#4ggravate marriage era

[cyeli-no]

4ggravate Pre-Proposal (Pt. 1)

—where it's just three Dendro fools simping over Cyno and wanting to have a perfect proposal for him

Linked Posts:

Part 2: 4ggravate Pre-Marriage: Doubts post

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Dehya and Candace are some of the first to hear about the decision because Al-Haitham, who became close to the duo throughout his time in the desert and with Cyno, wants to respect his culture in the proposal. It seems disrespectful to forego his background and his family when asking for Cyno's life and dedication.

Dehya is unrelenting with her teasing, offering help disguised as friendly banter. He nearly regrets telling her when it turns out Candace is the one to offer the most help. She gives him a few traditions common throughout the desert, but the Temple of Silence does not share the same customs as she does.

She tells him how Cyno once mentioned how suitors will gift jewelry made of gold and gems during the engagement. The proposee's family usually receives a dowry of some type, too. Between giving the dowry and presenting the gifts, a marriage contract is written. Typically, it is between the father and the suitor, but the individual is often included.

"It is not for permission, necessarily." She clarifies when she watches the frown begin to form on his expression, eyebrows tightening. The memory of Cyno's reaction when he realized how deeply the former sages mistreated and used him rests heavy in their minds. At least she can verify how much Al-Haitham truly cares. "In the end, it is up to the individual to accept the proposal and make adjustments to the contract. Simply, it is acknowledging the important of our families."

Al-Haitham does pause for a moment in deep contemplation. "Yes, that makes sense." He ends up deciding on, though Candace offers him a small smile.

She shakes her head, "You may not understand them completely, but I'm glad you care to know about our traditions." He takes it as the sign of approval that it actually is.

He leaves with Dehya, who smiles contently throughout the entire walk back. She tells him a bit about their traditional wedding rings and wedding celebration customs before admitting, "Knowing Tighnari, I suspected it wouldn't be a desert wedding. At least now, it'll be like bringing the desert to him."

Al-Haitham rejects that notion instantly. "We cannot bring the desert to him. I know nothing of the desert and all I have come to learn was brought by Cyno himself. It would be a mockery to do anything besides welcome what he brings." Dehya's eyes blink shut as they pause in their journey. She can feel the familiar heat against her skin and the smell of the desert winds.

"You've thought about this a lot, hm?" She teases lightly, his completely honest affirmation making her grin, "Good." She says something in a dialect Al-Haitham does not quite understand. He can understand a few vague phrases, but she explains it to him without being asked once she finishes, "It is an old prayer. May your future together be filled with happiness and love that even when you reach the afterlife, you will traverse those unknown lands together."

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Tighnari and Kaveh are quick to agree to the idea. Truth be told, they both wanted to do something for Cyno and were debating something similar. Luckily, it truly felt as if everything was perfect for them. Al-Haitham and his endless pockets could definitely afford the dowry (though Cyrus' actual acceptance might be a bit more difficult to get with his outright disdain for his darshan), Kaveh works on designing the jewelry himself, and Tighnari works on creating simple (maybe a bit more detailed than the ones Dehya described) rings for all four of them.

When they go to discuss their plans to propose with Cyrus, Al-Haitham is prepared to give an entire presentation. Tighnari takes over before Kaveh's stressed rants can start and before Al-Haitham says something that might make them lose Cyrus' good graces.

Cyrus frowns when they ask if they are allowed to propose to and to marry Cyno. "Asking me to give him over is quite the archaic request." He muses.

It is Kaveh who answers this. Tighnari and Al-Haitham may be more logical, but Kaveh is intently attuned to his emotions and the emotions of others. He knows Cyno and his desires well, "Cyno respects your opinion and would be hurt if we did not try to include his family." He pauses for just a second to gather his bearings. He doesn't want to bare his entire heart to his soon-to-be father-in-law (hopefully), but he knows the man respects honestly as much as his son. "Cyno always makes sure the memories of our families are a priority. As one of the only living relatives he has, your blessing will mean a lot to him... and to us as well."

Cyrus is not a man of few words. He has spoken at length about jokes, the main reason Cyno tries them to lighten the mood. Still, the air constricts Kaveh as he simply stares at the architect with a frown. Cyno might be scary to some, but his body becomes rigid under the intense staring of the General's father. However, he will not avert his eyes. He knows discomfort well and knows, as his throat tightens and nearly chokes the air out of his lungs, that the comfort and love of Cyno is worth every second.

"You are good kids." Cyrus finally nods at Kaveh and Tighnari. Kaveh's entire body eases at the affirmation, sucking in a sharp breath through his teeth in relief. He nearly misses how the man warily eyes Al-Haitham for a moment before he shakes his head with a low chuckle. "As long as Cyno is happy, my blessing is yours." It's a needless threat, Cyrus knows, but he feels better nonetheless.

("Do they make you happy?" He asked his son when the eventual topic of his partners came up.

In hindsight, it was quite a strange question to ask because the answer was so obvious. "Do I seem unhappy?" The younger man asked, the confusion answered by a fond smile.

Cyrus has always been better at expressing his love compared to his two top students. He ruffled Cyno's hair lightly, "No. I just want to know how they treat you."

Cyno nodded, accepting the explanation completely. "They love me," those three words were enough to ease Cyrus' heart, "more than anyone else can.

"And I love them the same.")

"Another word of warning." Cyrus mentions as they are leaving his house, "Lisa Minci will not allow you to marry him if you do not invite her to the engagement."

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They, heeding Cyrus' advice, tell Lisa, Collei, Nahida, and Nilou. At one point, Tighnari gets worried they are telling too many people before even asking Cyno to marry them.

Al-Haitham just says, "They're family," and that's that.

Family, Tighnari echoes, when Collei runs up to hug him in her excitement. Family, he smiles, as Lisa smacks Kaveh lightly for waiting so long to ask the question. Family, he accepts, as Nilou and Nahida offer their help with wedding planning or support if they ever need it.

Family, he wishes for, when Cyno meets them for dinner with a bright smile, "I'm home." He glows despite the days of work coating his skin in dirt.

"Welcome home, love." Tighnari welcomes him closer and showers him with all the adoration he has been holding onto in the pits of his heart in anticipation of tonight. Tonight, to the world, they will become a family in every sense of the word.

Family, Tighnari learns, comes with the heat of the desert without any of the burning discomfort.

He cannot completely understand the clear discomfort and stress showing on the faces of the other two. They all know Cyno; he who is more devoted than anyone else will definitely say yes. And if he doesn't, he is nothing but kind. There is no world where they will be rejected cruelly.

The question hangs in the air, Cyno's eyes wide in surprise as he scans the three as if checking them for honesty. "Really?" It is a crime how soft his voice is. It is uncommon for him to be uncertain and it aches Tighnari's heart.

"We wouldn't ask if we weren't serious." It is a bit sassier than it needs to be, but his voice is firm to scare away his doubts.

It must do the trick because a breathless huff escapes him. Kaveh worriedly steps closer as garnet eyes glisten under the flickering candlelights, "Cyno—?"

"Yes." He answers them, and the gentle laugh that is slightly clogged by the tears welling in his eyes is the loveliest sound. "Yes..."

The second time is enough to rip Al-Haitham out of his stupor to reach out and catch Cyno's face in his hands. He presses a kiss to the top of the General's head, sighing away his stress, "Good."

Kaveh nearly shoves the man aside in his haste to hug Cyno. The latter's laughter fills the air as Kaveh falls onto his lap, "Sevens above, I adore you." He says, planting kisses on his cheeks.

Cyno can't get a word in as Tighnari's tail curls around his arm, dragging his attention to the side. Whispering against his ear and affectionately nuzzling him, "We're yours forever."

Forever... Forever sounds lovely.

[cyeli-no]

4ggravate Pre-Marriage: Doubts (Pt. 2)

—where Cyno and Collei are both having some struggles adjusting to change

Linked posts:

Part 1: 4ggravate Pre-Proposal post

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Cyno talks to Collei first. Of course he does because her life is so intertwined with his and Tighnari's. He knows the others discussed it with her before and about her eager acceptance of the new changes because it meant his and Tighnari's happiness. However, he, as the one who brought her back to Sumeru, holds an obligation to talk to her directly.

Standing by her side in her hut, making pita pockets, they work in relative silence for a bit. "Collei." He finally starts, knowing her little signs of stress and anxiety like it is the palm of his own hand. "I understand you have told Tighnari and the others that you are excited for our future together..." She nods, keeping her eyes on the food in front of her. He notices how her fingers twist the bread out of the corner of his eyes, "It is a big change for all of us; for you, too. It's alright if you are unsure—"

"I'm not!" She yelps. But, she does squirm a bit under his watchful eye, head dipping lower, "I am really happy for you and Master Tighnari..." She insists.

"But?" He urges her to continue. He begins to work on the filling, chopping some ingredients a little messily. It is usually quicker, more efficient, but his goal isn't just a quick dinner with everyone.

She shakes her head, the slice of bread breaking apart, "It's..." She winces, "scary..."

"Scary." He echoes, no judgement in his voice.

"Yes." The conversation progresses slowly, but it goes nonetheless. She sags where she stands, sighing. There is no rush with the other. There rarely is when Collei is involved and she knows this. The familiar tightness in the pit of her stomach does not completely escape and she sucks in a sharp breath. Her head tips forward, hair casting a curtain between the two to at least hide the frustration from the other.

How can she explain herself? How can she tell him all that she is feeling when she doesn't fully understand? She is so selfish, and it's all just so much. He's given her so much, and yet she just—

"It is scary." He admits, softly. Her body jolts in place, her breathing quicker than just a few minutes earlier and she hadn't realized, "Everything has changed so quickly. I don't know how to truly handle it."

Collei finally faces him, swallowing when his body turns towards her properly, "Is it scarier... than going so far to hunt scholars?"

He weighs her words carefully, thinking it over, "It is." He ultimately decides, "It's different from fighting and seeking justice. The decision to love and the changes from that are not meant to be judged by the scales. I am scared of that uncertainty."

Cyno doesn't avert his gaze, waiting for her to gather her own thoughts as she allowed him to. "It's all just..." She closes her eyes, not wanting to watch him as he finally sees all that she is. All the ugly parts of her heart that cannot give them her complete happiness at a joyous time. "Sometimes, I feel like I just came here yesterday. There was still so much about Sumeru I didn't know about before. And then, with Lesser Lord Kusanali taking over and the reform— Not that I'm against it! I understand why! I just..."

She sucks in a breath and Cyno nods despite her inability to see. "I want you both to be happy..." She says, "But, it's so much sometimes. I just don't know..." She blinks her eyes open, searching for comfort and answers in the desert sun, "how I would fit in your new life..."

Cyno doesn't reach for her to comfort her. His voice remains firm, "While our home lives may change because Al-Haitham and Kaveh are here, they will not take your place in our homes or in our family. Things may change, but your inclusion in our family will not. You are our family. They will join, but never take over your place." She is quiet where she stands, biting down on her lower lip and gnawing it until she can taste metal in her mouth.

The taste drags her mind back to the surface, where he is waiting for her. Always waiting, always patient, always ready to catch her. And he does when she steps into his warmth, "I'm scared." She whispers, begging for his affection as she buries herself closer.

There is no reason to be, she can almost hear him say. She doesn't know how she would respond because there is a reason! There are many!

Instead, all he does is gather her closer and support her entire weight as she unravels, "That's okay." She nearly crumbles. She knows all the possible meanings to those two words would make her mind combust, so she will simply take it for all she knows it to be.

No matter the changes, he will be by her side. How can she continue to be scared forever if the brave and strong General Mahamatra will be the one guiding her, just as he has done before?

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When the four are settling for the night, Collei back in her own hut, Tighnari glances at Cyno, "Did the talk go well?" The General shrugs, setting his cloak on the chair and stripping out of the ornaments lining his pants.

"We both need some time to get used to everything." He admits, catching how Kaveh pauses in fixing his hair up.

"You're having regrets?" He asks, voice more meek than it should be.

Cyno twists quickly with a frown, "No." He is quick to deny, truthfully, "I know you went to the desert to learn about our proper proposals. Even the dowry and this"—he raises a hand to tap the clip pinning his hair back and hopefully tug it out of his knotted hair—"must have taken you all so much time and effort." His frown deepens when the ornament catches on strands of white, too tired to tend to it it properly.

He is moments away from just ripping it out, his hair be damned, when Al-Haitham taps his hand away. "Stop that." He eases Cyno to take a seat at the edge of the bed. The Grand Sage presses a light kiss against his temple as he begins to pull detangle his hair.

His eyes close at the gentle touches, "I don't think I'll ever get used to all this." He admits. Tighnari's tail wraps around his torso, the fox's worry clear in the protective hold it has, as if anyone in the room would dare to harm him.

"What do you mean?" Kaveh's voice is closer than it was moments before and the dip in the mattress is enough for the General to know exactly where he is.

"Being loved." Kaveh makes a sound and grabs Cyno's hand despite the other two knowing he shares the sentiment. How ironic it is that the two who feel the most worries about whether they deserve love are always giving so much of it.

Still, unintentionally ignoring the blonde rambles, Cyno's soft mumbles continue. Al-Haitham's ministrations are dragging the exhaustion from the place he forced them back to, threatening to pull him under. His head falls against the man's shoulder, the tail and hand holding him adding another layer of comfort. "One day, I'll repay you all for everything you've given to me." It's a promise, one the other three don't want or need.

He can't make our their denials, welcoming the comfort of sleep while surrounded by three people who love him. The three must realize he is gone because they settle into a slightly tense quiet, Tighnari shaking his head in disbelief. Still, they settle into the bed to join him in his slumber. It'll be a conversation for later, a serious one they will need to have. But, for now, it's okay to leave it be and let their precious general rest.

Cyno is the first to wake up, half laying on top of Al-Haitham with his head still on his shoulder and the other's hand pressing against the small of his back. Tighnari's tail remains a weight over his body, crossing over Al-Haitham and still reaching Kaveh on the other side of Cyno, whose hand is firm in his. He blinks ones, twice, thrice— he smiles and closes them again. If getting married means this more often, he truly can't wait. No matter how unnerving it all is, at least he has three people who love him and will catch him every time.

[cyeli-no]

Masterthread

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Favorites

cyno (genshin impact)

cyno angst alhaitham truly loves cyno: Includes platonic and romantic bffs/qprs cyno and dehya general maha-martyr: Self-sacrificial Cyno

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Post Types

headcanon

fic idea: Rough outlines of potential fanfiction ideas.

ficlet: Snippets to add details about fic ideas. Generally of specific scenes I'm interested it and includes dialogues.

incomplete

quotes as ships

asks

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Character-Specific

cyno (genshin impact)

Romantic Relationships al-haitham (#haino) kaveh (#kavehno) tighnari (#tighcyno) al-haitham, kaveh, and tighnari (#4ggravate) Platonic Relationships al-haitham candace collei dehya kaveh lisa nahida nilou tighnari others (#cyno-and-other(s)): Mostly NPCs and playable characters who I think he would get along with alhaitham, candace, dehya (#desert gang) Tags cyno angst general maha-martyr: Self-sacrificial Cyno cyno's hugs Side Tags alhaitham truly loves cyno: Includes platonic and romantic bffs/qprs cyno and dehya Series haino soulmate au: 2/? parts 4ggravate marriage era: 2/? parts rwrb haino au: 1/? parts haino red string of fate soulmate au: 1/? parts isekai/reincarnation au: 3/? parts

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al-haitham (genshin impact)

Romantic Relationships cyno (#haino) cyno, kaveh, and tighnari (#4ggravate) Platonic Relationships candace collei cyno dehya kaveh nahida candace, cyno, dehya (#desert gang) Tags alhaitham truly loves cyno: Includes platonic and romantic Series haino soulmate au: 2/? parts 4ggravate marriage era: 2/? parts rwrb haino au: 1/? parts haino red string of fate soulmate au: 1/? parts isekai/reincarnation au: 3/? parts

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collei (genshin impact)

Platonic Relationships al-haitham cyno Series isekai/reincarnation au: 3/? parts

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