#looking forward to seeing what the Genshin birthday cake will look like this time

[aquacomet]

Cake has been on the brain lately with birthday coming up soon. Don't tell the little guys, they might start plotting something. 🍰

A little redraw of last year's post for fun (+ sona Moon costume!)

[tartigglez]

OH MY GOD??? BIRTHDAY??? womb evacuation day, as i like to call it🙀

this got me thinking tbh. modern au, what time would genshin men tell u happy birthday?

first up our 00:01 squad would text u or pull up outside.. mmm thoma 100% hes down bad,, childe as well!! potentially venti

next the boys who wouldn't text and go out of their way to see u first thing!! diluc, kazuha & itto (trust me on this one!!)

would tell u whenever they happened to remember/see you that day .. kaeya, gorou, albedo

WOULD FORGET :(( ayato, xiao

failed to figure out how to text you and spent the morning pecking at phone buttons -zhongli

-🫧

Hi bubbly nonnie!! i sincerely apologise for my tardiness (yes i still have your diluc req in the inbox, yes i'm working on it). anyway, here's what i think...

(romantic pairings bc i'm just like that)

"birthday"

thoma, childe, kaeya, zhongli, diluc (separate) x gn!reader

genre: drabble

word count: idk (oops)

a/n: i'm lazy, its been summarised, i don't even count this as a fic i'm just trying to make it look like one because you guys haven't been fed recently and i sincerely apologise. also i made up shit about fontaine to make it fit, do excuse xoxo

thoma definitely shows up outside with cake and a party hat for you both at 12am sharp. does a little dance whilst singing happy birthday to you, and once you've both gotten back into the house and you've blown your candles out, he will immediately pull you in by the waist and kiss you, he just wants you to know he appreciates you!

childe has a tradition each year of making sure he is with you on your birthday, he wants to be there to congratulate you on a new year of you, the second it comes along. The second the clock hits the hour of your birthday, he hugs you tightly before separating from you, announcing...

"you're just as beautiful as last year, darling"

kaeya, the flirty bastard... is still flirty. BUT doesn't want to bother you late at night so instead, he will find you in the morning, when you're in mondstadt buying some groceries, approach you from behind whilst you're trying to buy some fruits (he almost got himself punched) and wrap his arms around your waist. yes you very nearly elbowed him in the stomach, he managed to step out of the way. would casually place his head on your shoulder from behind whilst hugging you and announce, in a low tone...

"happy birthday my dear, i've gotta run, knighthood calls. see you tonight?"

"thanks, kae. see you tonight"

and not that either of you noticed, but the fruit vendor happened to overhear you both, offering you the produce for free.

"if there's anything the people of mondstadt know, far better than barbatos' winds, or how to spot a good wine, it's the cavalry captains love for his partner. here, have a nice birthday, y/n."

unfortunately due to circumstance, zhongli was not able to be in liyue on your birthday. of course, this made him quite upset. he would have teleported back only he had an important meeting in fontaine, and it was stipulated in a contract that he couldn't teleport, lest someone found out about something they shouldn't. thankfully, he had been gifted a smartphone by you for his own birthday the previous year, which he still hadn't quite figured out how to use.

at first he thought he should call you, forgetting that time zones were a thing. sadly by the time he had actually figured out how to make a call (he had to ask focalors, it was an awkward interaction, she also did not know.) he realised that you were quite a few hours ahead of him, and had probably already gone out for the day and couldn't chat.

so he decided to text you. which did not go well (his hands are too big for those damned tiny buttons). he isn't sure till this day if the message even sent, because you never responded.

turns out he had sent it to tartaglia, who actually understood phones enough to forward the text to you...

"gaooy biethdsy mt libe, u hipe thus dsy ia as beauutofil as tou"

diluc is bad at romance. let me rephrase that: diluc does not know how to express his feelings, but wants to spend your birthday with you, so he tries to make it look like an accident that he just happened to be by your side all day.

first thing in the morning, you will notice a noble eagle flying in the sky outside your home. you knew that this bird was none other than dilucs own.

"how strange... why couldn't he just ask me to come to the winery...?"

nevertheless, the large bird flew its way down to land on your garden fence, its sharp talons somehow not scratching the wood, and called to you (i know nothing about birds, sorry), before flying back into the sky in the direction you knew diluc would be waiting. so, you had no choice but to follow it, right?

upon arriving at the winery, you were met by a handsome man in a black dress shirt, holding a bouquet of cecelias. he grabbed your hand and kissed you on the cheek.

"happy birthday, y/n"

SORRY THESE STARTED OFF SHORT AND THEN MY BRAIN STARTED INFODUMPING ON ME

i apologise thoma stans (i'm one of you) i have let you down this day

[confinedmadness]

[Genshin Impact] Cast Interview - Maeno Tomoaki (Zhongli)

I am not a professional translator. Let me know if there are mistakes. Translation starts at 0:17 (I did not include Zhongli’s lines).

<Zhongli’s lines>

Hello, everyone! I am Maeno Tomoaki, the voice actor for Zhongli in Genshin Impact.

★ What are your impressions about Genshin Impact?

When I first saw the game, I thought this would definitely be an interesting one. I’ve downloaded the game, and I play it while on the move. I’ve also downloaded the PS4 version. It’s good because I can enjoy using both controllers and the mobile touch-screen.

I think the game did not pull any punches. I feel its development has progressed so far already. It’s an open world that you can freely explore, and there are so many things to do. Along with continuing the story, there are also so many fun detours you can take. I think it’s a game you can enjoy endlessly.

★ What are you impressions about Zhongli?

He looks smart and is a character with very strong abilities. It’s very fun and I feel happy voicing such a cool man. I heard during recording that they wanted me to voice this character even since his design phase. I’m very thankful.

When Zhongli finally appeared in the game, a lot of users also said “I thought this character is very Maeno-like and it turns out to really be Maeno!”. I see these kinds of comments and I feel very grateful. I’m looking forward to this character’s development.

Zhongli is very knowledgeable. He not only has extensive knowledge, he has a mild-mannered personality. He is a character with a lot of points that you can look up to and follow. I think there will be more chances from here on out to get to know Zhongli more. I think he’s a character you like even more the more you get to know him.

★ Has your impressions on Zhongli changed since voicing him?

At first I thought he was a completely perfect person. But then there’s his skills at paying with mora... it’s very... (laugh). It’s not bad, we see a cutesy side to him. I think that gap is very cute.

When I voiced him, I was directed that in some scenes he's a little different from his image. He’s knowledgeable and possesses great power, but then he also has this little part that’s not-so-perfect. He’s a cute character.

So the more I voice him, I see more of his humanity, and am able to relate to him somehow. As a character he’s very different from me, but our hearts are pretty close. I think he’s a very mysterious character. 

★ Do you have any similarities with Zhongli?

(laughs) I think we have almost no similarities. How do I say it? He’s a very self-disciplined character. But I’m very bad at controlling myself. Sometimes I think I shouldn’t drink on a certain day, but then I still end up drinking somehow. I want to follow Zhongli’s example with his self-discipline. 

I often get told that I’m quite serious, but I also have not-so-serious parts. I think that is quite similar to Zhongli. 

★ Aside from Zhongli, do you have any characters you are interested in?

Other characters? It’s definitely Tartaglia for me. The character that Ryouhei-kun voices. I’ve seen a lot of reactions that say they want to use Tartaglia and also want to use Zhongli. And also these two appear together a lot. They have a connection. Once again, Ryouhei-kun is this interesting and nice character. I hope everyone can love Tartaglia, and also Zhongli, in the game.

Ah, yes, there’s Xiao, an upcoming character who seems to have a deep connection with Zhongli. Since there are a lot of developments coming for Xiao, there might be a lot of chances to voice together with Yoshitsugu to show the relationship between these two characters.

★ If you can travel inside the world of Genshin, what would you like to do?

There are a lot of things I want to do! Using the glider that you receive early on in the story, I want to go around the world. Isn’t it nice? You can jump from a high place and soar. I really want to try that.

Also, in an open world game, I really enjoy cooking. In Genshin, there is a cooking system as well. So I just go around picking up things from the ground like mushroom and fruits, and then cook where I can. I want to do that.

If you have food, you can also recover [your HP] so I really recommend it!

★ Zhongli’s birthday is on December 31st!

It’s almost Zhongli’s birthday. It’s still a little early but...

Happy Birthday, Zhongli! How old are you now? Six thousand... mn? How old? Ah! Well, no matter how old you are, a birthday is still special! So I hope you can give yourself a reward.

The 31st! Maybe everyone is busy because it’s the end of the year, but I would be happy if you can celebrate Zhongli’s birthday somehow! It’s fine if you just celebrate his birthday in-game, it’s also fine if you actually buy a real cake to celebrate. Please celebrate his birthday in whatever way!

Happy Birthday, Zhongli!

★ Lastly, please say something to all the Travelers.

Thank you for supporting Genshin Impact! This game is overflowing with endless possibilities so please enjoy the game freely in whatever way you like. There is no end to the game contents. Find the play style that you enjoy best, and continue to have fun playing Genshin!

You can play the game for free so if you’re interested, please try it out and enjoy the world of Genshin.

Also, I’ve said this many times, but please give your love to Zhongli!

I will meet you all again in-game as Zhongli. This has been Zhongli’s voice actor, Maeno Tomoaki. Bye bye!

Ryouhei-kun is Tartaglia/Childe’s voice actor Kimura Ryouhei.

Yoshitsugu is Xiao’s voice actor Matsuoka Yoshitsugu.

[xandraspalace]

Ode to Joy : Transmutation of Love

----- Ode to Joy : Transmutation of Love || A Xia Ekavira [NIJISANJI] Birthday Fiction

Summary :  Alchemy had failed to turn lead into gold. But transmutation was not impossible. Something as small as a moment might be transmuted into something eternal. Under this starry night, promise her that you will always stay by her side.

WC : 940 Words.

Warnings : Grammars errors, angst w/ comfort, Genshin Impact reference, Ikemen Vampire reference, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 : Ode to Joy reference, BTS Suga - First Love reference, etc.

Story Notes :  This fiction is written in second person POV and gender-neutral as the pronouns. So both male and female can enjoy this fiction, have fun!

Notes : HAPPY BIRTHDAY, XIAAA!!! AH, FINALLY! I MISSED MIYU AND JUKUT’S BIRTHDAY BECAUSE OF MY UTBK BUT NOW I’M BACK! Might post a fic about those two tho, if I can. Anyway, ENJOY~

     THE sounds of shoes meeting the marble floor echoed throughout the hall. After Xia finished her works for the day, she immediately looked for you.

     Since a few days earlier, Xia had promised you to finish her tasks early for today. You can't take the risk and let Xia miss her birthday, of course. So as not to disturb Xia's original schedule, you decided to prepare everything ahead of time.

     Aside from that, impatience surrounded Xia's heart. She was looking forward to what you have prepared for her. When Xia can't wait for something, she won't be able to focus on anything. Letters, numbers, symbols, or any other thing would instantly fall apart from her mind. She really tried her best to speed up her work just for you.

     "[Y/N], I'm back," she announced herself. However, no one answered. Xia has called you several times, but none of her calls have been answered. It was only when she peeked out onto the balcony that she found you, standing alone, looking up at the starry night sky.

     “Here you ar—” Words died in her throat as she heard you sing sweetly among the sparkling stars. The stars in the cold night sky was like hugging your figure and dance to your voice. It's the most beautiful thing she saw in a while.

     “Whoever has created an abiding friendship, or has won a true loving wife~ All who can at least one soul theirs, join our song of praise~”

     You sang so beautifully, making Xia smile without even realizing it. Such beautiful opening present for my birthday, Xia said to herself.

     The full set of dinner that Xia had previously seen was neatly arranged on the dining table with her birthday cake being forgotten. Xia was more interested in you who seems to be daydreaming while gazing at the twinkling stars.

     Xia walked over to you. “But those who cannot must tearfully away from our circle~”

     "Xia?!" You were surprised to hear Xia sing the song you were singing.

     But Xia just smiled and continued the lyrics of the piece. “All creatures drink of joy at natures breast~ Just and unjust alike taste of her gift.”

     The former alchemist was standing next to you and leaning against the railing of the balcony. She joined you, watching the twinkling stars and the moon hang high. “Beethoven Symphony no. 9, Ode to Joy." Xia uttered the title of the again. "You must be so happy you sing that piece."

     You chuckled. Of course you were happy, today is Xia's birthday. "I'm just remembering the past," you told her.

     Xia could see the stars reflected in your beautiful eyes, but she couldn't miss the nostalgia in them either. She could only sigh. "We used to star-gaze like this at the cave back then."

     You nodded. "And the night sky is always far more beautiful on your birthday!"

     “It’s like a miracle,” Xia muttered, looking up at the sky. "This night sky always gives me a beautiful gift every year." A sad smile mixed with nostalgia suddenly appeared on Xia's face. “I hope I have plenty of time to count all these stars with you until my next birthday, and the next one after that.”

     There was silence for a moment, only the whispers of the wind you and Xia could hear.

     “I wonder if there will be a time when the night sky is tired of giving me such a beautiful gift. I wish I could keep what I see every year on my birthday night forever,” Xia said, uttering the wish that sound impossible. Even so, you really liked the wish Xia wanted.

     You smiled warmly as you took her hand, making the alchemist drop her gaze to you. “Listen well, Xia. Alchemy had failed to turn lead into gold. But remember that transmutation was not impossible. Something as small as a moment might be transmuted into something eternal.”

     You could see Xia was surprised as she widened her beautiful pair of eyes. You and Xia spent years studying alchemy. You're sure Xia will definitely understand the meaning of your words even after Xia takes off all her alchemy attributes.

     “Though our hearts may one day stop, and our bodies turn to ash, I think we're eternal.” Your holds on her hand tightened. “So I assure you, Xia. From the time we were born, to the second we met, and to the day that we fall in the future, we will always have enough times. I will stand here, counting those twinkling stars with you tonight, next year, and the years after that.”

     Unable to hold back her tears, Xia grabbed your wrist and hugged you tightly. "You're right," Xia whispered, her voice cracking. “We will always have enough time to do all those ethereal things.”

     You smiled and stroked her hair gently to comfort her. You took a deep breath before you hummed a lyric of a song, “Xia, do you know your creator? See Him in the heavens; above the stars must he dwell~”

     Xia realized that there was something wrong with the lyrics you sang. In that lyric, you should be calling out to the world. However, you instead replace the word “World” with her name. Xia pulled herself from your embrace.

     You looked at her warmly, the sweet smile never faded. "Happy birthday, Xia," You finally wished her a happy birthday.

     Xia giggled as she wiped her tears. "Thank you, really."

     Under this starry night sky, in silence, you promised her and yourself to always be by her side in her next birthday, and the next ones after that. ----- [FIN]

Ode to Joy : Trasmutation of Love A Fiction by Author Xanda May, 2022