#soff genshin kids <3

[xuntamed]

@towercursed asked: Her eyes are wide with wonder as she peaks out from behind the curtains, gazing on Liyue’s preparations while a warmth builds in her chest. There’s so many lanterns being set up that she believes she might be home, watching them float into the sky while she creates stories for them. They had been a shining hope while she had been trapped, and she still views them as a guiding sign of fate, even when seeing them unlit in the middle of the day.

She’s so fascinated that she doesn’t hear someone walk in until the door shuts behind them. She jumps away from the window, hastily replacing the curtain so they’re both hidden from the world once more. It’s too late ; when she turns around, his amber eyes are on her and her sight drops to the floor with guilt. Her hands clasp behind her back while her bare feet shuffle awkwardly with the same demeanor a child caught stealing cookies. Now caught red handed doing exactly what he told her not to do, she has no room for excuses or explanations ; instead she mumbles an apology and slides away from the window. But her attention comes back to him quickly and she follows him, balancing on her tiptoes as she speaks.

“ What’s going on out there? ” She asks brightly, curiously leaning towards him. “ There’s lots of lanterns. ”

Trying to find more information on 'the girl in the fatui's grasp' was difficult in a regular day, but with the Lantern Rite grabbing hold of Liyue in a vice grip, it was bordering impossible. The energy in the city was shimmering with anticipation, everywhere one looked there was bustling and preparation for the days of celebration quickly approaching. Entering and exiting the library at the university was becoming less and less of a simple affair; many of his mentors called upon him for errands and jobs that took him away from his research. Usually he wouldn't mind, but when you were hiding a girl that for all intents and purposes shouldn't exist? You got a bit touchy at being pulled from his ultimate goal.

Still ... It was Lantern Rite.

He resigns himself on taking home several documents and books that he thinks will help; shoving it in his bag before he's finally allowed to leave for the evening, a bit later than he would of liked. With the sun going down, the harbor was truly coming alive; glowing with the lights of dozens upon dozens of lanterns intricately weaved across doorways and boats and skimming the water --- seeming to fill the very town of Liyue in it's warmth. It was one of the things he loved about the Lantern Rite, even when he was a boy brand new to the harbor and all of it's massiveness. How the world seemed almost ethereal -- as though Rex Lapis himself had come down to wash the region of Geo in his blessing.

Shaw pushes the door open, amber eyes immediately falling on the rapid fire movement in response; frown pulling sharply at his lips in immediate disapproval. Before leaving his small apartment, he always told Rapunzel the same thing -- stay away from the windows, do not answer the door, and do not go outside. With the fatui still actively looking for her and with how easily they seemed to move through the streets - especially with the Northland Bank right there - he didn't want to take any chances. And yet the curtains fluttered, skewed slightly from being pushed aside -- if her shuffling and downcast gaze wasn't guilt enough, the evidence was clear.

"--- How many times do I have to tell you? Stop looking out the window." There wasn't much of a bite to his tone, even as he dropped his bag and walked towards the window to steal a peak before fixing them properly. The electro bearer knew being cooped up couldn't of been easy, and he felt for her, but still --- "Unless you want people to start getting suspicious."

He moves away again, heading back to the door to scoop his bags up before going towards the tiny kitchen; setting them down as he unearthed several groceries he had picked up. ( They were running low and while Shaw was fine with picking up takeout when needed, he wanted to make sure the girl was eating okay ... ) Eyes flickered back to her as she spoke up, noting how she was chasing after him with excitement flickering in her eyes. Ah ... of course the glow from the lanterns would be the reason, huh?

"Ah -- It's almost Lantern Rite so all of Liyue Harbor is preparing for it." He tosses her an easy smile, pausing to lean against the counter with the edge pressing into the small of his back as he paused in putting things away to focus his attention onto her freckled face. "Lantern Rite is this celebration that starts on the first full moon of the year and it lasts like a week. It's fast approaching, so -- the town is getting prepared." He tosses her an apple to - hopefully - catch before he pushes himself off to put the rest of the meager groceries away while still speaking.

"According to history -- people of Liyue used Lanterns to guide soldiers back home after battle. But after the Archon War, they were used more so like a memorial ... until it evolved into a festival and sort of honors the late adeptis who died protecting the nation." Shaw pauses, turning to settle her with a look. " --- And you know the rules. So no sneaking out under any circumstances, freckles. Even for the festival."