crossphine

[crossphine]

do you mind? (repost)

summary. sharing a table with a stranger at a crowded café, only to realize they’re far more interesting than you expected.

characters. xiao, scaramouche, heizou, venti, kazuha x gn!reader (separate)

tags. modern au, fluff, crack

warnings. kind of ooc xiao and kazuha, alcohol in venti's

XIAO

Internally panicking, but he welcomes you to the table with a small nod. He’s the reserved type—the kind to look anywhere but in your general direction just to avoid eye contact. Archons, how many times has he glanced out the window just to stare at that decorative plant? He even counted the leaves.

Social interaction isn’t his strong suit. And it certainly doesn’t help that you’re attractive.

If he had his way, he’d sit in silence, letting the passing seconds fill the space between you. But his own discomfort betrays him. Hands fidgeting under the table, fingers tracing the rim of his cup, gaze flickering to anything but you.

He feigns indifference, arms crossed, posture rigid. 

But then—you speak. Because, for some reason, you find him interesting.

You introduce yourself first, then ask for his name.

His heart stumbles in his chest. He’s unsure if it’s from nerves or the sheer absurdity of the situation. Someone willingly trying to talk to him, despite his obvious attempts to fade into the background.

Though his palms are slightly damp from tension, he keeps his voice steady, his expression unreadable. Flat tone. Unwavering gaze. A carefully maintained air of disinterest.

You frown. A subtle shift, but he notices.

That’s a cue, isn’t it? A signal that you’ll leave him alone now. That’s what he wanted… right?

Then why does something in his chest sink when you simply nod, pressing your lips into a thin line, offering nothing more?

He exhales quietly. Curses himself. He just lost the chance to get to know you.

But this is the first time someone’s been able to catch his attention. So he thinks of a way to redeem himself.

"Oh. Okay." You say in response to his answer, forcing yourself to sound indifferent. But truthfully, you’re embarrassed.

You spent a whole ten minutes bouncing your leg, debating whether or not you should make the first move, only to be met with disappointment after finally mustering up the courage.

You bite your bottom lip and tap your fingers on the table, falling silent. Now, all you can do is wait for the servers to call your order so you can leave. You seriously don’t want to embarrass yourself further in front of this stranger.

“I, uh...”

A voice cuts through your thoughts.

You don’t assume right away that he’s talking to you, so you keep your gaze averted, pretending not to notice.

Then, a cough. Loud enough that you instinctively glance up in concern.

Your eyes widen slightly when you find him already looking at you.

“Yes?” You ask, taken aback that he was referring to you. There’s a flicker of curiosity in your expression, maybe even a bit of hope.

He hesitates. “…I'm sorry.” His voice is quieter this time, almost unsure. “I didn’t mean to come across as cold earlier.”

The shift in his tone is subtle, but you catch it. Gone is the detached, indifferent edge from before.

You smile, relieved. "No, no, don't worry about it! I get like that sometimes too."

He exhales lightly. Almost as if… reassured. After a beat, he offers a small, hesitant smile in return. It’s brief, but it’s there.

It suits him, you think.

It’s cute that he chose to apologize instead of just letting it be. Most people would’ve moved on, unwilling to make things more awkward. But he didn't.

And then—

"I'm not used to people." He pauses. “…Especially ones like you.”

A beat of silence.

You blink. Wait. What?

His own words seem to register a second too late.

You watch as his shoulders tense slightly, his fingers curling into a loose fist on his lap. The tips of his ears are… pink?

Oh.

Oh.

Was that supposed to be a compliment? Was he flirting with you? No way. He doesn’t seem like the flirty type. He’s definitely more socially awkward than you. Maybe he didn’t mean it like that.

But before you can overthink it—

“…If it’s okay with you, may I have your number?”

SCARAMOUCHE / WANDERER

Glares at you menacingly. Like a cat trying to hiss someone away.

Him? Sharing a table? With some random nobody? Absolutely not. This table is his.

Without breaking eye contact, he places his bag on the chair in front of him. A silent warning. Don’t even think about it.

"It's occupied," he deadpans before returning to whatever he was doing.

You, unimpressed, grab his bag and dump it on the table. Then you plop down into the chair, arms crossed, staring him down as if to say: "Try and get me out of this seat, you brat."

His mouth parted slightly, just for a second, before snapping shut. Did you just—? The audacity.

A scoff escapes him as he leans back in his chair, arms crossed, his glare sharper than ever. His fingers drum against his bicep as he mutters under his breath—something that sounds suspiciously like, "At least you're not completely spineless." Not that he’d ever say it directly.

But since the café is packed and dragging you out by the collar would be frowned upon, he begrudgingly allows it.

For the most part, he ignores you. Or at least, he tries to. You pretend not to notice the irritated glances he throws your way every time you smile at your phone or stifle a laugh.

Then a server approaches.

She sets your drink down and takes a brief look at the two of you. No food orders yet. Her eyes brighten as she leans in slightly, all smiles.

"We actually have a 25% couple's discount for two strawberry shortcakes!"

Silence.

His stare darkens.

He looks at her like she just personally insulted his entire bloodline. If he had one in this universe, anyway. His lips part, undoubtedly to say something cruel enough to make her rethink her entire career.

But before he can, you slap a hand over his mouth.

"That sounds great! We’ll take it!" you chirp, grinning at the waitress as if your life doesn’t currently depend on keeping Scaramouche from verbally eviscerating an innocent employee.

The server’s eyes sparkle with delight as she scribbles down the order. She even hums. 

He looks personally offended.

You heave a sigh as the server finally walks away. Just as you’re about to relax, you feel a vibration against your palm. The glaring stranger is trying to speak, his voice muffled against your hand.

Then, before you can react—

His tongue moves.

He licks your palm.

Slow. Wet. Deliberate.

"Gross!" You yank your hand away, scrubbing it furiously against his sleeve.

He swats you off instantly, recoiling like you just infected him with the plague. "Get your germs off of me!" he snaps.

"You're the one who just licked my hand!" you retort, scandalized.

His scowl deepens. His expression alone speaks volumes.

"The hell was that for? First, you hog my table—"

"I wasn’t hogging it, we needed to share!"

"—interrupting my peace with your presence—"

"I was minding my own business!"

"—and then you have the absolute audacity to make us out as some kind of couple?!"

"Shut up, they might hear you! We’ll lose the discount!" you hiss, glancing around in case the staff overheard. The people in the vicinity gave looks of concern at your direction.

He scoffs. "You have some nerve."

You roll your eyes. So dramatic. Acting like you just ruined his life.

"I had to grab the opportunity. It’s strawberry shortcake."

He clicks his tongue. "That’s your excuse?"

"It’s strawberry shortcake," you repeat as if that alone explains everything.

He huffs, crossing his arms. "Fine. Go eat your stupid cake."

"You don’t want some?"

"I hate cakes."

You blink. Who the hell hates cake?

"Why?"

His eyes narrow. "Why? Because I hate them. I hate sweets in general. Life isn’t sweet. Life is full of bitterness and sorrow. I don’t get how people manage to laugh in this world. It’s annoying."

…Wow. That escalated.

How did a conversation about shortcakes turn into a monologue about the inherent misery of existence?

"What the hell? Who hurt you?" you mutter.

"My mother."

You suck in a sharp breath. 

The words are so blunt, so casually spoken, that it takes you a second to process. Your lips twitch. No. You shouldn’t laugh.

But the longer you stare at his deadpan face, the harder it is to hold back. A chuckle slips out. Then another.

Hey, this guy is kind of funny. He's growing on you.

He gives you a baffled look like you’re the crazy one for finding humor in his trauma dump.

His brows furrow, and for a brief second, his gaze lingers—not in irritation, but in something else. Something almost mesmerized. He mutters something too quiet to catch before looking away, resting his head on his palm.

You inhale deeply, composing yourself. "Fine. I'll eat both cakes, then. I'm the one paying anyway."

He doesn’t respond, just glares at nothing in particular.

Minutes later, the same cheerful server returns with a tray of two servings of strawberry shortcake. Just as you reach for your wallet—

A hand beats you to it.

The stranger slaps down his own cash before you can even open your bag.

The server’s grin widens. "Ah, paying for the date? How chivalrous!" she chimes, her voice far too amused, before skipping away.

You freeze. Wait.

Did he just let her think that?

Your gaze snaps to him, utterly bewildered. He doesn’t even deny it—just grabs one of the plates and starts stabbing the cake with his fork.

"I thought you said you don’t like sweets."

"That’s right," he mutters before taking a grumpy bite.

You narrow your eyes. "Then why—"

He chews, swallows, and then shrugs, avoiding your gaze.

"Would be a real waste of my money if I didn’t enjoy it with you."

HEIZOU

Has been watching you since you entered the café. Not in a creepy way, just subtle, observant, like he’s solving a case. And wow you are stunning. The way your eyes scan the room, looking for an open seat, tells him you’re about to approach him.

He makes his move first.

"Over here!" he waves, voice warm and inviting, like he's an old friend waiting for you. You hesitate, confused. Do you know this guy? But with no other seats available, you accept with a small, grateful smile.

Big mistake. Or maybe the best decision you’ve made today.

Because once you sit, he talks. And flirts. And teases. And somehow, he already knows things about you.

Will ask you all sorts of questions: What's your name? Your age? Your birthday? Your favorite color? Any pets? Exes?

Even taking guesses as to what your answers might be. and he got them all right, if not, then close. But every now and then, he throws in something completely unexpected: 

"What's your ideal type? Is it me?"

"Aside from being pretty, what do you do for a living?"

"Have you ever committed a crime before? Because now you have."  He says while clutching his chest. 

You nearly choke on your drink. Heizou just grins, clearly enjoying himself.

"Alright, your turn. You can interrogate me now," he offers, eyes gleaming with amusement.

And so you do. Because he’s interesting. Charming. Smart. Too smart. And when he leans in slightly, studying your features like he’s committing them to memory, you feel yourself getting drawn in, too.

Heizou hums in thought. "You’ve got the kind of face that belongs in a painting," he muses. "I’d describe it more, but I’d rather see how flustered you get first."

You roll your eyes, trying (and failing) to suppress a smile.

He'd be the type to reach out and take small bites of your food while chatting. He does it so shamelessly that you're impressed, so you just let him.

This boy is so confident with himself, flirting so casually like it's second nature.

He wouldn't go as far as to touch you, of course. He knows his limits and will keep his hands to himself. But he acts so relaxed and friendly with you that you think maybe he's just playing you.

You’re not dumb. You know he’s interested in you.

It’s not like he’s being subtle about it, either. The lingering glances, the teasing smirks, the way his eyes light up whenever you react to his words. It’s obvious.

And sure, you feel the same way. But still. 

Is this how he always approaches strangers? Does he flirt for fun, or does he actually mean to follow through? How many people have fallen for his tricks before?

A thoughtful hum breaks your train of thought. Heizou taps his chin lightly, then suddenly snaps his fingers. A habit you’ve noticed ever since you sat down.

"Your expression tells me you’re doubting my motives. Correct?"

You blink in surprise. Then chuckle softly, shaking your head. Damn, he’s good.

"That’s right. A point for you, detective."

He lets out a breathy laugh, eyes twinkling with amusement. "Funny you say that. Being a detective is my full-time job."

Your lips part slightly in surprise. He never mentioned that before. But now it all makes sense. The way he reads you like an open book, the way he asks questions so effortlessly, the way he makes it feel like you’re being studied and he’s enjoying every second of it.

"That’s quite… attractive." You admit, cheeks warming slightly.

Heizou leans back in his chair, arms crossed, looking far too pleased with himself. "You think so?" His grin widens, but there’s a new glint in his gaze now.

"Then allow me to clear up any lingering doubts, sweetheart." He tilts his head slightly, voice dropping just enough to make your stomach flip.

"I do plan on pursuing you."

Oh.

Your heart stumbles. You were not prepared for him to be that straightforward.

Heizou watches your reaction, clearly amused. Then, with a dramatic sigh, he shakes his head. "Only a true detective can crack the case of this heart theft, you know."

A teasing pause. Then, the final blow.

"And my prime suspect… is you."

VENTI

When you approach him, the faint yet unmistakable scent of alcohol lingers in the air. He’s drunk. In the middle of the day. At a café.

Wait. Do they even serve alcohol here?

His head rests lazily on his folded arms, eyelids heavy, lips slightly parted. If it weren’t for the gentle rise and fall of his shoulders, you’d think he was fast asleep. Beside him, a humble coffee cup sits suspiciously untouched. Your curiosity gets the better of you, and you lean in for a peek.

Yep. It’s alcohol.

How the hell did he sneak that in? More importantly, how has no one caught him yet? You glance around, half-expecting an employee to scold him, but they just pass him by like he’s invisible. Maybe he’s a regular here.

Deciding not to wake him, you quietly settle into the seat across from him, giving him space. 

Then, without warning, he jolts awake.

"Oh! Hello, stranger!"

He’s suddenly wide awake. No sluggish blinking, no groggy confusion, just pure, unbothered energy. You flinch at the unexpected enthusiasm.

He doesn’t ask why you’re here. He doesn’t even bother to ask your name. Instead, he jumps straight into conversation as if you’re an old friend who’s been here all along.

And somehow, you go along with it.

With an animated grin, he launches into the most ridiculous stories you’ve ever heard.

"Earlier, I saw this red-haired guy absolutely demolish some blue-haired guy in a fight. It was spectacular! Ehe~!"

You blink. Excuse me?

That’s just one of the things he shares. He never runs out of things to say. Wild, chaotic, oddly fascinating things. Like?? Does he see stuff like that on a daily basis?

And despite nearly passing out five minutes ago, he speaks so effortlessly that you start questioning if he was even drunk to begin with.

Like Heizou, he will also steal some of the pastries you ordered, albeit in a more subtle manner. He thinks you don't notice this lol.

"You've got fine taste in sweets, stranger!" he hums, twirling a fork between his fingers. "Tell me, what's your opinion on wine?"

You blink at the sudden shift in topic but answer with an amused smile. "I don’t really know much about it. I just drink whatever I feel like."

Venti gasps dramatically, "Hah, I thought so! I cou—"

His sentence is abruptly cut off by a hiccup. You barely suppress a laugh as you slide a glass of water toward him.

"Whoops! My bad!" He lets out a bubbly giggle, taking the water with a flourish. After downing a few sips, he clears his throat with an exaggerated ahem.

"As I was saying—" He pauses for effect. "If you're interested in wine, I’d be delighted to educate you! I’d say I’m an expert.”

You tilt your head playfully. "I can tell."

His eyes twinkle with mischief. "But if you're not..."

He leans in slightly, voice dropping to a low, teasing whisper.

"I'm still very interested in having a drink with you sometime. You’re quite the gorgeous stranger, you know."

Before you can fully process the compliment, he winks. Smooth, confident, entirely shameless.

"So," he muses, resting his chin in his palm.

“What do you say about keeping in touch?"

KAZUHA

Kazuha is probably the most normal one out of the bunch. No glares, no drunken ramblings, no interrogation-like questioning. Just a warm, endearing smile as he gestures toward the empty seat across from him.

He even stands up, gently pulling your chair back for you. A small but thoughtful gesture. One that makes your heart skip just a little.

"Please, have a seat." His voice is soft, and smooth, like a passing breeze on a summer afternoon.

As you settle in, he strikes up a light conversation, asking about your day with genuine curiosity. He listens intently, nodding along, occasionally offering small comments that make you feel at ease.

And unlike a certain maroon-haired flirt or a wine-loving bard, instead of stealing your food, he offers you his. With a slight nudge, he pushes his plate toward you.

"Would you like to try some?" His expression is hopeful.

You shake your head, feeling too shy to accept. "Oh, no, it’s yours. I couldn’t."

He pouts. Actually pouts.

"Come on, just a bite. Humor me." He even throws in the puppy eyes.

And damn it, how could you refuse that face?

Reluctantly, you take a tiny piece with your fork, just enough to taste.

He notices. And he’s not having it.

Without a word, he cuts a larger piece, lifting it toward your lips with his own fork.

"Say aah," he coaxes, his smile both playful and teasing.

Your face burns hotter than the café’s espresso machine, but you comply, letting him feed you.

His expression softens, eyes twinkling with quiet satisfaction.

But just when you think it couldn't get worse—

He leans forward slightly, his gaze dropping to your lips.

Before you can react, he reaches out, thumb brushing lightly against the corner of your mouth.

Then, with a casual grace that should not be allowed, he brings his thumb to his lips, licking off the stray bit of cream.

And smiles.

Innocently.

As if he didn’t just send your soul straight into the abyss.

You stare at him, utterly flustered, while he simply sips his tea, acting as though he didn’t just casually destroy you in broad daylight.

"You're acting awfully sweet to a stranger," you point out, tilting your head at him.

Kazuha hums thoughtfully, swirling his tea. Then, he gives you a small, shy smile.

"Am I? Well... how could I not, if the stranger is you?"

Smooth. Too smooth.

He gives you a shy smile. "We could fix the 'stranger' part. How about friends?"

You giggle softly. "Are you sure just friends?"

He gives you a playful look. "Well, we could be more in the future."

His laugh is light, airy. Like the whisper of wind through maple leaves. But then, something seems to dawn on him, and his expression shifts.

"But—" he pauses, suddenly looking sheepish. "If you're already seeing someone, being friends is enough."

Oh, that's adorable.

You giggle behind your hand, heartwarming at his sincerity. After all that flirting, he's still worried about stepping over a line.

"Don't worry," you reassure him, "I've never dated anyone."

His eyes widen slightly, genuine disbelief flickering across his face.

"Is that so?" He tilts his head. "That's surprising. I thought someone like you would be off the market by now."

You shrug, smirking at him. He leans in just a little, voice dropping to a gentle murmur, as if sharing a secret.

 His gaze locks onto yours, warm, admiring. 

“I get to find and keep the treasure, then? What an honor.”

note. ah yes the work i was most proud of back then lol anw i’m planning to make a part 2 for this idk when tho maybe when i feel like it. i improved a few bits from the original and this is not proofread! i literally just skimmed through the text and changed a few stuff hope u enjoyed say hi if u remembered this

© lmvari do not repost, translate, or plagiarize any of my works on any platform.

[crossphine]

i know this would never take off, because trying to get a group of people on tumblr to do something is like herding cats, but could the x reader fandom agree on a collective tag to use for ambiguous drabble-style posts with multiple character names at the bottom? e.g. ‘#adapt drabbles’ or ‘#archetype drabbles’ or something along those lines, just so that people who don’t like reading them can block the tag (and that those who do can follow it!)

(for clarity, i’m referring to the post style which is roughly as follows:)

[a piece of text — usually a description or short passage of some sort, using the characters’ pronouns but without specifying a name] CHARACTER, character, character, character, CHARACTER, character, CHARACTER, character + your favs!

[crossphine]

kinich x reader, major character death, angst without a happy ending, spoilers for kinich/ajaw lore ig?

thinking about a sort of "the summer hikaru died" inspired fic related to kinich, in which kinich dies and ajaw takes over.

but kinich made you so, so many promises when he was alive. promises of forever, of marriage, of waking up to reddened skies and watching the sun rise from your shared bed. he wouldn't leave you, not like this.

especially not like this, when there's a living reminder of his presence, a ghost.

and, for what it's worth, ajaw does feel sorry for you. losing kinich had driven you genuinely insane in a lot of ways—you greet him by name sometimes, an unsettling, wobbly smile on your face. he tries to avoid you, for your own sake, but it's hard.

because deep down, you know it's not kinich. the man you loved is dead, and you're left pretending.

there are times when he hears you crying, sobbing until your lungs fail you, wailing for the love of your life and all your missed opportunities, all the memories you were supposed to make. and he knows he shouldn't do this, but sometimes he comforts you, in a voice that is entirely kinich's, in the same voice that promised to put a ring on your finger and to keep you safe forever.

and, in those times, you force yourself to believe that that voice, that hand on your shoulder, is entirely kinich's.

[crossphine]

❦ 𝙵𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚜 ❦

He is unwilling to show it, but you can tell he’s nervous.

It’s not that he’s breathing heavily or that his heart is beating fast, threatening to jump out of his chest. No, those are not telltale signs—not for him.

His grip is slack, unsure and afraid. Whether it’s because he’s scared of hurting you, his strength sometimes unknown even to him, or rather because he’s at a loss of what to do and how to do it, you don’t know.

You can’t know. Voicing the question would lead to unfounded insecurities blurring his mind and the last thing you want is him doubting himself, and the love the two of you share.

Your lips part, an instinct taking over you as the inquiry almost slips right out of you. Instead, you lean in, enough so you can leave a kiss on his lips, sweet and silent—tangible reassurance that you’re certain he needs.

You’ve never seen him like this, where he’s usually so strong and has rows of walls protecting the innermost parts of him. No, right now, he’s like an open book, the pages of his life and feelings available for you to flip through.

“Hey,” you whisper, making his eyes meet yours instead of focusing on his hands and their grip.

Your own hands move slowly, until they caress his cheeks and wrap around his neck. It’s enough; he relaxes under your touch.

“I’ll be okay,” you add, pulling him down. He doesn’t resist.

“Just let go, and love me.”

⟶ Wanderer, Xiao, Dainsleif, Albedo, Cyno

[crossphine]

Happy Birthday, Shikanoin Heizou!

Oh, you're here... Hmm? Want to try deducing why I'm here? Alright, I'm all ears.

—Mmhmm, a sound reasoning.

But in reality, people's motives aren't as complicated as in detective novels.

The truth is I'm here simply because I wanted to see you today. Quite straightforward, isn't it? Haha!

[crossphine]

Proud and Terrified

Tighnari x gn!Reader

Synopsis; Tighnari tends to neglect parts of his life due to how they differ from humans that don't have animal blood in their veins. But it eventually bites him back.

Themes; fluff, cute researchers, idk man, it's pre-relationship

Approximately 86% of the time, Tighnari was content and proud to be a fennec fox hybrid. 

It was something he'd lived with his entire life, so he found it more fruitful to accept his nature rather than be off set by the fascination of others. Mortals were curious creatures; it made sense that they'd be intrigued by him. Even if he disliked the ogling gazes and lingering eyes.

But there was that 14% where he felt a begrudging distaste towards his own instincts and desires. Where the fennec fox piece of him overtook what typical humans and mortals would do.

Such as at the current moment, he couldn't even stand being in the same room as them.

The sight of their smile, each word that danced off their tongue, and even the simple whiff of their soap he'd catch drove him mad. Not in the way that most assumed - it wasn't some uncontrollable hunger or whatever those romance readers always asked of him. It wasn't a sudden possessiveness or animalistic instinct- ...well, at least not to the same degree they assumed it to be.

No, because he didn't have a partner. Emotions such as that were directed towards an established partner that'd he chosen for life, and he had yet to meet someone of such caliber. Tighnari had yet to pursue someone that way. Unfortunately, the source of his ears and tail had been trying to make the decision for him.

It was infuriating. A disruption to his work and a hassle that he didn't feel like dealing with. It was annoying how his tail involuntarily flicked when they turned and called his name. It was causing issues how he was so easily distracted as soon as they wandered into a room, and his train of thought was thoroughly derailed for the next hour or so that they existed in that space. They could be doing something as simple as reading and his hazel eyes would be continuously flicking from his paper and up toward them. He was never actually reading. None of the words on his paper were comprehended anymore and his own pulse became apparent in his ears.

It was annoying. And frankly, he didn't think he could even handle being around them when he had work to be done. But he also felt he'd fall into despair if he said anything to them about it. Because if they denied him, he wasn't sure what he'd do.

But now, it seemed even when they weren't in the room, he was plagued with twitching ears and a tapping foot. He spun his pen in his hand, starting at the words with a furrowed brow but none of them were computing or making sense. All the notes taken weren't making any sense to him. There was a lingering his chest and it made him groan, letting his forehead fall against the table. Maybe he should take a few days off of work to recuperate...

"Tighnari?"

His head shot up. Of course, of all people - it felt like he was in some sick play. To make matters worse, he had to suppress a wince at how they said his name, despite the concerned look they held from the other side of the table.

Until recently, they seldom called Tighnari by his full name. They claimed that nicknames felt more intimate and they loved finding fun ones for people. Of course, they were respectful about it. They referred to him as Master Tighnari until their relationship became less professional and more lenient, causing them to consider each other friends rather then colleagues. And then, he became simple and plain 'Tigh'. It was always, "Hey Tigh, look at this," or "I read an interesting book recently, Tigh. I can lend it to you." They only used his full name if searching for them in the forest or if they were upset at his teasing.

But over the last week, he'd not heard his familiar nickname. Maybe it was just cause he'd been avoiding them, anyways. But he felt it was actually just cause they had caught on to his hesitation and conflicted mood.

Even now, they kept careful distance within the library, books piled in their arms. Each one labeled different subspecies of animals or specifics of a single kind. He specialized in botany and they focused on zoology. That was the reason they'd been introduced in the first place; a shared desire to preserve the forest.

Their brow furrowed at his silence and gently asked again, "Tighnari, is everything alright?"

He swallowed, "Yes, I'm fine. Just... exhausted."

They seemed... cautious. As if overthinking their next words and walking on eggshells. Tighnari hated it. He hated that he was inadvertently the one who caused such a demeanor. Eventually, they locked eyes with him again (he flexed his foot as an outlet of wanting to squirm) and said, "If you need someone to take some of your work burdens, I'm more than happy. It's been quiet in the sanctuary as of late."

It was insane how two sentences could instantly make his tail swish. No matter how hard he tried to subdue its effect, he still felt it in his chest and stomach. The feeling of insects, as people often describe it in fiction. He wasn't one for fiction reading, but they were and it'd caused him to delve into it a tad. 

The first sentence was pure worry and care for his well-being. They must think his newfound attitude was a side effect of his work. Sometimes, it could be. But usually, he was still happy to be doing research despite the strenuous task it could prove to be. Tourists caused him stress as well, due to their naivety and desire to seemingly poison themselves at every corner, but he was careful to who he directed his frustrations. This is the first time they've experienced the blunt end of it. He felt a tightness in his chest knowing it was his fault. 

The second sentence was words of their own passion. If you let them, they'd babble for days about the animal sanctuary and the state of its inhabitants. They cared for it day in and day out and he's had more than a few times where he'd wander past in the late hours, only to find them still there and taking their nightly medicine routines into their own hands. He'd never met someone more in tune with other beings. He himself preferred living beings that lacked as much consciousness, but they reveled in figuring out their needs and helping them back into the wild. The fact that they were willing to put aside their duties in their prized home spoke a thousand words. 

"There's no need," He excused, voice involuntarily softer than expected, "Thank you, though. That's very kind."

They hummed, gently setting their tower of books on the table. It seemed they didn't intend to let this go gently. Though he knew they would never be pushy - just open and sometimes almost pleading to understand others. They always said humans were much more difficult to understand than animals. Humans have more difficult needs. Animals are wordless but have a simple list of what they require. 

They lingered, pretending to flicker over the spines on a nearby bookcase. Tighnari could do nothing but watch them, far too distracted by their presence to continue his own work. 

"I read a new book the other day," They brought up, gaze flickering back towards him, still standing. 

Okay, this was fine. Normal conversations, like they usually had. He would never admit that he missed it. He linked his hands, setting his chin on them and elbows on the table, "Oh, really? Pray tell."

Without missing a beat they said, "It was about foxes."

He paused. They continued, "Different subspecies. Some are native to Sumeru, and some are from other regions. Apparently, their fur color often corresponds with where they are native to," They finally pulled out a chair and sat, continuing a gentle tone, "Some of it mentioned fennec foxes. Curious stuff, really."

Tighnari had frozen. His once slightly smug demeanor had taken a turn and he instead watched them with wide eyes. They paused their sentence, but the only thing he could mutter in reply was a small, "...Interesting."

"It really was," They mused, picking the top book from their pile and seamlessly flipping to a certain page. Even from his spot across the table, he could see diagrams of four-legged animals with big ears. His own twitched atop his head and he struggled not to let them show too much of his emotion. 

Their finger dragged across the page as they explained nonchalantly, "The smallest of the foxes, and they eat a lot of meat or similar. Sometimes berries. Though, I assume based on their typical habitat in the desert, fruit, and berries are more so like a treat."

...Was this some newfound form of torture? Or was some game they were playing to mess with him? He was unsure, but the only solution he had was to listen. Even if their words grew more familiar with each sentence - like they were slowly drifting away from explaining the average fennec fox and heading towards explaining something else.

"They help control rodents, primarily. And yet we hunt them and they struggle in some parts of the world. But they're doing better, lately," They explained calmly, the same way they did any other information. They looked up from the book and back towards the man, "They have an extraordinary hearing as well. And their ears serve as protection from the sun. But would you like to know the most curious thing to me?"

Instead, he asked, "Why were you researching Fennec Foxes?"

He hoped maybe he'd get an admittance of some sort, but he should've known better. As they just smiled and said, "We just rescued some at the sanctuary. I got curious, I suppose. Anyways," And they returned to his torture, "We rescued two of them, and I got to looking at their mating habits. It's interesting to me, frankly."

Archons, save Tighnari now. Their gentle smile was anything but innocent, words laced with false naivety as they said, "It's a bit poetic, honestly. They mate for life, just with one another. Sounds like a big commitment."

They hummed, letting their head fall tilted into one of their hands, "If we humans had obligations like that - for our first partner to be our last - we'd have many different traditions. I think it'd end up being terrifying, for some surely. What a heavyweight, knowing the chance of picking the wrong person or them not reciprocating."

He swallowed, spinning a pen between his fingers just to move in any way and keep his ears from drooping at their words. Trying to keep any reaction from reaching him and making them aware of what they were doing. He cleared his throat, shifting in his seat. They just watched him, carefully calculated. The same way they read the body languages of creatures in the sanctuary. He didn't like being on the receiving end of that gaze, particularly. 

They waited patiently for an answer so he ended up just spitting out the first thing he could think of, "It is terrifying."

Uh oh. He recognized that small smile of achievement and it made his brow furrow in annoyance. They leaned forward, chin on both hands now with a sly, "Are you implying it applies to you as well, Tighnari?"

So this is what they wanted. A twisted confession of sorts that he was affected by the more animal-ish parts of himself than he often cared to admit. It wasn't really any bodies business, but they were just too good at reading all creatures and prying it from him. And his expression just seemed to seal the deal for them, based on the pleased hum they gave. 

"I knew it," They whispered, leaning even farther forward across the table and making him press against the back of his chair as they interrogated, "So who is it? Give me a name so I can give them a stamp of approval or run them away."

"It's nobody," He quickly growled in defense. 

They frowned, "Well, I assume it's why I don't see you much anymore, so it's gotta be something."

"And what brought you to the conclusion that it was something to do with my love life?" He scoffed, not sure whether he was trying to fool himself or them. A small part of him also admittedly wanted to actually know how they were brought to this conclusion. 

And to his delight, they leaned back and began to recount, "Well, you've been more agitated as of late. But you also seem happier in a weird way. Your tail has been wagging - which I've never witnessed from you before - and I even caught you purring once-"

"I don't purr!" He quickly deflected, placing his hands roughly on the surface of the table with heat rising to his face. They raised their hands in defense, giving a small laugh and waving for him to sit back again. He did, and tacked on, "That all could have to do with anything. Not necessarily some school crushes you think I may have."

They opened their mouth, but paused and gave a hum instead. Tighnari thought that perhaps he'd somehow convinced them, but they were too smart for that. They never would go into such an accusation without a plausible clause, so there was bound to be something else. 

As expected, there was. Their mood seemed to simmer down into what it had been when they first arrived, hands fidgeting and gaze flickering. They said, "...Well, I spoke with Collei, and then Cyno. Collei gave her insight but was rather reserved. Cyno was blunt with his answer, however."

Tighnari couldn't help but ask, "Why do you care about this so much?"

Another pause, and then a tiny admittance, "It really seemed to be bothering you and I wanted to help. And I thought I might've done something wrong, admittedly."

...Right. That's why they'd been calling his name so formally. Why they seemed almost timid. But despite the way his shoulders sank just an inch, they gave a small carefree laugh to brush it aside and continued anyways, "Anyways, their responses led me to two hypotheses. One seemed more likely, so I began to pursue that one first."

"I assume it was the idea that I had romantic feelings for someone," He deduced and they nodded with a smile. Tighnari folded his arms over his chest and asked, "Then what was your second hypothesis?"

Their energy shrank again. This time, just that unassuming question seemed to flip the table and some color grew along their face. Tighnari's ear twitched against his will at the sight, tail threatening to shift. He suppressed the urge to let it move further. 

They smiled nervously, "It doesn't really matter, it's unlikely."

There was no way he was just letting them get away with that, "I trust any ideas you may have, so please."

"It's self-centered and idiotic," They said this time, and he took note of a dislike at hearing them speak like that, but they tacked on, "Hence why it was a second hypothesis, but it really shouldn't have been counted."

"What's it based on?" Tighnari asked instead, trying to weave his way into its true nature. 

They seemed awkward now. He admittedly enjoyed it. They explained, "Just based on the data given by Collei and Cyno."

"And that is?" He pushed further. 

No answer came immediately. Instead, they picked at the pages of their open book, eyes flickering over the fox figure on its pages. They weren't currently wearing the usual uniform they did, and he hated how he took pleasure in seeing them outside of a work environment. A simple button-down and wide-legged pants. Always an odd mixture of styles from Mondstat - where they spent many years studying - and Sumeru, their current point of residence. But always comfortable. No matter what.

They didn't answer his question, but said instead, "I read another book. It was specifically about the fox-human race. I learned a lot, actually, that I wasn't aware of before."

He didn't interrupt, and instead opted to listen carefully as they continued, "Like why your fur is green, or the fact that your race typically lives in the desert - which I find ironic, based on how well you fair in hot weather. But it also showed that you share some practices with your animal counterparts."

"Which is why you looked into them," He finished, and they nodded. 

"Yes, but..." They paused, putting their hands together again in a wringing and picking that he seldom saw in them. It took them a second to gather their words, but they eventually scoffed in fake amusement and said, "Well, a common factor seemed to be... me. Collei didn't say it, but I could tell, and Cyno was blunt. So I figured it could be one of two things. Either I did something you didn't like - but I know you're good about letting people know if they've done something of the sort, so I trust you - or..."

Oh. Oh, Archons. Tighnari was terrible at hiding things, wasn't he? 

"...Maybe it was me," They finally finished, then gave another scoff like it was some joke, "But that's just me trying to shift things, no matter how well it all lined up."

Tighnari's throat felt like it was closing up. So close, yet so far. He couldn't help but say, "How does it all line up?"

They blinked, seeming almost confused about his further inquiry and lack of berating or being called a 'Lummox' like he often did. He was acting weird - and that made them grow a bit more nervous as well. 

They acted poorly at being casual, leaning back and saying, "Well, they didn't really mention noticing a mood change around them, unless I was brought up or I came into a room. Collei didn't really say much about it, she tries not to spread your business, but she did say you snapped at her once when she offered to ask me for help. Cyno was blunter - he's the one who put the hypothesis in my mind."

Of course, he was, Tighnari bitterly thought, already planning the long-winded speech of annoyance he was going to give his friend. All he could think to do was give a small hum, but he regretted it immediately when a short silence ensued. 

Eventually, they felt the need to fill it and said, "Yeah, that's why I said it was self-centered."

He wanted to laugh. 'Self-centered'- they just looked at the facts and data provided and gave the best solution. And they were dead on, as well. But he wouldn't say that to them - he couldn't say it to them. Because they were right about everything they said. About his newfound attitude only being around them, and also about how terrifying it was knowing the partners he chose were intended to be for life. Humans don't typically live like that. 

Many are able to spend their years, shifting from partner to partner to learn about romance and explore the world, but he was just wired differently. And sure, he knew a small bit about their past romance life and the single, short-lived relationship they had. And the fact that they took such matters rather seriously and weren't one to dance around. Frankly, that conversation, laced with just a few drinks of wine, had been one of the first tipping points in his mind. The way they had laid their head on the table, and how quiet the night had been. It was so loud just an hour before, but now they were having a heartfelt conversation about expectations regarding relationships. He'd shared practically no details, but they never once pushed and instead opened up to him. He didn't deserve it. He didn't deserve them. 

"You're right," He blurted out. 

It took him a moment to realize the words had left his lips. Tighnari could hear his blood flow in his ears and felt impossibly stiff in his chair. 

They blinked, "...Okay, I know I was saying it was self-centered, but it does hurt when you confirm it."

He tripped over his words, "What? No- That's not - I didn't mean that. I'm talking about-"

Oh, absolutely not. Tighnari would say a lot of things, typically in observation of others' wrongdoings, but he still was struggling to admit that they had figured him out. They'd read him and his actions like an open book, and while that alone was embarrassing, it was what they read that he couldn't bare to admit. 

Their brow furrowed, watching him in confusion and wracking their brain, gears turning. Then, they blinked and cautiously asked, "...My second hypothesis?"

Tighnari didn't respond. 

They mumbled, "...Oh."

Would it be wrong of Tighnari to grab his books and excuse himself? He supposes it would. But there was absolutely nothing else he wanted to do besides that. They would find him, he knew that, but he also knew that if he left right now, it'd just make it worse. It'd give him a momentary time of pure panic until they eventually confronted him. It's best to get whatever was going to happen over with now. Even if he was sure the speed of his heart was too fast to be healthy and his claws had dug deep into the seat of his chair. His hazel gaze had dropped down to his book, trying to seem almost nonchalant but it was impossible with how stiff his shoulders were. 

There was at least a minute where they were both quiet, but it definitely felt like hours. Like an endless amount of time was passing and he truly began to consider picking up his books and leaving. He wouldn't get any work done, but maybe that was better than sitting here painfully. 

And then, their chair squeaked. He flinched at the sharp sound and at first thought they must be leaving. Maybe that would be their rejection - and as much as he liked to think he was prepared for one, he knew how heart-wrenching it would be if he got one. That's why he preferred the awkward in-between of having a crush and not confessing. It would be better than if they rejected him. 

From the corner of his eye, he saw them pick up their chair by the back of it, and then their padding footsteps came around the table. The chair landed beside him, and they came soon after. He felt impossibly warm like he was in the desert itself. He wouldn't even be surprised if they could feel it from their spot next to him. 

They folded their arms on the table and laid their head on them, eyes looking straight up toward Tighnari. This was horrible. Even worse than how they tortured him before. 

Their voice was delicately soft as they asked, "Are you scared 'cause of the implications of lifelong partners?"

He scoffed, tilting his head away to try and give his flushed face some privacy from their prying eyes, "That's the lightest way to put it."

"I'll spend my life with you."

Tighnari sat still. His heart still raced. But he managed to glance back at them, a serious expression on them still with their head down. He asked, "You'll what?"

They smiled, "I basically said I feel the same. And I'd be pretty content stuck with you for the rest of my life," They gave a thoughtful glance upwards in thought, "Y'know, I thought I made it pretty obvious how I felt. Did I not?"

This time, Tighnari's rise in heat in his face was due to annoyance and he barked, "No, you did not make anything obvious!"

They laughed pushing themselves to sit up but still gazing at him. For a few moments, he just took deep breaths and tried to come to terms with his impossible solution coming to fruition. He'd thought millions of times about what he'd do should they reject him, but hardly given any thought to the opposite happening. He didn't really know what to do now. 

Thankfully, they had an answer, "Y'know, now would be a really cute and kinda romantic time to kiss."

In a very 'them' fashion, they added, "It'd be like a scene from those romance books I like to read. All tense and then cute and soft-"

He shut up their annoying ramble by just grabbing their face gently and complying with their request. They hummed in delight and replied quickly. 

Tighnari was content and proud to be a fox hybrid. But it becomes easier with each person that takes time to know him and understand him.

[crossphine]

❦ 𝙵𝚘𝚌𝚞𝚜 ❦

❧ Pairing: Tighnari x Reader (GN)

❧ Summary: During target practice, Tighnari remains as a very distracting, very handsome, thorn in your side.

❧ Contents: Fluff, pining, tension, teasing (courtesy of our fox man), it's a little suggestive.

❧ Word count: 0.8k

❧ Author's Note: Wrote this during class, which is a little ironic-

“Hold your arm straight.”

You obeyed immediately, even if your muscles were screaming at you to just… not do that, unaccustomed to the position for such a prolonged amount of time.

When you had decided to ask Tighnari to teach you how to use a bow, you predicted he'd be strict. You knew him, so you mentally prepared yourself for it.

You underestimated just how strict he'd be.

Something told you your arms would be useless for a couple of days.

“Alright, now… shoot whenever you're ready,” he instructed once you had the correct placement of your arms. You could feel his eyes drilling a hole into the side of your head, observing expectantly.

The last thing you wanted to do was disappoint Tighnari, but no matter how much you tried, you couldn't get your hands to stop shaking. The tension of the string pulling on the wood as you held the arrow in place had you trembling like a leaf against the wind.

Just shoot.

You took a deep breath, consciously keeping your eyes on the target, right on its center.

Shoot!

You let go of the arrow and it flew, quickly hitting something… that wasn’t the target.

It hit the tree right next to it.

Tighnari sighed and his tone dripped with exasperation. Or perhaps it was his waning patience, you couldn’t tell.

“You’re still shaking, but I suppose I cannot put the blame on you, you’re not used to a bow, after all,” he said, walking over to where you were standing. It made you feel better, that he wasn't exactly angry with you. Before you realized it, Tighnari was standing behind you.

“Try aiming again, I'll help you stay steady,” he told you, his breath hitting the back of your hair. As you moved to get ready, a part of you was tempted to tilt your head, just so his words would hit your neck instead.

Focus!

Your muscles were still aching, but you couldn't even care about that right now. You nocked an arrow and aimed once more, only this time, Tighnari's hands came to hold each of your arms.

He was close. Really close. Was he doing this on purpose? He couldn't be, he couldn't know that you harbored feelings for him... could he?

There was no way he was teasing you, right?

Whatever the case, your hands weren't shaking as bad now that he was helping you. Your knees, on the other hand…

“You move, I won’t do anything else besides holding you.”

I won’t do anything else, he said, while he was sending your heart into a frenzy without even realizing it. Your mind was running, countless scenarios of possible outcomes coming and going.

“Focus.”

That was his voice this time, not yours, but his whisper didn’t help you focus in the slightest.

“Right,” you managed to get out.

After a deep breath, you positioned your bow until it was aiming at the center again. He lightly pushed your elbow up and his grip on your arm holding the bow tightened a little—enough for you to notice.

Although your eyes were dead-set forward, you felt Tighnari’s warmth near your cheek, his scent of wood and leaves invading your senses.

“That’s good,” he whispered, and you knew he was talking about your aim. You knew, and yet, you couldn’t help but imagine him saying those exact same words in another context.

One where he was looming over you instead of behind you, breathless praises and sweet nothings in your ear–

You let go of the arrow.

It whizzed by and headed straight toward the bullseye’s–

Or so you thought; it hit the inner circle instead, just outside the golden center. Lowering the bow, you sighed. It’d been close, at the very least.

“It’s an improvement. You just need more arm strength,” Tighnari commented after a moment, though he hadn’t let go of you just yet. Daring to look behind you, you were met with Tighnari smiling slightly.

His hands moved to your shoulders and he squeezed.

“Good job,” he said, as if telling you a secret, and let go, wordlessly grabbing his things and walking away. Your skin tingled with the memory of him and maybe you were imagining things, but you thought you saw his smile turn into a smirk for a split second.

It took you a couple of seconds to process, but when you came to, he was already a distance away.

“Hey– Wait! Don’t leave me here!” 

You didn’t hear Tighnari chuckle to himself nor did you see him smile as you caught up to him. It was entertaining to see you become all flustered whenever he played his cards right. 

Oh, if only you paid more attention to the details…

He decided to have a bit more fun before making it clear that not only did he know about your feelings for him, but also that he returned them wholeheartedly.

masterlist

[crossphine]

#꒱₊˚✿ 𝓓ATING THEM ⤿ sumeru guys.

CHARACTERS. al haitham, cyno, kaveh, tighnari

SCENT. headcanons

WARNINGS. suggestive themes on all of them, LOL.

⁽ LOWERCASE IS INTENDED !! ⁾ #꒱₊˚✿ ⁽2023 #©LOVELYNEY.⁾

#꒱₊˚✿ AL HAITHAM ─── ADMONISHING INSTRUCTION.﹚

𖠵𝟎𝟏: literally a grouchy old man, LMAO. and i’m not just saying this because of his hair ‹/3

𖠵𝟎𝟐: almost nobody believed you when you said you were dating Haitham ‹/3 merely because people thought of him as seeing relationships as a “waste of his time.”

oh, did he prove them wrong as he walked up behind you and kissed your cheek, eyes boring through the back of their heads.

𖠵𝟎𝟑: Kaveh didn’t believe him for a second when he said he had a s/o; he had to meet you in person for him to accept it.

“You must be, (NAME). I can’t believe you’re actually real and not some imaginary person Al Haitham made up to make himself feel better. Archons, you’re pretty too. Are you being hypnotized? Forced, maybe?”

“You are testing every last drop of my patience, Kaveh.”

𖠵𝟎𝟒: incredibly sassy and cocky; he purposefully gets on your nerves, LMAO.

𖠵𝟎𝟓: acts like your overly strict parent rather than your boyfriend sometimes ‹/3

𖠵𝟎𝟔: he isn’t a very touchy person (if at all), however, he doesn’t necessarily mind if you cling to him.

an exception to this is if he’s around other people like Cyno or Dehya. not because he’s ashamed of you or anything, he just rather keep his cool guy persona up and not get teased, LOL.

𖠵𝟎𝟕: gives you his cape without any hesitation whenever you get scared or cold ‹3

𖠵𝟎𝟖: “baby/babe,” “darling,” and “bluebell.”

❝Oh, welcome back, bluebell. How did your meeting go? I saw you were talking with Cyno. What? No, of course, I’m not jealous. I just don’t trust him with you — both because of our rivalry and because of how. . . enchanting you are. It’s natural for him to want to steal you from me.❞

𖠵𝟎𝟗: he doesn’t get jealous very often since his trust in you runs strong.

𖠵𝟏𝟎: (^) however, he will get impatient if you’re not giving him your full-blown attention when he wants it, LMAO.

𖠵𝟏𝟏: flirts with you with literally no shame — doesn’t matter when or where.

𖠵𝟏𝟐: acts annoyed whenever he has to get you out of trouble, but he doesn’t really mind; he’s just worried you’re going to get yourself seriously hurt one of the times.

𖠵𝟏𝟑: often pulls you in his lap whenever he’s reading or studying something — letting you fumble with one of his hands as he continues doing whatever.

𖠵𝟏𝟒: god forbid anyone hurts you or says something bad. he will either obliterate them or humiliate them horribly.

𖠵𝟏𝟓: whenever he goes to hold your hand, he’ll always bring his lips to your inner wrist ‹3

𖠵𝟏𝟔: let’s say you were with him and Aether when traversing to Aeru Village when Cyno tried to uh. . . ambush him. he immediately pushed you behind him.

“Haitham, stop glaring at Cyno. I’m sure he didn’t expect me to be there.”

“He could’ve seriously hurt you, (NAME). That is a matter I do not take lightly, and you know that.”

𖠵𝟏𝟕: always has his hand resting on you (mostly on your thigh) when you two are in a meeting.

𖠵𝟏𝟖: you’ve had a few encounters where people selling Canned Knowledge tried to threaten you for Haitham’s whereabouts, and boy when he finds out, he is far from pleased.

𖠵𝟏𝟗: listen,,,, LISTEN. he probably fucks you in Kaveh’s bed, LMAO.

𖠵𝟐𝟎: he says he helped out for “his own personal reasons.” however, when he found out what the Akademiya was doing, his thoughts wandered to you and how you were doing.

𖠵𝟐𝟏: probably tugs on your lower lip when he pulls away from kissing you.

𖠵𝟐𝟐: he’s a tad emotionally constipated ‹/3 try to be patient with him.

𖠵𝟐𝟑: arguments with him are a pain in the ass cause he thinks he knows everything 😑 bitch, maybe you should know a therapist.

he’s also one try to provoke and make you flustered in arguments.

#꒱₊˚✿ CYNO ─── JUDICATOR OF SECRETS.﹚

𖠵𝟎𝟏: Cyno is quite literally your personal bodyguard ‹/3

𖠵𝟎𝟐: god, you two definitely play TCG together! your first few games, he tried so hard to go easy on you, LMAO; man’s is competitive ‹/3

after that. . . however, he uses that as an excuse whenever you beat his ass; LMAO.

“How did you so effortlessly wipe out my perfect deck? What do you know that I don’t?”

“Cyno, I love you, but maybe your ‘perfect’ deck isn’t so perfect if you keep losing.”

“I-I told you. . . I just was going easy on you this time. I don’t normally play like this.”

“Yeah, that sounds just as believable as all the other 10 times you’ve said it.”

𖠵𝟎𝟑: he was initially so awkward around you; Tighnari had to be his wingman because he quite literally wouldn’t get anywhere without his guidance, LMAO.

𖠵𝟎𝟒: another one where people didn’t believe that you were dating him; he came behind them and was like “🤨”

𖠵𝟎𝟓: looks out for you 24/7! his mom-boyfriend mode turns on whenever you get in his line of vision, LMAO.

𖠵𝟎𝟔: always questions if you’re taking proper care of yourself; he will not have you neglecting yourself in any way, shape, or form.

“(NAME) you haven’t moved from this spot since I’ve left — that was four hours ago. Have you eaten at all? No? I figured as much; now, come on and get up. I’m making food and you’re putting down that paper.”

𖠵𝟎𝟕: when you first met Al Haitham, you literally thought Cyno was going to start barking with how he guarded you.

HAITHAM: “Oh? You must be Cyno’s significant other, (NAME), right? Hm, it’s nice to finally meet you. I’m Al Haitham, your boyfriend’s assassination target. I’m sure he’s told you about me.”

“Why in all of Teyvat would I mention anything of you to (NAME)? Given that I'm in love with them, I'd rather not drive them mad by discussing you with them.”

𖠵𝟎𝟖: definitely teaches some of his intimidation and fighting techniques to you so that you can properly protect yourself.

𖠵𝟎𝟗: “doll,” “(sweet) dove,” and “love/love-bug.”

❝Oh? Welcome back, dove. How come you look so worn out? Did someone give you trouble on your way back? Oh, you don’t say. Did you apply some of the techniques I told you? Yeah? Heh, that’s my girl/boy.❞

𖠵𝟏𝟎: always keeps a watchful eye on you wherever he goes, especially on the more dangerous missions you set out on.

𖠵𝟏𝟏: similar to Haitham, people normally steer clear of messing with you because you’re the General Mahamatra’s s/o, but also will purposely do so because of that reason.

“They did what to you? You’re kidding. . . Doll, you don’t happen to remember how they look, do you? Or the direction they went in? In no way am I letting this go unpunished. They can threaten me all they like, but getting you involved is crossing the line with me.”

𖠵𝟏𝟐: whenever he’s working on paperwork, he’ll always pull you on his lap without second thought — absentmindedly drumming his fingers against your thigh when he’s deep in thought.

𖠵𝟏𝟑: he loves your fingers through his hair ‹3 especially when you slightly scratch his scalp — it’s one of the things that truly relaxes him.

𖠵𝟏𝟒: thrives in intimate moments between you two ‹3 i mean bathing together, make-out sessions, sex.

𖠵𝟏𝟓: i can see him being a jealous/possessive type. ESPECIALLY if you’re laughing at the person’s jokes. that sets off a fire in him he never knew he had.

sometimes he’ll actually just walk up to you, grab your hand, and drag you away from whoever you’re talking to. and sneak you away into an alleyway to make out with you.

𖠵𝟏𝟔: he will so nonchalantly say things that fluster you and then act confused why you’re so red.

“Love? Why did you grow so quiet all of the sudden? Did I say something wrong?”

“Cyno, you literally just said if it weren’t for everyone being here, you’d have me pushed against the wall.

𖠵𝟏𝟕: loves whenever you’re sleeping on top of him; he relishes in your body heat.

𖠵𝟏𝟖: always grabs your chin before kissing you; if he wants to kiss you, he’s kissing you, LMAO.

he's a strangely good kisser. . . he's rough with his kisses, but he's also incredibly passionate with them.

𖠵𝟏𝟗: very awkward when he’s comforting you; the one thought that sticks to his mind is: “who dare hurt the only one love? i swear on Lessor Lord Kusanali, they will receive the most cruelest judgment.”

𖠵𝟐𝟎: loves whenever you’re working out in the desert so he can see you all sweaty.

𖠵𝟐𝟏: has a weird adoration for your shoulder blades and collarbone; it’s where he loves to leave his marks.

𖠵𝟐𝟐: always slips his cape around your shoulders whenever you fall asleep on him or while you’re working.

𖠵𝟐𝟑: if your legs are tired after walking for a while, you can guarantee Cyno will carry you the way back 😭 (mom, i love him, can i pls have his hand in marriage).

𖠵𝟐𝟒: surprisingly clingy, in public and not. he doesn’t really care what people think of him, so he’ll love on you as he wishes.

𖠵𝟐𝟓: (^) one of his favorites is holding your hand! he loves how soft and small yours feels compared to his.

𖠵𝟐𝟔: always gives you a kiss before he or you leaves (: doesn’t matter who’s in the room.

“Sigh. Be careful out there, okay, doll? I love you.”

HAITHAM: “How disgustingly sweet…”

“At least someone loves me, Al Haitham.”

HAITHAM: “…excuse me?”

𖠵𝟐𝟕: his favorite places to kiss you is your collarbone, the backs of your hands, and your neck.

𖠵𝟐𝟖: smiles against your lips whenever he kisses you and HDJDJDKD.

𖠵𝟐𝟗: he is a great secret keeper! and he's also very non-judgmental. he'll take whatever you say to him to his grave.

𖠵𝟑𝟎: also a wonderful person to gossip too because he always has a stoic expression, lol.

𖠵𝟑𝟏: incredibly cheesy and stupid pickup lines </3 Tighnari prays for you every day.

#꒱₊˚✿ KAVEH ─── EMPYREAN REFLECTION.﹚

𖠵𝟎𝟏: an incredibly dramatic hopeless romantic. (me, LMAO.)

𖠵𝟎𝟐: a literal koala when it comes to you; he’s attached to your hip 24/7 when he’s available. Al Haitham questions your taste in men. (he’s secretly happy that Kaveh’s so happy with you.)

𖠵𝟎𝟑: would probably do anything and everything for you? he’s literally like a lost puppy dog without you.

𖠵𝟎𝟒: you’re number one gossip partner! he loves to gossip, but he always promises to keep whatever you say to him in between the two of you.

𖠵𝟎𝟓: a big cuddle bug! especially after work or in the earlier mornings. it’s nearly impossible to pry him off you in the mornings. . .

𖠵𝟎𝟔: likes to hug you from behind whenever you cook. that way he can smell the delicious food and relish in your warmth.

𖠵𝟎𝟕: “angel,” “baby/babe,” “mi amor/amor,” “my love/love,” “sweetheart” and probably like a thousand more.

❝(NAME)! Thank the dendro archon, you’re here! You won’t believe the attitude Al Haitham gave me today! I told him how we started dating, and get this. . . He didn’t believe me! Can you believe that? So, therefore, I’m taking you to meet him tomorrow to prove it! Then we’ll see who’s laughing now! ❞

𖠵𝟎𝟖: needs reassurance that he’s enough for you.

𖠵𝟎𝟗: kisses everywhere! his favorite places are right beneath your ears, the inside of your wrists and of course, your lips.

𖠵𝟏𝟎: (^) a feisty kisser! he can get needy after long times without seeing you. (deeper kisses, hands clutching you a bit more tightly, whining.)

𖠵𝟏𝟏: get’s jealous prettyyy easily. . . especially if it’s around Al Haitham or anyone he thinks is better than him ☹️

“Hey! Find your own lover to hit on, jackass! This one’s mine!”

𖠵𝟏𝟐: (^) if the flirting or stares are continuous, he’ll beg you to let him mark you just so that it’s something when he’s not there. with enough puppy eyes and begging, you’ll let him. . .

𖠵𝟏𝟑: loves making out with you. he also can’t keep his hands off you no matter what. his hands are always busy when he’s kissing you.

𖠵𝟏𝟒: dreams about the day where he gets to design his and your baby’s room. ☹️☹️☹️☹️.

𖠵𝟏𝟓: likes to drag you to the group’s TCG hangouts. they don’t mind, not unless he won’t shut up about you or is showing immense amounts of PDA. 😭😭

𖠵𝟏𝟔: (^) speaking of PDA. . . he loves it, especially if you’re the one to initiate it.

𖠵𝟏𝟕: tries to hide it, but he gets super worried about you when you’re not around. . . one of his biggest fears is losing you.

#꒱₊˚✿ TIGHNARI ─── VERDANT STRIDER.﹚

𖠵𝟎𝟎: i love this sassy fox sm omg 😡😡

𖠵𝟎𝟏: as i just said, Tighnari is incredibly sassy, LMAO. he was when you first met; he is now when you two are dating ‹/3 although his sass is more manifested in a loving way towards you.

𖠵𝟎𝟐: he lives to tease you — both flirtatiously and not. he loves to watch your expression shift and face flush.

𖠵𝟎𝟑: fennec foxes mate for life, so there’s no escaping him when you’re together ‹/3

𖠵𝟎𝟒: will always subconsciously wrap his tail around your waist or thigh whenever you’re standing close to him.

𖠵𝟎𝟓: (^) whenever you’re going out somewhere, he’ll always brush his tail against you multiple times; it’s his way of scenting you.

𖠵𝟎𝟔: flirty! like surprisingly flirty — and like Cyno, he doesn’t do it without much thought. he loves to see your face redden because of his comments.

𖠵𝟎𝟕: obviously, being best friends with Collei! you always spend lots of time with her whenever he’s being petty — which is all the time 🙄

𖠵𝟎𝟖: speaking of Collei, she thinks you two are the cutest together ): she loves asking him or you how you two are doing! you’ve basically adopted her.

𖠵𝟎𝟗: brings you home lots of different jewels or plants from the expeditions he goes on, then gives you an entire lecture on what type is it and how to take care of it 😭😭

𖠵𝟏𝟎: “cutie,” “(little) kit,” “(my) butterfly,” “(my) flower,” “rose/rosebud,” “sunflower,” or “sweetheart.”

❝You’re finally back. . . Where exactly have you been all day, rosebud? Hm? With Collei, you say? And you didn’t care to tell me? You had me worrying like a madman all day, you lummox! Don’t roll your eyes at me! You know how much I love and care about you. Don’t play dumb with me, kit. I make my love for you very apparent, do I not?❞

𖠵𝟏𝟏: any stupid decision or antic you make is never unnoticed by Tighnari, LMAO. he’ll always give you a 10-minute lecture as he’s bandaging you. he is your mom-boyfriend.

𖠵𝟏𝟐: despite his sarcastic nature, it’s apparent to anyone in Gandhara Ville how his voice softens when talking to you or how his ears always perk at the mention of your name ‹3

𖠵𝟏𝟑: he loves speaking of your accomplishments to others! as i said, he is your mom-boyfriend 🫶🫶

CYNO: “So, how’s (NAME) doing? You haven’t talked them to death, have you?”

“Oh, (NAME)? They’re doing alright, I believe. Did they tell you that they finally perfected their flower revival process? Gosh, they’ve been trying for months, and they finally got it just last week. The joy in their eyes as they showed me was unmatchable, Cyno. And…” doesn’t stop talking for 10 minutes.

𖠵𝟏𝟒: he’s very clingy in the mornings! he’ll latch onto you and won’t let you go until he himself gets up.

𖠵𝟏𝟓: you’re the only one privileged to pet his ears and tail! he even lets you brush them! he thinks your focused expression is oh-so-cute ‹3

“Hm, maybe I should let you brush me more often if it means you doting on me… you look so cute with all your attention focused on me.”

𖠵𝟏𝟔: goes on high alert whenever he smells another guy’s scent on you.

𖠵𝟏𝟕: purrs whenever you scratch at the base of his ears; he melts right into your arms.

𖠵𝟏𝟖: hates seeing you upset because he feels incredibly helpless ): especially if you’re fighting against your own emotions and/or thoughts.

𖠵𝟏𝟗: adores leaving marks on places that’re visible to the public eye. he hates sharing you but bares with it by marking his territory (you).

𖠵𝟐𝟎: takes really good care of you when you’re sick, having the best remedies and making the best food; however, he will not shut up — tread carefully, LOL.

𖠵𝟐𝟏: being a respectful person, he won’t normally result to violence if he hears someone disrespecting you. he will humiliate them in every way he can, though.

“What did I hear you say about (NAME)? That they’re talentless, correct? Did you know they can completely bring plants back to life? No, of course, you didn’t. And what have you done, hm? Didn’t you mistake poison ivy for mint leaves one time? Would you like me to recite that incident word for word for you? No? Then I’d advise you to keep my lover’s name out of your mouth.”

𖠵𝟐𝟐: he’s very patient with you! if you’re struggling with something, he will go over it with you as many times as you’d like.

𖠵𝟐𝟑: likes to take you with on his ranger’s duties so you can’t get yourself hurt. or so that nobody can get too close to you.

𖠵𝟐𝟒: he’s the type to get angry at you whenever you put yourself in danger — his worry of losing you manifests into anger without meaning too.

𖠵𝟐𝟓: whenever he senses danger, his tail will wrap around your waist and he’ll pull you closer against his side.

𖠵𝟐𝟔: protects and guards you as if you were his actual kit.

𖠵𝟐𝟕: loves to hold your hand whenever you two are out — giving it a gentle tug if you were to wander too far from his side.

𖠵𝟐𝟖: whenever he teaches you archery, he’ll always kiss your cheek before pulling away from you, laughing if you were to get flustered and mess up.

𖠵𝟐𝟗: he acts kinda blandly whenever receiving gifts from you, but he guards them with his life 😭 he finds it really cute whenever you bring him something that reminded you of him.

𖠵𝟑𝟎: since his days are usually spent patrolling the forests and researching, he tries to make every date of yours count and perfect; he feels guilty he isn’t with you very often.

𖠵𝟑𝟏: if you’re resting on him while he’s working, he will do everything he can to ensure you stay asleep — glaring at anyone who’s being too noisy.

𖠵𝟑𝟐: before you nap or go to sleep, he’ll always make your bed and fluff up the pillows to make sure you rest comfortably ‹3

𖠵𝟑𝟑: has a dedicated notebook filled with stuff about you: your likes, dislikes, habits, etc.

[crossphine]

Hi! Saw that your requests were open so I wanted to ask for one (that I’ve been thinking about for waaay too long 👉👈)

Could you, pretty please, write Tighnari, Wanderer, Heizou, Kazuha and Xiao with an anemic S/O? I’m anemic myself hehe

based on my own experience with it, I get agitated easily, I’m sleepy most of the time, I get dizzy, anddd I have a rather frantic heartbeat

sfw, fluff.

bulleted list. around 960 words.

a/n: ooh, this is my first request ever! ;v; So excited to fulfill it, anon! Hope you enjoy it ♥️ 

Tighnari 

Tighnari's pretty reliable when it comes to taking care of other people. Taking into consideration how he foresaw Collei's eleazar condition, he'll make sure you're taking your medication, cook you iron-rich meals, and so on and so forth. 

Also, he manages to maintain a balance that does not feel suffocating to you while also helping you keep your health in check. 

Whenever you start feeling dizzy, he'll offer to carry you on his back. It doesn't matter the place; he's not ashamed in the slightest to do that favor for you. If you don't want to be carried, he offers his arm too. 

He doesn't mind letting you use his tail as a pillow or use it to warm your hands. Tighnari prefers to warm your hands with his, but whichever decision makes you happier is more than okay with him. 

He carries some extra medicine and water with him when you go out. Yeah, you already carry your own, but there's no harm in having extras in case something happens. 

You can see he's generally cautious.

Kazuha

His nomad lifestyle is quite hectic; he has to move from one place to another, travel long distances by foot, rationalize supplies when confronted with unprecedented obstacles, and yet he prioritizes your comfort overall. Even if you assure him, it's not necessary to go through those lengths, he insists on telling you it's okay; he doesn't mind. 

Even if he's not as knowledgeable in botany as others, he's used to living among wildlife and knows basic remedies for general discomforts. This is crucial, when the closest town is kilometers away and if there's a shortage of medicine. 

Kazuha does this cute but also kind of corny thing when he notices your temperature dropping a bit more than usual. 

He takes your hands and places them on his cheeks, where he's indeed warm himself. It feels nice; his skin is soft, and the expression of pure adoration in his eyes melts you more than his body heat. 

If you're in the mood, he'll offer to cuddle you to warm you up too. 

Wanderer 

We all know he's not too honest about anything that has to do with his feelings. 

Which is funny when his actions contradict his claims of him being even remotely worried about you.

Something something weak humans blah blah (he's carrying you in his arms without you having to ask him to, and he's rushing to take you to the nearest hospital).

He looks relieved when the doctor says that you're okay and that it was just a moment of dizziness because of the temperature. Sumeru's climate is unforgivable, and the doctor reminded you to be extra careful.

"Have you already eaten?" "What about your medicine? Did you take it?" 

He claims he checks in with you solely because rushing from one place to another is bothersome and he has "things to do". (He doesn’t mind if he has to carry you again to the hospital when you need it.) (But he won't admit it.)

The moment you express anything about needing to restock your medicine, he's on his way to purchase more.

He even offers to cook you meals, despite him complaning cooking is a nuisance. Despite his complaining, as if he was forced to (he literally offered to and if you say no, he'll huff and roll his eyes and say that he doesn't trust your ability to take care of yourself), he pours dedication in what he prepares.

He's actually a pretty decent cook.

Xiao 

He becomes extra protective.

He knows humans are weak in comparison to his kin, but now that he knows that you have a delicate condition, he's scared to even so much as hold your hands. 

Which you assure him that you're not made of glass, and he can hold you without any inconvenience. He's not used to being softer with someone else since, for a good portion of his life, he's been engrossed with his duty to protect Liyue, but he tries his best.

Anything you may need help with, he's there within a moment's notice. Boy's not knowledgeable about your condition, but he'll do his best to aid you whenever you need it.

Xiao is, believe it or not, shy about physical touch. He must get used to it before he doesn't feel like his face will combust in flames the moment he feels your touch. Which is endearing because, when you're feeling a little too cold, you hold his hand, and you can feel it grow warmer the more you hold it.

On days he has some time to relax, you both spend extra time cuddling each other in bed. Xiao's heart is beating fast, and he's akin to a furnace with your touch.

Heizou

He has like a sixth sense or something. 

The moment you approach him to tell him you're feeling lightheaded, he's already offering his arm to support you and find somewhere for you to sit before you ask him anything.

"You want me to take you home, right?" 

How did he know that?!

One day, you realize you need to restock your medicine, and just as you were about to head out, Heizou returned home with what you needed. 

He's observant of every minuscule detail; he remembers your daily dosage and foresees when you'll run out of it. By the time you go, "oh, that was the last one..." Heizou's got your back. 

He might not seem like the type, but he can get anxious when you go out on your own without telling him. Not because he wishes to have absolute control over your autonomy, but because he knows you tend to be sleepy and get agitated with ease.

He finds you in a matter of minutes. It's sort of scary how good he is at tracking people down, but since his reasons for doing so are benign, you don't dwell on it.

[crossphine]

❦ 𝙼𝚎𝚕𝚝 ❦

You move, pushing him against the wall. He doesn’t protest, he doesn’t stop you despite being significantly stronger, which means he likes it.

The impact causes the kiss to deepen, your tongues meeting and immediately moving in sync against one another. It’s intoxicating, not only his taste, but how he holds you so close to him you can feel the warmth of his skin through your bunched clothes.

The stress of the day built up in his shoulders crumbles into nothing as you explore every inch you can reach, all familiar but never any less exciting.

He steals every breath you take, and when your knees become weak, he keeps you on your feet. This doesn’t stop you from taking and maintaining the lead though, and when you fish out a noise of pleasure from those delectable lips of his, you know it’ll be the first of many.

Perhaps to everyone else he looked and acted one way, but for you, inside the four walls of your sanctuary, he was someone else.

Open, unashamed, his defenses gone if only for a moment of reprieve. Most importantly, he was yours.

⟶ Diluc, Xiao, Cyno, Neuvillette, Dainsleif, Pierro

[crossphine]

This isn’t an ask but I literally love the way you write omfg

OK BYE HAHSHAD

I’M ONLY SEEING THIS NOW AAAAAAAAA—

Thank you??? So much???? It means a lot — you have no idea! 😆😆

[crossphine]

Happy Birthday, Xiao!

There is nothing out of the ordinary about today, until I saw you in the distance.

With that being so... After finishing this Almond Tofu, would you like to go on patrol with me?

Thanks to hou for the fantastic artwork!

[crossphine]

something that recently dawned on me is that, in the great majority of Xiao fics where he blushes, his ears turn red

like, all authors reached a silent yet mutual agreement that when Xiao is flustered, his ears will turn red, and I love it

he's adorable and everyone knows it

[crossphine]

❦ 𝚀𝚞𝚒𝚎𝚝 ❦

It’s quiet. It’s so quiet, in fact, that every movement you make first reaches your ears instead of your eyes. You can hear the peace in every breath that leaves him, you can feel your heartbeat, calm and steady, against your ribcage. It even jostles you a little, your feelings a chain that willingly ties you to him and pulls you closer to his warmth.

He doesn’t say anything, but he doesn’t need to, and neither do you. You reach up, cupping his face just as he thumbs your waist, where his hands are resting; his hold on you is light, but grounding. You caress the hill of his cheek, the area under his eye—he closes them, melting under your touch, slowly coming undone like the pull of a loose thread. Then you lean in, slowly, not wanting to disturb this fragile bubble of comfort, and leave a feather-like kiss on his nose, a brush of skin that doesn’t last long.

The mask falls. He keeps his eyes closed, a meek attempt at holding the tears in.

It’s too much. Sometimes, everything is too much.

Wordlessly, you wrap your arms around him and he hides himself in the crook of your neck. His hold tightens, but you don’t mind in the slightest; you wish for nothing but his happiness, so you tighten your hold as well, hoping to be the anchor he needs at the moment.

It’s quiet, so no matter how much he tries, you can still hear him sobbing.

You focus on the softness of his hair instead.

⟶ Xiao, Wanderer, Gorou, Chongyun, Thoma

[crossphine]

roots of lore.

ft. xiao x gn!reader

word count. 1.4k

content. scars, scar touching, xiao's backstory (mentions of abuse + slavery), massages, xiao is touch-starved, fluff, petnames (sweet boy), grinding, not technically smut but definitely suggestive, light dom/sub undertones (dom!reader + sub!xiao).

synopsis. xiao is free now, but his scars remain.

notes. i am an nsfw blog, minors dont follow me or interact.

Xiao's body locks up beneath you, a trembling cage of flesh and soul.

You're reminded of when he'd grudgingly agreed to spar with you for the first time, after much wheedling. The first time you'd asked, he'd looked at you like you'd grown another head; the second time bred only subtle irritation. The third, he'd informed you flatly that under no uncertain circumstances could you beat him, and he doesn't like to fight at the best of times.

The tenth time, you wore him down. It had been exhilarating—you got your ass beat, sure, and Xiao had been going very easy on you, too. You'd limped back to the Wangshu Inn with bruised ribs and a strained ankle and a huge grin. You're sure Xiao thought you even stranger after that. But now it's become routine, and though he has years of experience on you, sometimes you're quick enough to get a couple of hits on him.

One time, oh, one time you managed to get his feet out from under him with a training staff, a harsh whap to the ankles and he went down, knees and face in the dirt. Before he can get his hands under him to push himself back up, he feels a phantom weight settle over him like a shadow, and he freezes. The blunt tip of your staff presses into his spine, right over a ridge, in a way that renders him temporarily motionless. Your knee brushes against the outside of his hip as you lean down, and when you speak, you're so close to his ear that he can feel his pulse in his skull; "Got you."

This is the first time you feel it—the way Xiao freezes when he's bested. At first you think you've made him uncomfortable, but... through the tufts of dark hair obscuring his expression, you can see the tips of his ears burning red. You can feel the slightest tremble running through his bones where your body just barely brushes his own. And, most tellingly, when you lean forward to murmur what was supposed to be a gloat, you feel the choked-off noise he bites back somewhere high in his throat at the contact.

And you suppose it's not so different to now, really—your room at the Wangshu Inn is quiet and decent, half-lit by glass lanterns and the moonlight outside. You're far too high above Liyue for any stray passersby to be able to see through your windows, which is just as well. You don't want anyone to be privy to this view except for you.

He's still mostly dressed, which is almost more tantalising than seeing him naked; there's something about the way the fabric drapes over his skin that makes you want to eat him alive. He's taken to burying his face in the bedsheets to hide as you work at him, a palm spread wide over his stomach to feel his stomach rise and fall. Even this contact sends his blood catching alight, his spine arching into your touch as your thumb strokes at the skin. Laving your care into pale flesh, one gentle swipe at a time.

You set another hand gently on the jut of his hip, push him back down to the bed. "You okay?"

Xiao presses his lips together, half mortified at his own lack of control and half blissed out beyond caring. Nobody has ever touched him like this, with so much care, so much love—it feels foreign, bubbling up hot and carbonated inside him like it insists upon itself. Calling out to an endless void, love me! Love me!

It seems impossible. But here you are, rolling him over on his stomach. He's half-grateful; burning up from the intensity of your stare, neck sore from trying to burrow into the bed to hide from it. He sinks his head into the pillows and let loose a long, trembly sigh as you clamber gently over him, legs bent on either side of his hips. The weight of you rests on him as you reach out to toy with a lock of dark hair.

Xiao whines at the suggestion of tension against his scalp; you pull nowhere near enough to hurt, but the in-between is maddening. It's like anticipation, like holding a loaded crossbow waiting for the bolt to loose. It feels like you should hurt him. Like you should want to. But you don't, and before long your fingers leave his hair to trace patterns on the nape of his neck, and Xiao shudders, burying his head into the pillow.

"You're okay, sweet boy," you murmur, and Xiao wants to argue that he's not a boy, he's so far from it, and sweet sounds like a joke when it tries to stick to someone like him. Karmic debt oozes from his pores, gritty and dark and acidic, surely infecting even your lovely hands, and Xiao readies his voice to say all this but then you run a finger hard down his spine and he stifles a whiny noise into the sheets instead.

He's aware, vaguely, that he's panting, that he's never felt this alive in this way in all his life, that what started as uncertain jerks of his hips to relieve some of the weird tension building hot in his low stomach has turned into a steady, rhythmic movement. His hips roll against the mattress, ignited by your careful touch, your fingers that dance on the precipice between pleasure and pain. It's too much, it's not enough, and Xiao stifles another cry into the mattress, mortified.

You stop quite suddenly, and Xiao makes another pathetic noise before realising where your hands have paused. The window in the back of his shirt that ripples over the skin of his spine, baring the flesh for the world. His heart flies into his throat; he usually keeps a glamour up, nothing especially powerful, just enough to heal his skin and keep people from seeing—

Your fingers trace a scar, and Xiao feels the prickling of tears at his eyes. Seeing that.

"Xiao," you whisper, and try as he might he is unable to read your tone. He's rooted to the spot, unable to move a muscle, and the fiery want in his abdomen goes cold and rotten in earnest. He can't look back at you. You've seen.

You must think he's hideous. A thing only worthy to be kept, to be hit, to be made use of. He wants to curl into himself and hide.

"I've never seen these," you murmur. "Do you keep them hidden?"

Shamefully, Xiao forces himself to nod; he can't possibly speak.

"Oh, sweet boy..." And your hands move again, tracing up and down the ridges, the jagged X that serves as a remnant of his days of servitude, tattoos his skin like a brand of ownership. Whip scars, beatings where the skin sliced open, pockmarking an unmeasurable amount of skin. Xiao wants simultaneously to pull away and to melt into you; he wants to let you rip him open at the seams, sink your hands into the ichor and black karma that makes him up inside. The thought of disappearing into the wind flits briefly, temptingly, across his mind—and then your hands drag over the center of that jagged X and his eyes roll back in his head, and the sinks into the mattress with little more than a whimper.

"You're so beautiful," he hears you whisper, and it feels impossible, like a sweet dream of some other reality where he deserves such gentle treatment. Your fingers nudge at the back of his head, coaxing. "Look at me?"

He cracks open a heavy eye with great difficulty; it gleams bright as topaz above cheekbones shaded in deep scarlet, hair amuss, shielding the rest of his expression, but his eyes speak enough. He looks agonised.

You lean forward, press your lips to the raised center of the labyrinth of scars in a stinging kiss, and Xiao swallows a choked noise. "I don't want you to hide these from me anymore, okay? Look how strong you are. How brave. I want to be reminded of that every time I look at you—that's what you deserve."

Xiao draws in a shaky breath. "I am not... any of that," he mumbles, paying no mind to how wrecked his voice sounds. "These are marks o weakness. Of servitude."

"And now you're free," you whisper, and Xiao's heart soars like a bird over the horizon. "Free to wander, to love. Free to stay right here with me."

Xiao can think of nothing better.

[crossphine]

For those that may be curious, there’s a NSFW continuation of Together They Soar (that birb Xiao fic of mine) on my AO3!

The first chapter is the same, the only tiny difference is that the Reader caresses Xiao’s back instead of his neck

[crossphine]

-> prompt: after an incident in qingce village, xiao has questions for you. (aka you hold xiao's hand and he combusts into flustered flames upon asking you about it.)

-> pairing: xiao x gn!reader

-> warnings: none

"earlier," the yaksha begins slowly. "what you did earlier, what was that?"

you look up from your book owlishly, staring up at him with wide eyes. whenever you read, your longtime companion chooses not to interrupt you. instead, he usually opts to survey the scenery beyond the wangshu inn balcony that the two of you are nestled in, constantly looking for further action. but now, his amber gaze pierces past the cover of your book and directly into you, complimented by a faint dusting of pink on his cheeks.

"huh? what do you mean?" you ask, watching as the ruddy hues blossom even further across his face. xiao's gaze averts from yours.

"when..." he trails off, before turning his head to the side, gaze briefly flitting towards the familiar scenery of dihua marsh. there is an unfamiliar shyness to his voice, and it piques your interest more than any mystery novel plotline ever could, so you set your book down.

"when?" you ask patiently. the yaksha is gruff, sure, but you cannot remember a time that he has ever been lost for words in the way he is now. his lips part, and you watch the slight heave of his chest as he inhales deeply before continuing.

"it was when we were in qingce village earlier, when the market started getting busy," xiao says quietly. you do your best to pay no mind to the furious blush that adorns his cheeks, but it softens the sharpness of his cheekbones into plump, red apples you wish you could take an affectionate bite out of, if only to see his reaction.

"yeah?" you ask gently, voice no more than a soft breath on the wind. "what about it?"

"you..." he pauses, running a hand through his hair. it is a nervous tic he's most likely picked up from you, and your heart swells with affection at how xiao pays attention to the little things, even when you think he isn't looking. "you took my hand in yours."

you blink up at him, watching as cor lapis irises meet yours for the briefest of moments before snapping back to the mundane horizon sprawling out beyond the two of you. is that why he's been so quiet today...?

"oh. i'm sorry if that made you uncomfortabl-" you begin, but xiao is quick to cut you off with hurried words.

"it did not make me uncomfortable." his words are hurried, albeit a bit flustered, and the realization of the impact you've had on him slowly begins to dawn over you.

"oh." the single syllable falls heavy from your lips. you're unsure of where else to put it, so you let it hang heavy in the air between the two of you, before testing it out once more, albeit in a more lilted tone. "oh."

the silence stretching out between the two of you now seems more endless than the horizon.

"why?" xiao, ever the fighter, pierces through the veil of silence with a battering ram of a question. his shy gaze now hardens in the midst of inquiry, despite not being hidden behind his usual battle mask. yet, at this stage in your partnership with him, you no longer find fear in his fierceness. instead, the steely nature of his gaze provides comfort that he will always be there for you, no matter what the answer to your question might be. "why did you do it?"

so, you choose to answer xiao's question honestly.

"i was fearful of us getting separated in the crowd, so i took your hand in mine," you say evenly, despite the way your heart hammers against your chest under the intensity of his gaze. it is though xiao is picking apart your thoughts with just a simple glance, and yet, his eyes still drink in your expression as if the answers to his unspoken questions will be found in the curve of your lips or the furrow of your brow.

"you know that if you call out my name, i will always appear to protect you." xiao's reminder is muddled with emotions you cannot place, but you decide it is in your best interests to not read to much into them. instead, you smile sweetly at him.

"i know. but if i can keep you close without having to call your name and startle a crowd full of people, then i should hold your hand, right?"

xiao falls quiet as you inspect his features, watching and waiting for something within the stoic yaksha to crack and give you the reaction you've been silently craving since you first met. instead, you watch as his hand wraps around the balcony railing for a brief moment before letting go, as if seizing the base of his polearm in a familiar gesture. perhaps, just perhaps, the fearsome yaksha is nervous in your presence. the thought causes adoration to rise within you, threatening to spill forth from your lips in platitudes and reassurances.

but, you know xiao better than to startle him by bursting forth with emotion. so, you press your lips together, and you wait.

"could you-?" he asks, cutting himself off before taking a step towards you, fingers unfurling in your direction. he hesitates, before finally deciding to dive in, splaying his hand out and holding it just above where your book sits on your lap.

xiao's question goes unfinished, but you understand it nonetheless. a soft, breathy laugh, one that xiao finds more enticing than any of barbatos's melodies, escapes from the confines of your lips.

"of course," you say, lifting your hand up to meet his own as you lace your fingers through his. his gloves are roughened from battle, and you wonder if the skin is underneath as well, but you feel divinity from his touch nonetheless.

you stare at your conjoined hands before looking up at xiao, whose gaze still lingers on your interlocked hands. a soft smile graces his features as he looks down fondly.

you realize that the yaksha returns your affections in this moment, but perhaps it is best to leave confessions unspoken for this moment, if only to savor it for just a bit longer.