[ NSFW Open Post - 2022 ]

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Taboo for Huaisang

[brightjade]

Another qi deviation threatens to take Nie Mingjue. He knows it. They all know it. Every one of the sect's doctors have gone over every line of text to try and keep it at bay, to nurse their leader through this episode that feels so very much worse than the others.

He's too strong, too young.

Finally, one myth is brought to bear, and Huaisang is approached by the worried doctor charged with posing this possible solution. Bowing. Nearly kow-towing, in fact.

"Gongzi. There is very little time," the man fumbles, knowing that if this fails, he's dooming them all. Probably. But if it's a success...maybe some joy can be found and nurtured.

He takes a breath before continuing, gathering his courage. This is for his clan. Loyalty is vital.

"There is a myth, that an anchor can be used to keep the qi deviation at bay. The difficulty is the anchor needs to be a relative, a sibling." His face heats, but he keeps going. "It must be an intimate connection."

And obviously, Nie Huaisang is the only one that meets the criteria of sibling for their leader.

[eternalgrief]

Nie Huaisang has been scared. This one feels different and he's terrified of losing his brother. He's not even thinking of what it means for the Sect -- not really. He's thinking about what it means for him. His stomach is in knots and when a doctor comes to him his eyes are wide and eager for anything that might help. He would do anything...right?

Huaisang's brow furrows and he's about to agree and he would agree but he stops short.

"Wait... what do you mean exactly?"

[brightjade]

Everyone knows the bond between the brothers. Why else would Mingjue be so worried about pushing his brother harder, but not punishing him as he would anyone else for not taking his training as seriously as he should?

It gives the doctor courage to pose something considered taboo twice over. "As intimate as that of a spouse, gongzi," he states, managing to keep his voice steady. "Which is, essentially, what you would need to become."

Unspoken is the painful fact that Mingjue will need this anchor for the rest of his life. And however long that life is will depend on the strength of the bond with his anchor.

[eternalgrief]

As intimate as that of a spouse. The words turn over in Huaisang's head and it's hard to miss the meaning. He narrows his eyes at the doctor and he's trying to piece it all together quickly, trying to think of how Mingjue might react to something like this...

And trying to manage his own fear at the idea and the discomfort at the taboo of it. Then again, he's always been so close to Mingjue and it's a lie to say that he's never had improper thoughts about his older brother.

Biting his lip, Huaisang then lets out a sigh.

"Tell me what to do to make it work."

He needs his brother to be alright even if Mingjue hates him.