#i don't need more ideas but I'm gathering them all like a hoarder.

[castlebyersafterdark]

thinking about will staying at the wheelers and sharing a bed with mike and in the middle of the night mike starts jerking off beside will thinking he's asleep and wills just panicking internally and trying his best to pretend he's sleeping while hearing mikes hand under the blanket and soft panting

Immediately I am shamelessly adding this to my wip list to actually write it long form because it's soooooo goooood, love this scenario. I feel I've read several fics where Mike and Will are sharing the room/bed and it's usually Mike who does something unintentionally in his sleep whilst having a dream. But I like the idea that Mike can't just not indulge, I mean, you'd be used to having your own room. You're young and your thoughts and urges race, and this close proximity is a blessing and a massive curse. Will seemed to be asleep, Mike just can't ignore the state he's in. It's not as satisfying running off to the bathroom, or waiting for the shower, especially with the familiarity of his comfortable bed, now so warm with shared body heat. So he indulges. Quietly, not frantic. Just enough to get off and satiate the need for the moment, because there's no way he can fall back asleep until he takes care of himself.

And Will. So not asleep. Lying back to back. Will tries to lie as still as possible but how still is too still, how can he pretend to be sleeping when he can barely breathe. He feels so guilty listening but what's he supposed to do? Roll over and whisper in Mike's ear "here, let me help you with that?" Join in and get himself off, too? He hears the sound of Mike's strained breath, the tiniest escape of a whimper, the soft of skin moving over skin and it makes his face so hot and flushed. The movements shifting the shared blankets. And he's hard now too, and it's killing him to ignore this. Ooh, what if Mike breathes out Will's name?

There's so many directions something like this could take, it's the world's horniest choose your own adventure story:

Will ignores everything and he's turned on and miserable and confused, forces himself to fall asleep or just lies there and stares at the wall until Mike's finished (and oh god, hearing that is both the highlight and biggest nightmare of Will's complicated young life).

He gets off, too. Also trying to be as quiet as possible. Does Mike now notice? Does he ignore it, too, also horrified but secretly delighted and turned on even more? They're both there indulging and thinking this is just what guys do, it's not that weird, they've just silently given each other permission that it's ok to take care of themselves int he night, both not knowing they are guiltily fantasizing about the other. Oh boy. You could solve so many problems if you both just turned around!!

Will, fully insane, snaps and does turn over, pressed to Mike's back. Mike, initially so startled and terrified, relaxes once Will shushes him and soothes his panic, wraps an arms around his chest to draw him close, tells him it's ok. And he kisses his neck while running a hand lower, until Mike take his offered hand and guides him to wrap around himself, getting him off together now. And then Mike returns the favor of course.

Or I could write all three, each a different what if scenario chapter. Starting with sad angst and then ending with pure spice hahaha

[gabriel-xander]

I Wish You Died Instead Ch. 5

[Scaramouce x Fem!Reader]

A/N: I started writing this before all of his lore came out/Before the last Sumeru Archon quest, so there will be a handful of inconsistency later on. My advice to you? Just go with it!

{Also on Quotev, Ao3, and Wattpad under Gabriel Xander}

Chapter 5: Played Like The Cheap Kazoo You Are

One thing you can appreciate about Scaramouche is his guts. That man has nerves of steel like you wouldn't believe. And in an act of mercy, you were allowed to look away during his massacre.

"Help me gather them up."

".................I don't want to-"

"-HUH!?"

"My Lord, with all due respect..." You grimace with judgement as he hauls the bloody boar over his shoulder with ease, "That's really fucking gross."

"Quit your bitching. I already did you the favor of not helping me kill these things," Scaramouche frowns, "I order you to help me carry these back to the camp."

You roll your eyes before grabbing the other dead boar by the legs, swinging it over your shoulder.

"It's a Goddamn miracle that I haven't beaten the shit out of you yet," The Harbinger comments while you whine about the blood.

You deadpan, "I must be blessed."

It was the next morning of staying with Isaac, Ivan, and Noah, the Treasure Hoarders that had been so kind to allow you and Scaramouche to stay with them.

Noah was a person of interest; he was one the Treasure Hoarder's that was responsible for your misfortune. He didn't seem to recognize you both as Fatui, hopefully it stays that way for a while longer. You two are hoping that bringing them food and furs would get them to trust you a little more.

You wince in pain and stop walking for a moment, breathing through your nose to calm your nerves. Your injury still hurts, you haven't gotten the opportunity to properly heal yourself yet.

"What's the matter with you?" Scaramouche turns around when he notices you stopped.

"Nothing, My Lord," You sigh, starting your walk once more, "Just wondering how we'll learn anything from Noah."

He frowns, "Any ideas?"

"I don't know, I thought... He showed, like... a fraction of interest in me, I thought I could use, like... my woman-ness on him?"

"...Your what??"

"My womanly charms! I don't know! Seduce him or whatever!"

"..." Scaramouche squints at you with disbelief, "You want to whore yourself out to get some intel?"

You scoff, "Well, when you say it like that-"

"-No, you're not doing that," Scaramouche protested, "Anyway, you can't do that even if you wanted to. I told him you were my girlfriend."

Oh, right.

You sigh, "And I thought I would be able to forget about it easily."

"And what the hell is that supposed to mean?"

You shake your head, "Nothing, forget it. I don't really have any ideas, anyway."

You adjust your hold on the dead animal as you two walk in angry silence. Not a day goes by that you wish you were literally anywhere else but here. Hopefully Scaramouche had a plan, you honestly didn't know where to go from here.

"You might have to whore out." He says suddenly.

"Ah, so like a normal day then."

"......What?"

"I'm joking."

You were not.

"I liked it better when you didn't talk," The Balladeer huffs.

"Honestly, me too."

——

You and your superior had to stay another night with the Treasure Hoarders as the storm came back that evening. Luckily, you were all able to relocate to a small cave nearby before it got too bad. That also meant you did most of the heavy lifting as you're a strong, independent woman who don't need no man.

Scaramouche sat close by the fire to make sure it didn't die, and to try and eavesdrop on Isaac, Ivan, and Noah. You sat by the fire as well, but you were more focused on the letter you were writing to your best friend, Kazuki.

Which is fucking stupid, Nao!! It literally means Pants! The Tsaritsa is epic and all, don't get me wrong. But fucking Pantalone??? She couldn't give him a better title?? This has been bothering me forever and I need to say it if no one else will!!

With that said, yes. I DO want to wear a suit when we go see your sister in Sumeru soon. We should totally match, too. Maybe she'll think we're together and finally leave you alone about you being a lonely fuck.

Speaking of which, you know what Lord Scaramouche did?? The audacity of some bitches, I swear to the Gods-

"[Y/n]."

"Hm?" You lift your head, making eye contact with Scaramouche who was across from you, "Yes, Kuni?"

He scrunches his nose, "Kuni?"

You look around, finally noticing that it was just you and him. "Oh, damn. Where did they go?"

"Gods, you're such an airhead."

You smack your lips at his comment, "Did you need something, Kunikuzushi?"

He rolls his eyes, "They left so I can attend to your wound. Get over here so I can clean it."

You sigh, setting down your paper and pencil while making sure it won't suddenly fly into the fire. It would be too inconvenient to rewrite it all. You start removing your coat and shirt as you walk around the fire to sit by Scaramouche.

He works silently and efficiently. You've never seen this man bleed or bruise before, and his body is a little abnormally solid. You doubt he's ever taken an injury based on his seemingly perfect skin.

And yet... You've never once had a wound so gently attended to the way Scaramouche is doing now.

"What were you writing? A report?" He asks, confusing you as he hates small talk.

"Uh, a report on my feelings and emotions, yeah."

"You keep a diary?"

"Ew, no," You quickly reject the notion, "I'm writing to Kazuki. He works under Lord Ch-erm, Lord Tartaglia."

"You should keep your work life and personal life separate."

"You're the one who asked, sir."

"Whatever."

You had to bite your tongue as he cleaned your injury. The pain was bearable, but you were also a little bitch that likes to whine at any minor inconvenience. You hate the silence, and you wish you can at least hum to yourself, no matter if you're good at singing or not, but you know damn well that you already showed too much personality to this bitch ass man.

"Hey!!"

"The fuck?!"

You jerk around to glare at your boss with a flustered expression, "Can you not do that?!"

Scaramouche holds his hands up in confusion, "The hell are you talking about?!"

"You-When you just–" You mimic his previous action with your hands mid-air, moving your hands slowly in a similar silhouette of your own figure, "–The way you ran your hands up and down my sides! It-It was way too gentle!!"

By the look on his face, you can tell that even Scaramouche wasn't aware that he was doing it. He must've been lost in thought and did it subconsciously.

"I-I-"

"-Some people are ticklish, okay!!" You huff out in frustration, "Next time you do something like that, keep that in mind!"

"..."

"..."

You can practically see the cogs turn in his head. You raise an eyebrow.

That... is not what he thought you were upset about. Whether you were saving him from the embarrassment of being caught admiring how nice your skin is, or you genuinely thought he did it by accident, he didn't know.

And frankly? He didn't have the guts to find out the truth.

"Uh, okay. I'll–keep that in mind..."

You nod in satisfaction. You look down at your side, poking at the gauze taped over your wound.

"You're done, right? Thanks!"

You stand up and reach over to grab your shirt when the Universe decides it wants to mess with you just a little more. Isaac, Ivan, and Noah enter the tent laughing with each other, though they quiet down when they see you without your shirt and only your arm covering your titties.

You all stare at each other in silence, the three men becoming more red and flustered the longer they stare, and Scaramouche gains an unreadable expression. Your gaze flickers to him, trying to remind him that "hey, you're supposed to be my boyfriend, probably do something?"

Reading what you had in mind, finally the Balladeer catches on and stands up with a pissed off look.

"THE HELL ARE YOU LOOKING AT?!?! GET OUT!!"

"SORRY!!!"

———— Two Months Later ————

You slam the empty shot glass down on the counter, your gaze mindlessly wandering off to nothing in particular as you try desperately to forget the things you've seen today.

Scaramouche is not known for his patience, and out of all the Harbingers, he's definitely the least likable. But there's something you didn't think you'd ever take for granted, and that was his strange consideration for your feelings when it comes to-

"Cheer up, [L/n]. It wasn't that bad."

You roll your eyes and motion for the bartender to come over. "Easy for you to say. Some of us have morals and values, especially when it comes to human lives."

The bartender pours you your fourth shot of the night, you're finally beginning to feel a little tipsy from drinking straight Fire Water. You knock it back like a champ and semi-slam the glass back down.

"Ouch, is that judgment I hear?"

You look at your temporary comrade with a deadpan look, "What do you think, Soto?"

He laughs at your words, not feeling perturbed at all.

Amatista Soto, a man born and raised in Natlan only to somehow get involved with the Fatui. You don't know his story, other than the fact he has a Pyro vision and is most likely a fucking sociopath. You don't doubt that the only reason he joined the Fatui was so that he could kill people under the protection of the Fatui and the Tsaritsa.

His skin is medium brown with a beauty mark under his right eye. His very wavy hair was always tied back in a low ponytail, but that didn't make it look neater. He always wore an Iris flower behind his right ear, too. You have to admit that it brought out his vibrant eyes, the color of amethyst. That's probably how he was named, too.

You hated that he was attractive with a tall, large build. Made you hate him even more because how are you going to be a hot motherfucker who's so evil-

Under orders of Pierro, Scaramouche was sent somewhere unknown. You tried asking the Balladeer of his soon-to-be whereabouts, but all he did was shake his head in response. In the meantime, he ordered you to assist any other Harbinger so that your skill isn't wasted while you wait for him to come back.

——

"And... when WILL you be back, sir?" You had asked the day he left, accidentally showing concern.

Scaramouche sighed and shook his head, "I don't know. But... My advice is: don't wait for me. I could be gone for a VERY long time."

"Oh... O-Okay," You nodded, "Good luck, sir. And be careful."

He smirked, "You almost sound like someone who cares. Don't let me catch you getting soft again, [L/n]."

"Hmph! In your dreams."

——

After dealing with Noah and the other Treasure Hoarders (a memory you desperately are trying to forget due to how it ended), you started working under various Harbingers (minus Childe since he was still in Liyue).

Well, every Harbinger other than Dottore, though. You don't understand Scaramouche's resentment to the second Harbinger, but you don't question his demands as he is your superior.

Currently, you are working under the Knave, or at least, you think you are? You haven't been given direct orders from her yet, and the most you have done for her so far is fucking paper work.

"I'm going back to the Zapolyarny Palace," You sigh, pushing yourself off the stool, "Then I'm going to pass the fuck out."

"Have a good night!" "Bah."

———— Two Months Later ————

You wait patiently by the door for La Signora to be finished talking with Pantalone about some fundings, Il Dottore was with them, too. You were about to head off to Fontaine with Arlecchino, but she tells you there's a sudden change of plans, and that she was handing you off to the Fair Lady.

You were so lucky that your mask was hiding your deadpan expression. You asked her why you were suddenly being handed off to the 8th Harbinger, but Arlecchino just dismisses you with "she needs a new assistant since her last one died in Mondstadt."

...

HOW REASSURING!!

You were zoning out, a skill you learned in the Fatui so that you can be oblivious to the Harbinger's business. Unless it involves you directly, you don't want to know what their personal goals are.

You start to gnaw at your bottom lip. You are curious about this "Traveler" you keep hearing about, though. Apparently, La Signora has had an encounter with this blond haired person and their flying fairy while snatching the Gnosis from poor Barbatos. Barbatos... Barbie toes... Barbs... Barbara...

"Are you deaf?"

"Huh?"

You blink rapidly and look at who's talking to you.

La Signora, Pantalone, and Il Dottore were just staring at you now. Pantalone and the Doctor looked amused at your obliviousness. La Signora? Not so much.

"Oh, my apologies. I was lost in thought," You hold up the small stack of papers, "Here is the proper documentation on my temporary recruitment. I look forward to working with you, my Fair Lady."

"Hmph," The 8th Harbinger doesn't bother with the papers even though she requested them, "The Balladeer spoke highly of your abilities despite not having a Vision or a Delusion. So tell me, what exactly is it about you that is so praise worthy?"

"I was surprised as well to hear how high he puts you in regards. I never heard of a Harbinger having this much trust in anyone, even more so in a low ranking Fatui," Pantalone comments, "Then we hear from the Knave that you are quite competent, even in her standards?"

"It is hard not to be curious." Il Dottore adds.

"To be frank, I am just his secretary more than anything else. I take care of all his paperwork, I'm his messenger, I'm the commander of his Skirmishers, and I give orders to the lower ranks on his behalf." You shake your head, "Very seldomly would I go out on the front lines myself. I can probably count the amount of times I went into battle myself on both hands."

Which to the normal person, that is a lot. But for a Fatui? That's practically zero. And in all honesty, for anyone else, it'd be unacceptable.

Scaramouche is not known for his patience, and out of all the Harbingers, he's definitely the least likable. But there's something you didn't think you'd ever take for granted, and that was his strange consideration for your feelings when it comes to violence,

Never once had he actually forced you to hurt someone if you didn't want to, and he never made you kill anyone either. Anytime you had to hurt someone, it was self defense. And anytime you kill someone...

Well, you do your best to repress those memories.

Working for the other Harbinger's made you realize you took that silent consideration for granted. Since all these fuckers want from you is violence.

"I see. So it's safe to say you are what makes him look good from the shadows," Pantalone puts a hand to his chin.

"Not at all. Lord Scaramouche has done a lot more than I. Really, I only take care of the boring things." You redirect your attention to the woman, "If I may, my Fair Lady, can I know why you have requested my assistance so suddenly?"

"Simple really. I haven't gotten the chance to personally witness what makes you so great. It'd be a shame if you went off to Fontaine for who knows how long before I got the chance to use you."

Mmmm pues.

"I-I see. Well, I hope I can meet your expectations," You force a smile, "Is there anything else you need?"

"Yes, pack your things," La Signora smirks slyly, "We're going to Liyue."

....

SHIIIT.

[universestreasures]

@enterpainment (Nobles Apples, Because We Need More Of Them)

Ever since the day Yugo managed to overload his inhibitor collar by sheer force of will, Rin couldn't stop thinking about it and what it meant for their current situation. All this time, she thought the work of her father and Dr. Faker was perfect, ones with no noticeable flaws to exploit. And yet, through sheer force of will and dragonic instinct, her retainer was able to break through the inhibitor and utilize some of his true powers in a moment when he thought she was in danger. She knew dragons were resilient and unpredictable creatures, but even she was caught off guard by the act.

It meant there was a chance, a chance at freedom at long last from this gilded prison she called home...

The following days were filled with almost nothing but reading, Rin studying every single book in the library she could find that might garner some useful information as to how to make a counter to her bracelet and his newly upgraded collar. She had always been the best student of the four teen Akaba daughters and her ability to absorb and gather information rivaled even that of Ray and Reiji, especially when she was motivated. And never in her life has she been so focused, for she had a true reason to learn.

Though, it didn't mean that such a process was simple. Distractions were plentiful, mainly coming from the pouting and confused dragon who accompanied her as she read. Yugo couldn't read human, meaning he could be of no help in the search of information. The girl could tell that bothered him. He's had a desire since day one to help her out in any way he can. More times than not it was either not needed or caused trouble, but his heart was in the right place and she wanted to give him a chance to do something than just sit and look like her like a kicked puppy.

That's when, after seeing a specific picture of a magical geode in one of her books, Rin gets an idea, one that would allow him a chance to contribute to their escape plan that no one would find suspicious.

"Yugo, I think I know now just what you can help me with." She grabs her book and stands up from her seat, moving instead to sit next to him on the floor. "You know how you're really good at finding things? Well, if we're going to make something to help us reach our goal, then we're going to need to find and gather a lot of special materials. And I don't think there is anyone I know who is better at that than you, Mr. Hoarder."

Rin then opens her book to the page she was on before she points to the picture of a blue geode with a green crystal inside. "Do you think you can find me this and bring it back to your treasure trove in my room? This estate has tons of enchanted nature materials that my father uses for his research, so I'm sure we have this somewhere. Probably near the waterfall pond if I had to guess."

[practically-an-x-man]

Sometimes I try to give my ocs interests that aren't ones I'm into so they're more their own person rather than a self insert. Do any of your characters have interests in things you'd never really be super into?

ooh that's a really great question! genuinely making me think over here bestie

So the short answer is: not exactly. For one thing, I'm a very curious person and I like to gather skills. There are very few things that I'd be genuinely uninterested in learning more about. And second, I absolutely get the idea of giving an OC an alternate interest so they'll be less like a self-insert, but I find for myself that introducing one of my own interests/passions can make the character more passionate and motivated, and therefore more lifelike. I don't include all of my interests, but I implement them in bits and pieces

That being said, I have two characters who are mechanics (AJ and Indigo), but I don't have much interest in mechanics past being able to fix up my own vehicle for the basic things when needed. I can change a tire and jump an engine, but it's not a major passion of mine.

I also have a couple characters who pickpocket (Quinn as her main shtick, Robin as a spare skill that Peter taught her), but my only interest in that would be just to say I know how to do it, not for any serious thing. I do know how to pick locks, though - I had a friend teach me how, again just to say that I know how.

There are definitely some pastimes that I don't have passion for, but those are pretty few and far between. I'm a hoarder of random skills, if I can learn how to do something I absolutely will.

[lunaastoir]

I recently discovered your blog, and I have an idea for a request! So, say that both Mondstadt and Liyue both hold a festival together or an event. Both Xinyan and Barbara are going to perform and the reader is going to help them. By like providing vocals or just helping them perform in general. A couple of days before the big day happens there's a note from the treasure hoarders (you can change it to something else like the Abyss Mages or something if that's easier for you) claiming they're going to take Barbara. Everyone just shoves it off to the side and then behind the scenes crew doesn't tell anyone so they don't cause panic for people. Especially since it's going to be a large crowd since both people from Liyue and Mondstadt. During the performance, while on stage the reader sees an arrow heading towards Barbara, and to prevent it from hitting her they casually push Barbara but it looks like a hug so people don't notice it. The reader is soon leaves the performance so they can catch the person who tried shooting Barbara. Their S/O (your character of choice) chases after them since they don't know where they're going and since they left the performance very early. Could you perhaps write their reactions to what the reader did? Like leaving the performance early and trying to catch up with them as they see them running somewhere? Feel free to change any of the details if you need to! This might not make that much sense so sorry about that. You could also choose any character since I'm not picky. Thanks in advance, and can I become 🌊 Anon? ^^

so sorry this is so late 🌊 anon!! things have been super busy - hope you still like it tho <3 

THIS SCENARIO IS SO SPECIFIC I LOVE IT

reqs: open!

gn! reader

characters included: diluc, kaeya, xiao, and ningguang

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you loaded up the last batch of qingxin flowers in your basket. god, you hoped this was enough for barbara to finish her performance with. the idea to conduct a festival with xinyan and barbara as the main performers was one coined by jean. she believed that it might help boost peoples spirits - especially after the havoc dvalin left behind. the suggestion to include liyue in the celebrations however, was all venti’s doing. after hearing the state liyue was in with the supposed death of their archon, the bard decided that liyue could partake in the fun as well, a win for both nations. the first combined liyustadt festival and hopefully, not the last. to others, perhaps the stiffness in your posture, the sheen of sweat on your hands, or the crease between your brow could be attributed to the stress of planning such an event. after all, this had never been done before. however, your stress was on something else entirely. the note the treasure hoarders had threatened barbara with weighed heavily on your mind. the threat detailed that they would attack if the show went on, yet nothing had happened and while precautions were made, you still couldn’t shake the pit in your stomach. you were taken out of your reverie as xinyan beckoned you on stage with the opening of the curtains in the back. putting on a sweet smile you waved to the crowd as they roared, the hero of mondtadt and liyue was in front of them after all. handing the delicate basket to barbara, you turned to make your way off the stage, before you felt chills up your spine. 

there.

the whizzing sound of bark slipped crisply through the air as you quickly made to gently push barbara away from the arrow’s path. the quizzical look on the young idol’s face was immediately conformed into fear as she heard the dull thud of the arrow hitting the back wall. flashing the crowd a smile, you gave her a reassuring look before rushing off the stage in your best, nothing-is-wrong walk. gathering your travel sack and weaponry, you quickly darted off into the woods, determined to catch the culprit. unbeknownst to you however, a pair of eyes had already followed your movements and was making their way towards you. 

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diluc

“love, where are you going?”

long legs quickened their pace as diluc found his words met with silence. your figure was rapidly disappearing among the trees as he raced after you with questions blowing through his mind. you had your weapons and travel sack, all things you didn’t have on you during the performance, he noted. he was aware something must have been detrimentally wrong if you were to take off in the middle of a performance where you were an honored guest. you would have informed someone beforehand if something was terribly urgent so why were you running like your life depended on it? 

it was only a matter of time before diluc caught up to you, however he didn’t stop you. he kept up with your strides as he inquired as to what was wrong. 

with your response, it would only strengthen his resolve to help you, not that he was ever planning on doing anything other than that. he slipped the weight of your travel sack on his shoulders before moving ahead. 

“treasure hoarders you say? follow me darling, there’s only one place with enough tree coverage to launch an arrow straight into the performance”

kaeya

“woah, in a hurry now aren't we?” 

a lazy smirk dripped over his lips as mischief burned in his eyes. now where were you going so fast?

kaeya didn’t have to run, he knew how to track. it also helped that he knew these woods like the back of his hand from the amount of dealings he’s made here. at first, he had assumed you were just running an errand, considering he had only briefly caught sight of your figure rushing through the trees. as he gets closer however, the mischief burns away into confusion, and then seriousness. why...were you wearing your gloves? wasn’t this just a trip to get more flowers? he’ll start to speed up after realizing the weight of the situation. as his feet catch up to yours he’ll place an arm on your bicep, slowing you down slightly. 

“something’s wrong, i assume? give me the ten second version”

as soon as he hears your recap, he’ll shoot off in a side path. you stared at him with widened eyes as he took you further into the thick of leaves. his fingers tangled in yours before he offered a quiet, “do you trust me?”

you did. 

xiao

“i’ve told you, if you ever require my service, speak my name”

xiao had immediately rushed to where you were in a blink of an eye. he had known something was wrong from the moment he could sense a change in your energy, the connection between you was too strong after all. without sparing another second, he flew to where you were, mindful as to not startle you. tangling his pinky with yours, he stopped you completely. 

“i know who did it. there is no need for you to go.”

the confusion on your face must have betrayed you as he quickly explained that he had seen the arrow make it’s way towards barbara before you pushed her out of the way. he had already tracked where the culprit was and planned to take them out himself. so as a result, there was no need for you to put yourself in harm’s way. 

the way your eyes softened when you lightly put your hands on his cheeks confused him. why weren’t you going back?

“xiao we talked about this. i can take care of myself, you don’t need to protect me”

your affectionate voice made his hands come up to his cheeks to clasp your own. 

“i know, but humans are just so fragile...”

his voice trailed off and you brought your hands down to link your pinkies with his again. 

“i’ll always be here, don’t worry”

he knew that one day you wouldn’t be, it was the tragedy of mortal life after all. but as he let you take him through the forest, weapons in hand, he thought maybe it wasn’t so bad to let you take the lead for once. 

ningguang

“you can stop, i’ve already sent the millelith to deal with them”

your pace slowed to a halt as her words hit your ears. keqing had already let her know of the threat when the millelith had reported suspicious individuals. the tianquan had made a mental note before telling a handful of her guards to stay alert in case she needed to send them in. when she saw the arrow hit the backboard, a silent flick of her wrist sent the guards dispersing through the crowd, ready to apprehend the foes. 

you sighed, sometimes you wished she would tell you these things beforehand. 

your urge to talk back died as soon as you met her eyes. the affection in them as she raised her hand out to you was a rare sight for others, but a common one behind closed doors for you. a small smile appeared on your lips as she pulled you close to her, slipping a qingxin flower in your hair. 

“why don’t we watch the rest of the performance hmm?”

[its-snicket-here]

Dumb ideas dump for Genshin Impact

[Genshin Impact Reader Ideas]

Ms Hina! Reader w/ or w/o Gorou's help

Abyss Mage! Reader

Treasure Hoarder! Reader

Abyss! Archon! Reader

Grandma! Reader (Strictly platonic like Mom!Reader from my -very slow ass progress- Overlord Idea)

[Genshin Impact Events Idea]

Daffodils: Reader is either an old lady or a very young child, like Flora, that owns an adventures resting pit stop/shop. The store do have a huge backyard that contains many cooking pits for adventures that wants to cook for themselves with tables near by. A weeping willow that houses a gravestone inside the leafy dome could be seen besides the shop. It's highly known with also Daffodils that springs through the roofing and around the shop.

Old! Reader: Often times, you would see her telling stories about the olden days of Teyvat very fondly, as if she witnessed it. Remembering every little details from her stories to even describing the personal life of the archons personally. Often is the one pouring tea and works alone, despite making mentions about working with another person in the shop. Though if you're lucky enough, you may have catch a glimpse a splitting image of a younger version of herself somewhere in the shop before disappearing from sight.

Child! Reader: Unlike her older counterpart, where she tell tales. She is the one that listen to the tales from others. Very laxed child, but curious. Often times would be bouncing through with adventurers asking them about their travels, and possibly about their fights with hiluchurls other things. Big or small. She'll listen. She also works with another person, though never made an appearance with the adventurers. You would occasionally hear her talk about the person that she works with, but never dig too deep about the person. Though if you're lucky enough, you may have catch a glimpse a splitting image of an older version of herself somewhere in the shop before disappearing from sight.

Both ages are shrouded with mystery, as nobody knows about who Reader is or even the tales that entangles with her. All they know about the reader is that she's delightful to be around with, whether posing as a child or an old woman. Though at night, you wouldn't see the Reader; no matter how hard you try. She seems to disappear from sight, until the next day, she appears.

"You ask for my story?" You asked softly. Your hands wrapped around the handle of the pot, feeling the bumps of the the polished bamboo rubbing smoothly against the pads of your thumb. Your guest nodded, curious for the stories about the lady that runs the stop. You laughed softly, sounding like the small bells that rests behind the entrance of the door. The stars glittered through the night, giving the shop a much more warm look to it. The lanterns shined brightly, painting the whole room in a soft orange hue. Flickering and dancing in the cold air of the night.

"I'm just an old woman, nothing more. I work in the day and rest at night. I have no need for mora nor priceless treasures that resides in. I enjoy with what I have and I wish for that to stay like that."

"Hm?"

"What's the matter?"

"You saw a child?"

"I'm afraid the tiredness of the night is getting to you. Come, I'll clean up for you."

"Where is my family?" You asked. You tilted your head, seeming unsure to answer quickly to the guest in front of you. Your guest nodded, worried for your safety for being alone in the middle of nowhere with all the dangers that nestles through the Great Plains of Teyvat. Smiled softly, eyes looming over your small teapot. The bamboo handle glossed brightly in the light of the dazing sun, glowing in a soft hue of orange. Your family...

"My family is here. They just busy today, adventurer. Out to get supplies for the shop. You don't need to worry about me, besides, I have you guys inside to help me!"

"Huh?"

"Why do you look so surprised?"

"You.... saw an old lady?"

"I think you might hit your head on something, adventurer. My grandma is out in the fields, gathering rice for wine. Perhaps you should sleep. It's getting late anyways..."

[phantombmoll]

#The fic that didn't have a name has a name now! Also Is it dark? Yeah Is it hella dark? Maybe I don't think I'll have to put trigger warnings on this because it's more about Peggy and Ted, the investigation is just the thing that brings them together in the first place annnnnnddddddd I think this fic should average at about ten chapters or so when finished, maybe more though. I'm just kind of letting the words and characters carry me along at this point. Reignite - available on AO3 - https://archiveofourown.org/works/30941900/chapters/79329064

#Ted Hastings x OC - Part Two

“You moved in here?” Ted asked, looking around as Peggy fiddled about in her handbag. She brought out a key chain that seemed stuffed. It jangled as she searched for the right one and a smile twitched at the corners of Ted’s mouth. Hardly inconspicuous.

“No, no it’s just-” Peggy paused sliding the key into the lock. “If someone’s watching the house I’d rather them watch this one.” She admitted, stepping over the threshold. A lamp was already on and Ted suspected timers to make it appear someone was still here. Ted wasn’t sure what he’d expected to find, maybe more clutter, something like hoarders. Newspapers taped to walls. The hallway was clear though. A stretching corridor that ran past the stairs and to the back of the house where Ted could see the kitchen.

His timer theory was confirmed as Peggy turned right and he spotted the plug in the wall.

The house was just big enough for its purpose. A living/dining area with a long polished table to the right. The corridor and stairs took the middle of the house and to the left was Peggy’s fathers office and then the kitchen.

On stepping in the open living/dining space looked, for a better word normal. Bookshelves, a wide telly that Ted imagined the footie looked great on. Nik nacks and pictures littered the walls. A glass bookcase contained memorabilia. As Ted turned back towards the wall the door he’d come through was on, a mosaic of paperwork blossomed. Peggy turned over a few paintings and then to Ted’s surprise pushed a bookcase on wheels out of the way revealing more.

“Jesus, Mary and Joseph you weren’t wrong about there being a lot here.” Ted breathed. His eyes didn’t know where to land first.

“I’ll get you a drink.” Peggy said her heels clipping along the polished wooden floor until she must have removed them.

Ted moved towards the wall starting to glance over the patchwork of paperwork in front of him. There were, he noted, albeit hidden, gruesome crime scene pictures. Markers on them indicated they were copies, probably from Peggy’s fathers legal practice.

There were symbols circled in red pen, missing persons posters, autopsies, grainy cctv print outs, newspaper clippings. Things were highlighted and connected but for now Ted had no real idea what he was looking at. There was a face he recognised though. Tommy Hunter. A red thread made its way from an outer circle of photographs to another man Ted didn’t recognise.

“Here.” Peggy returned, handing him a whisky in a glass tumbler.

“You remember how I like it.” Ted said, glancing down.

“And what you like.” Peggy nodded towards the glass, encouraging him to take a sip. In her hand she had what Ted suspected was cider.

“Is that your mother?” Ted asked, leaning in towards a picture on the board.

“She’s what got this whole thing started. Well Richard was.”

“Yeah well your da never took that divorce very well.”

“Yeah but that’s not why this started. Richard was creepy, as were his sons.” Peggy rubbed the back of her neck uncomfortably and Ted watched her for a minute. “She’s in the Bahamas now I think, mum, some business tycoon called Henry or something.”

“How many times has she been married now?” Ted asked with a brow raised.

“If she marries this one it’ll be six and honestly I’m surprised the police haven’t been onto her yet because it gets a bit black widowy after the third.” Peggy chuckled.

“God that’s not what all this is is it?” Ted asked, gesturing to the wall. Peggy laughed and shook her head but when she looked up at the wall her face fell a little. Something went out behind her eyes and Ted felt it down in his gut. He knew that look. It was the look of someone who knew about evils, knew people were still being hurt but was having to play a waiting game. He knew that look because he’d worn that look himself.

“My dad heard a rumour before he retired. A rumour about Richard Bank’s grandson. A party that got out of hand, all the gossip said it was drugs and violence and it just needed to be hushed up and it was. Dad found out later they paid off journalists, doctors, a few nurses. Which is nothing major in the grand scheme of things. Rich kids causing trouble then parents throwing money at it, is nothing new. Then just after retirement he overheard at an event that Banks' son, Andrew, was in trouble again. Something to do with a party.”

“Anyway dad, put it down to rumour mongering but things kept coming up and he ended up doing a little digging. He was just curious. Cut to a few years later. Must have been about 8 years ago now. Dad was doing some pro-bono work, an old lawyer that Dad had grown up knowing. The guy starts babbling incoherently, asking if Lucy’s okay, if she’s alright, that he didn’t mean to hurt her. Before dad can get his phone out the nurses come in, say something about watching Dracula and my dad is shuffled out. Dad said he couldn’t get it out of his head though. He couldn’t get out of his head how distressed his old friend had looked. So he started pulling on a thread and this is what he wound up with.” Peggy gestured to the papers around them. “It’s like a club Ted, and they hold ‘pleasure’ parties and gatherings and god knows what else.”

Peggy inhaled, then took a drink. How many times must she have gone over this and still the thought made her sick. It was then Ted knew something much worse than just drugs and gangsters was coming.

“It’s not about power, well, I suppose it is but not in the sense of what I’ve seen before. It’s not about money or blackmail or drugs. It’s about blood and pain and leaving humanity at the door.” Peggy paused for a minute and closed her eyes, holding her drink to her like it might save her from whatever was running through her head.

“From what we can gather it’s an anything goes situation. Whatever you want, they’ll get it. Whatever you want to do or try or indulge in, they will give it to you. You give them a fee and you walk into a room where anything goes and you can call yourself a god.”

“And I know what you’re thinking. People like Tommy Hunter and his friends have parties like that all the time. You hear about it from the poor victims but this isn’t some side operation this is the whole operation Ted. All they do is specialise in these parties. Doctors that stitch people up, doctors that forge death certificates, nurses that get medical grade drugs, policemen who falsify documents, lawyers that help keep things in check, funeral homes that burn bodies. It’s a business. A unique one of a kind business with enough people pulling strings and taping mouths shut that the wider world still hasn’t found out about it.”

“Your da thought someone at the firm was involved?” Ted stated more than asked.

“And he started pulling files.”

“And fell down the rabbit hole.” Ted said the skepticism he’d felt in the bar seeming to leach out of him. “I’m going to need another drink.” He said slowly before finishing the whiskey in his glass.