apr1cot ☾ ₊ ݁*. aspen

Um, Maomao looking back on her past self in a Courtesan Maomao type AU, yay!

Witch Maomao!!!

Um, time to not draw again for another few years because I’ve exceeded my drawing limits by a lot now. Headcanons I thought about for this whilst trying to sleep though are below! Very mild spoiler warning for light novel 9, but nothing that would even make sense without context.

» Fic Title: The Moon, and His Sun

Jinshi | Jinshi/Maomao

Introspection | Sun and Moon dynamics | Insecurities

» please see the ao3 post for more tags!

Spoilers for Jinshi’s identity only

Summary:

My interpretation on Jinshi's perspective of himself, and by extension, Maomao.

» Word count: 1.2k

» Fic Title: Maomao’s Feline Findings

Jinshi/Maomao

Cats | Modern AU | Crackfic | Casefic

» please see the ao3 post for more tags!

!! No spoilers

Summary:

”Say, Maomao,” Jinshi asked, right as she took a large bite of her dumpling that left her mouth full. Typical timing. “How would you feel about getting a cat?”

”Another one?” Chue quipped, and Maomao watched as Jinshi smirked and swiped jokingly towards her face from the other side of the table.

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

“Another one? Have you been secretly raising a cat?” Maomao’s mouth was still full, and her speech was muffled by the food, but the question flew out of her mouth before she could stop it. No one took offence to her poor manners, though. No, instead, all four of them laughed off her question far too easily. Or rather, three of them. Basen looked equally as confused.

Or!

Maomao begins an investigation to secretly lure out Jinshi's supposed hidden cat.

» Word count: 6.9k

» Fic Title: And Then There Were Three

Jinshi/Maomao

Angst | Fluff | Reunions | Kidfic

» please see the ao3 post for more tags!

!! No spoilers - it’s all an entirely made up post-canon setting

Summary:

After hearing of his brother’s sudden passing and subsequently the demand for him, the only feasible heir as of the moment, to take the throne in his stead, Maomao had been the first person he had called upon. It was far into the late hours of the night - early morning, even - by the time he had been freed from council discussions regarding his status change. As soon as the summon had been sent out, the apothecary had come with little complaint.

Jinshi couldn’t read the expression on Maomao’s face as he had relayed the information of the Emperor’s untimely death, and frankly, his own tone had been equally as unreadable. That was, up until the moment he voiced that he had to let go of her.

…

”I see. Then, I won’t let my presence interrupt a moment longer. I wish you a good evening, your Majesty.”

Or!

The aftermath of a too-swift break up, nine years later.

» Word count: 25.3k

» Fic Title: So Let It Rain Down

Jinshi/Maomao

Vampire AU | Treating wounds | Fluff

» please see the ao3 post for more tags!

!! No spoilers - Very mild gore warning

Summary:

It started with a crash; a loud bang against the wooden door followed by thudding, heavy footsteps, and the ambience of the outside downpour becoming a little deafening in the silent apothecary shop. Her eyes shot up in alarm, ready to run, pounce, or freeze, before the overpowering stench of blood - too much blood - hit her, alongside a very familiar face.

”Master Jinshi?”

The man in question took a far too haggard breath, before wincing a smile and a bitter laugh: “It’s been a while. Hungry?”

» Word count: 5.2k

» Fic Title: Endlessly Crossed Paths

Jinshi/Maomao

Modern AU | Coffee shop AU | Fluff | Role reversal

» please see the ao3 post for more tags!

!! No spoilers

Summary:

Jinshi had, of course, heard much about the recent new star brought to the stage - Maomao. From his job in a tea room, he enjoyed listening to interviews and such featuring her as he served customers. As part of his career in film writing, of course! What he didn’t expect was for her to one day walk in to order herself a tea and some cake, nor did he expect to cross paths with the young woman past that.

Or!

5 times Jinshi accidentally ran into Maomao + 1 time she sought him out.

» Word count: 20.6k

» Fic Title: Those Who Should Not Exist

Jinshi/Maomao

Yaoguai!Jinshi | Mythical creature AU | First meetings | Fake dating

» please see ao3 post for more tags!

!! No spoilers

Summary:

In desperate need of help, and an abysmal number of options left to call upon, Maomao tries her luck in asking for help from a mythical yaoguai. Going off palace gossip and rumours, she is skeptical but out of luck, and sneaks out of the safety of her home the night before her impending arranged marriage.

She didn’t actually expect the yaoguai to exist, let alone be as seemingly benevolent as the rumours suggested.

» Word count: 16.6k

» Fic Title: I Want More Ice Cream!

Maomao & Xiaolan | Background Jinshi/Maomao

Fluff | Reunions | Ice cream

» please see the ao3 post for more tags!

NOTE: Potential spoilers up to light novel 12. None major, but please don’t proceed if you do not wish to be spoiled!

Summary:

After years, many many years, an opportunity arises for Xiaolan to take a trip to visit her old friend, Maomao. Both of their lives have changed drastically over that time period, but with some secret aid, Xiaolan's letter arrives in just the right place to arrange such a meeting once more.

Or!

They finally meet once more, for ice cream.

» Word count: 7.6k