#at least it’s not genshin dominated anymore

[lyacinthus]

It’s … not as bad as the last one … I suppose,,,

(Below is the 2021 art summary that I forgot to post)

[chysalxsm]

Genshin men that love big boobies

Guess which bitch is back? ME. I need some more big titty content so I made it myself cause girl there are almost none😔. Anyways I hope you enjoy it!!

Characters: Al-haitham, Childe, Xiao, Itto, Scaramouche, Venti, Albedo and afab/fem!reader

Cw: sexual thoughts about reader, boobjob, pervet!Childe;Venti and Albedo, tit slapping, dom/sub reader and character, groping, nipple play, mention of lactation (I think it's called that but I'm not sure? Pls correct me in the comments!), Handjob, nipple clamps and hickeys.

Let me know if I forgot anything!

Al-haitham:

Not gonna lie, I actually also can see him liking ass and thighs so the full package but I just have a feeling that he loves big boobs the most. They are very soft and comfortable for him to lay his head down, but not only for that. He would never admit that he has sinful thoughts of fucking your tits, sliding his dick in and out your soft flesh while holding them close for his pleasure. It would hurt his pride too much so whenever he jerks off to the thought of you his thoughts always wander to your chest.

Childe:

Childe LOVES big boobies and you can't change my mind. Man just wants to smother his face into them 24/7. Is a pervert to. He will always find a opportunity to look down at your chest when you wear a low cut shirt. He often grope your tits without any shame, even if you guys are public, he just loves them so much. Not only will he leave marks on your chest everytime, but also wouldn't mind sucking on your nipples for hours. It's a plus point if their sensitive too, only adds to the fun for the both of you. If your nipples are sensitive then he will try to make you cum from only playing with them and slapping them. He would lick, bite, flick, slap and suck on them till their swollen and too sensitive. Would also fuck your tits for his pleasure. If he's feeling soft or had a bad day, then he just wants to cuddle with you, his head laying on your chest while you stroke his hair.

Xiao:

Well he always knew that he liked boobs, but would never admit it, well at least not to others but you. He has a obsession with cumming on your chest. Just the way his thick cum runs down slowly your tits makes him crazy. He also loves it to palm at your chest, play with your nipples while you ride him. Makes him cum faster than he would like.

Itto:

My man likes ass and tits. He just loves the plush feeling of them. Loves cuddling with you, no matter if your head lays on his chest or the other way around. He LOVES it when you ride him and your tits bounce up and down, the sight is just so sexy for him. Also wants to fuck your tits till their smeared with his cum. He would even be that nasty and slap his pre-cummed tip on your nipples.

Scaramouche:

Y'all can't tell me nothing, this man loves big boobs. Sometimes he just want to get babied, even if he's ashamed to admit it. If he's rather submissive on that day, he would love to just suck on your nipples. If you lactate then it's a plus! Would spent hours doing just that and don't forget to call him your good boy while you jerk him off! If he's feeling dominant though then be prepared for him to put nipple clamps on you, slap your tits, twist your nipples, leave bite marks and hickeys all over there. He would be so proud the day after!

Venti:

Venti enjoys every boob size as long if there's something. Loves yours cause they remind him of a comfortable pillow. Loves to use his anemo vision to pull up your shirt and flash your tits to him on 'accident'. He's such a perv and won't even hide it. ALWAYS stares at your chest. If you talk, argue, have sex, etc. his eyes would always wander lower till he's greeted with your tits. Gropes them at random times too. When he's bored, you cuddle or talk. You're not even surprised anymore and just got used to it.

Albedo:

He's just a tit lover, no explanation needed. Stares at them when you don't notice him. Touches them 'accidently' and he's also such a slick fuck with it. Apologize and you always forgive him cause it was just an accident right? Well, no it wasn't and will never be. You're just too dumb to notice. So, when he has you where he always wanted you, Albedo is just lapping up at your nipples and massaging the other one. Will leave hickeys all over the place till you cry out that he should finally fuck you.

[sherryclover]

“ Up and Away! ”

Sylvie Pierre is a sophomore in octavinelle, they’re a carefree and lively person but, despite that they try to keep their true emotions and secrets to themselves fear of not being accepted by their peers.

Age: 17

Gender/pronouns: ??? (She/they)

Height: 170cm

Birthday: April 30th

Nicknames: Catfish / Namazu (鯰) (Floyd), Mademoiselle Identité (Rook), Vivi

Dominant Hand: Right

Best subject: alchemy

Club: Science Club

Hobbies: Watching birds

Family: Older brother (Amiè), Step Mother, Father

Homeland: Queendom of Roses, (moved to the Scalding Sands at a young age)

Likes: Ribbons, Mancala, The forest, dressing up

Dislikes: getting wet

Favorite food: Baked potatoes

Least favorite food: Salty snacks

Voice claim: Navia (Genshin impact)

Oc facts!

Sylvies favorite birds to watch are pigeons

They love cute and stylish things!

They like sketching out outfit designs in their free time

They’re semi great at reading the emotions of other people

They collect cute little stuff animals, (if you look under their bed you’ll be able to find a bunch of stuffed animals hidden underneath it)

She attended same middle school as Jamil! They tend to have small chats after class or during lunch^^

Oc Backstory

Sylvie was born in the queendom of roses; their parents had a divorce when they were 3. Their dad took custody of both her and her older brother; their biological mother disappeared and cut all contacts with them after the divorce. Her dad had found a new partner, and soon they got engaged. At the age of 8, they had to move to the scalding sands due to their parents work.

Sylvie's parents were busy with work and weren’t home most of the time, and thus their older brother, Amiè, had to start taking care of them.

During middle school, Sylvie struggled with questioning their identity; this went on for a year, and then finally they told Amiè about it. Amiè comforted Sylvie and told them to explore what gender means to them; if they were happy with a different identity, he would be happy for them.

Sylvie's parents didn’t fully support their decision and had ignored her for several days until they couldn’t bare to do so anymore. It took them exactly 2 years to actually accept her gender.

(I wrote this at 1AM I am so sorry if it’s short and doesn’t make any sense 😞)

GL2 Ver!

Dividers

(not twisted off of anything but they are kinda based off of Mizuki Akiyama from PJSK)

[storiesofsass]

The whole Unity drama can really only be described as 'How to completely fuck yourself and everyone else over' but in a actually comedic how stupid this was kind of way.

Like let me explain.

Warning long post but for a good reason.

Unity practically runs (or soon to be ran) the mobile gaming spare. There's a reason for this as Unreal's mobile port kinda sucks(it's gotten somewhat better recently) and alternatives like Flash are dead.

So mobile games like

All Mihoyo/Hoyoverse games so far (Genshin Impact, Honkai Impact and Honkai Star Rail, Tears of Themis)

Disney's Twisted Wonderland

Yu GI Oh master duel

Marvel Clash

Pokemon Go

Among Us

Fate: Grand Order

Ensemble stars/Ensemble stars music

Obey Me/ Obey Me Nightbringer

Path to Nowhere

Arknights

Dislyte

Temple Run/Temple Run 2

Subway Surfers

And many many more will be affected by this change. In fact, it might just be easier to list the popular mobile games that don't use Unity.

Now from a purely capitalist point of view(and ignore common sense), every game I just listed there is a potential million dollars or more. A literal infinite money generator especially gacha games that thrive off of a install and uninstall loop.

But, there's no way they could actually enforce any of this.

Mihoyo/Hoyoverse and most Chinese gachas use a version of Unity that's only available in China and is basically it's own thing. Meaning that it's unlikely that the changes are actually going to affect them. But they did say the changes apply to 'emerging markets' so don't hold your breath.

Games like Twisted Wonderland, Fate: Grand Order, Pokemon Go etc. are licensed games aka they'll be messing with the likes of The Pokemon Company, Komani and Disney. Who would probably take them to court or shut down if it was barely profitable enough before than have less profit.

Game companies(mostly female focused ones) like Happy Elements(Ensemble stars) and Solmare(Obey Me) actually make more money from merch and irl events than the actual games.

Which leaves the rest. Who may not be able to get by. Like the creators of Among Us who would likely go bankrupt if this change were to happen. Or older games like Temple Run, Angry Birds and Subway Surfers who no longer make that sort of revanue anymore.

The problem is 'the rest' is basically 90% of the users of Unity on mobile and a giant chunk of the mobile gaming market.

So instead of an infinite money generator, most devs are going to shut down and either remake on a different engine or shut down completely.

The minority that can pay either might not have to (Chinese gachas) or are unlikely to/litigation bait.

So not only did Unity shoot themselves in the head but they somehow managed to put the billion dollar mobile gaming market in jeopardy.

And this is just mobile gaming, this doesn't include PC, Xbox, PS4 games. Unity is pretty easy to learn and was cheaper than Unreal for a beginner/ Indie dev so they basically dominated that market as well.

And the same problem persists there as well. Those who could afford it aren't going to pay and the majority of users can't actually pay the fee and are going to delist or switch. So the entire market ends up in jeopardy because it's at risk of losing a giant chunk of it.

All for an infinite money generator that anyone with a brain or at the very least had a basic understanding of the gaming market could see wasn't going to work.

The shortsightedness to even think this was going to work is astounding. The stupidity is astronomical.

[bunny-eats-fox]

thinking of you

ayato kamisato x female reader

words count :1,6 k

summary : ayato has been thinking about you all day long – in a not so innocent way. and now that you’re finally alone in his office, he can’t hold back anymore, even at the risk of getting caught.

warning : nsfw / 18+ ; submissive male ; dominant reader ; handjob ; semi-public (in Ayato’s office) ; anal fingering (on Ayato)

a/n : … you know what? I don’t even have an excuse anymore as to why it takes so long for me to write something. So I’ll just say, thank you, if you’re still here, reading and waiting for updates. That means a lot💕 There are a LOT of genshin man I would LOVE to dominate and make them whine and cry with pleasure hurhur…AND… I swear I haven’t abandoned lost on you, I swear i am writing, very slowly but its happening! ;;

__________________________

“Ne…? Please… While we’re all alone… Can’t we?”

Ayato leaned over his desk and looked at you. His beautiful eyes begged you silently, his plush lips slightly opened and his head cocked to the side.

“Eeeh? Are you sure?” You also leaned in, your lips almost touching his. “If your sister or Thoma barges in, she will see your pathetic, whimpering self. Are you sure you want that?”

Your words alone made Ayato shiver. He shook his head, but still tilted his head to the side just a little further to look even more innocent and pleading.

“But…if we’re quick… Please, Y/n, I’ve been thinking about it all day long… I want you touch me, okay?”

For a few seconds, you didn’t say anything; you just looked at him and watched as he started rubbing his thighs together under your piercing gaze. So horny. So desperate. Just for you.

“Okay, come here.”

Those words were all it took for Ayato to almost jump over the desk. Though, he calmed down enough to hastily overcome the obstacle without looking THAT desperate. You had just put your papers away when he happily plopped into your lap.

“So… you’ve been thinking about it all day long, huh?” You whispered in his ear while your hands started roaming his slender body. Ayato on top of you twitched and quickly nodded, before a quiet moan escaped his lips. You had softly tugged on his earlobe with your teeth – such a cute and honest reaction.

“I… When… When I saw you laughing with Thoma… I…”

“What? You got jealous?” He visibly flinched. “Hah… really? And here I thought you trusted Thoma with your life, hm?”

“I-I do! It’s just- Nghm!” Ayato bit his lip at the sudden touch of your hand against his bare skin. You had found your way underneath his pants after all.

“Yeees? Just?”

“W-Well, seeing you two…” Then he suddenly looked down and directly into your eyes, “You do look good together. I hate that I cannot deny that.”

Oh no, that was really cute.

“Silly…” You suddenly reached out your hand, grabbed the back of his head and pulled him down, “There’s only one man I want and he sits right here in my lap.” Thus you sealed his lips with your own and Ayato sunk even further into your lap with a satisfied, hummed moan.

“Mhhhn!” Your hand was back underneath his pants and to knead his ass. Your lover reacted quite strongly to that simple touch and with that he also started grinding into your lap. His arms which he had slung around your neck, squeezed you a little harder.

With your mouths tangled and thus stifling his little moans and groans, you freely let your hand explore. The head of the Kamisato Clan was already hard and leaking precum, hence why you decided to swiftly pull down his pants and underwear enough to expose him. Since you didn’t want his clothes to get too dirty and sticky.

As you cupped his balls and gently squeezed, the suppressed sound he made certainly didn’t fail to make you aroused as well. If you could just… Though you knew you couldn’t dilly-dally and have fun with him as much as you wanted to – not right now at least. The possibility of Thoma or his sister barging in, or someone else wanting something from him was still quite high.

“Mhnm!” Ayato’s thighs shivered when you finally touched his cock. Your thumb smeared around the precum. Like that, he seriously couldn’t stop his hips from eagerly thrusting up into your hand. But, there was something else he wanted.

He broke away from your mouth, gasped for air for a moment, before he nuzzled his face against the side of your head. With his voice barely above a whisper, he said, “Please… C-Can you… put it in…?”

“Hmmm…” You hummed and let him dangle for a moment, before you agreed, “Of course… that’s what you been thinking about all day, right?”

“Mhm!” Ayato whined and nodded.

“I know, Baby, but… I don’t have any lube with me. So… You should be happy with just this, you know?" You then said and shattered all his hopes and dreams.

“Heeh?” He leaned back and looked down, a small pout on his lips.

“Hey, don’t look at me like that. We’ve already used the small bottle up last time, remember? And I forgot to put another in my purse… Who would think you’d jump on me again in such a short amount of time?” You teased him at last and then kissed him to propitiate him when he just grumble a little.

“Then… Spit…is enough. We’ve done it last night, so… it’s still...”

“Sure?”

Nuzzling his head against your own again, he nodded once more and then whispered another little “Please?” that melted your heart.

“Ngh, fine… But you better hurry now, or we will seriously be found out, Ayato.”

You reminded him once more, before you brought your hand back up to spit into it and coat your fingers with it. Your boyfriend was already excitedly swinging his hips against your hand that held on tightly to his dick, while he impatiently awaited your fingers.

“Ah! Ahng…” Ayato immediately hid his face more to stifle his moans when you pushed two of your spit covered fingers inside his ass. Well, he was right, he was still rather soft and loose enough due to last night.

Just putting your fingers in made his cock bounce and another drop of precum dripped down and over your hand, thus making it easier for your hand to glide along his throbbing dick. It was way too cute, really. He was so lewd.

“There we go… Now my Baby finally has what he wanted the most, hm?” You purred into his ear and softly nibbled on it.

“Mhm, yes, yes, Y/n… Please… make me cum.” Ayato pushed himself even further against you, like that he could vividly feel your soft boobs against his torso. Oh, if he could just feel your naked skin against his, that would be even more amazing, but alas… The head of the Clan had to be satisfied with just this for now, though, as you started pushing your fingers deeper inside his ass, Ayato didn’t find it necessary to complain.

“Alright, let’s-“ However, you stopped in the middle of your sentence when you both heard footsteps. The echoing sound of heels on the wooden floor drew nearer and Ayato clawed at your uniform just a little harder. Blood surged to his face and even his ears went bright red as he pushed away a bit to look into your face.

“W-Wait, Y/n- someone’s- MHNG!” He quickly covered his mouth and face with both his hands as you didn’t stop; instead, you started touching around and once you found that small spot that made him see little stars, you thrusted against it. Hence why, he desperately tried to stifle any sounds when the sounds of the footsteps almost reached his office door.

Just the mere thought of being seen like this… Your hand tightly wrapped around his leaking cock, two fingers buried deep into his ass. They would laugh at him and not take him seriously anymore. No one was allowed to see him this vulnerable. You were the only one he had opened up to about his… likes and dislikes in the bedroom. So why? Why was he twitching and shaking so much with pleasure the more he feared to be seen.

“You’re such a pervert, Ayato.” You barely whispered and looked straight into his teary, shimmering eyes. “What do you think they would say, seeing their usual serious, busy leader slacking off and doing it with his girlfriend like this, hm?”

His beautiful eyes filled with even more tears as he just shook his head. He didn’t want anyone to know this side of him. But, while it was truly evil of you to whisper these things, it was also extremely effective in making him a quivering mess. Ayato’s thighs where shaking and hips not stopping from grinding and just when the echoing sound of heels stopped right in front of his door, he couldn’t hold back any longer.

Biting harshly down on his finger, the head of the Kamisato Clan came undone into your hand. His hips uncontrollably thrusting and his ass tightening around your fingers as you caught all of his seed with your hand to not unnecessarily dirty your or his clothes. The thrill of being found out got him in the end.

Though before anyone could knock, you said, loud enough to be heard from outside, “So, to sum it up, this is how we intend to proceed with this matter further. What do you think?”, and thus, you heard her walk away once more. Everyone knew full well that when you and him were discussing things, no one was to disturb you.

“Y/n…”

You looked up and into his bright red face, before you giggled and softly kissed him.

“I told you it’s risky. But… you really love that risk, hm?”

Ayato quickly buried his face in his hands and groaned, utterly embarrassed, but he still lightly nodded. God, you loved him.

“Hey.” You kissed the back of his hand and he understood the gesture, letting you see his blushing face again. “When we’re home… We’re gonna do it for real, understood? Even though I love watching you come undone… I feel rather… uncomfortable now.”

Your clit was throbbing just from watching him and it was uncomfortably wet between your thighs. Ayato instantly understood when you bit your lip and rubbed your legs together to emphasize your words. He understood, but at the same time, you already told him you would do it at home, so there was no use in trying to coax you into letting his mouth pleasure you here. Hence why he immediately nodded.

“I promise… once we’re in our bedroom, I’ll properly serve you, my Lady.”

“Hmm, I like that.”

Before you knew it, Ayato had already connected your lips to seal that promise with a kiss.

__________________________

all characters canonically under 18 are always aged up ; english is not my native language so i apologize for any mistakes ;

[mozak-hh]

Genshin Impact headcanon:

How some of the Genshin boys kiss

Pairings: Diluc, Kaeya, Albedo, Childe

Rating: nsfw (mainly childe’s-)

Hope you Enjoy!

Kaeya:

He decides to tease you by putting you in handcuffs for reckless wind-gliding lol

But no matter how smooth this man tries to be, he is always dying for your affection. He could never say no to a kiss.

When you put your arms around his neck he instantly grabs hold of your waist, pulling you closer towards him. His kisses are always passionate, always getting as much out of your as he can.

This man is the type to not care if others are watching either. Shy away from his kisses out of embarrassment and he’ll hold you tighter.

When he’s emotional his kisses can be more slow and sweet, but that can be quite rare. His kisses tend to be greedy, grabbing hold of you and never letting you go, sometimes holding your face so you can’t pull away from him. The most erotic kisses are when he’s jealous.

You should never try to purposely make Kaeya jealous, especially with Diluc. This man has too big of a pride to let it go. He’ll push you up against a wall and trap you in his arms. Tangling you up in his figure as he hungrily smothers you in kisses. You meekly whine and grab onto his hair, and he growls as a response. Pressing his thigh more toward your core to make you shiver in lust.

Kaeya requires at least twenty kisses a day, especially before heading to the knights. Good morning and night kisses are essential too. A great way to surprise this man is to grab hold of his cape and drag him back into the house shortly after kissing you goodbye, refusing to let him go to work. Romantic things like that will make him swoon. Just be ready to face the consequences~

Diluc:

Kaeya had pissed him off too much that day, the final straw being teasing him about how you had been spending more time with him than Diluc. Out of jealousy, and after an hour of countless bickering between the two of you, he strides out of the estate with a snarl on his face, going to grab a horse and ease his mind for the rest of the evening. Not until you race after him. Barreling down the steps and yelling, “if you love me, kiss me. Not to prove him wrong, but to prove me right.”

You’d never seen Diluc race towards you so fast. Giving you one final look before snatching you up in his arms, pulling your face towards his and capturing you in a brutally sweet kiss, taking the air from inside your lungs, leaving you utterly speechless.

Diluc’s kisses can be quite unexpected like this, due to him constantly shielding his emotions. But if you can lure his desire out of him, he’ll pounce on you. His kisses are hard and dominating, trying to find something within you and take it. Unlike Kaeya, he prefer kissing you privately, so expect steamy night make out sessions behind the bar after a busy night in the tavern. Him lifting you up on the counter and you running you hands through his locks. A hot breath of air warms your neck as he presses himself into you more. Tug on it and he’ll groan, licking your neck and biting on it softly.

Diluc almost never kisses you in public, mostly to keep his modesty. But hand kisses have become a public affection between the two of you. Especially at fancy events such as balls or dinner party’s held at the winery. He’ll go on one knee and everything, kissing your hand and pressing his forehead against the back of your palm.

One of the most romantic men out of all of the genshin boys when it come to gestures such as kisses.

Bonus:

Your neck is his favourite place to pepper you in kisses. Best way to turn him on is to put you hair up and allow him all the access he wants, although he won’t leave many hickeys (because of modesty for you as well), his gentle love bites will leave you a moaning mess.

Albedo:

Imagine this in Dragonspine, instead of raining it’s snowing, and this is your first kiss.

You race from albedo’s camp with tears down your face. After spending countless days with him and partaking in every single one of his experiments, he still shows no sign of affection towards you. You tell him this openly, not caring anymore about your secret interest in this oblivious man. As you run from the camp the sights before you become more and more foreign, and when you finally stop and look around, you realise that you were lost.

Not until you hear a quick Yelp “y/n!” Before falling to the snowy floor with a familiar form pressed against you. Albedo props himself up and looks down at you, before covering his mouth with his hand as he goes completely red, and hoists himself up before helping you.

Your face was red as well, mainly due to the fact that you realised that instead of teleporting to you with whatever special magic he possessed, the man chased you from the very start of your pathetic race away from the camp. Wisps of hair stuck to his forehead, and he takes a few gasps of breath before turning towards you with a face of mixed emotions.

“You truly are stubborn to not allow a man to explain his own feelings towards you. If following you to the ends of this mountain wasn’t enough, let me compirmise.”

He then holds both of you hands and pulls them towards his chest, dipping his head and kissing you slow and passionately. This was not what you expected, and it takes you a moment before you melt into his form, him wrapping his arms around you to deepen the kiss.

Albedo’s kisses are always slow and long, trying to decipher you and analyse your every crevice, particularly the ones in your mouth. He kisses you when no one is around, only the two of you. And takes his sweet time devouring you in the most gentlemanly way possible. After a long day, you can find Albedo’s kisses to be a bit more rough, but never as much as Diluc’s or Kaeya’s. Every kiss is filled with as much love as he can express.

Childe:

Childe never want’s to stop kissing you, and often uses it as a way to catch his enimies off guard. When the two of you attend a function with people he isn’t very fond of, Childe will be glad to put you on display as his other half, grabbing your waist and peppering your cheek in kisses as you talk to the man in front of you, he won’t express his jealousy in anger, but rather in elevated lust. When the both of you get home he won’t hesitate to kiss you all the way to the bedroom.

Childe likes to make kisses a game, see how long either of you can last before having to catch a breath. As well as seeing how many secret kisses you can catch in public. He seeks the thrill of making you flustered out in the open.

Try to run away from him I dare you. Because if you do he’ll chase you all around the house trying to catch you like pray, and it’ll always end in the bedroom.

Like Diluc, he loves your neck, even more so when your jerking him off. Him on top off you, you slowing stroking him as he closes his eyes and his breath shakes. You suddenly jerk your hand up, and Childe moans straight into your neck. Hot breath and saliva covering your soft skin. “Oh y/n baby~” . He’ll then shower your neck in bites.

Don’t get me wrong, I think Childe is the most gentle kisser out of all of the boys. He has his moments, when you’ve done something that has made him fall in love with you all over again. He’ll just kiss you with the softest demeanour, and then look at you with eyes filled with so much love. It’s these moments that truly make you swoon.

In all honesty tho I think he’d love it if you sat on his lap while you guys made out-

The end! Hope you guys like that cus it was very fun to make x-x if you guys want more characters done or have any other requests feel free to tell me x

[husbandohunter]

Dottore with short drabble “You only ever brought me pain and I’m sick of it.”

Something angsty pls? Thank you!

Tainted Glass [Dottore x Reader/Genshin Impact]

Synopsis: Can you escape the prison you made?

(A twisted Cinderella story. The girl was covered in cinders because she was fatally addicted to drowning in flames.)

Warnings: angst, emotional abuse, violence, death

(A/n): To be honest anon, I didn’t know what the word ‘drabble’ means until I googled it. I uh...hope you don’t mind the length :> 

-----------------------

You fell back against the cold hard floor with your arms bent and head turned sideways. The stinging pain spreads across your cheek. It burns. But your mind was still trying to register what had just came into fruition. 

Why?

The thought was so foreign somehow as if you could hardly believe he was doing this. But then the scene plays in your head again. You froze, your gaze enlarged and clueless while staring at the pale ground as it slowly begins to darken in the seeping movement of his menacing, haunting shadow. 

"Insolent woman, you wretch!" He spat in a disgusted tone, "How dare you speak to me in such demanding manner? Have I already told you, only talk when you have something important to say?"

You didn't respond, rather you merely let the strands fall in front of your vision as you gingerly pressed your hand against the place where he hit you. 

I…don't quite understand…

Dottore glowers down at your hunched form. He was never a man known for the virtue of patience. This man, the one who calls him your husband, you learned a long time ago to not meet his eyes as they would signal a hint of dominance amidst his authority, especially during moments like these. You came to feel his eyes instead, they were usually intense and full of wrath, sometimes crazed and curious while looking at his finest creations. He always loved experimenting in his labratory. After all, it was the only thing that could truly make the madman smile.

What is it that I'm missing? Where did I go wrong?

And you would do anything to obtain at least a fraction of the love he had left in his heart. 

He marches onward with heavy footsteps, paying no mind to your well-being, "Tch get out of my sight. I don't have the time to entertain with anymore these theatrics."

At the sound of him leaving you darted your attention towards him, "Wait, come back. Come back, " you plea softly, "Hector…" But he ignores your call. The back of your fiance disappears behind the door and slams it with a resounding thud. He was gone. You couldn't save him.

"No," As a result, you burried your face into your palms and cried.

“I'm sorry.”

…

What is love?

Being raised in one of the most prestigious bloodlines of Fontaine, a life filled with riches since your parents were well known scholars throughout Teyvat, they provided you and your family with everything you needed. From exquisite dishes to priceless jewelry, yet even among those riches you never did find an answer to your question. They were tangibles and short-lasting, eventually leaving you with nothing until the glass of your heart was filled empty. They seemed to have cared more about their fortune along with the brightest child of their family line, your brother, a male heir, someone who fulfilled their expectations where you couldn't do so. And because he was able to give them what they wanted, he was loved.

I see, love is conditional.

Realizing that you possessed no talent to achieve what your brother had accomplished, you came to accept that you were undeserving of their love. Love was for the smart. Love was for the gifted.  Love was for everything you are not. There was no place for your kind and thus you locked yourself up in your bedroom chambers along with your fragile heart where no one would try to find you, picking up the books upon the shelves and getting lost in their fantasies. 

They told you many beautiful things about the world and many reasons why it was so tragic. Because they weren't real. The story begins with a princess who was a kind-hearted soul, deprived from the care of her evil stepmother and dreams of marrying a prince from a land far far away. They often end on a happily ever after with the princes finding her one true love. You've never seen anything like it. Where two people, despite the struggles they went through, loved each other unconditionally.

Unconditional love only exists in dreams.

Or so you thought to believe.

One day a man marched right at the doorsteps of your mansion. He was a student coming all the way from Sumeru Academia and had high hopes of building a business partnership with your father. The man was declined of course, you watched from the garden bushes as he was sent off back into his carriage. He stops abruptly and turns his head ajar to catch your figure, his inquisitive eyes were both striking and sharp. Like thorns of a rose that was ready to prick anyone who dares to come close. Even so, they made a very lasting impression.

Red eyes.

It was the first time that someone had looked your way.

Couple of months later, the government had arranged a grand ball where all nobles would gather and commit to building their social circle. Useless events. There was no reason for you to engage. While your parents were occupied with the latest gossips and your brother surrounded by fathers who were eager to marry their daughters to him, you snuck outside to the balcony and hid away from the crowd. Quiet at last. And as things should be. The moon was your only friend because she was just like you; half empty. Maybe that was why you still had a glimmer of hope for the other half to be filled. 

Part white, you inquired, pristine and untainted. From far away it looked similar to snow. 

"My, how pleasantly surprising."

While the other part was stained with black cinders.

You glanced over your shoulder to see a man leaning against the pillar. His mint coloured bangs were slicked back in a trendy fashion, complimenting the white suit he adorned himself with. The golden chains hanging around his ebony boots dangled and clanged with each step he took forward until the light finally reveals his face.

"You seem familiar," you say while squinting your eyes, "Are you the person my father rejected back in February?"

He quirks one brow and you were afraid if you had offended him. But before you could utter an apology, the man splits his lips into a toothy grin and bursts out into a maniac-like laughter. He was completely insane, you thought to yourself. Though he paid no mind to your discomfort and continued to dwell in his amusement, "Hahaha straightforward, I like it! So what if I am? Is it a requirement to be a noble for me to simply have a chat?"

"And if I may ask why?"

"Hmmm, why?" The man reaches for the balcony and presses his back there. He threw his head backward before drilling his ruby gaze into yours, "I too am not fond of annoying crowds. Those snobbish fools thinking they're above everyone else just because they have a couple of mora when that is all they are worth. It's almost too hilarious for my own good."

You could tell there was disdain in his tone. Mainly towards your father who were one of the many unkind nobles of Fontaine and was only liked because of his success. Gripping your hands upon the stone railings, you looked down at the distant trees below while the wind rustled them apart, "I can't deny that," you say dissapointedly, "It's common for nobles not to associate with lower classes as it could potentially ruin their image. Though I may not have been there but I'm sure you had much to offer in terms of your brilliance, erm, Mister…?"

"Hector," Hector placed a palm on his chest with a polite bow following suit, "Hector Dufour-Lapointé. It is a pleasure to make you an acquaintance Lady (Y/n)."

"You know my name?"

"How could I not?" Hector smirks lazily as he danced around you, "I saw you before hiding behind the rose bushes back in your estate. Quite curious why you didn't attempt to say hello."

He even remembers that too. You fiddled with the fabric of your dress, "My apologies. I'm not use to socializing so much."

“Is that so? I think you're not giving yourself enough credit," he complimented while shrugging, "This is much more entertaining than hanging in that insufferably crowded room, it was an unexpected occurence to meet you here of all places. However, I must say time can fly if I'm able to enjoy myself."

You shifted away from his stare, "You flatter me. We've only been talking for a few minutes."

"I have yet to realize it then" Hector's cheerfulness remains at stance despite your gloomy response. He leans forward like a curious child and tosses you a question, "Then allow me to ask, what brings you out here Lady (Y/n)? I don't see any reason when your family are such highly respected people of Fontaine." 

"I'm not like them!" You retort instantly, causing the man to glance at you with skepticism, "I mean, I have nothing to do with them and they have nothing to do with me. That's just how it is. They already have Clement after all…"

Why am I telling him this?

"Ah your brother I assume. Yes so I've heard much about his genius mind. There were a few instances where he and I collaborated at Sumeru Academia," Hector speaks as if regarding to his unpleasant memories, "Although he never said anything about having a sister."

"We're not that close. And I'm not very fond of him," you confessed bluntly.

"Neither am I," Hector agreed with a scowl, "He claims his position using the knowledge derived from history books but never tries to think beyond the norm. That ignorant mindset of his will surely be his downfall one day."

"Ignorance can lead to anyone's downfall. If they turn a blind eye to the truth, so much can be taken from them," you paused shortly from rambling too much, "That's what I read in books at least."

"As expected of your lineage," he sighs whimsically, "Such avid readers."

"Well my family prefers documents and research. I've gone through them too but I will always love reading fiction."

"Ha! Seems you really are trying to be different from the rest of your family."

Seconds turn to minutes and minutes to hours, you had already forgotten about the cold breeze despite your dress being less than ideal for the outdoors. The man, although he can be a little to blathering at times, was more than what seemed to be on the surface. At first you thought of him as someone here to take advantage of your relations to your father but he seemed so sincere when listening to your stories, so eager while expressing his thoughts and even made you laugh a couple of times. You didn't realize that the clock had already struck twelve as the guests were preparing to leave but you just weren't ready to do the same.

"Until next time (Y/n)," he takes your fingers and pressed a kiss on top of them, though you were more struck by how he addressed you without honorifics, "I look forward to speaking with you again."

A warm smile graces your lips as you cursty, "Likewise Hector. Thank you for listening to me. I know I must have taken a long time."

Hector sneered but you already learned that it was simply his way of expressing amusement, "Hardly. I was thoroughly entertained."

When your parents found out about your meeting with him, they made it clear that you would never see him again. Hector Dufour-Lapointé is what he calls himself but the real name behind this man was Hector Valliere who came from a village hidden in the west of Fontaine. Rumours said that he was chased out of his hometown by an angry mob, claiming him to be a madman conducting unethical experiments on humans. Shortly after his arrival in Sumeru, he abandoned his past identity and replaced it with a new one in order to enter the academy under legal supervision. Associating with a man of a suspicious reputation would only cause harm to your family's name. Though you could barely care much about their reputation. There was nothing for you to benefit from it.

Few weeks have passed and you evetually gave up on the thought of hearing from Hector. They were only fleeting moments, nothing more. Your routine would stay the same as you kept on plucking more books off the shelves, killing whatever time you had. However the activities you used to enjoy somehow lost it's flair and there would be a slight pain in your chest whenever you turn to a page with the princess as she is surrounded by her friends. What exactly changed? Your family still treated you the same. Did you suddenly grow bored from doing the same thing everyday? Why is it that you feel much more lonelier despite being alone for so long? It was hard to tell in a singular perspective. If only there was someone here to give you some insights on things you couldn't see…

A silver bird lands by your front window and you nearly fell out of your chair as it flapped their wings violently. A machine?! They dropped what seems to be an envelope within the thick bushes before taking off and buzzing into the evening sky. You switched off the lock and lifted the glass within a single movement, snatching the piece of paper so that the wind wouldn't blow it away. Hastily you opened it. Both curious and cautious of why would anyone send you mail in such a discreet approach.

Chère Mademoiselle (Y/n),

I can only imagine the shock of your expression once reading this letter. I'm only writing to you since I assume that your father had already told you those nasty rumours about my past. No matter. I trust that you have a good head on your shoulders to not prejudge people using such miniscule details. I wish to speak with you again. Unless you have other plans staying in that stuffy room of yours, meet me behind the clock tower at 11:00 p.m. Don't be late.

Bien à vous,

H.

"It really is him!" The happiness spreads all across your features as you clutched the letter to your chest. For some reason, your heart wouldn't stop racing. It was a simple yet thoughful action on his part but despite how short his greeting was, every word held the weight of a thousand sparks, "I…I can't stop smiling."

And without hesitation, you prepared to leave. No one noticed your absence.

-------

It was only halfway where you realized that Hector didn't give many details redgarding why he planned this sudden event. You caught sight of him standing under the roofs with his hands hidden behind his back. He had on his signature lopsided grin, brows uneven as he glanced at you casually.

"How very punctual, were you so eager that you couldn't wait?" He teases.

"I was surprised when your bird knocked upon my window," you inform, "Is it something urgent?"

"Not at all. I merely wanted to catch up with old times," Hector tilts forward to emphasize his suggestion, "Care to indulge me for a bit?"

You crossed your arms, "Then what is it that you're hiding behind your back?"

"Hmm?" He hums, "You mean this?"

"Ah!"

Roses. A bouquet of bright red flowers were presented to you, nicely wrapped in fabric. In the language of Fontaine, recieving them could mean multiple of things and you couldn't help but feel hesitant despite his thoughtful gesture, "Why are you giving me this?"

"Is it so wrong for me to be a gentleman? I thought it would be best to prepare you a gift after you put all that effort to come out in such a late hour," Hector mused to himself, "Especially when you had to make sure no prying eyes would catch us."

You let out a small laugh before accepting the bouquet, "I wouldn't go as far to say that."

"Oh?" Although it was hard to see, Hector managed to catch a glimpse of your flushed cheeks hidden behind the flowers. A darken smirk climbs onto his face at the inviting thought of what it could mean, "Tell me more."

The whole night you both spent walking around the empty plaza with only the stars as your guide. They paved a silver path reflected in the horizon above, free flowing like one of the many watercolour paintings hung in your chambers, uncertain where they may lead but you followed them regardless. If it weren't for Hector's inivtation you might have never known about the parts of your city due to the restricted lifestyle you lived. He listened to every one of them. The stories you had to tell when there was no one for you to talk to and the complaints about your brother whenever he wanted to snitch on your actions just to get the praise out of your father. You expressed your frustrations when speaking about your incompetences, joy after reading a good fairytale book written by your favourite author, there was so much to say that you were worried if Hector soon grew tired from them.

"Go on. I'm listening."

And your heart flutters again. Suddenly everything felt so light with each step you took, it was as if you walked across the stars in the sky rather than the heavy pavement of the ground you called your home. But even if happiness was a bliss, it tormented you. Because companionship made you realize how poor your were all along. That you had everything yet you had nothing, slowly withering away like the roses you held in your hand. Convinced that your existence was worth nothing more than nothing itself. Doomed to be dismissed and forgotten. Rotting away...Hector stays by your side as you cried softly into the night.

From a distance the bell rings and echoes just like the time before during Fontaine's grand ball. Hector shows you a secret route so that no one could find you.

"Will you write to me again?"

The request was so innocent, purely from genuine intentions and devoided of anything he had in mind. Hector would always laugh in these situations when things have gone unexpectedly yet pleasingly his way but held back knowing that it would be foolish to waste such a priceless opportunity. And so he gave you his smile, one full of secrets where you had mistakened it as a promise, "Of course my dear."

Every night you could no longer fall asleep since he had occupied your thoughts completely. Sometimes you'd dream of him and their tales would unfold similarly to the ones you have read. It gone to the point where the maids would have to wake you up during late afternoons due to the dramatic change in your sleep schedule. Though, you didn't care what they did to you. As long as no one found out about your secret rendezvous.

You never thought that there'd be a day where you would voluntarily give up reading your beloved fairytales. They were now replaced by a stash of his letters that have been accumulated over the past few months. You read them each day, pacing back and forth within the walls of your room, whispering his sentences as if he were the one saying them to you. He made you feel special. You were addicted to this feeling. Eventually you managed to memorize his words by heart. 

The pages of your diary were filled with notes. Like your very own  fairytale carved into reality. From the rose petal, now dried, to the hairpin he snatched from a distracted merchant and a single strand of his hair you found within your cloak after a warm embrace, all of these items, a remnant of the man you loved were taped up in these pages. Sometimes you could even feel his prescence because it was all you needed. It didn't matter if Clement threw insults about how worthless your existence was, your parents could lock you in this prison if they wanted to but they shall never take away Hector from you. Never. You swear it. He was your whole world and the prince who saved you from a life made of aching emptiness. You would do anything to keep him by your side. Anything to gain his affection.

Anything.

"I had a feeling that you were the culprit dear sister."

Your arms stutters as they clutched tightly on the scrolls you took off from the shelves. The light crept into the room like arms reaching out to clutch around your ankles, warning you for trespassing. You turned around dreadfully to see Clement pressing his shoulder against the doorframe with his arms folded and a wicked expression aimed at your pitiful state.

"Why…Why are you still awake?" You say in disbelief, "I thought everyone was asleep."

"Please. Not only are you shameless but hypocritical as well. You truly are a dissapointment to our family."

"Wait," taking a step forward, you stopped him before he makes his exit, "I'll put them back. Just don't tell father about this."

But like your parents, your brother was unkind. Clement doubles over and hugs his torso, cackling through his teeth, "Is that how it is?" He swipes his arm up and you see a parchment paper held between his fingers. 

"No!"

"Ma chérie (Y/n). I must say all this tenacious effort of sneaking in my letters to your window is becoming more and more tiresome. But of course, you are an exception. I want the scrolls you've mentioned the other day at my lair tomorrow evening. Make sure no one discovers this. I'm counting on you. Cordialement! Hector."

"No…" you whispered, feeling the weight of the world fall upon your shoulders as it shattered apart. Hector. If possible, you hoped that the pieces could just crush you right then and there. Your knees felt weak and a fright takes over but despite your turmoil, Clement didn't show a shred of sympathy.

"So this is why you've been acting odd lately. Pathetic," he flaps the paper tauntingly in his grasp, "I can't decide if I should be impressed or baffled by your actions. A secret romance with a criminal and the bloodline of Fontaine's most respected government associates? Even though you've hit rock bottom, you still decided to dig deeper."

"Clement you don't understand!"  Stumbling upon your footsteps, you desperately tried to convey your predicament even if it meant feeding his ego, "Hector is not the man you think. He was shunned by the people of his hometown, treating him as if he were nothing. They…They ignored him! All this time he needed someone to recognize his brilliance, someone to understand." Shakily, you brought your tensed arms to your chest and screamed a silent whisper, "Someone to listen but no one did. He must have felt so alone…"

Clement flinches when you suddenly clutched onto his biceps. When he looked into your eyes, a shiver ran down his spine.

"Hector is counting on me. I'm the only one who can save him. No one else. He needs me Clement, he needs me!" 

"Tch."

An ear-splitting scream of his hand against your face echoes across the room. It knocked you out of your stance and you bumped into the table, grunting while the scrolls to tumbled to the floor.

"Crazy woman, I'm embarassed to be related to you!"

While you were still trying to regain your balance, your brother had already ran off. It wouldn't be long before he alerted your parents, the clock ticking away like sand until the final hour leaves you with nothing but an empty glass. 

"No," despair swallows the strength away from your legs and you crawled towards where he used to stand, "Don't take him away from me…I need him…"

I can't live without him.

I can't live without him.

I can't live without him.

Tears begin to form by the corners of your eyes as you clenched your teeth. This was no time to cry. Balling your fists, you sprinted out of the room, pushing whatever stood in your way as if you were running for your life. 

And if you considered everything else, it wasn't that far from the truth.

-------

"Hector! Hector are you there?" After arriving upon his house, you began knocking on his door aggressively. The lock clicks and you were greeted by an evidently annoyed man gnawing his teeth together.

"Tsk. There better be a good reason-"

"They're coming for us! We have to go. Now. Before it's too late. My father is probably already waking and making arrangements for you to-"

"Enough, I can't even catch what you're saying," He pinches the bridge of his nose while you were still stuck in a frenzy state. He takes a step back and opens the door wider, gesturing for you to come inside, "Get in already. I have a feeling that this will be a long night."

Hector observes intently at the words you tell him.

Not out of concern but akin to the way he watches the insects react when he exposes them to a different environment.

He was a scientist after all. A madman in which you deliberately fell in love with, so much to the point that he was able to feel pity for once. How you trusted him wholeheartedly with all of your vulnerabilities, emotions and secrets like handing him your parts just so he could put you back together again. Tinkering was always one of his favourite hobbies and he couldn't help but feel a twisted sense of pride at the thought of you being completely wrapped around his finger. 

Perhaps that was the reason why he loved you. Because he didn't love you. He loved you in parts.

"It was only a matter of time," Hector sighs. He sneaks his grasp into yours, knowing how much it affects you and puts on an invisible mask of deciet, "I already knew this day would happen long before anyone could have predicted it."

"You did?" With worried eyes you gazed at him, "What shall we do then?"

Knowing he hit the target, his lips begin to curl up towards his ears, showing his sharp white teeth that shone against the dim-litted room. Hector asks, "Do you love me?"

A silly question. You didn't hesitate to answer, "Of course I do. I've said it many times."

"Prove it to me," Forcing his forehead against yours, Hector commands in a dangerously low tone, "Kill your brother and only then you can truly be mine."

Your brain sutters, trying to absorb what he had just said. Kill? As in to take a life? It sounded wrong. But...was it wrong if the life belonged to someone who ruined yours?

Dumbfoundedly, you glanced into the bloody orbs of your lover, his black pupils thinning into knives while burning in the hellfire of his true colours. Hector runs a hand from the scalp of your hair, down to your cheek before gingerly sliding his fingers at your jawline. He pulled you close and whispered into your ear.

"Are you scared?"

Ah, this wasn't about your feelings. This was about him and your future and there could be no future you without him by your side.

You let your eyelids drop and leaned into his touch, "I could never be scared of you Hector. Whether it is within my power or not, I will make sure no one gets in our way. I swear it."

"Good," he continues to have you feed on his affection, "I knew I could count on you."

-----------

The news of your brother's death filled every headline Fontain had to offer. He was driven off a cliff while making a trip towards Sumeru. No one survived. The remains were so crushed to the point that authorities had trouble identifying their bodies. The only explanation they could come up with by observing the leftover tracks was that the horse must have gone out of control and ended up dragging the carriage along with it.

Ha. Serves him right.

Food poisoning. The vial Hector made was very effective. You made sure to bury it away from your mansion.

With no other choice, you became your family's next heir. Hector notifies you that he would be away for several months to solidify a unique connection with a man hailing from Snezhnaya. You didn't think he would arrive at your doorsteps with so much authority. Fatui soldiers followed from behind as the staff paved a way for them to enter. Your father was clearly displeased by his outrageous approach but he knew he was in no place to deny.

"Upon the agreement between Fontaine and Snezhnaya, Lady (Y/n) will become Harbinger Il Dottore's wife," the Duke announces, "This news will be publicly announced at the end of October."

Dottore? Is that what he calls himself?

As if claiming his victory, Dottore shoots your father a devilish smile. You could feel the dining table shake when he kept pressing his fist against the smooth surface, begrudingly congratulating you both for the new engagement. Your mother bursted into tears.

Was it worth it?

You watched both of your parents mourn silently in their own manner. Perfectly knowing that you were the main cause. But you weren't able to feel any sadness because in the end, you now had everything you've ever wanted. 

The inheritance.

Their attention.

But most of all, him.

And when you were convinced that this was your happily ever after, that fairytales were not just beautiful lies for the sake of comfort, you didn't realize  you were already living a life made of beautiful lies conjured by your own mind for the sake of your own comfort. 

"You're nothing without me."

Dried and calloused hands squeezed around your throat as you flailed your legs against the soft fabric of the carpet floor. He encases you in a straddling position, enjoying the sight of your tortured and clenched face. Hector…no, Dottore hated it when you disobeyed him. He despised it when his creations don't work the way he wanted them to and he had no use for things that are broken.

"G-hka--k..-"

"How many times do I have to remind you to not use my birthname. Do those ears of you even function properly? Or must I fix them myself?"

You gasped for air when he relaxed his grip. Vision a blur, you coughed a few times before he pulls your arm so that you lay flushed against his chest.

"Don't forget who saved you dear (Y/n). Because of me you were able to escape that miserable life you've despised for years. I expect the utmost gratitude on your part at all times, it is only fair that I punish you for not meeting my requirements, don't you agree?" Dottore lifts his hand up to pinch your cheeks, pulling your head to stare at your eyes, "After all, there is no one else in this world who can put up with you…but me."

His words were poison in which you drank like a woman starved. It made you feel numb to the pain the more you drowned in their alluring scent, the taste was sweet, a remedy for the bitterness of reality where the man of your dreams was nothing but a cruel monster. You came to believe that the reason why he treated you so harshly was because he was scared of losing you. You were caught in the trap of what seemed to be love and devotion when truly, you were just a toy to be used at a means end. He breaks you and he puts you back together, over and over again, filling in between the cracks formed in your glass heart with the phrases you loved to hear. Just like how he filled the other holes of your life where no one else did. You called it kindness. He saw it as entertainment.

Most people pay attention to the flower's beauty but they never acknowledge the thorns hidden beneath it's blossom.  That is why they bleed. They get hurt. Though, you didn't mind shedding blood if it was for his sake.

Because you would do anything for him.

You would do anything to bring back the memories of Hector Dufour-Lapointé and save him from the Harbinger that ruined his life. Your life. It wasn't his fault. You knew you could change him to what he was before because you were in love with him, that he might still in there. Somewhere.

Right?

…

Please come back.

Time continues to flow like the tears of your dying heart despite yearning for it to turn at the past. Dottore already left the room a long time ago but you didn't. Raising your head away from your hands, you peered at the door in front of you, begging desperately through a chanting record of despondence. 

Come back. Come back. Come back. Come back. Come back. Come back. Come back. Come back. Come back.

Images, they slipped through your fingers, slowly becoming more distant until your mind began to see them as illusions. Dreams. Things that were not real. Telling you that your life was a lie. 

"Come back to me…Hector."

Because the man you loved was withering in your memories and you couldn't do anything to save him.

A dry croak robbed you of your breath as you turned to look in the mirror.

Worthless. You were always worthless, it was what your parents told you since birth. It was what you became when he wasn't at your side because without him, your existence was worthless. You lied for him, you stole for him you, took a life for him. You destroyed yourself for him to point that it was hard to believe you were even looking at yourself.

Worthless. It's who I am.

And despite it all, you couldn't obtain his love.

(Crack).

Worthless things don’t deserved to be loved.

(Crack. Crack).

But what if it’s because I’m worthless, that he won’t love me back?

(Crack).

Your eyes jolted open, causing you to gasp sharply. When the sweet lies dispersed in your head and cleansed you of deceit, everything started to make sene. You came to realize why your wish was impossible all along.

Dottore...no, Hector, the reason wasn't because he didn't return your feelings. Neither was it due to the fact that he hurt you through his actions. Nor when he made you cry or scream for help before feeding you with more lies, thinking he would never hurt you again. It was none of those things.

It was because the man you loved this whole time was someone who could love no one but himself.

"Ha...haha," sucking in your breath, a sinister laugh escapes your mouth, "Hahahahahahaha.....!"

Everything was worthless.

You grabbed a nearby hairbrush and threw it at the mirror, watching yourself shatter into a million pieces.

There was only one thing left to do. 

------

"Ugh, where is it?!"

It was late into the night where every staff had gone to sleep. The Harbinger fumbles with his keys while standing at the door of his basement as he was too busy proceeding with his research rather than considering the thought of rest. Usually he acted upon them on his own will, performing various experiments for enjoyment. However, ever since the Snezhnayan court had requested him to look into the ancient arts of alchemy, Dottore was forced to carry it out before the deadline approached. Otherwise his position as Harbinger would be revoked.

"What a bunch of self-centered blockheads. Can't they understand that it take quality time to get quality results?"

Most of his important documents were stored on the otherside. Half of it came from his father-in-law's library. He had you to thank for that.

"Ah finally," he mutters, though still dissatisfied, "I should have a word with my butler for misplacing them."

Dottore shoves the key into the lock but instead of twisting the knob he noticed something strange. It was old and had yet to be fixed but somehow he didn't have any trouble adjusting his wrist. Then he saw there were a set of freshly made fingerprints upon the smooth metallic surface. However, the only person awake at this time would be him-

An intruder!

Dottore drops everything to the ground and yanks the door open. He skittered down the stone stairs while cursing under his breath. Using the delusion gifted by the Tsaritsa, the Harbinger activated his lazer-like pillars as he took advantage of their glow to light up the unlit room.

"What in the abyss...?!"

Except it wasn't dark.

"All of these scrolls, I recognize them," without sparing a single glance, you spoke nostalgically towards the bookshelves, "It brings me so much memories..."

Dottore clenches his teeth together as his eyes shone an angry red, you were holding a torch dangerously close to his hard-earned collection, "What do you think you're doing?!" He fumed, "Put that out, AT ONCE! Don't make me repeat myself!

"They're precious to you aren't they?" You finally shifted to face him, "More than me."

"What has gotten into you?" He was about to hurl at you until he saw your torch lowering, causing him to retreat. You were strangely noncholant and he couldn't help the feeling of disturbance. Accepting that he didn't have the upperhand, Dottore decided to use a different approach, "(Y/n)."

The sound of your name falls from his lips. You faltered.

"I'm sorry for what I have done. I know I was dishonourable to you, as your husband and lover, and that you didn't deserve to see me so aggressive. You have every right to express your anger, my dear. I was in the wrong."

It was only a mask. You knew it well. But seeing him with softened eyes and a tone so comforting, made you desperately wanting to run into his arms so he could wipe away your sorrows just like once upon a time. To live happily ever after.

Hector.

Dottore runs his fingers through his hairstrands in frustration and sighs, "However the Tsarista needed me to do something very important and I can't seem to fulfill her request no matter how hard I try. It angers me. If I don't finish this, there would be no place for us to stay."

"Hector..." you sniffled quietly. He looks so much like him right now.

"Can't you see I'm doing this for you?" He consoles, yet his weapons still remain, "I only intended to make you happy and there's nothing I won't do to achieve that. How about I show-"

"Enough."

Dottore froze upon your sudden command. He didn't sense a hint of subjugation and it seemed that you had perfect control of your emotions. How very inquisitive. Did you grow immune to the style of his voice? In such a short period of time? The facade he had on was now replaced with a growling animal-like expression. You looked at him dissapointedly. His Harbinger self returned. Hector was no more.

"Ha, you're the same as always. Even before the time you became a Harbinger. The same man that I fell in love with but it is me who will never be the same again," For a moment you averted your gaze as if trying hard to swallow your own words, "Remember when we first met at the balcony? That I told you my favourite books to read are fiction? I knew they weren't real but deep down, I wanted to believe in them anyways. And you know what? They did come true, to some degree..."

As the memories come flashing back, he defenselessly watches your expression contort from sadness to a calm contemplation and finally, enraged disgust, "But you only ever brought me pain and I'm sick of it!"

Swaying the torch to the side, Dottore flinches forward but he didn't dare to come close when your current state was unpredictable to him, "I JUST WANTED YOU TO LOVE ME," you wail, I just wanted to be loved, bringing a clawed hand against your forehead and trembling upon contact, "It's all that I ask for..."

Dottore narrowed his brows. Perhaps he may have gotten too far.

"But I know it's impossible. The world is a cruel place and there's no point in trying anymore. That is why I'm going to set us free."

"...What do you mean?"

You shut your eyes closed and tossed the flaming torch to the ground. A horrified expression takes over his features. It didn't take long for the fire to begin spreading amongst the room.

"NO!" Dottore yelled powerfully, he frantically darts his gaze at all directions as they continued to flicker and blend into his precious documents. You stood still and watched him grab the ones that were intact, savouring the most he could but they slip out of his arms every time he moved. Dottore glances behind him to see a rising cage of hellfire. Then he turns to you.

" 'Til death do us part!" you laughed maniacally.

The madman looked back with angry dismay, "You're out of your mind!"

Abandoning whatever he held in his hand, Dottore spins around towards the staircase. He covers his face with his sleeve and did whatever he could to prevent the fire from touching him. However, he accidentally stumbled on his footsteps and something fell off the heights, knocking him in the face. He grunts painfully.

"That will leave a scar," you smile while he clutches at his injury, "I can break you too.”

Just like how you broke me.

Knowing that you've managed to leave a mark of your existence on him in someway, you peacefully watched your lover wobble between the hell you created. But the hell you knew was not made of scorching heat and thundering flames. Hell was empty. Hell was a void. This feeling was far too gentle to be considered hell. If he can't return your love, then at least let these caging arms bask you in the warmth you’ve always desired.

Lifting your head, you looked towards the ceiling and closed your eyes.

Ah, this cannot be death.