Born Into Eyes Not By My Own Decision

After a while of talking about how Anya acts the trainer says there’s nothing to worry about, Anya likes Shane just fine, it’s just that she sees him as the boss and is acting accordingly

And Ilya is like. But. I’m the one who adopted her? And raised her before Shane got here?? And the trainer is just like yeah well she sees you more like an equal. And Ilya is like WAIT she thinks Shane is in charge of both of us?? And the trainer is just like well do you interact in a way that would make her think that?

Ilya’s life flashes before his eyes as he thinks of all the times Shane has come over with a snack for Ilya and a treat for Anya, or all the times Shane has announced they’re all going for an after dinner walk, or pets Ilya’s hair and tells him he did a good job at practice, or the fact that he uses the same warning tone with Anya when she misbehaves as he does with Ilya when he’s causing problems on purpose

Mu Qing, who experimented the consequences of being poor and never got over that trauma.

Mu Qing, who always showed kindness to children.

Mu Qing, who constantly got bullied and disrespected by those around him when he was human (and as a god, by some).

Mu Qing, who didn't want a child fighting in a war so he made him go.

Mu Qing, who was loyal to his fallen prince for a long time even though he could have walked away since the beginning.

Mu Qing, who regretted leaving Xie Lian and the rest behind but didn't know how to show it.

Mu Qing, who showed concern for Xie Lian and tried to help him even after their argument and centuries of being apart.

Mu Qing, who tried to protect and help Feng Xin on multiple occasions even though they were never in good terms.

Mu Qing, who got a cursed shackle because he didn't want to betray Xie Lian.

Mu Qing, who thought one of the only people he cared about would let him die (and that he deserved it).

mainly because if it's ilya who wakes up first, he shifts over in bed to snuggle close to wherever shane has wriggled off to, curling back up around him and drifting off again, content