#kaeya's part was surprisingly longer than the rest

[pinkuberii]

- In between part II -

Tw: Albedo’s part may be a liiiitle bit suggestive Wc: 1643 Genre: Fluff Summary: Some other genshin men (Xiao, Wanderer, Albedo & Alhaitham) letting their head rest between your thighs A/N: wOW LOOK AT ME POSTING SOMETHING AFTER MONTHS- I hope that you guys like it though because I haven’t written in a while! <333

Part I (Diluc, Childe, Kaeya and Zhongli) -> <3 Masterlist -> <3

Xiao:

I don’t know how you managed to convince him

But honestly congratulations

Like it definitely must have been hard-

y/n can you perhaps share your techniques with us-

I have to manipulate my mom into saying “yes” to a few things

oh my god 50 words in and I still didn’t start-

BUT ANYWAY-

After hours you managed to persuade him into resting his head between your super amazing thighs 🫶

He’d be so so so shy, especially when you first shared your idea with him

And you’d be able to see that on his face and eyes

Because the eyes never deceive

His cheeks are no longer pale but there’s a soft pink hue on them

Just like the color of the silk flowers that bloom right in front of Wangshu inn <3

Don’t get me started with his golden eyes that can’t gaze straight into yours like they usually do

They’re staring at the wooden floor right now-

Sir what so interesting about the floor I’m curious- 🎤🎤🎤

It’s not that he doesn’t want to see you, not at all!

But this is just the first time that he’ll do something more intimate… something that requires more touching…

When he finally gained enough courage to glance towards your direction his eyes immediately focused on the sight of your bare thighs, a deep breath deserting his soft lips as he moved closer.

As you slowly opened your legs for him you couldn’t do much but smile. It was rare to see someone this calm become this flustered after all. “If I knew that you’d blush this much I would’ve offered to do this way sooner,” you said softly.

He managed to mutter a quiet “c’mon” before placing his head between your thighs. The warmth of your body made him feel at ease. Everything about this was already so comforting to him. The way it felt, how relaxed he became after your fingers started to travel through his dark locks, the way his hand held yours and many more things he could possibly think of.

Maybe you were right, maybe you should’ve offered to do this way sooner… 

He surprisingly loves it 

This is straight up intimacy to him-

Please do it more often with him y/n :(

During the whole thing he’s clueless on what to do though

So he just keeps his eyes closed and holds your hand that is currently free

Wanderer:

y/n what the phoque did you just propose to him???? 

He’s absolutely flabbergasted as we speak… and flustered too-

But you don’t have to know that, that’s not important <3

I mean he’s a puppet so can he even blush-?

He probably can’t and that’s lowkey sad-

I’m gonna paint his cheeks pink for you y/n- 🫶

Pinker than the dendrobiums that you can find on Nazuchi Beach

You’ve known him for a while so you quickly noticed how his behavior was a bit off…

Like his usual confident self was nowhere to be spotted

He’s trying to act all cocky though but he is failing miserably :(

For some reason he can’t even make a snarky comment back like he usually does-

And woah-

Did he just start to stutter??? That is new… 🤨

He’s been through a lot so showing and receiving affection really isn’t his forte-

It’s something he has to learn

But you’re here to help him with that <3

His indigo eyes just glance from your face to your thighs… and your face again… and now your thighs once again. “Everything to make them happy,” he thought to himself before mumbling a soft “I’ll do it” to you.

Upon hearing those words the corners of your lips immediately rose and your legs opened widely for him. To your surprise he accepted your offer quite quickly considering you had thought that it’d take way more to persuade him. Your (e/c) colored eyes avidly watched him place his head between your legs as you couldn’t conceal your wide smile.

He clearly felt your warm thighs press against his cheeks, the heat of them making his own face warm. In a gentle manner he put his hands on them and started to give small strokes with his thumbs. It was his own subtle way of thanking you. 

“I’m thinking that you’re liking this… You would’ve pulled your face away already if you ha–”, a sudden pain made you put a halt to your words.

He’s back to normal now dammit :/

He pinched you… as a little warning-

But he did it softly because he loves you <3

Lowkey wants to do it a bit more often but knowing him he wouldn’t say that to your face

Y’know what he also does-

Squeeze your thighs even tighter against his face to the point where his cheeks get squished

Hehehe

Albedo:

Tell him that it’s for science-

Or that you’re curious about something and want to test your theory out-

But say that first before explaining the the whole I-want-your-head-to-rest-between-my-thighs thing

He probably has a faint red color on his cheeks when you tell him all that for the very first time <3

Anyway Albedo is a smart guy so he probably is fully aware that you don’t have a theory to prove to begin with-

AKA you just want his head ✨ there ✨ and he knows it

But he’ll help you out nonetheless because you make his heart flutter-

His heart basically goes nuts hehe

Strangely enough only your presence, actions, words etc… has such effects on his body…

I don’t mean anything suspicious with this iN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING- 

*cOugh*

aNyWaY-

He has that smug expression on his face again

Smugbedo

Yeah that

But he’s also a little bit shy and flustered at the same time

It’s you so he can’t help it :( 

Probably gives your thighs a few smooches before placing his head between them 

Starts squeezing them too while he’s at it because he adores your body

One happy alchemist as we speak

After giving your legs some kisses he positions himself between them, happily letting you squeeze his face. As you two sit in silence you suddenly feel his ungloved hands on your bare thighs tracing figures.

“Someone can’t keep their hands to themselves, can they,” you teased as you leaned closer to the male in front of you. Your nose inhaled his sweet scent as your lips gave kisses on his head, your own hands on top of his now.

Albedo chuckled before answering, “And you can’t stop kissing me so I guess we’re even, no? Besides–,” he turned around to face you, “what are you trying to prove? What are you researching?”

“Nothing,” you mumbled.

He smirked at you before turning around, “thought so.”

Told ya he’s smart :d

In my opinion he’s a bit more on the teasing side when he’s alone with his lover and moments like these happen

90% of the time he’s his usual self

bUT THAT 10 PERCENT-

Funnily enough, next time he wants something like this to happen he’ll approach you with the same excuse you had

“y/n can you sit like this for me for a quick second I must research something rather important–”

And my archons what do we have here-

Is that Albedo’s head between your thighs-???

Alhaitham:

I wanna write for this dude 

And that’s exactly what I’m doing on this fine Wednesday morning desPITE BEING SICK-

Okay but-

When you first suggest it he’s looking at you like this

:|

,’:|???

Yes those are his eyebrows, he’s frowning don’t judge me-

You’d have to ask it a few times before he gives in though

In my opinion he isn’t the biggest fan of PDA, nor is he touchy or clingy either

He reminds me of a rock, like I’m straight up getting rock vibes from him

If you look good and close enough you may be able to see that little blush on his cheeks… And maybe his ears too…

Squint your eyes a bit if your eyesight is bad like mine :(

He’d take his big ass headphones off just for you <3

Why use noise canceling headphones when y/n’s thighs aRE RIGHT THERE- ;););)

Before sitting between your legs he would probably give your thighs a few squeezes and kisses

He’s not the most romantic man out there but it’s his way of saying and showing that he loves and appreciates you 🫶

Turns out that your thighs work better than his headphones???

He’s shocked… stunned… flabbergasted…

But at the same he kind of loves it… ehe

“I’m starting to hear noises from outside again,” Alhaitham mumbled before putting his book down. Once his hands were free he used them to grab your thighs rather tenderly once again, bringing them closer to his ears, “Make sure to keep them closed like this.” After that he picked his book up again to continue reading from where he left off… as if he just didn’t fluster the shit out of you. 

The only thing you could possibly mutter was a faint sounding “okay”. God, even his little wish made a pinkish hue appear on your face and you simply couldn’t do anything about it. You two sat in that position for a little while before he finally closed that thick book in his hands to look at you.

As his teal eyes gazed into yours he spoke feebly, “In all honesty… I wouldn’t mind doing this a bit more often… If you’d want to, that is.”

It’s Alhaitham approved, congratulations (y/n) 😼👍

He’s an honest man so you definitely know that he liked it

If you think about it it’s him being busy with you while he reads his books

He’s multitasking 

But he’s doing the two things that he likes ;)

So it’s a win-win

[cathedral-of-sinners]

— Kaeya

cw: semi-public sex (under the table), no gendered terms/genitalia for reader, reader referred to as 'sweetheart' and ‘darling’, one instance of humiliation for Kaeya (???), not my greatest work probably but the thirst shines through in the end

Imagine being at Angel's Share, Kaeya sat beside you at one of the tables. Slightly different than your usual spot at the counter, it nevertheless fits just right for the purpose of your outing - a casual date. It's suppose to be a way to make up for lost time, both you and Kaeya far too busy the last week.

As your boyfriend retells the highlights of his work (which surprisingly aren't very exciting) and you about your days at home or out in the city, an idea floats into your head, one you've fantasized about more than you care to admit.

Would he like it though? That you're not sure of, and it's honestly the only thing stopping you from taking that final step. Right now, in this very moment though, taking that risk is the only way to know. If he detests the idea you'll stop and apologize, plain as that.

With all your ducks in a row you keep the conversation flowing, acting as if you're not about to test his patience and control. You inch closer, laying your head on his shoulder as his arm wraps around behind your shoulder, pulling you even closer. Oh how none the wiser is he <3

“So, I told Albedo tha-aaat!” Whatever he was about to say stems off into a sharp gasp, eye widening and body going stiff.

Hopefully that won’t be the only thing stiff this evening.

“Sweetheart…” he says through his teeth, aiming to avoid drawing any attention, “what are you doing?”

Below, away from prying eyes, you hand crawls it’s way up his thigh where you give it a little squeeze before continuing inward. It’s not long until you’re between his legs, cupping his soft cock.

“Nothing darling beloved. You were saying?” Kaeya stares at your ‘innocent’ expression, mouth parted like he was about to say something when you squeeze him again. The captain was just barely able to mask the euphoric noise, shooting you a look.

Leaning close to his ear you drop your voice to a whisper, “if you want me to stop just say so.” Does he want you to stop? No, not really, not when you’re making him feel good.

“Keep going,” he whispers back, and you take this as your cue to step it up. Your squeezes turn into rubs and strokes and soon his length is straining against his trousers, wet spot growing the more you play with him.

Your lover struggles to keep his moans and gasps down, fidgeting in his seat the longer you go on, “that’s it darling, just like that.”

“Remember,” you breathe, stopping momentarily (the needy whine Kaeya let’s out is something you’ll never forget, something you hope to hear again), “you have to keep it down. What would Mondstadt think, knowing that their beloved captain is getting played with out in the open?”

By now he’s panting, eyes closed shut in ecstasy with his hand fisting his shirt. His head has dipped to rest in the crook of your neck, hiding his precious face from everyone, including you. Just this once you let him shy away, seeing as you both are in public, but you do take things a little further by bypassing under his belt.

The skin on skin nearly makes him cum right then and there. He doesn’t, but you know he’s close. “Please, please let me cum,” you answer by speeding up, pulling out all the stops with the limited room you have. Feather light touches, teasing his tip, you even go to cup his balls, anything to build up his release.

And just as he’s about to-

“We have a strict no cuddling rule Kaeya.” A familiar voice says as he sets down your drinks. Kaeya’s head is I right in an instant and before he could even blink your touch had vanished. The sudden loss makes him gasp and he’s immediately praying to every archon that Diluc takes it as nothing more than surprise.

By the blank look on his brother’s face he’d say he’s in the clear. “D-Diluc-”

Still reeling from the lose of his climax leaves him without words, so you swiftly jump in, “ah, sorry Diluc. I leaned in first, won’t happen again.” The red head shifts his gaze over to you, nods, then leaves. Instead of resuming like Kaeya thought you would, you pick up the glass and mumble something only he could hear before taking your first sip.

“I’ll let you cum like you want, but you never said when you wanted to. Think you can wait until we get home?”

No, he doesn’t think he can. But you honestly can’t wait either… perhaps a detour home is in order. For now though, the captain will just sit still and be good.

The main point is that I wanna palm Kaeya under the table <33 see him all flustered and trying to hide how good he feels 🥰

[yanbub]

realizing that you're the one for them

childe, diluc, kaeya and zhongli x gn!reader

hcs, sfw, fluff (?), no cws, 434 words

if u rb ilysm and you have my full respect

note: i couldnt write so i ate and i managed to write?? kinda weird but ig i have to eat some snack to write LMFAO. anyways how's my current writing style 🤠 i'm fine with criticism so don't be shy to send some in lolz. unedited as usual!!

childe ;

he knew it was you when he realized that he was jealous of you and zhongli’s relationship. childe knew it was friendship - you’ve told him many times about that but whenever he sees you so happy with zhongli, he can’t fight the sudden urge to grab your attention instead. childish, really. he was used to watching you from afar - admiring your actions (even if it causes him to be jealous) and whenever he’s right in front of you, the words that he rehearsed over and over again in his head won’t come out of his lips. was he that lovestruck?

diluc ;

diluc knew that you were the one for him when he noticed that you understood him for who he is. he isn’t cold hearted, he was far from that. diluc is just… a bit stiff when it comes to interacting; but if you give him enough time to adjust, he’s good to go! he was surprised at how you approached him with such ease - it’s like you knew how he was as a person in an instant. it makes him happy though, being understood is a simple dream but when you achieve it… it just makes you wanna happily jump and yell, no?

kaeya ;

the moment kaeya saves you from that mitachurl with an axe is the moment that he knew that you were the one. he wants to protect you from any harm that comes your way - although it’s a bit risky since kaeya does his job within the shadows of mondstadt, he hesitated if it was okay to initiate a relationship. in the end the two of you got together either way, if someone dares to destroy your relationship (or even harm you in the first place) they have to face with kaeya first. he doesn’t want to protect you just because you’re merely a resident of the city - he wants to protect you because you were someone who he holds close to his heart.

zhongli ;

as he thinks about it, zhongli knew that you were the one for him when you asked him to act as your boyfriend for a party with your friends. he wanted that act of pretending to be real - zhongli craved for that to happen. however, he had to wait. as desperate zhongli can be, he’s aware that he can’t just force his wants. if you were to reject him though, he’s fine with it. but you accepted him - zhongli’s happiness wasn’t easy to put into words when that happened. it was like, all his worries went away suddenly as it gets replaced with bliss.

[quitesins]

Layers

Masterlist

Tags: 18+, heavily implied nsfw but nothing technically explicit, freestyle, this was meant to be a thirst about Diluc’s arms, Idk how we ended up like this.

The first time you see him, there’s a scowl on his face. He looks stiff overall, cloaked in a thick jacket with even thicker gloves to match. His frown only deepens when he catches you staring, and you then realise it’s because you’ve unintentionally been giving him a look of perplexity.

The second time you see him the gloves are off. His hands are on display, working through the bar, veins prominent. It’s hard to look away. Maybe he notices your fluster, because you swear when he hands you your drink, there’s knowing smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

The third time you see him, the night is cold. Too cold to stay out any longer. Too cold to understand how Kaeya does it in his outfit. Too cold to even open the doors to the tavern without fumbling a little, fingers nearly numb. The wave of warmth is quick to soothe you as you make way to the bar, but the chill still remains in your body. That is until something is draped over you. It’s soft, snug, and… a strangers- your head snaps back quickly. Only to be greeted by a mess of red hair, and an equally red man. And because of that, maybe you heat a little more.

Watching him work away with his arms out, proves to be even more difficult than seeing him without gloves. Surprisingly, the shirt under the layers of clothing he wears, is short at the sleeves, distractingly so. His muscles tighten with his work, the veins on his arms evident. There’s a part of you tempted to run your fingers along them, maybe even rest your hand atop his bicep, in a gentle hug. But you refrain, choosing to fiddle with the straps of his coat instead.

The fourth time you see him, his hands are on you, feverish. The tension and longing, finally snapping. You didn’t quite care for the conversation of the fatui man opposite you, but a free drink was a free drink. The night stays boring, until two darkened eyes make contact with yours. Red. It’s all red when he pulls you aside, into a room away from the rest. Green. Its green you see with the room dark, an envy swirling deep within his irises. Purple. Damn purple as the two of you scramble to mark each other without thought. Sucking deep and lasting love bites into unmarred skin, holding each other so close, as if to let go now would be to let go forever. Clear. All clear when the daze of lust mists over, heavy breaths in sync, taking the moment to look at each other. Beyond all the blur of emotions, one seems to remain unwavering: love.

The fifth, sixth, seventh, time you see him, his arms hold you. His hands caress your face, his lips kiss your cheeks. He’s whispering words he’d never tell another soul. Whispering things that make your heart melt. The eighth, ninth, tenth, maybe even eleventh, you’re in his home, flitting about like its your own, Diluc watching, knowing it soon would be. The twelfth time, no it’s probably been more, there’s tears, from you and him, a ring slipping onto your finger, a kiss that seems to last forever.

The- archons know how many times it has been since you first saw him- he’s uncovered to you, in all forms. His body, his mind, his soul, it’s all bared with no hesitation or regret. When he kisses you, it’s with emotions he doesn’t need to speak. When he touches you, it’s gentle and doting, like he wants nothing but to keep you safe. When he holds your hands in his, bringing them to feel his body, it’s to show you a heart he doesn’t want to hide. Through all his layers, quite literally at times, if there’s one person he will never keep a thing from, it’s you.

I will come back to read through and edit this later, its 2am I am dies

Edit: im back and I feel like a Victorian man seeing a woman’s ankles for the first time

[buoyant-breeze]

Hi this is my first time requesting anything but i saw your hand headcannons and it was really sweet and cool and just;iolhkgbdjf so i wanted to ask if you could do some more for xiao, zhongli, venti and kahuza (can i also be called 🦊anon? :D )

authors note  ⊱ UR WISH IS MY COMMAND! also yes, absolutely, i officially dub thee as 🦊 anon! could you tell me what ur pronouns are?? c:

part one (albedo, diluc, kaeya)

part three (childe, itto, scaramouche, thoma)

characters ⊱ xiao, zhongli, venti, kazuha

warnings ⊱ completely safe! enjoy!

rating ⊱ sfw, but brief suggestive mention in venti’s lol, viewer discretion kinda advised

xiao

his hands are very thin, with pretty long, slightly bony, fingers

the bones on the back of his hand are always very visible

has decent hand strength; it shows whenever the muscles in his hands flex from movement

surprisingly unscarred

has two sunpots on his left hand though, and three on his right wrist

his hands are just as pale as the rest of his complexion, if maybe a little lighter

slightly more worn down on his palms from weapon handling and wearing his usual gauntlets

the muscles on his wrist are extremely noticeable and jut out a little; it comes from years and years of lancework, as seen when he deftly spins his polearm or twists it around his body in quick, fluid movements that waste no time

doesn’t really have callouses, surprisingly

when you hold hands, he holds yours very tightly, unwilling to let go unless he must

it’s like he’s scared you’re gonna disappear

and for that, he’s surprisingly clingy

squeezes onto your fingers extra tight when he’s stressed, especially if he’s worried about you

gets embarrassed if anyone points out how he’s holding your hand, but he makes no move to let go

likes to follow you around when he’s holding your hand, he’ll stay as close as a shadow

when you’re alone together, he likes to cuddle with his head on your chest while holding your hands

zhongli

longer than the average person’s, look rather strong

the veins sort of jut out more than usual, they are very visible, especially on the back of his hand

his hands have a slight more amount of girth, as well

there is a certain elegance to the way he carries himself, and it extends even to his hands; they have a very gentlemanly look, in spite of their obvious strength, and they handle anything that it is holding with the most extreme amount of care and diligence

he doesn’t show his bare hands too often, but he will gladly leave them bare when in private

they run warmer than most people, but only by a little; it just feels pleasant when his hands stroke along your skin

his wrist muscles, similar to xiao, are also more visible than usual, but his are ‘hidden in plain sight’ given the similar aesthetic of his hands

always holds your hand in a gentle, relaxed way

the way he holds your hand will quickly turn sturdy and comforting the moment he senses you are stressed or anxious, however

he’s rather romantic and traditional; he will always greet you by softly kissing your knuckles, and he likes to kiss the inside of your wrist

rather fascinated with your hands, in general, truth be told

likes to hold your hand idly, no matter what he is doing; it feels like a moment where both of your souls are connected

venti

super soft, kinda squishy, with an average length to his fingers

they have a very delicate appearance, like the kind of hands you’d expect to be on a princess, or ‘pretty lady hands’

has small callouses between his fingers from playing instruments

he’s pretty dexterous, he sometimes tosses an apple up and down in his hands while eating

extremely practiced hands—if you ever stop and watch him play music, it is easy to be mesmerized by the swift, elegant motions of his fingers, strumming across the chords

similarly very good at strumming you along

pretty handsy, loves physical touch

always seems to be grasping for you, holding onto you in some way

they look as soft as they feel

loves, loves, loves, looooves hand holding, it’s his favorite thing

he will always reach for your hand, pretty much at any given moment

loves tugging you around between the city streets, or guiding you towards the best dandelion field, or just squeezing your hands between his while he excitedly rambles to you

lathers your hands with kisses while your fingers are looped with his

does that thing where if you touch him, he’ll put his hand over yours and intertwine your fingers with an affectionate smile

kazuha

extremely worn down hands; he covers them with bandages to help stabilize his joints and to alleviate many of the symptoms of hard labor and swordsmanship

there’s definitely a lot of scars scattered across his skin that look like they had been painful, but they’ve long since healed

his palms are particularly calloused, especially in the upper area near the base of his fingers; they tend to catch slightly on your skin whenever he touches you with bare hands, but it isn’t uncomfortable

has a lot of hand strength, but there is never really a clumsiness to them, he moves them with relative grace

his skin looks pretty perfect, otherwise; his veins and his bones are not that visible in most circumstances

his knuckles jut out a little more than most people, though, and they look slightly rosy

loves to hold hands, he gravitates towards physical affection; he’ll automatically hook his hands with yours whenever you two are together, and it is always a very affirming, loving hold

it makes you feel a little lighter, a little stronger, like he’s carrying part of your burdens with you, and it makes you feel less alone

he unbandages his hands every night, and he’ll cuddle up with you, linking your fingers with his before he falls asleep

likes to fidget with your hands instead of his own, something i mention here

always holds hands during intimate moments, especially when he feels overwhelmed with positive emotions

[eirikaanemo]

Can You Keep A Secret?

Warnings: imprisonment, mentions of starvation and sickness

Note: I haven't actually played Dvalin's quest but I tried to keep it as close to canon as possible. Feel free to leave a comment or message me if you see something wrong.

Venti x GN!Reader

1.9k Words

Your soulmate is secretly Barbatos... now what?

Everyone has a soulmate. And everyone is born knowing your soulmate's biggest secret. For most people it’s really unhelpful, but for some people it helps them find their soulmate. You’re in the latter group, because yours gives you a name.

You've known your whole life that your soulmate is secretly Barbatos. It's… interesting, to say the least. Of course you'd never dare to tell anyone. Thankfully, asking someone what their soulmate’s secret is isn’t very common. It’s considered to be very rude, so no one asks you what your secret is. They'd think you're crazy!

Barbatos hasn't been around for centuries and you're a mortal. This is the sort of thing you would read about in trashy romance novels! But even though it’s crazy and kind of overwhelming, you know it's true. You don't know if he'd ever accept you or want to be with you, in fact, you’re pretty sure he won’t, but you want to try.

Once that’s settled, you just have to find him. If he's anywhere, it's probably the city of Mondstadt. That’s where he seems to have shown up the most in the past, after all. So you move to Mondstadt. It’s a nice place and the people are friendly. Finding a job with the Knights of Favonius was fairly easy and it paid pretty well.

Unfortunately, the 'Storm-terror' problem starts shortly after you move. He throws the whole city into chaos the first time, and then proceeds to keep doing it regularly. The fear is all encompassing, but that's fine, you try to convince yourself. It will all be worth it when you find him. ‘If you find him’, your traitorous mind whispers.

It's been months, a year even, and you're starting to lose hope. How were you expecting to find Barbatos anyway? Shout from the rooftops for him to reveal himself and whisk you away? He hasn't been around for a long time and you knew that. And to be honest, at this point you've given up.

Going home is the logical thing to do, it’s where your family is after all. But you stay because you made yourself a home here. You have friends: Jean, Lisa, and Kaeya. You have come to love the city: music, freedom, and camaraderie. Well, you love the city except for the 'Storm-terror' attacks. Those aren't very lovable.

What concerns you the most though is that 'Storm-terror' is a dragon. And dragons trend to be important (like, archon important). But no one seems to remember this one. So you research. You visit the cathedral and speak with some nuns. You dedicate some time to listening to bard’s tales, asking them if they know any songs about dragons. One does, and it's surprisingly informational. You spend time at the library, pouring through book after book. And after all this investigation, you've come to the conclusion that 'Storm-terror' is actually Dvalin of the Four Winds. Not that anyone actually believes you

It didn't stop you from telling people your theory though, and being more respectful in how you refer to him, despite all the damage he's caused. Eventually they do start considering it and the city starts catching on. If you keep doing this, you may be able to change the city's perspective of and reaction to Dvalin.

The abyss mage catches on to this, and he just can't let that happen. It could compromise the whole plan. So one day he has Dvalin abduct you and locks you up. And true to your luck, this happens out of the blue while you’re taking a walk that you’d finally convinced Jean to go on with you. Which, of course, reverses all your progress and makes the situation even worse than it was before. Incidentally, this also does the exact opposite of what you’d been trying to do by stressing out poor Jean more.

The abyss mage doesn’t care about anything other than making sure you’re not able to go back to Mondstadt. The mage does not care about human necessities. Who cares if you die? Not him. He hates humans. It's kind of part of his job description.

Your prison is where Dvalin retreats to when not attacking. And the mage has to go report to someone else sometimes, giving you opportunities to speak with Dvalin. He never responds to you, but you can tell he eventually starts listening. You start by rambling about various subjects; then talking about how you know he's Dvalin, and that you're sorry he was being treated like he was, once you know he is listening. Because while you don’t know the whole situation, you know that he feels hurt by how humans have treated him.

After several days of talking to him, he slowly starts warming up to you. It’s a strange sort of bond that grows stronger as time goes on. He starts responding and the two of you actually have conversations instead of just you talking. Eventually you even mention how you know your soulmate is actually Barbatos and that you've kind of given up finding him.

He gives a thoughtful hum, lets you vent out your feelings, tries to think of an appropriate response, then allows you to drop the subject once you’ve worn yourself out emotionally. It’s becoming obvious that your health, physical, mental, and emotional, is degrading faster as time goes on.

One day Dvalin and the mage both disappear for longer than usual. After the mage makes sure you won’t be able to escape, of course. It’s not like you would’ve been able to leave anyway. At that point you’re not able to do much at all.

Little did you know that only Dvalin would be returning. They ended up facing the traveler and their companions in battle, and Dvalin was freed from the mage’s influence. The first thing Dvalin does is take them to help "the one decent human, that he actually cares about". You're in bad shape at this point, starving, sick, and weak. But you’re aware enough to hear Jean call your name and feel someone gather you in their arms before blacking out.

When you wake up you're at the cathedral and are feeling much better. Certainly you are not fully recovered, that will take weeks. That one bard who was able to play you a song about Dvalin is always there. You vaguely remember him being there when you were found. He doesn’t really interact with you much, he’s just kind of there, but he does play peaceful music that helps you fall asleep when you’re struggling to rest.

Then the day comes for you to go home. They’ve done all they can for you and you’re past the worst of it. But you’re well enough to be out and about. “Now you take care of yourself,” Barbara lectures you. “Don’t push yourself, get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, and eat three square meals a day, got it?”

“Got it,” you confirm. “Thank you for taking care of me, I really appreciate your help.” She smiles, wishes you well, and returns to the cathedral. You take a moment to breathe and just appreciate being back home, free of your prison and the small cathedral room they’d kept you in while treating you.

Taking a deep breathe you start on your way home. “Hey!” You hear someone exclaim behind you. “Could you hold on a second?” Turning around, you see the bard quickly excusing himself from a street performance before running to catch up to you. Once he’s caught up, he gives you a smile.

“Hi! I’m Venti the bard! Would you be willing to speak with me about something? It’s kind of private so we would need to go to windrise or something, but you’ll want to hear this, I promise.” He says. “Alright,” you agree, “but I can’t make it all the way to windrise. Would my home do? I live alone so we’ll have privacy.” He nods, “that’ll work great!”

The walk home is quiet but comfortable. The bard’s content to hum a tune as he follows you through the streets. Soon you’re home, unlocking the door to let you and your guest in. You lead him over to the couch where you both sit down. “So,” you say, “what did you want to talk about?”

“Well, I was talking with Dvalin a day or so after we freed both of you and he said you mentioned you came to Mondstadt searching for your soulmate. And that you said your soulmate’s biggest secret, the one that you know, is that they’re Barbatos,” he explains. You feel a pang of betrayal at Dvalin’s actions and some guilt for sharing your soulmate’s secret in the first place.

It probably showed on your face because he quickly spoke up again. “He didn’t just tell me for no reason though. You see, I am Barbatos. I’m your soulmate.” Your head, which had been drooping with the weight of your emotions suddenly shot up as you fumbled for a response.

Apparently that showed too because he continued, “And I’m sorry I made it so hard for you to find me. I’m sorry I almost made you give up on me. Most of my waking time is spent incognito so I can watch over everyone while not being put in a position of authority. I didn’t anticipate meeting you ”

There’s a moment or two of silence as you gather your thoughts. “It’s okay,” you assure him. “I understand why you did what you did and I’ll never hold it against you. How were you supposed to know I was even born yet, not to mention that I’ve been in the area searching for you.”

You take another moment or two to gather your wits. “I will also understand if you don’t want to do anything about this,” you state. “I don’t want you to feel forced into having a relationship with me if you don’t want to. The last thing I’d want to do is be responsible for making you miserable. And that’s not to mention how you’re an archon and I’m just a mortal.”

Your talking speeds up as you start rambling, losing control of the conversation as you feel more and more nervous. Once you realize you’re rambling you shut your mouth with a click. “Sorry about that,” you mutter. “I do that sometimes when I’m nervous.”

When you chance a glance at him, he honestly looks a little offended but mostly just really sad. “Is- is that really what you think I think about this?” He asks softly. “Because it’s not. I absolutely want this. I absolutely want you. I’ve been looking forward to this moment for millenia and I wouldn’t give this up for the world.”

He reaches over and slowly, hesitantly, so as to give you time to escape if you want, gathers you into his arms. You realize that he’s the one who picked you up to bring you home. Your ear rests against his chest as lean against him, and his heart skips a beat as you gently grab one of his hands and kiss it. “I’m glad,” you breathe. “I’m glad too,” he voices softly.

You yawn, feeling the exhaustion from your journey home and the rest of the day hit you. He pulls you close and whispers in your ear, “Sleep well, my cecilia, I’ll be here when the sun comes up and when you wake up.” You fall asleep to the sound of his heartbeat.

[aminiatureworld]

Small Secrets II

Characters: Childe, Kaeya, Ningguang, gn!reader

Word Count: 3.717

Warnings: Swearing

Premise: It’s not that you wanted to keep it a secret from your loved one. It was simply that old habits are hard to break. But now people are talking, and it seems easier to go one as before.

In which the reader can transform into an animal.

Author’s Note: Had to do a surprising amount of research for this one.

Childe

Perhaps it was a cruel joke on Fate’s part that you were able to turn into a penguin. If so no one else was laughing.

It’d been jarring the first time it’d happened, an accident of stress. After that first incident you’d figured you’d never transform again, at least not willingly. Who wanted to be a greasy, flightless bird anyways? That had been your opinion, and you hadn’t intended on changing it. Until you learned how to swim.

Perhaps it was another joke, that you should become so enamored with the gliding that penguins could do when they finally waddled their way off land. The nearly soundless plunge as you dove beneath the water, not having to worry about running out of air as you sped along the lake nearby your Snezhnayan village. It was as if being trapped in a little pocket of paradise, one which you’d grown to love.

At first you didn’t really consider the repercussions of being involved with Childe in regards to your expeditions to the sea. So wrapped up had you been in the question of his Harbinger status that by the time you realized you might have a problem it was too late to think up any sort of plan. Of course, the days in which Childe was gone you could swim, could even find refuge in those frigid waters. But when he was there it was like walking on eggshells as you found yourself torn between your desire to swim and your need to keep your secret.

It didn’t help that winter was ending. Though Snezhnaya could be bitterly cold in the winter, and though your village was often considered next to inhospitable in the winter, the summertime brought with it a heat that made swimming near unbearable in your oiled feathers. After all, penguins only lived in the most southern part of Teyvat.

It was a beautiful day, the afternoon that you finally broke. The temperatures had plummeted during the night before, and those you shivered as you made your way to the stony beach that was your usual takeoff spot, you felt yourself brimming with anticipation, the prospect of a long overdue swim lying in front of you.

You thought of Childe only once, as you shinnied down the craggy slope that led to the beach. He’d said that there was a Fatui meeting going on at the town inn, and though it was sure to be dull and irritating there was truly no way to escape it. You sympathized with Childe, understanding the difficulties in sitting still for two hours, trying o act as if you weren’t aching to be somewhere else, but secretly you thought the meeting a blessing in disguise. Using the pretense of the Guild being somewhat slow – the Adventurer’s Guild in Snezhnaya was somewhat disorganized due to Fatui competition – you claimed the need for a trek in the snow, holding off Childe’s ill hidden words of worry with the knowledge that you’d lived here longer than he had. You felt little regret, knowing that you’d lied to him. After all you’d been drilled to keep this a secret since the moment you were made aware of it. And as much as you loved Childe, that would never change.

You stumbled a bit in your mad dash to the little cavern which shielded you as you transformed. You’d tried directly transforming in water once, but having pressure almost destroy your lungs was something you weren’t excited to repeat. So instead, you waddled about the icy gravel, silently cursing your speed. You could never get used to how slow penguins were on land, nor could you understand how once you hit the ocean you could speed along faster than any human might.

The water was clear and cool, the icy shock dulled by the layers around you. It was interesting to see the lake in this manner, eyes suddenly unclouded by passing sand and debris. You swam along lazily, staying in the middle layer of the lake. Though you knew that you were going up for breath more than was really necessary, you were feeling surprisingly lazy, and diving to the bottom felt like too much effort.

The sudden pull of your body upwards caused a shriek to escape you. Thrashing about wildly you attempted to dive deeper, mind suddenly clouded by confusion and panic. A voice was calling out to you from above, but you made no effort to comprehend it, too focused on keeping in the sanctuary of the water. Though you knew that you’d swum in the opposite direct of the village, the possibility of being discovered by a human, for your captor was surely a human, was no less terrifying.

As you broke the water you felt like your heart had seized up in your throat, if that was even possible for a penguin. Whirling around this way and that you pulled desperately for the water, for the place you’d be able to outswim this intruder. Your brain registered the familiar clothing of the person holding onto you, and your horror both eased and multiplied as their voice sang through the air.

“Woah there buddy. Calm down!”

You ceased your movements for a second, brain somewhat stalling. Partner. You’d just been dragged out of the water by your partner. If you hadn’t been a bird you would’ve certainly started screaming, or at least asking Childe what the fuck he was thinking skipping the meeting for this.

“There you go.” Childe’s voice was soft and soothing, using a tone that you knew was reserved only for nightmares, injuries, and emotional distress. “It’s alright, it’s alright buddy. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. It’s not normal for penguins to be this far north you know. Besides the villagers have been calling you some sort of malevolent spirit and let me tell you, being harpooned isn’t very fun.”

Ruffling your feathers, you let out a squawk of indignancy, the idea that you’d actually get caught appalling. Childe just let out a laugh in return.

“I know, I know. No appreciation for the natural world. But that’s what it’s like in a village like this, insulated and unquestioning. You’re not the only one who’s suspicious; but let me tell you it’s better to be suspicious and free then stuck in the same place.” He let out a small sigh. “Even when our freedom comes at a price.”

You stared at him for a moment, taking in the soft sadness that radiated off the man you’d fallen in love with. Though a small piece of you felt pity, pity for the life Childe had been forced to live, the rest of you felt a melancholy sort of empathy, and in the center of that a kernel of trust. Childe’s words spoke to you, his status as an anomaly amidst the people who couldn’t understand the yearning to get away. Perhaps it would’ve been better if Childe was more content, staider, perhaps things would’ve been easier. Yet would you have fallen in love with that version of Childe? Would you feel as you did now?

Waddling towards solid ground, not trusting the large pieces of ice which bordered the lake, you closed your eyes. Immediately your form changed, your other self now shed like a second skin. Keeping your back turned away from Childe you stared at the snowy forest.

“You’re not the only one who feels trapped sometimes. I’m sorry that this village isn’t kind to you.”

“Oh the people are nice enough.” There was a wavering sort of humor in Childe’s voice, though you couldn’t tell if it was from shock or sadness.

“Still, I’m sorry. I realize that being here is stifling. Thank you, for visiting because of me.”

“Always.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t trust you.”

“We all have our secrets.”

“Still. I’m sorry.”

You felt the damp press of a coat against your back, warm breath tickling the back of your neck as Childe let out a small sigh. Leaning backwards you closed your eyes. For a moment there was no sound but the gentle lapping off waves, as snow floated down onto your heads.

“Hey, you don’t expect me to keep this secret free of charge do you.” The mischief had returned to Childe’s voice.

“What’s your price then, Mr. Penguin Catcher.”

“Sparring every day for two weeks.”

“… I think I’m going to go back into the water now.”

“Don’t you dare!”

Your laughs entwined as you raced away from Childe, filling the cold winter air with silent warmth.

 Kaeya

“I swear to fucking Barbatos if you don’t open.”

You kicked the door of your apartment, the muffled clunk doing little to sooth your raw nerves. Stupid, how could you’ve have been so stupid? You knew that Kaeya was working late, you knew that you were going to have to remember your keys. So how did you get here then, standing on the outside while your key was resting safe on your nightstand? How had you still managed to forget?

“You know darling sometimes your too reliant on me.” Kaeya had told you one day, voice singsong with amusement. “One day you’ll forget your head on your shoulders. At the very least you shouldn’t expect me to always unlock the door for you.”

Well sorry you couldn’t see into the future. Groaning you slid down the side of your door, face planted firmly in your arms. You needed to get inside somehow. You weren’t about to prove Kaeya right, not now. You would get in if it was the last thing you do. Lifting your head up you closed your eyes in thought. The two of your were sharing an apartment on the third floor, one of the perks being a mini balcony for flower boxes, not that you ever actually put flowers in there. You always kept that window unlocked in the summer, and though it pushed out you were sure you might be able to open it.

Scurrying back down the stairs and into the back alley of the building you glanced around you. Thankfully there was no one in sight. Praying that your pack wouldn’t be stolen off the hallway floor you sighed softly, letting a soft grin cross your face as your vision shifted to that of a cat.

Thankfully the building was made both of wood and stone, or you never would’ve been able to make it. The climb was perilous however, in your mind if not in real life. The world was so much larger around you, and though being light and having four legs to land on would certainly be an asset, minimal injuries was not something you wanted to bet on. Reaching up towards the final beam you hoisted yourself up onto the flower box, giddy with triumph as you went to paw at the window handle.

Your paws slid off the golden substance as if they were coated in oil. Letting out a hiss of frustration you tried again, letting your claws protract. Unfortunately, the handle still refused to move, as your paws slid off the shiny metal. Shit. Turning around agitatedly you let out a yowl of protest. You were stuck, you were absolutely stuck. What were you going to do now? Getting up was one thing, getting down Unfortunately, another entirely. Nor could you revert here, besides the flowerbox being somewhat small you didn’t want to test the weight of the plank that served as your impromptu floor. So what could you do?

“What’re you doing here?” A familiar voice quieted the shrieks which you were emitting, as the fur on your body stood up. Slowly the window began to open, as a familiar face peered down at you, smirk as brilliant as usual. “Don’t you want to come in?”

Though a part of you suddenly thought that being stuck three stories above ground was a lovely prospect, you leapt through the window, landing on the dresser before hitting the ground. Though you wanted to make a run for it the door was closed, and you cursed Kaeya for his forethought.

“Are you going to tell me what you were doing so far up off the ground?” Kaeya knelt down beside you.

Even if I could do you think I’d tell you why? You let out a mewl, eyes narrowing as Childe let out a chuckle.

“Fair enough, but really it’s quite impressive. You must be one determined cat. Here.” Scooping you up Kaeya let out a quiet sort of laugh. “Let’s get you some milk.”

You stood on the kitchen floor, staring silently at the bowl that had been placed in front of you, wondering if cats also thought about having their meals placed where humans had just been walking.

“What, not your style?” Kaeya cocked his head.

He’d been surprisingly nonchalant about the whole debacle, perhaps spurred on by your own lack of reaction. It was still disarming, almost as much as the smirk that refused to leave his face. What in Teyvat could he possibly be thinking, was a cat stuck on a balcony that funny to your cavalry captain?

“Come now, you’ve got to drink a little bit at least. It must be awful exhausting to climb up a building.”

Still you made no move.

“Or do you make it a point not to eat in cat form, darling.”

“How did you know?!” You sputtered, transforming back immediately.

Kaeya let out a burst of laughter. Clutching his stomach he rocked back and forth on his feet, wheezing as the moment continued, laughing so hard no sound came from his mouth.

“It’s not very funny!”

“What do you mean, of course it’s funny!” Kaeya managed to get out, gasping wildly. “I can’t believe you got locked out and decided to scale the building.”

“What else could I do? Wait, no, first, how did you even know it was me?!”

“Ah yes because you would normally leave your belongings in the middle of the hallway. Come on darling, that wasn’t the smartest move you’ve ever made. Besides there have been rumors about a ghost cat prowling Mondstadt and as the Favonius Cavalry Captain, well you couldn’t expect me to just let these questions go unanswered!”

“How long have you known.”

“About a month.”

You groaned, turning around and face planting into the bed. How could you’ve have been so careless? Underestimating Kaeya was a mistake that many made, but you’d thought that you’d managed to catch up to your partner in terms of stealth.

“It’s alright darling, the embarrassment will wear off in an hour.”

“I just can’t believe I’ve been so reckless.”

“Hey, you’ve been very good at hiding this.” Kaeya ruffled your hair gently and you turned to look up at him. His smirk was gone, and instead there was a soft smile painting his lips. “I just know you.”

You hummed softly smile as Kaeya continued to card his fingers through your hair. Suddenly the whole ordeal was weighing on you, and you felt the familiar tendrils of sleep wash over you.

“You should get some rest.” Kaeya kissed your forehead gently. “It’s been a long day.”

“Kaeya.” You murmured.

“Hmm?”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

His voice was warm and full of care, guiding you softly to sleep.

 Ningguang

You never meant to get stuck in a storm. You���d never meant to go crying to the nearest place you could call a sanctuary. Most of all, you’d never meant to reveal your secret to her.

The wind whipped around you, throwing you this way and that. You let out a sort of screech, mind blank with terror as you went spinning through the sky, finding it impossible to right yourself in the air. There was no sign of the beautiful clear sky that had dawned this morning; clouds blanketed your vision, dark underbellies a silent warning as pelting rain fell in waves, made even more painful by the gusts of wind that accompanied it. The familiar clap of thunder boomed, seeming to rattle in your bones as you continued to struggle to find shelter. Spying a familiar building you could practically hear your groan of relief. Swooping down you prayed that this would go alright.

One of the things that Ningguang had told you she loved most about the Jade Chamber was the view.

“It’s so bright up there, you look out the windows and there’s nothing but sky, sky and the land of Rex Lapis. It’s a beautiful sight, I hope to one day see it again.”

You were grateful for her affinity for windows now, using their familiar landmark as a landing spot. Clinging onto the wall you began desperately pecking at the window, squawking and crying as the storm picked up again, desperate for the sanctuary of your partner’s office.

“What is a raven doing outside?” The sotto voice of your love one filled the air.

Opening the window Ningguang said nothing as you flew in, landing on the chair you usually sat in. There was a faint struggle as the wind whipped through the open window, but eventually a faint click could be heard and Ningguang returned to the center of the room. Staring down curiously at you she tilted her head.

“I didn’t think that ravens flew down from the forests, especially during a storm. Perhaps then you’re a messenger from the adepti?”

“N–” you squawked, knowing that you surely sounded strangled. Even after years of transformation you could never get used to the switch between voice box and syrinx. It was as if you’d never learned to speak from the beginning.

“Poor dear, are you tired from your journey? I’m not sure what ravens drink, water I presume.”

Walking over to the corner Ningguang poured some water out of a pitcher onto a saucer. You drank gratefully when she returned, reminding yourself to tell her that normally ravens had to consume both water and salts. Having finished the little ritual, you tried once more.

“N…” still your words weren’t coming. You wanted to say something important, to explain your circumstances. Still you found you could say nothing. As if reading your frustration Ningguang stroked your beak, touch gentle and comforting despite your avian state.

“Poor thing, have you been wounded?”

You looked up at your partner, taking in the smile on her face. You’d gotten better at reading her, reading this woman who people whispered was too proud, too cutthroat, without emotion and without empathy. How stupid those people were. You could see it in her eyes, see the worry. You were a stranger to her, and unlucky raven; and yet she worried for you.

“Ningguang.” You finally got out, tripping backwards slightly at the twisted sound of your own voice. Ningguang stared at you, no less surprised.

“You know my name. Then you must be from the adepti. Has something happened?”

“Ningguang!” You let out one more time, dancing up and down the arm of the chair you were perched on.”

“Is there something that must be done?”

“Ning–”

You stopped, shaking yourself. This was getting nowhere. What was even the point of hiding it at this point? You knew the fears that swirled inside you, knew the fear that had been instilled in you. Don’t tell anyone, don’t let them know. Normal people, they’ll never be able to understand, they’re too afraid, too proud, too lacking in empathy. And yet you knew that wasn’t true, at least that it wasn’t true of Ningguang. Sighing you hopped down on the floor. A few feathers floated out of your hair as you faced your partner.

“My dearest!”

“I’m sorry for the surprise.”

“Think nothing of it. I hope you are not injured.”

Hurrying over to you Ningguang picked up your arms, turning them around as she examined them. Giggling slightly, you shook your head.

“I’m fine my love, really. Only a little shaken.”

“I don’t understand what you were doing, flying out in the storm. The recklessness, I cannot believe you would do such a thing.”

“Sorry, I was being stupid; I didn’t think that the rain would be that bad.”

“I am only glad that you managed to make your way here. If not, well I would not appreciate having my partner felled by a storm.”

“Yeah…”

“Well,” Ningguang planted a few light kisses over the bridge of your nose, “I hope that you will learn, and that we do not have to repeat this performance. Honestly, to think I thought you an emissary of the adepti; I was almost worried this storm was an unnatural one. Morax knows the last thing Liyue needs or can afford is another god rising from the depths.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Well, if you truly are then you can help me with this paperwork. There appears to be some confusion in terms of the chain of ore production, I believe someone might be skimming from the top.”

In a moment she’d reverted back to her calm and collected self, but you could feel the unsaid words in the air. I will not ask you about your ability. I will trust you to tell me in your own time. It was a comforting message and as you sat down you wondered at how considered the woman you loved truly was.

“It looks like it will be a cool night.” Ningguang smiled up at the sky. The clouds had cleared and the moon shone a silvery light on the once more bustling city.

“Thank the gods. It’s been so hot recently.”

“Indeed.” Ningguang pressed a kiss to your cheek.

You gave her a short kiss back, fingers entwined with hers. The storm had been terrifying, as had the moments after, the moments when you felt you had too much to say and nothing at all. The moments when you had no control.

And yet Ningguang had given you the gift of time, time and patience. One day you would tell her about your abilities, about the blessing, or perhaps the curse, you’d been given at birth. You knew that when that day came you wouldn’t have to worry. So, for now you simply walked home together, hands entwined, both content in the silence of trust.

[solaris-writing]

Title: In the Lanterns Glow

Character: Xiao

Word Count: 1,501

A/N: Listen to “Cosmic Love” by Florence and the Machine (it’s a lovely song). This is also my first real post, so be kind!

The lanterns engulfed the harbor, hundreds upon hundreds of little golden stars lighting up the indigo sky. Liyue had faithfully performed the tradition for centuries. Longer than I was alive (or remembered at least) or as long as Paimon could remember. The townspeople flooded the squares and the docks, lighting more lanterns to release into the sky. Some had crowded upon boats and ships to let off their own. Food stalls had been set up, games for the children to play and alcohol for the adults.

I didn’t take part in the festivities though. I felt like I would be invading some kind of ancient ritual. Even then, I was leaving for Mondstadt in the morning. Jean had a few things she wanted to go over in order for me to become a full Knight of Favonius, not just an honorary one. After the whole incident with Dvalin and Barbatos, it wasn’t the first time that the idea had come up. Even Kaeya had campaigned for it.

So I stood above the harbor, sitting on one of the hills overlooking the city. For the first time in a long time, I was at peace. Not fighting hilichurls, not on the road for my next commission, or searching for work at the Adventurers’ Guild.

Paimon had fluttered away, searching for a food stall that had grilled chicken and mushrooms (she heard a townsfolk raving about it earlier and she just had to try it out). So I was left alone.

I saw a flash of aqua, a short burst of color in the night. Several yards ahead of me stood Liyue’s Adeptus. He looked over his city, weapon at his side. Xiao almost looked mournful, amber eyes alight with a burning melancholy.

“Xiao?” I gently called out, jumping down from my post to join him. He didn’t respond, but I knew he was paying attention.

We descended into a peaceful, relaxed silence as the lanterns continued to float into the endless horizon. Even though the opening act was over, more lanterns were being lit and the party had just begun.

“I’ve seen this sight many times.” He mumbled, “Yet, it still amazes me.”

It felt strange sometimes. I was standing next to an ancient being. A being that had seen so much bloodshed and battle. A being that had seen the seasons change time and time over, seen the generations pass by and celestial creatures wither into nothingness. It made me feel so small and yet so significant.

When I first met Xiao, he didn’t speak a word to me. I barely got a nod. Now, he felt comfortable enough to let me stand by him and watch the lanterns.

I feel like being immortal is the greatest curse of all.

Yet, I felt special. He could have been anywhere else in Teyvat at that moment, yet he chose to spend it with me in Liyue, watching the celebrations.

“I’ve never seen these before. It makes Mondstant look bland.” I said, eyes flitting about over the festivities. “I wouldn’t mind seeing this again.” The red of the buildings was turned blood red and the golden of the streetlights was nearly blinding. It was much different than the stone and wooden buildings that predominated in Mondstat.

“Speaking of Mondstat, Paimon and I are heading back tomorrow morning. First thing. The Acting Master wants to have a meeting with me. I have no business here anymore.” I said, fiddling with my hands just to give me something to do.

I felt the change in his demeanor. It was a small and subtle one, but I knew it was there.

“Ah.” That was all he said, but I knew he wanted to say more.

“You don’t have to hold your tongue around me.” I explained, turning to glance at him.

“I’m not, mortal.”

That stung as if he just struck me. He hadn’t called me mortal in a while. He did when he first met me, when he was still scared and thought that I would just be another human passing by in his eons of life. He never thought that I would stick around for long. His tone of voice was much different than his previous. He had returned back to his cold, distant personality when we first met.

Gods.

He was right though. I was just a mortal, while he was something that my mind couldn’t even comprehend.

Xiao was brash and careless and selfish and had a superiority complex that had built for thousands of years. He was rude and prideful and needed to get knocked down a few pegs, even if he was an Adeptus and a Yaksha. But he was also surprisingly kind, protective, and made it his eternal life’s mission to deliver justice and guard those who could not protect themselves. To protect Liyue.

He was hauntingly beautiful.

And I loved him for it.

And that’s why I had to leave.

Mondstat was the furthest place from him, as far as I could go in terms of civilization. I’d become a Knight of Favonius and continue working up north with the rest of them. I’d have to leave behind the handsome man that I had come to admire. I’d pick up the pieces of myself and move on. That was best for the both of us.

I sighed deeply, fingers clenching around my satchel like a lifeline as I turned to leave. I needed to find Paimon anyway. It would give me something to think about other than my breaking heart.

“Don’t leave,” I heard a soft plea, his voice raspy and croaky and wet with tears. I looked over, heart clenching with a pain much greater than any physical wound I’d had before.

Even tearful and yearning, Xiao still looked like a dream. His amber eyes were brimming with tears, cheeks a little flushed with pink, and a quavering voice. He stared up at me, tears threatening to brim over his lids and onto his cheeks made of porcelain. This man called himself a monster, an animal that was undeserving of love and didn’t know how to love. This man had killed and destroyed and ruined. Yet he turned into a puddle in my hands.

“Please don’t leave me too.”

I couldn’t take it anymore and I lurched forward when the first tears came down. I wiped them away as quickly as I could, hands moving over his face as if I couldn’t find a place to put them. He reached up to touch them, like he was surprised at his own tears and my willingness.

Xiao’s eyes were red now as I pulled him into my chest. “I won’t go. I won’t.”

I felt the first signs of a sob building in his throat, so I held him closer. Tighter.

Holding his head to my chest, I enveloped him in a crushing hug that I hoped conveyed all that I felt. I was overflowing with emotion. It was burning a hole in the middle of my chest and if I spoke, I felt as if they were going to pour out of my mouth like water. That I wouldn’t be able to stop it.

Gods, this man was going to be the death of me.

“I won’t. I’ll never leave. Never.” I cooed, sighing as he curled up to me.

“I love you.”

All I could hear was my pulse in my ears. My heart wanted to leap from its cavity. My hands shook and I felt like my entire body was just going to drift away. I didn’t know how long it had been since he said those three words, but I was shocked out of my reverie. It all came flooding back to me, like I had been jerked out of a restful sleep.

Xiao had gone still, breathing uneasily against my shoulder.

“I love you too.” I murmured, “Oh my gods, Xiao, I love you too.”

It was all out in the open now.

Never in my wildest dreams that I thought that I would be standing here with him, covering his blushing face with milk and honey kisses. I even managed to get a little giggle out of him. At least it's a start.

So I stood over Liyue, lit up with the love from its citizens and the lanterns’ glow. Watching the children run in the streets and the adults celebrate their freedom and their guardians. My heart was full, my mind was at peace, and my arms were occupied by holding my still sniffling Adeptus.

All those weeks of pining, now that I look back on it as I glance at the silver ring on my hand, was all worth it. As long as I was with my man made of memories.

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

Footnotes:

So, that was a trip, but there is it.

[merctrovert]

Ragnvindr || Chapter 1

“I am not much but I am all I have.” ~ Phillip K.D

Four years ago.

The end of Diluc Ragnvindr's life was on a happy day.

It was his coming of age and he was celebrating at Angel's Share alongside his father, Master Crepus, to whom he worked hard to impress. You were sat in the corner, wedged between your two brothers as you watched the young man approach the table, a large smile on his face.

But he only ever looked at his father.

"Let me introduce you to my friend's sons! I know you're on duty, but this should be fine. Always hardworking, you are."

"Don't forget my daughter!" Your father had chuckled, raising a jug to clash against Master Crepus's.

"And his daughter! Diluc, this is ..."

He had looked at you then indifferently, raising a gloved hand to shake your hand. "Hello."

"Happy birthday." You had smiled and he had smiled back, red hair gleaming in the sunlight that beamed down into the room.

When you sat back down, you had to still your heart which had started thudding slightly faster.

"Did you drink something? You're still not allowed to you know, so why do you look so flushed?"

Annoyed, you hit your brother on the head with an empty cup. Your other brother slung a hand over your shoulder, nudging his twin.

"I think it's because of..." All three of them looked to the red-haired boy sitting in front of them.

You wanted to kill your brothers then, all three of them, although your third brother seemed to be enjoying the food in front of him instead.

Master Crepus and your father were good friends and being the only daughter, you had often overheard jokes of a future between you and Diluc shared between them hopefully.

You clenched your dress, looking down and away from Diluc's straight gaze.

The rest of the evening had gone in that way. Avoiding his stares consistently, all the while trying to avoid your father's attempts to get you to interact with them all more.

Eventually, you had sidled up against your oldest brother's wife, exhausted from the interaction.

"I am slightly fortunate your brother dragged me here," She quipped, sipping on some wine. "Being the only girl in this ruckus would be... difficult."

You couldn't help but laugh, looking across the table.

Indeed, everyone was happy and the joyous laughter coming from within the tavern could be heard throughout the winery.

Diluc had become a Knight and had come of age. It was a celebration and you would never forget the light in his eyes, even as he stayed quiet, smiling gently.

It had all gone so well, until the way back home.

"I remember when you were both tiny children," Your father spoke as you all headed for the door of the tavern. You mumbled a thank you to Diluc who held the door open for you last, hiding behind your brothers.

"Yeah, you were really cute as my baby sister. Now you're just as horrible as us."

You stepped on your brother's foot, letting him hop away in pain.

"You two were inseparable." Master Crepus commented, nodding in agreement as you all walked up to the carriages. "Diluc wouldn't let his hair down when you braided it that one time."

Though it was all blurred memory, you still flushed and looked away from the boy who did the same thing, turning to the side, hiding his face with his vibrant hair.

"It seems to have gotten darker quicker. We should head back. Crepus, here are the last boxes."

Helping your father load the rest of the carts onto the carriages, you hopped onto the carriage behind Diluc's, unable to restrain yourself from sticking your head out and take a peep at the boy in front of you.

However you only glimpsed his hair and you fell back, biting your lip.

"Try harder."

You scowled at your oldest brother's words as his wife laughed, patting his shoulder.

"Remember when we were still children? You couldn't even look at my face." She teased.

Still, you sighed, it was better being stuck with him and his wife whom you were fond of rather than your two other brothers who were closer in age to you.

Shivering with the sudden gusts of wind, you watched your father clamber onto the front of the carriage. You didn't even need to worry about your other two brothers— you could hear them from the carriage behind.

"It's surprisingly dark already." Your brother muttered, letting you glance out of the carriage, at the darkening sky and the trees which had started shaking violently.

"I hope everything is okay."

"It will be."

But unbeknownst to you, that was the last time you ever saw your brother smile.  And the last time Diluc ever held his father.

The carriage at the front toppled first, out of the four that had left the tavern. You had heard screams, but they were cut off quickly, just as the carriage suddenly halted, the horse neighing in restraint.

"Why won't this horse go..." Both you and your brother peered out as your father struggled to control the reigns, unable to control the horse as it restlessly shook.

"Father..."

Your brother was the one that saw it first. The giant darkness falling over you all, taking the form of a creature with wings and glowing, amber eyes peering down in the darkness.

"Duck!" Your brother wrapped his hand around his wife as the darkness came down.

You barely registered your brother's yell as both you and your father were toppled to the ground, the carriage blown away.

You were thrown to the side, wincing in pain, but you were okay. Your eyes searched the area for your father, who had landed several metres away, but he too seemed alright.

The loud shouts of your two brothers alerted you to them as you ran towards them, despite your father yelling for you to stay back.

"Are you okay?"

They were shaking but nodded as you supported them to the trees, searching for your eldest brother and his wife.

Even his name was muted in the roaring winds and you couldn't shout any longer, your throat hoarse.

Fear clutched your chest as you headed towards the carriages at the front, body trembling as you passed scattered crates and strewn bodies.

"Brother?"

There was a groan from under crates and you ran towards them, knocking them off.

"Brother!"

But it wasn't him.

Wide red eyes looked into your teary eyes and Diluc forced himself up, holding your shoulders gently.

"Are you okay?"

"My brother is... your father..."

His eyes widened and he was gone in the blink of an eye, also shouting for his father.

You were about to turn back until you watched the boy freeze in position.

It was then you saw it too.

A large, dark creature with scales that glistened purple and dark magic. You had heard of them before but never seen such a creature made of some kind of dark magic.

Its firey amber stare made your knees tremble and body collapse as Diluc too fell to the ground, his hand clutching at his stomach.

"Diluc!"

You watched his father clamber out of the carriage with difficulty, throwing away an empty box, his hand covered in a black glove.

Your eyes widened.

You had overheard your father's conversation once. It was a Delusion. Dangerous, mimicking the abilities of a vision.

"Wh-"

"Wait!"

It was Diluc that shouted first, your lips parted but voice never emerging. Your hand was outstretched as you watched Master Crepus yell in a loud voice, summoning something darker than you had ever seen before.

Black chains emerged from the ground, winding around his body, but it was all in his control.

You were terrified as the chains slid towards the dragon-like creature that roared in equal fury as the black chains tightened around its body. Abyssal power radiated it off it in black flames as its eyes turned into a crimson colour.

You saw Master Crepus's fist shaking as the purple marks around his arm tightened, his knees staggering.

The creature bellowed and roared, slashing its claws at the chains until they came undone and winded back into Master Crepus, who finally fell to the floor, clutching his chest.

Diluc had crawled to his father, arms wiping away his tears that came so quickly as he took in his father's weakened state.

You could only watch as the monster growled, seemingly pleased before leaving, with a sharp gust of wind, sending you back onto the rough ground with your arm shielding your face.

"Father!"

You weren't sure if he replied, as Diluc shook his father's body, his own trembling. His hands trembled as he clutched his father's wound, the gash from the claw of that creature bleeding severely.  

His own skin had turned black, corrupted and becoming consumed by the Delusion on his glove. The black flames had sunk into his body, the chains around his neck and Diluc could only watch, helpless, as his father weakened in his hands.

He couldn't even utter a single word as his father's hand dropped in midair, unable to even reach his own son's face. It fell limp onto the ground. His father's lips moved and shifted into the curve of a bitter smile. But he never heard what his father said.

Your hand came onto his stiff shoulder gently, as both of you stared down at the dead body of Crepus.

You never saw the light you saw in the tavern shining within his eyes after that day.

Diluc only stayed silent as you watched Kaeya and the other knights run onto the scene, checking for injuries across those who were injured.

He stayed silent as his father's body was taken away, head drooped, staring down at his empty blood-stained hands.

He stayed silent, even as you were all escorted away by the knights, never once moving from his position in the ground.

And you stayed and watched, shrugging off all attempts to move you.

You stayed and watched as he stood up on shaking legs and lifted his eyes up to the starless sky.

Alone, in the rain, in the silence, enveloped by the darkness. Lightning illuminated his trembling body, his fist clenched as he faced the storm.

But no tears fell from his face, not once. They never did.

The rain fell as his tears instead.

The sky, weeping its cold tears, the wind singing its grieving song as Diluc Ragnvindr surrendered himself to the storm, the blood on his hands never washing away.

And that was the last time you ever saw him again.

next 

Good day :)

I hope you all enjoyed reading the very first chapter of Ragnvindr. I sure am enjoying writing it hehehe. For this chapter, I read the manga like 100 times and the fansite 100 times more just to make sure everything was accurate enough... even then, I hope I wrote it well.

See you next time ~ merc

word count : 1.8K

[buoyant-breeze]

I love the idea of hand hcs. Stuff like holding their hands or how their hands feels jdjakgjakgk it just feels so comforting and warm to me lol OH AND THEM HOLDING YOYR FACE IN THEIR HANDS IS JUST YESSSFJAKGJAKHKAKGOAODNAFN

---🐇 anon

authors note  ⊱ UR A GENIUS OH MY GODDD

PART ONE OF HAND HCS... BECAUSE IM OBSESSED....

BUT IF ANYONE WANTS SPECIFIC CHARACTERS FOR THIS... feel free to send me a request... c:

part two  (kazuha, venti, xiao, zhongli)

part three  (childe, itto, scaramouche, thoma)

characters ⊱ kaeya, albedo, diluc

warnings ⊱ completely safe! enjoy!

rating ⊱ sfw

kaeya

his hands always run the cooler side, with soft skin, but bony, long fingers

they have a very elegant and graceful appearance; definitely manicured, lotioned, and taken good care of

a few rough scratches here and there, probably has some scars from a very deep scrape on his knuckles, hidden under his gloves

gestures a lot when he talks

fiddles with them idly, but in a dextrous way; flipping a coin in his hand, that one knife trick where you roll it quickly between each finger (also done with pens while he’s in his office), could probably juggle with a few different objects if he ever felt inclined

very handsy, in general, i’d even say he’s a hands-on learner

when you hold hands, he squeezes yours pretty consistently, sometimes plays with them when they’re clasped together over a table

holding his hand has a certain, comforting weight to it, but it’s a nurturing hold, like, it radiates this wholesome, warm vibe of, “we’re crossing the street, here, hold my hand.”

except it’s all the time

swinging your connected hands up to his mouth so he can kiss your knuckles

guides your hand to rest over his heart when he’s alone with you, a silent declaration of his love (my heart is yours)

albedo

the bones on the back of his hand (the ones that connect to his knuckles) are pretty visible, more than average

his body in general has a very cool temperature, so his hands are similar

he has scars on his fingers from picking up broken glass absentmindedly while in the lab

gets papercuts a lot; they heal fast, but they always end up showing up on his skin everytime you look at them

his hands have a certain ridging to the palm that is slightly elevated above the rest, from where he would lean his hand against a canvas for hours

sometimes has stubborn paint stuck to his fingernails

does a lot of exercises to help with carpal tunnel; his wrist undergoes a lot of stress to the point he sometimes wears a brace for support

when you hold hands, he always has a very gentle touch; he intertwines your fingers with his, but holds it rather loosely out of practicality

he rubs his thumb over your connected hands a lot

always reaches for your hand when he wants assurance

diluc

calloused and rough on the palms, despite wearing gloves

his hands tend to be a little larger and a little longer than the average person, and the veins are particularly visible

they are also very pale, a little more so than the rest of his complexion

extremely warm to the touch, it always feels comforting when he brushes his fingers over your skin, even if it is a very slight moment of contact

doesn’t fidget with his fingers often, but he shakes his hands out and adjusts his gloves a lot, sometimes while also rolling his shoulders

has a habit of taking off his gloves with his teeth, used to multi-tasking

extremely good hand strength

doesn’t have scars on his hands, surprisingly

has to do exercises to stretch out his hands and wrist though

when you hold hands, he holds yours securely, in a very warm, comfortably tight grip, and he uses the momentum of holding hands to keep you pretty close to his side

intertwines your fingers almost always

will always hold your hand when you cuddle with him or when lapsitting