#...if it turns out there are HM/SoS titles that DO have combat in them I'm going to be very embarrassed

[dallydaydream]

I enjoy myself some cosy gaming, especially when it comes to farming sims. In my personal experience, the games I've played pre-Stardew Valley (e.g. Story of Seasons titles) have had no combat. Post-Stardew Valley I've been noticing combat persisting as something of a staple in the genre (e.g. Coral Island, Sun Haven), and I'm curious how other people feel about that. Thoughts?

Bonus questions: Is there more combat in the genre than there used to be? Is it too difficult to quantify because the genre was relatively small before the post-Stardew farmageddon? Was Rune Factory the progenitor of this trend when it spliced farming sim with JRPG, or are there other precidents?

[starset21]

Standard Disclaimer: I only own my original characters, I've done some research but there will likely be Navy/military inaccuracies, and I do not consent to the posting, translating, or publishing of my work to any 3rd party site, the only place it may be found is on tumblr and Wattpad under @.itswildflower

A/N: This story is heavily inspired by the hallmark movie of the same title and is very self-indulgent. I'm also trying a different format than I'm used to using so it may change in the future chapters.

Looking for the other chapters? U.S.S. Christmas Masterlist 

Summary:  Kate and her family join Jake and his father for dinner with some added company, Kate learns there may be more to just being on the ship with her family.

Chapter 3: Dinner with old friends (and new)

“Ladies, Jackson, welcome. Please, have a seat,” Ron greeted them.

“Oh, my gosh, it looks so beautiful!” Elizabeth complimented.

“Thank you. We take our christmases very seriously on the Polaris,” he grinned.

“How do you decorate something that looks like a rhino in a rainstorm? Not to mention its size. I'm guessing, what… 125 maybe eight-foot Christmas trees laid end to end?” Kate asked.

“Well, I've never quite heard it put that way before,” Ron laughed.

“Kate has quite a way with words sometimes, don't you, darling?” Elizabeth smiled at her daughter.

“Well, the senior chief who runs the post office is in charge of all things Christmas, and he's been here forever,” Ron told her as they took their seats.

“Waste of time if you ask me. Ships are for combat… Not Christmas,” Jake spoke up as he walked in with the woman from the ball from the other door.

“And that is why they start to call him the grinch around Christmas time. Great fighter pilot, but a bit of a Christmas curmudgeon. Oh, forgive my manners. Charlotte, welcome,” Ron greeted.

“Thank you for the invite, Captain,” Charlotte smiled.

“Hmm. This is Elizabeth, Kate, and Jackson. I flew with their father.”

Charlotte nodded. “Nice to meet you all!”

“Charlotte is a successful writer,” Ron told them.

“Oh. What do you write about?” Kate asked.

“Romance. I'm a big traveler, so I find amazing love stories from around the world and turn them into novels,” Charlotte told them.

“Wow, how interesting. You know, I met Jake's mother on a Christmas tiger cruise about 35 years ago,” Ron reminisced.

“Really?” Kate asked.

“Mm-hm. I was a young lieutenant at the time, and Barbara was a college student visiting her brother. How's that for a unique love story?” Ron asked.

“Without the happy ending,” Jake muttered under his breath.

“So your father was looking for Christmas presents for you kids at a flea market in Japan. And he asked the vendor for a doll… Using his best Japanese, of course. Well, she thought he said… "Cat." Well, your father, he was so confused,” Ron told them.

“I remember the little Japanese dolls he got me,” Kate nodded.

“Yeah. He bought you… A kimono, Elizabeth. Pink with flowers, if I recall,” Ron asked her mother and Elizabeth nodded.

“Yeah. He did.”

“It was always your father's mission to find you girls something new and exciting for Christmas. I used to do the same for Jake.”

Jake scoffed. “Most kids find their presents under the tree. Found mine in the mailbox every year.”

Another man in uniform walked in.

“Dan, hey. You made it,” Ron greeted.

“Sorry I missed dinner. I was airborne,” Dan apologized.

“Dan's a pilot, and Charlotte's brother. They're old family friends,” Jake explained.

“Mom said Dan and I needed more quality time together, so here I am on a Navy ship,” Charlotte laughed.

“So you're not…” Kate trailed off.

“Not what? Oh, together? No, no. I love Jake like my own brother. Oh, Dan, that reminds me. We promised mom we'd call her after dinner. I hope you don't mind if we sneak out?” Charlotte asked.

“No, not at all, not at all. Looks like we're finished up anyway,” Ron told her.

“Yeah, I have to work the night shift,” Jackson stood up.

“Oh. Can I come watch you for a bit? Please? I want to see you in action,” Elizabeth asked as she stood too.

“I'd love that, mom. I'll get some coffees to go. Kate, you want to come?” Jackson asked.

“No, I'm kind of tired,” Kate told him and Jackson nodded.

“Thank you so much. It was just perfect,” Elizabeth told Ron as Jackson took her arm to lead her out.

“You're welcome. Uh, Jake, why don't you walk Kate to her stateroom. It's very easy to get lost around here.” Ron told him before leaving the room with Jackson and their mother. 

“Looks like it's just the two of us,” Kate rubbed her hands together.

“Can't believe you thought Charlotte was my girlfriend,” Jake teased.

“Well, I mean, first there was the ball, then she showed up at dinner. I think it's a natural assumption.”

“That makes sense. It's just funny 'cause my dad's always telling me that if I don't meet someone, I'm gonna be alone forever,” Jake snickers.

“My brother tells me the same thing. He say he wants me to find lasting love,” Kate laughs and Jake raises a brow. “Jackson wants me to date an officer, which is not gonna happen. Sorry, it's just that military life is not for me,” she elaborated.

“It's not for everyone,” Jake admits.

“It's pretty amazing, though, that your dad met your mom on a Christmas tiger cruise. Does that happen often?” Kate asked him.

“Wouldn't know. I'm not really focused on that kind of thing. I'm just here to fly my jet and serve this country,” Jake shrugged.

“You said something at dinner about it having an unhappy ending. What did you mean?” Kate asked.

“Nothing. It's not important.” The two of them walked in silence for a moment. “This place is like a giant maze.”

Jake nodded. “Twenty stories high and almost as long as the empire state building is tall. Here we are,” he came to a stop in front of a doorway.

“Wow. Thanks for helping me get back.”

Jake offered her his thousand watt smile. “Just call me your top gun tour guide. Staterooms are in there.”

Kate laughed. “Okay, thanks. See you tomorrow?” She asked.

“See you tomorrow,” he confirmed before she turned down the corridor to her stateroom and entered it.

“Captain?”

Ron turned from the navigation screens he was looking at the next morning. “Huh. It's Ron. And come on in, please. Hi, Kate, what can I do for you today?” he asked.

“Well, I was thinking about something you said at dinner last night, about meeting your wife on a Christmas tiger cruise,” Kate started.

“Ah, Christmas 1984, yeah. But I should tell you, Barbara and I got divorced a long time ago,” Ron told her.

“I'm sorry. Jake alluded to something at dinner,” she apologized.

“The divorce was tough on him as a kid,” Ron admitted sadly.

“Well, military life is hard on any family,” Kate sympathized.

“I hear you. But, you know, some couples do figure it out. Barbara and I, we weren't the first ones to fall in love on a tiger cruise, you know,” Ron told Kate.

“Do you happen to know anyone that I could maybe talk to about that?” Kate asked.

“I'd have to ask around. Everybody's kind of all over the place these days.”

Kate nodded. It was understandable. “Thanks. There must be such rich history on this ship,” she remarked.

“Well, if you're interested, we do have an archives room. Photos, records. You might find something in there,” Ron told her.

“I'd love to take a look.” Kate smiled.

“What's this for, anyway? A story?” he asked.

“Maybe, I… I don't really know yet,” Kate told him.

“Well, I'd find it interesting. Tell you what, I'll have Jake take you for a look around. He can help you with anything you need.”

Kate raised a brow. “Sir, do you think he's gonna be okay with that? Romance and Christmas?” Kate asked.

“Honestly... No! But it might do him some good.”

Jake happened to walk in just as his dad finished speaking.

“No. I have flight ops, and we're trying to finish all the maintenance logs before the end of the year. I'm too busy, pops,” Jake told him.

“I'll clear your schedule. You get Kate whatever she needs. That's an order, Lieutenant Seresin!” Ron smirked and shot Kate a wink before shooing them away. 

[reflectionsofacreator]

Started playing Gotham Knights and oh no, this feels like it's catered to Me, Specifically. I can already tell I'm gonna sink a lot of hours into this. Just from the first couple of missions I'm having a lot of fun, and I'm curious to know how combat opens up later.

I know that the Arkham games are "better" but I'm gonna be honest, the grimdark tone of them doesn't fit well with me and I can't exactly see myself having a lot of fun with them. It doesn't hurt that I'm more interested in the kids than Bruce himself, and I like the fact that GK has him as a lingering presence that haunts the narrative rather than a playable character.

I'm still very unsure about how I feel about Barbara moving away from being Oracle and back to Batgirl. I know there's a lot of in universe justification for it, between advancements in medicine and other things like physical therapy/back braces, but it... hm. I like Oracle as a concept more than I want Babs to be Batgirl (nevermind the fact that I feel like she's a little old to have the Batgirl title), and I really wish they had branched out to Cass or Stephanie for the role.

Maybe the game will surprise me, who knows -- I'm still very early in, and I haven't chosen Batgirl for any major missions yet. I know that I'll probably do a bunch of playthroughs of the game to see character interactions depending on who you're controlling (because I am Mentally Unwell and a slut for character interactions) so I'm willing to let it lie for now.

Another reason why I feel like I'm having fun with it is that it's reminding me a lot of the Sly Cooper games, and it's scratching the itch that Assassin's Creed instilled in me of "be stealthy, scare the shit out of the mobs" and getting bonuses for doing so. I've been cackling a little.

Anyways, we'll see how this turns out~

[athena-is-a-chaotic-lil-shit]

Of Ice and Blood

Part 6

Part 6~ cuz I love y'all <3 don't forget to drink your vitamins and keep hydrated! Stay safe and healthy my loves :)

Word count: 3k+ words

Pairing: Tai'chi Kashharzol (Orc) x Pearl Blackbell (Human OC/Reader)

Warnings: None. (tis a fluff-filled chapter)

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

* beware of little shifts in perspective from two characters, we will be jumping casually from their minds.

*

You caught the orc staring at you again, with a smile that made his tusks jut out more. "H-Hi!" you blurted out, waving.

As you began walking towards him, you found yourself losing balance, your legs giving out. You closed your eyes reflexively and expected to land face-first on the tiled floor.

Only you didn't.

You felt a strong arm around your waist and a large hand on your back, nearly covering the expanse of it. Instead of the floor, you found yourself smushed against something warm, and that thing, you figured out a second later, was Tai'chi's chest. You became flustered and felt your cheeks and ears redden. Your nose was practically inhaling his scent now, all that musky and rich smell of his making you light-headed. Stuttering, you pulled your head back.

"I-I-I— Ta-Tai'chi???"

Congratulations self, that was perfect, wow.

"Hm? Oh, uh, sorry. I acted on impulse when I saw you collapse." He said as the grip he had on you slackened and moved to hold your shoulder to support you in case you fall again, his other hand, though, remained in its place behind you.

"Don't w-worry about it. My legs just gave out, haha."

That came out awkwardly.

Damn, he is fast.

"Are you sure you're okay?" He asked, his words filled with genuine concern. Your ears were sporting a tinge of red, he noticed. Your scent also changed, signaling you were flustered.

"Ye-yep! We should uh, head back to class now. Oh! We haven't eaten anything for lunch." You said and as if on cue, your stomach grumbled to agree, followed by another grumble but louder, it wasn't yours but Tai'chi's.

The two of you laughed from the sounds they made.

"You're right. How about we go to the cafeteria first to grab something before we head back to our classroom?" He asked, smiling down at you.

"Great idea!" You agreed, a little too eager than you would've liked.

"We should get going then."

He straightened up and removed his hand from your shoulder when he was certain you wouldn't stumble again. Though, he let his hand on your back linger a bit longer even after you left the office.

**************************************

The trip to the cafeteria was peaceful, minus the sounds of muffled talking coming from the rooms. Tai'chi was beside you as you walked down the halls, thankful that your legs found their strength again.

Arriving at the significantly less crowded canteen, both of you went ahead and ordered some food before finding a place to eat. Spotting a vacant one a few tables from the main entrance, you trudged to it, Tai'chi following close. You sat down and got a clearer look at his tray.

It was a lot, though you expected it to be. There were more vegetables than meat though.

"Not a fan of meat?"

He looked at you and laughed, echoing through the whole cafeteria, which resulted in some students glancing in your direction.

You were a bit taken aback, not expecting that sort of reaction from him.

"I'm sorry. I just- I don't know why I found it funny. I meant no offense."

"None taken."

"To answer you, I'm a huge fan of meat, red meat to be exact. This was the only portion that's left when I asked for more. And I'm still growing so I made up for the lack of meat with the vegetables. We orcs love a healthy and hearty meal."

What he said made you smile even more.

"What about you?" He glanced at your tray to see a portion almost similar to his albeit more assorted. This made him look back up and you, flabbergasted. "You can eat all of that?"

You looked down to inspect your food choice, and you instantly felt self-conscious.

"I...Uhm yes. I can." You replied, albeit meekly.

Tai'chi noticed the sudden change in your voice and made himself clear; "No, no I didn't mean it like that. I'm just, well, as you already know I haven't met many humans aside from the ones in a village back home, so I was just surprised." Watching him explain himself made you smile again. The thought of you being repulsive vanished out into thin air.

"I eat a lot. Though sometimes I eat more junk than healthy food. Anyways, let's begin, shall we? We're already late and I'm starving!" Laughing, you both know today's attendance in class isn't much of an issue. They did say there won't be any lessons today to give time for 'socializing' instead.

You stopped in your tracks when you realized you haven't shown him your face ever since you met. You looked around to see if anyone was watching and stole glances at the one in front of you. You slowly removed your mask and revealed your face. Not many have seen you without it, only those who are close to you, specifically your family.

"I guess this is the first time you've seen my face, huh?" Nervous, you asked.

Tai'chi stared at you so intensely you felt self-conscious once again. "I-Is there something wrong?"

'Shit, does he find me unattractive? Weird? Not that I expected the opposite but —'

"No. No, there's nothing wrong. You-"

"I'm what?"

"You're beautiful."

'Did he just—'

Your face heated up again and this time you had no mask to hide it.

Hastily, you covered your face with one hand and looked away.

He was snapped out of his thoughts when you did, coughing into his fist before he started eating.

Once you cooled down, you did the same. Trying to focus on the savory food they served in the uni.

Eat, damn it.

You barely noticed the orc, or perhaps you chose not to, as you wolf down your food like you haven't eaten for weeks. Another thing he found admirable and attractive. You ate cleanly, not letting a single piece of food go to waste.

He'll have to find some time later to formally introduce himself, along with other...things.

***********************************

You leaned back on your chair, noticing Tai'chi doing the same, as you let the feeling of content wash over yourselves. The food was great! You made a note to thank the cook later.

You sat up after a moment and arranged your dirty utensils. You were against the thought of making the cafeteria's job of cleaning harder than it is. So you cleaned up, stacked plates properly in your tray with concentration, you didn't realize until later that you did the same to his dishes. You didn't spare a peek up into his eyes or else you'd make a fool out of yourself again. Taking a napkin, you wiped your mouth clean before you quickly put on your mask, much to Tai'chi's dismay.

You stood up but before you could walk away, a hand reached out to grab your arm, stopping you. He stood up from his seat.

"Pearl."

"Uh, yes?"

"There's still time before our next class starts. Would you mind taking a stroll around the campus with me?"

"Y-Yeah— sure. I wouldn't mind." You replied, avoiding his gaze.

The two of you strolled around the quiet grounds of the campus. There were trees, younger than the ones in the forest. You took in the nice scenery before you, feeling the fresh, cool air, the gentle rustling of leaves, calming, and the scent of your companion to your left, relaxing and sweet. You were in a daze, barely paying attention when Tai'chi said your name and stood still.

"Hmm?"

He chuckled lightly at your response.

"I want to continue where we left off in the forest."

"Oh. Oh, of course."

"I want to know more about you, Pearl. So I'll start with my true name." He knelt down which startled you momentarily.

.

"I am Tai'chi Kashharzol, eldest of five siblings, son of Durog and Gala. I come from the Northern stronghold of clan Fatof'san. Before I came down to the city, I was trained and taught basic socialization by an old human who lived in the village under our protection.

"I went through one of my clan's traditions and hunted down my first Snow Bear. The elders gave me an honorary title to carry, right after my kill."

You stood there listening to him earnestly as he told you all of this with pride, taking in each word and committing them into memory.

"I was given the name, 'Frostbreaker'. It is my warrior name." He took a breath before he asked. "Will you honor me of becoming my friend?"

All of this sounds like a confession— technically it is but there's something, intimate about it. The way his eyes shone with such determination and something you can't figure out.

Should I ask? He stopped talking, snap out of it–

"Oh, wow. I mean yes! Yes I'll be your friend. I'd be more than happy to. The honor is mine!"

You beamed as he returned a toothy grin.

"Right. I should also say something like that, well, uh, wait." You were slightly nervous as you removed your mask, offering a shy smile before speaking.

Breathe in.

And out.

"I am Pearl Blackbell, only child and daughter of Leon and Athena Blackbell. I'm from a town, West of here, Red Springs is its name. My parents taught me martial arts, and, uh, the use of self-defense weapons." You paused and showed him your crimson knuckles. "This is my favorite one to use, I'm sure you noticed already. My father... didn't want me to leave home without any assurance that I can defend myself. You were right when you said I have experience in combat. A decent amount of it," you sighed.

"I always, almost every day, get into trouble standing up for someone, bullied, or abused. I also held my own when someone tries to harass me, smashing their faces in."

Tai'chi in turn listened closely, his gaze intense on you. He was concerned about what you implied. Many attempted to assault you? How many times? Did they hurt you? Your smile faltered as you told him the next things about yourself.

"I... didn't have friends as I grew up. People tend to be afraid of what they do not understand, y'know? They didn't want me near them, finding me weird for wearing a mask, plus my reputation for punching humans didn't help," you laughed self-deprecatingly. "So I spent my whole high school years training, mastering my art with the help of my father, who was of course, very strict and hard on me." Finding nothing else comfortable to say at this stage, you went quiet.

"Can I ask you a question?" The orc said a moment later. He was bothered by the fact you had no friends, not even one. And training, training meant pain.

"Only if I can ask one in return." You replied, feeling bold all of a sudden. He grinned at this.

"Why do you always wear a mask?"

There was no trace of ulterior motive in his scent, not the usual annoyance you smelled every time someone asked the same question. So you answered him, honestly.

"Promise you won't get weirded out?"

"I swear on my name."

"Oh. oh, okay that's good. You see, my nose, or my sense of smell specifically, is err, not normal."

Now this made Tai'chi's eyes widen. Did you have an illness of sorts? Is your health in danger? Were you h–

"I can tell how someone is feeling based on the changes in their scent. My nose is very sensitive to odors so I keep wearing a mask every time I go outside. It has been like this since I was born. My doctors say it's rare for a human to possess, they say it's special, a gift from a higher being."

"When we went in the cafeteria after our first class, "—Tai'chi inserted— "Was the reason you stopped advancing inside further, the sour and disgusting smell of the students in there?"

"Yes, actually— Wait, how did you know?" you asked.

How does he know??? Did he just smirk?

"I can smell them too."

"You can?!"

"Yes."

"So you mean to tell me, my nose functions similarly like yours?"

"Yes, perhaps, a little bit differently. Or maybe it's because you didn't hone it."

"How can you say so?"

"I can block out certain smells if I want to. And based on your reaction early on, you're having a hard time doing so, is that right?"

"W-Well, yes. You're right. Usually, I'd wear a mask with a basic filtration device, but that doesn't work when I'm inside a closed space and the scents are all mixed up and concentrated."

Tai'chi nodded in reply. He began to stand up and you were met with his towering form once again. You took a step back so you can put less strain on your neck from looking up.

"You still owe me an answer to a question by the way."

"Go on and ask then."

"So, uh, is it just me or when you told me about you...it kind of felt different from how talking to a friend sounds like..." You fidgeted, a certain heat slowly creeps up your face again as you looked around not wanting to meet his gaze. You felt your heart rate increase as you noticed his scent change, telling you you were right.

Tai'chi sighed heavily and rubbed his temples before gathering the courage to talk.

"Yes, it was different."

"So..."

"We use that kind of formality, usually towards someone we want to court."

Did he say 'court'?!

"C-Court??" you squeaked. Pretty sure your face is redder than the color of your brass knuckles, your heart hammering in your chest you believed he could hear it.

"Courting, or dating, or whatever everyone calls it down here." Breathing in deeply, he returned to kneel before you and took your hands into his, large palms caressing your small ones.

"I'll have to rephrase my words."

He locked his gaze into yours, deep blue eyes to your mahogany ones.

"Will you allow me to court you, Pearl Blackbell?"

"W-Why would you want to court me?"

The hell would someone want to court me? I'm seen as a freak by most people and I'm not soft or girly like the others. I don't like skirts or dresses. I hate makeup. I have calloused hands, scars hidden under my clothes. I don't understand —

He gave you a soft smile, cutting off your train of self-deprecating thoughts. "I can hear your mind, Pearl. Don't think low of yourself. You are amazing, y'know that? The first time I saw your eyes, and the moment you fought for my sake, I knew I was smitten. You are graceful, each motion fluid and filled with strength, people would never expect you possess until they feel it through a punch you throw. You are kind, righteous, beautiful, strong, with a heart of gold. It is a shame how most people do not see it. I want to prove myself to you, and win your heart properly."

You were about to pass out from his confession when you remembered you need to respond! Gathering what courage and energy you have left, you answered.

"I...Oh my God... I don't know what to say— I've never experienced this, ever! I'm afraid I won't know what to do- what if I mess up? What if I—"

"Listen, liga ni..." He cut you off as he rubbed circles on your hands, that small shift of language sent his voice into a guttural one. "This is also a first for me, and I share your fears in this. But my wish to pursue you remains unwavered. I will try my best to woo you, and if I do something you didn't like, it is up to you to end the courting, any time you want, and I will stop immediately. I hope we would stay friends if it comes that..." He said as he broke eye contact and looked down.

"Tai'chi..." Seeing him sad like this made your chest twist in discomfort.

Steadying yourself, you studied him, his scent was pure, no malice within his words, he was speaking from his heart. With renewed confidence, you finally decided.

"Tai'chi Kashharzol...I wish to court you as well."

He snapped up his gaze back to you and saw you smile. He scented you just to make sure you weren't doing this out of pity. The moment he realized it was genuine he lifted you in the air and spun you around. You were surprised at the sudden outburst but laughed together with him once you got over it. He set you down after a while and moved his face close to yours but halted immediately when he saw your eyes widen.

"Too forward?" He asked.

"Y-Yeah." Your heart was doing backflips, even if that sounds so ridiculous.

He understood. "I apologize, I got carried away." But before he pulled back you pressed a quick kiss on his forehead. He almost purred from the gesture but suppressed it as not to scare you in any way. You were new to this after all. He cleared his throat and reached out a hand to you.

"We should head back, our class will start soon."

"O-okay." You moved to wear your mask again before taking his hand, enjoying the rest of the walk in silence. You were still nervous, but you decided to focus on the now.

I've never felt like this before... Is it a good thing? I think it is.

And with that on your mind, you let yourself relax.

*

A pair of cruel eyes witnessed the whole exchange, remaining unnoticed as he hid behind a tree, a good distance from where you stood. They watched you and the orc walk away before they went the other direction.

"She will be fun to break. A female, human Blackbell, tempting. This will be a great chance to demonstrate and prove how monstrous an orc could be." They snickered. "I will enjoy this, exceptionally."

"In time, Pearl. In time."

****************************************

Now now who is this suspicious person?!

Liga ni — means 'little one' (as an endearment) in Orcish

Tags: @crackinanutshell @kokokatsworld @mitchiesdungeon

[a-yarn-of-purple-prose]

I spent hours writing a Genshin Impact fanfic yesterday because I had a sudden (sfw) image involving Razor. Somehow I have written about 3000 words and still haven't got to that scene, however I have written a Diluc scene that I like very much.

Here, have at it, I promise you it hasn't been beta read or actually spellchecked. It also hasn't revealed its name to me:

*

Lumine liked camping near Statues of the Seven for the ambience - it was an ever so peaceful a place to sleep - but of course the eventual healing helped. So she left Paimon to light the campfire while she took the a short walk to the statue and payed her respects to Barbatos. As she opened her eyes and checked that the bruises from the day's combat were gone, she had the distinct feeling of being watched. The Traveller turned slowly, not calling her sword yet but already in a fighting stance. A calm, cultured voice greeted her.

"I'm terribly sorry if my presence startled you, Honorary Knight, I was simply unwilling to intrude upon your prayers." The red haired arrival said, standing a few steps away, like he had been there all along. If Lumine weren't already aware of Diluc's alternate identity as Mondstadt's vigilante, she would have been impressed with his stealth.

"Master Diluc, hello. I didn't hear you arrive." She said, returning to a more relaxed stance.

"You seemed lost in thought. Any interesting commissions bringing you here?"

"No, not that." He seemed interested in her pause, so she pressed on. "Were you looking for me? I'm open for commissions. For tomorrow, I mean. I have a, hm, previously appointed engagement for this afternoon."

"Oh? And would this engagement be your fortnightly game of hide and seek with Razor?"

"As a matter of fact, yes." How he knew of that is beside her, but Lumine did her best to keep her surprise from showing. There was something about Diluc that reminded her of things long forgotten and brought out her manners. It took her conscious effort not to fall on full etiquette.

He just nodded in response. "Then please, be careful to put out any fires before leaving your camp. It's dry season and the wind carries flame very well around here."

"I guess you'd know." She said, before realizing that, yes, he would know. They were a stone's throw from Dawn Winery. She had no idea how Mondstadt's land was divided and if there were any other landowners around. They were probably trespassing. "Oh no. Are we camping in your land? Is that fine? Should we move?"

A shadow of a thought crossed his face at this, some conflict Lumine did not had time to understand before he was once more impassive. "That is not needed. Just be cautious." Then he walked a few steps before turning again. "I'm sure the Honorary Knight doesn't need reminding, but your title grants your freedom of the land."

So he couldn't kick them out even if he wanted. Lumine ponders over the idea of leaving in her walk back to camp, then discards it. After all, she does have freedom of the land.

"Hey, Paimon, how you feel about sheep?"

"They're yummy. Not many around here, though. Why?"

"Nothing, just thinking about things from other worlds."

"Paimon thinks you missed a great show!"

"I did?"

"Master Diluc came around to check who was camping. You should have seen him all dashing in his horse!"

"I saw him. Talked to him, actually. Wait, horse?"

"Yes!" Paimon said, doing her excited little joy dance. "A white horse! He was like a storybook prince!"

"Damn, I can't believe I missed that. He gave me his cold face routine."

"Paimon thinks that's a terrible waste of a pretty face."

Lumine laughs at the description. Not because pretty is the wrong adjective for Diluc, but because it is very correct, but he would probably be mortified hearing it. "Anyway, I should be going. Don't want it to be too dark when I come back."

"Okay! I'll hold the fort!" Paimon said with a mock salute.

"And, please, don't set fire to the forest." Lumine said before leaving.

Paimon acted hurt, her face a pantomime of horror and disbelief. "Paimon would never!"

"It's what your prince in a white horse asked me to say!" Lumine said. Her laugher was still ringing through the skies as she deployed her glider and rode the wind down into Wolvendom.

[jhmyguardiangel]

Ahhh I'm the mysterious reader from a couple days ago, a little embarrassed to reveal myself /// so I'll stay on anon haha^^;; I saw you were doing the drabble thing, may I request Jeonghan & doodles? (You're probably being flooded with Jeonghan requests because you write for him so well~ or at least I think so ♡)

Genre: Fluff

Category: Seventeen Plus

Drabble title: Doodles

A/N: Hi there! I’m sorry this took too long. Been busy in school but I finally found the time to do drabbles! Thanks so much heheh I hope you like it! x

Word count: 744

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The week was cold and piles of snow filled up the sidewalk outside your house. Stockings and decorations displayed along the living room walls. You sipped on your hot chocolate and admired the winter atmosphere. Christmas was just right around the corner. 

You typed the last of your essays before submitting it to your professor. Stretching your arms up high, the doorbell rang. You knew who it was and you were expecting him to come visit you.

“Hi babe.” you opened the door to see Jeonghan, your boyfriend, wearing a large white coat, a red scarf, gloves and a beanie. His cheeks were pink from the cold and you hugged him as he entered, taking his shoes off after.

“I guess I made it in time this year.” he said as he took his combat boots, coat, gloves, and beanie off and kissed your cheek. “So, what are we up to?”

“I don’t know actually. A little game of arm wrestling maybe?” you smiled as you pouted.

Jeonghan let out a sigh, smiling at your cute gesture. “Okay. But don’t blame me when you lose.”

“Oh we’ll see.” you had your game on and sat beside the center tea table. “I got my game on.”

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“Okay okay! I give up!” you admitted defeat, pouting at the strong force Jeonghan gave. He laughed like a child and hugged you as if he won the lottery. “Let’s play another game.”

“Ah. I’m actually in the mood of drawing, you know, doodling.” he fiddled with your fingers, his arms wrapped around your back. 

“Boring.” you jokingly complained. “Alright, let’s doodle.”

“Got a paper and a pen?” he asked, pinching your cheek.

You looked at him with a grin on your face. “I have a pen, I have an app-”

“Babe, please don’t.” he covered your face with his large hands.

You laughed your way up the stairs to take papers and pens. Once you got down, Jeonghan was playing with his phone and immediately smiled when he saw you. 

“Jeonghan, what are we going to doodle? Isn’t that for kids?”

“Well we are kids at heart,” he helped you place your pens and papers on the table before sitting beside you. He placed his cheek on his hand and bit his lip. “You know what? I’m gonna draw you.”

“Oh really?” you sat straight. “Then…paint me like one of your French girls.” you said dramatically said as you posed.

Jeonghan laughed his heart out when he heard this, followed by yours. Whenever he laughed, he had this little habit of hugging and showering you with little kisses.

“Ahem.” you both turned around to see your mother. “Here’s some chocolate crinkles and hot cocoa.” she placed them on the table and smiled. “I believe you two are doing homework?”

You and Jeonghan immediately let go of each other, blushing. 

“Uh. Aunt (Y/M/N), we were but-”

“Paint her well, Jeonghan, dear.” she winked and left, holding a tray.

You and your boyfriend exchanged looks and laughed yet again, covering your faces as you did.

“Okay.” Jeonghan sat a meter away from you. “Just sit still and this won’t take long.”

It took Jeonghan almost ten minutes to finish his drawing. Once he took a glance of you, you were already fast asleep. He leaned closer to you, mirroring your position. He smiled lovingly and caressed your hair, placing a kiss on your forehead. You were cute when you’re asleep.

“You took it from me, for sleeping too much, babe.” he mumbled and kissed your knuckles.

You woke up to see him cupping your cheek. “Oh. You’re done already?”

He chuckled and sat up, “Yeah.” he passed to you his paper.

You stared at his drawing and wiped your eyes. “Uh, babe?”

“Hm?” Jeonghan looked at you as he was fixing your pens.

“This is a rabbit.” you stared at him.

“What? You’re soft and cuddly. Mostly cute.” he said with a twinkle in his eyes.

You laughed and handed him a paper. “I drew you too.”

Jeonghan swiftly put his arms around your waist expectantly. “Oh? Really? Let me see.” he sighed.

“Y/N, babe. This is a sloth.”

“Mhm. Lazy and slow.” you pecked his cheek.

He smiled, “That I cannot deny.”