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deucebox · 1 year

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JOB: BABYSITTING!

where you leave them with your sibling for a few days because you're going on a trip to fontaine. how will they handle it? mix edition. gn!reader. kaeya. zhongli. ayato. kaveh. pantalone.

authors note: rather than chores, i decided on babysitting hehe, it's the same thing... kidding. last post before opening my requests to celebrate 100 followers! (VOCAB, WHERE?)

edit: i am now open for requests! check the rules here.

word count ৎ୭ 3.1k 11.10.2022

penned by @doctorheusch

The entirety of Mondstadt City knows that the Cavalry Captain of the Favonian Knights is meticulous in his work. Deception is threaded into the words he spoke and his bearing in every battle is one of class. So what is there to think when Kaeya Alberich is seen walking around with a toddler in his arms, his usual cool demeanor shattered by how he answers the child's babble with his own? The citizens can only rub their eyes yet they felt a strange warmth emanating from him.

How can he not feel warm? His significant other trusted him enough to leave their precious little sibling in his care! Kaeya pledged to protect your kin with his life. Your sibling Nov, short for November, is the sole child he actively handled aside from Klee. He knows adequate information about how to tend to children, though he still can't help but worry. What if he accidentally makes Nov cry? Kaeya certainly won't forgive himself for causing such a lovely kid to cry. If you didn't punish him then he would do it himself.

Feeling a small palm patting his cheek, the Cavalry Captain looked at Nov who gazed back at him with an expectant stare. “You're hungry, aren't you?” He probed, tickling Nov's tummy which the one-year-old giggled at, “Then let's head back to Headquarters, okay? I'll pick some Sunsettias on the way. Your older sibling mentioned that they are your favorite.”

As if understanding the man's words, Nov happily clapped his tiny hands as he watched the scenery change whilst Kaeya walked. They are currently in Springvale because the Cavalry Captain needed to question a hunter for a new case assigned by the Acting Grandmaster. It is around lunch, he is guilty of slightly rushing his interrogation so he won't miss Nov's meal time. Kaeya would've continued at his pace but it's different now that he had a child to care for. Making his way to the city gate, he is reminded of how you said, “Never let Nov eat sugar. He's a devil when he intakes even a little!”

Kaeya somehow didn't take it seriously. How can the toddler in his arms who is making bubbles with saliva be a devil? Maybe you were exaggerating. “Are you a devil?” He asked Nov, letting the child hold his pointer finger, “You aren't, right? They were just overstating.”

Oh, how wrong he was.

Klee came to visit his office when she heard from Jean that Kaeya is taking care of a baby. She was so excited to meet someone younger than her that she brought an assortment of goodies. One of those is a candy with a jelly-like consistency, perfect for Nov to eat. The Cavalry Captain fed him a little of it and left the children to play on the floor as he wrote his report. He trusted Klee to be attentive, she is not as irresponsible as she is when it comes to her bombs. So when there was a sudden shout of “Uncle Kaeya!” from her, he immediately raised his head, just in time to witness Nov toppling over a large plant vase with his small body.

“November!” Kaeya slid over his desk, not caring for his paperwork, and ran to Nov, afraid that the vase would hit the toddler. Before he could reach though, Klee already carried Nov with all her might, quickly taking cover behind a nearby armchair. The oldest in the room sighed in relief as he took both Klee and Nov in each arm, the toddler laughed and clapped, clearly finding what he instigated amusing. Meanwhile, Klee is silent. Kaeya glanced at her and was surprised, seeing tears.

“I'm sorry! I should have watched Nov more carefully.” Klee sobbed, obviously feeling remorseful and frightened. Kaeya's eyes grew gentle, Klee didn't do anything wrong, she even saved Nov but perhaps she blames herself because of the impending doom that could have happened. “Listen, Klee.” He spoke, setting her down on the couch as he seated himself beside her, “Were you the one who told Nov to topple the vase?”

Klee shook her head.

“That's right. Nov did it on his own and if you weren't there to alert me and carry him away in time then we wouldn't be sitting here right now.” He placed his free hand on top of her head and gently patted, “I'm proud of you. Looks, Nov agrees.”

The toddler in question leaned his body forward and also patted Klee on her cheek, making a sound of happiness. Klee smiled and wiped her tears. “And you, Mister.” Kaeya turned to Nov, poking his nose, “You're not allowed to crawl if there are breakables in the room.”

He's glad that he didn't feed Nov the mashed Sunsettias, who knows what kind of Hell would've been raised?

Never in his immortal life did he think he'll be looking after a child. Sure, he has seen many of these little mortal beings but didn't take the initiative to approach them much less take care of their needs. Jade, your younger sister, is a quiet toddler. She didn't chortle like other babies nor even make a fuss. Zhongli started to doubt if she is truly a toddler or not, to his knowledge, her silence isn't normal. During his time off work, ignoring the Director's words that Jade is just different from other kids, he brought her to Bubu Pharmacy. It's better to be safe than sorry. You haven't talked about your sister's personality much so he didn't know what to make of her unnerving quietness.

“Mr. Zhongli, to what do I owe this honor?” Baizhu greeted him at the entrance, the white snake around his neck– Changsheng, also taking an interest as she moved herself forward to look at the child in Zhongli's arms. “So small.” She hissed, her tongue slithering out of her mouth. Baizhu glanced at Jade and chuckled, “Is this child your hidden offspring?”

“I am afraid not, she is my partner's younger sibling.” The Lord of Geo fixed his hold on Jade, making sure she didn't feel uncomfortable, “Doctor Baizhu, I am here to inquire if it's normal for children at this age to be silent that they're not even causing a commotion like most children do?”

“Does she normally makes a racket?” Baizhu approached Jade with a slender finger and tickled her tummy, receiving no response, just a blink of tiny doe-like eyes, “I am not sure, (Y/N) did not describe their sister's disposition to me and I am concerned that something is wrong.”

“I see. To observe her further, would you allow me to introduce her to our Qiqi?” Baizhu continued, “Perhaps having other children around her would encourage her nature to show.” Zhongli knew that Qiqi is harmless so he nodded, he must be patient in this process for medical issues are fragile and not to be rushed. Baizhu escorted him and Jade into a separate room. Qiqi was quietly arranging various herbs when the group entered, she ceased in her movements at the sight of the toddler.

“A baby?” She walked over, looking up at the child in Zhongli's hold. The zombie child didn't see such a small human specimen in her life. Kids she meets or sees are already around her age or older. Baizhu saw the interest Qiqi displayed and he patted her head, “Yes, Qiqi. This is Jade, do you remember Mister Zhongli?”

Wordlessly shaking her head in response, Qiqi gently tugged on Zhongli's pants, wanting to meet Jade. The man complied with her wishes and knelt so that the children will be at eye-to-eye level. Baizhu observed the moment, his hand supporting his chin as he pondered. Jade's reaction to seeing Qiqi is similar to her normal face, however, the doctor saw a glint of curiosity. Qiqi lightly poked the younger girl's cheek, feeling how chubby she is, she poked again, “Baby soft.”

Zhongli chuckled, “She is, isn't she?”

“Mm.” Qiqi nodded, about to poke Jade's cheek but was stopped by the small hand wrapping around her finger. Zhongli watched as Jade made a sound of joy or what he guessed is joy, it was a mere babble but enough to make him feel relieved. “How about we leave the children to play here?” Baizhu has concluded something, “I have come to notice what is wrong.”

“Very well.” Zhongli made sure there were no hazardous things in the room before following Baizhu out, leaving Jade to play with Qiqi, “May I know what's wrong, Doctor Baizhu?”

“It is nothing serious. Jade is a shy toddler, more timid than others. She is uncomfortable with strangers based on her bland response to my touch earlier, nevertheless, when Qiqi approached, she gave a reaction. I am mostly certain that Jade responds to people similar to her.” Baizhu smiled, “Saying this, she doesn't seem to be uncomfortable around you, Mister Zhongli.”

Zhongli pondered. Indeed, Jade showed signs of uneasiness when Hu Tao wanted to carry her. She turned her head, it was a small movement that passed his attention but she was conveying her feelings. The ex-Geo Archon coughed in his balled hand to hide a growing smile, why did he feel happy knowing that he was accepted by Jade?

As the Yashiro Commissioner, Kamisato Ayato is a busy man with his everyday schedule packed with meetings and tasks. Nevertheless, he didn't hesitate to agree when you asked him to take care of your little brother Mikazuki. Why would he refuse his lover's request? Besides, it's just babysitting. He can have Thoma attend to Mikazuki while he's working. The Kamisato Clan's caretaker didn't mind watching the toddler, he was happy even. Thoma wouldn't admit it but his life on the estate is somewhat lonely when his Master and Mistress are both engaged in their work. Of course, he understands that they need to do so, that's why he never bothered them.

Thus, the journey of a man and a baby began. Thoma carried Mika through the house, showing the child things he couldn't understand yet the colorful vibrancy of each one made him babble. “This is the late Madam's fan, isn't it beautiful?” Thoma asked, pointing at the framed fan, preserved for all to see, “I haven't met the late Madam but I'm sure she's as lovely as Miss Ayaka!”

“Thoma? Did you call me?” Speak of the devil, Kamisato Ayaka appeared at the end of the hall after hearing her name. She is surprised to see Thoma carrying a baby and talking to it animatedly, “Who is our little friend?”

“Oh! Miss, have you finished your task?” Thoma walked to her, the child in his arms curiously looking at the newcomer, “And this is Mikazuki, the younger brother of (Y/N)! Isn't he cute?”

“Hello there, Mikazuki. You are truly adorable.” Ayaka fussed over the child with sparkles in her eyes, clearly excited. However, she remembered she still had a mission to complete so she reluctantly sighed, “Unfortunately, my assignment is not concluded yet so I'll have to leave once more.”

Thoma nodded, adjusting his hold on Mikazuki as Ayaka played with the toddler's hand, “Alright, Miss. I'll let Master know.”

“Thank you, Thoma. I'll be taking my leave then. See you both later!”

The caretaker then set his course to Ayato's office while continuing his one-sided conversation with Mikazuki which the baby returned with chortles. This is the sight Ayato looked up to, his hand stopping in the middle of writing a sentence as your words rang in his mind, “Mikazuki quickly gets attached to people who give him their attention. He is a baby after all. Looking at him so happy would always be enough to make my day.”

Ayato planned to care for Mikazuki after finishing his work but seeing him so close to his retainer, he placed his pen down and stood up. It is not that he didn't trust Thoma, nevertheless, it is him you asked to watch Mikazuki so he must fulfill it. “Tho–” The Yashiro Commissioner was about to speak but the words that Mikazuki suddenly spluttered made him stop. What did he say?

“Baba!” Mikazuki patted Thoma's shoulder with a palm with a gummy grin. This made Thoma brighten like a seelie, “Oh my gosh! Mikazuki talked! Did you hear it, Master?” Hearing no response, Thoma turned his head to look at Ayato who is smiling rather strangely, “Master?”

“Yes, I heard it loud and clear. Mikazuki's first words must be celebrated.” In an instant, the baby that was once in Thoma's arms disappeared and materialized in Ayato's, “Thoma, go prepare a small dinner for us and Mikazuki.”

“Yes, Master!” The caretaker gladly obeyed Ayato's order, making his way to the kitchen, oblivious to his Master's internal dilemma. Mikazuki peeked at Ayato, wondering why this person unexpectedly grabbed him. His gaze is returned when Ayato held his tiny hand and asked, “Can you say it again, Mikazuki?”

Not understanding the Commissioners words, Mikazuki tilted his head and patted Ayato's cheek, “Baba?”

The satisfied chuckle Ayato gave made Mikazuki clap his hands together. Ayato lightly rubbed the little boy's head, “That's right.”

Kaveh cursed the mission you were forced to take in Fontaine. Regardless, what can he do? It's not like he could fight the people that demanded your presence. For crying out loud, he's your partner! He should be a top priority, however, he also knew he couldn't be your top responsibility when the toddler on the floor beats him. Vanah. The sworn enemy he was asked to take care of. If it was another person, he wouldn't bother, but it's you who gave such a request.

Alhaitham didn't show any signs of appeal to the duo who are staring holes at each other. His roommate came back to their dorm, stating that staying in your shared home felt empty without you and he didn't mind since he knows Kaveh is sentimental. The Scribe continued to read his book as Kaveh spoke to Vanah, “Listen, kid. Here are the rules. One, don't disturb me. Two, do not make a commotion. Three, if you want someone to play with, go play with that guy in the corner.”

“Do you want me to lock you out of this room, Kaveh?” Alhaitham warned yet Kaveh ignored him, picking the little girl up from the floor and placing her on the wide table. There is a myriad of colors, paints, and papers laid out. Kaveh has prepared these in advance. He has a project to finish so he can't watch over Vanah all the time. The blonde guessed that children in her age already developed an interest in art. Looking at the child taking a color and clumsily drawing on the papers, he nodded to himself. Everything is under control.

Or maybe not. He spoke too soon.

Vanah did create a masterpiece but it didn't land on any of the papers. Instead, it's scribbled on the table surface itself.

“I swear on Lesser Lord Kusanali...” Kaveh sighed, not bothering to clean since he needed to finish his project outline. He only took a peek at Vanah's colorful drawing but didn't expect for himself to suddenly stand and look at the irregular shapes and angles. His eyes filled with inspiration, “Vanah, you're a genius!” Kaveh threw her a little high and caught her as soon as she descended, happy to finally find inspiration for his next project, “Maybe you'll become a great architect like me.”

“What happened to your rules?” Alhaitham who was silent the whole time sarcastically retorted which Kaveh waved at, “Don't mind that guy, Vanah! Come, let's finish my project together.”

Kaveh wouldn't openly admit it but Vanah may not be so bad after all.

The Northland Bank runs on blood and tears which is partly the literal truth. Pantalone narrowed his eyes at the kidnappers who dared take the sleeping children under his watch, “Where are they?” He asked, his patience slowly running thin. The twins are your siblings that you entrusted for him to look after. However, when he thought they were safely slumbering, he was suddenly alarmed when the Fatui Agent he sent to wake them up hurriedly reported their absence, “I will not ask again. Where are the twins?”

“I swear, Lord Harbinger! They ran off on their own.” The man who is kneeling blurted, shivering at Pantalone's piercing gaze, “They disappeared around the premise near Zapolyarny Palace.”

“So you're telling me that a pair of three-year-olds managed to escape the grasp of adults like you?” Pantalone turned around and walked away, “Pathetic.”

The Regrator knew how playful those kids were but he didn't expect this quality of theirs to be helpful one day. After organizing and deploying his faction to search for them, he also set out personally, thinking of the multiple places those brats may have gone to. A memory suddenly played from the back of his mind, “The twins like Dottore's lab for some reason.” You were complaining, “But I worry they may get into trouble there.”

Why, of course. If there's anything that fascinated those two, it would be Dottore's experiments. They are double the trouble already and adding the Doctor doesn't really help. Quickly changing his trail toward the laboratory, he arrived to the children weeping, hugging a segment of the Harbinger who hasn't returned from his plans in Sumeru. Ah, are they attached to that specific segment of Dottore's? Or did they mistaken it for him? Pantalone didn't know which applies so he carefully stood over the crying twins.

His shadow attracted their attention, they looked up at him in unison. Pantalone could see their resemblance to you although they're fraternal twins. Did they inherit their good-looks from you? He wondered but that is the least of his concerns at present.

“Panty!” They exclaimed, new tears forming as they ran to him and held onto his coat. As much as he despised that nickname, it isn't time to be berating them. He knew they must encounter scenarios like this as they grow up so he caressed their heads, feeling how they trembled against him, “Rin. Ran. Dottore is on his way home, the one you are crying over is his segment.”

“We know...” Ran trailed off, clutching at Pantalone's coat tighter, “He's still a friend.”

“Ran is right.” Rin continued her brothers words, she looked at the unmoving segment and buried her face in his coat, “Everyone is a friend.”

“I admire your loyalty towards your friends.” Pantalone helplessly chuckled, he needed to remind them that reality is harsher than it is, “What did I say?”

The twins turned their gazes to him, their eyes having a glow amidst their tears, “The world runs on blood and tears.”

#PANTY #IM FUCKING SOBBINT #PANTYYY #JAKQKWKQKWKW #WTFWKWK #THUS IS SO CUTE #I SHDDENLY HAVE A BABY FEVER #im gay #ADOPTION!!#jk i dont like kids that much

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deucebox · 1 year

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such an eventful world raid lmao.

when i realized what mob they were referring to, i malfunctioned 'cause i didnt know the nAME - and if i search it might take time and they'll leave so i just went for triangle ashddhakdhak

#belle reblogs #SO CUTEJJEJEJ

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deucebox · 1 year

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scARAmouche

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deucebox · 1 year

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“This gold ornament is a proof of identity granted by the Almighty Shogun”

SO NOW HE’S TYING IT TO HIS VISION INSTEAD OF PUPPET STRINGS, AND FORGING HIS OWN IDENTITY.

#im fucking sobbing #god i love you so much #SO SO MUCH.

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deucebox · 1 year

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I CHOKED HELPPLWKWM

the fact that al haitham speaks at least 20 languages is hot.

imagine him professing his affections in 20 different languages, knowing you don't understand him, as his way of gaining courage to confess.

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deucebox · 1 year

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veneration.

PAIRING: scaramouche x reader

GENRE: canon-compliant. belligerent romantic tension, flirting but not quite flirting, the trope of helping the other get ready for an important event.

TW/CW: slight spoilers for 3.2 archon quest (although it was literally revealed in the livestream so idk if it counts as spoilers).

A/N: boo, I'm alive (sort of.) I can't believe I'm writing for emo pinocchio, much less simping for him (yes, @x-zho and @byeol-ssi you read that correctly),,,, but HEY IF THIS DRABBLE GETS ME OUTTA BURNOUT DEPRESSION Y NAT COCONUT

"How fares your one follower, Lord Harbinger?"

The Balladeer pauses in the middle of what he's doing, a tangle of energy tubes falling around his ankles like an undignified noodle dish. Your voice is carefully, perfectly even, your eyes steadily fixed on your book as if nothing was the matter.

"Haypasia? Well, she's the first of many to come, so of course she is someone of great prestige in my eyes."

He enjoys the faint flicker in your eyes, choking back a taunting smile as your grip tightens on your book. To say that he held affection for you would be staunchly denied, but there was nothing Scaramouche delighted in more than to wear your nerves out.

"As she should be. Never forget the service she has done you, sir."

"And what of the service you owe me?" He retorts. "I don't recall summoning you here just so you could sit and recite pretty words to me while I do all the work."

An exasperated sigh and a slight rustle as you get up from your chair, followed by the echoing sound of your footsteps as you began climbing the stairs to the head of his soon-to-be divine vessel. "I had assumed that you wouldn't want my assistance until I was called for."

"I'm sure Haypasia would have willingly volunteered to assist me." Scaramouche remarks idly, tracing a finger along the polished metal. "When it comes to loyalty to me, I'm sure that that girl is second to none."

Silence, just as expected. Your face is pristinely neutral when you reach the top of the stairs and place the book on the floor, but he knows better; he knows how the blood surges in your veins in not-quite-jealousy, how the air catches in your throat at the thought of someone being better devoted to him.

Up until now, the Balladeer had had a hard time finding an edge over your nonchalant nature, with any sharp jabs left blithely ignored or rebutted, with no room for nonsense— for out of all the people who dared test their bravery by working with him, you were one of the few who had remained mostly unaffected by his short temper.

But with a certain researcher in the equation, it seems that he had a new — and most entertaining — way to push your buttons.

"You shouldn't have tangled up the tethers like this, sir." You kneel down to untangle the mess of cables at his already-tethered feet, your hair falling forward to conceal your face. "The Doctor would not be pleased if something were to malfunction tomorrow due to something as minor as this."

He stands stock-still as your hands trace along the length of his arm, searching for where to attach the cables to his wrists and shoulders, your fingertips brushing against his back as you check for any loosened tethers; to an outsider, it would seem that you were merely performing the duties of a faithful assistant. But every move and word was choreographed, designed to bring out your true intentions under the guise of professionalism.

"Tell me," The Balladeer asks, a taunting lilt to his voice. "What sort of book are you reading that distracts you from my glory?"

"Just something I picked up in the Grand Bazaar." You reply, and soft hands brush against the sides of his neck, reaching to safely tether him to his vessel. "A book of short essays and poetry, written by some obscure but well-read author."

"What sort of poetry?" Scaramouche keeps his gaze locked on yours, pretending to be unaffected by the way your arms enclosed the air around him, the close proximity between the two of you. The fun part of the game was to never reveal your hand of cards, after all.

"The usual; some about life, or loss. The seasons, and some about places the author had been to." Your eyes briefly flicker to meet his. "Love poems, too."

He cannot help but smirk, knowing full well at what you were playing at; the two of you had an unspoken agreement, a mutual push and pull as you aimed to tear each other's heartstrings out and have the other dancing in the palm of their hand. "Care to recite one, then? I'd like to see if you can actually spew pleasant words for once."

"If that is what the Lord Harbinger wishes," was your response, your gaze drifting away to focus on adjusting the tethers on his hands and wrists one last time. "There is one piece that I particularly enjoy; allow me to retrieve my book so that I may read that to you."

You were clever— he had to admit as much. This very well could have been your plan all along, to grab his attention with a book that you were certain would make an impression on him; he would not put it past you to have made such a bold plan.

But since the Balladeer was soon to achieve his lifelong goal, he was feeling generous tonight— he would indulge your little schemes for today, just this once.

"Ah, here it is." You straighten up, the pages rustling as you flip to the correct page. "This essay is rather long, but this particular excerpt is my favourite."

Scaramouche watches as you begin to pace back and forth aimlessly, your lips parting to take a deep breath in preparation... and he waits. He waits for the next move in the chess game, for his turn to come.

"Look up to the stars, and remember the light in my eyes." One finger traces idly along the page, your eyes following it intently as if to bore a hole through the paper. "Look to the east, the rosy dawn, and think of my lips, sweetened with the honey of memories with you."

"But furthermore, evermore, I beg of you, my darling..." Your feet shift to wander towards him, stepping closer and closer till you were only a few paces away from where he stood.

"...Look at me and only me forevermore." You recited, tilting his head upwards with the edge of your book, your warm breath fanning his cheeks as you leaned ever-closer. "Are these the sort of words you'd like to hear from me, Lord Harbinger?"

"Hah." A chuckle escapes his mouth before he can stop himself— really, truly, this was all too entertaining! "That all depends on what I am to you."

"What I am to you is the same as what you are to me." For the first time that evening you smiled, a mirror of the same smile he had now; the air of both challenge and taunt hidden behind the guise of a pleasant expression. "I wish you good luck on your promotion tomorrow, Lord Harbinger."

#i keep coming back to this just to reread it god i love tjis #ID FALL FOR YN INSTEAD OF SCARA…#hnqmwmemekw

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