#also i am looking at all these posts with concern

[ofbatsandballads]

please take this. I made myself cry writing it and I have nothing to say except that putting ya’aburnee and darling by halsey on my jason playlist was a brutal choice. also look up flower language if you want additional feelings.

There’s so many things you want for Jason Todd.

You want him to get a good night’s sleep for once. You let him close his pretty seafoam eyes and lay his head in the crook of your neck as you scratch gently at his scalp. It always calms him down, grounds him in the here and now. Your arms around him, your fingers carding through his hair, the rise and fall of your chest that’s synced with his–it all reminds him that he’s safe, that he’s home. You want that feeling to follow him into his dreams, to let him find true rest. So when his body goes tense and his breathing gets labored, you hold him closer and hum gently into his ear until whatever haunts him in his sleep is chased away by the comfort you bring.

You want to make sure he’s protected. You wish you could deflect every hit, blade, and bullet away from his body. You wish he would see his body as something worth protecting. He would stop if you asked, would settle into a normal life as best as he could. You would never ask because to do so would be to deny the part of him you love most: his heart that beats to help others. So you protect him in the ways that you can. You stitch cuts and treat burns, you mend his jackets and help clean his guns. More than anything, you guard his peace of mind like it’s the most valuable thing in the world. You’re never cruel to him, never scream vicious words or toss him out into the cold night. You call Bruce and thank him for the first edition Jane Austen novels that arrived on your doorstep on August 16th when Jason just…can’t. You let him grip your hand brutally tight under the table when you go to the manor for Thanksgiving for the first time. And when it gets really bad? When he feels the burning of green waters that breathed life into him that he didn’t want, when hideous laughter echoes in a place it’s never been? You do something no one has ever done for him. You wait. You stay. You stay by his side until he can breathe again, until dawn breaks and he can see the light again. And always, always you, haloed in it like an angel he doesn’t think he deserves. He does.

You want him to have a good cup of hot chocolate. He told you about it once when he came home after a long winter patrol. Half delirious from exhaustion, he reminisced about how Bruce would make them both a cup of hot chocolate after particularly rough or successful patrols in December. How this specific hot chocolate had no equal—even Alfred couldn’t replicate the richness and warmth. You noticed the fondness in his voice, the longing so intense that it still makes your heart ache for him. So you do some light stalking and hunt down Tim Drake, demand that he give you the information you want or else you’ll disclose how he really lost his spleen to Bruce (why he was dense enough to tell Jason, you’ll never know). And that is how Bruce Wayne, billionaire philanthropist single father and the Batman, receives an email with the subject line “URGENT: Recipe Request” that reads as follows:

To whom it may concern,

I have been made aware that you have a remarkably compelling hot chocolate recipe that is hitherto unparalleled by cafes, franchises, and butlers alike. I am emailing you to inquire about my being sent this recipe post-haste. This is less a request than a demand. I will do my best to ensure that you, at some point in time not specified (it will take great effort on my part), are able to witness the consumption of the hot chocolate by the individual that will be receiving the product of the recipe.

Best regards,

Someone who loves your son.

Bruce sends the recipe the second he receives the email. He has to sneak his phone under the conference table at the Wayne Enterprises board meeting to do it, but he still manages to reply in two minutes and forty-seven seconds. And you make good on your promise. You don’t think you’ve ever seen Jason shine as brightly as he does that Christmas, lit up by the lights on the twelve foot tree as he sips his hot chocolate from the same red mug that’s been sitting in the kitchen cabinet since he last drank from it. The matching black mug is clasped in the hands of the hot chocolate connoisseur himself, who smiles softly like the magic of the season has returned to his life for the first time in ages.

You want him to heal. It’s a big ask; you know that. But you’ve never been one for giving up hope, and if anyone can manage to achieve the impossible, it’s Jason. So you tell him it’s a great idea when he jokes about getting a therapist. You wait for him in the car the first time he goes and you let him open up to you in his own time when he comes out of the appointment body tight as a bowstring and eyes bloodshot. You watch quietly and celebrate the little victories you see him win. He can call his father first now; he doesn’t do it often, but he can. He can talk to his younger brother without hating his hands and the blood that’s been spilled on them, without going out on patrol and intentionally letting all the worst hits make contact. He can go out to lunch with his older brother and his youngest, can laugh with them over that ridiculous thing Bruce did at a gala once to make them all laugh. He can bear his birthday a little bit better now, can accept the cake you bake and actually make a wish when he blows out the candles. But you’ll never know about the moment that you start to get what you want. Jason goes to visit his own grave on the anniversary of his death and finds a bouquet of red carnations, baby’s breath, and honeysuckle with a note in your handwriting that reads “Someone told me once that you were magic, that that was the best thing about you. I think it’s far more important that you were loved. I don’t know what you could’ve been. I don’t wonder about it like those that loved you did because all I know is who you became. He’s wonderful. He’s still magic. I think you’d be proud of him. I’ll do my best to take care of him for you.” He sits there for an hour in tears. Then he takes one bud of each flower and the note, goes home and presses them into the pages of his favorite book. He holds you in his arms in bed that night and feels, for the first time in a long time, a sense of peace down to his very bones.

You want—above all else—Jason Todd to feel loved. You want him to feel so cherished and wanted that he cannot possibly look at himself without realizing that he is something precious, something beloved. So you tell him that you love him and you accept his warm embrace as his way of saying it back. You make him chocolate chip cookies and sneak one into the pocket of his tactical pants when he goes on patrol (they’re soft, they don’t get crunched when he’s thrown from a roof). You read his favorite books to understand what he’s saying when he goes off on tangents about class and social hierarchy and how they governed life in the 19th century. You trace his scars and kiss away his tears when he can’t believe that he could be transformed from a being marred by brutality into a man revered with gentleness. You will love him until the day you both die. You will love him in death, until whatever atoms made up you and him come together again. You will love him until everything that ever is or ever was ceases to be in a supernova of light. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll love him in whatever is born after.

[otomiyaa]

A/N: Posting the long-ass thing I gifted to @ticklygiggles during the holidays with her fav pairings!

Summary: Mondstadt's Winter Festival has arrived, and Aether has made it his job to make sure everyone is having fun… among other things! (Also on AO3)

Word Count: 10K

Prologue

Winter season was here, and this time again, it seemed that Mondstadt was all for exceeding the previous year’s traditions and festivities. 

A spectacular festival, with musical performances, special treats just for the season, attracting friends from all over Teyvat to spend the cold days right here in the City of Freedom. 

With the start of the event just around the corner, Aether and Paimon were helping out a lot. Aether assisted with the decorations with his practical use of all elements, and his Serenitea Pot could offer additional lodgings when all hotels and inns were fully booked. Paimon especially helped a lot at the food stalls, and no, hehe, not only by eating everything. Although, pre-tasting food was definitely part of her joyful duties.

Most of all… Aether was here to help out Albedo who was experimenting at home for the first festive alchemy show of Mondstadt. Inspired by Lyney’s magic show and Gaming’s dance, Aether had made the suggestion that Mondstadt could add some exciting entertainment as well, apart from the musical performances, especially for the enjoyment of the youth. 

He did not expect this would become the task of his very own boyfriend, Albedo, and although the sweet alchemist was reluctant at first, he had been enjoying some new types of experiments recently. Sometimes these went well, and sometimes they didn’t. And well, today….

“I’m home,” Aether announced as he entered Albedo’s chambers. He then gasped when confronted with the mess inside. 

Today’s experiments didn’t seem to be going well!

Albedo x Aether

Albedo didn’t appear very worried about his predicament, however the moment he saw Aether, his face brightened.

“Welcome home,” he greeted casually. Aether snorted. There was a strange sticky slime all over the place, and apparently Albedo found himself stuck underneath the substance as well.

“What happened?” Aether asked, carefully stepping around the slimy disaster. Albedo hummed.

“I am not sure. When I tried another trick for the alchemy show, this happened. Please don’t tell Paimon about this.” 

Pffft hehe. Paimon would’ve made an even bigger scene of this. Panic, maybe even hysterical laughter. Aether wasn’t sure. But Albedo was so calm. He wasn’t even squirming.

“Are you… Are you stuck?” Aether asked, finally reaching Albedo. He lay in a funny position on the floor, covered with the bright green slime. His legs and head were sticking out, and that was about all that was visible of him.

“I am. It would be great if you could help me get out.” 

He was the cutest. Aether had no idea for how long he’d been like this, but Albedo looked so at ease. He probably trusted that Aether would be here to help him. 

Chuckling, Aether grabbed Albedo’s notepad that was on the table. With only a few splashes of slime on it, the notes were safe from harm, and Aether checked them out.

“Uhuh. So, how do I get you out?” he asked when he didn’t understand the notes. Albedo shrugged.

“Maybe you can use some water? Or cut away the slime,” Albedo suggested. Looking at him again, Aether couldn’t help but giggle.

“Is it me or do you seem rather comfortable over there?” he asked. The lack of concern coming from Albedo was kind of hilarious. He was just lying there and not being very helpful. 

“Well, I can’t move after all,” Albedo said. Walking back towards him, Aether kneeled by his legs and poked them.

“What about these? They are still pretty slimeless,” he said. Albedo kicked.

“What can my legs do, then?” he asked. Aether shrugged.

“I’m not sure. It’s just funny to see you’re so relaxed.”

“Well, apart from the fact that we have to clean all this, there’s not much to be concerned ab-OH!” Albedo let out a funny yelp.

“We have to clean? I think it’s you who made this mess, Bedo. Not me,” Aether said, tickling the back of Albedo’s knee with one finger. The trapped alchemist now did start to squirm a little. His relaxed attitude changed.

“The shohow was your ideahehe, w-we cahan clean togetheher ahah!”

Aether tickled him more now and smirked. “I didn’t know you’d be getting yourself into trouble like this,” he teased, now tickling Albedo’s knees with both hands. Albedo started to kick and struggle, but his arms really seemed to be stuck to his torso underneath the slime. 

While his relaxed attitude had Aether doubt it before, he was now pretty sure he was as helpless as he claimed. And that…. Well. That gave him only more desire to make his precious boyfriend laugh until he couldn’t breathe.

“AHahaether! Dohohon’t! R-relehease me fihihirst!” Albedo kicked his legs weakly, but Aether sat on his calves and used all fingers to scribble behind his knees and all over those sweet sensitive thighs.

“If I’m going to tickle your pretty legs, I’m obviously doing it when you still can’t move, Bedo.”

“Juhust because you cahahan doesn’t mehean you should! Nahaha!” Albedo threw his head back, and Aether felt enchanted by how cute and charming he looked. Despite his predicament, covered with sticky slime and tickled to death, Albedo was as dazzling as ever.

“Ahaether! Nohhoho! Thihis is so chihildish- stohohop!” 

After tickling and teasing him for as long as he pleased, Aether finally gave his breathless lover a break and looked for a way to free him from the slime. Water didn’t seem to work, so in the end he indeed had to use a knife and carefully cut through the thick substance until it freed Albedo. Not without an ‘accidental’ tickle with his finger here, and a little ticklish scratch there, of course. 

“That was about time,” Albedo said when he was finally free.

“Pardon?” Aether poked him, making him jump, and Albedo caught his hand and pouted.

“The tickling part was rather unnecessary,” he said with a cute blush. Aether giggled and hugged him. Even though Albedo was still sticky and had a strange chemical smell on him, he was still his lovely huggable boyfriend.

“Was it that unnecessary? Trust me, anyone would’ve used the opportunity to use some tickling to make you laugh when you were that helplessly stuck.” 

“Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should,” Albedo lectured.

“You already said that. I’m serious, when presented with the opportunity, anyone would tickle their partner. It’s that simple.”

“No. I think it’s just you. Tickling is for the youth. Not everyone is so immature,” Albedo said with a playful smile. 

“Wanna bet?” Aether suggested.

“.....I don’t see the point.” 

“There is none. I’ll just prove it to you.”

“No need.” 

“Still, I’ll do it.”

“You’re being so silly.”

“Yup. Your silly.” 

While they cleaned up the room, they argued back and forth, and meanwhile Aether came up with his little plan. Not only was it going to prove to Albedo he was right. It was also going to make this festive week so much more fun! 

Wanderer x Sethos 

“....... How convenient.”

While Wanderer didn’t seem too delighted, Sethos was dying from happiness. Thank you, Traveler! Thank you! 

Due to the crowded hotels and inns, Aether had added his Serenitea Realm as an additional place for many guests to stay during Mondstadt’s Winter Festival, and Sethos was lucky to share a room with Wanderer. And not by accident, he assumed.

Pretty much everyone, including Aether and Wanderer himself, knew about Sethos and his schoolboy-crush on the mysterious scholar. He knew Wanderer didn’t necessarily dislike him, but he had never really responded to his advances so far. They were just friends, and nothing more.

So now that they were roommates for the week, Sethos was so excited. 

“He even left us this,” Wanderer sighed as if it was a problem. On both their beds, a gift was wrapped to celebrate the festive season.

“That’s so kind!” Sethos chirped. Before he opened his gift, Wanderer already opened his own and read the card to go along with it.

“To Wanderer: A festive hat to wear this week. Be sure to wear it, or I will make you. From Aether,” he read, and he looked at the red and green colored hat. 

“Well, how nice,” he sighed, but Sethos already rushed towards him and grabbed the hat.

 “That looks lovely! Put it on, please!” 

Wanderer rolled his eyes but did take his hat off so that Sethos could put the new one on. He looked really adorable like this. 

“You look great,” he whispered. Wanderer blushed a little and shrugged.

“So, what’s in yours? Don’t tell me we’ll be wearing matching hats,” he said. Sethos turned around and quickly returned to his gift.

“That’s right! Let’s see…” He excitedly tore away the paper and revealed… 

“A book?” Both he and Wanderer said at the same time. Sethos studied the cover.

“A special book of treasures for my dear friend Sethos…. From the Traveler…” he read out loud. 

“Treasures? What’s that supposed to mean,” Wanderer asked. Sethos wondered too and opened it. His eyes then widened. 

“T-this…” He blushed. They were very detailed research notes and observations, about something very specific.

“W-Wanderer’s tickle spots,” he whispered. 

“Hm? Pardon?” Wanderer stood by his side and tried to peek at the book, but Sethos quickly stepped away with a blush.

“What is it? Let me see,” Wanderer demanded impatiently, but Sethos quickly held the book in front of his face and scanned the pages quickly.

This was indeed valuable information. Out of nowhere! What a mischievous thing to do! Sethos hadn’t tickled Wanderer before. Sure he had some tickle fights with Cyno and with Aether before, but the thought of tickling his one and only crush just flustered him greatly. 

To think Aether would give him such a major push in that direction. His eyes found the first notes:

Always tell him you will tickle him. He’ll get flustered and deny he’s ticklish, making for the perfect build-up towards his demise. Try to catch him from behind, it will make him more vulnerable. Start with his sides.

So detailed… Sethos kept stepping away to avoid Wanderer’s curious grabby hands, and then suddenly he stopped and looked at him. He smirked.

“Wanderer. I’m going to tickle you,” he announced as was instructed.

“H-huh?!” He indeed got flustered immediately. “What are you s-suddenly…?!” 

“I’m going to tickle you,” Sethos repeated, pressing the notebook between his elbow and side so he had both hands to use. 

“That’s ridiculous! I’m not ticklish, you’ll be wasting your time,” Wanderer claimed as was expected. Sethos giggled.

“Oh, well if you’re not ticklish, you surely wouldn’t mind~!” 

He had hoped Wanderer would turn around and run as soon as Sethos wiggled his fingers at him, but it wasn’t going to be that easy. He raised his hands defiantly and was ready for a struggle, but luckily Sethos had sparred a little too much lately with Cyno and was proud to have gained some skill and agility. 

So he grabbed one of Wanderer’s arms and spun him around, pulling his arm behind his back. Then with his free hand he began to tickle his side with gentle squeezes and slow finger-wiggles. It proved to be effective immediately.

“Gahah! D-don’t you dahare!” Wanderer howled, squirming slightly while Sethos continued to tickle.

“I thought you weren’t ticklish? Then why are you laughing?” he asked. He realized it might’ve been better if he read the full notebook first before immediately attacking. He had gotten a little too excited. Now with his hands occupied it was a little hard to take out the notebook again and read the next steps. So he was going to have to take gambles for his next attacks.

“Ahahaa you -! I’ll gehehet you for thihis!” Wanderer laughed. Sethos blushed a little. He wouldn’t mind getting got by his crush. But still, he was now tickling him for the first time and hearing that unique laugh. He would love to hear more.

“Maybe heeere…” He moved his wiggling fingers from his sides to his stomach and dug in. Wanderer bucked wildly and threw his head back, causing his hat to fall off.

“Look what you’re doing now. It doesn’t tickle and yet you’re making a mess!” Sethos teased. He managed to push Wanderer in the direction of his bed and tried to push him down, but that wasn’t as simple as he had hoped. Before he could succeed, the roles had suddenly reversed and he ended up on his back with Wanderer pinning him down.

“Now why would you play with fire like that, huh?” Wanderer said, and he grabbed the book that was still squeezed between Sethos’ arm and side so he could take a look. With one hand he pinned Sethos’ wrists together above his head, and he used his free hand to peek into the notebook.

“That wicked….”  he mumbled with a blush.

“Please - it was Traveler’s gift to me! I didn’t even go further than the first step!” he whined. Wanderer chuckled and put away the book.

“Oh really now? Well guess what? I wouldn’t need any research notes to kill you. I’ll just follow my instincts.” 

Well, using the term ‘killing’ seemed rather dark, but Sethos could confirm that he was indeed dying of many things very soon. Laughter, that was for sure. And also from the butterflies that swarmed inside his lovesick stomach. What was also killing was the thought that after all this, his romantic feelings towards Wanderer may have doubled, making him explode, while remaining unrequited! 

“WHaahaha-Wandeheheer plehehease! Aaahahaha!” 

“Geez, you’re so easy, Sethos~”  

Then again… It was only the first day of a festive week together in Mondstadt. Who knows what might happen after today’s tickly exchange….

Alhaitham x Kaveh

The streets were decorated beautifully. The lights on the buildings were even more impressive. So this was Mondstadt at the start of its Winter Festival. 

Together with Alhaitham, Kaveh arrived in their room. It seemed they were lucky to get a room at the inn. With so many guests visiting, all lodgings had been fully booked, and Aether even had to use his Serenitea Pot to offer additional space. 

Over time it seemed that Mondstadt’s Winter Festival had become even more popular than its famous Windblume Festival, which was rather impressive. But seeing it up close like this, Kaveh could understand why.

“Oh, what is this?” They noticed two gifts on their bed with their ‘Alhaitham and Kaveh’ on it. There was a little card as well, and Alhaitham opened it and read it out loud:

“Dear Alhaitham an Kaveh, welcome to Mondstadt. You must be tired after the long trip. Enjoy a nice hot drink and a meal first, you can find my recommendations at the bottom of this card. Then when you’re back at the inn, enjoy a relaxing night together with these gifts I got for you. Enjoy your week in Mondstadt and thank you for coming here to celebrate the Winter Festival.”

Kaveh had to chuckle a bit since Aether’s words were so kind and warm, and yet Alhaitham read them in such a dry voice.

“That’s so kind of him,” Kaveh said and he opened his gift. “Ooooh!” He revealed a set of very soft and warm pajamas, in the color red. Alhaitham opened his own and had a matching one, in green color.

“I suppose he figured we would not bring fitting clothing for these temperatures,” he said fondly. Kaveh chuckled.

“This will definitely keep me warm tonight.”

“Well then, let’s eat something first.” They studied Aether’s recommendations and enjoyed a lovely meal at a restaurant nearby. When they were outside they could already enjoy some more of the festivities which would officially start with the Winter Festival’s opening ceremony tomorrow.

After a good meal and a stroll around the city, they were back at their inn. While Alhaitham sat down in one of the comfy chairs to read his book, Kaveh went to change into the warm pajamas in advance. Feeling the fluffy fabric he just couldn’t wait.

“Suits you.” 

Kaveh looked up and saw that Alhaitham didn’t even look away from his book, but he surely had checked him out when he didn’t notice. He blushed slightly and sighed. 

“I’m not sure if I should take that as a compliment, coming from you. You should wear yours too. It’s really nice and warm,” he said, walking over towards Alhaitham and handing him the PJ’s. 

“Hm - wait,” Alhaitham said just as Kaveh turned away from him.

“What?” Kaveh asked and turned back again to face him. Alhaitham put away his book and got out of his chair. He approached Kaveh until he stood pretty close, making Kaveh hold his breath.

“Turn around,” Alhaitham said. Rather than a request, it was almost a firm command. What was he so serious about?

“I-is there something on me? Are the PJ’s torn? Is something wrong?” he asked. Alhaitham didn’t say a single word while Kaveh turned his back towards him.

“Alhaitham?” Kaveh asked, feeling curious and impatient. Then… without warning… 

“AYah!” Kaveh jolted when he suddenly felt two pairs of hands on his sides, with fingers digging in slightly, enough for it to tickle. 

Kaveh immediately tried to grab Alhaitham’s hands, but he failed to pull them off as those fingers continued to dig in, wiggling and dancing playfully.

“Ahhahalhaitham wha-what are you dohoing! Wahaha!” he laughed. They would tickle each other from time to time, it wasn’t that uncommon in their relationship, no matter how odd it may seem. But usually there would be at least a little bit of a reason. This time it was so random Kaveh got completely overwhelmed. 

“Dohohon’t!” He stumbled forward, trying to escape Alhaitham’s clutches, but he was followed all the way through the small room, and they ended up on bed; Kaveh pinned underneath Alhaitham’s heavy weight, laughing and squealing for his life.

“AHAHA nooooo dohohon’t!” He blushed like crazy - he wasn’t sure how thin these walls were. This was humiliating, what if other guests would hear this noise! 

Without saying a word, Alhaitham looked at Kaveh’s face while he tickled the hell out of him. Kaveh squirmed and struggled, kicked and flailed, but in the end there wasn’t much he could do except laugh until he was out of breath. 

Then, Alhaitham gave him a short, gentle kiss on his lips and got up again, returning to his seat to continue reading.

“W-w-what was… that… for,” Kaveh said breathlessly. He was all shaky as he got up again. The warm pajamas were now more like an obstacle rather than his savior. He felt too warm after getting tickled mercilessly like that. He took off the top and folded it while he caught his breath. But then…

“Hmm?” He turned the shirt around and saw what was on the back.

Tickle me ♡

….. Kaveh stared at the text. It was subtle, not too big. But yes, these PJ’s definitely invited the other to tickle them. He watched Alhaitham in shock. He couldn’t believe Alhaitham would get tempted by something so silly.

“That Traveler, really….” Kaveh mumbled. He was too tired and flustered to say more to Alhaitham about this, but there was still one thing on his mind: if this text was on his shirt, then maybe it was also on Alhaitham’s. Not that he could just carelessly tickle Alhaitham whenever, without risking a similar treatment like just now. But still….

“Challenge accepted,” he whispered softly. Somewhere this week, he would get his well-earned revenge!

Zhongli x Diluc

“It was great!” 

“It was so amazing. Did you see, did you see?”

“Even better than last year!” 

Diluc didn’t care much that everyone was talking about the Winter Festival’s opening ceremony which he had missed. Instead of feeling disappointed that he missed it, he felt embarrassed. He had gotten so carried away cleaning up his tavern’s storage that he completely lost track of time and missed it unintentionally…

“Yo~” Diluc looked up to see Kaeya enter. 

“We didn’t see you at the ceremony. Traveler asked me to give this to you,” he said, and he handed him a gift. 

“Oh…?” Diluc accepted it and studied the wrapped package.

“Where were you anyway?” Kaeya asked.

“I was…. busy,” Diluc said. It was obviously a lie, it wasn’t crowded yet at all because everyone was enjoying the start of the festival with so many things to do. Skating at the ice rink, buying food and drinks at the various stalls, having fun with workshops, games, performances, shopping. Most people would come to the Angel’s Share later that day. 

Luckily Kaeya didn’t say anything else. “Well then. Enjoy the festival too when you can~!” 

He left the tavern, and Diluc finally opened the gift and revealed a small bottle. On the card was written: 

Dear Diluc, 

You’re probably going to be very busy during this festival. I wanted to give you this special gift. It’s the result of a little experiment Albedo did the other day. With a few drips of this magical potion, you will feel very happy. So happy it will make you laugh. You can drink it yourself, or present it to grumpy customers. No worries: it’s completely harmless. If you want the effect to wear off sooner, there is one way to do it: more laughter! If someone’s there to give a little tickle, that’ll work best.

Warm regards,Aether

“Hrmph…” Diluc studied the bottle. Why would he give him this thing. He had no need for ‘feeling happy’ and even though he indeed complained about some irritating customers once in a while, he doubted whether he should give them something of this, uh…. He studied the label. Happiness potion? Pfft. 

But the gesture was nice. He studied the bottle some more. Then he took a glass and poured some wine in it, and added a few drips, just to experiment if it was anything visible at all. It wasn’t visible.

He just wondered about the taste of it, what the effect would really be like and if it would be best to throw this away wine-tester instead of trying to drink it when he heard a sudden noise from the storage. Huh? He went inside and to his horror found a sneaky bard attempting to raid his storage.

“When did you get here, hey!” 

“Surpriiiise noooo!” Venti wailed as Diluc caught him and tried to drag him out. He changed his mind. If anyone would be his test subject for that mysterious potion, it should be Venti. If it was harmless, Diluc needed to see what would happen if- eh? 

“Hello.” Entering the tavern again while dragging Venti by his collar, Diluc stared at a polite looking customer who was sitting at the bar.

“Zhongli! Good to see you! So you love Diluc’s drinks too huh!” Venti chirped, struggling in Diluc’s grip. 

“You know him?” Diluc meant to ask Zhongli about knowing the little thief Venti, but the merry bard already gave an unwelcome response: “Of course I know him! He’s a very old friend of mine! Zhongli, so good to see you here all the way from Liyue! Are you enjoying the Winter Festival?” 

Zhongli only smiled at them and chuckled. “Hello. Hehehe…” Diluc may have heard about this Zhongli person from Aether, but it was actually his first time meeting him. He seemed rather… What was the word… Goofy? And that while Diluc had the impression from Aether’s stories that he was a rather serious person.

“I am ehenjoying myself, indeed. The wihine is so good, too hehe.” 

Diluc’s eyes widened and he quickly looked for the happiness-tester he had poured just now. Gone. Instead, Zhongli had a glass in his hand that looked a lot like it, and aaaah he took another sip!

“Ahah yes, I apologize. It wahas here ahalready, and it looked so g-good hehe. Of course I will pay for it, one mohoment.” 

Zhongli’s giggly words were laughed at by Venti who threw his head back and cackled. “What’s the matter with you? Never seen you so giggly before!” 

Diluc sighed. At this moment people should be enjoying the many parts of the Winter Festival, and instead he was dealing with this remarkable pair of guests, and one of them had sipped from Aether’s stupid happiness potion unknowingly! 

“I am just feeling hehe, very good,” Zhongli said as he leaned some more over the bar so he could slide some mora Diluc’s way. He was sitting in such a strange position while laughing like that.

“Thanks pal! And thanks for the drinks!” Venti the little thief took the mora and two bottles from the bar before bolting out.

“I’ll pay you back soon!” he promised. Geez… That little shit. Besides the mora, Venti was now on the loose with: 1) the happiness potion and 2) the bottle of wine Diluc had used to make his tester with, which had been consumed by the man before him.

Zhongli smiled at him. “Very eheh pleheased to meet you.” Diluc sighed and decided to worry less about Venti and more about the charming man in front of him. And since the Traveler was the culprit of all this and also was their mutual friend, maybe Diluc should be honest with him.

“I am sorry if the way you are feeling right now is a bit strange. Here, this might explain,” Diluc said, and he gave Zhongli the card. Zhongli read Aether’s handwriting while giggling, and then he let out a deep sigh.

“T-that trahaveler. I wonder h-how long this will tahake,” he laughed. Diluc nodded.

“Diluc, was it, yehes?” Zhongli asked. Diluc straightened himself and nodded again.

“Yes?” he said. Zhongli’s random giggles were a bit awkward to him too.

“P-please hehe. Please tickle me.”

Diluc’s eyes widened. He remembered the last part of Aether’s card and he groaned.

“W-what did you say?” he asked.

Zhongli merely giggled some more before repeating: “Tickle me, plehease. I would lihike to hahave a proper c-conversation wihith you, b-buhut I cahan’t when I’m like thihis,” Zhongli giggled. Poor Zhongli. Diluc felt already tired just by watching him. Ugh it was to be expected of the mischievous Traveler and his alchemist boyfriend to come up with something like this. 

Diluc sighed and awkwardly stepped from behind the bar and circled around Zhongli’s giggling figure. He felt weird to do it, but maybe it was even worse to do nothing and let him sit here and suffer from endless giggles for who knew how long? 

“Then please excuse me,” Diluc said as he stiffly put both his hands on Zhongli’s sides.

“Are you ticklish here?” he asked first to make sure he wouldn’t touch an inappropriate place if it wasn’t even going to work.

Zhongli nodded. “Yehes, it will tickle,” he confirmed. Oof, that was kind of cute. Diluc shook the thought out of his head and dug his fingers into Zhongli’s sides. The man jumped slightly and his soft monotonous giggles got their first little pitch.

“HEeheh!” Diluc almost stopped promptly, but he had a feeling it wouldn’t be enough. So he tickled Zhongli’s sides until the giggles turned into laughter.

“D-dohoon’t mind me struggling-heheh! Y-you mahay continuehehehe!” Zhongli laughed. Diluc didn’t know Zhongli very well and wasn’t sure how much of this funny personality was influenced by the happiness potion. But he started to feel rather fond towards it. 

The handsome, strict-looking man in his neat uniform was giggling and laughing while Diluc tickled him, and he could only pray that no one would enter the tavern and disturb this moment. For eh, you know, privacy sake, and not to humiliate them. Not to humiliate poor Zhongli in particular, of course. Yes. 

“M-more…?” Diluc asked, wondering if the potion’s effect was wearing off. He wouldn’t know if he kept tickling him, but Zhongli was pretty clear: 

“Yehehes! Plehehease!” 

Well, that was very clear. Diluc wondered if Zhongli would get used to the tickles on his sides. Remembering his embarrassing tickle fights with Kaeya, of which many he shamefully lost, he recalled a spot that would make Diluc himself lose his mind. He let his fingers climb up and clawed gently at Zhongli’s ribs. 

“Ahhhahahaha!” The gentle bubbly laughter changed pitch again. Lower, but louder. Diluc moved his fingers up even higher until he reached the spot right below Zhongli’s underarms.

“I apologize,” Diluc said before tickling that well-known killer spot with everything he had. Zhongi’s laughter definitely got more hysterical and he almost fell back. Diluc caught him, and while Zhongli squirmed and laughed in his arms, Diluc felt himself heat up at the close proximity.

“Plehehease!” Zhongli laughed. Not sure whether he meant please tickle more, or at last, please stop, Diluc settled with the second one and finally stopped tickling. Zhongli continued to rest against him and gasped for air. Although he was breathing heavily, Diluc was pretty sure he had stopped giggling,

“Did it…. Did it work?” he asked. Zhongli smiled and nodded.

“I-it worked. I apologize for that,” he said. Diluc helped him back in a proper sitting position and returned to his spot behind the bar.

“N-no I should be the one to apologize. It was Aether’s gift, I left it here carelessly and…” To his surprise, Zhongli reached over the bar and grabbed his hand to make him stop sputtering.

“Let’s not apologize. Could I please order a glass of your finest wine? I’ll pay you double, since a certain someone stole my previous payment.” 

With that humble smile and his cheeks still colored slightly, Zhongli smoothly ordered his drink, making Diluc blush even more.

“Y-yes sure… and don’t worry about t-the eh, about the money…” He wasn’t sure if it was because of the silly situation because of Aether’s potion, but the mood was definitely a little weird in here, and he found himself wishing for Zhongli to hang around at the tavern for a little while longer.

Ningguang x Beidou

Luxurious. Aether definitely saved his best room for them. Beidou was secretly relieved that Mondstadt couldn’t provide more rooms to stay. Thanks to that, she and Ningguang had the honor of staying at one of the spacious mansions in Aether’s Serenitea Pot realm, and although it wasn’t winter over there and it wasn’t like the true festive atmosphere as in Mondstadt City, they got such a beautiful and fancy room. It was amazing and magical.

“Feeling like royalty here,” Beidou chimed. Ningguang giggled.

“Oh my queen,” she sang. Beidou playfully stuck her tongue out at her girlfriend and headed towards the bed to try out how soft it was.

“Are you going to skip this part?” Ningguang asked. Beidou turned around and saw that she had missed an important detail. There was a beautiful coffee table made from glass, with on top of it a neatly wrapped gift.

“Dear Ningguang and Beidou, I hope you will enjoy the Winter Festival in Mondstadt. Please accept this humble gift. May it fill you with love and warmth at all times, whether you’re together or apart. Always. Warm regards, Aether,” Ningguang read out loud.

“Aw, that’s so sweet,” she said. She opened the gift while Beidou relaxed on top of the comfy bed.

“Tell me what’s in it!” she chirped.

“It’s…. oh. It’s… us?” Ningguang wondered. Beidou got up and joined her girlfriend, wrapping her arms around her middle and leaning her chin on her shoulder. She noted the dolls in Ningguang’s hand. One resembled Ningguang, and one resembled Beidou. But there was one remarkable thing. On both dolls there was a little text: tickle doll. 

Beidou and Ningguang looked at each other in confusion, then back at the dolls. “You mean, they’re like voodoo dolls? If I tickle this one, will you feel it?” Beidou took the Ningguang doll and tickled it playfully. Ningguang gave no reaction.

“I’m not feeling anything.”

She lifted Beidou’s doll and tickled it. “That’s… disappointing,” Beidou said when she didn’t feel anything either.

“I think the text is just for show. Don’t be mean towards the generous Traveler. The dolls are cute, right? Especially yours,” Ningguang teased. Beidou pouted and turned the Ningguang doll around and tried to tickle it in various places. The doll was definitely cute, but there was no effect to tickling it. Ningguang didn’t even smile or giggle. She just walked away and put the Beidou-doll aside. 

“So, how soft was that bed, hm?” she sang as she approached the bed. Beidou put the Ningguang-doll down and wiggled her fingers. The damage was done. The doll had tempted her, and didn’t give her what she wanted. Well then, she had to solve this herself, hmm?

“Ah, that does feel pretty soft and- Beidou wah!” Ningguang squeaked when Beidou suddenly pounced on top of her. Ningguang stared up at her with those beautiful eyes. She then seemed to relax, obviously thinking of different things as she was pinned down on their comfortable bed.

“You couldn’t wait?” she asked. Beidou chuckled.

“Definitely couldn’t.” Then without warning she tickled Ningguang, playing her ribs like a musical instrument, and oh, she definitely made music. The best music in the world.

“Hohold on, nohoho!” Ningguang giggled in the cutest way.

“See it as a belated effect of the tickle doll, sweetie. Does it feel any ticklish now? Well?” Beidou taunted. Her fingers moved expertly all over her lover’s soft and sensitive areas. Ningguang squirmed and laughed charmingly. She didn’t even struggle much, indicating only how much she actually enjoyed it. Beidou smiled fondly. Tickling Ningguang and watching those beautiful reactions would never get old.

“Hehehe ohohoh you- hehehe!” Ningguang giggled when Beidou tickled her neck. Charmed and intoxicated by her beauty, Beidou found herself leaning closer and closer until she could kiss those smiley lips and drink those melodious giggles. What she didn’t expect however was that a very animal-like sound of her own interrupted Ningguang’s beautiful sounds - caused by the sudden tickle she felt under her arms.

“HNGHHah!” Beidou pulled away and immediately crumbled when Ningguang tickled her more. 

“You always let your guard down, don’t you sweetie?” Ningguang teased. She always seemed so calm and radiant, but those fingers with their gentle touches were absolutely killing. Beidou collapsed on top of Ningguang and howled, much less charmingly than her gorgeous girlfriend.

“Nihihing ahahaha not thahahat!” she cackled. Ningguang managed to move from under her and switched their positions. She took one of Beidou’s arms and pinned it above her head, and with her free hand she tickled her underarm in a way that made her screech.

“NIHIHING Ahhahah dohohon’t!” Beidou shrieked. She kicked her legs wildly and shook her head from side to side, but Ning was as strong as ever.

“What’s the matter, my precious tickle doll? Don’t tell me you can’t handle this?”

Most of the time, Beidou was the one to tickle first. When she wanted to tease Ningguang, when she wanted to flirt with her, when she wanted to get her attention. And after hearing those pretty angelic giggles, she’d always forget the villain-traits Ning would show whenever she turned the tables and got into absolute sexy revenge mode. They were the best actually.

With only five fingers she tickled Beidou’s underarm until she thought she’d pass out, all while smirking down at her.

“Plehehease I gihihive! You win ahahahah!” Beidou begged. As evil as she was, the tickling was always unbearable very very soon, and even then Ningguang did tickle her for a little bit longer after that. After some more hysterical pleas for mercy, they finally ended up cuddling comfortably while they both recovered from that… sort-of tickle fight.

“Maybe the Traveler wanted us to have fun like this. Why else would he give us tickle dolls that don’t work?” Beidou said breathlessly.

Ningguang shrugged. “Who knows. No one ever knows what he is really thinking. He’s a mystery.”

“Not as mysterious as you are,” Beidou teased. When Ningguang turned her head and smirked, Beidou immediately squeaked and tried to move away.

“I didn’t mean that as an insult dehehear no wahahait this isn’t fahahair!” she cried when Ningguang tickled her once again. Well no matter what Aether really meant with those gifts, Beidou was actually thankful for them!

Cyno x Tighnari

Mondstadt’s Winter Festival was absolutely amazing. So many fantastic decorations, performances, the most delicious food, many fun games and activities. Cyno felt overwhelmed. No offense, but he felt that returning to Sumeru was going to be such a bummer after having so much fun.

“How about we finally make use of Aether’s gift, hmm?” Tighnari asked. Upon arrival they both received a voucher for free drinks and a surprise activity at The Cat’s Tail. 

“You’re right. Let’s see if they’ve got a table for us,” Cyno said. They had been wandering around the festival all day. Tighnari had participated in a fun archery game, and they even tried a round at the ice rink together. To relax and have a drink somewhere sounded good.

“I wonder what the surprise activity is.” 

The moment they entered the Cat’s Tail, they were embraced by warmth and pleasant scents of food and hot drinks, and engulfed by the noise of loud chatter and laughter. 

“Is that… a cat?” Tighnari asked when they saw the black cat at the counter.

“Hello Mr. Cat. We are here to exchange these vouchers,” Cyno said, and he held up Aether’s gifts. Right at that moment they heard a “hey!” and a small girl came running towards them. A cat girl! 

“Traveler’s vouchers, is that right?” she said. Tighnari and Cyno nodded.

“Uh, yes.”

“Great! We’ve been expecting you. I’m Diona, follow me to your table!” She ripped the vouchers from Cyno’s hand and pranced into the tavern. It seemed pretty crowded, all tables were occupied, but she guided them into a private room behind closed doors. Wow. 

The moment the doors closed the noise surrounding them was much less. The room was festively decorated, and there was a side table with a collection of pretty hourglasses. Interesting. 

“Wow, this room is for us?” Cyno asked when Diona gestured towards the sofa. 

“Yes it is. Special request from your friend, the Traveler. I’ll be getting you our Winter Festival special drink for free.” 

Before Cyno and Tighnari could say anything, she left already, and they both sat down in awkward silence. It was so quiet all of a sudden.

“Such luxury,” Cyno said.

“Very generous of the Traveler,” Tighnari said with a nod.

“What about the surprise activity?” Cyno wondered, and Tighnari shrugged.

“I’m sure we’ll hear it later.” 

Diona came back with the delicious-looking drinks and she put them on the table. 

“Two specials for you! Don’t ask what’s in it, secret Cat’s Tail recipe,” she said with a cheeky smile. “As for your surprise activity, here.” Diona put a little box on the table. 

“Genius Invokation TCG, the limited Winter Festival edition. These are special cards for you to play, specially arranged by the Traveler. The winner of the game wins a second free drink. After your game, just come back to the bar. Alright? Good luck!” 

She left again and they were all alone in their quiet private room with their fancy drinks and special cards.

“That’s amazing.” Tighnari opened the books and read the rules.

“For this game, you can only use these cards. Shuffle them and divide them between the two of you. May the best player win. Aether,” he read, and he gave it to Cyno so he could read as well.

“P.S. You may keep these cards after the game. That’s what it says, Nari. You’re missing the most important part,” he said. 

Tighnari giggled. “Well, let’s see what kind of cards they are then.” He shuffled the deck and handed each a few cards.

“It’s Mondstadt themed. Of course,” Cyno said as soon as he gave his cards a first glance, noticing some familiar faces, meals and locations.

“Yes- and….” Tighnari paused and made a face.

“What?” Cyno asked. He didn’t notice anything strange in his cards yet, except that they were all related to Mondstadt somehow.

“Never mind. Let’s play.”

They played like they normally would. That was until Tighnari suddenly played a card. He looked very smug about it.

“The feather. Roll the elemental dice. Each anemo die counts as one minute. You may tickle the opponent for the total amount of minutes.” 

Cyno’s eyes widened and he grabbed the card to read it. It was exactly that. “Wait, what? N-no way!” he cried. Tighnari chuckled and wiggled his fingers. 

“I can now understand what’s so special about this game. That’s so typical of Aether,” he said, and he rolled the dice.

“T-that’s three times anemo…” Cyno said with a pout. Tighnari clapped his hands and got up.

“Yep! Three precious minutes to tickle you.” They noted that’s why there were hourglasses for them to use. Tighnari took the one of three minutes and put it down in the middle of the table.

“Gotta follow the rules, Cyno. Are you ready?”

“No.” 

Despite Cyno’s answer, Tighnari did start to playfully tickle him. He started by aiming for his stomach with one hand while his other hand went to his side. Cyno immediately tensed up and giggled uncontrollably.

“You dohohon’t hahave to do thihihis!” he laughed. Tighnari hummed.

“I may do it, so I will. We have to play the game as Aether intended for us to do, right?” 

“Yehehes buhuhut- ahhahah!” Cyno squirmed and wriggled around. Tighnari really wasn’t going easy on him. Luckily three minutes went by fast when you were having fun and- eh, well yes. Cyno felt flustered when he realized he was indeed having fun getting tickled, and then Tighnari finally stopped. 

“O-oof. Well, that definitely shook me. B-but don’t think you’ll win now,” Cyno said, grabbing his cards. They played a few more turns until Cyno pulled a ‘special’ card as well. His eyes widened with wonder. Even though there was another card he could play right now in his advantage, this special card was the one he wanted to play instead, because:

“Tickle Monster!” He proudly put the card down and then read: “Deal 5 minutes of Tickle DMG to the opponent.” He pointed at Tighnari.

“You’re in for it now.”

Tighnari smiled. “That isn’t really fair, but alright. Let’s go.” He quickly surrendered and took one of the 5-minute hourglasses. 

“Ready?” he asked.

“That should be my question to you, Nari,” Cyno said, wiggling his fingers eagerly. The five minutes of tickling Tighnari for this game were a pure delight. Tighnari was as ticklish as ever, giggling and squirming while Cyno tickled all of those lovely spots. 

“Just one more minute I think,” Cyno sang when he was busy tickling Tighnari’s thigh. He held his leg trapped with one hand and danced five fingers all over his thigh, making the cute Tighnari squeal.

“Heehehehe ahahalright!” he laughed adorably. Tighnari took the 5-minute tickle monster attack like a champ, and a little bit more of that since they both got carried away and lost track of time.

“That was all you got hm?” was Tighnari’s cocky remark when the tickle attack ended. Cyno smirked. He would’ve loved to make him pay for that attitude with some more tickles, but he was curious to see what the rest of the game would bring them.

“I’m saving your breath for later,” Cyno said with confidence. Meanwhile they almost forgot to drink their delicious specials which had already gotten cold. They were that much invested in the card game. 

With both of them flustered as well as determined to beat the other, they were now doing all they could to draw more cards. Rather than defeating each other’s characters, they kept playing cards that would allow them to obtain new cards. More tickle cards to be specific. 

During the game, Tighnari got another shot at Cyno with the so called ‘Flower of Laughter’ card which specifically gave him an X amount of minutes to tickle Cyno’s feet. He rolled the dice and ended up with only one minute, but he didn’t make it an easy minute  for Cyno. 

Cyno was the luckier one with at least 3 more tickle cards in his hand until the game ended. Before he finally beat Tighnari, he got to use the Winner’s Weakness card which allowed him to tickle one single spot of Tighnari’s own choice for 1 minute. Flustered as hell, Tighnari chose his tummy, thinking he could handle that best, but with Cyno focusing all of his attention on that lovely tummy, Tighnari was squealing helplessly pretty soon. 

Another tickle card Cyno got to use on him was the ‘Tickler’s Meal’ which allowed him to tickle Tighnari for the full round, even during Tighnari’s turn. Watching him giggle and squirm while he rolled the dice and made his move was the cutest thing.

And then his favorite card was the ‘TICKLE FREEZE’ card which made Tighnari hold his arms up while Cyno tickled him for 2 lovely minutes. 

This was the best game ever. Now finally out of breath, 200% flustered and no longer determined to win, Tighnari’s final character lost its life and Cyno turned out to be the winner.

“I’m the winner,” he said proudly. Tighnari was almost too tired to congratulate him, but he smiled and gave a thumbs up.

“G-good for you,” he panted. Cyno grinned and leaned closer.

“Do I get my prize?” 

“Y-yeah. At the bar - hmph!” Tighnari squeaked when Cyno pulled him closer for a kiss. As far as he knew, Aether didn’t even know they were romantically involved, and even if they weren’t, he surely would’ve fallen in love with him after tickling him so much in this playful match. 

“Shall we share the prize together?” he asked after kissing Tighnari’s lips again. Tighnari blushed sweetly and nodded.

“A-alright.” 

Cyno nodded and grabbed his hand, and as much as he would’ve loved to stay alone here with him, he did want to reward Tighnari as well for sharing so much of his sweet laughter all because the rules of a game said so. He really was the cutest boyfriend ever! 

Xiao x Venti

Xiao wasn’t much of a people person. So naturally, he wasn’t too thrilled when Aether invited him to visit Mondstadt’s Winter Festival. However, rather than convincing, Aether had been a little annoying about it. Enough to make Xiao curious. 

Especially curious to see this ‘special Winter Alchemy Show’ which was prepared by Mondstadt’s alchemists with Aether’s partner Albedo in the lead. 

Aether was mean enough to give him the wrong information about the show, causing Xiao to arrive in Mondstadt too early. It appeared the alchemy show was also part of the closing ceremony. Last day, at the end of the festival.

Although he could’ve simply teleported the hell out of here, there was something that made him linger around. He had wandered around the busy streets of the city, watched some activities from afar and tasted a snack or two. 

Aether and Paimon were so busy helping Mondstadt by organizing this festival that they hardly had time to hang around, but Xiao did run into Hu Tao, of all people, who was enjoying the festivities together with her good friend Yoimiya from Inazuma. Also something-something about a fabulous fireworks show which Xiao had missed. 

Xiao even saw Zhongli among the crowds and followed him around sometimes. 

But most of the time he chose to hide himself and enjoy the festival quietly, and once in a while when it got too much, he wandered around the surrounding areas outside Mondstadt and traveled to places such as Springvale, the Whispering Woods and Wolvendom.

Tonight he found himself sitting on the hands of the Anemo Archon statue, admiring all the Winter Festival festivities from a safe distance. 

He could hear some music from here too, and all in all, it wasn’t too bad to be here. He felt the warmth and joy even from such a distance. Xiao smiled. Mondstadt really was the City of Freedom, hmm.

“Oi! Xiao, it’s you!” 

Xiao sighed when he heard a familiar voice, belonging to someone he had also definitely seen a few times in the crowds. Someone he avoided for… vague reasons, even to himself. 

“That’s my spot, you know!” 

It was Venti, of course, and now he was sitting right beside him. He carried a funky bag with him and he looked pretty cute- eh, pretty…. different, in his wintery outfit. He was wearing a red scarf and a winter hat to keep his head warm. His cheeks were rosy from the cold and Xiao could clearly see his breath when he spoke.

“Is it?” Xiao asked. Yeah… For some reason the Anemo Archon’s presence always made him feel funny. He wasn’t sure why, but also not too eager to find out more about it.

“Want something tasty? Look at my stash,” Venti said, opening his bag and showing some things. A bottle of wine. A couple of waffles wrapped in napkins. Some cute souvenirs.

“Look, isn’t this nice?” Venti took out a reusable drinking bottle. “Aether gave it to me as a gift. It’s the best. I can just refill this at the tavern if I want. Well, with the bartender’s permission of course. Aether has a gift for you too, you know. You gotta find him later,” he rambled. Xiao took note of his last comment and nodded.

“I will.” It wasn’t like he hadn’t tried to see Aether before, but that was beside the point. 

“This wine is from Diluc’s tavern. You know Diluc, right? Of Dawn Winery. Want some?” Venti asked. 

“No, thank you.”

“Maybe some of this? Some sort of juice or something, also from Angel’s Share. Pretty sure there’s no alcohol,” Venti said, holding out a smaller bottle. Xiao rolled his eyes and to make sure the archon wouldn’t annoy him more with that stupid wine bottle or any other unwelcome liquor, he accepted the smaller juice bottle and took a sip. And another. 

“It doesn’t really have a taste.”

“Is that so?” Venti also took it and tasted it as well. He took a big sip, and another, and another. He shrugged and studied the label. There were very tiny handwritten letters on it. He squinted his eyes.

“Can you read this?” He gave it to Xiao. While feeling a little distracted because of the sudden urge to laugh (?) Xiao studied the label on the bottle. 

“H….Happiness potion?” he read. Meanwhile he was having a harder time holding back his giggles. What was happening? 

“H-hehe, hold on, is this…? Nohoho…” Xiao tried to fight back the giggles. Since Venti drank it later, it seemed he was still safe from its effect and he quickly grabbed the bottle from Xiao’s hand and tried to read it again.

“Happiness potion, experiment by Chief Alchemist Albedo. Dose: a few drips, mix in drink. Effect: laughter. Cure: laughter + tickling.”

A few drips? Mixed?! No way, they both drank it straight, and not just a little sip! And what about that cure - that didn’t make any sense!!!

“Whahahat hahahave you dohohone!” Xiao asked angrily through hysterical giggles. This was tiring already, he couldn’t stop!

“I dohohon’t knohohow! I’m sohohorry! It wahahas at Dihihiluc’s tahahavern!” 

This was ridiculous. The label didn’t say how long it would last. 

“Shahahall I tihihickle you theheen?” Venti asked. 

Xiao shook his head, but the bard moved closer and grabbed him. “Wehehe’re going to lahahaugh ahahanyway!” 

Oof, it wasn’t the same. Xiao didn’t feel like being tickled, but he also didn’t feel like laughing forever.

“Ahahalright thehen!” 

Venti curled his fingers against his lower sides and started to tickle. Xiao jumped because of the electrifying sensations. He’d occasionally forget how ticklish he actually was.

“AHh!” Although he was already laughing because of the potion, he felt a different sort of laugh getting through as soon as Venti tickled him.

“Wahahait, not thehehere!” Xiao whined when Venti tickled his ribs. He squirmed weakly and tried to gasp for air. He hadn’t experienced such a tough challenge in a while.

“Thehehen whehehere?” Venti giggled. Xiao had no idea where he could get tickled and make it bearable. Without getting his answer, the cheeky Archon moved his fingers down and squeezed his hips. Xiao squeaked and jerked heavily, but Venti pulled him closer and had to hold him tightly to prevent him from tumbling off the statue.

“D-don’t wohorrehehe, I’ve got you hehehe,” Venti laughed. Xiao wasn’t sure if he did well by agreeing to this. Venti’s tickling only made him laugh more than he already was. Obviously. 

“H-how aahahabout hehere?” Venti reached up and wiggled his fingers under Xiao’s arms. Xiao’s eyes widened and he suddenly bolted to the side, but Venti followed him and managed to tackle him. Now straddling Xiao, Venti wiggled his fingers eagerly and smirked - or well, tried to, he was still laughing pretty much.

“Hehehere I cohohome,” Venti laughed smugly. He tickled Xiao like he hadn’t been tickled in ages. 

“HAAHhh Vehehenti- nohoho ahaha wahahait!” Xiao felt miserable. It was embarrassing to be overpowered by laughter from two sides. The potion, and the tickling. 

Was the tickling really going to work? Venti only made him laugh more and more. He laughed until his stomach ached and was about to just force Venti to stop when he finally felt a noticeable difference. 

“Stohohop hehehe- STAHap!” Xiao warned abruptly, and Venti actually did so. Xiao waited for more laughter to come, but he was done.

“I-it worked,” he huffed. Venti giggled. 

“I’m glahahad. Then nohow you tihickle mehehe~” 

Xiao frowned. “Tickle you?” Oh. Of course. They were both suffering from this condition. It was just that with Venti it seemed more… natural. The giggles did suit him after all.

“Yehehes!” Venti sat before him and raised his arms. “Do it plehease!” 

Xiao blinked. He thought laughing uncontrollably for a mysterious amount of time was exhausting. But he wondered if Venti really minded it that much. It did seem that he was excited about getting tickled, and even though Xiao didn’t want to indulge him, he also didn’t want to be too harsh. 

“AAahahha!” Venti almost fell backwards and Xiao immediately stopped right after tickling him just briefly.

“Moooore ahahah!” Venti begged. Xiao blushed. This was so embarrassing…

He awkwardly ran his fingers up and down Venti’s outstretched underarms. Venti threw his head back and squealed.

“AHhh!” He sounded like he was having the time of his life. But still, Xiao continued to tickle him. He felt the blush on his own face grow and tried to focus on the wiggling movements of his fingers and the considerations about adding more pressure, like digging his fingers in or pinching and squeezing lightly. 

For an archon, Venti’s body was surprisingly delicate. The slightest touch could tickle him and make him squeak loudly. 

In the end it didn’t matter where and how Xiao tickled him. Venti reacted to the tickles in almost the same cute, hysterical way. No wait, not cute. Weird. Yes.

“Xiahahao!” 

“What,” Xiao hissed, almost exploding because of the embarrassment and strange tingly feelings that surged inside his chest.

“Dohohon’t stohohop! Aahahaha!”

That’s it, enough. Xiao stopped tickling him, it was too much. 

Even when he was the one who was already cured and not suffering from the potion and tickling, he was the one who couldn’t deal with this anymore.

“You know what, you’ll be fine. You’re laughing in any case,” Xiao growled.

“Noooooo not fahahair! Xiao pleheeease tickle me moooore!”  

Xiao felt like teleporting out of here. But he found himself staying by Venti’s side, just in case, like, yeah, just in case he’d be laughing too much after all. If he would be getting out of breath, if it would get harmful, too painful and too uncomfortable, Xiao might try to help him out some more…

But he didn’t need to. In the end after a while longer, Venti stopped laughing on his own. “Phew!” He fell on his back and sighed.

“That’s what you get for stealing unknown drinks,” Xiao lectured.

“Stealing? No no, I borrowed it from the Angel’s Share, I was there when…” Venti made a face. “Wait, actually I think Zhongli drank it too. I now remember he was laughing. So unlike him, hehehe.”  

Xiao hummed. Zhongli did….? He snorted. “Pfft. I can’t imagine it.” 

“Riiight?” They both giggled at the thought. As they both stopped giggling, their eyes found each other’s, and Xiao noticed he once again felt so funny, as if his insides felt ticklish, except he wasn’t sure about the cause. 

“Sorry I….” Xiao paused before he finished talking. What was he about to say? He wasn’t sure.

“Sorry you didn’t tickle me more? Apology accepted. I’m too cute when I’m tickled, I’m told often,” Venti said cockily. Pffft.

Xiao rolled his eyes fondly. 

“You’re even cuter though. You should laugh more, Xiao~” Venti sang. 

Right, enough of this. 

“I have somewhere to be.” 

Xiao got up and teleported right when Venti cried out: “No wa-!” But Xiao was already gone. Pfffft, his cheeks were burning. He should’ve left sooner! 

That crazy Venti. Why did the most ridiculous things always happen when he was around, and why did it set Xiao’s entire body on fire? At least, that was what it felt like! Wah! He teleported himself outside Mondstadt’s gates so he could cool down in peace and quiet. 

Xiao knew he would definitely be back by tomorrow night for the closing ceremony and the alchemy show. 

Until then, he needed some time off, away from Mondstadt and most importantly, away from that whirlwind of an Anemo Archon, the crazy bard, the silliest guy he knew - far away from Venti!

Epilogue

The applause was so loud Aether thought his ears were going to burst. Albedo had a huge, adorable smile on his face. Sucrose was beaming while she bowed multiple times. Timaeus stood in the middle of the other alchemists and trainees and they all held hands as they made a final bow together.

The alchemy show to conclude the Winter Festival was truly amazing. Epic. A unique spectacle. The crowd loved it, not only the children but also the adults. 

“Amazing!” they all yelled.  

Although he and Paimon had been stage assistants, they didn’t bow with the performers since Aether felt like this should really be Mondstadt’s celebration, and Albedo’s moment. Still, he clapped as loud as he could from the side. 

He felt that Albedo was made for this, more than he would think. Albedo had always been smart and artistic, and to use this trait to make crowds happy like this… He wondered if he should introduce him to Lyney. They could collaborate to give a Magic x Alchemy show in Fontaine. It’d be even more of a success if they combined their strengths. But anyway, eh, Aether was getting ahead of himself. One step at a time.

“You were great!” Aether kissed Albedo when they finally met backstage.

“Thanks.” Albedo seemed a little overwhelmed, but he was definitely smiling and still feeling the thrill. Aether grinned.

“And?” he said. 

Albedo cocked his head. “And what?” 

“Was I right?” Aether asked. He could see the realization on Albedo’s face.

“A-ah, that…” Yes. That. 

As a part of his show, Aether had requested him to include a question to the audience: whether anyone had felt ticklish lately. More specifically, if they were tickled by anyone during this Winter Festival. Albedo could smoothly relate it to the closing ceremony and put the spotlight on the audience, and Aether had glanced at the front rows where his friends were seated. 

To his surprise, more people than those he’d expected raised their hands. 

Sethos proudly raised his hand and probed Wanderer with his elbow that he should too. Hehe, cute. 

Kaveh and Alhaitham both didn’t raise their hand but Kaveh was blushing and Alhaitham had a funny expression. Even when they didn’t raise their hand, Aether thought they were so obvious.

Ningguang and Beidou charmingly raised a hand, both looking rather smug. 

Cyno and Tighnari both did too, with Cyno looking more proud and Tighnari more embarrassed. 

Zhongli held up a finger, and to Aether’s surprise, Venti shamelessly raised both hands. He waved his arms excitedly, and Xiao next to him held his arms crossed, and judging from the way Venti mumbled in his direction, Aether had the idea that maybe Xiao got tickled too. 

That was even more than what he intended with his little gifts, or well, pranks! And aside from his friends, quite some people in the audience raised their hands.

“There were a lot. But you can’t prove it was because of what you did,” Albedo argued.

Aether remembered his own words and repeated: “No I can’t. But see? When presented with the opportunity, anyone would tickle their partner. Or friend! Or family. It’s not just me.”

When Albedo was too speechless, Aether imitated him: “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should! Well, if it concerns tickling, I think most people will, because they enjoy it. It’s not just childish. It’s fun, uplifting, and it connects,” he spoke proudly.

His boyfriend finally chuckled. “Alright, alright! I get it now. I get it. Oh wise tickle-know-it-all.” He then smirked. “If you wanted it that badly, you could’ve just asked, instead of putting up that whole show.”

“What do you mean I-AHH!” Aether yelped when Albedo suddenly grabbed him. The flustered traveler tried to spin around and flee, but he couldn’t stop his clever alchemist boyfriend from digging his little claws into his sides to tickle him mercilessly.

“HWHAAHAH!” Aether wasn’t as charming as Albedo about it. He flailed his arms and exaggerated a little about it, but he was also just very very ticklish.

“Everything alright there?” Sucrose asked as she came passing by. Albedo nodded.

“All good, thank you Sucrose. And good work today,” Albedo said. Sucrose smiled sweetly.

“You too! Have a good night! You too, Traveler!” She didn’t seem too awkward about leaving Aether to get tickled to death.

“Nohohoo wahahait hehehelp me, ahahah!” 

Maybe Aether deserved that a little. Maybe he had put too much effort in his tickly pranks for his friends. But hey? It worked! He successfully helped by spreading joy and most people got to laugh a little, which made this Winter Festival even more special! 

[flzrencent]

chris sturniolo ,, the seventh letter

! contents ! ; major character death, heavy angst!!! literally all hurt zero comfort!!!!! war (set sometime in the mid - earlyish 1900s??), probably soo historically inaccurate i tried to research i think.

˚　　　　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　　 . ✦　　　 　˚　　　　 . ★⋆.

#7 

July 28th Somewhere in Sicily.

'I hope this reaches you well. 

It’s cold here, Matt’s stationed elsewhere – somewhere warmer, safer, I hope. I worry for him. Nick is here. I miss you, how’s it at home? 

I didn't think it was possible to miss someone so much. To get on that train with the knowledge I wouldn't see you for what could be years? It’s still all too much for me to bear. Even here, where the wind is harsh and I'm still sleeping a layer away from dirt and a wall away from death, all I can really think about is what would’ve happened if I'd have kissed you before I got on that train.

Though I'm sure this won’t last long. I have faith. With you waiting for me, I will continue having it.

It won’t do us any good pondering. So I'll stay thinking about how I will kiss you the second I come home.

I don’t think I have ever been this tired. I hope tomorrow will be easier, and I hope all is well where you are. 

Don’t worry so much about me, I beg. Celebrate our birthday with my family, will you?

All my love,

Chris.'

The letter sat tear stained in your shaky hands. The pristine paper yellowed, dirt marks from what was undeniably Chris’ hands when writing it on the corners, scribbles of hearts drawn lazily where he could fit them.

The death of Christopher Sturniolo was, undeniably and undoubtedly, the most painful thing to ever happen to you. The news, revealed on a sunny day, air warm and laughter echoing through the streets as the family mourned and spoken to you by two men who’d knocked on your front door, brought you to gut wrenching sobs immediately.

“Ma’am?” 

You wiped at your eyes, ridden with sleep and stress, and nodded in confirmation as they clarified your identity.

“Were you … in any sort of relation to Christopher Sturniolo?”

Were?

“Yes,” you spoke, brows furrowed as you shifted your weight on your feet, leaned up against the doorframe with a tilted head and an accusing look, “I am,” you clarified, the look on your face showcasing the tell-tale signs of concern, the beating in your chest suddenly loudening.

“We really are sorry to be the ones to break this to you, but he’s tragically - …”

The ringing in your head interrupted the rest of what they had to say. Hot, salty tears welled up in your eyes as you shook your head,

A shallow and a shaky breath. “No, no, you’re wrong.” You pleaded, words small and broken by the sobs already slipping from your lips. This has to be some sort of misunderstanding, right?

“We truly are sorry,” the other spoke, voice low in remorse with his hat held low to his chest with one hand, the other outstretched with a worn out envelope and a sincere look on his face. The distant laughter lingered, the joy which only moments ago brought a smile to tug at your lips, and you selfishly wanted nothing more than for it to stop.

˚　　　　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　　 . ✦　　　 　˚　　　　 . ★⋆.

florence ,

most of my war knowledge is from 9th grade history! excuse the terrible inaccuracy probably. can u tell i tried to be vague

this is so short aswell literally like 470 words. but i am a sucker for angst and i fear its what i find easier to write </3 i also lowkey forgot i could post things that i've written so i have countless bits in my docs rn!

[serxinns]

Harsh words from a beloved friend

Forgotten reader au scenario

Btw this was inspired by this post right here, and the concept and AU are NOT mine. They belong to @lovelybrooke . If you want to know more about the AU and support the creator, please do. They need all the love for their hard work!

WARNING! Before you read this fic includes: violence towards the reader, bullying, infantilization towards the reader, xenophobia? (I think idk), yandere behaviors, manipulation, gaslighting, and other topics that I may have forgotten that are probably triggering as well read at your own risk

A/n: whew, it's done finally. I hope you like it, everyone! Please tell me if I did represent infantilization inappropriately or not accurately in the comments. Constructive criticism is allowed. Also, if anyone can tell me what the headboard represents, it means you get your request written next!

You were lying in your bed relieved at last after barely surviving another harsh day at UA ever since the teachers and your classmates found out about you and Shigaraki's relationship for things have been going crazy and downhill, Aizawa would always have a strange expression on his face as if he was ashamed of himself and pitying you, it felt strange and discomforting like he NOW realized his actions which ticked you off a little but you brushed it pretending to be nonchalant about it

Next was your former friend Izuku, ever since he heard the news he and his gang would make constant checks on you which was very unnecessary in your opinion, izuku would purposely get in the middle of you and Neito's conversation, asking about your concerns and try to get you to spill out how you currently feel in his intention to try to be a better friend again by comforting you in his imagination to your luck tho Neito would shoo him off before he could even continue and quickly drag you away which you thanked him for.

But Bakugo and his friends were the worst. If not worse hell. Every time you walk into the class, they start to give you piercing glares as if they intentionally want to make you tense up. Their words have been becoming harsher during training but you tried to ignore them until they started using physical threats under a ruse as "jokes" Honestly you were scared for your safety so you tried to avoid them as much as possible, begging either Neito or Shinso to assist you while dismissing their questions or concerns, not even thinking what could happen if you were to ever run into them alone

Whenever you are, you repeatedly check your surroundings, making sure nobody is following you, making sure the coast is clear enough to make a run for it in your dorms and locking it.

You were beginning to be more skittish and more anxious about your surroundings always getting started by every single touch on the shoulder or when your friends tried to get your attention, whenever they asked about your sudden behavior you quickly pushed it to the side or made excuses

One day you decided to eat lunch with Tamaki since Hitoshi and Neito were busy with training and stuff, the two of you didn't talk much when eating together but you were comfortable with his presence enough to make some small talk here or there then continued eating, as you were enjoying your lunch Tamaki spoke something out the blue "y/n..are you ok?" You stopped eating and looked up at him "Of course I am why wouldn't I be" Tamaki hesitated a bit but he continued "Y-you're acting all skittish all of a sudden whenever we talk you feel like someone or something is watching you please I'm your friend you can tell me anything-" "I'm fine Tamaki I promise you dont need to be asking me" Tamaki was taken aback at your quick response you noticed his guilty expression and took a deep breath

"I-I'm sorry I'm just stressed from all the tests and stuff you know hero stuff can be stressful" A chuckle left your mouth as you took another bite "Oh alright if you say so but if anything birhtering you dont be afraid to c-come to me alright" you sighed in relief happy that Tamaki believed you so the Two if you continued with your lunch hang out

But that was so far from the truth

Tamaki knows when something is wrong especially when it comes to the people he cares deeply about, for example, he knows when Mirio is faking a smile or when he senses Neijire feeling uncomfortable or how Kirishima tries to stay determined even tho he can hear the slight tremble and stutter in his voice, and this time he now sees it more Cleary as he sees you slowly taking a bite out your food sweating in fear and your fingers twitch a bit it's so clear that you're nervous about something so why not tell him?

He swore to this day he swore he'd find out about whoever is causing you this, and he would protect you from them; for now, he just needs to keep a close eye on you from a distance...

When the two of you finished lunch, Tamaki offered to walk you to the class which you accepted as two if you walked towards your class in a comfortable silent, as you made it to the door you waved farewell to Tamaki and made it to your seat

As the class carried on and everyone was writing down notes for the next test, you couldn't help but feel some glares in you. Of course, you knew who they were, but you felt a particular glare, a glare that made your spine curl up. You wanted to ignore the feeling, but it just wouldn't go away curious but scared you grabbed a mirror/glasses (just any object that fits with a mirror) faced towards you, and slowly rotated it to see a reflection of a couple of your classmates

It seemed fine everyone was either focused on their notes reading or doing whatever until it hit Kirishima... you jumped when his eyes were staring directly at the back of your head intensely his teeth almost showing as if he was gonna rip you apart after class, your heart rate was now increasing you tried to steady your breathing to cover up the fear and confusion, why was he looking at you like..wait of course you know why but why does it feel like he's gonna do something to me...

You looked around to see something or someone to save you from this situation until you remember you do not have anyone in this class to rely on and Neito and Shinso were extra busy, as the class bell rang everyone got up to their seats including Kirishima he began slowly walking towards you with a dangerous glint in his eyes you stood still shaking a bit in your seat trying your best to avoid contact he was inches away from your desk

As he was about to take another step, a sickly sweet voice came out of the blue and blocked your view between Kirishima and you. "Why don't we go to the library for tutoring? We haven't done it in a while, plus I'll help you improve!" You looked up that the black ponytail girl momo was it? The two of you would do tutoring together at the beginning when she began to "forget" them and just stop hosting and inviting you all together

You didn't like her sessions at all now that you remember she would always treat you like some sort of baby early on as if she was holding an animal picture book and pointing out all the animals and mimicking the noises you were so glad Kendo and teru eventually teached you

But it seemed like you didn't have a choice, but you would rather go with a ponytail than wanna know that guard dog would do; all you had to do was zone out of Momo's lessons and wait until it got dark to make an excuse to meet up with Kendo, perfect plan right?

The library would've been peacefully quiet if it weren't for Momo constantly getting your attention to look at some words that you already knew and then talk to you slowly so you could "understand" better you muster up a smile at best to reassure her that you were listening when in your mind you wanted to leave as fast as possible and meet with Kendo

As the clock finally gave you mercy and struck 5pm, you hurriedly made an excuse to end today's session. "Oh man, momo, I think the tutoring session is up. Gotta leave!" You quickly got up, pulled in the chairs, and were about to walk out. "So soon? We just got started! Plus, I can do 2 more hours-" "Oh I would love to but I'm meeting up with Kendo and I don't wanna be a bad friend and ditch her" You didn't see Momo's cheery expression fall as you were too busy packing up and heading out the library "I'll see ya later!" You bid her as the door slammed shut the library became quiet once again with only the ponytail girl's blood boiling trying to keep her cool with a tight lip smile as she waved

You pull out your phone quickly texting her that you are coming which she replies with a smiley face emoji you chuckle texting her some memes and pictures as the two of you are spamming each other's memes back and forth you don't notice how much trouble you'll be in

As you accidentally bump into someone, you quickly backed away for a split second and apologized. You took your eyes out of your phone for a second to see who you bumped into to give them a proper apology and saw..

Oh no...

Kirishima

"You.." you mentally cussed as you backed away from him cautiously. "Oh uh hey-" "Don't 'hey' me, you traitor, you, Mole!" His anger was building up as he stomped towards you and pushed you on the ground; you could barely comprehend what the hell he was talking about and why he pushed you. "What-" "You sympathizer, you traitor. I don't even know how a villain like you could still be in this school!" His words are full of venom" "I know we were a bit harsh to you, but outing us out to the most dangerous fucking villain?! What the hell is wrong with you!?"

"I didn't know he was a villain nor did I know his name!? It's not like I knew he played video games!" "Again with these weak excuses, it was so obvious he was Shigaraki!" "Maybe I would've known I had friends and not be bullied by some blonde brute and his lapdogs!" Kirishima turned to you now with a more angry expression as if he was offended without a moment he grabbed you by the collar of your shirt and lifted you to his level

"You have no right to call us that when you're a simple Mole to a dangerous villain who is trying to kill us all!" He molded his free into a fist and reeled it back you bit his hand as hard as you could to make him let go but he bit his tongue and endured the pain even when his hand drew blood

As he was about to land a punch, a sudden tentacle came shooting out of nowhere toward Kirishima's free hand restraining it "Kirishima" The red hair froze at the familiarity of who that voice was, he slowly turned to see where the voice came from and only stopped mid way when he saw the indigo hair male, Tamaki his eyes glared at Kirishima in disappointment and betrayal, Kirishima quickly dropped you as you landed with a harsh thud, rude.

"T-Tamaki senpai!!, it's not what it is-" "insulting your classmate and was about to punch them? Yeah, seems how it exactly is." his words were cut off as he walked past him and toward you, gently helping you up and getting on your feet. "Are you okay? He didn't leave any bruises or marks on you, did he?" You shook your head, still in shock about Tamakis sudden behavior, as Kirishima's anger grew at the sight of the person he grew respect for that he looked up to! Is defending you?! He couldn't stand it

"Why are you defending them you don't know how much danger they put us through!" As Tamaki looked back at the boy with a serious expression," And, do you think bullying and degrading them is any better? This isn't something a hero should do, Kirishima. Have you ever thought about what they feel about it or if they intentionally wanted to?" Kirishima paused for a moment and didn't utter anything, only just avoiding his gaze. "I thought you were better than this, Kirishima; what happened to you being the "manliest hero in the hero alliance?" Was that all a ruse?" "N-no tamaki senpai it no-"

"I don't want you anywhere near me or them I don't respect someone who bullies others"

Those words shattered Kirishima as he looked in disbelief. His thoughts became a blur as he saw his mentor, his friend, leaving with his hands protectively around you, getting far away from him... was he the problem all this time?

Was he actually a lapdog?..

...

"Thanks back there you didn't have to." He stopped at his track and smiled. "No, It's fine. You weren't in the wrong anyway he was. Don't feel guilty for something you did that wasn't in your control." You looked up at him, surprised."You're not mad at me? even when I became a...mole?" That's when Tamaki embraced you with a warm hug "Of course not, even when you make a dangerous mistake like that it was the villain's fault for trying to get in your head and manipulate you but you stood strong and made the right choice by informing the teachers therefore you're not a traitor nor a Mole in my perspective"

Your eyes brimmed with tears with his words, "Thank you, thank you," as you hugged him back a little tighter. Was your luck finally turning around? Maybe not, but slowly, but at least you had more people who didn't see you as a nuisance, a child, or any traitor. It felt nice that you were treated as a human being Even if it was temporary.

A sudden buzz on your phone caught your attention, and it was still snuggled in your pocket. As you pick it up, you see a bunch of missed calls and messages from Shinso, Neito, and Kendo, all spamming concerns about your safety or if they needed to come. "Oh shit! I gotta run my friends are worried for me and Tamaki thank you I'm sure you're gonna be a great hero one day as you gave him one last hug before running off looking for you're friends before they hunt someone down to find you

Timeskip

The next day was a regular day as usual you went into class avoided everyone as possible (mostly Izuku and his gang) sat down at the back of the class and started the school day as you were doodling down stuff you noticed how dull and quiet Kirishima became when he usually would go to mina as they chat each other's ears off all-day but instead he stayed where he was and just looked down at his desk mina came over looking concern for him

"Hey Kirishima you ok man" The bubbly teen hit him on his shoulder playfully but he all did was look at her, nod, and go back to what he was doing which made the hair girl awkward and murmur an "ok" and sat back down when the teacher came in to start the lesson

Even at training, Kirishima didn't utter a single word to you or his friends. Even when they were teasing you, he just looked away. "Hehe, yeah, they're so weak, right? Kirishima, cmon say something!" His other friend Denki kept pressuring him poking his shoulder and urging him to speak but all smack his hand away and walked back leaving his friends in shock and disappointment

Even at lunch, he wasn't even interacting with anyone, just playing with his food as he barely ate. Everyone sat in silence and stared at him until his best friend finally spoke up, "The hell is up with your shitty hair?" He was then ignored as the red hair kept poking with his food staring down at it, making the blonde more irritated. He snatched his tray away and put it far from the table "Are you ignoring me?" Kirishima finally looked up at him with an annoyed expression "I just said millions of times I'm fine blasty so can I please have my food back" bakugo slammed his hand down hard infront of him

"Like hell you are! You've been acting quiet for the whole damn day! And It's getting pretty damn annoying, so spit it out. God damnit, I'm tired of this childish shit" "Kaccha,n, chill o, ut, . Don't you think you're being a bit harsh?" Denki butted him, trying to de-escalate the situation "he's right. What if he's having a bad day today? Or recently but he's right Kirishima we're all worried for you so please stop ignoring us and tell us" Everyone at the table joined him questioning and pressuring him to speak

He covered his ears not wanting to hear more without glancing a final Time at Tamaki and you talking and smiling at each other laughing tears began to brim his eyes as he got up from his seat and quickly ran out leaving his group and even Katsuki speechless

As he made it to the bathroom, he locked himself in there and took a deep breath. He then lifted his head and stared at the mirror, his reflection. "Why, just why did he have to go side with them fuck.." tears slide across his cheeks and fall through the sink he wanted to be angry at you so bad wanted to pin the blame on you or something to make him feel like he was in the right but the memories the flashbacks of how he and his friends mistreated you keep flooding back into his mind making him frustrated and yet gulity..?

Is he feeling guilty? For himself, no... for you, but how?! You're supposed to be the bad guy, not him. Why is he feeling remorse for you out of all people? Why does he suddenly feel like he wants to go on your knees and apologize it was supposed to be the opposite it's such a headache honestly and he couldn't make it stop he wants to stop thinking altogether

A knock at the door startled him and snapped him out of his thoughts. "Uh hey, is the bathroom available he stared at the door for a moment until he spoke up, clearing his throat, "Uh yeah, sorry! I'll unlock it!"

[darkpoisonouslove]

I was right that she can't plan for shit. That backfired so spectacularly I'm surprised the rest of the household didn't come to watch the show.

[julijbee]

girlbossing too close to the sun.

[moongothic]

The worst part about trying to figure out what Crocodile's deal is that because he's so fucking irredeemably evil in Alabasta... Like... Yeah he's just irredeemably evil. Like I love him but he did cause countless casualties, a ton of pain and suffering and literally attempted to blow up a million people

Like no amount of theoretical "trying to do it to save his son from the Government" or "trying to stop the Government from hurting anyone else" or just "doing it for the greater good" is going to make him any less of a mass murderer

But also Robin absolutely 100% helped with all of that shit simply because she wanted to read the Poneglyph for herself.

No amount of her intending to betray Crocodile from the begining and sabotaging his plans erases the fact that Robin also caused countless people to starve to death and die in the civil war. Her sabotages only succeeded out of sheer luck, and only spared the lives of the people at the final battle. She has the blood of countless innocents on her hands. Because she wanted to read history.

But her crimes were swept under the rug because she has a sad backstory and her sabotages worked out just at the nick of time by sheer dumb luck

So Croc??? Just??? Is there a chance??? At all???

But also he did literally intend to sell Buggy into slavery

Like, fuck Buggy, but jesus

What's also killing me is that we like. Don't know what Luffy thinks of Crocodile right now. Which really is like. The thing that will decide how we, as the readers, are supposed to feel about Crocodile. Luffy is our POV

Like we don't know what Luffy's opinion of Crocodile is after he helped save Luffy (and spared Ace once) during the Summit War. Like Luffy clearly fucking hated the man in Impel Down and the two interactions they had during the War weren't like positive (in the sense that Luffy himself didn't think of the interactions as particularly positive. Defending Whitebeard from being attacked once and then being like "wait what HIM?!" when Crocodile defended Ace. To be fair, in the midst of the chaos, there wasn't much time to spend on Pondering On Such Things because Ace needed to be saved, and Oda goes out of his way to not show us what's going on inside Luffy's head, because it's all meant to be out in the open anyways. Regardless, these weren't like "yay it's Crocodile! :)" moments for Luffy is what I mean)

But also Luffy was very grateful of Law for saving his life and was willing to put his trust into Law for their alliance- of course, they weren't explicitly enemies to begin with, rivals at most, but still. Luffy respects those who help him.

But also Luffy grew during the timeskip. Like he's not that clueless anymore (like he finally understands Hancock is in love with him etc), and similarly Luffy gets that Buggy is an absolute loser now. But also Buggy did also help save Luffy's life (even if it was by accident), and while IDK if Luffy is aware of that, I don't think that helped improve Luffy's impression of Buggy

So like. The fuck does Luffy think of Crocodile, at this moment? Even with the Cross Guild reveal, he didn't even really comment on Croc and just focused his energy on being confused about Buggy being "the leader" of CG. IDK it feels almost intentional or something, that we don't know what Luffy thinks?? Especially since we did get Zoro's opinion on Mihawk in the situation?? Or am I delulu?? (Sidenote. I'd love to know what Robin would have to say about Crocodile helping save Luffy's life. What Jinbei might think of the final words Crocodile left him with before blasting them out of Akainu's reach. But mainly just Robin's thoughts)

Like IDK my best guess would be that Luffy still hates Crocodile just the same but is like grossed out by technically owing him one??? In the classic

-kinda way, you know? And that he'd be just kinda confused about it?

Because I can't fucking imagine Luffy being like "oh we're cool now" with Crocodile, let alone "Yay Crocodile :) He saved my life!". But also like. Luffy does kind of owe Croc one. Kind of. And Luffy is usually very respectful of that kind of thing. Aaaaaaaa???

(Also does. Does Luffy even know it was Crocodile who yeeted him and Jinbei out of Akainu's reach to begin with. 'Cause he was unconcious. Knocked the fuck out. Does. Does Luffy even know. Did anybody tell him???)

I just.

There's the reasonable part of me that knows Crocodile is an irredeemable evil dickbag and everything he has ever said and done up to the most recent chapters support that. He is too far gone.

And then there's the absolutely delulu part that loves a tragic villian who gets a heartwrenching redemption that's looking for any fucking sign that could indicate Crocodile could maybe be one

[sluckythewizard]

'I wont cry for you, I wont crucify the things you do. I wont cry for you, see, when you're gone, I'll still be BLOODY MARY'

[thelaurenshippen]

open ai made a little post about how they chose their chatbot voices and two things stood out to me:

a) I am genuinely pleased and surprised that the voices come from specific real people that they hired and paid, rather than being built off of all of the data open ai has scraped. the voice for siri did one job for one company 20 years ago and now she is literally everywhere without ever being compensated by apple or even acknowledged as the voice. there's simply no way she was paid enough in that original job. whereas, open ai says "each actor receives compensation above top-of-market rates, and this will continue for as long as their voices are used in our products." this could mean literally anything (what market rate are we going above? does continue mean they get residuals or get paid for doing more sessions?) but, christ, at least the actors are doing it with full knowledge of what their voices are being used for and can decide for themselves if the compensation is enough

b) the post talks about working with "award-winning casting directors" to get the voices. first of all, yay for paying casting directors! we love to see it. but they also say the CDs received over 400 submissions in a week and they state that like a big number and it's just...not at all. and look, without knowing the intricacies of the casting process, it's hard to know what approach the CDs took - it's very possible they were selective from the jump and 400 is a lot from the pool they were tapping. 400 would be a lot if you were going to the agencies directly and asking for names, but there's just no way in hell open ai went after big stars for this. so it would've been a pool of unknowns. in which case, 400 is laughably small. even if you're not using the big casting sites like actorsaccess, I've worked on projects with CDs and their own internal systems where we've gotten over 100 submissions for a single role. I've posted roles on casting sites and received literally thousands of submissions in just a few days

look, I have a very limited perspective on this - I am not a casting director (imo, one of the most important and undervalued jobs in hollywood) and I, in fact, hate the process of casting with a passion. but 400 just seemed like such a tiny pool to pull from and, idk, it heartens me! it's heartening to think that there's very little interest from actors and agents to be doing this kind of stuff. and absolutely no shade to the actors who did--I want actors to get their bag however they want as long as it's, like, safe sane and consensual, you know? but there's something encouraging about thinking that open ai hired some big casting agency to get their foot into the voice acting door and people didn't come running

[anthenasikes]

summertime ☀️ !!!

[fortes-fortuna-iogurtum]

very very tired of all the many many things :')

[windupaidoneus]

hmm. well i still cant really do promo posts can i. blinks. having no carrd or anything of the sort is freeing bc i dont have to worry abt too little or too much informstion but without one ppl will also probably assume im a freak or something bc i dont have info that says im not a freak readily available. i dont think my beahtiful windupaidoneus dot straw dot page will suffice

[crtstormie]

I myself am a Vox lover. (Obviously)

but… the amount of usernames on Pinterest that allude to Vox fucking them is… concerning?

This is just a few y’all 💀

I’m sure there’s more on TikTok but I refuse to go on there for anything but Vox edits

[memento-mariii]

I'm not scared of getting older, I'm scared of new opportunities getting shut off from me :(

[scribblebook]

god i wish i was good at taking pictures of things i knit/crochet. incapable of making the things i make look as good as they look irl

[astudyintheburningofhearts]

YOU GUYS. YOU GUYS. THE FIRST EPISODE OF HEARTSTOPPER SEASON THREE I'M SCREEAMINGGGGGGGGGG OMG (SPOILERS IN THE TAGS BTW PLEASE JUST SCROLL PAST) FEDJHWKQJ