#: ̗̀➛head in the cloudsೄྀ࿐ ˊˎ

[ventitititi]

Prettiest flower!! I have a request for something fluffy can you believe it or not!!! Let's just say the brain has been very mean to me lately and everyone deserves some loving words of affirmation. (I was gonna request a Honkai character but I can't remember if you've played it)

Dragon Zhongli because yes!! Loving doting dragon man loving his mate, possibly yummy foods and cuddles included?

Enjoy🫶

To be loved

Evenings glow settles into your shared bedroom, softening harsh edges. Buried beneath the duvet, you're warm. Safe, comfortable.

You'd been hidden away all day, despite your lovers insistance on getting up early. He had been draping himself in elegant fabrics and jewels, offering a variety for you to wear too.

You'd waved it off, allowing him to attend his tea party in peace. He'd been visiting the adepti.

Now, much later in the day, you could hear his return. Marked by the creaking of the front door, followed by gentle foot steps and chiming jewels.

"are you still in bed, love?"

You peek up from beneath your tomb of choice, "yes, why?"

Zhongli shakes his head, giving you a concerned look. Walking over he urges you up, easing you into a sitting position.

"can i brush your hair?"

His request is simple, and truly your hair was a mess. So you consent with ease, going to sit by the vanity, "yeah, I'd like that."

He hums in acknowledgement, following behind you. The vanity is littered with trinkets, all shades of gold and lapis, you also see your birthstone littered amongst his jewelry. Likely intended for you to wear.

He picks up traditional comb, carved with lotus flowers and inlaid with mother of pearl. As he begins the first stroke, he murmurs softly, "you are beautiful."

You furrow your brows at him in the mirror, cheeks a little warm from the compliment, but not wanting to offend him if you refuted.

You didn't believe him, but still you said, "thank you..."

As he lifts passes the comb through your hair, each stroke comes with an affirmation.

"you are strong."

"you are kind."

"you are loved."

"you are precious."

By the end you're tearing up, a little overwhelmed by his easy deliverance of such words. The things you'd been doubting, the things you still don't quite believe.

You can see his tail flick a little when he notices, but still he diligently combs your hair and lavishes you with gentle compliments.

Once your hair is tidy, he sets down the comb and gathers you into his arms. Kissing your forehead he murmurs, "I've chosen a exemplary mate, i want to help you really, truly believe that."

You sniffle into his chest, now crying a bit more freely as you admit, "it's been hard, 'li."

"i know love, i know."

He rubs your back soothingly, before gathering you into his arms. Carrying you back towards the lush bed, he murmurs to you, "let me hold you for awhile, we can get your favorite snacks later."

All you can do is nod in agreement, clinging to him as you settle in for a gentle night.

Tags!

@pixieskie @perfectlyrainycherryblossom @ephemeralapotheosis

[ventitititi]

HEY THERE!!!!

Sooo, I was thinking and wanna know your thoughts about what are genshin men insecure about their bodies? Scars, height, weight, colors, shapes etc etc (sfw and/or nsfw)

What does their s/o unintentionally do that reassures them?

My personal favorites are Tighnari, Kaveh and Diluc. But feel free to choose whoever you want!!!

Thanks a lot!! 💕

Oh my goodness this is cute!! Of course I'll do all the boys mentioned<33 spare me for kaveh and tighnari, its my first time writing them😭 i hope you enjoy! Short and sweet<33

Cw/tw: nsfw mentions, Scars, trauma, insecurities

Tighnari

- i imagine he has scars left after being struck by lightning, and that he can be self concious of them

- i think he may also sometimes be a little insecure about his height, since he's rather short

- you pressing kisses to the edges of his scars that peek out often remind him that the marks don't bother you

- honestly, i personally think lightning scars are quite pretty, aside from the painful reminder they can serve. If you ever off handedly mention that, perhaps the morning after while tracing them, i think his cheeks would be positively glowing as he processed they didn't impact your view of him

- on his height, I don't think its something that would truly bother him much, but he'd definitely be internally happy about grabbing things from higher shelves for you

- unfortunate side effect if your both short: you now need a tall friend to reach the uppermost cupboards, a foot stool, or just plain not use them

Kaveh

- all i know is that he gives pretty boyfriend vibes

- he might be tall, and buff from swinging around the claymore, but mans enjoys his self-care

-probably a bit insecure about the scars/callouses littering his hands from time spent training

- also from what i know of him, which is VERY little, i get the impression he cares about how others view him, and can be sensitive about his outward appearance

- will be beyond happy to hear any compliments you give him, regardless of if they're about his appearance or something else

- when it comes to you telling him how pretty/attractive he is though, the words soothe any small anxieties he might have about himself

- headcanon that he's rather pale for a sumeru citizen due to him spending so much time indoors drafting blueprints and such, and may also find this to be an insecurity

- it's hard to not quite fit in, i dunno how you would soothe this worry unintentionally but if you reassure him when he voices them, I'm pretty sure you'd be stuck with him forever

Diluc

-another pale boi™, but this time because he's largely nocturnal

- probably secretly worries he'd intimidate you tbh, like he's rather tall & buff and he knows he can have a grumpy expression unintentionally

-or maybe worry about accidentally hurting you (*cough* trauma *cough*)

- smiles a little whenever you come up excitedly to show him something, you being so happy to seek him out reassures him that no, he didn't scare you (especially not, judging by that flower crown you'd placed on his head once)

- prefers to give compliments imo, but is secretly pleased whenever you voice how attractive/pretty/handsome he is (probably gloats about it a little tbh lol)

[ventitititi]

Good morning, ilayda. This is my third and final Gaming request for the day. Please kindly consider this Gaming hurt/comfort request: Gaming and Reader have been betrothed ever since they were kids and Gaming makes it a point to visit Reader during the weekends. During his most recent visit, Gaming finds Reader being rather distant. Rather confused, he inquires around the village and finds out about the rumors about him and Yun Jin getting closer and Reader was expecting him to break off the betrothal to be with her. Gaming hurries back to Reader to assure her that he has no intention of annulling the betrothal. Please also kindly take as long as you need with this request; I have no qualms in waiting. Furthermore, by no means feel obligated to prioritize this request over your other requests

I've seen all your requests and man, i sure hope I'm doing your boy gaming justice as i chip away at these

Cw/tw; none!! Expect lots of fluff, headcanon-ish format, the hurt/comfort is very mild tbh, it's 2:30am here so yeah take this with that warning

🌱. Gaming had come back from another trip in the harbour, gifts in hand and excited to tell you all about the people he's seen and the places he's been

🌱. But... You seemed off. Normally, he'd expect open arms and warm hugs, maybe even a kiss on the cheek (definitely a kiss on the cheek,) instead though, you were... Quiet, distant

🌱. So, he did what anyone in his situation would do. He started to ask the aunties and uncles why you seemed so different, asking everyone he could about the matter

🌱. One aunty held the awnser to his plight, she'd overheard you talking about how gaming was getting closer to this girl by the name "yunjin"

🌱. Worse still, the aunty informed him everyone thought he'd break off the engagement

🌱. Interrupting her mid sentence, gaming holds up a hand, "sorry aunty but i gotta go! I'll hear the rest of your story later!"

🌱. And he was off, running like his life depended on it back towards your house. Never in a million years would he dream of breaking this engagement, you were the best thing to happen to him

🌱. Upon opening the door, you're greeted by a very frazzled gaming. His chestnut hair in a disarray and his clothes all unkempt. Before you could fully close the door on him with some uttered excuse, gaming had his foot in the door, keeping it open

🌱. "Y/n! Wait! Just hear me out, okay?"

🌱. You eye him warily but you do wait, you owed him at least that much

🌱. "Listen, i know you'd heard how I've gotten close with another girl recently, but i promise it's not what you think! She's a performer, too! She sings opera and i just thought she could teach me some useful tricks... Regardless, my point is that you're wayyyyy more important to me! You're like my heart! So please, let me in?"

🌱. He was giving you his best puppy eyes, and while you were still doubtful you opened the door.

🌱. Immediately you were swallowed in the soft scent of his clothes, strong arms holding you in a hug. Melting into him, you sniffle softly, "I thought you were gonna leave me, i didn't know what I'd do with myself"

🌱. "Nonsense, I'm never leaving, not even in a gajillion years! So cheer up, y/n"

🌱. Spends the rest of the evening/night holding you and doing his best to soothe any worries you have bottled up, his hands gently rubbing your back and occasionally pressing little kisses to your face

🌱. Genuinely, you're stuck with him for as long as you'll have him

[ventitititi]

Just a blurb

If you stared a little too long, you'd see the pink dusting xiao's cheeks, rosy from the cold. He's smiling at you, soft and barely there, and you can't help but smile back.

"it suits you."

He tilts his head in inquiry, "what does?"

"being happy. You look lovely when you smile."

Your simple statement is enough to reduce him to a blushing mess, cheeks pink and eyes cast aside.

"...ou."

"what was that?"

"..thank you," he murmurs, uncharacteristically soft with his words. You don't really understand why he's so flustered, what you said had been true. After all the suffering he's endured, he still smiles so prettily.

You tell him that, too.

His ears are pink and he refuses to look towards you now.

That's okay, though, because when he turns around with that pretty smile of his, you give him one back.

[ventitititi]

Pact mark headcanons

Aka how i picture the brothers pact marks + their locations

I'm putting these ones more as tattoos, while I'm thinking the mark itself would be like a magic circle hidden within the tattoo

Lucifer

I think lucifers pact mark would appear in a peacock feather across your ribs, winding from near your armpit to the front bottom of your ribcage

I think the sigil containg the pact mark itself would be purple (his game color is red, but the color associated with the sin of pride is purple) and in the center eye of the feather (the yellow part)

Mammon

I think mammons has a couple location possibilities but, ultimately, would show up on your shoulder blade.

I think his would be a feather that has like ravens breaking off of it with his sigil being a yellow hidden in a ravens claws

Leviathan

I think leviathans mark would appear on your forearm, in the shape of a snake curled around it (possibly decorated with some flowers)

His pact mark would be green and hidden in one of the snakes eyes :)

Satan

I think satans would appear on the shoulder/upper arm on the opposite side of leviathans. For design i think it'd feature a wolf, in a full body design down your arm balancing a moon on its nose. The moon would be a crescent, but appear like a full moon at first glance because satanas sigil/circle is nestled inside it. Predictably his sigil is red.

Asmodeus

His would show up on your thigh, a scorpion nestled among flowers, the details spanning from your lower hip to mid thigh. His sigil would be in the center of a flower beside the scorpion in a dark pink or blue color.

Beel

I think his would show up on the front of your throat as a fly, rather small in design with his sigil in orange between its antenna.

Belphie

I think belphies would appear on the nape of your neck in a small design of a bear surrounded by stars. His sigil would be above the bear and look like a moon, in dark blue or a shade of purple.

[ventitititi]

Hello and goodevening/morning/afternoon to you! I just wanna ask if you do Dainsleif x reader but the reader is Zhongli's child? Idk this idea just popped in my head minutes ago 💀

HI NONNIE and thank you:)) its literally 3:30am for me and i was doodling but this has POTENTIAL OTL

I've never written dainsleif before so bear with me here, I'll be keeping it sfw too since i don't know if you wanted smut or not, feel free to send me another request if you do!!

•since you're zhongli's child i imagine you are pretty AS HECK like, half dragon half whatever you're mother was YOU CAN PROBABLY PURR (i love the headcanon that zhongli purrs a lot)

•ANYWAYS not the point, what I'm getting at is despite his long life, dainsleif is probably still enraptured by you're appearance (even if he does a mighty fine job of hiding it)

•listen, if you manage to stick around him enough I'm absolutely CERTAIN he'll eventually give in and start a serious relationship with you

•probably partly aided by your extended life span (he's gonna be around for a long time afterall)

•delights in teaching you ancient history (much like your father) and is vv soft about it

•probably like, grabs random flowers or something for you and explains their history briefly (in contrast to zhonglis rambling tendencies he keeps it short and concise)

•although he's also pretty broody i think so be prepared for quiet days too, maybe y'all just co-exist in a peaceful silence at these times

•takes forever to accept comfort (probably does for the first time on a really hard day)

•will literally carry around random trinkets you gave him on a whim in his pockets (how he carries them all later into your relationship is beyond everyone)

•i think he doesn't really like sweets but mans is secretly whipped and won't tell you, choking down any desserts you've made just to see you smile

•SO DOWN BAD FOR YOU BUT WILL NEVER ADMIT IT AND IS REALLY GOOD AT HIDING IT UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR

•soft quiet couple, thats you two

•one time he was scowling and you did your best impression of it and he had to try so hard to stifle his smile and laughter because it was just too cute funny

•dotes on you but you'd never know it because you don't often see him interact with others

•holds you close when you guys rest during your travels (he's a cuddler but if you told anyone they wouldn't believe you)

[ventitititi]

When the night turns dark

Hiii everyone! I know it's been an age since I've written anything, but I've finally found a little bit of inspo. This in particular is just an excerpt from my notes app, but i absolutely adore it.

If you're wondering where I've been; finally got hit with the fic writers curse. Most of it is very personal so I won't disclose, but I've been to the hospital a couple times (I'm healthy now don't worry)

Anywho, i hope you enjoy!

Tw/cw; a character is missing an eye (implied it was a wound), very soft but implied angst

Silver starlight coats the quiet night, cozy bedroom silent. The household slumbers, yet two linger awake at this late hour.

A gentle hand brushes back stray mossy green locks, exposing Magnolia's eye and the matching empty socket.

Magnolia jolts, before relaxing into the gentle touch, familiar hands soothing over her skin.

Pushing her hair back further still, ilayda leans in to press a soft kiss to her forehead, murmuring quietly,

"Does it still hurt? In the way that old wounds ache."

Magnolia shook her head, perched in ilayda's lap.

"You need not worry my lady, even in such a case, it would be nothing i couldn't handle."

Ilayda pulls back slowly, gaze soft and brows furrowed in concern.

"I worry, let me ease those age old aches for you. Let me care for you, even in these small ways."

The small girl sighs, voice steady while she speaks, "it doesn't hurt, my lady. It merely serves as a reminder."

Ilayda hums in acknowledgement, carefully replacing the bangs that cover the old scar.

Her arms hold magnolia close to her chest, and she murmurs into her hair, "Perhaps, that is the worst sort of ache of all."

[ventitititi]

Idk about you guys but i enjoy letting my close friends or partner play with/brush my hair so

Call it self indulgence

Gentle fingers work through your hair, detangling what he can. The wind blows through, making the windwheel asters that are piled beside you both shiver.

The windrise tree quivers a bit, and venti laughs behind you, voice tinkling like bells. "It seems the wind also enjoys your presence, dear friend."

"that's because its an extension of you"

Your smiling regardless of his poor joke, humming when he begins to genuinely brush your hair in preparation to braid it back for you.

Venti himself is singing a tune so old your almost certain nobody would be able to identify it in this day and age, with the exception, perhaps, of a man named Zhongli you'd heard much about during your time in liyue.

And when Venti finally gets to braiding your hair, your like putty in his skilled hands. His fingers hardly tugging with centuries of practiced ease.

And when he's done, you turn to smile at him again, genuine and pure in your little zone between the two of you, lips uttering a soft but no less genuine,

"thank you."

[ventitititi]

Its the little things

Chap cw: ptsd flashbacks/visions, gore, dueling (friendly)

Word count: 2k

Series m.list || prev || next

Ever the graceful man as he was, childe was not ashamed to admit the scuff on his forehead was borne of sleep heavy bones tangled in his duvet. Fortunately, the stuffed narwhal he'd received as a gift broke his fall, nestled between his arms as it was…

Between his slightly less untamed hair and his morning coffee, he breathed out a sigh. Tension leaked from his shoulders, head leaned against the back of his couch.

Though still over aware of the sounds around him, he thanked the archons for days off. Well, as close as a harbinger could get anyways. Pray hope nothing urgent came up during his "me time."

Partway through his breakfast composed of vatrushka and coffee, a steady knock resounded on his door. Judging by the unhurried pace, this visitor was not of the fatui variety. He only knew one man in this harbour, then, who would visit him at all.

Setting down his mug onto his coffee table, he ruffled his hair as he stood, "I'm coming!" He called, shuffling his feet and trying not to trip on his oversized pyjama pants.

When he opened the door, Zhongli raised an inquisitive brow. Childe struggled to contain his embarrassed flush when the other man noted his narwhal pyjama pants, in his defence though, they're comfy!

"Have I interrupted your morning, Childe?"

His soft tone informed Childe he'd be more than happy to leave, if requested. A request Childe would likely never make. He shook his head, still beating back that darned blush, and invited zhongli into his small apartment. "Not at all xiansheng! Come in."

"Thank you for the invitation, then."

zhongli stepped inside, noting the largely barren interior as he slipped off his shoes. He noted the half eaten pastry on the small table, turning to look at childe. "What is that?"

Childe followed his gaze, shutting the door behind him with a click. "Oh, that? It's vatrushka, a type of pastry popular back in snezhnaya. Would you like one?"

"If it's not a bother, I think that'd be lovely," Zhongli hung his waistcoat by the door, blessing childe with the rare sight of the man without it.

"No problem at all, xiansheng! Make yourself comfortable while I grab you one," He chirped over his shoulder, already making his way to the fridge he'd stored them in. His scar-flecked hands grabbed a small plate for zhongli, ever the gentleman as the man was, he's sure it'd be appreciated.

He looked over his shoulder once more to the other, now notably seated on his couch. "Xiansheng, would you like some tea?"

Zhongli shook his head, "no thank you, childe."

With a nod childe brought over the small plate for his guest, handing it over with a small flourish before he plopped right back down onto his couch, grabbing his own pastry in the process.

"So what brings you here, zhongli-xiansheng?"

The elder man looked at him from his place, a little gleam in his eyes. "No reason, in particular if I'm being honest. I just felt the urge to come say hello."

Huh, that was odd, coming from zhongli. Although knowing him, childe wouldn't be able to extort any further information. He was sipping his coffee when a short hum sounded, he looked over once more with a brow raised.

"I'm just pleased that your dark circles have abated,"

The dim glow in his ochre-tipped hair and cor lapis eyes evidenced this fact, the old draconic traits leaking through in the comfort of his friends home.

"I was worried you hadn't slept, once more. I'm glad to see your well today," The end of his statement was followed with a soft smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling.

Childe smiled back, finishing off his pastry before thinking to ask zhongli's opinion of the snezhnayan delicacy. "Xiansheng, what did you think of the vatrushka?"

"It was very… different from liyuen cooking, but nonetheless enjoyable," Zhongli hummed, nodding his head slightly along with his words. As if to reaffirm these words to himself, a habit childe was certain must be centuries old.

He stood with a stretch, a groan rumbling through his chest before he whisked away zhongli's small plate. "Let me go get dressed, xiansheng, then what do you say to a spar?"

He couldn't deny his shock when zhongli replied with a simple, "very well," From his spot behind childe's back, and he couldn't contain the spring in his step after.

"Prepare yourself, xiansheng! I won't hold back."

He couldn't be sure, but he thought he heard zhongli reply, "I'd expect nothing less," Typical old man response. Shrugging into his plainest attire, fitted for training purposes, he hopped out of his room on one foot, busy pulling up his sock but too eager to slow down.

A snort came from zhongli, who soon began chuckling softly at childe's antics. "I'm not going anywhere without you, Tartaglia, don't fret."

"I'm not fretting! I'm just so excited for a good fight, I've been pent up for awhile."

Zhongli was still shaking his head as he stood, light-hearted chuckles leaving the man while he shrugged on his waistcoat and shoes. He turned to childe before they left, "i have some stipulations to this duel."

Childe was too excited to care, nodding his head eagerly like he did as a boy. "Okay! I'm just excited to see your strength for myself, xiansheng!"

Zhongli was shaking his head at childe's antics in amusement, opening the door and waiting for childe to pass before he began to speak his rules into existence.

"I want there to be no use of your vision or delusion, likewise i will not use my own."

Childe's jaw dropped, staring at the man beside him in disbelief. He waved his hands around him, sputtering in his usual manner, "but xiansheng! How am I supposed to have a good spar without them?!"

Not to be mistaken as him being unable to fight without, the problem lay in the fact his fighting style relied heavily on the flexibility of his vision. Without it, he'd be unable to summon his usual spears of water, and he wasn't sure how his limited weapon arsenal would play out.

Zhongli merely smiled, inclining his head slightly. "That is for you to learn, childe. There are more ways than one to improve."

Childe was still taken aback by this claim, but he'd agreed without thought and he was a man of his word. He sighed, ruffling his hair and looking at the sky with mild disappointment. "Alright then, xiansheng. I still won't hold back though," he looked at his companion, shooting him a cheeky wink in the process.

Zhongli chuckled at the display, adjusting his wrist cuff in the same movement. "I'd expect no less from the 11th fatui harbinger."

Childe wasn't sure if he heard a hint of teasing in his tone, but if he'd debated mercy earlier, all such thoughts were now out of his head.

They were trekking quite a ways out, childe dually noted. The scenery was quite familiar though, and he could finally put a name to the place when ruins began to spring up around them. He quirked a brow, "why are we in the dunyu ruins?"

"To avoid any interruptions, I'm sure the average citizen of liyue wouldn't come this far," zhongli intoned.

Zhongli's words were logical, he reasoned it due to the reputation the area held of being highly hazardous. Stopping somewhere relatively flat, he planted his feet down firmly.

"Well xiansheng? I think right here has a mighty fine view."

Zhongli turned, summoning two simple spears from the ground with a motion of his hand. "I do agree, childe. The view here is lovely."

He proffered the weapon to childe, who took it and weighed it in his hands. With a couple solid swings and rotations he could feel the perfect distribution of weight in the weapon. He smiled over at the ex-archon,smug confidence oozing into his words, "a very fine weapon, xiansheng, I'm sure it'll serve me well."

Zhongli, ever the quiet man, merely smiled at him. "I'm glad it's to your liking, Childe," he swung his spear in a practised circle before settling into an easy stance. He nodded to his opponent, "try and land a hit, i wish to see your current skill level."

Childe scoffed at his easy arrogance, sure he was a war god, but those were days long past and skills fade with disuse. "Alright, xiansheng!"

His first attempted strike was aimed to zhongli's ankles, which was easily deflected by the older man. His movement was fluid, with no excess to it. Childe noted his position carefully, calculating where he may be weak to strikes.

When he came up empty, he opted for the second option. He struck various quick, light strikes to try and get a feel for the ex-archon, to no avail. Not a single hit landed, meanwhile zhongli occasionally struck childe, tutting some instructions such as, "don't leave yourself open," or, "childe, a little faster."

He was quickly growing frustrated, racking up small scrapes and bruises while zhongli remained in perfect condition, not a hair out of place. His frustration built in his chest, a hot sort of pressure egging him on, tempting him with the knowledge he had both his vision and his delusion at his fingertips.

This was, however, interrupted when a lawachurl roared nearby, stone-like hide having blended into the landscape. He and Zhongli had neglected to clear the area, which was well known for being dangerous, crawling with various enemies.

He jumped over on instinct, his delusion coming out in his mounting frustration. Foul legacy took him over slowly, only partially transformed and crackling along his skin in painful boughts of electro. Zhongli was saying something behind him, his voice muffled by the blood in his ears and pure focus on his enemy.

The enemy that was merely pulp dripping from his hands. When had he done that? Sure, he had been rushing over, but his foul legacy was demanding on his body, even now his palms were slowly starting to blister from the excess of electro.

He was letting his foul legacy go, kneeling on the ground in a puddle of red that he had made. His fingers, though blistered slightly, were covered in blood not his own, chunks of something he'd rather not know stuck under his nails. Zhongli was still talking, but he was too busy staring into space, zoning out and beginning to hyperventilate.

He had done that like it was nothing.

His head rushed, dizzy from the thoughts coming over him quickly, vaguely registering a hand on his shoulder as he shuddered. If that was so easy, what would happen if he lost control near his family?

Visions of red came to mind, childrens screams in familiar voices begging him for mercy, a mothers cry of his name not far behind. His fathers voice ringing through his ears, repeating words he'd had engraved onto his heart long ago.

"You can't be my son, you're a monster."

He was being carried, he could tell because he was rocking, moving in a way he himself did not. Words drifted through his ears, barely registering, various murmurs of apologies and "I'll make sure your alright, your safe."

Reassurances he was sure weren't needed. He was fine. He had to be fine. He wouldn't know what to do if he wasn't. Yeah, he was okay, this was normal. Everyday occurrences that everyone else experienced.

That was the only thought holding him together, just barely keeping his seams from tearing under pressure. The scenery passing by had been pleasant earlier, but now he gazed simply at the dim cor lapis hair tips that sometimes swayed into view, a deep voice narrating their location and destination.

He was losing consciousness, quickly. His vision was black at the edges and the pain in his palms was numbing, and dimly he heard himself say, "I'm fine, xiansheng," tonelessly before finally letting himself slip under, noting the click of a door as he did.

[ventitititi]

Play me a memory

Chap.1 of "they made you a weapon, (and told you to find peace).

Cw: this fic deals with ptsd (that i myself don't have. Most likely. We're not sure. POINT BEING its based off of research for ptsd points and my own experiences so don't take it as professional. Chap.1 is pretty tame but some chaps will have violence/gore. Cross posted from ao3

Word count: 2.6k

Series m.list || next

Sweat trickled down childe's back, heaving breaths echoing throughout his small room. His fingers bunched in burgundy covers, struggling to regain his breath while his eyes checked shaded corners.

He is fine. He is safe. This is not the abyss.

Although he repeated these words like a mantra in his head, beneath the pale moon's glow he still struggled to stay grounded. His whole body was shaking and hunched, eyes darting around much too fast before he could finally drag in a deep breath.

There's nothing here except for you.

His racing heart slowed as he settled down, laying back against the cotton sheets. His gaze tacked to the roof, controlled breaths easing the remnants of his panic.

The nightmares were catching up to him lately, maybe he should pile more work onto his plate, bury his grievances beneath bone deep exhaustion and a craving for battle. He noted the many ways to keep himself busy, a distraction in itself, before allowing his eyes to slip back closed, drifting back into uneasy rest.

Come morning light, childe could feel his exhaustion down to his bones. Limbs heavy with sleep, he tumbled out of bed with a dull thud, the sound muffled by the navy carpet currently between the pads of his fingers.

A soft groan left his lips, standing up properly to stretch and prepare for his day at the Northland Bank. Shrugging into his usual attire, he padded across his small home with little to no sound.

The action was soothing, some primal part of him convinced that his silence meant he was currently safe. His ability to hear his surroundings unhindered, feet slipping into his shoes a deafening sound in the silence.

A sigh of relief escaped his lungs when he stepped out into the already bustling streets of liyue harbour, merchants hawking wares he had no need of. Besides, the weight of his wallet was sure to cover any and all indulgences he wished, regardless of price.

His gait was stiffer than usual, feet near stomping as he curbed the urge to indulge his intrusive thoughts, brought on by lack of sleep. His mind wandered off, half daydreams of snezhnayan snow flitting behind his eyes as he travelled to work.

Well, he was travelling to his workplace, before he walked into someone as solid as stone. A soft "oof," escaped the other mans chest, eyes of cor lapis looking at him curiously.

"Good morning, childe."

Childe was still shaking off the dizziness when a voice of stone intoned their well wishes. He smiled back on instinct, trying not to bring attention to his own scuffed appearance.

"Good morning, zhongli-xiansheng!"

He kept his tone chipper the whole while, falling back into step with the ex-archon. He was straightening his garb once more, heaving a quiet yet frustrated sigh.

Zhongli's dimly glowing eyes raked over his appearance, an understanding shown in his countenance childe wasn't quite sure what to make of.

"Are you alright, childe? You seem worn down today."

Childe resisted the urge to shake off his compassionate gaze, to varying degrees of success. A small shiver still passed down his spine with the archon's inspection.

He bumped his shoulder against zhongli's playfully, noting the familiar crimson tiles that lined the roof tops of liyuen shops.

"Of course, xiansheng! Nothing a shot of fire-water can't fix."

Cor lapis' eyes flashed in warning, a frustrated glow passing through the amber tips of zhongli's hair.

"Childe, do not push yourself too far. Though limited, you still have plenty of time before the end of your journey. Rest while you can, before it catches up to you."

He blinked at the taller man, processing his words slowly. Through the haze of sleepless nights, he could differ the slight quirk down on the other's lips.

Zhongli was displeased with his behavior. An odd notion, in his own opinion, a sentiment he didn't voice aloud for fear of a stern lecture.

He peeled away from the funeral consultant's side, brushing off his concerns with a wave of his hand.

"Relax, xiansheng, I've got myself all under wraps."

Zhongli furrowed his brow, a look of doubt crossing his usual stoic features. He made note of it, wondering just how deeply the ex-archon truly cared.

Honestly, it couldn't be that much, right? He was just an unfairly compassionate man. It must've been nothing of note.

He tried to physically shake off the odd train of thought while he began his ascension up the many flights of stairs. His feet clicked heavily under him, hand resting on crimson rails as he looked idly upon the crowds below.

The architecture, it seems, was vastly different between snezhnaya and liyue. Where his icy homeland favoured pastels and simplicity, liyue harbour was all grand splendour.

Even now he was ascending stairs in various hues of red and maple, the craftsmanship beyond what the common people would have been able to afford.

Perhaps, he could find a way to show his siblings the wandering staircases and bustling crowds of liyue harbour, heart of teyvat's commerce.

Lost in his thoughts, childe hardly noticed when he opened the hefty doors to Northland Bank on autopilot. The employees inside startling, and all bowing with some form of greetings usually akin to, "greetings, lord harbinger."

Ekaterina's voice was what drew him from his reverie regarding the craftsmanship in liyue, he shrill tone only serving to irritate his already short nerves.

"Lord harbinger! I have your schedule set for today, starting with the usual paperwork and-"

"Ekaterina, enough. I already know."

He couldn't keep the bite from his tone, booted feet practically stomping his irritation. He kept his strides long in the petty hope the woman's short legs would fail to keep up.

Of course, she barely flinched behind her fatui mask. Her gaze stayed even and her pace matched his own in an irritating show of perseverance.

"Very well, I'll page you come time for any meetings."

Her heeled feet left faint clicks in her wake, and childe couldn't keep his huff of relief contained in his chest. His cloak slipped onto the hook on the dark office door, fabric crinkling vaguely.

He swung into his usual seat with practised ease, found in the familiarity of routine. A great number of his days included signing various papers and penning some less-than friendly letters.

He has a reputation to uphold, as it is. A reputation as the Tsaritsa's favoured harbinger, the vanguard of her goals.

As the one known for his blood lust.

His spidery handwriting scratched across the page in the silence of his office. Odd thoughts poked into the corners of his mind while he worked, thoughts that taunted his senses with memories half forgotten.

Memories of a time best left in his past.

A swift knock followed by a woman's voice startled him from his work. The door opening to reveal ekaterina's figure.

Which had been narrowly missed by the hydro spear currently imbedded into the wall. Her eyes were wide, a small "o" escaping her shocked lips.

In her hands was a file, likely meant for childe himself, who was currently trying to brush off his reaction as, "a result of being too focused, sorry comrad."

Ekaterina accepted his apology at face value, softly murmuring out, "it's alright, lord harbinger. These just needed signing today."

He had stood while throwing the spear, now fading from the room in a trickle of water drops, leaving only a scar on the wall for proof of his own mistake.

"Thank you, comrad."

He took the documents from her outheld hands, his own gloved fingers crinkling the file folder beneath an icy stare.

He stopped himself from truly ruining the papers within his grasp, watching Ekaterina slip from his office with a simple, "Yes, lord harbinger."

He haphazardly threw the file onto his desk, the paper producing an unpleasant sound on its journey across the dark wood.

He once more swung himself into the high-backed leather chair seated behind the desk. His fingers grasping a pen, resuming his work.

Page after page of signing and letters, contents often not even read over before he authorised them. Time bled together as he signed his name on countless pages in his crawling signature.

Tartaglia.

On repeat in his mind with a haunting likeness to a voice from the abyss he had long since tried to forget. Only to be interrupted once more, his own thoughts coming to a startling halt.

He had meant to meet with a certain individual whomst was noted as esteemed in this harbour.

Zhongli, the ex-archon once known by the name morax.

Though his very name carried weight, childe himself was scrambling to don his coat. In his haze, the sun had begun to set. Meaning he likely was running late.

A rushed "see ya tomorrow, comrades!" Paired with a vague two-fingered salute left any remaining employees questioning the stability of their boss.

Honestly fair, if anything he saw in the mirror told him about his state.

Zhongli, ever the refined gentleman in his elegant waistcoat, stood near the bottom steps to the upper levels of liyue harbour.

Luckily, he appeared to have been walking still, gate unrushed as he waved a single hand in greeting.

Childe slotted himself beside the other, all icy hues to zhongli's warm ambers and browns. "Hey comrade!"

Zhongli looked at him curiously, nodding his head towards childe's own messy appearance. "Childe, i hope your aware i would not have minded waiting for you to tidy up, if you desired to do so."

Ever considerate zhongli, keeping his pace slow as they begun the journey to his favourite tea house. Childe could only smile, as warmly as someone like him could, with a shake of his head.

"It's alright, xiansheng. My appearance is well enough to enjoy my evening as-is."

A pleased glow came in muted nature from amber hair tips and cor lapis' eyes. "Very well, let us be off then, friend."

If childe listened closely, he swore a nigh inaudible rumble was sounding from the man beside him. Shaking his head, he relaxed his posture when he noted the soft tone zhongli had used.

A fond one, dare he say.

With the setting sun igniting the harbour and his companion beside him in the hues of fire light, childe counted his stars lucky. Being forgiven for a crime such as his own, by one who was older than the current archons, was something he had never expected to happen in his lifetime.

Even less to enjoy evening strolls and dusk time tea together, while a voice that had seen ages untold, imparted knowledge from days gone past.

"...with courage to endure, childe?"

Childe perked up from where he had been staring into his cup, so far into his mind he hadn't even noticed his companion reciting poetry written before he was born.

He scratched the back of his neck with a sheepish chuckle, "sorry, xiansheng. I seem to have lost myself a bit there."

Zhongli nodded slowly, setting down his cup in a motion so smooth, childe had to blink for a second.

"Worry not, dear friend. Perhaps a walk will serve to clear your mind before bed?"

Childe noted the return of a furrow in zhongli's brow, eyes glowing dimmer than before in concern. He looked up to where the moon had now risen, and he signed softly.

"Yeah, that sounds good, xiansheng."

Before he stood to leave, he left a small bag of mora on their table, surely more than enough to cover the bill.

He followed zhongli closely, his own frame positioned just behind the other's. Upon closer inspection of zhongli's gaze, he noted the fond way he was watching the city go by.

Windows shuttered, lights began to come to life, while distantly one could hear hidden merchants amidst the dulled down hues of the city.

While they walked, zhongli remained silent. So too, did childe out of respect for his comrade's reverie. Centuries had since passed the founding of this city, moulded with the very same hands next to his own.

With their leisurely pace, childe had ample time to note when a certain cor lapis gaze lingered over a tea set, displayed by a vendor who was half asleep, nodding off on his table.

Childe tugged zhongli's arm without thought, prompting the man to follow as he approached. "How much for this set?"

The man blinked at him, before nodding in understanding of his question. "This set? It was handmade in an older style, the going price right now is three thousand mora."

He could feel zhongli pause, as if his breath was held at the realisation of the hefty price attached to the tea set which had caught his eye. Childe himself didn't even flinch, handing over the sum with a little extra, watching the vendor put the set into a velvet lined box.

He handed it to zhongli with a smile, and was met with a brighter pulse of amber light that settled into a glow, that near inaudible rumble returning from zhongli.

"Thank you, childe. I'll take good care of it."

He didn't doubt the ex-archon would, he had seen glimpses of shelves lining the entrance to his apartment when picking him up. His own smile stretched across his cheeks in near painful glee.

"I'm glad, xiansheng. I hope you enjoy it."

A hum left zhongli, who was holding the box as if it contained something priceless. His cheeks had gained a faint blush, over run with the glowing his eyes and hair ends were releasing.

Childe chuckled at the picture, akin to a small dragon gathering its first coin. With the city sleeping and old exhaustion tugging at his bones, he nearly sighed at the sight of his home.

Before he could bid good night to zhongli though, his companion placed an arm on his shoulder with a subtly concerned countenance.

"Sleep well tonight, friend. The bags beneath your eyes carry a weight untold."

Zhongli was striding off before Childe could collect himself enough to formulate a proper response, unease sliding down his frame and rooting into his thoughts.

He slipped into the unlit apartment, foot closing the door behind him. His boots came off with resonating thuds, echoing in the empty entryway. He stumbled through the dark, neglecting to put on the lights in favour of less motion later.

His clothes came off next, layers landing into unkempt piles on his cold bedroom floor. Finally down to his undergarments, his feet relished the warmth of the plush navy carpet when he took some steps toward his bed.

A groan slipped out his lips when he laid on his bed, face down and tension leaking off his frame. With some quick adjustments, he was ready to sleep.

Before his eyes slipped shut, flitting worries crossed his thoughts. Various murmurs of, "if zhongli noticed your state, what will your underlings think?"

"You think your so good at appearing well, when really your an open book."

Other thoughts haunted him, taunted him even. Worries of his standing being threatened as a fatui harbinger, worries his weaknesses would shine and his family would suffer the consequences.

Worries that those close to him may only be pretending.

Though unpleasant beyond words, these thoughts weren't his most pressing problem. Currently, he was drifting into sleep, and vaguely he wondered if he'd be granted a dreamless rest, or would be tormented by more nightmares of old memories that left him awake and on edge.

He yawned once into the silence before closing his eyes in rest. Regardless of outcome, pressed between cotton sheets, he found it impossible to resist some well deserved rest.

[ventitititi]

Dead men tell no tales

Inspiration taken right out of a dnd session:)

The world swayed as she started to come to, bones aching and head spinning. Spots of her arm burned with the remnants of acid, and wind whipped through her unbound hair, strong arms holding her steady.

A breath of relief and joy left bo's frame as ilayda started to look around over his shoulder, unsure of their location and looking for her friends. "Is everyone okay?"

"Don't worry about them, my lady. You need to take care of yourself right now."

Unable to conjure the words, she could only nod as he kept sprinting. The cave passed in a blur, her eyes filling with tears as she began to sob into bo's chest. She couldn't go back, not in this state, she'd only be a burden, but leaving them to a fiend like that alone left a sour taste in her mouth.

Ilayda clung to her companion, strong arms squeezing tighter as she let herself cry, worrying for her friends and frustrated with herself. If only she'd done better, her friends wouldn't be left behind in goodness knows what state.

[ventitititi]

The mind replays what the heart can't delete

Lil angst drabble featuring ilayda & pika, set before pika's house was burned down, nothing crazy in here, night terrors/nightmares, pika belongs to @perfectlyrainycherryblossom

When low screams rang through the halls, the other paid heed to their unspoken agreement. Don't mention it, come morning, don't acknowledge what haunts your friend.

And when the pair woke up with breaths too quick and frantic eyes, they tended to a routine without words. A silent sort of intimacy shared between people who'd seen too much and lived too long.

She'd set down a mug of steaming tea before her blue haired friend, silently noting the tear stains on their cheeks. Her own, she was certain, fared no better.

She settled into the couch, sipping at tea that went down bitter and hot. Crickets chirped and the sound of her friend's sip following her own echoed. With the desert asleep, no one else would bear witness to their state.

When emotional scars came a little too close to the surface, when their throat was left raw and voice hoarse. When they sat in silence beneath the night sky, slowly sinking into the other's warmth as bitter tea burned their tongues.

Perhaps they'd heal, one day. But for now, whenever she closed her eyes, she knew her own memories came rushing to the front much too easily.

[ventitititi]

Late nights, old aches

Sfw, kinda fluffy kinda hurt/comfort, overall very soft, immortals live too long

Fingers trailed down the scars on her back, her friend's voice coming out strained, "do they still hurt, even after all this time?"

When she turned to look over her shoulder, hair dropping back into place, her companion's face was crumpled, taut with concern.

"Yeah, they ache sometimes, when I lie awake at night for a little too long, let my thoughts wander a little too far. Nothing like they did when I got them, though."

Her smile was small, but sincere as she watched him process this information. "It's okay, bo, it's not your fault. I brought this upon myself."

Bo pulled her in close, melting back into the bed with a sigh. "Even so, I worry for you, my lady."

She lightly smacked his shoulder, "just call me by name, you're my dear companion not a servant."

"Alright, i will, ilayda, but please stop hitting me."

Her laughter rung in the silent room, pulling a small smile to his own face in the quiet of the night.

Sleep wasn't so far off, with his worries quelled. He pulled back, settling into his natural form as ilayda settled back down,

"Good night, bo."

No reply followed, as expected from a slime with no mouth. Regardless, she knew he cared despite his silence. She rolled into her pillows, drifting off into the realm of dreams.

[ventitititi]

All empires are created of blood and fire

Tw: mentions of blood/death/killing, implied panic attack, angsty

Her hands were shaking, wavering under the weight of the blood she'd shed. In the darkness of her room, she was panting, the present blurring with the past.

She'd shed blood, so much of it, the weight of her sins coating her skin in a layer long since washed. Her eyes darted about the room, trying to take in her surroundings, shaking violently as her thoughts raced.

She was a being of life, and yet she'd killed so many, taken down hundreds of men with a single sweep of her arm. Her fingers dug into the duvet, tears falling in an overwhelmed rush.

Frantically, her door was opened and a familiar presence was scooping her up, holding her close as she sobbed into his chest.

"Icarus, Icarus how much more blood will i shed?"

A sigh leased into the top of her head, her companions voice low and soothing, covering the steps of curious and concerned friends peeking into the room.  "I don't know."

She choked on a sob into his chest, fingers clenching into his shirt. "Have i not done enough? Committed enough sins?"

He remained silent, rubbing a soothing circles over his lady's back, wiping her tears when she'd come up to breath. "I'm sorry, my lady, that i could not ease your burden."

[ventitititi]

Divine fury

Aka irsha drabble, sfw, violence?? No action is actually taken in the drabble but its definitely happening after the end of it, spears (weapons)

Irsha swung her spear around her hand before driving it into the ground, hands rested atop it. She dropped her forehead to her hands, eyes closed.

Spectral wings burst from her back as she looked back up, her eyes glowing and pupils slit. She stood with her chin held high, looking down on the man before her.

A spectral spear appeared above her, glowing pink and gold, psychic power swirled within the radiant weapon. She took in a breath, and the world slowed, paused, holding it's breath in anticipation of her next actions.

Slowly, another spear winked into existence, then another and another, dozens, hundreds, until the sky was filled with these summoned weapons. She once more turned her cold gaze to the mortal before her, one hand raised.

"Foolish mortal, you should know better than to make a god your enemy, especially one as old as i."

[ventitititi]

Random texts venti would send

Because i said so (and i love these, tap for better quality)