#traveler x xiao (both lumine and Aether

[drfirefly08]

xiao.. xiao what are we... what are we xiao..

xiao x traveler fans, how we feelin

(also...)

(the traveler also associates sweet dreams with xiao)

whats gonna be ur next letter xiao? is it gonna say "will you marry me?" and have a ring attached to it??

WHAT ARE WE XIAO

[mellysketches]

Them 💗💗

[teal-moonlight]

Every time I read any fanfic about xiao and the traveler (lumine/aether) I always get so amazed about how most of the writers show the undeniable and unavoidable attraction between those two, how Xiao tries so hard to hide it, not because of embarrassment but mostly because he thinks he’s unworthy, and how the traveler is always like “there’s no way he likes me more than this …. Right??” It’s always so wholesome because they both would trust each others’ lives to one another no questions asked. And when they finally open up to one another the relieve, desperation and yearning for each other is put so beautifully into words I LOVE MY CANON SHIP 🚢

[animekpopsimp]

Introducing You as Their Wife (Genshin Men x Fem Reader)

Aether finds you and your husband spending time together and learns that he's married.

Diluc

When Aether spotted Diluc standing in a field, he was confused. He was even more confused seeing him stand next to a woman he hadn't seen before. Diluc wasn't the type to be seen anywhere other than Dawn Winery or Angel's Share.

"Hey look! It's Diluc, who's he with?" Paimon asked as the pair walked closer to where he was standing. Her voice caught the attention of you and your husband. You looked between the strangers and Diluc with an eyebrow raised.

"Diluc? Who are they?" You asked, smiling at the pair. In response, your husband cleared his throat, clearly feeling awkward. Seeing this, you stepped in, knowing your husband wasn't the best when it came to handling social situations.

"I'm (Y/N), Diluc's wife. You must be the traveler" you introduced yourself with a gentle smile on your face. Both Aether and Paimon stared at you in surprise.

"What?! Diluc?! You're married?! Since when?!" Paimon exclaimed, causing you to laugh softly. Your husband wrapped an arm around your waist, a soft yet awkward smile appearing on his face.

"Yes, I'm married. I must have forgotten to mention it before" he spoke.

"Wow, who would have thought that you had a wife?" Lumine looked over at Paimon, silently telling her to stay quiet.

"Oh sorry" Paimon said, Diluc sighed, this is why he wanted to keep your relationship private.

Kaeya

Aether had been looking for Kaeya, and he and Paimon had finally found him. He wasn't in his usual spot at Angel's Share, instead they found him sitting at Good Hunter's with a woman they hadn't seen before. He was acting different, more relaxed than usual.

"Oh, Traveler, Paimon? What brings you here?" Kaeya asked as he turned toward the pair. The two of them noticed he was holding his companion's hand as he talked to them.

"Who's this Kaeya?" Paimon asked, tilting her head to the side in a curious manner. And without missing a beat, he responded.

"This is my wife" he introduced you, pride in his voice. Both Aether and Paimon looked at him shocked, eyes wide.

"You're married?!"

Zhongli

You were sitting and having some tea with your husband, you two often did this when you wanted to spend time together.

"Oh! It's Mr. Zhongli" you heard a high-pitched voice call out. Turning your head, you spotted who you recognized as the traveler as well as his flying companion. You had heard about them, but never met them in person.

"Hello Mr. Zhongli" the floating girl said, then she looked over at you.

"Who's this?" She asked, looking confused. Zhongli smiled as he spoke.

"This is (Y/N), my wife" your husband happily introduced.

Xiao

On the balcony of Wangshu Inn, you sat with Xiao while the two of you ate some almond tofu. Things were peaceful and it was just the two of you until two more people approached you.

"Xiao, there you are" a high-pitched voice spoke, you turned your head seeing a blond male.

"Oh, who's this?" A floating girl asked, surprised to see Xiao spending time with someone else. Xiao blushed slightly, mumbling something under his breath.

"Oh, I'm (Y/N)" you took the initiative to introduce yourself.

"Paimon is surprised you're actually spending time with someone." The floating girl commented,

"we're married" Xiao mumbled,

"what did you say, Paimon couldn't hear you."

"We're married" Xiao said a little louder, both her and the traveler's eyes going wide.

Ayato

Hearing someone walk into the estate you share with your husband, you placed your tea cup down and turned your head to see the traveler, who you had heard about before.

"Oh, welcome traveler." Your husband greeted the pair.

"Hi Ayato, who's this?" The floating girl spoke as you smiled at the pair.

"Oh, I've been meaning to introduce her, this is my wife, (Y/N)." Your husband spoke with a soft smile on his face as he wrapped an arm around your waist. The traveler and his companion, looked at you shocked.

"Since when were you married?!"

[abyssruler]

would they choose you over the world?

aether (traveler), dainsleif, scaramouche, raiden ei, lumine (abyss), venti, xiao x gn!reader

AETHER thinks he can save both, no, he knows he can. The powers of this world rests at the tips of his fingers. He’s faced monsters and gods and come out alive and better than he was before. There’s no reason to hesitate, none whatsoever to consider his decision but—but. He has never been made to choose before. There was always another way, another choice, another something he could rely on. It’s a moral dilemma, like the situation with the train where you either save five people and kill one person, or kill five people to save one person. It’s easy enough to answer when it was simply that—a moral dilemma created to confuse him, not a world ending decision that lies on his shoulders. To choose one is to doom the other. Most people would choose the world, but while Aether is called a hero and the savior of nations, he is also a person. He looks at your resigned smile, like you already know which one he’ll choose, and he decides to prove you wrong.

DAINSLEIF clings to loss like a dying man does to the edge of a cliff. The inevitability of death and your mortality rests on his shoulders much like weight of his entire nation’s death. He wonders what it says about him that he’d rather have you safe and sound than have the world be saved. Five hundred years of aimless wandering, fighting against the remnants of his fallen nation and watching the world move on while he remains untouched by time, the ghost of a past that can never be returned to. Dainsleif isn’t a hero, he’s tired. All that’s left of him are fading memories of a time gone by and moments with you that he clings to like a lifeline. What has this world ever done for him except cause him pain and needless grief? What has it done to deserve his sacrifice? Nothing. And so he rests, hand in hand with you on withering grass and waits for the world to end. At least, this time, he won’t be alone in watching the heavens descend.

SCARAMOUCHE laughs, and laughs, and laughs until he’s sure even the gods that reside in Celestia has heard the scorn and mockery in his voice. It is so laughably easy to choose you and denounce the world. Let it be turned to ash and dust, let his body dance on top of a desolate world, let him pull you in an embrace and delight in the fact that no sun and no light (for none of these exist anymore) would ever outmatch the brightness in your eyes, the smile on your face, the tinkling sound of your laughter amidst the remains of a world that once threatened to snuff your life like a candle left in the dark. He is like a flame and you, the spark. There’s a tsunami gathering on the horizon, threatening to drown everything in its wake, but instead of preventing it, he revels in the ruin it will bring. It is either your death alone or yours and everyone else, and if you have to die either way, then he will die with you and drag the rest of the world along in his self-appointed destruction. You taught him what it felt to no longer be alone, so he will make sure you’re never lonely, even in death.

EI feels weightless, like a leaf adrift in the wind. It feels like she is back to that moment five hundred (a thousand) years ago, a dilemma, a decision, a choice—follow Makoto to Khaenri’ah, or defend her people from the monsters ravaging the lands? There was uncertainty there, a small seedling of hope that she would arrive not far from Makoto and see her sister alive and waiting, and so she had made the decision to stay—but this? Faced with an ultimatum, the world or your death, Ei finds that the decision is much more difficult, much more devastating but no less heartbreaking. Had it been before, in her lonesome at the Plane of Euthymia, the choice would have been easy, barely a thought in her mind, but everything has changed and Ei wants, in a way she has never wanted before, to be with you. You with your smiles and your laughs and the warmth you induce in her frigid heart—and she finds that she cannot make a choice… so you do it for her. For the greater good.

LUMINE doesn’t hesitate, doesn’t even flinch before she turns her back to the world and takes your hand. What good is the world if you’re not there in it? She won’t just stand by and watch as everything she holds dear is destroyed in front of her—not anymore. There is you, there is her, and there is the world burning, and Lumine finds that she can hardly care. Her heart has no place for faceless people, no love left for a world that has done nothing but spurn and trample on everything she had offered. Let it burn if it means having one more second, one more minute, one more lifetime with you. A choice isn’t truly a choice if the other option was never considered, and she will never consider a world without you. There are millions, billions, countless other worlds out there she could take you to. Damn this place, damn the heavens, and damn the consequences. Her brother would understand, he always has, and when Lumine meets him again in a new world, she’ll make sure to introduce you to him.

VENTI wants, like Icarus yearning for the Sun, but Venti is Venti, and Barbatos is Barbatos. Right now, he cannot afford to be that carefree bard who spun tales of your lovely hair and lovelier still lips (cannot be Icarus who flew too close to the sun and fell). Venti wants—but Barbatos knows the best option, the best choice, the least devastating one but the most heart-wrenching one. The situation is funny, laughable, hilarious, really, the kind that makes his stomach ache and brings tears to his eyes that drip down his cheeks and onto the ground and—oh, he’s crying. He’s crying and holding you close and apologizing, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, and he doesn’t deserve your forgiveness, doesn’t deserve the hand carding through his hair and the soft press of your lips on his forehead as you murmur, don’t cry, it’s alright, you’re doing the best you can. But the best means not doing this at all, the best means not having to make a choice at all, the best means not having to say goodbye. It’s okay, you tell him, I forgive you. But he never forgives himself.

XIAO thinks there must be another way, there has to be another way. He won’t accept this, won’t allow himself to choose between losing you or losing everything, because he knows, deep down, that the choice has already been made and it is not the one he wants. But he knows better than most that doing what he wants isn’t always what is needed, that certain sacrifices must be made despite his unwillingness, despite his entire body protesting against it. Rex Lapis once told him that being a god means making difficult decisions. If this is what it means to be a god, then he will accept a life of service, a life of war and fighting and breathing like every second is his last—because pain and suffering are infinitely better than having to wake everyday without your voice by his ear, giggling about how you finally caught him asleep. A world without your light, without your presence, without you is a desolate one. There must be another way, another sacrifice to be made that doesn’t involve you. Just—anything, anyone but you. Even if it has to be him.

[iloveyanderes]

Yandere genshin ideas:

Yandere traveller and abyss twin x fallen god reader, the reader tried to help them escape teyvat and was punished for it, getting striped of their god status and going through an unimaginable amount of pain. Both lumine and aether feel heavily indebted to the reader and strive to protect them. The traveller wanting to stay by their side all the time and the abyss twin wanting to imprison the reader in the abyss.

Yandere fatui harbingers x eternal reincarnating reader, reader was a resident of kheanri'ah and was cursed with eternal reincarnation. Reader has lived enough lives that they have met all of the fatui harbingers and they become obsessed with the reader but the reader kills themselves consistently to escape them.

Yandere Columbina who breaks out of you phone by using your dreams to drive you insane enough to make a ritual to the real world so she could keep you eternally.

Yandere cyno, al haithem, tighnari, collei, dehya, collei, and kaveh, and platonic nahida x reader from mondstadt who came to study and secretly has the power to see the future in their dreams and does everything in their power to prevent bad things from happening. Cyno being the first to find out about readers powers and telling them he'll keep your secret if you tell him where future crimes will take place, reader accidentally confessing it to tighnari and collei when they were very sick, al haithem spying on reader and finding out with kaveh overhearing it. Dehya finding out by default, and nahida half decided that your powers are too valuable and half wanting to keep you in sumeru traps you in the akademia.

Yandere inazuman characters + platonic Ayaka and ayato x ayato cousin reader. Readers father was the younger child of the kamisato clan and did not getting chosen to be the head, when ayato's father died your father tried to take over but was stopped, so he sent you to mess with ayato. But instead of that you saw this as a great situation to gain a powerful ally, so you gave him good advice and taught him how to run the kamisato clan. Later in the future you and ayato do not get along personality wise but he is very platonic yandere for you and stops all you attempts to move out of inazuma and start business in liyue. kazuha becoming yandere when you help him escape inazuma, gorou and kokomi turning when you trick some tenryou soldiers, itto falling when you smack him with a fan for being an idiot, heizou becoming yandere when he sees how smart you are, yae Miko falling when you turn one of her tricks against her and ei turning simply because your good at making Dango.

Yandere yakshas x isekaid bird reader. The reader is from another world where genshin doesn't exist and gets isekaid and wakes up as a bird. The reader trains and eventually gets blessed by morax who gives the reader a human form and invites them to the yaksha. You quickly become close to them and trust them alot, when they fall victim to the gods curses they all fight each other to get you eventually wiping each other out, in the future Xiao is extremely overprotective of you because your the only one he was left.

Yandere venti x childhood friend bird reader(sorry about the double birds I just really like them) when venti was just a wind spirit travelling with the nameless bard they found an injured bird and nursed it back to health, little did the nameless bard know the bird he saved was actually an extinct but very powerful breed of bird, reader and venti both being wind based beings are able to communicate with each other and agreed to become friends. Later when the nameless bard died and venti became on archon he granted reader a human form and you protected mondstadt. When durin came into the picture you got pierced with dragon claws nine times and fell into the ice of dragonspine, spending 500 years under ice until you wake up again. When you wake you notice how much mondstadt has changed, meanwhile venti is getting news about you from the wind and freaking out. Before you know it your trapped in stormterrors lare where venti refuses to let you leave.

This is all I've got for now, I hope you enjoyed these ideas and feel free to add too or use any of these ideas.

[shunsuiken]

Imagine when everyone is sitting on the sofas with the creator and the traveler and Xiao are fighting over who sits next to the creator, so the creator asks them to do rock paper scissors to decide, but the creator prevents the person who won from sitting on your side and let the person who lost sit on your side, the person who won the breeder sits on your lap ^^ (big text.) 👺

OOOOH OKAYY OKAAAYY I LIKE THIS

tags. sagau+ gn!creator!reader + u mentioned ‘traveler’ so u guys can just imagine either aether or lumine in this, whatever fits ur preference the most + fluff + some crack lmao + pretty xiao biased + some xiao x reader towards the end bc i can’t help it 🫶🏼

everyone’s minding their own business, conversing amongst each other in the living room. you lean on the armrest, your free hand holds a book, eyes only scanning over the pages because your thoughts are occupied by something else. you purse your lips, closing your eyes in exasperation.

the traveler and xiao have been glaring at each other for who knows how long. at this point it’s becoming a little ridiculous that none of them have yielded—or even just expressed what they had in mind (which was to clearly be the one sitting next to you). and you’re not very fond of your acolytes resenting each other for things like this. if they want something—just say it! you are their creator. there is nothing in this world you cannot do.

“how about a game of rock, paper, scissors?” you suggest, opening your eyes to exchange gazes with the traveler and xiao. “maybe if you both can relax the tense air radiating off of you, i will grant you what you want.”

now this gets the two of them going. childe even butts in to be a human-scoreboard. then the game begins. but for some unknown reason, xiao is… winning? you try not to display the confusion on your face as you watch the scene unfold in front of you. you must say, it is rather amusing to catch the traveler so flustered and bewildered by the hidden skill of the guardian yaksha.

eventually, after five rounds, xiao wins three while the traveler won two.

childe whistles dramatically at the result, looking at you to announce the winner. “your grace, the conqueror of demons won!”

“excellent work,” you comment, before patting the spot beside you. “take your place now, traveler.”

xiao’s heart drops. it’s like he was just smacked in the face. but he continues to look forward, masking his disappointment with a blank expression. he should have known this would happen.

on the other hand, the traveler’s previously saddened eyes light up immediately at your words. their chest blooms in warmth at the unexpected turn of events. they leave their seat to sit next to you as you offer your arm for them to wrap theirs around. the traveler obliges in milliseconds, a blush dusting across their cheeks at the physical touch.

you turn your gaze. “xiao,” you call. he looks up at you, a blank stare to the normal eye but to you, you see an amber storm of disappointment and sadness swirling within it. as expected of the creator of teyvat, nothing goes unnoticed by you.

“yes, your grace?”

nothing prepares anyone for the words you say next.

“sit on my lap.”

someone in the background chokes on his wine, a cup of tea shatters and the temperature of the room has somehow also risen. you silently neutralise the elemental energy in the air, hehe, these boys sure know how to get jealous.

xiao blinks owlishly at you, unable to process the words you spoke. he shifts in his seat. awkwardly holding his stare with you until you beckon him to come closer with a small laugh.

“i’m not going to bite you, now come here, xiao.” you smile at him and only then does he hesitantly trudge his way over to you.

you adjust yourself on the couch, asking the traveler beside you if they are comfortable in a hushed voice and when they gave you a quick nod of the head, you prepare your lap to receive xiao.

the yaksha’s skin grows cold with every step he takes towards your sitting figure. sweat forms on his back as he spins on his heel to lower himself on your lap but then some weird excuse of a yelp leaves his lips when your free arm snakes around his waist to pull him down onto you.

pink covers his skin and his toes go cold. what are you doing?! he wants to ask, but the lump in his throat doesn’t let him. with pursed lips, he keeps his hands neatly on his own lap, nails nearly scratching through his pants as stares laser beams into the wooden floor.

the tense figure on top of your lap makes you giggle, raising your hand to tilt his chin towards you. “dearest, why have you turned to stone?” you tease and xiao turns into this even more impossible shade of red that even the traveler gapes in shock. you can only imagine everyone else’s reactions.

“your grace… is very generous,” xiao manages to murmur after one successful attempt of clinging to his string of sanity.

you place a hand on his shoulder blade, your touch lighting up the goosebumps on his pale skin. before you reply, you place a chaste kiss on his nape, making xiao snap his back straight up in surprise at the gesture of affection he’s still unaccustomed to.

xiao’s knuckles turn white. “y- your grace?!” he stammers out, amber eyes the size of saucers meeting yours—excitement, relief, shyness—it’s written all across his face. this is probably the most expressive he’s ever looked in front of you too!

you grin, a twinkle of mischief shines in your eyes. “now, now don’t act like you weren’t expecting this…” you continue to tease him, watching him squirm on your lap so adorably.

[averageallogene]

During the banquet at this year's Lantern Rite, Zhongli lets it slip that he's married.

Cue astonished exclaims, shocked gasps and incessant questioning.

After the banquet, Xiao wonders out-loud if he should call Adapti!You 'mom'.

Xiao ☆⊹˚ Mortal customs (SFW)

fem. reader (3rd person) ; fluff. Zhongli x reader is a thing. Traveler’s gender is not specified so the reader can imagine either Lumine or Aether!

2k words.

notes. Sorry for the wait there! It’s been a rough couple of days but now I’m back, even if still under the weather.... I had a lot of fun writing this one up though. Xiao deserves the absolute best and this idea lets me channel just that  even if by a small portion <3.

The current situation inside the chosen restaurant had Xiao questioning why he’d agreed on attending. Despite both Rex L- Ahem, Zhongli and the traveler attending, he still found himself rather tense with all the other unknown presences surrounding him. The adeptus simply couldn’t understand the ways of mortal interactions, for making small talk wasn’t exactly the forté of a soldier like himself. His golden eyes would, more often than not, not wander far from the plated food before him, wondering if he should even try anything. His mind raced wildly, trying his hardest to think if what he was doing would be deemed inappropriate - after all, he’d been invited to attend the dinner, surely eating the food would be a sign of appreciation. Yet, not accustomed to anything other than almond tofu, he found himself hesitating. 

Why was Xiao trying so hard? Well, he found himself curious about trying to approach the ways of mortal living in his exiled instance. The yaksha was rather short-tempered when it came to understanding something so foreign and so mundanely complex as that to him, yet for Zhonlgi to seemingly seem so… Happy, so free as he lived as a mortal, surely there were a few benefits he was misunderstanding. And to tackle the topic, it eased him the reality that to his side sat the traveler, a companion he’d grown to cherish through the time they had spent together. Xiao wasn’t one to voice his thoughts a lot, but he hoped his thankfulness for the patience shown to him was known. 

He’d winced quietly upon the sudden arrival of the bard, his face gleefully smiling as he was properly introduced to the Funeral Consultant. He couldn’t even look, his chest bubbling with the unknown emotion that many would explain as second hand embarrassment as the two archons attempted to act civil to the other attendees. The young man dressed in green, Venti, was quick to showcase his lyre as he joined them in their feast, him and the organizer of the dinner discussing poetry as the other mortals joined in on the topic. In his seat, he could only pick at his food as the traveler engaged in small talk with him, inquiring if there was anything else he’d like to try that was at the table.

Xiao could only remain semi interested in the ongoing conversation, unintentionally letting his mind wander to his own duties as his ears focused in and out of what the others spoke of. In fact, the only times he’d fully focus were whenever Zhongli had something to share with their table, his gaze finally lifting to eye him directly before once more shying away to any other corner of the room. He couldn’t exactly help himself, his respect for the man surpassed his otherwise shut off personality. Well, it wasn’t as though anyone could question it, anyway. Most were either too focused on the interesting conversation Venti had with Zhongli, or deeply respected the Consultant in their own way that the idea of focusing on anything he had to say wasn’t considered an odd response. 

However, out of every intriguing fact he’d shared with them that night, one seemed to catch everyone off guard.

“Xingqiu, that poem you’ve just recited is most intriguing. In which book did you read it, again? My wife would absolutely enjoy such fine literature.”

The table seemingly froze still, everyone taking a long moment to try and process what they’d just heard. Whilst Xingqiu, Chongyun and Xiangling seemed mostly receptive to such a concept, the rest of the table’s reactions made them question such mundanity. Hu Tao was still up from her seat, her gaze locked to the back of the head of her Consultant as she processed the news and beyond. The traveler gazed at Xiao slowly, watching as the adeptus himself seemed taken aback to such news. Paimon appeared to freeze mid air, for once not saying anything as her eyes squinted at the idea of a married Zhongli. Venti, on the other hand, couldn’t help the way his eyebrows raised, a sly smile making its way to his face as he finally broke the silence.

“Ho ho? So mister Zhongli has a wife? Well isn’t that the most wonderful news! Certainly something that this bard couldn’t have predicted, that’s for sure.” He chuckled in the end there, serving his own cup with more wine as Zhongli quietly took a sip of his tea.

“Mhm… Is that so?” He responded, his tone calm as if he hadn’t just dropped a meteor of information on everyone. 

“My my, Zhongli! Why didn’t you tell me so earlier?” Hu Tao gasped, utterly flabbergasted as pieces of the puzzle began to connect inside her brain. “So that is why there was a ring invoice brought directly to the parlor that one time!”

 “I thought I had explained myself regarding it, Director?” The man inquired ever so calmly, contrasting wildly with the way his superior gesticulated wildly.

“Simply explaining it to be an heirloom definitely isn’t enough to fully capture the picture!” She retorted.

“But it is precisely that. It’s intended to become an heirloom for years to come.”

“Ooooh Mister Zhongli, you’re quite the romantic!” The bard proclaimed, leaning forward on the table as he rested his chin on his hand. “Well, who is this lovely wife of yours anyway? You can’t just leave it at that, you know!”

“Yes, I do have to agree with our friend here.” Hu Tao mused, hands on her hips as she gave him a side eye. “I wish to know why this wasn’t brought to table prior to me booking our seats, for had I known you had a wife, I would’ve invited her as well, of course!”

“I wasn’t aware this was such a grand deal, my apologies.” Zhongli defended himself, serving himself more tea as he cleared his throat. “My wife, [F/N], just has a lot on her plate and said she couldn’t possibly attend tonight. So, I left it at that. Oh, but since we’re on the topic, she voiced her wishes for everyone to have a wonderful Lantern Rite.”

“Ah, but you’re saying that now?” The Funeral Director sighed, arms crossing as she shook her head. “Aiya, Zhongli. How could you not mention something as important as this before?”

“... ‘As important’?...” Xiao had murmured to himself, his gaze lowering as he attempted to still fully understand the situation. No one but the traveler had heard his voice, the gears in his head practically being envisioned as he tried to once more grasp something that differed to a grand degree between mortals and adepti. 

“Everything alright, Xiao?” The traveler had asked, gaze twisting with slight worry as a small smile graced their lips. 

“Uh, yes, you needn't worry.” He cleared his throat, though his eyes betrayed the rest of his body. 

Between the ruckus of Zhongli being thoroughly questioned about his married life, the two could quietly chat for a brief moment, Xiao being able to have his doubt clarified as the traveler had grown quite good at reading his troubles.

“I too was surprised at the news,” They’d explained with a quick laugh, before inquiring Xiao. “Is it because it’s out of the norm for adepti to marry?”

“N-No, it’s not that,” He responded in a quick breath, his sharp eyebrows furrowing slightly as he thought of the few adepti he’d known to find a spouse. “I suppose it’s just that… I don’t understand how it can be the cause of such a ruckus. Even if I myself am surprised.”

“Oh, I see,” They nodded their head with an understanding hum, quickly deciphering what he really meant. To the traveler, it would’ve seemed that the way adepti viewed marriage was as something more natural and perhaps rational, as opposed to the grand reactions humans would typically have whenever one announced they were married. “Well, I think it boils down to how human life is far shorter than that of an adeptus, so every opportunity of celebration is cause for a grand reaction. You can rest assured they’re just happy for Zhongli, though.”

“I see… I suppose that makes sense.” He’d nodded his head quickly before stealing a quick glance to Zhongli, watching as he attempted to respond to every question thrown his way. 

How they had met, how it had developed, who proposed and when… The consultant responded to every inquiry with patience and fondness, and Xiao almost felt guilty for never truly realizing Zhongli had found someone special. Even worse, strangely now he felt… Curious, to meet this woman. Would she be a mere mortal, or perhaps someone of adeptal blood? Either way, for Zhongli to have chosen her, she had to be someone of exceptional grace and excellence, someone that deserved his utter respect no matter what else. It was as though he’d already made his mind up, now only having to have the courage to ask if he could meet her. 

“Say, if I plan another dinner in the future, will you introduce her to us?” Hu Tao had seemingly read his thoughts, smiling with expectancy as everyone eyed Zhongli for his response.

“I see no reason not to. She would surely love to meet you all.” He responded without much thought, the corners of his lips raising into a small, warm smile. “You’ll all see, [F/N] is a wonderful woman with the most radiant soul. I’m most lucky to have her as my beautiful wife. Ah, perhaps I can ask if she’d be willing to share her own poetry with you. She underestimates her choice of words too often, yet I’ve never before listened to such fine-”

“Yes, yes, we get it,” Hu Tao cut him short, smiling with humor to watch her Consultant with such hearts in his eyes. “We would definitely love to meet her, as well.”

“Please do not forget to invite me when that dinner does occur! I’ll ask our lovely traveler to ensure the date reaches me, lest I be forgotten.” Venti winked playfully, turning to Zhongli with humor. “I would not want to miss meeting such a beloved person of mister Zhongli after all.”

“Right… Of course.” It was the Consultant’s turn to murmur with slight hesitancy, yet he still sighed softly and let it be. Even with someone as brazen as the bard present, he’d like to introduce his beloved [F/N] to all the others. He’d ensure no boundaries were ever crossed, of course.

And just like that, the dinner ended with everyone still pressing Zhongli to ensure his wife attended the next gathering Hu Tao prepared. They nearly made the man sign a contract for it, his superior joking about it before finally allowing everyone to leave. He could breathe easy upon reaching the cool air outside, eyes gazing ahead as he found solace in the night sounds of Liyue Harbor. All he had to do now was to get back to his humble abode, waiting for his [F/N] to return before they could retire for the evening. His daydreaming was cut short as the traveler bid them goodnight, waving politely as he watched them disappear with Paimon into the distance. Before long, all that was left were him and Xiao, and knowing the young man as well as he did, Zhongli knew there was something he wished to inquire if he had remained around. 

“How have you been faring, Xiao?” He had politely asked, his arms resting behind his back as he eyed his pupil with a warm expression.

Xiao always felt comfortable around him. There had always been a sense of easiness around the man he couldn’t always explain, all his problems seemingly disappearing for a moment as he basked in the security Zhongli provided. Even if he was no longer an archon, Xiao always felt safe around him, like there was no evil to be purged, like there was no war inside his mind. The yaksha knew he could confide absolutely anything in the man, for there was no fear in being judged, no fear of being rejected. Yet, he respected him so much, it almost felt insulting to even confide such trivial matters. His mind jumped back and forth even after hearing Zhongli ask about his wellness, his gaze lowering for a moment as he pondered for a moment longer.

“Z-Zhongli.” He’d cleared his throat, correcting himself before he’d call him by the name he used during his active godhood. It definitely felt strange, yet with the way the man calmly hummed for him to continue, he figured he had the approval to continue. “I wanted to ask for something, if I may?”

“But of course. What’s on your mind?” He patiently asked, slightly humored. After all, Xiao had never been one to request anything. During the long time they’d been allies, he’d always been the one to read the young yaksha’s mind and figure out his wishes. It was a welcomed change of pace for him to take initiative, he had to admit.

“I was wondering if…” Xiao paused for a moment, before finding the courage to continue. “If, before this… Dinner, the Director spoke of, I could perhaps meet [F/N] by myself?”

Zhongli’s expression softened, his eyebrows raising with a hint of surprise. He couldn’t help the smile from raising to his face, finding the curiosity of the adeptus rather endearing. He let out a soft chuckle, before nodding his head prior to Xiao being able to grow hesitant of having asked such a request.

“But of course. When would it be a good time for you?”

“I… I’m not sure, i-it’ll be alright either way. I hope she doesn’t quite mind-”

“[F/N] wouldn’t ever mind, Xiao. She’s expressed interest in meeting you before.”

“Really?” He breathed out softly, a little surprised as he watched his role model nod his head.

“Indeed. I’ve spoken of you, after all.”

Xiao couldn’t help but feel his chest tighten, a feeling of flusteredness growing within himself as he simply hummed in response. He could only hope [F/N] would not only accept his presence, but also not be affected by it. After all, his karmic debt was always something that deeply worried him whenever he was to be around mortals. 

“You needn’t worry over anything, Xiao. I’m certain she will be instantly fond of you.” Zhongli placed a warm hand on his shoulder, one that radiated an easing sensation throughout his worn out body. The yaksha, who despite all the doubts swarming his mind always put his trust in Zhongli above, nodded his head upon hearing so. 

“I… I’ve heard of a few mortal customs through Verr Goldet…” He mumbled quietly, more so becoming lost in his own thoughts than speaking to Zhongli's direction. “Hmph, mortal etiquette is so overly complex, but… What was it…”

The former archon couldn’t help himself but remain quiet, letting his pupil be engrossed in his thoughts as he thought aloud. It was different from the ever silent yaksha, so Zhongli had no reason to stop him. If anything, he was proud of watching as he grew more comfortable to ever voice his own thoughts aloud.

“It was something regarding familial bonds, I believe.” Xiao explained, his fingers resting softly against his own chin. “Would it be… Too cold of me, to call [F/N] by her name alone? Perhaps I ought to call her ‘mother’ instead?”

Zhongli’s expression shifted, the man taking a mere moment to process the information. It was his turn of being surprised for the night it would seem, the information hitting him deep in his chest with an endearing warmth. He couldn’t help but chuckle quietly, ripping the yaksha out of his thoughts as he eyed him incredulously. It would’ve seemed that he really hadn’t intended on actually speaking it aloud, the tips of his ears gaining the same vivid red shade of the jueyun chili. Zhongli however, was quick to beat him to the punch and spoke before he could take anything back.

“I’m sure [F/N] would love that.” He replied, much to Xiao’s embarrassment. “In fact, I’m certain that doing so will be the quickest way to earn your spot in her heart.”  Ah, Zhongli has never recalled seeing Xiao teleport away as quickly as he did. The man was left to laugh quietly by himself, smiling as he thought back to the moment time and time again as he walked back home. Now he surely wanted to have the yaksha meet his lovely [F/N].

[sarbcat]

this is my ship post, here are literally all of my favorite genshin ships with a quick explanation for each hetero jealuc - its my og. its my babygorl of ships. they have so much canon shit- and like. ok, high school jealuc and theyre best friends who both harbor more than just friendly thoughts for eachother but theyll never say anything... buff boi x buffer gorl what more can i say alberose - i know a lot of people arent fond, thats ok, i think its just cute. he protects her :) (she doesnt need it. but doesnt say no.) thomaya - i just think theyre cute :) shes his sugar mommy! <3 i like him and her brother more though fischnett (?) bennett/fischl - he plays along with her shit and thats adorable... he just thinks shes a cutie <3 and shes a total tsundere dont @ me chilumi - fuck u theyre cute... she beats him and he loves it ok.... tis.... so cute... 'hey girlie hold still' :) he is her little housewife and thats adorable scaramona - they're astrology spouses... she deffo reads his palms and he gets all sweaty bc omg shes touching my hands !!!! ittosara - fight me tengu!!! thats all a lot of the traveler ships r cute too. aether + amber, yoimiya,,, lumine + like- diluc? cute and oh my god i have a type oh no homo kaebedo - cute as fuck.... dont @ me... he draws him!!! cytham - they fight eachother on shit but they would be cute... cute as hell!!! kavetham - they would kiss. roommates my ASS kazuscara - they put the old conflict aside and just are there for eachother <3 thomato - i said it earlier and ill say it again, sugar daddy x housewife its cute as shit! malewife x girlboss but the girlboss is also a man tomokazu - old besties. kazu was DEFFO inconsolable when tomo died i wish he lived oh man im sad now wtf.... xiaoven - venti plays the song that kept xiao alive, theres so much angst there that i could curl up in that angst pit and DIE ayalumi - honestly i just fucking fell in love with all of their interactions - the 'keep your eyes on me traveler' haha! so cute hit me with a van pls beigguang - it takes a true diamond to catch the eye of ningguang and beidou is 24 karat <3 they fuck and thats awesome... love them!!! eimiko - mommy? sorry... mommy? sorry... mommy? eulamber (?) - i dont know what this ones called but KISS PLS :) jeanlisa - they are wives but im still a jealuc fan first and foremost im sorry :( --- thanks 4 coming bestays

[anar-k3y]

Take a short Xiao x Aether one shot I wrote suddenly

CW: gays being gay, Aether overworked, mentions their trauma in passing, also not proof-read

—

Aether stood in the rain in Liyue, reaching out his hand and looking up, allowing the water to ruin his hair and soak his clothes. He closed his eyes, breathing in that smell of rain— he'd been working non-stop helping people, this was the first time he'd had a chance to himself to enjoy a moment to himself. He had originally just gone on a walk before it started to rain.

And now here he was, standing in the middle of the bridge that leads into liyue harbour, allowing himself to be smothered by the water that fell from the clouds.

“...Xiao...” Aether muttered unintentionally, he didn't mean to let the name slip his mind, Aether always found the adepti's name on his lips when he was relaxed, maybe cause Xiao made him feel at peace— maybe because he liked him, or maybe it was both.

“you called?” Xiao appeared in front of Aether, arms crossed, his eyes scanning over the Traveller for any wounds and their surroundings for any enemies.

Aether lowered his head and opened his eyes, looking at Xiao. “oh- Xiao” Aether smiled, stepping towards Xiao... The adepti was here... Why not do something with him?

“did you need something, Traveller?” Xiao didn't move as Aether approacged, his body language was semi-relaxed.

“no, not necessarily... But, would you be alright to.. Dance, with me?” Aether asked, a smile on his face, though a mild worry in his eyes. He reached his hands out, gently grasping Xiao's, intertwining their fingers together.

“dance? Adepti don't dance. Aether- you-” Xiao went to scold Traveller, though when they held hands... His face erupted into blush, his pupils widening.

“..fine, one dance...” Xiao sighed, stepping closer to Aether, hoping the blonde wouldn't mention his red face.

Aether perked up, that smile growing even larger and his eyes squinted making small wrinkles that Xiao loved seeing— this made traveller happy... His heart fluttered.

As the rain continued to pour around them, Aether lead their movements, bringing Xiao into—

— small spins and twirls that made Aether laugh, giggle, smile. All of this making Xiao blush and even smile.

The moment was light- like the karmic debt Xiao carried was all but erased, like the trauma and fear he carried had vanished into the abyss, there was nothing in this world he wanted more then to dance with Aether like this for the rest of eternity, to see Aether smile like this..

Aether felt light, like a bird who just gained wings... He hadn't danced with another like this since he had been with Lumine... But this felt different, it felt safe. Free. Loved...

The rain slowly came to a halt, the clouds parting to show the crescent moon shining above them.

Aether looked at Xiao, the water pooling underneath them, his hair sticking to his skin, yet the traveller was smiling more then Xiao had ever seen.. Aether looked ethereal.

“thank you, Xiao” Aether almost laughed, moving forward and hugging the adepti.

“uh-uh...” Xiao Tensed up before slowly returning the embrace, his arms wrapping around Aether so gently it was like he wasn't touching him. “you're... Welcome...” Xiao muttered quietly, resting his head against Aether's carefully.

[nariko-senpai]

DO I DARE? DO I DARE POST MY FAVOURITE GENSHIN SHIPS?!?!

Fuck it let's go 😃

Traveler x Xiao

I don't care if it's aether or lumine, I love both travelers and xiao (not all three of them together)

I think xiao has a lot of chemistry with whichever twin you're playing as, especially in the events like lantern rite.

I tend to lean more towards lumine, but I'm biased cause I'm playing as her lmao.

But xiao always has a special connection with the traveler and I feel a lot of the characters in the game notice as well.

Kujou Sara x Arataki Itto

It's not a very common ship, but I love the dynamics the two have.

They balance eachother out and the Genshin lore hints that the two of them might've known eachother since childhood (recommend searching it up)

Boss bitch and her manwife couple.

We all know the rivalry between the two so they got some chemistry going.

I just love them and wished the ship was more well known.

Tighnari x Cyno

THE DYNAMICS OMG.

They give just such a warm and happy vibe that makes me melt.

Even if it's not canon, they are just so into eachother.

They already act like a married couple, MAKE THEM ONE.

I love how they are a team and both care for collei.

I just love them.

Zhongli x Childe

I see them as 'in another life' couple.

Ik they're kinda crack ship, but I genuinely do love their dynamics.

Don't really have an explanation except I want to see more of the two of them together in-game so I can build more.

Beidou x Ningguang

They're the lesbian version of tighnari and Cyno for me.

They chemistry, the looks, the compliments.

Even if Beidou isn't shipped with Ningguang, I can't think of her as straight.

They are a power four star duo that needs more love.

They're baddies, boss bitches and women in industry.

They just are so good for eachother idk.

[mybelde]

Chase Atlanters | How not to romance a guy 101

Masterlist | XO crew ->

Xiao — Chemistry major

3rd year, the quiet guy in your class that is actually hot? Yes that's him. Tries to keep to himself most of the time, but all of his attempts fail due to his very extroverted and chaotic friends. Doesn't understand why you're suddenly fawning over him, but deep down, he finds your methods to get him to talk to you.... amusing.

Aether — Travel and Tourism major

3rd year, him and his sister got into teyvat university through an overseas scholarship, met Xiao when he was working part-time as a barista, (not so) immediately became friends since Xiao actually enjoys his company. (Kind of gay if you ask me 🤷‍♀️) One of the two people who Xiao accepted to follow his priv acc.

Lumine — Travel and Tourism major

3rd year, her and her brother got into teyvat university through an overseas scholarship, met Xiao via Aether. Kind of chill with each other. One of the few people Xiao actually enjoys talking to. I mean, who doesn't like Lumine?? Mutual friends with Keqing, so she knows the deets between both you and Xiao (she sees his priv tweets through Aether lol)

Hu Tao — Business major

3rd year, been friends with Xiao since their first year, never fails to annoy him constantly. Mutual friends with Xiangling, Xingqiu and Chongyun, so she knows about your plan to romance him, indirectly tries to help you by constantly annoying him about you and him, a great wing(wo)man. Down bad for a certain practicing lawyer 🫢

Venti — Literature major

3rd year, been friends with Xiao since highschool, the friend that Xiao is lowkey greatful for, but will kill himself before he admits it. The second person who Xiao accepted to follow his priv, considering how long they've known each other, and how well Venti knows Xiao, more than he lets on 👀

Childe — Criminology major

3rd year, been friends with Xiao ever since he decided to sit next to the ginger during one of their classes in their 2nd year. The worst decision he's ever made in his entire life, because now the ginger decides to annoy him in every way possible. The last straw was when Childe said he finds Xiao's dad hot as fuck. Like Hu Tao, Childe indirectly tries to help you by constantly annoying Xiao about you and him

summary: You just found out that there was this extremely attractive guy in your chem class, and what was your first thought? "Is he single?" Since then, you've made it your mission to try and romance him before someone else wins him over. However, the problem was, you have no love life at all! But seriously, how hard can it be to win someone over? This is how not to romance a guy 101

a xiao x gn!reader smau

tag list — open: @pyrrhicgaze @hydration-is-for-weenies @sakiimeo @myaaones @redactedhimbo @meigalaxy @ducq @cridtiins @lordbugs @sakurapeach @opchara @bobaducky @yae-raidenmyloves @hangesextra @yevenly @hotgirlshit5 @saiyukii @sammybeefangirls @lez-zuha @demonqueen785 @luminelqvens @vvyeislazzy @bubiblossom @zyilas @ashhh-14 @akagism2 @kazeniya

send an ask/dm if you want to be added :)

[urdariingdoll]

Masterlist

hello hello!. you can call me doll!~ here is my masterlist of all fandoms i can write about. do note i am not a 5 star writer so expect errors here and there. here is where you can see all my rules also! anywho~ here you go!! xx

** Rules!

//. anons are allowed to ask

//. i will try and do everything but smut since i am uncomfortable with that, also because im not good at it lol

//. i will try and do requests if i am not busy with school

//. if u wish to be on a taglist, please leave a note under the character's masterlist

//. not allowed: oc x character, character x character, child character x oc, child character x reader, child character x character

//. are allowed: character x reader, character x character, child character + reader, child character + reader x character

//. writings may have grammar mistakes and/or repeated words

//. masterlist and rules may be updated later in the future<33

** Genshin Impact

Baizhu

Albedo

Alhaitham

Amber

Arataki Itto

Ayaka

Ayato

Childe

Beidou

Candace

Cyno

Dehya

Diluc

Eula

Ganyu

Dainsleif

Dottore

Columbina

Pantalone

Il Capitano

Arlecchino

La Signora

Gorou

Hu tao

Jean

Kaeya

Kazuha

Keqing

Kokomi

Kujou Sara

Lisa

Mona

Nilou

Raiden Shogun

Rosaria

Scaramouche ( Wanderer )

Sucrose

Thoma

Tighnari

Traveler (Both Aether and Lumine)

Venti

Xiao

Yanfei

Yelan

Yoimiya

Yun Jin

Zhongli

Shenhe

Faruzan

Ningguang

Heizou

Xinyan

Xingqiu

Chongyun

// Platonic only

Diona

Dori

Barbara

Bennett

Collei

Nahida

Yaoyao

Xiangling

Sayu

Razor

Qiqi

Noelle

Layla

Klee

Paimon

Sandrone

** Hazbin Hotel

Alastor

Angel Dust

Charile

Vaggie

Husk

** Demon Slayer

Tanjiro Kamado

Inosuke Hashibira

Zenitsu Agatsuma

Kanao Tsuyuri

// Hashiras

Giyū Tomioka

Shinobu Kochō

Kyojuro Rengoku

Tengen Uzui

Mitsuri Kanroj

Obanai Iguro

Sanemi Shinazugawa

// Demons

Muzan Kibutsuji

Kokushibo (Uppermoon 1)

Doma (Uppermoon 2)

Akaza (Uppermoon 3)

Gyutaro (Uppermoon 6)

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

[teal-moonlight]

I can't get out of my head the idea of how Xiao tries so hard to restrain himself when the traveler is involved like, I mean both already know something is going on right? they know that they have crossed a line the moment they got close, like lip lock and soft caresses close lol.

But Xiao is still not human, he's an illuminated beast, a grumpy and rough around the edges one at that, so he knows that if he lets himself get too carried away he might not even be able to control his own strength, his own desire so he chooses to be close to them but still not that close, a "safe close" (he swears it actually makes sense in his head).

But the traveler finds themselves' yearning, wanting him to just lose it and take, they know they're playing with fire but I mean it's Xiao, everytime they look at him they feel safe, they feel like even if they are still on an ongoing mission they have a place to be with their guard down, but they also see that everytime things seem to escalate Xiao just withdraws with some smooth words and soft gazes.

So the traveler comes with a plan, they invite him to have a day just the two of them, and lure him into a private place, they even feel silly trying to seduce this man, rile him up so he loses it, but to Xiao he stars to feel overwhelmed like, why are they doing this??? can they see this is getting dangerous??? but the traveler reassures him, with pretty words they tell him how much they want this, how much they want to feel that heat, and Xiao just can't handle all that lol the last straw is when hands start to wander, he feels it inside him, the yearning, the desire to claim and assert ownership, no one is able to have this amazing otherworldly person like this, just him, they are doing this for him, so he lets himself go.... y'all can tell the traveler had some very suspicious bruises and a limp to their walk that they excused as battle consequences lol, but that night the traveler realized something very precious, the conqueror of demons is always watching, at least when they're in Liyue, and they are most definitely taking advantage of that every chance they get, and Xiao is most definitely not complaining, even if he does.

this was inspired by this amazing art makes you feel all tingly

[jazzstarrlight]

My Playable Characters Shipping List

So many characters in genshin impact, so taking screenshots of a wiki character list, I edited them together to make a shipping chart! You're welcome to use it how ever you want

_______________________________________

My Top 10 In Order:

1. Itto x Gorou -

The first Genshin Ship in my collection and still number one. Itto is always the first to fall in my ship and THE definition of golden retriever energy. When Gorou begins to notice his attention on him more often, he gets flustered and slowly falls for him back. Precious wholesome warriors, making a great team and greater lovers.

2. Cyno x Tighnari -

2nd place mostly cause of canon team-up and fanart. Also been debating on which one I'd be good at cosplaying if only I had the money (leaning toward Cyno.) Cyno is the first to fall and even while Tighnari cringes at his jokes, we all know he gives that clear "you're lucky I love you" face. I dream of a relationship like theirs.

3. Kaveh x Alhaitam -

Saw it once or twice on my Twitter feed until it turned into nothing but Kavetham and Cynari, and I eventually began to obsess. Alhaitham surprisingly falls first but can't express it properly, like a neurodivergent with alexithymia. Kaveh slowly shifts his thoughts of Alhaitham from "can't believe I put up with that guy"  to "can't believe I'm in love with that guy". I think the autistic introvert -&- depressed extrovert angle may make for some interestingly dramatic angst. Good angst is fun to write. Plus, I'm on the spectrum and I can confirm that reading emotions (even our own) is either hard or near impossible.

4. Ayaka x Lumine -

The traveler I went with in my game is Lumine and I fell for Ayaka hard when we hung out at a festival before Lumine is made an enemy of the shogunate. Clearly, in the game, Ayaka falls in love first; but I also made an OC named Yuna Ren who fell for Ayaka as a child. I know it's cringe but... It's Ayaka-chan! I can admit I'm a bit of a simp for her.

5. Bennett x Razor -

When I found out they were friends, it was cool, but I saw something more building. Razor falls first, though doesn't understand it. Bennett enjoys having a more permanent team member and grows closer every day. They're super cute little twinks.

6. Ningguang x Beidou -

Two boss girls both dom energy however with good communication it works. Also whenever I feel like I ship too many dudes, I look at hot-I mean-pretty girls with chemistry. (Honestly, I'm surprised with how many mlm ships I have.) Ningquang falls first and... I may have an idea for an erotica oneshot. Stay tuned.

7. Xiao x Aether -

Mainly cause of fanart and if Lumine has Ayaka, the twin bro deserves a lil something special too. Xiao falls first. I mean- c'mon. That guy shows up within a second of calling his name like a genie.

8. Albedo x Sucrose -

Such a sweet and gentle intelligent pair. Sucrose falls for Albedo, and I can see Sucrose being his personal art model. If it was possible, I'd most likely cosplay as albedo (since him and HatGuy are the closest things I find to canon enby's in the game and not much a fan of the wanderer except his skill.)

9. Kazuha x Heizou -

Heizou's voicelines about Kazuha are really intresting. He obviously falls first and makes complex plans to hang out with him. They look very cute together.

10. Zingqui x Chongyun -

Sometimes when 2 characters just stand side-to-side in canon and if you see enough fanart, that's enough to ship two characters. Xingqiu falls first for the exorcist. I also think the combos of blue between the two is pretty nice.

[sleepingnova]

doves in the wind

pairing : kamisato ayaka x gn reader

( I'm using aether bc I don't rlly like lumine like that )

not proofread, I made this at midnight last night.

sparring with ayaka was never easy. she always wanted you to do your best, even if that meant you would be in the courtyard area for hours non stop. because you were about 7'5 and she was 5'2, so naturally you made her feel very small. most of the time, your vision shrunk you down anyways, so it wasn't that big of a deal. of course, the only reason she kept trying was because she felt like you were going easy on her because of your obvious advantages.

out of the corner of your eye, you saw ayaka's friends, the traveler and paimon. you walked away to put your equipment away for the day, and gestured to ayaka to do the same.

"hey, ayaka! how's it going? aaahh! pl-please don't eat paimon, take traveler instead!" Paimon squealed, pushing the traveler towards you.

the traveler looked back at paimon with a glare, before gazing at you.

"you're really tall." the traveler murmured.

you shrunk down to meet the traveler, walking over and introducing yourself before ayaka cut you off.

"yeah. my name is- "

"Traveler! Paimon! It's so nice to see you both again in inazuma. This is [ y/n ], my partner. their vision allows them to be very versatile. they were a traveler, like you, but they recently got injured in battle, so I requested that they come here, to inazuma, where they would be safe with me."

you nodded, and lifted your shirt to show your wound wrapped in bandages.

"hello. what's your name?" you asked the traveler to which paimon replied with, "paimon's paimon and traveler is traveler. didn't you hear ayaka say our names already??" the floating girl asked with a hint of rudeness, which resulted in the traveler glaring at them with annoyance, mumbling "paimon, they weren't talking to you. mind the business that pays you."

the traveler softly spoke, "hello, [ y/n ], I'm aether. Sorry about paimon, she's a bit of a talker."

'her voice is squeaky, it's giving me a headache.' you thought as paimon yelled "I heard that!" at aether.

"aether. it's a nice name, I've heard of you. we've crossed paths before." you said, to which the three of them looked at you confused.

"paimon thinks you're lying, there's only one traveler, and paimon's never seen you before."

"shush paimon. where have you traveled to?" aether asked.

"I've been to all of the seven nations, I've just come back from sumeru, I bumped into you a while back in liyue, I just don't think you noticed me. I looked a bit different than I do now. Do you remember the gathering for the lantern rite?" you asked, which resulted in aether nodding and paimon squeaking "huh?? you know them? where have you been without paimon?! is that what took you so long to come back in that night, when you were outside with Xiao?"

aether chuckled, and replied, "yes, I do remember you. it's been a while. nice to get some of the fame off my back now that I know there's another world renowned traveler standing right in front of me."

you smiled, but you didn't feel too well all of a sudden. you excused yourself to leave, and left ayaka in the training yards with the two of them.

"wait!" ayaka shouted, running up to you, "is there something wrong? why did you leave?"

"The wind, it is telling me it is time to return home." you answered, walking back towards ritou.

"but, your home is in liyue. please, stay with me. I'm sure my brother would not mind clearing a room for you. I cannot wait until we are married, then we will go everywhere together." she persuaded.

you shook your head, to which aether and paimon walked towards you.

"what's going on here?" paimon asked.

"I have to leave now. I've sent notice to beidou, and her ship just docked. they should be leaving soon, I have to get to the alcor before they leave. you are welcome to walk with me back to ritou, if you'd like. if not, then this is where we part ways for now."

ayaka sighed, with tears forming in the corners of her eyes, knowing she didn't have anything to say that would make you stay.

"goodbye, I wish you a safe journey ahead. I wish to receive a letter from you when you return to liyue." she requested.

you walked over, kissed her hand and forehead, before replying.

"Always, my darling. I will always come back to you. This is farewell for now, to all of you. It was a pleasure to meet you, aether. Next time, I would like to spar with you." you concluded with aether, to which he nodded in return.

when you got back to ritou, you were met with kazuha talking to beidou and thoma.

"yes, I will be accompanying you on your journey back to liyue. there is someone I must visit." kazuha explained.

"hell, the more the merrier! come on aboard!" beidou's voice boomed as she laughed.

"hey hey, there's [ y/n ]!" beidou shouted from afar. kazuha turned around to meet your eyes, and yours were met with his.

the two of you stared at each other for a moment, before he ran off of the ship and embraced you with a soft, but tight hug, almost as if he was telling you to not let go.

"Paimon has a weird feeling about ayaka's partner. They're weird. They kept ignoring paimon!" You heard a high pitched whine from behind you as you turned around.

"could you be any louder? besides, not everyone has to love you, paimon." aether shook his head and sighed as he made eye contact with you, his eyes formed a expression that apologized without his mouth.

you shrugged and got on board, conversing with kazuha, before beidou called you into her quarters and kazuha went to speak with the traveler and paimon.

a while later, as the ship docked in liyue, you were met with the fresh ocean breeze, along with the bustle of busy people walking in the streets. you were finally home. you sent your letter to ayaka, informing her of your arrival back in liyue.

[ Miss Kamisato Ayaka,

I have finally returned to liyue harbor, and I am now back home with the traveler. There are a few things I must tell you concerning what happened and why things ended so soon.

One, why I left was not your fault ever. You have been so kind to me during my stay in inazuma and I thank you. My wounds have healed, so I figured it was time for me to continue my travels around teyvat. I did not wish to burden you anymore with my presence.

Two, I want you to know I love you so much. A part of me yearns for you and I wish you were here with me, experiencing all of this with me.  Our time apart will never dull, as I am sure I will have a lot of things to show you and tell you about my travels when I return to inazuma. My next stop is mondstadt, and then back to sumeru.

Never blame yourself, love. You and me are like doves in the wind, always apart, but they always come back to each other. You'll always be my other dove.

Love, [ y/n ] ]

some time goes by, and you are met with the electrifying wind blowing in your face once more as you dock back in ritou. you thank beidou, and you grab your bags and head off, determined to see her.

as you return back to the familiar training yards, you can't help but hear paimon's squeaky voice and aether laughing at someone. 'they're sparring together.' you thought with a smile.

"hello, love. miss me?" you asked as she ran up to you and tackled you into the ground, kissing you deeply. she peppered your face with kisses before realizing and getting off of you with a faint blush. you shook yourself off and hugged her tightly, lifting her off the ground.

"I knew you would come back." She whispered.

"of course I would, you were always my dove. I am always going to come back to you."

[Fin]