#incoming telepathy 🔮

[taromolktea]

- See you in my 100th life.

Scaramouche x reincarnated!Reader (2nd person)

loosely based on the webtoon see you in my 19th life

word count: 1.3k

content: your first meeting with the balladeer was one you'd remember forever. no matter how many centuries pass and life's you live. fluff ; friends to lovers ; enemies (?) to lovers ; eventual smut (will be tagged accordingly) ; blood

general tag list (message to be added/removed) 🏷 @icedthoma @citrussaurus @danibby

status. ongoing // chapter II

a.n. ah, something about being so in love with scaramouche that you pursue him in every reincarnation just makes me feel alive. xoxo sophie

CHAPTER I — first meeting/goodbye.

You still remember your first meeting with Scaramouche… or even better, Kunikuzushi— wait, no. He was still nameless at that time.

His long dark hair cascaded down his shoulders, bangs framing perfectly his face. He had a timid look in his amethyst eyes, almost afraid, staring up at you as you approached him.

"Are you hurt?" You asked, reaching for him.

The boy instinctively crawled away from you. While your frame was smaller than his, he was still wary about physical contact, yet, he longed for it as well. It was cold and pouring after all.

"My house is not far, I can carry you there if you need!" You removed the haori that covered your shoulders and wrapped around his head. The boy looked like he needed it more than you, especially since he was wearing only a thin kimono.

You didn’t know this, but your actions made his heart race and face go numb. It's been a day since he was abandoned by his creator, and any act of kindness felt like a blessing from the Archons. For the first time since your brief encounter, the boy looked into your eyes and he felt the oxygen leave his lungs.

You were the most beautiful creature he has ever seen.

The trip back to your house was calm and quiet, the only thing heard was the pouring rain and distant thundering. You tried your best to talk to the boy, but he did not utter a word and only nodded or shook his head at your questions.

Your house was a shack compared to his creator's, but your mother's cooking warmed the place up and made the boy feel right at home. Your mother sent you two to bath as she prepared everything, and once you and your new friend were both in warmer clothes, she served the rice cake soup she was preparing earlier.

"Mom's cooking is the best! She's a chef in the city's inn." You boasted, bringing a spoonful of soup to your lips. "Eat! Your feel better." He didn't take long to imitate your actions and eat the meal set in front of him, and just like a baby, once he got a taste he couldn't help but gulp it down faster, almost choking in the process.

Soon, you and your mother realized the boy didn't have a name, but she was quick to suggest one.

"What about Kunihiro?" Your mother suggested, brushing his hair to get rid of the knots which formed during the bath. "That was my big brother's name."

"Kuni..hiro?" The boy repeated.

Your eyes sparkled and you held onto his hands. "Yes! That's perfect!" You sat closer to him and once again his face grew hot at the proximity. "We'll be friends from now on okay?"

For the first time since he abandoned, Kunihiro smiled.

He wasn't alone anymore.

Time went by flying, and soon "Kuni" got used to living with your family. Well, your mom. Your dad passed even before you were born and now she's your only family and supporter. A strong woman who works as a chef at the small inn in town. They don't pay well, but it's enough for the three of you.

It's been a couple of years since your first meeting and Kunihiro was your best friend and basically family… even if sometimes you felt your heart beat faster when he got too close or when he helped you carry heavy bags. But how could you not fall for your best friend? With his long hair and purple eyes to match, he was basically perfect. His porcelain skin looked doll-like, the expensive kind you never had the chance nor funds to buy. And his eyes? Those were your favorite part of him, especially now that he allowed you to put on red eyeshadow on him to really make them pop out. It started as a joke, but once you were done, he looked so breathtaking you decided to turn it into a routine.

So, you spent a long time just staring at him, taking in his beauty. Sometimes he'd cry in his sleep, call out for his "creator", who you assumed was his mother, even though he refused to call her such a name. During those nights you'd hug him close, and while he pretended to sleep, you knew he was awake from the way he'd wrap his arms around you too.

"C'mon Kuni! If you don't walk faster I'll leave you behind." You called out for Kuni as you ran, a basket full of herbs on your back. You and Kuni would go into the forest to look for medicinal herbs to sell in town later. The sun had set long ago and it was raining again, just like the day you first met.

"Don't run or you'll fall!" Kunihiro sighed, holding your hand and quickly averting his gaze. "Also, there have been rumors in town about the strange wolves attacking, we have to be extra careful."

Ah yes, the flying thunder wolves. Even with the Shogun doing her best to slaughter them all, the attacks haven't ceased yet. Dozens died already, but luckily your house was far from the city, and they haven't been spotted in the area yet.

You nodded, holding firmly onto his hand. "So… what are you doing for dinner?"

Your mom caught a cold, so while she was the one doing the cooking around the house, you and Kuni were the ones in charge of it until she got better. You'd be lying if you said you weren't worried for her well-being. Your mother was never the healthiest woman around, but you tried your best to not look down next to her.

"Uhm, I was thinking about grilled unagi with rice." Kuni answered, turning around to face you and quickly flicking your forehead. "And don't look so worried, auntie is too strong to let a cold bring her down." He smiled, bending down so he could place his lips on the place he just flicked.

"D-don't hurt me if you're just going to kiss it better right after." You muttered, trying to keep your cool. It wasn't easy when he was so close, with his hand holding your cheek.

"You know I can't really hurt you for long." He giggled. "Seriously, it'll be alright."

"Thank you Kunihiro." You whispered, allowing yourself to lean into his chest.

You two remained like that for a while, until Kuni pushed you away. Startled, you looked up at him, but his eyes were looking in the direction of your house. "Something's up, we have to go."

Blood. That's all you remember.

First, all over your mother's room. And now, all over yourself too.

It was the wolves, they found your house and attacked your mother, and when you and Kuni got closer, another attacked you. Your best friend was able to fight it off, you don't really know how. All you remember is a bright purple flash, and then you were in his arms, bleeding out it seems.

"H-hey, don't cry Kuni." You called out, holding his face. "We'll meet again soon, I know it—" You coughed up blood, accidentally splattering some of it on his face. You wanted to apologize, but he stopped you before you could. "Can, I ask you one last thing before I go?"

Kuni nodded, tears still falling from his eyes, even though he was unable to say anything without choking on his words.

"Can I get a kiss?"

And just like that, he did as you asked, feeling your life slip away as his lips lay on yours.

The last thing you hear is his wailing, before slipping into darkness.

"Uh— Where am I?"

[taromolktea]

— See you in my 100th life. [III]

pairing. scaramouche x reincarnated!reader

summary. your first meeting with the balladeer was one you'd remember forever. no matter how many centuries pass or life's you live. [loosely based on the webtoon see you in my 19th life]

tags. fluff ; friends to lovers ; enemies (?) to lovers ; eventual smut (will be tagged accordingly).

status. on going // chapter I ; chapter II

a.n. oooh, things are getting better for the reader, bless their soul. thank you my love sumsum for helping me with this chapter, one conversation with you and i'm filled with inspiration <3 if you already sent a message but you're not on the taglist, feel free to send an ask!

general tag list. (message to be added/removed) 🏷 @icedthoma @citrussaurus @danibby

syim100thl tag list. (message to be added/removed) 🏷 @daisukesimp34 @floppy-frogs @asylesias-blog @yay-its-tj @rintinsugarboi @monaypo @debo1701@yeuryi @strawverymilktae @ajaxsrealwife @ping-pongmach1ne @rinalala @flowglow23 @creamypie-senpai @aprtrue @random-names-stuff @cafescara @aliarosella @mrscarolscaramoucheplease @bajifairyy @kshas @jiyujinsstuff @xiaosprettygf @coleluuviida @bunmarriott @flowglow23 @loveperfectionchaos @mqrcyyy @xiaolanternn @yassifiy @calxz

CHAPTER III — "What are you? Poor?"

You've come to realize that Scaramouche is a little like a cat. I know, blasphemous. The 6th of the Fatui Harbingers, the one and only Balladeer, reminding you of a simple house cat? Surely a joke.

But the way he squinted his eyes at you when you entered his office with a cup of warm tea, only to act disinterested when you set it on his desk. He'd take a while to take a sip, adding to the little act he was putting on for you. The truth is, he's a great actor, and if you didn't know him for centuries now, you'd think he was ready to kill you.

Well, that last part is kinda true, Scaramouche wouldn't hesitate to kill you if you gave him a reason, as little as it could be. He doesn't know who you are after all. And you're not planning on telling him either. Well, not until you got him falling in love with you first... again, you didn't have a plan for that too.

Where were we? Ah yes, Scaracat. The grumpy little meow meow.

It was your first day working as Scaramouche's secretary, as he called you. Everything seemed to be going smoothly, even though it's just been 20 minutes since you started the day.

"Trying to get into my good graces by bringing me tea first thing in the morning?" He suddenly asked, making you jump in place. "You'll need more than that."

You regained your composure. "Nonsense, what kind of subordinate would I be if I couldn't do something so simple."

"Oh, so you're a kiss-ass. Is that how you managed to charm the Tsaritsa?"

"I am not—" You coughed into your hand to not raise your voice and seem disrespectful. "I mean, Her Majesty, The Tsraritsa wouldn't be persuaded by something so simple... that's not the reason she sent me here."

"So there is a reason." You seemed to get right where he wanted because as soon as those words left his mouth, he was raising from his chair, approaching you until he got you cornered against the wall. "Are you here to spy on me? Is that so?"

Oh Archons, he's so close and smells so good. You didn't realize how much you missed his scent and how it reminded you of home. He was home.

"Uh... no, actually— The Tsaritsa said you were a little... volatile and asked to help you make more reasonable decisions... my lord." You added the last piece as soon as he furrowed his eyebrows in annoyance.

Scaramouche huffed and turned his back to you, walking to his desk and grabbing his hat. "Let's go."

"Uh? Where are we going?"

"I need to give a fucking speech to the new Fatui members." Ah, you remember those, Childe was the one you delivered to you when he was visiting Inazuma. "And you need to go buy groceries. The market is near the plaza the speech will take place."

Ah, so he wants company. You didn't dare to say that out loud though, he might kill you for real.

You followed Scaramouche closely behind to the main city. The locals seemed to be at ease, unlike the subordinates under the Harbinger in front of you. He wasn't as violent with them as he was with the members of the organization it seems.

Even though you've walked through the streets of Inazuma city countless times, you couldn't help but sigh in awe at the breathtaking beauty of the place. From the sakura trees to the little kids running around with treats in their little hands, the city had this unique charm to it. Still, you hoped the Soukoku decree would be lifted soon. You missed seeing people from all over Teyvat enjoying the beauty of the nation.

"Ah, a dango stand!" Your eyes nearly sparkled once they landed on the stall selling the common street delicacy. "I love them so much, they're my favorite treat."

"Were you poor growing up or something?" Scaramouche bluntly asked. "It's just dango."

The question took you back, and you almost said "we" were poor growing up, but decided against it. He wouldn't get the reference anyways. "Well, I lived with my single mom growing up, so dango was a special treat we only got during festival season." You reminisced your younger days and the times with your true mother. The one before the reincarnations started. Oh, you missed her so much, but knowing she was out there living a better life made you feel at ease.

"You remind me of someone." Scaramouche's voice sends you back to the current time, and when you turned your head, he was looking at you ever so softly. That's when you realized you might've said too much.

"Uh- were they nice?" You asked, trying not to look more suspicious.

"She was a country bumpkin." You felt a jab at your side and your eyebrow twitched. "...One tricolor dango, please."

Your eyes widened in surprise as the clerk handed Scaramouche the treat before he passed it to you. "I- Uh—"

"I'm going to the plaza, don't forget the groceries." And just like that, the Harbinger was gone.

"You two make such a cute couple, I and my husband were just like that in our younger days, though I gotta say, I was the stubborn one." The clerk said, catching your attention.

You shook your head sadly. "We're not a couple ma'am... but I hope that changes one day!"

"Oh, I know it will. You two seem to have a very strong connection... Maybe you were lovers in your past life."

You couldn't help but giggle at the irony. "Who knows..."

Once you were done with groceries and some more errands the sun had already set. It all took you longer than you anticipated, and when you arrived at the Fatui headquarters, Scaramouche was already in his office. And once again, just like a cat, he pretended not to notice you.

"I'm back my lord." You greeted, with only a small bag in your hands, the rest were already given to other subordinates who would take care of putting them away.

"Took you long enough, did you get lost in the way?" He asked, disinterested. "Maybe I should tell the Tsaritsa you don't know your way around these parts as much as you made it out to be."

"N-No! I didn't, I got some other errands to run for the Fatui... since I don't help you around much they gave me some other tasks." You mumbled. "But, I got you something too!"

Scaramouche looked up from his papers, on eyebrow raised, skeptically. "What?"

"A young man was selling these, they didn't seem very popular, but they tasted pretty good!" You took a small bottle out of the bag and set it on top of his desk. "It's called dango milk, it's milk... but as sweet as dango!"

Scaramouche's eyes were going back and front, between you and the bottle. He finally took it in his hands and swiftly unscrewed the cap. He took a sniff before taking a sip. You were squeezing the fabric of your clothes in your hands as if he was tasting your own creation in a cooking competition. Why did every interaction with him have to be so tense?

"It's good." He simply stated before taking another sip, bigger this time. "I guess you are useful for something." He was smiling! Well, it was more of a smirk, like he was making fun of you, but it was something!

"I'm glad you enjoyed it, my lord! Shall I bring you some tea for the night?"

"No, this is enough." He said. "A shame though, your tea is not half-bad."

You couldn't help but feel butterflies in your stomach. It's been years, so every crumb of kindness he sent your way was enough to make you feel giddy inside. Pitiful? Yes. But your own existence was pitiful sometimes. Not now though. Right now, it was perfect. "Thank you, my lord!"

"You are dismissed for the day, tomorrow be here at the same hour. Don't be late."

"Of course! Have a good night." And just like that, you walked out of the office, closing the door behind you.

After you went to your room, Scaramouche waited for half an hour before calling one of the other underlings. "You. What do you mean [🧸], who's supposed to be my subordinate, was tasked with mundane errands for the lowly like you?"

"W-well, my lord, according to hearsay she wasn't of use to you, so a higher-up decided to have her run some errands." The man gulped when The Balladeer's annoyed eyes snapped back at him.

"As you know, [🧸] was sent by The Tsaritsa, no one here aside from me is her higher-up." He chided. "From now on, she'll answer to me only... understood?"

"Y-yes, my lord."

"Good." He sat back down on his chair, back turned to the man. "Now get out before I kill you."

The man was gone in a blink of an eye, and it was now Scaramouche's turn to let out a  sigh he was holding in.

Am I getting soft because of some damn dango milk?

[taromolktea]

— See you in my 100th life. [II]

pairing. scaramouche x reincarnated!reader

summary. your first meeting with the balladeer was one you'd remember forever. no matter how many centuries pass or life's you live. [loosely based on the webtoon see you in my 19th life]

tags. fluff ; friends to lovers ; enemies (?) to lovers ; eventual smut (will be tagged accordingly).

status. on going // chapter I ; chapter III

a.n. reader is such a !badbitch i'm really proud of her. thank you for the amazing feedback as well <3 all the likes, comments and reblogs are greatly appreciated. xoxo sophie

general tag list. (message to be added/removed) 🏷 @icedthoma @citrussaurus @danibby

syim100thl tag list. (message to be added/removed) 🏷 @daisukesimp34 @floppy-frogs @asylesias-blog @yay-its-tj @rintinsugarboi @monaypo @debo1701 @yeuryi @strawverymilktae @ajaxsrealwife @ping-pongmach1ne @rinalala @flowglow23 @creamypie-senpai @aprtrue @random-names-stuff @cafescara

CHAPTER II — reunion(s)

Yeah. You, somehow, remembered every life you lived. Was this a blessing from the Electro Archon? Or maybe a curse? 

Who knows? You certainly didn't.

The first time, you reincarnated as the daughter of a wealthy family, living on Narukami island, closely affiliated with the Shogun. You had a pretty normal childhood, being pampered and loved by your parents. But everything changed when you went to bed on the night before your birthday. The memories all came flooding in on the day you turned 5. But for some time you convinced yourself it was just a distant dream.

All the memories of living with your mother and Kunihiro were still fresh in your mind, and you'd find yourself waking up in the middle of the night, sweat all over your body because of the night terrors. On those nights, you'd sit down and delve into the deepest corners of your mind, trying to remember more of that time, from the smiles you'd share with your impoverished mother, who looked too frail to be working, to the beautiful face of the boy you found one day.

But as time went on and years flew by, you convinced yourself that it all must've been a faraway dream. Life on Narukami Island was all you ever knew. You never even stood on the cursed land of Yashiori Island, where you supposedly lived in your dreams. It was drowning in Tatarigami now...

But then, you saw him.

The man you saw in your dreams. The one who was supposed to be your best friend.

The one you shared a kiss with as you drew your dying breath. 

As strange as it may sound, that was the moment you were convinced it was all but a dream. Why, you ask? Well, if it was indeed true, the man should've been much older. 

You were already an older teenager when you died in your dream, and you were even older now, but the man looked identical. Using the same red eyeshadow that went perfectly with his indigo eyes and sported the same long purple hair. It was as if he was frozen in time... static perhaps. 

And just like that, you sighed in relief, knowing it was all but a dream. 

That's when a carriage ran over you, and just like that, you felt everything go dark again, a pair of worried indigo eyes staring at you, as its owner ran towards your body. 

"Call the doctors! The daughter of the Fujiwara Clan is in danger!"

How ironic, to die again in his arms... it felt rather nostalgic. You might've asked for a kiss again, but the darkness took over you before you could utter a word.

You don't really remember your third or fourth life. They were all pretty meaningless, with you dying young and without meeting the man again.

It was only in your 5th life that you finally accepted the fact that you kept the memories of your past lives. It was a dreadful discovery at first, and you felt very lonely. After all, when you can live multiple times, everything loses its meaning as time goes by. You have multiple parents, friends, and enemies. Nothing sticks, it seems.

You also realized you had terrible luck. Dying young, sometimes even before reaching your 5th birthday, and only realizing it when the dates didn't match.

But there was a ray of hope inside you, and that was no other than your best friend Kunihiro. If "best friend" is the right word to describe him. You've "lived" long enough to understand he's immortal. How? You don't know, but it now makes sense why he was stranded during a storm when you first met him. A normal kid would die rather quickly in the same situation. He hasn't changed a bit, but he seemed to find friends... family even, the samurai connected to the Raiden Gokaden.

You knew all this because you used every life you could to find more about him, and try to get close as well. At some point, his newfound friend died and he disappeared, the next time you saw him he went by Kunikuzushi. You tried to get close to him, but it was all futile. You were struck by lightning and died before you could even ask him out for some tea.

Until in one of your lives, you found him again, but he seemed different.

While he still wore the red eyeshadow to compliment his hypnotizing eyes, his purple hair was now cut short. And his smile wasn't as pure as it once was, but... sadistic. It scared you. This wasn't the man you knew. 

After some research, you found out he had joined the Fatui. You've heard about the organization before and knew how shady they were, but what could've been done to your Kuni?

That's when you decided, you'd meet him again. No matter how hard it was... and maybe pick up from where you left, on that faithful day.

And that's how, in your 100th life, you joined the Fatui.

You were sure joining this organization would give you bad karma for your next reincarnation. But at the same time, you hoped the Archons would be merciful and understand the reasons behind your actions. 

Joining wasn't exactly difficult. The Inazuma branch was lacking, and they needed someone who knew Inazuma like the palm of their hand. Luckily to you, you've been wandering through the islands your whole... lives? Yes, even Tsurumi Island. By the time it took you to master fighting styles and even earn a vision, you were assigned to work for the Harbinger in charge of the Inazuma branch. 

And that's when you saw him again. But now he went by his Harbinger name:

Scaramouche.

"State your name and reason to intrude on my office at these hours."

You gulped down hard at his demanding voice, sending shivers down your spine. Scaramouche's gaze felt like daggers, dangerously close,  as if they could cut you if you breathed the wrong way. 

"[🧸], sir." You didn't dare to break eye contact, even if the sheer atmosphere was enough to make it hard to take a deep breath. "I was assigned to you, I shall work with you during the next missions here in Inazuma."

"I told Tsaritsa I didn't need a fucking secretary." He didn't even try to hide the disdain in his voice. "Look, I don't need any help from a simple... thing, if you get in my way, you'll end up dead like every other subordinate before you. I don't even care if the Tsaritsa herself sent you."

You wish you could be afraid of his words, but really, in your head, all you could think about was how attractive he managed to look, even if he just threatened to murder you. 

"You do not need to worry, my lord. I'll be of most use to you." You slightly bowed, as a sign of respect. "You can even use me as a tool to get to your objectives. I do not mind." — That was a half-truth. Yes, you wanted to get close to this new version of Kuni, in hopes to get to the old him, but being manipulated to your death was the last thing in your plans as well. You weren't much of the Stockholm Syndrome type.

"Tch, that's what they all say." Scaramouche didn't even look up at you as he sorted through some important documents scattered on his desk. "Make yourself useful and bring me some tea... If it's not to my liking, I'll kill you."

"Yes, my lord." With that, you turned around and left his office.

Score! You knew exactly how Kuni liked his tea, or rather, how he liked it hundreds of years ago. Still, he loved the tea your mom brewed for him so much, that there's no way he'd forget about it. 

You were quick with your hands, you've done this so many times you could do it with your eyes closed by this point. In one of your lives, you worked in a tea shop, so this was second nature for you. 

As soon as it was done, you added the secret ingredient: an extra spoonful of sugar made from sakura bloom. Happy with the result, you went back to his office and knocked on the door before entering and setting the cup of tea on his desk. 

Scaramouche didn't even spare you a glance before taking the cup in his and carefully sipping the hot tea. At first, his expression remained neutral, but soon, for a split second, it changed to one of surprise.

The harbinger could feel the memories of a simpler time flood in, warming the space where his heart was supposed to be for a second. The times he'd spend catching herbs and dancing with his friend and a woman who was deserving of the title of "mom". It's been years since he felt like this. Before he was tinkered with by the Fatui. 

Scaramouche coughed into his hand, trying to mask the astonishment on his face. Once he regained his composure, the man took yet another sip, then another, until the tea was done. His gaze was still fixated on his papers though, and he didn't meet the eye of the person in front of him. "You may go to your room now, be here tomorrow at 7 a.m sharp." He demanded. "I hate tardiness." 

You nodded excitedly, trying to hide the smile forming on your lips. "Yes, sir! Have a good night."

And just like that, you were gone.

What a weird woman. Scaramouche thought as he stared into the cup on his desk. "Tch, she forgot to take it with her... I should’ve asked for another cup before letting her off."

[taromolktea]

Kiss and Patch Up!

pairing. Diluc x Reader

word count. >1.3k

content. you help patch up diluc after he was hurt by the abyss. but god damn, your childhood best friend is getting hotter and hotter

warnings. suggestive, but no nsfw

tag list. (message to be added or removed) 🏷 @icedthoma @citrussaurus

It was already 2 in the morning when you opened the door to Dawn's Winery, allowing the man you were helping to enter. You guided the red head to his master bathroom, located in his bedroom. The two of you were sweaty, tired, and bloody.

"Sit down, I'll be right back." Diluc nodded as you left the bathroom. The tiles were stained by blood coming from the both of you, though most of it was Diluc's, who had a wound on his lower abdomen.

You happened to find Diluc doing his Dark Knight Hero side job as you were completing your own commissions. You only stopped to greet your childhood friend, but it was enough for the abyss to ambush both of you. The main target was Diluc, of course, but since you were there, there was no way you'd let him fight alone. 

"I'm back!" You said as you got inside the bathroom, carrying in your arms different kinds of medical supplies. "Let's that a look at that problematic cut. I'll need that shirt off!"

You helped Diluc take off his dark coat and folded it neatly on the floor as he worked on the buttons of his dress shirt. If this was during any other situation you'd be blushing and looking away from his bare torso, you've had a crush on him since you were kids playing around the woods, but right now, you were more worried about his injury. "It's not as bad as it looks, actually it's pretty shallow." You said touching it gently to not cause him unnecessary pain.

"Well, I can stitch it up to stop the bleeding, but that'll hurt... Do you want me to go get Barbara? She- "

"There's no need to wake her." Diluc interrupted.

"But she can heal you instantly! If I do it, it'll hurt much more." 

"It's okay if it's you." Diluc said looking into your eyes, the eyes he oh— adored so much. "U-uh, she might get suspicious, and she can't know about my identity either so..." He did his best to hide his nerves, coming up with a bad excuse for them to be alone. Even though he had a nasty injury, he still didn't want to ruin the rare moment he was sharing with you.

Ever since he came back to Mondstadt, you two have been rather distant. Not as much as him and Kaeya, but enough to make his heartache whenever he saw you smile and couldn't share it with you. 

You were surprised, to say the least. Diluc has been so nice to you ever since he came back that sometimes you forget you were apart for years. "Well then! I'll do my best."

You rinsed the wound and cleaned it thoroughly before grabbing a potion you had in your adventure bag. "This will help subdue the pain." You whispered, handing it to him.

Diluc nodded and finished the potion in one gulp. He didn't utter a sound, and only so much as gasped in pain when the needle and thread came into play. Yeah, it hurt like hell. Why did they even bother making a potion that doesn't numb all the pain in the first place?

"All done!" You cheered while cutting off the end of the thread. The bathroom looked more like a scene from a horror show, but you couldn't help but giggle. "Ugh, we made such a mess."

The tall man cracked a smile, her laughter has always been contagious, even if he was in pain right now. "Oh yeah, take this." The new potion you handed him made him raise an eyebrow. 

"Don't worry, I'm not drugging you." You joked while signaling him to follow you out of the bathroom. "I know it's a lot, but it'll help with the pain, believe me, I had classes in Sumeru." 

Diluc didn't argue, she was a great student in fact, and took the potion in one gulp, trying to mask the disgust on his face. 

"Well, I should get going then, it's getting late." You said, gathering your things.

"There's no way I'll let you go at this hour after you helped me with the abyss and patched me up." Diluc left his bedroom, leaving you alone. After a few seconds, he came back with Adelinde following closely behind. "You can use this bedroom, Adelinde will prepare it and get you some clothes while you take a bath." Adelinde smiled and bowed and you did the same back, you've known her for years after all. "I'll sleep on the couch."

"You're injured! I can't let you take the couch." You protested. "I don't mind sharing the bed, it's so big after all."

Diluc tried to argue, but Adelinde giggled before interjecting. "Well, you did share the bed countless times when you were kids."

"It's okay if it's you." You smiled before following Adelinde to the other bathroom. Diluc stood there for a while, heart beating faster than he'd like to admit. He was really whipped, even after all those years, wasn't he? 

"Ahhh that felt good." You hummed entering Diluc's bedroom. Maybe it's because you had taken so long, but when you came in, Diluc was sitting on his side of the bed, scribbling something on his journal. "Still keeping a diary after all these years, Diluc?" You asked, sitting down next to him.

Diluc nodded before putting the book down. "It kind of became a nightly habit."

"You really love him don't you? Kaeya, I mean. He was the one who gave it to you after all". You asked, resting your head on the palm of your hand while staring into his fiery red eyes. While he didn't answer, the smile on his face was enough to make your heart flip. "How does your cut feel?"

"It stings a little, but it feels okay."

"I'm sorry for hurting you, if only I had a healing vision..."

"Don't apologize..." He reassured. "You went to Sumeru just to learn how to help people even without a vision, I'm proud of you."

You breathed in sharply at Dilucs words. It's been years since you've talked like this. The time Diluc was away and you went to Sumeru was kinda taboo between you.

"Luc..." The nickname you used long ago spilled from your lips as you went for a hug. It took a while for him to hug back, taken aback after hearing the cute nickname you had given him all those years ago, but he soon wrapped his arms around you as well, squeezing you as if he's been longing for your touch.

Maybe it was the potions he had taken earlier, mixed with the intoxicating smell of your shampoo. Maybe it was because he'd been longing to touch you for so long. Whatever it was, made his mind blurry and tired, so tired in fact that he didn't care about the consequences of his actions anymore.

Diluc pulled away from the hug, and when your face was close enough to his, he captured your lips in his. Your body froze for a second before you slowly raised your hands to cup his face. Your lips were sweet and soft, much more than he’d ever imagined, and your hands fit his face perfectly. 

Before Diluc could deepen the kiss, you were the one to pull away. Your face felt hot and you could hardly maintain visual contact, unlike Diluc, who stared at you like she was the most precious thing he ever laid his eyes upon. "Luc... are you sure you want this?" You asked meekly.

The question didn't surprise him, it's been years since you've known each other, but he never showed any interest in you other than friendship. He had given up after his father's death. You deserved someone who could give you more, maybe Kaeya. He thought he didn't stand a chance against his adopted brother. But that didn't matter anymore.

"I've been sure about this for years now." He whispered, before pulling you into another kiss, this time deeper than the first, one of his hands pulled you in by your waist while the other rested on your neck. 

You didn't hesitate this time, humming into his lips in satisfaction. Ever since you saw each other again you couldn't help but fawn over your childhood friend. It didn't help that you've always had a crush on him too. And when he came back, looking more muscular and mature than before, you couldn't help but yearn for him even more.

A shiver went down your spine and he pressed his lips against your neck and you couldn't help but squeal when he decided to place a loving bite on the spot. A weak smile adorned his features at your reaction and he soon faced you again, before placing one last kiss on your lips. "Let me stop now before it's too late." He played with the hem of your garments before resting his hand on your thigh. 

"I-it's okay, I want it too!" You stated, no shame in your words.

It was Diluc's turn to get red, face matching his hair. His raised his hands to cover his face to stop you from teasing. "I know... I just want it to be more... special."

"You mean, when you don't have a wound that could open mid-" "Yeah, that too."

After some more kisses to calm you down, you and Diluc laid in bed, his arms wrapped around you while you buried your face in the curve of his neck.

"Let's have dinner at your favorite restaurant tomorrow." Diluc said.

"Sure, I'd love to." You answered, hugging him close again. 

[taromolktea]

𝔰𝔩𝔢𝔢𝔭𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔟𝔢𝔞𝔲𝔱𝔶

Diluc, Albedo, Xiao, Kaeya (all separate) X Reader (they/them pronouns; 2nd person)

word count: 1.1k

content: waking up to pretty boys n their bedheads- bedhead heacanons… bedcanons, if you will okay maybe not; a teeny bit suggestive in Kaeya's part bc it's Kaeya lmao otherwise it's all soft shit

regular tag list (message to add/be removed) 🏷 @todorki-shoto @citrussaurus @danibby

special thank you for feeding us content and inspiring us to make our own uwu 🏷 @stargazer-balladeer @hazelsinteyvat @witch-hazels-musings @ikaroux @xiaophobic @ventilicious @windblooms @dourpeep @scaramouche-bully @jade-parcels @teyvatdreams @luvajax @almondoufu @glazelilyy @xiaowhore @favoniuscodex @genshin-karebear @genshxn @luventi @bumbleklee

｡🌠 🎀 𝓇𝑒𝒷𝓁🌞𝑔𝓈 & 𝒸😍𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹❢ 𝓌𝑒'𝒹 𝓁❤𝓋𝑒 𝓉💙 𝓀𝓃🍑𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎🌺𝓊 𝓁🍩𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝒷💍𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈❣❣ 🎀 🌠｡

𝕯𝖎𝖑𝖚𝖈

he’s usually pretty good at keeping his hair out of the way but when he comes home from a long night of being Batman, sometimes mans jus wants to go to bed and who could blame him

certainly not you

not when he wakes up with his hair a complete and utter mess of red velvet cowlicks aaaaahh

it’s my personal hc that Diluc actually has like. leftover baby face. which he pretends not to notice about himself but he does

like sure he acts mature it’s the trauma but he’s got the face of an angel baby and when his hair is messy and down, his more boyish charm is brought to light hehe

he wakes up a little grumpy bc of his hair bein all up in his face and he bats at it spluttering like damn he’s not even fully conscious and the day is already doin him a bamboozle

your cooing is the first sweet sound in his ears tho and your fingers carding through his hair are the first sweet touch he feels which is always a win in Diluc’s book

“sleep well?” you ask, your hands cradling his face

“well enough i suppose… *yawn *i always sleep better with you, sweetheart” he replied all groggy, “you… feel nice.” he adds, learning into your palm and his cheek smushes uwu

sleepy Diluc = no filter Diluc and he says the sweetest things

but only for a little while bc his own mushiness wakes him up (plus your giggling) as he awkwardly leans back and coughs, tryna hide in his mane and hope the blush on his cheeks jus blends in w the rest of the red

it does actually but that jus makes it cuter

𝕬𝖑𝖇𝖊𝖉𝖔

definitely the type to jus go to bed still wearing the same clothes he wore earlier because all he knows is alchemy, sleep, repeat

you’ve done a tremendous service in setting up a pretty decent nighttime routine for him which is basically jus making him use all the same products n things you use bc he already likes watching you use them so he doesn’t mind recreating the routine himself, it makes him think of you :) especially bc you’re likely to be asleep by the time he gets back from the lab

on his lazier nights tho, when he jus wants to go to bed and curl up next to you, he wakes up with messy braids that half the time aren’t even tied together in the back anymore and his bangs are pointing to the North Star lmao

many of those who are lucky enough to even see Albedo around Mondstadt will confirm that he is, in fact, beautiful to look at. like art. he’s a masterpiece.

and yknow what he’s still a masterpiece with his bangs pointing to the North Stare nodnod

he doesn’t understand why you’re giggling at him but he smiles when he feels you press a kiss on his exposed forehead ALBEDOEXPOSEDFOREHEADAGENDAALBEDOEXPOSEDFOREHEADAGENDAALBEDOEXPOSEDFOREHEADAGENDA

“is something funny?” he asks, keeping his forehead against yours

“you.”

“me?”

“mhm. your hair’s a mess- it’s cute!”

“i-i see… well, i’m glad you find it so endearing.”

he’s not the self conscious type normally but even Albedo can’t help wanting to look just a tiny bit more presentable for you as his hands start trying to fix his hair, only for his fingers to get intertwined with yours as you stop him

“i’ll do it. i know you secretly want me to every morning.”

“you know me too well, love. or maybe this was all an experiment to get you to do my hair for me forever.”

“hm… maybe.”

𝖃𝖎𝖆𝖔

little meow meow doesn’t pay much attention to his appearance/hair bc yknow. karmic debt n demon slaying keep him pretty occupied

probs can’t even fathom the idea of bedhead bc mans don’t sleep hdfghjfksdfgjdjshjd im in spain but the s is silent

as his s.o, you have the profoundly unique ability to coax him into proper resting habits

it took him awhile before he was able to sleep in your bed w you but it’s become his sanctuary uwu if he feels like treating himself he’ll initiate cuddles

little spoon Xiao 🤝 bedhead Xiao like his short hair sticks up in all sorts of angles btwn getting squished in your arms, the bed n lots of pillows

he wakes up lookin like a wreck but he’s actually the most well rested he’s ever been in 2000 years wow

whines when you scoot away to go to the bathroom all wait where are you going pls don’t leave like he sits up n really contemplates following you bc he’s so attached to your presence, he doesn’t like being w/o you

waits patiently but grabs you n sets you on his lap the moment you’re back

melts under your touch as you run your fingers through his hair, mostly bc you know he loves scalp massages, but also in a halfhearted effort to “fix” his bedhead

“why’d you stop?” he asks quietly n you sigh “i think your bedhead is unfixable, but it’s okay. you’re still my pretty boy.”

“bedhead…? is that some mortal insult?” “what- no?”

you show him his hair with a nearby handheld mirror pushes you on the bed n covers your face with a pillow bc you were giggling at his surprised reaction

“Xiao!” you whine under the pillow “it’s fine! everyone gets bedhead!” “hmph. i’m ashamed you saw me in such a state.” “you’re still as cute as a button, i promise!” “……………………………promise?” “mhm!” “…okay.”

𝕶𝖆𝖊𝖞𝖆

doesn’t get bedhead. he’s Kaeya L’oreal commercial headass Alberich.

teases you for y o u r bedhead bc he’s a menace to society

the 2 of you probs end up w his hair in both yalls mouths

has yelped in the middle of the night from either of you tossing n turning in bed n his hair getting caught as a result

“as much as i love when you pull my hair in bed, this is becoming detrimental to my health” “then perish”

somehow convinces you to help him braid his hair so it doesn’t bother either of you anymore when you’re tryna sleep

ends up making him too powerful bc Kaeya w wavy hair? i am passing away.

maybe if he ever cuts his hair short then it would look messy when he wakes up n he kinda panics like wait this wasn’t part of the deal

has to sit through all your teasing as retribution for all the times he teased you for your bedhead, this is The Way

puts up w it all bc he loves any attention from you he even likes when you pull his hair better when it’s short oop

｡🌠 🎀 𝓇𝑒𝒷𝓁🌞𝑔𝓈 & 𝒸😍𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹❢ 𝓌𝑒'𝒹 𝓁❤𝓋𝑒 𝓉💙 𝓀𝓃🍑𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎🌺𝓊 𝓁🍩𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝒷💍𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈❣❣ 🎀 🌠｡

[taromolktea]

▀▄▀▄▀▄ ｏ𝐏ｅ𝓡άｔⒾ𝔬Ｎ: 🄵🄾🅄🄽🄳 🄵🄰🄼🄸🄻🅈 ▄▀▄▀▄▀ (a Spy X Family AU), Chapter 1: Operation Strix

Xiao X Reader (2nd person)

word count: 5k

content: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY BELOVED MEOW MEOW- been loving spy x family sooo much lately and i couldn’t NOT turn it into an au ehe i don’t read the manga (yet?) so it’ll be an episode-by-episode kind of thing at best (and i didn’t think it would take so long to turn an episode into a chapter but alas, here we are) i think even if you haven’t seen the anime (i recommend you do and then talk to sophie and i about it owo), you’ll still really like this series of work :D you the reader don’t actually appear until the next chapter but hopefully the fluff will tide you over

chapter 2: secure a wife

regular tag list (message to be added/removed) 🏷 @icedthoma @citrussaurus @danibby

｡🌠 🎀 𝓇𝑒𝒷𝓁🌞𝑔𝓈 & 𝒸😍𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹❢ 𝓌𝑒'𝒹 𝓁❤𝓋𝑒 𝓉💙 𝓀𝓃🍑𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎🌺𝓊 𝓁🍩𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝒷💍𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈❣❣ 🎀 🌠｡

Alatus. It is a mountainous task to phase him, always keeping a cold expression even among his boss, Morax,  and other agents known as Adepti, fellow “coworkers” one could say. Thus, Morax himself was highly amused when he managed to crack that composed look on his face.

“Your mission is to get close to the target and probe any seditious activities. In order to achieve this, you will get married and have a child.”

A spray of tea tarnished the newspaper containing his mission parameters. Alatus quickly apologized to the concerned bystanders in his midst. Although Morax was as powerful as he was wise, even he had a sense of humor. A peculiar one at that. Often, his Adepti were the subjects of these social experiments.

Alatus cleared his throat of his surprise. To infiltrate the target’s life and discover their secrets, he was now tasked with procuring not only a spouse, but also producing a child to infiltrate an illustrious academy… all within seven days?

Surely you could’ve assigned Ganyu to this? He grimaced. Or even Yanfei. They are much better at… missions that require interpersonal skills.

Alas, here he was. Securing a modest single-family apartment with adequate escape routes.

“I’ll take it.” 

“Excellent, Gui Xiansheng. Now then, if you’ll sign these documents.”

Gui Xiao. Occupation: psychiatrist. A devoted father and loving husband who has moved his dear family to the robust city of Liyue. Absolutely preposterous. 

With accommodations squared away, he arrives at a nearby (and rather shady looking, he might add) orphanage. Perhaps Morax’s strange sense of humor had rubbed off on him. The realtor- what was her name? Verr Goldet? Seemed rather confused when she asked about his darling child.

“Do you have a son? Or a daughter?”

“I’ll be deciding on that shortly.”

“...Eh?”

It was true, after all. And the shadier the establishment, the more likely it is that one will find a child with a complicated past. It would make integrating them into his mission easier. Now if he could just find a six-year-old that could read and write…

“Ah, Qiqi. Why don’t’cha introduce yerself?”

Xiao’s attention followed the owner to a little girl with lavender hair and vivid cerise eyes. She looked at him blankly.

The owner continued, “She doesn’t talk much. But she’s a good kid, and pretty bright.” She’s a creepy brat that I’d be all too thrilled to have out of my hair.

Xiao knelt down to Qiqi level and introduced himself, “Hello. My name is Xiao.”

If I recall Morax correctly, the earliest age students can enter Sumeru Academia is six… She definitely looks no older than four or five.

“Six.” Qiqi murmurs, “Qiqi is six, Xiansheng.”

“So you are.” But… she looks rather small.

Qiqi scrunched her neutral face and stood up on her tippy toes before running to the nearby table and picking up the daily paper. Xiao tilted his head in confusion upon being shown the crossword puzzle on the back. Surely that was too difficult for a child like Qiqi.

She beckoned him over to her and wielded a mighty purple crayon as her eyes scanned over the prompts. Xiao looked them over as well. It was easy for him of course, given his intellect.

Let’s see… one down is “homeostasis”, one across is “casual closer”, then the one below that is “symplectomorphism”-

Xiao’s gold eyes went wide. Qiqi showed him her handiwork with a straight face having completed the crossword puzzle, all 100% correct. 

Interesting… with such a high intellect, it would be an easy task to pass the entrance exam. That’s another part of the mission groundwork complete. Admittedly, it all feels a little too simple.

“I’ll take her.” Xiao tells the owner before extending his hand to Qiqi, “Is that alright with you?”

A spy mission. Qiqi gazes at him with doe-eyes, takes his hand in both of hers and nods, How exciting…!

.

.

.

Unbeknownst to Qiqi, his endearing new daughter happened to be a telepath. One that was often kept in solitary confinement for research purposes. Had he known, he might have recalled Morax’s research on Visions that granted beholders a kind of supernatural ability. Of course, such people are very rare. Surely Qiqi was not among them.

“Alright, Qiqi. Starting today, you and I will be father and daughter.” Xiao said at the foot of their apartment, “But if anyone asks, you’ve always been my daughter. Do you understand?”

Qiqi bobs her head, “Yes.”

“Also, make sure you address me as ‘Father’, okay?”

Qiqi bobs her head again, “Okay, Papa.”

Xiao’s brows twitch, “Acceptable. Let’s go inside.”

One of his neighbors greet them in the hallway, “Aiya, hello there! Welcome to the complex.” She crouches down to Qiqi’s level, “Aren’t you a cutie? My name’s Hu Tao.”

“Thank you for the welcome, Hu Tao.”

Xiao glances at Qiqi, who seems to… not like this Hu Tao very much, but begrudgingly she replies, “Qiqi’s name is… Qiqi. Qiqi has been Papa’s daughter for a very long time.” She holds out both her hands, the left palm open and the right having only her only index finger up, “For six years.”

Hu Tao laughs, “How adorable! Yes, six years being your daddy’s little cutie is a very long time.”

Xiao can’t help but find child speech a little odd but makes no comment on it otherwise. He is all too glad that Hu Tao is so unperturbed.

“Why don’t we go inside. Say goodbye to Hu Tao.”

Qiqi only waves at her silently and Xiao sighs with relief as her curiosity leads her all over the apartment’s living room, stopping at the TV, which he turns on for her. She seems especially drawn to the show “Spy Wars” which… is unexpected for many reasons, her fascination with pistols with silencers being one of them.

“Is this really Qiqi’s house?”

“Yes, make yourself at home.”

Since she’s occupied, Xiao begins planning the next phase of having Qiqi infiltrate the academy. An ID card for starters, and a few other things. As soon as he heads for the door however, announcing that he’ll only be running some errands, Qiqi bounds up to him and jumps onto his leg.

“Adventure, Papa.”

“It’s not an adventure, Qiqi. Just shopping.”

“Qiqi wants a pistol with a silencer like the one from Spy Wars.”

“Sure. Maybe if one is on sale.”

Xiao’s neutral expression was on par with Qiqi’s out of pocket request. It was in his mission’s best interests that the two of them behave like a normal family. Not under any circumstances should they draw unnecessary attention to themse-

“Papa, save Qiqi.”

Archons.

His attention snapped up to Qiqi caught in a whirlwind of passengers boarding a bus. He hurried to her side as an older woman lifted her out of the crowd and reunited them. 

“There you are. You need to make sure you hold the little one’s hand.” The woman chided gently before boarding her bus.

And so, Xiao relinquished use of one of his hands to hold Qiqi’s as they continued down the street. It was a costly thing, really. Under most circumstances, he wouldn’t have made the trade off. Fine. The damned will sooner die again than lay a hand on us.

Qiqi’s indifferent eyes widened some as Xiao’s inner thoughts resounded in her mind as clearly as if he had said them aloud. With a little pull, she freed her hand from his and looked around nervously before ducking in between a cafe signboard.

“Qiqi? Now what’re you doing?”

“Hiding.”

Did I do something to make her want to hide from me? Perhaps I held her hand too early… does she hate me? Tch. This isn’t good. I need to maintain a good relationship with her in order for my mission to be successful. I must research this… creature. And bond with her. According to Morax, basic diplomacy and understanding the other party is the first… and hardest step to peace, be it of world peace or one-to-one interpersonal relationships. 

Qiqi looked fixedly at him, “Understanding Qiqi… will bring lead to world peace?”

“Huh?”

Qiqi came out from under the signboard and took his hand in hers, “Qiqi likes cocogoat milk. And finches… but not to eat. They are just very pretty.”

Xiao nodded, taking her words as valuable notes.

“Qiqi also doesn’t like bacon from baconries.” 

She points at the sign of the bakery behind him and Qiqi frowns slightly, “You mean… a bakery? They don’t even sell bacon.”

Qiqi tilts her head in confusion but gets distracted by a street vendor selling posters. The one of Spy Wars was calling her name.

“Qiqi would like… this one, please.”

The small coin she holds out to him is certainly not enough for a poster but Xiao gives the seller the proper amount shortly afterwards. Something wasn’t adding up, and it wasn’t just the money…

Strange, that’s twice now. Is she… actually stupid? Perhaps the crossword puzzle was a fluke. Maybe it isn’t too late to go back and get another child-

For the first time today since not liking that Hu Tao girl, Qiqi’s purple braided hair went stick straight with fright. Her eyes immediately turned glassy as she grabbed Xiao leg and sobbed louder than he thought was even remotely possible for a human.

“Pwease don’t get rid of Qiqi, Papa!”

Xiao choked on air at the sudden commotion that was once again drawing attention to the two of them, “W-What’s gotten into you all of a sudden?”

The disapproving whispers of passersby made goosebumps erupt on his skin as Qiqi continued to cry, “Pwease love Qiqi! Qiqi is a good bargain!”

What do I do, what do I do?

Xiao blinked, “U-Uh, I’ll get you cocogoat milk! And a pet finch! Just stop crying please!”

Qiqi immediately stopped, her face resuming its indifferent look, “Yay.”

He sighed. The ability to cry and stop crying in an instant… children are… awful. It took a second to discern that “cocogoat milk” is actually coconut milk. Xiao recalled Morax’s musings on oolong tea, which supposedly, was lovely in combination with coconut milk over ice. He wasn’t sure if a child would appreciate such a drink but-

“Qiqi is… sleepy, Papa.” She hugs his arm from her seat in the cart that he pushes around the store, “Take Qiqi home, please… Can’walk’ny’more…”

You’re not even walking in the first place. 

If Qiqi was tired, imagine Xiao’s exhaustion. He scooped her up along with the groceries and began walking to the apartment. Such irrational behavior… I don’t understand it. I’ll need to consult manuals for a better grasp on of all this. His arms were a tad sore when he finally arrived home with groceries, Qiqi, and many books on parenting from the library. After tucking her in, Xiao began pouring over the readings at a breakneck pace.

“The key to raising a child is trust. Rather than scolding them, try to understand things their perspective. Children are not very good at putting their thoughts and feelings into words, so be very patient in understanding them.�� 

Tch… so interrogation isn’t an option. Parenting in and of itself is a taxing mission. How do actual parents do this?

“Nurture their self esteem to give them a better future and outlook on life. By giving them the ability to think for themselves, their future…”

Xiao stopped and glanced at what little he could see of Qiqi sleeping soundly in her bedroom. 

Her future… our future. 

He sighed. 

As soon as I’m done with this mission, I’m sending her back to the orphanage. The extent of our relationship is… is merely transactional.

.

.

.

The next morning was… a raucous one. Considering Qiqi’s usual temperament. 

“Qiqi doesn’t wanna study.”

“I need to assess how smart you truly are for the Sumeru Academia entrance exam.” Explained Xiao with his arms crossed.

Qiqi shook her head, “Qiqi doesn’t need to study to do any exam. If I just read other kids’…” minds.

Xiao frowned, “‘If you just read other kids’ answers’? Is that your plan- cheating? Listen Qiqi, if you don’t pass this exam…” my mission fails. He huffs an exasperated huff, “Fine then. I’m going out, and you’re not coming with me! Not under any circumstances.” There has to be another way… 

The ability of a six-year old to get into places they’re not supposed to was… unexpected for Xiao. It took Qiqi four attempts at following after him before he resulted to… less orthodox methods of telling her ‘no’. True, barricading Qiqi inside the apartment and sealing the door with a heavy crate was perhaps questionable at best. But it worked! 

After finding Qiqi in the vents, Xiao couldn’t help but feel a twinge of satisfaction at his success.

Hah! Try getting out of that.

“I pray you don’t get reported for child abuse.” Yanfei, a fellow Adeptus, sighed.

Xiao sighed too, “Children are… difficult. Their method of crying to get their way is truly a troublesome one.”

Yanfei laughed this time, “Hate to break it to you but that’s what kids do. Little Qiqi seems to be quite the natural. Speaking of little Qiqi, here are the records I found on her that the orphanage didn’t have. And the questions for Sumeru Academy’s entrance exam too. I must say, they were quite tricky to procure.”

Her minty green eyes and read over Xiao’s shoulder as he examined Qiqi’s records. There was very little to be examined however. Nothing about her birth or age, not even her real parents. The only information to be noted was from last year.

“She’s been adopted four times and returned each time.” Said Yanfei solemnly, “She’s also been to two other orphanages.”

“Bai Qiqi. Zhu Qiqi. Song Qiqi.” Read Xiao.

“And now ‘Gui Qiqi’. She changes names as much as you do- you two are perfect for each other.”

Xiao stares at her coldly.

“Please, I’m only kidding. Everything for the sake of your mission.” Yanfei shrugged with a seemingly all too carefree and uninvested air, “You know nothing good will come out of getting attached to Qiqi, right?”

The hidden question was meant to egg him on but Xiao merely replied, “Thank you for your concern.”

Yanfei watched him go and smiled. Not very often someone wiggles their way into Alatus’ heart. That little Qiqi must be quite the charmer.

.

.

.

Qiqi gazed up at the ceiling aimlessly. Qiqi is… bored. When is Papa coming back? She lolled her head to the side and spotted the door leading to the Xiao’s bedroom containing his equipment. Earlier this morning, she recalled him reciting the code in his head.

A pistol with a silencer…

And that’s how all of Xiao’s equipment ended up on the floor, including but not limited to a jade winged spear that Qiqi couldn’t help but wonder how it even fit in the closet. Pointy… pretty… but not a pistol with a silencer.

Upon opening up one of the briefcases, Qiqi’s curiosity fell on the communicator. A suitable, but unbeknownst to her, highly dangerous and compromising form of entertainment. She spent the rest of the day touching buttons and flipping switches, leaving monotone messages to who knows who until the realization struck her. The room was now a mess.

“Now that you’ve found out I’m a spy, I’ll have you disappear!”

Qiqi shook her head free of the impression of a furious Xiao and quickly began putting things away.

If Papa finds out Qiqi is a telepath… Qiqi will have to leave…

Old memories of a man in a lab coat with green hair and a white snake resurfaced in Qiqi’s head. Studying over drawing. Research over her feelings. There was no time to bother with childish games, not when her exploitation could further studies on immortality and perhaps even bring about “world peace”. 

Qiqi sighed after putting everything away and curled up on Xiao’s bed. It smelled like him- comforting and safe. Her eyes began to droop shut just before a harsh and abrupt movement resounded from the front door.

Papa?

Xiao arrived in the apartment lobby that afternoon just as Hu Tao happened to be leaving, “Hi again, neighbor!” She chirped, “Say, about that heavy crate you blocked your front door with…”

He stiffened, “I-It’s uh… because our lock was faulty. It’s just a temporary fix-”

Hu Tao tilted her head, “Oya? I was jus saying it must’ve been as tough to move it there as it was to move it out of the way all by yourself. It took like three guys earlier.”

His gold eyes went wide for a fraction of a second, “Three?”

After bidding a quick goodbye to Hu Tao, Xiao hurried upstairs to the front door where he found the crate moved ever so slightly from its original spot. Inside the apartment was dark and quiet. Xiao’s eyes narrowed as his ears pricked from the sound of footsteps. Too large and heavy to be Qiqi’s light and little ones.

Like a crack of lightning, he flipped his assailant onto his back and narrowly dodged the bullets fired from the two behind the couch. Xiao made quick work of  them. Once they were all disarmed and unconscious, he searched the apartment for Qiqi. Her bedroom was empty. It wasn’t until he got to his bedroom that he found his equipment a mess on the floor alongside the finch plush he had gotten Qiqi yesterday.

She’s been compromised, and so have I by the looks of it. Who were those thugs? Did they take her? Where could they have gone? …Calm down. Calm down.

He picked up the finch plush from off the floor. Qiqi had placed a heart-shaped sticker on its back and even wrote the characters for her name on it with a marker. “七七”. Except the first 七 was backwards. He couldn’t help but crack a smile. It was her first ever possession that was entirely hers. Xiao recalled her nearly imperceptible look of excitement when he gifted it to her. He shook his head and stuffed the finch in his pocket.

…I should get to safety. As for Qiqi… there- there are other children out there. I’ll start over from square one and-

.

.

.

When Qiqi came to, she found her hands tied behind her back and a gag in her mouth. Her heartbeat thrashed in her chest, suffocated by the evil thoughts brewing in the room full of thugs and their leader, who wielded a pistol with a silencer. 

A bad guy!

“Who is this kid anyway? Does she belong to Alatus?”

“No clue. She was in the room where the signal for his location was found. Must be Alatus’- there’s no other explanation.”

“Fine. She’ll be our hostage to lure him out. It’s a rare opportunity to dispose of one of Morax’s Adepti anyway. One less to worry about.”

“Yes sir. Especially Alatus, the fiercest of them all.”

The engine of a car roared to a stop outside and two more thugs joined the dimly lit room, one of them hauling in a thrashing body whose head was covered by a bag and unceremoniously dropping him on the ground. Qiqi’s eyes widened. Papa?

It all happened so fast, Qiqi could barely process it. When they unveiled the body, from the shoulders down, she was so sure it was Xiao. But from the shoulders up, she never saw who it was. Based on the surprise from the thugs and their leader, and the lights going out in the warehouse immediately afterwards, she could only shut her eyes and curl up in fright. Papa! Please save Qiqi!

As if someone heard her wish, Qiqi felt her body get scooped off the ground and tucked under someone’s arm. Their thoughts were frantic but the voice behind them was… familiar.

Tch. Reduced to waltzing right into enemy territory- how absurd.

Papa?

“Papa!” Qiqi cried, throwing her arms around him even though she couldn’t see his face. 

She knew it was him. She would recognize his voice anywhere, and she knew he would come to save her. Xiao’s eyes softened behind his Yaksha mask for a brief moment but kept his gaze on the exit, holding Qiqi tight against him. 

“Look, you’re okay.” He insisted as she continued to cry, “Nothing’s gonna happen to you as long as I’m here, got it? You don’t have to be scared.”

Xiao admitted to himself that he was hardly any good at comforting children, but as Qiqi’s sobs grew louder, he remembered why he hated the sound so much. This is exactly why children suck. They remind me of… me. When I was powerless under that person. When I was exploited and forced to do unspeakable things on his behalf before Morax saved me. 

Just before the light of the outside world, Xiao knelt down and let Qiqi stand on her own two feet. Normally, he was certain his Yaksha mask would frighten small children, even grown adults. But Qiqi stared fondly at him even with her glassy eyes. She reached out her hand to touch his cheek but he backed away.

“Listen up… little one.”

“Qiqi.” She said.

“Listen up, Qiqi. Take this and run around the corner to the right of here. You’ll find a police station. Give this note to one of the police officers and they’ll take care of everything, okay?”

Xiao handed over her finch plush plus a folded talisman with Morax’s insignia inside. One of the Adepti agents planted in various organizations would be able to meet Qiqi at the police station. And bring her to a better orphanage. Give her a better future than one with me in her life. I’m not going to involve a kid in this mission.

Qiqi’s eyes widened as Xiao directed her down the street with the throw of his arm. He barked at her to go and she found her legs taking her away, but her focus remained on his thoughts.

I’ll figure something else out. Rework the plan. I can’t… bring myself to put Qiqi in danger ever again. Not when I swore my life to Morax in order to create a world where kids like don’t have to be afraid or cry.

Qiqi swore she saw a glimpse of Xiao’s face under his mask just before he returned to the darkness of the warehouse. The sound of gunshots and screaming urged to keep running but she told her legs to stop just behind a telephone booth. She crouched down to catch her breath before looking over her beloved finch plush. Unharmed and not a thread out of place. Underneath it was the folded note Xiao told her to give to a police officer. She stared at the two objects before stuffing the note in her pocket and clutching her finch tightly against her chest. 

“Do I make myself clear?” The malice in Xiao’s voice was clear, though it hung in the air like vapor.

The edge of his winged spear just barely brushed against neck of the leader of the band of thugs. His henchman lay in unconscious heaps around them, and his hands were raised in defeat. Even one centimeter closer would’ve drawn streams of blood from his throat. The blade glowed faintly in the dark, barely illuminating the ornate jet black mask covering Xiao’s face. The leader managed to nod without hurting himself any further. 

Xiao remembered the man from various dossiers on corrupt political figures. He wasn’t of particular note, but he was a caring father. In that sense, perhaps they had one thing in common.

“Despite your sordid reputation, even you have it in your heart to love your daughter. I’ll make this easy for you: if you want her to have any semblance of a normal life, you’ll leave me the hell alone.”

His pole arm cut through the gun in the man’s hand like a hot knife through butter. Only when he cleared out did Xiao return outside. Exhaustion clung tightly to his bones as he removed his mask. The warmth from the setting felt… nice. He wondered if Qiqi made it to the police station safel-

Xiao’s eyes widened when he spotted her just behind the telephone booth, “Qiqi?”

“Papa!” Qiqi gasped and ran over to him, finch plush in her arms that she then wrapped around his leg.

“W-What’re you doing he- I mean… what’re you doing outside the house?”

Qiqi looked up at him blankly.

Xiao cleared his throat, “I was… just in the area to… shop? Shop. Yeah. But it looks like the store here is actually out of business.”

Qiqi smiled fondly. 爸爸不善于撒谎的人。(Papa is not a good liar.)

“Qiqi missed Papa. So… Qiqi went to go find Papa but… Qiqi got lost. Qiqi was scared.”

Xiao knelt down and held her shoulders gently, “I’m sorry you were scared. I’ll do better so that doesn’t happen again.”

She leaned into the crook of his neck and sighed, “Qiqi wants to go home. To our home, Papa.”

“Are… you sure?”

“If Papa leaves Qiqi behind… Qiqi will cry.”

She’s been adopted four times and returned each time. Bai Qiqi. Zhu Qiqi. Song Qiqi. And now Gui Qiqi.

Xiao nods and pats her head, “Let’s go home then.” Qiqi wraps her arms around his neck as he lifts her up and stands, “But that apartment is far too dangerous, so let’s move. I spotted a poisonous snake there yesterday.”

“Qiqi doesn’t like snakes.” 爸爸不善于撒谎的人。但是他是个好人。。。(Papa is not a good liar. But he is a good guy…) 

The train ride to their new neighborhood is full of scenery that keeps her looking out the window, “Qiqi wants to live in a castle.”

Xiao glances at her and smiles, “We’ll see if one is listed. But once we move into our new home, you have to study, okay?”

“Hn...”

“This time, you just have to memorize all the answers. It’ll be easy. And I’ll get you another finch if you pass.”

“Qiqi will… do her best.”

.

.

.

The stressed thoughts of other six-year-old students were difficult to not tune into as Qiqi began her exam. At first, she thought she could simply read their minds for the correct answers. But as it turns out, they didn’t know anything. They were all suffering together for the next allotted hour and a half.

You can do it, Qiqi. I’m counting on you. Just like we practiced.

Xiao’s comforting and encouraging thoughts spurred her on as she tightened her shaky grip on her pencil. Slowly but surely, the confusing material became more and more familiar. Just like we practiced… just like we practiced…

When the results were released, parents and their children crowded around the scoreboard searching for their ID number. Qiqi couldn’t remember hers but thankfully Xiao did. It was hard to tell who was more nervous between the two of them. The moment he found Qiqi’s ID on the scoreboard however, he felt… pride? Fill his heart up to the brim and overflow with happiness. It was very strange, but at the same time, it felt very good. 

He lifted Qiqi so she could see her ID, “It’s there, see? You passed!”

Qiqi smiled brightly as Xiao spun her around, it felt like she was flying! “Did Qiqi do a good job?”

“Yes, a very good job, Qiqi. I’m proud of y…”

In the moment he had relaxed, the wear and tear of fighting all came crashing down on him, which then made Xiao come crashing down on the grass.

“Eh? Papa? Papa!”

 I need… to get a grip. I relaxed and everything hit me at onc- wait. I relaxed?

The last noise he heard before promptly passing out from sheer exhaustion was Qiqi’s distressed bawling, “Papa! Don’t leave Qiqi! Papa! Papa! You’re going to make Qiqi cry! Qiqi promises to be a good girl if you come back! Please come back, Papa!”

Eventually though, the two of them made it back home where Xiao managed to flop down on the couch and lay motionless once more. Qiqi hung her head low and prayed over him. Papa died… When the doorbell rang, she wiped her nose and went to see who it was. It was the mailman.

“Is this the Gui residence?”

“Qiqi’s name is… Gui Qiqi.”

“Wonderful! Can you give this to your mommy or daddy for me, little Qiqi?”

“Qiqi will give it to Papa because Qiqi’s mama doesn’t exist.”

“O-Oh, really? I’m very sorry!”

Sending the sympathetic mailman on his way, Qiqi scurried back to Xiao’s still dead-as-a-doornail body, “Papa, the mail is here!”

No response, even after patting his cheek with the letter. Qiqi hummed before putting the letter on the coffee table and, with a mighty effort, lifted up Xiao’s limp arm so she could crawl underneath it and curl up beside him. Xiao never let himself sleep for long so within a few minutes, he was up again. To his horror, he found Qiqi snuggled against his heart and nearly shoved her off the couch in surprise. 

“W-What do you think you’re doing?” He demanded, “Are you trying to kill me?”

To think I actually fell asleep in front of someone… incomprehensible. 

Qiqi rubbed her eyes and slowly got up to get the letter on the coffee table, “Mail.”

It was a congratulatory letter from Sumeru Academia, as well as a description of the second phase of the admission process: a family interview. 

“It is absolutely mandatory that the applicant attend with both parents, no exceptions.” Grimaced Xiao.

Qiqi frowned, “But… Mama doesn’t exist.”

Xiao sighed. Tch. I guess my mission is moving on to the second phase too.

｡🌠 🎀 𝓇𝑒𝒷𝓁🌞𝑔𝓈 & 𝒸😍𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹❢ 𝓌𝑒'𝒹 𝓁❤𝓋𝑒 𝓉💙 𝓀𝓃🍑𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎🌺𝓊 𝓁🍩𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝒷💍𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈❣❣ 🎀 🌠｡

[taromolktea]

𝐻𝑒𝒶𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝐻𝒶𝓃𝒹𝓈

Xiao X Reader (2nd person; they/them pronouns)

word count: 1.2k

content: overworked reader with a hydro/healing vision inspired by the wear n tear of working in a COVID lab 🥲 pls be kind to the ppl working the testing sites. it’s brutal out here. comfort bc we all need it nod nod

song inspo: golden hour - kacey musgraves, daylight - taylor swift

regular tag list (message to add/be removed) 🏷 @icedthoma @citrussaurus @danibby

｡🌠 🎀 𝓇𝑒𝒷𝓁🌞𝑔𝓈 & 𝒸😍𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹❢ 𝓌𝑒'𝒹 𝓁❤𝓋𝑒 𝓉💙 𝓀𝓃🍑𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎🌺𝓊 𝓁🍩𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝒷💍𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈❣❣ 🎀 🌠｡

little do you know, Xiao watches over the healing clinic from a distance as you scurry around to help each and every adventurer

his senses are much sharper than humans’ and he can hear the weary thumping of your heartbeat and footsteps

when the sun begins to set, he knows it’s time for you to go home but you remain until dark, helping the last few teams and even stay to clean up and prepare for another busy day tmrw

your body aches as you finally make your way to the entrance and see Xiao waiting for you

“you’re late…”

there’s no edge to his voice- he isn’t blaming you. he’s upset that you’ve pushed yourself this far

“‘m sorry…” you mumble, “i had to take over for one of the other healers- you know there are only so many of us…”

“you mortals can seek healing from the statues or by packing adequate medicine.” Xiao huffed, watching your pace carefully, “you’re exhausting yourself”

“i’ll be alright, i just need to sit for a li-”

you yelped when Xiao scooped you up off the ground, your arms flung around his neck as you shut your eyes in fright

when you blinked, you found yourself at Wangshu Inn just inside your room

Xiao moved to your bed but held you close for just a second longer, and secretly, you hoped you could stay in his arms for just a few more moments too

“could… could you stay with me tonight?” you murmur, tucking your head into the crook of his neck

Xiao said nothing as he laid you down, tucking you in before placing his spear against the wall and removing the pauldron on his shoulder

you nearly fell asleep from how tired you were before he silently crawled in beside you

even in your slumber, your arms and legs find him and wrap around his frame

your body feels heavier than the baskets of ore near The Chasm as you hug Xiao tighter like a teddy bear, relaxing in his presence

it remains a mystery to him how you’re able to do such a thing, that your love for him overshadows your fear- or perhaps his fear of himself and his karmic debt

you sap the warmth from him as your nose whistles, you’re deep in dreamland now

what i wouldn’t give to heal your weariness… Xiao muses, “your touch brings healing, mine only brings death”

and yet you continue to snuggle into him like he’s the most comfortable presence in all of Teyvat

Xiao never believes you when you insist otherwise, but he rejuvenates you just by being at your side, even more so when he shyly returns your affections and holds you close under his chin, tucked away while he guards your dreams

Xiao resigns himself to what’s as close to sleep as he can achieve with the moon high in the sky. When he comes to, he finds that you’ve both shuffled positions in your slumber, his head now resting against your chest. The beat of your heart is slow and gentle, meanwhile, his is racing. His first instinct is to pull away with a swiftness, but he stops himself in fear of waking you up.

Instead, he plants a hesitant kiss just below your collarbone, as if to greet your heart and offer tribute. Xiao stays in your arms a little while longer as the sun rises. It saddens him more than he wants to admit- that you two will have to part when the day begins and will not be together again until dusk. He can only watch from afar, step in only if the clinic campsite is attacked. But he knows he has his duties, and you have yours. So while you’re in his arms, he tries to impart as much energy to you as possible. What strength he has to offer is yours, all in the name of keeping you safe and sound.

You murmur something unintelligible as you enter the waking world. Your eyes flutter open and you feel Xiao in your embrace. You smile.

“G’morning… did you sleep well?”

Xiao strokes your back without a word, a silent yes.

“Thank you for staying with me. I always sleep better when I’m with you.” You yawn, “I’ve been having bad dreams recently. I can never remember them when I wake up though… but with you, I sleep soundly, my dream eater.”

Xiao sighs at your humorous nickname, “Humans require restful sleep to function properly. The least I can do is help you achieve that.”

“Thank you. I’m sure my bad dreams don’t taste very good.”

That was true. There was a bitterness to your plaguing thoughts, the stress from the day that lingered in your head. Your sweet dreams though, were just that. Sweet. Sweeter than almond tofu.

An all consuming cloud of softness like a silk flower bush, each little petal something that made you smile. A fondly written letter from a friend overseas. The stray cat whom you loved to nurture. Warm, freshly baked bread with powdered sugar dusted on top. Bright colored sails billowing in the wind.

And Xiao.

If your adoration of Xiao were silk flowers, they would cover the land of both Liyue and Mondstadt combined. To see himself through your eyes was… jarring. But oddly… familiar, too- because he thought of you just the same. It was Hu Tao and Zhongli who had teased him about this. Hu Tao doing the actual teasing, Zhongli providing the metaphor’s beautiful imagery.

“Xiao?”

He blinks, “Yes?”

“I… have to get ready for the day now.”

“Then… let go of me.”

“…Don’t wanna… you smell pretty. Like silk flowers.”

“You washed my hair with your shampoo.”

You smile and press a kiss to the crown of his head. Xiao responds with another kiss over your heart. He can’t help smiling as it beats faster.

“Another day of healing hands.” You sigh, “Will you come to me again after I’m done?”

“Yes.”

Xiao takes your wrists gently and presses his lips against your palms, continuing on each fingertip. The affection is surprising but certainly not unwelcome as your cheeks grow warm.

“Your hands aren’t meant to kill.” He muses, “They’re meant to give life.“

“Don’t sell yourself short.” You chuckle, “You color my life just by being in it.”

Xiao scoffs, “And what color would that be…” he says mostly to himself.

Black and white? Bleak and starkly contrasting the different worlds you live in? Burning red? Passionate and deadly- ultimately short lived?

You think about it and hum, “Golden… a golden color. Like the golden hour sun.”

Xiao grit his teeth as he tried to hide himself in your embrace, “Hmph. Then I hope you are finished with your duties by the time this golden hour occurs. I know you take on more than what is yours… can you… can I…? Can I have you to myself at golden hour?”

Your heart hammers against his cheek as you cup Xiao’s face to make him look at you, you’re both equally sheepish and bashful, “Mhm. I promise to be done on time. I’ll be all yours, and you’ll be all mine. Okay?”

“Okay.”

｡🌠 🎀 𝓇𝑒𝒷𝓁🌞𝑔𝓈 & 𝒸😍𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹❢ 𝓌𝑒'𝒹 𝓁❤𝓋𝑒 𝓉💙 𝓀𝓃🍑𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎🌺𝓊 𝓁🍩𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝒷💍𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈❣❣ 🎀 🌠｡

[taromolktea]

𝒮𝓌𝑒𝑒𝓉 𝒟𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓂

Xiao X Reader (2nd person; they/them pronouns)

word count: 1.8k

content: a teeny bit angsty w sleepless night Xiao in pain from karmic debt but v comforting fluffy uwu ending, kissies n teases for the little meow meow

song inspo: sweet dream - alessia cara

regular tag list (message to add/be removed) 🏷 @icedthoma @citrussaurus @danibby

｡🌠 🎀 𝓇𝑒𝒷𝓁🌞𝑔𝓈 & 𝒸😍𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹❢ 𝓌𝑒'𝒹 𝓁❤𝓋𝑒 𝓉💙 𝓀𝓃🍑𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎🌺𝓊 𝓁🍩𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝒷💍𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈❣❣ 🎀 🌠｡

4:55 a.m. Save for Xiao, everybody else in Liyue is likely fast asleep and snoring. His eyes are heavy and a lackluster shade of gold, yet he could never seem to close them. Like an impetuous wind is his running mind, racing so fast even he just can't catch it when it's going. Xiao wonders whether it’s late at night or is it early in the morning.

He had even resorted to mortal means of calming himself but there are so many sheep to count before it only ends up frustrating him further. After all, what are the 16,589,819 sheep in Liyue supposed to do for him? He grumbles silently to himself and tries to count something else.

His thoughts eventually come back to you and the patchouli candle in your bedroom. Did you blow it out before you went to sleep? Should he visit you at the Wangshu Inn and check?

Xiao shakes his head, deciding to try meditating his insomnia away, as well as any fluttery feelings associated with you. It seemed his brain was dead set on two things: keeping him awake and keeping you company. He shuts his eyes and straightens his posture as he breathes in and out slowly.

Inhale: comfort.

Exhale: weakness.

Inhale: [ 🧸 ].

Exhale: [ 🧸 ].

His face grows warm with thoughts of you. Damn it. It’s too quiet now.

He slumps forward, abandoning his failed meditation, and resigning himself to simply wait out this restless night until the Sun rises. Daylight usually helped distract his head from the monsters he called karmic debt. How it plagued him with all kinds of things like where mortals go when they’re dead.

He’s certain you’ll go to whatever Heaven exists. And he’s certain he’ll miss you even if he still can’t say it to your face despite your established relationship. To no longer be able to follow you, to no longer be permitted at your side when you call his name. Xiao holds himself in his arms, but it doesn’t feel the same as when you hug him. He shudders slightly even though it wasn’t cold enough to warrant it.

Were you warm enough tonight? Were you sleeping soundly? Xiao’s concern for you makes the ancient pain underneath his skin subside, if only a little.

Mortals need rest to recover energy, but perhaps part of his curse was that he didn’t need rest at all. You joked to him at the end of tiring days that life is not so bad when you’re sleeping. That sometimes you just need a step back from your feelings, and then you wake up much better overall.

Xiao sighed. Perhaps rest worked for mortals, but not him. Even with all your attempts to seduce him with cuddles and the soft blankets, pillows, and plushies in your room, he simply didn’t let himself indulge in such tenderness.

“M-Maybe another night.” He’d always stammer. It was the best compromise he could give you every time you opened your arms on the edge of your bed to him.

The next time Xiao opened his eyes, it was morning. You had just woken up. 6:58 a.m. The Sun's peeking through the curtains. You consider drifting away again, slowly formed hopes of seeing Xiao today make the wheels in your head turn. It was another night spent by yourself, although you knew he was never far away.

Chirping birds are flying around the inn. There’s the faint smell of your patchouli candle in the air. If Xiao didn’t get you out of bed, your bladder would, so you bumble over to the bathroom and somehow make it back to fall asleep once more.

When you wake up again, it’s 8:31. You consider slurring out Xiao’s name- you always want him to be the first face you see, just to really make sure your day starts off on the right foot- but decide he might like you better after your morning cup of tea. Or rather, you can more consciously pamper him afterwards.

You go downstairs and find the Adeptus in his signature skulking corner of the lobby. Your drowsy steps go away in an instant, your feet practically sprout wings as you totter over to him. When you’re closer, you realize the darkness under his eyes. How he’s more grumpy than usual, and how that says a lot about Xiao.

“G’morning.” You whisper, slowly reaching out to cup his face in your hands.

You wait patiently for him to accept your affection. It would seem his weariness made him more pliant because he leans into your touch all too quickly with a concerning desperation. An unintelligible set of syllables is his only response.

“Did Sandman not visit you last night?” You ask quietly.

“Sandman doesn’t exist, [ 🧸 ].” Grumbles Xiao, “I’ve never seen him in my two-thousand years of living.”

“Well… I-” You sigh and swipe your thumbs over his cheekbones as you kneel down, “Xiao, are you alright, my love?”

He refuses to look at you to save his pink face. He has half a mind to teleport away every time you call him that. It makes him feel too soft, like ice cream in direct sunlight. His peachy blush almost cancels out the blue-purple tones under his eyes but you’re as persistent as the warm and fuzzy feeling.

Xiao inhales sharply when you press your forehead against his, “W-We’re in public.” But he doesn’t lean away from you. “I… guess I’m just tired.”

“…Are you in pain?”

He whimpers affirmatively and it breaks your heart. You pull him up to his feet and guide him to your room despite his quiet protests that he can walk without your help.

“Keep fighting me and I’ll cradle you in my arms like a baby, Xiao.” You retort, half playfully, half seriously.

That silences him, though internally he won’t deny that being in your arms would solve a lot of his problems. The steps up to your room feel like climbing a mountain with weights. Xiao’s head dips and bobs from exhaustion and shame. He feels so pathetic he nearly doesn’t register you sitting him down on the edge of your bed, but with his last bit of strength, he still doesn’t let you lay him against the blankets.

For being two-thousand years old, he had a childlike stubbornness to him that was endearing most of the time, except when was detrimental to his health.

“Xiao!” You hiss, “Relax, sweetheart. You deserve to rest.”

“No- I- don’t!” He argues, faltering against your strength.

You manage to pin him down. If he wasn’t so mortified about how you’re handling him, he might’ve fallen asleep immediately. Your bed was so soft. So warm. It smells like you too. You sigh in relief over your victory and rest your forehead against his before collapsing against his chest, in part to keep him from scurrying off.

“I should go.” He says weakly, “I should… you shouldn’t be- m-my karmic-”

You nuzzle your cheek against his heart, “Shh, I want to be here. You’re okay, and I’m okay, see? We’re okay.”

His hands grip your shoulders, trying to push you off but ultimately, he can’t bring himself to do so. As fast as you make his heartbeat, with you, it’s like time slows down. Like he’s been given permission to rest now.

After a blissful moment of peace, you lean up and murmur into his ear, “I’ll get you some tea and an extra pillow, alright? I’ll be right ba-”

Xiao pulls you down the second you start to sit up. He muffles his disapproving hum by pressing his lips onto the top of your head. You hide your giggling and sneak your hand behind his back, stroking down his spine slowly and firmly.

“I don’ wan’you t’leave…” Whispers Xiao, “I… I don’think I can sleep without you.”

You smile and nod, “I’ll stay as long as you want me to. I promise I’m not going anywhere, and I’ll be here when you wake up.”

With slow and careful movements, you reposition Xiao so his head is cradled between your arms and your chest. Your steady heartbeat banishes his unease for the time being as he finally closes his eyes.

“Sweet dreams, Xiao.”

He wonders if it’s too much to ask for such a sweet dream as this. If he deserves such a wonderful thing. If he deserves someone as wonderful as you. It takes a bit of courage, but before he loses himself to sleep, he quietly deludes himself into thinking that you are his sweetest dream and clings to you for dear life.

.

.

.

“[ 🧸 ]?” Verr Goldet calls from downstairs, “[ 🧸 ], have you seen Xiao? Smiley made his favo-”

The two of you are close so she lets herself into your room only to find the Adeptus in question snuggling peacefully in the arms of his lover. You smile at her, and she smiles back. All is quiet except for Xiao’s soft snoring. Your fingertips card through his hair and massage his scalp. It had kept him asleep for many hours. Verr Goldet leaves you both alone as her footsteps retreat downstairs.

The moment she’s gone however, Xiao begins to wake up.

“W-Who… Who was there?” He asks, deep slumber lacing his voice.

Maybe it’s a little evil but you can’t help teasing him, “Oh, no one. Just Zhongli.”

Xiao sits up so fast, the world spins, “Xiansheng! I wasn’t- this isn’t what- we weren’t- I’m sorry- I-”

You shush him, peppering soft kisses on his cheek and sealing his panic behind your lips on his, “I was only joking. You know Zhongli would want you to rest. You know he would. Let yourself rest, okay Xiao?”

He turns to mush with every little peck and grumbles against your lips which are still brushing his, “You… y-you have no respect for the Adepti.”

“Respect?” You snort, “My grumbly love, you were the one who thought we were caught in some scandalous, compromising situation.”

“I-I did not-"

You cut off his protests with a smushy kiss followed by a popping mwah!

“You’re so-"

Mwah!

“[ 🧸 ]-”

Mwah!

“S-Stop-"

One final mwah! and Xiao’s tough exterior crumbles. He hides his steaming red face in the crook of your neck, where your embarrassingly rejuvenating kisses can no longer reduce him to a helpless, blushing shell of a Yaksha. His lips cling to the memory of your touch as he plants a timid ghost’s kiss against your pulse point and lets out a shaky, warm breath. It tickles your skin, making you hold him closer, cradling him like a baby- just like you said you would. He relishes in how comforting your embrace is, he can’t get enough of it. Even when he falls back asleep, he dreams of being in your arms forever.

｡🌠 🎀 𝓇𝑒𝒷𝓁🌞𝑔𝓈 & 𝒸😍𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹❢ 𝓌𝑒'𝒹 𝓁❤𝓋𝑒 𝓉💙 𝓀𝓃🍑𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎🌺𝓊 𝓁🍩𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝒷💍𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈❣❣ 🎀 🌠｡

[taromolktea]

▀▄▀▄▀▄ ｏ𝐏ｅ𝓡άｔⒾ𝔬Ｎ: 🄵🄾🅄🄽🄳 🄵🄰🄼🄸🄻🅈 ▄▀▄▀▄▀ (a Spy X Family AU) Chapter 3: Prepare for the Interview

Xiao X fem!Reader (2nd person)

word count: 5.8k

content: that uwu shit hehe, how many references to other characters can you find? some more mandarin in this chapter bc i couldn’t help myself- i’m v fond of xiao and qiqi’s chinese voices <3 my mandarin may not be the most accurate tho, but i did my best! i’m really happy w how this extra long chapter turned out and i hope you enjoy it, too!! what song do you think is playing at the end? hehe it could be any favorite of yours that you like to dance to, i personally think it’s shut up and dance (the acoustic version)

chapter 1: operation strix, chapter 2: secure a wife

tag list (message to be added/removed) 🏷 @citrussaurus @danibby @icedthoma @bajifairyy @lunavixia @random-names-stuff @crowsbirds @xoyumiqls @rul-of-demise @meowlumi @shineigami @cotton-eee @calxz @kaz3yo @yuuriihiime @yukanazz @xiaoscult @cnoxx @nottyyneysatall @strawberrykittyv

｡🌠 🎀 𝓇𝑒𝒷𝓁🌞𝑔𝓈 & 𝒸😍𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹❢ 𝓌𝑒'𝒹 𝓁❤𝓋𝑒 𝓉💙 𝓀𝓃🍑𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎🌺𝓊 𝓁🍩𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝒷💍𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈❣❣ 🎀 🌠｡

You step out of the taxi cab at the foot of your new home. It doesn’t take long to unload your packed boxes from the trunk. Truthfully, you don’t own many things to begin with. 

Xiao meets you at the foot of the stairs shortly afterwards. His smile is sweet and relaxed as he helps you bring in your belongings. You’re sure his late wife was a very fortunate woman to have enjoyed his presence in her life. 

It’s not until you unpack your bedding that you hug them close to your flushed face as the thought strikes you, “Xiao um… about the sleeping arrangements…”

Xiao waves his hand reassuringly, “We’ll be in separate rooms. Anytime we have guests over though, we’ll share one for appearances’ sake.”

You nod, ignoring the twinge of disappointment you couldn’t help but feel. Why? You weren’t sure. And trying to get an answer made your skin feel warm. 

Xiao recalled his realtor, Verr Goldet, who helped him find this new home. She took her responsibility under Morax to always find him suitable accommodations for his missions very seriously, and expressed her indignation with a mock hurt look when he told her he found the first apartment through a realtor that wasn’t her.

“You see what happens when you don’t let me help you? You barricade your daughter in the living room and end up having to move out because she got kidnapped!” She sighs, “This new complex is very homely though, perfect for you and your family. I think the three of you will be very comfortable here.”

Xiao shakes his head fondly. Verr was right though, and she truly outdid herself with the selection. Truthfully, he had only neglected to ask her for accommodations out of consideration because the start of Operation Strix happened to be Verr’s tenth anniversary with her husband, Huai’an. The two of them had always been kind to him.

Qiqi’s soft but enthusiastic greeting pulled him from his reminiscence, “Welcome to Qiqi’s home.” 

You smile, Xiao’s daughter gets more and more adorable every time I see her! To think I get to play the role of a mother to such a cute little girl!

“Thank you for the lovely welcome, Qiqi xiaojie.” 

Indeed, it was a lovely welcome into the strange family Qiqi called home. With a spy for a father and an assassin for a mother, it was certainly odd- but she wouldn’t have it any other way. She folds her small hands as a prayer of thanks to the love that found her.

“Qiqi is so happy to have a mama now.”

Your heart feels fluffy in your chest. Mama…!

Qiqi picks up one of the smaller boxes in hopes of helping you settle in while Xiao adds, “By the way, about our… contract, I had a friend of mine who’s a judge make it so we got married a year ago.” That is to say, she forged it. For someone who’s so well-versed in law, I guess it’s only natural that Yanfei knows every possible way around it. “We can figure out why we lived separately and what to tell your brother later.”

“Alright, thank you.” 

Of course, Xiao considered the school’s suspicions over the two of you getting married conveniently before the interview, hence the forged papers. But the thought still lingered- the thought of really being married to you for a year’s worth of time. It seemed more like a dream than anything else, to have that stability for so long.

You were eternally grateful to Ningguang for her heartfelt permission and blessing. While you explained that your marriage to Xiao was… simply a coverup, she looked more amused than convinced. Beidou herself laughed openly as she was in the room when you told her.

Qiqi watched yours and Xiao’s brief interaction with delight. Although you had all just met, she had never felt more affection and adoration, even if it was still mostly hidden beneath the surface. She was quick to assume the duty of your tour guide for your new home.

“This is the kitchen.” She states matter-of-factly, “Papa is a very good cook.”

“Really?” You echo, “How wonderful!”

Xiao’s ears grow warm from her praise and he’s grateful he’s on the other side of the room cleaning and putting away your things. Truthfully, he only knew how to make a few different meals for his own sake. 

For Qiqi however, he took up reading cookbooks and found recipes to be quite similar to missions. Each step is an objective to be accomplished, and the yield is hopefully something delicious. It seems Qiqi considered his efforts a success.

Qiqi leads you to the bathroom and stands up on her tippy toes to flick on the light switch, “This is the bathroom. This is the toilet. And this is the bathtub.” She scurried over to the sink and pulls out a wooden stool from underneath it, “Qiqi can wash her face all by herself.”

You clap your hands in amazement, “You’re such a big girl, Qiqi!”

You eye the two little cups on the shelf above the sink. Green for Xiao, and purple for Qiqi. How cute!

Despite Qiqi’s naturally monotone voice, her enthusiasm peaked when she opened the door to her room, “Welcome to Qiqi’s bedroom!”

Charming purple wallpaper made the space feel truly childlike and precious. Before Xiao, Qiqi never had toys to call her own. Now she had not only one, but two finch plushes keep her company in her large bed fit for a princess. She shows them to you with pride.

“She is Violet, and he is Grass.” Qiqi imitates their voices as she places them on her lap, “我是 Violet，我是 Grass. 见到你很荣幸，妈妈.” (“I am Violet, I am Grass. It’s an honor to meet you, Mama.”)

You bow your head politely, “也见到你们很荣幸. 我是七七妈妈.” (“It’s an honor to meet you both too. I am Qiqi’s mama.”)

Qiqi looked very pleased, then neatly put away Violet and Grass and led you down the hall, “This is Papa’s room.”

Although Qiqi let herself in, you remained in the doorway and nodded, “Very nice.”

Finally, Qiqi led you to the last room in between hers and Xiao’s, “This is your room, Mama. 进来, 进来.” (“Come in, come in.”)

You gasped when you took it all in, “This is really my room? It’s wonderful!”

Xiao appeared with the last of your bedroom’s boxes in the doorway, “I’m glad it’s to your liking. This should be everything. I just finished cleaning up.”

Qiqi hugged your leg and said, “Qiqi helped clean, too.”

You’re truly touched, “Really? You’re both so thoughtful, thank you!”

“Is Qiqi a good girl?”

Xiao rolled his eyes and laughed under his breath as he patted her head, “Aside from tripping and spilling the bucket of water everywhere, yes. You are.”

Qiqi pouted, unsure of how to accept his backhanded compliment. You couldn’t help giggling and as you turned to take in the beauty of your room once more, Xiao found himself smiling at you.

“It’s so lovely…” You said airily, “I don’t know what to do with myself!”

“It’s your home now too so… make yourself comfortable. I’ll take away your empty boxes when you’re done.” He starts to walk off but you’re already done in just a few seconds, “You’re… very efficient. Oh. Is this your younger brother?”

He examines the portrait of you two and you nod, “Yes, he’s also a civil servant like me but he’s been so busy lately, I can only catch him via phone calls.”

“I see. The two of you look very similar. Once Qiqi’s entrance exam is over, I’ll be sure to introduce myself properly to him.”

You fold your hands shyly, “O-Oh, about that… I’m afraid I don’t have anything nice enough for the interview.”

“Then let’s go to the tailor today.”

Qiqi spots an unopened box in the corner and rushes to help. The moment you hear its content shuffle around though, you rush even faster to get her away.

“A-Ah! Qiqi, I’ll take care of that! Please, don’t worry yourself over it!”

That’s all of my work equipment- there’s enough weapons and poison to take down an elephant!

Ack.

Qiqi steps away cautiously. The three of you make your way to the kitchen and soon enough, the smell of coffee fills the air. You learn that Xiao likes his coffee black, and that Qiqi likes her hot cocoa cold with extra milk and sugar. It’s peculiar to like a hot drink served cold but who are you to judge? You made sure the cocoa powder was mixed thoroughly so there weren’t any lumps.

You set the drinks down on the coffee table and Qiqi quickly cuddles up to your side. Xiao sets down a plate of almond cookies shortly afterwards. It all smells aromatically sweet, just like a bakery!

“Even your cookies are homemade? You’re quite the kitchen talent,  Xiao.”

He blushes and looks away while Qiqi helps herself to them, “It’s… only my first time ever making them. I just followed a recipe from a cookbook so they should be… decent.“

His heart pounds unreasonably hard as he watches you eat one up in a single bite, “Mm, delicious! It looks like marrying you comes with more benefits than I could’ve ever thought.”

Xiao hides his ever-reddening face behind his cup of coffee, “I-It’s not that impressive, really.”

Qiqi has helped herself to at least a dozen cookies at this point and points out, “Qiqi helped bake the cookies, too.”

“You got flour everywhere and ended up snaking on peanuts because you didn’t want to try cracking an egg.”

“Qiqi did not want to kill the baby finch inside. Not even for cookies.”

“For the last time, they’re not finch eggs!”

You laugh at their bickering as the three of you enjoy your morning snack. Afterwards, Xiao begins the mock interview practice. He whips out a pair of glasses and pushes his hair back absentmindedly as if to get into character. 

Wow, he looks really pretty like that… did he always have a purple diamond on his forehead?

You’re pretty sure you missed half his explanation of the interview because of your starry-eyed staring. Thankfully, the interrogation- ah, interview- starts with Qiqi.

“Please state your full name and address.”

Qiqi tilts her head, “Qiqi is… Gui Qiqi. Add…ress?”

“The place we’re at right now.”

She smiles, “Qiqi’s home.”

“That’s not what I…” Xiao sighs, “Qiqi xiaojie, how do you spend your days off?”

“Papa orders Qiqi to stay home so Qiqi watches TV all day all alone.”

Shit.

He clears his throat, “Let’s… try something else.” He glances at you and you straighten up immediately, “Why did you choose Sumeru Academia and how do you plan to pass this exam?”

H-How do people usually pass? Hm… pass… passing. Oh!

“Cardiac arrest.” You reply plainly, “Or perhaps, excessive bleeding? There is also the method of compound fractures throughout the body or even caving in their skull.”

While Xiao internally agrees that… in terms of passing away, those are certainly plausible, but his face says kill me now. Meanwhile, Qiqi looks like she’s seen a ghost from your graphic description. Xiao continues the interview, though he is starting to become less optimistic. And he’s already rarely, if ever, optimistic to begin with.

“What are your parenting methods?”

You tap your chin, “Strike first and be victorious?”

How did your brother turn out normal and decent, and you… turned out as yourself?

Xiao sighs and stands up, “It’s pointless to continue trying to survive the interview like this.” His tone is stern at first but he bypasses his brooding and gives you and Qiqi a smile, “Let’s go out for a bit instead.”

Broadening horizons, becoming well-versed in what is normal for an upperclass family, and getting on the same page. Surely that would increase the likelihood of passing the interview. Xiao walks alongside you as Qiqi leads the way down the sidewalk before she extends her hand to you.

“Mama, please hold Qiqi’s hand.”

You nearly tear up and nod enthusiastically, “Okay!”

Xiao feels the pressure of his mission lighten as he watches you both. It warms his heart to see Qiqi adore you so much, considering she didn’t like Hu Tao or even Yanfei at first. Likewise, you’re over the Moon to have won Qiqi’s affections.

This reminds me of when my little brother was small and adorable like her… 

Hehe…!

And that one time I hugged him so hard I accidentally broke two of his ribs. Ehe, I should be more careful with little ones.

Eh?

Qiqi freed herself immediately and scurried off behind the flower planter. Wait, what? Maybe not. Xiao was pretty sure he could pinpoint the second your heart ripped in half.

“B-By the way,” You sniffle, clearly dejected, “Where are we headed again?”

Xiao retrieves three shiny slips of paper from his jacket pocket, “My connections at… work gave me some tickets to things for us to enjoy today.”

You examined them closely, finding them ever so prettily designed, “Oh! Yun Jin of the Yun-Han Opera Troupe and Heyu Tea House?”

While you had never attended an opera before, you’d heard all about the talented Yun Jin from Lady Ningguang. In fact, Yun Jin performed at the Jade Chamber many times for special occasions, including but not limited to Ningguang and Beidou’s wedding.

Unbeknownst to you, Xiao had also never attended an opera before, but had heard of the Stage Lucida’s stardom through Morax and actually got the tickets from him. She was quite a gifted storyteller and playwright, and the Heyu Tea House was one of Morax’s favorite establishments. 

The two of you enjoyed Yun Jin’s stellar performance of “The Divine Damsel of Devastation”, although, Qiqi had dozed off on the armrest. Next was the local but illustrious museum, per Ganyu’s recommendation. She seemed to greatly enjoy spending time there, reminiscing on the history as though she was actually there when it happened. Then again, she was there when it happened.

Xiao specifically asked Qiqi not to raise her voice indoors, but that didn’t stop her commentary on practically every piece she looked at.

“Tiddies.”

Archons.

“Decapitated.”

Qiqi.

“Body’s been choppy-chopped off.”

Please stop.

Not that you were much better. Xiao supposed everyone had their interests, but what was it about old world guillotines that fascinated you so much? Eventually, the three of you come across a children’s play area with large whiteboards and plenty of markers.

“Qiqi wants to draw.”

Xiao nods, “Go ahead. [ 🧸 ], let’s take a seat for a bit.”

You follow his suggestion and he goes to get you both water cups from the indoor cafe. Qiqi calls upon her greatest artistic vision to put onto the whiteboard. 

Qiqi’s house is a big castle. The bosses of the secret organization are Violet zhuren and Grass zhuren. Papa is a spy, pew pew. Mama is an assassin, slash slash.

By the time she’s finished, you and Xiao came over to see her work. Qiqi feels goosebumps rise on her skin. If Mama and Papa see this, they’ll know about Qiqi’s powers…! Her little body does absolutely nothing to cover up her drawing on the large whiteboard but it doesn’t stop her from trying.

“Quite a masterpiece.” Comments Xiao, “Is… that a wild boar in the mountains?”

“It’s Violet and Grass in the castle.”

“I see. And… Goldwing is there too. From your spy cartoon.”

“Mhm.”

“And that must be the princess. Is… she dying? Or killing someone?” Regardless, that’s a lot of red. 

“…”

“The cat is very cute, Qiqi.”

“It’s a puppy.”

“Sorry.”

Qiqi breathes a sigh of relief as Xiao ushers her over to the two of you. The next stop is the tailor to get you a new dress for the interview.

“Thank you for doing this on your day off, Xiao.” You mumble, “I hope it isn’t too much trouble.”

“It’s not.”

As straightforward as ever but that quality of his is reassuring. 

“Qiqi loves her new clothes. Qiqi thinks… this shop is wonderful. Qiqi loves this shop.”

The seamstress laughs as Qiqi twirls around in her periwinkle dress. She tied the ribbon on her dark purple cardigan all by herself when they were getting ready to leave. The ribbon was pink, and it matched the puffballs on her low heels. She loved the click-clack! sound they made when she hopped around.

“This is Qiqi’s first time wearing her new clothes, it makes Qiqi very happy.”

The seamstress nodded, “I’m glad! Today must be a very special occasion.”

“Today celebrates… Qiqi’s outing with Mama and Papa.”

You tug on Xiao’s sleeve and gesture to the portraits of well-dress customers on the walls, “Why don’t we stop by the photography studio nearby?”

“Okay.”

The seamstress recommended a rich navy blue to suit the semi-formal occasion of the interview, but you had expressed a preference for red and or black. Xiao affirmed that you indeed looked very lovely in those colors, although, he meant to say it in his head- not out loud.

The seamstress and the other employees in the boutique giggled at you both as your face heated up, “T-Thank you, Xiao. I’m glad you think so.”

“I- what? I mean, yes… y-you’re welcome.”

This color is nice-looking, but it would show bloodstains so easily… 

Qiqi gawked at you from behind your back. At the photography studio, Xiao rediscovered that hates cameras but he sucks it up for you and Qiqi. He admittedly looks a little uncomfortable in the final product but makes no comment on it. Really, he’s just happy you and Qiqi love it so much. 

Your new outfits will be ready by the time of the interview, and Xiao is sure they will look especially beautiful on you, too, “You got me so many new clothes…”

He shrugs, “I… wanted to. B-Besides… we’ll be going out together more often anyway.”

“Thank you, Xiao.”

The three of you happen to pass by a patriotic crowd on the way to Wanmin Restaurant. Xiao heard the chef is a very talented young lady, also per Ganyu’s recommendation. Participating in politics was far from his favorite pastime but as a spy, it was vital to staying in the know. You of course, thought the same. Both your lines of work called for information so, even with your shared dislike of loud places, you did what you had to.

Qiqi however, hid herself in the crook of Xiao’s neck. The unspoken opinions of the crowd were just as loud as the ones they were yelling with fervor. Their sorrows, resentment, and demands for action flooded her head until her nose started bleeding.

“Mama… Papa… Qiqi doesn’t like it here.” 

You noticed the trickle of blood and immediately cleaned it up with your handkerchief, “Xiao, we should get going.”

He nods, “You’re right. This is an intense environment.”

Upon arriving at the Wanmin Restaurant, Qiqi starts to calm down. You spotted an adorable Guoba teddy for sale alongside many copies in a corner with many other Wanmin-related merchandise, and are quick to purchase one. The cashier, an older gentleman who proudly announces being the father of the chef, explains to you that the Guoba teddies can even be heated up or iced. Perfect!

Wanmin Restaurant serves many family-style dishes. Since you had rushed off to buy a Guoba teddy for Qiqi, Xiao could only take a guess at what you might want to eat. Thankfully, the menu had a section of the bestsellers like boiled fish, shrimp dumplings, and bamboo shoot soup, all of which he ordered. The almond tofu in the dessert section also caught his eye.

“Qiqi,” You call gently as she holds your handkerchief against her nose to stop the bleeding, “I have a surprise for you- tadah!”

Her cerise eyes go wide as you knelt down beside her and present Guoba, “So cute… thank you, Mama. Qiqi loves it.”

She reaches out to Guoba as you snuggle her with him and hugs him close. Xiao’s heart lightens at the sight. You tuck her long lavender hair behind her ears before taking your seat. It doesn’t take long for the food to arrive. Like Qiqi, your eyes also go wide at the delicious choices before you. Xiao is also quick to serve Qiqi her portion and cut up any pieces that may be too big for her. In short, lunch is delightful!

The chef herself comes out and greets you personally when you’ve finished your food, “Hello! My name is Xiangling! I hope you enjoyed your dishes!”

Xiao nods, “All the praise Wanmin Restaurant gets is well-deserved.”

“You’re too kind! I’m honored you and your lovely wife and daughter decided to have lunch here. Can I interest you three in dessert?”

You and Xiao flush pink. It was the first time someone had referred to the two of you as being married with a kid. Qiqi, despite her aversion to strangers, held up the menu to Xiangling and pointed to one of the items.

“Qiqi wants almond tofu please, with cocogoat milk.”

Xiangling tilts her head in confusion, “Cocogoat? Is that a new kind of milk I haven’t heard of?”

“She means coconut.” Xiao replies.

“Ohhh!” Laughs Xiangling, “I got excited. Well, if there really is a cocogoat out there, I’ll be the first to serve something with it!”

Qiqi smiles, “Qiqi is… excited. Qiqi hopes you find a cocogoat.”

“Qiqi? What a cute name! And your dress is so pretty! Anyway, I’ll get that almond tofu whipped up for you three.”

When she scurries back into the kitchen, you can’t help but giggle, “Cocogoat sure sounds like some magical and mythical animal.” 

“It does.” Xiao agrees.

“Good job ordering dessert for us, Qiqi! I had my eye on the almond tofu, too.”

“Me too.”

Qiqi hugs Guoba closer to her, “Qiqi is happy Mama and Papa are happy.”

The almond tofu is creamy and cold and sweet. Even Xiao doesn’t hide an approving hum on the first bite. Cute! After dessert, the three of you decide to walk off lunch before heading home for the day. You spot a nearby park that you love spending time at on your days off. Xiao, holding a drowsy Qiqi, follows your lead.

“It’s quiet and calm up here.” He says when you reach the top, “I didn’t know there was a place like this.”

A gentle breeze rustles the grass as the three of you lean on the railing and take in the view, “It’s my favorite spot to relax. Oh, look Qiqi! A finch nest.”

Qiqi, now very much awake, follows your pointed finger to three finches in a tree, “Ah… finches… there’s a mama finch and a papa finch…”

“Mhm! And a cute little baby finch too!”

“There are eggs in the nest.” Comments Xiao.

Qiqi tugs on the collar of his jacket, “More baby finches. Mama, Papa… will you make Qiqi more babies, please?”

Both of your faces bloom pink like the nearby bushels of silk flowers. You know she means buy more finch plushes for her room. Yes, you know that has to be what she means! At least, that’s what you and Xiao tell yourselves to keep from a public, spontaneous combustion. 

“G-Guoba is your new baby, Qiqi.” You manage to say, “One baby at a time… okay?”

“Okay.”

Xiao, who is very intent on focusing on anything and everything that isn’t looking at you, people watches to calm himself down. It seems you have the same idea. People at the foot of the hill flit by on their daily routes like crystalflies. One person in particular though, catches your shared attention. He has a strange gait, and his features are suspiciously difficult to distinguish because of his sunglasses, mask, and hat. You and Xiao frown. He takes off in the next moment after a startled yelp from an old woman.

“Help!” She cries, “Thief!”

Xiao holds Qiqi tightly against him as he prepares to vault the railing, but before he can even place his hand on it, you’re already sprinting down the hill with fire in your eyes. While he wants to catch up to you as quickly as possible, ultimately, he takes the stairs to avoid startling Qiqi as she clings to his neck.

You grit your teeth as you chase the thief into a maze of alleyways, fists balled up when you can no longer spot him anywhere. With the high ground, Xiao has a better view of passersby, but the culprit was a clever one. Tch, he’s blending in with the crowd. His piercing gaze searches the crowd for the strange gait, all the while holding Qiqi close as she too looks into the seas of people. The collective thoughts begin to overwhelm her again, but she is determined to listen for the thief.

Score! That old hag was loaded!

Qiqi gasps, her eyes locked onto him. Xiao hadn’t seen him yet. How to direct his attention…? 

“Xiao, Qiqi!” You call, catching up to them, “Ugh… I lost him.”

“Me too.” He scoffs.

Qiqi keeps her eyes locked onto the thief, raises Guoba up, and launches him off the side of the hill, “Guoba! Get him!”

Startled by Qiqi raising her voice, and also the fact that she threw the Guoba plush you had bought her into the crowd, Xiao’s eyes follow where he lands. Conveniently, on the head of the thief with the strange manner of walking. There you are.

“[ 🧸 ], watch after Qiqi.”

He quickly passes her to you and the sudden gust of wind makes you and Qiqi shut your eyes. Quick as a flash, Xiao appears above the thief and plunges his foot into his back. Bystanders are shocked, but not as shocked as the thief who is now likely suffering a concussion and a spinal injury. Although drawing attention to himself goes against what he was taught, Xiao keeps the thief pinned against the cobblestone.

“Hand this purse snatcher over to the police.” He says flatly.

And just like that, he departs. You and Qiqi had gone to check in on the older woman when he reconvenes with you both, purse in hand. Much to your relief, she is unharmed, but you insist on personally escorting her to the nearby hospital.

“Thank you so much, you were a big help!” She says in earnest as she shakes your hand, “I had money in my purse to get my granddaughter a gift for her birthday.”

You smile and shake your head, “Actually, my husband was the real hero. He’s the one who got your purse back from the thief.”

Xiao looks at the ground, “You took off after him before I could even think about it, [ 🧸 ]. You deserve the praise.”

The grateful woman takes his hand in both of hers and smiles, “What a fine gentleman you are. Ah, but where are my manners? You can just call me Old Lady Ping. I run a flower shop in the city. I am deeply indebted to you both. Please, come by the store next time you get the chance. It’s not much, and maybe the younger generation doesn’t appreciate flowers anymore, but it’s the least I can do for your efforts.”

He wasn’t used to being put on the spot like this, let alone receiving such enthusiastic and heartfelt gratitude. In the past, Xiao completed his missions as Alatus, the Vigilant Yaksha, without any recognition. His mask always hid his face, but right here and right now, he had no way to hide the effect of someone’s thankfulness. 

Xiao cleared his throat bashfully. This… this is nice. Receiving thanks every once in a while… 

Qiqi giggled quietly. Papa is a softie…

“[ 🧸 ],” he says after composing himself, “Today was… an adventure. I’m glad we got to spend it together. You… you inspire me.”

He looks at you with an unexpected fondness that makes your heart leap. Those golden eyes of his, usually so calm and even fierce as you’ve seen today, gaze upon you gently and endearingly. Like the warmth of the sun without burn or glare. Any words to try and refute his praise are caught up in your throat. You can only smile at the ground sheepishly as Qiqi’s eyes dart between you and Xiao.

“Mama and Papa are flirting.” 

Hot red blush erupts on your faces as you and Xiao yelp, “We are not!” 

That wasn’t- I wasn’t…! I… I don’t f-flirt with anyone. I was just… 

He was just being nice! That… he wasn’t- b-but if he was…

The two of you try to distance yourselves from standing so close together the moment. 

Unperturbed, Qiqi pokes her chin and asks, “Does Qiqi get a thank you, too?”

Xiao coughs, grateful for the change of topic, “I suppose so. But did you have to throw Guoba off the ledge? [ 🧸 ] got him for you. You should be more considerate of your belongings.”

“Then again,” You intervene, “It’s thanks to Qiqi and Guoba that you found the thief. You’re a very good girl, Qiqi.”

Ping smiles at the three of you, “What a lovely family you are. Please, I insist coming by my flower shop on your next outing. I’ll have a lovely thank-you bouquet of glaze lilies ready. But until then, here’s some candy. My granddaughter, Feifei, loves them. I hope you like them, too!”

Feifei… Yanfei? Huh… it is her birthday soon. Must be a coincidence.

Qiqi accepts the candy, “Delicious…”

You laugh, “Make sure you say, ‘thank you’, Qiqi.”

.

.

.

At the end of a long and lovely outing, you, Xiao, and Qiqi return home. The joy of your precious family warms your heart as you hope for more and more times like these.

“Mama, Qiqi wants cold cocoa, please.”

You nod, “Of course.”

Xiao reexamines the interview questions while Qiqi watches you prepare her drink, “Qiqi, why don’t we try again with the interview.”

“‘Kay.”

“How do you spend your days off, Qiqi xiaojie?”

Qiqi ponders on it for a moment, “Mama and Papa and Qiqi go… to the opera, and… the museum… and we eat delicious food at the Wanmin Restaurant.”

He nods, “Very good. If you’re asked this question, think back to today. Now… what do you do if you see your friend do something naughty?”

Qiqi squishes and tugs at Guoba’s cheeks, “Qiqi would… throw Guoba at them. And jump on them. And beat them up.”

Your bright laughter resounds from the kitchen, “That’s a great answer.”

Xiao stares at the ceiling and covers his eyes behind his hand, “Maybe… pretend you never saw that.”

Qiqi frowns and hops over to him, reaching up to tug his hand away, “Papa was so cool.”

“He sure was.” You agree as you set three mugs down on the coffee table.

Qiqi manages to take Xiao’s hand in hers and whoosh it around like a weapon, “Evil shall be dispersed… lament! Hehe… that’s what Goldwing says on TV.”

“Those are some cool catchphrases. Why don’t you give those a try, Xiao?”

Xiao glares at you with the ferociousness of a kitten, blushing from ear to ear. Eventually, you and Qiqi stop embarrassing him as the two of you sit together on the couch. Qiqi takes a big gulp from her mug before cozying up to your side.

“Mama makes the best cold cocoa.”

You loop your arm loosely around her, “I’m glad you like it.”

The scene before him is one Xiao commits to memory. To think that the three of you convinced a kindly older woman that you were a family. Maybe the interview could be pulled off after all. He takes a sip of his evening tea as you reach for remote for the speaker to play some music. 

Qiqi kicks her feet along to the song happily, “Mama, Qiqi wants to dance. Please dance with Qiqi.”

“Huh? Oh, I-I don’t da-”

Xiao smirks at you, “You wouldn’t say no to a request from Qiqi, would you, [ 🧸 ]?”

Qiqi slides off the couch and tugs earnestly at your hands. Of course you can’t refuse her. You’re an assassin, not a monster. The song is plenty upbeat. One of your favorites actually. You’re overjoyed that Qiqi likes it so much as she hops in circles around your legs as you sway to the lyrics, though you can’t help the self-conscious butterflies in your stomach knowing Xiao is watching. 

“W-Won’t you join us?” You ask meekly.

He shakes his head a little too quickly, “I’m content just watching you tw-”

Qiqi twirls over to him and hugs his legs, “Papa, dance with Mama and Qiqi. Please?”

Those eyes would be the death of him as he sighs and you giggle, “You wouldn’t say no to a request from Qiqi, would you, Xiao?”

You extend your hands to him and the two of you manage a clumsy but cheerful waltz in the middle of the living room. Xiao finds that he can only maintain eye contact with you so… intimately… for so long. He backs away somewhat abruptly as warmth travels up his neck but hides it by crouching down to lift Qiqi and spin her around, passing her to you after a few turns. When the three of you are tired out, as in, when Qiqi is tired out, you and Xiao tuck her into bed and bid each other good night. 

Before going to sleep, Xiao rediscovers the written address to Ping’s flower shop in his jacket pocket. She had given it to him before she was taken into the hospital for a checkup. He places it next to his phone on his nightstand, determined to take you and Qiqi to there next time. It had nothing to do with his mission. It accomplished none of his objectives, and didn’t further any of his goals… but for the first time in a long time, Xiao decides he wants to do it anyway. Just to see the look on yours and Qiqi’s face.

｡🌠 🎀 𝓇𝑒𝒷𝓁🌞𝑔𝓈 & 𝒸😍𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹❢ 𝓌𝑒'𝒹 𝓁❤𝓋𝑒 𝓉💙 𝓀𝓃🍑𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎🌺𝓊 𝓁🍩𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝒷💍𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈❣❣ 🎀 🌠｡

[taromolktea]

𝐰Ⓐ尺мt𝔥

Xiao X Reader (2nd person; they/them)

word count: 2.2k

content: the feminine urge to make him soup from scratch sob sob i jus wanna squimsh his face in my hands 🤲🏼 Aether and Paimon make an appearance; Thoma + Zhongli, Ganyu, and Yanfei are also referenced ehe (my main team -> Zhongli, Ganyu, Yanfei, Xiao :)

song inspo: good soup 👌🏼

regular tag list (message to add/be removed) 🏷 @icedthoma @citrussaurus @danibby

｡🌠 🎀 𝓇𝑒𝒷𝓁🌞𝑔𝓈 & 𝒸😍𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹❢ 𝓌𝑒'𝒹 𝓁❤𝓋𝑒 𝓉💙 𝓀𝓃🍑𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎🌺𝓊 𝓁🍩𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝒷💍𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈❣❣ 🎀 🌠｡

“Aether and Paimon were so kind to teach me all the recipes they’ve learned from Mondstadt and Inazuma!” You gushed, “I’ve always wanted to try making dishes from different places. Look look! This is mushroom pizza and sticky honey roast and oh- hash browns! These are really yummy- and then from Inazuma, I made yakisoba and sashimi and chazu… ke? Xiao?”

Your eyes finally rested from flitting all over your banquet and caught Xiao’s gentle gaze fixed on you. Was he even listening?

He was. You knew he was. Xiao wasn’t very talkative but he was a wonderful listener.

In truth, while he heard every word, he was more enchanted by your passion. It dripped from your voice and sparkled in your grin like glaze lily nectar.

“You’ve worked very hard on all this.” Comments Xiao with a nod.

“W-Would you like to try anything?” You ask tentatively, “I know you’re not overly fond of most mortal food… but I thought maybe…!”

Xiao tilts his head in confusion, “Maybe?”

You rub the back of your neck sheepishly, “I jus thought… maybe if I made more dishes for you to try, you might find something new that you like.”

The Adepti’s brows rose, a nearly imperceptible change indicating his surprise, “You… made all this for me?”

“You don’t have to like any of it!” You said hastily, already worried you’d gone too far, “Y-You don’t even have to try if you don’t want to! I jus had extra time and extra ingredients and you’ve been more busy lately so I- uh…” You felt the warmth in your cheeks blaze brightly, “I jus wanted to make sure you didn’t have an empty stomach.”

Xiao swallowed the lump in his throat. Eating is hardly a necessity for Adeptus. Although he knew Morax— Zhongli… He knew Zhongli had a favorite mortal food. The Tianquan’s secretary, Ganyu, did as well. Even that exuberant lawyer, Yanfei. He only knew what they were in the first place because he was there when you asked them.

The way you checked his reaction during those exchanges… were you trying to gauge if he might like food that other Adepti also like? You’d made him plenty of almond tofu in the past. A plate was always ready and waiting for him when he came to visit you. Even if he was unannounced, you would quickly start to make his one favorite.

“I-I’m sorry if I overwhelmed you.” You mumble, drawing him to the present moment, “Really, you don’t have to eat anything if you don’t want to. I know Adeptus don’t actually need to eat… uh, I can just pack it for Aether and Paimon! So… don’t worry about trying any-”

“All of it.” Xiao said quietly.

“Huh?”

“I’ll try all of it.”

Your heart nearly leapt out of your chest, “Really?”

To see- to cause, even- the joyous expression on your face, Xiao would do most anything. Trying food was a very simple task all things considered. Oh, he would move mountains for you if it made you clap your hands and smile excitedly the way you did just now.

You tried to reel yourself back in, “How… how about we start small? Here! I think you’d like this. It’s miso soup! Look, it even has tofu in it! Aether said one of his friends from Inazuma, no… Mondstadt? One of his friends taught him the special way to make it.”

Xiao watched as you ladled the soup into a bowl, slightly offended whenever you shooed away his attempts to help serve you. The fragrance was toasty, light, and pleasant to his nose. Little wisps of steam fluttered up into the air before disappearing. It was warm to the touch as he carefully brought the spoon up to his lips. Meanwhile, the two of you pretended not to notice the other the whole time.

Xiao felt the steam flush his face. Or maybe it was the soup itself? It’s not that it was spicy. Far from it. This was just the kind of mild yet still flavorful taste he appreciated. But there was something so oddly comforting about this. It tasted like… what a hug from you felt like. The warmth that enveloped him when he was in your arms, basking in your affection like the Wangshu Inn’s cat in a patch of sunshine.

Xiao scoffed to himself. It was soup. Not some magical potion. Surely it was just because you’d put so much love and intention into making this- everything- for him… The peachy pink color on his face deepened.

“Is it too hot?” You panicked, scooting your chair next to his and cupping the bowl to blow it. Your hand rested over his as you blew away some of the steam, “W-Was that okay? Did you completely hate that?”

You turn your head to survey his reaction and find your faces oh so close together. Xiao gulped.

“I like you.” He finally mumbles, eyes shy but fixed on you. They grow wide with realization as he splutters, “T-The soup. I like… the soup. I-It’s good. Good soup.”

Xiao had adopted your tendency to stutter and explain in excess when he was nervous. Although his version of excess was hardly chatty, it was still a lot for him. Your pride and adoration swelled knowing you’d earned his praise and even made him stutter. The thought of Xiao talking to the soup and definitely not you was also highly amusing.

You couldn’t help giggling a little. Well. A lot. Xiao saved what little face he could by finishing off his bowl. Your smile lingered as you continued offering small portions of each dish that you made. He wasn’t very accustomed to picking up foods like pizza or hash browns with his hands, and he didn’t seem to like the buttery shine it left on his fingers.

The cheese pulling from the pizza when he took a bite startled him, and the crisp texture of the hash brown made him frown, “Salty.” He mumbled.

The sticky honey roast seemed to do fair better, but he still didn’t like touching food with his hands. His mood lifted when you kissed the bit of honey glaze off his lip. It was becoming more and more apparent that Xiao preferred dishes from Inazuma to ones from Mondstadt.

By the end of it all, he concluded, “I liked the first one the best. What did you call it?”

“Miso soup.”

“It’s good.” He nodded, “You needn’t waste your time if ever you feel obligated to cook for me again. Almond tofu and miso soup are enough.”

“Nothing I do for you is a waste of time, Xiao.” You sweetly insist, “I like taking care of you in any way I can, and I consider having two mortal foods you like a win!”

Your hands reach out to delicately cup his face and you indulge yourself in squishing his cheeks ever so playfully. If it was anyone else, Xiao would’ve seen to it that they would no longer have hands to touch him in such a ridiculous manner. But since it was you… he couldn’t help melting into your palms.

“Mmm, your face is fuller now that you’ve eaten more,” you cooed, “Round round baby face and cutie patootie tofu cheeks~”

Xiao swatted your hands away with the force of a feather, bright pink blooming on his skin, “You’re absurd. Coddling an Adeptus.”

The bite in his retort was toothless as you criss crossed your legs in your seat, “Not jus any Adeptus.”

You looked at Xiao expectantly until he sighed in defeat, “Your Adeptus…” he mutters.

You claim your little victory and begin to put away the dishes but Xiao tugs on your hand, “Hm?”

“I’ll do it. You said you’d pack lunches for the Traveler and Paimon, right? …I’ll do it. You sit here.”

He gently pushes you back down onto your chair and you giggle, “Sit here and do what?”

Xiao falters, “I-I dunno… just… stay there. Look pretty. You’ll have no trouble doing that, I’m sure.”

“Okay~”

Xiao can feel your lovesick puppy eyes fixed on him as he brings the dishes to the countertop. Of all given rooms in a house, he’s probably the most familiar with kitchens. All the time he’s spent at Wangshu Inn and of course, in your home- his home, with you- has taught him where you keep your glass containers for packing food on the go. Even which cabinet holds your mug collection, far too many mugs for one person, he thinks, but he knows that won’t stop you from amassing even more.

“I-I’ll bring these to the Traveler and Paimon.” Says Xiao when he’s finished up and can no longer withstand your adoring gaze. He wants to teleport away as soon as possible and still his thumping heart.

You scurry up out of your seat and gently take Xiao’s arm in yours, “Can we take the long way? They’re staying at Wangshu Inn… maybe you and I could walk there together?”

Xiao sighed, “If that’s what you’d like.”

“I’d like that very much.”

“…me too.”

“Hm?”

“I said ‘let’s go’.” Xiao huffed, taking the tote bag of meals and holding it out to you.

You grin and sling the bag onto one arm before Xiao timidly brushes your fingers with his and twines your pinkies. The walk is quiet and peaceful as the sun just began descending. The glow of the fireflies along the path was becoming more and more visible and one even landed on Xiao’s nose. With one hand holding yours and the other gripping his spear, he could only shake his head to convince it to leave. He sneezed a kitten-like sneeze.

“Shush.” He chided immediately after.

“I didn’t even say anything yet!” You laugh.

“Yet.”

The two of you had arrived at the foot of Wangshu Inn and Paimon spotted you both from the balcony. You were fairly certain she knew you’d bring them food and was probably keeping an eye out. She fluttered down with a swiftness after calling Aether who took it upon himself to jump right off the balcony. He seemed to have a habit of doing that… good thing he always had his wind glider.

“Don’t do what he does.” Xiao mutters as Aether lets himself free fall for a few moments before opening his glider.

“It looks fun though!” You say just to tease, “Besides, you would catch me, wouldn’t you?”

“Obviously. But that doesn’t mean you should make jumping off balconies a habit. Verr Goldet only lets it slide because it’s Aether.”

“Xiao! [ 🧸 ]!” The Traveler beams.

“Sticky honey roast!” Adds Paimon.

You chortle and present your delicious offerings to them, “Delivery! I hope you both like them.”

“Thanks so much, [ 🧸 ].” Aether nods, “I already know it’s gonna be great. Xiao’s so lucky he has you.” He smirks at the Adeptus who tosses his head to look in the other direction.

“Xiao doesn’t realize how great he has it!” Paimon whines, “If Paimon had someone like [ 🧸 ] cooking all these delicious dishes, Paimon would- would… hm… explode!”

You burst out laughing, “From happiness? Or from eating too much?”

Paimon thinks about it for a moment then nods, “Yes.”

“Well, I think Xiao looks pretty happy.” Comments Aether with a grin.

The Adeptus only crosses his arms as you smile fondly, “I think so too.”

“If you’re done talking about me like I’m not here,” Xiao mutters, “We should head back before the sun goes down completely.”

“We could always teleport. What’s the rush?”

“Maybe I’m… in a rush to spend more time with you.” He says very quietly.

But you heard him. And so did Aether. Paimon didn’t because she was busy surveying the meals you gave them. Aether quickly pulled Paimon towards him and started walking back to the elevator of the Inn, waving the two of you goodbye. He scolded Paimon for making kissy faces at Xiao but he definitely did the same thing.

Xiao huffs with pink cheeks, “Ridiculous.“

“Shall we get going?” You laugh.

Xiao sighs, Archons only know how many times he’s done that today, and turns to face you before leaning into your lips. You squeak at the sudden gesture as your eyelids flutter shut. Soft as a dandelion and gone just as quickly. His kiss sweeps you up and away as your eyes slowly open to see the walls of your living room.

“Are you tired?” He asks as if he didn’t kiss you and teleport the two of you back home.

“Mm… a little bit.”

“You should rest. You’ve been working hard and cooking all day.”

“Rest with me?”

You sit down on tbe couch and open your arms to him. Xiao takes the seat beside you and pulls your legs onto his lap. His hand weaves behind your head and pushes it into the crook of his neck. You hum with content and lace your arms around one of his.

A nap quickly overtakes you but when you wake back up, Xiao has escaped your hold. You find him filling two bowls of miso soup. He used your favorite bowl, you notice, as he brings it to you at the foot of the sofa.

“Doesn’t it feel like a warm hug?” You grin after a satisfying slurp.

“Something like that.” Agrees Xiao, scooting closer to you and relishing in your presence.

｡🌠 🎀 𝓇𝑒𝒷𝓁🌞𝑔𝓈 & 𝒸😍𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹❢ 𝓌𝑒'𝒹 𝓁❤𝓋𝑒 𝓉💙 𝓀𝓃🍑𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎🌺𝓊 𝓁🍩𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝒷💍𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈❣❣ 🎀 🌠｡

[taromolktea]

𝒽🎁𝓁𝒾𝒹𝒶𝓎 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝒹𝒷𝒶𝓃𝒹𝓈

Diluc, Thoma, Xiao (all separate) X Reader (they/them pronouns; 2nd person)

word count: 1.3k

content: tryna convince the boyfies to wear those cute holiday headbands in the spirit of crimis eve; that uwu shit

merry christmas eve (our time) + merry christmas to those of you who celebrate and to those who don’t, we wish you a safe and restful weekend!!

song inspo: snowman by tullio

regular tag list (message to add/be removed) 🏷 @icedthoma @citrussaurus @danibby

also @chichikoi bc your love for Diluc is awe-inspiring and we hope he comes home to you soon

𝒟𝒾𝓁𝓊𝒸

the things he does for you sigh what a simp lmao he knows he’s in for a world of begging and teasing the second you burst into the room wearing a reindeer headband- like he’s smart enough to know it’s not jus you who will be wearing it

you’re gonna make him wear one too and lo n behold, you whip out an identical headband from behind your back with the brightest grin n most pleading puppy dog eyes

“n-no.” “please?” “no, that’s so childish.” “but it’s christmas eve!” when you said you wanted to walk through the city and look at all the wintery lights and decorations, Diluc naively thought clothing-wise, you’d both jus be dressed comfy n cozy for the cold, which you both were, the reindeer headbands were jus an extra bit of razzle dazzle

“Diluc Ragnvindr if you don’t wear this headband-” he braces himself for whatever ultimatum you’re gonna throw at him “-you can pick a different one from the set”

good heavens, they’re multiplying he thinks as you gesture to a small box with different holiday-themed headbands in them: a big sparkly bow, a christmas tree, an elf hat, a mistletoe sprig

you hold up the one with the mistletoe sprig and try your luck at pleading with him once more, puckering your lips and waiting until he sighs a heavy sigh and engulfs you in a hug around your waist

while he stops you from put the headband on him during a long kiss, in the end, he actually goes with the sparkly bow bc it’s red so maybe he’ll luck out n it’ll jus blend in with his hair

it was going well enough until the two of you ran into Kaeya who very poorly disguised his amusement behind his hand as he showered his brother in praises of how his new accessory truly suited him quite well and that he must truly love you to have complied with your request

when Diluc goes to get you some peppermint hot cocoa from Good Hunter, Kaeya reveals that when they were younger, Diluc always picked the sparkly bow- specifically the red one- for the very same reason he gave you: it matches his hair. he may say it’s jus so no one will notice it, but Kaeya knows his brother prefers color coordination when he has the option nod nod

you promise not to tell Diluc what Kaeya told you and instead jus hold his arm extra close against you while you two take your stroll

“it really does look good on you y’know” you giggle once the two of you are home and you release him from the headband, “you should wear bows more often in your hair”

Diluc doesn’t seem to pay your comment any mind but he also doesn’t resist one bit when you tie a black velvet ribbon into his ponytail the next day

🎁

𝒯𝒽𝑜𝓂𝒶

honestly Thoma would be the one to suggest you both have matching holiday headbands if you hadn’t suggested it yourself owo

he’s always indulgent in cute couple-y things so when you hold up a beanie with a big ol puffball on it and a headband with reindeer antlers, he’s 100% on board

“oh deer, indeed” he chuckles as he looks at the beanie which in fact has “oh deer” knitted into it and a little fleecy-faced reindeer to match, “which one do you want to wear?”

“you already wear horns on the daily,” you point out, fiddling with the ‘horns’ on his usual headband, “will you be my reindeer for today?” "it would behoove me" "do you even know what that means?" "no, do you?" "no- but it does sound funny" "it does"

Thoma removes his black headband and lets you coo all over him considering you next to never see his forehead- he even puts up with your teasing about whether or not he wears a headband bc he wants to distract people from having a big ass forehead

it’s up to personal interpretation hsfdjjhjfhjjhskjd he only complains if you don’t give him many forehead kissies

in one fluid motion, he snatches the beanie out of your hand and pulls it over your head and down over your eyes

“wha- Thoma! hey! no! nononononohoho!” you giggle helplessly as Thoma yanks you flush against him and scribbles his fingers along your sides while you thrash around

all the while he litters kissies all over your face- there isn’t an inch of you that isn’t covered in smothering mwah mwah mwah's until he finally decides to release you

you pull your beanie up enough to see and glare at him with flushed cheeks and a smile that won’t turn into a frown no matter how hard you try

“i hate you” “aww, i love you too, my dear” he says and flicks the big ol puffball on the top of your beanie before putting on his reindeer headband and having you drag him out the door to all the holiday festivities- ice skating, building snowmen, sipping hot apple cider imported from Monstadt- one of Thoma’s favorites!

he probably definitely pulls little pranks on you like “hey look over there!” n pulls your beanie down over your eyes before cupping your cheeks and pecking your lips- then pretends like nothing happened

🎁

𝒳𝒾𝒶𝑜

he’s so confused help he thought Halloween was the holiday where you dressed up as something but you do it for Christmas too? mortal traditions are so strange- and what’s this about a man in red breaking and entering into people’s houses in the middle of the night?? why is that a thing???

Xiao will square up with Santa Clause and win. but he supposes by comparison, wearing a particular holiday headdress isn’t too much to ask… for you…

“this isn’t one of your pranks, is it?” he questions as he glances out the window, “i only see children wearing these headdresses”

“anyone can have holiday spirit!” you insist, “no matter how old you are- even a 2000 year old adeptus like yourself” “so be it” he grumbles

Xiao can’t handle being fussed over by you as you slide the headband on him and fix his hair

you’re so close he wonders if you can hear his heartbeat hammering in his chest, his arms subconsciously wander up as if to pull you in for a hug but the drop back down quick as a flash when you hum a little to suggest you’ve finished

“there we go! the most vigilant yaksha, and the cutest!” Xiao has half a mind to swipe the headband right off of him to save himself from the embarrassment

“b-being cute isn’t part of protecting Liyue” he mutters as his cheeks flush redder and pinker, “besides…” you tilt your head, “besides…? what?” “being the cutest is your job.”

you all but tackle Xiao until he manages to escape your nuzzles and the mistletoe on his headbands droops down between his eyes

it’s quite endearing watching him go cross-eyed jus looking at it for a brief second before batting it away like a cat

“yknow… there’s this other holiday tradition…” you mumble and Xiao sighs “now what?”

he all but freezes up on the spot when you put your hands on his cheek and shoulder before leaning in to kiss him sweetly n slowly until he melts under your touch- out of all the holiday traditions, this one might be his favorite

[taromolktea]

no place like home

Thoma X Reader (2nd person; afab reader, they/them pronouns)

word count: 2.5k

content: angst in the beginning but lots of comfort and making Thoma happy aka a happy ending uwu

MINORS DNI- NSFW portion towards the end ahaha happy ending

🌠 🎀 𝓇𝑒𝒷𝓁🌞𝑔𝓈 & 𝒸😍𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹❢ 𝓌𝑒'𝒹 𝓁❤𝓋𝑒 𝓉💙 𝓀𝓃🍑𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎🌺𝓊 𝓁🍩𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝒷💍𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈❣❣ 🎀 🌠。

Everyone knew Thoma: the handsome, Mondstadt born housekeeper, who’d have a smile on his face while strolling through the streets of Inazuma, looking for situations to fix. He had every single lady’s heart in a chokehold, and who could blame them? His silky voice, asking if they need help with the groceries was enough to make anyone’s heart race!

And his popularity didn’t die down even when your relationship became public, oh no! It only got bigger since couples, young and old, would look up to you two. Everyone noticed how his smile grew brighter when you walked by his side, hand in hand. Even stealing chaste kisses and loving touches when you thought no one was looking.

That’s why it was so obvious there was something weighing on him when the shine in his eyes got duller and his smile turned upside down. You knew the reason of course, it happened whenever a holiday was around the corner, and this one was no exception. It was Christmas Eve in Inazuma, and you were woken up by the sheer cold of the house. With your eyes closed still, you tried to reach for Thoma, only to find nothing but a cold spot on your bed. Your eyes shot open when you realized your boyfriend wasn’t lying next to you. Thoma never left the bed without kissing you goodbye, not even in emergencies.

“Thoma…?” You called out, but received no answer. Did he really leave the house without telling you?

Wrapping yourself in the warm blankets, you hesitantly got up from the bed and left your shared room, walking towards the kitchen. A sigh of relief escaped your lips when you heard the clicking of the plates as you got closer to the kitchen. You peeked through the door and your eyes landed on Thomas’s tense back, who was cooking away, blocking out the rest of the world.

A few steps forward and you were wrapping your arms around his waist, pressing your chest to his back. He jumped a bit, startled by the sudden contact, but soon relaxed into your touch. Oh— he smells so yummy in the mornings.

“[🧸], I didn’t hear you come in.” He said, not turning to face you. You could feel his back tense up once again, a sign he still wasn’t feeling any better.

“I woke up and you weren’t there, I got worried.” Your words came out more like a mumble than anything else, probably because your lips were pressed against his shoulder blade, leaving butterfly kisses in hopes to relieve his tension. “I thought you’d take today off from your Kamisato Clan duties…”

“Well…” Thoma cleared his throat before continuing. “I was going to but there’s no need, really… it’s another day, just like any other.”

“But Thoma, you said we’d go downtown to see the lights before the Kamisato Christmas banquet.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t think we’ll be able to see the lights this year… or go to the banquet for that matter.” Thoma held your hands, slowly unclasping them from his waist before turning to you. “I made you some breakfast, I’ll see you tonight.” And with that Thoma kissed your forehead and left the house.

You didn’t try to run after him or argue, you know this time of year wasn’t easy. Thoma hadn't seen his family in years, his mother and sister that he left in Mondstadt, or his father that he came to Inazuma for. Even with you, the hole in his heart remained. But you had a plan: you were going to cheer him up! No matter what.

It was a little before midnight when a certain someone barged in through the front door, causing you to jump from your seat and stare at him, hand on your chest from the jump scare. t. When you reached your house, you still had a few hours to prepare, and Thoma was still out. Pulling your sleeves up, you started to prepare your surprise.

It was a little before midnight when a certain someone barged in through the front door, causing you to jump from your seat and stare at him, hand on your chest from the jumpscare.

“Sweetheart, I’m so sorry, I lost track of time while working, I’ll cook something quick to make up for you I swear-" An avalanche of words started spilling from Thoma’s lips as he looked down to his feet in shame.

He felt so guilty for leaving you alone all day. It was selfish of him, even Ayato told him so. He should’ve stayed with you, and try to create new happy memories for the holidays instead of moping around in his old ones. Yes, it would be difficult, but it would be worth it. He didn’t dare to look up, so when you wrapped his lowered head in your arms, he let out a small gasp.

“Shhh Thoma, it’s okay.” You whispered, kissing the top of his head. His hair smelled like strawberries- he probably stole your shampoo again this morning. “I know this time of year is hard for you, my love, there’s no need to apologize.”

“But-" He tried to protest, finally looking you in the eyes, but you pressed your finger to his lips before he could.

“No buts! Just let me take care of you! Now come with me to the living room, I have a surprise.”

You took Thoma by his hand and led him in, slowly swinging the door open to add to the mystery. What he took in was enough to bring tears to Thoma’s emerald eyes.

The living room was filled with native Mondstadt flowers from top to bottom: Cecilias, Calla Lillies and iconic Windwheel Asters were scattered around the furniture and table… oh, the table! Filled with all the specialties he used to eat years ago, and is that Dandelion Wine from the Dawn Winery?

“I spent the day meeting with people for the recipes and ingredients, but I was the one doing the cooking so sorry if it doesn’t taste as good as when you do it…” You guided your speechless boyfriend by his shoulders and led him to his chair. “The first dish is Cream Stew, followed by Sweet Madame and Tea Break Pancakes for dessert… and of course, bottles of Dandelion Wine until you pass out.”

You huffed proudly once you were done explaining the itinerary and sat down across your lover. Oh you were proud of your handwork, so proud for in fact you didn’t realize Thoma was crying into his Cream Stew.

“T-Thoma! Is everything okay?” You asked when you did notice, “Is there anything wrong? Did someone scam me with a Liyue recipe?!”

“N-no [🧸]! Everything’s perfect… I just don’t feel like I deserve you, after the way I treated you today I-I didn’t even get you a gift!”

Shaking your head you took Thoma’s hand in yours, which he held tighter. “It’s okay my love, you can pay me back by smiling once again, okay?” Thoma sent you a teary smile, he looked so precious. “Now, let’s eat!”

The rest of the night was spent eating and drinking, mostly drinking on your part since it was the first time you tasted famous Mondstadt wine. Thoma had to take the bottle away from you at one point, not because you were drunk, but because you weren’t leaving any for him if he didn’t stop you.

“T-Thomaaaa, put me down- I can walk!” Your boyfriend ignored your cries as he carried you in his arms to your shared room.

You wanted to protest but were still exhausted from the tickle fight that went down earlier on the floor of your living room. He threw himself on the bed, causing you to fall on top of him while his arms held you in place snugly against his chest. You tried to move your arms a little and try to surprise attack him with yet another round of tickling, but he was faster and using a single hand, he grabbed your cheeks and pulled you in for a kiss. There was no winning against him tonight, but you didn't mind one bit.

.

.

.

NSFW AHEAD MINORS SHOO SHOO; sex under the influence (still consensual, fingering, finger sucking, oral- reader receiving- dry humping, praise kink, penetration,)

.

.

.

His soft lips tasted like Dandelion Wine and the berries from the pancake syrup, sweet and sticky and intoxicating. You could feel yourself growing tipsy just by him pushing his tongue between your lips, to which you offered no resistance. Thoma moaned into your mouth, happy with your reaction.

Before you knew it, Thoma pulled back from the kiss and was gripping the curve of your ass while his other hand rested on your back, pulling you into him so he could feel some kind of friction. It didn’t take you long to get the memo and soon start rocking back and forth on his hips, eliciting muffled groans from him. His hands traveled to your waist, helping you ride his clothed sex. Your chest looked so good bouncing up and down, he just wanted to pop a titty in his mouth. He was quick to make his wish come true, unbuttoning your shirt until your chest was exposed to him. Did you lose your bra during your tickle fight? Well, he didn’t really care. His wet tongue made contact with your hardened nipple, and the sudden warmth made you inhale sharply.

“Ah— what a tease”. You rolled your hips extra slow and hard, making him impulsively thrust into you.

“Look who’s talking, sunshine.”

Thoma’s hand went back to your waist, and he swiftly turned you into your back with ease. He buried his face in your chest, inhaling your sweet scent. Why did you always have to smell like Silk Flowers? It’s such a sweet and delicate scent, he can almost taste it.

His mouth connected with your collarbone while his hand traveled south, skillfully getting rid of your bottoms while he sucked on your skin, not too hard to hurt you, but enough to leave a mark. Once your bottoms were out and discarded somewhere else around the room, Thoma started trailing wet kisses down your body, from your neck to your breast, to your navel. You shuddered in anticipation as he got closer to the pool in between your legs.

“Thoma please… don’t make me wait.”

Of course, Thoma never had the heart to deny you, even if he wanted to tease you for a bit, he simply gave in. “Don’t worry.” He kisses your clit and quickly takes off his shirt before wrapping his arms around your thighs to keep them in place. “I’m right here. All yours.” He whispers before diving into your pussy, licking it all over and leaving wet kisses on your clit, “You taste so good, my love.” He whispers into your fold, feeling your hands pull on his locks.

Only then does he slip his index and middle finger inside you, curling them up so he can reach the velvety spot that makes you melt. Moans and praise spill from your lips, and his mouth connects with your clot once again, paying special attention to the bundle of nerves.

“T-Thoma, ah— I’m gonna-" He didn’t even let you finish, moving his fingers faster.

“Cum for me, sunshine, let it out.”

And that you did, throwing your head backwards, curling your toes, all while grinding on his tongue. Thoma didn’t stop eating you out until you were down from your high.

“So pretty for me…” He takes his fingers out and licks them clean, “I can’t get enough of you.”

You wrap your arms around Thoma’s neck, pulling him into a kiss, which he gladly accepts. Your hand goes down to palm the bulge on his pants and be moans into the kiss, sending vibrations through your body. “Lemme make you feel good too.” You try to sit up, but your boyfriend lays you back down.

“No, this is my gift. Tonight is about you only, sweetheart.” You attempt to protest but this time, he was the one to shushes you with his index finger to your lips. “No buts, just let me take care of you.”

You nod, smiling devilish and popping his finger into your mouth, sucking it before taking it out with a pop! You see the goosebumps forming on his skin and how his pants got tighter that your teasing was working. “Archons [🧸], you’re going to be the death of me.”

Thoma fumbles with his belt before finally getting rid of it along with his pants and underwear- you can’t help but stare and even drool. This man was so beautiful, you couldn’t keep your eyes off of him.

“Don’t look at me like that, I’ll get shy.” He says with a chortle, positioning himself in the middle of your legs and holding his cock in his hand.

Your arms wrap around his waist, pulling him closer to you, aching for him. “You’re so beautiful, Thoma.” You whisper, causing his cock to twitch, he’s such a sucker for praise.

His eyes don’t leave yours as he aligns his cock to your entrance, slowly pushing it in. You’re so warm and wet he has to gather all of his self control to not cum right then and there. Propping himself on his arms on each side on your face, Thoma slides himself fully inside of you, moaning when you’re completely bottomed down.

“I love you, so so much, [ 🧸 ].” He breathes, connecting your lips together before rocking you up and down.

At first, his pace is slow and sensual. He prepped you well prior but he still didn’t want to risk hurting you.

“Ah— so wet for me.” Thoma hands slides down to the back of your knee, propping it up so he can get a better angle and finally pick up his pace. He’s fast and deep now, touching all your weak spots, and pulling moans from you each time.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck—" Your nails scratch his skin on his back. It doesn’t hurt him, but he knows it’s going to leave a mark in the morning. “H- Ah—! H-Harder, Thoma.”

You don’t need to ask twice. Thoma’s on his knees, prepping your legs around his waist, and his hands held onto your own waist. He pulled you into his cock, the sudden movement causing you to arch your back and grip the sheets.

His pace was relentless, and you felt the familiar knot on your tummy getting tighter as he went. The sound of your ass slapping on his legs was music to your ears along with the wet sound your pussy made whenever his dick moved in and out.

“Thoma, I’m clo-oh—! So close.”

“Me too, love, cum for me please.”

Thoma got down in your level to connect your lips once again, and you couldn’t help but embrace him and lock your legs around his waist. It didn’t take long for the knot of your tummy to snap, and soon you were a blabbing mess, calling for his name over and over again while cumming undone around his dick. Thoma pounced into you as you rode your high, but soon came undone as well, painting your walls creamy white. A string of “I love you’s” left his lips and he collapsed on top of you.

“Thoma?”

“Hm?”

“Merry Christmas.”

You’d eventually get out of bed and take a shower, which may or not end up in another round, but right now all you wanted to do was lay with the love of your life, just for a few seconds.

“Merry Christmas, [ 🧸 ].”

。🌠 🎀 𝓇𝑒𝒷𝓁🌞𝑔𝓈 & 𝒸😍𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹❢ 𝓌𝑒'𝒹 𝓁❤𝓋𝑒 𝓉💙 𝓀𝓃🍑𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎🌺𝓊 𝓁🍩𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝒷💍𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈❣❣ 🎀 🌠。

[taromolktea]

🆂🆃⭐️🆁🆁🆈 🅽🅸🅶🅷🆃

Diluc, Itto, Venti (all separate) X Reader (they/them pronouns; 2nd person)

word count: >1k

content: stargazing dates. that's it. that's the tweet.

regular tag list (message to add/be removed) 🏷 @todorki-shoto @citrussaurus @danibby

｡🌠 🎀 𝓇𝑒𝒷𝓁🌞𝑔𝓈 & 𝒸😍𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹❢ 𝓌𝑒'𝒹 𝓁❤𝓋𝑒 𝓉💙 𝓀𝓃🍑𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎🌺𝓊 𝓁🍩𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝒷💍𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈❣❣ 🎀 🌠｡

🅳🅸🅻🆄🅲

stargazing with Diluc is no casual outing, no no, this man will turn it into a fine romantic date, with food and drinks included

some delicacies from Mondstadt and even your favorites from Liyue that he asked his chef to cook just for you, all neatly organized on top of a blanket

also if you liked alcohol he’d bring your favorite bottle, but just grape juice for him, someone needs to take care of you just in case you get too intoxicated owo

he even got there extra early just to set everything up

once night falls and the wind blows colder he’ll scoot you next to him, as both of you lay down to stare at the night night

Diluc looks down at you as you lay on his chest, adoration clear in his eyes. As cheesy as it may sound on his lips, in his head, you look even more beautiful than the sky above you- not even the brightest star in all Teyvat could compare. Using his gloved hand, Diluc absentmindedly brushed a lock of your hair away from your face causing you to break eye contact with the sky.

“What are you doing?”

Diluc’s gaze on you was intimidating, even though his pupils are practically heart shaped in this moment.

“Just looking at the most beautiful star I’ve ever seen.” He replies, hand falling to your cheek and caressing it with his thumb.

He lowers his face and pecks your forehead. Ah, how you loved this man. You were quick to respond to his advances, wrapping your hands around his neck and placing a sweet kiss on his lips, leaving the poor man flustered when he pulls away first.

“Hm? I thought you kissed me first, why are you getting embarrassed now?” You teased.

Diluc was used to your banter, but he still couldn’t quite respond like you yet. He’s still training for the day he’ll be able to confidently make you his. But for now, he’ll just bury his face in the crook of your neck to hide his blushy cheeks.

🌌

🅸🆃🆃🅾

full on buffoonery

why did you accept going on this date, do you need therapy?

no okay but stargazing dates with Itto would be really funny dhfjgdfkjsdfjgds

time would pass without you even noticing and when you do, it's only to realize that you’re both are watching the sunrise

wouldn’t quite bring a whole ass meal but gets all your favorite snacks

“where did you get so many mochi?”

“i won a bet.”

“…are you scamming kids off their snacks again!?”

“no!” he is “i won them fair and square!”

he’d ask Yoimiya to set off some fireworks too, just because you love them

“Itto!" You squeal, "This is beautiful!”

Your eyes are glued to the illuminated sky. Flashes of red, blue and purple reflected on your skin.

“You’re the best, Itto. Thank you.”

Itto looked away from the sky and into your eyes- the oni could swear his heart skipped multiple beats. The happiness on your face. The mix of your blush and the fireworks' glow. You were literally sparkling!

A gleeful smile soon grew on his face. You looked beautiful under the lights. More beautiful than the brightest Noctilucos Jade or the prettiest Silk Flower.

“I’m the best aren’t I?! That’s the great Itto for ya!” He effortlessly grabs you by the waist, spinning you around in circles until he stops and kisses you, pulling you closer. The kiss is passionate, but still laced with the naivety of the moment. “You’re the best too.”

The rest of the night was filled with games, snacks and a lot of silly banter until finally culminating with both of you kissing once more on top of the hill, arms wrapped around each other until the sun rose behind you.

🌌

🆅🅴🅽🆃🅸

oh this guy

he’ll make it romantic just for you + his quirky Ventiness and charm sprinkled into it

bought the best dandelion wine off Diluc cooks you both his trademark “A Buoyant Breeze” dish

summons a bunch of crystalflies to light the place up, which is ofc under the Windrise tree

once you’re done eating, he’ll play some tunes on his harp, making up lyrics about you two as he goes

you’ll both end up tipsy most likely, he brought a lot of wine

it’s all fun and laid back though, and if you feel like you’re floating, it’s not the booze hehe

“And that’s the tale of Venti and [🧸], the most alluring and best of the best couple of all Teyvat.” Venti trailed off, finishing his made up song about the two of you.

You clapped, cheeks warm because of the amount of alcohol you drank just minutes before, “That was beautiful!”

A tipsy giggle escapes your lips, earning a chuckle from Venti. You laid on his thighs while he looked down at you. So cute... you both muse.

“Want another one?” He asked touching noses with you.

“Hmm... how bout another kiss instead?"

“Your wish is my command.”

Venti’s lips press against yours, and before you knew it, his tongue followed suit. You accept him in all his sweetness, tasting just like the wine you’d been drinking before. The two of you eventually pull away, smiling at each other with a lovesickness unlike any other.

“We’re not really stargazing right now, are we?” You ask sheepishly.

Venti blinks for a second. It was true, you two had spent much longer staring into each other's eyes and giggling into kisses than you had been looking up at the night sky. He smirks and with a flick of a wrist, you feel like you’re floating. Because you are, literally.

“Is this better?” The Anemo Archon asks as you float above the Windrise tree.

The shining stars and Moon illuminate you both and it feels as though there's nothing else in all of Teyvat but you two.

“Much, much better.” You answer, feeling Venti's delicate and warm fingers intertwine with yours.

｡🌠 🎀 𝓇𝑒𝒷𝓁🌞𝑔𝓈 & 𝒸😍𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹❢ 𝓌𝑒'𝒹 𝓁❤𝓋𝑒 𝓉💙 𝓀𝓃🍑𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎🌺𝓊 𝓁🍩𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝒷💍𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈❣❣ 🎀 🌠｡

[taromolktea]

🅢💍🅡🅡🅨 🅕🅞🅡 🅝🅞🅣 🅦🅘🅝🅝🅘🅝🅖 🅨🅞🅤 🅐🅝 🅐🅡🅒🅐🅓🅔 🅡🅘🅝🅖

Kaeya X Reader (they/them pronouns; 2nd person)

word count: 3.7k

content: Kaeya's nervous about proposing to you and wants everything to turn out perfect- awkward and endearing hilarity ensues. 99% fluff, 1% makeout session and resulting hickies. two brief implications of sex but nothing explicit! Kaeya and Diluc bonding nodnod. also Kaeya uses humor as a coping mechanism lmao

song inspo: coney island, you are in love, all too well (10 min version) - taylor swift

regular tag list (message to add/be removed) 🏷 @todorki-shoto @citrussaurus @danibby

admiring you from afar hehe (・ω・)ノ 🏷 @stargazer-balladeer @hazelsinteyvat @witch-hazels-musings @ikaroux @xiaophobic @ventilicious @windblooms @dourpeep @scaramouche-bully @jade-parcels @teyvatdreams @luvajax @almondoufu @glazelilyy @xiaowhore @favoniuscodex @genshin-karebear @genshxn @luventi @bumbleklee

curious about what the engagement ring looks like? click here!

｡🌠 🎀 𝓇𝑒𝒷𝓁🌞𝑔𝓈 & 𝒸😍𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹❢ 𝓌𝑒'𝒹 𝓁❤𝓋𝑒 𝓉💙 𝓀𝓃🍑𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎🌺𝓊 𝓁🍩𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝒷💍𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈❣❣ 🎀 🌠｡

It was no secret that Kaeya enjoyed dressing up for you. He enjoyed dressing up in general. His hair was always silky, his clothes always fit him a little too well… that’s why it was a surprise to you when you caught him fussing over all of that the night of your anniversary. He’d promised an enchanting evening full of all your favorite things which- with Kaeya as a partner- was basically every occasion with him. So why did he seem so nervous?

“Kaeya?” You called out.

He did his best not to flinch too noticeably. Just before you said his name, he actually caught a glimpse of you in the mirror so… startled? No. Enamored? Always. You were looking your best, dressed to the nines for your anniversary that he’d been planning for some time now. He sighed blissfully.

Everything was going to be perfect.

It was a promise he made both to you and himself to calm his nerves. After all, it was just like every other anniversary you two had celebrated, right? One full of smiles and dancing under streetlights, maybe playing in the rain like last year when the two of you ended up getting caught in a light shower… sneaking glances at each other over dinner and dessert at your favorite in the city. Perhaps other fun activities if the mood was right. Yes, it was surely just like every other anniversary you two had celebrated.

“You look radiant, snowflake.” Said Kaeya, charming as ever.

You snort, “As in ‘beautiful’? Or ‘causing invisible damage’?”

“Why can’t it be both? Ow, my heart.”

“No ‘ow, my heart’s from you, mister. You promised me- ah… what did you say? An enchanting night unlike any other?”

Kaeya came up to you, took your hand, and kissed your knuckles, “I did promise you that, didn’t I? Well I assure you, [ 🧸 ], I am a man of my word.”

You smile that beautiful smile he adores so much and pull him close to kiss the tip of his nose, “I know you are. I already know I’m going to have the time of my life with you. Let’s get going then, shall we?”

“Lead on. The first stop is at the center of Kitchen and Dining Street.”

Ah yes. No such thing as an enchanting night on an empty stomach. While you both love Good Hunter, one hobby the two of you picked up together was cooking. You had your specialty and Kaeya had his.

Tonight, it was his signature fruity skewers on those ridiculous looking skewer sticks he picked up on impulse from the kitchen store nearby. You always expressed mock exasperation over them but you both knew you loved how Kaeya they were. And of course, wine glasses full of Death Afternoon sat on your respective halves of the table. There was another silver platter whose contents were a mystery to you though.

“Oh?” You pipe, trying to peek under the lid.

“Ah ah ah.” Kaeya laughed, pausing your hand with his, “Drinks first.”

You roll your eyes but don’t resist him pulling out your chair and sitting you down, kissing the side of your temple before he takes his place across the table. He raises his glass and he prays you don’t see the way his hand shakes a little. He may or may not have had a speech prepared for this but the way you look at him so lovingly, features so alive and angelic, all his preplanned words leave him.

Kaeya clears his throat one too many times trying to regain his composure before you clink your glasses together and drink. Your cheekbones are already rosy before long.

“O-Okay, it took some convincing from our favorite bartender…” Started Kaeya, managing to possess himself again, “But I managed to recreate his signature dish- and make it better, if I do say so myself.”

He lifts the lid and you grin, feasting your eyes (and soon your stomach) upon Diluc’s recipe of Once Upon a Time in Mondstadt. Soft ribs, potatoes, and cheese that all melt in your mouth... who knew Diluc was able to cook this well? And how in Teyvat did Kaeya manage to get his signature dish recipe from him?

You knew the brothers had their history, and while deep down, they truly did care for and love each other, they weren’t always on speaking terms- at least beyond bartender and patron interactions.

“Kaeya!” You beamed, “I haven’t had this since my birthday!”

Kaeya chuckled, “Yes, I know. I was sick of my dear brother scoring all the brownie points when he made it for you- don’t think I didn’t see you begging him for the recipe.”

“He was going to give it to me if you hadn’t dragged me away!”

“I am confident the present I gave you on your birthday was much better than seconds.” He winks at you and you blush, fidgeting in your seat and rolling your eyes just to avoid looking at him, “Besides, now I can make you Once Upon a Time in Mondstadt and fruity skewers whenever you want.”

“I must be the luckiest person ever.” You giggle, cradling your head in your palms as you listen to every word out of Kaeya’s mouth. He notices how smitten you look and it makes his heartbeat faster. “One question though,” You add, “What did it take you to get Diluc’s recipe? I have to know.”

Kaeya puts his finger to his mouth, “It’s a secret between brothers.”

“Booo!”

You can ask him when he’s your brother-in-law. He wants to say it out loud so bad but he can't. Kaeya serves you your portion as the memory of the day plays in his mind.

.

.

.

“I’m in love with [ 🧸 ].”

“I thought you said you were here announce something huge, Kaeya.”

“W-Well it’s huge for me!” He wasn’t used to being vulnerable with Diluc. Not anymore at least.

There was a hint of teasing in Diluc’s tone of voice that almost went unnoticed by Kaeya. It softened with the tips of his not so little brother’s ears turning red.

“Are you planning on proposing?” Asks Diluc, “Honestly, you seem like the type to elope and run away together with [ 🧸 ].”

Ah. More teasing. Wonderful.

“Yes, I do.” Kaeya replies quietly, “Plan on proposing, I mean. That’s why I’m here.”

“You want to propose at Dawn Winery?”

If he wasn’t so sincerely trying to enlist his brother’s help, Kaeya might’ve called him out for the excited glimmer in Diluc’s eyes at the suggestion, “It’s… a backup plan.”

Diluc laughs, no mocking derision, no teasing. He just laughs and says, “If that’s all, you won’t need my help.”

Kaeya blinks, “Huh?”

“You won’t need a backup plan, Kaeya.”

“O-Oh. Right. Well, obviously. I just meant… why I’m here- really here. Um, I… uh…”

Diluc is certain that in all his life, he’s neither seen nor heard Kaeya so tongue-tied and unsure of himself, but he says nothing and lets him find his words.

“Can I have your Once Upon a Time in Mondstadt recipe?”

Now it’s Diluc’s turn to blink away his confusion, “Huh?”

“It’s [ 🧸 ]’s favorite.” Confesses Kaeya, “They never admit to it but I know it’s true. I think it would make them really happy- I want to make it myself. The night I propose.”

“I see.”

Diluc fishes some paper and a pen out of his pocket. The silence hanging over the two of them is comfortable, which in and of itself feels odd to both brothers as they stand in the courtyard of the Dawn Winery Manor. Bittersweet nostalgia like fine wine ages all around them the way the two of them have aged.

“Here.” Says Diluc, hanging him the note.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

They hover nearby each other awkwardly for a few more minutes before they both somehow clear their throats at the same time and go their separate ways.

.

.

.

Kaeya cringes at the thought looking back but smiles as you pick up your fork and knife when he finishes serving you. You immediately begin cutting the soft ribs into pieces. It all gives way to the knife easily. By the time Kaeya serves himself, you motion him to pause and you trade your plate for his. His brows rise at your sweet and thoughtful gesture.

“Just so you don’t choke like that one time.” You snigger.

He frowns with no real displeasure, “It was one time!”

“Well you seem uncharacteristically nervous tonight, snowflake.”

“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.”

Kaeya watches your every expression when you try his version of Once Upon a Time in Mondstadt, sighing with relief when your shoulders slump and you hum so happily over how delicious it is. The two of you continue dinner reminiscing over funny stories, crazy commissions, and the like. It’s not long before you’re both cleaning up the table, washing dishes together, and singing all your favorite songs.

You bump your hip innocently against Kaeya’s and miss the way he flinches. He turns and flicks water on your face from the faucet, laughing at your startled yelp. You huff and grab his face with your dishwashing gloves, yanking him in for a kiss that tastes like sparkling wine and is just as intoxicating. Kaeya smiles into it all and seizes your wrists, forcing your soapy grip off of him as he backs you up against the counter and pushes his tongue into your mouth. He swallows every hiccupy moan and whimper, leaning into you more and more until your heartbeats are pounding against each other.

“Kaeya…” You manage to breathe out.

“I love you, [ 🧸 ].” He says against your bitten and bruised lips.

You somehow get in an “I love you too, Kaeya” in between more kisses that make you more breathless than you already are. The grip of his hands and the feeling of his mouth travel lower, to your hips and neck respectively. There are more than a few hickies painting your skin by the time Kaeya finally pulls away. Some are hidden by your clothes. Others are not.

He’s close to being on his knees when he reiterates, “[ 🧸 ], I love you more than anything in the world, okay?”

You nod, eyes glossy, “Mhm… Kaeya- you’re my whole world.”

The way you say each other’s names is yours and Kaeya’s favorite sound. Your body is tingling and warm with the rush of affection but a cool sweat and goosebumps start to form on your skin as you wonder what’ll happen next.

He’s practically on one knee.

You’d been dreaming about this moment since the day you fell in love with Kaeya, which was the day you met him, although the time he showed up at your doorstep with break and bake cookies and your favorite flowers was a close second. For no reason other than because he loves you- not because you were having a bad day, or because he felt he needed to make something up to you. It wasn’t your birthday, nor your anniversary.

Just because he loves you.

Kaeya looks up at you and you swear the ocean was but a shallow puddle compared to the deep blue of his eyes, “[ 🧸 ], will you…”

Your hearts are beating so loud it’s a miracle neither of you can hear each other’s. It’s a miracle all of Monstadt can’t hear it. Not that all of Mondstadt doesn’t know about yours and Kaeya’s love. After all, it was the kind of love you could hear in silence, feel on the way home, and see with the lights out.

“K-Kaeya?” You dare to ask.

He panics, “U-Uh, will… Will you…” He sighs, “Will you- go to the arcade with me?”

Your lips part in surprise but it wasn’t the surprise you were thinking it was going to be, “The- the arcade?” You try not to sound too taken aback. You did love the arcade. “I... yes! Yes, I do- I mean- yes, let’s… let’s go to the arcade!”

You pull away from him sheepishly and go to grab your things, wondering if you were just imagining the scenario you were hoping for. You couldn’t help feeling a tiny bit mortified.

Of course, you and Kaeya had talked about getting married- it was just a matter of when. The two of you were still young after all. There wasn’t any rush. You didn���t want to rush him, and he never made you feel rushed either. But… you weren’t crazy, right? He was going to propose just a few seconds ago… right?

Kaeya is screaming internally while externally, he appears as cool as a cucumber despite the dark marks you left on his neck and chest. He felt like an idiot. He was an idiot! Stupid, stupid, stupid! You had your window of opportunity and you chickened out! Could he still fix this? Maybe he could just propose to you right now! No, no. I wanted this to be perfect. I need it to be- it has to be perfect. I’m not messing this up.

He could only pray you weren’t simmering in embarrassment like he was. Thankfully, when you reappeared before him, you had an easy and reassuring smile on your face.

“To the arcade?” You asked giddily.

Kaeya nods, taking your hand in his and twirling you before leading you out the door. The walk is short, for which he doesn’t know if he’s grateful or not with how quiet you both are.

You giggle sheepishly as the two of you step inside, “Aren’t we a little overdressed for playing games?”

“Fair point.” He replies, “Counter point: everyone else didn’t get the memo.” The way you laugh more genuinely this time refreshes him, “It’s our anniversary!” He insists, “Besides, I figured you’d make a pretty 2nd place winner at skee ball.”

“2nd place?” You echo indignantly, “Watch yourself, Alberich.”

Alberich.

Kaeya chuckles and melts over the way you say his name. It sounds the best when it comes out of your lips.

The arcade manager recognizes you both. She beams and gushes over how stunning the two of you look. A few kids recognize the two of you as well. You’re glad the neon lights draw more attention to themselves than the various markings on both you and Kaeya. You can’t help rubbing the back of your neck as a nervous twitch when you greet the children and they greet you.

Kaeya on the other hand, was much more composed. He is practically everyone’s favorite person in Mondstadt after all- from the elderly to newborn babies. Kids in particular adored Kaeya and Kaeya adored kids. Seeing him with them, making little snowflakes with his Cryo Vision for them and watching their eyes light up as the ice glimmered iridescently… you would be lying if you said it didn’t make you consider having a family of you own someday.

Plenty of rounds of games with kids, other adults who also love a good arcade night, and of course, 1-v-1’s with Kaeya make the two of you forget dinner. There were many prizes handed out and given away to Kaeya’s little entourage of children. With all his extravagant gifts, from large plushies of mythical creatures to small throw pillows shaped like ice cream cookie sandwiches, your shared home definitely didn’t need more things at the moment. It was gratifying enough to see grinning faces and kids jumping up and down.

Dancing together, whether it was on the cobblestone streets or on electronic pads with lit up arrows, always made you forget your worries. It was the same for Kaeya. The two of you walked back home, hand in hand, arms brushing and shoulders bumping against each other. You’d long since let go of the idea of being engaged after tonight. There wasn’t any rush, you repeated to yourself. If anything, this would become a fond memory to look back on after the fact.

Kaeya put your pajamas in the dryer for a quick cycle while you showered. He breathed in and out, not sure if the stress was coming or going or coming and going. Should he just propose tomorrow? Was tonight already such a failure that he couldn’t redeem himself? The thought of failing you, disappointing you- it made his eyes sting as he recalled Diluc’s words.

“You won’t need a backup plan, Kaeya.”

Yeah, so much for a plan at all since I can’t even stick to it… some big brother advice you’ve got, Diluc.

Still, his brother’s reassurance echoed in his mind against his doubts. It wasn’t until the ding! of the dryer and the sound of the shower turning off that he returned to the present. Kaeya folded your warm pajamas and took them with him to meet you in the bathroom. You had just gotten out and were drying off before he helps you into your fresh and cozy clothes. Kaeya pulled his towel off the bar and wrapped it around your head, sitting you down on the rim of the shower-tub so he could help you with your hair.

“Tonight was perfect.” You said seemingly out of nowhere.

Kaeya paused his gentle patting down of your hair, “R-Really?” He coughs slightly, “Well, I did promise you that. An… enchanting night unlike any other.”

He says it with a hint of a scowl.

“Kaeya.”

He looks at you and the sincerity in your eyes would’ve made his knees buckle if he wasn’t already crouching down.

“Tonight was perfect.” You repeat, leaning in closer to him until your lips are just touching.

“Mm.”

Kaeya drowns in your soft touch, whining when you pull away all too quickly. He continues drying your hair and in the same moment he sees you grip the ends of the towel to bury your face in it because it smells like him, his hand reaches into his pocket. There doesn’t seem to be any communication between his brain and his actions but it happens. He reaches into his pocket and positions himself properly on one knee. In the same moment you look up from the towel, about to make a sweet comment about his cologne, your breath catches in your throat.

“I… think we both know I wanted to ask you this earlier.” Kaeya mumbles, “I wanted everything to be perfect for you because you deserve the best. But… it didn’t exactly go the way I planned? I wanted to make you dinner and then we’d go the arcade, and then we would take the scenic route home and- I-I wanted to propose to you under the oak tree in Windrise and I had those fairy light things that I remember you saying you wanted more of in our room and-” he exhales, “I just wanted everything to be perfect for you. You… you’re perfect to me, [ 🧸 ]. Perfect for me. I-If you’ll have m… uh, s-so. Um…” Kaeya sighs and smiles like a nervous, lovesick boy- you both know how endearingly sweet and clumsy this is all going and neither of you would change a thing- it takes everything in you not to giggle and throw your arms around him immediately, “[ 🧸 ], not that the idea of eloping and running away with you has’t crossed my mind, but with all the secrets I’ve had to keep- and all the parts of me you’ve accepted wholeheartedly- I don’t ever want you to be one of them. I won’t keep you like a secret. I’ll keep you like an oath. Will you marry me?”

If he wasn’t so in his head about all the things he was saying, Kaeya might’ve noticed you starting to cry earlier. He’s fairly certain you had barely even seen the ring he picked out for you when he slid it onto your finger before you tackled him to the ground. You’re a mess of euphoric tears and shaky laughter as you pepper his face with kisses.

“Yes!” You say after every peck, “Yes, yes, yes!”

Kaeya didn’t think he’d be staring at the bathroom ceiling when he proposed to you but he wouldn’t have it any other way. Your still slightly damp hair tickles his skin and wraps him up in the fragrance of your shampoo. The tears that hang on your lashes like falling stars are the most beautiful jewels he’s ever seen as cradles your cheek in his palm.

You gaze down at him with unmatched adoration and giggle into another kiss, this one slower and longer than your previous burst, “‘m so happy, Kaeya. I can’t stop crying.”

“Then don’t.” He chortles, “Maybe we’ll both cry ourselves to sleep tonight.”

You nod enthusiastically before burying your head in the crook of his neck. He lifts you up with ease and carries you to bed, tucking you in before he goes to put on his pajamas. You pout when he goes into the bathroom and closes the door behind him but the brief moment apart is enough for both of you to tear up. When he comes out, he practically squashes you underneath him before rolling over and letting you rest on his chest. His heart is hammering so quickly as you press your cheek to it.

“I’m so happy, [ 🧸 ].” Kaeya says softly, “All because of you.”

You snuggle into him, a silent reiteration of what he’d just said. The two of you fall asleep like that, peacefully in each other’s arms. When you wake up the following morning, it’s to the sunshine casting rainbow light on the wall from your ring. Kaeya is still sound asleep as you play with the reflections. You decide sleeping in sounds wonderful as you rest your head on his chest and slumber takes you in its arms the way Kaeya does shortly after.

｡🌠 🎀 𝓇𝑒𝒷𝓁🌞𝑔𝓈 & 𝒸😍𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹❢ 𝓌𝑒'𝒹 𝓁❤𝓋𝑒 𝓉💙 𝓀𝓃🍑𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎🌺𝓊 𝓁🍩𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝒷💍𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈❣❣ 🎀 🌠｡