ria-aaa

[ria-aaa]

Too many rich people buying medieval castles and then renovating the interior to look like a completely normal 21st century house. Sorry but if you're going to live in a castle you need to commit to the bit. If I lived in a castle I would restore it just enough to be barely liveable and pretend I was a poor but prideful nobleman in his crumbling estate, still clinging to the last vestiges of his family's fading name.

[ria-aaa]

HONEY

a few months before getting in a relationship, caleb started adding honey to his vocabulary when it came to referring to you.

it wasn't the first time you'd heard him use it, especially since that was what he called you when you visited him at the DAA, given his fake dating situation. it sometimes also slipped from his mouth when he'd comfort you during thunderstorms — but it was never something common, rather, it was a name reserved for special occasions where he was allowed to cross the boundaries of your relationship.

but when caleb sensed that the line was blurring more and more, he allowed himself to slip honey into his speech. 

“you want chicken wings for dinner? sure, honey.”

“mmh, no honey, i won't be long.”

“honey? i was looking for you.”

the fact that you didn't comment on it, but instead just looked away bashfully while nodding to him, or humming something under your breath spurred him on — that and the fact that you'd give him a confused stare for a second when he called you by your name or pipsqueak instead of honey.

however, something that caleb didn't anticipate was that you'd start using it, too. a little "caleb, honey, did you see my hairtie?" or a "honey, look! that puppy looks just like you." all of a sudden, he was a victim to his schemes as well — not like he'd complain about it, though. it was domestic enough that those around you barely noticed, yet intimate in a way that made both of your hearts full.

some time after you guys defined the relationship, you do ask him about his habit of calling you honey prior to even being in a relationship, and you're met with a smug yet flushed caleb, and he confesses.

“i mean — i was trying to get you used to it. eventually, i'd encounter some success, no?”

“so you were trying to pavlov me into this?”

and to that, caleb grins — a boyish smile that made you fall for him all over again.

“it worked, didn't it? my one and only honey's finally all mine.”

[ria-aaa]

Dance With Me

In which you ask the Iudex of Fontaine for a dance.

In the decades, perhaps centuries, he's been alive, Neuvillette found himself with a fondness for the human arts. Though fragile beings, they always somehow found a way to express themselves, be it through song, dance, art, and all sorts of ways. For all his unfamiliarity with human feelings, the arts were as close as he could get. Though fond of them, Neuvillette still can't quite fathom how some choose to throw themselves into their art; though, he can't quite speak for himself, being the Iudex of Fontaine.

One particular art the Chief Justice found himself drawn to was the art of dance. Though, one could argue that it isn't the art itself he finds interesting, but the person enacting it rather. It enchanted him, how one could move as though water itself, flowing from one moment to the next, from one note to another, letting feeling guide them.

You caught his eye the first time he watched your performance.

It was a random conversation he heard among the Melusine gardes, how there was a band of traveling performers set to perform at the Opera Epiclese for a couple of weeks before setting off again. They were quite known, so he heard from a staff member this time, and that one should definitely catch one of their performances. Though, knowing the people of Fontaine's love for drama, it would be difficult to find one person who hadn't seen the supposedly renowned group before the end of the first week.

It was near midnight when the Chief Justice found himself at the Opera Epiclese. He rarely focused on matters outside of work, preferring to remain in his office to read whatever case was on his table (which he had no shortage of) but this night was different.

This night, he was thinking of you. And before he knew it, he was entering the opera house and making his way to the stage where he knew you would be practicing.

The first performance he watched of yours caught him hook, line, and sinker. He was bewitched by every move, every expression you made, and couldn't believe that such an art could evoke such emotion in him. Emotions to him were rare. He had long since experienced such emotions that he was surprised to feel once again the longing he had for the sea, to return to the waters and be free. Such movements that mimicked the water reminded him of the days before he was Neuvillette, the Iudex of Fontaine.

After that, Neuvillette regularly attended the performances, seated on his usual seat up front. He attended them every night, hoping to see you, hoping to grab the courage to finally talk to you, and once he did, it was as if time had stopped for as long as he could remember and had finally started flowing again.

You were easy to talk to, so quick to understand him, so brave to joke around him as if he wasn't one of the most respected persons of Fontaine.

So easy to love.

He could see you on the stage as he entered the main hall, see you practicing your dance, as if you were moving water itself, flowy and graceful. He almost wished you wouldn't notice him so he could keep watching you, enraptured by you, but alas, you were always quick to notice him.

You halted and took a bow. "Chief Justice."

"How many times must I tell you that just Neuvillette is fine?"

You smiled. "Too many times."

And then, you were offstage and in his arms.

"Hello, Neuvillette."

"Why are you practicing so late?"

"Because I know you'd be here."

"I'm always here."

"So I must always practice."

He allowed himself to smile.

"Will you finally dance with me?"

And his smile vanished.

"I told you, I don't dance."

"And I told you, I would teach you."

"And then I told you, I'm quite content with watching you."

"And then I told you, I want to experience dancing with someone I love before we leave for Natlan."

He pulled away to look at your face, already staring up at him.

"…are you sure you can't stay?"

"And let my members go without their best act?" you joked. "I can't do that."

"But…"

You placed your hand against his cheek, and he pressed into his warmth.

"I'll come back. I promise."

He sighed.

"Fine. I'll dance with you."

Your eyes lit up and your smile was wide. "Really?"

He nodded. "Really."

Perhaps this was the closest he'd be to the water again, as he was in the old days, Neuvillette thought. This wasn't quite so bad, dancing to the world's song with you.

For a moment, Neuvillette allowed himself to experience the human arts that allowed humans to express their feelings. He allowed himself to feel, and he owed it all to you.

This is what happens when you listen to waltz music with Neuvillette in mind.

[ria-aaa]

*sighs in about to write a neuvi fic again*

maybe i'm taking neuvillette's whole water tasting bit too far but he would be SOOOOOO incredibly insatiable about oral once he figures it out

[ria-aaa]

dear albedo

in which you write a letter to albedo, five years later

sequel to the grandest thief of all

Dear Albedo,

Hello, love.

I suppose you're wondering why I'm writing this letter in the first place. It was admittedly Klee's idea; this kind of thing isn't my style, but I'm sure you knew that better than I ever did.

So, my great alchemist. Here are a couple of things I want to tell you, things I can't say to you in person in the few years since you...

Life has been strange these days. After what happened, Mondstadt mourned for days. Quite strange for a city that's usually so lively, actually. The Knights of Favonius held a ceremony too; I like to think you would've liked it.

Jean and Kaeya left me the responsibility of breaking the news to Klee. I resented them at first, but later on, I realized there was no other way to it. Klee and I were closest to you, and Archons knew I prayed she would understand somewhat. She didn't take the loss so easily, but we stayed together through the first few months which were admittedly the hardest.

Mondstadt seems so unfamiliar without you, Albedo. I keep remembering you in every place I went, in every person I talked to. Sucrose and Timaeus took it upon themselves to continue learning your craft and finishing your work; in fact, Sucrose went to study more at Sumeru. Her works now would've made you so proud. The Knights continue to do their duties. Speaking of which, they offered to help me clean your office but Klee and I decided we could do it ourselves. Sucrose has been using it too, so we had to decide what to keep and what would remain there.

Ah, Klee also wanted me to mention our trip. We found your notebook, and I apologize for snooping, I really do, but we saw that you wanted to go on a trip with us. Luckily, Klee and I had the same idea: we'll go on the trip for you.

Truthfully, I needed to leave Mondstadt. The months I spent there without you were difficult. Painful, really. I'd like to think I'm the one taking Klee on a trip, but really, it's Klee taking me on a trip to offer me whatever it is I need to accept what had happened... to accept that the great love of my life has passed away.

Klee and I have been traveling ever since. We've gone all the way from the city where I found my home in you to places as far as Natlan and Fontaine. She's grown so much, Albedo, but she's still the adorable girl who plays with bombs (she's gotten really creative with them, I have to say I'm impressed).

Klee really loved Natlan, so we'll be coming back after our trip back to Mondstadt in time for... in time for your anniversary. It's been four years since then. In fact, that's the reason why Klee wanted to write letters to you (and I couldn't escape even if I wanted to). That way, we'll, I quote, "remember better what to tell you once we get home." You should prepare yourself, Albedo. I think Klee has enough stories to talk your ears off.

It's still hard without you, but I like to think that I'd gotten better at handling it. You'll laugh at me for it, but it is your voice I hear when I need advice or comfort. Human emotions are so weird, aren't they? You would've enjoyed teasing me for that, but honestly? I'll sit through your teasing if it meant spending more time with you.

I think Klee's almost done with her letter, which means I have to finish mine now. Writing this felt like talking to you, so I might just write another one when I find the time.

We'll be home soon, love. I will always pray for your happiness.

Yours forever.

might write an alternate ending though because of the recent albedo event, but i like this.

[ria-aaa]

I see,,,, you have chosen violence,,,, by including the love of my life sugawara koushi,,,,

when he throws his wedding ring

characters: kageyama. kenma. osamu. semi. sugawara.

genre: angst

part one + part two

a/n: here some kageyama nd suga for u @the-japanese-wagtail | semi’s sounds so generic i <//3

KAGEYAMA isn’t the same boy he was in middle school anymore. he can manage his anger so much better, though there’s no way to deny that he could still become quite irritated and act irrationally. there were days he couldn’t control himself, there were days where he would act before thinking. you want to believe that kageyama didn’t mean to, that he acted purely out of his emotions and nothing else. you want to interpret his silence and dull eyes as a form of shock, regret, anything - but if he really didn’t mean it, why did this cross his mind in the first place? did he really want to hurt you so badly?

KENMA has always been rather cold and analytical, never losing his temper and staying on the analytical side of things. he always carefully calculated his actions, which is why it hurt so much more than anything else when the simple ring hit the floor. you have never seen him so agitated about something. kenma always thinks about every single thing he does - carefully calculating it and aware of everything that people might think. which is why it hurt so much more when you stare down at the metal band, when he rushes out of the room and slams his office door shut. it hurts so much because you know he meant it.

OSAMU was never one to become overly emotional, opting to stay calm and quiet rather than to let his emotions get the better of him, especially in front of you. Yet he let his anger consume him, violently ripping his ring off of his finger and throwing it at your face. he couldn’t even wait for your reaction, he couldn’t see your face, your betrayed eyes and your betrayed expression, instead opting to bolt out of your shared home, slamming the door as he went out. he needs to cool off, he needs to calm down, he needs to distance himself. because there was no way osamu could face you now.

SEMI needs a moment to properly understand the situation. he would never be so careless, would he? you meant everything to him, you have always been there for him. and even though he could only imagine how much that must‘ve hurt you, he couldn’t bring himself to look at you. a quiet apology left his lips as he turned his back on you, pressing his eyes shut and biting down on his lip. at this point he couldn’t stop himself from apologizing over and over, muttering the same words like he was a broken record, only stopping as he feels your hand on his shoulder. this was when he bolts out of the room, afraid he might hurt you again. what he doesn’t seem to realize that seeing him run away hurt more than anything ever could.

SUGAWARA has always been the kind, bubbly person, responsible yet never far away if some shit went down. yet no matter what, he always made sure to never hurt anyone intentionally - and would profusely apologize if anything happened still. so why was he quiet now? sugawara found himself swallowing down a lump in his throat, yet no matter how hard he tried, it didn’t go away. his mouth was drier than any desert, his whole body shaking all over. why was he still quiet when you shook your head, tears glistening in your eyes? why did he let you walk out, shutting the door carefully behind you? why stood he frozen as he heard your muffled sobs coming from the bedroom? wasn’t he supposed to be better than this?

© sunarent. all rights reserved. do not modify, copy or claim as your own. do not repost. reblogs are appreciated

[ria-aaa]

REBLOG IF YOU WANT A LOVE LETTER FROM A FICTIONAL CHARACTER IN YOUR ASK BOX NOW

[ria-aaa]

YES. A THOUSAND TIMES YES.

The morning you turned twenty-three, Sugawara’s lips were less than a centimeter away from yours.

You were lying on his bed that had a memory foam mattress topper, smoothly covered with a white cotton bed sheet. The blanket pooled around your ankles and dripped to the hardwood floor like the down pillows pushed off his bed.

The previous night was humid and sticky, and as much as Sugawara had wanted to touch you, sweat had gathered in your bodies like a face towel that couldn’t hold any more water after he overused it during volleyball practice.

You tossed and turned all night, pushing away the pillows and the blanket and Sugawara. But when morning came—the morning you turned twenty-three—a cool breeze blanketed over you, and soon enough, your body found its way back to his.

Sugawara closed his eyes and slightly craned his neck. He felt your nose rub against him as his upper lips grazed on yours. But before his lower lip could land on you, you rolled on your side and faced your back on him, rumpling the cotton sheets beneath you.

“Brush your teeth,” you grumbled as you folded into yourself, pulling your knees closer to your chest.

“Can’t I get a morning kiss from my baby?” He protested with a giggle.

Keep reading

[ria-aaa]

married to sugawara koushi at 22

“We’re married.”

Sugawara says the words like the fact that he’s 22 and married hasn’t suck in. It probably hasn’t, and the incredulity in his tone makes it all the more evident.

“We’re married,” you repeat. The smile that hasn’t left your lips all day softened into one Sugawara recognizes all too well.

The wedding you two had was small, just a little gathering of friends and family who’ve seen you both grow together through the years. Funnily enough, Asahi cried the most, and Hinata caught the bouquet after jumping like he was after a damned volleyball. Everyone gave their well-wishes, and even then, it still hadn’t sunk in to Sugawara that he was marrying the love of his life that day.

Today. At 22, he married you today, with his friends and family as your witnesses.

“We’re married,” he whispers, and your eyes crease at the corners as your smile, the smile that told him you loved him more than you could possibly say, widened.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet.”

He exhales slowly, pulling you in closer to him. “Same here.”

You were both still dressed in your wedding attire, slow dancing to the sound of your heartbeats in the living room of the little home you shared.

It’s barely been 24 hours since you both got married, and Sugawara was overwhelmed. Overwhelmed that you married him, overwhelmed that you chose him of all people. Overwhelmed that from this day onwards, he was yours and you were his.

Tomorrow, he gets to wake up to his you, his wife, in his arms. He gets to watch you sleep for a couple more minutes and enjoy the warmth of you against him before he decides to get out of bed to cook breakfast for the two of you. Tomorrow, he gets to fall into routines you’ve both shared ever since you moved in together, but the routines won’t feel quite the same anymore.

After all, you were married.

“Asahi cried so much,” you mention, earning a chuckle from the silver-haired man.

“If it weren’t for that, I think Daichi would’ve cried too,” he jokes, and you both laugh.

“They got us a lovely gift though.”

Sugawara eyes the unwrapped gift on the counter, the box carrying the waffle maker being the first thing you opened when you got home.

“Looks like we didn’t need to buy one after all,” he says, and you grin.

“Waffles for breakfast tomorrow?”

“Waffles for breakfast,” he agrees. “And with strawberries.”

“Are you going to do that thing?”

“What thing?”

Your grin shifts into something more teasing, an expression he was all too used to.

“Where you cook breakfast for the two of us shirtless,” you reply, a hint of laughter in your voice at the sound of his, bubbling up from his throat, “and you wake me up with a kiss and a cup of coffee, and I get to admire the view for a bit.”

He couldn’t help but laugh. “If that’s what my wife wants, then I don’t see why not.”

“Wife.” You smile widely, leaning up to kiss him softly. “I like the sound of that.”

Sugawara does too. Maybe the fact that he’s married to you will never sink in. Maybe he’ll feel overwhelmed every day because he’s 22 and he’s married to the love of his life. But Sugawara doesn’t think he’ll mind.

Because being married to you at 22 was the best decision he’s ever made, and he’s never going to regret it.

saw @neoheros‘s and @coophi’s writing contest and just knew i had to write smth, even if it was a little short <3

[ria-aaa]

I actually wrote a sequel,,, of sorts,,,, to the albedo fic bc my friends lost it after reading the first part

[ria-aaa]

JKDSHGJKSDFHGKJF

talk about a rough first pass - im so rusty hhah

Animation for my Dad!hawks xreader fic, Balmy

[ria-aaa]

Huhhh I didn't know it was possible to like the photo instead of the post sjdjkcc you learn new stuff on this app ig

Also I've been listening to this on loop ever since I wrote the suga fic and it hasn't left my mind

[ria-aaa]

the grandest thief of all

in which albedo thought he knew himself

albedo x reader

Out of all things he understood, Albedo liked to think he understood himself well.

Granted, he had no memory of a time before his travels with his master, but Albedo liked to think that ever since then, he's come to have some understanding of himself.

He held a fountain of knowledge that many were in awe of. He knew things that people in this century, maybe, have no more knowledge of, losing it to the grandest thief in the world, time.

But when he did come across something new, Albedo liked to study it. He'd conduct studies upon studies, research upon research just to understand it, and once he had finished, once he had felt the glorious feeling that was enlightenment, he'd move on to the next thing.

So when Albedo met you, he just knew he had to understand you.

You were kind, smart to some degree (you knew a lot of things, but not quite as much as Lisa maybe), and you liked playing with Klee when he was too busy to do so.

What puzzled him more was how much you liked to spend time with him.

It's not like he minded; at least, he liked to think he didn't. He was genuinely surprised when you opted to stick around in his lab, more often than even Klee or Kaeya did. He didn't mind, really. He liked how you would be quiet when he was too focused on his work, or when you asked him questions and he got to teach you something new. Time with you was time well spent and Albedo found himself wanting to understand you more.

So he conducted a study. Simple as that.

He studied you, with your permission of course. He took note of what you liked and what you didn't. He studied your expressions when you talked to people, just to see if he knew you well enough to predict your reactions.

If Albedo had to choose, his favorite part of the study was the experimental part. He liked to hold your hand and see how you react to it, and it usually results with you blushing so hard, he'd think you'd push him away but you don't. He liked figuring out ways to make you smile especially after you had just cried (which he absolutely hated, by the way; he didn't like it when you cried). He had a whole notebook dedicated to notes and sketches of you, and he certainly wasn't embarrassed of it.

Albedo liked to think he knew himself. But ever since he met you, he discovered more things, more sides to him that he never quite knew existed till now. You had been the catalyst to these things and he was determined to find out if you'd be able to invoke more in him than he thought possible.

And you did.

Albedo didn't know it was possible to feel jealousy when he had seen you talking to another man (even if it was just Kaeya). When he had brought up the unpleasant feeling the first time he felt it, you had smiled so wide when you explained it to him, and he immediately took note of it. He didn't like worrying either; worrying was this other unpleasant feeling he got when you returned late to the Knights of Favonius headquarters; when he told you about it, you thanked him for worrying for you (and he quickly figured out that he also felt this way every time Klee got hurt).

To him, you were a catalyst. A work of art. A puzzle he continued to solve as you gave him more pieces to work with.

Albedo liked to think he knew himself.

He's thought about it a lot; what he'd think at his last moments. Maybe he'd feel dispirited that he hadn't fulfilled his master's final assignment to him. Maybe he'd worry for Klee, of who'd take care of her when he's gone. Perhaps he'd also want to know if he's taught Sucrose and Timaeus all the tools they'd need to seek out knowledge just as he did with his master.

But this wasn't quite what he expected.

As Albedo lay in your arms, staring up at you with labored breaths, he found himself thinking that he didn't want to see you cry. He thought it was cruel, both to him and you, as you held him through his final moments.

Albedo liked to think that he'd have a future with you. That, maybe, ten years later, you'd still be together. Maybe you'd be traveling the world and discovering new things together. Maybe the two of you would even take Klee with you; she'd surely enjoy the adventure that awaited.

"Please," you whispered to him, a tear falling to his cheek, warm against his skin.

"Please, stay with me."

Ah, Albedo found himself thinking. Time wasn't quite the grandest thief out there. Death could give it a run for its money.

He thought — no, he wished he could've spent forever with you.

belated happy birthday, albedo <3

sequel here

[ria-aaa]

rain

in which the rain reminds diluc of you.

diluc x implied fem!reader

The rain always reminded Diluc of you.

It was raining when you and Diluc first met. He was traveling around when it started raining. On search for cover, Diluc ran into you... well, more like ran into the sight of you dancing under the rain.

It was mesmerizing.

Diluc was mesmerized by the way you skipped and moved your arms so gracefully, as if you moved along with the wind even as it splattered more of the rain onto your face. He was mesmerized by the way you laughed without a care in the world; all you seemed to care about was that moment. Most of all, he was mesmerized by the smile you made when you had finished your dance, so peaceful and serene, with your eyes close and head tilted to the heavens.

When you finally saw him, you greeted him with a smile, slightly embarrassed that you had been caught in the act.

You exchanged names, and before long, Diluc found himself traveling beside you. You had told him that you had no particular destination; you simply wanted to see the world. While Diluc told himself to be careful of what motives you possibly could have, he found himself enjoying your company.

He loved the sound of your voice. Normally, he didn't like people who talked so much, but you were different. Your stories were lively, your thoughts full of wonder and curiosity.

You didn't ask him too many questions about himself which he appreciated. The most you had asked him about was where he was from, and he had no problem answering that question.

Slowly but surely, Diluc shared his thoughts more. Slowly but surely, he started to open up the way you have. And slowly but surely, Diluc started to fall in love with you.

It was raining when you told Diluc you loved him.

You both were huddled underneath the tent you owned. It was night time, the rain replacing the stars in the sky. You held a hand out, and he watched your expression soften as the drops hit your hand.

Early on into your journey, you had told him that you always had an affinity, and a love for water. When you got your Vision, no one was surprised to find out the Hydro Archon had favored you.

When you shivered because of the wind, Diluc draped his coat over you, earning the smile he had come to love.

When you said you loved him, Diluc couldn't have missed it at all, not when you said it so loud and clear. Diluc stared at you with wide eyes and a growing blush on his cheek that made him suddenly thankful that the only source of light you had was the fire behind the two of you.

Your smile was soft, and your gaze was, dare he say, loving. But when he linked his hand with yours, he fell in love with the way your eyes widened and the way your cheeks burned red.

"...I love you too."

The way you showed your affection was definitely less subtle than his, but he could tell you didn't mind by the way you smiled whenever he took your hand to help you cross a stream or when he holds you by the waist to pull you out of harm's way. You certainly didn't mind when he pulled you close in the middle of the night as you slept, a happy hum from your lips as you cuddled up to him.

On the other hand, Diluc didn't mind the way you wrapped your arms around him as he plucked a sunsettia for you. Diluc didn't mind when you would pull him from the cover of a tree when it started raining, just so you could dance with him. And he certainly didn't mind the way you would steal kisses from him any chance you got.

Diluc loved you, and he wouldn't trade anything in the world for the chance to make you smile.

It was also raining when Diluc broke your heart.

He wished he didn't. He wished the day he hurt you never came.

But when you were held hostage by the Abyss Order, Diluc knew that he could never bear to put you in danger ever again through the nature of his investigation on the order.

When he saw the pain across your beautiful features, Diluc wished he could take it all back. He stopped himself from holding you when you insisted you could handle whatever comes your way, that he didn't need to worry about your safety. He stopped himself from taking it all back when you started crying, your sobs tearing his world apart. He told you that it was for your sake, that he could never bear to live if something happened to you because he had brought you into his life.

With a heavy heart, and with your sobs to haunt him forever, Diluc walked away from you, letting the rain hide his tears.

Diluc wished he never parted ways with you. His journey afterwards were lonely, his nights agonizing. He missed you terribly, and he would give anything to hear your laughter once again.

It was raining when he ran into you again.

Months had passed since then. He found you dancing under the rain yet again. Just like the first time, you were mesmerizing to him. You were still beautiful, and your smile would never fail to captivate him.

But unlike the first time, you were dancing with someone. Someone that wasn't him. You were smiling, but not because he had said something to make you smile his way.

Diluc wished the day never came that he wouldn't be the one to make you smile.

Just like the first time, you caught him watching you. Unlike the first time, you didn't smile. Instead, a surprised expression was on your face and you immediately stopped dancing. Your companion must have asked you what was wrong before he turned to what you were looking at.

Diluc stared into your eyes longer than he should've let himself. He couldn't help it. He missed you terribly.

He still loved you.

He managed a smile and nodded slightly at you, before turning away to continue on his trip. He fought every urge to rush towards you and hold you tight. You were happy and safe without him, and that was all he wanted.

He told himself that that was all he wanted. But he couldn't help but want to be the one to make you happy and keep you safe, to be the first person you saw when you woke, and the last person you saw before you slept, to be the one who loved you and was loved in return.

"Diluc!"

He stopped in his tracks at the sound of your voice, and then continued on.

"Diluc, wait!"

He couldn't stop himself.

He turned around and ran straight into your open arms, holding each other like a lifeline.

It was still raining when the two of you pulled away, and it was still raining when Diluc promised himself to never let you go ever again.

*sighs dreamily* diluc ragnvindr

[ria-aaa]

his hand

in which people have no idea what it’s like to love xiao

modern au xiao x reader

The rain was pouring when you got out of the train and ran all the way to your campus nearby, and it was still raining hours later as you wait under the shed for your boyfriend to arrive.

You checked your phone for the fifth time, this time to check for any messages he might have left you before, you knew, he made his way to your school.

"I'm on my way."

You smiled to yourself and pocketed your phone.

Xiao was someone you didn't expect to fall in love with, and he's told you countless sleepless nights that he wasn't expecting to fall for you, much less to be in love.

He was a stranger, someone who lived in the same street as you did in the little town you both used to live in. You went to different schools, you hung out with different people, and he was two years older than you. Your paths barely ever crossed each other until that day you decided to go to the nearby park on a rainy day, and ended up running into him quite literally.

The rain that day was almost as bad as today's.

You could vaguely remember why you had decided to run out of your house and into the pouring weather. Your parents weren't home yet; they were out of town and were to return that evening. It had been sunny and hot the entire summer, so when you heard the soft pitter patter of raindrops against your window, you immediately jumped out of your seat and rushed out of your house. A laugh escaped your lips as you felt the cool drops on your skin, and you quickly made your way to the park that was a few blocks away from your house.

You had been so caught up in the rain that you didn't even see the person in front of you, and you ended up bumping into him. And before you ended up on the ground, your arm was suddenly in a strong grip, pulling you right back up to your feet.

"I'm sorry!" you gasped.

"It's fine," the stranger answered blankly. You look up and met eyes with Xiao for the first time.

Love didn't come as easily to Xiao as much as it was to you. You both were attracted to each other after the first time you met, and your paths crossed more often than it ever did before. The park was your rendezvous point at first, and then you were both showing each other your favorite parts of the small town you lived in.

You weren't afraid to tell him your feelings. And when you told him that you loved him, possibly more than a friend, you were expecting him to reject you. After all, love was foreign to him, and whenever you got too close, Xiao would always somehow push you away. He was harsh at first, and then he became gentler as you started to know and read him (which he admitted he didn't like at first).

You appreciated how he was at least honest with you. That he couldn't return your feelings yet, but someday he hoped he could. That was more than enough for you. When you saw the glimmer of hope in his eyes when you told him that you were more than willing to wait until he was ready, you realized that that was more than enough for you.

Xiao came off to others as cold and unfeeling. While you had somehow guessed that underneath his tough exterior, he simply wanted a human connection, others still saw him as someone you should stay away from. On your last year of high school, he had started driving around a motorbike, and his right arm was adorned with an intricate tattoo you had honestly loved when he showed you the first time. This image of him only made him someone to avoid for others. Honestly, if you had a dollar every time someone, a stranger, a friend, or a family member, told you to stay away from him or move out of the apartment the two of you shared in the city when you had to move for college and he offered that you two move in together (with boundaries of course), you'd have enough to pay for your college tuition.

But you ignored them all the same, for they would never know the real Xiao underneath that leather jacket he was extremely fond of and wore because he knew you loved the look when he shows up on his motorbike, ready to whisk you away.

You ignored the comments, because they would never hear the way he tells you he loves you, so reverent and sincere, and you know that he's yours forever. They would never see the way his eyes gaze at you, full of love and adoration, and the way he holds your hand and makes sure that nothing would ever harm you, and you're sure of that, because you know that Xiao would never ever let anything hurt the person that mattered most in his life.

"I'm outside."

When you take your phone out again, the rain had stopped pouring, and the sun had started to shine yet again, its rays softly hitting your skin. With a grin, you tuck your phone into your pocket and make your way to the exit where he always waits after your classes.

Xiao is leaning against his bike when you pass through the gate. You don't miss the way his eyes light up at the sight of you, and how he straightens up and almost reaches for you.

"Hi," you greet him breathlessly.

"Hi," he answers with a smile. He holds his hand out to you. "Let's go?"

You take his hand in yours, and know that you would never let go of it come what may.

"Let's go."

MOTORBIKE XIAO MOTORBIKE XIAO MOTORBIKE XIAO

[ria-aaa]

secrets

kaeya has secrets. you do, too.

kaeya x fem!reader

warning! spoilers ahead!

Kaeya could still the day he met you. He remembered every single moment with you, as clear as the water in Starfell Lake.

That particular day, he had gone to Angel's Share for a drink, and maybe gather information from the bar's regular patrons. It was something he did regularly, but when he went there that day, the last thing he expected was to fall in love.

The first thing he saw was your back. You stood in front of the bar with your hands on your waist. Your stance was defiant, challenging even. Diluc, was on the other side of the bar, clearly unamused. The two of you were arguing over something. Normally, Kaeya would've paused just to figure out what the argument was about, but he didn't even hesitate when he made his way forward to interrupt the argument before it caused a rowdy bar fight.

He didn't know it was even possible for him, but when your eyes met, both of you were instantly in love.

The argument was quickly over, and Kaeya whisked you away to the bar's second floor to talk.

You were an adventurer from Liyue, traveling all around Teyvat until you arrived at Mondstadt. Kaeya quickly found out that you usually stayed in one city for quite a while, which explained why he had only seen you now. You two bonded over so many common interests, he was genuinely surprised to find someone so like-minded.

Days passed, with you spending most of your time with him. If he was unavailable, you'd usually be somewhere in the city. If not, you were somewhere in Windrise, just lying on the grass and staring at the sky. Whenever he finds you there, he'd lie down beside you and you'd talk for hours on end.

Kaeya didn't know what it was like to be just a normal person, talking about their favorite things or arguing about their favorite things with the person they liked. He didn't know it was even possible for someone like him until he met you.

You were bright. You spoke your mind out. You laughed at anything and everything. It was almost as if you radiated happiness, and even though he wasn't sure if he deserved to, Kaeya basked in it, letting your laughter and your smile be the light to him.

At his suggestion, you found a place to stay within the city. At first, you didn't even seem to need it as you would go for days without even sleeping there. You would simply laugh about it when Kaeya pointed it out, complaining about how he must have looked like a fool knocking on your door when there was no one in there in the first place.

That all stopped, however, after the first night Kaeya stayed over at your place after you both had too much to drink. He somehow ended up in your bed and the both of you somehow woke up in each other's arms.

In your sleepy state, your forehead bunched up as you squinted at him. Kaeya truly knew he was whipped when at that moment, he still found you stunning.

"...this was not how I imagined what waking up next to you would be like."

He smirked. "You imagined waking up next to me in bed?"

"With someone as sexy as you? How can I not?" you snorted, turning over in bed to face the other way.

That made Kaeya laugh.

"So how is it? Is it better than you imagined?" he teased.

Your answer came in an instant.

"Way much better."

Later on, when Kaeya showed up at the Knights' headquarters, he'd think about those words and instantly smile. He would tell you about that days later, just to tease you.

Days turned into weeks. Kaeya started crashing at your place (you two had agreed to call it as such until you were both ready to call it "moving in together"). Of course, you two kept that up until a good few months had passed and you finally had enough of it, telling him to just finally move in. You were so cute when you made your demand, he couldn't help but tease you just a bit before giving in.

At this point, everyone in the city knew that there was something going on between the two of you. The bar patrons would nudge and tease Kaeya about it, at how he and the adventurer got along really well. He would smile, happy at the fact that you were, indeed, his.

You didn't need words to confirm it; at this point, it was an irrevocable fact that you both belonged to each other.

At some point, it became your habit to share things about you at night while you two lay side by side. You would tell him what's going on in your mind at that moment. In hushed whispers, you'd tell him secrets that you've never told anyone else. You didn't trust anyone enough to share them, not until he came into your life.

Kaeya knew what you were afraid of. He knew of your insecurities, of what you really thought of something. You poured your heart out in those midnight moments with him, when you were unable to sleep and he'd stay up with you, trying to distract your mind.

You shared everything. Kaeya did not.

It wasn't like he didn't want to. He wanted to give you some part of him, some part of his soul or something. He wanted someone else to know of the weight he carried on his shoulders. He wanted you, most especially, to know what he was afraid of, of his doubts, of why he was there in Mondstadt from the start.

But he just couldn't tell you. At least not yet. Not until he was ready.

Weeks turned into months. Then, one day, you told him you needed to go to Liyue to visit a close friend of yours for their birthday. Kaeya, albeit upset at the idea of not seeing you for days, decided to go with you at least as far as Stone Gate. This seemed to make you happy and Kaeya enjoyed traveling with you.

While you were gone, Kaeya took the time to think about his next move. He trusted you enough now; if he told you his secret, you'd be the last person to betray him. When his train of thought moved onto marriage, Kaeya almost slammed his head onto his desk, surprising the knights in the room.

He did consider asking you to marry him. He couldn't imagine life without you by his side nor a life where he would come home to you and listen to you tell him how your day went.

He let out a sigh, watching a knight leave the room. Maybe he'll wait for you to come home first so you both could talk about it. For now, he'll focus on figuring out whether or not he should tell you about his most well-kept secret.

The secret about his past. The one secret he could never reveal to anyone.

He figured out his answer when he got a letter from you, delivered by an adventurer from Mondstadt who happened to be on his way back to the city. Your letter was long. The first part was about how you'd probably be back in a week; the rest of the letter was about how Liyue was lonely without him, how much you missed him, and how he should definitely go with you to Liyue next time.

You always signed your letters to him the same way: "Yours forever. I love you."

He smiled and tucked the letter into his pocket. He should find the time to tell you soon.

Kaeya figured out you were home when he went home one day from a mission and the light was on from the bedroom window. He excitedly rushed inside, and found you lying on the bed, covering your eyes with your arm.

"Hey! You're back!"

You uncovered your eyes and looked at him with a tired smile. "Kaeya~ I missed you."

"You're tired, aren't you?"

You chuckled guiltily. "Yeah. I didn't sleep and focused on coming home to you."

Kaeya tutted as he took the heavy garments off his person. He climbed into bed with you, pulling you close.

"You should've rested."

"I know. But when I think about how lonely you must have been without me, I knew I had to get home faster."

"You wound me."

"Just admit you missed me, idiot."

He smiled and pressed a kiss to your forehead.

"Fine. I missed you."

"There you go! I missed you too."

The next morning, you were already awake before him, simply watching him sleep.

"Good morning, sleepyhead."

"Good morning." He brushed a lock of hair away from your face. "Do you have any plans today?"

"Hmm... I don't think so. I'll tell you if something does come up, though. Why do you ask?"

"I need to tell you something important."

"Can't you tell me now?"

"Where's the fun in that?" he teased.

You rolled your eyes. "Fine, fine."

He grinned, staring at you. "I know it's only been like weeks, but I really missed you."

"Being clingy isn't really your thing, Kaeya Alberich," you teased. Before he could reply, you continued, "But I like it. It looks like you really did miss me."

"Why does that sound questionable?"

"Anyone who saw you would think that being clingy isn't your style, you know."

"Then I'm glad I'm only clingy to you."

You smiled, and how Kaeya missed seeing it.

"As you should be."

Your day went on as it normally does, with Kaeya heading off to the Knights' headquarters, and you just roaming around Mondstadt.

As the sun started to set, a knight entered the room Kaeya was in, with a message from you.

"Captain, I have a message for you."

He looked up. "What is it?"

Something had come up and you were on your way to the cliff across the lake near the Dawn Winery. According to the knight, you might take a while but you'd try to be home before dinner. To this, Kaeya simply shrugged and decided that he'd go to you instead.

He didn't find you easily, though, not until he trekked closer to the area near Stone Gate. You were making your way back, with a serious expression he didn't quite recognize (which, honestly, shocked him).

"Hey there."

You looked up and that expression shifted to one of surprise.

"Kaeya! What are you doing here?"

"I came looking for you clearly. I was also thinking that maybe we could go stargazing out here tonight."

You moved closer to him and smiled. "That sounds like a good idea."

"What were you doing here anyway?"

"Liyue Katheryne sent me a message through Mondstadt Katheryne for a commission. I was available so I went and did it."

"Huh. Was it hard?"

You rolled your eyes and lightly punched his shoulder. "You underestimate me."

"Oh, I'm sure you can do anything. Just don't want you straining yourself."

"Ah, now you're sucking up to me."

"Is it working?"

You finally smiled. "Only because it's you."

You linked your arm with his and he led you to an area with a clearer view of the night sky. When you both were finally laying on the grass like you were back in Windrise on a sunny day, you finally asked him, "What was it you wanted to tell me?"

"I..." Kaeya swallowed a lump in his throat. This was harder than he expected. But you were you, and Kaeya knew that you'd understand even better than anyone.

He looked into your eyes, finding patience and understanding. That only encouraged him more.

And so, Kaeya spilled. He told you of his past, of how he came to the city of the wind. He told you of the mission his father put him up to before he was abandoned near the Dawn Winery where the master, Diluc's father, took him in and treated him as a son. He told you of how he was meant to start a war within all of Teyvat.

You were quiet for a while after he was done speaking. Kaeya grew nervous; he didn't know what you were thinking of. He never learned how to, considering that you always spoke your mind out.

You sat up and he quickly followed, trying to gauge your reaction. To his surprise (or was it horror?), your expression was the same serious one he didn't recognize earlier.

It was almost as if he didn't know you.

"I know."

Kaeya stopped in his tracks. He stared at you with wide-eyes, speechless as you stood up, patting the dirt of your clothes. You turn to him, the serious expression never leaving your face, and the dead light in your eyes almost made you unrecognizable.

"You have shared your deepest secret, and now I am obliged to do the same."

Horror, anger, betrayal. Kaeya felt all those things as you took out a pair of gloves from your vest and tugged them onto your fingers.

"I traveled over Teyvat, researching on the Kingdom of Khaenri'ah for Her Royal Highness the Tsaritsa of Snezhnaya."

At that, Kaeya jumped to his feet, pulling out his sword.

The last thing he expected was for you to be a part of the Fatui.

"You..."

You stared him dead in the eye; he knew the disbelief and hurt was evident on his expression, seeing how your eyes softened just a tiny bit.

"And while I was in Inazuma, I caught wind of a plot, a plot so ancient, and it involved sending the kingdom's last hope to Mondstadt and seeking war with Tevyat."

You stood in place while Kaeya took his stance.

"Under Her Royal Highness's orders, I came to Mondstadt. And you, Kaeya Alberich, have given me the final puzzle piece."

He grit his teeth. He shouldn't have told you.

"You shouldn't have told me, Kaeya," you said, saying his name the same way you did while you two lay in bed.

"You tricked me," he growled. "You lied to me!"

Hurt flashed in your eyes before you closed them.

"With this, I have enough information to give to the Tsaritsa."

Kaeya yelled and lunged at you. You dodged easily and he quickly used his Cryo ability to attack again. You kept dodging, until Kaeya made a move he knew you could never escape.

To his horror, a bright flash of purple emanated from you and he was thrown back. He quickly gathered his bearings, glaring at the purple vision that now glowed as you took it out.

Of course you'd lie about having a Vision.

"Kaeya..."

Without another word, he lunged towards you again, fighting your Vision with his. You blocked every blow, refusing to make an attack of your own.

"Don't say my name," he growled. "Not after you just lied to me!"

Your jaw visibly clenched and before Kaeya knew it, you had disappeared in a flash of purple lightning, appearing a few feet away from him.

"I'm willing to offer you a deal, Kaeya Alberich."

He threw you a glare, ignoring the throb of pain in his chest.

"You could let me go and report all of the information I have to the Tsaritsa."

"As if -"

"Or," you cut him off. Your eyes, no longer bright, were suddenly sad.

"Or you could get rid of me and the information I gathered will be gone forever."

He froze. He didn't think it was possible for him to feel even more betrayed and horrified.

"You're saying -"

"I'm saying you can kill me. I'd let you do it in a heartbeat."

He grit his teeth. "Why are you doing this?"

You answered quietly, like you were afraid that the wind might pick it up and someone would overhear it.

"Because I don't want to do this to you."

Kaeya stared at you before letting out a laugh.

"It's too late for that."

"Kaeya," you pleaded. "You -"

"Do you really think that I could kill you?"

"Yes."

You had said it so confidently, like you knew that when it came down to it, Kaeya would never choose you over the mission his father had left him.

The thought hurt him. He had already betrayed his father by telling you in the first place.

"Go."

You stopped, staring at him with wide eyes.

"Kaeya -"

"Go, and never show yourself again. Don't even dare think of me, or even let me hear of you."

You opened your mouth to speak but you quickly closed your mouth.

Kaeya's last sight of you was of you crying before you disappeared in a blast of purple lightning.

Were everything you said lies? Kaeya wanted to hate you, to forget that you even existed.

But it seemed it was too late for that.

----------

Weeks had gone by since you had left.

Kaeya walked through the streets of Mondstadt, ignoring the townspeople as they talked about how they never saw you again. Lisa brought it up once but Kaeya simply waved it off, telling her that you had simply gone back to Liyue.

Of course, it was a lie.

While he kept up his confident and charming persona, Kaeya couldn't stop thinking of you. He'd pass by the restaurant you both frequented, and he'd be reminded of you when he saw your favorite food. He moved out of the house after he imagined you lying on the bed, waiting for him.

Everything reminded him of you. And he hated it.

Kaeya preoccupied himself with work. And it was at the Knights of Favonius's headquarters where he received the most unlikely guest.

Diluc would never enter the headquarters nor go looking for him if it wasn't something extremely important.

"Well, look who decided to drop by," he teased.

Diluc's expression remained unchanged but when he spoke, his voice sounded somber.

"Kaeya."

The news Diluc had for him was enough to make his knees give way, and Kaeya sank down on his chair, staring at the redhead with utter disbelief.

A group of adventurers had found you extremely injured and on the brink of death in Lingju pass. They said you might have been in that state for days. You somehow managed to ask them to take two letters to the Dawn Winery.

Minutes later, you were gone.

"She asked me to give you this," Diluc continued, handing Kaeya a bloodstained letter. Your handwriting was shaky, very much unlike the pristine way you always wrote.

He stared at it for a long time, not even noticing when Diluc had left. He was alone now, and with trembling fingers, he picked the letter up.

"Kaeya,

I'm sorry.

For betraying you, for hurting you. Gods knew I never wanted to. I'm sorry. I don't deserve your forgiveness, so please don't even think of forgiving me. I deserve your hatred and rage.

But even then, I can't help but think of wanting to see you one last time as I write this.

I don't think I have much longer to live, Kaeya. But I knew I had to tell you somehow.

I never told anyone your secret. I never gave any of the information I had gathered for years, even to the Tsaritsa. I knew I couldn't, not after I found out about you and not after I fell in love with you.

Thank you for loving me, Kaeya. Thank you for loving me, for accepting me and embracing me even when I couldn't be who I truly was with you. Even when everything I told you was a mix of truth and lies.

Thank you for everything.

Yours forever. I love you."

ehe

[ria-aaa]

waiting

in which zhongli waits.

zhongli x reader

Zhongli couldn't remember when it had begun, but now he could never stop remembering you whenever he saw Qingxin flowers.

The white flowers were rare; every now and then he would go looking for them when he wanted to remember you.

Decades had passed since you returned to your world after reuniting with your sibling.

Everyone who had known you, the wonderful Traveler who had saved the world of Tevyat, had continued with their lives, enjoying the peace you had given. Your friends from Mondstadt continued on with their duties, and so did your friends with Liyue.

Tevyat has known peace since you left. Zhongli didn't. But he tried his best to do so. This was your work, your gift. He would try to enjoy it while waiting for your return, at least.

You promised you'd come back after all.

Zhongli still continued his work as the consultant for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Every decade or so, he'd leave and go on a trip, just like how you suggested. It didn't matter where; he'd visit Qingce Village, walk along Guili Plains, or even hike the mountains of Liyue.

It didn't matter where he went, for he always ends up at Qingyun Peak, right where you took him, telling him that it was your favorite spot in all of Liyue.

Along the way there, you had picked up all the Qingxin flowers you saw. You picked them up to take back home. You'd place them in a vase that would sit near the window, right where it would bathe in sunlight. Zhongli would always see you standing in that exact spot, giving him the brightest, happiest smile he has ever seen, and he'd know that it was simply because you saw him.

Then, as he moved closer, his vision of you would disappear, replaced by the cold and loneliness, and he didn't know if it was simply a figment of his imagination, but the Qingxin flowers somehow seemed to droop lower every time it happens.

Zhongli didn't think that it was possible to feel even lonelier as a god until you had left him in this world.

He didn't know how much time had passed; everyone who knew you was long gone, save perhaps for the Anemo Archon. Once in a while, the God of the City of Freedom would visit him, and the two of them would simply talk over a glass of Dandelion Wine (maybe a bottle). Venti would share his stories of what he has seen as he traveled around. Zhongli didn't have much to share, save for the moments he witnessed among the mortals that left an impression on him.

Then, eventually, their topic will be of you, how you were as a traveler, an adventurer, a fighter, or a friend. To Zhongli, Venti knew, you were much more than that.

"They'll be back soon," Venti would always say before he set off on his travels again.

Zhongli kept his faith in your promise. After all, that promise was all he had left of you.

The God of Mora returned to the house he shared with you, armed with the fresh Qingxin flowers he had gathered on his latest journey. The sun was just starting to rise as he placed the white flowers into your favorite vase, the one you had somehow snagged from the antique store at a more reasonable price. He stared at the flowers for a while, a small smile on his lips as he remembered you.

Finally, he was off to the funeral parlor. Business was business, as usual. He couldn't remember how many funerals of old faces he had gone to; he simply went there for you, because he knew that that's what you would've done if you were here.

He liked working, simply because time would go by faster than he thought. Before he knew it, the sun was starting to set and the parlor was closing for the day.

He sighed, remembering the empty house waiting for him, the home you two had gotten just so you always had some place to return to.

"Mr. Zhongli," one of the staff said, peeking into his office. "There's someone outside looking for you."

"I'll be out in a minute."

"They said it can't wait. Should we let them in?"

He thought it over before nodding. Not even a minute had passed when the door swung open.

"You know," the stranger began, and the god froze in place.

"The last thing I expected when I came to see you was for the staff to tell me to wait outside."

He turned around, and there you were. Not an illusion, not a figment of his imagination.

You were there.

You looked a bit older than you were when you left; time must have passed differently for the two of you. In your hand was a Qingxin flower, one he knew he had picked himself.

You smiled, the same bright and happy smile whenever you saw him.

"I'm back, Zhongli."

The sound of your voice was like a breath of fresh air, and it brought a smile to Zhongli's face.

You were real. You were back.

"Welcome home, my love."

z-zhongli,,,, calling you,,,, my love,,,,