#//But again; he’s still worried what Celestia would do in response to him having a family

[dutybcrne]

Kaeya doesn’t intend to ever get married. Due to him being Khaenri’ahn, if it’s not having to keep that fact from them ( especially with how devout the Mondstadters are to Barbatos ), it’s the fact that he fears what would happen to them and any children they may have, should Celestia become aware of them. He can’t trust it won’t end terribly for them, and will always be left fearing they’ll be used against him or hurt bc of him.

[ask-healthy-light]

Everybody in the room held their breath and stood ready to jump in to help Starswirl when he got up from his bed, but after a brief moment of silence and tension in the room, the Old Wizard let out a quiet chuckle, and slowly took his first steps towards the chair; but even though Celestia and Luna made sure to hold on to him, they started to smile when they realised Starswirl needed little help.

Despite the worried voices in their minds telling them that Starswirl was going to fall after every step he took, nobody dared to move a muscle as he got ever closer to the chair, until he slowly sat down with a very deep, nigh wholly exhausted, yet incredibly relieved sigh; but the Princesses held in their excitement, and looked at the Doctor for permission, who just smiled and nodded in return.

Because they were still in the Medical Centre, however, and they knew it would be terribly impolite to burst out in cheer and laughter, which could disturb others who desperately needed to rest, Luna and Celestia both briefly cast muffling spells on themselves; and although the group did not hear a peep, the Sisters' energetic expressions and monumental movements let them know they were ecstatic.

After a few moments of dancing and happy trotting around the entire room, the two Princesses deeply exhaled before they lifted their muffling spells, and repeatedly thanked the Doctor for taking such great care of their Mentor while they were away; and the Doctor solemnly nodded to the Sisters, and to Starswirl, whom she told that his first walk out of bed was proof of how rapidly he was healing.

Though she still could not permit him to leave as of yet, and it would be best for him to stay here overnight to make sure he could not relapse all of a sudden, she was confident that his time in the Centre would not be nearly as long as she had originally expected; and Starswirl smiled to hear the Doctor's news, before he politely asked her if she could possibly give a careful estimation to him.

In response, to his and the others' relief, the Doctor sweetly said she would check up on him again a few hours from now, then in the evening, and once more early tomorrow morning, and if his results continued to improve at a similar steady rate, he would be allowed to leave; but the Doctor figured the Bearded or either of the Princesses would want to ask her what would happen if this was not so.

Even if his results were to plateau sooner than what she predicted, and he would have to stay for a day or two more, given that he was already awake and able to walk around, after he had been brought in unconscious this morning, meant that he was still leagues ahead of schedule; and even if he were to progress at the slowest rate henceforth, he did not have to stay for more than a couple of days.

At that moment, Twilight spoke up, and asked the Doctor whether there was anything they had to keep an eye out for after Starswirl left the Centre, and for when they left the Crystal Empire to return home; for while they could swiftly bring him back to the Medical Centre here, if they left, she was uncertain whether other Doctors in Canterlot or Ponyville knew how to help Starswirl the right way.

With a slow and understanding nod, the Doctor told the group they needed to make sure Starswirl did not do any work that required a lot of magic, at least until she or another Doctor had confirmed he had fully recovered; and as for letting other Doctors know, although she could not explain how this process worked, every Centre had access to a protected archive that held records of treated beings.

No matter to which Centre they would bring the Bearded to be treated after they left the Empire, he would not have to be reexamined to find out for what he was last taken in to a Centre, and it would feel as if he never even left from here; but she did warn them that Doctors in a smaller town, such as Ponyville, which had no Centre, needed to request access first, which would take some more time.

Too often had the Doctor seen the expressions on their faces, so she warmly smiled, and said:

"That being said, we could also give you all a copy of Starswirl's records, just to be safe."

(Thanks for reading! And if you enjoyed, please reblog! Thanks in advance!)

Send an ask or request! | Start at the beginning! | Next part!

Featuring: Solar Eclipse and Twilight Sparkle as Twilight Eclipse from @asktwilighteclipse

[stinkkyy]

rebirth; twin flames

the night when kaeya tells diluc about the truth of him coming to the dawn winery is the night that kaeya dies.

well, figuratively.

they both die and are rebirthed in a way but one thing is certain; crepus’ boys loose their way.

when diluc strikes at kaeya he believes his brother to be dead, never seeing the glow of his vision, too blinded by his rage and betrayal. his eyes are clouded with tears of a boy mourning the loss of family.

somehow, kaeya is gone. he chalks it up to his being a spy and taking a cowards way out. diluc decides he’s never had a brother and that kaeya is dead. he walks away with a trembling hand at the hilt of his claymore.

that night just when sleep is only beginning to take him away he is visited by somebody from celestia.

“you’ve helped us greatly in striking down a former enemy we once thought was long gone. in return, we of celestia would like you take you among our ranks.”

‘an enemy..?’ his jaw clenches. ‘kaeya.’

they extend their hand out to him with an overwhelming amount of pyro energy licking at his skin. they smile.

“what will happen if i agree.”

he’s a budding business man who must know everything before he gets into it but something tells diluc he won’t say no. they hum softly, laughing a bit.

“power that festers just at your fingertips. you’re strong now, yes, but to be a god is another deal. with time you very well may even become an archon and become better than your own god.

wouldn’t that be lovely? no one will ever betray you or hurt you ever again.”

diluc fists his hands at his sides as he thinks it over but his head is much too loud to truly think of anything. everything is just too much.

but they stare at him expectantly nonetheless. that smile remains in place and for once, diluc wanted to be selfish.

“diluc ragnivindr, shall you join us?”

looking back on this moment, diluc will grow ashamed to how quickly he took their hand and agreed.

thus the god of retribution and justice was born.

—

somewhere in a land cold and beautiful lies a palace fit only for royalty.

a boy in noble clothes and dark blue hair with puffy red eyes kneels at a queen sized bed where he cries at a woman’s lap. a forgotten vision is cast aside the bedside table.

“shush, little one. you are safe here. no one will ever harm you.”

“how could h-he..” the boys voice trembled. “i-i tried to explain..! he was so furious- i understand, gods i do but-!”

she takes his face in her hands to wipe away his tears as she consoles him as best she can. his heartbreak transferred to her own heart and she could feel tears begin to spring at her eyes, kissing the top of his head.

“would you like to stay here with me? i will protect you until you can protect yourself.”

he looks ups to her, his good eye going wide at the offer. the boy hesitates for just a moment.

“.. i don’t even know who you are, miss. you don’t know who i am.”

she smiles at him, cupping his cheek, watching how he leans into her touch.

“i am the one who took you here, who gave you your vision. i am the tsaritsa.” she giggles softly, sniffling a bit. “you may know me best as the cryo archon.”

he gasps sharply, suddenly worried for his life once more.

“be still, little one. i know if your origins and i do not care. i would like for you to join me and my harbingers. we shall make the world a better place and in time, go against those that wished to subdue us and even the ones responsible for the extinction of your people.”

kaeya purses his lips together. really, the answer was already known but he had to come to terms with it. when he closes his eye to take a deep breath in and out he nods, looking back up to her with a delicate smile.

“i don’t see why not,” he laughs, a broken and sad thing. “i have no family and no home now. to work besides the one who saved my life and gave me strength.. yes, i think this would be a fine use of my life.”

a hidden harbinger was brought into the ranks.

he would become known as the tsaritsa’s shadow with ears across the land. kaeya alberich, harbinger 0 of the fatui harbingers.

[reilliane]

More lil bro aether pls 🥺

I GOT YOU LOVELY ANON, HERE, HAVE A LIL SOMETHING- IT'S- UM, angst with a hurt/comfort :D

TS(Traveler's Sibling)!MC clashing with the Heavenly Principles is a subject I've always thought of since MC came to Teyvat later than the twins did.

It came like a sudden judgement from beyond the celestial plane—a horrifyingly familiar array of cubes in crimson and onyx reaching past the clouds to descend. All in search for the third Outlander.

It was a sight he so feared to see after centuries.

He tried to stop her—tried to tell her that it's better not to engage in a fight with a dangerous entity such as the sustainer of heavenly principles.

He spoke of his fears.

“You mustn't! She's responsible for Lumine and I's separation-”

Good heavens, he pleaded—

“No, no, [Name], you don't know who you're up against-”

He shouted with all his might, begged past normalcy—

“Please, please, don't! [Name], you can't go-!”

Take me with you.

But his concern was ignored. And once again, a sibling of his was going past his reach.

“Sister!!”

No one was willing to help. For obvious reasons.

The clash of the divine against the outlandish was reflected in the skies, thundering with roars and illuminating with flashes. To those upon the surface, it was a sight telling of doomsday.

Lasting for an indefinite amount of time, he could do nothing but pace around in sheer apprehension.

The Archons he knew could only give their own wishes—prayers, even, which was funny. What would prayers do?

But he prayed. Oh, how he prayed to someone, anyone.

And when the battle was concluded in nine days' time, there was panic all around. The skies have stilled their flashes and the waters tamed their waves.

Everyone was looking for a sign. And it came.

A star, bright and [c], shot out from past the rolling clouds beneath Celestia, falling with the waning light.

Aether rushed back to Liyue when he saw where it has landed, the panic in his chest blossoming into an ungodly fear no one was able to talk him out of.

Paimon was but a wisp in the wind with how fast he was forcing himself to run. Even the sight of Lumine vanishing back into the abyssal stars upon his arrival did not bother him anymore.

“Ah, no.. !”

He was panting, he was heaving, high from adrenaline and hysteria that he was almost tripping over his feet as he approached the impact zone.

Beautiful wings of [c] that once sparkled as if they contained the stars themselves were flickering, in and out like a dying flame.

But what scared him the most was the unmoving body- and the ornate weapon a few feet away.

“[Name]!!”

Aether could not handle his own heart as he sped down the slope to turn his older sibling over, seeing an ugly color of red stain the front of her clothes.

He was seeing nothing but white and feeling nothing but panic.

Paimon's words entered his ear and exited through the other as he fussed.

“[Name], oh go- let's- let's go to one of the Statues, quickly, you need-”

A hand reached up to tousle his blond tresses, albeit weak, he could sense that she still had strength—and he almost burst into tears right then and there.

She's fine.

“I'll heal on my own, little brother, worry no longer.. she won't bother for now.”

[Name]'s whispers were so, so quiet as if she was on the verge of falling unconscious.

A miracle that was, maybe? Aether wondered as he just fell and allowed himself to be nearby his sibling, relishing in his relief.

[Name] always had been the strongest of them all—her powers weren't something to undervalue when she was at the crest of her might. She had gone against the Shogun with relative ease.

But still, the clash with the heavenly principles was different. And the fight he wished that wouldn't happen with [Name], happened.

That was the same being that divided him and Lumine, after all.

And he feared that perhaps the arrival of another Outlander wouldn't be overlooked with the same mercy. That maybe when [Name] falls back to Teyvat, she would be dispersing into stars.

But she's here, she's alive.

And that's okay.

The hand on his head continued its slow caress, the gentle fashion opposing the firm and rigid expression on his sister's angelic face.

It's okay, her eyes seemed to say.

“I will not perish until we are complete as a three again.”

Aether breaks into a silent cry.

He's okay.

[nemeseos-noctua]

God I love your work so much?? You guys are amazing .

Can I request how Albedo, Xiao and Diluc react to their s/o pushing them away in attempt to keep them safe from danger? (Eg they may be the traveller who is connected with the fatui and the abyss aand therefore fears for their s/o's safety.

Tysm!! I love your guys' writing style. requesting this specifically bc it's not fair Xiao gets to be to edgy one all the time in the fics🙄 how does it feel to get pushes away now loverboy? (/j!! I love him just thought this prompt would be a neat inversion).

𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: albedo, xiao, diluc (separate) x gn!reader

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒: not proofread, blood, mentions albedos story (spoilers), xiao story spoilers, reader is not traveler

𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒: hehe tysm!! ALSO 100% haha i LOVEEE xiao but yk he be a lil stingy when it comes to safety! i want to tuck him in and tell him it’ll be alright 😔😔

during your travels across teyvat, you have encountered far more fatui and abyss mages than you’d care to count

and some of which— had some, err, not so kind grudges against you

these grudges were so serious that you began to worry for albedo’s safety. you personally did not care for blood staining your hands nor soul—but if that blood was albedo’s... oh boy

so, coming to a conclusion... you decided on the inevitable: keep albedo at arm’s length—for your heart and his

and, it worked. for a month, it worked. your visits to his camp in dragonspine lessened, your chaste kisses and morning voice left his life like... regrettably, his master

Staring up at the whirling winds of Dragonspine, Albedo’s teal eyes trailed over the ice, wishing to see a familiar silhouette among its blizzard.

He had been counting. It has been five days, two minutes, and 54 seconds since you last visited him—

Hah, just kidding. He didn’t count—but it has been five days.

Where were you? Maybe you were busy—the alchemist knew you had a life outside of—well, him. 

It was unfair of him to be impatient, for you had been nothing short of patient towards him. But still, his heart longs and yearns for your touches, his head feels cold without your fingers twisting through his silky blonde hair. 

Dragonspine was cold, but without you, it was colder.

he’d eventually head back down to mondstadt, solely for the purpose of finding you

his mind got the best of him as he spiraled into a brief insanity. maybe he did something to make you mad? maybe you were injured, recovering without his aid? so many questions spinning around his head he almost missed the sight of your [e/c] eyes

“[Y/N]—“ Albedo’s voice cut through the crowds of Mondstadt as the alchemist rushed forward. Adrenaline pumped through his veins, desperation taking over him as he reached a hand out for you.

“Albedo...?” You stopped in your tracks, taking in the sight of your boyfriend’s unruly hair and tired eyes. His lips were still purple—as if he had come back down from Dragonspine recently.

“Where were you?” The alchemist asked, his gloved hand wrapped around your wrist delicately, his eyes scanning all over you as to check whether you were injured or not.

“Ah... I was—adventuring,” You sweatdropped, the coldness of his gloves stinging your wrist, your eyes wide at how cold he was.

he doesn’t believe you—hah. of course he doesn’t, albedo is a genius in fields he wishes to study

he knows you too well to fall for your mindless responses or excuses, he knows your eyes too well to succumb to the smile on your lips or kindness in your touch

he knows, he knows he knows he knows—so why? what are you hiding? why are you hiding? from him of all people?

everyone has secrets—albedo is aware, for he has his own share. but please, can’t you spare his heart? just this once?

“Tell me the truth, [Y/N],” Albedo asked—no, begged. He wanted to know what kept you so far from his reach, what stopped you from visiting him or loving him or just being with him. Was he the problem? Was this the end of your love?

“I...” You looked away, tugging the alchemist against the current of the crowds, seeking an area for just the two of you.

And once you found it, you pulled the blonde into a hug. The coldness of his coat didn’t faze you, nor did the way his eyes widened or the way his arms hesitantly wrapped back around you.

“I don’t want someone like you to get involved with me, Albedo. You’re...” You looked away, your face still buried into the alchemist’s shoulder. 

“... A weakness. You’re a weakness that’ll be used against me.”

albedo is in utter disbelief

he—you—what?!

he’s... your weakness?

albedo doesn’t know whether to be flattered or hurt. he knows you have a dangerous job, he knows about the amount of letters you receive threatening him or you, he knows what you’re doing is for the better...

but—he cannot allow it. he wants to hold you without regrets, he wants to kiss you and eat lunch with you at good hunter...

“[Y/N],” Albedo breathed, cupping your cheeks in the palm of his hands as he stared violently into your eyes. Gaze softening, he couldn’t bring it in himself to scold you for all the worries you brought him to.

“I promise you—that even if Fatui and Abyss Mages disrupt my alchemy, I promise that I want to get involved with you—I, I want to be with you.”

His heart, it wants so much, it wants to have you, it wants to love you.

So please—won’t you let him do that? 

xiao also has many people out for his throat

well, i suppose... the difference between those ‘people’ and your ‘people’ is the fact that xiao’s debts are owed to the dead

the whispers, the screams, the agony. it plagues every part of his mind, like a melody with no beat, like an endless tune that he will hear for the rest of time

and you—you’re like, the charm. the ward and sigil that scares away all of those demons. you’re the sunshine that seeps through the cracks of caves

and now... you’re drifting. like a ship at sea, he wonders... will you be back?

regrettably—you think—maybe, maybe... you won’t return

What is this? The third week Xiao has sat atop the roof of Wangshu Inn? Hoping mindlessly to hear your steps up the staircase?

Hah. Is this who he has become? An adeptus who waits for a mortal like you to come, an adeptus who should be defending Liyue, and yet, here he is.

he’s a bit... put off

like. who are you to make him feel this way, mortal? (derogatory) 

he doesn’t want to admit it... but... he misses you. there! he said it. he misses you. now can you come back, please?

he knows, he knows he is not the best lover... that he is blunt, enigmatic, and sometimes... rude. but— but you, you accept him for that

and he ponders atop the roof of wangshu inn—perhaps, was this ignoring scheme long overdue? have you finally grown tired of him and all of his karma? have you found someone better—someone you can love you, hold you, and care for you like you deserve?

he hopes—the answer is no

but he knows... the answer is probably yes

“Oh, [Y/N]! You’re back!” Verr Goldet’s hushed voice ran through the adeptus mind as his form shot up almost instantly. Staring down from his position on the roof, his yellow eyes stared over at your familiar form, your [e/c] eyes and vision that dangled from your hip.

“Haha, sorry about that.” 

You smiled, but Xiao didn’t miss the way you winced upon doing so. Your arms and legs were wrapped with bandages, dried splotches of red and clothing as messy as could be.

“Your room is upstairs, sleep well,” Verr Goldet nodded knowingly, a bittersweet grin on her face as her mind flickered to the thought of Xiao and his shortening temper.

once you step out onto the balcony, you do not need to look to see who has appeared beside you

“Hello, Xiao!” You say openly, arms outstretched for a hug as the adeptus merely stared at you. Three weeks. Three weeks without you, three weeks too many—and here you were, opening your arms like you had just returned back from an hour long trip.

“ . . . “ Staying silent, Xiao could only cross his arms, glaring at you with mixed emotions. He was relieved to see you back and ‘happy’, but still, he was frustrated and irritated at the way you behaved so recklessly.

“You owe me an expla—“

“—nation,” You finished for the male, an exasperated smile gracing your features as you turned over to the balcony, the setting moon and proud stars soaring like the birds of Mondstadt.

“I was... dealing with some encounters,” Your tone was laced with a malice even he wasn’t expecting, the number of bandages scouring your skin finally making sense as his eyes narrowed into slits.

“Fatui? Tell me where they are, I wi—“

“No.”

Turning over to him fully, Xiao’s breath hitched. Ugh, again—you and your pretty smile and charming features. The simplest things you do made him go insane like the karmic debts that flourished through his mind.

“You can’t get involved, Xiao. They will only go after you. I returned here today to tell you that I’ll be going off for three month—“

“What?” The Yaksha breathed in disbelief. Did he hear right? Were you seriously leaving again?! 

“I said, I am leaving again... Xiao. It’s not you—Celestia no... it’d never be you. It’s just...” You looked around, to anywhere, anyone but him. If you glanced at him now, chances are you’d succumb to his sunny eyes and stay back at Wangshu Inn. 

“... The Fatui. I got on their wanted list and—I don’t want them to use you against me. So I’ll go out and get rid of them, and I’ll be ba—“

“No.”

It was his turn to decline, for he didn’t want to hear anything you had to say. You got on the Fatui’s wanted list?! What?! He...

He was going to kill them. 

“Do you think I am weak, [Y/N]? Eons of slaughter and—“ 

“Xiao!” You facepalmed, raising your voice slightly at the male as he blinked, taken aback that you, a mortal would ever thing of committing such a heinous crime towards a divine being like him.

“You’re not weak! It’s just... I’m weak. And if they find you, they could just threaten me with everything they’d do to you! Even if nothing happened at all...” Your voice died down, your heart hammering against your chest as Xiao’s eyes softened.

Xiao was—speechless. He didn’t know what to say, what to do. Nobody had ever thought of him so kindly before, neither have they ever treated him as something other than a weapon of war.

So, he vowed. Like the night Rex Lapis found him all those millennia ago, like the night he broke free from the chains of manipulation—he vowed, time and time again—

“I will protect you, [Y/N]. For there is no need to protect me.”

[internal screaming]

diluc, of all people, no longer is afraid of ‘grudges’ or ‘debts’ owed to the fatui or abyss order. he dances with evil, masquerading each night for his life

and now, the only light in his world full of darkness, the only fire in the cold icy winds...

left

you left. you left with a little note saying you’d be back in what—five months?

a part of him was... shocked. it was surprised at how abrupt it was. one moment, the two of you were laying in bed, cradling each others’ forms. and the next? you were gone

the other part of him was... worried. did you want to leave him? what was this about? did you owe debt to the fatui? you could’ve told him, he would’ve payed for it all in a heartbeat

but diluc of mondstadt—hah, he was not known for stepping down so easily. so until he figures out why you left so suddenly, he is not stopping his search for the truth

and once he so happens to run into lumine and asks the traveler where you’ve been—he’s shocked

at first, he thinks lumine must me mistaken. what? what do you mean “[y/n] is heading out to fight the abyss herald”, you’re kidding... haha...

(lumine swore she saw her life flash before her eyes when diluc wrapped his head around the news)

diluc feels a bit... guilty. he feels guilty that he didn’t know sooner, he feels guilty that the abyss order is bothering you like how it bothers him, he feels guilty for everything

Wiping some blood that spilled from the corner of your mouth, you grimaced at the metallic taste. 

What was it? Err... day five? This was the first Abyss Herald you have encountered so far, and you could only assume it was the first of many.

Standing up, you sheathed your weapon. Your vision glowed brightly in the darkness of the ruins, the moon illuminating the way out as you sighed, pulling yourself across the stone cold floor.

As you trudged outside and into the moonlight, a twig cracked under a foot that wasn’t yours, prompting you to reach out and materialize your weapon, charging it with power from your vision.

“Who?”

Stepping out from the trees, your eyes widened at a sight you hadn’t expected to see—at least, expected to see this soon.

“Diluc?” You breathed, heaving a sigh of relief as the male took no notice to your words, instead, his vermilion eyes traced over your battered form, his eyes worrying even more with each glance he spared.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” He asked, rushing up to you as he pulled out some bandages, wrapping them around your wounds so he could get you back to the winery.

pushing yourself away from his grasp, diluc watched in hurt as you kept him away from your figure

“i couldn’t—i didn’t want you to get involved,” you mumbled guiltily, looking away from the male as his eyes seemed to berate you silently

“me involved? what do you mean?” diluc asks in disbelief. he of all people should be the one telling you that

“the abyss. i got in a tumble with them and now they’re after my blood,” you murmured, only causing diluc’s heart to pound even louder in his chest, his brain flickering to unpleasant memories as he rushed up to you, securely placing his hands on your shoulders

He’s... speechless. He doesn’t know what to say, what to do. He’s usually the one keeping people at arms-length—yet here you were, stealing his lines and his worries.

“I...” Diluc paused, trying to form words, and yet, nothing came to mind.

“...”

Silence. It filled the ambience and your hearts, yet, it was not the same silence in the abyss, nor was it the same silence before a nightmare.

It was a silence of awe, a silence that you’d hear before a firework would shoot up in the sky—it was calming, a relaxing wave like a seashell pressed against your ear.

A silent love—like the one you and Diluc shared. An unsung melody that played in the beat of your hearts, the breaths of the wind...

A silent promise, like a marriage or a confession, a promise to—

“I will be by your side, [Y/N]. No matter what.”

Through thick and thin, cold and warm, there is nothing but you two, two lovers against the darkness, dancing with ghosts and evil.

— constellations! 💫

[qierxing]

Obligations

Yan! Zhongli x Reader

Word Count: 2,837

How long can a man talk before he runs out of air?

Scratch that. How long can this man talk before you decide to strangle him?

"...as such, the rivers, plains, and mountains that are said to have been the remains of what is left of the dead gods remains…."

The intonation of Mr. Zhongli's voice nearly puts you to sleep at the ornate dining table, and if it weren't for the fact that you were at an esteemed establishment (even if you two were in a private room), you surely would've face planted and fallen asleep right there on the mahogany wood. But you don't, because it would be an insult to the very man (and the food) who invited you on this outing.

Mr. Zhongli is a respectable man and apparently, a good friend in your family's circles. Even though you've never met the man till now, even you're aware of his shining reputation; aunties giggling on how he's so charming and polite, cousins admiring his knowledge and strength, and other relatives likewise praising him to high Celestia and above.

And he is, you suppose, very handsome. His face is beautiful; high, defined cheekbones, molten amber eyes that glow warmly, pretty curved pink lips and nose to match. A good face, your auntie would say if she was here. An auspicious face.

“And that is how the geography of Liyue came to be...”

You're sure anyone in your position would be swooning over how his voice flowed like the trickling rivers that ran through Guili plains, but you just wished he would shut up at some point. Not even the delicious spread of food at the glass carousel wheel could distract from his tirade, and that was saying something.

Speaking of, why did he order so much food for only the two of you?

'In Liyue, you can always eat till you drop!' A saying that always echoed among the locals, and still holds true today. But even then, the intricately painted línglóng porcelain holding the remnants of steamed egg soup, roasted duck, squirrel fish, and more and more food, are way too excessive, even if he wanted to impress you.

You idly push around the Tianshu meat on your plate as he continues to drone on, wondering when you can politely excuse yourself without being rude.

-

"So, how was the dinner?" You internally groan as your mom's barely concealed excitement in her voice shows.

"Mama, we just sat there and talked." Well, Zhongli was the one doing most of the talking. But you weren't about to say that, not when you know a lecture awaits that answer.

"Isn't he a very handsome man?" Your mother's eyes gleam dangerously and a resigned sigh leaves your lips as she barrels on confidently. "Doesn't he seem like the perfect husband?!"

"Mama, it's ten in the morning…" What you wouldn’t give to eat your congee in peace.

"He is a respectable man, and quite knowledgeable to boot."

"Not you too, Baba!"

Your father merely chuckles as he continues reading the daily newspaper, and you roll your eyes as he continues chuckling behind the printed pages. Your mother swats at him to finish his porridge, turning to you with a frown on her wrinkled face. You brace yourself, knowing exactly what is coming next.

"[First Name], you're already of marriageable age, you should be looking for your future spouse! Your parents are growing old and when we die-"

"I will be perfectly fine without a husband." You cut her off, rubbing at your forehead. It was too early in the morning for this talk.

"Aiya, I don't want our only child to be by themselves! We will never know peace once we pass away, so much worry-"

You tune the rest of the lecture out, not even having the energy to refute her worries.

When you leave the house to take a walk, you meet the infamous Mr. Zhongli again.

"What a coincidence, I am also taking a walk to clear the mind. Would you perhaps like to join me?" And trapped by societal politeness, and the fact that this man did order you a three course meal the previous night, you agree.

So it's to your surprise that he does not immediately initiate dialogue as the both of you stroll leisurely through the stone gardens in Yunjin terrace, and a comfortable silence falls.

"You seem to have a lot on your mind." You turn to meet his gaze, and then away. Your frustration burns at you in the remainder of the morning's argument, but it dissipates at his concerned face. It is not his fault, you reason, that your mother wants you to court him for a possibility. For fortune. Despite the man's shortcomings, he is nothing but a gentleman.

"I don't want to pry but...I have heard that talking about your thoughts might ease your mind?"

You pause for a long time, breathing out your nose as you close your eyes.

"My parents want me to marry you." You've never been one to mince words, much to your mother's dismay at trying to teach you etiquette. "They think that you're a good match. And they're paranoid about me becoming a spinster."

There's silence for a moment and you open your eyes to not a face of disgust or shock, but rather one of musing.

"And you, [First Name]? What do you think?"

You turn your gaze to the water.

"Honestly? I don't know. I don't know you well enough to make that judgement. I know my parents are worried, but I don't want to get married for the sake of not being alone. I think it's rather selfish, to wish that solely for your partner."

The words tumble out of your mouth, one after another and you wonder how it is that it's easier to confess this to an acquaintance than your own parents.

"I was under the impression that people often like to pursue lasting romance in their lives. It's interesting to see this is not always true." Zhongli hums, hand coming to stroke his chin thoughtfully.

"Perhaps? I don't know. I've always been content with my friends." Shrugging your shoulders, you sigh. "Who knows? Maybe I have yet to meet the right person."

Zhongli hums again in response, seemingly in deep thought with a small frown pulling at his lips. A silence falls once again, and an awkward atmosphere falls upon the both of you.

"Oh yes, I never did thank you for the delicious dinner last night." You note offhandedly, half distracted by the swimming carp in the clear pond water. The water trails are hypnotic, and they help take your mind off the stressful morning you had.

"It was nothing. For my friend's precious child, that was the least I could do." He modestly replies, and you deadpan. It was nothing? A three course meal at Xinyue Pavillion, nothing? You know that squirrel fish did not have a low price tag.

"Regardless, I'm very thankful for your generosity." After all, not many tolerated your blunt, forthright personality, least of all the potential suitors your mother always brought before you. The memory makes you feel guilty at the irritation you had back then at the dinner. "The next time, I insist we have dinner at Wanmin--I've heard their black back perch stew is to die for. My treat."

He hums, and turns to you with a heartbreaking smile, a far cry from his previous countenance. "Is that a promise?"

You raise your eyebrow, "What are you, Morax? Yes, it's a promise, unless you hate fish, I guess."

His amused chuckles are soft but light a warm hearth in your heart.

-

Your mother is growing more daring than you remember.

She shoves you out the door as if you're some kind of fancy wrapped gift to offer to Mr. Zhongli, and there's a manic glee in her eyes as she eyes you and him standing together like a couple.

"[First Name] has been looking forward to this, haven't you, sweetie?"

The Liyuen hanfu she forced you into were a different cut than the modern cheongsam dresses of the current trends. Archaic, if you dare call it that. While some traditionalists still donned hanfu, it was not as common to see it in the streets. When she was shoving you in the under robes, she muttered about how it was something passed down in the family. Which explained a lot. These days, hanfu like this were something of a rich antiquity.

You sigh deeply, tugging your translucent pibo around you tighter as you decide to humor her, if only to get her to stop embarrassing yourselves and leave faster.

"Yes, quite."

Zhongli hums, and when you turn to face him, you're almost unnerved at how his eyes sharpen and scan over you, pupils slit like a dragon's. The moment is gone in a flash and he merely smiles at you gently before taking your hand in his gloved one.

"In that case, shall we get going?"

The nightlife of Liyue is in full swing and Zhongli tugs you closer, and there's something intimate in the way he presses you firmly into his side, the warmth he exudes sending pleasurable tingles down your body.

"Do forgive me for being so bold, [First Name]," He addresses you so tenderly, that you blush when you look back up from your joined hands, "You look absolutely radiant tonight."

How is it this man manages to say such an embarrassing thing so smoothly? What is his secret? He doesn’t seem like the playboys that often loiter around the downtown area of the harbor. You look away, unable to meet his eyes that reflect the lanterns and make his pupils glow.

"T-Thank you, Zhongli, you're too kind."

His eyes never seem to leave you, even when taking in the lovely scenery of Liyue at night. For the bright lanterns glitter and glow on the ocean waves, but his own pupils are glued to your being when you look in your peripheral.

“Is there something on my face?” Tearing your eyes away from the street in front of you, you turn to meet his gaze straight on.

He merely smiles.

“No.” He pushes a stray strand of hair behind your ear, the gesture innocuous, but leaving a burning trail where his finger tips touch your skin. “I believe we have arrived.”

Thankfully you can excuse the burning in your cheeks and neck away with the spices that the Li cuisine favors. If anyone asks, it was the black back parch stew making you look flushed and out of sorts. Never mind the fact that Chef Mao looks quite amused at the fact you’re sputtering in response to his cheeky questions about you showing up with a man to your favored restaurant.

When you look up from checking to make sure your hanfu didn’t get any stains, Zhongli is uncorking a white bottle and pouring it into your cups. At your questioning look, he replies, “Dàqūjiǔ. The Li technique ferments wheat for about two to three months. This one in particular, has a fine aroma after being fermented for a while.”

“Hoh…” You chuckle at his explanation, “You really do know everything.”

“Hardly. I cannot say I know as much as the regular scholar…nonetheless, to good fortune!”

Echoing his cheer, you raise your cup and drink.

The alcohol burns your throat, and you’re reminded of your low alcohol tolerance. Yet, your fellow friend refills your cup just as easily, and who are you to refuse him? By the time you’re on your fourth cup, your world is spinning and you’ve developed a headache.

“Ahaha…wow...everything...is...moving…” You slur incomprehensibly and slump onto the bamboo table.

“Oh dear, we best get you back. In this condition, you’re too vulnerable.”

“No way...if I go back with you...my mom….she won’t let me…!” You raise your head from the cool table, but the effort of doing that makes you groan.

Zhongli all too easily picks you up bridal style, and after bidding goodbye to Chef Mao with a hefty bag of mora, he walks down the now empty streets of Liyue.

“Won’t let you what, dear heart?” He hums, stroking your face gently with the pad of his thumb.

“Won’t let me...let...us...ugh…”

“[First Name], do you like me?”

“Mmh...yeah…” Is all he gets, but the stilted, jagged answer is enough for him. The content smile that breaks his face belies the haunting glow of his molten eyes.

-

When you step out of the door of your bedroom, you're accosted by your sobbing mother.

"Ma-Mama?! What's the matter?" You frantically ask, pushing at her shoulders.

"Oh my sweet child, oh I'm so happy for you! When were you going to tell me, you brat?!"

"Tell you what?!"

"That you're marrying Zhongli, sweetie! Oh, this is such a momentous occasion--"

You're too shell shocked that you do not hear her next words. What? Marry? Zhongli? What on Teyvat was going on--

"--Hurry up, he's waiting for you in the living room!" You're snapped out of your daze when you're ushered hastily into the room, casual robes and all, right in front of the very person you had so many questions for.

The door shutting behind you does not muffle the excited chatter from your parents and you wince when you hear your mother excitedly bantering with your father. Turning and meeting an intense gaze, you feel like you’ve stepped into an arena with a monster.

"Zhongli, why are my parents under the impression we're marrying?"

His golden eyes crinkle in delight at your blunt words, "Because we are, my dear heart."

D-Dear heart?!

"I don't understand."

"What is there not to understand?" You step back as he rises from the cozy armchair he was given. It only just occurs to you how ridiculously tall this man is, and he towers over you, like a mountain.

"I believe we share a mutual attraction. After all, last night only proved it." He leans over and you flinch as he gently cups your face with a small smile.

"We've only known each other for a couple days!" You protest, leaning your face out of his hands. His smile dips into a displeased frown, hands falling to his sides.

"Why need more time to prove what is already there?" He tilts his head. “If this is a matter about your dowry, I’m sure I can help--”

“This isn’t about mora! Zhongli, this is moving way too fast--”

“Is that so? If I’m correct, I believe that your family’s come upon some hard times, no?” And you’re left breathless, struck silent. “Not down to the pits, but just one little slip and...well, your father’s business is already taking loans, isn’t it?”

Your teeth are grinding so hard against each other to the point where it echoes in your head.

“Marry me, [First Name], and you won’t have to worry about any of that. After all, I’ve always had enough good fortune to share. Are you so willing to crush your parent’s hopes and dreams for their child?”

“I-” Your mother’s tears on her weathered face come to mind, wrinkles from stress deeply indented in her skin. Your father, weary, veiny hands covered in scars from hard manual labor, shoulders slumped from his strength sapping. And you realize with a bone chilling fear that this man, this man was threatening to destroy the very foundation of your life.

He smiles upon seeing your uncertain visage, gritted teeth, clenched fists and trembling body.

"You'll look beautiful in red and gold."

-

How numb you feel!

Having to sit there while being dressed, being fawned over by your cousins, cried over by your mother and aunties, and your father and uncles chuckling over your good fortune. All the while, you cannot bring yourself to bring even the fakest smile to your face, only being able to muster up a sheepish smile, but it is of no concern, as everyone seems to mistake it for a shy front for a person about to marry their true love.

At least that’s how your mother is spinning it to your giggling aunties. And even when the festivities are over, you know that this is not the end.

Bare fingers trace your cheeks and lift your veil as a chaste kiss is placed on your lips.

This was supposed to be a day of joy.

Said fingers begin to trail down your body, and more sobs begin to shake your body. When you think about it, this might be the first time you felt his skin touch your own. Zhongli has always dressed conservatively, even covering his hands with his gloves. Thinking about it longer makes your skin crawl.

This was supposed to be--

Zhongli hums appreciatively into your collarbone as he slips your wedding garb off your shoulders, your world collapses and dims, with only a haunting amber light as your guide.

[sondepoch]

No Time Left | Xiao x Reader

Xiao + "Lie to me, then."

Xiao closes his eyes, hating how even now, you stroke his knuckles with the pads of your thumbs, hating more that he'll one day never be able to feel this sensation again.

MASTERLIST

Request a character or a ship and I’ll write an angsty drabble ^^

It’s always been like this.

You, running forward at full speed. Him, desperately chasing behind, watching as you push on further and further away. 

“You’re joking,” he whispers because that’s what this has to be, right? Some sick, twisted joke that can’t be real because if it is—if it is real, then—

If it is real, then Xiao doesn’t know what he’ll do with himself.

“I’m sorry,” you whisper, cradling his hands in yours. “But we have time. Baizhu said that I still have two months to live, and I’ll only start to grow weak in the final days. There’s still so much time for us to spend together, so—”

“So much time?” Xiao lets out a broken laugh, turning his eyes towards the midnight sky as if asking Celestia above why this had to happen to him, why this has to happen to you. “For every second you’ve breathed, I’ve lived a hundred years. Two months is nothing,” he spits. “There’s no time left.”

You keep quiet at that.

Xiao closes his eyes, hating how even now, you stroke his knuckles with the pads of your thumbs, knowing that he prefers this physical intimacy to any spoken words. He hates that he, a mighty adeptus, can be read so easily by a human. Hates how he knows he'll miss this same sensation when you’ve been handed to the God of Death in two months.

“I can bring you to Cloud Retainer,” Xiao says, pulling you closer to him. “He has cures that will make you immortal, so—”

“I don’t want that,” you whisper. “I don’t want to cheat death.”

No, of course you don’t. Because ever since Xiao met you, you’ve always refused that kind of assistance, too busy being a stubborn adventurer that declines all help from the magical spirits of Teyvat. You’re the kind of fool who likes to ignore preferential treatment, who purposefully evaded Xiao on your travels so you could experience the real world without the strength of a thousand spears by your side—a brilliant ploy until you ended up backed against a cliffside by enemies, pushed to the brink of death until his golden eyes caught sight of your figure falling to the ground where even then, you refused to whisper his name.

Xiao opens his eyes, and there’s nothing but pain in the twin ambers as they stare at you with longing.

He was fine with you evading him in the past, comfortable with you sprinting away because he knew that eventually, somehow, somewhere, he would find you. There would always be a way to catch up with that godly speed of his, and there was nowhere he couldn’t find you.

But now, you’re going to go to a place he can’t follow.

“Please,” he mumbles, pressing his forehead to yours. “Don’t be stubborn about this. Your pride is nowhere near as important as your life.”

“But my humanity is,” you respond, and when you speak to Xiao in such a voice, strong and confident and determined all in one, the adeptus finds it hard to believe that you’re carrying an illness best known for stealing its host’s strength. “And we promised. When we began this—whatever this is—you promised me that you wouldn’t ask me to give up my humanity to survive. It—it was a contract, Xiao. You can’t go back on that.”

“A contract?” The adeptus laughs a broken laugh, much too bitter and wholly unsweet. “The God of Contracts is dead. My master’s will has no bearing here.”

A long pause.

“He left me, just like you plan to.”

You say nothing.

Your grip is robust as you hold Xiao’s hand, the bones beneath retaining their strength of structure, but now that the adeptus senses the elemental flow within you, he can sense how it moves at a more languid pace. 

The disease is far progressed, he realizes abruptly, suddenly struck with the realization that the two months you proclaimed to have was a gross overestimate. There truly is no time left.

“I love you, Xiao.” You lift a hand to his cheek, and it’s unfair how you stare into his eyes with a gaze so expressive that it seems to capture the whole world within it: Xiao’s whole world, all of it orbiting around the life-filled pupil shining black in the center. “But you deserved to know. Soon, I’ll be gone, and you’ll have to start thinking about—”

“About what?” the man counters, beginning to feel defensive. “I refuse to busy myself with unneeded thoughts while you still walk this land.”

“No, Xiao.” Your lips are pursed and your eyebrows are scrunching up the way they always do when you get frustrated with him, when you’ve made up your mind and you’ve just begun to set on changing his. “You can’t pretend I’m not going to die. It’s—it’s part of life, part of me being human, and I’m not going to let you live a lie in my final months—”

“Why not?” Xiao wants his face to flare with anger, but the way your entire expression abruptly softens tells him that he’s doing a poor job of conveying it. Damn the bloody tears that have begun to stream down his face—and curse them for daring to do so when he’s given them no permission. 

“Listen, I know you aren’t used to death, but—”

“I am used to death,” Xiao snarls, but it makes him look like more of a wounded dog rather than the illuminated beast he is. “Every single person I’ve ever cared about has died on me, but never have they chosen to—”

“I’m not choosing!” you blurt in response, and now you’ve finally begun to look properly angry. “I’m—I’m a human, Xiao, and I belong to a human world. I know you love me, but I won’t be me if I let you give me an adeptal cure.”

And that’s the awful truth of it, isn’t it?

Xiao fell in love with someone he knew would leave him. It would have been too kind if he fell for another immortal, or even a human who could be tempted to obtain the same longevity Xiao has; of course, something in him made him fall in love with you, one of the only humans in the world who was destined to die.

“Please,” he whimpers. Pathetic isn’t it? A distinguished adeptus, slayer of thousands of demons, begging at the feet of a human. “Please let me take you to a healer. You can live. We can live. I just—I just want—”

“I can’t.” Your kiss is featherlight against Xiao’s forehead. “I don’t want to be immortal, Xiao, and—”

“You don’t have to be immortal,” he croaks. “Just not mortal. Just live long enough for me to love you some more. I just want to—”

“No, Xiao. I want to die a human. Deep down inside, I think you want that, too.”

“No!” It’s the first time he’s raising his voice at you, but he can’t calm himself down now. “I want you to be alive! That’s what I want!”

And then Xiao sobs. It’s the ugliest sound he’s ever heard, raw and primal and nowhere near as devastating as the pain he feels in his heart, but you don’t move, simply holding him close until he’s just barely trembling with the aftershocks of his misery.

“We have time, Xiao. We still have time to be happy together.”

“There’s no time,” he responds. “No time unless you take a cure.”

“A magic cure?”

“An adeptal cure.”

“I won’t.”

“Please.”

“I can’t, Xiao.”

“Please.”

“I’ve given you my answer. There’s nothing else to say.”

“Lie to me, then.”

And wouldn’t that be so sweet? For him to get to believe, even for a short second, that you might not slip from his fingers?

A troubled look crosses your face, worried and hesitant and pained all at once—and then Xiao can’t help but wonder if this would even be the first lie because you’ve certainly known about this illness for a long time. His mind races back to when you finally stopped avoiding him, calling his name for the first time and claiming a change of mind that had brought you to want to get to know the adeptus who spent so long chasing you whenever you crossed paths, an exchange that took place right on the brink of Liyue’s border, just outside that awful snake-bearing doctor’s hut where he—

Xiao banishes the thought from his mind.

“I won’t lie,” you say, brushing his hair back. “You love me because I don’t lie to you.”

It’s a true statement, but Xiao can’t decide right now if he hates that or loves that about you. Because for all his affections, the weeks he spent watching over you while you stubbornly declined his help and the months he spent chasing you when you ran from him after and the years he then spent thinking about you at the forefront of his mind, he can’t stop you from dying just like everybody else. 

Pathetic. It’s pathetic. 

When Xiao next looks at you, he understands that you were never the mesmerizing blessing he thought you to be. No, you were nothing but a curse, meant to plague his heart now until the end of time as retribution for everything he’s ever done, everything he will do when this cruel world steals his last sliver of happiness away.

[literaryobsession]

a king without a crown || xiao x fem!reader

summary: eternally bachelor xiao, the sole heir and son, decides to get married to save the family name

word count: 2006

chapters: i , ii , iii, iv , vi , vii ,  epilogue

v

The Central Park in Celestia was full of people promenading. There were mothers and lady’s maids hanging around, either chaperoning for their girls or looking for prospective husbands before the season is over. Everyone is clamoring for someone to pair with, the pressures of society weighing down on everyone’s shoulders.

You, however, found yourself sitting with Lord Xiao in a picnic that your Aunt organized - it was weird that she wasn’t there to join you. Lord Xiao seemed surprised too, he was told that Lady Ei would be there too. It was alright though, due to the past two conversations you had with him, this moment seemed to be getting better than the last and you found yourself getting more invested in him than you previously planned.

Katheryne sat by the maid sent by your aunt in another picnic spread and you sat with Xiao, as you two filled yourselves with cheese, biscuits, and grape juice - there were sweets too but your corset was already quite tight now so you didn’t indulge.

Xiao was leaning back on his seat, his palms planted on the cloth you were both sitting on and his legs stretched out. He looked much more comfortable in the grass than a ballroom, you noted as you saw the glint of happiness in his eyes as you two started talking about Liyue again.

"Yes, we have two big festivals in Liyue. My favorite would have to be the Lantern Rite festival. It is our celebration for entering another year. We celebrate what was, what is, and what will be. We release lanterns in the sky, glowing up the darkness like fireflies." He described, looking up at the sky as though seeing the lights in the afternoon sky. "I try to attend the festival as much as I can, because that is the one night I feel like I could release my worries."

You felt a bit sorry for him. You understood responsibilities and duties because even though you didn’t have a title, you were still a close relative of the queen and people expected you to be a perfect epitome of grace. "The responsibility of being the only son is quite the burden isn't it?"

He nodded slowly, "It is but I find myself loving what I do for my people. There is not a day when you feel left out, people are all so generous that we'd find produce right from the farm and directly to our table!" As fast as that frown on his face came, his smile returned. 

"That sounds delicious, Lord Xiao!" You bit from the grape, wondering if the produce he was talking about was as delectable as that of the queen’s usual tea spreads.

The young gentleman sat up and nodded enthusiastically, looking like a young boy, "It is. You must try almond tofu, it is simply one of the best."

You giggled and reached out to take a piece of bread when he reached out too. The touch of his skin made you pull your hand back, and you licked your lips in nervousness before trying to cover it up, "Hopefully I can visit, the queen doesn't allow me to go too far."

What is this feeling? Why is my heart beating wildly in my chest? That was just his hand, Y/N!

Xiao tilted his head, trying to look into your eyes. The humor in his face died down as he asked you a question. "If you'd have the chance, where would you want to go?"

No one ever asked you that question before. Many people were usually inquiring about the queen and Xiao’s attention was a breath of fresh air for you. You went quiet as you thought of your answer and then you confessed, "Sumeru. I'd love to have the chance to attend the university there but I don't think the queen will let me. I have teachers coming over the castle but there is something different with a school."

You were given everything in life, how can you ask for more?

He offered you a piece of bread, "Are you happy with what you're doing?"

"What?" You were about to take it from him but you were taken by surprise once again. 

Xiao repeated, "Are you happy?"

"I have money,” You stammered, “I have tutors. I have these amazing dresses. I have Katheryne. I have my family. I think... I think I'm pretty happy."

Xiao watched your expression as you answered the question. Granted that it was a difficult one but it made him sad that you seemed obligated to say that you are happy, that you are contented with everything.  

"You don't think it, you feel it. Responsibility is really very tough on people especially if they don't find joy in what they do. It would help if you'd be able to find that." Who was he and why was he looking deep in your thoughts? What gave him the right to search your soul for all of these things you yearn for but rarely spoke about. "But who am I to really say? I haven't traveled although I did attend school."

Maybe that’s the answer to the question that has been plaguing your mind, he understood your life because that was his life too. 

The only difference is he was happy with what he was given, you were not.

You were grateful for the queen, of course! But deep inside, you wondered about the life you would be capable to have if not for the rules and the expectations.

You didn’t want to bring the mood down so you tried to turn the table, "What would do if you weren't about to become a duke, Lord Xiao?"

"I'd love to travel too. Learning about places and people from books can only get you too far. It would be nice to not think of my duties for even just a day," His voice was quiet, as though you caught him in a rare moment of vulnerability. You were touched that he was honest to you, "But I don't want to think of the what-ifs, I have my family to think of. I have Liyue to think of. It would feel rather selfish if I think of only myself."

Who are you? 

Why are you so kind?

Why are you so easy to be fond of, Lord Xiao?

You hesitated to touch his hand, wanting to tell him you understood and that it was okay. You wanted to cup his cheeks, wipe away the sadness filling his eyes, but you could not so you tried to be sincere with your words, "You're a good person, Lord Xiao, truly."

No, I am not.

If you knew, you wouldn't think so.

“I am not. Hardly. I’m simply dedicated,” Xiao smiled sadly. He opened his mouth as though he had something else to tell but he paused before continuing, "Tell me about you now."

I want to know more about you.

I crave to be closer, is it a sin?

We started off on such a bad note. I didn't expect it would turn out this way.

That is when you laughed, "You can read things about me in the newspaper. People write a lot about me. Sometimes I find out more things about me in there."

But he reached out and tucked your stray hair behind your ear, "I'd rather hear it from you, Lady Y/N."

"Alright,” The weather just got really hot, you wondered quietly. You looked around and saw people enjoying it. Was it only you feeling this sudden warmth? “I'm an orphan, my mother and father both died because of a disease. My family took me in, I stayed with the queen because she had no children of her own. I am thankful for her.” 

“I don't remember my parents too much but there are dreams, maybe they're memories, that tell me that my mother loved to sing me to sleep and my father would read to me stories about faraway lands and mythical creatures." You barely recall your parents and you often wonder if those dreams you have actually happened in real life or was that simply your subconscious telling you that you missed them?

"Perhaps you inherited your desire to travel from your parents." He could see you riding a horse through the meadows of Liyue, and eating up all the books in the many libraries of Sumeru. You were such a beautiful bird in a cage and it was understandable that you wanted to be free. 

Was it cruel of him to even try and lock you in another?

He started trying to argue with himself but somehow that side of his that wanted to see you free was starting to win. If you would be better off locked with the queen, he'd rather not share with you his burdens. You were worth more. 

You deserved more than his ill intentions.

"Maybe." You nodded before taking a glass of juice. He was quiet and you found that weird since he was quite talkative with you. "You know, Lord Xiao, Katheryne is my most trusted friend, she's always eased my worries."

He blinked twice, as though getting dragged back into reality. Xiao managed to give you a smile as if there is nothing wrong. "You are lucky. Not all would have such a blessing."

"I know."

Xiao didn't want to leave your side but he knew that he must. He knew he must. There must be some other way to pay off the debts. "Talking with you feels natural, Lady Y/N." The expression on his face was unreadable but you could feel the sincerity in his tone, "You make it so easy to crave for your presence, too easy to keep on talking to you till dawn." 

Why is it so? This should simply be a relationship for convenience, why is it turning into something more? Why do you make it so easy to trust you so?

You felt the same way and you wanted to tell him that too, "Not all would have such a blessing. We are lucky to have found such kindred souls in each other." Why does it feel like he was saying goodbye though?

"Indeed."

After the picnic, Xiao met Chongyun and Xingqiu as they were heading out. Xingqiu saw the muddled look on his face, being friends for a long time, he gave a look at Chongyun who nodded. The pair joined Xiao in his room in the estate and tried to question him if something bad happened while you two were having the picnic.

"No no, she's perfect." Xiao rubbed his palm on his face. He was the worst kind of person to even have tried to do this to you. You didn't deserve him, even if he wanted to be.

And archons, he wanted to be who you deserved.

He wanted to be by your side, to see you achieve your dreams, to see your satisfaction as you visit places, and to see you as you discover what it means to truly be happy and contented.

But how can he?

He was a sham.

"Then why are you packing? You said she was perfect!" Xingqiu stood before Xiao as he started putting his things in a bag, "You're freaking me out. Did you compromise her? What happened, Xiao? Answer me! Xiao - Chongyun, help me out here!"

Before Chongyun could move, there was a knock on the door. 

Lady Ei opened the door after a few seconds, her eyes wide, "Lord Xiao, a letter." Nothing usually surprises her as she was always two steps ahead, but receiving a letter directly from the queen was something she didn't expect. It would usually be her to inform the queen of the affairs outside the castle, and she kept the stories of her meddling with Lord Xiao and Y/N before she was sure that something is blossoming between you...

How could she have heard?

And why is she only calling for Lord Xiao?

tagging: @macaroniwiththechickenstripz , @scaraslover

[saphirafoxgirlspost1]

(Open Rp And/ or Nsfw Open Rp) Spring, Romance, Drama, My Little Pony Fusion Au And Royal Au In "A Perfect Royal Stallion Prince

It all Started On the Annual Spring Feastival At the Ponyville of the Equestria,Princess Saphira Of Saukutopia and her "Fiance" Name Walter Raven are going to Have a Royal Lunch With The princesses of Equestria and the Nobles as well...Ron Complains about Not Going to the Royal lunch With them..But Saphira Warned Him that he better not To make a Huge Embarassment Scene infront of the Princesses or The Nobles...Then Ron said

Walter: Why are you So serious about Having a Royal Lunch with Celestia, luna,cadence, and Twilight And the Rest of the Nobles? I'd Just want to relax and enjoy the good time!

Saphira: This is a Serious Deal Walter, A Real big Deal...I wanted to Honor Our 4 Unborn Children who was Mysteriously Turns to Stone from the inside... I don't Know Who's responsible For putting a Stone Potion in my own Soup, You need To Start Acting like a gentlecolt..Not a trouble maker! I will not Let you ruin this moment! My Royal Family Will be there, So Don't Embarass me For this! Or So help me Your going to about to have a World Of trouble! Am I Make Myself Clear!

Walter: Yes ma'm...

Saphira: Good! because I Will Not Be Tolerate with your behavior, You Know perfectly Well that my father is Capable With any Stallions who was Misbehaving like Foals..So..lets take a seat..I'll sit with princess cadence and your sitting with me..And don't even think of doing something that would cause a Disaster to this feastival..Do you Understand?

Walter: yes dear...

Saphira: Good, thats What I wanted to hear.

When They Arrives at the Feastival, Saphira and Walter Went inside of the best Dining halls. Her Family was Sitting and waiting for the Princesses arrives..Saphira sits on the seats right next where Candence is sitting with While Walter the other hand is now Sitting Next Saph...but He saw Alot of beautiful and Fine Young mare who was More Beautiful than saphira...When the Princesses Arrives and sits down with them...Celestia and her Father began to Discuss about the Special wedding ceremony..Then Walter has a Devious idea To Make it more Interesting..He asked Saphira If he can go to the restroom...So she lets him go...But Instead of going to the restroom...Walter use his Magic to cause Every Pony into a mating frenzies..more like a Huge Orgy at the Feastival..Saphira and other heard it and then One of the Ponies thrown with a

 Semen all over it and she said "What in Blazes Is going on!?" She turns and all every Pony went crazy in lust and all..her jaws is down as other princesses was blushed and all..then saphira came out and Saw Walter mating With other mares...Her face turns Extremely red as She use her Alicorn magic to stopped it and said "ENOUGH!!" BOOM! The orgy Stops and every pony was so embarassed and all..and Walter still mating with a mare and Saphira Storms at him and said

Saphira;  WALTER RAVEN!!!!!

*Walter Stopped and looked at saphira With a fearful look of his face*

Saphira: What is the Meaning of this!? An Orgy in annual Spring feastival! I have never Felt So Embarassed in my life! but Not only that,, I knew you were a Cheater!! How could you Do this To me!? The Princess Of Sakutopia!...Am I Good Enough For you!?

Walter: To Be Honest,, No! You weren't good enough For me! You maybe a Princess Of Sakutopia, But your Not a "Beautiful" princess..I see alot of Mares Who was More beautiful than you!

*pointed his hoove on saphira*

Walter: Just So you know! I'm the One who turn Our kids Into Stones!

Saphira; *gasp* WALTER!! Why!? They're your Flesh and blood! How could You Do this to them!?

Walter: I don't Love you Saph...I wanted a treasure and Rule Your Kingdom and throw you out Like Dogs!

Everypony gasp while Saphira was So Shocked and Hurt after what Walter said to her..She was So heartbroken..and then She got mad and said "GUARDS!! Take him back home..and to the Dungeon For him!...I'll decide what Punishment he will get!" Saphira was so embarassed...She apoligize to the princesses..She was all in tears, She left and head home, In her room she was crying softly...For 2 years..She was isolated from the World..she close Curtains and all...She Dumped Walter...and then she goes sits on her throne..She told walter that he is going to be Banish to Sombras kingdom For good... After that...Saphira was fall into a Despair of the broken heart, She sees her 4 Stoned Unborn children that was set on top of the Fireplace...her tears sheds when She sees them, Knowing that she failed to protect her kids... Next day, She reject 4 to 5 Suitors because she was afraid that she Might get Hurt again..just like Walter did...It Hurt her really, really bad, But..those 4 princes Named (your 4 muses name here) Looked at Poor Saphira right through the window..They saw Everything what happen even hearing conservation With Her handmaiden name siren..

Siren: Saph dear, I know your really hurt Darling but You've been rejecting alot of Princes lately..Why?.. I understand that Your Hurt Because of What Walter Did to you..But that Doesn't mean All Stallions are the same...

Saphira: Whats the use Siren..I might be Afraid that I will get Hurt...but Not only that...My kids...I wanted to Find a way to get my kids back...I Don't Understand Why Walter Would Do Such a Thing to His own Children?...What Did I ever Do to Deserve this Siren?...All I wanted was to be Loved..Not hated...And here I am, Never Showed my faces Since Walter Made a Horrible Stunt of Disaster..I can't even talk to Princesses of Equestria because of that...*Sighs and Sits on her throne* Not Only he Hurts me...He Hurts my kids...It's just.. I don't understand at all..

Siren: Saph..I get it..But that Doesn't mean You Don't think that Other Stallions are the same...You'll find Prince right...Just..give him a Chance..*holds her hand* It's going to be ok...When we Find out how to unstone the kids And Get the Womb magic to get them back into your womb..and then..you'll have your kids back with a new Stallion alright?

Saphira; Your Right Siren, Maybe I can give him a Chance...I'd just Hope he better Not doing the same thing walter did..or else.. I will never..Believe in true love again...

Siren: Don't you worry about it Dear..You'll find a right guy...I Promise, Everything is going to be ok.

The 4 Princes Looked at eachother and started To plan..After all the 4 princes Finds saphira the most beautiful princess in Equestria..So one of the Prince made a Fusion potion..They all need to drink all together and...then One of them said...

[shirakumos-sandwich-shop]

Zhongli x fem reader

(Also with my artwork)

The Geo Archon gazed thoughtfully at the tablet under the crystal encrusted tree. He was so deep in thought that he didn’t hear you approaching. You had been traveling through the area and had seen him from far off. Being the granddaughter of an adeptus, you knew his true identity. But you had only met him recently when he took on the form of a mortal named Zhongli. From the moment you saw him you knew you were in love but you dared not tell him.

You didn’t know if you should speak to him or not so you hesitated. He looked so melancholy, you wanted to comfort him.

“Morax?” No response.

“Rex Lapis?” You called his other godly name.

“Zhongli?” You said finally. He finally heard you and turned.

“Oh, it’s you Y/n.” He said sadly. The tone of his voice nearly broke your heart.

“Zhongli, what are you doing out here.” You stepped forward to stand next to him.

“Thinking.” He said simply. His eyes looked like they carried thousands of years of pain and sadness. Which they did.

“Would you like me to stay with you, or should I leave?” You questioned, you didn’t want to bother him if he wanted to be alone.

“No, stay…. Please, don’t leave.”

You stepped closer to him, you wanted to hug him and try to comfort him but you didn’t know how he would take it.

“What’s wrong?” You asked. “I’ve never seen you so sad.”

He took a shaky breath and hesitated. He didn’t know why but he wanted to tell you…. Everything. But was the weight of a 6,000 year life too much for a young woman like you.

“Tell me, please… Zhongli?” You couldn’t handle it anymore. You wanted to be there for him.

“Everything keeps eroding around me.” He said. “After all this time, I’m still alone. And the friends I have made of late shall soon disappear in the wind like all those before them.”

He fell to his knees unable to bear the weight anymore. You heard him let out a shaky sob. Dropping to your knees next to him you wrapped your arms around his neck. You had never heard the Lord of Geo cry, but there he was sobbing deeply into your shoulder. Your hands stroked his hair softly and you kissed his head.

“I’m here, I’ll always be here for you.” You told him.

His arms moved to hug your waist as he continued to cry. You stayed like that for a while as the wave of tears dissipated. He leaned against you as his breathing slowed.

“Eventually, you will leave me too.” He said. The words he said shattered your heart into a thousand pieces.

“No!” You hugged him tightly. “I never want to leave you.”

His large gloved hand caressed your back gently. He pulled back so he could see your face.

“Y/n,” you looked up at him. “Why does this mortal form, this mortal heart, beat so fast when you are near?”

Your breath caught in surprise.

“I don’t know what it means. Six thousand years of life and I don’t know what this is.”

“I feel the same, Zhongli.” He smiled sadly at your words. His hand cupped your cheek and gently stroked it with his thumb.

“May I?” He asked.

“You may.” You said breathlessly. You closed your eyes as he pressed his lips against yours in a gentle kiss. When he pulled away he sighed deeply.

“I think… I know what it is now.” His words made you laugh quietly. He wiped away the tears from your cheeks that you hadn’t even noticed were there. He hugged you closely, relishing the simple touch.

“Zhongli?” An idea had appeared in your mind. “Will you make a contract with me?”

He pulled away to look at you curiously.

“Why do you desire a contract?” He questioned.

“Please.”

Noticing your sincerity he nodded. “Anything for you, my love.”

Your heart fluttered at his new name for you.

“What is it you wish?” He asked.

“To be with you, forever.” You breathed shakily. “I want to stay by your side for the rest of your long life, and when death comes for one of us we will go together. I never want you to be alone anymore.”

His eyes widened at your request. “Is that… truly what you wish?”

“Yes, it is.”

“You realize that if you do so, you will never lead a normal life. If you live a life like me you can never grow old and all your friends and family will eventually be gone.” He looked at you hard. “I still have many years ahead of me. Are you prepared for that?”

“Yes, I am. Even if everyone I know is gone, I’ll still have you.”

He kissed you again, longer this time.

“Since you are sincere, let us make this contract.” He kissed your forehead. A rush went through you as you realized he had given you life. You would never grow old, you would stay the same just as he did. Until the final day where you would leave this world together.

————

750 years later

“Zhongli, I’m sorry.” Tears leaked from your eyes as you laid in his arms. “I’m afraid I’m breaking our contract.”

“It’s alright my love, all is forgiven.” He buried his face in your hair as he clung to your weakened body. He tried to cover your bleeding side with his hands.

“I don’t want to leave you, but I think celestia has other ideas.” Your breathing was becoming shallower. “Zhongli, I love you so much.”

“I love you too.” He took a shaky breath.

“Don’t be too long, I don’t think I can wait a thousand years for you. I’m too impatient.”

“I won’t, I’ll try to find you soon.” But you didn’t hear him. You were already gone. He realized it and a shaky sob escaped him.

“Y/n. Don’t leave me.”

Something inside him began to change. His arms became weak and his vision began to darken. As the world faded away he realized it.

“You didn’t break the contract my love. I’m coming. Don’t worry, I’m following you now.”

And so he fell by your side as his spirit followed yours.

[eligaxy]

Wind

☆ℜ𝔢𝔩𝔞𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫𝔰𝔥𝔦𝔭 : Venti x gn!Reader

☆𝔚𝔞𝔯𝔫𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔰 : near death experience, you’re confused asf about everything, bad writing cause i suck, spoilers for the we will be reunited quest!! And also for venti’s backstory, venti is serious for once (yes it’s a legitimate warning🤚)

☆𝔊𝔢𝔫𝔯𝔢 : Some angst, some fluff? Idk bye🤨

☆𝔖𝔲𝔪𝔪𝔞𝔯𝔶 : "It's okay, it's over now" he kneeled to be at your level, his arms still wrapped around you, and you didn't have the energy to fight your urge of nuzzling into him. "I'll always be here for you, wherever there is wind, remember I'm here too. You only need to ask." (2.8k words)

♪𝔑𝔬𝔱𝔢𝔰 : i’m an idiot simp, i did this in one sitting and half asleep, english isnt my first language BLA BLA IM SORRY FOR MY POOR WRITING BUT HAVE THIS

basically you don’t know if you can trust venti or not, head says no, heart screams yes

Also, I was listening to stormterror’s lair ost while writing it, just because its fucking amazing, you might wanna listen to it too

I’m nervous to post this?/&:! This is the second fic i’ve ever finished in my whole life

i love venti and he’s hot in his god outfit i don’t make the rules

KAY ENJOY <3

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

"Please, anybody... Just help me."

Saying you were exhausted would have been an understatement. After reuniting with your sibling, you had been frantically searching for clues about khaenri'ah and ways to Inazuma. With no luck, you couldn't find any traces of Dainsleif or of your twin. The ruins had been sealed and you had no idea what happened to the inverted statue or the corpse you had found there. Desperately, you clung into every little information you had, you would have turned every rock on this archon damned continent if you had to, which is what led you into those ruins near Guilli plains.

Walking along the destroyed buildings your eyes caught sight of a dandelion and you froze. You missed them so much, why couldn't they go back home with you? All you ever wanted was to be by their side why, why were they running away from you?

You remembered your travels, the moments you shared together, their protectiveness over you, the fondness in their eyes when you smiled at them. You remember the times you got hurt and healed one another with your now missing powers. You remember sleeping by their side and being grateful to the universe to let you keep your ray of sunshine everywhere with you. How ironic.

What had they meant 'once you reach the end of your journey' ? What does that even mean? Stupid twin, if they knew you were here the whole time, why hadn't they come to you? Why were they always leaving just when they were within your grasp? Why? Did they know how much you missed them and how much your heart broke when you finally saw them? Did they?

You only realized you were crying when a small gust of wind had your wet cheek react to the cold, breaking your train of thought. Wind.

The wind is everywhere, you think, free as a bird, always accompanying every citizen of this world, never truly alone. With this in mind, you resumed your exploring, slower this time.

A sigh escaped your mouth. You didn't want to admit it, but the wind did comfort you a little. Almost as if he was here. God of freedom and of the breeze, he was more a singer than a protector and you couldn't bear to think about him. Was it true? What Dain said... Did he destroy this nation? Was he the cause of the scenery that still haunted your nightmares up until 500 years later? Your brain simply couldn't accept that Venti, your Venti, you catch yourself thinking, could have made such an act of wrath. He was the epitome of freedom, why would he take the very thing he based all of his existence on from mere mortals? Barbatos simply couldn't be afraid of being overpowered, he didn't even care about power. All he wanted was freedom and happiness for his people. Surley this couldn't be right?

But then again, who were you to deny the wipe out of an entire nation? The gods did it. They were afraid that Celestia would be overthrown by the pride of humankind, the destruction of khaenri'ah by divine beings was a fact. There was no misunderstanding about this. That was the one thing you were sure of. So why did you feel like crying even more now?

The mere thought of a gentle soul such as Venti committing innocent people to an eternity of suffering didn't sit right with you. Even when his dearest friend Dvalin had turned against him, he didn't try to stop him, didn't even ask the dragon to save him. He healed and helped him, gave him a choice.

'What is freedom if demanded of you by a god?' was the same person that asked this question the same one who committed mass murder? Genocide?

Did the little wine-lover bard you had grown fond of destroy all hopes and light your kin had?

You remember that night when he freed Stanley from his burden, freed his and his friends' spirits. You had marveled at his action, in that instant he was a god, and he definitely hadn't struck you as a murderer. You remember that look of silent pain and grief in his eyes when he sang the tales of the nameless bard he had taken the appearance of. You knew he trusted you enough to share his story, something so personal, you could almost feel the war that took down the tyrant of Mond. Oh how much you cherished that evening, treating him to some well deserved dandelion wine afterwards, his favorite, and asking him to sing you more about the time where was nothing but the spirit of a breeze.

Your heart broke a little, remembering his rosy cheeks and drunk smile, you wish you could talk to him, ask him what happened. What did he do, was he really as dangerous as you had been told? If so, then why did you feel so good around him? Why did you feel like you could give hi-

You stopped walking upon seeing a ruin guard up ahead in the distance. You're so stupid, you think. Feeling this way is not gonna get you anywhere, especially with how the bard had been missing for a few weeks now. Ever since you had last seen your sibling.

Where was he, where was he wandering off to? You walk towards the disabled ruin guard, not really paying any mind to it, still thinking about the god you longed to meet with. If you could see him, what would you even say? Would he even answer your questions? Why did your stomach feel so light and funny when you thought about seeing him, why aren't you angrier?

You're almost at the killing machine's level now, so lost in your thought you don't notice the five other similar robots hidden behind a wall next to it. You notice them only when it's too late and you've already turned them on while thinking about examining them and collecting their serial numbers. When you hear the familiar tick of the mechanism turning on, you internally panic and think about running away only to calm down moments later and think to yourself that you can simply beat it and take what you came here for. Even if you are emotionally and physically tired, you can manage, you think.

That was before hearing five other consecutive ticks right after it, and all around you.

Turning around, your gaze falls upon the small army of field tillers. Fuck.

Paimon wasn't with you today, you had asked for some time alone which she hesitantly accepted, so you couldn't ask her to go fetch help. You would have been worried if you had all your capacities but with the state you were in, you were wondering how you were going to survive this fight. You were alone, none of your companions with you, and deeply weakened by the busy day you had and the few hours of sleep you had managed to steal away from the night. Was it today you would meet your doom, with all your questions and uncertainties unanswered?

You tried your best to fight with the strength you had left, but quickly grew desperate after what felt like hours of efforts to swing your blade and being able to only take one monster down out of the six. It didn't help that you got injured along the way, their blows becoming harder and harder to dodge. After being thrown on the grown for the third time, you understood you had at least two broken ribs and that your shaking legs would soon fail you as well.

Fear crept upon you, you would die here today, alone. Alone. You couldn't talk to your sibling after all, couldn't understand. You didn't even get to talk to him one last time. Him... You would die without the knowledge of the truth about your bard. You would die alone. You didn't want that, you couldn't look death straight in the eye.

"Please, anybody... Just help me."

-

In Mondstadt, there was a musician, a weird singer everyone had heard about at least once. He lived off of his songs and was mostly known for having a great story-telling and being an alcoholic.

The number of people who knew the true nature of his identity were few and he was perfectly content with that. He didn't wish to be a god anymore, his gnosis had been taken away anyway and it's not like he had any power over the city of wind nowadays. Even if his people still worshipped him as Barbatos, it didn't sit right with him to be called a god anymore. It actually never did, he thinks to himself with a smile, he never really took any responsibilities that came with the divine title which is why he was so weak today. But it didn't matter to him, his smile turns into a soft giggle.

Sitting on a mill that was once born from his steps he looks fondly over the city he founded. Even if they were godless, the citizens were still thriving and free. He cared oh so very deeply about the place even if he rarely, if not never, showed the affection within his heart. He remembers the day he grew strong enough to dispel the storms over his actual Mondstadt, and made the weather gentle enough so that there was no need for fireplaces. Nowadays, he loves watching birds nest into the chimney tops and seeing them found their own home. It gave him a sense of belonging like no other, not above his people, but walking among them and watching them nest into this cocoon he created. He was proud of what happened to his land and would do it all over again if he had to.

Especially since it led to him meeting you. This thought doesn't catch him off guard, you often roamed around in his mind after all, and it's not like he didn't write at least three songs about you and your feat, your smile, your courage...

Ah there he goes again, rambling about you in a whisper. He turns around to the statue of him his people erected in his honor, chuckling at how they never made the connection with his signature braids. His, but not really his, since he had stolen this form from someone who was much more deserving of this power than him. Seeing his friend being honored with the statues of the seven around the land made him happy, he hoped that it was a good enough thank you gift in return for everything that the bard whom he couldn't even remember the name of anymore did for him.

Upon gazing at the statue, he remembered telling you of his long gone friend. It was the first time he had talked about him to someone else, he didn't even mention it to Venessa, she who made him believe in himself again. He could ask himself why, but he simply knew that you had something different, more than meets the eye. Perhaps it was because you weren't from Teyvat, or perhaps it was just you being as simple as your natural self but he was simply and utterly captivated by your being. You inspired him to no end, at first he thought it was because he had never met someone like you and he loved new things! But as time grew and he got to know you, he understood quickly the meaning and depth of his passions. He thought of it with a light chuckle, content with your presence alone. He really did need and want you around.

So why did he purposely avoid you like the plague?

The wind had brought to his ears that you had met with Dainsleif.

And your twin.

His first reaction was to search for you, talk to you, he wanted to be here to know what happened! You had searched so long, he couldn't contain himself, still listening to what the wind told him, he started running with excitement but... But wait, Dainsleif was... He told you what?

Oh.

So you heard about Khaenri'ah. He had stopped dead in his tracks and turned back, only sending a warm current of wind your way, hugging you from afar.

He wasn't ready to talk about this yet, not ready to face you and absolutely not ready to answer your questions. He was a coward, he thought, running away like that but what else could he do, really. It was only natural for him to be as uncatchable as air.

A sorry excuse to avoid the fact that even if his past had marvelous story like the one of the nameless bard, it also had its share of darkness, something he wasn't ready to dive back into. Especially not now when your arrival has been shaking this world up like it hasn't been since at least 500 years.

But oh, how he longed to see your face or to hear your voice. So he asked a breeze to report to him what you were up to, and where you were. Just in case! he tells himself, what if you needed help ehe? But he knows you're competent and you won't need the help of a weakling coward like him anytime soon. Or so he thought.

Because when the breeze only gives him a few words back, his blood runs cold.

"Please, anybody... Just help me."

-

As you murmured these words in your desperate state, not really for anyone but yourself as a last resort, a prayer of some sort, you tried to stand by leaning yourself on your sword and failing miserably. You didn't dare look up as you heard the loud footsteps of the metal giants coming your way. It was over, and you barely managed to accept it.

As you rested your forehead against the cold handle of your sword, you closed your eyes, tears starting to make their ways out of your closed eyelids. All you could feel was remorse.

A soft breeze moved your hair slightly and your chest felt like a black hole had taken place where your heart used to be, regretting to not have been able to meet him under the tree at Windrise one last time.

The breeze quickly grew stronger, until it felt unnatural and you looked up from the ground, only to close your eyes again immediately when you realized the wind was too powerful for you to keep them open. If you had struggled to see though, you would have been blinded by the white light that soon illuminated the whole ruins. You didn't have enough time to register the situation when you felt a hand being laid atop your shoulder, snaking around your collarbones and pulling you back into... nothing? Another arm circled your weak form and a voice you immediately recognized said

"I've dealt with things worse than you, now crumble."

You realized that if you couldn't feel a chest behind you while still being embraced by his arms, it was because he was floating above you, and not standing behind you. A look in his direction confirmed your suspicions but what stunned you wasn't the fact that he was flying, but the attire he wore. Barely covering his body, a white set made of materials that seemed like clouds and liquid gold contrasted perfectly with his regular green clothes. His hair was glowing green and his eyes that were focused on the ruin guards up ahead had a marvelous shine that you had never seen before. He had that same aura he did the night he freed Stanley, but there was also something different about the way his hands gripped you a little too tightly or the way his voice sounded.

"Venti.." You muttered his name, relief and affection flooding you all at once, in his presence you felt as if nothing bad could happen to you. How foolish could you be, just a few hours ago you were speculating wether or not he had wiped out an entire civilisation and now here you were, being saved by him and feeling safer than you had in months.

"Close your eyes, I don't want give you a headache" he said, slowly floating legs first towards the ground. His unusually serious voice surprised you (and him) but you did as he told you. Letting go of your sword and leaning back into him, you let him deal with the monsters ahead of you.

"It's okay, it's over now" he kneeled to be at your level, his arms still wrapped around you, and you didn't have the energy to fight your urge of nuzzling into him. "I'll always be here for you, wherever there is wind, remember I'm here too. You only need to ask."

Being protected by a god really didn't feel that bad. Especially when you were in love with said god.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Thank you so much for reading whatever this is until the end :’)

Don’t hesitate to comment or reblog, tysm <3

Ps: venti loves u and so do i do pls take care of urself mwah

[bamboowrites]

if I may be so bold as to ask for more tea if you have the time can I get a Lukewarm pot of Vintage Narcissus tea for the lovely tsaritsa with a plate of salted peanuts

SAGAO Work 35, Tsaritsa’s (kinda)Fluffy Confession, Smol Conplimentary Crack at the end!

Tagging: @xyliope @byulla-ponk @lovesickeros @mythicbiotch @gunterdon (let me know if you’d like to be tagged as well!)

Bonus event teashop lore:

“Thank you for the wait, and we hope you’ll like our tea!”

As the waitress sets the tea-set down and returns to the brewing kitchen, you catch a quick glimpse of Venti sneakily adding a little bit of alcohol (crack) in the tea, but again it could be a prank, ehe~ Ah well, the lukewarm pot of vintage Narcissus tea for the lovely tsaritsa with a plate of salted peanuts had arrived, so enjoy!

“I love you, your Divineness.” While you’re still genuinely giggling at her previous attempt to joke, she softly told you her secret. You had been too preoccupied with joy that you hadn’t noticed her shooing her guards away from the Hall.

Your light laughter freezes halfway through, and it echos through the cold halls from your throne room. “Wha-“

While you stutter, the Tsaritsa seems to have taken your shocked confusion as unease. The feminine archon immediately left your shared throne, kneeling before you. You grieve the sudden loss of human contact for a split second, trying to regain your bearings.

The Tsaritsa bears the sudden silence as you struggle to find a proper response. Her hair draped her strong frame, her emotions unexpectedly fragile. Her knees clearly aren’t used to kneeling, and she falters in the same way new Fatui recruits do at her feet.

“You… love me?” You ask, voice cracked and louder than you had expected. She nods, still kneeling, now head raised.

You, still awestruck, gesture for her to rise, you hoisting her up by her gloved hands. She stands tall once again, readying her answer.

“Do you mean it,” you whisper, her now bowing her head with anticipating eyes, glorying in your calling of her Godly name.

“Yes. My grace,” Teucer’s earlier visit reminds her of the pledge. “you make a pinkie promise, you keep it all your life. I break a pinkie promise, they throw me on the ice. The cold will kill the pinkie that once betrayed your friend, the frost will freeze your tongue off so I never lie again. I swear on Celestia’s power. And I swear on the innocence of children. I will lead your will into battle, and we will triumph for you, our Grace. Будет и на нашей улице праздник, and our army’s glory will be yours.”

Her speech roused you from your stun, and you smile inwardly as you reply.

“…You said the glory will be mine. Does that include your heart? Your unfiltered love?”

“Yes. I-“ Before she finishes speaking, you’ve already pulled her into your lap with a front warm hug, your chin resting on her shoulders.

She would’ve cried in happiness, if she weren’t still processing your sudden reciprocation. Oh, if she had seen past her worry, she’d have known the little signs that you had been waiting for her hand. The worry was adorable and while it was unnecessary, it made the moment more memorable. Ah well, she’d get to notice every little adorable moment between you two, and your relationship shall be heavenly. One as sweet as the Zephyr she would make for you, as sweet as the taste of heaven.

Bonus:

“My grace?”

“Yes?”

“May I call you моя прелесть?”

“Of course, but how do you even pronounce that?”

“Ehe~” You two almost snap your necks finding the green-clad smug bastard. He’s still dizzy and drunk, so no one knows how he even got here and how he had evaded captures.

“BARBATOS WHAT-“

“How did you get here-” the poor subdued soldiers outside rush in a panic, as the Tsaritsa aims her weapon right at the third-wheeling Anemo archon.

“Too late Venti, RUN-“ Ah. The bard has fallen. Oops! Ehe indeed- “Sheeshhh-“ A faint exclamation rises from the cheeky bard, him still making the signature trolling player face while blushing furiously from the new brand of alcohol.

“Venti how are you still alive- My dear, nO-“

[ask-healthy-light]

As soon as he read the letter that was supposedly sent from the Outpost, Shining briefly glanced at Celestia, who discreetly winked back, before she flew over to the two Crystal Royals to ask them if everything was all right; but after a brief pause, Shining said that he did not know, as the letter did not mention what support the Outpost needed, but despite this, Cadance grew terribly concerned.

But when Shining gently took her hoof in an attempt to comfort her, and promised her that they were safe, Cadance reminded him of what she had foreseen, and she begged for him not to go as she feared what could happen to him if he left the safety of the Palace; and as her eyes welled up with tears, Cadance looked at the others, and asked them through her sobs if anyone else could go in his stead.

Mere moments after Cadance uttered her request, Frost raised her claw as she got up from the couch, and offered the Lady of the Empire that she would go instead of Lord Shining, when he politely told her to stay; and he sweetly asked Cadance not to worry about him, as the letter said that there was little he had to do for the Guards stationed there, and he figured that he just had to advise them.

Besides this, the Outpost was close to the borders of the Empire, and he could return to the safety of the Aura within minutes, if needed, as long as he was well-equipped to traverse the wind that he knew laid just outside; but as he cleaned Cadance's face of tears, Shining quietly told her that he understood her concerns too well, but if it eased her mind, he promised her he would stay in touch.

When Eclipse and Spike approached the Great Hall, having just sent another letter to their friends, in which they let them know of Shining's plan, they realised that their hearts had started to ache; and they grew concerned that something had gone wrong, so they flew into the Hall, where they found Cadance, who was deeply embracing Shining as she uncontrollably sobbed in his arms in nigh silence.

Fortunately, when Shining saw Eclipse and Spike fly into the Hall, he nodded to them, whereafter he glanced between them and Celestia to tell her they had returned, and he told Cadance that he had to gather his supplies; but he would not even think about leaving without waving goodbye, so he kindly asked Cadance and his Daughters to wait for him, so they could go to the edge of the Aura together.

Seeing how worried Cadance was over Shining simply not being by her side, let alone the possibility of him getting hurt by something she could not control, finally helped Eclipse and Spike to realise how important it was that she believed he was still nearby; so they stayed quiet, and did not utter a word to Celestia, lest they risk Cadance figuring out the plan for Shining to help their friends.

Eventually, after they had stood by the doors for a while, Eclipse slowly moved towards Shining and Cadance, and politely asked the two if there was anything they could do for them, to which Celestia merely replied that it was best to give them some time; but no matter how dearly Twilight wanted to help Shining, as she could tell how tough it was for him to hold back his tears, she merely nodded.

After Eclipse stepped away again, Shining slowly got up from his seat, when he noticed that Cadance did not want to let go of him, so he softly chuckled, carefully placed Young Twila on his back, and carried Cadance, who was still safely holding Flurry Heart, out of the Great Hall; but although the sight of Shining carrying Cadance with one arm was impressive, and humorous, nobody dared to laugh.

When Celestia followed him out of the Hall, and joined Shining as he headed to the Armory, he asked her to help Cadance out, for while he would not be away for long, he knew just how difficult it was to keep things in order, especially with two Fillies to look after; and Celestia solemnly nodded in response, before she asked him if he knew of anything else that he wanted to ask her, just in case.

Out of all the fears and worst outcomes he expected, Shining merely took a deep breath, and said:

"Take care of each other, would you?"

(Thanks for reading! And if you enjoyed, please reblog! Thanks in advance!)

Send an ask or request! | Start at the beginning! | Next part!

Featuring: Solar Eclipse and Twilight Sparkle as Twilight Eclipse from @asktwilighteclipse

[archive-of-bones]

   Addle Pate

[Genshin Impact x reader]

[Endgame: Albedo]

[tags: Isekai, reader has her own life not revolving around Albedo, slow burn]

[Part: 5/??]

[taglist: @venti-loving-hours, @yostresswritinggirl, @starlynxx, @spqcebun, @dandelion-dreams , @m1sos0up , @turningmad and all that want to be tagged but I can't tag!]

    

Chapter 5: A guide and a plan to a war crime (Otherwise called guns and more guns)

 

 Your face soured as you forcefully swallowed the medicine Albedo had brewed up for you, trying your best not to throw it up. As much as you hated the taste, you really did need it to recover. 

The alchemist wiped at the excess liquid on your chin, his eyes still stern as ever even as he watches for every shift of your expression. "How do you even drink so much shit without puking?" You managed to groan and he laughed softly in response. 

  "A stomach of steel is needed if I were to conduct experiments on myself," he paused to breathe. "Therefore I had to get used to it, no matter the risk or how horrible the taste will be." 

          "That's not a very nice job." You responded to him rather bluntly. 

         "I admit it isn't the nicest, but it's one of the fields I know to put my knowledge into." He stated as he gathered his things, leaving a note on the table and some Mora. 

      "Leaving for an expedition again? Sheesh." 

 At your question, he briefly turned to you. "Dragonspine is an area with many mysteries, it would be a waste not to explore it. It also decreases the chances of dangers for future travellers, since we would have a map."

  "You have a point, do be careful though." You're careful to not mention Durin, or anything that related to dragonspine that wasn't known to the knights. 

   The gods in Celestia probably laugh at your current misery. 

    "I will, be sure to rest and recover." With that, he finally made his leave. 

    It's been a few moments since you've laid down, and you were growing pretty restless. The cryptic letters didn't show up in which you could safely assume that Dainsleif wasn't currently in Mondstadt, not that you even had any problems with him being in the city. You saw him as someone awfully similar to Diluc, just with the opposite color scheme. 

    Needless to say, you groaned and forced yourself to get up and take your crutches for a trip to Good Hunter, you were not in the mood to cook and thankfully Klee was in the Knight's Headquarters, leaving you completely alone at home to do whatever you wanted, and you did what you wanted. 

            

~~~~~~~~~~~

      

            "Thanks." You mumbled as Sarah helped you get to your seat with food in tow. 

    "No problem." She smiled at you, setting the tray of food on the table as you sat down. If there was anything you loved more than Mondstadt and it's festivals, it would be the booze and the food. It was a perfect reflection of the people and the city, at least for you. 

   You didn't waste any time and started digging into your food immediately, unable to contain the warm feeling pooling inside of you. Being alive was nice, for all your self deprecating jokes and crappy gen z humor, you did appreciate being alive. 

  Some time after you ate, you started zoning out and then an idea suddenly came to mind; If the Fatui had shotguns, why couldn't you have a machine gun? 

   If you had an automatic glock then not having a vision would be the least of your worries in this world full of gods that walk amongst mortals and monsters, it's not as if you're gonna ruin the plot by joining the Traveller anyways; you literally had no reason to join Aether aside from shits and giggles and probably sightseeing but that's about it. 

   You're not Aether, you're not strong, you're not a savior or a knight to protect and serve people, you were just you. A bartender of Angel's Share, someone who held information more than what they could and should handle.

     You sat up from your chair and scoffed before you went to the front of the cathedral to unwind and relax. 

    Even if you were no hero, hell, nothing at all, you weren't going down without a fight. But then again, was there even anything wrong with just being a normal person with a gun? 

         Haha, no.

You wait for the day you'd be able to scream at an agent "Welcome to America motherfucker!".

          It's cold war time. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

         Remembering the parts of a gun from memory was surely a fun experience for you as you sketched the model you were familiar with on paper, as to why you even know gun models and its parts would just be because one of your friends from your world was a gun manufacturer. 

           You don't know how the fuck you exactly befriended someone that's probably a member of the Mafia, but friends were friends. Thankfully you had this uncanny habit of being able to memorize useless things to a t if you liked them enough; sometimes you hate it though, your selective brain didn't get you to pass math at school. 

             You don't really care if creating weapons of destruction was going to get you arrested, and again it's not like you've never been arrested before anyways but you're not really someone the knights should be worrying about when it came to those things, it should be Klee; a literal child who creates atomic bombs that can probably obliterate the whole country if she really wanted to for "playtime". 

             How and why they even kept giving her gunpowder is beyond your understanding. 

   With that in mind, you now have a goal; get as rich as Ningguang by saving up, arm yourself with a glock and weaponize your own clothes and hopefully try to be alive at the end of everything. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

             Two weeks had gone by and recovery had been easy due to you actually following along the routine Albedo had laid out for you for your medicine; as much as they tasted terrible, at least you could walk around freely now. 

 "Morning fellas!" You bellowed, entering the tavern you missed working at. Charles perked up at your appearance, returning the grin you wore as the early customers of the tavern shared laughter at your cheerful demeanor. 

  "Aye, it looks like our favorite bartender is back!" One of the customers exclaimed, the group found themselves laughing at the offended expression Charles shot at them. "Sorry my guy, we just like this one, she's neat." 

 "Gotcha! Glad to be back." You finger gunned before you went to your station at the counter, you know that Charles would have nothing against you as long as business was booming anyways- favorite bartender comment aside. "Order now folks! Promise I'll make it extra tasty for you!" 

 "Thanks! Remember to take it easy okay? Now we'd like some…."

~~~~~~~~~

        "Man, things have been pretty wild in Mondstadt lately." One of the tavern patrons murmured, the clinking of utensils and cups filled with alcohol being muffled in the background as your ears tuned in to listen. 

"Not THAT wild, and you shouldn't even be talking about those things here." His companion hissed through the hand he used to cover the side of his mouth in an attempt for privacy, you pretended to not listen though, you were working on occasionally gathering Intel for sure, but you didn't want to give the poor customers the drift that no conversation is ever safe from the ears of the tavern staff. 

  "I've heard about the winds getting stronger near the east." The random patron replied to his companion, the words nearly made you halt; you almost forgot you've been anticipating the stormterror attack for some time after your unexpected arrival. 

"How do you even notice these things?" You drowned out the rest of their conversation, no longer deeming it relevant anymore as you continued with your work. 

If you counted correctly, you were staying in Teyvat for over two months or so now. 

"Kid, something the matter?" Charles asked you as he shot you a semi concerned look. 

"It's nothing…. It's just that I feel like there's a storm coming." You were careful in what you had to drop in case a third party was listening. 

 "That's…. Quite a hunch." That was his only reply before he quickly resumed serving customers again. 

  Another busy day, thankfully for you it was easy. Some patrons passed out on the tables or their faces smashed into their own puke, you shuddered at the reminder that you'd have to clean that up later. 

 You reminded yourself you'd get a bunch of buckets, towels and some water for tomorrow for these guys. 

"There's a lot more people passing out here than usual." You murmured.

 "Yeah, that's to be expected." Charles replied a few feet behind you, wiping the mugs clean. "It's payday."

   "That… makes a lot of sense." You slumped. "By the way, I'll be cleaning whatever this mess that came straight out of them in a few, I'll be right back to get the supplies." 

  "Sure thing kiddo, I owe you a favor." 

 You flashed a peace sign on your way out at the back of the tavern. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

        Waking up the sleeping patrons with the buckets you had prepared after painstakingly cleaning both the tavern tables and floors and the men that got their faces smashed somehow wasn't bad. 

 They were at least coherent enough to greet you with a good morning and drink the water you provided them with in a practiced manner, you sighed in relief, no one had to choke. 

  But for the love of Venti, you didn't get any sleep. 

 "Archons, you look like a mess." Diluc deadpanned as he stood at the tavern's doorway. 

 "You think?" You squinted at him. 

"Go get some sleep, I'll finish what you started." He sighed as he made his way towards you. "Don't strain yourself too much." 

 Man, Diluc was too kind for his own good. 

 "I will." You grinned, finally relaxing after somehow managing an all nighter. 

 "Good morning master Diluc." You heard Charles greet the man as you made your way out of the establishment, a yawn escaped you and you decided to stretch your limbs and bask in the sunrise first before heading back home. 

          You just remembered you were supposed to flesh out several gun models today. 

~~~~~~~~~~

            Unsurprisingly, you woke up a bit later than you'd expected. It was afternoon again but you felt energized, you groaned once it hit you that once again you've fucked up your sleep schedule as you did during late Highschool. 

  "Jesus Christ what am I doing with my life?" Existential crisis strikes once again, but you forced yourself to get up in the favor of your bladder. 

  If you were being honest with yourself, it was your bladder that motivated you mainly to get up in the early mornings. You silently cursed as you stumbled upon some obstacles on the way to the restroom, but thankful you did not stub on your toe or step on a DiY Lego set. 

  Late afternoon and you've slumped your face on your own work desk looking at the sketches you've made, thankfully they made sense now that you're fully awake. The only thing you'd have to worry now is where and how exactly you were going to gather the materials for these items, you sighed at the realization you'd either have to ask Kaeya, Diluc or Lisa. 

You deduced two latter choices would be the safer options than the former, knowing how tricky Kaeya can be sometimes, that and because he is a troll. Albeit an unexpected one, but he wasn't the Cavalry Captain for nothing. 

The fatui already had their versions of a prototype shotgun, this gave you a side idea to steal one to ask what material it was made out of but you quickly scrapped that out. You'd have to ask Sucrose as to how to formulate the gunpowder, bullets were out of the question, you're able to make them yourself with the correct items. 

 The remaining questions were where and who you should have to assist you in the weapon making, Wagner was probably too busy with the weapons damaged by the adventurers day by day, would Albedo be a good option? You groaned and shook your head, surely it wasn't only Wagner that could smith weapons in Mondstadt, Liyue of course was out of the question. 

             You didn't expect this to be incredibly complicated, but you're willing to be patient. You weren't in a rush, it wasn't like what the traveller had to do in game was your obligation or part of your priorities, they were going to have to shoulder most of that burden by themselves, you might help by providing some information here and there or go with them occasionally for benefits and sightseeing, but you weren't going to let yourself get dragged into trouble you knew you aren't equipped for.

       You learned that the hard way in Dragonspine. 

 Before you get PTSD from that god forsaken and too cold for it's own good mountain, you sink to your seat, mentally drained as you made the effort to empty your brain in an attempt to relax it. That brainstorm certainly took a lot out of you.

  You fell asleep again before you knew it.  

[merakiui]

welcome to the day a duck ruins your perception of items in genshin impact. i uh. made some items in genshin impact as yandere boys and what they're like sort of?? you could try and burn your eyes now. ;) adepti seekers stove- he's going to be a tsundere no buts or uhts. he's the type of yandere that's trying to be protective and failing miserably everytime. so being impatient and angsty. so, he resorts in kidnapping you instead. but hey look on the bright side! even when you're kidnapped you can have delicious meals and snacks! secretly likes to cook for you a lot, but he won't admit it even in death. just don't question why there's a lingering scent of sleeping potions in your meal and you'll be good as jolly jee! probably wants you to help him in the kitchen, since he once heard that couples do that. would probably give you self esteem issues down the line. "didn't i tell you to not get hurt? are you that much of an idiot?? here. have this it'll lessen the pain just a bit so we can walk back home. just drink it already." windsong lyre- smug bastard, smug shit. he's probably a player or just overly dramatic with everything. maybe he's righteous or something.. likes to show off his music skills a lot. he sucks at it tho. gaslights you probably in public places to add more pressure, because people are staring like you're having a performance or something. calls you love even if he's pissed at you for not listening to him, or accusing him of being toxic or suspecting him of being your stalker that always watches you from your window at 2am! would make you paranoid a lot. loves kissing your cheek and tickling you. he's a closeted pervert. you're gonna have to move in an isolated place too, he will spread rumours of you being his lover. "love, I'm sure that you're just overreacting. plus even if i was the stalker that you're talking about I wouldn't be oh so casually talking to you in public when I could've been hiding! jeez it's like your going crazy." wind-blessed harpastrum- such sweety! just so wholesome bakes you a pie in tuesday sweet. seems patient too but beware he will break your legs when you get a little bit too bratty for his tastes. touch starved too and it shows, that's why he loves to cuddle you lots! really obsessed with what you think of him. if you say you hate him he'll tear up and try to convince you that he's good, but if you pretend that you like him he'll shower you with uncomfortable affection and confessions. really great at making bombs and torture weapons too. probably sewed in a bomb inside your body threatened that he will kill you with it if you leave. bad at darts and archery. if you say that to him he'll laugh and take out his diploma saying that he's too smart for those childish games. he's impulsive in decision making. "haha. you know. you almost escaped from me back there. but hey! now you won't do anything stupid like that ever again if you can't walk." windblume balloon: listen man. im going to be killed but he's an airhead, pun intended right there. probably lowkey manipulative and doesn't even know it yet or chooses to ignore it. protective of you a lot. really delusional to the point that he rationalizes your escape as someone kidnapping you. so say goodbye to whoever poor stranger who was trying to help you escape they'll be greeted by an arrow through their head once he finds you. has a habit of holding your hand because he's afraid you might disappear from his line of sight and leave him all alone. if you let go tho he'll gorilla grip your hand, might crush it too. just very overprotective. he also doesn't know that he's an airhead. yeah."hm? why do i like holding you hand..? i just like it.. your hand makes me feel... uh. safe..? is that the word for it? ah. it was the word loved." wind catcher- he's a full on sadist. throw all of your escape plans out the window, this guy will climb a mountain and ride any wind current available to catch and torture you. persistently trying to make you like him atleast a bit. yeah, he's that kind of delusional. would teasingly push you

of a cliff as a 'light' punishment. dark humour and likes to joke about killing you from time to time. note: he can kill you. and he would also do it by ripping you in half with the wind current so just stay in his house and be a good lover that'll shower him in kisses, okay? okay. he mostly sees you as a tool of interest, but not just any tool- you're his favourite tool. "pfft! hey stop crying now! you're making me feel bad! hm? oh? why am i doing this? well i mean maybe I'm angry that someone was trying to escape. again." warming bottle- he will absolutely leave you in the cold if you were being a brat towards him. lives in dragonspine to spite you, also because he can just turn take away your blankets and anything that can give warmth so you gotta ask him to cuddle you to survive. he usually does this when he's feeling a little petty. which is so frequent. that you can almost give it a schedule. but don't tell him that. kind of a tsundere but only when it comes to physical affection since he's shy. that's why he has to take away your blankets so it looks like he's just mocking you but not because he's touch starved. he's not at home that much too but don't worry, he will make it up to you by uh.. physical activities.. "what? you're freezing? no shit we're in dragonspine. oh? you want me to hug you..? hm. fine. I'll indulge you for a bit. I am quite merciful." parametric transformer- businessman that scams you a lot lol. he's going to be a masochist because i said so, yeah i know the electric stone thing gag that's why i made him a masochist. really likes to collect useless stuff and spoiling you, so expect your room to be filled with a lot of random things from jewelry to mushrooms and crabs. has a you should be grateful i even give stuff mindset. thinks that giving someone something of vaue would make them fall in love with him instantly. also probably loves it when you fight back especially when you successfully land a hit on him, he will enjoy it. but be careful he has different responses whenever you hit him. pick your poison. spends a ton of resources on everything to keep you in line. that rope costed him 700 pinecones. "why do you even wanna escape? i give you a ton of stuff so you won't get bored! hah. maybe if i had picked up someone else they would've been grateful." portable waypoint- throw out your escape plans the season sequel. he's very quiet but has a small temper that won't last that much. maybe he's like that since he tries so hard to repress it. listen he's trying okay? escape always fails so quickly. one minute you're in springvale shouting, crying, begging for anyone to help you and then back to his house to see him sipping some tea. his punishments are cruel too- he makes sure to leave you in a den of monsters and ruin guards, waits until your in the brink of death and teleports you back to him. has a superiority complex over everyone too. probably likes to make you feel weak when you have to rely on him. loves to crush your self esteem. wants to be affectionate but thinks that you, as an inferior being, should be affectionate with him instead. so tsun. "see? this is what i was trying to tell you. you're too weak to actually survive out there. you even had to rely on me to save you. pathetic." memento lens- mysterious and elegant. he's quite cryptic to say the least. likes to watch you from a far if he's feeling a bit angsty. you try to make sense of what he says and it just leads to you being confused even more. and he likes that about you. you actually try to understand him, even if what you guess is wrong. you're going to have a tough time with this guy if you wanna escape. just avoid any fox statues and you'll be good. the problem is the shrine maidens. they basically want the two of you to end up together so they don't have to deal with him. he's actually very gentle with you punishments still suck but atleast he doesn't do it physically, he just makes you write that you're sorry over and over until your wrist are tired. loves poetry and solving puzzles, riddles, scriptures. he's

smart but soft. "spring blossoms even in the darkest depths of uncertainty, is that why you have the courage to try and escape me..?" kamera- perfectionist stalker. wants to make sure that the photos he takes of you are perfect to every extent. colour, lighting, and expressions. even if it means going inside your room and having the possibility of waking you up from your sleep. likes to take pictures of everything too. kind of like this; both of you are walking somewhere and he stops to take a picture of a sunset. he takes twenty minutes trying to find the correct angle. but the sun is already gone so he sulks. maybe- you can cheer him up by volunteering to be his model? you'll do that? right? also worships you like a god so if someone dared to even say something breath near you or celestia forbid insult you, best to say they'll be quickly disposed of by blackmail and fake shit. would not steal any of your belongings, he would just take pictures of it. so he's not that bad. "i consider everything in this world is beautiful, but you have surpassed that. so that is why im keeping you here. no one deserves even a glimpse of you!" waverider toolbox- he's such a gentlemen and a sweetheart. always there to help you with repairs, sometimes he'd add some updates to it too. just ignore the stuff going missing inside your boat thing. he probably guilt-gaslight you into staying with him in his waverider then bam your in an island stranded. ahaha, now both of you just have to survive by working together ya know? like a loving couple likes hugs and physical affection a lot! bonus points if it's given when he's tired from doing his job. as i said tired guy so appreciates all the things you do for him whether it's paying for his meal or giving him a gift. next time, he'll make sure that you won't leave the island permanently. thinks that stranded island equals date smh. " ahh? oh! is this for me? really? thank you.. i don't usually receive gifts but that just makes this even more special! say, do you wanna go on a trip? i just fixed the waverider from last time." red feather fan- mischievous little shit. likes to scare you a lot by appearing on trees and just jumping on you. knows that you're trying to escape but pretends not to since he likes to try and guess which direction you would run to. hugs you a lot even before he kidnaps you really touchy even if you say no he'll use the good ol puppy eyes! doesn't work? okay he'll just smell your clothes when you're sleeping as compensation. he likes to flirt with you a lot. some pickup are cheesy.. but others are a little- personal? acts cool by making a dramatic entrance everytime even. you know those radical superhero landing stuff? that's him. he would build a nest as your house even being a dick and placing it on top of a mountain, goodluck on trying to get down. "caught you! going to the shore was so predictable by the way. maybe you should try a different place next time, dear? hm? maybe a restaurant so we can have date? sounds great right?" serenitea pot- unhinged malewife that wants to make a the perfect living space for you- ehem. probably a perfectionist if you squint hard enough. he's delusional but just a little lucid about the stuff he does to you. likes to make a ton of furniture too! personalized the room you're trapped in with a ton of valuable and expensive materials. just don't try to escape he'll cut your limbs off just like a damn tree shawtie. owns a shit ton of pets ranging from boars to cats. all of them are like bodyguards to you during your stay. dreams about having a peaceful life with you in the realm someday, sigh. he sometimes has burnouts where he just places a bunch of furniture on a single room and call it a day. "and here is your room! do.. do you like it? i made it just for you! i didn't know what wood you would prefer so i just settled on whatever i can find! ahaha. we're kind of like a married couple living together now... right?" nre menu- he's probably going to be from the adventurers guild. really awkward and shy. takes for him a long time to

open up to you. when going on quests he's the one in charge of carrying the food and healing shit you need. really patient and nice! slightly uh mean with other people trying to talk to you but other than that everything is normal. everything is normal the long loving gaze he gives you every now and then and some food being left on your doorstep. yeah let's not question it i mean he's just so shy! he would never do anything wrong? right?? he's a closeted pervert, cliche i know but he's a pervert with a line to not cross. he just checks you out. good for him. would cry if given any ounce of affection. sweet baby. "t-that was a tough commission.. oh u-uh.. do you need some food to replenish your energy? we need to do the other commissions you know.. hm? why aren't you eating it.. something wrong with the food..?" seelies- spoiled. that's the word to describe him. really straight forward with his courting kind of dumb? but he's so damn lucky for some unknown reason that your plans to avoid him always fail. yeah the high quality rope you just bought for 1000 mora? it broke and you fell into his arms. he's probably rich by sheer dumb luck too. finds a ton treasure chests even in the places you didn't expect. people pressure you into spending time with him. since he's just so cute! how could say no to such a face? it really feels like the gods are on his side ya know? he throws a lot of very very aggressive tantrums if you're not with him. thinks he's doing a good job at courting you, with rationalize rejection as a playing hard to get. "tada! look i got you this crystal i found while i was walking! it looks like a diamond and it has a ton of colours too?? is it valuable?? would you kiss me if i give it to you??" endora- majestic, regal, and likes to explore a lot. he uh. probably trapped you in a bubble once or twice too. really curious about his surroundings, also has no personal space since it's first time going out. he would cuddle you when he feels like it homie. kidnapped you and made you his tour guide. don't try to fool him he learns quickly about stuff. fast swimmer, so no joining any expeditions in water if you don't want their ship to be wrecked by a mysterious being of the teyvat seas. he likes to see you cry. it's not a kink he just feels connected to you when you cry. doesn't have a house so you just live in a run down boat. he's doesn't know when you're lying to him sometimes. god complex bastard. "this world. at first i wasn't sure if i was going to like it or not, but ever since I've met you... I've grown to tolerate some parts.. so you should be thankful, you've convinced me. mortal." intertwined fate/older twin- listen. he's just so smug about everything he does. and he knows you love him. probably invites you out on dinner only for him to not show up. so basically he's an asshole without a doubt. toxic boyfriend that gives you false hope and has a ton of admirers. you probably think he won't settle for you right? ah, he's not that cruel. so picks you as his lover out of all the billions of people. you should be grateful! he even kidnapped you! do you know how hard it was for him to go all the way from his home to yours? anyways yeah. asshole. he likes to do the open the door for darling trick where he just gives you a small crack on the door and watch you make a decision. it's an act of your loyalty. if you escape he'll make you feel pain. if you don't then he'll reward your patience. god complex bastard 2."sigh. did you try to escape? again? patience is the key to everything you know. maybe you should learn that. i expected more smart from you." acquaint fate/younger twin- cinnamonroll he's such a sweet guy. he's always there for you when you need him. okay- he has a nice guy complex, fucking damn it. probably uses the but I've been there for you since the start trick unintentionally a lot. he just doesn't know he wants some action, so be thankful that he didn't just jump on you like a barbarian. he's kind of contradicting himself too. one hand he wants you to love him, on the other hand he doesn't

believe he deserves you. loves to give you the same things, remember that one painting you liked from two years ago? he got you that. quantity beats quality. surprisingly, he's really patient but would have bursts of anger every now and then. has a self value issues?? yeah, but did i tell you he's a touch starved guy. punshments are just him softly lecturing you about what's good and what's wrong."i always viewed myself as inferior, that i didn't deserve anything.. but this time. i want to be greedy just once." that's it- :'D i haven't proofread this but here you go mer! ill probably continue with more humanisations of items in genshin later.. if you ask why i ruined your day with this crazy idea i was watching that one video of a person humanising social media and got this idea. also i discovered how to bold out texts... i have power..ejwjdhshaj

so yeah have a great day! -🦆anon

I AM IN AWE?!?! WHOA OMG!!!!! 🦆, THIS IS FANTASTIC!! AAAAAA (≧∀≦)

All of the various characterizations… *chef’s kiss* It’s literally so good! With each one I read I kept thinking okay this guy is my favorite and then I would read the next description and my heart was stolen again. I can’t pick a favorite now. T_T

[albaedhoe]

promise

pairing : venti x gn!reader

summary : many people say promises are meant to be broken, but this one? It has been nurtured and cared for for millennia.

contains venti’s story quest spoilers

Unlike Barbatos, who was only a wisp among the thousand winds at the time, you were a young, lesser-known god. For plot sake, let’s say you’re the god of health. Having similar views and wanting to allow humans to have atleast some form of hope, the two of you became fast friends and stuck together within the confinements of old mondstat.

“Please don’t ever leave me.”

“I promise that I will never even think of leaving you, Barbatos. I, Y/n, God of Health, swear my power and life that I will keep this promise until the day I fall from Celestia.”

“W-Wait- you didn’t have to go that far!”

You were there during the events of the rebellion and fought along side those who were trapped under the rule of Decarabian. You were by the side of Barbatos the moment he had become one of the seven, the god of anemo and later changed his name to Venti.

“You took the form of your friend?”

“I...I don’t want to forget what he looks like.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there to save him on time, I can tell he meant a lot to you.”

“It’s fine! His sacrifice will never be in vain. Just don’t leave me too, as you promised.”

“As I promised.”

A few hundred years pass and growing tired of responsibilities, it didn’t take long for Venti to garner a need to escape, so he did, but not without taking you with him to the human world. While he took on the role of being a bard who played the lyre for others, you preferred a more stable subtle occupation that actually brings home money, such as being a teacher. This way, you can keep tabs on the younger generations of the people of mondstat without suspicion and to make sure that the city won’t fall into ruin because of the lack of education. After all, if that were to happen, everything the rebellion had fought for would be for nothing.

The grass grows green, leaves wilt off the trees, snow falls from the sky, the flowers start to sprout from the ground. The cycle repeating who knows how many times now. But one thing is for sure, Venti is lost. Mondstat does not need nor has needed of the god of winds for a long time. He comes back late to your shared cottage out in the open plains filled with dewy grass and blooming cecillias. On that night, he asks you a question. “Would... Would you allow me to rest for a few years..?”

Don’t get him wrong, Venti would never think of leaving you purposely. He’s just so tired. Your silence and furrowed eyebrows made his heart sink. He didn’t and couldn’t blame you if you had said no. After all of these millennia, you had kept his promise with undying loyalty and sincerity, and here he is, feeling as though he is selfishly taking advantage of your kindness. You even swore on your life and power!

Hanging his head low in shame, he didn’t notice you walk up to him and wrap his head with your arms, burying his face to one of your shoulders.

“I’m not mad at you, rather, I’m upset to think you see me so highly that you need to ask my permission for something, despite being an Archon.” Lifting his head so you could face him, you cup his cheeks and wipe the tears threatening to spill from his eyes with your thumbs. “I only ask that you allow me to spend these last days with you,” you whisper. “Of course,” he responds.

True to his word, he had spent every waking moment with you. Frolicking in the fields, listening to his singing while you read, braiding his hair, cooking dinner.

“V-Venti! You’re not supposed to add that much sugar!”

“Ehe!”

Until the final day came. The sun was bright and the breeze was gentle. Sat in the middle of a field that stretched out for miles, you were fiddling with a flower crown while venti stares up at your beauty with his head atop your lap. He thought about the years spent with you and treasuring every single memory. He thought about how much he appreciates and loves you. He thought about how much you will miss him, if at all and hopes that you won’t find someone to replace him so soon.

“When I’m gone, don’t go off running to find someone to replace me!”

“Don’t make it sound like you’re dying-”

“Done!” You hold up the finished crown of daffodils and cecillias. Venti chuckles at your antics. Gently placing the flower crown to fit his head, you look proud of your work. Comfortable silence fills the air as the two of you enjoy the atmosphere. Taking your hands to cup his face once again, he leans against your touch. “I will be dreaming of you,” Venti says. Leaning down so that the both of your foreheads were touching, you close your eyes. “I don’t doubt it. I hope you rest well, zephyr.” And with that, Venti dissipates into the breeze, only to be awoken when he is ready. Staring at the clouds above you, you smile gently as the winds made your hair dance and birds fly past your vision. An ache in your chest starts to form, “Oh dear...,” you laugh while your left hand rests above your heart.

The clock struck 12, the latest time Venti had ever been out drinking. He had told you earlier on that day that he had earned quite the tip for his entertainment and since he hadn’t drank in so long, he had asked you if it would be alright to splurge it on Master Diluc’s dandelion wine. Who were you to say no? You’re rather proud of him doing something he enjoyed and being rewarded for it, however, despite being an archon, you couldn’t help but worry that in his delusioned state, he wouldn’t be able to defend himself if he were to bump into the wrong crowd.

Slipping on a thick coat, you discreetly transport to an alleyway near Angel Share. Since it was a Friday night, opening hours are much later than other days of the week so no wonder the lights were still on and playful banter could be heard inside. Opening the door, the shouting only got louder. First thing you saw was the owner of the bar, Diluc, looking quite amazed and curious at something, or rather, someone.

“Good Evening, Master Diluc. Would you happen to know if a certain bard is here?”

“Good Evening. He’s actually right infront of you.”

Confused, you looked down at your feet. And low and behold, Venti was sprawled on the floor, cheeks flushed, hat crooked and he was muttering nonsense, you deadpan. Looking back up at Diluc, you reach to grab mora from your pocket.

“How much did he drink this time?”

“Around 37 glasses.”

You honestly weren’t surprised at this point. As you were about to hand over the money, Diluc stops you. “It’s fine, honestly. Watching you have to drag him back to your home builds enough pity in me to spare him the bill.” Waving goodbye and a quick thank you at the young bachelor, you silently think to yourself, ‘Your descendants have the same heart as you, don’t they, Vanessa?’ Slinging Venti’s arm around your other shoulder, you hoist him to his feet.

“For a guy that took form of a young boy that was practically skin and bones, you sure are heavy.” Teleporting to your shared abode, you shuffle to the bedroom. Forcing him to sit on the bed so you could at least change him into more comfortable clothing. “I kneeewww *hic* you’d come for meee *hic* Y/n!” Venti bellows out, arms wiggling as if to set himself free from your touch.

“I’ll drop you.” You threaten, but your hold on him so that he sits up only tightened more. Loosening his corset and unbuttoning his top, you make him put on a casual tunic. “You looooove me too much!*hic*” Not bothering with the bottom half of him, you tuck Venti underneath the covers. Slipping under the blankets with him, you interlock fingers and have eachother. Although his breath stank with alcohol, you couldn’t really care less.

“Thank you for not leaving me after all of these millennia and despite the things you go through just to be with me...” Venti whispers, eyes closed as sleep nearly takes him. Smiling softly, you joined foreheads with him. “I promised to never leave you, Zephyr, remember?”