#yumeweek2022

[breadcheese444]

Yumeweek Day 2: Supernatural 

 ⓒ nugetoss1

[nyandereneko]

Acceptance

Word Count: 643

Summary: “There wasn’t a trace of blame, disappointment, or bitterness in the Archon’s expression as he caressed her skin with the glide of his thumb: all he had to offer her was his love.” 

Author’s Note: Happy day 4 of yumeweek! I’m honestly quite happy with how this piece came out, I feel like I’m finally getting back into writing the way I want to instead of shoehorning myself into trying to make something good/according to others’ standards…if I like it that should be good enough, and as always I can’t thank everyone who takes the time to read enough, I can’t tell you how much it means to me ;w; and wow do I just love writing Nova and f/os being soft together, thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy!

Reblogs appreciated!

*****

“It’s been a while.”

Zhongli raised a weathered cup to his lips, pausing to savor the aroma that pooled over the liquid as the cool rim brushed his skin. The scent was light, pleasant, enticing as he took a deep breath that made his chest swell…not wholly unlike the young woman seated at his side. She was lovely, exquisite, wonderful in every way, and on this particular afternoon the two had gathered around the same table they hadn’t occupied together for many a year. Over five hundred to be exact.

He glanced out of the corner of his gilded gaze at the form of his pensive companion, admiring the portrait of her perfection that he’d only been capable of glimpsing in his memory for the past five hundred years or so. The pain of that reminder wasn’t nearly significant enough to displace the euphoria that hadn’t stopped pulsing through his veins like an electric current since her return. Now that he had her back in his sights, part of him never wanted to blink again, lest he open them to the harrowing sight of that same cold, empty space no other could ever hope to fill.

“It has.”

Nova finally spoke up as a gentle breeze blew by with a few fragile leaves in tow. She wasn’t aware of his attention as she stared down the dark liquid in her own cup, vivid scenes of the times she used to spend on this mountain in his company reflected in every ripple, experiences that were nothing more than ghosts of a distant past. A past she felt disconnected from, a past that didn’t feel real even as she attempted to recover from the experiments that’d succeeded in ripping it all away from her with the cruelest of ease.

“I’m glad it’s just been a while, instead of never again.”

Zhongli placed a hand on her back, rubbing soothing circles as she kept her eyes trained on her tea. She could feel a wave of tears building in her chest, but she didn’t want this outing to turn into yet another instance of penalizing self-sabotage. She should be as happy, as carefree, as engaged as the man that could sip tea in such an unconcerned manner, his demeanor not betraying an ounce of the uncertainty, misery, or regret that infected her mind like a poison. She brushed the back of his hand with the tip of her tail, winding the appendage around his wrist in a gesture of fluffy affection.

“I’m sorry—”

Fingers slipped cool and smooth under her chin as if they’d been molded for her face, forged to follow the curve of her jaw with the precision and ease of sliding on a glove as his hand firmly cupped her cheek. She leaned into his touch, unsure if she’d even performed the action of her own accord, but the end result remained the same. She submitted to the temptations of his comforting tenderness and charm, longing for the arms and torso that were likely to envelope her before the day’s end. What she wouldn’t give to remain in the confines of that fervent embrace for the rest of eternity.

There wasn’t a trace of blame, disappointment, or bitterness in the Archon’s expression as he caressed her skin with the glide of his thumb: all he had to offer her was his love. His sole desire was her acceptance. Accepting it was likewise the last thing she felt prepared for or worthy of, but that had never successfully dissuaded his doting nature in the past. Instead, Nova allowed herself the luxury of closing her eyes, leaning into his touch, and listening to the sound of his voice as he led her through chronicles and tales of the many dreams she’d missed out on, and a few of the one’s she’d left behind.

[starbow-dreams]

#YUMEWEEK2022 : day 2! "Supernatural"

"my hot witch wife" "me doing whatever the hell she wants" meme We are going to summon Giratina

[akefuyu]

#YumeWeek2022 — Day 1

Protect • "Looks like I win." • Fantasy RPG

From @yumecentral on Twitter. See the prompts here!

"It seems that I've won this one."

Smugly did Akechi strike at the last creature with his blade. He leapt in the air and performed some kind of somersault when he attacked. Chifuyu rolled their eyes. What a show-off.

The score was 10-7, in Akechi's favor. Releasing their spell on the creature, Chifuyu lets out a sigh, somewhat disappointed in themself. They knew Akechi was a skilled fighter, as they were his close confidant, but they thought their magic would at least bring their scores to a tie.

There was a quest posted on the job board in the city's town square—it was a competition of sorts. Those who are able to take down the most creatures from the Forest of Dreams wins a special prize. This was the final round, and it looks like the prize is for Akechi to take.

"If this were simply a magic competition, I would have you beat," Chifuyu retorts, slumping down a tree and allowing the earth to take them. Akechi lets out a loose chuckle.

"A sore-loser now, are we? Someone doesn't like losing."

"You say that as if you aren't the same," the mage fires back, sticking their tongue out and blowing a raspberry at the taller brunette. This makes him laugh even more. He shuffles closer to Chifuyu, and takes a seat beside them. Of course, placing his sword in its scabbard before doing so.

"Do you want to return home, Higanzakura? You seem exhausted," Akechi's soothing voice fills the air, almost melodic to Chifuyu's ears. They hide their flustered face within their knees, bringing their legs close to their face.

"You just want to get your prize already," they mumbled.

"Hm. Half-true, I won't deny that," Akechi hummed. Again, Chifuyu would roll their eyes. They rise from their position, brushing the dirt off their boots and their pants. "I don't mind going—"

"Watch out!" Akechi suddenly interrupts. He rushes forward and immediately unsheathes his rapier, performing a slashing motion. The creature that was sliced backs up, snarling at Akechi. It was so quick, that Chifuyu didn't have time to blink. The mage swiftly turns around and mutters an incantation. A purple sigil manifests out of thin air, above their tome, and three arcs of lightning blasts the creature. This, however, doesn't deter it. The lightning seemingly bounces over the creature, and it doesn't even have a cut.

Now that the creature was in front of them, both Akechi and Chifuyu could have a closer look at it. Its body was a deep brown color, and it wasn't like any other forest creature the duo had seen before. There was a certain aura of magic to it, as if it was capable of wielding magical powers. It had sharp claws and long fangs, which it used in an attempt to intimidate and frighten the two humans. The creature didn't seem to have a specific form to it; in fact, it could be more accurately described as some kind of... blob. It shifted shape every few seconds, not being confined to one appearance.

Chifuyu grits their teeth. "Looks like your prize is going to have to wait," they said, as their tome opens. The spellbook levitates a few inches away from them, pages turning until it lands on a spell that binds the target. They chant the spell under their breath, and before they could finish casting the spell, a yellow whip appears in front of them and strikes at Chifuyu's lips.

"Ah-" was the last sound they made as they stagger backwards, hitting a nearby tree. They were going to say something, but as soon as the words were about to leave their lips, they realized...

They have been silenced. The creature casted a spell on them. This was no good—most, if not all, of their spells required verbal components. They were practically useless now.

Akechi quickly understood what was going on. "Don't worry about me. Just stay safe, and I'll protect you!" He calls out as he infused his rapier with radiant energy before hitting the mysterious creature with it. The creature lets out a virulent roar and forms a large golden spear with its claws—before stabbing Akechi square in the chest with it. It draws its claws back, and blood drips from it.

Sickening. Red. Blood. The dripping was enough to drive Chifuyu insane.

Chifuyu's world was spinning. They quickly sprint to his side, carrying his limping, bleeding body in their hands. The creature was about to make another attack, this time at the mage. And they braced themself for it, shutting their eyes tightly and readying themself for the pain. Waiting, and waiting, and waiting... But it never came. Opening their eyes slowly, they find a glowing blue sigil, shielding them and Akechi from the onslaught. It was Akechi's magic. The sigil caught the creature by its throat, slicing it in half.

As both pieces of the creature fall to the ground, Akechi lets out a pained cough.

"Looks like the prize is yours, Higanzakura," he croaks, before closing eyes and letting his magic flutter away.

[breadcheese444]

Yumeweek Day 3: Rest 

 ⓒ nugetoss1

[breadcheese444]

Yumeweek Day 4: It’s been a while

An AU/timeline where Lily is forcibly sent home and she finds her way back <3

[nyandereneko]

No Words to Spare

Word Count: 936

Summary: “They were at a bit of a standstill, not quite an impasse, and just on edge enough to not quite know what to do next. The silence grew heavier with each breath, bearing down on them like a downpour after a drought.”

Author’s Note: Happy Yumeweek 2022! It’s an event being hosted by a selfship account on Twitter, but I figured posting writing here for it would be okay too! These are prob gonna be a little shorter but I’ve really enjoyed working on these prompts, and I’m hoping this will be the warm up I need to help me keep up with sharing stuff again! As always, thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy! Reblogs Appreciated!

*****

“Is that all you’ve got?” Vax goaded with a flippant toss of his dagger, sizing up his sparring opponent with a glimmer of mischief in his gaze. “C’mon now, I thought faelyne were supposed to be paragons of dexterity, lithe and light on their feet.”

“What, and all half-elves are good at magic?” Nova spat back, her tone a blend of amusement and mild irritation as she met his gaze. She was locked in a defensive crouch, a posture she’d adopted after he’d thrown her across the training ground. Their sparring session was winding down, they could feel the ache and fatigue throbbing in their marrow, but that didn’t mean either party was content to give up without a fight.

“Magic isn’t very practical when it comes to raw, hand to hand combat,” the rogue countered as he encircled her, appraising her guarded stance from every angle.

Her dark hair framed her face like a galaxy, swaying like a cosmic cloud and complementing the brilliance of her fierce, void-like eyes. They pierced his own like a meteor, provoking him, challenging him to finish what he’d started. He wouldn’t mind drifting through that void forever, if he only could. Starlight radiated from every pore of her enchanting visage, a fount of effortless resplendence, and the half-elf found himself quite preoccupied by the sight of her wreathed in the twilight’s fading glow.

It wasn’t wise to allow himself to fall prey to such conspicuous temptations, especially in the heat of combat, but the subtle betrayal of her unease in the twitch of her tail was enough to temporarily shift his priorities. How did he want to bring this session to a close, if he was going to be the one to do it after all? He hadn’t actually thought that far ahead. They were at a bit of a standstill, not quite an impasse, and just on edge enough to not quite know what to do next. The silence grew heavier with each breath, bearing down on them like a downpour after a drought.

Having the audacity to deride the discipline of magic to her face…well, it wasn’t like this was the first time, nor would it be the last. Nova observed Vax with a keen, careful stare, pooling her own magical resources as she bided her time. Asserting her point and teaching him a lesson at the same time, perhaps a few blasts of harmless celestial energy or splashes of water couldn’t hurt; on the contrary, they might even rejuvenate him. She supposed such benefits depended on how generous she was feeling.

While she took her time deliberating her next move, Vax settled on his. Things had gotten too still, too quiet—he paused in his stride, and Nova’s fur began to rise. They could sense that this was the turning point, but who was going to emerge victorious was anyone’s guess. Maybe it was just going to come down to who had superior reflexes, and Vax was fairly eager to win this argument. Nova had quite a few arguably unfair advantages herself if she chose to exploit them, but such strategies required more forethought. As things stood, Vax caught Nova off guard, much to both parties’ unspoken delight.

Because when Vax caught her off guard, he went all in. Taking a couple preliminary steps to the side to draw her attention, he abruptly shifted his weight and switched sides, knocking her off balance and pinning her down in one fell swoop. She lost her breath, but she wasn’t sure if it was the physical or emotional impact that’d whisked it away. Her head spun and vision blurred as she wrestled with the dull pain from hitting the ground and the struggle for air through shallow breaths. It didn’t take long for her pulse and the pain to settle, and as her eyes fluttered open the sight that greeted her shocked her from ear to tail tip.

He was there, obviously, leaning over her and caging her beneath his…everything. His arms, his torso, he had captured her in every sense of the word and it was taking every ounce of her willpower to not immediately, instinctively shove him away. Because it wasn’t like they weren’t fond of this proximity, it wasn’t like they didn’t both understand that situations like this were kind of an implicit perk of participating in them in the first place. But there was also still a lot they hadn’t said to one another, a lot they weren’t prepared to, even if the only thing either of them really wanted was to hear the exact words the other had to say. Matters of the heart are rarely so straightforward, and even when they are, the potential risks almost always outweigh the rewards in the eyes of the parties that have no way of knowing which odds err in their favor, and which are sure to damn them.

“Looks like I win,” Vax teased to break the tension, chuckling a little himself as he moved to sit up and aided her in the process. “I’d say my point still stands.”

“I’d say you still don’t know what you’re talking about,” Nova huffed in rebuttal, flicking a shower of Dancing Lights in the form of a dazzling burst of stars before his eyes. “And I’m going to prove it to you one of these days, no matter what it takes.”

“Good,” Vax purred, catching her hand and placing a chaste kiss to the soft flesh in his grasp. “I’m counting on it.”

Nova had not a word to spare in reply.

[nyandereneko]

Sit With Me a Moment

Word Count: 693

Summary: “They did indeed sit for a moment, watching the flames dance to the crackle of wood mixed with the forest’s chorus.”

Author’s Note: Happy day 3 of yumeweek! I tried to put something together for Qifrey this time, and I’d like to try to alternate between him and the other two I’ve written for for this event in terms of development for the near future. I think, we’ll see where my brain decides to take me, but either way I love this witch so much and I’m still chomping at the bit for the anime can’t wait to lose my mind next year!! It’s ironic that I love these two being sad together when all I want is for them to heal each other hfieslfels it will come in time I’m sure, as always thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy!

Night had descended like a cloak upon the atelier and the surrounding moors; the moon and stars presided over the rolling hills like shepherds in the twilight. The feathery grassland swayed like a sea in the calm evening air as a comfortable hush nested in the blades like dew. Drawing nearer to the atelier itself, one could catch the sound of nature’s sweet symphony serenading the picturesque homestead with a subtle melody colored with a melancholic lilt. A tune carried on the wind from the nearby woodland, the question of whether or not nature was truly feeling sullen was anyone’s guess. But the silver haired witch that alone served as audience for the somber tune was likely just projecting that atmosphere himself, lounging on a couch before the hearth as his thoughts went around in circles.

His eyes were closed to the approach of a small fluffy companion, separate from the furry noodle otherwise known as a brushbug that had curled up in the first warm place it could find on his person. This fluffy creature was no such thing at all, but rather a cunning witch donning a mirror cloak, one of her personal design and crafting. The dusting of stars that accented her form was a quality unique to her casting alone, an imprint that displayed itself in one way or another in the result of every glyph she traced. Encountering the sight of his dozing form, the cat wrongly assumed he was oblivious to the sensation of fur brushing skin as she butted her head against his limp hand.

Said hand came to life much to her surprise, and just as Qifrey attempted to return the favor the witch stumbled back and immediately dispelled her four legged form. Scrambling to regain her bearings in the aftermath, words weren’t cooperating as much as she would’ve liked. “I—I thought you were—.”

“There’s no need to panic, please,” the bespectacled witch soothed as he sat up slowly, reaching for his quire. In a matter of moments he summoned a spell Nova had seen him cast on a few occasions; it was one she positively adored. Crystalline droplets drifted from ink to air as he closed the circle, infusing the space with a rejuvenating aura that instantly relaxed her tense nerves. “I apologize for startling you, I didn’t realize you were so unprepared.”

“It’s fine, really. I’m just sorry for disturbing you,” she sheepishly replied, ears folding flat as she collected her cloak and promptly perking up again as Qifrey patted the the cushion next to him. “I didn’t mean to wake you or anything, you can go back to sleep. Or maybe you should just go to bed, if you’d prefer.”

“Sit with me a moment,” he insisted with a few more pats.

She acquiesced when she accepted he wasn’t going to give up, settling herself at his side as she fought to suppress her giddy panic. They did indeed sit for a moment, watching the flames dance to the crackle of wood mixed with the forest’s chorus.

“Can you promise that you won’t forget me if something happens?” Nova murmured on the ghost of a breath, allowing herself the bold luxury of resting her head on his shoulder. The curve of her ear tickled his chin, but the shiver that followed felt warm to him in a different way. “Well, I guess you can’t promise that, not really. So, how about this instead? Even if something happens, no matter what happens down the line, will you befriend me again? Or at least don’t leave me to flounder, if you can—”

“I’ll never forget you, I promise you that. Its one I intend to keep,” he replied without hesitation, snaking an arm around her almost reflexively as she nestled against him. “I would never invite someone into my home with the intent to throw them away. And you are naturally no exception.” Far from it, but he didn’t feel the need to emphasize such sentiments at the moment.

The purr he soon heard rumbling in his companion’s throat was the only response he needed, and the only one she desired to give.  

[nyandereneko]

First Flight

Word Count: 1,233

Summary: “Nova’s heart froze as the fog cleared and the form of a grand, graceful dragon emerged before her. Each time she gazed upon the Exuvia was as wondrous as the first, his majestic presence stealing her breath and beckoning her heart to welcome him with open arms.”

Author’s Note: Happy day 2 of yumeweek! I don’t know if this is like the one and only official first time Zhongli takes Nova flying in his Exuvia form, especially since there are some different inspirations I want to draw from for those interactions, but it doesn’t hurt to write more than one version! Plus it was just fun and I enjoyed doing this lol, as always thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy!

*****

“Does that sound okay to you?”

Nova wasn’t sure how to respond with anything other than ‘yes.’ And Zhongli wasn’t oblivious, he could sense the wariness oozing from his companion like a suffocating haze. In recent days she’d been remarkably unsuccessful at diverting his attention from her at every turn, which had likewise become a considerable inconvenience. Not because she disliked it, although there was no avoiding the inevitable guilt that swelled in her with every smile and kind word he threw her way. He threw quite a few of them her way, in fact, and each time she felt less and less prepared to receive his generous praises. It was almost as if he was attempting to wear her down, but to what point she was presently devoid of the slightest idea.

“There are other methods, I promise they wouldn’t be difficult to employ—”

“Well, I already said yes, and we’re here, so I think you should just do it.”

She was being stubborn; they both knew it. For better or worse, that also happened to be a frustrating, endearing trait they shared. But where Zhongli’s obstinance tended to stem from an integrity that transcended mortal boundaries, Nova was just generally bad at being honest about her emotions, and by extension her opinions. And when faced with a proposal from an Archon, no matter the nature, she’d been trained her entire life to yield to their judgment at any cost. There was no decision that could justify an Archon being judged by mortal limitations. Their positions and ideals were simply inscrutable, so far removed from mortal understanding, how could one that has barely lived a fraction of a god’s lifetime ever hope to comprehend or justly condemn any action or perspective they may abide?

Zhongli cared about her comfort and wellbeing, whether it needed to be stated aloud or not. He didn’t need her permission to be considerate of her, especially when he regarded her as his guest. However, he’d failed to notice when his heart had started to regard her as something infinitely more precious. It was almost like something natural, something innate, a feeling or state of being that he just acknowledged one day, not creating but rather sanctioning its existence and even brushing up against the potential to expand and nurture it. That wasn’t a thought to get carried away with at the moment, though. They had somewhere to be, and if Nova was going to insist on their method of transport, then he was just going to have to compromise to make the experience as tolerable as possible.

“I know you’re not fond of heights,” he noted as he put some distance between them, wanting to give himself ample room to transform. “But I can promise that I will deliver us there safely and efficiently without any necessary strain on either of our parts. If you just hold on and close your eyes, it shouldn’t be too dreadful. I even have something else I’ve been meaning to grant you for some time now…”

Nova’s heart froze as the fog cleared and the form of a grand, graceful dragon emerged before her. Each time she gazed upon the Exuvia was as wondrous as the first, his majestic presence stealing her breath and beckoning her heart to welcome him with open arms. Who was she to deny the will of an Archon? It was strange, though, that the acceptance of him she felt warming her heart like a flaming flower seemed undeniably distinct from the reverent compliance she submitted to for the sake of her own Archon.

Or maybe it wasn’t really all that strange after all…but now wasn’t the time to get distracted by such ponderings.

The dragon leaned down and pressed his nose to the crown of the young demigod’s forehead, the gentle touch of one that holds the thing before them more dear than they could ever know. A warm, unmistakably earthy sensation rippled through her from ear to tail tip, searing her veins and fluffing her fur as if she’d been electrified. It nestled soft and pleasant in the core of her being, and in the aftermath she turned an inquisitive gaze on the mighty creature that’d bestowed its gracious blessing upon her.

“It’s a safeguard, essentially a shield that will defend you against any threat, no matter the strength or tenacity,” Zhongli explained as he shifted around to give her a handhold to hoist her up. “I don’t recommend frivolously testing its limits, but I hope it can help provide sufficient reassurance to make the trip a bit less harrowing.”

Alongside the telltale pulse of her Vision, Nova felt an additional sensation wash over her. It was as firm and immovable as stone, yet as soft and soothing as a bubbling brook. She placed a hand over her heart, both amazed and touched by the Archon’s sentimental display. He didn’t have to go out of his way for her, but he always seemed to go the extra mile anyway, and that was something she didn’t quite know how to be adequately grateful for. Mostly because she didn’t have the slightest idea about where or how to start repaying his immeasurable kindness.

“Thank you, Zhongli,” she offered as she twisted her fingers in his velvety auburn mane, securing her grip before clamoring up to mount what she could only guess was the equivalent of his neck and shoulders. She reached forward and gave one of his ears a pet while she was at it, because she just couldn’t help herself when it came to his dragon side. “Or I suppose in this form it would be more fitting to call you ‘Morax.’”

“I shall answer to whichever name you call, so long as your voice is the one that carries it,” the Archon replied without a hint of hesitation or doubt. Nova’s face turned as red as a Jueyun chili as she processed his blunt confession—it practically felt like she’d swallowed one whole—fighting the urge to fly off his back like she’d been burnt and disappear before she could make a fool of herself. He glanced at his timid passenger out of the corner of one of his elegant amber eyes, indicating with a toss of his head that she needed to hold on before lift off. “If you get scared just close your eyes, or you can hide in my mane if you so desire. But I promise you there is no safer place for you than by my side, be it land, sea, or air. I intend to honor that vow.”

And Nova knew he would; he was Morax, the Geo Archon, the unwavering god of contracts. Whatever power he’d sealed within her, she trusted it implicitly. And she trusted him as he pushed off from the cliff top, gaining altitude through the lashing air as she squeezed his mane tighter. She had indeed accepted his proposal to utilize his mane to temper her terror, and the young demigod had to admit: the scent, the sensation, the very sight of him…it didn’t really matter whether he kept her safe or not. Because protection wasn’t the sole benefit she sought from his company…and protecting her wasn’t the only capacity in which Morax longed to know her.

On the contrary, both desperately yearned for the simple gift of the other’s affection.

[nyandereneko]

Balancing Deficits

Word Count: 716

Summary: “They’d managed to check one box off the itinerary, surely they could make all the repressed yearning up to each other later. Presently, there was still much work to be done.”

Author’s Note: Happy day 7 of yumeweek!! It’s the last day and I kind of can’t believe it, I didn’t fully expect I’d actually be able to keep up with it and post every day but I’m so glad and proud of myself that I did, and I look forward to sharing even more content for these ships in the future because they make my heart sing :’) also shout out to the first piece featuring my other BigTM genshin f/o, we don’t know shit about him so I hope my characterization doesn’t end up proving completely OOC, but even if it does I guess this is my version of him I can adjust however I see fit hfieshfs as always thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy!

Reblogs appreciated!

*****

“These are the documents detailing some of the more questionable accounts, but I can assure you my lord Harbinger that our agents are doing everything they can to—”

Nova allowed the stranger’s irritating babble to fade into the background of her awareness as her dark eyes narrowed on her prey. Tail twitching with the amusement of a curious kitten, she swatted at the delicate metal chain that hung so temptingly before her. If it had been anyone else, they wouldn’t have lived to tell the tale of their blasphemy and ignorance. And if she hadn’t donned the visage of a cat prior to falling victim to said creature’s instincts in the midst of her master’s confidential exchange, she would’ve likewise found herself on the receiving end of some admonition of a similarly grim nature.

But she was little more than a harmless kitten at the moment, and the man who’s lap she’d claimed was just the Harbinger that’d deigned to extend a hand to her in the throes of her debilitating isolation. He still wasn’t entirely sure what had incited his rare, irrational show of benevolence; it was a weakness and a curse that served no purpose in his line of work. Such sentiments had no place in any facet of his life as far as Pantalone was concerned, yet this poor unfortunate soul had somehow managed to override his defenses and brush against his own withered spirit—presuming perhaps erroneously that he even had one.

When he’d first laid eyes on her shivering form trapped in the confines of that cold steel prison, he hadn’t felt much of anything; at least that’s how things had seemed at the time. Before she’d burrowed past his defenses, before she’d torn through his heart like a desperate gale and saturated his psyche with her very being. Up to this point he’d understood that there was no room left in the Harbingers’ hearts for anything beyond their illustrious Tsaritsa and their lofty, crafty aspirations and schemes. Nova had succeeded in cracking the boundary of the world that held him hostage for better or worse, and moving forward together rather than floundering alone certainly sounded like a prudent plan to him.

As long as he had someone to rely on…as long as she didn’t mind his company.

“Take care of it, you know my expectations well,” the Harbinger counseled his naive underlings with an air of haughty disinterest. With a disappointed sigh he turned his attention to the devious kitten reveling in her playful insolence, the pressures of his mind instantly allayed by the mere sight of her. “I have more pressing matters to attend to, and I do so loathe wasting my precious time on petty excuses and paltry results. Should the task prove too demanding for you…well, I’m sure you’re well aware of how the Fatui prefers to balance their deficits.”

The nervous dejection plastered on his agents’ faces made Nova’s eyes roll as she continued her batting. They were past the point of no return, and everyone present was privy to the reality of their doomed fate. Meetings like this were largely a formality, one that had become noticeably less distressing in the wake of Nova’s addition to his traditionally monotonous routine. He didn’t want to admit it, to himself or to anyone else, but as Pantalone captured her paws in his grasp he realized there was nothing he wouldn’t do to preserve and protect the precious creature that melted into his touch like snow. 

In the aftermath they slipped away to some secluded corridor together, seeking to collect themselves before they moved on to their next task. Even as her paws transformed to proper hands against his own he found himself bewildered, entranced by her mystical allure. Glove met glove where they bridged their touch, and Pantalone brazenly leaned in to press their foreheads together. Nothing more, nothing less; there was still a chance they could be discovered, and the enticement wasn’t worth the risk when they were free to express their affection within the confines of their own trusted quarters—his trusted quarters, to be precise. 

They’d managed to check one box off the itinerary, surely they could make all the repressed yearning up to each other later. Presently, there was still much work to be done.

[nyandereneko]

A Productive Afternoon

Word Count: 589

Summary: “She didn’t want to fall victim to his charms so easily, but they were both equally hopeless in their fondness for one another.”

Author’s Note: Happy day 6 of yumeweek! I’ve really been enjoying doing these little drabbles and hopefully I’ll be able to keep playing around with them in between longer pieces. This time I finally took the chance to give Vax and Nova permission to be cute together, and it’s definitely something I’d like to do more of in the future. As always thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy!

Reblogs appreciated!

*****

“I don’t know where I would be without you.”

The sincerity in his voice caught her off guard, but it wasn’t wholly unpleasant. She was brewing a simple elixir and he was keeping her company while she worked. The arcane arts weren’t exactly his forte, but that didn’t mean Vax couldn’t appreciate the finesse of her craft. And Nova had an abundance of it, measuring and mixing and enchanting as she concocted therapeutic and restorative draughts for every occasion. 

They’d certainly served him well in a few binds, but given the choice he always preferred the comfort of her gentle, healing touch. Just the memory of those fluttering fingers tending his wounds with a soothing salve and a whispered spell was enough to make him shiver. He observed the lazy ascent of a few bubbles as they breached the surface of her brew, his keen eyes shifting to the main source of his distraction as she applied the finishing touches.

“That feels like a pretty serious thing to say,” Nova replied, silently cursing as her hands began to quiver, betraying her heart’s unease. “Especially unprovoked. So, what brought this on, if you don’t mind me asking?”

He chuckled in response: a deep, rich sound that made her ears ring and soul sing. She didn’t want to fall victim to his charms so easily, but they were both equally hopeless in their fondness for one another. He rested a hand upon her own, fingers slipping into place as if they’d been molded as two parts of a whole. With a light squeeze he attempted to coax her to lift her head, but it seemed her anxiety was weighing her down. They’d long since offered to share the struggle of assisting each other in shouldering their burdens, but the stinging bite of insecurity and self doubt was pronounced and hard to overcome, armed with merciless fang and crushing jaw.

“Just felt like paying you a compliment,” he answered with a smirk, lips brushing the tip of her ear as he went on, “do you object? Even if you do, it doesn’t negate the fact that what I said is undeniably true.”

She took a breath in a feeble attempt to steady her voice as she struggled to put her scrambled thoughts into words. “You know I could say the same about—”

He cut her off with a kiss, precise and intent on derailing her train of thought. His strategy worked as intended, momentarily clearing the faelyne’s mind of anything but his preoccupying presence. She pulled back and he trailed after her before catching himself, not wanting to overstep any boundaries in his haste. She didn’t step away entirely nor did she retract her hand from his grasp, however, and he figured now was as good a time as any to plead his case.

“I know you pride yourself on being the nice one,” he hummed, nuzzling one of her ears as she melted into his snug embrace, “but do you think you could look the other way, just this once? In fact, all you really need to do is look at me.”

Reluctantly she acquiesced to his request, her mind promptly going numb as his heartfelt expression eclipsed her surroundings. At least he’d waited until the potion was complete, lest his impish meddling lead to any unexpected consequences. The sole consequence of their current exchange was likely to involve a little more talk and a lot more doting; it seemed it really was turning out to be quite a productive afternoon.

[nyandereneko]

Irreplaceable Treasures

Word Count: 810

Summary: “Nova couldn’t believe that Qifrey would ever suggest such a thing…or maybe she could, and that was part of the problem.”

Author’s Note: Happy day 5 of yumeweek! I plan on writing another longer piece on a subject like this for this ship because it’s just so good and I’d love to explore it with a little more depth. Honestly, I’d love to explore this ship with a little more depth in general because the world and characters are just so amazing, it’s so pleasant to spend your time in. ;w; But anyway, here’s Qifrey and Nova Having A MomentTM while they’re dancing which is ofc the best time to have profound emotional epiphanies fhesilfhjeslf as always, thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy!

Reblogs appreciated!

*****

“Let’s try it together.”

Nova couldn’t believe that Qifrey would ever suggest such a thing…or maybe she could, and that was part of the problem. It wasn’t the lights, nor the crowd, nor the prospect that the crowd’s attention might fall upon her every blunder that frightened her the most. No, what terrified Nova was the simple act of him asking her to dance. She danced plenty in her spare time, when she was alone, unobserved and free from the judgment of any parties save herself. That was the kind of guarantee she needed, the permission she sought in order to enjoy even the most frivolous of recreational activities. She’d grown all too accustomed to the sharp sting of rejection and the deep ache of loneliness, and it seemed that nothing could stave off the thorny tendrils of doubt and dismay that tightened around her like chains.

“I promise it’s going to be alright. Just follow my lead.”

She wanted to follow him, and she wanted to run as far as she could in the opposite direction. She acquiesced to the former, fingers trembling as they chased his own like a flame trying to catch a wick. And catch they did as the pads of her fingers ghosted over his, sparking with a heat that Nova felt all the way in the tip of her tail. Her trembling redoubled as he wove their hands together with the ease of something that belongs, something complete. As they approached the frolicking horde she found herself thankful that her ensemble cleverly concealed the more troubling magical aspects of her appearance.

Tonight was supposed to be an evening of celebration and merriment—and Qifrey meant to enjoy himself wholeheartedly, irregardless of obstacles or objections.

“You’re doing fine,” he counseled as he held Nova’s waist and steadied her hand, drawing her closer to prevent any potential eavesdropping on their exchange. “Better than fine, really. Graceful. Elegant.”

“That’s what I should be saying to you,” Nova replied, her eyes flashing to meet his before promptly darting anywhere else. Maybe staring at his feet would be a suitable change of pace. “You’re doing all the work. I shouldn’t even be out here anyway—”

They froze. Not literally, but the world practically faded away around them as Qifrey pulled Nova in with a twirl, and they both found themselves captivated by the unanticipated view afforded by their intimate proximity. Qifrey’s hair glowed like the moon, his sapphire eye appraising her from behind his gleaming spectacles with an intensity that Nova felt could swallow her whole at any moment. Unbeknownst to her, her expression betrayed a depth of passion and adoration that threatened to drown Qifrey where he stood; such an incident would prove the only of its kind should he ever submit himself to her influence.

“I think you look positively radiant,” he whispered the words in her ear, almost making her lose her balance as they passed one another in step. “I could never tire of watching you.”

“Quit stealing my lines,” she hissed, agitated with herself for not having a better grip on her emotions. “You’re the one with all the grace and elegance and talent, you’re the one that creates such awe inspiring magic, you’re the one that—”

“Shh,” he interrupted as he pressed a finger to her lips. “This is no time for squabbling. We should be enjoying ourselves, don’t you think?” With that, he guided them back into the flow of the group’s steps.

Even knowing how little she tired of saying such things, Qifrey hoped that one day he could manage to return the favor and be believed. The lack of faith she had in herself translated into an equally isolating lack of faith in others, a lack of trust in the kindness of their words, interpreting their sentiments as nothing more than lip service. But the white haired witch longed to indulge his neglected confidant in far more than simple lip service; regardless of how long he had to wait, he knew it would be worth it. His measured patience was born of his profound ardor for her, and occasions like this presented them both with the opportunity to sneak a peek behind each other’s dense, carefully guarded veils.

The veil of their emotions, their thoughts, their hearts. Irreplaceable treasures, innate facets of their very being that enabled them to glimpse the true soul behind the mask. Souls that were fractured, damaged, decayed…abandoned, discarded, manipulated. But that also meant that they were familiar with such fragile things, and knew to only treat them with the greatest care. The kind of care, compassion, approval that they yearned for and simultaneously despised. If they were capable of providing that kind of support, fulfilling that emotional quota for each other, however…well, perhaps there was hope for their otherwise bleak futures yet.

[nyandereneko]

Acceptance

Word Count: 643

Summary: “There wasn’t a trace of blame, disappointment, or bitterness in the Archon’s expression as he caressed her skin with the glide of his thumb: all he had to offer her was his love.” 

Author’s Note: Happy day 4 of yumeweek! I’m honestly quite happy with how this piece came out, I feel like I’m finally getting back into writing the way I want to instead of shoehorning myself into trying to make something good/according to others’ standards…if I like it that should be good enough, and as always I can’t thank everyone who takes the time to read enough, I can’t tell you how much it means to me ;w; and wow do I just love writing Nova and f/os being soft together, thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy!

*****

“It’s been a while.”

Zhongli raised a weathered cup to his lips, pausing to savor the aroma that pooled over the liquid as the cool rim brushed his skin. The scent was light, pleasant, enticing as he took a deep breath that made his chest swell…not wholly unlike the young woman seated at his side. She was lovely, exquisite, wonderful in every way, and on this particular afternoon the two had gathered around the same table they hadn’t occupied together for many a year. Over five hundred to be exact.

He glanced out of the corner of his gilded gaze at the form of his pensive companion, admiring the portrait of her perfection that he’d only been capable of glimpsing in his memory for the past five hundred years or so. The pain of that reminder wasn’t nearly significant enough to displace the euphoria that hadn’t stopped pulsing through his veins like an electric current since her return. Now that he had her back in his sights, part of him never wanted to blink again, lest he open them to the harrowing sight of that same cold, empty space no other could ever hope to fill.

“It has.”

Nova finally spoke up as a gentle breeze blew by with a few fragile leaves in tow. She wasn’t aware of his attention as she stared down the dark liquid in her own cup, vivid scenes of the times she used to spend on this mountain in his company reflected in every ripple, experiences that were nothing more than ghosts of a distant past. A past she felt disconnected from, a past that didn’t feel real even as she attempted to recover from the experiments that’d succeeded in ripping it all away from her with the cruelest of ease.

“I’m glad it’s just been a while, instead of never again.”

Zhongli placed a hand on her back, rubbing soothing circles as she kept her eyes trained on her tea. She could feel a wave of tears building in her chest, but she didn’t want this outing to turn into yet another instance of penalizing self-sabotage. She should be as happy, as carefree, as engaged as the man that could sip tea in such an unconcerned manner, his demeanor not betraying an ounce of the uncertainty, misery, or regret that infected her mind like a poison. She brushed the back of his hand with the tip of her tail, winding the appendage around his wrist in a gesture of fluffy affection.

“I’m sorry—”

Fingers slipped cool and smooth under her chin as if they’d been molded for her face, forged to follow the curve of her jaw with the precision and ease of sliding on a glove as his hand firmly cupped her cheek. She leaned into his touch, unsure if she’d even performed the action of her own accord, but the end result remained the same. She submitted to the temptations of his comforting tenderness and charm, longing for the arms and torso that were likely to envelope her before the day’s end. What she wouldn’t give to remain in the confines of that fervent embrace for the rest of eternity.

There wasn’t a trace of blame, disappointment, or bitterness in the Archon’s expression as he caressed her skin with the glide of his thumb: all he had to offer her was his love. His sole desire was her acceptance. Accepting it was likewise the last thing she felt prepared for or worthy of, but that had never successfully dissuaded his doting nature in the past. Instead, Nova allowed herself the luxury of closing her eyes, leaning into his touch, and listening to the sound of his voice as he led her through chronicles and tales of the many dreams she’d missed out on, and a few of the one’s she’d left behind.

[starbow-dreams]

#YUMEWEEK2022 : day 3!

"Rest"

it's been a bit cold, so I've been using my heated blanket a lot lately ...