#it's bedtime

And I'm a sucker for head disciple MF 🥰

SQQ practically shapes MF to be nothing less than perfect but also plants the seeds of a lot of self hatred. Its subtle digs, light comments meant to cut and leave bleeding wounds that never heal.

Comments about his posture being too lax, his face being too masculine to be attractive, his personality being too brash, his intelligence being tested and questioned.

And MF is desperately trying to fix it all, to meet SQQ's standards, but he'll never meet SQQ's standards because SQQ doesn't want him to. He wants to hurt someone as he was hurt.

Any scars MF gets, he immediately hides with makeup before his master sees. Any subject he missed a point on, he studies until he memorized everything that would ever be needed. Any sword stance he messes up, he works on until he can't stand.

He continues to improve and improve for a hint of validation, and he doesn't get it. Especially not when he starts surpassing SQQ.

MF can make tea with incredibly steady hands. His knowledge surpasses even the older disciples. His mannerisms can switch from a master that commands respect to a gentle flower that even soothes the most delicate of hearts. He can even use makeup better than SQQ could ever.

MF does it all in hopes of SQQ finally giving him a speck of praise, but that only incurs his master's wrath and envy.

And when it's finally time for the Qing Generation to pass down their titles, SQQ leaves MF with one last scathing remark wrapped in velvet. And it solidifies the little voice in the back of MF's head that told him he wasn't worth effort or praise.

...

WOAHHHH I entered a damn fugue state. Holy shit

And wen the plot

Is progressing

An orful lot

I am in wood

I cut the tree

It carries on