#kaeya soulmate au

[qwanhei]

[ Imprints ] 

HC that when the full force of an elemental burst hits you, it forever engraves its constellation on your body 🌟

[ricedsq]

Kaeya in a band

[avidgrapejuicelover]

mark me with your words - ch. 10

pairing: diluc x childe

genre: angst & fluff/ au-soulmate

warnings: small mention of self-harm, but nothing actually happens

word count: 6.8k

summary: 

Good Morning ㅤ:) It looks like the foxes have started to change their coats, cause I saw two white foxes hopping around this morning! The silver message calmed his heart. Diluc smiled and sent a quick good morning message back. Ajax was fine. He had returned alive. He was safe at home.

A/N: I liiiiive! here is my offering before i go back into hibernation haha, its longer than usual to make up for my year-long disappearance and i was just on a roll i guess

also on ao3 under the user playfuldreams

ch.1 | ch. 2 | ch. 3 | ch. 4 | ch. 5 | ch. 6 | ch. 7 | ch. 8 | ch. 9 | ch. 10

enjoy!~

Diluc looked out into the darkness. Cold winds and snow whipped around him, flinging his hair over his eyes.

“Ajax!” Diluc cried out.

The falling snow blinded him as the winds swallowed his screams.

Diluc continued walking forward slowly, struggling against the blizzard. His heart thundered in his chest. He had to find Ajax.

He squeezed his eyes shut as a strong gust of wind blew nearly toppling him over, but Diluc held his ground.

He tried to call his flames, but his vision would not listen to him, and the flames sputtered out as quickly as he summoned them.

The coldness crept up his fingers and toes. Diluc clenched his teeth, preventing them from chattering.

“Ajax!” Diluc called again. “Don’t worry, I am coming for you! I will save you, so just keep holding on!”

Diluc tried to call on his flames once more, to no avail. He managed to move a good distance forward before another blast of wind rushed over him. This time he wasn’t able to stay standing. Diluc fell to the snow, wildly waving his arms trying to grab something, anything, that would ground him.

Thankfully, the wind stopped and disappeared completely along with the darkness.

Before Diluc could even rejoice, he looked down at the snow where his hands were. Flecks of red dotted the white ground. Diluc followed the trail with his eyes and saw it disappear into the treeline a little ways ahead.

Diluc struggled to breath, from the cold and his anxiety, as he shakily stood up. He slowly made his way to the treeline but didn’t cross over.

“Ajax?” Diluc called, his voice trembling. When no answer came, he called again.

“Ajax? Are you there? I’m coming, just…” Diluc tried to find the right words, but his throat began to constrict and the air around him continued to leech off his warmth.

However, Diluc stepped into the trees. He could not give up here. Not when his fated might be bleeding out ahead of where he was.

The light dimmed as the trees blocked the little sunlight there. Diluc steadily made his way forward.

The shadows around him danced like ghouls, and the wind that picked up cackled at his fear.

Diluc swallowed, trying to regain his composure. But every spot of red he followed hammered away at his confidence.

Finally, Diluc made it to a clearing where the sun light up the center.

On top of a pile of pristine white snow lay his Fated.

The red snow went from puddles to rivers the closer it got to the center. Diluc continued walking to his Fated, but it felt like his feet were barrels of wine filling more and more with each step he took.

Once he reached the middle, he saw a boy laying still, painting the snow in his own lifeblood.

Diluc collapsed to his knees, his feet unable to handle his weight anymore. The cold had crept to his torso, freezing his heart.

He reached out to touch his Fated’s face. Diluc wasn’t able to tell if it was Ajax’s face or his hand that was cold.

Even so, Diluc continued to caress Ajax’s face. He leaned his head down whispering apologies.

“Are you really sorry?” A voice said. Diluc raised his head to see vacant blue eyes staring back at him.

“Why didn’t you come and save me? You promised you would protect me.” The lips on the face moved.

“I-” Diluc tried to speak.

“You weren’t strong enough. And now you have to pay the price.” The cold voice spoke.

The cold pierced Diluc’s heart causing him to double over.

“No…” He said weakly, reaching out to keep a hand on Ajax. But the body had already gotten out of his reach. He had somehow returned to the edge of the clearing.

“No, I- I promise I will get stronger. I will protect you next time!”

As the icicles burrowed further into his heart and the winds picked up, Diluc watched as the body of the boy awkwardly rose, blood frozen to invisible cuts.

“But there won’t be a next time.” The voice whispered.

The blizzard picked up once again taking away all of his senses. Diluc screamed, calling for Ajax and fighting the pain in his heart, before falling into the darkness once more.

Diluc startled awake in cold sweat. His chest heaved as he tried to control his breathing. After a few seconds, Diluc threw off the blankets and went to wash his face. His hands continued to shake as he wiped off the water.

Diluc gripped the sink and ran through the breathing exercises. When his breathing gradually returned to normal, Diluc returned to his room.

He looked out the window to see the first rays of light coming from the horizon. He sighed and ran a hand over his face. The reoccurring dream had started when Ajax first lost contact.

Diluc quickly glanced at his arm.

Good Morning ㅤ:) It looks like the foxes have started to change their coats, cause I saw two white foxes hopping around this morning!

The silver message calmed his heart. Diluc smiled and sent a quick good morning message back.

Ajax was fine. He had returned alive. He was safe at home.

It had been 2 months since Diluc had heard back from Ajax after the three day silence.

The day after Diluc had seen Ajax’s answer, he went to church to thank Barbatos. He made sure to promise that he would do his best as a knight and that he would offer his all to the Archon as thanks.

When Diluc tried asking about what happened, Ajax only replied in vague terms. From the way he wrote about it, it seemed like Ajax didn’t want to talk about it. So, Diluc chose to not chase the topic. His Fated had returned safely; he didn’t want to make it uncomfortable for him.

Diluc did try to press on how Ajax had gotten the scars. However, Ajax played them off.

Oh I accidentally slipped and fell on my adventure. But don’t worry, I’m okay now and they have all healed. Now you don’t have to keep apologizing for the scars you got haha, was the only response Diluc got.

He wasn’t able to pursue that either since Ajax kept skirting around it. All Diluc knew was that his Fated was lying to him about them. The scars Diluc had found were not ones you could get from a fall. The shapes looked like they were made by claws or weapons.

But there was only so much Diluc could do to try and get Ajax to talk, so he gave up on it.

For now.

He hoped Ajax would tell him when he felt more comfortable. Diluc rationalized Ajax was still recovering from the incident and did not wish to keep talking about it.

Diluc did notice that there would be small silvery nicks appearing on his skin every now and then. This was new since all the scars so far where from when Diluc trained and learned to control his vision. At first, Diluc would contact Ajax anytime he noticed a new scar, but after having it happen multiple times, Diluc just learned to let it go. Most of the scars were not life-threatening like before, and as time went on fewer and fewer appeared. His Fated was fine and that’s all that mattered. At least, that’s what he kept telling himself.

After the whole disappearing incident, Diluc realized just how powerless he was. And seeing as he had another nightmare, it seemed his fears would not go away any time soon.

All he could do was focus on getting stronger, which is what he did. He had increased his personal training time and went headfirst into his work as Captain.

After sending the response back to Ajax, Diluc began getting ready for the day. He would have to complete his morning training before breakfast was ready. He had added some extra Vision training since Diluc wanted to have full control over his flames. He was now able to cover his weapon with his flames for a longer time while still keeping them stable. And he finally managed to get them to stop melting the metal, which Diluc was pretty proud about.

After getting dressed, he pulled his hair into a pony and walked to the training grounds to start his routine.

The sun was halfway above the horizon by the time Diluc finished. He went to wash up before sitting at the table for breakfast.

Kaeya had already started eating and was chatting with Adelinde and Elzer when he sat down.

“Good morning, Diluc! Are you going to join the competition this week?” Kaeya asked.

“Ah, that was this week.” Diluc said, taking a bite of the bread. “I do not think I will have time. I still have to arrange the patrol units after Paul retired and Jonas got injured. Besides, I also have to catch up on some paperwork.” He continued after swallowing.

“Archons Diluc, you have been working yourself to the bone these past couple of months. I already know you’re all caught up on the paperwork. Jean told me you’re practically stealing her work or making some yourself.” Kaeya lamented. “Don’t you think it’s time you relaxed a little?”

“No. There is still much to do. Even if the guard around the city is stable now, we do not know when an attack could happen or if someone could get lost out there. We need to be prepared for anything. And the patrols are our main way of receiving information early on.” Diluc stated.

Kaeya sighed. “You know you’re not the only knight, much less Captain. It’s okay if you divvy up the tasks.”

“Yes, I know that, but-”

“Diluc, I know you said you were fine, but something is clearly bothering you. You have always been a workaholic but not like this. It’s like… you’re being hounded. ”

Diluc tensed. “It is nothing like that. I am just trying to keep our nation safe. I do not see why that is a problem.”

He could feel Kaeya staring at him, but Diluc did not meet his eye.

“I’m just worried. We all are.” Kaeya said softly.

When Diluc continued to stay silent, Kaeya sighed again.

“Just make sure to take care and not push your limits. I hope you at least know that’s something expected of a good knight.”

Diluc grunted in response. He quickly brushed off any crumbs and stood up.

Straightening his coat, Diluc said, “I am heading out. I will see you at Headquarters.”

And without sparing another glance, Diluc left.

The sun was high in the sky by the time Diluc decided to return to his office for a short break. He could practically hear the cheers from his subordinates when he called for lunch. Maybe he has been going overboard.

Diluc pulled out his lunch Adelinde had prepared along with his quill and silver ink.

How was the fishing trip? He wrote.

While waiting for a reply he began to eat.

Ajax told him he would be going on an ice fishing trip with his father and siblings. Diluc had hoped that would lighten his Fated’s mood, which had been more aggressive than usual.

I didn’t go, was what Diluc got back.

Why not? Are you hurt?

Of course Diluc’s mind goes straight for the worst case scenarios.

no, I got in trouble and couldn’t go

What happened?

I just wanted to get a snow globe for my little brother, but some guy tried to take it from me so I stopped him

Why would that get you in trouble?

papa didn’t like how I did it so I was grounded

Diluc debated on asking what he did to keep the snow globe, but figured it was a less than savory method and chose not to address it.

So what are you doing today then? I know you told me you were going to learn some new recipes from your Mother

I’m banned from the kitchen so I cant do that anymore

Banned? why?

they don’t trust me with the knives

Diluc was first confused, and then worried. Why on earth could his family not trust him with knives?

And of course, the first thing Diluc’s mind conjured up was an image of Ajax putting the blade to his own sk-

Diluc quickly shook his head to banish the thought.

No. There’s no way Ajax would do such a thing. He never showed any indication of self-harm. All the scars were most likely from fights. That meant Ajax wanted to survive. Wanted to live.

But then that lead to another conclusion. Ajax was using weapons to harm others.

Diluc didn’t want to think that was true either. His sweet and innocent Fated could never harm anyone. All Ajax has ever told him was how he loved his family and wished for them to be happy. But he had noticed how much his Fated had changed since his 3-day disappearance.

Diluc wished Ajax would open up to him just a bit more.

Oh, was all Diluc would reply.

but I’ve started to get better control over my vision!

Ajax had told Diluc he had gotten a vision a week after he came home from his “adventure.” It was a hydro vision.

Diluc had been beyond happy when he heard about it.

That’s great! Any plans on how you want to use it?

well I’ve been trying to shape the water into objects, but it’s harder than I thought :(

Oh that would be really cool! And I’m sure you’ll be able to get it after some more practice!

hehe thanks Luc! anyway, what are you doing today?

Same old, just training the soldiers and working on some paperwork.

wow, ever the perfect knight!

Diluc chuckled hollowly when he read that.

Well, I have to stay on top of it if I want to keep everyone safe.

I hope you’re not being too strict on yourself though, make sure to take breaks!

Haha, yes sir.

That reminded him, Diluc checked the time and saw that his break was over.

Speaking of, my break is over so I have to get back to work. I’ll write to you again at night.

okie! take care til then!

Will do, bye.

Diluc cleaned his quill and switched the silver ink to black ink. He pulled out the papers he had to read over and got to work.

Diluc finally looked away from the paperwork when he heard a knock at his door.

“Come in.” Diluc answered.

The door swung open to reveal Kaeya.

“Dear brother, please don’t tell me you were planning on spending the night here pouring over papers?” Kaeya asked.

Diluc rolled his eyes. “I was just about to put them up and get ready to leave.”

Kaeya snorted. It seemed he didn’t believe Diluc, not that he could blame him. There had been more than a few nights Diluc ended up staying at Headquarters overnight since he was unable to get rid of the demons that plagued him at night.

“Well, I thought we could head home together,” Kaeya said, walking into the office. He plopped down on one of the chairs in front of Diluc’s desk.

“Sure, just give me a moment to change,” Diluc said.

While Adelinde did not mind them arriving home in their dirty work clothes, Diluc did not like the feeling. He had gotten so engrossed in his work that he never washed up after the afternoon training, leaving him feeling unclean.

“Can’t you just do that at home?” Kaeya whined as Diluc started taking off his shirt.

Diluc paused and thought about it. It would make more sense if he just took a bath at home altogether.

He sighed and was about to let down his shirt when he felt the fabric being ripped from his hand. His shirt was pulled all the way up, showing the entirety of his back.

Diluc knew it was Kaeya, but the silence between them was unsettling.

What on earth was he… Diluc thought only to realize what exactly was on his back.

Diluc tried to spin around, out of reach from his brother, but Kaeya stayed firm.

“What in Teyvat… Where did you get these?” His brother’s voice was low.

Diluc always felt as though Kaeya became another person when he spoke like that. It wasn’t the voice he was used to.

“It’s nothing, let go.” Diluc tried to pull away again harder. He succeeded with getting Kaeya to release his shoulder but was unable to prevent the motion from helping Kaeya slip his shirt off, showcasing all the scars Diluc had received over the two months.

Kaeya’s eye widened before narrowing and making eye contact with Diluc.

“Are you seriously trying to play these off as nothing? Diluc, those are claw marks! They’re practically life threatening!” Kaeya said, his voice raising.

Diluc sighed, running a hand over his face.

“I said it was nothing because they’re not mine,” he said in a small voice.

He didn’t have to look at his brother to know Kaeya had connected the dots.

“Is… is this why you were acting off this whole time?” Kaeya asked, quieter now. “Is Ajax okay?”

“He’s fine!” Diluc said sharply. He met Kaeya’s gaze, trying to make them both believe his words.

“So, he’s recovering well then,” Kaeya said slowly.

“No. He’s fully recovered and doing perfectly fine.”

“These wounds don’t look like they would heal that fast. Where on Teyvat did he go to get these? They look ghastly,” Kaeya continued to scrutinize the scars.

Diluc ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t know Kaeya! He won’t tell me! He won’t tell me where he went, what he was doing, or how he got back, and I just have to accept that!”

“Dilu-”

“Three days! He was gone for three days, and not a single word during that time. And then he comes back with all these scars, no explanation. But what am I supposed to do? Force him to talk? How? He won’t tell me anything! Of course he wouldn’t tell me. How could he trust me when I couldn’t do anything to help him while he was hurting!”

Diluc heaved, gasping for air. He felt the blood rushing in his cheeks, pounding in his ears. Diluc closed his eyes. He didn’t mean to say all that. He didn’t mean to tell Kaeya. He wasn’t supposed to tell anyone. Nobody was supposed to know he had slipped up, had failed his Fated.

He startled when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

Diluc turned to see Kaeya and that goddamn all seeing eye and it’s stupid star.

“It’s not your fault, Diluc.” Kaeya turned Diluc so that both his hands were on Diluc’s shoulders.

“There was no way you could have done anything to help. You are in a whole different nation!” Kaeya said.

“You don’t understand,” Diluc said weakly, turning away, unable to hold his gaze.

“I get that you think you need to protect everyone, but you’re not an Archon Diluc, you’re just a human like the rest of us, doing what you can,” Kaeya said.

“No, you do not get it! He is my Fated; I should have been there for him!” Diluc shouted.

“I know, but-”

“No you don’t know, Kaeya! You don’t even have a Fated, how would you know how I felt when I saw that mine was being harmed hundreds and thousands of kilometers away from me!”

Diluc gasped when he realized what had spilled out of his mouth. He raised his head only to find his brother’s face filled with hurt.

“Kaeya, I didn’t mean…”

“No, you’re right Diluc. I don’t have a Fated, so I won’t ever know how you feel. Sorry, I just…” Kaeya’s face fell.

Diluc felt like he had been hit in the gut by a Mitachurl. He didn’t mean to say that to Kaeya. He knew how much Kaeya had wanted a Fated, just like Diluc.

He remembered the day they found out just like it was yesterday. Both Kaeya and him had been lazing around the house on a summer day after finishing their morning lessons. Diluc had just ended a conversation with Ajax, which Kaeya had joined in for.

Diluc had noticed how Kaeya was eyeing the silver ink and asked if Kaeya had wanted to try using it to contact his fated. Diluc mentally kicked himself for never asking prior. Seeing Kaeya’s face light up made Diluc know he had done his job right as a big brother.

Except that light quickly disappeared when the boys saw that no words showed up. The silver ink did not mark the copper skin. Even when Diluc had tried to write on his brother, nothing showed up. It was as if the ink was unable to mark Kaeya’s skin at all.

Diluc still remembers Kaeya’s face that day. Diluc had tried to give an excuse for why the ink wasn’t working, saying things like the ink had gone bad, or that the ink was too dry. But Kaeya had just smiled at him, as though he had already expected it to be an outcome.

They never brought up the topic again. And yet, Diluc just had to mention it now.

Diluc felt nauseous.

He weakly reached out, “Kaeya, I…”

But before he could even come up with a semblance of an apology, Kaeya quickly raised his head, sporting his happy-go-lucky smirk.

Diluc hated that face. It was a mask that Kaeya put on to block out the rest of the world, and what he wore when he spoke to outsiders or those he didn’t trust. Diluc didn’t like that he was considered an outsider too.

“It’s fine Diluc. I took it too far too, haha.” Kaeya tried to laugh it off.

Diluc clenched his teeth. What was he doing? He said was going to work harder, do better to protect the people he loved and keep them happy. And yet he managed to say some of the most harmful words to his very own brother.

“Anyways, we should head back now. Adelinde will start to get worried if we get back too late,” Kaeya said, starting to turn for the door.

Diluc stepped forward and grabbed Kaeya’s hand. He pulled him in, wrapping him in a hug.

Diluc doesn’t remember the last time they hugged, much less the last time they even got to spend some quality time.

He squeezed his arms around his brother, trying to transfer all the emotions, love and gratefulness, he felt. As well as the regret.

Diluc hid his face in Kaeya’s shoulder, hoping his brother would forgive him.

He felt Kaeya place a hand on his arm and squeeze it.

“It’s okay, Diluc,” Kaeya said. He spoke in a voice so gentle it made Diluc want to cry.

“I know you didn’t mean any harm. I should not have cornered you like that.”

Diluc shook his head, still buried in Kaeya’s shoulder.

“Alright, alright. That’s enough. Can’t very well have the Cavalry Captain crying at Headquarters now can we?” Kaeya chuckled.

“Who said I was crying,” Diluc mumbled.

He took in a breath before letting go and stepping back. Diluc rubbed a hand on his face for good measure. When he looked back up, he saw Kaeya with his hand extended. Diluc clasped it and they both squeezed.

“All good?” Kaeya asked.

“All good,” Diluc responded.

Kaeya nodded, “Good then, lets head out. I’m starving.” He laughed as he exited the office.

Diluc shook his head with a small smile on his face. He picked up the shirt Kaeya had dropped and quickly slipped it back on. He would just wash up at home.

The two brothers walked back, chatting about small things, as though nothing had disturbed their peace.

That night, Diluc and Ajax talked some more. Diluc hoped that one day Ajax would finally open up about what had happened during those three days. But all he could do was wait. So instead, he reveled in the fact that he could write to his Fated and receive a response immediately.

Ajax had finished describing the story he and his siblings had come up with to act out. Diluc was glad his Fated was still getting along with his family.

Diluc hesitated before finally writing down what he had been wanting to ask.

Do you still want to be an adventurer? Are you planning on going on another adventure?

Diluc waited with bated breath.

yes… and no. I don’t know

? Yes you want to still be an adventurer?

yeah, but I don’t think my parents like the idea too much after what happened last time

Oh, that makes sense I guess.

but I know that I don’t want to be a fisherman. I don’t think I could sit in one place everyday and just fish.

like I like ice fishing but not enough to do it for a living, you know

I get it. You want to do something more.

yeah! I’ve gotten stronger, especially now that I have my vision! and I’ve been training with it so that I can protect myself so I can go travel by myself now, but my parents don’t agree with that

Diluc felt his heart stop when he read what Ajax had written.

While he wanted to support his Fated, he could never forget how he felt when he lost contact with Ajax and saw all the scars appear. And the thought of that happening again was terrifying.

Maybe your parents are right. You are still young so you should probably wait a little longer before going out again.

you’re young too, but you still go out and fight hilichurls and monsters all the time! I also need to get stronger so that I can protect you

While I appreciate your concern, I was also trained for a long time and took a test before being able to go out and fight. Is there a place you could train at first?

actually, papa and mama were talking about sending me to join the fatui, oh they are like the knights for our nation! they are super-duper cool and powerful

Diluc remembers reading about the Fatui. They had been expanding their influence into other nations too from what he saw. If he remembers correctly, they were supposed to come to Mondstadt to set up some relations. He would have to go over those again.

That sounds like a good idea. You would get to travel and train to get stronger. Just make sure you are careful.

Diluc couldn’t help but include some nagging out of concern.

haha yes sir! I will let you know what happens!

It had gotten late as they continued to talk, so they both bid each other good night and went to bed.

A few days later, Diluc had noticed a new scar along his midriff when he was washing up. He waited to bring it up later that night during their usual evening chats because Diluc knew Ajax could hold his ground better and wasn’t worried about him being too hurt. And it seemed like Ajax healed faster now that he had gotten a hydro vision, which helped Diluc feel slightly better.

It had gotten more difficult to tell if there was a new scar or if Diluc had just gotten it mixed up with an old scar. However, Diluc had committed all the scars Ajax received during his disappearance to memory since he had religiously gone over them when checking to see if his Fated was alive. This meant Diluc was still able to notice if a new scar appeared, especially in areas where there weren’t as many marks.

Thankfully, the arms weren’t too scarred, so it was still relatively easy to write to each other. It also helped that the scars tended to be pinker which contrasted with the silver ink.

Are you doing okay? I was a new scar on my left side, Diluc wrote.

After a few minutes, he also added, Just wanted to check in.

He didn’t want Ajax to feel as though Diluc was trying to blame him.

hey, sorry, I got into a bit of a scuffle again. I was kinda hoping you wouldn’t notice

No need to be sorry, just wanted to make sure you were okay.

Diluc was really curious about how ‘a bit of a scuffle’ resulted in a permanent scar. He debated on whether or not he should ask, and ultimately decided he deserved some sort of answer since he was also carrying the scar.

Must have been a serious scuffle if you got a scar out of it. Can you tell me what happened?

Diluc had to wait a few minutes before Ajax responded.

I’m really sorry. I tried to be better about my temper but ever since I got back, it’s like something in me just wants to fight.

It’s been getting harder and harder to hold back, and today just happened to be a tipping point I guess.

Diluc thought about what to write back when another message appeared.

I really didn’t want to add more scars to you so I tried really hard to get it to heal without scarring but I guess it scarred because I healed it too fast ugh

Diluc felt his stomach drop. Why hadn’t he thought about it before? All he can see are the scars that healed, not the bruises, broken bones, or the pain his Fated was going through. He used to think that was a blessing since he was always the reason for the scars, but now that it was his Fated who was in pain, Diluc could barely think straight.

It’s fine, really. Besides, if anything I should be apologizing for giving you so many scars early on, Diluc responded.

I’m just glad you are okay :)

I’ll try to do better, but honestly I don’t know Diluc…

Hey, it’s okay. Maybe you can try some calming techniques?

I’ve tried some, mama helped me try some stuff to help, but it didn’t.

It doesn’t seem to be getting better. I just always feel like I need to go out and fight something.

I have all this energy in me and can barely hold still

I think something’s changed in me.

Diluc didn’t know how to comfort his Fated. What must it feel like to always need to fight? To be filled with that type of energy?

Are you angry at something?

No! I’m not, in fact when I do give in and fight, it’s like I get a rush and keep wanting the fight to continue

mama and papa looked really scared when they saw me like that, so I tried to stop it, but I can’t

It gets worse when I don’t give in

I almost hurt Tonia once because I was so riled up

I felt so bad

I don’t know what to do, Luc

I think something changed in me during those three months

Diluc could barely focus with all the information he was getting. It was like a dam broke and all the missing information he had been asking for was overflowing.

Wait, three months?

Ajax, you were gone for three days, what do you mean three months?

oh did I say months? haha I meant days sorry, I miswrote :)

Something told Diluc that Ajax was lying, but he decided not to pursue that line of questioning since there was something more important he needed to focus on.

Well maybe you can channel that energy into something productive? I could try to go over some basic training sets we teach the knights

would that be okay? I’m not from Mond don’t you think it would be bad for me to learn?

It’s just basic strength training, nothing that’s super important or secret.

hmm… yeah maybe that’d help

Okay! Want me to write you the steps now? Diluc asked, excited that he would be able to help his Fated.

now might not be the best time, I’m traveling with my papa, but I’ll let you know when I’m ready!

Okay, I hope your trip with your Father is fun!

thanks! ♡

The next night Ajax wrote to Diluc first.

I’m joining the Fatui, so you won’t need to tell me any of the knights training.

Oh, okay. I didn’t realize you were going to join them so early. I know you had mentioned them earlier…

yeah I didn’t either, but I think my papa thought it would be better for me to join them than cause more trouble at home

Well, I hope you like it and that it helps!

Diluc tried to keep a positive attitude since it seemed like the decision to join was abrupt and one that Ajax didn’t have much say in.

He could only hope his Fated ended up liking it.

thanks. I gotta go now, I don’t know if I’ll be able to write to you as often now, so I wanted to let you know before hand so you don’t worry

Thanks for telling me, do your best and stay safe! I’m always cheering you on!

♡♡♡, was all Diluc got in response.

He laughed while running his fingers over the hearts. His Fated could be so cute sometimes.

Diluc had conflicting feelings on the matter, especially since they wouldn’t be able to contact each other as much, but he decided to wait and trust his Fated.

The morning after, Diluc looked up what information the Knights had on the Fatui. There was no harm in learning more about the organization his Fated had joined.

Surprisingly, there wasn’t that much to read. There hadn’t been much contact between the Fatui and the Knights of Favonius, so all Diluc had access to were some rumors and the little interactions the organizations had previously. That said, the interactions were two measly meetings on some trade agreements between the nations. Nothing that gave too much information.

Diluc sighed at his unsuccessful hunt for knowledge. He tried to wrack his brains for any other place he could get some details.

Diluc snapped his fingers. His father was currently home, and Diluc remembered that there was mention of talks between Snezhnaya and Mondstadt for trading the goods made by Dawn Winery.

That’s it! He could ask his father for more information!

Now that he had settled that issue, Diluc got to work, wanting to finish everything in time to go home early.

Thankfully, his work had gone smoothly, and Diluc was able to leave on time. He pretended not to notice the surprised looks he got from his subordinates when he left before the sun went down.

He quickly went to wash up before walking over to his father’s study. He knocked three times and waited for an answer.

“Come in,” his father said.

Diluc opened the door to see his father sitting at his desk looking over a bunch of papers.

“Are you busy, Father? Is it alright if I came in to ask a few questions?” Diluc asked. His father looked busy, so he didn’t want to disturb him.

His father looked up from the papers and set them down.

“No, that is all right. Come in Diluc. I was just briefly looking over some last minute things.” His father took off his glasses, and rubbed his eyes.

“Should I ask Adelinde to make you something to drink?” Diluc asked.

“No, it is almost time for dinner. I can wait until then. Thank you for offering, son,” His father replied.

“Of course, father.”

“So, what is it that you wanted to ask?”

Diluc sat down in one of the chairs in front of the desk. “I remember you mentioning that you were trying to open trade with Snezhnaya for the winery, is that still true?”

Diluc did not know much about the winery since he was busy with the knights. But he did hear tidbits from his father and Elzer.

“Yes, that is correct. I was actually just looking over some stuff about that. We were supposed to enter the nation last year, but there were some new regulations introduced which we had not been prepared for, so we had to push back our date of entry. Our aim is to send some of our stock later this year to test the waters.” His father explained.

Diluc nodded. “So that means you have some intelligence on the nation and its major organizations right?”

“Yes, that would be correct. But where are you going with this Diluc?” His father raised an eyebrow at his questioning.

“Well, actually, Ajax recently joined the Fatui, so I wanted to get some more information on them to make sure he would be okay.”

Diluc ended up telling his father the truth. He would have found out eventually anyways, so there was no reason to hide it.

“I see. The Fatui…” His father didn’t say anything for a while, seeming to be lost in thought.

“Father?” Diluc called his father’s attention back.

“Actually, there is not much I can truly tell you about their organization. Like any other nation, their intel on their military is tightly regulated. I only have superficial details to offer you.”

“That’s fine! I just wanted something to give me some ease of mind.” Diluc ended up speaking louder than he had anticipated.

He cleared his throat before proceeding, “What do we know about them?”

“Officially they are known to be a delegation of diplomats representing Snezhnaya. However,” His father looked at him and sighed softly.

“However?”

“There are a few unsavory rumors floating around about the group, particularly about their behavior in making those diplomatic contacts. Their militant force is also said to be one of the strongest in the land, and not to be trifled with. That is partly the reason we had to delay our distribution in their nation.”

“So then, that means they are not good people? But then what should Ajax do?” Diluc couldn’t help but worry for his Fated.

“Now Diluc, that intel is simply from the perspective of a citizen of Mondstadt. The citizens of Snezhnaya will surely feel differently towards their own soldiers. Is that not how it is with our Knights?”

“But no one is afraid of our Knights. In fact, many claim that the Knights of Favonius are some of the most friendly people, even in other nations!” Diluc couldn’t help but stick up for his fellow knights.

“Well, I suppose that is true,” his father laughed good-naturedly. When his father saw his expression, he stood up and walked over to Diluc.

Diluc shut his eyes as his father ruffled his hair.

“Do not worry too much. I am sure Ajax will be fine. He seems like a smart and strong boy. Do you not believe in him?”

“Of course I do! I just… worry is all,” Diluc said softly.

His father laughed again and said something about young love before walking out of the office leaving Diluc by his lonesome.

Diluc sat there a little longer, pulling up his sleeve to gaze at the three hearts still on his arm. He was glad the ink had lasted somewhat, even though the hearts were a bit faded. The good thing was, no scars had appeared all day.

That was a good sign, Diluc told himself.

He would just have to believe in Ajax like his father said and wait for his Fated to tell him how it went.

And with that issue settled in his mind, he got up and followed his father down to the dining room for dinner.

[tamerofdarkstars]

fic: out of sight (out of mind)

Soulmates share injuries and when Diluc collapses abruptly behind the bar at the Angel's Share, it doesn't take Kaeya long to figure out exactly what's happened.

The only question, then, is what to do with that information?

READ IT ON AO3

[shatteredeternity]

in stamina nimiam implicitus - fatalis occursus

a/n // i greatly apologize if i mischaracterize any of the characters, as i'm unable to replicate the characters' purple prosed(?) dialogue. also, just before i anger anyone with my character pairings, most of them are put together not because i ship them or anything like that.

alberich, kaeya - mondstadt (khaenri'ah, perhaps?)

╸every once in a while, you'd treat yourself to bars or fine dining despite the little mora you have. a little tradition you picked up from a light novel you've read before.

╸having used up most of your remaining coinage on poor choices (and do it once more this night), you stumble your way to angel's share as you try to adjust your coat to hide the ripped and stained parts of your blouse done by one of your 'client's' spouses.

╸you stepped into the tavern and took in the alcohol-tinted air, a hint of familiarity pricking at your nose.

╸taking a seat on an empty barstool by the counter, you notice a blue-haired man clothed in shades of navy and alike seated next to you, talking about light-hearted gossip with the bartender.

╸'it's always a treat to see fresh meat in this tavern, isn't it?' he asked rhetorically, catching you off-guard as you wondered if it was directed to you or the person he was talking to.

╸"what would make you say that?" the man turned to you, a slender champagne glass in hand while he used his other to lean his cheek on. "a set of eyes boring into the back of your skull is a feeling that can't be mistaken for no other, don't you think?" his words brought a slight flush of embarrassment to your cheeks.

╸"tell me your name, stranger." there was something about his suave voice that sent shivers down your spine. "it's the least you could spare me after the eyeful you got from me. i'd hate to get off the wrong foot with someone i have yet to know about." he uttered, suave voice spreading throughout your brain like butter.

╸it took you a brief moment to think of a name to introduce yourself as. you've already used aster (windwheel aster), dandy (dandelion) was unfitting for the persona you portrayed, which led to your last option.

╸"cecilia. i must apologize for the rudeness. i'm afraid i presented myself in an improper light different from the one i hoped to." the man remained silent, taking a quick sip from his glass before averting his attention back to you once more.

╸"pray tell, what is this light?" he asked curiously, voice glinting with interest. "an eye for an eye, captain. can't say til' you state your own name in return." he let out a hearty laugh at the joke and your unintentional pun.

╸"kaeya, cavalry captain of the knights of the favonius." he paused. "though, i'm just a captain without any cavalry to lead."

[glassrowboat]

Daydream in a Nightmare

Authors note: I read a soulmate au where with dream sharing. Everytime you fall asleep you and your SM would meet in a world that would reflect your consciousness and who you were. So down below are the boys and what I think the places their dreams would depict.

Mondstadt

Diluc: The cathedral. His mom, back when she was alive, used to play during service and afterwards Diluc ran over greeting her with the biggest smile, asking her to play him one more song. She never failed to. Maybe that's why there's always a gentle melody playing whenever you see him as he rests his fingers over the same white tiles, simply trying to remember how to play.

Kaeya: The Dawn Winery. Or at least parts of it. Behind closed doors there's the scent of grass, of dirt, and the faintest smell of ash. He says it's simply the vineyard that in the real world would be right outside, but he knows well as he pulls your hand from the doorknob that it's ruins of a fallen nation haunting him right on the other side.

Albedo: Glass walls. A maze of mirrors and reflections. If you ever have stopped to bother to count between Albedo’s musings as he shares with you the secrets of the world, you'd notice that for some reason he always has more reflections in the walls around you than of your own figure. Like there's more of him than there is of you.

Venti: Old Mondstadt. Back before the revolution, back when there were people in the streets wishing their God weren't so unjust, but in his dreams that wall of spiraling wind is never there. A warped perception of a life he wished to have lived as he sits in your lap not as Venti the bard, but a wind sprite trying to bury into your clothes for warmth. Just don't call him pipsqueek or he'll try and bite your fingers. Playfully. You think.

Liyue

Zhongli: A place that no longer exists, one torn away by this world during the archon war. It's unlike him not to comment on a place, a trinket, an item, as you pick something up and fiddle with it, but this place he never goes into full detail on. However, he will tell you all about the artisanship of the table you two are sharing tea over.

Baizhu: His home back in Chenyu Vale, back before the illness hit his village, back before his parents passed away. Just a modest home that shows signs of being truly well lived in and loved. Mindlessly while you two talk he'll be cleaning the place, just the way he always does at the pharmacy. Though it does help give him something to fill the silence. It turns out he's a lot more used to Changsheng chiming in with comments than he thought. He just hopes you two get along when the time to meet in person finally comes about.

Ga ming: A festival. There's water kicking up at everyone's feet, up to everyones ankles as people with their face covered in all manner of masks walk you both by. Ga ming would pull you along from booth to booth, trying his best to win prizes despite the fact you both know they'll be gone by the time you wake.

Xiao: A Chinese pavilion in the sky. You walk among the clouds as you follow the path of the street, looking over the accents that seem somehow both rich in color and dull, muddied all at the same time. Something you've noticed from his dreams compared to yours, his always have a lingering black fog creeping in at the corner of your eyes. It makes you feel like someone else is in this world with you, like there's eyes waiting to do more than just watch.

Inazuma

Kazooha: A meadow. The wind passes you both by, stirring up pages of books you two sit reading in silence. You can't help but wonder if these are all books he's read before, especially the ones that wax poetry or something else. His thoughts, perhaps? Maybe Kazuha's very own writings? But that matters little as his head is resting on your shoulder as you try to catch words between the fluttering sheets of paper.

Itto: A kabuki play. It always ends up in you two hiding away in the back room where the performers would get ready before getting back out on stage for the next act. You would see the brightest of colors, richest of fabrics, and practiced movements so fine tuned that you can't understand why Itto is so focused on taking the makeup on the vanity in the back simply so he can paint your face with red marks just like his. To each their own you suppose, and who are you to complain when it means drawing hearts on his arm when Itto isn't paying attention?

Gorou: A tea house. It's a small place, simple, but certainly not lacking charm as Gorou pours you a cup. At first the fact you could actually taste the rich herbs on your tongue in this dreamscape threw you off, but now it's just another part of this odd reality. But saying that, the first time you spat out the drink he offered as soon as the bitter taste hit you. Apparently he never expected you to not already be used to green tea. The poor fella was apologizing for the rest of the night, ears laid flat on his head and tail tucked between his legs. It's okay though, you made it even by trying to give him dog treats. It was you having to beg for forgiveness then.

Thoma: It was different this time. No glowing blue flowers and a forest that you two would stroll through mindlessly while chatting for hours. No, this time Thoma was sitting on a wooden platform below a giant stone statue. Intriguing, yes, but mattered little compared to the rope burns around his wrist. He tried to tell you not to worry about it. That it was an accident. But that mattered little as your lips pressed to the red, irritated skin and he gave you a strained smile. You knew better than to ask about it more from there.

Ayato: It's ever changing. It's like he is constantly thinking of something whenever He falls asleep and it reflects in his dreams. Once it was a Japanese styled room the next it was some room in Fontaine's architecture. But it's always a bedroom. A place of relaxation as Ayato buries his head in your lap like it was a pillow. He'll whine about being overworked until you're tempted to pull on his hair just to make the man shut up for once, but last time you did that it led to the bed being used for a lot more than just rest. For now just pat his head and let him vent, the man needs it.

Sumeru

Kaveh: A sketch brought to life from his mothers blueprints. One he saw his mother sketching back when Kaveh was a boy and she would let him sit on her lap, let him comment on the drawings. She would always find some way to incorporate his addictions into the sketch. Nowadays he knows the building that was actually constructed in the end to be simpler, duller than the one his mother wanted, but in his dreams with you it stands tall and proud.

Al Haitham: An attic. It's dusty and it clearly had a hole in the roof that was covered over by some wooden planks and nails. A patch work job that needs to be fixed but if you ever take the time to bother with it while Al Haitham sits in an old rocking chair covered by a quilt reading the night away it will only be there the next dream cycle. It pisses you off. He pisses you off. All nonchalance and an apathetic look even as you plop yourself in his lap and take that book away. And what pisses you off even more? How he dares to call you needy as he holds you close. It's best to ignore the fact he started reading over your shoulder.

Tighnari: Pardis Dhyai. He'll sit on the walkway watching you kick the water of the ponds around, paying no mind to when you splash at him. Not anymore at least. He's learned quickly if he makes a snarky comment you'll give one back and it'll go on and on until somehow it ends in him getting dragged into the pond with you. Both dripping algae filled water as he wondered what gods made this numbskull his mate.

Cyno: Lambad's Tavern. Everytime he would come back from treks in the desert he would go there, get a drink, and play a round of cards with whoever was willing. It was a pattern. Work, work, rest, and more work. But now he didn't have to constantly be on work mode as he sat with you in the old booth shuffling cards as he tried to explain to you how TCG works. So far everytime you lose you've thrown those elemental dice and him, and with a smile he lets them hit him in the head despite being fully able to dodge them. His soulmate is such a sore loser.

Wanderer: Shakkei Pavilion. He hates it. Hates that this is the place his unconscious has chosen to sink onto so stubbornly. His wooden fingers would slide over the paintings depicting Scaramouche’s past that has now been severed from him in everyone's eyes but Nahida and the Traveler. If you knew, would you still hold his hand? Would you still trace the details of his joints and comment that you find his pretty face such a stark contrast to his sharp words? He's afraid to find out, the idea that you might be his fourth betrayal always lingering in the back of his mind.

Fontaine

Neuvillette: Under the water where the currents would carry stray bits of seaweed and fish swimming past. The first time you shared a dream with him here he had to calm you down as instinctively you held your breath, taking your hands in his and assuring you if he can talk like this, you can suck in air just as well. It took some time getting used to, but now he watches as you grab starfish off the ocean floor and bring them over to him like a prize to be presented. This is what humans must be like Neuvillette tells himself as you braid them into his hair.

Worcestershire sauce: A home. A nice one at that. Big, had decent furnishings, pictures of kids hung up on the wall. If you listened closely enough you could even hear children playing outside from the cracked open windows that showed the brightest sky outside. Wriothesly would walk behind you as you would watch the grass blowing in the wind, not saying a word as he rested his chin on top of your head. He never thought he'd be back here again. The very place made him feel sick to his stomach, but with you? It was bearable. Even as you tried to grab his handcuffs from him.

Snezhnaya

Childe: His childhood home. Back before the renovations he bought for the place with his money as a harbinger, back before the redecorating of rooms to fit more children, and back to what the house was like when he was just a boy yet to fall into the abyss. Back when everything was simpler. He would pick up toys that have gone missing, never to be seen again and stare in wonder how it all is exactly how he remembers it. It makes it so much easier to be Ajax with you, rather than Tartaglia.

Dottore: The hospital he was working in when trying to help Eleazar patients. For the life of him does he hate it, being back in the desert always having to tip his shoes out of sand that never seems to fully clear off. It doesn't help you try and pour sand down his shirt, but in a way he supposes it's better you two stay out here under that blistering sun than you going inside to be met with the smell of death. No, you don't need to know about that side of him just yet.

Pantalone: His office. It always makes it hard to tell at first if he's awake, not when the same scene greets him either way. You always joke about him being married to his work and you're the mistress in this relationship. At this point he counts on the comment as soon as his eyes flutter open and he's greeted with the sight of you sitting on the desk he's been using as a pillow. Still, he can never help the genuine smile at seeing you once again.

Captain: A flower field. The snowdrops peek out from under the fluffy blanket of white powder, crunching under every step he takes. Even in his dreams the cold of Snezhnaya is ever present, ever biting. It only makes sense you are shivering behind him even as he lets you steal his cloak that is more of a blanket on you than anything. This field, he knows it well, knows that what waters these flowers is more blood than anything else, but that matters little as he wraps his arms around you. Maybe he can find a way to dream you a proper jacket.

Pierro: A grand hall. It reminds you of the way ballrooms are described in romance stories as the couple depicted would dance the night away. Columns so high you have to tilt your head back just to see where they meet the ceiling covered in paintings you've never seen before. That is until Pierro steps into your view. He always offered his hand to you before you could ask, and as your fingers interlocked he would tell you about them. Always ready to answer your questions. It meant someone was curious about a part of his long lost nation. So, of course, he was always happy to share.

Scaramouche: A never ending fire. It's a small shack, engulfed by flames that never seem to dwindle or burn out the wood it feeds on. Like this place was stuck in time in his mind. He doesn't talk to you, not any more than a sharp shut up. The only time that glare he showed you disappeared is when you pulled your hand back from the curious fire with a hiss, not expecting it to actually hurt in this fake reality. For a moment you could have sworn he took a step towards you, but he never came any closer than that as he hissed at you to be careful. Dumb mortals should at least know not to burn themselves.

[villain-byteniwoha]

ships i like and why i ship them: a small, affectionate rant before bed

zhongchi: probably the first ship i ever interacted with. i may have started playing genshin for them. I specifically remember reading modern, non canon au fics on ao3 when i was still low AR and did not have liyue unlocked yet just to enjoy content of them without spoiling the story too much. those were good times

love the betrayal, the reciprocated manipulations, their individual bloody pasts and their juxtaposing love for humanity/family. the marriage chopsticks. god, the amount of threads I've read explaining those... and ofc you can't forget the official art with them by the harbor with the gingko leaves falling cinematically. i think that's the art that drew me to them lol

there's also something so deliciously tragic about a near-immortal being who's fated to succumb to erosion in due time, falling in love with a mortal man who's always within death's cold embrace. not to mention the subtext of their themes and principles. geo and hydro, stability and turbulence, land and sea, they crystallize when they meet in the middle, etc etc

kaeluc: another pairing I enjoyed the absolute shit out of, way back when I wasn't even playing the game yet. I remember learning about them while I was deep in my mxtx phase, specifically tgcf, and I'm pretty sure I dipped my toes in after I learned that they used to be sworn brothers. keywords here being used to. hook, line, and sinker. before I knew it, I was also reading fanfics about them, but only modern, non canon au ones because genshin terms made no sense to me and i didn't want spoilers. then I played the game. and then—we get Kaeya for free. I mained the shit out of that man for months.

and then. I fully entered the fandom, only to be immediately slapped in the face with the mistranslation issue.

and I get it, honestly, if you like ragbros good for you, I'm happy for you, but me personally, I will scorn hyv until the day I fucking die because had they not messed this up? kaeluc would've have been so powerful. KAELUC WOULD HAVE BEEN SO FUCKING POWERFUL

how could they not be? they're childhood friends but they're also forbidden romance coded, and rivals/enemies coded, but they're also soulmates. they don't just know each other, they're two halves of a whole, they know each other.

and the themes, don't even get me started on their themes. fire and ice, red and blue... paimon's line about them being similar (i.e. kaeya's a shady mf who fights in the day/diluc's a bright fire in the night) is one of the most romantic lines ever. they're sun and moon but only because they complete each other. also, lamp grass and calla lily? that's them as flowers, but they're the other person's ascension material like hello???????? fucking wild.

and ofc this kaeluc section can't end without me mentioning arundolyn and rostam. for those who don't know or have read/heard of those names but never really dug deep into it, arundolyn and rostam were knights of favonius around the same time as the cataclysm, and you can read about them in artifact sets such as brave heart, defender's will; and partially from the elegy bow

the reason they're here is because there are too many damn parallels between them and kaeluc to just be a coincidence.

arundolyn was a claymore user (see: ferrous shadow), he was the "lion of light,"; he was naturally gifted in strength but still trained hard and would later become the grand master of the knights; he'd push rostam to drink wine and tell him to have a little fun; he gives up his title and weapon after rostam dies

on the flip side, rostam was the swordsman who created the art of favonius bladework (see: favonius sword), his title was, "wolf pup,"; when he and arundolyn played as children, he was the stand-in for the champion knight of aristocracy; he "ruled the shadows," by protecting mond with ways the knights did not approve; rostam dies in an expedition to expunge the evils poured forth from the cataclysm...

I'll let you connect the dots there. I just also wanna point out, as a final note, that in the favonius sword's description, it says, "the childhood friend and spiritual counterpart of Arundolyn, the Lion of Light, whose name was Rostam, the Wolf Pup." ok. yeah. moving on

xiaoven: i very quickly realized after reading the genshin webtoon that venti was gonna be one of, if not my most favorite character. and i was curious as to who the people wanted to pair him with. keep in mind, this was around 2.0~2.2 I believe, so when I searched them up, the only canon backing I could find was the music scene

and boy, was that scene enough because holy shit, the brain rot these two gave me??? of a god who embodies freedom, and the last remaining yaksha chained to his duty????? they were so thematically opposed and beautiful, it wasn't hard to fall in love with them

by the time 3.0 came rolling in, I've already stopped playing, but that didn't mean i wasn't aware of how we were well fed by canon. from the trailer to venti full on attending the lantern rite and sitting down with the liyue gang; it was one of those interactions that transcended everything

and of course, OF COURSE, they also canonically addressed the fact that venti's music soothes xiao's soul. that's intimate. that's deep. that's so fucking romantic and nice and beautiful in the most tragic way...

also, we can't forget the depictions of god and servant here. the holy themes, the worship. the promise of immortality and foreverness, but also the threat of it. i just think xiao doomed with karmic debt and venti vowed to divine erosion is such a soulmate connection, and I'm also delusional

that's all for now but there's so much more...

[calqlate]

RE: LOVE & LIFE

❝ I LOVE HIM, BUT SOMEONE ELSE LOVES ME INSTEAD. ❞

— In which a contract wife is loved by someone else.

SUMMARY: As the wife of the famous big shot in the wine industry, you have everything you could ever ask for — a beautiful mansion, endless wealth, servants at your beck and call... However, you lack the one thing you yearn for: love. With your beloved husband neglecting you and being stuck in a loveless marriage, you decide to end it all, only to be stopped by a man whom you have never met before, and who also coincidentally happens to be your soulmate. In addition, there just might seem to be more than what meets the eye in regards to your peculiar soulmate, and you just might have to find that out for yourself.

PAIRING(S): zhongli x f! reader + diluc x f! wife! reader

FEATURING: childe + hu tao + jean gunnhildr + kaeya alberich + lumine

GENRE(S): arranged/contract marriage au + modern au + reincarnation au + soulmate au (you have a timer on your wrist which counts down to the moment you meet your soulmate) + angst (with a happy ending)

CW(S)/TW(S): (possible) canon divergence (creative liberties are taken) + character death + contains depictions/mentions of blood, gore, suicide attempts, and violence + (possible) spoilers from the canon/official lore + use of childe's real name

WC: 5.3k and counting

STATUS: ongoing (slow updates)

NOTE(S): reader is not the traveller + visions do not apply/exist + inspired by the korean webtoon onsaemiro: never changing

ALSO AVAILABLE ON: ao3

A/N: reblogs are greatly appreciated! also, if you'd like to be added to the taglist, notify me by completing this form!

INDEX

zero + one + two + three + four + more to be released

© 2023 CALQLATE. all rights reserved. please do not copy, modify, repost, or translate my works on any platform.

[harukaprism]

Soulmate AU

Pairing: Cyno xGN!Reader

Warnings: Potential violence against reader, fighting, soulmate au, that is all.

Word Count: 1,534

Dawn's notes: Howl has been on my brain and this is the result. Have fun!

In all of Teyvat soulmates surrounded you, everyone had their soulmate, everyone had someone for them.You had yet to find yours in your beautiful home of Mondstadt, which was fine; you were happy actually happy yours wasn’t in your home country. You wanted to explore and travel the world to find them, even though you had no hints as to who it could be. 

You did have something of your soulmate, everyone gets something to wear from their beloved that way when you two met you knew who it would be.They had gifted you a very beautiful necklace, plated in gold was a eye made out of beautiful amethyst with the pupil as a gold dot in the middle. You gave a set of simple gold earrings; it wasn’t much like the gifts you had seen your friends get but they were a treasured possession of yours that you would be able to spot miles away. 

You wore the necklace everyday, taking very good care of it just in case they had come to visit to find you, but as the years had passed you gave up hope that you would find them in your home or even Liyue. With that you made a decision. 

“You really want to visit Sumeru?” Lisa asked as she went through her book in the library. 

“Yes, Inazuma is too far away right now so I figured I would visit Sumeru to see if I could find them there.” You were determined to do what it took to see the world to find them and the one person in Mond that knows the country was your favorite bookworm. “Come on Miss Lisa, you are the only one that I know that has been there and I want to know what to prepare for. I have always wanted to travel Teyvat and looking for my soulmate is the perfect excuse to do that!” 

With a sigh she stood up grabbing a book from behind her desk. “If you really are serious, make sure you are prepared.” Handing you a stack of books her eyes fell to the necklace that she had seen for many years now. “You have to be careful and don’t worry too much if you do not find them right away.” 

Excitement shot through your body as you held the books to your chest. “Thank you Miss Lisa, really, I appreciate it.” 

The look on her face did not escape you as you watched her sit down, a mix of joy and also sadness, though for why you weren’t sure. “Just doing my job. Those books are to be returned in 2 weeks, cutie, I mean it.” 

With that you ran out of the library and into your little apartment and cracked open the old books, they had everything you could ever know about the country of wisdom and all of its deserts. You had no idea how much time had passed before you had finished every book, writing notes of what not to do in situations and what you would want to see. 

After reading the books multiple times you returned the books and packed everything you would need. Lisa still had contacts in Sumeru City so she set up some lodging for your stay. With everything packed and someone to keep an eye on your house and mail you left Mondstadt and

started your travels. As you traveled on foot to Liyue you followed all the notes that Lisa and even Kaeya had put together for you, there was many things listed that you should go see and ways to travel, the second you crossed the border into Sumeru your felt the cool rush of the wind hit you as your eyes were met with the most beautiful sight that you had ever seen. 

The lush landscape of Sumeru City was beautiful but the most intriguing part was what laid behind that huge tree, the vast land of sand. Something was pulling you there so you decided to make that your final destination. 

Following Lisa’s advice you made your way to Gandharva Ville to rest for the night, as you laid down for the night in a hut you heard the distinct jingling of jewelry, something that you knew well. With your heart pounding you rushed to your window and looked out searching all over for the glimpse of gold reflecting in the moonlight but you were only able to see the forest. 

You were disappointed for sure but you had to move on, you would find them sooner or later. In the morning you were greeted by the lead forest ranger Tighnari. “Thank you for letting me stay the night, I hope it didn’t cause too much trouble.” 

The man shook his head with a pleasant smile on his face.”Oh no need to thank me, I was happy to let an adventure stay the night. Where is your destination for this trip?” 

“Ultimately the desert! Ever since I stepped foot into Sumeru it has been calling for me.” You could see his eyes drifting to your necklace. “Ah, this is from my soulmate so I was hoping that I would find them here, if not my next step is Fontaine.” 

The look he gave was one of recognition and solace. “I doubt that you would need to travel that far. Be careful in the desert and make sure to bring plenty of water and supplies.” With that interaction over with you made your way to the city and got your room secured and set up. 

Your next few days passed pleasantly. The connections that Lisa had in the city were wonderful and you got really good advice as to how best to get to the desert. After a two day trip you had finally made it to Caravan Ribat, the second you stepped into the city heat rushed from beyond the wall and basked you in the amazing feeling. 

After getting a room for the day you made your way to the gate that separated the city and the vast ocean of sand. The gusts of wind surrounded you like a warm hug, every aspect of life drew your attention and you deviated from your path to Aaru Village to look at the flora and fauna. 

You weren’t keeping track of the time but soon the sun had started to set and the cool breeze filled your ears. “Well well well, what do we have here?” The unknown voice brought you out of your studies of the flower in front of you to the group of mercenaries slowly surrounding you. “You’re not from the desert are you?”

You were no stranger to fighting, you were part of the Adventures Guild, you were experienced with defending yourself. You held your hands behind your back not wavering. “Just leave me alone, I have no interest in fighting some low life scum.” 

“Oh looks like you have quite the mouth. I can fix that.” The leader, you guessed, cracked his neck as he walked up to you. Just as your hand gripped the hilt of your sword the air cracked around you and stilled. In a flash of light the men were on the ground and a tan man stood before you enveloped in a purple glow. 

As he turned you heard the noise that you were very familiar with, the gold earrings that he wore upon his hat shone brightly in the setting desert sun. Stunning red eyes like rubies pulled you into his gaze as his white hair settled down and he came to a standstill. 

His eyes glanced down to your necklace as you kept your eyes trained on those earrings. “There you are sweetheart, sorry I’m late. I was looking everywhere for you.” 

With your heart fluttering you dropped your sword into the sand. “Not how I intended to meet you and I am impressed at how you have utilized the earrings. I see you have kept good care of them after all these years.” 

With that he approached you and took the pendant between his fingers. “I never thought I would meet you. Tighnari told me that he suspected you were my soulmate when you stayed in Gandharva Ville. He said you were coming to the desert.” 

With a huff you crossed your arms. “No wonder he made that comment. He knew I would run into you.” Your bottom lip jutted out just a bit in a pout, this seemed to cause him to lose focus on the jewelry he gave you and his calloused thumb came up and danced across your lip. 

“Call it divine intervention, he was looking out for the both of us.” Suddenly your vision was covered in darkness as you felt the hat that he wore was placed upon your head. “You have been out here too long, let’s go to Aaru Village for some rest and shade.” 

Lifting the hat with one hand you pushed the tuft of hair covering his eye out of the way. “You are more handsome than I thought you would be.” 

His chuckle was low as he laced his fingers with yours and started to guide you.

[https-furina]

— café on the seafront. (500 followers event)

“bienvenue, dear traveler, to my quaint little coffee shop by the sea!”

welcome, my beautiful followers to https-furina’s 500 follower celebration event - café on the seafront! this is probably my most anticipated event, and i’m in love with this, but for this to be posted, it means i finally reached 500 followers! so i’ll start by saying thank you so much for helping me achieve this milestone, i created this blog to intergrate back into the genshin community after a year away but i ended up staying and producing content instead.

i’ve made some fantastic memories and gained so many new friends that i treasure with all my heart - i genuinely do not know where i would be without them. we’re officially halfway to 1k followers and that is just… mindblowing to me. sappy thanks aside, let’s get you a drink, hm?

special thanks to the @ecrin-de-litterature network & to @ryuryuryuyurboat for proofreading this event post !!

(note. the laws of coffee making don’t apply here, hehe have fun!)

#ACAFÉONTHESEAFRONT — event | order receipts

this event is: ongoing!

“can i take your order?”

— the name on the cup (character)

who is this order for? it can be anyone from the following region lists.

mondstadt; kaeya, albedo, diluc, venti. mona, jean, lisa, amber & eula.

liyue; xiao, zhongli, childe. ningguang, beidou, yelan & shenhe.

inazuma; scaramouche, gorou, ayato, thoma, kazuha, heizou. ei, yae miko, ayaka, yoimiya, kuki shinobu, kujou sara & kokomi.

sumeru; alhaitham, kaveh, tighnari, cyno, wanderer. nilou, candace, dehya & layla.

fontaine; lyney, neuvillette, wriothesley. lynette, furina, clorinde & navia.

khaenri’ah; aether. lumine.

— choose a size (genre)

small (platonic), medium (fluff), large (angst)

— choose a coffee (au)

espresso (normal), latte (modern!au) mocha (royal!au) americano (soulmate!au), cappuccino (college!au), flat white (zombie apocalypse!au)

— choose a milk (extra prompt) - optional (choose one)

dairy milk (hanahaki disease), oat milk (unrequited love), almond milk (character death), soy milk (established relationship), steamed milk (friends to lovers)

— choose an extra (reader gender)

foam (gn!reader), latte art (fem!reader)

“oh me, oh my! that simply won’t do, can’t i get you anything else?”

order a croissant to receive… a match up to a genshin character!

please provide me with your star sign, personality, hobbies, etc. & specify female, male or don’t mind (aka i’ll choose from either.)

order a macaron to receive… a vision!

please provide me with your personality & mbti (if you know it.)

order a pain au chocolat to receive… a song!

please provide me with your personality & hobbies.

order an éclair to receive… a rating for your blog theme!

you only need to be off anon to order an éclair so that i can see your blog.

“très bon! take a seat, i’ll bring your order over to you when it’s done!”

- you can order more than once! but please only have one order active at a time (please wait until i finish your ongoing order.)

- all steps are mandatory except for milk and pastries!

- please only order one pastry per order!

- a reminder that this is all for fun; i’m not going to bias if you order out of anon and match you to your favourites if i know who they are. do not order pastries if you know you’re not going to be happy with not receiving who/what you want!

© https-furina 2023 | please do not copy, re-upload or translate my works on any form of media and do not copy, edit or steal my event.

[xiaosonlybeloved]

Forever Together~ Kaeya

featuring:- Kaeya tags:-fluff, a teeny bit of angst if you squint, semi-modern au(?), soulmate au where you get a golden band on your 18th birthday which changes into a silver bracelet like thingy when you properly meet your soulmate, kaeya calls you princess once a/n:- this is my entry for the summer santa event by @solarisfortuneia , thanks for letting me take part and sorry for being so late! this one is dedicated to @satoruxx i hope both you and mika like this :)

word count:- 1.3k

masterlist

You grow more excited as the clock nears midnight. “Only five more minutes, Kaeya!” You exclaim, tugging his hand and pointing at the clock. Your childhood best friend shakes his head, amused at your unusual excitement. “You’re really that excited just for your soulmate band? How funny. I mean, you’ve always been a soft romantic, so I’m not really surprised.” He chuckled, the sound filling your room. Both of you glance towards the golden band already present on Kaeya’s wrist, showing that he hadn’t met his soulmate yet. It had appeared, as it always does for everyone, on his 18th birthday. 

None of you said it, none of you knew the other was thinking the same thing. But both of you wondered, if… If you two could possibly be each other’s soulmates.

Both of you had harboured feelings for each other since you were children. It was cute at first. But then as time passed, as you two started to notice each other more, grow up side by side, saw all sides of each other, that harmless puppy love started growing into ‘small’ crushes, even as you two were content to remain best friends. Best friends who were practically attached at the hip, frequently did sleepovers and study sessions, hung out a lot, and always took advantage of the couples discount system. Deep down, both of you wondered if you could ever be more.

The chance of Kaeya being your soulmate was a one in a thousand. So, what harm did it do to imagine the what-ifs of a nearly impossible situation, you both thought, allowing your minds to wander.

The thought of being Kaeya’s soulmate excited you. But it scared Kaeya. 

It wouldn’t be easy to love you officially. It’s not because he couldn’t or didn’t want to. He had no idea what the future would bring, but for now, he really did love you, the way you did. But he was terrified what a relationship would bring, not just to you, but to any possible partner of his, which is why he wanted to avoid meeting his soulmate. He wasn’t sure if he’d be able to maintain a relationship with his ways. And he was scared of his past.

Kaeya and his dad had fled from their home nation, Khaenriah, when it was on the brink of utter ruin because of the wars that had ravaged the world. Fled to Mondstadt, a stable country with abundant beauty, one that had already risen up after the war. There, his father had disappeared, leaving him with a caring adoptive family. 

It had been hard for him to adjust and adapt to this new life, especially since he had just been a mere child when all this happened. And he wouldn’t have been able to, if not for you.

You were his neighbour- still are, in fact. He remembered when he’d timidly ventured out into the gardens of his new house a few days after his life had been uprooted. You had noticed him wandering alone very quickly from your own garden, tugging at your mom’s hand to point at him. He’d been scared then, but then you ran ever to him, eyes sparkling, asking him if he was new here, and if he wanted to play with them, adding that their family were very good friends with his new family.

That was the beginning of their friendship, the one that had led them here, staring at the clock at night, waiting for it to strike twelve. And Kaeya was scared, scared because he’d heard many rumours of whatever remained of the Khaenri’ans searching. Searching for what, he didn’t know. Maybe it wasn’t even real. 

But he was still afraid of the possibilities.

And yet, a part of him wished to love you freely, without fear, be with you, be your soulmate. 

The internal conflict was tearing him apart.

The clock struck twelve, signifying the start of your birthday.

You grinned excitedly, holding up your hand, on which a golden band had materialised. But then both your eyes widened, as it turned silver, before reshaping into a swirling silver pattern, almost like a bracelet, with a half heart in the middle. 

The same happened to Kaeya’s band, the formerly gold band having changed into a silver bracelet, same as yours, with the other half of the heart.

It was confirmed- you two were soulmates.

You two stared at each other, eyes wide and confused. It was silent in the room for a while, as you two let the fact sink in.

I suppose it was to be expected, after all, you two had stuck with each other from the moment you met.

A part of you was incredibly happy, now that you didn’t have to hide your feelings any more. However, another part of you was worried for Kaeya and how he’d take this. I mean, what sort of best friends- soulmates- would you two be, if you didn’t know each others’ deepest fears? You knew what he was afraid of. And you didn’t blame him for it in any way whatsoever.

You were the first to speak up, gently taking both his hands in yours. Something you had done a thousand times before, and yet, it felt different this time. “You alright, Kaeya?”

He slowly nodded, eyes staring off. You understood his internal turmoil and the fact that he’d need time, and didn’t press him. “Do you need space?” you asked softly. “To process this? I don’t mind if you do.” Finally he looked at you. There were a multitude of emotions swirling in those beautiful periwinkle eyes of his- confusion, surprise, shock, fear, and more, as they met yours. “You won’t be upset?” He asked quietly. You shook your head almost immediately. “No, Kae, I won’t. I understand why.” You said reassuringly, squeezing his hands with yours to reaffirm your statement. 

“I’ll see you later then..?Once I’ve sorted everything out?” “Sure, take as much time as you want, don’t rush, I’m always here for you, ‘kay? Now let me drop you off home.” You smiled at him.

The next evening, Kaeya texts you to meet him in your regular meeting spot- the swings in the park next to your houses. On text, he sounded like he’d made up his mind, causing you to be a bit nervous as you headed over, albeit a bit early.

You were just swinging gently, lost in your thoughts, when Kaeya walks up to you. He seems to be holding something behind his back, as you look at him curiously. “You alright now?” You question. “Yup.” he grinned back, that easygoing, charming smile that was reserved specifically for you back on his pretty face. “Got everything figured out now, and I have something for you too.” He smiles, bringing out the gift-wrapped package he had been holding behind his back. You chuckle, relieved, as you quickly open it. You stop short when you see what it is that he has given you.

“Forgot to say this, but happy birthday, [Y/N].” He said softly, bending down a bit to take the beautiful silver necklace that had your engraved to put it around your neck. “There.” he said, leaning back to admire you. “Now it matched with our bracelets.” He added, his words meaningful.

This was his way of giving you confirmation. “Let’s give this thing a try, huh? After all, if anything ever happens, I’ll be here to protect my beloved princess, won’t I?” He smirked at his successful attempt to make you flustered as he pulled you up from the swing, holding one of your hands gently in his.

[linkemon]

Genshin Impact Headcanons Masterlist

Sun is setting over Teyvat so just sit down, relax and immerse yourself into the world of atypical Genshin Impact headcanons...

I want to let you know that English is not my first language so any corrections on my mistakes are welcomed. I mainly write in Polish. You can check that language versions of my works here on Masterlist.

If you want to help in any way in the translation process, let me know, I will gladly take a helping hand.

Please, don’t repost. Likes an reblogs are appreciated ^^

Status 42/42 translated

First meeting 1

Venti, Zhongli, Ei

First meeting 2

Scaramouche, Arataki Itto, Kaedehara Kazuha, Lisa Minci

First meeting 3

Childe, Thoma, Diluc Ragnvindr, Beidou

Youtuber AU 1

Xiao, Kamisato Ayato, Kaeya Alberich, Xiangling

Youtuber AU 2

Chongyun, Yun Jin, Yanfei

School AU 1

Bennett, Xingqiu, Jean Gunnhildr, Klee

Showing affection 1

Diluc Ragnvindr, Childe, Razor, Yae Miko

Showing affection 2

Venti, Zhongli, Gorou, Barbara Pegg

Boysband AU (4nemo) 1

Xiao, Kaedehara Kazuha, Venti, Aether

Boysband AU (4ggravate) 2

Kaveh, Cyno, Alhaitham, Tighnari

Yandere AU 1

Albedo, Zhongli, Kokomi

Voice line 1

Shikanoin Heizou, Diona Kätzlein, Kamisato Ayato, Amber, Xinyan

Voice line 2

Arataki Itto, Yelan, Kujo Sara, Qiqi, Shenhe, Kuki Shinobu

Voice line 3

Mika Schmidt, Dori Sangemah Bay, Faruzan, Collei, Bennett

Confession 1

Kamisato Ayato, Kaedehara Kazuha, Sucrose

Confession 2

Tighnari, Alhaitham, Dehya

Sibling 1

Naganohara Yoimiya, Xingqiu, Keqing, Sayu

Fatui 1

La Signora, Pantalone, Tartaglia, Il Dottore

Summertime Odyssey Event 1

Kaedehara Kazuha, Mona, Xinyan, Fischl

Soldier, Poet, King

Ei, Venti, Zhongli

Soulmate AU 1

Tomo, Eula, Lumine

Hogwarts AU 1

Kamisato Ayato, Naganohara Yoimiya, Albedo, Hu Tao

Musical AU 1

Yun Jin, Childe, Chongyun and others

Valentine's Day 2023 1

Shikanoin Heizou, Wanderer, Ningguang

Valentine's Day 2023 2

Tighnari, Lisa Minci, Yaoyao

Quarrel 1

Lyney, Lynette, Freminet, Navia

Maid/Butler 1

Arataki Itto, Clorinde, Layla, Kamisato Ayaka

Polish headcanons 1

Venti, Zhongli, Diluc, Heizou, Thoma, Kirara, Baizhu, Qiqi, Childe, Scaramouche

Would you still love me/like me if...? 1

Baizhu, Wriothesley, Nahida, Nilou

Manhwa tropes 1

Alhaitham, Pantalone, Zhongli, Kirara

Modern AU 1

Kinich, Mualani, Mavuika

[dead-boys-club]

†  pending. ¹⁰ ²⁴ ²⁴

❥ my pending is basically a dumpster of thoughts, requests, etc.

❥ my requests are still open; i have zero order to them. i write what i can, when i can - i do not force write, i take pride in my writing. shorter things get posted quicker. please be patient with me.

❥ if you'd like to hear my shit ideas, hcs, and more chatty things; add me on discord; before.i.decay.

engagement rings // mha. too many characters.

you're beautiful // mha. various.

grandpa // toya. pro hero au.

unlikely lover. // a long winded deku, shigaraki amalgamation.( someone pointed out that looks bad lmfao it's a reader x shigaraki, later reader x deku — not.. not deku and shiggy lmfao ) this post will be about as long as 'the hero'.

this feels wrong? // toya. pro hero au.

clingy. // shoto, kat, toya. pro hero timeline/au.

kisses! // izuku.

tinkerbell. // hawks. fairy quirk s/o.

ikea. // aizawa, hawks, dabi.

bracelets // bkdk, krbk. poly.

you idiot. // hawks.

tenko. // shigaraki. a long fucking post lmfao.

roomies. // toya, himiko. college roomies au.

stop it. // tenko. college au. specifically tenko.

boyfriend things. // hawks. college au.

the future. // inhales. angst. hawks recovering. no wings. dramatic, sad things.

you're enough. // awareness post. various mha

490734579034 comfort posts for lyney.

oh. // neuvie. dragon s/o.

catch up for sandrone. important to finish.

4 fatui drafts.

gone. // wanderer. lover passed.

a wreck. but loved. // albedo. girlfailure.

for me? // lyney, venti, kaeya. battling a claw machine.

a pain. // gallagher. dating hcs.

leave. // sunday, ratio, aventurine. hurt comfort, college situationships. au, obv.

lost, never forgotten. // ratio, blade, kafka, sunday, hanya, aven, jing yuan. grieving.

associations. // koko, inupi.

watermelon. // tokrev boys. spinning a wheel for who. mitsuri reader. kawata boys are a need.

soulmates.

i have all the requests, except the astarion ones. i will end up posting those elsewhere. i love him to death but maybe not on DBC.

[morverenmaybewrites]

WIP Title Game

Rules: 

Make a new post with the names of all the files in your wip folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. 

Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, then post a little snippet or tell them something about it! and tag as many people as you have wips.

Thank you for the tag @jaybirdh!

My Google Docs is honestly a graveyard of WIPS that I start and stop, so here’s a list of them, fandoms in the parenthesis!  

1. Genshin Men In A Royal Fantasy! AU (Genshin Impact)

2. Kaeya (Genshin Impact)

3. Rewrite Rengoku AU (Demon Slayer) 

4. Q-Son III (Honkai Star Rail Cyberpunk/Soulmate! AU)

5. TOTK Shrine Checklist That I Somehow Misplaced

6. Godkillers Masterpost (BNHA Steelheart AU)

I guess, I tag anyone who wants to do this?

[fawnforgold]

| Heaven and Earth | 

Pairing: Albedo x OC!Juniper

Warnings: 18+ MINORS DNI, This is NOT an x reader, Soulmate AU, Reincarnation AU, Selfship/Self Insert, Death, Heavy Angst, Implied/Alluding to Suicide, He/Him Pronouns for Albedo, She/Her for Juniper, Juniper and Albedo have a kid, Panic Attacks, Mental Breakdowns, Toxicity/Toxic Relationship (my selfship isn’t technically toxic but for this fic it might come off a little unsavory at parts), Albedo is implied to have PTSD, Trauma, 4.9k words.

A/n: Hi this fic was inspired by the conversation where me and @/auphelia bounced ideas about my selfship lore hehe so enjoy guys <3

Summary: Albedo and Juniper are victims of the archon's fascination and are reincarnated in many lifetimes. The problem is that only Albedo remembers anything from those past lives and thus must prove himself worthy to Juniper in every lifetime. 

Tagging: @auphelia @suyacho @themovingcastlez @tighnarly @fleur-de-leap

Heaven and Earth Playlist

“Oh my god, Mr. Albedo you’re a genius!” Sucrose exclaims.

She held up a vial to her colleague with pure excitement. She thought she’d get the same reaction in return, but what she witnessed instead frightened her. Albedo turned to her slowly and with eyes as empty as ever, he replied coldly.

“Don’t ever call me that.” 

His voice sent shivers down her spine. She tried to ignore it but even Sucrose knew better than to chalk this up to simply nothing. Sucrose saw how Albedo was slowly descending into madness. Some moments she wondered if this was inevitable, but then quickly snapped herself out of it. Reassuring herself that her friend was not like that. Unfortunately, there was only so much she could do, especially in that moment. So, she kept a watchful eye and confided in Kaeya about moments like this, moments where Sucrose could slowly see Albedo drowning underneath the weight of it all. She tried to reassure him that he could talk to her if ever he felt the need, but it wasn’t as simple as that. 

Albedo couldn’t just tell Sucrose what happened and what has been happening over and over and over again. He couldn’t tell anyone. Who would believe him? Genius or not, it would ruin what little reputation he had left. There was always that voice in his head that told him that talking about it with someone wouldn’t hurt, it wouldn’t go as badly as he thought, but that was before one of the worst memorable moments of his lives had happened. Before he spilled his heart and soul to Juniper, and became utterly distraught from his feeble attempts at trying to save her. Albedo didn’t remember much from that day except for the parts that stung like hell. Like when he told her all about the reincarnations and how he was the only one who remembered anything, and that she would die in many ways he could never predict. 

It started  calm and collected, his words moving carefully and cautiously, but somewhere down along the line it transformed into something frantic, drenched with guilt and regret. He watched as her face went from concern to fright. He wasn’t quite sure why he was scaring his wife, and even when the answers were right in front of him, he just couldn’t control himself. The words spilled and poured past his lips like a damning prayer. Albedo didn’t remember much but what he did remember was the way her eyes lit up in terror. That expression of hers would be forever branded into his brain.

He remembers the way he clawed at the bottom of her skirt. Her skirt, so graceful and free, which had been trapped in his hands which were balled into fists. Albedo’s nails carved at the fabric of her clothing, ripping holes into something beautiful he had made for her and turning it into something ugly. You looked down at his expression in absolute horror, his face red and wet from his desperation and tears. His face was twisted into a horrific expression, one that bore the pain of many, many people. Maybe he was telling the truth? Juniper thought to herself. Maybe, I had died in a past life with him. Maybe when he wept, clinging to her for dear life and begging for her to trust and believe in his words, perhaps he was telling the truth. 

“Please.. You.. you have to believe me.” He cried out, pulling her closer to him by the hem of her skirt.

But she didn’t believe him. There was simply no way to believe in him. That sort of thing didn’t happen, right? In her anxiousness she pulled away from him, enough that he would tighten his grip only to loosen it in just a few seconds. It couldn’t be helped, she was scared. She had a right to react the way she did. Didn’t she?

“Bedo you’re… you’re scaring me.” She whispered, too frightened to raise her voice an octave higher. 

This time she pulled completely out of his grasp, no lingering touches grazing her or her clothing. He stared up at Juniper with tear-filled eyes. There were heavy bags underneath his eyes, darker than she’d ever seen anyone's look before, and his mouth fell slightly open as his tears dripped down to his lips. The taste of his sorrow was more sour than the day he lost her, and all he wanted was the sweetness of her love again. It was tragic really, that a man who was destined to be with his soulmate in every lifetime was forced to fail in every single one. Albedo had been gifted gold and had managed to tarnish it in almost every life he had lived. 

So, he watched helplessly as she walked out on him, frantically tripping over her own feet as she ran out the door like a scared house cat. As Albedo fell apart, melting into the wooden floors they had both walked on in those past years, he swore to himself this would be the last time he initiated contact with her. No longer would he go out of his way to befriend her, woo her, love and cherish her, only for his love to die right before his very eyes in every lifetime. It was then that he decided to do the most sane thing he’d ever do, leave. He left, so that when and if she returned, which she most certainly did, she would be left with absolutely nothing but his memory. He would never be there to witness the pure panic she endured as she realized, nor watch the way Juniper and Kaeya searched for decades all across Teyvat just looking for him. 

Albedo would never see how it absolutely destroyed her. When he left to put a bandaid over a self-inflicted gash, she continued to wither and die slowly until all that anguish finally caught up with her. It infected her until what only remained was an extremely sad memory. She wondered as she died if things would’ve been different had she listened to him, and as her heart began to slow she couldn’t help but hear his words ring true in her ears which had barely heard much of anything those days. As you took your final breaths your hand twitched, slowly reaching out for the hand of a long lost lover. She died warm in the bed he’d made her, Kaeya was kneeling on the floor, holding her hand gently as he watched the light finally leave her eyes. People said she lost her life to old age, but both Kaeya and Albedo knew better than that. 

So, as that life eventually took her , and Albedo eventually found his own way out of this one, he once again was reborn into another lifetime. A life where all he would worry about was seeing her again, and it would prove to be one of the many curses bestowed upon him. He tried his best to avoid her, but fate had a way of mocking him. It was when he had taken a spontaneous walk that his unluckiness would catch up to him. He locked eyes with her figure from afar, and quickly hid behind a nearby tree. His chest heaved as he tried to catch his breath, panic enveloped him while his worst fear slowly crept behind him. He just had to keep still and hidden, he convinced himself. Sadly, his reassurances did nothing to ease the fear he felt. Especially when a hand placed itself on his shoulder and a soft voice of concern followed soon after. 

He couldn’t possibly face her like this, not in this awful state. Her eyes looked at him with nothing but compassion and worry, and all he could do not to fall apart was remain completely still. Visions of what if scenarios haunted his mind and so he remained completely frozen, refusing to move even an inch until he was sure he could act with complete control. He sat there crumbling onto the grassy ground as she rubbed his back and soothed him through his attack, and for some magical reason it worked. Before he knew it his breathing had slowed, and his heart rested at a rate that was somewhat normal. Letting himself be still with her, even if for a moment was healing in a way he’d almost forgotten about. 

Still, as sentimental as this moment was it did not erase the damage he had done nor the madness that stirred within his body. He shared some of this life with her. Yes, he had allowed himself to know the joys of her laughter and feel the tender touch of her skin against his, but never did he forget the damage he had caused. As he lived in a house with her that was nearly identical to the homes they shared in other lifetimes, he didn’t once forget how her eyes looked at him on that day. He could never erase the memory of her wrinkled hand in his as she gave him one last smile. Albedo could never forget all the memories he shared with Juniper, and even though he was staring at her, healthy and full of life, he would never forget the image of his beautiful wife disappearing right in front of his eyes. 

It was a fresh new hell with every life he lived, and to be doomed to never die of old age was just one of the worst aspects of it. Being a homunculus had its benefits, but dying was not one of them. While you could continue to die of old age or any natural cause, Albedo had to resort to more drastic measures to die. Unless some unfortunate circumstance had happened to end his life, Albedo oftentimes had to take matters into his own hands. Thankfully, this was not something he thought twice about, making no hesitation when he had to take the blade to his throat to stop whatever it took to keep him alive underneath all that skin and bone. He was thankful for the times where someone did the job for him, dying with a smile on his face as he watched the world darken around him. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t take long before he was opening his eyes to the sight of his master, again. She wasn’t as pleasant company to have as Juniper would’ve been, but he was grateful just to have something or someone distract him from the madness that brewed within him. 

Sadly, this “bliss” only lasted for so long and soon, he was left all alone in Teyvat. A few centuries had passed before he crossed paths with you again. He had some time to recover from the agony of her, only to be reintroduced to it all over again. Albedo wasn’t too sure why he did what he did next. Perhaps he wondered how this life fared for the both of them. Maybe he started to finally heal from the damage that had been done, or maybe he was simply homesick. Whatever the reason, he had convinced himself that this time would be different, that this time he would enjoy this life with Juniper no matter how it ended.

At first he remained true to his words, making a life for himself with his wife and child in the cool meadows in Mondstadt, but then something happened, or should I say someone. Albedo hadn’t noticed it in the previous lives but eventually he caught on to this stranger's presence lurking in the shadows. At first he thought nothing of it. After all, he’d become quite paranoid due to the lives he lived, but he soon realized that it wasn’t paranoia and instead was a worry that was much warranted. 

It happened first when Juniper and him were celebrating their first anniversary, they’d taken themselves out to a nice picnic in a nearby meadow. Everything was peaceful and the kindness of Juniper’s voice soothed his forever aching heart. Albedo’s heart was full as he heard you inquire about some experiment he was currently working on. Sadly, the moment was brought to a cold halt as he saw a familiar stranger out in the distance. The figure did nothing but stand there and glare down at him, and in a matter of moments he vanished. This visual would be something that would continue to haunt Albedo no matter what life he lived. In the ones that came before he hadn’t thought twice about it and now he wished he had. 

He tried his best to ignore it, truly he did try, but even his best wasn’t enough. The man showed up even in his sleep, dreams turned to nightmares and nightmares soon became night terrors. Waking up in a cold sweat he’d sit upright, hyperventilating as his wife tried her best to calm him down. No matter what had happened in his sleep the man always showed up, the one constant theme being the mysterious man and his intentions. Albedo had his theories but never anything solid, that was until that night when the stranger spoke to him in his night terrors.

“I know what you’ve done.” 

There was something incredibly bone chilling about those words,it felt like a threat to Albedo and all he cherished. Then the madness started to slither its way back into his life. Many nights were spent sleeplessly working on his research, thinking back to his past lives and what the appearance of this daunting figure meant. This continued on for about a decade or so before Albedo’s research came to a slowed halt. He hadn’t seen this figure in quite some time and foolishly thought with hope in his heart that this man had given up. At the very least he hoped this was someone who he could easily get rid of, but fate had a peculiar way of baring its fangs. 

The next time he would see the man would be much farther in the future, long enough that Albedo almost forgot about him. Almost. It was summertime when the three of them, their child included, made their way into Mondstadt City. Albedo was holding his daughter, talking to her about the many flowers at Flora’s stand when his eyes locked with another pair. As his wife was paying for the gorgeous flowers she’d planned to decorate the house with, Albedo was preoccupied with a tall, blonde man’s eyes piercing straight into his. His immediate instinct was to take out his sword and protect what was precious to him, but he forced that urge down as hard as he could. That would only bring more trouble, he thought to himself. 

He thought at best the stranger would leave him and his family alone, but he was sorely mistaken. After the man made a point of glaring at him and his daughter, he started to approach him. Albedo had no clue what he should do in a moment like this and he had no proof to tell the knights of favonius that he was a threat. So, instead he chose to remain exactly where he was. Albedo watched the stranger extra closely as he closed the distance between them, his hand twitching at his side as he readied to strike at any moment. It wasn’t until the man was standing right in front of him that he could truly get a good look.

He stood before him, tall with a threatening aura that followed, staring down at him and his child. There was a fire burning in his eyes, a dangerous hatred that threatened to tear him limb from limb, but before Albedo could say anything he turned to Juniper who had since bumped into the unfamiliar man by accident. 

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you there. You.. are?” She questioned with a look of confusion. 

He moved out of the way and smiled at Juniper with a look that was most unsettling. He said nothing and did nothing, just stood there, remaining frozen until his daughter, Rose, had reached out a hand towards the man. Quickly Albedo pulled her arm back against her body, holding her in a protective hold. Albedo stood his ground, now staring down the unfamiliar man who he knew now more than ever was a threat to his family. 

“Nobody important, I was just on my way anyway. You.. have a good evening.” The man said as he walked past albedo, now bumping into him by mistake. 

Although, one could hardly call what he did an accident. Juniper watched as the stranger floated away, vanishing among the crowd while Albedo focused on his daughter, refusing to give her up to even his wife. It seemed that Juniper had forgotten about what just happened and offered to carry Rose, but Albedo shook his head, reassuring her that he had it handled, but she wasn’t too sure about that.

The three of them walked home together in silence. That was until Juniper finally confronted Albedo. “Albedo?”

“Hmm?” He tilted his head to look at her briefly before returning his gaze to the road in front of him. 

“What was that about? Do you know that man?” She pushed.

Albedo stayed silent. Not sure if he should be truthful or lie. He knew what would happen if he was truthful with Juniper, but he hated the idea of making a fool out of her. Sadly, Albedo did what he thought was best, even if Juniper saw right through him. 

“No, I don’t know who that was today.” He said.

She turned to face him as her expression became angry. “You’re lying to me. Why are you lying to me, Albedo?”

“Let’s not discuss this here.” He tried his best to calm Juniper down, worried it would wake the baby, or at the very least that’s the excuse he gave her to keep her distracted.

Juniper was silent up until the moment the three of them returned home and tucked Rose into bed, but she did not forget about the man or Albedo’s suspicious questions. So, the very minute she had the chance she cornered Albedo in an attempt to force some answers out of him, but still he barely budged. 

“What’s going on, Albedo? This isn’t like you.” She questioned him, desperate for answers.

Still, Albedo wouldn’t give in. He wasn’t trying to ignore Juniper but he was at a loss for words. He wasn’t exactly sure how he could tell Juniper that he had seen this many times before for such a long time, and that he had some less than savory theories about the stranger, as well. To put it simply, there was no way he could be truly honest with his wife. Not without things going awry that is. 

Juniper stood in front of Albedo and grabbed both of his hands, holding them against her cheek. “Albedo, talk to me. Please?” She continued to push him all while he remained absolutely silent. “Can you at least tell me if he’s dangerous?” She asked in a hushed tone, her voice barely audible. 

Albedo kissed her hands and then sighed. “I think so, yes.”

She pulled away slightly to give him a look. “You think?”

He sighed again and replied. “I have my theories of who he is and why he’s here, but that’s all I can say for now.” 

The both of them sat in silence for a moment, neither of knowing exactly what to say. Albedo thought about the man and the many theories he had about them, and Juniper wondered about the stranger and Albedo’s theories. In a way their minds were connected in a very distorted and unorganized way. Thinking on the same wavelength but in opposite tempos. At some point the two of them decided nothing would be properly handled or solved with a mind and body that lacked sleep, and thus chose to end the conversation there for the night. Juniper slept soundly through the night while Albedo remained restless. 

If there was any chance of Albedo getting any sleep it was long gone once he heard footsteps outside the window of their room. At first he wondered if he heard correctly but as the footsteps approached the room where Rose was located, he wasted no more time wondering and jumped out of bed. Carefully and cautiously he crept to the side of the room where Rose was, pushing the door slightly open to peek into the room to check in on his daughter. Once he was reassured of her safety he made quick work of finding his sword and gripping it close to his hips. He took a peek out a nearby window before opening the front door and closing it behind him softly. 

Looking around him he held his sword at ready until he laid eyes on the source of the noise. It was him. Albedo felt rage course through his veins as he rushed towards the familiar man. 

Reaching him he pointed the tip of his sword at his neck and spoke quietly. “Who are you?”

The man scoffed. “You can call me Dainsleif.”

Dainsleif held the demeanor of someone who had already won, the look in his eyes assuring Albedo that he would always be one step ahead of him. That was only one aspect of him that gave Albedo a bad feeling. Albedo took one step forward, holding the handle of his sword extra tight. He would not hesitate to swing his blade if he felt necessary, but for the sake of his family he restrained himself. He poked Dainsleif’s adam's apple with the tip of the blade, serving as an unspoken warning. 

“What are you doing here, Dainsleif?” Albedo’s voice was thick with venom. 

Dainsleif stood there motionless, not moving a muscle. Then he turned his attention to the house, eyeing the window that belonged to Rose’s room. This motion did not go unmissed by Albedo and immediately questioned the strange man. What could he possibly want with an innocent child? 

“Why are you here?” Albedo spat in reply. Growing more impatient with every passing second.

“I’ve been watching you for a very long time, Albedo.” Dainsleif admitted. 

That’s when Albedo lowered his sword momentarily, too stunned to speak just yet. What could he possibly want with me? With my family? Albedo asked himself. Although, an answer is what he sought, an answer would not return to him. 

“This is not the first time we’ve met and nor will it be the last.” He continued. 

Albedo’s head began to spin and spin until he ultimately fell to the ground onto his knees, sword now laying beside him. “You know.. Don’t you?” He asked

Dainsleif looked down on Albedo and then to the house, again before replying. “I’ve always known.” 

Albedo dug his nails into the cloth of his shorts, praying that this hell would stop, but he knew better than to be hopeful at a time like this. Sadly, he remained hopeful with childlike wonder, having an idea that he was so sure would bring him relief. He hesitated for only a moment until ultimately deciding to do it, going against the bad feeling that ruminated in his gut. 

“Do you.. Do you know how I can save her? Is there a way to save her?” Albedo asked weakly, his voice broken and strained.

Dainsleif looked down on Albedo with a cold glare. “What makes you think I’d ever help you?”

Everything was starting to unravel before his eyes. Albedo was beginning to see for the very first time in any of his lifetimes. He was doomed from the very start. As fate would have it Albedo would never see the good in his continuous lives as long as the archons looked down on all of Teyvat. As long as Albedo lived to see the daylight and die underneath the moon’s cold embrace, so would destiny let its hands do its cruel bidding. 

“Please.. There must be something that I can do in return? Anything?!” Albedo begged, but again, Dainsleif refused.

Shaking his head and walking further from Albedo who was currently on the ground groveling, he replied. “You’re dangerous. I cannot trust you with this invaluable information.” 

Albedo reached out a hand to Dainsleif but before he could even graze his body he had vanished into thin air. The strange man had cast upon his judgment and before Albedo could even defend himself he had left. Albedo remained on the ground for quite some time, hours passed by while he cried and prayed to the archons for forgiveness. That, whatever would come to pass, would be most merciful to him, but his prayers would grow unanswered. He wept and yelled to the skies, cursing them for being born with such an unforgiving face. Although his voice was loud it did not carry along with the wind. Some things could not be helped, a prisoner will always feel tied down even in a land as free as the wind. 

At some point he must’ve carried himself back to bed to Juniper. He hoped this would all be some nightmare that would soon pass and be just one big miserable memory. Sadly, though this was just one hellish day, it would eventually come to haunt him in the future. For when Albedo’s time with Juniper in this lifetime ended, another life would follow with an even more nightmarish revelation to follow, too.

The same usual moments would happen, still, but it was when he took that fateful walk by a familiar hill that would damn him to heartbreak eternally. Eternity is a thing of the past, but the way Juniper looked at him would forever be etched into his mind. He didn’t even notice the presence of a certain man standing beside her until he looked away from her cruel expression. She wore the same one Dainsleif had that night, frozen and unsympathetic. There was no escaping his fate, the worst had truly come. 

Looking back at that night which happened so many years ago, Albedo couldn’t help but feel that man was nothing but one brutal omen. He wondered if he had ignored him would he still be in the same situation? Would he not still be damned to suffer just as all mortal men are? Their eyes locked onto him, etching into his skin the sins of man. Although Albedo was nothing close to human, there was something about being lumped in with any other human made him feel insane. 

Albedo thought that surely there must be a way to free himself of this torment? But there wasn’t. Not in this lifetime, the next, or any that would follow. Still, he tried to fix what was never broken to begin with. He tried and tried to connect with Juniper, build something out of nothing, but each time she would scowl at him and look at him in disgust, immediately shutting down any and all words he had to say. Still like a mad man he continued this pointless mission that would end in defeat every single time.

At one point Albedo had managed to convince himself that this was only his fate in that lifetime, but oh what a sad realization he had waiting for him in his remaining lifetimes. As time went on Juniper looked at him with an expression that grew crueler with every glance she gave him, as if to say “I remember”. Not only did she resent him with every reincarnation, but bit by bit she started to become more like the man that had always lingered around her. Never letting her out of his line of sight, something that truly sickened the alchemist. 

Eventually Albedo had no choice but to accept this destiny of his and hid himself in a much better place than Dragonspine. Although no place would be far enough when in regards to his love for Juniper, wherever he was headed was a damn good place to start. He focused on his studies for some time, avoiding all social contact of any kind. Keeping himself holed up in a secret location that none knew about (that he made sure of) until he forgot how she looked. Sadly that day would never come in that life or the next. Her face haunted him from sunup to sundown. A horrific reminder carved into his psyche until the day that the archons would cast mercy upon him, but that day never came. 

The only thing that would remain constant for Albedo was the anguish and the ever maddening silence which surrounded him. Death was not an ending for Albedo but instead was the gasoline which ignited the fire. Even as he crafts something on his trusty alchemy table, somewhere far from any livable life form, he could still hear her voice and feel her cold eyes burning into the back of his neck. An eternal reminder of the selfishness of mankind.