#cyno mutual pining

[windwheeler-aster]

matchmaker to the rescue!

summary: nahida helps you and your crush, one of sumeru’s luckiest men, get together

masterlist

pairings (separate): tighnari, cyno, and alhaitham x reader

reader info: uses gender neutral pronouns, is a sumeru citizen, reader is slightly insecure, in some parts reader works as at the akadeymia (alhaitham and cyno), and reader is not traveler

word count: 575 words per character’s section (2 mins~ each)

genre: romance, matchmaking, mutual pining

format: drabbles

warnings: self-doubt/insecure thoughts implied for reader but not described

a/n: i’m trying something new with the drabble formats!!!!!! also omg hi!!! (also,,, kinda wanna make this a series with all the littles, hehe,,, would anyone wanna see that...?) 

it’s so obvious that tighnari likes you. 

he is all smiles and sass whenever he’s with you, witty quips rolling off his tongue with ease in your presence. tighnari’s lips pull into a grin when you snap back at him with something equally as witty, always making him laugh into his hand. and, despite how much he tries to still it, his tail wags wildly when you laugh. he just thinks the sound of your laughter is precious, alright?

now, to any passer by, it’s so painfully obvious that he likes you. why else would he be taking trips into sumeru city everyday if not only to see you? cyno teases him all the time when he sees you two together, always making flirty gestures and a knowing look whenever you look away. and even collei, sweet and oblivious, asks tighnari about it. often things like why his tail was wagging so hard. or even why his ears perk up like that at just the mere mention of your name. the poor forest ranger can barely handle it, clutching onto his face or ears as his friends tease him. 

was it really that obvious? he asked himself at night, hugging his pillow tightly. if cyno and collei know... then wouldn’t they know, too? tighnari clutches his pillow tighter, a pang of sadness hitting his heart. 

then why haven’t they said anything about it?

unfortunately for tighnari, you are as completely oblivious to his feelings as he is to yours. it’s not at all that you don’t like him, though! you just... can be a little dense sometimes, and mistaking your enjoyment of being with him as purely platonic. and vise versa.

and nahida sees this as she strolls the streets of sumeru. she accidentally hears tighnari’s racing thoughts of overanalyzation of his words, how he holds himself, of tighnari in general when he is around you. and when she looks over to you, nahida is sad to hear many thoughts of self doubt.

sure, she had many projects waiting back for her in the akademiya. but surely something as trivial as getting you and tighnari together wouldn’t be too much?

and sure enough, it isn’t!

sending dreams to both you and tighnari helps bring you two closer together. sure, tighnari ends up waking up incredibly flustered after each one. even if it was just about you two hugging, tighnari using you as a pillow as he sleeps, or whatever simple and fluffy thing that entered his dreams. it definitely affects how he sees you, as he is incredibly nervous and awkward around you. he can’t even look you in the eyes now!

for a moment, nahida worries that she’s interfered too much. however, she notices how you, albeit shyly and hesitantly, begin to make some moves on tighnari. complimenting the small things he does, like how lovely his eyes look in the late evening as the sun sets. or how you teased him for how much his tail wagged whenever you said something kind. and the dendro archon rejoices when you ask him out to eat, even if it’s just a “simple dinner between friends.” she knows what you’re doing, and she’s quite proud.

some time later when it’s announced that the two of you finally started dating, nahida is in great spirits. she’s much more talkative and bubbly as she has meetings with the akademiya scholars, almost tempting her to throw a festival of love in celebration of your and tighnari. that is until she remembers that love is the tsaritsa’s domain. oh well.

cyno is amazing at keepings his feelings from you hidden.

you’re a scholar at the akademiya, one that is often visited by the general mahamantra on the dendro archon’s behalf. whenever you two talk, he keeps his replies curt. he nods along to whatever you’re saying, sometimes interjecting something half-heartedly to the conversation, with a dazed look in his amber eyes. it worries you that you’re boring the general mahamantra, but cyno reassures you that he’s not. he’s just tired, that’s all.

so why does he always act tired? you think.

little do you know, cyno does like spending time with you. he enjoys visiting you everyday, whether or not nahida asks him to. he loves the little amounts of knowledge you share on a topic when he asks you. and he does like you, because how could he not? like, seriously? you’re you, one of the most talented, amazing, downright precious, attractive, and intelligent person he’s ever met. why would he not like you?

however, with his title, cyno makes a lot of enemies. it’s best for him not to involve you in any sort of danger. even if it’s a matter of your safety, it pains cyno so much when he sees your hurt expression when he pretends to disregard whatever you just said. he’s internally screaming at himself, desperately wishing he could just grab you and hug you so tightly that the hurt and pain he’s caused is squeezed out of you. 

just as he thinks that, however, the sumeru archon accidentally pears into his thoughts when she passes you two by in the akademiya. she’s a little shocked that cyno felt that way about you, and even more shocked when she hears your cruel thoughts about yourself, going on and on about how cyno would never like someone like you. nahida smacks herself so hard on the head that it alerts cyno, which lets him leave swiftly to take care of the dendro archon.

but nahida doesn’t stop thinking about the two of you together, even whilst she’s in the middle of meetings or while she’s talking with cyno himself. 

how could two people like each other so much but don’t know it? she asks herself. 

finally, after enough pondering, nahida begins to plant the seed of her elaborate plan to get you two together. hopefully.

first, it starts with mentioning your name to cyno as he escorts her on a walk throughout sumeru city. she’s internally delighted to see a subtle smile form on his lips at the mere mention of your name, even if it disappears soon after he gives a vague description of you. but after enough prodding, nahida gets a genuine compliment about you from him. she smiles at the general mahamantra, and cyno is left wondering what is so amusing to her.

then, she sends sweet dreams to cyno of you. sweet days spent together, making breakfast for you while you’re still in bed, waking you up with a sweet kiss and an even sweeter greeting. making you laugh, or sometimes groan, at all the ridiculous jokes cyno has to offer. enough sweet moments with you that makes him wake up, craving for more of that sweetness, craving for your presence in his life once more.

eventually, cyno begins to lower his guard and warm up to you. it’s definitely something to grow used to, as you first thought it was all some cruel prank at your expanse. but once you realize that cyno’s nods and interjections in your conversations were now genuine and sweet, you began to warm up to him, too.

nahida was delighted when she saw you and cyno together, casually holding each other’s hands as you strolled through the marketplace. she’ll make sure to offer her congratulations to cyno later, right after she congratulates herself for such a success. 

haitham acts so casual and friendly that you would never think he’d like you back in that way. 

he leans over the desk that separates you two, listening intently to whatever you’re talking about. although, his gaze does glaze over a few times and his eyes drop down more than once. you falter, slightly, but haitham is very quick to reassure you to continue, perking up and looking at you with genuine interest as a very subtle blush takes over his face. 

please tell me they didn’t see me checking them out, haitham prayed, silently.

haitham thinks his crush on you is so obvious that he does everything in his power to not let anyone know, yourself included. and it’s not at all that haitham is ashamed of liking you. if anything, haitham wants nothing more than to show all of teyvat that he cares for you! he’s truly, madly, and deeply in love with you. however, he’s a little embarrassed at how quickly he fell for you. what if he comes on too strong and scares you away? what if you don’t feel the same way? what if you hate him and he didn’t realize it?

so, haitham wants to give himself some time before he asks you out, however long that may be.

and yet, haitham’s so well thought out facade is easily found out by nahida. all she needed to do was look at how earnest haitham looked at you as you two browsed the shelves of the akademiya’s library. but, just to make sure, nahida let your and haitham’s thoughts grace her. and she was delighted to discover that you both truly did care about each other, even letting out a small giggle. however, at the pace you two were going, haitham probably wouldn’t have asked you out until the hairs on his head were... greyer.

so, nahida sends some dreams haitham’s way. 

he gets these tortuously sweet dreams about you. watching you over the top of his book as you read in the same room as him, more than content with just coexisting with him in the same space. sharing space with you in general, whether that be in the kitchen making food or laying down together on the couch. his personal space is now your personal space too, and haitham is more than content with that fact.

but when he wakes up, haitham is quite sad to find out it had all been a dream. a part of him craves for those moments so badly that he begins to plan out a confession.

nahida tries not to act too happy when she hears news of the scribe and you getting together. internally, she’s overjoyed and can’t wait to see your romance blossom further. however, externally, she gives haitham a smile whenever she sees you walking him to work, holding onto his hand as you wish him well at the akademiya.

maybe the dendro archon should try match making more often.

taglist:

@x-zho  @cxlrosii @i23kazu @tiredsleep @ireallylikehamsters​

(send an ask to be added or removed)

thank you for reading 💖 all forms of interaction to my posts are appreciated 💖

[catcze]

You have arrived at:

⠀⠀「 ⠀# F O N T A I N E ⠀」

⠀ ⠀ [ # MULTIPLE CHARACTERS ] ⠀ ⠀

Giving them random kisses [part 2] ⠀ ⠀— Wriothesley, Neuvillette, Lyney, Kaveh, Alhaitham

⠀ ⠀ Waking him up in the middle of the night, asking for food ⠀ ⠀— Wriothesley, Alhaitham, Cyno, Scaramouche / Wanderer, Xiao, Childe, Kaveh, Diluc, Neuvillette, Kazuha, Ayato, Albedo, Kaeya, Thoma, Zhongli

⠀ ⠀ Wearing his clothes ⠀ ⠀— Kazuha, Wriothesley, Neuvillette, Kaveh

⠀ ⠀ [ # WRIOTHESLEY ]

⠀ ⠀— Arranged Marriage

⠀ ⠀— Wrapping his fists after he gets into a fight

⠀ ⠀— Domestic life

⠀ ⠀— Dog boy Wriothesley with a tail

⠀ ⠀— Wriothesley making out with you after a fight (suggestive content)

⠀ ⠀— Friends with benefits + mutual pining

⠀ ⠀— Wriothesley tending to your wounds

⠀ ⠀— Wolf Hybrid Wriothesley

⠀ ⠀— Wriothesley with scruff

⠀ ⠀— He gets spooked in haunted houses

⠀ ⠀— Wrio x a con artist

⠀ ⠀— Breaking up with him (crack, but also angst)

⠀ ⠀— Giving him the silent trearment

⠀ ⠀— Wrio who steals your cute accessories

⠀ ⠀— Bodyguard Wriothesley

⠀ ⠀— You make me understand what the love songs are talking about.

⠀ ⠀— College AU with bad boy Wrio as your boyfriend who loves you

⠀ ⠀— Trying to get out of bed but he's being an ass (fluff ♡)

⠀ ⠀— Gifting him a collar

⠀ ⠀— [City of stars] singer! reader x Wriothesley

⠀ ⠀— Motherfucker stole your donuts

⠀ ⠀— Wrio learning how to speak tagalog for Filo! reader

⠀ ⠀— Trying on his gauntlets

⠀ ⠀— Does he take initiative?

⠀ ⠀— When you have to wake up before him

⠀ ⠀— Finding stickers all over him (somewhat suggestive)

⠀ ⠀— Wriothesley admiring you in the flowers

⠀ ⠀— Matching jewelry

⠀ ⠀— Your dog is stealing your boyfriend!

⠀ ⠀— He always takes care of you when you're drunk

⠀ ⠀— You won't regret marrying me

⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀— Sorta Sequel :  He cries on your wedding day

⠀ ⠀— Sharing a smoke (suggestive)

⠀ ⠀— Taking care of sick! reader

⠀ ⠀— Trying to rizz you up, but you fluster him instead

⠀ ⠀— Wriothesley can open cans with one hand

⠀ ⠀— Painting his nails

⠀ ⠀— You can ask me for anything

⠀ ⠀— He insists on carrying all your shopping bags

⠀ ⠀— Wrio & reader with a similar dynamic to Vi and Caitlyn

⠀ ⠀— Wriothesley touring your sons around the fortress (reader is called 'mom' but no pronouns were used)

⠀ ⠀— Carrying you because of an injured foot

⠀ ⠀— Reader knew Wrio when he was younger

⠀ ⠀— Boobs, thigh, or ass? (suggestive content)

⠀ ⠀— Wild West Wriothesley

⠀ ⠀— Wriothesley angst

⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀— Sequel : Happy ending !!

⠀ ⠀— He melts in your arms when he's tired

⠀ ⠀— He makes a pink tea party for you !

⠀ ⠀— Laying down on him

⠀ ⠀— Caring for you on your period (afab reader)

⠀ ⠀— Wriothesley has a lip piercing

⠀ ⠀— [Sorta Tangled AU] Thief! Wrio x Royal! reader

⠀ ⠀— Accidentally wearing his shirt

⠀ ⠀— Athlete Wrio x Cheerleader Reader

⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀— Sequel : More ideas !!

⠀ ⠀— Seeing you in the sunshine

⠀ ⠀— Little Red and the Wolf

⠀ ⠀— Making out in a corner of the fortress

⠀ ⠀— "Why do you love me?"

⠀ ⠀— When he sees you in a fitted suit

⠀ ⠀— Wrio flirting in french

⠀ ⠀— Reader doesn't like tea

⠀ ⠀— Asking Wrio for a big hug

⠀ ⠀— You're his world

⠀ ⠀— Comfort for bad days

⠀ ⠀— Giving you his coat when you're cold

⠀ ⠀— Sigewinne knows

⠀ ⠀— 1920's crime boss Wrio

⠀ ⠀— He gives you princess treatment (gn reader)

⠀ ⠀— Patching him up after a fight

⠀ ⠀ [ # NEUVILLETTE ]

⠀ ⠀— Does he take initiative?

⠀ ⠀— Dangerously yours

⠀ ⠀

[aha-chuu]

Love the sethos voicelines because like Sumeru was already great for university AUs but now we have Cyno's weird adoptive brother (or really Cyno is the weird adoptive brother of the two) and Scara has a way to actually be involved as the campus cryptid and no one is making any arguments about Alhaitham and Kaveh obviously fucking to any outside perspective but everyone who knows them got too used to it to notice and now all we need is,, like,, Albedo to roll up as an exchange student and we've got the perfect terrarium to set up university AU multiple pairings mutual pining

[ereana]

Alhaitham X Cyno - How am I supposed to spoil you when you won’t accept my gifts?

Alhaitham has a problem.

It’s one that has been building up over the past few months until it’s finally reached a point where he can no longer ignore it. Research has unfortunately yielded few answers and his own personal knowledge on the subject assures him that unless the issue is addressed nothing will change.

What is the problem that has confounded the Grand Scribe and former Acting Grand Sage of the Akademiya? Why none other than the General Mahamatra himself.

To clarify Cyno himself is not a problem, or rather if he is one then he is a lovely problem. The kind that leaves Alhaitham reeling as his thoughts are scattered to the four winds. The kind of problem that requires strong commitment to untangle, a lifetime of study would only barely be enough to fully comprehend it.

No, the true problem is that Cyno refuses to accept any of Alhaitham’s gifts. After an extremely lengthy courting process that mainly consisted of what Dehya called ‘mutually intolerable pining without either of you dumbasses doing a damn thing about it’ they had finally entered a romantic relationship. Frankly he didn’t believe the words properly conveyed the depth of his feelings for Cyno but he had more pressing matters to worry about than a way to describe the exhilarating mix of devotion, longing and soul-crushing joy that had carved a messy hole in his chest.

It was hard to believe that Cyno felt the same way but he knew better than to doubt his general’s word. Not unless he wanted to find himself emotionally flayed open, bleeding love through claw marks as Cyno worshiped him in the darkness of their room.

No, that was a course of action best saved for a special day.

The root of the matter was Cyno’s sense of duty to his role. The General Mahamatra had to be neutral, unbiased to any particular group or scholar and in line with this anything that could be constituted as a bribe was swiftly returned to the sender. Alhaitham knows that his own stint as Acting Grand Sage had not helped matters as the last thing Cyno needed was to be perceived as under the influence of the Grand Sage. It was one of the reasons they hadn’t gotten together until Alhaitham had finally been able to step down. Even then there had been a heated argument over whether it was appropriate for the General and the Grand Scribe to involve themselves in a romantic entanglement. 

Alhaitham had never fought so fiercely for anything before in his life and had earned his victory with every scrap of intellect he possessed.

So any gifts he gave to Cyno were politely returned or refused.

Wealth? Alhaitham never bothered to send money because Cyno was richer than him and it was the most obvious gift that could be construed as a bribe.

Flowers? A traditional gift suggested by Nilou. He had imported a rare breed of lily from Fontaine which had subsequently ended up as part of Tighnari���s next research project.

TCG cards? The one time he’d tried that with his own card, the only one Cyno could not get before Alhaitham himself, Cyno had insisted on winning it off him in a fair game and refused to just accept it. Though Alhaitham didn’t consider that a loss because Cyno had been so distracted by the sight of his own card in Alhaitham’s deck that it had take him three games to win it, allowing Alhaitham to enjoy the sight of his lover’s blushing face as ruby red eyes kept drifting to the purple and gold card.

Books? Cyno had suggested he donate them to Aaru Village to help with their new library, despite knowing full well Alhaitham was working with Candace to fill the modestly sized building as soon as possible. 

Alcohol? This was always taken but then shared at the next gathering of friends which diminished the uniqueness of a gift for Cyno. Especially when Kaveh seemed to drink most of the expensive wine.

Practical gifts were difficult to procure because Cyno was a very practical man and already had most of the things he needed. He kept them in good repair with his usual diligence which meant Alhaitham couldn’t even buy him a replacement.

After a month of pondering over this problem and failing to find a solution Alhaitham settles on asking Cyno directly. While some, Kaveh, would decry this as unromantic Alhaitham disagrees. Communication is a vital component in all relationships; words, actions, gestures, expressions and he is determined to do this right. He refuses to even entertain the possibility of making a mistake because he wasn’t clear in his intentions.

“How am I supposed to spoil you when you won’t accept my gifts?” He asks bluntly the next time he meets Cyno.

This happens to be during their shared lunch break in which Cyno coaxes him up the branches of the Divine Tree, with only minor grumbling, to the very top so they can look out over the forest together.

Cyno pauses in reaching for his drink and turns to face him. He eyes Alhaitham curiously, that brilliant mind working to piece together the reason behind the sudden question.

“Is this because of the Lakelight Lilies?”

“Not just them. It’s come to my attention that you seem to dislike receiving gifts from me, I can’t tell if this is a phenomenon linked only to myself or to a wider range of people but I fail to see the reason why. You are my partner—

“—boyfriend.” Cyno cuts in with a smile.

“You know how I feel about that word — and I wish to show you proof of my affection. You’re making that very hard to do by either refusing or giving away everything I offer, I’m starting to feel a little rejected.” Alhaitham finishes with a teasing smile of his own to take the sting out of his words.

Cyno huffs and shakes his head, looking at Alhaitham with unmistakable fondness.

“I don’t need those types of gifts Haitham.”

“You may not need them but if you want something then I want to give it to you.” Alhaitham murmurs, taking Cyno’s hand in his own and pressing a kiss to the back of his palm.

“Foolish man, you already spoil me enough.” Cyno rolls his eyes but doesn’t pull his hand back, and Alhaitham eagerly drinks in the red flush blooming across dark cheeks. “Your time, your affections.”

Cyno puts his free hand on Alhaitham’s chest.

“Your heart.” He says firmly. “You have placed all of these things at my feet and yet believe you haven’t spoiled me. How can that possibly be when you have given me everything I have ever dreamed about already?”

Part of Alhaitham’s mind starts to form a counterargument to Cyno’s eloquently put point. He considers himself a smart man, which is why the rest of him can focus on the delightful task of kissing Cyno breathless with all of Sumeru stretched out below them as he gifts himself to his beloved one more time. 

[windyxiao]

new hkvh fanfic 🌱🏛

Update: COMPLETED! Title: Petrichor Fandom: Genshin Impact Rating: Mature Chapters: 1/2 Length: 11,482 words Main Ship: Alhaitham/Kaveh Supporting Ships: Cyno/Tighnari Characters: Alhaitham, Kaveh, Cyno, Tighnari, Nilou, Venti, Zhongli, Faruzan, Xingqiu, Fischl, Kazuha, Yunjin, Yae Miko Tags: Major Character Death, Dark Academia, University/College AU, Poetry Club, and they were roommates, Not So Secret Mutual Pining, Alhaitham is Down Bad, Raining Season in Sumeru, Oblivious Alhaitham, Oblivious Kaveh, Other Additional Tags to be added, 2nd chapter will be super angsty, future Major Character Death, Autistic Alhaitham Language: English Summary:

"Even in dim, warm candle's light, I can't not feel your shine, so bright, Our interactions a private lingo. Asleep, as you lay here at night, I guard thee dutifully, as a knight." Alhaitham has been infatuated with his roommate Kaveh for years, but when they argue about poetry, he simply cannot agree that 'language is art'. So naturally, he tags along to the Poetry Club at the Akademiya and accidentally finds himself a new hobby that helps him express his feelings and thoughts more clearly.

Read on AO3

[ownedbythescribe]

Tighnari | Charmolypi

ıllı Synopsis: Fate loves to play a cruel game. When the name of your fated is engraved on your wrist, it is between the parties whether they end up as a couple or forever becoming strangers. However, there is always a consequence for those who wishes to challenge fate.

ıllı Genre: Angst, Slight Comfort

ıllı Notes: Gender Neutral Reader

ıllı Part 2: Tighnari - Over Panacean Lotuses

Emotions and relationships are often baffling and exhausting. It can range from pure joy to inculpable anger. Oftentimes, an individual can experience more than two emotions depending on the situation. These affect the relationships and boundaries people set with each other. Not understanding what one feels often results in fear, guilt, loneliness, and regret. One student once said that in order to achieve mutual understanding, they should spend time together and let time take its course.

‘But because of how different our professions had become, you and I drifted far from each other.’ You thought, looking down at Tighnari and the Traveler as they enjoy their stroll in the Avidya Forest. Initially, you wanted to see the Forest Watcher and tell him your whereabouts, but he was already occupied. There was nothing left for you, not even the space you once filled in his heart.

Like a glass hit by a bullet, cracks swiftly crept up your heart. No matter how much assurance you gave to yourself to mend the pain, Tighnari proved you otherwise. You could only give a bitter smile. Pining for a man enamored by the Traveler’s charms was truly dangerous.

‘There will only be regrets. But do I regret loving you? I’m not sure. Maybe, I’ve been delusional, hoping that with the time we spent, you and I could have fallen in love with each other.’ Wiping the tears, you took a deep breath and turned around. You took the callused hand of the person waiting behind you. The shake of your head signaled to him that you will not proceed with your original plan.

“I see. I’ll treat you to your favorite food later then.” He comforted. It was surprising, for this man to offer warm words. You laughed and told him that aside from food, you would love to get some books for your next research too.

“I’m spoiling you now?” He teased. You simply grinned, not noticing the faint glow on your wrist. It slipped from your mind that fate loved to play a cruel game with people. When the name of your fated is engraved on your wrist, both parties either end up being together or forever becoming strangers. The consequence of the latter is that the person who bore the strongest affection ends up being consumed by the curse, slowly dangling between rationality and madness.

It was a month later that Tighnari noticed your disappearance. It confused him at first as to why you have not visited Gandharva Ville in a while, but he attributed it to your busy schedule. He missed the times when you both would sneak out in the dark of the night to watch the moon cast its glow upon the lake of lotuses. It gave him comfort just thinking about going back to those times. He thought of inviting you again, a form of relaxation from your exhausting jobs. All of his plans fell into the abyss when Cyno broke the news to him.

“Nobody has seen (Y/N)? What do you mean, Cyno?” Tighnari asked, confused as to how nobody knew where you were.

“It’s just as I said, Tighnari. It has been for a month now. I tried to ask the locals if there had been any sightings, but nothing came up.” Cyno confessed, slightly frustrated that there was also nothing coming up with his search. It had been reported to him by your advisor, and he promised to look out for you. But it was like you vanished in the wind.

Tighnari’s breathing quickened. The last time you two saw each other was after Karkata started residing in Pardis Dhyai. He recalled back your conversations with him, hoping for a clue as to where you could have gone. Knowledge capsules, Akademiya researchers, madness, fates, and desert, he could only recall these.

“Have you tried asking in Aaru Village? Or interrogating Eremites?” Tighnari inquired, desperation evident in his voice. He tried to remain calm, he did, but for some reason, his heart was telling him that something was wrong.

“I haven’t. Let me see what I can get from my side. I’ll send a messenger if I ever get anything.” Cyno promised.

Tighnari thanked the general, opting to go back to his office to finish his papers. While sorting them out, he noticed a faint glow on his wrist. Your name was engraved in there, but what frightened him was the way it was fading.

‘Why… is it fading?’

“Ack…! It hurts!” The pain in your chest was unbearable, the engraving on your wrist flickering in the dim room. Ever since you decided to stay away from Tighnari, the crack that crept up your heart continuously grew to the point that you would shed tears, losing in the delusion of pain.

‘Please, stop. He doesn’t love me that way. He… prefers the Traveler! Enough!’ But deep in your heart, there was still a bud of hope, unrelenting to the barrage of negative emotions that coated your mind.

“(Y/N), you have to take this medicine.” Alhaitham whispered, coaxing you to take the liquid vial in his hands. Your gaze zoomed on his cerulean-orange irises. He could see how much the curse had already affected you, but he will have to force you to take the medicine to ensure your safety during the mission.

The Temple of Silence tasked you two to investigate the mysterious occurrences involving ruin golems found in the mountains near Lower Setekh. However, the curse suddenly acted up upon noticing how you were killing your emotions. Alhaitham noticed the symptoms and formulated the remedy that researchers from before had concocted. The medicine will act as a barrier for your memories to rescind and keep the curse at bay. You will feel pain at times, but continuous ingestion should numb it. The Scribe was not a fan of such a method, but this was currently the only available treatment.

“Alhaitham… why is falling in love so painful? I thought it was supposed to feel like a miracle?” You muttered, clutching his hand.

“Because you found him perfect in this imperfect world.” He simply answered. It dawned on you just how much you love him, how much you yearned for the man you couldn’t have. A pity, really.

“I see… I—“ You took the medicine from his hand and drank it. Like a miracle, the pain subsided, allowing you to take a breather. You turned to Alhaitham, held his hand, and discussed what you will do from here on out. He questioned your actions, but you assured him that you knew the consequences. You were foolish enough already, so why not take it up the notch?

Two days later, the Scribe was surprised by your speedy recovery. You gave him a wry smile and joked that it should do so considering the Great Scribe was willing to take care of you for free. Alhaitham scoffed, flicking your forehead. He told you about his own progress during your recovery, and he had already drawn a route for you to take. You were calculating the things you will need for the trip, while Alhaitham took notice of your blank eyes. He grew uncomfortable with it.

“I chose this on my volition, Alhaitham. You don’t need to worry. We should get to the first one before night falls. There are 4 golems sighted, but we should finish scouting in a week or two. That is if nothing goes awry.” You commented. He pointed out a caravan town near the mountain as well as the black market there that could potentially slow you two down should Eremites block you.

“All right. I presume you already got your things ready. Let me just bring mine out then we can head out. We have to thank Candace and the Village Chief for keeping quiet and letting us here too.” You reminded. He nodded and decided to wait by reading the book you got from Dori for half its original price.

You both wore your cloaks in preparation for the sandstorm. While on the road, your mind drifted off to Tighnari, thinking if he was out, spending time with the Traveler again. He had his responsibilities, you knew, but he never failed to give time to those that mattered to him.

‘Just like how he does with mine. I’m so jealous of you, Traveler.’ You confessed to yourself. What you failed to notice was the faint glow of your mark despite the name fading.

As for Tighnari, his heart felt heavier with each passing day. He was desperate to know where you were, why you were gone without telling him, and simply hold you in his embrace. As distracted as he was, he still tried to be the Forest Watcher everybody expected him to be. Too much to say that even Collei was now worried. Her master had the patience of the sky, but ever since the Mahamatra informed you of your disappearance, the fennec fox seemed more irritable and would snap often. He would apologize once he recognized it, but Collei knew that her master deeply cared for you, more than anything else. She did not even see him go with the Traveler—

“Hold on. Didn’t (Y/N) want to meet up with Master a month ago? They looked like they were going somewhere based on their clothing and bag, but… it was also the time that Master was with the Traveler to check for Withering Zones. Was there some kind of misunderstanding here?” She muttered to herself. If there really was, then this predicament was a mess.

Tighnari, who was sitting in his office, could not concentrate. His mind would drift to you, worry paining his heart. He could hear the crack in his heart deepen, but he reassured himself that you will be all right, that you will be back in his arms.

It was a week later that he finally heard from Cyno. You were spotted with Alhaitham recovering in Aaru Village. He did not know why you were with the Scribe, but he needed to see you right away. Tighnari called for Collei and the other forest rangers, informing him of his sudden departure for the desert. They nodded, not exactly sure why, but they trust him that he will be back. The fennec fox gave Amir and Collei the tasks for the week before turning to Cyno, who was waiting at the door.

“M-Master! Before you go, I have something to say.” Collei called out. She confessed to him about your visit to Gandharva Ville before you disappeared. He could see conflict in her eyes and assured her that he was not mad. He, too, wanted to know why you did not go talk to him about things.

“If there really is a misunderstanding here, Master, please be honest with them.” She advised. Tighnari ruffled her hair and smiled before taking off.

It took almost five hours for them to reach Aaru Village. Tighnari was sweating bullets, already not liking the heat, but he persevered. He was desperate to see you. Although that desperation was washed away when he saw Alhaitham take your hand and rest his right hand on your forehead. You leaned at the touch before closing your eyes and dozing off.

Alhaitham took a deep breath, glancing to the side to recognize the company they had. His piercing gaze zoomed on the Forest Watcher who felt jealousy bubble through his body.

“I would like to respectfully ask you to back off from them, Scribe.” Tighnari voiced with a hint of threat evident in his tone. Alhaitham stood in front of you.

“Oh? What business does the Forest Watcher want with my partner?” Alhaitham asked. The word partner irked the fennec fox, his tail raised in alarm at somebody touching what was his. The thought of you being his crossed his mind, having a short epiphany of his feelings, but he let out a sigh and informed him that he needed to talk to you.

“I can’t let you do that, I’m sorry.” He turned around, about to wake you up and escort you back inside, but Tighnari did not let him. He held his hand tightly and pushed him away. The Scribe was about to protest when he felt the cackle of thunder surround him.

“Explain what is happening, Alhaitham.” Cyno ordered. The Scribe held a hand to his face in irritation. The Temple of Silence told them that this was a secret mission, and if they General Mahamatra questioned them, they only give him a summary about it. No other details should be revealed.

With a huff, he explained the short version of the nature of your mission. He redacted the sensitive information before moving to your case.

“You two are aware of the curse on fated, right? (Y/N) here is of a similar case. It was affecting our mission, so they took the medicine numerous times until the end of it. When we reached Aaru Village four days ago, they already stopped consuming it. This is the result of their decision. When the fated do not end up together, the one with stronger affection spirals into madness. Luckily, theirs was not on the extreme side. Hence, I would like to ask why they ended up taking that decision, Forest Watcher Tighnari. Aren’t you their fated?” He asked, mockery and anger visible in his eyes. Tighnari clenched his fist, looking at you in sadness.

“It was a misunderstanding I think. Collei told me about it, and I want to explain everything to them. Is there anything I can do to help with their recovery?” Tighnari asked. Alhaitham saw his determination and sighed.

“I’m not sure. They’ve been like a blank slate here, often whispering your name and crying. I can only comfort them by holding their hand, but other than that, they could still function normally.” He uttered. Tighnari crouched down and held your left cheek. At the touch of something familiar, your blank eyes opened to stare back at him. The murky irises scared him. It felt like you were descending to the abyss, and he will not be able to get you back.

“I am not ready to entrust them to you, Master Tighnari. Let them stay here for three more days before you take them to Gandharva Ville. Prove to me that you really love them and willing to go to lengths to have them with you. They’ve been through so much already, and I think I have enough right to see through it.” Alhaitham negotiated. Tighnari did not like his tone one bit, but something told him that he was left with no choice but to abide. He glanced back at Cyno who told them that he will inform Candace and the chief.

Once he was gone, Tighnari sat down beside you and let you lean on his shoulder. You dozed off at the familiar heat, not really knowing who it was. His heart cracked once more, feeling himself tear up at your predicament.

“Bring them inside, the cold nights of the desert cause them to shiver more than humans should. Don’t worry, I also won’t touch your mate.” The Scribe teased. Tighnari huffed but followed through. He carried you inside and laid you on your bed. He watched your peaceful sleep, before he turned to Alhaitham.

“What is your relationship with them?” He asked. The Scribe glanced back at him and muttered his answer. Tighnari was surprised but immediately understood what this was all about. He really had a lot to explain and repent once you finally recovered.

“I can only promise that I'll stay by their side until then." He muttered, placing his forehead on yours, hoping for his warmth to reach your heart.

Please do not copy or repost my stories, but notes and reblogs are always appreciated!

[the83rdgenius]

Tighnari or Cyno, maybe?

This isn't my best work, but it was still very fun to write and it's not as bad as it could be, so here you go mootie!! I hope you enjoy it <3

| The Capabilities of a Man |

Afab!Gn!Reader x Tighnari 

Warnings: MINORS DNI THANKS, Brief Smut, Mutual Pining but their both oblivious idiots (not really explicitly said), Friends with Benefits relationship, Reader is an alchemist that works alongside Albedo & Sucrose, Reader is from Mondstadt, No pronouns for reader, He/Him for Tighnari, Tighnari takes off your shirt consensually, Reader is a sensitive baby bc me too bestie, Afab reader, Gender neutral reader, Biting, Scratching, Nightmares/Night terrors, Hyperventilating, No mentions of breasts but there’s alludings to it if you squint, the pacing of this is a little off but oh well, 1.9k words. 

“Fuck me, it’s hot.” You exclaimed, putting a hand above your forehead to block out the sunlight.

Although the weather in Sumeru was hard to adapt to, there was fortunately so much to be explored, or in your case, researched. You were sent from Mondstadt to do research on the local fungi lifeforms in the area. It was already proving boring and easy work to say the least, but the fact of boredom disappeared the moment you ran into him. 

“Well, what do we have here? Didn’t think I’d run into you here of all places.” You heard a familiar voice say. 

Looking up you saw the face of the familiar voice, Tighnari. 

“Hey, it’s you! How’re you, uh, how are things?” You tried to make conversation but ended up coming off nervous.. 

“Just patrolling the forest, making sure idiot adventurers don’t stray too far from the path.” He sighed. “The usual. But the real question is why are you here? You’re very far from home.” He asked.

You sighed and gave up on appearances. You’d think sleeping with the man in front of you a few times would make you loosen up around him, but you would be very wrong. There was something about him that made the tension so thick and so palpable that anyone could feel it just by looking at the two of you. 

“I was sent here by the chief alchemist on a research mission, as well as to collect some data on the lifeforms that live in these forests.” You replied, more focused on Tighnari than your research. 

Tighnari looked behind him towards the lit up forest ranger houses, and then back to you with a concerned expression. “Well, it’s getting dark, too dark for proper research. Let’s get you inside.” Before you could even protest he said, “Come on, you can stay with me for the night, then we’ll find you a proper place tomorrow.” 

He grabbed your hand without warning, causing you to tense up and become hot with embarrassment, and led you back to his home. Once you were inside the place you took a moment to look around and study the surrounding area. Inside it was lit up by candlelight, and a lone lamp that's design was quite elaborate, yet tasteful. Looking around at the rest of his living area you could tell just how passionate of his work he was, and you expected nothing less from your old friend. 

Friend. Heh, life sure is a bitch.

At least that’s all you could say to reason with the dull aching in your chest. It was as if the archons were taunting you, playing a sick game of cat and mouse. Seeing how long it would take to make you surrender, but you were tougher than nails, stronger than most people realized, so you lived on. Unfortunately, the downside was that you slept with a man on occasion who you had deep feelings for, who you knew didn’t feel the same. Still, you chose to torture yourself, and instead of the plethora of opportunities you had to speak your truth were left to die on your tongue. 

Turning your attention back to Tighnari, both gratefully and regretfully—joyous to see him again, but sad to live the same ending over and over, again—you watched as he made the bed. His bed. The bed you’d most likely be sleeping in, beside him. After all, you both had already had sex, so what else was there to hide? What’s the worst that could happen?

After he’d finished preparing the bed he gestured gently for you to crawl in, but still keeping his distance. “Get some sleep, please.” He said, exhaustion dripping from his voice.

You crawled into bed hesitantly and asked quietly, “What about you?” 

He smiled and shook his head. “I’ll be fine, you go ahead. I’ll stay up and keep watch.” 

You shook your head angrily and grabbed his wrist. “No, you need sleep too. Get in the bed, ‘Nari.” 

His ears pricked up then flattened as he looked away in embarrassment. He couldn’t win when you used that nickname of his, it was his kryptonite. “Fine.” He said begrudgingly and slid in bed beside you. 

He turned off the lamp on his nightstand and let out a comfortable sigh as he snuggled underneath the covers. He enjoyed this, he missed you, more than he was willing to admit. The forest was unusually quiet that night, too much for Tighnari’s liking, especially when he had you sweating beside him. He knew you weren’t used to the weather, but he was still a tad surprised by your ability to become so hot so quickly. 

“Are you comfortable?” He asked.

“M-me? Oh yeah, I’m okay.” You lied. 

He let out a small groan and turned on his side, taking some of the blanket with him. “If you’re gonna lie to me, at least do a better job.” 

You swallowed hard and tried not to let the tears surface, biting back your cries of shame. 

Then, he spoke up, again. “If you’re still hot you’re going to have to remove some clothes.”

You knew Tighnari was blunt, but maybe it had been awhile since you both had truly seen each other. The ache in your chest began to grow as did the sweat pooling over and under your chest. It was hot, hotter than you realized and as much as you hated to admit it, he was right, but you could’ve at least tried to hold out, and so you did. Well, you tried to, but Tighnari got annoyed very quickly.

He turned back over to face you and placed his hands on the sleeves of your shirt. “Let me.” He waited for your nod of approval before removing your shirt.

You were embarrassed, sure, but at that point the heat became too unbearable and you had given up on fighting him. 

“Better?” He asked, and you nodded in agreement. “Good. Now, get some sleep.” 

The rest of the night went by smoothly, you slept through the sounds of the forest and the soft snores of your friend. You’d finally cooled down, even let go of your shame enough to unknowingly wrap yourself around the forest ranger. It was peaceful in the purest of ways. That is until a horrible nightmare ripped you from your peaceful slumber. You tossed and turned frantically, causing Tighnari to stir awake where he watched you like a hawk, making sure you were okay, but that was before you started to hyperventilate. That’s when Tighnari tried to wake you from that dreadful nightmare, carefully. 

“Can you hear me?” He asked calmly, but feeling frantic on the inside. He was worried sick.

When he asked a couple times to no response, he then decided to wrap you up in his arms and sit you upright. Wanting to make sure you didn’t have any breathing complications. He waited patiently, shushing you softly and rocking you gently in his arms, until you awoke with a gasp. He let you have a moment to catch your breath before he talked to you.

“Are you okay?”

Silence.

“Do you know where you are?” He asked hastily.

You nodded and pushed the words out. “Tigh.. Tighnari’s house.” 

“Good. Now, make sure you’re breathing in nice and slow, okay?” He said firmly yet gently. 

You did as he said for a solid five to ten minutes before looking into his eyes. Tighnari watched as the light slowly returned to you, and gave you a great big hug. “You had me so worried.” He pulled away momentarily, studying you as he asked. “Are you okay, now?”

You nodded with a sad smile. “Yes, I am. Don’t worry.” 

“A bit late for that.” He teased with a playful smile. 

There was a brief moment of silence before you spoke up, placing your hand on one of his cheeks. “Can we hold off on sleep for a while? I’m a bit scared to go back to sleep to be honest…” 

He nodded and gave you another hug, this time tighter. You could smell his natural musk and it was intoxicating, along with the feel of his skin against yours. “Of course, we can.”

Pulling away he laid you back onto the bed and turned on the lamp. He wanted to see your face illuminated with light just once before you had to leave. Even if it was only for a mere moment, he wanted to indulge in that small blessing. Laying beside you he found his wandering hands finding your still ones, and entangling them together he hummed an unfamiliar song. If it weren’t for your recent rude awakening you would’ve found yourself asleep to the tune of the song, but instead you couldn’t help but focus on how warm his body and hands were. It was as if they were luring you closer and closer towards him until, finally the distance closed altogether as he sealed his lips against yours.

It took you by surprise at first, which was surprising considering the past you two shared, but still, you found yourself full of shock once he grabbed your face gently and pressed his lips to yours. But instead of questioning it, denying him the pleasure of your lips, or even pushing him away, you just let it happen. You enjoyed the bliss from beginning to end, pretending as if you had no problems risking your dignity or pride, but there was so much at risk with him. There were always risks when it came to Tighnari, but this time you let go, fully and unapologetically and simply allowed him to embrace you just as you were. 

Soon kisses became touches and touches became something more, till the two of you were tangled in the sheets with only your bare bodies for comfort. His nails dragged against your back as he pumped himself inside of you, moaning in your ear like a starving man. Your fingers tangled in his hair, tugging at it roughly for more than he could offer up. His hands pinned you down by your wrists and let go of his judgements and worries, he fucked into you at an unforgiving pace. 

It was almost as if he was chasing something. You? The archons? Or a righteous answer? Who knows, but one thing was for sure, he’d never flown higher than he had in that very moment. The both of you had scratch, bit, and moaned your way through the thick darkness and only stopped when the both of you grew weary. Too tired to keep going, but somehow managing to do so anyway. This cycle continued till the both of you eventually fell asleep naked in each other’s arms. Maybe, things could be different you told yourself, maybe come morning you could confess your long lived secrets, and perhaps things could turn out good for you after all. 

For now, you’d bask in the warmth of Sumeru in the company of your (hopefully) soon to be lover. For now you’d enjoy a moment untouched by ruin and simply be, which is exactly how it was all meant to be. 

[intensely-reading]

To Dream in Shades of Green

Word Count: 55.7k (9/9 Chapters)

Relationship: Alhaitham/Kaveh

Tags: Pseudo-isekai, Royalty AU (kind of), Dreams, Fluff, Mutual Pining, You get a slow burn and a flash flood, we're speedrunning and slow-cooking this relationship, light angst, happy endings, feeling realization

Written for Haikaveh Big Bang!

(Note: This story will be updated daily until its completion!)

Summary:

“There are three suitors who you can romance in this game. You must complete all your requirements with one of them." “Who are the three potential suitors?” Kaveh asks warily. “Your three suitors are Tighnari, the blunt Palace Chamberlain; Cyno, the standoffish Captain of the Royal Guard; and Al-Haitham, the acerbic Duke of Vultur Volans.”

There's a new invention from the Yae Publishing House that turns a user's dreams into light novel stories. Kaveh has the (un)fortunate pleasure of being one of its first users.

Too bad it dumped him in a romance game.

Read it here!

Author's Comments:

This story has been ruminating in me for months now you don't understand they have taken over my life. Otome games were my reading blood for a good bit of time

We're in for a long ride is all I'm saying (This story is about 55k words)

There's a lot of romance, a lot of light novel tropes, a lot of royalty tropes. So many cliches. But despite all that, I hope it's a lighthearted story about what love is—not just in stories, but also in real life; what it means to care

[isnt-it-pretty]

Helloo!!

I was wondering… Do you have any headcanons for the time Cyno and Tighnari became partners? I really like how you write them so I’m curious what your thoughts are about the beginning of their relationship! :)

For starters, I almost always write established relationship because I generally dislike "get together works." Other than that, boy do I have some headcanons!

They met when Tighnari was 20 and suspected of forming factions and gathering forces against the Akademiya (that's canon from Tighnari's 4th character story). Cyno was 24 and had been General Mahamatra for a year. These ages change a little but not all that much.

Cyno fell first but wasn't all that concerned about it. His work as the General Mahamatra is dangerous and puts those close to him at risk. He was happy to continue being friends with Tighnari and wasn't pining over him.

Tighnari is pragmatic and goes after what he wants-- this includes Cyno. It only took about six to nine months after they became friends for him to realize how he felt, and he cornered Cyno and told him he was interested in a very no-nonsense way, stating that if Cyno didn't feel the same way, nothing would change.

Initially, Cyno was worried that his position would put Tighnari in danger. Tighnari's solution was to assure Cyno he could defend himself. They'd sparred in the past, so Cyno believed it, but they mutually decided to spar more often and up Tighnari's fighting skills, which would eventually be useful when he became a forest watcher. They still spar when they have time.

A few of the matra who work closest with Cyno suspect the nature of their relationship but have never asked. They do know Cyno and Tighnari are at least friends, and Cyno has long since left the instructions that if anything were to happen to him, Tighnari should be informed.

Tighnari left the Akademiya at around 21 and moved to the rainforest. Cyno supported his decision, even if he was sad to see Tighnari go-- he knew Tighnari wasn't happy in the Akademiya

He almost always goes to Tighnari when injured. Cyno knows Tighnari won't tell a soul and can't be bribed, so there is a level of trust he doesn't feel with Akademiya doctors.

Cyno showed up with Collei about a year and a half to two years before canon. (The manga took place a year before the Traveller showed up in Mondstadt, and in the game, I figure it's been at least six months since then.) 

[steflionheart]

Of Traditions and Mutual Understanding

Fandom: Genshin Impact

Pairing: Cyno x Alhaitham / Alhaitham x Cyno

Wordcount: 2.884

tags: AU - canon divergent; Acting Grand Sage Alhaitham; pining Cyno; Alhaitham is a bit dense in that department but also pining; soft and fluffy; short-haired Cyno; made-up tradition of cutting your hair when you're in love

based on this brainfart of mine I shared on my second blog the other day

No one noticed it at first.

The General Mahamatra walked past several Scholars, Researchers, and fellow Matra while politely greeting the ones he was acquainted with but still— no one batted an eye as he crossed the Akademiya’s main hall.

However, the moment he stopped beside Shohre at the entrance to the House of Daena and asked her quietly if the Acting Grand Sage was currently present, a soft murmur arose among the people.

One could hear excited whispers here, shy giggles there, and even groans of despair as well as some disapproving scoffs among the crowd. It spread like a wildfire and soon enough even the very last person in the Akademiya’s main hall knew what the fuss was about.

One could also tell that the General Mahamatra was very well aware that this was purely owed to him but he didn’t seem to pay it much mind.

After curtly nodding goodbye and leaving Shohre to her duties again, Cyno soon enough disappeared from the sight of prying eyes as the massive stone platform elevator took him upwards, his destination being the Acting Grand Sage’s office.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alhaitham was lost in paperwork, headphones turned to soundproof for better focus. Therefore, he didn’t notice the General Mahamatra arriving, nor did he hear him greet Panah, who was in the middle of filing away the last records for the day on the opposite side of the office. Both their shifts were about to end and Alhaitham was really looking forward to it, considering that this day has been a mess and a half.

The paperwork had been relentlessly increasing with each day passing, not even mentioning the applications for the position of Grand Sage he had to go through whenever he found the time; usually after finishing a report and before starting with the next.

Chin resting on the knuckles of one hand, he flipped the pages of a report with the other, eyes narrowed and not once leaving the written words on paper. He just wanted to finish this one, so that he could finally call it a day and return back home.

Mind wandering off and contemplating his options for dinner, he shifted his gaze just a tad bit and noticed tan skin out of the corner of his eye. His head immediately snapped up, turquoise meeting ruby as he stared directly at the General Mahamatra.

Something about his appearance seemed off but Alhaitham couldn’t quite put a finger on it.

Cyno’s lips moved and Alhaitham’s eyes were immediately drawn to them, taking up all the focus he had left, so that he didn’t even notice that his earpieces were still turned to soundproof. A moment later, he snapped back to reality, turning the switch on the right earpiece until he could hear Cyno’s voice, loud and clear.

“...port about my latest mission if you have a moment. If you’re busy, I can come by tomorrow again.”

Alhaitham clearly missed the first part of Cyno’s request but understood what he wanted nonetheless.

Mind still stuck on the thought that something was amiss about the General’s looks, he answered rather leisurely.

“Sure. Go… ahead.”

Cyno hesitated briefly, lifting an eyebrow but obviously dismissing his concerns for now.

“The mission went well in general, we caught the culprit and I personally interrogated him. He was uncooperative at first but soon enough told us everything we needed to know. He also revealed that…”

While Cyno was still recounting the events of his recent mission with his eyes closed and arms crossed over his chest, Alhaitham tried to find whatever it was that’s been bothering him ever since he laid eyes on the General that day. He scanned every inch of Cyno’s body, eyes roaming slowly upwards from his exposed knees, over his firm and muscled thighs until he passed his well-toned stomach and chest, and finally settled on the shiny golden chest piece.

It wasn’t the first time he’s done this considering that the General Mahamatra had the habit of mostly closing his eyes while reporting to the Acting Grand Sage. Alhaitham has had more than one chance to study Cyno’s body during these times, memorizing every single scar, every little mole, and every other minutest detail.

They were all burned into his memory by now.

So it was no wonder that Alhaitham immediately noticed that something was different, he just still hadn’t found the right detail yet.

Gaze tracing the defined shape of Cyno’s shoulders which were usually covered by some strands of his silky white hair, the Acting Grand Sage tried to rack his brains some more while admiring the General’s relaxed face.

Until it finally sank in.

Heart skipping a beat and mind suddenly reeling with questions over questions, Alhaitham wasn’t able to stop his mouth from spilling his next words and therefore, interrupting the General.

“You cut your hair.”

Cyno, who had still been reporting whatever had happened during his mission, froze to the spot right before his mouth snapped shut and his eyes opened. His gaze immediately zeroed in on Alhaitham’s.

The latter was still stunned to silence, partially regretting blurting out his observation just like that but on the other hand, there were still those questions he wanted an answer for.

Alhaitham knew he literally had no right to ask Cyno anything, but he needed to know.

It wasn’t just out of curiosity, it was an unrelenting, even crucial, and desperate need to know the reason for this. He needed to know if Cyno cutting his hair was out of necessity or if it was out of the only other reason people from Sumeru did that to their long hair.

After another few moments of silence, the General Mahamatra finally broke it.

“I did.”

“Why did you do it?”

Alhaitham wasn’t sure what was wrong with him, once again simply babbling out whatever thought had surfaced right at that moment. For a brief second, he even pondered on whether he had accidentally consumed a Forbidden Knowledge Capsule after all. But there were more urgent matters right now.

Cyno shifted slightly, readjusting his crossed arms and tightening them over his chest.

“What if I told you I did it simply because I felt like it?”

“That’s unlike you. You seldom cared about your long hair and only cut the tips to keep it from getting too long to disturb you during battle.”

The General sighed in defeat, clearly not up to deceiving the Acting Grand Sage, before answering.

“Out of tradition.”

Alhaitham took a deep breath in an attempt to soothe his nerves, not sure about how to react to it. On one hand, he’d expected this answer but on the other, he’d hoped for it to be a different one, although not fully understanding why.

His gaze never leaving Cyno’s, he asked yet another question.

“Who?”

And Alhaitham had thought he’d seen all of him, all of Cyno’s reactions, all of his facial expressions— he thought he’d studied him quite well during the time they worked together.

But a blushing Cyno averting his gaze was a completely new sight and Alhaitham didn’t quite know how to read what it made him feel.

It was exciting, exhilarating even, but also completely new and unfamiliar.

“So… you don’t want to reveal who it is? I understand that but why would you cut your hair then and show everyone that you’re not available anymore? Do you not intend to confess to them? Isn’t that the meaning of this tradition after all?”

Cyno’s head snapped back to facing Alhaitham and his eyes were burning bright with a passion Alhaitham had only seen during their fights yet.

“First of all, I would have to make sure that he’s also… interested in me or it wouldn’t make any sense chasing after him. And it would only cause trouble for him if I revealed who it is. Don’t you agree, Acting Grand Sage?”

Alhaitham didn’t know if it was owing to the way Cyno was looking at him, fierce determination clearly written across his face, or if it was the newfound electrifying fervor that had taken over his mind. But it was enough for him to stand up from his chair and walk around his desk until he came to a stop right in front of Cyno, eyes never leaving the other’s as he towered over the smaller man.

“There’s no reason for that man to not be interested in you.”

A brief silence spread between them in which Alhaitham seized the opportunity to take a better look at Cyno’s new haircut. It was unfamiliar seeing that it wasn't even peeking out from under the significant headpiece the General was wearing anymore. Yet, he couldn’t see it properly due to said headpiece and he wondered how he could coax Cyno to take it off.

“What makes you think that?” Cyno interrupted Alhaitham’s train of thought.

“You’re a— how do people call it…” Alhaitham gestured briefly with his right hand, “— ‘A good catch’, I think?”

“Elaborate,” Cyno said after a moment of silence.

Crossing his arms over his chest, Alhaitham obeyed.

“You’re the General Mahamatra, so you’re of high status and also popular among the people of Sumeru. You’re calm and collected— at least most of the time. You have a very good sense of justice— not just due to your position, of course. You’re witty— I personally enjoy your jokes a lot. And you’re also handsome.”

Gesturing moderately, Alhaitham kept stating these facts without thinking much about it, gaze roaming around the wide office while talking.

“I don’t see how anyone would not be interested in you.”

“So, you think my jokes are funny and that I’m handsome?“ Cyno muttered, more to himself than for Alhaitham to hear. Instead, he asked.

“Does that include you?”

Alhaitham’s eyes snapped back to Cyno’s, that bashful, almost shy expression from before on his face again but this time laced with a tinge of insecurity.

Another trait Alhaitham was able to witness from Cyno for the first time that day.

“Of course it does. These were all my very own observations and opinions about you after all.”

“So that means you’re interested in me?”

“I sure am,” Alhaitham answered without hesitating.

Cyno shifted his weight from one foot to the other before asking one more question. Althaitham almost felt as if being interrogated.

“In what kind of way?” Seeing that Alhaitham was knitting his eyebrows in confusion, the General heaved a deep-drawn sigh before adding, “I mean if you’re interested in me just in general or… romantically.”

Alhaitham faltered for the first time in a long time, not sure how to answer this question sincerely. His mind went back to all their past encounters, all the conversations they had, all the times they spent together until now, even back to all the fights they had and how much Cyno had grown on him. Taking all of it into consideration and also adding the newfound happenings from their current meeting, Alhaitham finally came to the only possible conclusion.

“I… I guess I am.”

Cyno’s eyes grew wide with surprise, lighting up and sparkling like rubies in the bright sunlight.

“You… are?”

Feeling his chest pleasantly tightening at how hopeful Cyno’s gaze was, it only confirmed Alhaitham’s statement. And at the same time, it confirmed that he himself was the man Cyno was talking about after all.

Alhaitham was more confident now as he answered.

“Yes. Yes, I am.”

He took a step closer towards Cyno, loosening his crossed arms, and reaching for the General’s headpiece.

“May I take it off to get a better look at your haircut?”

Cyno nodded briefly in response, lowering his head as a light pink blush spread on his cheekbones.

Gently and with the utmost caution not to muss up his hair, Alhaitham took the headpiece off and placed it on the stone floor beside them. The moment he looked back up, admiring Cyno’s short hair, Alhaitham noticed that his caution had been for naught. It was sticking up in all directions, chaotic but all the more adorable.

The haircut gave Cyno a whole new flair of savageness, he looked younger and roguish— almost even mischievous but still as intimidating as always, Alhaitham would say.

But on the other hand, it didn’t take away any of his natural beauty and the softness of his features; characteristics the Acting Grand Sage had always adored about the General Mahamatra.

It was new and unfamiliar and yet, Alhaitham was still as captivated by Cyno’s appearance as he’d always been.

Once again, Alhaitham reached out with his right hand, fingers tenderly brushing over soft, sunkissed skin until they found their destination. He ran his fingers through silky strands of white and buried them there at the back of Cyno’s neck. All the while, the General’s eyes were fixed on Alhaitham’s, never leaving them, not even as he blushed once again.

Alhaitham couldn’t get enough of seeing Cyno’s flushed cheeks, the sight of it causing his fingers to tingle with the need to touch, and considering that he wasn’t a man of much patience, he simply went for it.

He extended his left hand, gently cupping Cyno’s face while letting his thumb brush over heated skin. Cyno tensed briefly but soon enough melted into the touch. Alhaitham leaned in a bit closer, turquoise staring into ruby red as he spoke quietly, barely above a whisper.

“You look beautiful, it really suits you.”

He then pulled back slightly, admiring the sight of the blushing General Mahamtra for another satisfying moment before retreating fully and picking up the headpiece. He handed it to Cyno, who hastily snatched it from his hands and put it back on, just as fast. He pulled it down deep over his face before muttering a quiet “Thank you…”

Alhaitham did his very best to suppress a chuckle at the sight of it, clearing his throat instead before speaking up.

“Do you already have any plans for dinner tonight?”

Cyno took a deep breath before lifting his head, a lopsided smirk on his lips as their gazes met.

“Not yet, no. But I’ve already been considering asking the earlier mentioned man out.”

Alhaitham lifted an eyebrow, carefully eyeing Cyno as he continued talking.

“You know, the one I still need to confess to.”

“Oh, sure. Go ahead then, I’m sure he won’t refuse.”

Alhaitham turned on his heels, making his way back to the wooden chair behind the huge desk, eyes scanning over the pages still scattered across the surface. He picked up the report he was reading before Cyno had entered the office and continued where he’d left off before, explicitly avoiding looking at Cyno in the process.

After all, two could play at this game.

Moments passed, an awkward silence spreading between the two of them, and Alhaitham wasn’t sure how long either of them would still last until eventually Cyno was the one to break the silence.

“Lambad’s Sabz Meat Stew is supposed to be really good from what I heard. A lot of people enjoy eating it there.”

“Hm, true. I’m sure it would be a nice place to eat, no doubt,” Alhaitham stated, still not looking up from the report in his hand. “But I heard there’s a Spice Merchant at the Grand Bazaar that sells really tasty Tahchin, I think his name was Jut. It would also be a nice idea to take some home and enjoy your food there together. It’s definitely a better and more… relaxed location for a confession, in my personal opinion.”

“I have to agree, that sounds indeed like the best option,” Cyno answered.

Eventually, Alhaitham looked up from the report, eyes fixing Cyno with an amused glint in them. He’d decided that it had been enough bantering for now.

“Then, shall we get Tahchin from Jut first and then head over to Lambad’s for a serving of Sabz Meat Stew before going to my house?”

“I have a better idea. I’ll get the food while you finish your work since I’m off duty already and we meet in front of your house after you’re done?”

A soft smile spread on Alhaitham’s lips before he responded.

“That sounds like the perfect deal to me.”

Cyno nodded approvingly.

“Then it’s a deal.”

He hesitated, lowering his head as he was obviously insecure about what to do or say next when Alhaitham decided to take over.

“I’ll meet you later then, my General Mahamatra.”

Cyno’s head snapped back up, eyes wide with surprise and once again that afternoon, a soft pink tinged his cheeks.

Alhaitham wondered for a brief moment how he could’ve lived without the sight of it until now. He eventually came to the conclusion to challenge himself, making Cyno blush as often as possible, considering that it was his new favorite trait about him.

Cyno smiled softly as he answered.

“I’ll meet you later then, my Acting Grand Sage.”

Alhaitham nodded briefly, smiling to himself as he focused back on the report in his hand, now more than ever determined to finish it as soon as possible.

But not without sneaking one last glance at the General Mahamatra walking off to the stone platform elevator in the middle of the office.

The new haircut really suited him, Alhaitham thought.

[kavifallsdown]

happy to oblige [alhaitham/cyno]

rating: T (suggestive language)

words: 1, 159

tags: canon universe, developing relationship, humor, mutual pining, fluff

Cyno rolls out the tension in his shoulders as the lift comes to a stop. The Acting Grand Sage is actually in his office this afternoon, according to Shohre, and the faster he announces his return, the faster he can go home to rest.  He walks up the steps, pulse fluttering when his eyes land on Alhaitham. He looks good, sitting on the edge of the desk and speaking with someone. Cyno turns his attention to the woman, who's wearing a strikingly familiar robe. Surely it isn’t… His pace quickens as he makes a beeline for the pair. Alhaitham notices him with wide eyes, and he stands quickly. The General Mahamatra typically isn’t rushing toward you unless there is an emergency.  For Cyno, Alhaitham speaking with Lisa is an emergency.

Read the rest here on Ao3!

author's note: first fic post here! i mainly use twt but i'll be posting all my fics and twt threads here as well now as a back up. thanks for reading!

[mamichigo]

Title: if I loved you less (2,3k)

Pairing: Alhaitham/Cyno

Rating: T

Tags: Getting Together, Idiots in Love, Mutual Pining, Miscommunication, (Light) Angst with a Happy Ending

Summary: Alhaitham wakes up to an empty bed.

--

Alhaitham wakes up to an empty bed and a crick in his neck. The sun is peeking out of the horizon, the morning chill seeping into the room. Cyno is nowhere to be found.

There are small signs of his presence: the disarray of the sheets on the other side of the bed, the white strand of hair on the spare pillow, the growing hollowness in his chest. Even the pain in the muscles of his arms, twisted awkwardly throughout the night to pillow Cyno’s head. Insignificant details that proved it wasn’t his imagination running wild, that Cyno really had said yes to his invitation last night.

Alhaitham closes his eyes, breathing slowly. He gives himself five whole minutes to stew in his misery, before he goes on with his day. It doesn’t help, not really. The sense of loss doesn’t go away, but by the time he opens his eyes, he feels well enough to pretend.

Read on ao3!

[intothegenshinworld]

Tofu Anon:

Ima go sleep I’m getting nauseous.

But, if you’re up to the challenge, match me (platonically or romantically) on pure vibes alone! No, Xiao is not a valid answer >:( /j

If you’re not up to it, that’s fine! Have a nice day :3

GOOD MORNING TOFU!!! hope you slept good :D ALSO!! HOW DID YOU KNOW I WAS GONNA SAY XIAO- Ahem, anyways, I thought really long about this and please forgive me if this is totally not what you expected XDD lmk what you think and if you want, feel free to give me a ship as well :DD

Tofu Anon // Ayato (arranged marriage but mutual pining)

You’ve met each other on multiple occasions as you’re both from noble families in Inazuma. And because your family has a lot less power than the Kamisato’s, it was a surprise when you saw his marriage proposal. From a political standing, it would be the right choice to accept, but what about your feelings? ✦ Arranged marriage AU but Ayato loved you since you met as children. It's a lot of secret pining from his side until you develop feelings for him as well because he’s so attentive and caring and he’d always free time for you. (Ayaka and Thoma are his wingmen/woman. wingpeople(?))

Tofu Anon // Diluc (Coffeeshop AU)

You go to your favorite coffee shop not only because they have the best beverages, but also because of the cute guy behind the counter. Ever since you’ve started to come in regularly, he’s been starting small conversations with you. When the coffee shop is running slow and there are no customers to serve he comes to your table to pick up your now empty mug and some more small talk. ✦ Same vibes as above, a mutual pining slow burn until one day you don't show up bc you're sick and he worries so much that he won't see you again, next day when you come in he gives you his number. (slowburn my fav, you deserve that fluffy goodness. and it only gets better when you both realize you kinda like each other because Diluc would take you on cute dates BET)

Why Ayato and Diluc? I didn’t want to pair you with someone too energetic since I remember you being a bit more introverted and I was afraid someone like /a.e./ Itto would overshadow you :((, and these guys are the perfect amount of calm and soft but still SO GOOD and romantic(?) pairings. They both love hearing you talk about your ideas, stories, and whatever you come up with! And they actively try to find out the things you like. 10/10 (watch me fail this XDDD) Actually... I'm also pairing you up with Cyno. I didn't have a trope for that so I'm putting it here.

PLATONIC ONLY

Tofu Anon // Nahida

Nahida appears to be a child but her strong intelligence and love for anything creative make you forget how young she is. Well... until you find out she’s an Archon at least! ✦ Exchanging stories or creative ideas with Nahida + helping her get better at sensing/knowing human emotions. 10/10 great friendship, she WILL show you her collection of Aranara’s and then suddenly you’ll have 100+ friends (goodluck)

Tofu Anon // Xiangling

No context. Just vibes.

[ao3feed-dilucnkaeya]

Greshin impact react

Read on AO3

by Sky4clouds

Basically Greshin impact characters are summoned to react to diffirent au's of themselves

Words: 443, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Fandoms: 原神 | Genshin Impact (Video Game)

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: Multi

Characters: Klee (Genshin Impact), Scaramouche (Genshin Impact), Nahida (Genshin Impact), Albedo (Genshin Impact), Hu Tao (Genshin Impact), Jean (Genshin Impact), Zhongli (Genshin Impact), Tartaglia | Childe (Genshin Impact), Kaeya (Genshin Impact), Ying | Lumine (Genshin Impact), Kong | Aether (Genshin Impact), Dainsleif (Genshin Impact), Alhaitham (Genshin Impact), Kaveh (Genshin Impact), Il Dottore (Genshin Impact), Pantalone (Genshin Impact), Xiao | Alatus (Genshin Impact), Venti (Genshin Impact), Cyno (Genshin Impact), Collei (Genshin Impact), Paimon (Genshin Impact)

Relationships: Tartaglia | Childe/Zhongli (Genshin Impact), Dainsleif/Ying | Lumine (Genshin Impact), Venti/Xiao | Alatus (Genshin Impact), Scaramouche/Traveler (Genshin Impact), Kong | Aether/Scaramouche (Genshin Impact), Alhaitham/Kaveh (Genshin Impact), Diluc/Jean (Genshin Impact), Diluc & Kaeya (Genshin Impact), Jean & Kaeya (Genshin Impact), Hu Tao & Zhongli (Genshin Impact), Dainsleif & Kaeya (Genshin Impact), Nahida & Scaramouche (Genshin Impact), Kaeya/Tartaglia | Childe (Genshin Impact), Kaeya/Zhongli (Genshin Impact), Il Dottore/Pantalone (Genshin Impact), Cyno/Tighnari (Genshin Impact)

Additional Tags: Fluff, Angst, Fluff and Angst, Pining, Mutual Pining, Kaeya Needs a Hug (Genshin Impact), Scaramouche is Bad at Feelings (Genshin Impact), Soft Scaramouche (Genshin Impact), Trans Scaramouche (Genshin Impact), Everyone Needs A Hug, Reaction, Il Dottore in Love (Genshin Impact), Pantalone is So Done (Genshin Impact), Pantalone is from Liyue (Genshin Impact), Diluc and Kaeya are Siblings (Genshin Impact), Diluc and Kaeya Reconciliation (Genshin Impact), Tartaglia | Childe is Called Ajax (Genshin Impact), Oblivious Zhongli (Genshin Impact), Zhongli is Bad at Feelings (Genshin Impact), Tartaglia | Childe is Bad at Feelings (Genshin Impact), Misunderstandings, Paimon Appreciation (Genshin Impact)

[ereana]

Alhaitham/Cyno - Late Night Revelation

Chapter 1/2 - Rated G - 4.6k

Accidental Confession & Mutual pining

Drowsiness can effect even the sharpest of minds. Alhaitham and Cyno come to discover this one night as they work late into the evening. Surely it was just a slip of the tongue right? A mistake? Yet Alhaitham can't stop thinking about it.

[leap-loves]

For both Cyno and Tighnari...🏁😳😖 @goldenworldsabound :3c

Pining Stage Ask Game!

🏁 if not at the same time, who started pining first? how long until it became mutual (if ever)?

🌿 - When Shiko first made it to Sumeru, Cyno and I had already settled into our unspoken relationship.

🌿 - And based on what I've heard her say when Collei asked, she ended up falling for us rather early on after meeting us.

⚡ - Yes, she just kept quiet out of respect for us, and she did an impressively good job keeping quiet about it.

⚡ - As for the two of us, Tighnari fell for her first.

🌿 - Considering the fact she stayed in Gandharva Ville with Collei and I, it's not surprising. However you fell faster, even if it wasn't first.

⚡ - As true as that is, it's not like it was a competition. And even if it was, it still took over a year for any of us to say anything.

😳 what moment flustered them the most?

🌿 - What flustered Shiko the most?

⚡- One incident I remember very clearly is one of the first times that I brought her along for a desert mission. We were climbing up some of the cliffs to get a better vantage point, and she wasn't used to dealing with such unstable ground. She ended up slipping when she was almost to the top because the edge crumbled.

⚡- I was able to catch her pretty quickly and haul her up onto the surface. For the rest of the day she seemed pretty flustered.

🌿 - As for when I managed to fluster her, hmm... The most likely instance to be what flustered her most would be when I tried to show her how to do archery.

🌿 - While she's a plenty capable fighter, she's very stubborn about only using her sword, despite agreeing that it's good for a fighter to be as versatile as possible.

🌿 - Based on her behavior during the training session and afterwards, I think that our proximity had flustered her quite a bit. That was before we'd even started to realize the interest might be mutual.

😖 what moment flustered you the most?

⚡ - I think when she flustered me most would have been when I was able to steal her-

🌿 - Borrow her.

⚡ - Borrow her from Tighnari, and had her as my sparing partner to help with training some of the other Matra. I was getting ready to introduce her and she snuck up on me, then had me pinned down in no time while warning the Matra to keep on alert at all times.

🌿 - *snrk* That tracks.

⚡ - And she laughs openly at my jokes.

🌿 - She's the only one who always laughs, too.

🌿 - As for me, I'd say there were lots of little moments... Though the most notable one was actually after the Sages were sent into the forest for their punishment and reform. For all of the mercy that Lesser Lord Kusanali showed the sages, Shiko made up for it.

🌿 - I have never seen them so shaken as she scolded them, reminding them just how fortunate they are that our archon is such a forgiving one. Since she's an escapee from Inazuma, it held quite a it of weight.

⚡ - Both of us also enjoy watching her dance. Especially when she's with Nilou, learning more Sumeru dances.