused them to drift apart from best friends in high school to strangers living very different lives.

“Well, it’s really nice to see you again. The circumstances are a bit... unconventional, but I’m glad it was you,” XL laughs lightly, readjusting his headband with pointy horns. HC tries not to stare at how well they suit the other man.

XL shifts a bit uncomfortably, hugging the sheer veil tighter around his body. HC feels a natural smile curl upon his lips in hopes it soothes XL’s qualms about his state of dress.

“I’m glad it was you too, gege,” HC says honestly. XL’s face lights up like the golden fairy lights he had pinned on his childhood room walls. “If it’s not too much trouble, I ask if gege can stay?”

“Oh.”

“At least for cake-” HC rushes out, praying to whatever bastard up there that XL will say yes. “It’s strawberry,” he adds, softer. XL tilts his head in astonishment.

“I thought your favorite flavor was coconut?” XL asks in surprise.

“It is. But...I asked for strawberry this year,” HC finishes lamely.

Was he being too obvious? Would XL figure him out and be repelled? Sure, it was only a cake flavor, but what are the chances XL’s favorite is still strawberry?

XL takes his phone out of the canvas bag SQX brought to him after the dance. He scrolls for a few seconds, then quickly types something out. Turning the device back in its place, XL meets HC’s gaze with a cheerful smile.

He closes all the distance between them, a certain bounce in his step.

“I believe,” XL starts. “I can keep the birthday boy company for a little while longer.”

HC smiles widely, flashing his front row of teeth–his right canine pointier than the rest.

“Brilliant.”

***

Turns out, “a little while longer” meant talking until every last person called it a night and headed out. They catch up on all the years they missed out on each others’ lives.

Four years ago, XL adopted a daughter, Ban Yue. Ban Yue was a split-second decision when XL was a year out of university, unsure of what direction his life was heading. He says it’s the best decision he’s ever made.

“She brings me so much happiness. It was like I had a Ban Yue-shaped hole and she was the missing puzzle piece,” XL says enthusiastically. He pauses to take one more sip of his baijiu. “Does that even make sense? Hahaha….”

“It does,” HC reassures from beside him. They sit on his plush, velvet couch, holding their respective drinks with practiced form. XL leans back against the cushions, sighing in relief.

“San Lang, I knew you would understand,” he murmurs.

He doesn’t elaborate.

He doesn’t need to. It’s no secret XL’s parents would’ve disapproved of him for single-parenting a random orphan with no known heritage or background. But they were already out of the picture, disowning XL right after high school graduation when he was outed by a family friend whose advances XL rejected.

“Perhaps you can meet her one day,” XL adds as an afterthought. HC matches XL’s position, reclining against the cushions, keeping his body turned towards XL, offering him HC’s full, undivided attention. It’s a simple gesture that means everything to someone like XL.

“I would love to,” HC says.

XL hums happily, then goes on to explain that he’s a telemarketer by day, which allows him to stay home with flexible work hours that fit around Ban Yue’s school schedule. (She’s in the third grade now.)

XL also mentions that he occasionally dances at night for an extra income. Nothing too intense or frequent. Just dressing up and dancing for special occasions, at parties like HC’s. XL typically has MQ or FX babysit Ban Yue during those nights.

The word family echoes in the hollow of HC’s chest.

“Gege’s been leading a very eventful and prosperous life,” HC comments with satisfaction. He leans forward to tug the maple-red coat he lent back over XL’s shoulders, ensuring the other man stayed warm.

“Nonsense, my life is just like anybody else’s,” XL says, waving his hand in a lax motion. “But I am very interested in hearing about San Lang’s life. Police chief, huh?”

“Gege…” HC mutters shyly. Against his will, his mind replays the moment XL asked if he should address HC as “sir.”

Boners don’t get boyfriends; sexy, mature conversations do, HC tells himself.

“Please, San Lang? I won’t force you to talk too much about yourself! I know we don’t...know each other as well as we used to,” XL says, a bit embarrassed. “If you want, we can just end right now and I can leave-”

“No! Not at all, I’ll tell gege anything he wants,” HC says, scooting even closer to XL so their hips bump against one another. XL sets down his empty glass, his unsure expression morphs to contentedness.

As it should always be.

“Well…” HC trails off, taken aback by how vivid XL’s amber irises gleam as they pin HC down. “Actually, there isn’t much to tell-”

“Just tell it is how it is, San Lang!” XL laughs, reaching over to playfully bat at HC’s arm.

“Okay, okay! I’m on it.”