#claymore x gn reader

[mermaidfanficlibrary]

Fandom Masterlist

┊ ˚➶ ｡˚ 🐠 Demon Slayer

┊ ˚➶ ｡˚ 🐠 Claymore

┊ ˚➶ ｡˚ 🐠 Jujutsu Kaisen

┊ ˚➶ ｡˚ 🐠 Ouran Highschool Host Club

┊ ˚➶ ｡˚ ���� Haikyuu

┊ ˚➶ ｡˚ 🐠 Bungou Stray Dogs

┊ ˚➶ ｡˚ 🐠 Genshin Impact

┊ ˚➶ ｡˚ 🐠 Twisted Wonderland

┊ ˚➶ ｡˚ 🐠 Honkai: Star Rail

┊ ˚➶ ｡˚ 🐠 Mystic Messenger

┊ ˚➶ ｡˚ 🐠 Obey me

┊ ˚➶ ｡˚ 🐠 Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

┊ ˚➶ ｡˚ 🐠 The Owl House

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Do not repost or translate without my explicit permission! Reblogs are welcome!

[selfaware-bungou-stray-dogs]

For your safety

Self-Aware! BSD x SAGAU Imposter crossover

Self-Aware! Tetchou Suehiro x GN! Reader

Description: Monster followed after you. Tetchou won't let him hurt you.

Warning: OOC. Implied torture. Mentioned of serious injuries. Nightmares. Panic Attack (heavily inspired by "Puss in Boots: The last wish" scene), English is my second language. Dehumanisation (Capitano calls Reader 'it', Captaino is called an 'it' by Hunting Dogs). Tetchou is a soft protective yandere (yandere, if you squeeze) towards Reader.

________

Who would think, that Watasumi will let Fatui into Enkonomia.

But, catching Imposter was more important, than honoring old traditions.

Because Imposter was here.

And it was finally in Capitano's clutches.

Dirty Imposter, a creature, that dared to walked on the land, blessed by the Creator.

This thing was hiding in an old ruins.

Dressed in rugs, it was biting huge chunks from mushrooms it cooked earlier.

Capitano adjust his hold on claymore's hilt. Just one swing, and it will finally stop poisoning Teyvat.

Capitano took a step forward.

And he made a mistake. He stepped on a twig.

It turned around. It looks scared. It has dried tears on its cheeks.

It ran. As fast, as it can.

And Capitano followed after it.

He catches it.

He raised its claymore.

And Bathysmal Vishaps attacked him.

The damned oversized lizards were attacking non-stop. Keeping Capitano away from it.

Fatui Harbinger saw, how it was riding away on one of the vishaps.

Capitano failed.

_______

It, eventually, was caught.

Justice was almost served.

Until it disappeared.

_______

Capitano, the strongest warrior of Teyvat, head of the Holy Guard, was laying on a deck of a small boat. The boat itself was covered under camouflage awning from camouflage net, seaweeds, rotten wood, old bones of sea serpent and dried dead fish. Few mechanical birds finish the picture. The camouflage was done so skillfully that even from a close distance the boat could easily be mistaken for a dead creature, entangled in garbage and slowly driven by the waves.

The navigation was hard, almost impossible. But Capitano didn't utter a word of protest. He must find, where the dreaded Imposter was hiding.

One month ago, right during their execution, they disappeared. And ever since then, Capitano was ruthless.

If it weren't for vishaps, Capitano would kill it. Capitano was too weak.

So, it was his fault, that Creator was in distress. That, while they were remaining perfect in every way, their cheeks have wet trails from tears on them.

But, this time, Capitano will do it.

He learned about a strange portal in one of the coves, located on a small island in the sea.

Capitano destroyed all documents he had.

No need to worry Creator even more.

He will get to the island unnoticed. And he will get Imposter's head.

The boat finally reached the island.

There were no humans, no animals.

And the portal was here.

Capitano stepped into the portal.

________

Tetchou tuck you in, making sure, that you are laying comfortably under your blanket.

"[Y/N], I will go and bring you some flowers, okay?" softly mumbles Tetchou, looking at you. You nodded, the corners of your lips weakly quirked upwards.

"Sounds good." whispered you. Tetchou's finger ran through your hair. He liked, that you started to smile. He didn't like, that smile didn't reach your eyes.

Tetchou left, and Atsushi Nakajima walked inside your room to stay with you.

Tetchou heard Atsushi's voice behind the closed door. It seems, he was telling you a story.

Tetchou bit his lip and headed to the first floor. He needs to go outside and pick you some flowers.

Maybe, they will lift your mood, at least for a moment.

But, before going here, Tetchou took his sword from his room. In case, people, who did this to you, appeared.

Two months ago, you disappeared. No matter, how hard they try, they couldn't find you. Until, one day, one month ago, you reappeared again.

And you looked awful.

Every part of your body were covered in burns, woulds and scars. You were starving, thirty, and terrified.

Doctor Yosano treated your wounds.

All of them made sure, that you are well-fed and always have water.

And they were doing whatever it takes to help you regain your mental health.

You were terrified of being alone.

And there were always at least one of them next to you.

You were terrified of being hit.

And they were treating you like the most fragile thing in the world.

You were terrified of Mori's voice.

And Boss of Port Mafia spoke only through Elise, whispering in her ear. He never raised his voice.

You have nightmares, waking up in the middle of the night, crying, shouting, that you are not an imposter, begging someone invisible not to hurt you.

And they were always near you, hugging you, drying your tears.

And mentally thinking about killing people, who did this to you.

Tetchou's hate was focused on Capitano.

________

A heavy foot stomped on your stomach, just below your ribs. It took all of your air out of lungs. You gasp, your mouth was wide open, but couldn’t get any air.

Capitano's booming voice filled your ears.

"Got you, little Imposter. Now, let me take that. We don't want you to miss it, aren't we?"

Two fingers pressed against your eyes.

A sharp, unbeatable burning pain.

"Here. Now, you won't be able to close your eyes ever again. Well, it's not like this ever will last for long."

Capitano raised his claymore.

You wanted so badly to close your eyes. But you don't have eyelids anymore.

The blade quickly sank down. Right in your face.

_______

Blood ponded in your ears.

You were breathing heavily.

Your heart was beating fast. You won't be surprised, if your whole body was shaking because of your heartbeats.

You can't focus your gaze in anything. Everything seemed like in a fog.

No sound escaped from your lips. Your moth and throat feels dry. Like you spent all your life without single drop of water.

You were choking. You were crying. You were sweating. You couldn't hear anything.

A heavy stone hand was put over your eyes. Now you were surrounded by darkness.

A heavy stone head was put on your chest. And it was moving.

up... down... up... down...

up... down... up... down...

up... down... up... down...

up... down... up... down...

up... down... up... down...

in... out... in... out...

in... out... in... out...

in... out... in... out...

in... out... in... out...

in... out... in... out...

You put your hand on Tetchou's head, that he laid on your chest. You whisper.

"Thank you... Tetchou..."

He took his hand away from your eyes. You two were silent. Tetchou were still breathing in the same rhythm.

And you were breathing with him.

______

Tetchou never told you, that you were screaming one name in your sleep.

And it was a scream of terror.

Capitano.

His enemy.

Tetchou was halfway to the flower beds, that Kenji made specifically for you, when he heard a loud crash coming from an empty barn.

_____

This man was huge.

Much taller, than Tetchou, dressed in strange armor, the man was towering over the member of Hunting Dogs.

Both males stood on the opposite sides of the barn. Tetchou was still standing near bars gates, while strange mad stand on the furthest wall.

Yellowish-ember eyes stare right into the black void of a mask.

"Who are you?" Tetchou's voice was emotionless. The man's booming voice echoed off the walls of the empty barn.

"I am Capitano, one of the Fatui Harbingers. I am searching for a sinful creature. Have you encountered an ugly creature this big?" Capitano moved his hand forward to show your height. "It has hideous..."

The rest of the words stuck in Capitano's mouth. A thin blade pierce through his palm, shoulder and sword's tip draw blood from his neck.

Tetchou didn't even move an inch. His eyes shrink.

"So... You are the same Capitano, who dared to hurt My Sakura Blossom... Our [Y/N]."

Tetchou dash forward.

And the floor cracked under his feet.

______

Tetchou never moved so fast in his life.

His sword was bending in impossible corners, piercing through Capitano's armor. Wounding, drawing blood.

Not killing.

The Strongest Warrior of Teyvat couldn't land a hit. Tetchou's determination to protect you, to avenge you, to keep you safe gave his strength.

The fight ended, when Tetchou manage to grab the hilt of Capitano's claymore.

Tetchou never used his ability on two-handed sword. Yet, a sword is a sword.

Without his legs, Capitano wasn't so tall anymore.

______

Capitano woke up in a room, that looked similar to Dottore's lab. He was suspended from the ceiling. Heavy chain was holding his arms together.

Hunting Dogs, except for Tetchou, were here. Jouno was the first one, who noticed, that Capitano was awake.

"So, it is finally decided to wake up." Jouno's voice was cold. Deadly.

Tachihara used his ability, to tie chains tighter. Accidentally' breaking Capitano's arm in a process.

"Here. It won't escape."

Teruko was almost dancing in one spot.

"Finally, I was dreaming about the moment I can get my hands on anyone, who dared to hurt our dear [Y/N]."

Fukuchi put his hand on Amenogozen's hilt.

"You aren't the only one, Teruko-kun. Doctor Yosano, should we start?"

Yosano, who was sitting in the dark corner, nodded.

Capitano got a taste of her ability for a few thousand times.

_____

Tetchou put flowers he picked for you in a vase. He noticed, how brighten up your eyes.

"They are beautiful, Tetchou. Thank you."

And a small smile. And this time, it reached your eyes.

Tetchou opened his arms, offering a hug.

And you hugged him, laying your head on his chest.

His arms wrapped around your frame. Protecting you from the outside world.

Tetchou promised to himself, that he will go beyond limits to protect your smile. No matter what, he will do anything he can.

For your safety

_____

Tag list: @withered-blossoms

[water-to-drink]

Hi :)

Im not sure if you write angst so if you don't please ignore this.

Please can I request a fic where the Reader and Kaveh are in the desert and they get ambushed by something e.g. eremites and the reader gets injured. (also if you don't do Kaveh, Alhaitham would be ok too)

It’s Just A Scratch

(Pairing): Kaveh x gn!reader

(Synopsis): What was supposed to be an uneventful trip through the desert turns into the worst nightmare for Kaveh

(Tags/Warnings): Angst, blood, violence, Kaveh is reader’s boyfriend, petnames (dear and baby), (if I missed anything lmk)

(Word Count): 690 (nice)

(A/n): I hope this is fulfills your request

Traversing such an arid region is not for the faint hearted, the blistering sun and harsh winds are surely meant to keep any inexperienced travelers away. Travelers like you

“Ugh, it’s so hot.” You whined. “I can’t believe you travel through the desert as often as you do!” You fanned yourself with your hands while struggling to keep up with your boyfriend

“It’s not bad once you get used to it, now come on let’s get going we’re almost there.” Kaveh said as he offers you his water canteen

You take it and drink some, careful not to drink all of your boyfriend’s water. You’re coming back from a meeting with a client, you accompanied him as support for the blond, knowing how some clients can be. Now the two of you are on your way back to the city

You handed the canteen back to the architect and kept walking right besides him. You can tell that your boyfriend is very familiar with the terrain, which is something you’re thankful for

“When we get back into the city, let’s grab a drink. On me!” You said

“Wanting to drink after being in blistering heat, I don’t know what to do with you, dear.”

“Hey! You know you were thinking of the same thing-” You came to a halt when Kaveh’s outstretched arm stopped you from going any further

In the middle of the road, there���s a barricade blocking your path

“Kaveh, what’s wrong-”

“We need to turn back.” The blond stated. “It’s dangerous here.”

You rarely saw your boyfriend this serious, so whatever is making him this way should be avoided

Turning around you see a group of people in quickly approaching you and your boyfriend

Eremites!

Quickly you draw your weapons and start fighting your assailants

Kaveh’s heavy claymore effortlessly swings at the Eremites without making the architect break a sweat. Things looked to be going pretty smoothly until he halted his movements

A blood curdling scream rips from behind him, he turns his head to see you being stabbed in the stomach

The next few moments were a blur. Ditching his briefcase in favor of swinging his greatsword by hand, soon enough he sees the Eremites retreating

Quickly turning his attention towards your bleeding limp form, he kneels down and presses on the wound

Panic fills him as he saw blood gush from your wound and cover his hands. He sallowed down his anxiety and made quick work of your injury

Thank the archons he entertained Al haitham’s ramblings mainly the ones that involved medical advice, he hastily patches you up and made sure you were in a stable enough state to move you

Picking you up he ran to Aaru Village and begged the village doctors to help you

The next hours felt like pure agony for the blond, he paced back and forth through the room waiting for the doctors to come out and say that you’re okay. The logical side of him knew that you lost a lot of blood. Wanting to be hopeful but his crimson stained shirt that stickily clung onto his chest broke that illusion for him

The same hopeful side just wanted you to pull through, to keep your promise to stay with him forever and not leave him

After a few agonizing hours the doctors come back and say you’re okay, after some words that went over Kaveh’s head he was allowed to see you

Entering the room he his heart dropped. Your skin normally full of life and color now a sickly pale with large bags under your eyes

“Hey… sorry for scaring you back there.” You weakly said

“Baby, don’t be sorry. I should be the one apologizing, you got hurt because of me.”

“Kaveh…” You reached out to caress his face but your hand so shaky that the architect feared that it would drop

Taking your hand he pressed his face into your palm, noting how cold your hands feel against his cheek

He can beat himself up over failing to protect you later, what matters is for him to be strong for you

[lovehypegirl]

CHILD OF THE DARK KNIGHT HERO

synopsis: Master Diluc and the one who's learned his trade pairing: platonic!diluc x gn!reader, slight angst to lots of fluff notes: reader has a Vision at one point, may be ooc wc: 0.4K warnings.ᐟ slightly dark at the beginning, mentions of kidnapping, child neglect and abandonment, child labor and human trafficking

✦ As a child, your mother had abandoned you and your father was never present

✦ Inevitably she found a way to get rid of you by leaving you in the woods and 'promising' that she'd some back - which she never did

✦ Eventually, the Treasure Hoarders snatched you off the side of the road and brought you to their camp and forced you to work

✦ They made you carry their heavy stuff or work with the miners

✦ Soon, there were some 'dirty' Fatui who were doing more than patrolling the area, they were buying children for labor...and you were one of them

✦ You had managed to get out of the establishment and run far off and out of their clutches

✦ When Diluc was returning from a business venture, he found you hidden behind a large tree

✦ He coaxed you into his carriage to bring you to his home. It took quite a while but he didn't give up on you

✦ It took forever for you to allow the maids to clean you up but Diluc told them to follow your pace and flow

✦ The maids were happy to do so since Diluc had no children and they were excited to care for a cute little kid

✦ You received your own room and your meals were brought to you until your injuries healed

✦ Diluc made sure that you received the best clothes made from the best fabrics, the most nourishing food, and he always gave you a hot water bottle that was wrapped in a thick cable knit yarn to ensure you were warm when you slept

✦ After a while, you were well enough to wander around the manor, Diluc stayed out of his office more to make sure that you would feel safe in his home

✦ Sometimes he would leave for a long period of time but he would always come back with lots and lots of gifts - he loves to spoil you, he feels as if you deserve such treatment

✦ It took about a year for you to warm up to him but it happened and after your child brain had gone through, he understood that all you needed was the reassurance that he would protect you

✦ You began to get closer to him and would join him in his office at times, you ate meals with him, and would follow him around in the vineyards

✦ He would sit at your bedside and read you stories after he tucks you into bed

✦ A few times as a child you've climbed into his bed to hide from nightmares and he always welcomed you

✦ He had no problem playing dress up and would gladly be the princess

✦ As you grew, he hired the best private tutors to teach you and give you the best possible education that any child in Mondstat could receive

✦ After you saw him practicing with his claymore in the training grounds, you pestered him to teach you how to use the same type of weapon

✦ At first he was unsure given your weak state but you followed him around for two months with a promise to be careful

✦ This spiraled into you wanting to become a knight and he was a little hesitant due to the possible influence from Kaeya but he agreed and thus began your training

✦ On a side note, your education began to turn to commerce, economy, and business

✦ Since, y'know, he planned to have you inherit the winery

✦ You had begun to join him on charity events in the other nations, galas/balls, business meetings and the like

✦ He tries to keep you away from Kaeya's antics but that didn't work out when Kaeya tried to give you a sip of wine at the dinner table

✦ On the topic of Kaeya he loves you

✦ He brings you to Mondstat with him with Diluc is busy (much to Diluc's chagrin)

✦ With Diluc's guidance, you graduated at the top of your class as a knight and was inducted straight into the Calvary

✦He was so proud of you when you received your Vision

✦ He slowly begins to pass his work onto you to prepare you to take control of the winery

✦ He gives you a position at Angel's Share as a bartender when you become a teenager

✦ Kaeya always gives you a very generous tip when he comes to the tavern. He's tipping 80% instead of 20%

✦ Weekend evenings are spent in the fields surrounding Dawn Winery having picnics or on the water behind the manor

✦ He teaches you how to mix simple drinks and pats your head when you get it right

✦ Additionally, he lets you braid his hair while he does his work

✦ Just you standing on a chair behind him with his hair full of clips and braids

✦ There are little touches of you all around the manor - the portrait of you and him that hangs above the mantle in the sitting room, the vases of flowers that you picked on your adventures outside, the books that now occupy once empty surfaces, a smaller jacket next to his by the front door, the stuffed toys that are sometimes left in the sitting room on accident, and wooden swords that are left by the stairs or in the hallway

✦ Compared to when he first found you, it's like you're a family now

✦ He really did raise you well

© 𝙇𝙊𝙑𝙀𝙃𝙔𝙋𝙀𝙂𝙄𝙍𝙇 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 | modification and translation of my works on any platforms are strictly prohibited

[https-furina]

ft. kaeya x gn!reader

angst, no comfort, character death, not proofread.

i’ll format, name, etc. this another time.

love doesn’t seem to be easy to come by for him. he’s spent years chasing after traces upon traces of love, clinging to the feeling that one day he’ll feel that pathetic warmth once again. dumped in mondstadt with seemingly no recollection of his family, his home; where he belongs.

crepus and that red haired little boy took him under their wing without so much as battering an eyelid. they housed him, raised him and didn’t even consider any alterior motives. they treated him as their own; brother and son. he grimaces at the thought of crepus’ ponytail that diluc takes after so much, the rough red stubble on his pale face that scratched kaeya’s soft baby cheeks whenever they hugged.

that night flashes in the dark of his eyelids whenever they close shut for the night after a long day at the knights of favonius’ headquarters. the metallic tang of blood, the waft of the smoke from the fatuus’ bullets and the fresh soil dampened by the rain. he recalls it all, his brows furrowing when he sees diluc huddled by crepus’ body.

he’d been too late.

when he started loving you, trusting you enough to bring you close enough past the cocky façade he puts up in public, you saw his quieter moments when he’s head deep in paperwork, no longer throwing flirtatious comments in your direction or when that forsaken day rolls back around and he thrashes in his sleep, pulling the covers of himself and crying out for his father, the only one he knew - crepus.

he swore he’d never be too late again.

thunder roars overhead and this scenario is all too familiar, except some roles have swapped. he kneels in the wet mud, not caring for the cleanliness of his attire as he clutches your body close. the familiar dark clothing of his brother stands not too far away, illuminated by the flashes of lightning. the rain soaks their hair, sticking it to their skin.

his tears blend with the rain, trickling down his face in glittering trails on his tanned skin as he stuffs his nose into your hair. your scent is fading, being overwhelmed by the rain. kaeya’s sword lays discarded in the mud not too far away, glittering with the blood of treasure hoarders as diluc too drops his claymore limply.

he truly believed he got to see his brother happy again. he could make the effort himself and try fix their relationship but he knows now that it’ll be like putting a shattered bowl together with a bandage. his heart plummets into the pits of his body as ruby eyes see his younger self in kaeya.

days later, diluc offers kaeya a room at the winery again. the first act of many planned ones to try feel like brothers again and kaeya accepts. it’s quiet but even adelinde is glad to see that young blue haired boy wandering aimlessly around the winery once more.

and it’s diluc now who shuffles into his brother’s bed to hold his shaking form as he thrashes in his sleep, crying your name. calloused hands pull his brother close, tears stinging his eyes as he tries to be brave for him - just like when they were boys.

in the end, they only have each other, don’t they?

[momochiikawa]

soft genshin x gn reader headcanons.

characters: Kaveh, Alhaitham, Lumine, Aether, Eula, Ei, Diluc, Cyno

cw: like one swear in lumine's headcanons.

Kaveh

HE. LOVES. YOU. SO. FUCKING. MUCH

he giggles and kicks his feet whenever he thinks about you.

when you kiss him, kaveh literally melts. buys you matching stuff <3. if you want to cuddle with him, he'll drop everything he's doing just to spend time with you. lets you brush his hair!!! thinks about you literally 24/7.rants to you, about how awful alhaithams taste in furniture is, and how cruel he is to take his keys on "accident." if you buy him anything, he'll treasure it, and NEVER lets it get dirty.

Alhaitham

shows his love towards you by helping you with your work or giving you solutions for your problems.kiss him on the neck and he will get SOO flustered by it <3333. when you two sleep together he'll hold you so close you can feel his hot breath on your neck <3 (goodluck trying to get out.) you're the only one who's allowed to interrupt his rest time. he may not be the best at comforting you, but will hold you whenever you want him to.

Lumine

WILL PROTECT YOU WITH HER LIFE!!!! as a reward for defeating an enemy she wants a kiss <3. will tell you stories about different worlds, late into the night. paimon tells her to shut the fuck up. will get you anything, she would trade paimon for it. loves your smile the most and will do everything it takes to make it last forever.

Aether

so cute!!

gives you kisses you on the forehead. cooks for you!! and paimon. he'll introduce you to ALL of his friends (goodluck with traveling thru every nation.) he gets super shy if you hold him by the waist (please do) <33 .shoos paimon away when you two want alone time. compasate it by buying her food. he has chubby cheeks and they're sooooo squishy!!!!

he's just a cutie patootie

Eula

congrats! you just gained yourself a bodyguard! will call you babygirl/boy/person(?). very impressed if you manage to raise her claymore. teaches you how to make a moonpie <3 (very patient.) sometimes she puts her cold hands on your bare shoulders to startle you. isn't really cuddly but she enjoys being the little spoon sometimes <3

Ei

oh lord. very veryyy overprotective. won't let you go anywhere alone. (she's scared you'll leave like her friends and sister :[ ). make sure to bring some sweets for her!! she'll reward you with lots of kisses <3. if anyone ever dares to disrespect you, the shogun will deal with them. thinks it's cute when you lay down on her thighs.

Diluc

:hearteyes:

huge simp for you. doesn't give a fuck about anyone else. thinks about you 24/7. very very bad at flirting(you have to initiate everything.) likes when you hold his arm. the best heat pack ever, you won't even need a blanket when cuddling with him

Cyno

your TCG sessions take like 7 hours.can go from serious to silly very quickly. bed talk takes 2 hours. PLEASE laugh at his jokes, he's trying. loves tickling your tummy (poke his ribs in return.) sometimes he thumps his headwear against your forehead while you two kiss

just a silly little guy

[cynosdaydream]

Fantasia

Diluc Ragnvinder was a busy man, but how could he forget about the one important thing? (Diluc x GN! Reader)

ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : After Dark - Mr Kitty

volυмe : ▁▂▃▄▅▆▇▉

Word count: 1.3k

Authors note: Wrote this at 12am in a deranged craving for angst!

A relationship with Diluc was almost ideal at first, likeke the fairytales you've always heard when you were younger. The way your heart would speed up faster when he talked to you, or when you would get this inexplicable breathless feeling whenever he wrapped his arms around you.

Affection filled gazes from across the room, and the small smiles you could feel on your body when his head was buried in your shoulder.

However, as time passed, these things became more fleeting. They felt like gently-blown bubbles, beautiful but fragile. If you touched one, it would instantly burst. Just like the opportunities you would get to be affectionate with Diluc. As your relationship progressed, he slowly opened up to you, explaining why he was always out in the late hours of the night to the crack of dawn. If he trusted you enough to tell you this , then surely you should be supportive of him no matter what, right? The option to suddenly tug on his sleeve and ask him to stay was always there, but you were afraid of shattering your treasured relationship with him. After all, it's not like he was going out to party and have fun or anything.

He's doing this for the safety of Mondstat and it's people, you tell yourself, rearranging the pillows to imitate a person embracing you again. Diluc was most likely coming back late again, leaving the space on the bed next to you cold and empty once more. What you wouldn't give to card your fingers through his velvet locks one more time and cup his face with your hands, like an alluring firefly. Oh, he was so dear to you. But did Diluc feel the same way about you? Did he lose feelings for you along the way? There were so many unanswered questions lingering in the air, but you decided to let them hang there like some cruel ornament. A constant reminder of your cowardice, your inability to freely express your opinions in fear of the bitter taste of rejection on your tongue.

Clutching a pillow tighter, you shut your eyes and started to try to think about something else. Being left alone with your thoughts with out anyone to vent them too for too long was dangerous. This has happened countless times, why are you only so affected by it this time? Maybe it was a sign for you to finally confront Diluc. Should you though? Doubts flooded your mind, but you finally had enough and shut them out. By now, it was already the early hours of the morning, and you were sitting down on the couch waiting for your lover to arrive home.

You didn't have to wait much longer before you heard the heavy oak doors creak open, revealing Diluc Ragnvinder in all his Darknight Hero glory. "Oh, you're still awake? I already told you, you need not wait for me to come home." He said, propping his claymore up on the wall. Taking a deep breath, you dug your nails into your thighs and managed to confidently tell him, "I... I want to talk to you. " Caught by surprise, he nodded and took a seat beside you., prompting you to talk. Swallowing, you began, "Could you... Spend more time with me? It feels like you've been... Absent lately, and... yeah. " You chose your words carefully, not wanting to upset him lest it cause an unnecessary argument. Diluc thought it over, and suggested a dinner between just the two of you tomorrow evening. Elated by his suggestion, you agreed, and waited for him to wash up to be in his warm arms again.

By the time you woke up, the bed was empty. Typical. You didn't pay much mind to it this time though, already looking forward to the date you had this evening. The day went by in a blur for you,  doing everything with a skip in your step and your speech slightly more bubbly. Diluc, however,, spent half the day cramped up in his office , approving trades and signing papers. Before he even knew it ,  he was heading over to the Angels' share for his shift , your date completely slipping his mind. About an hour after he got there, a certain blue haired Calvary captain walked in, causing Diluc to internally sigh. What he didn't expect was Kaeya to look at him with widened eyes, as though he was surprised to see Diluc here. "What are you looking at? " "Aren't you supposed to be having dinner with ___ right now? Don't tell me they bailed on you , after how excited they were this afternoon? " That noon, you happened to meet Kaeya at the bar, and you couldn't help but telling him about the dinner you were looking forward to that day.

Diluc stopped in his tracks as if he was frozen in place. The dinner date. He forgot about the dinner date. "Ah, so I guess you really did forget. I pity ___." Not paying attention to his words, Diluc hurriedly asked Charles to cover him and rushed out of the bar faster than he ever had.

Meanwhile, you had been sitting at the dining table for two hours, food going cold. You sat down around five in the evening, not minding that Diluc wasn't there yet. After all, he was a busy man, but he wouldn't forget about this right? You were wrong. Frowning, you ate finish the now stale steak, ignoring the few sympathetic gazes from the passerby maids. "I'm sorry Adeline, but may I trouble you to clear the dishes now? " she nodded, making a move to stack the plates up. You sighed, heading back up into the bedroom and reading a book before going to sleep. You were disappointed, but you couldn't say you were that surprised. Guess you underestimated how bust Diluc was. "Bang! " a loud sound was heard, and you recognised it as the main doors. Quickly descending the stairs, you hurried to see what the commotion was. Who, or what could it possibly be? To your shock , it was Diluc. "I-i'm sorry. Please.. is there any way I can... make it up to you? " he mumbled between heavy breaths. "Slow down, 'luc. Let'sI have a seat first and when you've calmed down we can talk about this." Even though you were more than upset about the events that occurred today, you didn't want your lover collapsing in the middle of the mansion.

"My love. Please forgive me. I know this won't fix the issue, but I-it just slipped my mind. I promise this won't happen again. Please-" You placed your hands on his trembling ones. "Diluc, I'm not really happy about what happened today. I wish I held a higher priority in your life. " "no, this isn't what it's about-" you were about to interrupt but he said, " Dont leave me. I acknowledge my mistake, and I deeply repent for it. I know this won't immediately solve anything, and it won't dissipate your anger towards me, but this apology is all I can offer at the moment. "

"You fill me with inexplicable wonder. since it's human nature to lust after wonder and curiosity, I might just lose my mind if you ever leave me. my life has no purpose without you."

His words made you suck in a breath. Tugging him into a gentle embrace, you told him, "It's okay, 'luc. As long as you know where you went wrong, and promise to never do this again, that's enough for me. Although I would appreciate it if you didn't leave me hanging for two hours straight though. "

You noticed that after this incident, your boyfriend started leaving the estate later and returning earlier. He also regularly scheduled various dates with you often, and made sure he remembered every single one.

[pigeonpeach]

I can’t be without you

Nilou x gn Eremite reader

The final part!

Part 3

Part 2

Part 1

A/n: i may include eremite reader x nilou in other short and compilations but this is the end of the story! I hoped you all enjoyed!

“Letter for Nilou! Letter for Nilou!” A voice sounded as Nilou raised her head into the direction. A man handed her a letter as she curiously took it.

“Who’s it from?” She asked curiously.

“Just some Eremite.” He said uninterested.

She ignored him choosing to read it right then and there.

“This sandstorm is horrible! We won’t be able to make it back for days at this pace!” Clearwater complained. The wind blowed like crazy, one of your clients covered their eyes as you held their hand to guide them. You knew this was dangerous. But your matriarch didn’t falter or order to stop.

“Keep pressing forward! We can’t get stuck in this part of the desert!” She ordered, covering her mouth to stop sand from flying in. You fell to the ground, exhausted. Clearwater noticed your groan as you struggled to get back up. The client in question clutching your leg.

“I knew I should’ve made that dreaded bastard wait! Oh god we’ll never make it alive!” He wined. “My wife! Oh god my wife! Let her know how much I love her!” His cries stood out to you. You found the strength to get up, picking him up with you in a bridal style.

“We’ll make it sir. Wether we persevere or retreat.” You said to him. You thought of Nilou, you couldn’t give up now. You would make this journey. In your mind you felt a rush of determination as you hauled the grown man through the desert.

“There’s a wall ahead! Quick make camp there! It’ll provide cover!” Your matriarch pointed, you spotted it. You knew in your heart this would be your last expedition, so you rushed over to where she pointed.

“They… liked me too…” Nilou shook with excitement as she finished the letter. She beamed as she immediately chased the delivery boy down. “Wait wait!” He turned confused. “I WANT TO SEND ONE BACK I WANT TO SEND ONE BACK TO THEM!”

“Sorry miss, they said they’d be gone for a few weeks at least, they had a big journey all the way across the desert to Fontaine.” He said. “At least that’s what they told me.” Her heart sank. A million worries flooded her mind.

“Oh.. okay then.. you can go then.” She immediately felt frantic, anxious, fearful. Didn’t Dehya say that this time of the year was when sandstorms were most frequent? Oh no.. she knew there was nothing she could do but wait.

“You really pulled through there.” Your matriarch complimented you. You nodded.

“I uh.. really didn’t want to get stuck out here.” You said. The wind howled but it was less loud now. Your clients seemed grateful to be alive. But you heard something in the distance. Your tribe did. You saw Clear water drag her blades closers, mounting them to her hands, the sumpter beasts seemed more nervous. You swung your claymore, ready for the worst.

“I’m just so worried! Dehya you’re a eremite right?! How dangerous is it this time of month!” Nilou asked. Dehya looked at her confused and concerned.

“Well they should be able to handle it. But i won’t lie to you Nilou, it can be a deadly job. That’s why I’m not going out for awhile actually. I’m surprised they’d set off at this time, must’ve been a big wage to motivate anyone to cross the desert at this time. But don’t worry, once they reach the last stretch they’ll be safe as can be.” She said. Nilou fidgeted with her hands, obviously not convinced. “Look Nilou I’m sure they can handle it. Just relax.”

“Holy fucking shit!” You watched as the tail of a wenut popped up from the ground, breaking up rock and sending some poor creature flying. “Oh god we really are going to die!” Your client whined. Your matriarch was pondering heavily. You knew the wenut would make its way to your camp, there was no time to safely get everyone across. You looked at Clear Water who tried to keep the sumpter beasts from running and drawing more attention. You took a deep breath and darted out.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING GET BACK!” Clear water shouted. You ran and ran, you felt the ground rumble as it pursued. You kept a fast pace as the others watched fearfully. You jumped right before the tail would peak out, dodging its attack successfully. You immediately scrambled as it sunk back down, running around to keep it away from the camp. Your tribe watched in awe. In your head you prayed, to gods dead and alive ‘if i live through this expedition I’ll retire completely’ you dodged another attack, this time swinging your claymore at its tail causing it to sink quickly back down. You ran around, sand getting in your lungs, your muscles on fire. This wasn’t what you wanted in life but you knew you had to get back home, to the only place that truly felt like home, to your new friends, a peaceful life, and more importantly Nilou. That determination was all you needed as you raised your claymore plunging it into the god forsaken tail causing a shriek as it dived back down, blood stained the sand as you climbed up a small cliffside, watching the ground. You waited until the sounds of rumbling died down, and then a little longer. You cautiously stepped foot on the sand, making sure to slowly make your way back. Your tribe stood their in awe.

“You actually did it. You’re alive!” Clearwater hugged you suddenly, the others quickly pulling you into the safety of the tents.

“I am. I’m alive.” You knew what to do then. Your mind had been made. Wether or not Nilou accepted your feelings you were going to change your life.

“Actually Nilou does have reason to worry, now is breeding season for the Wenuts, they can be more active than ever at this time period.” Faruzan clarified.

“That’s not helping.” Dehya groaned.

“Well what I mean is that they’re more focused on other matters than hunting!” She added.

“B- but there’s that chance.. oh dear.. oh dear lord Kusanali please keep them safe.” Nilou prayed, surrounded by friends.

“The storms down! We can move again!” Another member pointed out. Your matriarch contemplated before giving the signal. Immediately all tents were packed and stuff readied as you prepared to leave once more. You recognize the area now. You were farther along than you had thought. You might be able to get home quickly at this rate.

“Oh thank lord Kusanali! I’m ALIVE!” Your client exclaimed. You smiled as you spotted a nice thick scorpion.

“Scorpion ahead, I’ll deal with it!” You said smiling as you rushed ahead to kill it. Dinner would be good tonight.

Nilou sat amongst her friends, food a plenty as they fussed over what way to comfort her. She felt a strange feeling of serenity, like a high pitched voice telling her all was well and everything would be okay. She smiled eating more pudding. She smiled seeing how much her friends cared about her. Now she was thinking of when would be the best time to go to the Ribat to meet them.

Night fell and your tribe had made surprising progress. You could see the giant tree in the distance, supposedly the transformed remains of either the goddess of flowers or Egeria. You didn’t know which one but you heard of their tales. Normally you would be forced to go another way but thanks to some ‘traveler’ things were different. Which is good because that area had a large and plentiful oasis you could freshen up at. Maybe you could find something to bring back for Nilou. You felt hopeful and excited for once.

“You know it might be unnecessary to wait the whole two weeks here?” Dehya said. Nilou had decided to stay at the Ribat just incase they came back early.

“I know but I can’t risk not meeting them on time! What if I come too late and they’re already back out again! I can’t miss my opportunity no matter what. Thank you for coming with though.” Nilou said.

“No problem, but you owe me.” She said.

You stood by waiting to talk to your matriarch. A smile on your face as she collected the payment, observing it was as promised and letting the clients leave on a boat for Fontaine.

“You’re leaving once we get back aren’t you.” She said. You nodded.

“Well.. its just.. I’ve found someone.. and I can’t bare to live without them. I need to know if they like me back. But also I’ve found I prefer the life in the city more and well um..”

“Its fine. When we return to the Ribat will be your final day. You’ve done good. I’m very impressed with you. I can see how that woman has changed you, I don’t wish to keep you here where you have been miserable.”

“Mi-miserable. I wouldnt say-“

“I could tell. You became a eremite because you were made to believe that’s all you could ever be. This job isn’t worth dying for unless you really love it, so if you’ve found better employment and opportunities then I won’t hold you back.” She said. You smiled.

“I-.. thank you.” You bowed. You felt the urge to hug her. Although you two weren’t close sure, it meant alot to see she supported your decision.

Nilou stared at the open desert, her heart fluttering everytime she saw another eremite come in, her heart however sank upon realizing it wasn’t you. Dehya sat by, leaning against a stone wall.

“I want to go find them.” She said breaking the silence. Dehya was appalled.

“Now? Nilou you have never traversed the desert! We don’t know where they could be right now. If anything it’s better to wait here where we know they’ll return.” Dehya said. Nilou seemed torn. Logic and emotion were conflicting.

“I’m worried though. So worried.” She pouted. “Maybe just.. to get a bit closer.”

“You’re willing to go out into the desert at this time of year despite having no experience and no real plan all for a crush?” Dehya asked, desperately trying to knock some sense into her.

“Well they said they liked me back in that letter you know. I can’t wait any longer. I miss them so dearly, I need to see them again!” Nilou looked off into the distance. There was a group moving closer, with sumpter beasts, but there was no way to confirm it was them or their group. At this point however she grew tired of getting her hopes up. The group seemed to set up camp and stop moving. She sighed. It must not be them if they weren’t heading back quickly.

“Lets go wait at the Rivat. I’m sure they wouldn’t like it for you to risk your life now of all times.” Dehya said. That seemed to convince her.

“Alright. But we should get up super early tomorrow! That way we won’t miss them!” Nilou spoke, her mind had been made clearly

“That’s all we’ve been doing but okay.” Dehya sighed.

“We’re going to miss you chef!” Your fellow eremites hugged you in a massive pile. You smiled.

“Promise you’ll visit us in the Rivat! Oh and leave behind a recipe or two! I’ll miss your cooking!” Clear water said.

“I know I know. I promise I’ll leave you guys with my recipes.” You chuckled. The fire was lit as they dispersed, all looking to find stuff for you to cook with. You took out the scorpion meat that had been marinaded in bird fat and lots of salt to keep it from rotting. Putting it into the pot released a wonderful smell as you added more spices. Your matriach sat behind you getting out some good ol booze to celebrate your retirement from this life.

“If you get married I expect a invite.” She said pouring you a cup. You smiled.

“Absolutely. Might even make you my maid of honor/best man.” You said, the usual tension or nervousness you felt around her had faced. You felt more confident, a-shame that it meant now you had actually started to build bonds with them, meaning you would miss them more once they left without you. But you felt excitement for your new life ahead.

“I’m honored, although I doubt id be any good at wedding planning. I’m better at navigating deserts but not with decorations.” She joked. You chuckled, the thought of this tough and burly woman you had seen snap a man’s neck, launch a snake into the atmosphere with a kick, and wrangle a consecrated beast with little injuries, fussing over the table cloth not matching the curtains was a funny image.

“What do you think you’ll do when you get too old? You going to keep doing this till you kick the bucket or?”

“I’ll retire, just like your folks. I’ll become the village grandmother with a plethora of stories and such to tell.” She poured you another glass. You took it eagerly.

“You certainly would have earned it. I’m going to miss seeing you”. You flipped the scorpion meat, adding more seasonings. She smiled.

“Just don’t go dancing with Wenuts again, I’d call you stupid but I wonder if you got that from me.” She chuckled. “That was a stupid but brilliant move. I’m glad you’re alive but never do that again okay?”

You nodded. “Course not. I’ll just play chicken with the tigers for my thrills now.” You joked. She laughed.

The day came. Your tribe walked, hungover and tired from the journey, the destination being the Rivat. You could see the gates in sight. The sun glaring above, searing you one last time. As you made your way through the gates you turned to them one last time.

“We’ve already said our goodbyes now. Don’t waste anymore time or you might get stuck in a rainstorm on the way to the city.” Clearwater said. You smiled.

“I know. Its just a little.. scary I guess.” You took off your mask, you would be keeping it, this time for you to keep.

“You played chicken with a wenut and you’re scared of this?” Your fellow eremites chuckled. In reality you were preparing yourself for rejection or acceptance, rejection was what was on your mind the most. You stepped forward and immediately heard your name coming from afar. You looked to see Nilou running straight to you, the look in her eyes,her movements were your confirmation. You couldn’t help but race to her as well.

“you’re BACK! You’re back!” She exclaimed, embracing you with a strength you would expect from the tail of a scorpion, not a small dainty dancer, but you had come to know her well.

“I am.. i am.. you can relax now you know.. um.. so.. you got my letter right?” You said, she nodded.

“I did, I wish you hadn’t just left! I was so worried for you! I took a few weeks off just to wait for you!” She said. You felt a bit shocked. Weeks? It had been approximately a three week journey to and back, she really waited?

“You did. But that doesn’t really answer my question-“

“Of course I like you back!” She said pulling you into another hug, tighter than ever. You hugged her back feeling relief. “It’ll be hard to work out given your circumstances and job but I’m sure we could make it work.”

“I actually quit. I realized I preferred the city life to the life of a mercenary.” You explained. “One of your friends mentioned that the theatre is hiring and I figured I’d get a job there.” Saying that out loud you felt silly.

“Of course! Oh god even the manager has been missing you! I-i.. i just.. I’m so happy you’re here now. I worried so much about you. I was so worried that you would die or get lost or something out there.” She said. You figured your dance with the wenut should go unmentioned then.

“I missed you too…” after sometime you two pulled away as you contemplated what to say next. “So.. are we dating now? Exclusive, going steady?”

“Yeah i guess that’s what happens next. Why don’t we spend the rest of the day here so you can spend some last few mintues with your tribe. It can’t be easy just leaving them behind.” She said sympathetically. You looked back and smiled.

“Its not no. But we have already had a little going away party.”

“Oh i know! I’ll give them tickets to my next performance!” She said excitedly. You felt a bit excited at that idea.

“I mean… we could ask if they’d like to come? No guarantees though.” You said. Hand in hand you two walked over to your now former tribe.

Years had passed since you and Nilou met that fateful day in the desert, 5 to be exact. You had been hired by the Theatre to work behind the scenes, but you also grew your culinary skills more and more, making more friends. Your tribe would sometimes visit the city just to see the performances and catch up with you. Life was good, it was perfect, you wanted it to last forever. Which is why you bought that ring. Having saved up money by taking a second job temporarily, you bought a beautiful diamond ring, shaped like a lotus. You had held onto it for a few weeks now. Struggling to find the moment, the right time to use it.

It had been on a trip to visit your parents in Aaru village, your parents ended up adoring her, surprised by your career change but not as disappointed as you had worried. You took Nilou to a nearby Oasis that had formed nearby. You had previously scoured the environment and cleared any encampments of hilicurls and those floaty mushrooms. She looked in awe.

“This spot is so.. beautiful! I can’t believe these spots just appear!” Nilou smiled excitedly, she observed the water before stepping in it cautiously, then seeing nothing stirred she cupped it in her hands, pouring it on herself to relieve the heat. You stood behind her anxiously trying to find the words. “Oh, my love! Look!” She pulled out a small box you hadn’t spotted in the sand before, a ring box. You certainly would’ve spotted it, was this a popular spot to propose?

“Oh did someone lose their ring?” You asked distracted. She opened it, you saw the ruby and were reminded of your eremite mask, the detailing was similar as well.

“Well.. i uh.. didn’t really plan a response to that.. no actually I got this for you.” She smiled nervously, getting on one knee. You gasped. Hurriedly getting out your ring box. She was confused at first until she noticed the box you held.

“I can’t believe you beat me to it, but I’m glad you did.” You smiled as she got up to look closer, you watched her swell with joy.

“You.. you got me a ring? I love you so much.” She closed the distance between you two with a passionate kiss. In the light of the sunset you two exchanged the rings and danced in the remaining light. This time hand in hand, never to part again.

The end

[roseapov]

Far from this mess

Diluc x GN!Fatui!Reader

Tw: death, killing, murder, obsession, delusion, organization, suicide, delusions, yandere

Povtober 2023, Day 21 [Masterlist]

'Diluc, look! Such pretty flower!'

The voice of an innocent child echoed through his head, in response he dully stared at the glass in his hand. That child wasn't any ordinary child, it was his childhood sweetheart.

'Oh, come on! It will suit you, I promise!'

Your laughter filling his mind, constantly reminding him of what was stolen from him. He was stripped of your laugh, your voice, your smile, your touch.

Everything, because of your parents. It's their fault, all of it. Diluc gritted his teeth, cleaning already shining glass aggressively.

Your parents - Fatui soldiers on a long term mission in Mondstadt. Of course, as a kid, he never minded your parents occupation.

But after the incident with his father, he would be even able to tolerate them, if they haven't done the unspeakable. They took you to Shnezhnaya, take you away from him.

His first thought was that they wanted to make you a Fatui soldier, but quickly dismissed the thought. They would know better than that, better than to let their child become a thoughtless soldier.

They didn't.

The next time you come to Mondstadt, after years, you were a fully Fatui soldier. Not just the child of ones, you were them truly at heart now.

To say Diluc was displeased to see you this way, would be a huge underestimation. He was practically burning with murderous intent, how dare they taint you?

You of course, saw that too, feeling dread and shivers down your spine. You heard the rumors of what your childhood friend was doing, what he had become.

He wasn't banned from Shnezhnaya for nothing.

The hatred in his eyes immediately reminded you of all your comrades, who died by his hands.

Including your parents.

Your first instinct upon seeing him was to run away. As fast and as far, as you can. Praying to the Tsaritsa that you would make it out alive, you had no clue what to expect from him.

Yet, for the renowned 'Darknight Hero', your try at escaping looked more like a little mouse, trying to hide from the hawk. Intently watching your every move, satiating his hunger and twisted fantasies.

You hadn't stood any chance from the start. Doomed to lose the second this chase started, it wasn't a surprise that he caught up to you a while later.

All you saw was black.

Only he could hear his angry cries, atop your dead body.

He freed you.

He loved you so much and that's why:

He killed you.

Thanks to him, you wouldn't have to be a Fatui anymore. Thanks to him, you finally found peace, far from this mess.

Yet even when he had done the good thing, why does it feel so wrong to lose you? An eternity without you seemed too cruel.

That was one of the reasons why he neared his claymore to his neck.

It's longer than I expected, I also changed the ending on a whim to make it more dramatic and that's how it came out. Be on the lookout for the rest of the Povtober fics!

[thescribeoflostmemories]

Uhhh, surprise..?

Monster! Capitano x reader. (Short story)

No warning except for ooc, fluff, crack and a shit ton of me messing around with the writing. GN reader and uh platonic? Spouse? Idk eitherway I didn't explicitly said what the relationship is in this scenario.

Ps. No edits/beta read

@mellowwillowy

Imagine being friends/partners with Capitano, the fearsome general of the Fatui.

No one knows how you two met, but he is your closest compadre since forever.

Despite all of that, you never seen what he had looked like under his armor.

So what if you did have the opportunity? Lucky for you, that did happen... Just that you ever expected him to be ... Y'know, a mimic.

The only reason why is because you found his armor in his room. Figured he went to take a bath you wore it.

It fits like a glove, and you could still see your face! Rubbing your chin a bit at the mirror trying to figure it out how could even hide his face with his outfit..

But enough with that nonsense, it isn't often you have this kind of opportunity and swung his sword around a bit.

"HAHAHA! I am Capitano, General of the Fatui Harbingers! And I am here to protect you. " Voice tried to emulate his baritone like voice that vibrate within this armor, and saying something that he wouldn't normally say but would be fun to hear from him.

"No draw? No escape!, Fool! " You tried different poses with the sword and armor. Until you felt the 'fabric' that acts like a barrier between you and the metal armor constrict on your skin, it gradually felt warm and cozy.

"This is actually pretty warm." You hugged your arms with the claymore in hand.

"Are you having fun?" You heard Capitano's voice as if he was next to your ear, that caused you to jump in surprise, dropping the weapon and look around for him only to find no one in the room but you.

Turns out he's actually IS the armor your wearing a mimic! It's pretty awkward and really, really embarrassing for you since you did all those poses and cringey one liner finishers.

Capitano tells you to not tell anyone about it, and you agreed so long you and him don't talk about it.

He doesn't want to admit it but it was actually pretty fun- for all you know he might have picked one of them as his signature quote seeing how your eyes sparkle in adoration when you did it.

[hana-no-seiiki]

GROUND ZERO [IMPORT]

↳ ❝ 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐄 / 𝐒𝐍𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐏𝐄𝐄𝐊 !❞

pairings: yandere! bf! katsuki + yandere! harem! bnha + ocs x rich inventor! gn! reader

warnings: soft! katsuki. snob reader.

        

        ↳ DATING BAKUGOU KATSUKI WAS AN EXPERIENCE AND A HALF.

        To [Y/N], most of it was getting relentlessly scolded and nagged upon by the explosive persona. Bickering was the usual. Both enjoyed honesty after all, or maybe it was just a sadomasochistic dynamic that only they would understand. 

        Sometimes — although he may argue that it was backwards — they would have sweet quiet moments. 

        Underneath the orange sky, they would lay down after some heated training matches and just enjoy each other’s presence. 

        Not a word was spoken, nor was it needed to be said. 

        ”Oi, what the hell do you think you’re doing?” Katsuki glared at the camera within [Y/N]’s hands. He wasn’t familiar with electronics really, all he needed was his phone and computer at times. However, he had the feeling that whatever his significant other was using should definitely cost a fortune. 

       ”Taking a damn photo so it’ll last longer” [Y/N] beamed as they imitated one of Katsuki’s words early on in the relationship.

        Their propinquity started around late middle school, and boy did Katsuki soften the following years.

        ”What’re ya staring at?!” Katsuki snarled at his masked partner. He couldn’t see the upper half of their face, but considering that their head had been turned towards him for several minutes? He had to fill in the silence.

        ”A boy named Bakugou Katsuki?” [Y/N] tilted their head in confusion. In contrast to their tone in the present day, their words came out as robotic and excessively formal.

        The heir also had their own personality differences between the years of dating. The previous [Y/N] was ruthless, and reveled in the pain — of whatever form — in others.

        They still did now, but having Katsuki to tease 24/7 made it less apparent.

        The said boy blushed at the straightforward confession, ”Take a damn photo. It’ll last longer.”

        After the couple took their fair share of rest, they set off to Katsuki’s home. Orange sky now darker shade of blue as the sun made its leave as well. ”Tch. We’re going to be late for dinner, [L/N]. Hurry your ass up.”

        ”Coming. . . coming. . .” [Y/N] groaned. Katsuki did a number on their equipment. Most have been charred or just completely obliterated, including their portal and wormhole making gadgetry. This meant that they had to lug around all the weapons — yes, I mean actual weapons — that they’ve been launching at their boyfriend. And, [Y/N] being the spoiled brat that they were, definitely did not like having to exert physical effort. But, oh well, it was just another normal day at the park for these two. They should have been more prepared.

        Why throw weapons instead of using practical things like lazers and the such? Well you see, [Y/N] might just be a huge fan of certain characters in F*te and H*nk*i Imp*ct. They couldn’t help it.

        And if you’re wondering how they’re able to practice with Katsuki using his quirk in public, it’s money. In addition to the fact that [Y/N]’s family probably ‘owned’ the majority of Japan if not just having a major influence in it. “Is Mitsuki making beef stew tonight?”

        ”We’re making beef stew.” Katsuki reached for the claymore above [Y/N]’s pile, thinking of how disastrous it’d be if it somehow falls off and stabs them or a person in their vicinity.

        ”B-b—“

        ”No buts. Maybe if you learned how to properly use a knife you wouldn’t cut yourself so fucking much. I managed to convince the old hag to let us be, too. She will not be coming to your rescue.” He grimaced at the memory of his mother bending towards your requests. She loved you and it shows.

        ”If—“

        ”No ifs either. You won’t burn down the building. Think the old hag hasn’t explosion and fire proofed the whole place?”

        ”How about—“

        ”A kiss won’t change your fate.” Katsuki scowled at their attempt in bribery. Like he’d be the type to give in just because of a simple kiss? What did they think he was? A simp? He needed to teach them how to stop being a spoiled brat. What if their family’s money went down the drain? They needed to learn how to be independent. “Just shut it—“

        He is quickly silenced by a quick kiss to the corner of his lips. “F-Fine!”

        ”You and your stupid pouting, stupid cute fucking face — and those stupid pretty lips. . .”

        ”Love you, Ba-ku-go-u-san!” [Y/N] created a heart shape with their arms, basking in their tiny victory for the day.

        “Tch.” Katsuki gritted his teeth, ”Love you, too. [L/N].”

        ”T-they’re so different when they’re together. . .” A goon — [Y/N] referred to Katsuki’s other companions as that due to the power difference in their dynamic — finally spoke up after numerous hours of being ignored.

        ”Right????” Another goon replied to the comment, equally baffled by the lovey-doveyness of it all.

        [Y/N]’s demeanor immediately switched at moment they noticed the cronies’ presence. Speech devoid of all emotion or interest,  ”Eh, you two were still here?” 

        Katsuki wasn’t an exception to the change either, his face morphing into the usual grouchy one he seemed to wear every damn moment, “WHY ARE YOU EXTRAS STILL FOLLOWING US HUH?! BUNCHA STALKERS!”

        The two boy’s accompanying the couple froze up in fear, “Totally different!”

©️ hana.no.seiiki - yun | 2023

[sh1-n0bu]

Ayo heard you want horny brainrots well I (🦝) have been summoned.

I don't know what your preferences are. Men, women, both, neither but personally I would fuck just about anything that is off age and willing so that being said

I absolutely adore Beidou. She is so fucking hot. She's powerful, strong willed, breathtakingly gorgeous and overall just step on me, captain I am actually begging. On top of that, she wields a claymore, the back amd shoulder muscle she must have? On God?? Yes, MA'AM.

Realistically she probably has a bunch of scars and a sun tan and overall I think Beidou might be the hottest woman in all of Genshin. Genshin has many hot women but no one surpasses her. My queen. My goddess. My love. My main since day ONE. (that's a lie but she was in fact the forst character I pulled)

Alright I'm going to take my brain and wring it out like a wet towel to give you some more asks. Cya in the next one

✿ 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙢𝙮 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 ♡︎

characters: beidou x gn! reader

warnings: fluff, angst, there will be nsfw but it’s not as wild as my other posts, both reader and beidou are switch, cute domestic shits, kazuha being y’alls adopted son (kinda)

notes: 🦝anon, my beloved, i have already made it clear that i’m a raging bisexual so yes, women♥️. women, men, sexy human look alike puppets with god and inferiority complex, idc gimme them all! went with head cannons format with this one i hope you don’t mind. also i’m so sorry my beloved 🦝 anon, i took so long to answer😭😭

aahhh yes beidou

i’m pretty sure everyone took one look at her and went “i’m sat”

and yes 🦝 anon she would have the muscles, sun tan i mean come on she stays out in the sea for as long as she wants, scars and damn did i mention muscles whew it’s getting hot in here

absolutely would spoil tf out of you

jewels, foods, all kinds of trinkets from the places she’s been to before

and if you were to talk it out with her and won’t get seasick easily, she won’t hesitate to ask you to come with her on her ship alongside the crux

after basically adopting kazuha, you two would almost become his pseudo parents in a sense

beidou is the fun carefree mom while you are the parent that frets over him as if he’s a baby

and everytime she sees you scolding kazuha over the smallest of things such as scratching his pretty face she won’t hesitate to tease you in all kinds of ways

general nicknames would be “darling” “your highness”(teasingly) “my treasure”

“[NAME]! MY TREASURE! GUESS WHO CLAPPED THE BIG NOBUSHI GUYS’ ASSES BAREHANDED!”

“OH MY ARCHONS BEIDOU YOU’RE BLEEDING!!!”

if you were to ever kiss her scars or wounds while treating her she would just melt

“ahaha… oh darling, what did i ever do to deserve you?”

due to her past of being hated by the village she was taken in, sometimes beidou would have a very horrific and detailed nightmares or thoughts of you leaving her because she is ‘cursed’

would hate to burden you but will gently stir you awake to ask for cuddles and kisses

“i-i’m sorry, treasure. i-i just… please? hold me?”

please don’t degrade her even as a joke

since you’re someone so dear to her heart, even if she were to laugh it off as a joke on the outside, she would be thinking all sorts of bad thoughts on the inside

i feel like she would give the best hugs and piggyback rides

if you’re both walking around and you’re getting tired or wounded, she won’t hesitate to squat down in front you or carry you bridal style

is so so incredibly gentle with you

she knows she’s strong, she knows she’s powerful i mean she struck down haishan, the leviathan while visionless

and due to that knowledge she’s afraid she might accidentally hurt you in some way, even when she knows you’re not some fragile doll

i can’t really see her being a sub honestly

i feel like she would be either a switch or a soft dom

is into face-sitting and i cannot stress this enough

whether it’s you sitting on her face with your juices gushing and squelching, your legs trembling to hold yourself up she won’t stop until she’s satisfied

“shh it’s okay darlin’ you’re doing sooo good. come on sit on my face, i wouldn’t mind and you know that”

or her sitting on your face as she grinds her slicky pussy into your mouth while moaning and calling you a good girl/boy as she grips your hair

it doesn’t matter which one it is, she’ll take it

will overstimulate you but in the gentlest way you get what i’m saying?

“aww there there. come on you can cum again. you can cum again right darlin’? yes you can treasure. come on cum for me. you can do it”

or it’s you absolutely worshipping every inch of her body

“haaangg~ oh yes, that’s it. keep mmggff! keep going. ah yeah, you’re making me feel so good treasure~”

sex with her would generally be very soft, slow and filled with praises

aftercare would be you two cuddling together after cleaning each other up and just talking of small topics like today’s weather, the next destination, which destination to go to next etc etc

just,,,, beidou🥹🫶

[impactedfates]

A Pawn In Chess - Tartaglia x GN!Reader

Summary: A 5 year anniversary for you and your boyfriend, and your gift to him needed to be perfect. Recalling all the happy memories you had together, annoying your friend with how in love you were and perfecting you gift to Childe. But was he truly in love with you in the first place?

Warnings/Extra: Fluff to Angst // My OC is included >:D // As always, slightly ooc Childe probably // Reader lived in Liyue before moving to Snezhnaya // Takes place some time after Sumeru Archon quests, no major spoilers though dw :) // A part 2 might be written.

W.C - 2241

A/N- When I told my friend this was going to be an angst fic, she was quick to not want it…sooo if this gets enough notes I might consider a part 2. I’m actually semi-proud of this fic! :D Some basic info you’ll need to know about the OC I included is that his name is Zakhar and he’s an electro claymore user apart of the Fatui. He was really only added because I didn’t know the personality’s of any other Fatui well enough to write about…(that would fit in the scenario anyways)

"And you're doing this, why?"

Came a tired voice behind you. You turned and your eyes met those of a dark navy. One of your best friends ever since your boyfriend introduced you to his group. Zakhar.

"Because it's our anniversary!"

You replied, sighing and shaking your head at him as if it was common knowledge. Then again, with how lovey dovey you and your boyfriend usually were, you suppose it is common knowledge in the Fatui. You continued to cut up photos in different shapes and sticking them in a mini scrapbook. You were planning to fill a book with all the memories you had with your boyfriend. You absolutely adored him.

You adored Childe.

You adored Tartaglia.

You.Adored.Ajax.

"Doing all this for Lord Tartaglia seems like it'll take awhile...especially with how perfect you want it to be"

Zakhar speaks, moving to stand next to you and look at your work. He was probably one of the first to find out about yours and Ajax's relationship. You rolled your eyes at him as you continued to perfectly and carefully place all the pictures on the current page.

"It's our 5 year anniversary, of course I want to make it perfect"

"I just think that there's no need to be this obsessed with your gift to him"

He shrugs, crossing his arms. You let out a dramatic gasp as you set down the scissors and yet another couple photos you took with Ajax's. Zakhar looks at you amused but lets out a light chuckle. Picking up the photo you set down he studies it for a moment, and before he could even ask anything, you were quick to explain.

"That's when we first met!"

"You took a photo of when you two only just met?"

"Yes, and it was cute okay!"

You reply, snatching the picture out of his hands with a fake pout, you carefully cut it into a heart. Although you may not believe in love at first sight, you can say that's what you felt when you first met him. Of course it took much longer than that for you to develop feelings for him. You can still remember that day clearly, you had just returned from a trip from Fontaine when you met him and you were more than happy to tell your friend all the details.

.

.

.

"Hey, wait up!"

Came a carefree voice. You turn and are met with blue eyes gazing into your own eyes. You raise your eyebrow at him. You studied his appearance a bit, definitely not clothing you'd see in Liyue, perhaps someone visiting? Still you stopped walking and waited for him to run up to you. He stood beside you and grinned at you.

"Thanks comrade, the names Childe. What's your name?"

"Childe? An odd name but...my names [Name]"

Childe held out a hand to you, urging you to take it, you looked curiously at him but took it anyways. There was something up with the man next to you, but you couldn’t put your finger on it.

“So [Name], fancy hanging out with me for a bit? I’m new to this Nation of Contracts, and~ having such a cutie like yourself being my tour guild would make my stay more bearable no?”

You looked at him for a bit, slightly surprised at the compliment but shrugged it off. You also shrug off that he seemed to be lying about being new to Liyue. Was this his way of flirting?

He stared back and it was clear he was getting nervous after such a long silence.

“Actuallyyy, if you don’t want to you don’t ha-”

“Sure, I have time. But you better make it worth my while”

Childe looked at you for a second then grinned. He pulled out his Kamera and gestured to you to come closer. You looked at him confused and curious, and it seemed he sensed it as he quickly explained he wanted to take a picture to capture this memory.

You laughed softly at the ginger's antics before agreeing, once he took the photo, he handed a copy of the photo to you before running off. Yelling that he’d meet you here the next day at 8.

.

.

.

“That was a cute meeting?”

Zakhar asked judgmentally, looking at you with an almost deadpan expression. He clearly did not find anything about the meeting cute.

“Him failing at flirting and you find that cute?”

You nod matter of factly with a grin, before waving him off. He wasn’t there so how would he know how cute Childes' expression was when he attempted to flirt with you? He wouldn't know how cute it was when his face lit up when you agreed to be his ‘tour guide’.

Zakhar rolled his eyes, his eyes scanned the assortment of photos still around your desk. Ignoring the paper scraps, scissors and stickers also on it. He studied the photos that had yet to be added.

“What’s that one?”

He pointed at a picture of you and Childe. You eyes glanced over at the one he was pointing at and your eyes softened. It was a picture of you and Childe outside a restaurant in Snezhnaya. His arm wrapped around your waist as he grinned at the Kamera, you were covered in his scarf, a bright smile also on your face.

“Our first date, he took me to Snezhnaya and asked me on a date, confessed to me after dinner as well”

“Shouldn’t confessions be before the dinner date?...Wait, wasn't this also after you found out about his actual job?”

“Well…yes actually, it was…but I’ve known Ajax for awhile now that I suppose I didn’t care…and also he confessed before and after the date”

You state a dreamy look in your eyes, ignoring the look on the electro user's face as he pinched the bridge of his nose. Clearly confused at how you were so willing to ignore your boyfriend's occupation. You don’t even notice however, as you recall how the date went.

.

.

.

“[Name]!!”

You turn and see Childe running up to you, you shiver a bit due to the cold and wrap your coat around you more. Smiling at him as he walks over.

He took notice of your shivering and was quick to wrap his scarf around you.

“I’m used to the cold, don’t worry”

He reassured you, before taking your hand and walking with you to a fancy restaurant. You two chatted a bit, and deep down you could tell Childe, or at this point, you knew him as Tartaglia now. He was glad you didn’t seem to care about his status as a Fatui Harbinger.

Though in all honesty, you also wondered how you didn’t figure it out quicker. Especially after finding out what he did in Liyue. Then again you were in Fontaine when it all happened and no one was talking about it when you came back.

Eventually you arrive at the restaurant, and Tartaglia, like the gentleman he is, opened the door for you and even pulled out a chair for you to sit on when you both entered.

The dinner was amazing, and Tartaglia was more than happy to pay, as you two walked out. He walked you home, or atleast to the hotel you were staying at. And as you arrived, he was about to turn and leave. “Wait, Tartaglia”

He turned and hummed in response, you took out your own Kamera and held it up.

“Can we…take a picture?”

He chuckled a bit and walked over, wrapping his arm around your waist and grabbing your Kamera.

“A picture to remember our first date? You’re rather cute aren’t you love?”

He speaks, placing a kiss on your forehead before snapping a picture of the two of you, however you don’t miss the soft voice of his as he mutters.

“I love you”

.

.

.

“Oi…Oi!”

Came a voice that snapped you out of your thoughts. Fingers snapping in front of you also brought your attention back to your friend who’s been trying to gain your attention after you started daydreaming.

Your cheeks flushed embarrassed as you scratched the back of your head with a small smile.

“Sorry-”

“Whatever, are you nearly done now? Childes meeting with the other harbingers should be finished soon, then you can give him your gift”

Zakhar states, crossing his arms, eyeing the remaining pictures. Your eyes widened in surprise and glanced at the clock. He was right, you better finish soon if you wanna meet with Ajax after his meeting. He was bound to be tired.

After a bit of begging you managed to convince Zakhar to help you finish the scrapbook. Once it was completed you hugged the book to yourself and happily walked alongside Zakhar to the Fatui headquarters.

“Did I tell you the day I met Ajax's family?”

“Please stop getting all nostalgic-”

“Well!”

You completely ignored his wishes as you started telling him about the day. How his siblings instantly loved you, his parents took a bit to warm up to you, helping with dinner and the proud face Ajaxs had when he watched you get along with his family.

This was the day you learnt of his real name. He allowed you to call him by Ajax, which should’ve been probably something that’s to be expected when you’re dating someone. Yet you felt so honoured he trusted you enough with said name.

You continued talking about what happened when you stayed with Ajax's family for a week. The crafts you made with his younger siblings, the talks you had with his older siblings and the uneasy tension you had with his parents before they warmed up to you. How you two shared a bed. It was clear you were very in love with Ajax. And it was also clear Zakhar was growing tired of it.

“And then-”

“Shhh”

He put his hand over your mouth to stop you from speaking any more. Using a free hand he rubs his temples and looks at you before gesturing that you’ve arrived. You were so caught up with your retelling of memories you didn’t realise you talked about it all the way to the front door of the Harbingers meeting room.

You patiently waited outside, the scrapbook still hugged to your body as you waited for everyone to file out of the room. As the Harbingers left, some ignored you while others gave you a nod of acknowledgement. Ajax was the last to walk out, wearing his large coat.

“Ajax!”

Your eyes didn’t fail to see how he winced as you called out to him. You weren’t being too loud were you? You shake your head, he was probably tired from the meeting.

You walked up to him and were about to hand over the scrapbook when Ajax glared at you.

“What are you doing here [Name]?”

He asked, his tone differed from his usual carefree ones. And it definitely didn’t escape yours or Zakhars attention.

“I…wanted to see you…it’s our anniversary?”

“Right…our anniversary…”

Ajax speaks, nodding. He seems lost in thought, you were about to speak up when he raised a hand to stop you.

“[Name], I think we should break up”

“...Sorry?”

Ajax looked at you, it was clear to you that he wasn’t joking. Did you do anything to make him want to break up with you? Now that you recall, he was starting to get distant since a week ago.

“I…have no use for you anymore…look, I’m not going to continue dragging this relationship on when I never had any feelings for you…you were simply…”

“A pawn in chess?”

Zakhar asks, raising an eyebrow as he walks over to the two of you, having listened in. Ajax pauses before slowly nodding, going to explain more.

“[Name] was…a key to get information on someone that made enemies with us…”

“And you thought the best way to do that was to pretend you liked them? To act as if you two were a happy couple. I don’t mean to judge Lord Tartaglia but that doesn’t seem like a good reason”

You stood there for a bit, clutching the scrapbook in your hands still as Ajax and Zakhar argued. Your mind was trying to process.

So Ajax just came up to you so he could get information on an enemy of the Fatui?

So Tartaglia only took you on a date to act like he truly loved you, so that you trusted him?

So Childe only brought you to meet with his family to act like he trusted you.

Your lips thinned as you dropped the scrapbook and ran off, gaining the attention of the 2 Fatui members.

“[Na-”

“You have no right to try and call after them now”

Zakhar glared, before running after you. Due to being in the Fatui for a while, he easily caught up to you, finding you crying. And although he wasn’t all too good at comforting someone, he still took you back home and tried his best to calm you down. Taking care of you until you fell asleep.

Meanwhile with Childe, his eyes glanced at the book you dropped, picking it up he flicked through it and felt his heart clench. You made a book filled with the memories you had with him, a book meant to show all the happy times you had with him.

Yet it was only a book of lies now.

[hunnieknight]

OLD MASTERLIST, EVERY FANDOM IS MIXED IN

> `~•. ♡ Hunnie Knight ♡ .•~` <

Highschool AU

Yanderes, Obsession

Subtle Marking (Various)

Volleyball Player (Childe x Fem Reader)

Forgot your umbrella (Various)

Parental

Parents, domestic

Copy Paste(Navia x Gn!Reader)

Baby horns (Ganyu)

Little Pilot (Yukong)

Baby bunnies (Furina/NSFW hidden undercut)

Mama Cats (Serval)

Mom!!(Yae,Sara,Kokomi)

First fight!(Some Inazuman women)

Great Parents (Mondst various)

Chubby Reader

You don't want to sit on their lap (various) + Tighnari

Kinks?(Lisa)

Chubby Bunny (Kafka/Acheron)

Chubby Bunny 2 (Ganyu)

Soulmate AU

Your have their constellation star, Yandere, chapter stand by itself(not continuous)

Series 1 (Aether, Bennett, Xiao)

Hybird Reader

Feral, animalistic, may contain blood or suggestive stuff, may overlap with other AU

Seelie Reader by @//genshinarchives

Sheep Reader (Horn Gang/Yanfei, Itto, Ganyu)

Kitsune Reader (Youkai Trio + Yelan, Lumine)

Little Beast! (Himeko + Kafka)

Melusine Reader (Neuvilette,Platonic)

Delivery Kitty (Lisa & Arlecchino)

Food thief!(Hsr various)

Little mouse (Xilonen w @/sea-lanterns)

Curious Kitty? (Mavuika)

Wake up! (JY + non hybird reader,platonic)

Grandchild AU

You are Pulcinella's grandchild, Harbingers x reader

Series I

Series II

Series III

Groups

Red Claymores (Diluc, Beidou, Dehya, Xinyan)|Geo Exclusive (Geo only) | Horn Gang (Itto, Yanfei, Ganyu) | Youkai Trio (Itto, Sara, Yae)

Red Claymores walked in on you

You Resonate with Geo (Mono Geo team)

Sheep Reader (Horn Gang)

Kitsune Reader (Youkai Trio + Yelan, Lumine)

Playing Among Us (Geo Exclusive)

The Avian Gangs (Bird Constellation exclusive)

Brain cells (Anemo boys)

WoodChuck! (Mono Geo)

Safety! (Debut Harbingers)

Treat Only! (Express Trio)

Sneak out!(Debut Harbingers)

Kitty Cat! (Little Cat hsr Merch)

Sketch Ideas/Concept

Sketches

Sketch Ideas (4ggravated / Alchemist Trio)

Sketch Ideas (Ragbros / Zhongli)

Sketch Ideas (Halovian Siblings)

Sketch Ideas (Navia/Beidou)

Others

May contain Yanderes and suggestive content

Afraid to break their gift (Various)

The Dawn's Hospitality (Diluc)

Help with zipper (Various)

How do they call you(Various)

SAGAU answer by @//hiraya-rawr

Suggestive (Childe)

Hickey (Genshin women)

Take Down by @//ddarker-dreams

Empress AU by @//sea-lanterns

You and your plushie (Various)

I hate Mona (answer)

I am him!(Venti and Zhongli)

Durian!(Various)

Minecraft Server (Various)

Idiom (Stelle)

Lick lick Kiss (Stelle)

Perfume (Navia)

Not staring (Sara)

Plushie!(Navia)

First Aid!(Natasha)

Sneak In! (March/Stelle)

Asmr artist (Yanfei)

Therapy chair (Chameleon)

Just ask (Dr. Ratio)

Fish!(Shenhe)

Captain's joke (Crux Duo)

Wrong Treats (Mavuika)

Art Log

NOT X READER

Art Log 1

Zhongli babysit Ganyu

Fox Banner

Art Log 2

Sleepy General (Jing Yuan)

Too much milk (Jing Yuan)

Tubbs (Jing Yuan)

Doggg(NinetyNine)

FAQ

[xzho-writes]

heard ya like angst so here i am to request some

the boys seeing their so getting badly hurt by someone else

which boys? let's go with your top three ;)

seeing you get hurt

pairings: diluc, zhongli, kaeya x gn!reader (separate)

genre: slight angst/comfort

summary: the scene that plays out before them is enough to send their blood boiling as they rush to save you

wc: ~3k: 1k (diluc), 1k (zhongli) 1k (kaeya)

warnings: physical violence, mentions of blood and injury, angry genshin men, use of the term ‘whore’

a/n: sorry for the wait, nonnie! i made a lil quick prompt idea here to get me started, so i hope this is at least decent enough for you—

you can find my masterlist here

diluc

diluc paces up and down the main floor space with an air of irritation surrounding him.

“adelinde, have you seen them around at all?”

the head-maid in question flits a worried glance to elzer at her master’s question, and elzer shoots a look back not too dissimilar to the one she just gave him.

“…i’m afraid i haven’t, sir,” her voice begins slowly. “perhaps they’re still out collecting ingredients?”

at adelinde’s tentative offer, diluc’s lips purse into a thin, downturned line. travelling to the city only took around half an hour by foot and collecting said ingredients shouldn’t have taken that long- two hours at the latest if something managed to catch your eye. at that point it was nearing four since you’ve left the winery and diluc was growing concerned.

perhaps he was overthinking… after all, what could go wrong from a simple grocery trip? mondstadt was relatively safe, too, and he had specifically cleared the path there last night after you excitedly told him of your plans.

but it was only afternoon, and you were more than capable of looking after yourself. so why, then, did he feel so apprehensive?

the young master didn’t have much longer to dwell on his anxieties when the manor doors suddenly burst open, exposing a breathless knight hunched over with his hands on his knees.

…this wasn’t good.

diluc was already making his way towards him-instincts screaming that something was very wrong; the knights never approached him unless a situation directly concerned his attention.

this wasn’t good at all.

“m-master diluc!” the young man huffs, trying to catch his breath. “it’s urgent! t-theres been a fight at the plaza and,” he sputters, “they’ve been injured! they won’t listen to anyo—”

adelinde had already ushered all the maids to begin preparing any medical supplies that might be needed for your return.

not even a split second after hearing those words tumbling out the knight’s mouth, diluc all but shoves his way past the heavy doors and ran towards where he usually kept his claymore. startled workers jumped at his abrupt appearance and elzer was quick to find his place at his master’s side.

“fetch me a horse!” he demanded.

mondtadt was bustling with the ruckus coming from the crowd gathered at the steps towards the main city. from atop his great steed, diluc could make out the figures of the people at the centre of the drama.

and as he feared, in the midst of it all was you.

he could make out your form laying on the ground with numerous vegetables scattered next to your body- hair askew with bruises on your face. a bloody nose.

standing above you was a man whose face didn’t fair much better, a blackened eye and a cut on his cheek.

and diluc saw red.

the atmosphere took a sharp turn as people were stunned by his drastic change in aura. the crowd, promptly silenced, hurriedly made way for the seething man as he all but jumped off his horse and made a beeline towards you.

those who were close enough to the enraged ragnvindr noticed how his fists were clenched tightly at his sides, shaking at the intensity. some gasped in complete awe at the sight for diluc was always one to keep his composure even in the most trying situations.

everyone within the great walls of mondstadt knew better than to further provoke the uncrowned king.

it appeared that your attacker didn’t get the memo, however, as he audaciously lifted his hand in what seemed like another attempt to hurt you.

you raised your arms in self defence for the blow that was seconds away from striking your body, but no such pain befell you.

“get your filthy hands off of my partner.”

jumping at the unsuspected sound, both you and the offending man whipped your heads around to face the new voice, and you were about to breathe out something when you caught sight of diluc’s visage.

his face is all but calm; what is usually an unamused stare is replaced by a deep scowl that mars his features, brows screwed and jaw clenched, and the glare he sends the man who dared to lay his hands on you is nothing short of fatal. what's most frightening, however, is the infamous black and red claymore materialising in his hands.

he was livid.

though the man towering above you was visibly shaken at diluc’s appearance, he still had the gal to shakily huff in his direction.

“o-oh yeah? what’cha gonna do, pretty bo—”

diluc left no time for him to finish his question as he thrust the blade of his claymore to the man’s throat, not powerfully enough to deal significant damage but just enough to draw blood from a shallow cut.

…how in the name of the archons did he move so fast?

“don’t ask questions you don’t want answers to,” was his reply.

and it’s enough to send your attacker reeling back in fear.

“leave,” diluc threatens once more, and everyone knows that he’s not the type of man to pose empty threats.

your jaw hung agape at the scene that just played out before you, and you were ready to scold diluc for being so uncharacteristically violent when he quickly (but carefully) scooped you into his arms and started making his way back to his horse.

“d-diluc! what the hell—”

“we’re going home, and we’re taking care of your injuries.”

“bu—”

the stern look he shoots you tells you that he was not in the mood to listen to your protests. you receded back into his shoulder at this but it only made you acutely aware of how much diluc was shaking, trembling as he clutched you close to his chest.

he was scared, you realised.

you had a lot of explaining to do when you got back home…

zhongli

the breeze is warm as is wafts by liyue harbour and the clouds in the sky help to block out the sheer intensity of the sun, creating a cosy atmosphere for the inhabitants of liyue.

it’s idyllic. beautiful. though zhongli is not a proud man… he would be lying if he said that liyue wasn’t the most gorgeous nation during the summer. but you could always argue that he was biased. after all, he was the very person to father this nation into what it currently was and a creator will always be proud of its creation.

what a shame, he mused, that you weren’t currently by his side to enjoy the lovely summer day together. he could almost feel the ghost of your touch on his arm- the arm that he instinctively holds out for you to wrap your own around. arm in arm is what the two of you should be right now, had it not been for the commission you were taking today.

and it was that very commission that led him to leave your humble abode in search for katheryne, for it had been quite a while since you left his side.

you only had one commission to take care of today for the extra mora- you didn’t even need to take it but you wanted some extra money to save for whatever reason zhongli didn’t know. the man assured you that there was no need for the added work but you had insisted anyway.

and who was he to deny you of anything when you looked up at him in such anticipation, constellations swimming in your irises?

zhongli wished he had been more firm, however, as it was nearing six hours since your departure.

the man was seemingly caught up in his worries when, before he knew it, zhongli’s feet had already guided him to the adventurer’s guild kiosk. he was met with the woman at the desk smiling amiably at him.

“ah! good afternoon, mr. zhongli! how may i help you today?” katheryne greets with a wave.

zhongli gives an easy smile and nods to her before getting straight to the point.

“good afternoon, katheryne. i’m here to ask about y/n, have they turned in yet? i was told that they only had one commission, but it’s been quite a while since they’ve left.”

the lady’s shoulders droop at his question as she shakes her head, a frown growing on her face. “i’m afraid they haven’t… i’ve already sent a few adventurers to search for them, but i can give you their location if you’d like?” she offers.

“please,” is all zhongli replies with before katheryne hands him over your file.

the travel to lingju pass was swift thanks to the help of xiao; zhongli only needed to whisper his name and his loyal adeptus transported them to your nearby location at speeds incomprehensible to human understanding. xiao knelt at zhongli’s side as he nodded to the smaller male, promptly thanking him and dismissing him thereafter.

summoning his vortex vanquisher and securing it onto his back, zhongli silently made his way into the ruins alert for any sound that might draw him to you.

deeper and deeper into the ruins he went until a faint trail of blood caught his attention, causing the man’s face to contort into one of confusion. laying discarded by the red trail was a fatui mask- a sight that wrenched a gasp from his throat, panic taking over his system.

picking up his pace, zhongli followed the trail until it led him to a dimly lit room illuminated only by the sunlight seeping through the cracks of the stone walls.

the view that greets him is enough to make his archaic blood boil- enough to warrant the cracks in the stone where his footsteps used to be.

in the centre of the room was your beaten body being pinned to the floor by a fatui agent’s foot planted on your head. his face was unobscured thanks to the mask laying on the ground and the trail of blood seemed to be caused by the gash on your torso.

you sputtered droplets of red as you struggled to lift the pressure from your head, striking weakly at the agent’s leg when a hum left his throat.

“well, well, well! this a friend of yours, sweetheart?”

with great difficulty, you weakly tilted your face in the direction of the agent’s voice and you were met with none other than your beloved standing by the entrance of the room, familiar pole-arm ready in his clutches.

you’d be overjoyed with his presence if it wasn’t for how utterly vexed he seemed to be.

zhongli looked like the epitome of what it meant to be petrifying; the usual peaceful expression on his face replaced with unadulterated rage. if your head wasn't currently under someone's boot you'd be able to see how his golden pools of amber house slits for pupils, glowing in the dimly lit room.

and was it just you, or did the pressure in the atmosphere become... heavier? more suffocating? it felt as if your lungs were being seized by a pressure so great that they were ready to rupture.

“you never told me you had company with you—” the man starts, but is promptly cut off by the sickening crunch of zhongli’s fist connecting with his jaw.

your attacker is sent staggering to the floor as you sit up and gasp for air, gulping down whatever you could manage.

zhongli is quick to help ease you onto the nearby wall with gentle hands before planting an apologetic kiss to your forehead. he stands, then, and makes his deliberate way to the man still stunned on the stone floor.

in the blink of an eye zhongli grips and hangs the agent by his collar so that his feet are dangling in the air.

tilting his head around enough so that you could hear the words ominously leaving his mouth, but not enough to see his face, he warns,

"look away, dearest. this could become… rather unsightly."

kaeya

“i’m afraid i’m going to have to cut this night short, boys,” kaeya announces as he takes one final swig of the dandelion wine he was nursing.

the tavern erupts into a chorus of disappointed groans coming from the knights who were currently enjoying their friday evening.

a cacophony of “but captain!” and “just another drink!” filled the cosy building and diluc, who unfortunately was manning the bar that night, could only sigh in mild annoyance.

the man who the soldiers call captain chuckles at their obvious despondency as he stands and makes his way towards the tavern’s door.

“got somebody waiting for you, captain?” asks one of the younger knights.

kaeya watches with a small smile on his face as the older knights nudge the younger’s shoulder suggestively, others shaking their head and huffing in lighthearted jealousy.

“you could say something like that,” is all kaeya says before he wades out of the tavern and into the streets of the city.

he makes note of all the people still out enjoying their evening and surmises that he isn’t too late to see you yet. you should be up in your little apartment right about now, reading a book or finishing off paperwork, waiting for him to return home to you.

kaeya’s smile widens at this. it felt so nice, so right, to once again have someone he could come home to. it had been far too long since he’s felt that sense of belonging, and it’s gives him that extra bit of motivation to finish work early so that he’d have more time to spend with you.

on his way, kaeya decides to visit marjorie’s shop to buy you a little gift. there was no special occasion, but kaeya loved to spoil you silly if only to watch emotions paint your face in pretty colours.

he smiles subconsciously at this. what expression would you wear today, he muses as he picks up a little crystal bird attached to a pretty golden chain.

would you be happy? flustered? hit him on the chest and retort that he was spoiling you rotten?

either way, kaeya wanted to see your reaction no matter what it would be.

quickly he payed marjorie a hefty some of mora, leaving the shop before she could even begin to protest that he gave too much, and continued his way home with an extra pep in his step.

the young man began to entertain the idea of running you both a romantic bath when the sudden commotion of people fighting caught his attention.

must be a couple of drunkards, was what he originally thought. after all, it was a friday night which meant that most people would be off their jobs and spending their time at one of the many taverns in mond.

this idea was thrown out the window, however, as soon as he caught sight of a familiar tuft of air in a random lady’s grasp. kaeya’s brows scrunched as he jogged his way over to check what all the fuss was about.

unfortunately, you were not at home reading a book or finishing off paperwork.

you were right in front of him; currently in a heated fist fight with a woman he did not know, trying to fend her off as best as you could. several onlookers fled the scene whilst some others cheered the fight on, and the sight only served to anger the captain.

kaeya ran straight towards your direction in an attempt to save you from whatever situation you were in.

“you ruined everything!” he could hear the woman screeching who was trying beat you to a pulp.

this just confused you further as you tried your best to free your hair from her vice grip.

“what the hell are you talking about—?!” you exclaimed, not knowing where all her rage was coming from.

but this only seemed to edge her on more. “don’t play dumb with me, you little whore!”

and it was at this defilement of your name, coupled with the fact that she was attempting to harm you, did kaeya make a full sprint towards you, jaws clenched and eyes blazing.

as you twisted and turned to free yourself, a flash of blue made it into your peripherals and you let out a sigh of relief seeing the familiar man sprinting towards you.

but something sends a chill straight down your spine.

kaeya wears the same catty smile but his eyes, you barely notice from your position, are sharp as daggers. sharp as the loyal sword strapped to his hip.

if your vision wasn't so blurred from the instinctive tears sitting at your lower lash line, you'd be able to make out the cloud of frost emitting out from kaeya's being.

the air you breathe in feels icy and you can’t tell whether the shiver that just shot through you was due to your fear or the sudden drop in temperature.

it seems that your attacker is just as stunned as you are if the gasp that she just let out meant anything. the pressure from the base of your scalp dissipated as the woman caught sight of none other than kaeya alberich- as if trying to hide the fact that she was just mercilessly beating you.

she stutters immediately, caught red handed.

“s-sir kaeya—!”

a glare fatal enough to kill is cast her way.

"my, my... causing discord within the streets of mondstadt? I'd keep my hands to myself if i were you,” kaeya begins with authority before a threatening lilt finds its way into his tone.

“unless, of course... you have no need for them?”

suffice to say, the woman fled the scene before you could even collect your bearings.

familiar hands tilted your chin up to meet kaeya’s face as he smoothed your hair back in place, inspecting your body for any more signs of injuries.

it was all you could do to slump into his hold like a rag-doll, thoroughly exhausted from the events.

“come,” kaeya coaxes into your hair as he lifts you into his arms, one under your back and one under your knees. he plants several apologetic kisses to your hairline before placing on right in between your brows.

“let’s get back home, okay?”

published on 12/04/22

[abyssruler]

words spoken and left unsaid

pairing: diluc x gn!reader

summary: arlecchino once told you that soulmates were a liability. years later, you come face to face with your supposed destined other, death looming over your shoulder and threatening to have you within its grasp. as the claymore draws inches from your throat, you’re more than inclined to believe her words.

note: soulmate au, the first words your soulmate says to you are written on your skin, reader is raised by the fatui, arlecchino and childe play major roles!

word count: 3.6k

warning/s: ambiguous ending, mentions of death and blood

You’ve never known love. The other children in the orphanage formed cliques and made up families, calling one another brothers and sisters and falling into the delusion of comfort that at least someone in this world loved them.

Everyone had soulmates. Children who’ve known each other often share their words to each other, to gossip and giggle about their fated partner and how nice their words are.

Your words aren’t nice. Nor are they romantic or sad or even normal.

(“My father wants me to be normal,” a boy your age tells you in the distant future, lifeless eyes staring into the pile of recruits he’d just defeated, a pair of hydro blades by his sides.

You think about your life and your words and the vision hanging to your back. And to this boy who will one day outrank you, you say, “But normal is boring.”)

That has not happened yet, and as you lay in your bed alone with bruises and cuts after a long day of working harder than the rest, tracing the words on your skin, you had wished you were normal.

I’ll let you live this once, Fatui scum.

A promise and a curse written in neat, aristocratic lines on your collarbones, as red as the blood that dripped from your knuckles when you went too far and nearly killed a boy three years older than you.

It was his own fault anyway.

“Your soulmate must hate you, freak!” And so you showed him and everyone else who were unfortunate enough to be within the vicinity that you weren’t a freak. You were a monster.

As the boy lay bleeding on the ground with a crowd of onlookers around you, a dull purple glow emanated from your bloody hand. Everyone saw as you opened your palm and revealed a vision, a recognition from the gods.

Visions were rare, and as the main overseer of the Fatui-operated orphanage, Arlecchino was quick to place you under her close watch. You thought it meant something, for her to take interest in you and set you apart from the other children, but as always, you were wrong.

“You’re a flight risk,” she told you with that same voice that always held a sort of contemptuousness to it. “Your soulmate is strong, strong enough to defeat you and spare your life in the future. Naturally, their hatred for the Fatui makes them an enemy.” She looks at you then with her strange eyes that never fail to make you squirm. “And what do we, the Fatui, do with strong enemies?”

“We make them disappear,” you answer.

She nods as if pleased by your response, but you’ve known her long enough to know that the Knave is never pleased with anything, merely a facade amongst the many facades she wears. “Forget soulmates, the very concept of it is one cosmic joke. The moment they say those words to you, be sure to end their life.”

You think of your soulmate, of the words at your collarbones and the hollowness you feel at the thought of fighting your own soulmate—of killing your own soulmate. You’re not one to believe in fairytales and happily ever afters—none of the children in the orphanage can afford such dreams—but you think it’d be a terribly lonely existence if your soulmate was also your fated enemy.

But they were already watching you, waiting for the moment you’ll meet your soulmate and wonder who you’ll pick: the Fatui or the person destined for you?

You’ve always known without a doubt that you will never choose anything but your homeland—but they didn’t know that, so you worked hard and trained night and day with your vision until you were sure you could kill a man in your sleep.

And at the age of twelve you were officially enlisted in the ranks of the Fatui.

✧

“General!” A recruit bursts into your tent. Annoyed at the interruption, you look up from the papers you’d been skimming through to send him a cold glare. You see him bow his head, his fear so potent you could almost see him trembling over his thick coat.

“This better be good.”

He raises his head back. “We’ve just found signs of a camp nearby, the others think it might be related to the person who’s been destroying Fatui bases recently.”

“You think?” You stare at him balefully, he shrinks from your gaze.

“We—”

An explosion from outside interrupts him. Instantly on alert, you stand up from your chair and run to the entrance of your tent, a hunch on the forefront of your mind. The recruit from earlier rushes outside.

The first thing you see are crimson flames before a recruit is sent flying your way. Dodging with ease, you let sparks of electro run through your fingers, the vision hanging by your back glowing purple.

You catch sight of the person responsible for the mess the Fatui have had for the past few months. The troublemaker, Arlecchino once called him, distate evident in her tone. Seeing the red flames licking through the air and his red hair and red coat and red claymore—Archons, did this person have no sense of color scheme?—you were more inclined to call him the Crimson Menace.

Electricity pumped through your legs as you ran through the camp to intercept the annoyance. Pyro was your least favorite element to contend with, simply because of the sheer collateral damage it caused, but since your entire camp was already a flaming mess, a little more explosions caused by overload probably wouldn’t do much harm.

Dead recruits rushed past as you made your way to him, the smell of burning flesh thick in the air. You leaped, blade in hand as you aimed for the neck while his back was turned, going straight for the kill. You didn’t anticipate him to have such quick reactions with that lumbering claymore he wielded as he blocked your attack.

In a matter of seconds, your surroundings are reduced to nothing but charred remains of what used to be a grassy field.

It feels like hours instead of just minutes as you parried blows against each other. Explosions occurring with each meeting between pyro and electro. For the first time since you were a child, you felt yourself smile as you let the thrill of battle wash over you. You think you finally understand what Tartaglia means when he says the aroma of battle is addicting.

It feels odd, fighting an enemy like him and realizing how much you enjoyed it, something familiar about it in a way you couldn’t quite grasp. You complemented each other’s fighting styles. Where he was stronger, you were quicker; where he preferred his fists, you preferred your kicks.

You could have spent the rest of eternity exchanging blows and you wouldn’t have minded the least. How strange. How terrifying. You’ve never felt this way before, such keen loss of control on your emotions.

If it hadn’t been for the stray blade of a brave fool of a recruit flying between the two of you and forcing you to leap away from each other, you think you would have spent the rest of your time fighting him.

That moment of distraction was enough for him to send a large flaming phoenix heading your way, much too fast for you to dodge completely, so you instead let out a barrage of electro. The explosion dealt by the corresponding overload did less damage than what his flames would have. You were sent flying to a nearby tree, hitting your head so hard against the trunk you momentarily blacked out.

When you next open your eyes, you’re leaning against the tree, blood dripping from a cut on your forehead and forcing you to close one eye. The crimson menace looms over your prone form, the tip of his claymore mere inches away from your neck.

Is this how you’re going to die?

Arlecchino would be so disappointed—but no, that’s not quite true. Disappointment is not an emotion that can be associated with the Knave. To be disappointed is to imply that she had any sort of expectation for you in the first place.

Should the report of your death reach her desk, she would merely discard it as another one of the Fatui’s failures, never giving it another glance.

How pitiful. To have lived a life without experiencing love. You wonder if your soulmate will be relieved or devastated that you’re dead. The former, most likely.

The stranger’s red eyes bore into you. You sneer at him through strangely blurry eyes.

“Go ahead and kill me, I won’t beg for my life.”

And for the first time since you fought him, he visibly falters, claymore lowering for a fraction of a second before it returns to its spot, although you can see that his resolve has been shattered, from what little you can glimpse of his face behind that mask. First words are sacred, you’ve always known, but with your brain rattled from the explosion earlier, you were slow to connect the dots.

He lowers his claymore slowly, almost reluctantly, to the ground. Then, with a voice filled with contempt, he utters the words that you’ve agonized over for the past nineteen years of your existence.

He leaves soon after.

You always thought that despite the words on your skin, despite how everyone has told you that he’s an enemy, you’d somehow find it in yourself to love your soulmate, your destined partner. But as you watched him walk away from you, his hair as red as the blood seeping from your wounds, you think you’ve never hated anyone more in your entire life.

✧

Diluc has lived his entire life believing that his soulmate will die from his hands. It used to be so inconceivable when he was a child—young and naive and so utterly blind to the real world—but now he’s accepted it. His father is dead because of his weakness and his brother is a spy he almost killed (I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it, please don’t leave), so what’s one more thing to add to the list of things that’ll burn by his hand?

Everything he touches, he ruins.

But as he looked at your defiant eyes, that burning glare hotter than his flames could ever hope to be, he wondered if the world made you his soulmate for a reason.

“I’ll let you live this once, Fatui scum.”

There’s realization dawning on your eyes that turns into anguish before being overshadowed by the sheer hatred your gaze pierces him with.

He walks away and hopes you’ll hate him enough to snuff out the flames that would otherwise burn you like it did everyone he loved.

✧

You’re the only person he ever spared throughout his rampage of destroying Fatui bases and raiding camps.

When Arlecchino, the Harbinger you’re assigned to—always have and always will, she told you as she gave you your mask when you were twelve—asks you if you know why he did so, you tell her honestly.

“He’s my soulmate.”

They detain you.

✧

“Lord Tartaglia, what brings you here?”

“Aw c’mon now, is that any way to greet an old friend? Drop the formalities, I miss those days when you used to call me Ajax with that contemptuous look of yours, back when you were ranked much higher than me!”

You send him a baleful glare.

He raises his hand in peace. “Hey, don’t get upset with me, I’m doing you a favor. The only person who’s probably visited you other than me is Arlecchino, and Tsaritsa knows she’s not the best company to have around, I’d even argue to say that she’s the worst.”

The Knave did not, in fact, visit you in all your time within captivity, not even a written message passed on to a subordinate. Not that you expected her to do so. Despite what others may think, the relationship you two have is not that of a mentor and student, it was of a master and her servant. And what did masters do to useless servants?

They discarded them.

“What do you want?” You cross your arms, leaning against the ice cold walls. You suppose there were worse places to be than the cozy cells used for high ranking prisoners. And to think people were whispering about the possibility of you being promoted to the rank of Harbinger within a year if you kept up your training. How laughable. Now you’re nothing but a flight risk, the very thing you feared to become as a child. Your entire life’s worth of hard work pushed down the drain because of a few measly words uttered by a complete stranger.

Arlecchino was right, the concept of soulmates was nothing but a cosmic joke.

Childe grins, taking a seat on the hard ground in front of your cell. “I heard you met your soulmate the other day. I have to say though, not a big fan of the guy after he killed my favorite subordinate last month.”

“If you’re looking to interrogate me then it’s no use, I’ve already told Lord Arlecchino everything I know.”

“Oh, I’m not here for that,” he reassures you, scooting closer so that his face is inches away from the bars. “We’ve done some researching on that—what was it you called him?—ah right, the crimson menace.”

“I see you’ve read the reports,” you note, already tiring of this conversation.

“Of course I have! When I heard my favorite comrade got sent behind bars, I immediately went snooping around.” He then shakes his head, bringing back the previous topic. “Anyway, that’s not what I wanted to say.”

You sigh, turning your back to him, ready to end this conversation, but his next words make you freeze.

“Don’t you want to know who your soulmate is?”

It’s a test, your mind warns you, the other, more naive part argues otherwise, this is Ajax we’re talking about.

The rational part wins out. “I don’t care. Once I get out of here, I’ll personally set off and kill him to prove my loyalty to the Tsaritsa.”

He laughs, loud and bright, if only to hide how empty he truly is. He was even more of a monster than you are. “That’s all well and good, but seriously, do you wanna know or not? There’s no test here or whatever you’re probably thinking of, just a friend willing to dish out some info.”

You remain silent, still with your back to him but now more willing to listen. You don’t give out any sort of verbal assent, but he takes your silence as a yes anyway.

“Alright, I guess I’ll just tell you.” He leans close for theatrics, like he’s about to tell you some top secret information. “His name is Diluc Ragnvindr, and apparently he comes from a rich and noble family in Mondstadt. I suppose you lucked out on that one, huh? Ah, if only we were normal people.”

You remain silent, the name echoing in your mind, carving a hole for itself so that you might never forget the name of the person you vow to kill one day.

He glances at you with his lifeless eyes and smiles at the blank look on your face. “But normal is boring, isn’t it?”

✧

Eventually, they release you after ascertaining that you won’t run off to the sunset hand in hand with your soulmate once you get the chance.

Upon your return, Arlecchino spares you the barest of glances before leaving for other, more important matters that concern her.

You tell yourself you don’t mind the casual dismissal. If you lie to yourself enough times, you start to believe them.

✧

The next time you meet your soulmate, you’re out collecting a debt as a favor from Tartaglia. You come across a nearby Fatui camp and find it burning, dead bodies strewn across the ground. There was only one possible perpetrator.

He appears before you in a flash of flames.

The dance you engage in is familiar, like a person returning home to their lover’s embrace. Except the two of you are anything but lovers and the meeting of your blade against his can hardly be called an embrace, electro and pyro weaving through the air.

This was it. The battle that will decide which of you will live to see another day. There was no more hesitation, no more sparing the life of the other. The two of you were soulmates, but you were also enemies on opposing sides that both of you will never betray for anything else, even if it meant killing the other half of your soul.

The ground was rumbling but neither of you cared for it. Your inattention was both a blessing and a curse.

He stumbled, you wasted no time in taking the opportunity to parry his claymore and send it flying to the other side of the burnt camp. He was cornered with no weapon but his fists and—you note with disdain at his hypocrisy—a Fatui issued delusion.

You take one step closer. The ground shakes. You pay it no mind.

Diluc Ragnvindr’s eyes were wide behind the mask he wore. You thought it was because of his impending death, but then he opens his arms and tackles you to the side.

A missile explodes right where you’d been standing.

Ignoring the weight on top of you, you turn your head and saw four ruin guards by the entrance of the camp. You move your gaze to the person laying on top of you, and the two of you come to a silent agreement.

He picks himself up and runs to his claymore while you leapt at the nearest ruin guard, electro imbued sword aimed right for its weak spot. As you pushed off one ruin guard and onto another, a flaming pheonix ravaged the ruin guard you’d previously attacked.

Pyro and electro users never go well when used against each other, but when used to fight a common enemy? The sheer destruction was enough to level an entire mountain.

The burned and smoking remains of the ruin guards lay scattered all over the camp with the rest of the dead bodies of your comrades. Now, it was just you and him.

His mask had fallen off somewhere in the middle of the fight, his face visible for you to see. He was… you suppose he could be called handsome, but calling him that felt too personal, had too much attachment held to it because handsomeness and beauty were subjective terms. You did not find him handsome, but you didn’t find him unattractive either.

He was aesthetically pleasing, that was it.

You should kill him now while his guard is down, and your hand itches to do so once the thought forms, but something stops you. Guilt? A misplaced sense of gratitude? Or the fact that he’s your soulmate?

No.

A debt to repay.

You sheathe your blade, picking up his mask from the ground and handing it to him, not meeting his eyes and ignoring the way something in you twists when his fingers brush against yours.

“Consider us equal now,” you say, feigning ignorance to his stare boring holes to the side of your face. “The next time we see each other, I won’t let you escape alive. Leave now.”

He nods wordlessly and leaves without another glance. You tell yourself it wasn’t the greatest mistake you’ve ever made. If you lie to yourself enough times, you start to believe them.

✧

You file the report about the burnt camp and dead recruits as the work of the ruin guards. In the report, you write how you came just in time to destroy the machines before they left the camp. There’s no mention of your red haired soulmate.

You tell yourself this isn’t treason as you place the report on Arlecchino’s desk.

✧

Next year, you hear from Childe about your soulmate’s encounter with one of the Harbingers and how he barely managed to escape with his life. Your old subordinate retells it all with a grin, saying how he heard the rumor from Pulcinella and that Pulcinella heard it from Signora, who in turn heard it from Pierro.

You don’t hear much from his ramblings because of the sickening realization that you had felt relieved that he survived.

“Comrade? What’s the matter?” Childe leans his face close to yours, inspecting you. His eyes fill with understanding and glee. “What’s this? Were you worried? The mighty and fearsome general and right hand of the Knave was worried for—”

You send him the most hateful glare that would have shriveled a normal recruit on the spot. “Shut up.”

He laughs. “Don’t be like that! You know I can keep a secret.”

“There is no secret to keep. Your reassurances are unneeded.” Your vision starts to emit a dull glow, sparks forming at the tip of your fingers.

He regards you with a faint twist to his lips, a knowing look in his eyes. “If you say so.”

✧

You hear of his return to Mondstadt, quiet and lackluster.

You tell yourself you don’t care.

✧

“You mean to tell us that your soulmate’s from the Fatui? And a high ranking one at that!” Paimon exclaims with wide eyes, mouth open with disbelief.

“Paimon, be quiet,” the Traveler chastises her, turning to Diluc with an apologetic smile. “But yeah, I guess I’m curious too. Do you think you’ll ever meet again?”

Diluc hums idly, thinking of your last words to him and all the unsent letters to Snezhnaya that lay abandoned in a drawer somewhere in his office.

“Only time will tell.”

here’s an ask about a continuation of sorts