#just xiao being the adorable grumpy cat

[mochinon-yah]

Have this little Cat Maid!Xiao while I'm working on the whole page of them

- 🐠

YOO???? FISH ANON??

what is this adorable creature that you have made- it's absolutely super duper cute 😭😭

my heartt <3333

look at that cute face, the paws too, and then flowy maid dress, the tail- EVERYTHING. IT'S ALL CUTE NSKSQIQJWK

do you know that kind of feeling when you see something that's absolutely adorable and you feel like squishing or crushing the hell out of it? yes. that's the kind of feeling i'm having right now (*TーT)b ♡

i wouldn't mind getting bit by this kind of cat honestly-

[toomanyplotbunnies-sendhelp]

Hello and welcome to Day 4 of "Let's Explore My Plot Bunnies"

Since yesterday's post was Long™️ I decided that the fic idea I wanna put forward today should be more on the short side (like a one-shot or less than 10 chapters short fic) just so I can claim that my brain isn't torturing me with fics ideas of the length and detail like yesterday's (which is a total lie on my part but claiming otherwise makes me feel better)

So, I present to you:

Unwilling cat!Shen Qingqiu and Very exited owner!Shen Yuan (feat. Panicking! Shang Qinghua because the Plot has gone off the rails and the System is having an... aneurysm?)

Edit: As of February 6th, this fic has a title:

"Dogs are dogs, but cats are people"

When Shen Yuan woke up (after he died) he did not expect to see himself in the body of a 12 years old child, all alone in the middle of nowhere. After a very much needed freak out given his circumstances, Shen Yuan did what he always did best: chose one direction and started walking in that direction in search of civilization. When he came across a village, it was not the way the people were dressed nor the way they spoke that surprised him; instead it was the name of the village. A name that he had only read once, in a specific stallion novel that he hated with a passion.

"Well," Shen Yuan thinks sarcastically, "this is fantastic, isn't it?" (At least he can be happy he was reborn as a non-essential character and not someone like the Scum Villain, right?)

With the amount of knowledge accumulated from the stallion novel, Shen Yuan managed to form a golden core in a couple of years and currently roams the lands as a rogue cultivator. He feels way healthier than in his previous life and prefers to stay out of the drama that is the main story line of "Proud Immortal Demon Way."" Why, you ask? Because he already died because he choked. All the deaths in PIDW are 100% worse and more painful. So, no, thank you. He is gonna avoid the Cang Qiong Sect (and all other sects) like the plague.

Two years after he transmigrated in this world, Shen Yuan finds a little white kitty with green eyes that hisses at him like the small little thing is ready to spew poison.

Shen Yuan thinks the little thing - it's a boy - is very much adorable.

Taking the little kitty in his hands, not minding how his claws are piercing through the skin of his palms, Shen Yuan looks at him with a big grin on his face. "Spicy little thing, aren't you?"

The kitten looks at him and lets out a very grumpy "Mrow" before bitting the finger that was massaging under the kitten's chin.

Seems Shen Yuan found himself a new travel companion.

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

Shen Qingqiu is having a bad day. Scratch that - his day is so awful, it is worthy of being put in his "Top Five Most Awful Days".

It started with that idiot Yue Qingyuan calling him "Xiao Jiu" - a name which he hates with his entire being - and telling him he is needed for a mission. Which, fine. It's not that bad.

But then the partner for this mission turned out to be none other than that Bai Zhan Brute of a Man, Liu Qingge. A man with whom he can never get along. But they have been through other missions together even if they have butted heads mid-way through the mission. So, again, nothing really new here.

What was new about his situation is that he is currently stuck as a four legged small animal. Like actually a small animal. And he has no sword anymore... or clothes. And he can't even feel his cultivation.

"Fantastic" he thinks sarcastically as he moves slowly through the crowd of people in search for that Bai Zhan Brute. (Liu Qingge has to be able to recognize him, right? Right?)

He never expected to be picked up by a child no older than that little beast of a desciple he has. He also never expected that, despite all the hissing, bitting, clawing and wiggling he used in order to escape from the kid's hold, the idiotic child (cause there is no way this kid has all mental faculties intact) would just laugh and seem... pleased?.

"This child, Shen Yuan, is weird." Shen Qingqiu concludes in his mind as he looks at the little idiot grinning despite Shen Qingqiu's fangs holding his finger hostage. "And this day is still awful."

(At least he won't starve tonight.)

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

Liu Qingge is not panicking. He really is not.

If that little spoiled young master of a scolar decided to up and leave mid-way through their mission, it's not his problem.

(Shen Qingqiu wouldn't leave during a mission however. That man is way too prideful for that. And he wouldn't leave his sword and clothes behind in the forest either.)

Liu Qingge checks the Warm Red Pavillion anyway; just to be sure that Shen Qingqiu isn't up to his nefarious deeds like before when he caught him sneaking out to drown himself in carnal pleasures.

(Shen Qingqiu is not there. Liu Qingge check the perimeter three times. Still no sign of that spoiled young master. He is getting worried.)

When Liu Qingge comes back to the inn they are staying at, Shen Qingqiu isn't there either. Nor is he there the next day or the day after that.

Liu Qingge is not panicking. (He is panicking)

He is not going to keep looking for that asshole. (He still checks the entire village for his fellow Peak Lord. There is no trace of him anywhere.)

A heavy sigh escapes from him as the Bai Zhan Peak Lord, the so called God of War, hides his face with the palms of his hands.

"Yue-zhangmen is going to kill me."

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

In the An Ding Peak Lord office, the current Peak Lord Shang Qinghua looks at the scattered papers on his desk with growing horror.

Not because there are a lot of papers for him to write or check.

Nor is it because some of them have splashes of ink on them which means he has to re-write them from scratch again.

The reason behind the horror in his eyes lies in the floating screen that glows red intermittently, as if it is a piece of wood in a see of fire. The words on the floating screen read as follows:

"SYSTEM ERROR! SYSTEM ERROR!

THE PLOT OF THE NOVEL "PROUD IMMORTAL DEMON WAY" HAS DIVERTED FROM ITS INTENTED COURSE.

OOC BEHAVIOUR DETECTED FROM SEVERAL CHARACTERS!"

Shang Qinghua's eyes are still wide with horror as he faintly wispers, more to himself than the System.

"What the fuck is going on here?"

--------

Luo Binghe doesn't know what to do. Liu-Shifu returned a month ago from a mission with his Shizun (his very mean Shizun; the Shizun that he still wants to be acknowledged by, be praised by) without well,... his Shizun.

Everything went downhill from there.

He, together with Ming Fan and Ning Yingying, are still taking part in the search parties for his Shizun. But the search still yields no result.

No one seems to have seen his Shizun at all. It's like the man was swallowed by the earth itself.

While searching around, Luo Binghe comes across a rogue cultivator by the name of Shen Yuan. He seems to be his age and is a very nice person. (Luo Binghe really likes this rogue cultivator. He is very kind to him and Luo Binghe can count the people that were nice to him in his life on one hand)

The only problem is that Shen Yuan's little white cat doesn't seem to like him - or anyone, besides maybe Shen Yuan - all that much.

Still maybe asking Shen Yuan to help them find Shizun is a good idea. (Plus he gets to spend more time with Shen Yuan too. That's a bonus.)

So what do you guys think?

Also here:

Cat!Shen Jiu towards everybody:

Cat!Shen Jiu waiting for his supposed fellow "Peak Lords" and "desciples" to realize that he is the cat (and they still don't):

Shen Jiu, throughout this whole fic: I am surrounded by idiots....

This idea was both fun to come up with and hilarious to boot too. I might actually take a shot at writing this, given that my brain doesn't make it an over 10 chapter long fic. I do have a question though: if you were to give this fic a title, what title it would be? (I need all the help to chose titles cause I am BAD at them)

Regardless, I hope you had fun reading this and that the rest of your day will nice as well (and good night to those that read this post just before bed).

I will see you guys tomorrow,

- TooManyPlotBunnies-Send Help

P.S.: This was low-key, the inspiration behind the idea of this fic

[here-be-dragoliches]

Douluo Continent Ship Dynamics in no particular order because im obsessed and still haven't recovered

Tang San × Xiao Wu - love at first sight and shared braincell couple. they are just very in love and happy and totally get eachother and eachother's sense of humour and just make eachother so happy. they also never really decided to be in a relationship, it just happened literally from day one like they just knew they'd found someone perfect. they are just also both the sunshine one. and they make everyone else around them so happy to.

Xiao Wu × Zhu Zhu Qing - goth gf and sunshine gf, grumpy one and sunshine one. Xiao Wu is literally head over heels in love with her from first sight, shes just so cool and tough and amazing (she tells tang san all about it and he's very supportive). Zhu Zhu Qing develops feelings for her slower, with some reluctance to start with (what are these strange feelings i am having about this small pink rabbit girl) but has that cliche italicised oh moment. height difference!!!! way too much pda probably. just teasing and joking with eachother. Zhu Zhu Qing is very protective of Xiao Wu.

Tang San × Ou Si Ke - idk what dynamic they are BUT the way that Ou Si Ke was just so enamoured by Tang San when they first met is amazing and you can bet that Tang San was then like oh no he's so adorable and has such a nice smile. they probably danced around it for a while until Dai Mu Bai got so sick of living with their obliviousness that he locked them in and forced them to have a conversation about it or something. OHH mutual pining was their dynamic, it didn't last very long but they were both so oblivious. Now they're just so soft, they're not so showy about they're relationship but its lots of little touches, leaning heads on eachothers shoulders probably cuddling up together to sleep, just all the good stuff!!

Ou Si Ke × Dai Mu Bai - Martial brothers to lovers or childhood friends to lovers. They know eachother SO well and teasing/being mean to eachother is their way of flirting. They're probably quite private about their relationship, nobody really noticed but then when they do find out it makes so much sense. they can always rely on eachother no matter what with absolutely no judgement when it comes down to it. Dai Mu Bai doing that laugh and exasperated head shake while trying not to smile like an idiot at Ou Si Ke's antics?? YES

Zhu Zhu Qing × Dai Mu Bai - RIVALS TO LOVERS (need i say more?) but also cat girl x cat boy LMAO and femdom. Zhu Zhu Qing can and does lift him up and Dai Mu Bai literally can't cope. he also finds her so hot all of the time but especially when she's beating up bad guys. Their rivalry and fighting as flirting while training and everything is just god tier. the tension!! then them learning to be a team instead of opponents? SIMPLY AMAZING

[claudemblems]

Lipstick Stains | Kaeya + Xiao

Summary: You leave Kaeya and Xiao covered with your lipstick, but for better or worse, you've left marks in places for everyone to see

Notes: I made a set of these headcanons for some of the JJK boys and thought that I should write some for Genshin as well :) But writing this makes me miss using Kaeya T_T I need to put him back on my team!!!

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ✯ ⋅.} ────── ⊰

Kaeya

He absolutely loves having his skin littered with your lipstick. There's something about being so publicly marked by you that drives him wild

Wears them like a badge, but will unfortunately have to wipe off the marks before he goes to work. He'd wear them all day if he could, but he does have to exercise some sort of restraint. He's representing the knights after all, so he has to be mindful of how he presents himself

But outside of work, he has no problem leaving your lipstick stains on full display. He likes the questions he gets about them or the way Diluc stares at him in disbelief at the Angel's Share. It sparks gossip in the town as everyone is left wondering about who could be the Calvary Captain's lover

Though the stains are your own mark of possession, Kaeya also sees them as his own way of telling the world that he’s yours. He often spots them throughout the day when passing by a mirror or when readjusting his clothes, and the sight always brings a smile to his face. It's a reminder of you, the one that he adores. Just the thought of you makes his heart skip a beat

Yes, he’s still as lovestruck as ever. Sometimes he can’t process how he’s the one that managed to win your heart. Well, he figures you must feel the same way if you ended leaving stains on every inch of him…

When he goes home to you at the end of the day and the marks have faded, he shyly asks you if you would cover him in them all over again. Kaeya, being shy? Oh yes. He has his soft moments. In fact, he still gets butterflies in his stomach every time he sees you <3

But when it comes to him being the one to initiate things…that’s a whole other story

You can practically see the mischief shining in his eyes as he leans next to your ear and coolly whispers, “Perhaps I can return the favor, if you’ll allow me to”

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ✯ ⋅.} ────── ⊰

Xiao

He's absolutely mortified at first. How careless did you have to be to leave…evidence…of what you’d done for all of Liyue to see?!?!

He was so caught up in the moment (he thoroughly enjoyed the feeling of your lips all over him, but don’t expect him to admit it) that he didn't even stop to consider the damage you'd leave behind

Actually, he didn't even notice he had lipstick marks on him until Verr Goldet pointed them out, all while sporting a pleased smile. I mean, it’s not everyday you see Adeptus Xiao marked by his favorite human…

Xiao sulks the entire day, turning his back to you every time you try to approach him. He’s kind of like an angry cat. Sure, he’s mad at you, but you know he won’t stay that way. He just needs some time to be grumpy and figure out if he’s truly irritated or if, just maybe, he’s only acting out of embarrassment

When he’s finally willing to let you talk to him, you make it clear that you won’t leave him covered in stains again. It seemed like a funny and cute idea to you at first, but you hadn’t really thought through how Xiao might react. So you apologize and promise to keep your emotions in check next time

But it’s Xiao who ends up surprising you. “I don’t really mind…” he whispers, cheeks turning pink as he avoids your gaze, “as long as they're left in places only I can see…”

Oh. It seems that embarrassment isn’t the only reason he wants them hidden. Is this a rare peek into Xiao’s own possessiveness? You can see the gears turning in Xiao’s mind as you ponder his words, and you know he’s already come up with an appropriate way to seek vengeance

“Of course,” you answer, guiding him towards you, “And I gladly accept whatever repercussions my actions may entail…”

[husbandohunter]

A Small Predicament [Baby Genshin x Reader]

Characters: Scaramouche, Diluc, Kaeya, Childe, Xiao, Zhongli, Albedo

Synopsis: Cursed for a week, the boys either have to live with it or find a cure as soon as possible. You on the otherhand hoped otherwise.

(A/n): It only takes ONE glance for me to start having ideas. It was twelve in the morning yall, enjoy~

Oh here's part 2

--------

Scaramouche

• "Oh you shrank? I couldn't tell-"

• Threatens that he will murder you to pieces and burn your remains but his voice was so squeaky and high pitched (voice crack) that you couldn't help but burst into a tearful laughter. 

• Its payback time  Bully him, take his hat and hover it above his head. Truthfully, without his hat Scaramouche looks like a little schoolboy. Overall less intimidating.

• Tries glaring. Cute. He's really bratty as a kid, sitting on a high chair (which you had to help him get on) and demanding his servants to do his bidding. In reality, his personality never changed. You realized that even as a grown up he still acts like this (bratty kid in a grown man body).

• The curse made his week a living hell. Signora had the audacity to pull his ear when he misbehaves. Childe constantly messes with his hair while giving head pats and the WORST of all, pinching his cheeks. Scaramouche never wanted to commit arson so bad in his life.

• Eventually finds a cure so he doesn't have to deal with it anymore and orders everyone to never speak of it again. Though, he's plotting how he'll get revenge on everyone who made fun of him using the very same curse (You better run).

~~x~~

Diluc

• "Oh…Oh my! Diluc you're just so cute!" 

• Diluc grimaces as you glomp him in this state. How can you help it? With his head so small it makes his hair all the more fluffier! His coat no longer fits him to the point the sleeves had made past his fingertips. He tried wielding his claymore again, only to lose balance and fall flat onto his bum

• (insert kid voice "Retribution!") Did I mention the babyface?

• Diluc tries to act as if everything was normal, acting like the Darknight hero and Mondstadt's Tycoon but fun-sized. He couldn't. There was no way people would take him seriously in business meetings. Same with fighting abyss mages, his smaller form was too much of a disadvantage. Thus you ended up doing most of his paperwork.

• One time you caught him sitting on the floor couldn't reach his office desk  while reading away the various books for a cure. It was three in the morning. You told him it was way past his bedtime and he argues saying when did he ever have a curfew schedule. In the end you managed to convince him and he begrudgingly obliges.

• The type to NOT ask for help even when it's obvious that he really needs it. Before he was the one who helped you reach things from the top shelves, oh how the tables have turned. He avoids Kaeya like a plague unless he was in it for another round of funny remarks. When he wanted to go out and get some fresh air, you insisted on accompanying him. Worst mistake in his life. A travelling merchant bumps into you and commented that you had a very cute son. Diluc was mortified.

• The day ended up with him sulking in his room. Although it was tempting, you resisted from cooing over his adorable form after days of treating him like a child. It wasn't because you were teasing him, Diluc just works so hard that you wanted to spoil him a bit. At least he could still play a game of chess with you.

• When things went back to normal, Diluc ensures that you will NOT see him as your son.

~~x~~

Kaeya

• "Well look who it is, my little Prince Kaeya~"

• Tries really hard not be bothered by it at all. Kaeya still maintains his suave facade, throwing in a couple of flirting lines here and there (and forcing his voice to go a few octaves too low in which puberty has yet to occur HA). Though no matter what approach, he couldn't ignore the sparkling mischievious glint in your eye. You were obviously not taking him seriously.

• Things couldn't get any worse. He lost his masculine physique and boob window, he wasn't able to go to certain places without supervision. But the worst thing of all was that he was underaged. Kaeya hated the fact he couldn't drink anymore, he even insisted you to sneak him a few bottles (which you refused) and had to settle with plain beverages such as fruit juice (what an insult). He was never really grounded since his childhood days but he certainly felt like he was grounded now. 

• Kaeya still kisses you on the lips whether you like it or not. If you ask him to sit on your lap, he will find a way to turn the position into his favour such as resting his face between your breasts. You're not gonna treat him like a kid, nuh-uh, he actively avoids it.

• Since his personality still remains, Kaeya is a naughty child. He will use his innocent appearance to sway people (even you) to get what he wants. That was how he was able to take a sip of the wine he stole somewhere (he wouldn't tell you). Diluc scolded him heavily and threatened to ban him from drinking from his Tavern for a week (they ended up arguing, Kaeya being the passive aggressive little shit he is).

• He was extremely relieved to return back to his normal form again. He has so much to catch up (specifically his bedtime activities with you *wink wonk*)

~~x~~

Child(e)

• "Hmmm to be honest, this actually suits you very much."

• Unlike the other boys, Childe was completely okay with it. Turns out that YOU were the one who was not going to be okay. If you thought taking care of Teucer was energy-draining then expect Childe to take that tenfold and beyond.

• You've officially became his full-time babysitter who is in desperate need of a raise (and rest). You can't take your eyes off of him and archons forbid that he will ever meet Klee. One point he'll be running ahead by your side and the next you'll find him getting himself in a 1vs7 situation with some shady looking treasure hoarders. Childe genuinely thinks he could take them on but the curse downgraded his abilities. You carried him and barely made out of it alive. (This made you ponder whether the best solution would be to strap him against a chair for the time being…)

• Childe being a child will eat all the candies and ice cream he pleases. You wonder if the curse also turned him a few years back or was it that he acts like this simply because he wanted to (it was the latter). He loves being spoiled, spoiled by you! Childe demands your full attention, spoon-feeding his meals, back rubs and head pats. Yep, he's definitely doing this on purpose.

• Did he just call you 'mommy'? (Childe has mommy kink confirmed).  He has so much energy that it was exhausting, you literally had to drag him away from what ever he was doing in order to get him to bed. "No Childe, your sleeping time is 9p.m stop whining." He bargained that he'll sleep if you sleep beside him (you didn't get any sleep. You knew what he was planning. In the end, you tried to make sure he didn't sneak out behind your back.)

• Finally you were able to get out of that hell-hole. Childe promised to make it up to you, you deserve it after all~

~~x~~

Small (aka Xiao)

• "Did you know in the Liyuean language, Xiao translates to small?" You didn't say that out loud. Not when he's this angry (this angy)

• He just stands there, crossing his arms and grumbling. You were hesitant to touch him in case he might hiss at you. Xiao has always been short, maybe an inch taller than you, but seeing him like this made you think 'my almighty yaksha can't be this cute♡'

• He gets mad when you no longer call his name for help. How could you? He's just so precious~ Xiao makes it clear that no matter what form he takes, it doesn't make him weak ("Adepti and you mortals are nothing alike." Or so he says but you could tell he wasn't running as fast as he used to because…small legs). You may not comment on it aloud but he can tell just by the look on your face and it irritates him.

• Also the type to not ask for help but worse. Xiao is an agressive little kid, he seems as if he'll be willing to bite someone's finger off if they try to pet him (He gives strong cat vibes, so thats understandable). His spear was too big for him to wield so he often has to put it away or else he might knock someone over with it. Xiao hates being short so you'll be hearing him complain alot.

• Since he was an adepti, he didn't need to sleep however, the curse must have brought down his power by a significant amount to the point you DID catch him napping. You almost swooned out loud just by taking a glance upon his face. For once he didn't wear his signature grumpy look. Xiao appears like a normal child, one full of innocence. His snoring was soft and breathly but that just meant he was deep asleep. (You wished to take a picture). 

• Of course, everything had to come to an end (much to your disappointment), he still complains about the incident to this day.

~~x~~

Zhongli

• How is it possible for a baby to still look so handsome? (Must be his godly abilities)

• Zhongli is unfazed by this 'curse' since his past lives have already taken many forms. Though for some reason whenever he walks down the streets of Liyue, young girls, mothers, ladies all come him was and start complimenting him and gushing over him (he was suffocating). They'd squeeze him tight or squish his cheeks, it only takes once glance before the little girls start blushing and hiding behind their moms.

• Needless to say, despite what form he is in, Zhongli is still able to get free stuff. He got some free candies and some free kites to play with. You had to help him carry his items. Zhongli ends up tripping too much because his tailcoat reached his feet (he decided to just take it off. You had to hold that too). Seems like he can have anyone do things for him in the end HA.

• He still got that drippy voice and you're just like ???? "What on Teyvat Zhongli, you're a kid." This is why you can't see him as one, its nearly impossible.

• Actively avoids Hu Tao and Childe. Once Hu Tao caught sight of him and chased him for hours, he couldn't stay in one spot knowing that she might just pop out of no where. Childe still spoils him, however Zhongli feels irritated by the fact the only things Childe buys him toys (its different when other people do it.)

• Everytime you guys go back strolling through Liyue, you had to hold his hand in case more women come swarming hin again. You swear that at this rate he might get kidnapped because hes just such a beautiful baby.

• Zhongli learned an important lesson after his curse was lifted: no matter how many years he lives throughout  never take a form of a child.

~~x~~

Albedo

• You find him buried beneath a pile of books and had to dig him out before he suffocates.

• Albedo has the cutest eyes, they're big and round full of curiosity and they sparkle too (he has the prettiest eyes out of everyone tbh). He is the only person who is fascinated by this outcome and immediately goes in the wild to test out his new physique. 

• He was always curious why Klee T-poses when she runs so he decided to try it out himself. She was thrilled to find out that she now has a little brother to play with. In the end, Albedo indulges in the games she always wanted to play but couldn't because he was too old: princess dress up tea parties.

• You felt many things when you saw Albedo wearing a frilly gown and a plastic tiara tucked on his head. Deep down you knew regardless of what gender Albedo was still pretty. Klee even had the guts to redo his hair and hardly anyone was able to recognize it was him at all. He has pigtails, PIGTAILS! You made sure to burn that image into the very depths of your mind forever.

• The only advantage was the he was ablw to fit through small spaces, other than that, being small was way too inconvenient. He knocked down a few of his potion bottles which damaged the floor (thankfully not him) because they were lethal (he wonders how Klee was able to not injure herself when using bombs). You carried him and lifted him to alot of places such as trudging through the snow because Albedo would surely fall on his face due to his small form.

• Enough was enough, he only lasted a day with this and decided to just make a potion and put an end to the curse once and for all. 

[mrpenguinpants]

Xiao: First Kiss HCs

I’m so sorry it took me actually forever to reply to you. But I really hope you like this and it was somewhat worth the wait;; I tried really hard but ty for liking my Xiao content and yes! Let’s be absolute trash for Xiao. In this house we only believe in Xiao supremacy 💕💕

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Semi Part 1: Friendship

Semi Part 2: Falling in Love

Semi Part 3: Cuddles

Semi Part 4: Protective

Semi Part 5: Affection

Semi Part 6: Jealously

Semi Part 8: Opposites Attract

Semi Part 9:  String of Fate [Soulmate] HCs

Semi Part 10:  [ Fainting ]

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Childe Ver: First Kiss HCs

Venti & Kaeya: Mistletoe HCs

Venti, Xingqiu, and Razor: Kissing HCs

Considering how many more Xiao fics I need to write. This semi part link might not be a good idea lol. Also let’s ignore if I wrote in a kiss in a previous post haha.

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[taglist]  <- if you want to be added, please read this first.

@hanniejji​​  @mikeysbike​​ @unionwitch​​ @musekala​​ @twistedsunnshiii​​ @stanzastic​ @akaasea​​ @xoneaboveallx​​ @adoring-ghost​​ @asheseiler​​ @childelover​​@youaskedfurret​​ @snowy224

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Xiao: First Kiss HCs

When you and Xiao first got together. It was a slow and steady process of learning each other boundaries and what felt comfortable. Xiao knew he was a difficult partner but you loved him and even becoming his friend was a slow and worthwhile adventure. It started off small leading from small handholding, to cuddling, to showing each other affection. But the one area that you both weren’t familiar in was kisses. He was an isolated adepti and you were an adventurer. You didn’t have any experience in being kissed and Xiao sure as hell didn’t either. Plus it was a lot more intimate and nerve wracking compared to holding hands and that was an hard hill to tackle in itself.

You didn’t mind that he wasn’t comfortable with initiating affection or never went in or talked about kisses. You were just happy that he was by your side and that your love was reciprocated. That he was comfortable in your presence and seemed content in your arms. It still made you a bit giddy when you reflected on how far you both came and that was enough for you. Xiao, on the other hand, couldn’t exactly say the same. While he was happy and he was content, he couldn’t help but feel that maybe your relationship was too one-sided? He knew that you were comfortable and okay with waiting for him to work out his issues and figuring out how to love again but he also really wanted to do more. He just wasn’t sure how to start.

It suddenly dawned on him one day when he saw you off on your next journey, that he had never really kissed you. Even a small goodbye kiss. It was usually you initiating affection or giving words of love and you always told him that it didn’t matter if he said it or not. His actions said more which always made him flush a bit. But on slow and quiet days where you were off on another adventure and Liyue was calm, he couldn’t help but let his mind wander to you. To your face, your bright eyes that would light up whenever you talked about the interesting sights you saw on your journey, the curve of your nose whenever he tapped it when you started to ramble on to much, your lips and how they would spread into a soft smile when it was just the two of you.

Xiao quickly flipped himself up into a sitting position and groaned into his hands. What was happening to him? He needed to take a walk to clear his mind again. He’s been going out a lot since he met you. He had faced an army of demons and fought in a war and yet this felt like the hardest challenge of his entire thousand year long life. He could almost hear Guizhong’s laughter at his predicament and her words of wisdom saying to take whatever problem he had and face it head on. Just without his spear. The spear needs to stay home.

So the next time you visited Wangshu Inn he asked for you to close your eyes. You complied but you were surprised, sitting by the railing facing Liyue up on the balcony. Was he going to gift you something? This was the first time he asked you to close your eyes but you trusted him. You could almost feel the anxiety waving off Xiao so you kept quiet and patient and waited for him to be ready.

He was ready. He could do this. You weren’t even looking at him so what was there to be worried about? He slowly leaned in, just hovering above your lips. But then he leaned back a bit, flushing red. He nearly chewed his lip before stopping since you probably didn’t want to taste blood. It wasn’t that he wasn’t ready or he thought that you would hate it, he was just nervous in messing up. What if his accidently transformed? What if he accidently pushed you off the railing? Even worse, what if someone showed up and saw you both like this?

Turns out he didn’t need to worry. Somewhat. Zhongli, who Xiao knew now was actually Rex Lapis in disguise, made a sudden appearance behind him. The whiplash of suddenly seeing his Master, the nervous butterfly’s fluttering in his stomach, and pep talk Xiao was trying to pound into his mind made him suddenly lurch forward and kiss you deeply. A bit too deeply as his little fangs nipped at your bottom lip.

“Zhongli!?”

“Rex Lapis?!”

You both quickly broke apart as your eyes flew open when you heard the man but also surprise at the sudden but, not completely unpleasant, pain and pressure on your lips. You could almost see the soul leave Xiao’s body when he spun around to see the surprised Zhongli. It was silent for a moment, all three of you just staring at each other. You were still processing what the hell just happened, Xiao was trying to find a way to astral project, and Zhongli was computing the fact that yes, the ever grumpy and “don’t touch me” yaksha both had a lover and was in the middle of...courting.

“Oh. My apologies. I wasn’t aware you were both occupied. I shall take my leave and visit another day then.” Zhongli simply nodded and left before you or Xiao could say anything. You both stared at the empty figure of where Zhongli was before you started to burst into laughter at the situation. You really felt bad, you did honestly, but with all the overwhelming emotions you couldn’t help but laugh.

“I’m...sorry. I didn’t know he was going to visit today,” Xiao muttered as he pressed his hand into his face and groaned at the embarrassing moment. You could see the tips of his ears were getting redder by the second which made you chuckle. For such a fearsome Yaksha he was really cute sometimes.

“It’s okay Xiao. I don’t mind. But are you alright?” you stifled the last of your giggles and reached out to pull him closer and remove his hand from his red face before cupping his cheek. He huffed but leaned into your hand. He really was sometimes like a cat.

“Are you hurt? Was I...too forward?” Xiao asked but he still wouldn’t look you in the eye. The floor was very interesting this afternoon. Wood was nice. Wood was good.

“No! It was...nice,” you answered, starting to go a bit pink yourself now before you felt a stinging pain in the corner of your lip, “Ah. I think you might accidently bit my lip though.”

“I see,” Xiao was now looking at you with his piercing eyes as he watched your small pink tongue brush over the corner of your bottom lip. His attention began to focus on that small part as the world seem to narrow down. Just the two of you. But unlike when you both would lie on top of the inn and watch the sun go down he felt hungry.

“Do you-”

Before you could ask anything Xiao suddenly pounced and pressed his lips against yours in a heated kiss. He took you by surprise but you quickly recovered as you gripped the purple ribbon on his back and yanked him forward as his hands slammed against the railing, trapping you. You felt his tongue press against your lips as you slowly opened them to let him in. It was overwhelming and you were sure if you hadn’t been grabbing onto the purple ribbon you would have fell over but then a sudden deep rumble snapped you out of your trance.

“Xiao? Are you...Are you purring?” you giggled when you got a tiny but of separation from the lack of air but he frowned at you, really it looked more like a pout, before leaning over once again.  Just barely brushing over your lips as he whispered

“Meow”

---

This isn’t even OOC anymore. I feel like I’m writing a fucking k-drama right now, what am I doing anymore? English? Huh? I do not compute.

I’ve just awakened something in me with Cat! Xiao and I am flying with it (and casually ignoring lore. Isn’t he a bird?). Heading straight for the stratosphere and you cannot stop me. Just gonna hide away in shame now don’t look at me.

Okay. Time to commit sleep for uh 2 hours lol. I’m really tired but I feel kinda proud of myself haha. Tomorrow’s fics are going to be Venti, Lisa and Diluc pairing, and Venti and Barbara pairing. Good night!

Oh, and yes there is a lot more Xiao content to come and uhh might continue this cat!xiao idea. Unless that’s too weird. I’m sorry don’t shame me pls 😰

my god tumble just work. i dont want to deal with you and your tags. 

[mono-dot-jpeg]

another adeptus in the line - zhongli [ft. xiao & ganyu]

summary; it was a very big surprise to xiao and ganyu that they would be meeting the next adeptus in line. especially when the next adeptus is a child.

genre; fluff, this is just family, i need emotional support from liyue god family, dad! zhongli, child! reader, all platonic, zhongli is a doting dad and i will die on that hill, dragon hybrid! reader, xiao is just a grumpy older brother

word count; 1.3k

a/n; i hate my life, but it's fine. im currently hanging on a string, due to the fact that there's been a lot of stress recently but it's fine. I'll be fine. i got zhongli in the latest banner, everything will be fine. everyting is fine when zhongli exists 🥰

ganyu might be ooc idk, also reader is a dragon hybrid!! bc of zhongli. maybe I'll write hcs about it... brain go brrrr

age range for reader; 5-7

slight spoilers to the latest story quest? i think it's called story quest idk- i literally just mention the new boss and some of its story but i don't think it spoils too much but ehhhhhhhhh who am i to judge

zhongli had never expected to have you. or more like make you. similar to azhdaha, you were granted life by zhongli. you were granted the ability to live just like any other human. but of course a deal had to be made. you would live as a dragon hybrid human but you would grow up to be the next adeptus in line. you were bound to be granted with a vision but there was no rush. you were merely a child after all.

it was always nice walking around liyue with you. everyone in liyue had a fond look whenever you and zhongli would pass by, the male carrying you to tell you endless stories about the liyue you would come to love and protect.

"papa.." you muttered to zhongli, clutching tightly on his pants as you stood behind him. "where are we going?"

"we're going to the inn, little one, you're just gonna meet your older brother and sister. they're very nice i can assure you." he moved to pick you up and hold you against his waist. "i mean by blood they're not your siblings but that doesn't change anything. you are still family."

he enters the homely inn and heads toward the balcony, but before he could leave to the balcony, he was stopped by verr goldet.

"good afternoon zhongli, good to see you too y/n." you clumsily waved at her, too busy being more focused on the cat that laid on the desk. she had noticed where your focus was, laughing softly. "are you here to see xiao?"

"yes, is he busy?" zhongli asked.

"he's right on the rooftop. i'd just wait until he comes down but he seems like he's not coming down anytime soon."

zhongli nodded at her words, thanking her before going to find xiao. he clutched you firmly as he started to climb to the rooftop. your small hands grasped on his clothes as you watch him climb up to the rooftop with ease.

you look to see an unfamiliar male, moving to hide your face into zhongli's neck. "hello xiao." zhongli greets him, sitting next to him. the young adeptus nods at him in acknowledgement. "i would like you to meet y/n." he started to explain your story, xiao watching you with pointed eyes as you shy away from him and stick to zhongli as much as you physically can.

"they are a child."

"that is true, xiao." he patted your back, urging you to look up to meet xiao. he made you let go of him and turned you around on his lap, making you face xiao. the one thing you immediately notice is the necklace he wears. "they're very new to our world. especially if you consider our ages." zhongli was an old soul and god after all.

"shiny.." you mutter, your hands reaching out for the pretty beads that laid strewn together on xiao's neck. zhongli smiled fondly at your lack of attention onto the actual male.

"little brat." xiao mumbled as zhongli moves you to sit on xiao's lap. you look up at him with innocent beady eyes for a moment before looking down and bonking your head on his chest, feeling shy at the sudden attention from a new person. xiao hesitantly places a hand on your head, patting your hair and any stray hairs.

zhongli watches the scene before him with amused eyes. "it's nice to see you try and bond with your little sibling." he chuckled a bit as he watches you grab at xiao's necklace, much to the older adeptus' dismay. xiao tried to get your hands off the necklace, earning a tiny whine from you.

"zhongli, have you spoiled them already?" xiao takes off his necklace to let you play with it, keeping a sharp eye on you as to make sure you don't choke on anything or hurt yourself. your eyes twinkle, grabbing the necklace and looking at the large blunt arrowhead pendant.

"me? i would never." zhongli sends an innocent smile but xiao knew better. he always liked to dote on him and ganyu when given the chance, he wasn't any different with you.

"have you told ganyu about them yet?"

"ganyu has been rather busy with her duties. i haven't been able to contact her yet."

"xiao!" the two males hear a rather familiar voice, soon turning their heads towards the source to see the other adeptus, ganyu. she nearly struggled to climb the rooftop if not for zhongli offering a hand to help. "ah, hello, rex lapis.." she greeted softly.

"call me zhongli." he reminded her, making the female quickly apologize. "what have you come here for?"

"i was just gonna ask if..." she trailed off as she looked over to xiao, seeing you on his lap. you look up to see the pretty female, quickly looking away to bonk your head against xiao's chest once again. the other adeptus sighing at your antics, as zhongli watched everything unfold with a fond smile on his face. "who is this?"

"this is y/n." zhongli answered, starting to explain the contract you and him made when you were in a different form. you still stayed buried in xiao's chest, said adeptus wondering how to deal with such a shy child... or how to deal with a child in general.

ganyu went to sit in front of you and xiao, "hello y/n..." you stopped fiddling with xiao's necklace and turned to look at ganyu again. she had horns on her head like you did.

"horns...pretty" you pointed at ganyu's red horns, making the female flustered at the compliment. kids always had the blunt honesty.

"ah ah ah... don't point, little one. that's not very nice." zhongli chided softly.

"but her horns..like me.." you pressed your free hand against your own smaller horns that grew from your head. ganyu was surprised by your shining enthusiasm in finding someone like you.

"yes, she has horns like you." xiao mutters, taking his necklace back from your small hands while you were distracted. but your grip was stronger than he had thought, "give me my necklace back, little brat."

"but...i wanna play still, big brother.." you told him. unfortunately, xiao couldn't resist your plea and let you hold the necklace in your hands for a little while longer. zhongli noted that, remembering to tease him about it later.

"ah, maybe you should give it back to big brother xiao, hm? he really needs it, y/n." ganyu makes an attempt to let xiao get his necklace back. and who are you to disappoint the pretty sister? you pouted, hesitantly handing it back to xiao. "why don't you say sorry for keeping it from him for so long?"

"sorry big brother.." you fumbled on your words rather adorably. "won't do it again."

"thank you." xiao muttered as he hands you over to ganyu. "take the little demon."

"xiao! that's not very nice." ganyu said as she adjusts you to fit comfortably on her lap.

"xiao...meanie!" you pointed at him. xiao glared at you as you showed no fear to it. was xiao really gonna square up with a child? maybe. before xiao could say anything else, you reached for ganyu's horns, "big sister..."

"hm?" ganyu notices you reaching for her horns. "you want to touch them?" you nodded, moving closer. but you had moved too close and bonked your head against hers. "ah! are you okay?" she immediately asked as you blinked before bonking your forehead against hers softly, giggling happily. who would've thought that bonking was a love language for you?

"this one is gonna be a troublemaker...i just know it.." xiao gives you a pointed look as you reach out for xiao.

"wanna play with big brother! and big sister!" you send out a toothy smile, soon warming up a bit more to the two older adeptus.

zhongli merely looked at the sweet scene before him, seeing his young adeptus kids get along so well with each other despite the differences they all had. you would fit along just fine. there was nothing he would need to worry about.

[hvrbinqer]

𝐏𝐑𝐎’𝐒 + 𝐂𝐎𝐍’𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐀 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 | 𝐅𝐓 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐄𝐍

gender neutral | wc 1.0k | headcanons.

𝐙𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐈—𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐗.

𝐏𝐑𝐎'𝐒 he is such a sweetheart—no really. he will spoil you rotten. his way of spoiling you and showering you with affection is a little clumsy at first. he is very traditional and has yet to learn the modern ways of swooning and courting a potential partner, but it makes you happy nonetheless the effort he’s putting into it. always stays himself around you, he’s not shy—but very blunt and matter of fact. he may not understand at first why you became flustered when he told you how adorably small you look in his arms. what? he had to ask childe about it later, but it’s an amusing experience once he does it the next time.

zhongli is very adept at knowing your moods and when something is on your mind. if you are upset, he’s always there for you as support and he doesn’t mind your rambles. he truly enjoys the long conversations you exchange, his endless knowledge of liyue is beyond you! he could listen to you speak all day, it’s peaceful and comforting to him. he tries his best at giving advice, although he’s not very knowledgeable with your daily human customs and interactions, considering how ancient he is—he likes to be proactive and do research on topics so he can broaden his knowledge and help you more.

𝐂𝐎𝐍'𝐒 due to his lack of knowledge on modern customs, or certain emotions you may be feeling—zhongli can be a little oblivious to some things; like the point of marriage. he understands that for nobles or even royalty it secures a throne by bringing an heir or family fortune, but he wants to learn more on the emotional aspect of it.

marrying out of love—it sounds like a fairytale to him. he doesn’t get the luxury of marrying out of love or someone who isn’t of godhood. i believe that if zhongli falls in love, he falls hard. he wouldn’t give up so easily on his partner even if it means stepping down and resigning from his reign as the geo archon. becoming a mortal? he would do it in a heartbeat.

𝐗𝐈𝐀𝐎—𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐒.

𝐏𝐑𝐎'𝐒 he’s like a grumpy cat, but one that needs a lot of love and affection. even if he says that he doesn’t want it or tries to push you away, secretly he wants you to. he loves being the little spoon; his arms wrapping around your waist loosely, while his cheek is smooshed into your chest—and his legs tangled with yours. xiao is wise. very—he sometimes finds himself giving you supportive advice or encouragement when you feel down, but he doesn’t really take his own advice.

he genuinely cares about you and your health and safety is his top priority. it may seem like a small act to someone who doesn’t truly know xiao, but if he gives up his almond tofu or pulls you into his arms, just for a little bit of physical touch—it’s a strong bond with the mighty adepti for sure. he would sacrifice a lot even coming closer to you as your relationship grows, he has this horrible fear that his karmic debt will cause you harm. you are all he cares about, and he won’t let anyone take you away from him. you understand him better than most and you haven’t judged him, it’s something he’s forever grateful for.

𝐂𝐎𝐍'𝐒 xiao struggles with trust and opening up. he has a lot of pent up emotions from thousands of years silently taking the heavy burden of pain during his time in the archon war. he’s felt nothing more than a curse, an abomination —and for you to come into his life and make him feel more than that, someone who’s been through pain and needs healing is a big difference. sometimes he refuses to talk to you about these things, he doesn’t want you to see him when he’s vulnerable.

it’s something he despises. this leads to some heated arguments; you trying to support him and tell him it’s okay to let everything out—and xiao being the stubborn gremlin he is and telling you to stay far away. it’ll take time, a lot of time. once he’s finally ready to open up and talk you’d find progress and grow together. it’s proven to be rewarding in the end, and he’s never felt true happiness than he does now.

𝐃𝐈𝐋𝐔𝐂 𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐑.

𝐏𝐑𝐎'𝐒 introverted? you’re in luck because he’s a big introvert! he doesn’t really care too much for being out in public or interacting with others—it does leave him irritable having to deal with his brothers constant petty banter, but it’s also just really draining for him. he’d much rather spend that time with you, cuddling together near the fireplace in his home.

diluc absolutely adores you and when you two are alone he’s nothing more than a touch starved man craving for your affections. he loves when you comb your delicate fingers through his hair, soothing the oncoming headache from a stressful day. your presence alone is enough to put him in a tranquil state—he’s a soft man.

𝐂𝐎𝐍'𝐒 diluc has trouble trusting others and doubts himself, sometimes blames himself for things that are out of his control. when he does this he gets into this funk and closes himself off—away from you and the servants at his winery. when this happens you give him space unless he asks for you to keep him company, you don’t want to make him uncomfortable or push yourself onto him.

he might forget to take care of himself and needs a few gentle reminders that it is okay, you take this time to take care of him and spoil him with love. he’s always done the same for you when you were down and you wanted to tell him that you are there for him, and love him with all of your heart. it would mean the world to him. even the small acts you do; watching over the tavern so he can rest at home, writing small love notes, making sure he’s clean and out of bed on his rough days, cooking his favorite meal for him, and above all else—physical affection. this sweet man just needs some reassurance when he gets down.

𝐡𝐯𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐪𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝. do not plagiarize my work.

[robininthelabyrinth]

Delight in Misery

- Chapter 10 (ao3) -

tumblr: part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7, part 8 (interlude), part 9

-

In Lan Wangji’s view, the best part about the upcoming visit by Xiao Xingchen and Song Zichen wasn’t the excuse to drag a tetchy and reluctant Jiang Cheng night-hunting, nor the chance to meet such interesting and swiftly famous cultivators, or even the vanishingly rare opportunity to learn more about Wei Wuxian by exploring his heritage on his mother’s side.

No – it was definitely the way the mere concept transformed Jiang Cheng into a stuttering teenaged admirer about to see their revered idol for the first time.

“You remember that they are both nearly ten years your junior?” he asked as Jiang Cheng fussed around, alternating between worrying himself sick for not being prepared to receive guests (for all that the Jiang sect had been receiving honored guests for years at this point) and bragging about the exploits of their soon-arriving guests to the fascinated flock of children dogging his heels.

“No more than seven or eight at most,” Jiang Cheng objected, and Lan Wangji rolled his eyes. “Anyway, that’s not the point. Look at how accomplished they both are! When I was that age, I hadn’t done anything!”

Lan Wangji didn’t think that was entirely right. When Jiang Cheng had been the age Xiao Xingcheng and Song Zichen were now, he’d endured the loss of his sect and rebuilt it from nothing, acting more or less singlehandedly while still finding time to fight the Wen sect shoulder-to-shoulder with the other Great Sects and also search for the missing Wei Wuxian with Lan Wangji.

He opted not to mention it.

Let Jiang Cheng keep his illusions and ignore the steady encroachment of time.

“You’re calling me old in your head,” Jiang Cheng said accusingly, and Lan Wangji pasted an innocent expression on his face as confirmation. “You are, you bastard! You know you’re older than me, right?”

Lan Wangji could get a great deal of out of an admission like that.

“That’s not what I meant! We’re peers, you…!” Jiang Cheng huffed. “Listen, you’d better be on your best behavior around our guests, all right? I don’t want them to be scared off just because it looks like you’re glowering whenever you think –”

“I’ll follow your example, then, and simply not think at all.”

“Go jump off a pier!”

The children all giggled.

“You’re all going to be on best behavior too,” Jiang Cheng told them, fierce as a hissing domestic cat and just as adorably toothless. “You hear me? All of you! A-Yuan, A-Ling, that means you’re going to be cute but not spoiled, while A-Yu can – actually, just do the same as them in an age-appropriate way, you’re cute enough –”

Mo Xuanyu beamed.

“Still, we don’t know what they’re like. Start by being a little reserved – not too loud –”

Lan Sizhui waved for attention as if they were in a classroom.

“…yes?” Jiang Cheng asked, looking vaguely resigned and grumpy in a way that was clearly meant to conceal how unbearably charming he found the gesture.

“Can I be called Sizhui this time?” Lan Sizhui asked eagerly. “I’m old enough!”

Jiang Cheng frowned a bit, and Lan Wangji understood. The Jiang sect generally didn’t use courtesy names until the child in question had mastered a full sword routine, usually age eight or nine, and close family almost never made the switch in full; from what Lan Wangji knew, Jiang Yanli had called Jiang Cheng ‘A-Cheng’ right up until the end of her life, not to mention referring routinely to Wei Wuxian, who she’d only met when he was already old enough to use his courtesy name, as ‘A-Xian’. The Lan sect, in contrast, started using courtesy names almost exclusively once a child was old enough to leave his parents, typically age three or four – Lan Wangji had been calling Lan Sizhui by name for years already, and had been needling Jiang Cheng to pick it up as well without success.

“I’ll introduce you,” Lan Wangji offered, saving Jiang Cheng the awkwardness of having to explain or decline or, worst of all for someone like Jiang Cheng, accidentally slip up and say something sappy like you’ll always be A-Yuan to me.

Lan Sizhui nodded, satisfied, and next to him, Jin Ling frowned. “What about me?” he asked. “Am I going to be Rulan?”

“The Jin sect is the last of the Great Sects in using courtesy names,” Jiang Cheng said, finally on more solid ground. “Not until you get your sword, and that’s not until you’re eleven. Or twelve!”

“But I already have a sword…”

“The age you would be if you were getting your own,” Lan Wangji interjected. “To make it fair to all the rest.”

That seemed to reassure Jin Ling, who nodded. “Good,” he grumbled. “I don’t wanna be Rulan, anyway…jiujiu, when did you say these guests would be arriving?”

That, of course, sent Jiang Cheng back into a flurry of activity, and Lan Wangji shook his head, long-suffering. “You’ve hosted entire discussion conferences,” he pointed out to Jiang Cheng. “There are only two cultivators this time. It is far easier.”

“Is it?” Jiang Cheng shot back. “Is it really?”

In contrast to the expectation and build up leading up to it, the actual arrival of Xiao Xingchen and Song Zichen was rather unremarkable. They arrived just as the sun was setting, two young men, one beautiful and the other handsome, both valiant heroes with faces that shone with kindness and righteousness. Xiao Xingchen’s face was curved in a gentle smile, Song Zichen set in a neutral expression. Both seemed sincere and respectful when they bowed deeply in greeting.

“It’s a pleasure and honor to host such heroes,” Jiang Cheng said, nodding his head regally in return. He really had at some point learned how to fake being a competent and confident sect leader, and it might have even had the effect he was going for if it wasn’t for the small gaggle of children very eagerly stealing peeks from next to him – but Lan Wangji wasn’t going to be the one to tell on them. “I’ve heard many stories of your adventures, and I have long looked forward to meeting you in person. My Lotus Pier is open to you for as long as you require.”

“Sect Leader Jiang is upright and straightforward, well known for his righteousness,” Xiao Xingchen said, and perhaps only Lan Wangji knew precisely why Jiang Cheng flushed with such pleasure at a compliment more commonly applied to Nie Mingjue. “We are happy to be here as your guests.”

Jiang Cheng nodded a second time, still a little stiff and wooden. “You have traveled quite a distance. Are you tired or hungry..?”

They shook their heads in refusal.

Jiang Cheng darted a glance at Lan Wangji, then turned back to them, finally relaxing out of the excess formality that suited Jin Guangshan far more than it did Jian Cheng. “In that case,” he said, his voice a little dry. “Upon the suggestion of certain of my advisors, would you prefer to cut the boring small talk and go out on a night-hunt instead?”

Xiao Xingchen’s face split into a genuine smile, and even Song Zichen’s severity seemed a little eased.

“What an excellent idea, Sect Leader Jiang,” Xiao Xingchen said warmly. “We’d be happy to. I was just telling Song Zichen not long ago that it seemed as though we hadn’t been on a proper hunt in far too long.”

“You think you have problems, try being a sect leader,” Jiang Cheng replied impulsively, then turned red when he realized how rude he’d just been. “That is, I mean – well, there’s not nearly as much free time, that’s all.”

Xiao Xingchen laughed. It gave Lan Wangji a good impression of him: light-hearted and lively, his demeanor kind and good-humored. Despite the lack of blood relation, Lan Wangji was reminded of Wei Wuxian – although perhaps that was just his wistful thinking.

“Well, there’s a reason Zichen and I haven’t started our own just yet,” he said mischievously. “There’s time for that later, after all. Youth is when you make a name for yourself! And speaking of which, I’ve heard plenty about your own prowess, Sandu Shengshou. I admit I’m looking forward to seeing Zidian in action.”

Jiang Cheng looked unbearably pleased at the compliment, clearly sincerely meant, and something in Lan Wangji’s heart that he hadn’t even known was tense finally eased.

He hadn’t realized that he himself was nervous about this meeting – less for his own sake, although he burned with curiosity to learn everything he could about Wei Wuxian, than for Jiang Cheng, who had longed for this meeting so much, cared so much. Lan Wangji found to his bemusement that he had even been a little afraid: afraid that the two strangers would be cold or arrogant, afraid that they’d reject Jiang Cheng tentative overtures of friendship – that Jiang Cheng would be disappointed.

Lan Wangji might enjoy teasing Jiang Cheng into a frenzy, but that was his prerogative. In fact, one could argue that it was only what he was due for having lived with and put up with the man for so long. He’d been the one who’d been there all this time, the one who’d put in so much effort to help rebuild him back into the man he could be rather than the wreck he had been; he’d earned the right to mock him.  

No one else was entitled to so much as touch the hem of his robes.

“I have heard much of your matchless skill as well, Hanguang-jun,” Song Zichen said, his voice unexpectedly deep, and Lan Wangji’s attention came back to him as he returned the man’s salute. They both had reputations for being closed-mouthed ice-blocks, and it seemed to Lan Wangji that Song Zichen was probably just reserved, like him, rather than truly standoffish.

“You’re in for a treat, then,” Jiang Cheng said with a faint smirk. “Whether in sword or music, few can match Hanguang-jun’s talents, and he never stints on displaying them.”

To the untried ear, perhaps Jiang Cheng sounded bitter or jealous, and given his competitive mania he probably was, a little, but to Lan Wangji he sounded more smug than anything else, as proud as if he were the one being praised.

With everything settled, they headed off at once.

The subject of the night-hunt was nothing terribly exciting – a troop of fierce corpses ravaging the countryside that someone had finally managed to divine the location of, with the only interesting aspect about them being that they were unusually fast-moving – so there was plenty of time for them to talk as they followed the trail.

Lan Wangji expected Jiang Cheng to start asking questions about the immortal mountain and Wei Wuxian’s mother at once – Jiang Cheng might be prideful and thin-faced, prone to shame and overthinking, but he’d been raised along Wei Wuxian, who was second to none in shamelessness, and Lan Wangji was well aware of how much he hungered for that knowledge.

Of course, probably as a direct result of Lan Wangji’s expectations, Jiang Cheng went for a completely different target.

“It’s said that we live in an age of young heroes,” he remarked, seemingly casual. “Of course, for most of us, that was simply the inevitable result of war – crisis demands the best from people, regardless of age. Without such necessity to spur us onwards, most of us probably would’ve been still kicking our heels even now, whereas you two became heroes as soon as you arrived…how old are you now, again?”

“We are both twenty-one,” Song Zichen said, and Lan Wangji used the moment to glare over at Jiang Cheng when he mouthed six years at him – was this really the time to quibble over something as pointless as the exact age gap between them, which he’d clearly inquired about for no other purpose than to prove Lan Wangji’s earlier assumption wrong? This was Wei Wuxian’s martial uncle here! They should be getting all the information out of him that they could!

(Lan Wangji had long ago decided that when it came to feuding over minor matters with Jiang Cheng, he would be as gracious in defeat as his opponent…which was to say, not at all.)

Jiang Cheng smirked at him, knowing what he was thinking, but then – finally – turned the subject onto the immortal mountain, or more specifically its former disciples.

This time it was Song Zichen’s turn to relax minutely, Lan Wangji noticed. A moment’s thought revealed the reason: they’d probably feared cultivators asking questions that were far more pointed than what they were getting from them – cultivators greedy for the secrets of immortality. No wonder they so assiduously avoided being hosted by the Great Sects, and had done so even before Lanling Jin had gotten in the way of their heroism.

Well, luckily for them, the interest Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji had was a little more…down to earth.

“Cangse Sanren was a talent to shake the ages,” Xiao Xingchen said, his eyes bright and expression enthusiastic. “It was as if anything she turned her mind to, she excelled at, and she turned her mind to all sorts of things without discrimination – painting, poetry, swordsmanship…” He paused, then firmed his shoulders. “I heard that her son was much the same..?”

Lan Wangji felt a smile want to come up to his lips.

It seemed that Xiao Xingchen was just as interested in finding out more about his martial nephew as they were in finding out more about Wei Wuxian’s martial uncle.

Jiang Cheng glanced over at Lan Wangji, who nodded very shallowly, indicating his approval. In his judgment, both of them seemed safe enough: trustworthy, and not like people who would spread gossip.

They could talk about Wei Wuxian.

Talk truly about him, praising his good points and speaking fondly of his faults…these two, Lan Wangji thought, wouldn’t judge them harshly for failing to condemn him, and they wouldn’t tell anyone else, either.

Later, after they’d finished dispatching the ghouls – and the Wei Wuxian portion of the conversation, for which Jiang Cheng had taken the lead and which a listening Lan Wangji had enjoyed tremendously, largely on account of Xiao Xingchen’s genuine enthusiasm for learning everything he could about the martial nephew he had only just barely missed meeting, fearsome Yiling Patriarch or not – Jiang Cheng finally and regretfully brought them back to the original subject.

“I heard that you two are collecting allies to go after Xue Yang,” he said, and pretended (just as Lan Wangji did) to ignore the way Xiao Xingchen and Song Zichen suddenly glanced at each other. “I’ll support that, of course. From everything I’ve heard, he’s become a mad dog, trying to bite anyone he sees. Hasn’t he been launching all sorts of raids on sects left and right these past few years?”

They nodded.

“Rather pointless ones,” Song Zichen said, a deep frown on his face. “He runs in and causes chaos, then flees into the night – he barely even stops to kill people, and almost never steals treasures. At most he goes to make trouble by defacing the walls of some of the ancestral tombs…we can see no sense in it. The only explanation is that his demonic cultivation has in fact driven him mad.”

Demonic cultivation didn’t necessarily drive a person mad. That was something Lan Wangji and Jiang Cheng had painfully learned over the years, much to Jiang Cheng’s distress. However, it certainly didn’t help maintain calmness or peace of mind; there was every chance that a delinquent like Xue Yang had had his temperament worsened by demonic cultivation, leading to his present circumstances.

“Indeed,” Jiang Cheng said noncommittally. “I really have only question for you, then.”

Knowing where this was going, Lan Wangji turned his gaze on their guests’ expression.

“Haven’t you been chasing him on your own for all these years now, trying to get him to go to trial for his crimes, refusing any offers of help?” Jiang Cheng asked, his voice suddenly pointed. “Why the sudden change in favor of asking for help now?”

Xiao Xingchen and Song Zichen shared another long look between them.

Finally, Xiao Xingchen cleared his throat. “In truth,” he said, “we spread that rumor as a smokescreen. We’re not looking for allies, generally speaking…we really only wanted a reason to ask for your help.”

Jiang Cheng stopped and stared, visibly surprised. Lan Wangji kept his expression more neutral, but privately he was just as taken aback; when they’d discussed this earlier, planning out this conversation in advance, that wasn’t even remotely one of the possibilities they’d considered.

“My help?” Jiang Cheng asked cautiously. “Or…?”

“Yours and Hanguang-jun,” Song Zichen said. “We weren’t sure who else to turn to.”

“What’s the issue?” Jiang Cheng asked, waving a hand to halt their forward progress. A good idea, in Lan Wangji’s view: it was the middle of the night, and they were in the middle of the forest in the back hills near the Lotus Pier, with no one around for a good distance except for trusted Jiang sect disciples – if there needed to be privacy for this discussion, this was the best place for it.

Another shared glance.

Lan Wangji slanted a glance of his own to Jiang Cheng, who returned it: they’d been right, there really was something unusual with this visit.

They stood in silence for a while.

Finally, Xiao Xingchen yielded. “Very well,” he said, and met Jiang Cheng’s eyes. “Sect Leader Jiang…can you tell us what you know about the Ghost General?”

Jiang Cheng stiffened, his fists clenching.

Lan Wangji’s heart felt just as stiff. He stepped forward.

“There are many people who can tell you about Wen Ning,” he said neutrally, watching them carefully. “Assuming that what you wish to know is how he fought or his transformation into a conscious fierce corpse. Is your concern that Xue Yang has replicated the technique and created his own ghost general?”

He didn’t think it would be that. As he’d said, everyone knew what Wen Ning had done once he’d become the Ghost General – the Jin sect would know far better than either of them how fearsome he was, since it was at Jinlin Tower that he had erupted in his final massacre. If they wanted to know about fierce corpses in general, they could go there.

To come here, to Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji – the only two people who were known to have gone up to the Yiling Burial Mounds while Wei Wuxian lived there with Wen Ning at his side, the only living people who knew what the Ghost General was like when he wasn’t being a weapon, to know what Wen Ning was like as a person – suggested something different.

Something impossible.

Xiao Xingchen met his eyes. “It is not.”

“Wen Ning was destroyed,” Jiang Cheng said, his voice tight and unsteady. “He murdered my brother-in-law, my nephew’s father, and when Lanling Jin demanded his head as retribution, he and his sister went to them under pretense of surrender and murdered even more of them before they were taken down. He was destroyed.”

They said nothing.

“The former Sect Leader Jin was very interested in demonic cultivation,” Lan Wangji said slowly. “While Wei Wuxian lived, he sought to claim the Stygian Tiger Seal. When he died…”

He glanced at Jiang Cheng a second time. They had not discussed the subject of the Siege of the Burial Mounds in any detail, as it inevitably put Jiang Cheng into a terrible frame of mind, and Lan Wangji remembered with a shudder the state they had both been in at that fateful meeting – he didn’t want to remember it himself, much less bring back bad memories for Jiang Cheng.

They certainly hadn’t discussed the subject of spoils. The only thing that had ever brought it to mind was the silent presence of Chenqing lying in place of pride in the Jiang sect’s memorial hall as the substitute for the memorial tablet they could not afford to raise for Wei Wuxian.

It hadn’t seemed relevant.

It was now.

“Sect Leader Jin took it,” Jiang Cheng confirmed, his voice shaking a little. “The Stygian Tiger Seal was broken in two, and Wei Wuxian destroyed one of the halves – the Jin sect claimed the other, saying that they were going to destroy it. I think they took more than that, too…I know they took Suibian, but they also took all the papers that’d been left in the cave. I always suspected that that was why they were so protective of Xue Yang, who was a demonic cultivator himself – that Jin Guangshan wanted to squeeze him for information, or maybe even use him to figure out some of Wei Wuxian’s notes…”

His voice trailed off, and he shook his head furiously.

“Wen Ning was destroyed,” he insisted. “The Jin sect scattered his ashes! They – they…”

“They lied,” Song Zichen said.

Lan Wangji pressed his lips together. He had no particularly warm feelings towards Wen Ning, who had been Wei Wuxian’s shadow in that last year or so of life when Wei Wuxian had turned his back on the world – a position Lan Wangji would have given his left arm to have, and over which he had had all sorts of inappropriate feelings of envy and stifled, unjustified possessiveness – but Jiang Cheng took the man’s existence far more personally.

In Jiang Cheng’s view, it had been for Wen Ning that Wei Wuxian had stolen the Wen sect remnants, for Wen Ning that Wei Wuxian had abjured his relationship with the Jiang sect and Jiang Cheng himself, for Wen Ning that Wei Wuxian had given up everything, and yet simultaneously it had also been Wen Ning that had pushed him to the very brink and over. Wen Ning who had murdered Jin Zixuan – Wen Ning who Wei Wuxian had so brutally avenged in the massacre at the Nightless City, at which Jiang Yanli had died.

Wen Ning, who they thought had been destroyed.

“We believe that the former Sect Leader Jin hid Wen Ning away instead of destroying him, then gave Xue Yang access to him, just as he did with the Tiger Seal and Wei Wuxian’s notes,” Xiao Xingchen said, his face solemn. “We also believe that Xue Yang took Wen Ning away with him when he escaped Jinlin Tower once the former sect leader died and the current sect leader took over. We believe that he has been controlling him through demonic cultivation, using him as something of an – accomplice, or something of the sort.”

“Controlling him how?” Jiang Cheng asked. They paused, and he continued, “I’m not stupid. You’re very sure that Wen Ning’s not gone, which means you located him and saw something that made you think so. What was it?”

Lan Wangji nodded shallowly, approving of Jiang Cheng’s deduction – and of the self-mastery he was demonstrating in not exploding in rage on the spot.

“He had nails in his head,” Xiao Xingchen said. “He…the Ghost General was mindless and unthinking, but strong. Very strong. He…”

He trailed off, and shook his head, seeming a bit sad.

“What help do you require from us?” Lan Wangji said, suddenly sick of the tension, and he saw Jiang Cheng throw him a look full of relief for having raised the question.

“Hanguang-jun is right,” Jiang Cheng said, backing him up at once. He crossed his arms over his chest. “What do you need us for? You two are heroes, and half the cultivation world would sell their firstborn child for a chance to bring down the Ghost General to increase their fame – there’s no way you came here just to get our help in bringing him down. If that’s what you wanted, it wouldn’t have needed to be us, and there wouldn’t have needed to be a smokescreen. What do you want?”

“We want to heal him,” Xiao Xingchen said solemnly. “To bring back his consciousness and return his sanity. But we don’t know what he was like, before Xue Yang. The only ones that do are the two of you.”

“You do remember that he killed my brother-in-law?” Jiang Cheng asked, his voice sharp.

“At Wei Wuxian’s order,” Song Zichen responded, equally sharp. “You do not blame the sword for the men it kills.”

Lan Wangji closed his eyes briefly, in pain at the reminder. He took a breath, steadying himself, and then another.

He opened his eyes.

“We will help,” he said, and ignored the betrayed look Jiang Cheng shot his way. They would talk about it later, and he would help Jiang Cheng see that this was what they had to do, no matter how painful. “And we will not betray the secret of his existence.”

“Thank you,” Xiao Xingchen said, and saluted deeply; Song Zichen did as well. “And yet, we have more we would ask of you.”

“Spit it out, then,” Jiang Cheng growled.

“Finding Wen Ning had shown us that Xue Yang’s actions have gone truly beyond the pale, beyond redemption,” Song Zichen said, and his voice was fierce. That wasn’t surprising: it had been his childhood home, his master and fellow disciples, that Xue Yang had attacked. “He is, as you said, a mad dog, biting all that he can – I believe that Wen Ning was his only companion as he fled, chased by the whole cultivation world these past few years. I fear what Xue Yang will do now that his last connection to humanity is gone. He is capable of anything.”

“We must find him,” Xiao Xingchen agreed. “We must find Xue Yang, and we must stop him from doing – whatever it is that he will do next. I cannot even begin to imagine the atrocities he might perpetrate. And so we must ask…”

“Fine,” Jiang Cheng said, and they both looked at him, surprised. “We’ll help you heal Wen Ning, and we’ll even help you hunt down Xue Yang. But this time, no excuses, no dragging your feet, no waiting for a proper trial, nothing like that. He dies, you hear me? Xue Yang is to be killed on sight!”

“I agree,” Lan Wangji said, folding his hands together behind his back. He had helped Jiang Cheng in pursuing and judging demonic cultivators before – there were those that could be granted mercy, and those for whom the only just answer was death; time and too many second chances had made inescapably clear that Xue Yang was the latter. “Each time you have sought to bring him to trial, he has taken advantage of your devotion to justice to escape.”

Xiao Xingchen looked at Song Zichen, who nodded firmly; a moment later, Xiao Xingchen sighed and nodded himself. “Agreed,” he said. “You will help us?”

“We will,” Jiang Cheng said grimly, and Lan Wangji nodded in full support. “It would be a pleasure to wipe that trash off the face of this earth.”

-

The town was full of mist and fog, choking the throat and making it hard to breathe or see; the feng shui of the entire valley was as bad as could be, and there was more miasma than there was air.

“You there, drunkard, what are you doing!” someone shouted at a figure lying halfway in the door of a house that was filled to the brim with coffins. “Don’t mock our livelihood! Just because it’s a coffin house doesn’t make it a good place to play dead!”

The figure stirred.

But I’m not playing dead, he thought, rubbing his aching head with one hand, noticing that he seemed to be missing his little finger. I actually was dead, wasn’t I?

Wei Wuxian opened his eyes.

[lady-ragnvindr]

Hey!!! What about some headcanons of the boys just simping for the reader? Like praising and just fighting for their attention

Bro you a simp~HCs

Husbandos x Reader

Shall we begin hehehehe

A/N:I didn't know if you wanted specifically each one of them or all together....

While you traveled all over Teyvat you had come to make some friends all of the way

On Mondstat you have friended Kaeya, the charming captain and Diluc, the uncrowned prince

Sure those two were known for always being at each others necks but when it came to you pfffttt

These two would be acting as if the other didn't exist and would act oh so gentleman like towards you

"Oh don't you look at that such a beautiful red flower it sure matches your fire my lady" The red hair man would say, a small boyish smile taking over his features

"If I may my dear, this blue flower matches more your calming nature" A small smirk played on the features of the handsome captain pushing a grumpy (cat) Diluc away

Oh and don't get me started when it comes to fighting

These two boys would quite literally push each other while fighting

"This is mine abyss mage!!"

"No, I destroyed its shield I should finish it"

You had to rethink your choice of team at this point

Anyways, to make matters worse you had to go to Liyue for commissions

And Liyue was well known for ehm a certain God and a Harbinger

What can go wrong right?

"Bartender" blue eyes glaring daggers at the red hair

"Fatui" a growl coming out of the challenging red eyes

"I am a captain from were I come from" Kaeya smirked

"I could care less as to what you are, I on the other hand happen to be something more than a simple mortal-" Zhongli said a hidden message specifically for the smirking captain

You really were contemplating asking Beidou to join you or regretting not accepting Jean to join you

So their you go, on your own merry way with a team of man who would hiss and bark at each other with any insults they could come up with

"Oi, stop slacking!"

"Kaeya shut your mouth"

"You two fight like children, actually were I come from, the children would of have won if fighting against you two"

"Childe- you fight like a child"

:0

"Zhongli I didn't say it to you tho :("

You really were contemplating your choices of life

But you kept on going on

Besides their comments here and their, there were times they would be so sweet

Especially with you

"Ojuo-chan look look I made these for you!" Childe came running with a bracelet made of starconches a big smile on his face 😄

"Ehm-if I may, I also made a necklace of cor lapis a sign of our...um friend...ship" a blushing Zhongli giving you sheepish smile

"I-ah I bought you this rose crystal....hope you like it" Diluc looked at you an innocence in his eyes as he blushed

"Ehmm- I uh got you a coat, since you told me you liked my fur--so I got you a coat with the same fur" Kaeya fumbled with the coat a small smile on his face

In the end they just really have a big crush for you-sad thing is that you are kinda...

Oblivious to it

Like dude, you are literally a dumbass 🙄

But this doesn't end here nah nah

You want some more spice imma give you some more

Let's add Xiao to the mix shall we

This tsundere man has the biggest heart eyes whenever he looks at you

Like a cat

Literally its aDoraBle and you don't even notice

Whenever you leave him at Wangshen Inn this man has the most obvious pout that Zhongli will definitely try to hide by standing in front of him

Like you look back only to see a closed eye smile on Zhongli's face standing were Xiao was

Suspicious ~

But if you were to take Xiao with you, this man may act grumpy and all but behind your back he is pointing his spear at the other man while walking backwards behind you

He is just glaring daggers on whoever gets close to you

But not Zhongli

One time he accidentally did, and Zhongli had his cold glare back-a silent command

Xiao looked like a kicked puppy when you found him

But either way this man really just thrives of from your attention big doe eyes watching everything you do

Oh ho ho but wanna add MORE SPICEEE

While you travel with your harem, you stumbled on a certain big hat harbinger

Ppffffttt no he wasn't stalking you

Nah he is too prideful of himself to even think about that

But yes he just so happened to be behind a bush when Childe happened to found him

Let's say your adventure team was....mad

Especially Diluc, man was mumbling curses under his breath after recognizing the fatui

Hell he even scooted closer to you alongside Xiao who he also was glaring daggers at both the fatui

Kaeya and Zhongli were just keeping their distance for now

But Scaramouche could care less, he knew you for awhile

Might of have saved your ass a couple of times

No he did NOT had a soft spot for you

Either way he gave a big smirk and wiggled his way in between the bartender and ayaska and found his place on your lap

You had to smile sheepishly at the judging stares the others sent

But at seeing the fatui getting attention

All of them snuggle in closer and laid on your side

If anything you looked like you were hugged by a bunch of bears

The next morning was hell for you. This hoes really want your attention and you just didn't know why

Tsk tsk

-

Hope ya like it luv 💓

I just noticed I didn't add albedo....SORRY 😞

[rayofsunas]

baby daddy | kaeya [2]

A/n: so already, in the first five minutes of me beginning to write tumblr decided to delete stuff again, so that’s pretty swag ;-; but nonetheless, I’m alright lmao, I’ve been super happy this week ever since I pulled xiao AND mona after wanting to give up plsss. also, I can’t exactly remember if I gave Klara a age in the last part, so I would just like to clarify that she’s one lol. anyways, here’s part two and I hope you guys enjoy!! it took me four hours to write this

Summary: kaeya wants to set a good example for his children, naturally. so he’s given up a lot of things, one being his excessive drinking. but being a knight is hard, despite how nonchalant he seems and he finds himself slipping sometimes… when you find out about it, you’re less than happy and decide spending time with the children would be a good idea for him. he’s more than happy to spend time with the three little monsters, but, he never realized what a normal day was for you when taking care of them.

Parings: Kaeya/Fem! Reader

Warnings: children, fluff, reader and kaeya are mid 20s, alcohol, Klara and Katheryne are friends because I said so, stan Katheryne she helps us so much-

Word count: 2.3k

The sun was slowly but surely rising, leaving beautiful orange and yellow hues to paint the usually bright blue sky, and Kaeya couldn’t be happier. Unlike the last couple of days, he’d been able to wake up, eat a quiet breakfast with you before the kids woke up though he tried and successfully tried to flirt his way into your already claimed heart, and then when Klara woke up, he got the chance to contently feed the wailing little girl; something he shockingly missed. 

Even if at that moment, the tears and cries were a lot more than he could handle, he was more than happy to do something too trivial, just because he was spending more time with her. And unlike the other days, he’d been able to take her for her morning walk, before he’d have to report to headquarters.

Most citizens were still asleep, though very few could be seen preparing for the days work, a few stall owners he noted, as he held Klara’s tiny chubby hand and helped her walk through the town, though she greatly seemed to like speed, already worlds ahead with her mobility. 

“Slow down, my little Mist Flower.” She was moving as fast as her little legs could take her, straight towards Katheryne who sometimes gave the little girl trinkets, saying adventurers had brought back things they didn’t wish to keep or had no use for. Even if Klara couldn’t really speak, she knew little things, “Thank you” was one of them, so she was always grateful despite not knowing exactly what they were. And although Katheryne seemed to not be human, some sort of machine with a very robot-like tone, she also made sure to let little Klara know how happy she was to give the youngest Alberich little trinkets. 

“Good morning, Katheryne.” Kaeya called, grinning when his daughter’s eyes widened at the mention of the kind receptionist. As the pair approached the young woman, Klara yanked on her father's white cloak, instructing him to lift her into his arms, so she could get a better look, and Katheryne, usually behind the tall wooden counter.

“Oh- good morning, Captain Kaeya!” The woman exclaimed, eyes lighting up when she saw the little girl she adored very much. “And little Klara, good morning.” She was happy to see the pair well, seeing as though she hadn’t seen Klara in days. 

“Hi, Kat...” Klara whispered with a shy smile, Katheryne smiled even more because of the use of the nickname she’d been given.

She was just the most adorable little girl ever, Katheryne couldn’t help but think. 

All three Alberich children were the sweetest, though obviously, Klara had a sweet place in her heart especially. Adrien was an identical copy of you, sarcastic, very stubborn, but very respectable for such a young age. And Elena was a smart cookie, a young girl who enjoyed questioning and correct everyone and everything that she came across. Lastly, little Klara, who had much growing to do was the pride and joy of the large Alberich family. Everyone adored her and she continuously swayed hearts wherever she went, just her cute curiosity alone was enough to bring a smile to even Wagner’s face, who typically seemed grumpy. 

Katheryne felt very lucky to have met them in this lifetime, they were a gift from the Archons, truly. Everyone knew Katheryne as the Adventurer Guild's Receptionist but to Klara? She was Kat, a generous friend who gave her gifts. 

Though a sad frown graced the young woman's lips, Kaeya ever so observantly caught on, something was wrong.

“I’m very saddened to say this, but I’m afraid there aren’t any new trinkets suitable enough for little Klara today...” Yes indeed was the receptionist saddened, evident by every feature on her face. “There’s been a shortage it seems of adventurers and travelers willing to take the commissions.” The brunette stated.

“Why is this?” The Cavalry Captain questioned, silently huffing when the one-year-old attached to his hip kept chewing on his white fur cloak, closest to his neck. Great, another issue added to the mix. Maybe she had begun teething again? Archons, Kaeya really felt as though he’d missed so much, seeing as though he couldn’t remember the last time his youngest daughter had teethed or even if she'd stopped entirely together. In short, he probably hadn’t been there for that either, courtesy of his position and job. 

“From my understanding, there have been more hoards of monsters, and something about a mutation as well,” Noted Katheryne, watching as the curiosity built upon the man's features. “Would you like to take a few of the commissions? To show Acting Grand Master Jean?”

The part bout there being an abundance of monsters did sound familiar, he’d been hearing about that a lot recently, but mutated forms as well? That was new... He’d have to bring that up today at the briefing, maybe Jean would know more than he currently did. 

“None of that will be necessary. I’m heading there now, after I drop Klara off back home, I’ll just forward the information to her personally.” Katheryne nodded, seemingly getting sidetracked and entranced by the bright violet-eyed toddler staring at her, with her father's white fur cloak still in her mouth. 

Adorable. 

She still couldn’t help but feel bad though. The only trinkets that had been brought back from any scarce, but recent missions were partially damaged swords waiting for Wagner to fix or scrap into new materials.

Such a thing did not belong in the hands of a child, nonetheless the ever so gentle Klara Alberich, she was too sweet for this world to be handed a complimentary sword, even if she had heard Kaeya say the countless amount of times that he wanted to eventually teach each of the children how to use a sword, preferring to start earlier, rather than later. And from Katheryne’s overheard? She now knew it had been somewhat of a topic of discussion between you and Kaeya, causing mini spouts of anger and frustration. 

Archons, how she wishes she had something suitable to give the little girl...

Katheryne nervously fidgeted. “Oh and about the trinkets-”

The usual daily gifts Kaetheryne would give to Klara, were absent today. Due to one big factor; adventurers and travelers weren’t taking commissions, therefore, they weren’t bringing back what Katheryne saw as unique finds, but they claimed to have no use for.

“No worries,” He was more worried about the fact that adventurers weren’t taking commissions instead of the usual trinkets Katheryne would give his daughter, nonetheless he offered reassurance. It really was no big deal.

Kaeya indeed was something else entirely, Katheryne concluded. A mind reader, some sort of witch- just different. How had he known without her even saying anything?

She was stunned for quite some time, though still feeling guilty despite his supposed reassurance. The guilt partially stemmed from the fact that Klara was staring so intently at her, with big blue-purple-hued eyes, unknowingly being one of the main stressors of Katheryne’s guilt... 

“Klara has too many nicknacks anyways,” You and Kaeya were sure she’d be some kind of trinket collector when she was older, seeing as though she had so many already. “Y/n says you spoil her.” Kaeya’s statement almost sounded like he was scolding her, but if not for the grin and chuckle he offered that immediately followed, she wouldn’t have known he was being entirely playful. 

“That is not my intention. She’s just so adorable, I cannot stop myself,” Kaeya laughed, glancing down at the toddler. She was adorable, his little Mist Flower.

“If it bother you or Miss Y/n, I’ll-”

“It’s quite alright, Katheryne, no need to worry,” Kaeya announced smoothly, dramatically waving his hand to show he was dismissing her statements of protest and concern.

“Alright...”

Eventually, Kaeya did take his leave, much to Katheryne’s dismay. She’d probably see Klara tomorrow, if he stayed true to his schedule, so she remained hopeful and excited for tomorrow. 

Before he knew it, Kaeya was bringing Klara home, giving you and Elena - who was now awake - hugs and kisses, telling you both to let Adrien know he loved him and that he’d return soon - he was still asleep. And then just like that Kaeya was out the door again and off to headquarters.

-

No one expected him to be at the Cat’s Tail this late at night, but it wasn’t entirely unexpected nor rare by any means, he was a familiar face after all. 

It was unexpected because Kaeya claimed he had given up the incessant and excessive drinking years ago when his firstborn, Adrien graced Teyvat. Sadly, it was expected, because it seemed he’d been in here more in the last week than in the last few years... Though, patrons who often visited the tavern were all betting on the fact that you were entirely clueless to how much he’d been drinking; they were right. You were too busy taking care of the children and training to hopefully join the Knights again, to even keep up with your husband's drinking habits. So, it went unnoticed. 

Diluc though, who was often at the tavern, noticed it unlike you. Kaeya had been a great pretender, a great spy; good at keeping secrets, but when he had secrets, somehow Diluc always found himself finding out first, if not second, closely behind you. And unfortunately - Diluc thought - he was on the more personal spectrum concerning the certain Knight... He was his brother, your brother in law, an uncle... He disliked what Kaeya was doing, greatly. Especially since it felt as though his idiotic brother was going behind his family's back. No, he hadn’t promised to quit entirely, but he’d made it seem that way to you. Probably a fabrication so you wouldn’t worry... 

Diluc should’ve known he'd find himself back here again, trying to get his once again, idiotic brother, to leave and go home. The pyro user couldn’t understand. His brother had everything he didn’t. A beautifully devoted wife, three amazingly easy children, a status many simple Knights and Guards would kill for; Captain. And he’d rather risk it all for a drink or two, maybe three.

You thought nothing of it. Kaeya was out late a lot, more often than not patrol and paperwork held him from returning home, but on the rare occasions that he had a sliver of free time that wasn’t spent with you and the kids, he was drinking. 

You always knew when he wouldn’t be returning, in the form of a letter from Kaeya, stating he was alright but would be staying to do paperwork, etc. It would be brought by one of his underlings, Knights or Guards in training. But when that letter never came, you panicked. 

Was he alright? He never forgot to write... Maybe he was held up?

Thankfully, Lisa had decided to come over for tea earlier and had still been here trying her best to reassure you, after seeing how worried you’d been after not receiving any letter. 

“You should probably return home, I’ll be alright.” You kept reassuring the librarian, though she wasn’t falling for it. She could practically feel the stress and anxiety oozing off of you, it was concerning. 

You could only be thankful Amber had been busy and couldn’t come over for tea or else she would’ve ripped Kaeya a new one when she got ahold of him. He’d never be able to leave for missions again, without getting a reminder from Amber to reach out or else...

“Darling, I’m not leaving until he returns.” She took your hands in hers, hoping to offer you comfort. Lisa had always been there for you, which you were very thankful

She had no prior experience with children, though she was incredible with your own. You figured because she was one of the older members of the Knights of Favonius, she had taken more of a big sister role and the youngers looked up to her wisdom. Though she wasn’t much older than you, only by five or six years, so she was really like an older sister towards you as well. Lisa was a very kind woman, you appreciated her tons.

“Maybe I should go find him? I could ask around...”

“Please don’t stress, Y/n,” Lisa said. “You’re too beautiful to stress. I trust that he’ll be here soon.”

Lisa was in fact right. Kaeya returned soon after she had said he would. Master Diluc knocked on the door close to midnight, hanging off his arm was your drunk husband. When you saw him slumped on his brother's shoulder, you immediately assumed the worst. Maybe he’d been physically harmed. You were under the impression he had stopped drinking. 

But then, when you allowed Diluc to step further into the house, you got a huge waft of what you quickly recognized as alcohol. Surprisingly enough for Diluc, you didn’t yell, instead, you just stared at Kaeya with disappointment, gravitating towards him to try and take him from his brother's arms. 

“Thank you Diluc, I’m sorry you had to deal with this so late.”

The Ragnivndr wanted to scold his brother, for making a fool of himself and you, leaving you worried and disappointed. But, using better judgment, Diluc just nodded and offered an understanding and apology, on behalf of his out of it brother. 

“It’s quite alright, I-”

“I’m sorry he had to come home this way,” Diluc stated, glaring at the taller man.

You hummed, helping Kaeya stumble into your living room, both Lisa and Diluc watching with worried gazes from the door. “Don’t worry, I’m just glad he’s safe.”

Diluc once again, realized his idiotic brother did not deserve you or your kindness and understanding. He was one lucky man, that was for sure.

[🏷] TAGLIST (if you want to be removed from/added to this specific taglist let me know!)

@gladly-olus , @kyquu , @craptainlou , @mintydump , @chscklvr , @irisxiel , @minh0ree​

2.10.21, rayofsunas

[glazelilyy]

Comfort HC

-Bennet learns sword fighting from Kaeya

-Diluc sometimes cares for the cats from the Cat's Tail

-Jean and Barbara teach Klee the alphabet

-Hu Tao along with Zhongli and Qiqi patch up Xiao when he gets injured

-Ayaka goes into town with Thoma sometimes, they often been called a couple Thoma just laughs it off but Ayaka's face starts burning up from embarrassment

-The Knights of Favonious have a sleepover every Saturday by Klee's request

♡´･ᴗ･`♡ ʰᵒᵖᵉᵈ ʸᵒᵘ ˡⁱᵏᵉᵈ ⁱᵗ

- yes!! the sweetest headcanon hehe i love the brotherly bond idea between benny and kaeya :)

- WHEHGJDFH HOLD ON THIS IS ADORABLE AAAA i've seen diluc as being able to communicate better with animals than people whether they're a dog or cat...or bird (a frickin eagle is his pet) and so if he sees a stray he'll take a moment to pet them and smile hgngngh but since the cat's tail has continuous cats he'd definitely leave food out for the kitties than stray too close to angel's share (diona might be upset with him at first but come to realize that he's not such a grumpy grown up :>)

- jean and barbara and klee!!! lisa's there too and she helps teaches little toddler klee about the elements and magic too >:)

- awww this hc :))) so sweet. whenever i max out a character's friendship i like to go through their voicelines all at once, so when zhongli hit 10 and i saw the voiceline about xiao and giving him medicine for his pain it felt so much like a father caring for his son aaaaaaaa. and hu tao seems pretty eccentric but she's actually pretty doting on xiao, and qiqi will definitely pick qingxin's for him and tie them pretty in a bouquet :D

- awww flustered ayaka is so cute!! the village elderly might give them unsolicited words of marital advice and thoma would just laugh it off whereas ayaka would be hiding behind her fan LOL

- KOF SLEEPOVER AAAA diluc would be begrudgingly dragged along by kaeya after klee insists that he should be there too. kaeya is klee's cool uncle: he makes friendship bracelets with her and plays "dont touch the floor" games while using diluc's back as one of his landing points LOL. jean is the one ushering everyone to bed at 10, shushing kaeya and klee from giggling at 1am while they make hand puppet shadows, and is up at 6am somehow looking amazing as ever. lisa is encouraging klee and kaeya to be menaces, and diluc would usually be huffing about kaeya's immaturity but since klee is having fun he'd be silent and watch them read picture books and make friendship bracelets together. amber!!! definitely a pro fort builder and pillow fighting champion (might accidentally deck kaeya too hard in the face and he ends up falling backwards into jean, who then topples onto lisa, then diluc, then eula and suddenly it's a kof pile and klee's climbing to the top to claim victory. noelle is definitely there too because i said so and she's being the softer mother hen of the group. where jean is more strict about rules, noelle is definitely more lenient and also makes all of the snacks for the sleepover. eula might be overwhelmed at first but amber helps her get settled and she finds comfort in helping jean review files in the quietest corner of klee's large room. WOW that response got long BUT IT'S SO CUTE AAAA

i absolutely adored these nonnie!! :D esp the sleepover one if you couldn't already tell hehe >:) thanks for sending these to me!! <3

[saskia-wolf]

A list of my personal Genshin Headcanons...

Mondstadt:

Jean and Lisa are professional but they are definitely dating and Jean can't say no to Lisa, it's like impossible.

Jean and Diluc used to be a thing but they found they were better as friends (and it was obvious Jean was a simp for Lisa) and they remain friends.

After the Archon Quest... Venti told Barbara he was actually Barbatos... she didn't believe him.

Amber is basically Lisa's little sister and gets away with a lot. She is a good Knight, she is just the sweetest sack of bricks.

With Alice gone, Jean and Lisa are in charge of Klee... the adoption papers were signed.

Amber and Eula are dating and Eula has sworn vengeance for it. Payback will be hers.

Kaeya is like that fun brother/uncle that instigates you into doing bad things.

Albedo and Sucrose work super well together... they are both Ace and married to their work.

Everyone has adopted Benny and Barbara makes sure to take time to "adventure" with him... it just means avoiding her fans and finding easy stuff for the church.

Razor randomly appears for head scratches from Lisa.

Diona hangs out in the alley with the cats... Barbara sometimes sits with her until she falls asleep (then she calls Noelle and they have a slumber party because they are the bestest frienda)

Noelle is already a Knight of Favonius... they just know she won't think she is ready so they haven't told her in fear she will work harder than she already does.

Liyue:

Ningguang and Beidou are married. Everyone knows. No one dares to comment.

They have both adopted Kazuha when he came from Inazuma and will probably adopt more kids who need dumb, doting parents who love them.

Qiqi visits Klee in Mondstadt and they variously stay with Jean/Lisa in Mondstadt or at the Pharmacy in Liyue (they have bunk beds but sleep on the bottom bunk).

Hu Tao actually adores Qiqi despite her job/Qiqi being a zombie.

Xiao is Ganyu's younger brother and she teases him a lot when he is grumpy... he actually loves it and leaves her Qixing Flowers a lot.

Zhongli is not a functioning adult by himself and Ganyu has to teach him how to manage Mora and not just make more.

Yanfei and Eula are really good friends and they pro-quo help each other out all the time. Amber gets jealous when she shouldn't.

Xangling is the best cook anywhere and is the cooking version to Diona's drinks. The two of them decided to try working together but instead get into heated (but friendly arguments). They instead ship each other new concoctions.

Xinyan and Barbara are very good friends. If they get together they put on a rockin' pop show.

Chongyun and Xingqui are dating but neither of them know it.

Inazuma:

Ayaka and Kokomi are distantly related and they found out and now tease Ayako that they are basically sisters.

Sara is dedicated to Baal and has on one ore more occasion said "step on me".

Yoimiya and Ayaka dated at one point but remain friends.

Thoma and Yoimiya like each other but are too awkward to say anything.

Gorou and Kazuha grew up together and are beasties.

Baal secretly likes Lumine/Aether but are too stubborn and just want to see them arrested for bragging rights.

Baal highly dislikes Ventimiglia and has tried to kill him more than once...

Sayu was found napping and then raised to be a ninja... it was the perfect cover.

Baal gave Lisa her vision strictly on the fact she was a simp and didn't want another God to give her a vision.

For the others... Baal found Fischl to be adorable and stupid and thought it would be funny. Razor was just a destructive mess and she liked that... and Beidou? Again she simped because the chick took out a fucking sea dragon after four days of no sleep... of course she was impressed!

Ayaka really likes Lumine/Aether and is crushing hard and Kokomi teases her hard.

[softzhongli]

summary: a closer look at the most exclusive group chat in all teyvat. we have two oblivious idiots in love, two horny bastards afraid of their feelings, a grumpy cat and his sunshine boyfriend and one very single and tired girl... among many many others warnings: swearing, probably some angst info: crack fic, multi-chaptered, social media au, not much difference they just have phones lmao pairings: childe x kaeya // xiao x venti // zhongli x diluc + lumine and other characters requests: open posted: 15/02/2022 a/n: i think i might make albedo like a occurring character, just randomly throwing him in, idk seems fun and i don’t want to have too many “main” characters so the chat-like chapters aren’t that messy and hard to follow. even now tho i added thoma to the list and stuff he’s still smaller compared to the main seven so there probably won’t be any more very significant addition at least i don’t think so but i change my mind way too easily so we’ll see lmao maybe there’s someone y’all wanna see? make sure to let me know! 

PREV II MASTERLIST II NEXT

CHAT: R.I.P. KAEYA ☠️ ⮡  members: lumine / diluc / xiao / venti / childe / kaeya / zhongli / thoma (+albedo’s cameo)

lumine: THIS IS NOW A SINGLES' CHAT

lumine: no love allowed

lumine: y'all are blocked for today

venti: i think xiao and I are engaged?

lumine: WHAT

lumine: THE

lumine: ACTUAL

lumine: FUCK

lumine: I just said no love allowed why must you hurt me like this

lumine: okay, one love allowed then it's over for you bitches

lumine: but "you think"? how can you not know if you're engaged

venti: well I asked him yesterday if he'd marry me someday and he said if it's something I want I just have to say a word

lumine: wow

lumine: talking about marriage on valentine's day

lumine: how original

venti: imagine being this jealous, couldn't be me

lumine: i'm disgusted by your happiness

venti: 🖤

lumine: 🖤

lumine: so... is it something you'd actually want?

venti: honestly it was mostly something I just said in the moment

venti: but I really like the idea of spending the rest of my life with xiao

lumine: gross but also adorable 🥺

lumine: I mean you've been together even before I met you

lumine: so I can't imagine you two not being together

lumine: you've been a package deal for the whole time I've known you

venti: yeah, time flies

lumine: ugh, ew, stop being cute

venti: I CAN'T HELP BEING IN LOVE

xiao: 🖤

lumine: oh no 🤢

lumine: i can never win

lumine: @thoma come be single with me 😭

kaeya: wouldn't that make you not single anymore

lumine: oh look who finally decided to show up

lumine: after ghosting me for the whole two days

lumine: 😐😐😐

venti: 👀🍿🍺

kaeya: i told you childe wasn't feeling the best

kaeya: someone had to help him

lumine: you're so in love with him and it makes me so mad you won't admit it asdfhhjkl

kaeya: 😐

lumine: 🙄

lumine: anyway, how's he feeling now?

kaeya: better but still not the best

kaeya: i was gonna go back with you and diluc, but I'm gonna stick around until he's okay

lumine: welp then I guess I'm coming back alone

lumine: diluc's also staying behind

lumine: he wouldn't say why but I think we all know 🤦🏼‍♀️

venti: ha! they must've had a pretty good valentine's day lol

kaeya: @lumine you can always stay too

lumine: no can do, gotta some things to do in inazuma

kaeya: *somone to do

lumine: I'm not going there for thoma

kaeya: I've never said anything about thoma 🤡

lumine left the group.

venti: that's a first

kayea: we finally did it

venti: good job team, proud of you

thoma: damn I missed her?

venti added lumine to the group.

venti: there you go my dear new friend

lumine: 😐

lumine: leave me to be alone and single in peace

thoma: a little birdie told me you're coming to inazuma 👀

thoma: so single and ready to mingle?

venti: so SO single

kaeya: definitely ready to mingle

lumie: and who asked the two of you?

lumine: go be in love and leave me alone

kaeya: oh you want some time alone with thoma?

venti: should've just said so

kaeya: 😈

venti: 😇

lumine removed kaeya from the group.

lumine removed venti from the group.

lumine: finally peace

xiao added venti to the group.

xiao: @lumine don't do that again

lumine: fuck I forgot you were online ☠️

venti: @xiao i knew i could count on you, baby

xiao: 🖤

venti added kaeya to the group.

kaeya: all's right in the world again

lumine: it was supposed to be a chat for singles today

lumine: why can't I have anything nice?

lumie: if zhongluc suddenly appear istg I'm done

kaeya added albedo to the group.

kaeya: here, have another single one

thoma: 👀

albedo: ?

lumine: omg @albedo I'm so sorry for him

albedo left the group.

lumine: @kaeya stop trying to set me up with your ex ☠️

thoma: yeah, not cool

lumine: thank you @thoma

thoma: set her up with me instead 😉

lumine: 😳

venti: omg

[grapefruitsketches]

A Grumpy Cat, a Stuffed Bunny, and an Unexpected Date

My first fill for the Songxiao Reverse Itty Bitty Bang 2020. Inspired by @JeanieChibi’s art on twitter at JeanieChibi/status/1307471339025035268 (hyperlink in reblog to make sure this shows up in the tags; please go look - you will not regret the adorableness!) 

Event hosted by @touchmycoat

Also for fytheuntamed’s Untamed Fall Fest Day 2: Family

Rated G, 1,937 words

Songxiao Family, Domestic Fluff, Dating

Also available on AO3 (See link in reblog)

The doorbell rang.

Xiao Xingchen frowned, setting down his cup of tea.

Now who could that…

“Gege!” A-Qing’s voice rang out from the front hall, “Song-gege is here to steal you again!”

Zichen was here? Why was Zichen…

Oh. Oh no.

Suddenly it all came back. Song Lan had mentioned wanting to see some movie or other. Xiao Xingchen didn’t really know what it was, some sort of psychological, horror, action, something, but Zichen had seemed excited about it. Xingchen had casually mentioned that he hadn’t been to the movies in ages, that maybe they should go when it came out. Zichen had eagerly and instantly taken him up on it.

XIngchen usually didn’t go anywhere on weekdays, choosing instead to make sure a-Qing got to bed on time on a school night. But Zichen had been able to get them opening night tickets, had even gone to the trouble of calling the theatre to make sure that they had the capacity to provide described services.

But opening night was on the 16th. And the 16th was on a Thursday. And today was a Thursday. They were supposed to go out today. Right now.

Xiao Xingchen started, almost knocking his cup of tea over in the process, as this clicked into place. How had he forgotten?

He wasn’t ready. Was wearing his loungiest of loungewear – sweatpants and an old tee, his apron still tied loosely around his waist, not having bothered to pull it off while the soup bubbled on the stove, forgotten about it by the time he pulled the pot off and spooned out the servings.

As he dashed out of the kitchen, the apron was of course the first to go. Then he was on his phone, finding Yanli’s name and tapping it perhaps harder than necessary.

The doorbell rang again.

This wasn’t how he had wanted them to meet but… He chewed his lip. He couldn’t very well leave Song Lan standing out in the chilly autumn air...

“A-Qing! Answer the door!” He shouted, as he ran upstairs, T-shirt already hoisted over his head, taking two steps at a time. Yanli’s phone rang. Once. Twice. Three times. He was in his bedroom as the rings switched to voicemail. He heard the door unlatch. Heard a-Qing’s childish voice shout “Come in!”

He heard a gentle muttering. The tones of the man’s low voice made him blush even as he rooted through his closet, frantically searching for something, anything, passable.

He strained his ears as he listened, trying to catch any of the words being exchanged downstairs. Had he hurried out of the room because he thought at least it was better for them to meet without his interference? Or was he simply being a coward, leaving the defining moments to others?

This would be the first time a-Qing or Zichen saw more than a photo of the other. Xingchen and Song Lan had gone out on just enough dates for Xiao Xingchen to acknowledge them as dates, but not enough that he thought it necessary to introduce him to his family yet.

Each time he and Song Lan had gone out, Xiao Xingchen had made sure to have a babysitter lined up. A-Qing would already be occupied with whichever aunt, uncle, or grandparent was free by the time Song Lan was meant to pick him up. Xingchen would wait on the porch, or if the weather was bad, by the window, peering out until he saw the lights of Zichen’s car pull up.

He had had a plan. He was going to first have a more serious conversation about “dating” with a-Qing. He would set her expectations, be sure she understood both why Xingchen was bringing a stranger into their little household, and also explain that dating might not be something permanent – that he was introducing her to Zichen in part to check how well he got along with a-Qing. He wanted her to know that no matter the butterflies in his stomach, no matter the easy comfort he felt with Song Lan, no matter how long he could sit quietly with the other, hands intertwined, no matter how well he could see building his life with this man, he needed a-Qing to know that ultimately, she came first. And if a-Qing didn’t like Zichen, didn’t see him as a positive addition to her life, Xingchen would, no matter his personal feelings, always choose her over anyone else.

But he had not yet had that talk with her.

And now he had left Song Lan – who dealt with nervousness through the veil of a cold demeanour – alone with a-Qing – whose seven-year-old mind judged easily and never changed a first opinion.

The phone had now clicked to Jiang Cheng’s voicemail as well.

Xingchen pulled his softest long sleeve shirt over his head, now hastily dialing his mother, who would certainly not pick up, but hoping anyway. Only by the time he was almost done combing his hair did someone finally pick up, answering Wei Wuxian’s phone.

“Mnm.”

“Wangji!” Xiao Xingchen said breathlessly into the phone, relieved, “I’m sorry this is so last minute but… I have a huge favour to ask…”

He was on the stairs minutes later, trying to hide that he was panting, still trying to hear what was going on. At the lack of exuberant shouting, of a coerced game of tag or hide and go seek, he worried that a-Qing might have already rejected him. He worried that Song Lan might, ever an honest man, confess that he couldn’t do this. That actually, after meeting a-Qing, he realized he didn’t like children. Xiao Xingchen shuddered even at the thought.

Zichen just felt so right. He desperately wanted this to work out. But a-Qing was his life. Her misery would always outweigh his own.

He breathed deep, trying to settle into an at least arguably calm state.

He avoided looking too hard in the direction of the only sound in the room. He was afraid that even his deteriorating eyesight would see something he wouldn’t life, that he’d lose this moment of possibility, where there was at least the chance that this would go well.

He adjusted his hair, checking the bun neatly wrapped at the back of his head, “Ah, I’m so sorry, Zichen! I completely forgot we wanted to go out tonight!” he confessed, “the babysitter should be here any minute now, I hope I didn’t keep you waiting for too…”

He turned towards the dining room, the sounds of previously inaudible voices suddenly discernible. He cut himself off.

“Do you want some more water, Song-gege?” A-Qing had apparently taken her role as host seriously. Xingchen saw the flash of her unmistakeable bright blue plastic teapot,  which she pouted  gently into the nodding Song Lan’s little cup. Zichen’s serious expression indicated that he, too, was taking his role as a guest deadly serious.

The two were set up by a-Qing’s play table – Xingchen able to make out the colourful chairs, the stuffed toys, and an unusually patient a-Yang (likely bribed with a promise of the good cat food) all seated around.

Xiao Xingchen chuckled at the scene. He tried to stifle it, but he had already caught their attention.

“Song-gege!” A-Qing groaned, pouring water all over the table as Song Lan inadvertently turned his whole body towards Xingchen, cup alongside him.

His eyes widened, “S-sorry…” he said, lifting the hem of his jacket and using it to mop up the mess.

“Pfft,” Xingchen finally. His relief to find, not a brawl, not a tantrum, but a tea party making the whole scenario seem even more hilarious than it probably actually was. His laughs grew deeper as he clutched his side, knowing full well that he was asking for a cramp, hoping he could avoid the ordeal hiccups would bring.

“Mrrow!” a-Yang leapt off his chair and ran towards Xingchen, who was now using the railing to support him as he laughed.

“S-stop it a-Yang!” Xingchen giggled as the cat wrapped himself around his legs, making it impossible for Xingchen to proceed down the stairs without tripping on the cat.

Song Lan still sat silently, a gentle flush working its way up his cheeks.

“Song-gege wanted to have a tea party!” A-Qing explained gleefully.

Xingchen nodded, grin stretching from ear to ear as he carefully stepped around the cat, scratching him behind the ears briefly in an attempt to fulfill his bid for attention, “I can tell.”

Zichen nodded, “I was glad to be invited.”

“Any time!” a-Qing beamed, “You’re a much better guest than a-Yang,” she frowned in the direction of the cat, who hissed and dodged behind Xingchen’s legs, “He’s always jumping on the table or leaving without saying goodbye.” She stuck her tongue out at the cat, who ignored her in favour of a bath, “Song-gege would never do that!”

She paused. Xingchen could feel the quick calculations passing through her head, “Will Song-gege be allowed to visit again?”

“Any time.” Xingchen repeated gently, reaching the dining room and holding out an arm to Zichen, “Can we still make it?” he asked worriedly.

Song Lan smiled, glancing quickly at his watch, and smiled at the other man, ”We’ll even have time to get popcorn if we leave soon.”

“And Twizzlers?” Xiao Xingchen asked, glancing sideways at his date.

“And Twizzlers.” Song Lan agreed.

“I changed my mind!” A-Qing shouted, inserting herself between the two and looking up at them both, pushing them apart lightly, "You’re just as gross as Xian-shushu and Lan-gege.”

Song Lan and Xiao Xingchen exchanged a quick glance, before both falling into laughter again.

As if on cue, the doorbell rang once again. They were just in time.

Soon, a-Qing was curled up happily on the couch, listening as the aforementioned “gross” Lan-gege read her favourite story aloud. Xian-shushu, leaning back in a cozy armchair, feet rested on the low coffee table, brought a finger to his lips and motioned to Song Lan and Xiao Xingchen that they could leave, could escape before a-Qing had quite registered that their goodbyes had actually meant they were leaving.

Song Lan and Xiao Xingchen complied, slipping away towards Song Lan’s car.

“So… what did you think of a-Qing?” Xingchen asked nervously, scratching lightly at his pant leg as Song Lan engaged the ignition and backed out of the driveway.

Song Lan was silent for a few agonizing moments before answering, “She takes after you,” he smiled lightly to himself, but Xingchen greedily accepted it for himself, “In all the best ways.”

“Zichen?” Xingchen said after a beat more of silence.

“Mnm?” came the answer.

“What did I ever do to deserve you coming into my life?”

A pause as Song Lan’s face, ever focused on the road, reddened from chin to brow, “Agree to go to psychological thriller premieres that will definitely be full of pretentious and obnoxious film majors and might give you nightmares?”

Xingchen leaned back, comfortable enough to close his eyes as he smiled, “Oh yeah. That.”

It was early days still. Xingchen couldn’t risk making promises. Not to himself. Not to Zichen. Not to a-Qing. But that image – the image of Song Lan patiently awaiting his turn for carefully poured water, waiting until after the stuffed bunny and grumpy cat had had theirs, served by the energetic a-Qing? As much as Xingchen thought it smarter, more cautious, more in line with everything his mother had told him, to try convince himself that he couldn’t be sure, he couldn’t help the only word that came to mind at the thought of the tea party:

Family.

[mono-dot-jpeg]

aaitl: [first fight and first words]

summary; it was a very big surprise to xiao and ganyu that they would be meeting the next adeptus in line. especially when the next adeptus is a child.

genre; fluff, this is just family, i need emotional support from liyue god family, dad! zhongli, child! reader, ALL PLATONIC, zhongli is a doting dad and i will die on that hill, dragon hybrid! reader, xiao is just a grumpy older brother, angst (if you squint,,, like really hard), i swear to god if someone comments peepaw zhongli i will cry /j

word count; 1.4k

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[gender neutral]

warnings: none [read: childe slander from a child /j]

the child is now 1 year old :)

"pfft-"

"h-hey! that wasn't nice." childe looked at you as you had your tongue stuck out a bit and cheeks puffed. "you don't do that to others." you blew a raspberry again at his face as your scales flared up with your cheeks.

how did this situation come to be?

well, it all started with hu tao…

hu tao needed more hands on deck due to the death of rex lapis and that meant zhongli was needed. however, he couldn't bring you to work (even if hu tao was glad to have you around). so with that, zhongli decided to assign childe as your babysitter.

"please be careful with them. they tend to be rather needy sometimes." zhongli told the ginger. the young male waved off zhongli's worries as he told him that he was certainly experienced in taking care of children. "they might be much more different from a normal child though.." zhongli warned.

"don't worry mr. zhongli! i'll be sure to take care of them well!" childe reassured the man. childe couldn't blame him for being so worried, this was the first time zhongli was leaving you with someone you certainly weren't fond of and this would be the first time you would not be with zhongli. you didn’t like this already. your body squirming as much as it could in the arms of the strong harbinger while he waves goodbye to the older male. “see you later mr. zhongli!” he said cheerily as he continued to hold you like a cat, hands under the arms and letting you hang and squirm.

and just like that… the fight between an adeptus child and a fatui harbinger has come.

“you know you’re really ruining my chances of being with zhongli right?” he poked at your cheek, smirking at the annoyed look on your face as you tried to reach your arms out to stop him. “now i understand that you’re a kid and all and you need the attention of your dad, but i want his attention too, little dragon.” was childe really talking to you as if you understood him? yes. did you understand him? unfortunately, yes. “but the only way to do that…”

you can feel his cold arms starting to cradle you properly. “...is to please you. so i suggest that you make this easier for me and you and just let me keep you happy!” while his motives aren’t the most cruel, you certainly didn’t want this ginger with your father. the least your father could do is pick someone better in your opinion. “and i’m not that bad of a guy! i’m a family guy too! i think you’re really adorable and mr. zhongli gave all those good genes to you!” he cooed. your cheek is squished against his chest as you glare up at him the best you could. squirming again, a ‘buh!’ sound leaves your lips as childe coos at you.

“oh you’re so cute!” that was a yell of defiance, you fiend. you think, looking at him. “come on! i’ll be sure to make you like me by the end of zhongli’s shift! and i heard he’s gonna be home late! so we got plenty of time!” you sort of muster a sound that was similar to a whine as the young male hugs you. "we're gonna be good friends, little dragon!"

you struggled in his arms, wondering how to possibly get out of this situation. maybe i can make him miserable during this! wait… what if papa gets mad at me? you huffed at the thought of zhongli scolding you. while he was really gentle with you, there was a small chance that he would scold you as he knew you weren't in the mindset of a baby.

"come on little dragon! you must be feeling hungry soon right?" the scales on your cheeks perked up at the mention of food as your tummy grumbles. "that cute little belly needs some food, huh?" you really want to wipe that stupid grin on his face but alas he was your only source of being able to remotely do anything. he patted your tummy as he spoke, "i'm sure mr. zhongli has some wonderful food for you!" he laughed.

i will not succumb to your stupid affections. you thought as you watch him grab the food you normally eat and grabbing a bib to keep you clean. "so this is what mr. zhongli has been using my money for. spoiling you!" he booped your nose, your face scrunching adorably as he did. "you're just like my siblings when they were younger!" he comments, wrapping the bib on you.

and so here you both were, one trying to get the other to eat and the other refusing the soft food.

"pfft!"

"h-hey! that's not nice!" childe looked at you as you had your tongue stuck out a bit and cheeks puffed. "you don't do that to others." you blew a raspberry again at his face as your scales flared up with your cheeks. "you gotta eat, little dragon!" he pouted childishly. if some people didn't know any better, childe was more of a baby than you were.

so here you both were, in a situation you both didn't wanna be in but had not much of a choice in the matter. well… maybe childe had a choice, you did not.

"i'll tell ya what, if you finish eating, we can go visit mr. zhongli, sound like a deal?" at the mention of your dad, you start to open your mouth to be fed. "that's the spirit, little dragon!" he smiled brightly, feeding you. you didn't want to eat such mushy food but unfortunately you were only a mere baby. you almost wanted to spit it out if not for the look on childe's face that is very much determined to make you finish eating. "no spitting out. i don't think mr. zhongli would like to see you be all cranky because you didn't eat."

mr. zhongli would kill me if i made you go hungry.. childe thought, avoiding the thought of the ever so calm man being angry for once.

"buh!" you could only yell out, smacking your hands against the table. your scales puffed out with your cheeks as your tail is swaying out of anger. "bah!"

"just a little bit more okay? then we can go visit, alright?" you huffed as you glare at the small spoonful of food before opening your mouth. "that's a good dragon!" he smiled, patting your head. you attempted to bite his hand but failed in doing so, making the male laugh. "no biting! not like you can really bite that hard right?" he hovered his hand above your head as if to tease you.

"bah! bah!" you struggled to speak, you just wanted your dad.

"hm? baba? do you want your baba?" you had heard some of liyue's common language enough back then, thank god you remembered it for now. you nodded, starting to get teary as you were starting to miss him more. he was only gone for a few hours but it felt like forever especially in your form.

"baba!" you whined as you let childe pick you up, holding you in his arms and patting your back.

"aiya, it's okay little dragon, we're gonna see him okay?" he tried to calm you down.

"baba!" you cried. childe was quick to go find the ex-archon before things could get too dicey for him (even if he was experienced with dealing with kids).

zhongli was a bit more relaxed now, his workload draining down to a mere few small packets of papers that he could manage.

that relaxation was quick to end as he had heard the cry of his child and childe hushing the baby. before zhongli could even stand up to get to you, childe had come barging in. "i'm sorry if i disturbed you or anything mr. zhongli! y/n really started to miss you." good thing childe had explained the situation or else this would not end well. "also y/n has something to say. come on little dragon."

cradled in childe's arms, you reached out for zhongli, "baba!" your teary eyes and squished cheeks were more than enough for him to hold you in his arms. "baba!" your hands sort of pawed at his clothes, struggling to grasp at them.

zhongli is close to speechless, hearing your tiny voice call for him. but soon a gentle smile is curved on his lips and he's resting his forehead against yours, "baba is here. don't worry."