#and of course happy lantern rite! :D
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spiriteddreams · 2 years ago
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okay here we go, spirit is watching the 3.4 livestream with a nice cup of coffee and a chocolate croissant from trader joe's
rambles under the cut bc you're all gonna hate me when i scream LMAO
i typed all of these while watching the livestream on youtube so it's messy and this is what my brain sounds like all the time
okay starting off with cozy leisure time? one of my favourite ost's it's so beautiful. and the scenery? it's very nostalgic for me! i get excited when it's time for the lunar new year bc hyv goes all out
YUHH XIN NIAN KUAI LE
omg trailer!! "sipping the finest tea"
XIAO AT DINNER?? BAIZHU?? VENTI?? THE TRIO OF XIANGLING, CHONGYUN AND XINGQIU??
YAO YAO OMG XIAO BAO BEI okay i'm also glad yaoyao's voice isn't super super high pitched
xiao once again in the art is ugh so beautiful marry me
al-haitham?? hello sir nom. fingers. back. chest. FUCK
okay i'm also glad yaoyao's voice isn't super super high pitched
"a character who is self absorbed and full of personality" PLEASE let me knock him down a peg with some angst
al-haitham in the art for the second redemption code is SO SO SO UGH. CHEST.
new area, new snake what if i just didn't then what?? i do NOT want another boss that spends 90% of the time moving underground
BEETLE FIGHTING?? do i get to fight itto and ayato then?
THE NEW OUTFITS FOR AYAKA AND LISA ARE GORGEOUS OMG
volume 3 of the stella moments!!! wooooo i'm so excited i love genshin music hehe
ending the stream with myriad of lights?? thank you for that treat it's such a gorgeous piece that's gentle, reminiscent, and fun. perfect for the occasion!
happy lantern rite everyone!
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angelicafx · 4 months ago
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★.° - 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄...
Yandere Zhongli X Fem! Reader
WARNINGS: YANDERE, unrequited love, death, jealously, reincarnation, obsession, delusional behavior, angst, a little bit of aether x reader, and aether as the traveler!
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2nd POV:
𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒... that's how you felt while you were on the cold floor which was full of blood. All you were thinking in this moment was about 𝐇𝐈𝐌..
Does he knows that your life was gonna to end in some seconds? Does he knows that you were full of pain? Does he knows that you 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 him?
You doubted that he noticed your stupid feelings when he already catching feelings for Ghuizhong. You always noticed how his behavior changed when he was with her. He was 𝐀𝐋𝐖𝐀𝐘𝐒 in love with her.
"H-heavens.. please.." You muttered with pain in your voice while spitting blood from your mouth. "I-In my 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄.. d-don't make me fall in love with him... even if w-we were meant to be together.." You prayed before closing your eyes forever..
𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐇𝐀𝐒 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐃... and you were reborn without your memories of your past life. You were born in a very rich family in Fontaine and became a very independent woman.
You decided to go to Liyue and go to the famous event, "Lantern Rite" with the famous traveler, 𝐀𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑. He wanted to invite you with Paimon to see it and spend some time together, and of course you accepted thinking that it would not 𝐇𝐔𝐑𝐓 you by going with him.
When you arrived at the place, you saw Aether and Paimon talking to a brown haired man. You decided to greet him since it will be quite rude to not greet him... 𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓?...
"Woahhh!! You finally got some money in your wallet, Mr. Zhongli !??" Paimon exclaims surprised. "Haha... Don't get so excited since I actually got it from Childe" Paimon let's out a sigh after hearing those words.
"Greetings, traveler and Paimon" you greeted them while Zhongli froze...
Was it really you..?
The woman that died centuries ago..?
"Helloo [Name] !" Paimon greeted you while Aether just waved at you. Zhongli didn't knew what to say.. 𝐘𝐎𝐔 had the exact name of his dear 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃.
"I'm sorry but, didn't catch your name" You said to him with your normal voice but for him... he was 𝐁𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐃 by hearing that. He hasn't heard that beautiful voice a VERY long time ago, he missed that.
"Ahem, my apologize, name is Mr. Zhongli but just called me Zhongli" he answered you with a big smile. "Name is [Name], nice to meet you !" you grabbed his hand and shaked it.
𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐄𝐋𝐋 𝐈𝐍 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐂𝐇, he missed that touch for many centuries and now he was able to touch it again. That made him realize...
Was it 𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐄 that brought you two together again?
Did you two were 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐃 to be together?
Zhongli soon realized... he 𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 was in love with Guizhong... it was you. But don't worry, he will fix this ! You two 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 have a happy ending.
Yet... he will 𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 find out the deal you had with the Heavenly Principles...
"𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆.."
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a/n: HEHRHRHRH ANGST, MAYBE PART 2 ?? DECIDED TO MAKE THIS SHORT SINCE WANTED TO DO A SHORT FIC . TAKE CAREE <33
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violetsareblue-selfships · 9 months ago
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Happy Lantern Rite
Ship: Xiao x April | Word Count: 1571 | Warnings/Tags: food mention, sappy proposal time :3
A/N: happy valentine's day everyone~ here's the proposal fic i promised :D (and yes, that means it's official - though i could have posted the fic around Saturday or so - wanted to keep it for today :3) anyways! i hope you enjoy it!!
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Liyue Harbor always feels so cozy this time of year, the warm glow of the lanterns creating an atmosphere she's never found anywhere else. Out of all the festivals and celebrations she's been apart of, April has to say that the Lantern Rite is one of her favorites if not her number one.
This Lantern Rite finds her walking through the streets as usual, admiring all the different stalls set up for the occasion, but there's a key difference. This year she has her partner by her side. Usually, Xiao prefers to keep a distance during the festivities or he'll continue his usual duties to Liyue, keeping its people safe from monsters.
She doesn't know what convinced him to say yes when she asked him to accompany her this year, but she's certainly not complaining. It's likely a testament to how long they've been together. After all, he's started going on walks through the city with her on occasion.
As cheesy as it sounds, she's enjoying the atmosphere even more with him by her side. Occasionally, she'll catch him looking at her with the softest look in his eyes - the same one that always appears when she's particularly happy or excited. At this point, he doesn't even try to hide it or shy away like he would have before. Both of them know how much he admires her, and it makes her heart flutter every time she catches it.
The time passes slowly as they visit the various food and activity stalls, every moment counting down to the usual firework display and the releasing of the lanterns. Xiao starts getting a little antsy as the time draws nearer, wanting to have plenty of time to carry out what he has planned.
He gently pulls April closer and leans in to whisper in her ear, "It's almost time to find somewhere to watch the fireworks. So, if you want any snacks or anything, get that now."
April tilts her head a little, but she doesn't question it based on the serious look in his eyes. It's a little early yet, but she also understands that the crowds might be getting to be too much for him. "Okay!" She pecks his cheek softly before going to a nearby stand to order something they can both snack on.
His eyes stay on her through the whole process, tense and ready to step in should he need to. His tension eases once she heads back over to him, and he wraps an arm around her once she's close.
Usually, he wouldn't be quite so affectionate in public, but it's a little easier to teleport both of them if he has a good hold on her. "You ready?" He asks, and he teleports away once she nods.
They appear on one of the lower areas on Mount Tianheng, one of the flatter areas with a good view of the city below them. As impressive as the view already is, April gets a little rush of excitement about how it's going to look when the fireworks go off.
Xiao clears his throat lightly, bringing her attention back to him. That serious look is still in his eyes, tinged with a little nervousness that wouldn't be obvious to anyone else. He doesn't speak yet, he doesn't have to, as April easily understands to sit down when he nods toward the ground.
Once both of them are seated, Xiao huffs softly, trying to dispel some of his nerves. He thought some about how he'd do this before, but he's never been one for a big speech, which makes this a little difficult.
"April, I have something important to ask you," He says, taking one of her hands in his and staring down at their intertwined fingers. It's not that he doesn't want to look at her, but it's a little easier to say this when he doesn't see every minute change of her expression. "Of course, you're allowed to say no, but I couldn't let another Lantern Rite go by without asking you."
April sits there quietly, a soft expression on her face that exudes fondness. Her heartrate picks up with anticipation, having the slightest idea of what he's about to ask, given that this feels exactly like how he would ask that question. No other eyes around, but still surrounded by Liyue's beauty…
"I love you more than I ever expected to love anyone. Just knowing you has made my days brighter, and I don't want to lose that - I want to have that forever if you'll let me…" As he speaks, Xiao reaches down into a pouch at his hip, one that he'd been using to store the little souvenirs April's collected due to the festival games and merchant stalls. He pulls out a small bag and deftly opens it while his eyes return to hers, his eyes once again holding that incredibly soft look.
"April… will you marry me?" He asks, pulling a ring out of the bag. April's eyes widen at the pretty silver and blue ring, made out of an exquisite piece of noctilucous jade cut into a shape resembling a glaze lily.
"Yes," She says simply, her eyes sparkling at him sweetly. It's enough to make him smile, especially as he sees her eyes watering, the prettiest grin spreading across her face.
Xiao chuckles softly and takes her hand, gently sliding the ring into place where it's meant to belong. "It's so pretty…" April murmurs, holding her hand close to her face to look at the way the gems sparkle in the faint lights given by the city below.
"Keep it on whenever you go out," Xiao murmurs, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her nearly into his lap. When she looks at him with a cute curious expression, he flusters and looks away. "It's been blessed by the adepti, so it'll keep you safe," He explains, a little shyly.
April wonders silently if he was the one to bless the amulet or if it was one of the other adepti, but she giggles regardless. "Thank you, Xiao. Actually, I have something for you too," She says, her grin widening as she digs around in one of her pouches.
"You-- what? You didn't have to…" Xiao mutters, blinking a little as she pulls out something on a necklace chain. He holds his hand out and watches as she sets it in his palm, the metal feeling slightly warm from being in her bag all this time.
A soft gasp leaves his throat as he realizes that it's a ring strung on the necklace, and her eyes sparkle with mischief this time when his hurriedly meet hers. "Seems you're not the only one who had plans of proposing," She says playfully, before letting out a faux sigh. "Though… I wrote you a song and everything… but you beat me to it."
She giggles at the almost-pout that settles on his face. "Oh, don't worry, I'll play it for you when we return to the inn tonight. But what do you think? This way you can wear it around your neck and not have to worry about fitting your gloves over it. Also, the chain's fairly strong so it won't just break even if you wear it during combat."
Xiao peers at the ring, also made of silver but cor lapis instead for the jewel - a shade that perfectly matches his eye color. The gem is styled to resemble the sun, and it's enough to bring tears to his eyes despite him not usually being one to cry.
"It's perfect…" He mutters softly, huffing when she throws her arms around him. "Sunlight, when will you get that you don't have to get me things to remind me of you? You're always on my mind…" His words are muffled against her shoulder, but they make her giggle nonetheless.
"I know! But it seemed perfect! Especially when I found that gem on one of my adventures! I knew exactly what it should be used for."
"Put it on me?" He asks quietly, letting the necklace drop back into her hand. April opens the clasp and Xiao leans forward to let her put it around his neck, staying still until it's been clasped into place.
The ring falls perfectly over his heart, a fact that makes both of them smile. One of her hands find his and she squeezes softly, the faint sounds of the city growing louder as the fireworks show draws nearer.
"Oh! I love you too," April says after a moment of silence. Xiao makes an inquisitive 'hm' sound and she giggles softly. "You know, you said it in your proposal and I never said it back."
Xiao chuckles and draws her nearer. "Silly girl, focus on the city. The fireworks are about to start soon." He can hear the clamor of voices even more clearly than she can down to the way the people's excitement is growing.
"Happy Lantern Rite, Xiao," She says and he hums, setting his chin on her shoulder, his eyes on her instead of on the lanterns which are beginning to float up into the sky.
"Happy Lantern Rite, qingxin…" He murmurs.
The two of them stay curled up together, watching the lanterns float higher into the sky, and when the fireworks start, they enjoy that show too, happy to be with the one they love.
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nyandereneko · 2 years ago
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First Moonrise
Word Count: 1,679
Summary: “The moon smiled upon the wayward adventurers, well aware that the cogs of their intertwined fate had been steadily turning for a while now. And they weren’t going to be stopping any time soon, come what may.”
Author’s Note: Happy New Year 2023! My first drabble of the year and it’s Fate Touched, because of course it is. Considering we’re only 20 days away from season 2 of TLOVM dropping, I’m confident these next couple months (or weeks if nothing else) I’m going to be injecting DND directly into my veins because I can’t help myself. And that doesn’t even take into account the Lantern Rite’s imminent approach, but this drabble is about Vax so I’ll do my best to stay on track lol. Last year (the past few years, really) have been little more than an absolute nightmare and I’m putting my foot down and reclaiming my life. Which starts with reclaiming and revamping my selfships and sharing the content I’ve been so terribly neglecting in my depressive spiral. So, here’s to this year being better, and embracing the love and creativity we all deserve! Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy! :D
Reblogs Appreciated!
*****
“First moonrise of the new year…so, I guess I can finally wish you a Happy New Year, Mom.”
Nova released her hushed greeting on a puff of breath into the chill night air, adding a tiny wave almost instinctively as she admired the radiant display of Catha and Ruidus shining like a painting against the backdrop of the night sky. If only she could capture the magnificence of this moment in the meticulous stroke of a brush…but she specialized in scrawling words on a page rather than guiding colors on a canvas. Besides, the striking silhouette of the sister moons had been captured and interpreted plenty of times over the years. If she truly wanted to appreciate their brilliance there was no shortage of their influence in the numerous temples and shrines that managed to persist in even the darkest corners of Tal’dorei.
The priestess had withdrawn from the rest of the party when her absence was least likely to be noticed, waiting for her remaining companions to collectively turn in for the evening before slipping out one of the inn’s side doors. With claws and tail primed for action, she’d lithely scaled the side of the building to get to her perch, settling herself on the roof’s ridge in the perfect position to view the tranquil nighttime scene. She couldn’t exactly share this little ritual of hers with her companions, considering they didn’t even know the true nature of who or what she was. It was too risky, too dangerous.
Things were simpler that way, hence why she’d long since decided to keep her secrets tucked close to her chest.
With her starlit tail wrapped around her feet for a little extra warmth and security, Nova leaned forward against her knees as she hugged her torso tighter and continued observing the grand celestial bodies suspended above. The transition from twilight to night proper heralded the start of the period the priestess had at her disposal to commune with her god—and not only that. The priestess’s devotion and reverence to the mysterious, whimsical Moonweaver stemmed from more than just years of carefully counseled and studied training and worship. 
While all living beings had one god or another to thank for their existence, Nova’s case was a bit more personal, a bit more literal.
Because the Moonweaver, Sehanine Moonbow, happened to be her mother in the most direct sense of the word. Despite not enduring the birthing process via more traditional or conventional methods, the Moonweaver had elected to personally pluck a special star from the heavens of her domain, granting it sentience and along with that the opportunity to learn, to grow, to become something. To experience life! It was an opportunity Nova would never regret or resent, especially not now that she had someone she wanted to be there for. Well, there were many someone’s she wanted to be there for, but the first person that came to mind when she ruminated on her fortunate circumstances was a unique exception, a case of her wild heart finding a place to nest despite the litany of disruptive odds and obstacles at play.
“It’s been a crazy couple of months, but I think we’re all hanging in there the best we can,” she began as her tail idly swept the battered roof tiles. “We’ve dealt with some real challenges, but we always come out on top…well, we have thus far, anyway. And I’m not naive enough to believe our luck will never run out. Trust me, I learned that lesson long, long ago.”
“And just what kind of lesson would that be?”
Nova let out a spine chilling hiss, shooting straight to her feet in a flurry of shock and panic before trying to take some kind of defensive stance. She almost lost her balance as something reached out to steady her. Thankfully, the unexpected intruder caught her before she could go tumbling off the slope, and as her vision adjusted her sights fell upon the winsome features of her greatest exception. She scrambled to regain her balance and free herself from the half-elf’s embrace even as he absently went about patting down her bristled fur. It was the least he could do, considering he was the cause of it. She didn’t want to think about or acknowledge how nice his touch felt, or how desperately she actually wanted to remain safely squirreled away in the sanctuary of his arms…so she held her ground and put a respectable amount of distance between them instead.
“Sorry, sorry, truly…I didn’t mean to startle you so badly,” Vax offered with a sheepish laugh, doing his best to keep his eyes jumping around lest they linger on the gleam of her resplendent visage in the soft pale light. “But honestly, you don’t really seem like the type that lets their guard down even at the best of times.”
“Well, I’m not usually all that likely to encounter strangers on rooftops in the dead of night.” She remained standing for the time being as she collected herself and braced for his interrogation. “To answer your previous question, though, it wouldn’t be a surprise for you to hear that luck runs out, right?”
Vax blinked a few times, a bit bewildered by the enigmatic nature of her inquiry. “I mean, it can, sure. I think everyone’s luck probably runs out at some point or another. I take it you have firsthand experience with that, hence the lesson learning?”
Nova returned to her seat on the ridge of the roof, caressing Vax’s wrist with her tail as she went to direct him to follow. Perhaps she couldn’t conduct the meeting she’d initially planned with the addition of this clueless bystander, but she could still communicate with her goddess in a professional context; that was what was expected of her anyway. Plus, it certainly didn’t hurt for the Moonweaver to get to know her future son-in-law a little better, right? Even if that future was still uncertain, even unlikely in Nova’s eyes, and even if the circumstances didn’t set the best atmosphere for a persuasive introduction.
“I mean, who hasn’t experienced their fair share of trials and tribulations?” the priestess began with a hint of melancholy, dangling her wrists off her knees. “Just look at our group. I don’t mean to get into anything too personal, it’s just…I know you can’t have the good without the bad. But sometimes…I know I don’t need to tell you that sometimes the darkness is just a little too thick, a little too suffocating.”
She didn’t volunteer anything further, and Vax didn’t push it. Settling down beside her, the rogue draped a portion of his cloak over the petite woman’s shoulders, endeavoring to conceal his surprise as he felt the distinct sensation of something warm and soft snake around his hips. It was too low, and fluffy, and noticeably warm to be mistaken for the signature transforming reptilian belt he rarely removed from his person. She slipped her tail under his cloak and around the edge of where he sat, offering her own form of solidarity without fully committing to a gesture that was more invasive, intimate, personal.
Vax didn’t mind taking matters into his own hands in that regard. He didn’t want to push Nova to discuss something she wasn’t ready to, something that she barely had the strength and conviction to face herself. Perhaps it was something she still hadn’t dealt with yet, a harsher, more harrowing and horrifying experience that she’d barely had the will to survive. Vax didn’t realize how close to the truth his assumptions came, but he did know he was glad she’d survived despite the circumstances, the cruelty, the suffering. He was here now, they could both be here for each other, and he’d long since decided he would stop at nothing to protect her from whatever threats had yet to come. 
Now that she’d established herself as a semi-permanent presence in his life, he never wanted to be without her. Her feelings had skewed in much the same direction over the course of their budding acquaintance. 
He felt her muscles tense under his touch as he leaned over to envelop her more completely, draping an arm around her shoulder and drawing his cloak with him until she was cocooned against his side, her head nestled in the curve of his shoulder. Vax was quiet, pensive as he rested his head against Nova’s, and the faelyne swiveled an ear to accommodate his increased proximity. Sitting here bundled up in the object of her affection’s embrace as they bathed in the moon’s first light of the year, it was hard for her to fathom anything better than this. The sounds of the sparse nightlife and a trickle of ever present yet impossible to trace notes drifted by on the breeze, breathing a life into the small town that both parties were a bit reluctant to leave behind.
“You don’t have to tell me any more if you don’t want to,” the half-elf encouraged in a whisper, and the quality of his tone made Nova’s heart skip a beat. He hadn’t employed any specific inflection in his delivery, she just happened to fancy his voice. “I understand dealing with stuff you can’t talk about. But I want you to know if you ever do want to talk, I’m here to listen. And regardless of what this year brings, we’ll get through it together, all of us. That’s a promise I intend to keep.”
“I suppose I’ll have to hold you to it, then,” the faelyne replied, nuzzling his shoulder before abruptly freezing in the movement the instant she realized what she was doing. 
I expect nothing less, he thought in response, letting out a contented sigh as she nuzzled him and giving her tail a few affectionate strokes in return.
The moon smiled upon the wayward adventurers, well aware that the cogs of their intertwined fate had been steadily turning for a while now. And they weren’t going to be stopping any time soon, come what may.
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space-dragon-ace · 2 years ago
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Rescue Romance
Characters: Xiao & Male!Reader Word count: 1990 Description: Pondering what you could gift Xiao, you come across trouble. Saving makes something bloom into you Additional info: Reader has a Pyro Vision, Xiao is already in love with Reader, Readers own feelings start to begin
It was a hot and humid day in Liyue, the kind of day where every single movement made you sweat. A day where everyone just wanted to stay in the shade and near ice, so that maybe, they wouldn't boil alive. The only ones unbothered by this were the ones fortunate enough to have a pyro vision, like Hu Tao or you. Days like these were the ones you were the most grateful for your vision, the heat resistance was the only reason you were able to move. And while Hu Tao worked today, along with Mr. Zhongli, who was strangely unbothered as well, you went out for a walk. You needed some things, which were all located in the Liyue wilderness. Technically, you could just buy them in a shop, you didn't want to inconvenience the shopkeeper. She should be allowed to rest in this heat, and you could gather everything yourself. And so it came that you wandered the outskirts of the city, backpack shouldered and a basket in your hands. Fruits, herbs and mushrooms slowly found their way to you, and you started humming a little melody against the silence. Just a few more things and you would be good, and could make your favorite dish a few days in a row. The mushrooms were seasonal, you had to indulge yourself on them while you could, lest you'd drain your pouch of Mora just to get them. You shivered as you remembered the first, and last, time you bought the mushrooms outside of season. Never again. The rest of the month was spent eating cheap noodles just so you could afford to pay bills. Of course you understood that the shopkeepers had to pay bills as well, but...
You sighed, shaking your head. There were too many pretty and tasty things in live, and you'd never have enough Mora to buy and taste them all. Even now you needed to safe money, a lot of your friends had their birthday in the following month, and you wanted to give all of them the perfect present. You already had everything picked out and planned, to avoid last second buying. Well, almost everything was picked out and ready. Because for the live of you, you couldn't figure out what to give Xiao. Which was doubly a problem because not only was his birthday the closest, he was also not just a friend. He was your best friend. So not finding the perfect gift was doubly out of the window. And you couldn't make Almond Tofu again, that was what you gave him all the time when you made it. The whole thing would be a lot easier if Xiao had actual preferences. But he was so...neutral, about everything. Of course you loved him, but it was a bit frustrating. He always managed to hit the nail on the head when giving you a gift, so of course you had to return that favor! Which, evidentially, was easier said than done. He didn't care much for worldly possessions, didn't saw the need in new clothes or jewellery, wasn't nearly often enough in the city for flowers to make sense, and...the topic of food was already covered with Almond Tofu. And since he disliked crowds, treating him to a nice dinner also fell through. You still remembered the hassle it was just getting him to attend the lantern rite... Was a picnic a gift? Was a spar a gift? Why did you have to be besties with one of the most complicated persons in Teyvat?!
With a groan, you sat on the ground, pouting a bit. Stupid Xiao and his neutrality, how were you supposed to make him happy when there was apparently so little that was of use?! Your pout got deeper, you puffed out your cheeks and pushed your lower lip forward. Some fine bestie you were, unable to come up with a good gift idea. And asking was out of the question, how pathetic was that? Another groan left your mouth, followed by a sigh. What would make a nice gift for Xiao? Something he could enjoy longer than a day, something that wasn't high-maintance, practical and easy to transport. Something he could use and that was actually of use for him, and would make him think of you from time to time. It seemed like you were describing something super-specific, and yet you had no idea what it could be. Sitting and pouting wouldn't help you, though. Especially since you still wanted to gather the remaining ingredients for your food. You patted down your clothes once you were standing, going back to foraging. It didn't took long for you to find the remaining stuff, and soon enough you were on your way back. Your dilemma wasn't solved, though, and you were deep in thought over what to gift Xiao. What could a two millennia old, immortal Yaksha who protected the land form demons actually need?! If he was Hu Tao it'd be easy, just something for a prank. If he was Xinyan, something related to music. Celestia above, a gift for Qiqi was easier to get! They were all pretty obvious about a passion or something they enjoyed, and you found yourself wishing Xiao would show the same passion for something so you could come up with an actual idea!
There was a whistling sound, and an arrow missed you by mere millimeters, flying past your ear. You whipped around, coming face to face with a duo of bandits. One was holding a bow, already loading another arrow, the other was charging at you with his sword drawn. Without wasting another second, you turned on your heel and started running zig-zagged. If they couldn't predict where you'd be, the arrows were not as effective. You used your basket and backpack to distract the one with the sword, throwing them at him. Of course you were sad over the loss of your items, but you needed to save your life first, and those things had only slowed you down. It didn't help much, the bandit with the sword was still hot on your heels. And was rapidly coming closer. The the world was spinning and your left side started to hurt. You had tripped over a root, in the worst possible moment. The bandit smirked, closing in on you. You closed your eyes, ducked your head and raised an arm to shield your face. „Xiao!“, you screamed out, „Help!“ You didn't knew if he could hear you, or if he'd be here in time. But you remembered that he promised to find you should you call out his name. And you desperately hoped he heard you, so at least a body would be discovered. Mentally, you prepared yourself for the impact of the sword on your body, for the searing pain and for death, if not worse. You didn't knew what those two had planned, after all. But, the pain never came.
Instead, you heard the sound of metal hitting metal, and an angry growl. You opened your eyes a bit, to see what happened. And opened them completely not a moment later, when you realized that Xiao was standing over you, polearm drawn and deflecting the bandit's sword. He growled again, sounding like a very pissed off animal. „Hands off him!“, he ordered, pushing the bandit back with his polearm, before swinging it. The bandit dodged, before making the wise decision to run. His partner did the same, both were smart enough not to challenge the Yaksha. Especially when he looked this ready and downright eager to spill blood. You had to admit, your heart skipped a beat and you were blushing. Why ever, this was just your best friend. „[Y/N], are you okay?“, Xiao asked, kneeling down next to you. You could merely blink, feeling even more blood rise to your cheeks. „What?“, you said, oh so smartly, and felt the need to hit yourself for it. If Xiao thought it was dumb, he didn't show. He merely tilted his head a bit, before repeating his question. „Are you okay?“ This time, you nodded and sat up properly. „Y-yeah, I'm fine. Thanks to you.“ Xiao nodded, helping you to your feet. „Did they took anything from you?“ „No, but I threw my backpack and basket away to be faster. My food was in there...“ Xiao took your hand, squeezing it. „I'll help you look for them.“ And he smiled. You could only stare at this beautiful smile of his. Your heart skipped another beat.
Thankfully, the two of you found your backpack and basket, food still inside. A bit roughed up, but still edible. You smiled brightly, and noticed that Xiao's cheeks were pink next time you looked at him. Probably the heat, it was still very warm, even in the afternoon. You hummed, taking his hand. „Hey, do you want to go drink some tea with Zhongli?“ You knew the two of them were close, and you liked Zhongli a lot. You were also 99% sure that he was actually Rex Lapis, but lacked any physical proof. And just asking was a dumb idea... „I'd love to“, Xiao said, pulling you out of your thoughts. You smiled happily, holding his hand on the way back to the city. Somehow, the contact made your skin feel warmer than normally. Half an hour later, you were sitting in Zhongli's living room, a steaming cup of tea in front of you. Zhongli and Xiao were chatting with each other, you had already told your part of the story that lead you here. Xiao kept downplaying his part of it, while Zhongli kept praising him. Your friend blushed a lot by hearing all the compliments and praises, even more so when you teasingly joined in. Only when Xiao pouted and threatened to leave, you stopped and apologized. „I do think you are amazing, though~“, you hummed and took a sip of your tea. Your friend's face erupted in red, a sight you found incredibly cute and endearing. Strange, the last time you felt like this was with your ex-boyfriend. Why did you feel like this for Xiao, now?
After a few minutes, Xiao excused himself. An opportunity you took right away, looking at Zhongli. „Zhongli, I have a question.“ The older man made a sound of surprise, but gave you his attention. „It's Xiao's birthday soon, and I have no idea what I could gift him. Do you have any?“ Yes, it was a bit pathetic to ask others for ideas, but you were getting desperate. Zhongli hummed, tapping his chin. „Well, why don't you invite him out for a picnic and a spar? I'm sure he'd enjoy that. And if you want to give something physical too, why don't you make him a small pendant out of glass? Melt the sand yourself and bring it in a god form, so he may wear it as an earring“, he suggested, and you hit your forehead with your palm. So small and simple, yet so obvious. You wondered how you survived to today like this. „Thank you Zhongli“, you said, before standing up, „I better get going, so I can brainstorm ideas.“ Zhongli smiled and wished you off, chuckling to himself. He had seen the way you had looked at Xiao, quite pleased with this development. It seemed you started to fall for him, something he's support without question. It had been a few months since his Adeptus confessed to having feelings for you, and Zhongli had been giving him tips on how to court you ever since. To see that it was finally working out filled him with joy. Both of you were close to him, and he wanted you two to be happy. Some pushes in the right direction couldn't be bad. Zhongli smiled and nodded to himself. Hopefully, soon you'd stop by to announce you were now boyfriends.
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tartagliad · 3 years ago
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As someone who is socially awkward to another socially awkward like Xiao, I am kind of upset that you have to have the traveler as an extrovert and join in the crowd at the festival. so like what if with Xiao being like I don’t like crowds and not wanting to go to the main festival area, his crush is like “Me too! :D I was going to quickly grab food and drinks and then we can just go somewhere else. the view for the lanterns is better far away anyway”?
Alright, you ask and you shall receive, tho, a little hands up.. i'm a bit unfamiliar with Xiao, so if I did something wrong.. let me know.. I'm currently asking a bit of help from my friend about Xiao.. so yeah.. here it is! :D
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Socially awkward (ft. Xiao)
Genre: Fluff
G/N reader!
Warning: mentions of kidnapping
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I feel like Xiao isn't socially awkward, it's just him being an adeptus
Especially as the Conqueror of Demons, working in the shadows is his thing
Speaking and interacting with mortal is quite difficult for him since he used to be alone for so so long
Finally after meeting you, he started to open up and try his best to see the mortal world
Both of you actually not into crowded places, so normally both of you would spend your time at Wangshu Inn or have a walk around Guili Plains
On a particular day, Liyue was having a Lantern Rite Festival
You were very busy helping people get ready for the festival
Roaming around here and there, and you probably spent a very little time with Xiao
Your commission was at Wangshu Inn, so you probably have a chance to meet him
But Verr Goldet called you. She asked if you could bring Xiao to the lantern rite with you
You think about it at first since Xiao isn't really into crowded places, but you also wanted to bring him and enjoy the lanterns together
So then, you go to the balcony where you usually wait for him.. then he came
"Hey Xiao," you greeted him, he turned around to see you, "You finally came, where have you been?" he asked
"Oh, y'know just dealing with a lot of commissions. Not slaying a bunch of monsters of course." you explain
Xiao nodded and well you are telling the truth since there's no sign of scars on your body
"Do you need anything from me?'' he suddenly asked, you nodded and told him, "Uhh.. I was thinking, maybe you wanted to go to the lantern rite with me.." you said..
Xiao turned silent for awhile, he's not into these things, "no" he simply said.
"These festivals are full of joy and happiness.. things like these aren't for me.. especially crowded places," he explains
"Actually, I didn't really wanna go.. crowded places feel a bit uncomfortable with me," you said, "But there's a mingxiao lantern that I wanted to see, so.. i wanted to enjoy it with you..'' you explained
"If you really wanted to go, you can watch it from here, last year's mingxiao lantern can be seen from here." he said
Both of you stood in silence.. suddenly an idea came out from you, "alright then.. if you didn't wanna go, I'll just be heading there by myself..'' you said, he just look at the floor and watch your figure walk down
So the idea was.. you wanted to make like you were kidnapped since Xiao was just said that he finished investigating about the treasure hoarders, so you thought.. why not pretend that you got kidnapped
You told Verr about your plan.. it was a bit extreme she thought, but if it's about bringing Xiao to the lantern rite.. why not :v
She agrees and you cooked some almond tofu and grilled tiger fish for the picnic later
After everything is set up, you left the Inn and Xiao was watching you leave the inn
Sun started to set and the festival was about to start, now verr has to call xiao
Xiao turned around and asked her what's wrong, then she gave the letter to Xiao
Xiao read the letter and he instantly panicked, he told verr he'll be right back and be sure to bring you save
You on the other hand.. you were sitting near the mountains near the harbor waiting for him
Then, he suddenly came, "WHERE ARE THEY?" he shouted
You stood up and said, "Xiao calm down, I'm here.." you said trying to hold your laughter
Now he was confused, what's happening exactly.. "Can you explain everything?" he ask, voice was serious
You explain everything from your plans and everything, he just stood there
"Y'know there's a better way of doing this rather than coerced me," he said
You just nodded and giggle, "I don't have any choice am I?" he said
And you just laughed at him and sat down with him, eating some snacks
There's no other people beside you two on the mountains, so it was rather quiet yet peaceful
Both of you talked to each other and looked at the xiao lanterns
It was so pretty, especially the mingxiao lantern..
Your eyes was filled with happiness, it was so pretty
Xiao was enjoying it too, deep down he was grateful that you have brought him here
The atmosphere was much better than when he was watching it from wangshu inn
Both of you really enjoyed the festivals even though the place is far from the crowd :)
"That was the most extreme way to convince me to go to the lantern rite... *sigh... next time, you could just asked me and tell me that we were gonna watch it right here.. I'll be more convinced if we watched it in a quiet place.."
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(A/N: hey guys, just a little announcement, my request box are opened again, so if you wanted to request let me know. Thank you and have a great day!! :D)
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witch-hazels-musings · 3 years ago
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Um kinda need to tag this tw:negative thoughts/kinda depressed and talks of not really taking care of one’s self(?) sorry to anyone who I may accidentally end up triggering based off of improper trigger warnings it’s brief tho, just don’t read the second paragraph (after this one)
I’ve been meaning to say this for a while I just haven’t because I’m not great around new people and I didn’t want to annoy you, but I really love your writing. I reread them probably more than I should tbh but there is just something about your writing that I actually feel cared for.
Tonight I’ve had a hard night just kinda overwhelmed and not really great mentally and kinda start to feel myself slipping backwards again and being really hard on myself not eating as much again just kinda think that I’m not important fun stuff like that. And then I read your works and I actually feel cared for and like I’m not all these horrible things and just...yeah
thank you a lot for your stuff and the lil’ community you made all make me feel better and I just appreciate it I wanna try talking more but yeah. Just know that you all are very appreciated 😊
Oh! Also another thing I’ve been meaning to tell you but just haven’t and kept forgetting, in your Lantern rite lil’ series (I love that one a lot 🥰) I really love how you included Amber in it as our friend/best friend, Amber is my main pyro character and I love her a lot despite (kinda in spite) how people hate on her a lot and just really nice seeing her get included and appreciation so thank you for including her😊💙)
Sorry for the rant😅
-🦊
hey dear!
(I know you’ve probably been fretting over this message - I promise you aren’t annoying me in any way - sometimes i get overwhelmed with the asks and just take a minute to respond & catch up)
I am so happy to know that I can show you the love that you deserve in my works - i put a lot of myself in them and to know they get through, my feelings and such, it’s everything to me
please know that our minds are so rude to us sometimes - when those thoughts come back, remember that you are worth something and that you have so much to give others! You never know how powerful the smallest interaction may be on someone -- everyone is touched by something different, and I think you have the power to make a great impact
AAH! Thank you for reading and loving the Lantern Rite series - it was my very first one >< and i just really wanted someone to support the reader and OF COURSE Amber is the best supporter in the world -- she’s awesome and I love her so much 
I am excited to hear from you again my dear! Have a great day :D 
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miss-cupcakez · 4 years ago
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Yay, a new event called in Genshin Impact called “Lantern Rite” has started today and it includes a new story quest too, of course! :D
I’ve only just started the quest, but it’s really fun already and I’m super happy to get to see more of Paimon! xD
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Everyone also gets the chance to get one of the Liyue 4-star characters for free! I wonder whom I should pick. :3
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