#furina character study

[cinnamonbirb534]

Ai x Furina: A Comparitive Study of Love and Lies

Ok y’all strap yourselves in, ‘cause this is going to be one hell of a ride. 

To the five people who like Oshi No Ko + Genshin Impact + Read Tumblr Analysis Essays: hi how are you? Ok, now that the hook is done let’s cut to the thesis: 

Ai Hoshino from Oshi No Ko and Furina de Fontaine from Genshin Impact are incredibly similar and well written characters. In this essay I will state the commonalities between the writing of their respective characters along with their contrasting traits. 

Warning for 4.2 Update Spoilers and Oshi No Ko Spoilers. 

Furina and Ai are stellar liars. One of them managed to lie to generations upon generations of her world's population of her godhood while the other garnered a following of fans at the age of 20 who are willing to kill and die for her. A spotlight (whether it be metaphorical or literal) is always on them and they are constantly pressured to maintain their image. 

What is fascinating about both of their lies is their differing motivations.Furina lies because she quite literally has to save her country from damnation and Ai lies because she wants to figure out what love truly feels like. 

To cut things shorter, Furina lies out of love for her subjects while Ai hasn’t figured out what life is and lies for the sake of learning what it means to love. 

Let’s move on to: “ Love” as a motivator for both characters. In spite of their well made synthetic identities, love seems to be a persisting theme in both (at least that’s how I perceive it and it’s ironic considering that Furina is the archon of justice, not love). 

Ai was unable to perceive love, much less be open to giving love to other people because of her tragic past. But, she found a way to learn how to love through her performances as an idol, actress, and model. Desperate for a genuine connection with other people, she opted to be an even more convincing liar in the hopes that her lies would turn into the truth. To her, lying was her own way to regain her emotional autonomy of loving others. 

Furina’s love is innocent; it granted her the unwavering will to continue her act as the “Regina of all Waters” for 500 years. In a sense, Furina never really wanted to lie to her people; she just knew it was necessary to save everyone. Similarly to Ai, she never could really make a genuine emotional connection with anyone. But the key difference is that her lies prevented her from doing so, while Ai tried to use her lies in order to make an emotional connection. Furina managed to make emotional connections with others as “Focalor the archon” but not really as “Furina the human”. But regardless, she (as in, Furina the human) genuinely loved Fontaine as their leader but not as their god. 

In other words, both characters have my heart thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.

[stardustdiiving]

I get to stressed out when ppl complain the gods in genshin dont “act/feel like gods” or feel “too human” like that’s the point…! That is the point of every single one of their characters and one of the themes of Genshin impact the video game !!!!!!!

[yandere-wishes]

♡⠀🦢⠀♡⠀♡⠀🦢⠀♡⠀♡⠀🦢⠀♡⠀♡⠀🦢 ♡⠀

♡⠀🦢⠀♡⠀♡⠀🦢⠀♡⠀♡⠀🦢⠀♡⠀♡⠀🦢 ♡⠀

Hot Take: Swan Lake (But make it Yancore)

Act 1 Scene 1

But has anyone ever thought about the misery that lies concealed beneath the waves of Swan Lake? A love that's molded over tenfold, yet still continues to rot?

Has anyone ever thought about how in love Baron von Rothbart must have been? How desperate he was to gain Odette's adoration that he sentenced her to his own prison? None shall have her, should he be unable to possess her. It's a promise he makes in a kiss of smoke and stardust. 

Rothbart is a creature sewn of flames and feathers. Carved from abomination and power. Strong and weak all in the same breath. Yet ultimately a prisoner too, just like his dear Odette. Rothbart's bones are his glided cage, his own powers his jailer. He knows banishment and imprisonment as if they were his architects. He recognizes isolation like the kiss of a lost lover. He's lord of the swans, the owls, the crows, the birds, he's the lord of everything except Odette's heart. 

So he curses her. Not out of malice, never malice, but out of love, devotion. Maybe, just maybe if she could bear his burden. she too would come to understand. He curses her with his likeness. Curses her with a lore and a crown and everything he has always had. He turns her into something only he could love. 

And at the end of the day, it works too...

Act 1 Scene 2

Poor Odette, poor sweet Odette. Everyone knows of her tragedy, her curse, her death. Yet has anyone ever seen the sorrow that resides within her brittle bones? 

Half swan, Half human. Yet never belonging to either world.

No one's ever thought of how she's felt throughout these years. The way the feathers stick out of her flesh even when she's human again. The way her voice imitates the call of a swan, every second syllable emphasized.

Even the full moon can not fully return that which Rothbart stole. 

Oh, Rothbart. Even his name sends waves of hate throughout her body. 

There's resentment in her bones. Hate too deep and passionate for words

What is this called again? Obsession, abhorrence, loathing?

Yet even with this spirited hate, all she can do is wait, wither away until imposible love finds her. 

But when Siegfried finds her that's when the world really starts to fall apart. Because he's a prince, cold yet lovable. Soft like dandelions and as precious as the lilypads that infest the pond. 

He's everything she's ever wanted.

And yet...

There's this leap in logic whenever he's concerned. He can't understand the pain she's been through. He'll never truly comprehend the weight of the curse. How suffocating its invisible shackles are, how deteriorated her mind has become. 

Siegfried is a prince in every definition of the word... 

But Siegfried can't understand the horrors she bears in her heart. The nightmares that never seize and the burden of living between worlds.

So maybe, just maybe that's why she throws herself into Rothbart's arms one dreadful night. Because for all his countless flaws Rothbart can -at the very least- comprehend her anguish. Who better to understand the burden of a curse than its caster? Then the one born with the same spell in his veins. 

The curse is straightforward "a spell broken only once you are loved by someone who has never loved before." 

Has Rothbart ever truly loved someone? Should she try to gain his love? maybe she's had it this whole time...Maybe she's also loved him this whole time...

Or maybe she's grown addicted to the sting of his teeth along her jugular and his bruising grip on her hips when they pirouette. Maybe there's a form of deification in the burn marks his feathers leave across her skin. A silent "I Love You" too fragile to be spoken. 

There's something wrong with his kisses - they burn like a thousand hells and leave an aftertaste akin to poison- there's something wrong with the way her name falls from his lips. 

There's something wrong with him...

So why is she starting to want him?

Maybe it's the trauma he's spilled into her lungs. Or how easily he makes the nightmares go away. Maybe it's the palliative sensation as he caresses all her flaws, kissing them as if they were holy. Maybe it's because whether swan or human she knows he'll love her. He'll understand. 

How she wishes sweet Siegfried could do the same...

Act 2 scene 1 

Odile chokes on night air and stardust. Bursting at the seams to be seen. She can't remember a time when she's been anything but darkness. Anything but a second thought. 

She was born with feathers and a body meant to endure. Her mother, the dark arts. Her father, the lord of all who fly. She is more creature than human. A testament to the dark. 

So what if she grew up spoiled? With every luxury thrown at her feet. It all means very little when you've never known the touch of another soul. When isolation has been your sole companion from the moment you emerged from your egg. 

There's darkness within her that her father nourishes. Yet not even he can provide her with mitigation, camaraderie, happiness. 

So maybe, just maybe that's why when she sees the prince for the first time. The world illuminates. She's sent to seduce him. To claim another victory for her father. But she positively melts when she feels his warm hands on her skin. The smile aimed at her is brighter than every ray of the sun.

If it's merely a deceit, then why does her heart pound like a caged bird among her ribs? Why does her blood flow to her cheeks upon seeing his smile? Why oh why does she feel this way, this need? To make him hers.

The black swan falls for the prince even if it's only meant to be a ploy, a ruse, another cruel game orchestrated by the wicked baron. How painful it must be to love for the first time and know it can only end in woe. How painful it must be to rot in endless heartache. 

How she wishes to kiss him, just once. As he holds her hand and dances with her in front of a royal crowd. His eyes shine with an adoration she's never seen before. Is this love? Is this what she's been robbed of her whole life?

How she dies a thousand deaths when Siegfried utters Odette's name. 

What she wouldn't sacrifice to hear him call her name instead...

Act 2 Scene 2

Imagine the black swan and the white swan actually get a chance to meet away from preying eyes and endless expectations. Imagine they understand each other's pain like two dying stars. 

There's a lake in a forest where dreams go to die. A sparkling oasis where curses run ramped. In the glow of a lonely moon, Odette sits by the lake. Watching her fellow prisoners dance the night away. 

Her heartache is unbearable tonight, she'll deem it a miracle should she see sunrise. Odile collapses next to her, bathing in her loneliness. A shade of grey encompasses the two of them, 

They're too tired to hate. Too tired to fight. For tonight they are both just lost souls looking for the light.  

Imagine the white swan and the black swan actually understand each other. 

One cursed to be a swan. The other born into its likeness. 

"I want to die," Odette mutters her tone is all burdon and pain. 

"Death would be too easy, dear princess. We were both made to suffer" Odile replies, stating the only fact she's still sure of. 

Odette stands, a queen with no crown. Her eyes staring at her flock of swans. She outstretches her hand and beckons Odile for a dance. Just two birds trapped within the same aviary.

Odile's hand fits perfectly in Odette's. Fingers entwined as if slipping into each other's souls. Two juxtapositions, dancing as if they were one. Each step mirroring the other. 

Every jete, every arabesque, every graceful move, further entwines their fate. Guiding them to an answer, a clarification neither knew existed. 

The younger swans gather around them. Embracing them. Odette and Odile were created for this world. Both doomed by Rothbart and revered by Siegfried. Stronger together.

Two birds of a feather, who must die together... 

Final Act

Imagine the black swan and the white swan decide to die together. Standing at the edge of the lake. Hands crossed, holding each other. Legs moving in a thousand tiny Bourrees. Siegfried and Rothbart cry out, trying to reach them. It's futile, the two swans have made their choice. The waves below beckon. 

Odette and Odile, know that together no one will ever hurt them again. 

Imagine sacrificing love in its entirety to ensure the safety of the other swans, of each other. Imagine accepting the curse, believing that one must embrace it to be able to live a prosperous life. The two swans fall together, a double suicide, an act of devotion. 

Maybe just maybe the world will finally learn how devoted and mercurial a maiden's heart truly is. 

Before the Prince and Baron can shed their tears, a creature emerges from the lake. A single swan made up of halves. A testament to both princesses. A queen in its entirety. Two wings of black and white hang from her shoulder blades. A crown of white and black adorned her head. There is no longer an Odette, a cursed girl awaiting love. There is no longer an Odile a baroness of evil. There is only the swan queen. 

And she will make the world bow. 

tags: @average-yandere-enjoyer @vereya @coral-relevium @overthinkingit56

[asbestos-11]

huhu the struggle of finding blade fics that are about him and his struggle with immortality and whatnot. huhu pleaseeee there's too little gen fics about him.

[immobiliter]

an almost comprehensive list of firsts for furina to experience in no particular order~

first time cooking her own meal for herself ( someone teach her to make something other than macaroni please )

also her first time just generally taking care of herself and doing those small tasks that she never needed to do because she had attendants and servants at the palais, like doing her laundry or grocery shopping or cleaning her apartment

first time getting ill because she has physically been in stasis for 500 years, so the first time this happens it's gonna hit her hard unfortunately

first time getting drunk ! i do believe furina drinks wine at social events as a matter of etiquette but has never, ever been inebriated ( although with her physically being in stasis this may well have been an impossibility even if she had indulged over the years. this would therefore make her a lightweight as soon as her curse is lifted, fyi )

first kiss !

first time having sex/being physically intimate with another person and trusting them enough to do so

but also the first time she actually feels sexual desire or finds someone physically attractive because the moment she gets even mildly horny for the first time the physical symptoms will genuinely make her think she has contracted some awful disease lmao

first time travelling outside of fontaine ! she already did this during lantern rite but it was a short trip and she absolutely deserves to go on a longer vacation and also meet all of the other archons so she can report back to neuvillette and tell him how nice they are

[the-scholar]

Your taste in genshin art is impeccable lol

Oh and, have any thoughts on Furina? (Is that how you spell it..? I don’t know.. )

omg thank you! it helps that there are so many awesome artists in the genshin community (i hope i can make art as nice as them someday 😭)

i love furina and i'm excited to learn more about her! for the most part the archons we've seen so far have generally had a vibe to them that they know what they're doing and are mostly comfortable with their position - venti is flighty (haha) and unserious, raiden is cold and detached, and nahida is not super confident in herself, but they and zhongli are all powerful, smart, and capable rulers for the most part.

furina is super interesting because while she puts on this grand facade of being a powerful god, it kind of seems like she really...isn't? she's a very "fake it til you make it" kind of person from what i've seen, and when faced with difficult situations where people turn to her as an archon for answers or help, she totally freezes and doesn't know what to do. (spoilers) we've seen her do it in most of the trials so far, especially when the oratrice gives childe a false(?) guilty judgement, and when the knave asks her what her plan to combat the prophecy is. it feels almost like she's a kid/teenager who fell into power unprepared for it, especially when her idle animations and skill have her playing with and naming little water creatures like they're stuffed animals/pets/imaginary friends

it makes me wonder what's really going on with her, it seems like she's hiding something for sure. how did she come into being the archon when she seems kind of bad at. being an archon? does she know something about the previous archon or the prophecy that we don't? or maybe she has some sort of secret side to her - the fact that she has parts of her design that oppose each other could suggest it. she has two different eyes (the only time that i'm aware a playable character does, other than eyepatches) as well as two separate "modes" of gameplay that can be switched between, and two separate outfits/appearances depending on what mode you're in.

aside from that, i really enjoy how petty and dramatic she is while secretly being insecure, it makes for a ton of really funny character moments and i like her a lot! i think i'll try to pull for her, her gameplay seems super unique as a playable character. i can't wait for the next update, i hope that with it we get more inside info on who she actually is!

[fuji-sen]

Monachopsis; SAGAU Creator!Reader Headcanon

Monachopsis: the subtle feeling of being out of place.

c/w: angst, homesickness, slight cult genshin impact characters.

synopsis: The adrenaline and excitement had worn off, what replaced it was a sense of detachment and the feeling of homesick-ness slowly building up. No longer feeling joy at being treated like a God in your favorite game, you could only feel that subtle but persistent feeling that you did not belong there coupled with the sadness and grief at your past life.

divider credits: @enchanthings

✨ you wonder how things became like this, perhaps it was because you were constantly detained and kept inside a lavish palace, unable to see the outside world.

✨ or perhaps it was how your acolytes treat you.

✨ they did not harm you, but they might as well have all together.

✨ they treat you so full of devotion and reverence. Their touches stiff and light never holding you for longer than it is necessary, their manner of speech was always formal, never jovial even the bard of Mondstadt had a more serious and deep persona when it came to you.

✨ although their goal was simply to respect you for you were their supposed Creator, that very devotion towards you became the very wall that separated you from them.

✨ you could not get close to them, you could not pass that damned relationship between a Creator and a faithful believer.

✨ Furina had been closed to you at least, perhaps because she understood your plights. However your relationship seemed sinful in the eyes of the other acolyte.

✨ you no longer were able to see the cheerful girl.

✨ Buer or Nahida who's ability to read minds and the hearts of people worked on you, but it seemed she had learned from Fontaine's leader, she did not get close to you, however she left more sincere gifts for you.

✨ handwritten letters, books with annotations, even Aranara's were given to you on the guise of being servants.

✨ speaking of gifts, wealth, gems, lavish furniture, clothes made from the rarest fur and the softest silk had been presented to you. At first it made you overjoyed, to received the things you had long for, to become rich and wealthy.

✨ now seeing the pile of untouched presents all you could feel was cold, it was impersonal really. The clothes did not suit you, the gems and gold were useless for you could not even go out to spend it, the furniture as well for it was too big for you to used by yourself and you lacked the friends to even sit together with and have a chat.

✨ however upon seeing your favor towards the dendro archon's gifts, they tried to follow in suit. Yet their letters were simply filled with compliments of your visage, poems and tales about how great you were, talking about you as if you were a historical person they had studied and were doing a greatly embellished report on but never truly getting to know you.

✨ to fight off the feeling of sadness that began to wallow in you, you asked for them, desperately, "treat me as your friend, if you truly love me as your God then treat me how I want to be treated." you'd say.

✨ they looked at each other, before carefully and hesitantly agreeing.

✨ now you felt guilty, they spend their times on you. Chatting with you, telling you stories.

✨ you feast together, with food made by Xiangling and other characters.

✨ but even as they surround you, their conversations became white noise to you and the food seemed tasteless under your tongue.

✨ you did not feel like you belong among them. especially with that nagging voice in your head, snickering and whispering that 'they aren't your friends, they're just acting like it all because their precious Creator begged them to.'

✨ In the past, or your past life, doing something for yourself, by yourself seemed like a chore. The mundane chores, your job, studying even, but now that seemed like a luxury with the title of God.

✨ they did not ask you to do anything, you did not participate in state of the nation addresses, you could not change laws or fight for the people. . at least they didn't let you.

✨ you could not even clean your own room or dress yourself, Noelle took care of the cleaning, Chiori took care with choosing a set of clothes each day for you to wear like you were a kid and Xiangling did the cooking.

✨ It left you with nothing to do, like you had no purpose other than sitting still and looking pretty like a piece of decoration.

✨ Nobody disagreed with you even, nobody argued with you, they were like yes-men. God you began to miss your parents and siblings, you missed your classmates/coworkers, you missed working, you missed being your own person!

✨ it was beginning to eat you up at this point,

✨ to the point you had became overwhelmed with sadness.

might make a mini-headcanon series for this or an actual series revolving around this idea/angst.

do you want a series like this tho? it'd be heavily angst and might just have a bad ending or good ending.

[genshingorlsrevengeance]

(Genshin Impact) Beidou, Dehya, Arlecchino, Chiori, Lynette, Furina, Navia, Clorinde, Jean, Eula, Lisa, Noelle, Ayaka, Sara, Ei, Yae, Shenhe, Yelan Xianyun, and Xinyan seeing their S/O in a swimsuit

Now, I hear you asking dear followers: "Chris, why the hell are you writing a non-request for 20 characters when you have 628 asks in your inbox?" And uh... ...

Beidou can't resist a wolf-whistle the moment her S/O steps into view wearing their swimsuit.

Notably, Beidou doesn't appear to have changed out of her usual attire, something that makes S/O pout.

She smirks while her eye glances them up and down.

(Beidou) "Nice.~"

(S/O) "The least you can do is at least join me instead of ogling..."

Seeing their expression makes her laugh immediately and wrap an arm around them and bringing S/O closer.

(Beidou) "Nothing wrong with me enjoying how pretty you are. Plus, I don't really own a swimsuit. Unless you want me to skinny dip with you-"

(S/O) "Gods- Not where everyone can see!"

(Beidou) "So what I'm hearing is that you aren't opposed to that?"

S/O sighs, with Beidou playfully punching their arm.

(Beidou) "Lighten up, already! We're at the beach, let's go enjoy ourselves!"

She at the very least throws off her boots and coat before joining S/O in the water.

(Beidou) "I can throw you into the water if you want me to."

(S/O) "I might do that myself-"

(Beidou) "Hah, I'd like yo see you try!"

Dehya doesn't swim often, being in a desert tends to make that chance very rare.

Plus, working as a mercenary group that primarily consisted of males compounded onto that fact.

So, the first time she got to go to a beach with S/O alone was a jarring one.

The sand underneath her feet was familiar, yet alien at the same time.

(Dehya) "Wow, this sand is super rough..."

She quickly snaps out of her fixation when S/O stands next to her, wearing as much clothes as she was.

(S/O) "But the breeze feels nice, right?"

Dehya's eyes quickly wander before shooting back up to their face, awkwardly coughing into their hand, flustered from that blunder.

(Dehya) "Y-Yeah. Sights aren't too bad either."

(S/O) "Hah, smooth...A-And, I don't really mind you looking. It's not like I haven't done the same myself."

(Dehya) "Hm, maybe I should let you choose a swimsuit for me then?"

She smiles back at S/O before her hand is getting dragged towards the water.

(S/O) "Before that, let's go to the waters first! We'll be here for a few days anyway!"

Dehya throws off her equipment and eagerly joining them.

Arlecchino isn't that big on swimming, but she knows that her children enjoy doing so.

Plus, she doesn't exactly get a "vacation" in the traditional sense.

But at the very least, she can put aside some time to spend with S/O once her obligations were taken care of.

And if they wanted to swim, then who is she to stop them?

She's sitting underneath an umbrella in her chair when she hears footsteps approach.

(S/O) "Not joining me in the waters?"

(Arlecchino) "I will decline the offer. Well, for swimming at least. If you wish to walk alongside the coast, I can at least oblige you in that."

Her eyes glance over to S/O, noting the swimsuit choice of S/O.

They couldn't help but be a little flustered, having her unflinching gaze stare at them.

(S/O) "Um...S-Something on my face?"

Her expression remains the same as she gives a reply that flustered them even more.

(Arlecchino) "I admit, you are rather eyecatching when nothing is left to the imagination."

(S/O) a-ahem! "Would you like to take a walk right now?"

S/O offers their hand to her, which she gladly accepts as Arlecchino lifts herself up.

Chiori, of course, chose both their swimwear for this trip.

And since there was going to be no one around to bother them, she could get a little...creative with her choices.

When she finished changing, she waited for S/O to do the same.

(Chiori) "Well, what do you think?"

S/O's eyes widened as they studied their girlfriend's swimsuit, taking their sweet time in doing so.

(S/O) "You...! You look beautiful!"

Chiori smirks before flicking their forehead, then crossing her arms.

(Chiori) "I meant yours."

(S/O) "O-OH! Um, right! It fits really well, plenty of room to breathe and is stylish to boot!"

Chiori laughs as she wraps one arm around S/O and both walk to the water.

(Chiori) "Good answer. And I'm glad you seem to appreciate mine just as much. I did put a lot of effort into it, since I know what you like."

She doesn't have much opportunities to try making swimwear for people, so this was both an enjoyable experiment, and a nice way to enjoy quality time with someone she loved.

The eye candy was definitely a great bonus.

Lynette doesn't get a full on swimsuit, instead she just wears a one-piece that is very modest.

Big surprise, she doesn't like water too much so she opts to sit by the sand and space out.

Which seeing S/O wearing a swimsuit is enough to snap her attention back to reality.

(Lynette) "You look good."

(S/O) "Thanks, you look really cute too!"

Lynette's ears twitches at the compliment and she averts her gaze from meeting their eyes directly.

(Lynette) "...Mhm."

S/O sits beside Lynette, just enjoying the sound of the waves gently brushing against the sand.

With the right temperature and shade they're underneath, it doesn't take long for Lynette to doze off, leaning into S/O.

Feeling the warmth of the sun combined with their body has her become very comfortable.

Furina would have brought something extra, something eyecatching that would make S/O's eyes bulge out their head!

A daring and revealing outfit? A sexy yet elegant one-piece?

Any one of the outlandish outfits she would have chosen.

...If she actually had access to it nowadays.

Instead, Furina is in a comically large plain white shirt, with a similarly boring pair of trunks as well.

Something that is making her very self-conscious as S/O shows up with proper swimwear.

She struggles to make eye contact, both out of embarrassment of her own outfit, and seeing S/O like this.

(Furina) "Y-You um...that's...really good on you!"

(S/O) "You can at least compliment my swimsuit if you're looking at it, Furina."

(Furina) "BUT THERE'S BARELY ANYTHING ON Y-...You that's noteworthy! I-It's just almost laughable, really!"

She scoffs, and still isn't meeting their eyes directly.

(S/O) "Well, thank you."~

With a small peck to her cheeks, she becomes even more flustered before S/O picks her up and carries her to the water, all the while she is squeaking adorably, failing to stammer out a retort.

Navia's yellow bikini is complemented by her shades as she lays on a inflatable pool lounge, drifting in the waters casually.

And seeing S/O approach from the distance makes her lower her sunglasses with a smile.

(Navia) "Ooooh! Looking good, S/O! Come on and join me in the water, plenty of room in here!"

(S/O) "Coming, just give me a second to catch up!"

Navia giggles as she watches them approach, making her quickly take off her glasses before hopping into the water, swimming towards them.

She grabs them by the waist making them yelp, and brings them in closer.

(Navia) "Gotcha! Now let me just-"

She puts her sunglasses on them and gives a cheeky smile.

(Navia) "Now you're looking smoking hot!"

(S/O) "Hah, all I'm missing is your hat now."

(Navia) "Won't need it for this, let's see how long we can hold our breaths for!"

Before S/O can even protest the idea, she immediately dunks her head underwater, making them roll their eyes playfully and join Navia.

Clorinde wasn't that keen on the idea of swimming considering how many media vultures were after her on a daily basis.

The last thing she needed was pictures of her in a revealing outfit.

But after thankfully shaking off every one of them, she joins S/O in swimming in a private area.

She feels a little exposed, showing this much skin, even to her lover.

But it's an intimacy she's glad to experience, truthfully. Even if It especially makes her self aware of her…upper torso area, to put it gently.

Both her and S/O struggle to maintain a level of looking respectfully without getting flustered from the ordeal.

(Clorinde) "A-Ah...Please, pardon where my eyes are wandering."

(S/O) "Long as you don't mind where mine are going..."

A moment of silence passes before a soft laughter erupts from the both of them, the slight anxiety melting away in the waters.

(S/O) "You look beautiful by the way, Clorinde."

A hum of content is her response, swimming a little closer to embrace them.

(Clorinde) "As do you."

She commits the sight of S/O's swimwear to memory, as they were no doubt doing the same.

(S/O) "Say, may I challenge you to a swimming duel?"

Their playful question gets her to ease up and smile.

(Clorinde) "I accept, let's start over there and begin on a count of three."

Jean's in her swimsuit that Barbara and Lisa chose for her. It was cute and comfortable, while not exposing too much skin.

Perfect for the Acting Grandmaster.

With this kind of environment, her usual rigidness melts away, especially when S/O takes her hand into theirs.

Seeing their swimwear gets her to blush, but she doesn't look away.

(S/O) "No matter how many times I see that outfit, it takes my breath away."

(Jean) "Hah, thank you, my love."

She kisses the top of their hand before blushing a little harder, examining S/O.

(Jean) "I could say much of the same for you."

The couple take their time strolling by the ocean's edge before finally deciding to swim together.

Though if anything, they were more distracted by each other than anything the beach offered.

Eula was used to the freezing waters of Dragonspine, but it was very clear S/O wasn't.

They had a full on bodysuit to keep them warm, but they were still shivering.

Eula effortlessly swam over to them, admiring how much of their body was outlined in the suit before wrapping her arms around them in an attempt to warm them.

If anything, it at least heated up their faces immediately.

(S/O) "E-Eula?!"

(Eula) "If I wanted you to freeze to death, I would not have bothered with swimming."

(S/O) "Y-You sure?! This actually does feel like revenge for something I did!"

Eula chuckled, getting bolder despite she was just as nervous as them, swimming with so little on together.

(Eula) "Oh, you did do something alright, S/O."

She put a finger to their lips, the freezing temperatures of the water disappearing from their minds.

(Eula) "You stole the heart of a Lawrence. And that is something I will personally pay you back for."

The vengeful kiss she gave them certainly made them warmer.

...Among other things.

Lisa isn't that easy to get into a revealing outfit, even if it was for her S/O.

She's in more casual clothing, but nothing too crazy.

Most people would have been disappointed, but S/O knew she didn't like to splash around on the beach, instead deciding to enjoy the breeze and lazing about.

...Even if lazing about was what she did about 90% of the time.

Lisa lets an "Ooooh~" escape her lips when her eyes land on her lover.

(Lisa) "My, you are quite fetching today, S/O."

(S/O) "Aren't I always?"

Lisa giggles as her head lays on S/O's lap, flustering them.

(Lisa) "When you're like that, even more so."

She may detest the heat, but at least it did things like put S/O into a swimsuit.

So maybe the Summers weren't all that bad.

Noelle has not even changed out of her maid attire as she's sweating up a storm, setting up a perfect table, towel resting spot, and everything else she brought for the trip!

Food, check! Drinks, in the a cooler with a Cryo Slime!

S/O had no idea where she kept all this, and decided that it's probably better if they didn't ask.

(S/O) "Noelle, you're supposed to be on vacation, how about you settle down for a second and relax?"

Noelle turns around from focusing on setting the tables up just right before stopping midsentence.

(Noelle) "Don't worry! I'll relax as soon as I-"

Her eyes go wide, seeing S/O's swimsuit, turning her face into a hue similar to the roses in her hair.

(Noelle) "...OH! Please, forgive my staring! I was just not ready to see you so...-Um!-"

(S/O) "Hah, you're alright, Noelle. If anything, I'm more surprised how you can wear your maid uniform in this weather."

(Noelle) "A maid must be prepared for anything!"

(S/O) "...Even at a beach?"

(Noelle) "Especially at a beach! What happens if someone needs assistance?"

(S/O) "And if they're in the water? You'd drown with that armor!"

(Noelle) "...G-Good point."

Ayaka was so excited to go to the beach!

She had gone swimming before once or twice, but this was the first time she got to do so with a loved one.

Ayaka was both embarrassed yet excited to show S/O the swimwear she had acquired.

And when the moment came, both of them were at a loss for words.

Ayaka fidgeted under the attention as she gave a shy smile.

(Ayaka) "Um...do you like it?"

(S/O) "I love it. Judging by your face, I can assume you feel the same about mine?"

Ayaka covered her mouth with one hand as she failed to contain a beautiful giggle.

(Ayaka) "Very much so...If you do not mind me asking, could you teach me how to swim? I am still relatively new at this."

While she was kind of telling the truth, she already did know how to mostly swim.

If anything, it was just an excuse for S/O to hold her close in the waters.

Sara was very nervous when she took off most of her usual attire in exchange for swimwear.

She felt too exposed, but that was due to her always fighting or being with her soldiers.

Now, she was just with S/O.

Sara didn't really choose anything that would stand out, in fact it looked like her undersuit more than anything.

But it still made her cheeks flush with a burning fury.

She admittedly wouldn't be in the waters too long, since her wings would get wet, but she could at least be there for a few minutes.

But those minutes would feel like hours with S/O staring at her the way they were.

(S/O) "Hi, Sara...You alright?"

(Sara)" J-Just fine, thank you. Please keep in mind where your eyes are wandering."

Hearing them laugh made her pout, especially when they hugged her from behind.

(S/O) "My eyes are only on you, Sara..."

(Sara) "Then don't you dare look anywhere else beside my face!"

(S/O) "Yes ma'am.~"

Ei didn't really understand the appeal of swimsuits. They were just something people wore, why make a big deal out of it?

If it was an attraction thing, wouldn't wearing nothing be far more enticing?

Regardless, she joins S/O at the beach, if at the very least it gives them the excuse to drink something sweet together.

Ei is in her usual attire, while S/O was in a swimsuit.

Seeing her lover in such wear made her slightly reconsider her stance. There certainly wasn't a lot to the imagination anymore.

(Ei) "Interesting choice of clothing S/O."

(S/O) "I could say the same about yours, Ei. You're not even changing?"

(Ei) "I do not plan on swimming, so I saw no need."

(S/O) "Huh...I don't know if I should be glad or disappointed."

(Ei) "If it would make you feel better, I could change into something you find more appealing for the beach."

(S/O) "W-Well..."

They seriously considered her proposition, but seeing the genuine look of curiosity in their eyes, they decided to shelve that idea for now.

That wasn't exactly something you talked about in the open.

(S/O) "I'll...ask something like that later. Let's just enjoy the beach for now."

(Ei) "I have no objections."

She smiled and joined S/O, relaxing near the waters in a blissful silence.

Yae was heavily considering on wearing something that would make S/O choke on their own spit at first sight.

But she shows some restraint. She has class after all.

Plus, the thing she had in mind was reserved for the bedroom, not a beach.

She has an outfit imported from Fontaine, and waits to see S/O's choice.

(Yae) "Hello, little one...Hm, I can certainly say that I like what I'm seeing."

(S/O) "M-Miko! Um...I think I would agree with you."

She laughs at S/O's flustered reaction, moving closer as she leans toward them.

(Yae) "Awww? Getting embarrassed already? You really would not have survived my original choice."

(S/O) "Should I be thanking you?"

(Yae) "More than likely. Your skin would have changed completely into the color of a cute little tomato."

(S/O) "Well, I know that I'll be seeing it at some point, so I won't say thanks just yet."

(Yae) "My my, aren't we getting confident? You already get to see me like this, you've used up years of good luck just to see my beautiful form alone!"

(S/O) "Then what does that make seeing me right now?"

(Yae) "Do you want the answer to that?"

(S/O) "Probably not."

Shenhe almost went to the beach completely naked, had S/O not stopped her.

This was the first time she went swimming for recreation instead of training, and deciding an outfit was an odd experience.

So many people had suggested different things.

Her Master wanted to personally tailor an outfit just for her, only to realize it'd be fully mechanical, and that she'd need to make a machine for tailoring, which would nee-

Ganyu suggested something cute, but all of the suits she chose, the waist ended up being too big, something that made Ganyu seemingly die of shame.

And finally, S/O had the best choice. Something that Shenhe would be comfortable in. Which thankfully ended up being a one piece.

S/O couldn't help but stare. It made her happy yet confused.

(S/O) "You look incredible, Shenhe."

Shenhe tilted her head and asked:

(Shenhe) "Is it because I'm not wearing clothes?"

That question got S/O to choke before they corrected themselves.

(S/O) "N-NO! W-Well, I mean...Agh, how do I explain it?!"

(Shenhe) "I think you look incredible too, S/O."

That stunned S/O, but made them eventually smile.

(S/O) "Hah...Maybe I should just enjoy the waters with you instead of worrying about little things like this, huh?"

The corners of her lips faintly resembled a smile.

(Shenhe) "I would like to enjoy them with you."

Yelan had many choices of her swimwear, but rarely got the chance to use them.

Rolling the dice in seeing what to do, she finally had the excuse to bust some of them out.

Yelan's outfit was revealing, but in a classy way.

But she enjoyed S/O's choice more, regardless if it was more flashy or simplistic.

Because it let her see them in a new way, just as much as her outfit did for them.

(Yelan) "So, ready to kick back?"

Blinking away their awe, S/O nodded.

(S/O) "Y-Yeah! Let's enjoy this day off together."

Yelan laughed at their reaction, but decided not to tease them any further.

Though she was curious what would happen if she did.

Putting aside the thought for now, she decided to jump in the waters with S/O.

(Yelan) "Water's looking great today, it's so clear that you can see everything."

She shot S/O a glance.

(Yelan) "...Including some of my more favorite sights."

Xianyun was honestly too busy to notice S/O's change of clothing.

Yes yes, they were attractive wearing virtually nothing, big whoop.

The real big whoop was her new machine!

(S/O) "Xianyun, what the heck is that?!"

(Xianyun) "Behold! One has created a water-horse, purely powered by the engines and propellers, allowing you to feel the wind as you ride it like a terrestrial mount!"

(S/O) "So what's it called?"

Xianyun gave a proud smile to S/O as she adjusted her glasses.

(Xianyun) "I dub it, the water-vehicle!"

(S/O) "...Is that really-"

(Xianyun) "The name is still being workshopped, do not judge One for thinking on the spot! Besides, this was made exclusively for us today to enjoy anyway."

She didn't bother with a change of clothing, as both would immediately ride the jet-ski and forget about anything relating to swmisuits.

Xinyan notices S/O's swimsuit and smiles at them.

(Xinyan) "Yer lookin' mighty fine, a bit more than usual I'd say!"

(S/O) "You're really easy on the eyes too in that oufit...It looks really cute, actually!"

Despite her usual attire, the swimsuit she chose was a bit more on the cutesy side.

Something that S/O would only get to see, despite her increasing fidgeting.

(Xinyan) "A-Aww...Thanks. Thought I'd do something nice and spruce it up a little, y'know?"

Trying her best to regain composure, she hops into the water without a second of hesitation, S/O quickly joining her.

Embarrassment quickly leaves her mind as she enjoys splashing S/O with water, enjoying this day off with them.

(Xinyan) "ACK! W-Water in my dang mouth!"

(S/O) "Hah, you know salt is good for the body!"

(Xinyan) "I'm boutta shove this salt up yer keister if ya wanna be cute with me like that!"

[stellanix]

(genshin impact spoilers incoming)

one aspect of furina's characterization that's pretty understated but that i really really really love is her intelligence and curiosity. usually in genshin, when a character's intelligence is an important trait of theirs, there are aspects of their design, writing, voice acting, etc, that very clearly tell you "hey this character is smart." albedo, for example, wears a labcoat, is always saying big sciency words in a calm, rational tone of voice, and other characters are always talking about how smart he is

but furina? nothing about her on the surface suggests that she's a "smart" character - quite the opposite, in fact. superficially, she's introduced as a bratty, conceited, overconfident person who actually has no idea what she's doing. we eventually learn in the archon quest that that was all an act, but even after she regains her freedom, nothing about her really seems archetypically intelligent, at least at face value

instead, furina's intelligence is always shown rather than told (the only exception being nahida's voiceline about her). she had an intelligence network across teyvat feeding her information, and we saw in the flashback how she directed researchers to study the prophecy and potential ways of stopping it. before things like lyney's trial or directing the two musketeers, she'd stay up all night planning and piecing things together all on her own. she loves learning new things, she has lines in the teapot about how, when she's interested in something, she wants to become the most knowledgeable person in the topic, and also how she'd like to disassemble the teapot itself to learn how it works, and she's quick to learn new skills (like surfing). and, of course, she's well read, and quite possibly teyvat's foremost expert on the performing arts

i like how furina sort of defies the concept of character archetypes. she's initially presented as an archetypical bratty, dramatic, spoiled popular girl, but that was a role she forced herself into because it's what people expected of her. but the real furina, while still retaining some of the flamboyance from her archon persona, doesn't really fit into a clear mold. she's smart without being a super-genius, and she's kind without being a soft-spoken doormat. it makes her feel multifaceted and real, and i really love that!

anyway, this is why it makes me mad whenever i see people calling furina stupid, cuz she's not!

[2crtz]

₊˚⊹ ᰔ A SLIPPED APOLOGY .

CHARACTERS: wriothesley x f!readers

WARNINGS: fluff. fighting. apologies and everything sweet. sigewinne being cute. friends to lovers. childhood friends.   SYNOPSIS: an invitation to a ball hosted by lady furina came to your doorstep, taking it as an opportunity to drag wriothesley along with you find him a wife, but he did not enjoy that idea whatsoever.

WORD COUNT: 1.938 A/N: can you guys tell i'm obsessed with a particular troupe? you'll understand at the end of the post ;)

Having a friend who constantly refuses join in activities with you was beyond annoying. He'd been like this since youth, and his unwavering habits were adding up onto your everlasting list of problems with Wriothesley.

When an invitation was sent to your family home, without another though, you began your trek to the Fortress of Meropide. Each step laced with determination, your mind set on convincing your ever-stubborn friend to join you in whatever the letter contained.

Pushing open the door, there he sat. Your graying friend leisurely sipping on his tea, surprised by your sudden appearance.

"Ah, and what pleasure do I own?" setting his porcelain cup, a familiar, teasing smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. As taunting as it is, you found it quite endearing he continued to play childish games with you.

Tossing the wax-sealed envelope onto his desk, his eyes flicker towards it. The seal was unmistakable, a hue of blue so infamous it could only belong to one unique character.

"You got a letter from the Archon. So what?" he dismissed the importance of the letter as he lazily laid back into his seat. The way he went about it so casually left you wondering that the Archon was a frequent sender of his.

"Open it, Wrio." you crossed your arms over you chest.

The seal was already broken, its contents not a surprise to you. As you prepared yourself for an inevitable rejection, your gaze was sharp, studying his every movement.

Wriothesley exhaled a weary sigh before retrieving the letter. As he skimmed through the words, inspecting each part with precision, he could only laugh before discarding it.

"If you honestly believe I would go to a ball, of all places, you are sorely mistaken." his tone laced with dry amusement.

"Wriothesley," you began, your voice softening, holding a weight it lacked when you first arrived. "It is time for you to enter a new chapter in your life."

Your friend could not help himself but to roll his eyes. "And you think the Fortress of Meropide will be beneficial for both me and my "wife". What a joke."

A losing fight you have declared. Yet, that did not stop you from trying. Watching Wriothesley go on his days in solidarity, surrounding himself with the steel walls of the prison was a lonely sight.

"It's because I care for you." you replied, holding up your ground, unwilling to raise the white flag.

"Then stop caring." he retorted sharply. "All you ever do it point out my flaws that I do not care for fixing."

You scoffed, not understanding why he won't listen to you. "You cannot just spend the rest of your life in solitude, refusing to open up for someone."

Wriothesley rose from his seat, palms slamming hard onto his desk with such force his paperwork and books shifted, his tea nearly spilling over. "For gods sake, stop pestering me with these fairytales you refuse to let go of!"

His shouting caused you to flinch, sending a shiver down your spine.

"Just because you were raised in a wealthy family and had everything handed to you on a silver platter does not mean you can bother me." he spat, words sharp with bitterness.

Watching him grow angry at you was entirely unfamiliar to you. Your tongue begged to retort, however you were incapable of producing sound. You were left speechless, caught in his wind of fury.

Without missing a beat, you quickly left his office and back onto the surface.

Why was it that every time you tried to be helpful, push him towards being a better person, he always brushed it off? How can he just accept the fact that he will end up alone, locked away in the Fortress of Meropide?

The questions remained in your mind, forever being unanswered.

────

Wriothesley hadn't intended to shout at you, but your never-ending questions had worn him thin. He did not understand why you wouldn't stop bothering him about finding love, why it mattered so much to you?

He never asked you to carry that burden of constantly worrying about him.

"Fuck," he sighed, reclining back into his seat, hands rubbing his face. He understands that you only care about him, but damn, it really annoyed him. The frequent concern, the never-ending push to change.

"I should probably apologize," he spoke to himself, voice muffling in his hands.

────

The night of the ball arrived, but you still felt the lingering aftershocks of your fight with Wriothesley. Days have passed since you've last seen him, and the ache in your heart only deepened.

On the days you didn't meet with him, he exchanged letters with you, brief summaries of his day, keeping you informed with changes within the prison. Yet, none have been sent, a silent reminder that you went too far in your pushing.

The words slipped from your tongue quietly, an admission that weighed you down. "I need to apologize to Wriothesley."

You knew you had to make things right between you, but the thought of facing him after scaring you off, shattering the walls he kept restrained for a long time, filled you with anxiety.

What if he didn't accept your apology?

A shaky breath escaped your lips as you looked down onto the delicate jewelry in your hand, ready to be put on. A symbol of what Wriothesley had said, his voice echoing in your mind, that everything had been handed to you on a silver platter.

Ashamed, you placed the piece of jewelry into it's container, closing it with a quiet snap. With one final glance on your dress and jewelry, you had to fix this, no matter how difficult it will be.

Without hesitation, you felt your feet move.

────

Wriothesley adjusted the cuffs of his sleeve, positioning them nicely around his wrist. He didn't know why he is going to the ball-- no, he knows why. It is to apologize to you after days of deciding.

Perhaps seeing him there will prove to you that he does listen to you, that he understand why you push him towards greatness. It was his way of showing you that, despite his stubborn head, he was trying to bridge the gap between you and him.

Maybe, for a slight moment, you would catch a glimpse of the Wriothesley you had always believed was hidden beneath the surface. One who was listening, one who cared.

In truth, Wriothesley was doing this because he missed you more than he'd ever admit. It was torture not speaking to you, not writing to you, not being near your presence. He needed you to survive, act as his anchor-- as dramatic as that sounds.

If he didn't care, he wouldn't go through such lengths for a ordinary person, but for you, he'd walk on Natlan's lava barefoot just to protect the soles of your feet.

────

You ran up the steps, heart pounding in your chest, each step echoing your urgency. You pushed the heavy doors leading in Wriothesley's office, calling his name.

But as the door swung open, the room before you deprived of his presences. The air hung thick with his absence.

"Are you looking for Wriothesley?" a soft, child-like voice came from behind you, standing in the doorway. Sigewinne gaze fixed on you, a hint of concern in her eyes. She could see the look etched in your face, one that she noted down as disappointment.

Nodding you head slowly. "Yes." it was clear you were upset about missing your friend.

"He just left to the surface, something about attending an event." Sigewinne's hand rubbed her face as she tried to recall where exactly Wriothesley's had gone.

Your eyes widened as she ended her sentence. "The ball?!" you exclaimed.

Sigewinne, with a sudden snap of her fingers, nodded. "Yes! It's strange. He does not usually attend in those gatherings," she spoke softly, pondering the unusual turn of events.

Without a second thought, you hurriedly made your way home, slipping on your dress and jewelry. The realization struck you in awe. He truly was at the ball, and it was for you! Never, in your decade and a half of your friendship, had you ever imagined seeing Wriothesley grace such an event.

────

Wriothesley was well aware why he'd always avoided events. It was nothing but a dating pool for unmarried men and women. The sight was sickly, almost nauseating-- though, perhaps, that sour feeling was from the alcohol.

His eyes scoured through the sea of people, scanning each face in the crowds, his gaze sharp and attentive. Yet, despite his search, his efforts were met with failure. He could not find you.

Perhaps you were engaged in conversations with men, and the thought caused his blood to boil. The mere image of other suitors admiring you, swoon you with their words, might ignite the room from the flames of his fury.

As he seized another glass of alcohol from the tray of a passing servant, the murmurs around him grew louder, the guests' attention drawn to the top of the grand staircase.

There, fitted in the most beautiful gown, was you. Standing over the people as if you were their goddess, answering the silent prayers around you. Wriothesley set his glass down, eyes locked on your being descending the staircase, each step capturing his heart.

Wriothesley watched as your eyes scanned the crowd, searching through the sea of guests as if you were looking for something-- or perhaps, someone.

The moment your gaze met his, you made your way towards him in purposeful strides, your eyes locked onto his sea of blue, your voice tinged with both frustration and relief. "I ran around the world searching for you."

A humorous smile threatening to appear on Wriothesley's lips when you spoke. "Really?" his voice laced with amusement.

"My world consists of the Fortress of Meropide, so yes, really." you replied.

Once noticing the determined look in your eyes, Wriothesley gaze softened, a rare vulnerability flickering in his expression. "I came to apologize," he confessed, voice laced with sincerity. "To show you that your words hold meaning, and that they haven't fallen on deaf ears."

"I also apologize for constantly forcing you in a position you clearly have no interest in," it was difficult maintaining eye contact with him, shame swelling within you. "I miss you, Wriothesley." you whispered, words hanging between you both.

Not caring for the eyes of others, he gently cupped your face in his hands, tenderly and reassuringly. "I've missed you too," he murmured, his voice low and filled with sincerity.

"Wriothesley--"

"Marry me."

His words hit you like a thunderclap, leaving you stunned momentarily. Your eyes widened, unable to grasp on his unexpected proposal.

"What?" you could not mask your surprise.

"I cannot imagine myself marrying anyone else," he confessed, his tone steady. "All the times you asked me about marriage, only you comes to mind. The thought of you entertaining other men stirs something in me, a jealousy that consumes me whole."

Not understanding the grasps of his words, your knees buckled beneath you, threatening to give out as the rush of emotions overwhelmed your senses.

"I should have never raised my voice at you, and I intent on making it up to you, now and for as long as I live." his hands never leaving your face. "So please, do me the highest honor and marry me."

Without a second thought, you nodded eagerly, the words tumbling from your lips with no effort.

"Yes--" you breathed, heart pounding. "Yes, of course, Wrio."

do not edit, modify, or republish.

[aritsukemo]

Their partner wants to cook them a meal but they're a terrible cook. How do they react? | Multiple Characters

Fandoms Included: Naruto/Naruto Shippuden, The Case Study of Vanitas, Yona of the Dawn, Demon Slayer, Genshin Impact, Danganronpa, Assassination Classroom, and Your Turn To Die

Warnings: Small spoilers to Demon Slayer and Your Turn to Die and potentially other animes so read at your own risk!

A/N: I don't know when I'll have the time or motivation to write write anything so for a while, you guys may only see little headcanons like this.. Thank you all for your patience! <3

↪ Insists that they cook/Never lets you step into the kitchen/Talks their way out of it.

Whether it was due to their charismatic wording, a humble offer, or their own tricks and or distractions, they somehow steer you completely away from the kitchen and whether you two end up having a nice, lengthy chat while they prepare dinner, cuddle up to each other while you wait for takeout to arrive, or something else entirely, I'm confident when I say that the thought of cooking has completely vanished from your mind at that point, much to their ( and their stomach's ) happiness.

⇻ ITACHI UCHIHA, Haku, Minato Uzumaki, LOUIS DE SADE, ZENO, Jae-Ha, SOO-WON, Tetra, SHINOBU KOCHO, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, Yoriichi Tsugikuni, Hinatasuru, YELAN, ARLECCHINO, AYATO KAMISATO, Kazuha, ZHONGLI, Ningguang, KOKICHI OMA, CELESTE LUDENBURG, Karma Akabane, GAKUSHU ASANO, Yuma Isogai, Sou Hiyori ( Shin Tsukimi ), KEIJI SHINOGI, KAI SATOU

↪ Claims they're not hungry/Has a list of excuses up their sleeve.

Despite might've having just said that they were starving beyond belief, as soon as you offered to cook them a meal, they immediately go on to say how they mispoke; how they're actually stuffed and can't even begin to eat anything 'lest they wanted to pop like a balloon. If not that, they're quick to lie saying that they've already ordered takeout and how they wouldn't want to waste your amazing cooking nor their money. If that doesn't suffice, they'll come up with another excuse, and another, and another until you drop the topic all together and trusts me when I say that they will keep pulling excuses out of their ass until you give up.

⇻ KAKASHI HATAKE, Konan, Jiraiya, Ino Yamanaka, Vanitas, Olivier, Johann, DOMINIQUE DE SADE, Aoi Kanzaki, WRIOTHESLEY, VENTI, Ayaka Kamisato, XINGQIU, Ganyu, MAHIRU KOIZUMI, Hajime Hinata, Meg Kataoka, Tomohito Sugino, Reko Yabusame

↪ Can't lie to save their life and ends up sucking it up in the end.

Whether their faces gives them away or the fact that their excuse/lie was just god awful, you see right through it immediately and upon questioning them about it with that sad puppy-dog face, they sigh, shake their head, and say in a defeated tone, "I can't wait to taste whatever you cook.." watching as your face lights up and you lean in to kiss their cheek while telling them that'll you'll make sure to take extra special care of their meal. When you disappear into the kitchen, they start to pray, begging whatever superior being out there to either change your mind and decide to order takeout or that something prevents you from making their meal; example, the kitchen burning down.

⇻ Naruto Uzumaki, KANKURO, Gaara, Kisame, Deidara, KIBA INUZUKA, Tsunade, Roland Fortis, Jean-Jacques Chastel, Yona, KIJA, KAN TAE-JUN, AN RIRI, Ayura, TANJIRO KAMADO, Hakuji, Sucrose, Furina, MONA, GOROU, Ga Ming, Thoma, COLLEI, KAITO MOMOTA, Komaru Naegi, NAGISA SHIOTA, JOE TAZUNA

↪ Brutally honest/Puts themselves first.

Listen, as much as they care for and adore you, they care about their stomach just a little more. That said, when you come to them with the idea of cooking, they immediately shut you down, and whether they're as gentle and delicate as a flower about it or as harsh and cutthroat as the weapons they ( may ) wield, they'll ( maybe ) make it up to you somehow with riches, some form of their affection, or quality time. ( They may even allow you to cook! ..Under their careful supervision of course. Y'all can cook together! :D )

⇻ SHIKAMARU NARA, TenTen, NEJI HYUGA, Tobi, HIDAN, Konohamaru Sarutobi, SAI, KAKAZU, Dante, VERONICA DE SADE, Astolfo Granatum, Chloé d'Apchier, YUN, HAK, Kan Kyo-Ga, Abi, MICHIKATSU TSUGIKUNI, Muichiro Tokito, YUICHIRO TOKITO, WANDERER, SCARAMOUCHE, Albedo, Neuvillette, YAE MIKO, CHIORI, Chevreuse, ALHAITHAM, ROSARIA, Tighnari, BYAKUYA TOGAMI, Ibuki Mioda, Maki Harukawa

↪ Can't stand to hurt your feelings/Goes along with it.

When they see your eyes shine as you excitedly ramble about wanting to cook for them and all the dishes you'll make for them after the long day they've had, they just can't turn you down. You look so happy, so excited, all because you want to spend your valuable time making something for them, and even if the dish could kill a man, they'd be ( smart ) a fool to refuse your offer. So what if it's a little bland or a kinda ( very ) charred? They've been through worse. And besides, what's the worst that could happen ( You ended up nearly killing them with the first bite )

⇻ HINATA HYUGA, SHIZUNE, Asuma Sarutobi, NOÉ ARCHIVISTE, AMELIA RUTH, Jeanne, SHIN-AH, ZENITSU AGATSUMA, OBANAI IGURO, Sanemi Shinazugawa, MITSURI KANROJI, Kanao Tsuyuri, GENYA SHINAZUGAWA, Nilou, FREMINET, LAYLA, MIKA, NOELLE, THOMA, Yoimiya, Kirara, Sara Chidouin, Alice Yabusame, Q-Taro Burgerberg, RANMARU KAGEYAMA, MAKOTO NAEGI, Sakura Ogami, SHUICHI SAIHARA, NAGITO KOMEADA, GONTA GOKUHARA

Dividers were made by me, pictures used are from Pinterest, post formatting is inspired by @xxsabitoxx

[m1sa-w1sa]

SAGAU!!!! A headcanon on whatever genshin characters you like to choose, is about they able to access on our desktop computer, and what they do when interacting youtube videos of all kind and music in it including memes on our computer and how they use it on Teyvat. Anyway get yourself a good night and good rest, your the best!

(Okie dokie! Coming right up!^^)

Ancient language?

•Lets say you started getting lazy with genshin, logging in less, not doing commissions yada yada yada

•But the characters got PISSED is someone else taking up their divine time with their grace?! Thats not fair! No other low life should take up their time with the all holly one themselves!!

“Why is your grace not spending time with us?!”

“The person that took them away is definitely guilty of life in the dungeons!”

“Just calm down furina..”

•Then SOMEHOW SOMEWAY they figured out how to get access to other files of yours, if your a artists, your art commission, a writer, stories that you wrote, funny videos you have, homework and even more

•If they looked at your homework they would think it was something not even their little tiny mind could comprehend (dottore is currently studying it)

•If they look at your art they would steal it and hang it up in castles, churches, stores, even trees ANYWHERE needs your glory on it

•If you liked dark humor then I feel like the harbingers would relate to you or if you laugh at people failing at something they would watch it with you 24/7

•if you read fanfics if we are being completely honest and in cannon terms they would think your weird BUT if your thinking in fannon terms they would think its ancient scrolls made by your past servants for you

(DONEOENENEJENE sorry if this is mad :c ty for the sagau requests!!)

[plottwiststudios]

Furina Deserved More Empathy

Most of you are here because you dig my writing for "Women of Xal", but please bear with me on this: Furina is a worthy character to study, respect, and love. To me, she is Genshin Impact's best character, and certainly my favorite from the game.

But although her characterization was top tier, the characters and writing around Furina were just... so ugly to her in a few areas that I believe are worth talking about. Even if you think the Fontaine arc was perfect and beyond reproach with how Furina was handled at the end, please at least hear me out. I promise I do come with not only my empathetic insight, but a writer's with a keen eye for the unfair, as well. Everyone, strap in and click that spoiler line for more~

"But Furina is only human, isn't she? Even though she has had a long life, her mind is no stronger than that of any other ordinary human being. I cannot begin to fathom what she has had to endure. It must have been torture for her." - Neuvillette

This quote comes immediately after Neuvillette realizes that his partner in crime, Furina, has been playing a role of a god far outside of her true personality every (perceived) second of every day for 500 years without end. Fooling the world, and keeping the secret that she was a mere human was crucial. If she didn't, her nation would have met oblivion via drowning, according to an increasingly real prophecy. If you don't know the story/why, it's complicated, here's the cutscene. Collaborating with her divine 'half', she commits to this agonizingly long performance willingly by weighing her own happiness with the lives of the people. And does that take a toll on her?

Yes! It got bad enough to where she started crying without realizing she was -- in front of a citizen she of course had to deceive. She had to use her vast experience to play it off, and, well, you see how easily that citizen bought it, and you can see how Furina is handling that situation, even if you're not used to Genshin's models. What I'm trying to get at here is, Furina carried Fontaine's salvation on her back for 500 years. In complete secret and isolation. And as we are playing a video game, we naturally see to the finale of her 500 year performance...

By putting her on trial as a fraud god!

Now, although I felt grimy from the jump about the whole "Trick Furina into her own public trial", the plan itself is legitimately justified from the player / accusing party. She played her role too well, and now her own nation and allies think she's not taking the threat of her nation seriously. (The threat? Ironically the flooding she's trying to prevent) Her peers do know she's hiding something. So in a desperate gambit to get her to talk and hopefully give them something to stop the incoming flood, they trick her into arriving at her own trial. And, I believe my necessity, she is given more trauma for her troubles before this trial ends. You can watch it all here.

Even for players who didn't figure out Furina's big secret, this trial was BRUTAL to watch, and the fact the player character initiated it by trying promising Furina that her secret can be safe with the player -- WHILE the player was actively and secretly transporting Furina to her trial is just... cutthroat. Necessary given the lack of context (mostly), but cutthroat. I'm glad Furina considered her options with entrusting the player, but ultimately would have decided not to. Because we didn't deserve Furina's trust.

Long miserable story short? Furina is judged guilty and sentenced to death, but she doesn't care, because to her, she spent 500 years, only to think she "failed" and now everyone will drown and die. So she's left essentially dissociating with only tears to show consciousness. Longer story short? She didn't fail! Her trial was all part of the plan her divine half cooked up without telling her about the trial! To save the nation. (Prophecies, am I right?) And the nation is saved! All because Furina kept up the act for 500 years -- well past her emotional breaking point. Like, well, well, well past her breaking point.

Most importantly: Furina is free to be a regular human that no longer has to perform. She no longer has to rule as a god. So what's the first thing she hears from us? (Link for the conversation)

tldr: "We sure Kathryn gave us the right address we obtained without permission? Wow, Furina's living situation got a whole lot worse different after she stepped down from ruler."

If you're wondering if I skipped a few cutscenes covering how Furina got there and how she's doing, don't worry! Same here: After the story's climax, Neuvillette tells us that Furina steps down and numbly packed her bags and hecked off for peace and quiet. Did we ever VISIT this woman after asking her to trust us before destroying that request for trust? Did ANYONE besides Neuvillette give her an apology, or go out of their way to check in on her besides Clorinde? Am I supposed to assume that the same writers who keep doing insensitive things, has a staggering fear of dark skin, and seldom have enough courage to trust the audience, are expecting us to fill in the gaps of time with the most positive outcome that Furina was apologized to and supported off-screen? And hey, if you're on team "We had no choice, given the circumstance; no apologies needed", then look at it like a human, not (just) an apologist! If YOU underwent 500 years of never being you, but an exaggerated trope for the world, and at the end, that world temporarily rejects you in public, cutthroat fashion, is this how you would like to be treated?

An organization gave out your address to help the player

The player only visits you to help NPCs

Pressure you to perform yet again, this time for fun!!!

Express how your boundaries for no-acting actively hurt the NPCs

No noted thanks or conversation about your sacrifices

The writer to your life railroads you into feeling bad for boundaries

Someone dryly states, for her own reasons, that you were inactive

Made fun of for your lifestyle decisions post-freedom from acting

The writer of your life railroads you into singing for the NPCs

Some more I am probably going to regret not remembering

Even people who haven't played the game, but read this will note that something went amiss. One or two of these bullet points can be seen as fine or not-horrible when isolated, but literally all of this happened to Furina. Even if you want to say that all of these are properly addressed offscreen and not mentioned in the game, then what about the writer's desire to resonate with the audience?

To the writers of this game who obviously do not take words to heart: We resonate with Furina just fine. She's a beautifully written character and I have nothing but the fiercest of respect for her. But we don't resonate with how she was treated after her 500 years of torture ended. Not by the characters or writers. As writers, how did you WANT us to react to these insensitive scenes? Why? Did you think the lines of dialogue through from a humane angle, or were you stuck in the immediate present of writing a "funny"? Did you think about the cost of not letting the most tortured character in the country have any scenes after her trial until we're looking for her to help people we've never met before? Was the tonal whiplash wise in your eyes? Could you find no better way to get Furina comfortable to sing and get her vision? Why do I get the feeling that even an author with no experience might have known better than to do some of the things you decided to do to Furina? As writers, do you think everything I've stated is what she deserves, or even the natural course of events for a character as important and as good as Furina? Is that the extent of your writing prowess and creativity?

This is a story about a nation of justice. So where's Furina's justice?

[sapphiresgarden]

hiiii! i love girls too so,, let's talk!! may i request any genshin girls of your choice buying matching plushies with their s/o (reader), please?

summary ☾⋆⁺₊ getting matching plushies notes ☾⋆⁺₊ furina/hu tao/navia/yoimiya/amber x gn!reader this work is meant to be read as sapphic. short hcs. SO SORRY FOR THE WAIT GAHHH i died a little. but gods the idea is so cute??? absolutely cute??? AHHH i love matching things. i probably will write a second part with more genshin girls, but as of rn i needed something small to write as a break from studying <3 if you have any specific characters you wanna see next, pop in my inbox! men dni.

→ You and Furina get… many plushies. Not just one pair, no, because that'd be not enough, but few pairs at least. Matching octopuses? Yes, why not, they had cute ribbons and hats. A pair of teddy bears? Why, yes! You found them cute so how could she say not to them. The list goes on for a bit longer…

→ Navia and you get a pair of plush puppies. They are both so fluffy and have matching accessories, one of them has a small, yellow rose near his ear! You instantly showed her the plush because, somehow, it reminded you of her.

→ A cute pair of a plush moon and sun, for you and Yoimiya. She reminds you of all that's warmth and nice, she reminds you of the sun and the stars, so why waste the ocassion? Even her smile as she receives the plush reminds you of the nice, sunny, warm day.

→ How could you and Amber not have matching plushies? She is the one to find the plushies and she comes back with two, cute bunnies. One has… googles and a very interesting expression. The other has a cute, red cap and… also a very interesting expression. They are very cute, you think. You get them both.

→ Do you think Hu Tao would get a pair, too? I think yes. She scares you with a ghost plush when you're distracted shopping other things. She says the look on your face was priceless, really… You end up going with her to take another ghostly plush with a great plan of revenge. You will scare her back with your own ghost plush… but as of right now, you will enjoy matching with her.

[immobiliter]

i am fully prepared for hoyo to prove me wrong on this, but i do think that the only way furina could life a free and happy life is if she does so outside of fontaine

[lavenderchqn]

𝐶𝛨𝛢𝑃𝑇𝛦𝑅 𝟎𝟑𝟔 — IMAGINARY (3,6K WORDS) 𝑅𝐸𝐷 𝐿𝐼𝑁𝐸𝑆 — lyney x f!reader smau

𝑆𝑌𝑁𝑂𝑃𝑆𝐼𝑆 —

Second year of university should've been everything you thought of it - more studying with human interaction sprinkled throught... What it definitely wasn't supposed to be was an investigation saga where one of your friends goes missing out of nowhere

𝑃𝑅𝐸𝑉𝐼𝑂𝑈𝑆 — 𝑀𝐴𝑆𝑇𝐸𝑅𝐿𝐼𝑆𝑇 — 𝑁𝐸𝑋𝑇 𝐸𝑃𝐼𝑆𝑂𝐷𝐸

The week flew by in a blur. Filled to the brim with therapy sessions, character spreadsheet creation - with the lovely help of Navia and Clorinde - and clubroom cleanup. Before the group knew it, the day of the meeting had arrived. 

“Welcome to our humble abode!” Navia exclaimed as she greeted the Beverage Gang members, ushering them into the room. “Feel free to sit anywhere you’d like — just steer clear of Clo’s.” 

“Thank you for having us,” Furina replied warmly, dipping into a small bow. Her gaze roamed around the room, absorbing its eclectic decor.

Tabletop Troupe’s clubroom felt surprisingly cramped despite its generous size. Clutter dominated every corner, with shelves and small coffee tables crammed full of items loosely connected to their club activities — walls full of imaginary maps, astrology and herbalism posters. It was an organised chaos, brimming with the girls’ personalities and charms.

At the centre of the room stood a grand table, completely covered by an elaborate diorama of a fantastical world — one they would experience in a second. Tiny buildings, dense forests, and intricate landscaping were crafted with immaculate precision, each detail a testament to the maker’s skill. 

“Wow,” Wriothesley said, leaning closer to inspect the miniatures. “These look amazing. Whoever made them did an incredible job.” 

“You can thank Clorinde for that!” Charlotte called out from the tiny kitchenette tucked into the corner. She and Lynette were busy preparing drinks for the group, the clinking of the mugs and the faint hum of the kettle accompanying her cheerful voices. “She always makes our map models!” 

Seated at the Game Master’s spot, Clorinde sighed and rolled her eyes. “Charlotte, that’s not necessary,” She muttered, a faint hint of embarrassment creeping into her tone. 

Navia grinned as she slid into a chair beside Clorinde, crossing one leg over the other. “Oh, don’t be modest, Clo. We all know you’re a perfectionist with this stuff.” She poked her cheek gently to lift the mood. 

The woman huffed, leaning over to grab her notes from a bag beside her chair. “It’s simply a part of being a good Master. Immersion is key, and thus the map is important.” 

“If you decide against working in law enforcement,” Furina chimed in, her gaze still fixed on the diorama. “You could probably make a bank selling pieces like these. There must be bank made from these~” 

“I doubt there would be much joy to be found in the business of such calibre,” Neuvillette commented, his gaze fixed on Clorinde. He spoke just as she was about to, his hand reaching out to tug his friend away from staring the miniatures down. “Apologises for her, Miss Clorinde.” 

“It’s alright. Thank you, Neuvillette.” 

By now, Lynette had quietly begun placing drinks on the table, with the help of [Y/N] and Lyney who joined her soon after entering the room last. A mix of teas, coffees, a few colourful sodas in glasses and mugs of various sizes. “Everything’s ready,” She said softly, stepping back with her composure. She looks around the table before realising she has forgotten something. “Oh, the sugar.” 

“Got it here, queen!” Charlotte was right behind her, sugar bowl in hand. The girl handed it to Furina, the most well-known sugar tea drinker at this party. 

“Oh thank you, Charlotte—“ Lynette looked away from the girl, noticing an anomaly. Her preferred seat, the one right next to [Y/N]’s was already taken. “You’re in my seat.” 

“Am I?” Lyney asked, raising an eyebrow. “Don’t see your name anywhere here, sis.” 

Lynette’s ears twitched ever so slightly, a sign of her quiet irritation. Lyney might've been related to her, but that wouldn't stop her from taking what’s rightfully hers. Especially since that rascal just swooped in and stole her friend out of nowhere. The girl crossed her arms, fixing her brother with an unimpressed stare. “It doesn’t need my name. It’s always my seat.” 

Lyney grinned, leaning back with a dramatic air of innocence. “Ah, but aren’t I a guest? Besides, I think it would be most beneficial to sit next to someone already acquainted with the premise of the game.” 

“There’s three more people here who have played the game. You’ll do fine.” 

The short male gasped dramatically, clutching his chest as though Lynette’s words had physically wounded him. “Oh, the cold dismissal from my own dear sister! Surely Father taught you better than to treat guests like that? Truly, I’m appalled.” 

“Less appalled and more stubborn,” Lynette deadpanned, standing behind his chair as she leaned forward. “Move, or else I’ll make you move.” 

“Sorry, Lyney…” [Y/N] chimed in, scratching her cheek with her nail. “If it was my seat, we could’ve simply just switched.” 

“Alas,” He stood up, letting his sister have her seat finally. “My dear companion yanked out of my existence, truly painful. You’re quite lucky, I’m feeling extraordinarily generous today, dearest sister.” 

“Well, at least you have the roleplaying aspect down,” Navia chuckled, finding amusement in the sibling’s bickering. It was lovely to have them able to do that once again. 

Lynette slid into her seat without another word, her expression blank but triumphant. “Oh thank you,” She said simply, her tone carrying just the slightest edge of sarcasm and satisfaction.

Lyney, now sitting next to Furina, leaned towards her, sulk painted on his face. “You see what I have to deal with? Ruthless woman, that Lynette is, I say.”

Furina laughed softly, stirring sugar in her tea while patting his platinum locks. “Yes, yes,” She offered her best confronting tone. “What a ruthless lady your sister is…” 

The group’s laughter rippled through the room, dispelling the last remnants of tension from the siblings’ playful squabble. Furina’s indulgent tone as she teased Lyney only added fuel to the lighthearted atmosphere. 

Clorinde glanced up from her notes, her calm demeanour contrasting the room’s buzzing energy. “Alright,” she called, her authoritative voice cutting through the chatter. “Is everyone ready to start?” She gestured toward the sprawling diorama at the centre of the table. 

“We sure are, Clo~” Navia replied, taking her character notes as well as the newest set of dice. Beautiful purple hues marbled with gold veins. “At the very least these puppies are!” 

Clorinde gave a curt nod, her eyes scanning the group for one final time as everyone settled in their seats awaiting any initial questions. Seeing as there was no confusion at that time, she grunted one last time to warm up her voice. 

She leaned forward, flipping to the first page of her meticulously detailed campaign notes. 

‘Today’s journey begins in the quiet village, nestled at the edge of the Whispering Woods. Rumours of strange occurrences have spread like wildfire — missing livestock, eerie noises, and sightings of shadowy figures. You’ve all been summoned here by the town’s elder, a frail yet spirited man, who now stands in the middle of a humble tavern. His slivered beard trembles as he speaks: ‘Thank the heavens you’ve arrived! The surrounding lands have been plagued by something… of illusory means. Please, brave adventurers, the village needs your help.’

“My player straightens her posture, her voice taking on a commanding tone,” Navia says, looking at Clorinde, who allows her to continue. “‘Fear not, Elder. We shall uncover the truth and protect these lands. First, please tell us everything you know about these occurrences.’” 

Charlotte smirked, taking on a haughty voice — playing up her character of noble descent. ‘While my noble companion handles the talking, I’d like to take a look around. Are there any tracks or signs of a struggle nearby?’ 

“Perception check,” Clorinde announced, pointing to her friend to roll the dice. All eyes have turned to the pink-haired girl, but one. 

“Clorinde?” Furina’s hushed voice asked, looking at the older girl a bit nervously. 

“Is everything alright?” 

“Uh…” Furina gulped a little, deciding if she wanted to make a fool of herself to ask her question. “What does perception mean?” 

The room fell into a brief silence before Lynette took her spot to explain. “It’s one of the skills your character has.” Her eyes started directly into her brother’s guiding him to point the character’s skills. “It’s basically your ability to notice things in the environment — spotting hidden clues, hearing distant noises, or picking up on subtle details in your surroundings.”

Furina tilted her head thoughtfully, her nervousness melting. “Oh! So like being observant?” 

“That’s it!” Navia affirmed. “Your perception is determined by your wisdom statistic, and rolling the dice determines how successful you are in noticing things in a given situation.” 

Clorinde leaned over the table, noting Charlotte’s roll. “There is no need to be reluctant in asking questions, Furina. Tabletop Troupe might be overwhelming at first, but I, as the Game Master, as well as the group will assist you every point of the way.” 

“Besides,” [Y/N] chimed in quietly, “You will be rolling for your performance scores for the songs you play as the bard of the team. All in due time, girl.” 

Furina nodded, her confidence returning as she glanced at her character sheet. “Alright. Thank you for explaining.” 

Charlotte, during these talks, finished her roll — her die landing on an honourable 15. Clorinde’s expression didn’t give anything away as she described the result. ‘You scan the area around the tavern, eyes sweeping over the dirt paths and grassy edges. You notice something resembling hoof prints leading toward the woods. They are larger than those of typical livestock and strangely uneven.’

Charlotte hummed slightly, taking notes on a notepad next to her character sheet. Her character’s voice slipped into a posh drawl. ‘How curious. It seems our shadowy friend prefers the forest. I suggest we follow these tracks hastily’.  

Navia grinned, fully immersed in her character. “‘Indeed! But we better gather more information before charging blindly into danger like a pack of fools’”. 

Clorinde glanced at Furina, offering her a slight nudge. “Perhaps you’d like to contribute? A song to rally the group to disregard Navia’s opinion or something to charm the elder for more information?” 

Furina’s eyes lit up, excitement replacing her earlier apprehension. “Yes, yes! I strum my lute and sing a gentle ballad, designed to ease the elder’s fears and coax more details from him.” 

“Roll for performance, please,” Clorinde instructed, leaning forward slightly.

Furina picks up her die, shaking it around in her palms before rolling. After bumping into the walls of the box, the die landed on an 18 — the table erupting into cheers for their companion. 

“Your melody washes over the elder, calming his trembling hands. His voice steadies as he reveals more: ‘The figures always vanish toward the woods after nightfall, near the old watchtower. Beware, for the whispers grow stronger the closer you get.’” 

“See?” Lyney gave Furina a playful nudge. “You’re already a natural.” 

The girl beamed, clearly proud of herself. “Alright, team. Let’s get to that watchtower and solve this mystery!” 

Neuvillette chimes in before Clorinde can change the scene and move the character pieces. “‘Dear elder, could we be able to enter the tavern before leaving for the expedition? I’m still quite parched from our journey here’”.

“The elder clears his voice, nervous to answer. ‘I’m afraid the tavern is unable to provide any drinks at the moment. The regulars are simply complaining at the bitterness of the drinks, and that is no way to treat esteemed guests.’”

“‘A glass of water is all I require.’” 

Clorinde eyes Neuvillette down, clearly ready to entertain his action wishes, but not without a small twist. “‘The water sources all seem to be contaminated, I’m afraid.” 

The group turns into silence, awaiting the decision of the water enthusiast. 

“I drink the water regardless.” 

Clorinde sighs, passing the die towards Neuvillette. “You’re going to roll for constitution. Go ahead.” 

The group’s collective gasp filled the room as Neuvillette boldly declared his action. Charlotte leaned forward, both intrigued and horrified. “Are you serious? That has to require like a 19 to pass!” 

The male offered a calm, unbothered smile as he took the die. “Water, even in its less-than-pristine forms, is still water. A simple contamination will just change its flavour profile. My character would not waste the opportunity to assess its condition firsthand.” 

Wriothesley bursts into laughter, slapping the table. “You never change, do you. Even in games, you have an obsession with water.” 

Clorinde, unamused but clearly resigned to this turn of events, folded her arms and gestured for him to roll. “Very well. Let’s see how your character’s iron stomach fares.” 

The die clattered across the table, all eyes glued to it as it spun to a stop. A collective pause followed. 

“Natural 20!” Navia hollered, nearly toppling out of her chair as she leaned forward. The group erupted into cheers. 

Clorinde pinched the bridge of her nose but couldn’t hide the faintest hint of amusement. “Alright, critical success. ‘Against all odds, the water has no discernible negative effects on your character. In fact—‘“ She glanced at her notes, improvising on the spot. “The water seems to reinvigorate you. You feel sharper and more aware. Add another point to your dexterity statistic, please.” 

Neuvillette tilted his head in modest satisfaction. “‘How fortuitous. It seems the water was not as unclean as the villagers presumed. Perhaps the contamination lies elsewhere.’” 

The campaign which initially was thought to be a short one, to not overwhelm the first-timers, turned out to last multiple hours… and still not be done. The party seemed to be getting tired minute by minute, eyes barely holding on, their legs sore from sitting in the same spot. 

As wishful as getting a break to stretch the bones out was, thanks to the decisions and rolls done by the group, they had finally stumbled upon one of the main enemies. Unfortunately for them, most of the party is far too injured to take on the opposing foe. Lyney, in particular, is in quite the conundrum — the evil sorcerer is dashing straight to his harmed character, and he won’t be able to take another move before Clorinde takes action. 

The woman turned to [Y/N], the last person with enough health to try and turn it around. 

“Pass me the dice.” She looked at Clorinde, double-checking with her character abilities. She pondered for a minute, trying to gauge how well she must roll to have any chance of saving Lyney. 

Clorinde handed the dice over, her expression neutral yet expectant. “Your decision, [Y/N]. Think carefully. What do you wish to do?” 

The group fell silent, the atmosphere tense. Lyney leaned forward, clutching the edge of the table as though his real-life depended on her action.

“I’m going to use Shadow Strike,” [Y/N] declared, her eyes flicking to the miniatures on the table, assessing the positions. “My character will conjure shadows to harm the sorcerer. That is— uh, five d6 dice.” 

Navia’s jaw dropped. “You know you need to roll really high for that? Even with your modifiers you basically need to hit a crit success.” 

Clorinde gave a curt not, passing the dice. “Shadow Strike allows you to attack the foe with a sneak attack. Given your current level, you gain an additional four to your roll thanks to proficiency.” 

Charlotte clutched her notes. “If she fails, Lyney’s character is toast. No pressure, though, girl.” 

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” [Y/N] quipped with a small grin. She picked up the dice, the weight of the moment settling on her shoulders. Her heart thudded as she shook the dice, the room holding its collective breath. 

A six. 

A three. It’s nine in total. 

A six. Fifteen. 

A six. Twenty-one. 

The room watches the last dice with the utmost attention. All [Y/N] needs is three or above to pass the check. 

“A six. It’s thirty-two total.” [Y/N] looks up at Clorinde, a smirk on her face. “Don’t even need the proficiency boost, baby.” 

Cheers erupted around the table, and even Clorinde’s normally stoic expression turned into one of amusement. Getting an almost perfect roll was quite uncommon, given statistics and that. “Your attack connects. Roll for damage.” She passes five d8 dice. 

“Oh, we’re just getting started.” The girl declared with a determined grin. She scooped the damage dice, channelling every ounce of willpower into her throw. The octahedra-shaped dice rolled again, spinning to a halt.

They added up to thirty-six. 

Navia shot up from her chair, her arms raised triumphantly. “Let’s go! That’s enough to obliterate that guy!” 

Clorinde can’t help but chuckle, recording the roll. “Your Shadow Strike slices through the sorcerer’s defences with uncanny precision. The force of the attack sends him staggering, his staff clattering to the ground. With a final, desperate scream, he collapses.” 

The table erupted into applause and laughter, with Lyney leaning over the table to gather [Y/N]’s hands into his. “My saviour!” He exclaimed, shooting the girl a dazzling grin. “I, quite literally owe you my life.” 

“We are truly the side characters in the coming of [Y/N]’s and Lyney’s love story,” Wriothesley chuckled. “Even randomness says so.” 

Clorinde raised a hand, bringing the group back to order. “Well done, team. With the sorcerer defeated, you’ve cleared one of the major obstacles in this campaign. Let’s pause here for now, I’m sure your legs must be killing you.” 

With a short break in session, [Y/N] decided to have a breath of fresh air on the rooftop nearby. She was dubbed the hero of the campaign, and yet her mind could only think about Wriothesley’s comment accompanying Lyney’s grasp on her hands. 

Ever since coming to terms with her crush, she had done her best to keep her feelings in check. There had been situations where she simply needed to push the feverish feelings in her chest aside for the sake of the group. 

The cool evening breeze was a welcome reprieve from the energetic atmosphere of the clubroom. [Y/N] leaned against the railing, looking at the setting sun. She sighed, letting the air calm her racing thoughts. It’s just a game, she told herself. We are close friends, that’s all. Don’t overthink it. But Wriothesley’s comment had planted a seed that was difficult to ignore. 

“Figured I’d find you here,” A familiar voice called out. [Y/N] turned to see Lyney stepping onto the rooftop, his charming smirk softening into something more genuine. “Needed to calm your mind after pulling that action back there?” 

She laughed, brushing her hair away from her face. “Let’s say that’s it.” 

He walked over, leaning on the railing beside her. “That really was an incredible play you did there. Honestly, I thought I was done for.” 

“I just got lucky with rolls, that’s all.” She said, trying to downplay her achievement. 

Lyney shook his head, a playful glint in his eyes. “Sure, luck might’ve been part of it, but you’ve got great instincts. You saved me back there, as you have the tendency to do so even outside games. For that, I’m grateful.” 

His sincerity caught her off guard. She glanced at him, and for a moment, they held each other’s gaze. The oranges and reds of the setting sun seemed to highlight every detail of his features — the curve of his lips, the sparkle in his violet eyes. 

“Oh please,” She started, breaking the tension. “Says the guy who saved me from an actual kidnapper.” 

“And I’d do it again in a heartbeat.” He replied, his voice quieter now. He looked at her with an expression she couldn’t quite read. It was hanging on a thread between simple gratitude and something deeper. 

[Y/N] felt her heart skip a beat. She turned her gaze back to the sky, trying to compose the heat she felt rising to her cheeks. “Should I hold you to it?” 

Lyney laughed softly. “Of course. I’m a man of my word, [Y/N].” He placed his hand on his chest, leaving his sincerity for all to witness. 

The two stood in comfortable silence for a while, the sounds of night’s arrival filling the air. 

“You know,” He said after a moment, his tone thoughtful. “That comment Wriothesley made back there — you know about what — what do you think about that?” 

Her breath caught in her throat. She turned to him unsure of how to respond. “I think he was just teasing, considering everything we went through,” She said carefully. “But, well, you know him better than me.” 

Lyney nodded, his smirk returning. “That guy loves to tease. Especially me. But…” He leaned slightly closer, voice dropping to a soft murmur. “If it were true, would that be so bad?” 

[Y/N] felt her cheeks heat up, her heart pounding in her chest. She opened her mouth to reply, but no reply came out. She was just left there frozen, staring at him agape trying to process his words. The implication hung in the air between them, a delicate thread stretched taut by the weight of unsaid feelings. Lyney’s gaze stayed fixed on her, a mixture of hope and vulnerability flickering in his eyes. 

He gave a soft chuckle, a sound that carried so much anxiety. “I didn’t mean to put you on the spot,” He said, stepping back slightly. “I just… well, fuck, I have never asked anyone out on a date, sorry.” 

[Y/N] finally found her voice, though it was barely above a whisper. “Sorry, I just— I… That was unexpected to hear.” She turned to face him, meeting his gaze head-on. “A date, huh?” 

Lyney tilted his head, looking at the girl with confusion and nervousness in his eyes. “Yeah— Only if you want to, I mean!” 

“I…” She began, her voice trembling slightly. “I think I’d like that.” 

𝑇𝐴𝐺𝐿𝐼𝑆𝑇 — CLOSED

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date of posting — 4th december 2024