#okay NOW I’m going back to Natlan

[kazuhaiku]

love story

summary: kinich makes a surprise visit to fontaine and wants to spend the entire day with you, no excuses.

warnings: gender neutral reader, fluff, might be ooc kinich (it's just my interpretation on his personality as of now).

notes: silly little kinich fic as my first post >< reblogs and comments are greatly appreciated :)

“kinich!” you exclaim from the hunters’ guild, a huge smile on your face as you see him walking towards you, a nonchalant look on his face as usual. “hey! i didn’t know you were visiting fontaine. you should have told me!”

“it wouldn’t be a surprise if i tell now would it?” kinich replies, ajaw beside him nodding in agreement. “what are you doing in the hunters’ guild? did you receive a new commission?”

“mhm,” you hum in reply. “lumine and paimon are taking a day off so i’m taking over their commissions for today!” you hand him the list of commissions that are currently available to do and you swear you can see a faint glint of disappointment in his eyes when he sees how many commissions there are to do. “i’m-”

“let me help.” kinich abruptly cuts you off. “you’ll get this finished faster when i’m helping. i’m allowed to help, right?” his eyes flicker over to katheryne who is smiling amusingly. 

“yes of course, if that’s okay with y/n?” katheryne eyes you knowingly. despite katheryne being a robot, she has a clear understanding of the tension between you and kinich (a little too well, if you must say).

you clear your throat. “oh um- yeah of course you can help!” kinich smiles at your answer. he keeps the piece of paper containing the commission details inside his pocket.

“come on, no time to waste. we have lots of things to do today.” kinich exclaims almost excitedly, and you can’t help but wonder what plans he’s got for you today (because why else would he come all the way from natlan to fontaine?).

kinich indeed wasted no time because as soon as there was a fight, he jumped straight into it, killing the enemies almost instantly. before you know it, the commissions are all done hours before your predicted finish time.

kinich wipes the sweat away from his forehead, acting as if he didn’t just do all the commission for you. he turns around and gives you a big smile. “we’re done now, yeah? you’re finished with work?”

“um, yeah…” you stare at kinich as if he just ate a spider.

kinich tilts his head to the side. “what? why are you staring at me like that?”

“no it’s just,” you let out a small laugh, suddenly finding kinich’s actions a bit funny. “aren’t you acting a bit too… desperate?”

“d-desperate?” kinich stutters, a red hue filling his cheeks. “i don’t- i don’t know what you’re talking about.”

you raise your eyebrows. “really? so you did all my commissions in under ten minutes, used every single teleport waypoint instead of exploring the land like you always do, and made me watch you do the commissions instead of letting me help?”

kinich’s cheeks turn darker as you speak, and he immediately covers his face, as if his plan has been busted. “okay, you’re right. i’m… desperate.” he removes his hand from his face, pulling you into a tight hug. “i missed you so much, okay? my work lasted much longer than i had expected, and there was no time for me to write a letter to you.”

you can practically hear the pout in his voice. you gently pat his back, consoling him. “i missed you even more, kinich. how long has it been since we last met?”

“four weeks.” kinich says almost instantly.

you hum. kinich lets go of you, however, one of his hands is still holding one of yours tightly. he doesn’t say anything, and only focuses on caressing your hands, as if you are going to disappear when he lets go.

“kinich,” you call out, and his head whips up. “i’m not going anywhere.”

“i know, i’m sorry,” kinich sighs. “i had so many plans for us today but now i can’t even think of what we should do first.”

“well, considering i- we finish the list of commissions earlier than i had expected… why don’t we start from the top of the list?” you suggest. kinich’s eyes lit up, however, there is a glint of confusion behind it. “of course i know about the list. we’ve been dating for, what, four months now? i know you keep a list whenever we go out.”

kinich makes a sound of surprise and he lowers his head, slowly grabbing the piece of paper from his pocket. he hands it to you silently. “you know me too well, y/n.”

you smile, opening the paper. there aren’t many things on the paper, considering that he listed only five things; explore the court of fontaine, stop by the cafe there and have a nice little coffee date with y/n :), ride the aquabus (seems like fun), visit the opera epiclese, visit the chioriya boutique and gift y/n an outfit!

“wow…” you gasp in awe. “chioriya boutique? how’d you know i like her outfits?”

“remember the letter we last sent out to each other?” kinich asks and you nod. “well, you briefly mentioned her. how you love the outfits she makes and you made a little note on the side saying how you really want an outfit from her but you don’t have enough mora to buy one.”

“that- kinich that letter was probably sent a month ago! how do you still remember that?” you ask, surprised that he remembers the small detail.

kinich only smiles in response. “well, no time to explain. come on, let’s ride the aquabus! i’ve been dying to ride them ever since i got here.”

he pulls you and starts running, almost making you tumble. well, since he’s really excited, you can’t really complain. a happy kinich is a sight to behold.

[himasgod]

Kinich x sh Reader

Where he sees the scars on your wrists

Where you two were relaxing by a campfire, and he sees your scars on your wrists and forearms again, as your sleeves accidentally rode up. Even though he knew everything you went through a long time ago, he never dared to talk about your sh scars and just stared at them. Until today, you faced him, and he dared to talk about them.

(A bit lazy writing maybe? I’m already writing a sh request with Scaramouche, Kinich, Lyney and Heizou that I’ll publish soon, where each one is going to be much longer and more complicated, but I wanted to write this, so it came up a bit short and lazy hehe. Anyways, the same warning I put in these kind of one shots. You are not alone, if you need help or want to talk about something, write me without fear. If you feel identified, the first thing is to be okay in the present. If it was a thing of the past, don’t worry, the scars will heal <3)

The flickering light of the campfire cast long shadows in the dense Natlan.

Kinich sat across from you, sharpening his claymore. Ajaw was so tired that he simply rested on the ground at Kinich’s feet, oblivious to everything. The rhythmic sound of stone against metal was almost comforting, a constant contrast to the chaos of sounds in your head. His golden and green eyes would lift up from time to time, catching your gaze fixed on your hands.

You sat cross-legged, your arms pressed against your chest as if trying to protect yourself from the weight of the world.

The sleeves of your robe had slipped slightly, revealing the scars that marked your wrists and forearms.

It wasn’t the first time he had noticed them.

“Stop looking at me like that,” you muttered, tugging at your sleeves hastily.

“How so?” His voice was calm, but there was a tension in it, a control.

“As if you pity me.”

He set the claymore aside and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I don’t pity you.”

You snorted, your voice thick with self-loathing.

“So what is it? Curiosity? Disgust?”

The air grew heavier, laden with unspoken words. Kinich didn’t flinch at your accusations. Instead, he tilted his head, his sharp features softening.

“Neither. I’m trying to understand how you survived something like that.”

The honesty in his words made a lump form in your throat.

“You don’t understand,” you whispered, your voice cracking. “It wasn’t about surviving. Back then… I didn’t want to... I didn't”

Kinich’s expression darkened, not with anger, but with a deep sadness that mirrored yours. He stepped closer, his calloused hands seeking yours. You tensed, but didn’t pull away as his fingers carefully pushed your sleeves up, exposing the scars you’d tried so hard to hide.

“This,” he said quietly, his tone firm despite the storm in his eyes, “is not signs of weakness. It’s proof that you fought battles most can’t even imagine. You’re here now. You won.”

Tears began to pool in the corners of your eyes.

"I didn’t win. I just… survived.”

“That’s enough,” he replied firmly. “You’re still here and that matters. To me, it matters.”

His grip on your hands tightened, anchoring you.

“You’re stronger than you think, and if anyone ever makes you feel like you’re not…” He paused, and a flash of the firelight illuminated the curve of his lopsided smile. “I’ll make sure they’re sorry.”

A small laugh escaped your lips, but you were still crying a little.

“You’re too much, Kinich.”

“And you’re not enough for yourself,” he replied without hesitation.

“So let me be here for you until you see how I see you.”

His words settled deep within your chest,

spreading warmth where there had only been cold before.

Here is my masterlist, in case you are interested in any more of my work or want to send me a request <3

[prettypinkpuddles]

Research from afar

hi… yes i’ve been gone a while, it’s just because i’ve been to lazy to write or had no movement or ideas. but ive got one and i think im back

enjoy!

you had been given the chance of a lifetime, to go to Nathan and record its elemental properties to compare with that of Sumeru’s. you’d been here for months, made so many friends, and now it was time to leave.

when you first arrived, there were so much graffiti along the walls, graffiti was was far too high for an average person to reach. you furthered down the path to discover two girls. one was honey brown with pale blue hair, a top covering her chest and a lopsided skirt. she was smiling down at a short girl with blonde hair tied into a wide ponytail with a visor, sporty gear and taupe fluffy ears, much furrier than Tighnari’s. her cerulean eyes met yours and she gasped and waved to you.

“H-hello! are you a traveller?!” she called.

you nodded and walked up to them, holding your notebook tightly to you. “yes, i am! i’m a student from the Akademiya doing research about Natlan! could you help?”

that piqued their interest. they began to completely examine you. your clothes, how your hair was done, the little girl even looked into your notebook, with your permission of course. she pointed to the padisarah you had sketched out.

“that’s so pretty!” she smiled, “what’s it called?”

“a padisarah!” you grinned.

“it’s like a glowing hornshroom.” Mualani commented.

you grinned and looked at her, “could you show one one of those? for my research?”

“depends.”

a voice startled you. it was deeper and softer. you looked up, seeing a boy with lots of green accents and browned skin. his eyes were striking yellow and his muscles arms were crossed as he eyed you. a bit of suspicion washed over him before a new look overtook his face; you blinked and looked down at Kachina as she ran up to introduce him.

“this is Kinich!” she exclaimed, “he’s our friend.”

“hello.” you smiled.

“hi.” he said in a flatter tone.

“and yeah, it will depend,” Mualani continued. “are you afraid of the dark?”

“do you like adventure?!” Kachina jumped.

that started a journey of them taking you all through Natlan, showing you each of their tribes and customs. You wrote down so much that you needed a new notebook; of Mualani’s tribe and their famous hot springs, how amazing they felt after excursions through the tunnels with Kachina. she gave you a special white stone she said was good luck and you fastened it to your pyro vision.

Kinich’s tribe was probably the most dangerous for you, you had no proper shoes to climb mountains but you still tried anyways, much to Ajaw’s amusement.

“those delicate foot holders are no match for the mightiness of the great lands of Natlan!” he chortled as you lifted your foot onto the jutted rock to your left.

you grunted as you hoisted yourself up, “shut up! you stupid… pixelated…. lizard!” that got to him.

“LIZARD?!” he gasped, “you Dare call me?! The Mighty Dragonlord, K'uhul Ajaw, A LIZARD?!” he sprang up to you, got right in your face, red as a henna berry, and you fell.

you had no idea he could leave Kinich’s side with Kinich allowing it, it scared you so bad, you were now free falling from the cliff. you had to think fast, create something to break your fall but you didn’t need to. something grabbed you, swung you to the left in a quick motion and threw you up in the air again. it had to be Ajaw, he was going to throw you away like the trash he said you were. then you stopped moving.

you looked around. you were on the ground and in something’s arms. something much bigger than Ajaw’s tiny form.

“are you alright?”

you looked up, “Kinich?” you nearly fell out of his lap, but he snatched you closer to him, examining you. “i’m… i’m okay.”

he nodded after he felt satisfied, “that’s good.” he looked like he wanted to smile, then it dropped when Ajaw sprang in front of you.

“i knew it! i knew it!” he blabbed, pointing his stubby nubby at your face. “you fell, just like I said you would!”

he was often shit-talking you and everything you did, how you sketched out the saurian claw succulent that kinich gave you, how you walked, how you cooked the traditional food Mualani taught you, even when you were encouraging Kachina to bungee jump with you. you told her it was the best way to get her nerves out before the Pilgrimage, even though she was supposed to compete in a few months.

she ended up doing it, screamed her head off, but it was so much fun, you could see Mualani and Kinich smiling for you two as you soars through the air over and over. you screamed out and a huge, red hibiscus blossom appeared above your heads, bursting like a firework and Kachina squealed, begging to stop.

Natlan was probably more beautfiful than your home. all the color was beautiful, and yes you missed the green, but you got your fill through looking at Kinich. and the liter of yumkasaurs he was showing you.

you nearly squealed, “why did you show me these sooner!?”

“i’m sorry.” he said as you fell to your knees, hands outstretched for one the little green things rushing to you. it chittered and smiled wide, nuzzling into you with its floppy ears smacking your forearms.

you giggled and petted its head as it fell into your lap. “you’re such a cutie!” you cooed, seeing Kinich’s hand ruffle its petal-shaped collar. it smiled and pushed into his hand as you looked up at him, “do you have one of these?”

“no, but Kachina has a tetpetilsaur,” he replied. “i do not need a saurian.”

“because of Ajaw?” you grinned. he nodded with a bit of an eyeroll at the thought of the annoying thing.

Kinich turned to you, “would you like one? i think they would benefit your research.”

“a saurian?” you grinned and vigorously nodded as you looked at the whelp in your lap. “this one,” you whispered, “i wanna name her Pari.”

“like the padisarahs, from your home?”

you blinked at that, surprised he remembered and could say that, looking at him with a bit of shock before nodding with a smile. “yes, and the place that is for me.” you leaned to the side and leaned against his shoulder as you stroked Pari’s pale green fur at she purred.

your months-long journey was wondrous, you wanted to stay forever, but you knew you had to go back home and analyze the data with others from the Spantamad darshan. but you just couldn’t bring yourself to. your eyes filled with tears as you packed your bags, walking out of Mualani’s guest house to see the bright place you temporarily called home. temporarily.

as you walked with her to the stadium, you gave Kachina the biggest hug ever, smiling at her warmth as your eyes unfortunately landed on a blond girl with a white dress and blue accents.

“what?” Mualani asked you.

you shook your head, “it’s… i know her.” you said, “she’s travelled to my home before…. a lot happened.”

“ohhh, she told me that she’s been to most of Teyvat now.” Kachina chimed in.

“yeah….” you looked away from the Traveller, “she’s just… i can’t describe her.” you pulled the thought of her and Nahida from your head and looked down at Kachina, “i’m so sorry i’m going to miss you compete, but write to me when you win.”

she looked down at the floor, “if i win,” she corrected.

you bent down to her level and pulled her chin up, “when you win Kachina. i’ve got a feeling you’re gonna make it.”

Mualani nodded and took her hand, “let’s go get set up.” she looked to you and held out her hand. “i wanted to give you this necklace before you left, so you’ll remember to come visit me in the future.”

you gasped at the necklace she was holding. it was made of sprayfeather gills, expertly woven together to form a ring. you slipped it over your head and smiled, “thank you so much, i’ll visit you as soon as my research is over.”

“i’ll walk Y/n out of Natlan.” Kinich announced. the girls nodded and began to walk into the stadium together, leaving you and Kinich to make the journey back to where you started it.

people who recognized you waved and bid you goodbyes, some giving you gifts like seeds from the plants of Natlan, recipes for different dishes, stones of warm colors to bless you and your journey. even your yumkasaur had found you and was dancing alongside you as you approached the bit of water between natlan and the desert of Sumeru.

“i…” you tried to speak but nothing else came out.

kinich took your hand and glanced at you, “you don’t wanna leave, do you?”

your face scrunched and you shook your head, “ i was being strong for Kachina but i really don’t want to leave. this place is like magic, real magic. the people, the cultures so wonderfully blending together to create a unified nation. my saurian, my friends, even you… i simply can’t…”

kinich didn’t speak, his grip just grew stronger as he looked at you.

“i know, i know… i need to.” you wiped your face and sniffled. “i��m sorry, Kinich, i just-”

“don’t leave,” he commanded and pulled your face to him, “don’t leave without saying it.”

“saying… saying what?”

“how you feel, Y/N.” he said and you flinched. “i don’t want you to leave either, but if you must, at least tell em the truth, please.”

you could feel your heart quickening like when you’d get really close to him, you could smell his cologne, this woodsy, dark floral scent enveloping you both.

“say it.” he repeated.

you swallowed, “i love you, Kinich.” you nearly ate him, pulling his lips to yours to kiss him over and over, “i love you so much.” you said in between the kisses.

his arms found you, his fingers snaking into your hair and making your scalp tingle, “i should’ve said it that night, but i didn’t… i’m sorry.”

you two stood there, kissing and hugging before you started giggling. he pulled away a bit, asking you why you were laughing with that sneaky, low voice that would make you sizzle in your clothes, “i have to go, my boat will be here soon.”

he nodded and kissed your once more, then as you pulled yourself away, he kissed your hand. “come back soon, Y/N.”

“as soon as i get to my house, i’ll send a letter.” you replied with a smile, thinking how badly you wanted to see him again once you stepped on that boat. you thought of every moment with him, how you could’ve said it, when you were rock climbing, when you were alone camping, that night. but this was a good time to say it.

[mondaymelon]

— 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐧 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 ♡

໒꒱ || :feat~ albedo, kaeya, zhongli, childe, ayato, thoma, alhaitham, kaveh, wriothesley, neuvillette x gn!reader:

໒꒱ || notes: a new nation joins the mix !! please help there are too many what do i do when natlan appears?! ITS OKAY RAAAAH FLUFF FLUFF RAAHHH FLUFF CHILDE COMMITS MANSLAUGHTER AGAINST A FUCKING PUMPKIN RAHHHH @anonbinaryweirdo CHILDE IS BEING A SILLY ALL FOR YOU MWAH HApPY OLI DAY!!

ᴛᴀɢʟɪꜱᴛ (open!) : @manager-of-the-pudding-bank, @iamdedinside, @ilyuu, @achlysis, @swivy123, @solxima, @poweredbyghostadventures, @haliyamori

⤷ the seasons are changing, so let’s have some fun, shall we? ♡

"Klee, don't run so fast..."

ALBEDO sighed, yet his mouth curved upwards into a faint smile, one that could almost be mistaken as a laugh. Maybe it was. “Klee, if you’re going to run off like that, the Acting Grandmaster will certainly throw a fit about it.” There was little hope in soft threats against the child, but he had succeeded in capturing her attention, and she whipped around to look at the two of you, her bright beam dimming to a small pout.

“But Jean isn’t here! That means I can boom everything and she won’t put me in solitary confinement, right?” She gazed up fiercely at the two of you, her bold ruby eyes sparkling with daring excitement. The three of you had decided to take a little excursion to a nearby pumpkin farm at Jean’s insistence, saying that you especially had been overworking yourself with the new influx of tasks to do and that now they had stabilized, she could manage them for a day or two. She had been a little suspicious about it though, beaming the entire time and occasionally laughing at moments that weren’t remotely amusing. Her distracted gaze also kept glancing at Lisa, who had been shelving books with a devious smile. Just what is up with those two? You blamed it on the lack of sleep.

“Although…” she tilted her head, looking very thoughtful for a brief moment. “I’ll let you decide!” She ran over to you, clinging to your clothes with sparkling eyes. “What do you want to do? Just today, Spark Knight Klee will let you lead the adventure, ‘kay?” She was bouncing on her feet now, her expectant gaze a little too earnest.

“Klee, let’s be respectful…”

“Eh?? But… I want to be nice to your sweetheart!!” Klee pouted, cheeks flushed.

“S-Sweetheart…” Your mouth dropped open as the tiny girl let out a little ‘ah!’

“Oh no, I forgot I wasn’t supposed to tell you that! Shoot, Kaeya is going to be sooo mad!! Shhh, you didn’t hear anything, okay?? He definitely didn’t tell me that Albedo liked liked you, so please don’t snitch!” Klee held her hands over her mouth, looking rather apologetic as her round eyes threatened to burst into tears. Albedo sounded like he was choking.

“K-Klee, why don’t you go over and look at the pumpkins for a while? I’ll let you take home the biggest one you can find…” Albedo was clearly startled, his smooth speech interrupted with a stutter. As the girl eagerly dashed away towards the fields, he let out a long sigh. “I’m very sorry about that, it seems the Cavalry Captain has been saying some strange things to my little sister.”

You shook your head with a smile. “No, don’t be. It’ll be funny later on as we look back on it, although…” Your voice trailed off as what Klee had said flashed through your mind. In a voice barely above a whisper, you glanced up at him, “Is it true? Do you… feel that way for me?”

His breath caught in his throat, and he did not speak until three beats later. “I didn’t want you to find out this way, but now that it’s come to this…” He cleared his throat, returning his averted gaze to stare at you, his brilliant teal eyes meeting yours. Every movement of his lips entranced you, and you could feel the way your cheeks grew warm as his words slowly sunk in.

And it was true, he meant it. His body was living, breathing proof, even if his life wasn’t meant to exist in the first place. That was okay. He was okay with it all. If he could have you, then the origin of his life didn’t matter. At the very least, his existence could be filled with your warmth.

“I wish to be your partner.” ♡

“Hm, this should be fun~”

KAEYA appeared amused as he hummed with delight. The reason? Something a wine-lover like him was sure to enjoy - a winery tour, not Diluc’s, to ensure the maximum happiness of both brothers. The wind lightly breezed by, rustling the warm colored leaves that resemble tongues of fire. All around you, people trailed after the tour in front of the group, aimlessly chattering amongst themselves or dutifully nodding to whatever information the guide was saying at the moment. Did it really matter? In all honesty, you knew that Kaeya had come for the sole purpose of wine, and now that the two of you were here, nothing else really mattered. He glanced at you with a beam. “C’mon, what’s with the grouchy face? Don’t you think this will be fun?” Without much of a warning at all, he grabbed at your face, pinching and stretching your cheeks while he quietly laughed to himself.

“Hey, shtop-” You manage to wrench out of his grasp, rubbing your aching cheeks with a pointed glare directed towards the male. “You know I’m not a good drinker. I’ll pass out and then you’ll have to go through the trouble of carrying me all the way back…”

Kaeya blinks, then laughs. “Hey, it's only a winery tour, who said anything about actually drinking the wine?” He chuckles into his fist, tilting his head with a swift motion. “Although, I suppose it can’t really be helped…”

“Exactly. So if you see me drinking a little too much, you better tell me, alright?” You stared him down in the eye, a failed attempt at looking the slightest bit intimidating. “I don’t want to be all intoxicated and babbling all my secrets out for the world to hear. That’d be utterly mortifying.” Just the thought of you made a shiver course through your body, a detail Kaeya’s diligent gaze didn’t miss.

He let out a cheeky laugh. “Ah, I don’t know, wouldn’t that be funny to look back on later?” The two of you were walking side-by-side on the stone-pebbled path, and he skillfully swept your hand into his, fingers intertwined in a motion so fluid it almost felt like the two of you had done this in your past lives as well. “You know, you’re really cute when you’re drunk.”

Your mouth falls slightly ajar at his bold words, whipping your head to the people around you just in case they heard. They didn’t, and continued blabbering about the most useless things in the world - the ripeness of apples, the types of long grass that was near the fields, all that significant information that one typically could do without. “Kaeya!” Your voice is panicked as you whisper shout at him, eyes wide. You know your face is red, you can feel it, and it’s something that’s too easy to spot with an eye as trained as his. “Don’t say that kind of stuff in public! Besides, it’s not even true!”

Kaeya pouted like a little child, fake crocodile tears threatening to spill from his eyes despite his voice giving away his clear amusement. “Awww, but love, why not? Is it such a crime for me to profess my love to you in the great outdoors?”

“Ugh…” You sighed, turning away in an attempt to hide your flushed cheeks. “Kaeya, you know what you-”

Too late. He had grabbed onto your chin with a grin, carefully examining just how red he was able to make you.

“Haha, you don’t even have to drink wine, love. Your face is already red enough just from my presence!” ♡

“Be careful. It’s hot.”

ZHONGLI passes the cup to you with a soft smile on his lips, one that makes his amber eyes glow with warmth. “If I had known you liked tea, I would’ve brewed you some more often.” He holds his own teacup with a gloved hand, seeming indifferent to the heat he had just warned you about. “It’s a fine day, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is.” You took a sip of tea, reveling in its rich flavors that danced across your tongue. “A hot drink like this is a good way to spend it.” Zhongli’s smile was one of fondness as he nodded to your words. “On days like these, you can find solace in a book by the windowsill and a drink in your hand… Although I’d like to learn more about you. How do you like to spend your time?” You glanced up from the fluid in the cup and locked eyes with his gilded ones instead. 

“Are you curious?” You answered with a nod, and the male let out a low chuckle. “Honestly, while I’m knowledgeable in a few areas, how to pass time isn’t exactly one of them. If you asked me about Liyue’s traditions and legends, however…” He paused as he swirled the cup’s contents. “I could likely go for weeks on end.”

That was the kind of man he was. Stoic, yet warm-hearted, and with a surprisingly in-depth view on Liyue’s history and culture. Where he learned all of this, you had yet to figure out, but his presence in and of itself was something soothing you couldn’t quite describe. At times, you feared his tranquil way of speaking had been inflicted upon you, but that wasn’t a bad thing in the slightest. The way he spoke was like verses in a poem, well thought out, wise, experienced, and with gliding tones like the reddening leaves on the wind. The way he was able to move even the most cynical crowds with the sway and caring truth in his words was but one of the things you admired about the man. Someone like Zhongli must've been a person who had received the favor of Morax, considering how well-versed he was. It wouldn’t be a shock if it were true.

You smiled, propping up your chin on your elbow. “Then, amuse me.”

He shook his head gently, almost in a reprimanding manner. “I’d rather see you to your residency before the sky turns dark. It’d be a shame if I were to take up all hours of your day.”

The words flew from your mouth before you even had the chance to consider them. “Who said I wouldn’t want that?” With a panicked gaze, you watched as Zhongli’s expression shifted into a startled one. For once, the stone-firm man seemed to have been given the slightest of shoves. 

It was a moment before he responded. “Saying such things…”

“They are the truth.”

“...Very well, then shall I tell you a story?” Now, his eyes glittered with a distant, deep sadness that had appeared in the short instant of silence. You nodded your head, and he continued onwards, his words forming one great melody, one intertwined with a knowledge that transcended the earth yet persisted with a harmony of tightly knit feelings that you could never begin to unravel. “One about the god of contracts, and the god of dust, a very, very long time ago. Did you know how far Morax’s love went for the goddess? He held her with much reverence in his heart, yet one day, she flowed through his fingers like the dust she was. He was never able to tell her the truth that lay in his heart, and fell into a deep sorrow.”

He fell silent, and you cocked your head. “Then… Then what happened?”

Zhongli’s somber face brightened as he smiled at you, his shining umber gaze one that held something clearly important. “That…”

“His heart has healed, with the help of someone dear.” ♡

"Against a pumpkin? Hah, that'll be an easy duel!"

CHILDE’s arms are raised, hefting up a… weedwhacker? How’d he get his hands on that?? From what you heard, it was a newly designed kind of weapon, though for some reason used to cut grass, of all things, that had been recently shipped from Fontaine to various influential people around the globe for its first use. Apparently, Childe qualified as one of those people. That, or he had just beaten up someone who had, then plucked it from his grasp. Either way, it was certainly not a welcome sight. You just barely managed to wrench it out of his hands, though with grudging certainty you can tell that it’s only possible with him going easy on you. He laughed again, his shoulders raised in triumph. “C’mon, just let me at him!”

“‘He’ is a pumpkin, Childe. You are challenging an inanimate fruit to a duel.” You deadpanned at the sight, making sure to place the weapon far, far away from his reach. “We came here with a job to do, let’s not forget that. These are going to be important Halloween decorations around the harbor and Jade Chamber, remember? Lady Ningguang commissioned us… or rather, me, herself, and I’m not about to present her with a gouged out collection of gutted and ravaged pumpkins.”

The male pouted, visibly upset. “But. It was looking at me strangely! That thing clearly is itching for a fight, and all I’m doing is giving it one it deserves!”

Yet another cause for a long sigh. You could feel your willpower slip away with your exhale. “Childe, it’s not looking at you. Those were the guidelines I drew with ink. Please, for once, cooperate with me.”

He pauses, then his eyes twinkle, and you know with reluctant confidence that he’s thought up something stupid. Surprise, surprise! You receive your big, fat, green checkmark as soon as he opens his mouth to speak, his lips raised in a mischievous smile. “Only if you give me a kiss~” 

It was better to agree now, then change the promise afterwards. You nodded exasperatedly, “Alright, alright, now let’s-”

“Ah ah ah!” Childe tutted, raising his fingers to your lips to shush you. “Sorry, but I only receive upfront payment~!”

You resisted the urge to slap him in his painfully handsome face. His features were so perfect it hurt, with his deep ocean eyes and freckles dotting his skin like stars in the night sky. “Come here.” Instantly, he perks up, and you can just imagine him with dog ears and a wagging tail, a sight that almost makes you like him. “Mmmmwah.” You plant a kiss directly on his cheek, only leaving your lips on his skin for a brief moment before pulling away, trying to hide the growing red on your face. “There.”

“Wh- Ah, no fair, you can’t do it on the cheek!” Once Childe snaps out of his initial ecstasy, there of course comes the complaints. “Do it again, do it again!”

“You never specified where. Now get to carving.” It’s hard not to laugh when you see the growing, childish frown that crosses his expression.

“C’mon, kiss me just one more time?” ♡

“Are you enjoying the view?”

AYATO’s eyes twinkle with amusement, his light hair swaying gently in the cooling breeze. The wind had grown chillier in the weeks prior, but you had luckily dressed enough for the occasion, and the warmth of his and yours intertwined fingers was far enough sufficient to dispel any chills far, far away. 

“Mhm. It’s beautiful.” You weren’t lying, the courtyard garden the male had invited you to view was certainly a marvel to behold, the warmly tinted leaves dangling like fiery ornaments from the great wooden branches, yet at the moment your eyes could only linger on the light smile that graced the man’s lips. The corners of his mouth tugged upwards, a soft expression that made the colors around you seem all the more vivid. His lashes fluttered close, then blinked back open, his seas of violet underneath a breathtaking wonder more than anything else in this world. And the beauty mark the archons themselves had painted with such delicacy, just beside his eye.

Simply put, Ayato was a man of majesty.

Your man of majesty. 

It still astonished you how someone like him had chosen you, out of all people. The way your heart beat faster and words grew hastier when he was near was something you found impossible to deny.

“You say that, but continue gazing at me all the while.” He lets out a low chuckle, speaking nonchalantly. “There’s no need to needlessly flatter me like those Inazuman officials, who are always ever so desperate to gain my attention.”

“Ayato, that’s not my intention!” You pout in protest, jokingly offended that he had dared compare you to such foolishness. “Besides, it’s in no way ‘needless’! Your beauty must certainly be admired, or it’d be a waste of that pretty face of yours!”

His eyes widen a fraction as he stares at you with a slightly dumbstruck expression, that is, until he breaks into an uncharacteristically loud bout of laughter, one gloved hand over his mouth failing to mask his beam behind it.

“Ah-Ahahaha!” Ayato smiles into his fist, grinning to himself. This was what he loved about you, apart from everything. Your laugh, your smile, the abrupt way that broke apart from his somber lifestyle, all of it. “Beloved, sometimes I wonder how you’re able to come up with such things.”

“Why are you laughing? What I said was true.”

“Just like that, right there.” His smile only widens as his eyes twinkle at the sight of you.

“You're not finding this funny, are you??” You squint up at him accusingly, frowning. Ayato locks his gaze with yours, his lilac eyes against yours a captivating sensation.

“Funny? No, I could never. Beloved, you’re the most endearing of them all.” ♡

“Now mix it together…mhm, just like that.”

THOMA has a firm grip on your wrist, aiding your motions as you gently stir the fluffy batter. He’s standing behind you, his taller stature the slightest intimidating - that is, if you didn’t know Thoma at all. He’s one of the sweetest people you’ve met, especially in an originally hostile Inazuman environment. His spring green eyes sparkle as he releases his fingers, slowly taking the bowl from your grip. “Okay, I think it’s ready now!” He’s excited, and you can tell by the way the corners of his eyes crinkle when he smiles. “Let me just adjust the fire, put it in, and then we can wait until it’s over. It should only take 10 minutes or so with this fancy new furnace Master Ayato installed the other day…”

He rambled onwards, skillfully multitasking spreading the batter on the pan, adding more fodder to the fire, and checking its temperature, all while still talking. Another fact about Thoma - he had much to say about people he admired. Although it was rather awkward to admit, it seemed that you were one of those, as Ayaka told you with a sheepish smile on her face how Thoma had chattered all about you while briefly cleaning her room. Well, not awkward, per se. It was a feeling that was hard to put a label on, just one that made you feel warm inside. Oh… was it because of his pyro vision? Perhaps that was why your face felt so hot at the moment, listening to him talk in his smooth voice and seeing the genuine interest in his gaze. “You’re pretty.” It hasn’t even struck you that you’ve said those words out loud until you realize that he’s stopped talking, and is now staring at you instead with round eyes and a mouth slightly ajar… that, and the growing red on his cheeks. 

“I-I…?” Thoma can’t even speak with how hard he’s stammering, like something out of a cartoon, and his face is completely flushed, to the point where you think he might be feverish instead of embarrassed. “Wh-Why are you saying things like that, all of a sudden…” He coughed into his fist stiffly, readjusting his posture and taking his oven gloves off. “Besides, between the two of us, no, out of all of Teyvat, you’re the prettiest.”

Maybe he hasn’t realized that he’s said those words out loud either, because his gaze is casted to the floor that’s going to burn from how hard he’s staring at it.

“You heard me, right?” Oh, it seems you were incorrect, he had meant for you to hear it. Is that why your heart was beating so fast?

“You’re the prettiest one.” ♡

"You didn’t have to come.”

ALHAITHAM’s sharp gaze is locked onto you as he gently holds his hands in yours - per your request. His skin is cool to the touch, just like the chilling air that’s causing his hair to ruffle. “I’m here on official business, so I’ll be here awhile. Are you certain you don’t want to head back home?”

“And listen to a sleepless Kaveh rant about building structures for the next four hours?” You scoffed playfully, leaning into his frame with a smile. “No thanks. Spending that time with you is absolutely the better option of the two.”

Al Haitham’s brows furrowed the slightest bit, and he turned his head away with a brief exhale. “If that’s what you want.” He’s acting with a mask of indifference, but you know him well, well enough to discern that he’s not being truthful to himself. There’s the slightest lean in his posture, how his eyes are just a little softer, and how his voice isn’t as stony as it should be - telltale signs that he was hoping for your presence in his long work shift. Whilst the blonde architect you knew complained day and night about the two of you’s shared roommate, he wasn’t unbearable at all… although, perhaps it was unfair to compare the two. After all… you thought with a faint smile. We’re lovers.

The ashen-haired male turned to you upon seeing the change in your expression. “Is something amusing?”

“Nothing, Haitham,” you replied, beaming innocently. “You’re just very handsome, is all.” The Haitham you knew was right here, at this moment. The way his eyes widened a fraction and the way his lips twitched, the way his cheeks remained pale but you knew his ears were painted rose under his headphones. It was a person the people around him who only yearned for his attention and status could never dream of seeing. A Haitham that was for you only. 

“...What has you saying those kinds of things? I’ve already told you not to mess around, and here we are.” Al Haitham sarcastically sighs, and you know its a fake. The negligible hesitance in his usually quick-witted response has his words trailing a half-second behind, a detrimental mistake enough to determine his flusteredness. Reading Al Haitham is like a game, where the answer key is provided to onl you.

“You looked like you wanted to hear it.” You smile sheepishly, clinging tighter onto his sleeve. He’s not radiating warmth by any means, but the faint heat that rises from his body is satisfactory enough for you to feel warm. 

“Hopeless.” He says, yet doesn’t move to pry you off his arm. “Utterly hopeless.”

In his gaze is a hidden secret that his mouth wouldn't dare speak.

He was the hopeless one. The fool hopelessly in love with you. ♡

"Don't be scared, I'm right next to you!!"

KAVEH certainly looked the part of a fearless boyfriend, with the way he’s clinging to your body and shaking like a leaf. It’s no secret that he’s utterly terrified, but you’ll let him live his fantasy that he’s fooling you, at the very least. The flickering bravery in his eyes had long disappeared the moment you stepped foot into the haunted castle, a surprising suggestion coming from his roommate Al Haitham, of all people. You had heard the rumors, and heard more than a couple mouthfuls of curses directed towards him on nights where Kaveh stumbled into your place, completely wasted and reeking of booze. It was only now, with begrudging admittance, that you could confirm their truth. To tell the architect of this “romantic” and “couple-bonding” journey through a new Sumerian attraction was all it took for Kaveh to completely jump on the idea. “H-Hey, stop walking so fast, I can’t keep up…!” The blonde looked quite pitiful, holding onto your shirt with tears pooling at his eyes as he struggled to keep up with your average-paced speed. “H-Haha, you must be terrified, to be running like this…!” His awkward laugh was quickly strangled into a high-pitched screech as a person dressed in ghosty blues and greens dropped down from the ceiling and dangled there ominously with a cackle.

Moments like these made you question how you had even become acquainted with him in the first place. 

“C-C’mon, let’s run, I-I’ll protect you!!” Despite his outward appearance being disheveled as could be, with his usual properly groomed hair strewn and sticking up all over the place and his sleeves bunching up near his elbows, he managed to wrestle his way behind you while sprinting away, so at the bare minimum, if they caught you, he would be the one to fall to their claws first.

Ah, perhaps this was why. The ever steadfast desire of his to make sure you, at least, were safe. That astounding selflessness that remained apparent even through the tears that clouded his wavering gaze. You resisted the urge to laugh as your dash slowed to a brisk pace, and instead pressed against Kaveh’s side with a smile.

“H-huh?” His voice was airy, out of breath, startled. Kaveh glanced at you, crimson eyes round and expectant. “What’s wrong…?”

“I’m scared.” Lying through your teeth was guilt-inducing, but the brightening beam on Kaveh’s newfound flushed expression just about swept it all away. “Let me hold you like this, o-okay?” You even added a stutter for an extra effect, which just about drove the arrow through his poor heart. Where was your oscar? You held onto his hand fearfully, staring up at him.

Kaveh, all of a sudden, seemed to have been invigorated like someone had pumped adrenaline directly into his system, that is, an energy called “l-o-v-e!” “A-Ahem! If-If that’s the case, very well! Stay behind me, and I’ll protect you! Ahahaha! No demons would dare even set foot near my… elemental powers!” 

“Oh, thank you Kaveh…” If he noticed the evident sarcasm in your voice, he pretended not to, and there wasn’t a single change in his dumbstruck expression.

“No need to thank me! If I were unable to shield you, what use of a lover would I be?” ♡

"Look what I got...! It's for you."

WRIOTHESLEY’s eyes sparkled as he presented a glossy red apple for your viewing, its smooth, unblemished exterior being handled with the most delicate touches in direct contrast to the silver studded gloves he usually wore. “Here, c’mon, try a- Ahem.” He cleared his throat, carefully straightening his posture. “Please take it.” 

It always amazed you how his dignity still tried to uphold somewhat of a “professional” view on this entire situation. Puzzling, indeed. Perhaps he was just paranoid that he’d be seen so giddy like this and be absolutely clowned on once word got around and he went back to work at the Fortress of Meropide. The prisoners must be harsh to control on a daily basis, considering how on more than a couple separate occasions the man would come home with cuts and bleeding knuckles, to which you’d scold him (gently) for a good half hour while bandaging them up. His personality shifts were nothing but unusual.

“If you insist? Thank you.” You took the apples from his hand, fingers brushing. It was a light contact, yet Wriothesley flinched all the same, able to contain the red on his cheeks but not the dusting of it on the tips of his ears. Lucky him, it was more or less covered by his white streaked hair anyways. He could only hope and pray that you didn’t catch the sight.

Spoiler alert: you did. His fingers were warm, despite him being a cryo user. Not unpleasantly warm, like a sweaty hand that makes you feel all gross inside, but a pleasant version of it, one that makes you want to pepper kisses all over his pretty face for just existing within your realm of life.

You had to hold back on indulging in those thoughts, however, as the currently posing as stoic Wriothesley was gazing into the distance with a dramatic expression. Ooh, should you compliment him? Perhaps he’d invent a new shade of red, then! It’d be a sight to see. As silly as the idea was, you didn’t exactly what to tease him right now, not when you could taste the crisp sweetness of the apple he had picked for you on your tongue.

A smile flitted across your face and he took notice of that, giving you a small smile of his own. “Is it good? Let me have a bite. Aahh~” He leaned forward, and opened his mouth, which slowly closed in the silence that ensued. It was hard not to laugh at how sheepish he looked, rubbing the back of his head with a silly grin that escaped his usual patrolling of expressions. Who would’ve thought that a man who worked at a prison day in and day out would be so into… cheesy things? No matter, it made your heart race all the same. 

Wriothesley had expected the crunch of an apple, if he was lucky and you didn’t leave him hanging in your confusion. What he hadn’t expected was the sweet taste of your lips against his, your warmth blending with his own, your arms around his shoulders and his around your waist. It’s warm, hot. Yes, he felt like he was burning, from the inside out, from every touch of your fingers to every movement of your mouth. Sweet.

“So? How is it?” You pulled away, wiping your mouth with a cheeky smile that made him want to kiss you again.

So he did.

“Sweet. Impossibly sweet, yet nowhere near sweeter than you.” ♡

"Do you feel warmer if I hold you like this?"

NEUVILLETTE has found his arms wrapped around your smaller frame before he can even come to his senses. Yes, that’s right… the two of you had decided to go on a brief outing, with promises that you’d show him more of the outside world and that he’d, in turn, accompany you on this little adventure. Except… the two of you hadn’t accounted for the weather to be this chilly, and while there was no rain, as there was never when the two of you were together, the sun’s stale light wasn’t sufficient enough to warm your frozen body. You said you were fine and that the two of you should just stop by the next sightseeing point in the trip, but his gaze is certainly nothing to laugh at. In an instant, you’re in his arms, and he finds you in his. You’re shaking, quivering, and he’s fucking upset at himself that he didn’t do anything sooner.

“Y-Yes, it’s warm now… thank you.” Your shaking has evidently subsided, and now you lean against his chest, rising and falling with every heave of his chest. With how close you are, body pressed together with his, can you hear his heartbeat? It’s loud in his own ears, and he’s paranoid you’ll hear it - the rise and fall of the water on the ocean shores, the choppy, erratic waves on a midnight black sea. He’s afraid you’ll hear his jumbled symphony and leave him before he can say what he wants to say to you the most.

Oh, but does he even mean it? He wished he could provide the question forever poisoning his thoughts with an answer, but no matter how much he inquires of his all-knowing archon, no matter how much he judges the cases of the land, no matter how much… he still can’t find a solution that will resolve his quaky heart. It’s a problem that lies in him, that’s something that’s at the very least certain. It cannot possibly be with you, you who is as bright as the sun and whose warmth is that of a clear summer day. A beautiful disposition that is unmatched with his gloomy one. Still, he’ll yearn for you until he makes sense of it. Neuvillette cannot bear himself not to try. He will make the scale just, so that the two of you may…

“Neuvi?” The call of your name for him snatches his wandering attention in an instant. He gazes down at your figure, wrapped into his coat tightly. “Are you okay? You’ve been looking distant for a while now.” The concern in your eyes lessens the concern in his heart, and he smiles softly at your words.

“Yes, I’m alright. If you want, should we stay like this the entire trip?”

“W-What?? No, I couldn’t possibly…!!”

Verdict complete. He’ll wait. Wait until the days pass and bring the months with it, he’ll watch the leaves sink to the ocean floor and he’ll wait for his heart to decide.

Oh, if only he could know the verdict of yours.

“If it’s for you, know that I’d be more than willing.” ♡

(a/n) this reached the fucking image limit and i had to get rid of the dividers. i am so upset

anyways gotta love how they're all so romantic and childe is just like: mmm... murder... pumpkin... mmm.. screw chiscara and zhongchi . childe x pumpkin ftw (this is a joke) eek wrio feels so ooc im goinng to sob

[razorblade180]

Abyss Tag Team

Clorinde:*calmy sits down*

Navia:*kicks door open* Just the person I need to see!

Clorinde:…*calmy stands up* Yes? Judging by that look in your eye, I assume it’s something bold?

Navia:More daring than bold if you ask me. So I’ve been looking at the Spiral Abyss and- stop making that face. We haven’t done anything yet!

Clorinde:*visibly deflating* I was expecting you to say you wanted to entirely rework your character for a session or be the Game Master. In truth, what you’re about to say sounds less taxing, but still daunting.

Navia:Look, I know it seems bad. Partly because it kinda is, but I’ve really been looking at and I think the two of us are perfect. All I need is your team on the other side for it to be a piece of cake. *puts arm on shoulder* It might even be crown worthy.

Clorinde:Hehe, so that’s what this is about. Well I can’t really leave this all up to you. If you say I’m the missing piece then I believe you. So, who exactly are we dragging into this?

Navia:What we need is two more Fontanians, two snipers, and two people that will protect everyone in the most stressful of conditions!

xxxxxx

Clorinde:Look alive, it’s abyss time.

Fischl:Ha! What foolish enemies challenges our thunderous power!? Thoma, my trusted maid and shield! Prepare yourself for battle!

Thoma:I thought we were waiting for new members?

Chevreuse:Navia?

Clorinde:Navia.

Chevreuse:Thoma, grab your spear. There’s no getting out of this. *stands up* I wonder who she roped into this?

xxxxxx

Navia:Alright team, ready to make some history!

Xilonen:Sure.

Yelan:Eh.

Furina:Does it have to be me?

Navia:Of course! *takes hands* Not only are you strong, but you’ll give us all a nice added boost. I know with you here, everything will be okay. *smiles*

Furina:*red*….I guess there’s no getting out of this. For you, I shall try my best.

Yelan:Way to stand your ground.

Furina:Shut up! You lost a dice roll and ended up here!

Xilonen:That’s how she got you?

Yelan:It’s no real skin off my back. What about you?

Xilonen:Geo solidarity. Also…

Navia:*visibly excited*

Xilonen:She reminds me of friend that’s just as enthusiastic. I live this lifestyle. Wonder what she’s doing right now?

Meanwhile, in Natlan

Kachina, Paimon& Chasca: GO! GO! GO! GO!

Mualani, Aether, and Citlali: *chugging ale*

Ororon:How are they keeping up with granny!?

Kinich:Because they’re all freaks.

Mavuika:You two wanna place bets?

Ororon:Granny.

Kinich:Mualani.

Mavuika:Kick their butts Aether!!

[itstimetojellyfish]

Please don’t attack me Hoyoverse people

Okay , so I’ve seen a lot of posts where people are complaining about the cultural representation of the Aztecs and Mexican people , saying that the company is not representing them properly and there’s actually a post where the link a petition to get hoyo to stop making their characters so white .

I’m going to be real here .

People , stop taking things so personally, they are a Chinese company , the beauty standard is white , also , you play the game , stop complaining when you also enjoy the game too. The people at hoyo have tons of pressure from the Chinese government and standards of games .

There’s literally changed their character designs to fit the standards of games for Asian servers

The workers spend hours trying to design characters and parts of treat all for our entertainment while we leak the content and shame everything they make , currently, we’re hating on them for making characters that don’t represent the culture.

But listen.

Is it really a misrepresentation of culture when the people are just pale skinned?

They’ve added the features of the land like how Mexico would be represented as and also they’ve spent days designing and developing characters for us .

We really need to stop this .

Now it is completely okay to spam my inbox with hate , I understand if it’s offensive.

But why the fuck would you people recent people form actually enjoying the fycking game but spamming back reviews and trying to prevent people from finding content they actually like .

You guys didn’t complain when Subaru came out .

So why Natlan?

[tickly-trashcan]

Sworn to Secrecy {Kachina, Kinich, and Mualani}

Advent Calendar Event!

A/N: aaah i haven't actually played that much of the natlan archon quest yet but i love this little trio!! they're so silly and have my whole heart so i hope i did them well hehe i hope y'all enjoy! :D

Summary: Kachina is working on a gift for Mualani, and when Kinich comes by, she makes him swear to keep it a secret. But Mualani will stop at nothing to get her friends to tell her what this secret is!

Word Count: 1.3k (under the cut)

Kachina scribbled across the paper, drawing out her best rendition of her and her friends celebrating together. She had finished the drawing for Kinich earlier, and was now working on the one for Mualani. They were going to be part of the gift she had put together for their holiday gift exchange, and she was very proud of what she had made up for the two of them.

For Kinich, she had put together a special spice satchel for the meat stew that he loved. It was filled with yummy spices as well as some other flavor enhancers that would make the stew extra flavorful whenever he wanted to add it in. She had also drawn out a picture of K’uhul Ajaw in the group with them with all of them hanging out in the Coatepec Mountain.

For Mualani, she had dried out some brilliant chrysanthemums and paired them with a few other flowers that she knew Mualani liked and made a lovely bouquet. Mualani had bad allergies most of the time with some flowers, but if they were dried, she could use them, which Kachina had done. For the picture, she had drawn the three of them in the Toyac Springs hanging out by the water.

She was putting the finishing details on Mualani’s gift when she heard footsteps coming up behind her. She quickly turned, covering what she was working on, and saw Kinich standing above her with a hand on his hip.

“What are you up to, Kachina?”

“Oh! Kinich! I’m working on Mualani’s gift…” Kachina let her hands move away a bit, showing Kinich what she had been working on, the bouquet of flowers right next to her art supplies. “You have to keep it a surprise though, okay? It’s for the gift exchange we’re doing!”

Kinich nodded and gestured behind him. “Then you might want to hide it or put it away somewhere. Mualani’s with me and she’s not too far behind.”

Kachina’s eyes widened and she nodded, quickly scooping up her supplies and the gift before ducking down the hill towards her bag. “Make sure not to tell her anything, Kinich! You’re sworn to secrecy!”

She had been working up on the top of a hill, but had left her bag at the bottom, which she was cursing herself for as she ran down to hide her gift. She could hear Mualani asking Kinich about where she was running off to, and could only hope that Kinich would keep it a secret for her.

As she tucked the bouquet and drawing into her bag, she heard a loud noise coming from up on top of the hill. Kachina quickly threw her bag on her back and ran back up the hill, panting as she heard the noise get louder and louder as she went. She was worried about Kinich and Mualani. Did they get ambushed?

It turns out the only person who got ambushed was Kinich. He laid on the ground, pinned on his belly as Mualani dug her fingers into his sides, drawing out loud laughter from the normally quiet boy. He banged his fists into the ground and wheezed, begging for Mualani to stop.

“M-Muahahahalani!! Stahahap it! I’m not– I’m not tehehelling you what she was– Gah!!”

“Spit it out, Kinich! Or do I need to creep my fingers up, and up, and–”

She was cut off by a frantic whine from Kinich as she went up to his ribs and wiggled her fingers against them. He screeched and laughed as clamped his arms against his sides and tried burying his face in the grass to muffle his laughter.

“Oh, are you going to tell me now, Kinich? Seems like I found a really good tickle spot!”

Mualani laughed along with Kinich, not noticing Kachina at all. Kachina hesitated, wanting to help Kinich but also knowing that if she got involved, she would likely also be on the receiving end of some tickles.

Kachina looked at Kinich and he eventually looked back at her, shaking his head. Mualani noticed him acknowledging Kachina and looked up, seeing her smaller friend.

Mualani beamed. “Oh, Kachina! Perfect timing! Kinich was just about to tell me about a little secret you made him keep! Isn’t that right, Kinich?”

“I’m not gohohoing to tehehehell you!! K-Kachinahaha, run!!”

Kachina squeaked and ran off, but she heard Kinich’s laughter quickly die out as soon as she took off. She turned her head and saw Mualani hot on her tail and gasped, running as fast as she could and ducked behind a rock formation.

She had not expected to be running for her life, let alone from the person she was making a gift for! Kachina quickly tucked the bag in a small alcove in the rocks and continued running, hoping that Mualani would not notice.

“Gotcha!!”

Kachina gasped when Mualani scooped her up as soon as she came out on the other side of the rocks, lifting her up like a trophy as she laughed victoriously. Kachina whined, demanding to be put down as Mualani obliged.

She lowered her on her back and immediately began to tickle her sides, making Kachina burst into a fit of giggles. “Muahahahalani!! Stop it!!”

“I couldn’t get Kinich to spill the beans, so now it’s your turn! What’s this little secret, Ka-chi-na?” Mualani poked at Kachina’s tummy for every syllable in her name, making her squirm and giggle.

Mualani skittered her fingers all over Kachina’s sides until she was a giggly mess, then began to squeeze at her hips. Kachina wailed, flailing her arms around as she tried to roll away from Mualani, but she kept getting pulled back for more tickles.

“I cahahan’t tell you! It’s a– It’s a surprise!!” Kachina wailed, swatting weakly at Mualani’s hands as she tried to fend off the tickly sensations.

“That only makes me want to hear it more! C’mon, Kachina, tell me!”

“You never know when to give up, do you?”

Kachina suddenly felt the tickly sensations stop and peeked open her eyes to see Mualani with her arms pinned above her head by Kinich. He saw Kachina looking and gestured to Mualani.

Kachina looked at Mualani with a hesitant grin. Mualani gasped. “You wouldn’t!”

Kinich started to poke at Mualani’s ribs, making her giggle softly and squirm. Kachina decided that if Kinich was tickling her it must be okay and joined in, sitting on Mualani’s hips. Mualani shook her head as she laughed, begging for Kachina to have mercy.

Kachina shrugged. “I think it’s only fair since you started this!”

“Nohohoho!!” Mualani protested when Kachina began to scribble her fingers all over her bare tummy, one of her most ticklish spots. Mualani threw her head back into Kinich and began to laugh loudly, protesting the whole time. “You guhuhuys! This is– This is so not fahahair!!”

“I think it was less fair for you to immediately tickle us. You had this coming, Mualani,” Kinich said, a small grin on his face.

Kachina nodded. “I was trying to keep it a surprise because it’s one of your gifts! It would only spoil our gift exchange if you knew what I was making for you!”

“I’m sohohohorry! I didn’t knohohow!!” Mualani whined, her laughter dying out when Kinich and Kachina let up. They stared at her expectantly as she collected herself, wheezing. “I thought you two were just keeping a secret from me. If I’d known it was a gift I would have left it alone!”

Kinich and Kachina exchanged a look, knowing that Mualani would have found some other reason to tickle them regardless. They let her go and she sat up, stretching her arms. “Sheesh, you two did a number on me! Okay, I won’t push the secret anymore. But Kachina…” Mualani gestured to the rock alcove where Kachina had stashed the bag. “You might want to grab your bag before a saurian gets it!”

Kachina gasped and scrambled to her feet to grab the bag, making Mualani laugh again.

[madraleen]

Genshin Impact 5.1 Archon Quests - Jumbled Thoughts

-Just. Insane. All of it. Act 3 was so chill, so “oh yeah, middle act continuation of the story,” and then in Act 4 shit hit the fan. There’s no other way to put it. It was HARROWING. It was war. It was. It was ugly and urgent and relentless - as it should be, but I wasn’t expecting it to be. The dead bodies? The dead Saurians? The dead Dino? I was speechless, I felt the despair. When the Traveler insisted to Paimon that we’ll win, I was like “HOW? HOW?! And even if we do, look at how much we’ve lost already!” The more we had to fight, the more I got like “Stop, please, make it stop” - but in an immersive way. It was hard to play through. And imo JP dub Paimon sold the whole thing so well that she actually stressed me out, listening to her panic as I tried to investigate/fight - again in an immersive way. It was all really well-done, to the point that it hurt, emotionally. It was intense.

-MAVUIKA FOR THE WIN, SHE’S SO COOL. She’s so good, she’s such a good leader! And I love that her people are her friends, not her subordinates. I basically love the Natlan characters’ dynamics.

-THE FALSE SKY?!?!??!?! THE FALSE SKY?!??!?! AT A TIME LIKE THAT?? What was that, fragments of a moon maybe? And the red squares, reminiscent of the Sustainer???

-The God of Death??? The Night Lord that’s an Angel, and Seelies being devolved Angels??? THE LORE?!?!?! I am curious as to the dynamics between the Shades and Celestia, who has the upper hand so to speak.

-THE CAPTAIN AND MAVUIKA?!?! BEING SO CIVILIZED?? AND COOPERATING? I loved their conversations, they were so real, and I loved seeing the Natlanese working together with the Fatui for a common cause. I’m looking forward to finding out the deeper reason that the Captain wants to save Natlan. Also, this begs the question- if he ISN’T required to give the Gnosis to the Tsaritsa, if the Harbingers are supposed to put their own path before the Tsaritsa WITH the blessing of the Tsaritsa, how does the Tsaritsa select the Harbingers and what does she expect from them?

-So, based on what the Captain said, our sibling didn’t just happen to be there during the Cataclysm, they were part of the ruling class during the Cataclysm. (In my case) Lumine didn’t become the Abyss Order’s Princess, she was already a princess, during the Captain’s time. Also, wtf has Dain done that keeps him looking as he does?

-Citlali and Ororun were nothing like I expected. Xilonen is the coolest woman in Natlan. She’s so lazily kind. She has an air of “you’re inconveniencing me, but I’m so laid-back and good-hearted that I actually don’t mind.”

-Anemo characters can’t catch a break. They just can’t. I can’t believe they chose a sibling death OF AN ANEMO CHARACTER OH MY GOD! You’re not escaping the “has to have a dead friend/relative” reputation, Anemos, you just aren’t!

-Kinich, I love him so.

-Simulanka really told us “This is how Natlan will go.” Hindsight is 20/20. I wasn’t expecting two heroes with the same element though. 

-OKAY! Now let's save Mavuika somehow. Although I must say, the fact that we'll be separated from Paimon makes me anxious, idk. It scares me a little, I hope it's just a practical necessity.

[adoriwintry]

Genshin Impact Is not What It Used to Be (Natlan rant)

If you'd rather not read this, go ahead.

I write this to cope.

The world of Genshin Impact is magical and fairytale-like with inspirations from ancient myths and traditional motifs. They have stunning character designs that have an ethereal feel despite having its ups and downs in the inspiration from traditional culture (We know these issues with Genshin and I’m not talking about them here). Yet, it still is a wonderfully made world with its music and environment design. That is why I was attracted to Genshin.

But recently, Genshin’s newest nation was released and it just didn’t feel the same to me.

Sorry? Is this truly the Genshin I fell in love with?

Break dancing? Pixel video games? Short jean shorts? Graffiti elements? DJs?? MOTORCYCLES??? Now, I am not saying I don’t like these characters and aesthetics. I love them, of course, but they were suddenly added in this game that I loved for its traditional and mystical inspirations. It felt more than out of place for me. Since the very first teaser in July was released, I never felt more disappointed. Especially with the cultural representation problem.

But while writing this, I realise that Genshin had this slow (not really) transition toward something more modern like its sister game, Honkai: Star Rail and perhaps Zenless Zone Zero. Was it that Genshin needed to be more popular like these other games that they had to add these new, alien elements? Maybe. But back to the time transition. I noticed that when we first arrived in Fontaine, it was definitely set in a later time period than the rest of Teyvat’s nations. Because Fontaine had cameras, robots (robots didn’t feel too out of place because of the ancient mechanical beings we found in Inazuma and Sumeru) , more modern law systems like in the 19th century, outfits inspired by that era, etc. But even with all these, Fontaine still felt magical and cohesive with the other nations while bringing a new, different vibe. And it makes some kind of sense that even with this Industrial Revolution, not all the nations, especially Inazuma, are moving up to speed with it yet.

But things started to worry me when a certain character was released.

Clorinde from Fontaine.

In the entirety of Genshin splash arts that changed slowly over the years, she is the one that represents the farthest style change compared to the earliest splash arts and character designs in my opinion. While yes, I do realise that many electro characters have splash arts that have modern, electric motifs like Razor and Cyno, this one particularly was very techno-style to me. It might make sense with Fontaine being a more modern nation but I still believe that the splash art’s style seems like it reminds me too much of the sister game because of the pattern that’s too intergalactic space reminiscent.

Even Mona’s splash art, which is based on a space and stars motif still feels magical and soft, not like she rides a spaceship around the galaxy.

It also doesn’t help that Clorinde’s outfit looks quite similar to a sister game’s character.

Clorinde and Kafka (HSR)

We also have a bunch of other characters before Clorinde who look a little too modern, not to mention the alternate skins. But those don’t hold a candle to the hyper modernisation in Natlan.

…We have to get to those now, don’t we?

Okay, here we go.

Xilonen from Natlan, a character that made me lose it.

Now, I want to say that there is absolutely nothing wrong with her design, I think it’s pretty neat. But again, being a character in Genshin, she just doesn’t fit in my opinion. When I look at her, I do not see Genshin, I do not see magic, I do not see the elemental power. I see a snazzy furry DJ on roller skates. I wanted Natlan to be a nation that showed me a new culture that inspires me to learn more about Mayan and Aztec legends and myths, not something modern that I’ve already seen multiple times in the modern times I already am accustomed to. Her aesthetic fits another sister game character!

Just compare the Natlan characters to other Genshin characters.

I would show more examples but I'm not allowed to post any more pictures.

So you’ll notice the sharp edges, comic style stars, modern day traffic elements, neon splashes of colour, and pixel elements. I say they stand out against the rest in a jarring way for me. From Clorinde to now, perhaps the developers have been trying to change up designs so they look more like V-tubers (Virtual YouTubers). This might also tie with the want to look similar to the sister games as well however.

Therefore, my first response to Natlan is, “Hoyo, what the fuck is this? It came out of nowhere, it scared the shit out of me. Send help. Tell me this is a joke.”

Now, this doesn't mean people shouldn't like Natlan, this is only my opinion that I wish to share because I can't talk about this anywhere else.

Have a nice day!

(All images from Genshin Impact and one from Honkai: Star Rail)

[magicalbats]

Also since there HAS been so much content coming out I thought it might be fun to do a bit of a recap on everything and share some of my thoughts! I know there are at least a few people who read my fics without playing the source material or really having much baseline info on the characters before going into it (and you guys are incredibly special to me, rest assured 🫶🥺) so I figured this might be a nice way to do some little introductions!

Sticking this behind a cut so anyone who doesn’t want to see me rambling can easily skip over this post lol

In an attempt to keep things somewhat chronological, I’m going to start with the drip marketing for these two. Iirc they were officially announced one day apart, back to back, and I saw multiple people making angel/devil comparisons with them which really tickled me. 🤭

I’ll talk about Sunday first since he’s by far the character we’ve known the longest and man what a wait this has been. We met him in 2.0 and he is finally going to be playable in 2.7, and in a lot of ways it almost feels surreal that we’ve finally made it to this point. Genuinely it’s been such a bumpy, perilous ride with him. For a good moment there I wasn’t even sure if he was going to make it out alive or not, then I wasn’t sure if he was going to be playable, then leakers were saying he would be joining the Stellaron Hunters and then it was actually wait, he’ll join the Astral Express instead, and then he was getting a new outfit and for a second there it even looked like he might end up getting a new VA too. 🤣 When I tell you this man has had me STRESSED this entire time.

Luckily there is finally light at the end of the tunnel though, and I’m honestly so, so happy with how his playable look turned out! My silly little guy with his youth pastor drip 🙏🥹 He’s honestly my second favorite character in HSR right after Sampo, and I know that probably sounds bizarre for how different they are but look. I’m a woman with a refined, complicated palette okay? xmdkdmdkzk There really isn’t anything at all I don’t like about this man, he’s a little crazy but he’s also soggy and a bit pathetic at the same time, I’m sure you can see why he’s like crack cocaine to me. And the fact we’ll get to travel with him from now on … the fics really do just write themselves.

And that’s not even mentioning the religious trauma, god. I need him more than I can even put into words. Please let me win this 50/50 in a few weeks, I am begging. 🙏 😭

For Ororon I didn’t have that same immediate click with him when we got our first glimpse in the 5.0 Natlan trailer. He barely showed up for five seconds which didn’t help but he was also presented in a very mysterious, brooding kind of way that just didn’t lunge out at me. But the one thing I will always give Mihoyo credit for is they’re very good at layering different personality traits on their characters to make them not so one note. With that in mind I wanted to meet him first before drawing any definitive conclusions on whether or not I liked him.

And I am SO glad I did because he truly subverted every single expectation I think everyone had just based on that initial impression. Not only is he NOT an edge lord of the highest order, he also turned out to be one of the sweetest, cutest characters I’ve ever seen. 😭 He’s just a little guy, your honor. Please do not bully him.

He’s confirmed to be in his early 20’s but he has this very innocent, guileless manner about him that makes him feel indescribably boyish in the most charming way possible. He’s also a grandmas boy, and he calls anyone who he perceives to be older than him granny or gramps. I have some thoughts about him calling us mommy, either accidentally or on purpose … and other thoughts about him using the vegetables from his quaint little garden in less then wholesome ways. 😏 Like, guys. He loves animals, feeds squirrels, raises aphids, and he’s got his own little cottage core farm away from the rest of his village. I don’t think you understand what he’s doing to me.

With his release in game and access to his full bio we’ve also learned that he has a talent for art on top of everything else and look, I’m just saying but he might actually be perfect.

What are we looking at here, you may ask? Ororon’s art, that’s what. 😤

I was very pleased to learn that we actually do have another male character coming up in the Natlan lineup at SOME point in time, but this is the one and only look at him we’ve got so far. His name is Ifa and he’s a veterinarian, and also seems to be Ororon’s bff. I don’t have much else on him yet but we know he exists so I figured I’d mention him. For posterity if nothing else. lol

I fully admit knowing he’s a veterinarian is like having a fast pass into my pants. I love animals so if a man also loves animals there’s not really much else I can do other than fuck him, you know what I mean? 🤣 I’m very curious to find out how accurate the drawing of him is, so I’m really hoping we get to see some visual leaks coming out soon.

I’m also going to take a quick moment to talk about Mr. Reca too. Now, he doesn’t have drip marketing yet but he did appear in version 2.6 in the main storyline and wow, he was such a blast. Definitely a bit unhinged like his lightcone art suggests but in such a fun, mostly harmless way that I can’t help but stan. Also he’s a girl dad to a mechanical frog who acts as his assistant director? Good lord …

Indeed he is a little film nerd freak and also a Memokeeper, we don’t know much else about him just yet but I want to assure everyone here that as soon as I got my first glimpse of him I was looking so incredibly hard and I have not stopped looking once. He resembles Zhongli imo, if he was less unflappable and more prone to whimsy. I like that. A lot. 😏

“We can shoot a movie, we can bang like Rambo 🎶 “

We knew for sure Lighter was coming pretty early on into 1.2 when Caesar and Burnice got their banners so his drip marketing didn’t come as a surprise and he also has the esteemed honor of being the FIRST ever limited male 5 star in ZZZ, and yes it feels like a long time coming even though the game is only a few months old now. ✋😩 All the other men are either 4 stars or standard 5’s so I was more than likely going to pull for him no matter what. Out of desperation, and to show support for the men, even if he ended up not being to my taste.

For better or worse though, he actually turned out to be an amazing character and I fear I am very smitten with him. He’s just so cool and hard boiled, but also a little silly? A little goofy? And man, I don’t want to take up a bunch of time waxing poetic about this, but the fact he’s the only guy in the Sons of Calydon that we know about, surrounded by all women, and he is not the least bit threatened by it just really does something to my brain. Like, I unfortunately can’t add the picture due to Tumblrs image limit but his drip marketing has a little shot of him buying stuff for the girls — makeup and fashion magazines, stuffed animals and snacks and like … that’s real masculinity right there. I can’t decide if he’s like a dad or a big brother to them, but either way I am HERE for it.

I’m genuinely confident beyond a shadow of a doubt that he would have no problem at all buying tampons/pads for you, and I also think he’d be perfectly respectful about it too. He’d ask what brand you prefer, what size and what type, and he’d make sure he came back with exactly that even if he had to traverse a hollow completely blind to get it. I’d bet everything I own on that. I like him a lot. 😌

His banner will be available this coming Tuesday and I am unfortunately going into it on a 50/50, no guarantee, so please pray for my success. djemfkxksmwkw

So remember when I said Mihoyo is good at layering different personality traits on their characters? Yeah, so Harumasa is another great example of that.

When we first met him I (and I think many others too) kind of got the impression that he was a smooth talking playboy type and I even called him a fuck boy on multiple occasions. 🤣 But at the start of 1.3 in Yanagi’s story quest we actually got to see him interacting with his fangirls and he was not feeling it at all so I now suspect that he probably only flirts when it’s beneficial to him, specifically so he can fall back on his good looks to get by and put in less work than everyone else. He understands what pretty privilege is and he intends to use it to his advantage. lol

I actually think he ended up being a very charming character now that weve gotten to see more of him. He’s chronically tired and maybe just a bit lazy, doesn’t like hard work or long days, calls out sick often and looks for any excuse to leave work early. He’s INCREDIBLY relatable tbh. 🤣 Based on a few brief pieces of dialogue in Yanagi’s story I’d started to suspect he might actually be for real sickly in some way but then we got a leaked image of his weapon …. And it’s literally just a pill case full of medicine. So although I don’t yet know all the details I have to say Harumasa has really grown on me since his first introduction where I mistook him for some kind of womanizer. lol And this is exactly why I like to wait and actually get to know Mihoyo’s characters before deciding whether or not I like them, they’re just so incredibly good at layering them together in a way that imo makes them feel more tangible and alive. I genuinely can’t wait to see more of him in the near future!

Gonna go ahead and just toss WuWa right here, this won’t take too long seeing as there’s only one new male announced so far! 🤪 And look, I’m going to be completely honest here. Kuro Games is really pissing me off with this because we still have not seen hide nor tail of Scar since 1.0. Let me say that again. 1.0!! It’s been MONTHS that he’s just been rotting away in jail, let him out already you sick bastards! I want him!! I need him!!

Now Brant … I literally know nothing about him aside from his appearance and his name. He was just revealed the night before last so this is literally all we’ve got atm. But I will say I think he’s real cute and I definitely think I’m going to like him a lot. It took me a while to figure out what he’s reminding me of and then it suddenly clicked that his silly little cape looks a bit like Howl’s Moving Castle, doesn’t it? I’ve never seen the Ghibli film before, just screenshots, so I’m not sure what Howl is like or how that might potentially play into Brant’s characterization but I thought that was an interesting possible connection.

I especially like the deep plunge in his shirt, that shit goes almost straight down to his pants. He might be a little slutty. 😏 And the obvious pirate motifs paired with the harlequin mask on his hip. I am definitely looking. Disrespectfully, I might add. Eager to learn more about this one tbh.

And finally we have the big HSR reveal from the livestream on Friday. 🤭 I was ofc hoping for a preview of the next planet we’ll be going to since version 2.7 will be the last update before 3.0 but I wasn’t even remotely prepared for the trailer that dropped. Three men feels like a HUGE win so yes we are definitely celebrating this one.

Much like Brant all we’ve got so far are faces and names so I won’t be able to talk too extensively about these characters unfortunately. As for my initial impressions though I will say that Anaxa has my attention the most right now. I like the eyepatch and his long hair tied in a loose ponytail over his shoulder, and just his entire general vibe. He definitely seems to be my type and for the moment he’s the one I’m most looking forward to meeting.

Mydei is next in line for me, he looks like he might be a hot blooded masculine type and in fact I’m almost reminded of Itto a bit. I think? He might be equivalent to the god of war, Ares or Mars, so he should be an interesting one.

Phainon is definitely attractive but I think he looks a bit too much like Ayato for me to get super excited for him right off the bat. I don’t dislike Ayato, mind you, but his personality just doesn’t do much for me overall — so I’m tentatively looking forward to actually meeting this guy and seeing how he is in person. All of these characters seem to be alternate versions of ones from Honkai Impact the 3rd which I know close to nothing about but based on what I’ve heard Phainon should be a Kevin expy and I think he’s pretty important? I expect he’ll probably get the characterization to match tbh so I’m choosing to trust the process for now.

And that about wraps it up!

I will say if nothing else, this has taught me that if you’re someone who enjoys male characters the key here is to play multiple games at the same time to get your fill. 🤣 Because individually other than HSR they’re really just giving us crumbs one at a time. Like going into Natlan we truly only had two confirmed boys and maybe Capitano further down the line to look forward to, the rest were all girls. But when I put them all together like this we’ve suddenly got ten men to talk about, and tbh that’s really giving me the pick me up I needed. alsmfcosmszk

So, if anyone’s stuck with me this long, what are your thoughts on these characters? Who’s your favorite and who are you most looking forward to? Are any non players thinking about picking up one of these games? Feel free to share any of your thoughts with me, my inbox is always open! 🫶😊

And of course happy thirsting everyone!

[persicipen]

Manu, i do agree with you regarding the new archon quests. The quality and pacing of the quests have dropped (still not as good as sumeru or fontain) act 3 was pretty dragged out, and then the massive lore drops in act 4 and then everything that happened later. It was either too slow or too much.

I should've played it over several sittings but i did whole thing at a stretch and slept late lol just to avoid any spoilers. That's why towards the end you could say i was just waiting for it to get over.

But they gave us interesting characters who regretfully didn't get much importance, especially iansan. Even after being one of the chosen, she still didn't get the spotlight as much as the rest of them did. One more thing, i didn't expect ororon's character to be so cute 😭🤲🏻✨

Okay that's all for now (⁠人⁠*⁠´⁠∀⁠｀⁠)⁠｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+

hiii! 😊 okay, so— i agree with you! although i must say that fontaine had similar pacing problems, but i wish NOT to go back to memories of being stuck in the fortress of meropide for almost an entire act 💀 and i will put my reply under the cut to hide spoilers because i will dive into them a bit more!

i’ve done act III through a few sittings, which is unusual of me lol but even then it’s simply boring most of the time. i’m lucky enough to like citlali, but i cannot imagine how tiresome it must’ve been for someone who doesn’t like her. don’t get me wrong, she was saying many interesting and important things! but besides her relationship with ororon and knowledge about ley lines, her personal struggles and then bickering with younger characters could’ve been saved for epilogue. i wouldn’t mind exploring her mindset more after everything settled down, but her antics turned repetitive after some time, and i was really fidgeting for some action or just a break to process the dialogues.

i loved ororon’s character development! yes, he’s very cute, but also his story was nicely shown, and it felt good to see him receive an ancient name! in my opinion, chasca and ororon had the best scenes. a very good mix of presenting their personalities, mentions of their upbringing and family issues, overcoming their insecurities — and it all didn’t take too much or too little time.

but, lawddd, why are they treating iansan like that? she’s been with us since teyvat chapter storyline preview! we barely know anything about her. she was just standing there, already with an ancient name, doing stuff. it’s not like i care about her very much either, but that’s just plain rude to ignore her like that — comparing her lines to any other hero, she’s like an npc.

actually, i feel like kinich could’ve used some more time. xilonen too. but she also had the best tribal chronicles quest out of all three, so i can let that pass because if you do it after the archon, she’ll have her moment to shine. kachina and mualani seem fine to me, having more scenes in act I and II, but now just doing things mostly in the background, but still present during crucial moments.

i really hope to dive more into traveler’s interactions with capitano and mavuika, because there’s also a little voice in my head telling me that they didn’t get enough spotlight — but given the ending of act IV and the premise of the final quest of natlan, i suppose we will get to see more of these two!

[shoggothkisses]

OMG HI OKAY SO IM SLEEP DEPRIVED AND THOUGHT OF THING SO I SHALL SHARE 3AM BRAINNT BC I REMEMBERED YOUR BLOG AND WENT WOOSH. **brainnt probably has wrong things in memory sorry**

anyways so khanri’ah was like, destroyed for its reasons // goddless nation goes bye-bye

but lowkey the other nations are godless too

like

mond— barbatos is venti who kinda does things for his ppl but like, not, he’s just there for the wine and the vibes yk

liyue— morax is “dead” and is zhongli who is just there for funsies bc liyue is now a people run place

inazuma— beelzebul is ei is in the puppet mostly so the puppet that can only do so much is kinda sorta not reallynt ruling but nah, so thats also kinda just people

sumeru— buer was locked away in baby jail for 500 years and only now is kinda out and about doing god things

fontaine— focalors is dead and was literally a scale for like 500 years

NATLAN ?????????????

SNEZHNAYA ?????????

tis all i go eep now

YEAH NO YOU’RE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT and i’m almost certain that’s deliberate

whether each nation is weirdly self-contained wrt its history, or if there’s a single unified history that we haven’t totally uncovered yet, it’s clear that events in Teyvat are cyclical and repetitive

the “gods” put in charge by Celestia are WILLINGLY giving up their divine authorities for a reason that hasn’t been fully disclosed, but is almost certainly part of a big plan to get back at Celestia. i don’t think they’re trying to BAIT the Sustainer, exactly—Focalors worked her ass off to make sure Celestia WOULDN’T find out she was relinquishing her authority—but they’re definitely encouraging their people to go on like their nations are godless while still…kinda-sorta watching over them?

i don’t know if the same can be said for Natlan or Snezhnaya; people who are really into the prologue manga being canon seem to think the Pyro Archon mention therein is already dead (something something Honkai lore that i won’t disclose for spoilers’ sake), but that doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t another Archon who’s taken her place.

as far as Snezhnaya is concerned…who knows. we may not find out for a while yet, or we may find out in a couple days. here’s hoping we get a little more lore through Arlecchino’s quest!

[officialscaramouche]

HOLAA 🕴 COOULD I ASK OF A READER THATS THE YOUNGEST HABRINGER (like teenager) AND LIKE THE HARBINGERS BECOME LIKE A FAM TO THEM AND OLDER SIBLINGS AND PLATONIC FLUFF? JUST IMAGINE MEAN SCARA LOOKING ALL INTIMIDATING AND THE READER NEXT TO HIM WITH THEIR PYRO VISION AND SOME FIREWORKS LIKE A CHAOTIC CHILD-

I didn’t explicitly say that they’re in ur little circle but I mean it’s pretty obvious ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

pairing: platonic Tartaglia x reader, platonic Scaramouche x reader

tw: there are two fucks

wc: 1,019

It was incredible how you could hold a ball of fire and not get burned by it. You wiggled your fingers as the flames warmed your hand, staring into the brightly colored fire intently, before crushing it between your fist. The dreadful feeling of embarrassment and shame washed over you as you recalled your recent assignment.

You were recruited by the Fatui not long ago. Apparently someone had died and you took their place. You were young, but you weren’t ignorant to battle. Growing up in Natlan taught you how to survive with only your fists. But the Fatui was more than you imagined on the day of your recruitment. “You’ll be acting as a representative of our organization,” the recruiter explained. “You are the full stop when things don’t go our way. And you will be face to face with strong opponents.”

“I can handle that.” You said simply, not truly knowing what was in store for you.

Your first assignment was given to you by the Tsaritsa herself. Her beauty and kindness fueled you with pride and excitement. The people around you warned you not to celebrate too early, but your fellow Harbingers told you otherwise. “You’ll do great,” one of them said.

“Something like this is easy.” A pair of twins said. “It’s difficult to fuck up reconnaissance.”

But somehow you did manage to fuck up reconnaissance anyway, giving away your team’s position to the enemy camp. You were overwhelmed and unprepared, as reconnaissance assignments don't require on-field battle equipment. At most, everyone was given a flare gun for MIA soldiers.

Needless to say, you were pretty embarrassed to meet with the Tsaritsa for an informal report. You were practically shaking in your boots while waiting for the Tsaritsa’s call, when one of your fellow Harbingers took the seat beside you. “What happened out there?” He asked, his hair matted and filthy from being in the field for two weeks. “You were deployed, like, three days ago.”

You buried your face in your hands and shrunk. You pulled your knees up to your chest and hid behind them so as to avoid making eye contact with him. “I messed up!” You cried, your voice muffled against your thighs. “It was all my fault! I slipped on some weak stonewall and fell right into their camp! My team was right behind me, with nowhere to go and no directions to follow!”

The harbinger put his hand on your back and pulled you in. He was the friendliest of them all, you thought, as he was always talkative and cheerful. “Ahh, it’s okay comrade! We all make mistakes!”

“Not like this,” you grumbled, peeking over to look at his blue eyes and vibrant orange hair. “I pushed all further assignments back by at least two months!” The man laughed at your worries and nearly keeled over in his chair. “It’s not funny, Tartaglia!”

“Don’t worry, I said! I promise you everyone is delighted about having their assignments pushed back. Except for maybe the ones on the field.”

“Huh?” You tilted your head. “I thought I was the only one out there? Who else was on the field?”

“Me.” You hear a hoarse voice behind you. You spin in your seat in shock, hoping to dear Archons that it wasn’t who you thought it was.

“The B-Balladeer!” You cry out anxiously. “I’m so sorry!!”

Scaramouche looked as cool as ever, despite not donning his mushi no tareginu. He had swapped his shoes for the building’s clean ones and was nearly in an entirely new outfit. The only exception was that he still wore his Harbinger badge and held his insignia, that is normally on his chest, in his hand. “It’s fine,” he kind of sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I was out there with the twins. However, everyone was recalled.” Scaramouche took the other seat next to you, sandwiching you between the two Harbingers.

Tartaglia reached across you and pointed at Scaramouche. “What did you do about the equipment?” He chuckled as he spoke.

Scaramouche slapped the hand away from him and snarled. “What else do you think we did?! You think the recovery team will come out on such short notice?!” Tartaglia erupted into laughter, clutching his abdomen and throwing his head back. Scaramouche rose to his feet and grabbed Tartaglia’s grimey collar. “I really hate you, you know! You’re so annoying!”

Before you realized, you had a little smile on your face. It was relaxing having them bicker and make fun of each other, and made you forget all about your upcoming informal report. But when you did remember it, you weren’t the only one there to give one. They were here for that too.

Tartaglia raised his hands in defeat as his eyes swirled with dizziness. Scaramouche continued to shake the man by his collar with a nasty scowl on his face. “Thank you, guys,” you giggled, catching their attention. “I’m feeling much better now.”

Still in the Balladeer’s hold, Tartaglia sobered up and gave you a charming grin. “Everybody makes mistakes, [Y/N]. I’ll always be here to cheer you up and help you train.”

Throwing the man back into his chair, Scaramouche dusted his hands off of the dirt and sweat from Tartaglia’s clothes and coughed into a fist. “Yeah, me too or whatever. But I won’t be able to help you if you get written up.”

Tartaglia scratched his chin. “Oh yeah, we can’t do anything about that, sorry.”

You clap your hands together proudly. “That’s okay. I’ll give her my best pathetic performance and hopefully I can convince her to let me off with a warning!”

The men kind of chuckle at your comment before your name was called from the Tsaritsa’s room by her assistant. “[Y/N]!”

You feel the sweat running down your temple but there was nothing you could do about it now. “Kick some ass, [Y/N].” Tartaglia cheered, extending out a closed fist to encourage a fist bump. You lightly tap the backs of your fingers against his and steady your resolve as you stand.

[archonanqi]

consequence / pt i

⛔️ Warning: This is an exploration of Zhongli’s manipulative tendencies that we see glimpses of in his archon and story quest. Absolutely no part of the relationship depicted here is healthy or consensual. Please proceed with caution. 

🔖 [info] [next]

—

pt. i of iii

Looking back, you should have noticed that something was wrong the moment Zhongli had insisted on treating you and Aether to dinner. 

You and Paimon tried to stop him, of course ��� far too many of his shopping sprees in the past had ended with the Millelith involved or your pockets emptied of Mora (usually both, really). Yet today, he’d produced a wallet lined with gleaming coins, and any protests died quickly on Paimon’s lips. 

“Wow, that’s enough to buy—” she marvelled, staring as intently as though her gaze itself could start pocketing the Mora, “at least… TEN Golden Crabs from Wanmin Restaurant!” 

Zhongli chuckled, the sound still sending pleasant shivers down your spine even after all the months you’d spent traveling with him. “A little more than that, Paimon, but a good guess nonetheless.” He turned his amber gaze to you and your brother, who had not strayed a foot away from you since the Abyss released its hold on him. 

Aether had kept an easy smile on his face for the past few days, but you’d known him long enough to pick out the signs of guilt, despite your reiterated reassurances that what the Abyss did to him was not his fault. It would take a long time for him to feel alright again; and you’d be there for him for as long as it took. 

“And as for you two?” Zhongli continued, “will Wanmin Restaurant be agreeable? Though of course, if you believe that such a momentous reunion demands something a little more extravagant, I’m sure that Xinyue Pavillion is still taking reservations—”

“No, that’s not—” you weren’t sure why you were hesitating. So what if he mysteriously found himself without enough Mora by the end of the meal, and you ended up having to foot the bill as usual? It stung a little to think about, but it wasn’t as though you’d have any need for Mora after tonight. “That’s not it. After everything you’ve done for us during our travels, I couldn’t possibly accept more from you, Zhongli.”

Couldn’t possibly bear sitting at a table with Zhongli, knowing that it’d be the last time you’d ever see him. This was why you’d always tried to leave each world with a clean cut. This was why, at the break of dawn, you and Aether would leave without telling anyone — not Jean, not Cyno, not Dainsleif, not Ajax. Not even Zhongli, with whom you’d spent the bulk of your past year.  

“Oh, no,” Zhongli replied, brows arching upwards, “I’ve told you, have I not? The pleasure of our travels were mine to enjoy.” 

“Er... well. I’m sure Aether is also tired and wants to rest,” you prompted, squeezing Aether’s hand. Aether nodded quickly — no matter the world, you’d always been able to count on him to pick up on your nuanced signals. Though he might not know why, he knew that you were uneasy with going to this dinner, and that was enough.

“Hmm,” Zhongli pondered this shortly, then turned to your brother. You’d seen that look of calculated determination on his face before, in front of basha stalls and souvenir stores across the continent. A look that meant Zhongli would get what he wanted. “I had rather been looking forward to getting to know the sibling of my favored travel companion. Are you certain? Wanmin Restaurant is quite the gem of Liyue Harbor, and I’m certain that the food here will be a fair few notches above what the Abyss Order has been able to offer you.” 

There was a slight, amiable smile on his face, but bringing up the Abyss was a painfully low blow and you had no doubt that Zhongli, the lord of contracts and negotiations and everything in between, knew it. You watched in mute horror as the guilt and regret danced on Aether’s face, before he finally gathered it all back into an apologetic smile. “Of course, Mr. Zhongli. Far be it from me to refuse a dinner with the former Geo Archon himself, especially with all the trouble I’ve caused you...”

—  

Even after traveling the seven nations, you’d never once stopped pining for the savory, hearty flavors of Liyue cuisine. The spice of the black-perch stew that Xiangling taught you to cook had kept you warm through many a Snezhnayan blizzard, after all. Basking in the familiar scent of Wanmin Restaurant with a stomach full of hot food, and watching Paimon devour skewers of meat five at a time, you began to feel much better. 

The anger you’d felt at Zhongli’s manipulation of your brother had also since faded into contentment. After all, negotiation, you found, came as naturally to Zhongli as breathing; he had likely meant nothing by it.

Maybe it was okay that you spent just one more night with Zhongli. Maybe it would turn out to be the closure you need. 

You glanced at the man in question; he was teaching Aether how to use chopsticks, of course, and you were grateful to see that the haunted look in Aether’s eyes had given way to exasperation for now. By the time your brother had snapped his third pair of wooden ones, he was smiling and Paimon was just about rolling around on the ground in glee. As you stifled your own laughter, Zhongli set two small bottles of wine on the table.

You tried not to let yourself think about how the string lights of Chi’hu Rock glinted like stars in his eyes. 

“What’s this?” You joked, referencing Zhongli’s anger from the one time he’d seen Venti get you drunk. “Are we all to become disgraces to the arts tonight?”

Zhongli’s lip curled into a small smile. You couldn’t remember when his smiles had started coming more and more frequently, but you’d learned to savor each one. “Ordinarily, I would not condone such strong drink, but today is the most special of occasions, no?” 

As you watched, a goblet began to form between his fingers, golden, black and resplendent. You’d seen similar ones before, buried deep within the Domain of Guyun Stone Forest — an Archaic Petra Artifact, a Goblet of Chiseled Crag. According to Zhongli’s stories, the very same ones that he had created for the Seven to drink from in celebration, before all but two of them had vanished from this world. 

The cruel irony was not lost on you. 

“Besides, this is nothing like the watered down Mondstadt alcohol that that young bard partakes in,” Zhongli said, gloved fingers masterfully plucking the cork from the first bottle and pouring it into the goblets. “These two bottles contain the finest wu’liang’ye spirit that Liyue has to offer. They’ve been aged for well over decades with a technique passed down from the goddess Guizhong, whose mastery over grain and crop transcends even my own today.” 

“We’re—  flattered,” you bowed your head. The matter of Guizhong, the late Goddess of Dust and Zhongli’s good friend from when the Archon War still ravaged the land, was but one of the many things that you’d wanted to talk to him about. If only you had more time. “Thank you, Zhongli.”

He passed you the first goblet, then the second to Paimon. “Please, let’s forgo the formalities tonight. You are a dear friend to me, and so, by extension, is your family.” The second bottle was opened, its contents split between Zhongli and Aether. “Let us drink, to the happy reunion of loved ones, to the fruitful friendships you have forged in this world, and to all the triumphant adventures to be had still.”

The wince you hid was only partially from the burning drag of liquor sliding down your throat.

It had not escaped your notice that Zhongli had been staring at you all night — more intently than usual, and that was saying something. 

“y/n, I think—“ he began, as you met his gaze. By the Archons, the way he said your name—

“ Paimon thinks there should be less talking, more drinking! Ganbei!” Paimon screeches, downing half her goblet and immediately falling down to the cobblestone road, spluttering and choking at the heat. 

“This is… very strong, Mr. Zhongli,” Aether was the first to speak after. “Wonderful liquor. What gives it its mild bitterness?” 

“Bitter?” You asked, letting the drink roll on your tongue, “where’s the bitterness? It tastes mostly sweet to me.”

Aether took another long drink, thoughtfully. “Definitely bitter. Here, try a sip?”

You took his goblet, but as you pressed it to your lips, you felt it begin to violently vibrate. Quickly, you pulled it away from your face just in time for it to shatter in your hand, gold and black shards falling to the floor as what little drink left in the goblet splattered across the table. 

“Goodness,” Zhongli said, after your surprised yelp brought Paimon stumbling back to your side, her cheeks still stained scarlet from the liquor, “I must apologize. It’s been quite some time since I’ve had to construct something so small and intricate — I am out of practice, it seems.” 

“Oh! That’s quite alright, I drank most of it already—“ Aether glanced over your shoulder, “by the Archons, Paimon has a knife!”

As you watched Chef Mao try to wrestle his knife back from a cackling, red-faced Paimon, you recalled the crystal hairpin Zhongli had forged two months ago — when you’d complained of the Natlan desert wind blowing your hair into your eyes. It had been just as intricate as the goblets, and much, much smaller. One of the few belongings you were planning on bringing with you.

You wondered what reason Zhongli had to lie. 

— 

“Maybe it was a good thing your goblet shattered,” you told Zhongli, prodding Aether with one of your chopsticks. He had stopped even groaning in response. And though Paimon was still conscious, she looked as though she would much rather not be, sitting forlornly on the table with her head in her hands. “Look at them. Drunk as skunks.” 

“Maybe,” Zhongli replied, “though I did not expect these two to have such low tolerance to alcohol. It was a miscalculation on my part.” 

“Paimon’s always like this —you know, remember that bar in Snezhnaya?— but Aether’s usually better at holding his drink,” you sighed. “I should probably get him back to Wangshu Inn.”

“Let him sober up a little here. It’s a long trek to the inn, and you don’t want him making a mess of his dinner on the way back.” Loathe as you were to admit it, Zhongli was right. It seemed that the fates were demanding that you spend a little more time with him, after all. He stood up, his tremendous height still a little startling to you. 

“Will you walk with me for a little, y/n?”

It wasn’t fair, really, the way he said your name. “Where are we going?” 

“I’m not sure,” he answered. “The harbor for a breath of fresh air perhaps, or Bubu Pharmacy to fetch a remedy for Aether. Does it matter to you, where we go?”

Going anywhere with him was a pleasure, one that against your better judgement, you yearned to partake in one more time. “No,” you admitted. “Let’s go.” 

--  

“It’s been so long since we’ve walked through Liyue — a year, almost. Do you remember? It was my birthday, and we walked for hours through the harbor.” Zhongli chuckled, the sound a deep rumble through your bones. “You wouldn’t let me buy dinner that time, either.” 

The nights of Liyue, its rolling hills and monumental mountains, were a peace you’d never known before coming to Teyvat. The city was uncharacteristically quiet tonight, and by the time you got to Yujing Terrace, you realized that it was the emptiest you’d ever seen it. The usual evening crowd of kids out of school and elderly taking strolls were nowhere to be seen — not even the Millelith guards usually standing by the gate were there. 

“ That time ,” you corrected, swallowing your unease at the silence of the city, “you didn’t have a single Mora to your name.” The strides you had to take to keep up with Zhongli’s long, long legs were huge, and you struggled to stay by his side. “Look me in the eyes and tell me that I wouldn’t have had to pay the entire bill if we’d actually gone to Wangshu Inn for dinner that night.” 

You immediately regretted it when he turned his golden gaze upon you, and it took everything within you to not avert yours. “Perhaps that may have been the case,” Zhongli allowed, “though I would have returned your investment tenfold over the next week. Have I not proven as much throughout our travels?” 

His vast knowledge of valuable gemstones and herbs — and more importantly, his uncanny ability to get any deal he set his mind to — had kept you and Paimon fed for many a week during your trek through the caves and jungles of Sumeru. You had to give him that. And that wasn’t not even counting the number of boulders, traps, swords and ravenous winter wolves that his shield had protected you from—

“Fine, I’ll admit, it was nice to have you around, you bourgeois parasite,” you said, playing on his joke back from when you’d first met. Then, after a brief silence, “Zhongli, in all seriousness, thank you.”

“Hmm?”

“I know that you’ve accompanied many adventurers on their journeys,” you explained, “but you — you dropped everything and journeyed with me, and you’ve done more for me than anyone else. I could never have found Aether without you.” Zhongli was being uncharacteristically quiet, and so you hurried along to fill the silence, “We— we made a great team together. And I will never forget everything that you’ve done for me. So, thank you.” 

“A great team together...” he repeated, voice lower than a whisper. “y/n, this sounds like a farewell.” 

Your breath caught in your throat. Even in silence, you were breaking the most important rule you’d learned throughout all your travels. Never let them know you’re leaving.

Zhongli turned to face you, and his full attention is a force that you had not yet learned to endure. So instead, you turned your attention to the koi darting about among the lotus reeds as he continued, “I’ve noticed that you’ve been more careless with your Mora lately. And as for your hard-earned weapons, artifacts, and resources, you have given them all to the Knights of Favonius, correct?” 

“I gave some to the Millelith too,” you objected quietly.

“You know that is not what I meant,” Zhongli said. You did know. “Are you planning on leaving this world, y/n?”

“I have to,” you heard yourself say, “we don’t belong here.” 

As though he heard the waver in your voice, the Lord of Contracts honed in on it like a Sumeran jaguar. “Do you remember the first Lantern Rite you partook in? Though you had just arrived in Liyue, and though the Millelith, Qixing and Adepti each gave you reason to distrust them, you still chose to spend the festival helping people.” 

“I didn’t help that many—” 

“Twenty-six people,” he corrected, and you cursed yourself for not thinking that he would remember. “A dozen more, if we are to count the young and elderly of Qingce, whose lives were brightened by the festivities you brought to the village. And hundreds above that, if we acknowledge every person in Liyue Harbor, whose Lantern Rite would have been ruined had you not stopped the thief who tried to steal the Mingxiao Lantern. Am I correct?” 

“I did it for the compensation,” you retorted, determined not to let yourself think about the people you’d helped. Who would help them after you left? 

“Hmm.” Zhongli rested his gloved fingers against his chin, and you could tell that he didn’t buy your bluff, not for a moment. “Anyone else, I may have believed. But you, y/n, who have begged me to stay my hand against fleeing Hilichurls? You, who could not bear to attack the Mitachurl that sits alone on Mount Tianheng and watches the harbor? You, who gave it a name ?” 

“Okay,” you finally relented. “Okay, I like helping people, and I don’t want to go. But that doesn’t mean I can stay. It’s— it’s not good for Aether to stay here, after what this world has done to him.” 

“With time, I believe your brother can adjust—”

“Don’t make this harder than it has to be, Zhongli,” you begged, and the tone of your voice finally made him take notice. He regarded you for a moment, and you thought you saw his eyes glow bright. 

“The last thing I wanted,” he sighed, reaching into his coat, “was for it to come to this.” 

Your first reaction was to reach for your weapon — it wasn’t there; you’d given Festering Desire to dear little Bennett just before you’d left Mondstadt. Still, you felt the bright burn of shame when the only thing Zhongli pulled out was a piece of parchment, folded into a perfect square. How could you think that after everything, Zhongli would ever hurt you? 

“Do you remember this contract of ours?” Zhongli asked as he carefully unfolded the paper, handing it to you. You stared down at the neat lines of calligraphy, punctuated by your name in your own handwriting. 

Of course you remembered: the moment you had approached Zhongli at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, after your expedition into Havria’s domain. The day you’d asked him to join you on your travels.

“ Oh? A new contract? I'm still on leave, but I can accompany you for a while. ” Zhongli had mused, as though he hadn’t just sent butterflies soaring through your insides. “ What name should I use on the contract? I have a great many names, though when on leave... I tend to go by Zhongli. And you, Traveler? What name will you be signing on this contract— ?” 

The following contract had been quickly printed in his swift brushstrokes — simple terms: he would lend his strength and knowledge to your endeavor of finding Aether, and you, in turn, would simply keep him in good company. 

Even at the time, you’d wondered what was in it for Zhongli — the terms of the contract had seemed rather imbalanced, but in your euphoria at having gained Zhongli as your new travelling partner, you had not thought more on it. 

—

The same terms stared back at you now, and you were quickly realizing what was going on. 

For thousands of years, I have made countless contracts. If the deal was of no benefit, then I certainly would not be inclined to agree to it. 

The day you discovered his identity, Zhongli had said this to you. He’d never signed a contract before that did not benefit him wholly; and you were a fool to think he would’ve made an exception for you. 

“By keeping you in good company,” you said, numbly, “you don’t mean— forever ?”

“In the circumstances that the duration of a contract’s term is unspecified—” Zhongli held out his hand for the parchment. Briefly, you debated tearing it up and scattering it to the koi, but you knew well enough that it would not void the contract — one of the hundreds of thousands that Zhongli had undoubtedly seared into his memory. You handed it back to him silently. “Well, it would be fair to say that you are obliged to uphold it, until I personally release you from it, no?”

The first thing you felt was: fear, deep and chilling. You hadn’t truly believed that Zhongli would hurt you — until now. Until a contract had come into play. Until you realized you were poised to break one.

“You can’t be serious,” you said, but you’d known him long enough to know that he was. “I found my brother. I’m not from this world, and so I have to leave. I have to go home.” 

“Has Teyvat not provided you enough of a home? You have made friends here, allies who would die for you in a heartbeat. And as for Liyue — Liyue will always be as much of your home as mine. You have your own room in Chi’hu Rock, you are on a first-name basis with the Qixing and the Adepti would spar with you as though you were one of their own—”

You could feel your resolve trembling, but it was not enough. You would not ask your brother to compromise his wellbeing in a world that had not been kind to him. “I’m sorry,” you said, and you understood fully what was coming. “I can’t stay.” 

“After everything we have gone through, my friend, you would leave... me?” And there it was. In that moment, the former Archon — the oldest being in the world — looked so lonely that you almost broke down, almost apologized, almost reassured him that you would never once again put him through what he’d gone through far too many times: the loss of a friend. 

“I’m sorry,” you repeated. “My family comes first. I can’t stay.” 

Zhongli’s expression became unreadable. He closed his eyes, and for a moment, there was a peaceful silence that you savored. You had a feeling that it would be the last one you’d ever have in Liyue. The seconds crawled by, and briefly, you let yourself hope that Zhongli might relent, might make an exception for his close travel companion. 

“Well then, my friend,” Zhongli finally said, holding out his right arm. Sparks of energy gathered in his palms, forming a wicked, golden spear. The Vortex Vanquisher. You’d seen it countless times, marveling each time at its beauty and strength. You never thought you would one day be staring down the end of it. “You must know what comes next.” 

—

On your journey, you’d witnessed many a broken contract between Zhongli and other people — an Inazuman merchant whose greed for an extra trinket got the better of him; a Sumeran scholar who just needed to grab that last book from the hidden ruins; a Snezhnayan soldier whose loyalty to the Tsaritsa transcended his gratitude to you saving his life— 

None of them had escaped unscathed.  And each time, after delivering the punishment required of the situation, Zhongli would ask you the same thing, uncharacteristic frustration in his voice: 

“ To get people to abide by a contract, and act in accordance with the guidelines set out within, is simply to ask them to respect the concept of fairness. It is not a large request. How are there those who still do not understand such simplicity? ”

Each time, after you’d cheered him on in his reckoning of justice, you would nod and agree sympathetically. None of their contracts, you thought, had been particularly difficult to uphold. And each time, you would thank the heavens that you had more sense than to break a promise between yourself and the God of Contracts. 

It seemed that today, you were going to learn of what happened when you did. 

You took a step backwards as Zhongli took a slow, calculated one towards you. Having closely watched him rain destruction down upon your foes for the past few months, you knew with certainty that you, lightheaded from the wind and the still exhausted from your fight with Aether, would not be able to keep up with his speed and technique. 

And even if you weren’t, how could you even hope to compete with six thousand years of experience in war and strife and carnage? No; fighting him was not an option.

“Come on now, Zhongli,” you pleaded, taking another step and discovering, to your horror, that one more step backwards would have you falling into the koi ponds. You had nowhere else to go. “Aren’t we friends?” 

Even as the words left your mouth, you knew that they would fall on uncaring ears. Friendship had never stayed the hand of the victor of the Archon war.

Zhongli took another lazy stride forward. 

“Are we really going to fight in the city? We’ll destroy half the harbor.”

“While I appreciate your concern, I am quite confident that it will not come to that,” Zhongli said, the ‘because I would long have you pinned under my spear before then’ unspoken but tacit. “And besides, most of Liyue architecture is of stone. It would be nothing that I could not easily fix.” 

Fair enough. You switched gears, praying that two millennia of walking amongst the mortals had given him some vestige of human empathy. “Please, I need to go back and check on Aether. What if he woke up and found himself alone? Who knows what Paimon’s done to him by now.”

“Aether,” Zhongli said, “will not wake up for another day or two.” 

You pause, letting that register. “What?” 

The first bottle: you and Paimon. The second bottle: Zhongli and Aether. You remembered how carefully Zhongli handed you the first goblet, though Liyuenese etiquette would have mandated that he pass the first drink to the guest at the table. The way the goblet had shattered suddenly rang clear in your mind’s eye. His lie. How adamantly Zhongli must have been trying to keep you from drinking from Aether’s cup— 

“The herb I placed in his drink was but a very mild… sedative. He will almost certainly not die from it, but it can take mortals up to two days to regain consciousness.”

“ What ?” You could barely breathe. “You’re joking. You drank from the same bottle he did.”

“You need not concern yourself about me. My body has always been much more resistant to poisons than that of mortals.” 

The rage made your throat tight; it had been a long, long time since you had been so angry. “Congratulations, you know that there’s absolutely no way I’m staying now, right?” 

“Even before our confrontation today, I could tell that your mind was already made up,” he explained, as nonchalant as ever, as though he hadn’t just poisoned your fucking brother . “Naturally, the next course of action was to prevent you from breaking your contract by any means necessary, so that we could further negotiate. I did not want—” 

You would never learn what Zhongli didn’t want, because the fury in your lungs erupted outwards in a burst of elemental energy. You reached out, grabbing one of the last swords in your arsenal — a dull blade that you had been keeping around for enhancement fodder — but it didn’t matter, didn’t matter didn’t matter didn’t matter. All that mattered in that moment was making Zhongli pay . 

The familiar warmth of the element you were attuned to channeled through the sword, and you swung it as hard as you could in the direction of the former Archon. A wake of hardened earth ripped through the stone brick of the terrace, circling Zhongli in a jagged cage of rock and crystal. A little too late, you realized your folly.

Zhongli absently reached out, resting his gloved fingers against the earthly fangs you’d entrapped him within. Even through the haze of your anger, you could see a smile — a kind you had never seen on him — forming between his cheeks. “How ironic,” he said, “that you would use the powers that I granted you against me.” 

You could see the glow of Geo flowing from your constructs towards his outstretched palm. Vaguely, you knew that you had to run . 

“And how endearing—” he continued, and you could hear the rumbling beneath your feet, even as you turned to flee, “—that you truly thought it would work.” 

From behind, a shockwave of Geo more powerful than anything you’d ever felt smashed into you, throwing you off your feet and slamming you against the wall behind the pond. You crumpled like a paper lantern, cheek hitting the cool stone floor. As you struggled to keep your eyes open, the last things you saw were Zhongli’s intricate boots, gleaming in the moonlight before you.

[violet-emi]

do u write for itto or nah? If you do can I request hyperfixation for itto plz, if you dont could i request Childe plz

thankssss

I fucking forgot I had a tumblr because I forgot to put it on my home page till I found all these notifs (dumb bitch juice and irl work have been messing up my everything)

Itto is not out right now and is only technically known through lore so imma mix it up with the reader being in the world of teyvat (and not the angsty kind where the reader is rejected, this is the kind where they are recognized to be above the archons)

Special thanks to everyone randomly really liking my stuff, tldr at bottom <3

Hyperfixation: Itto

“Itto, I love you.” You claimed.

The large oni took great pride in hearing you say his name and confess your love for him, but your love came with a daunting price. As the recognized divine being of teyvat, capable of letting each and every single being in their known world flourish, even Itto crumbles at the pressure. He may appear ever so confident and careless, but there’s only one thing he truly cares for, and it is you and the world you bring beauty to.

“Of course you would, little thing. I’m going to return the favor too, cuz I also…” Itto rubs the back of his neck and lowers his voice. “I also love you too.” Perhaps he’s wrong for admitting more than his devotion to the diety, but he’s happy with getting it off of his chest.

However, his hubris quickly catches up to him and fills him with regret. Anxiety. Fear. Perhaps he just can’t see why you suddenly chose him beyond everything else in the world that he starts to doubt himself to be the only one who takes all of your love for himself. It becomes terrifying to think of a day without your presence. He sees the neglect of the other regions now that you have firmly planted yourself in inazuma, into Itto’s… willing arms? Your divine presence means everything to him, and that’s why he begins to fear losing it more and more. He doesn’t want to be forgotten like the rest of the world, and it’s getting worse and worse.

Your love is so addicting to him, his devotion prior to your benevolence was already so strong he just couldn’t resist anymore. It doesn’t matter if he doesn’t deserve your love, he needs it. Even when the world comes to hate him for keeping you all to himself, it doesn’t matter if you two are happy within each other’s arms. As long as you keep loving him, all will be well- after all, it’s not hurting him.

The first to speak up about your self isolation in inazuma was the Raiden Shogun, the electro archon. She was of course overjoyed at the thought of you staying in her nation forever, for even the archons feel nothing but bliss in your presence. However, she was shocked when you didn’t bless her with your presence, with any words, and simply continued to talk about some oni mortal that she didn’t care for. She didn’t have the heart to destroy what you cared for, not when you saved her from her meditative torment-

But the world needs you. Itto isn’t the only one addicted to your love, to your presence, to the care you brought to this world. It’s falling apart without you and teyvat shakes in fear as it decays without you to sustain it. Beyond Inazuma, the vision holders of Mondstadt and Liyue miss you greatly, they’re feeling empty and hollow without you.

But that’s okay, because Itto is always willing to stand by your side, and that’s all that matters. Mondstadt, Liyue, Sumeru, Fontaine, Natlan, Snezhnaya, and even the fallen nation of the heretics may fall as long as you have Itto. Itto still stands by your side, but perhaps what is most terrifying is that he doesn’t know if he does it out of love or fear.

“Itto, I love you.” You say once more.

“Please don’t ever stop.” He whispers.

TLDR: your love for itto is unhealthy for the world, but it’s okay with itto by your side. hopefully.

[highseaskxng]

It had been several months since that incident in Natlan and since then Sinbad had garnered fame as a theater entertainer and author within the countries of Mondstadt, Liyue and Sumeru, his fame had reached further beyond but only towards other merchants and whatnot, his name was not spoken all over teyvat just yet. Though his journeys took him to Natlan once again, he heard that the following month the land of pyro had turned into a winter wonderland overnight and had been the same for a month. There had been a couple of casualties considering the civilization was never prepared for something like this.

Ice that regenerated no matter how many times the flames of vision users had come across them, The eternal flames of the Archon was the ticket that melt the ice, however as quick as it all melt the ice would just come back overnight, stronger than ever now causing snow to fall from the skies all over the lands. This phenomenon brought forth numerous scholars trying to think of a solution, there were even some conspiracy theories revolving around this to be the work of the Tsaritza herself, however that was far from the truth. 

Though there was one man that had an idea of what this phenomenon could be, so of course Sinbad wanted to do this rather quietly and secretly so instead of going to the Adventurer’s guild he simply traversed the wilderness that was once an unforgiving wasteland now a field with 4 inches of snow upon the earth as the snow continues to fall. 

Sinbad of course was dressed rather warmly as he traversed with another taller man, an adult male that wielded a cryo vision as Sinbad’s own ‘vision’ was safely attached to his belt as he continued to tread the path with his companion. “The rumors weren’t exaggerating, it really is a damn snow paradise, and you’re sure you know what’s causing this?” The larger man exclaims looking down at his captain.

Sinbad smiles and nods his head, before he begins to shiver and quickly huddles towards the taller man hoping that he’d warm him up even more. Gosh he’s become so sensitive to the cold. “Hrrrrr..y-yeah. Fate’s never let me down yet. Ironically I’m the only one that can stop this.” Said the sailor as the larger man began pushing his captain off him, but sinbad struggled to remain close. “Okay- but you don’t have to be so close.” Said the samurai as Sinbad moved himself closer. “Don’t be that way Akio..it’s really REALLY cold you know.”

chapter two: continue from x // @crimsontwins​