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rhas-writes · 25 days
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if i had a flower for every time i thought of you, i could walk through my garden endlessly. | alhaitham x reader, sfw ── wc : 571
al haitham's walks are practical. they are never for fun, nor the love for sunshine or feeling the grass beneath his feet – his feet always have a place in mind. they take him where he needs to be. they had never walked with the lightness of romanticisation, nor with the whimsy or delightful for the fun of it –
– until you.
he's lighter– happier, even, now that this angel of a person sits across him with the most darling smile to grace his presence.
"would you care to accompany me on a walk?" al haitham asks one day, and he turns to meet your curious gaze. he can see a flicker of hope
"you'd like to go on a walk?" you push yourself off your seat at the counter. "i don't mind accompanying you."
"is it truly that surprising?" a soft sigh parts his lips – he looks almost disappointed, even. you tiptoe to press a sweet kiss to his cheek, smiling as you watch his features turn upwards in quiet delight.
ask him a year ago if he desired anything like this, and he might have scoffed lightly and turned away.
"no," you giggle and set your heels down. "i guess it's just not something you see every day."
silently, you grab his hand – it's so much bigger than yours – and you can feel him squeeze it a just little tighter today. his hands are warm and big, rough and calloused but they also fit perfectly with the curve of your hands. it's perfect.
al haitham looks happier, you think to yourself as the grass beneath your feet greets you with a gentle hello. the flowers sway in the afternoon breeze, and the sun seems to hide away a little, in fear of burning you – it's so pleasant outside today... perhaps he's in a good mood because of that?
you watch him as he hums softly, peering at the prettysome wildflowers below.
"come here, darling," he motions, pointing you to look towards the flowers that sprouted up.
"there's so many, hayi. it's beautiful." you gasp softly, grasping onto his fingers tenderly.
he smiles, and mumbles something under his breath.
"what was that?" you tug on his arm, looking into his eyes. he looks almost embarrassed to say it louder. he clears his throat and glances back at the wildflowers.
"if i had a flower for every time i thought of you, i could walk through my garden endlessly."
you're standing there, pleasantly surprised– shocked, even– into silence. did you hear that right?
"eh?" is the only thing that leaves your lips.
"..forget i said anything, it's alright." al-haitham pats your head, albeit awkwardly – flushed and maybe the tiniest bit embarrassed.
he silently wishes he hadn't said anything at all– silly alhaitham, who was he for thinking that someone of his demeanour would ever pepper his words with that like a lovesick fool?
"nooooo, al haitham!" you whine softly, nuzzling against his shoulder. "that was so sweet! i was just .. taken aback, with how sweet your words were."
"is it not obvious enough how infatuated i am with you?" he rests his head atop yours, breathing lightly and lovingly squeezing you tighter.
the next thing he feels is a gentle, saccharine sweet kiss being pressed against his lips – he's hungry for more, now, ravenous even – like a monster yearning for an ounce of love. maybe he wouldn't mind being the lovesick fool, just this once, if it was you.
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rhas-writes · 27 days
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plum
790
things borrowed and things given
for @iwahji. iwaizumi x f!reader, not canon compliant (iwaizumi goes to university with makki, mattsun, and reader).
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“What the hell is that?” Hanamaki asks about two seconds after you sit down. 
His spoon clatters against the edge of his bowl, sending droplets of broth all across the table and somehow, on your left cheek. You, somehow unperturbed, simply wrinkle your nose and dab at the wetness with a napkin from the stack you’d piled on your tray. 
“You don’t like the taro buns?” you ask, ripping open the paper wrapping of your chopsticks. 
“No,” he says, not even bothering to swallow his mouthful of noodles. “‘m talking about what you’re wearing.” 
You blink. Two more pairs of eyes are suddenly on you and one frowns. 
“It’s just a hoodie,” you say, but you know there’s no reasoning your way out of this; he’s already sensed blood.
“Yeah,” he says primly, “but it’s not your hoodie.” 
“I’m borrowing it.”
“From who?” Matsukawa pipes up, feeding into the madness. 
“Just some guy in my study group.” You fold the paper neatly. 
Beside Matsukawa, Iwaizumi remains silent. He looks up, dark eyes meeting yours before he pointedly glances away. There’s a twinge in your chest; something like annoyance but not quite. Something like guilt, but not quite. 
“Some guy on the varsity swim team?” Hanamaki continues to pry. Matsukawa is leaning forward now, hand under his chin as he takes a long, exaggerated sip of his drink. 
“I think he swims,” you shrug. “I mean,” you pull at the loose collar, “it does kind of smell like chlorine.” 
Iwaizumi clicks his tongue, but only you turn to look at him. 
Hanamaki smirks. “Are you guys—?” 
“No.”
“Then why…?”
“We were done late last night,” you sigh, wondering if you’ll even get the chance to finish lunch. 
“It was cold and I was only wearing a tank top so he’d offered because I was going to be walking back to my place.” Not that you truly believe they’ll be satisfied with this explanation.
“You walked home by yourself last night?” Iwaizumi’s abrupt entrance into the conversation is harsher than you think is warranted. 
“It’s like five minutes,” you say, wringing your wrists. The crease between his brow only deepens. 
“Yeah, why didn’t Michael Phelps walk you home?”
Your shoulders drop and the corner of your lips pull into a pout. “I don’t know. I think he was going the other way.”
“Well then maybe he’s not that into her,” Matsukawa reasons like you’re not sitting right there. 
Hanamaki sighs into a mouthful of pudding. “Maybe not.”
The topic quickly gets stale after that and they move onto a spirited discussion about whether or not their Intro to Linguistics prof is in a cult (Hanamaki thinks he is, Matsukawa thinks he’s the one leading the cult), but Iwaizumi remains quiet throughout. 
“Hey,” he says later, when it’s just the two of you. “You’re going to return that right?” 
You blink up at him, fingers pulling at the worn cuff of your borrowed sweater. The Adam’s apple in his throat bobs. 
In the months that you’ve known Iwaizumi, you’ve only known him to mind his own business. This, in contrast with the drama-mongering of Hanamaki and Matsukawa, was something you’d admired immensely about him: there was his business (whatever that was), your business (untouched), and the few friendships that bridged the two, like circles that just barely overlapped. 
But now, as you stand in the empty hallway of a seventy-year old engineering building, with the lights flickering above your heads, you feel him encroaching upon your circle. Mysteriously, it’s less of an intrusion than you’d expect.
“Of course,” you say. “It’s not mine, after all.” You turn over the concept of possession in your head: mine, yours, ours. From the past and present of your friendship, how did the lines begin to get so blurry?
“Good,” he mumbles, eyes cast downward as he plants himself firmly into the territory of your circle. He reaches up to rub at the back of his neck. 
“And the next time you’re going to walk home at night, you should call me,” he says, earnestly. 
“It was only—” 
“It doesn’t matter,” he insists. “I’ll get you, just—just call me, okay?” 
Not Hanamaki. Not Matsukawa. Just him. 
You look up at Iwaizumi. The crease in his brow darkens his stare, but there’s something tender in the way he holds your gaze; something soft that searches for the overlap between the two of you and obfuscates the figurative edges. 
“I’ll bring you one of my sweaters too,” he says. “For when you’re cold.” 
You consider possession again. 
“Are you giving it to me to borrow?” 
Iwaizumi leans down. “No, I’ll give it to you for you to keep.”
Mine, yours, ours, and somehow, all of the above. 
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rhas-writes · 7 months
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For you, I think I would learn how to love
For my lovely anon who asked for husband Neuvillette, I bring you a whole fic. This man has me in a chokehold and I need everyone to know how much I love him.
Pairing: Neuvillette x fem! Reader Word Count: ~7k
Summary: Tired of waiting for you to find a husband, your parents find one for you. One who happens to be the Chief Justice of Fontaine. A new city, a new life, a new husband. So much new, and you could only hope, deep in your heart, that you would find happiness and love in Fontaine.
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The first time you meet him, it's rather formal.
It's not as though you have much of an option. Though you certainly couldn't say you expected when you woke up to be told that your parents had found a husband for you, and that you'd be married in a week.
They had been pushing marriage lately, saying you were the right age, but the thought had been far from your mind. You thought you still had time, and the next thing you knew, you were being brought to Fontaine.
It's certainly different from Liyue. The hills and mountains are different from the Stone Forrest. The air feels different, there's water heavy in it.
You wait, in an ornate room that feels much too fancy. You've been left alone for a brief moment, the most your parents have allowed since you were told the news.
Part of you wonders if you could escape if you jumped out the window. A quick glance told you that it was much too high to entertain that idea. You'd end up breaking a leg before you got out of this marriage.
The door opens. A man appears, with long white hair with blue streaks in it. Simply from his appearance, you can tell that this is someone important. Your spine straightens as sharp eyes land on you, zeroing in on you.
You felt small, for a moment. As though he was judging you for simply existing in a space you'd rather not be in. Though your parents didn't care if you had plans or wished to find a husband on your own.
The man doesn't say anything. He closes the door behind him with a click, and makes his way over to you. Despite the desire to shrink back, you stand your ground, until he finally stands before you.
Up close you can see more details. He towers over you in height, but you suppose most people would feel short compared to him. His eyes capture your attention the most, the pupils such a strange shape, but gorgeous nevertheless.
"I apologize for leaving you waiting," he starts, almost looking as lost as you on how to start.
You wave your hands frantically in front of you. "It's fine! I didn't expect anyone to come in. I was told I would be meeting-"
Saying future husband felt much too strange. The man in front of you notices your pause, and arches a single silver brow. You frantically try to remember the name of the man who is meant to be your fiance.
"Ah, sorry, I was meant to meet a Mister Neuvillette?" your voice stumbles awkwardly over the new word, still struggling with the accent.
On the trip to Fontaine, your parents had tried to give you lessons on the language, as though you would become fluent in the few hours it took to travel.
The man blinks. And then he blinks again, as though he's trying to figure out what you just said.
Apparently the lessons hadn't worked.
"Sorry, my accent needs work," you apologize. "I hear he's the Chief Justice?"
The man nods, slowly. "That is correct."
You hum, non-committal, waiting to see if your company decides to keep the conversation going. When he doesn't, you find yourself unable to think of words.
Well, this felt awkward. And from the way the man still seemed at a loss for words, he also felt the same.
The tension could almost cut a knife.
He clears his throat after a moment, the sound almost makes you jump.
"Yes, well..." he pauses, gesturing towards the couch. "I am sure monsieur Neuvillette will be here soon."
You take a seat near him. Not close enough to be inappropriate, but close enough that it would be clear that you were talking.  Maybe "monsieur Neuvillette" will see the two of you and decide that this marriage wasn't something he wanted a part of.
"Congratulations on your engagement," your new friend tells you after a moment. You give him a tight lipped smile.
"Thanks."
Once again, silence descends over you two. You fidget with your skirt, smoothing out the wrinkles from travel. Hopefully, it wasn't something your new husband would be upset about.
At least the silence didn't feel as oppressive this time. You let yourself relax, taking a deep, steadying breath.
"Can I ask you something?"
The man beside you nods. You still haven't gotten his name yet, you realize. You'd have to ask later, after some other questions. Who knows when your parents and future husband will be coming.
"Um...how is Neuvillette?" you tentatively ask, to which you only receive a rather blank, if not curious look.
You suppose you'll have to be more direct. Though it almost pains you.
But at least, if he's not kind, you would like a warning. Some way to prepare yourself for what the rest of your life is going to be like. Some women, they don't even get that. They were woken up on the day of their wedding, and the rest of their lives was at the whims of their husbands.
You steel yourself, and fully turn your attention to your friend.
"Is he kind?"
Something in him softens at that. He looks at you with an emotion that you can't recognize in that moment. Pity, maybe?
He opens his mouth, but before you can get your answer, the door opens.
Your parents lean in for a moment, see you sitting on the couch, talking to a stranger, but strangely have nothing bad to say about that. In fact, they look delighted.
"Are you two getting along well?" your mother asks you, somewhat reminding you of a cat just having caught a bird.
The satisfaction on her face made you uneasy, like there was a secret you were missing.
"Fine, thank you," your friend replied for you when you couldn't manage words. "Your daughter is very polite."
Your parents beam at that. The uneasy feeling in your stomach gets worse.
"Thank you, monsieur Neuvillette."
Somehow, it hadn't dawned on you. Your stomach feels like it falls into the floor, but Neuvillette doesn't seem to have any other reaction, looking at your parents. They don't even wither under his stare.
You never wanted to shrink into the floor more. You had just asked your future husband about himself. And more than that, you asked him if he was kind.
Your parents talk with Neuvillette, allowing you a moment to feel invisible and wallow in your self-pity and embarrassment.
At least, until you feel a small tug on the sleeve of your blouse.
It's one of the melusines, you had found them to be very cute upon first seeing them. Your parents hadn't explained much about them, so you found yourself blinking down at the small melusine.
"He is," she says to you, nodding.
You tilt your head to the side. Briefly, you feel eyes on you, but when you look at your parents, they're still talking to Neuvillette, and taking his attention.
"He's what?"
She hands you a long ribbon. It's a deep, ocean blue, the same color that Neuvillette is wearing.
"He is kind," she explains, patiently, as though you were a child. "I heard you ask."
Your cheeks felt like they were on fire, especially as she climbed up next to you, weaving the ribbon through your hair, and both your parents and Neuvillette turned to stare.
"Y/N, that is very rude to ask," your mother scolds, because that is the lot of women in life, only to worry about when men think of you and what might make you undesirable. You resist the urge to roll your eyes.
"Nonsense, it is a very reasonable question to ask. Why wouldn't someone want to know who they're marrying?" Neuvillette cuts in, before your mother can scold you any more.
Your parents fall silent, nodding their heads in agreement as though they hadn't been about to lecture you like a child. You would have laughed if it wasn't for the Melusine finishing with your hair.
"There," she says, with her self imposed job done. "Will you be having a wedding?"
You weren't sure your heart could take any more surprises today. Your cheeks hadn't even lost their blush from the first moment, at this point you didn't think they'd ever go back to their normal color.
"We'll have to see," you murmur, because you weren't completely sure yourself.
She nods, taking in your word and opinion as though it was law. Neuvillette didn't contradict you either, but did finally turn back to your parents.
You don't get too much of a chance to participate in most of the conversation. The Melusine, Sedene, as you learned the name of, asks you more questions that keep you occupied.
It's a welcome distraction. It's better than awkwardly listening to a conversation about your future where at least two of the three people here wouldn't even care for your input.
The jury was still out on Neuvillette.
Eventually though, it grew late, late enough that Sedene was sleeping with her head on your lap. It seemed that finally the other three were tired of negotiating over your life.
Before you knew it, you looked up from your lap just in time to see Neuvillette leave without even a goodbye, the door clicking behind him. Your parents look much too pleased with themselves, which you somehow didn't think was possible.
"I told you, the match would be a good one," your mother tells your father, pride seeping into her voice.
You're not so sure. You can't be sure. At least not yet.
"Yes," your father agrees, with the same fond voice he always had when he didn't want to argue with your mother, and it's easier just to agree.
It seems, just like the foundation of Liyue, that your future is set in stone.
You hope Fontaine will be kind to you.
-x-x-x-x-
You do not have a wedding.
It's actually fine with you. More than fine, really. Apparently as Chief Justice of Fontaine, Neuvillette is well liked and popular. The amount of people you'd have to invite to the wedding would be too many for you.
So you simply don't. You sign a document and in the eyes of the law, and of Neuvillette, that is enough.
Though a part of you aches that you will never have the traditional Liyuen wedding you dreamed of as a child. But you suppose that dreams of childhood should stay there.
You move into Neuvillette's home. Fontaine comes as a culture shock, almost.
The amount of times you get absolutely lost in this fish-bowl of a city manages to astound even you.
It's not your fault, really. Liyue Harbor is easy to navigate, warm and welcoming. In Fontaine, the streets all somehow manage to look the same, though the shops sell things you never even thought of. At some point, you're pretty sure you even see a woman standing outside of a building with a mechanical bird.
You end up seeing other Melusines more than your new husband. You don't really blame him for this, his job is important and needed, so each day he bids you a single "good morning" along with a look you couldn't decipher, as he heads to the Opera House.
That's a whole other thing about Fontaine that you still haven't investigated.
It's not as though you're upset that you don't see Neuvillette often. But he is one of the few people that you know here, and it doesn't take long for you to be lonely in the new city, without any of your friends.
Though you find the Meluine's to be kind. They help you when you get lost, and press small gifts into your palms as they take your hands to lead you around.
They tell you to tell Neuvillette to take some time off work. To spend some time with you. You nod and agree that you'll tell him the next time you see him.
But when the man quickly leaves in the morning and doesn't return until late, you never really get a chance to.
If you didn't know any better, you would have thought he'd been avoiding you.
It's like that for almost a month. He says good morning, disappears, and you wander the city to familiarize yourself with it. He never comes home until the sun has almost set, and night is almost there, while you wander until the rain finally starts for the day.
You asked the Melusine's about it once, commenting that there wasn't so much rain in Liyue. They tell you of the hydro dragon and the tears it cries. You hope that someday you will get to meet this dragon and see what makes them so sad.
At least, it stays like that until it doesn't, as most things tend to do.
You were lost, which wasn't too much of a surprise, but unlike the times before, there were no Melusine's to bring you back home or to a place you knew. The rain had started earlier today, earlier than anyone seemed to expect, and before you knew it, you were huddled in an alley, your clothing absolutely soaked and shivers running down your spine from the wet and the cold.
You missed Liyue. You missed your friends, your parents, you missed the smells and sounds of the harbor. Tears burned in your eyes and mixed with the rain on your cheeks.
Standing there simply isn't going to fix things though, so you eventually left your small, but dry, protection, and decided to finally figure out this city.
Your confidence fades the longer you walk around.
It takes almost two hours of wandering around in the rain until you finally recognize something. Not the path home, but to the first place you ever meet Neuvillette, despite not knowing at the time.
You push open the door. It's late, though that doesn't seem to mean the place is devoid of life. Wrapping shaking arms around yourself, you spot a sliver of light coming from Neuvillette's office.
It felt much too late to be working, but perhaps it was Sedene, fixing up things. Tentatively, you knock on the door, and the faint scratching of a pen against paper suddenly stopped.
Suddenly, this felt like a mistake. You took a single step back, but before you could change your mind and leave, the door swung open and Neuvillette stood there, a look of mild concern on his face.
Neither of you spoke. Neuvillette looks you up and down, brows furrowing, and you realize all at once that you must look like a sight, absolutely soaked and dripping water on the floor. If you weren't so cold, your cheeks would be flushed.
"Why are you here?" he asks, glancing around as though that would provide him with the answer.
Your shoulders slump. You can't really explain why. Maybe it's the disappointment  at the sight of you, or the lack of a warm welcome. Not 'what happened to you' or 'why are you soaking wet' but instead a question that felt almost like he questioning your presence in general.
"I-um," you stutter through chattering teeth, "I got lost and didn't know where to go."
That felt like an understatement of what happened, but you weren't sure how else to answer the question.
Neuvillette didn't seem to know either.
When he didn't say anything more, you shifted from foot to foot, wincing at the cold and the squish of wetness. You'd be lucky if you didn't get sick, after this.
"You got lost?" he finally asks, as though the concept was foreign to him.
You don't know what to say, so you shrug, peering around him. It seemed Sedene had already left for today, and there went your hope for an escort home.
"The streets all look the same to me," you manage, shivering again. "Uh-you can just tell me which way to go, and I'll get out of your hair. I didn't mean to be a bother."
"And why didn't you ask anyone for help? Anyone could have told you where I live."
The question almost comes out cold, for how logical it is. You huff, a small noise of frustration. All you wanted at the moment was to get out of these wet clothes and to be warm again. But it seems that isn't going to happen any time soon.
"Never mind," you murmur, suddenly so tired. Of course he wouldn't understand why you wouldn't want to ask for help. Your Fontainian was still in it's learning stage, and while you could ask a couple of questions with a thick accent, you had no idea how to ask someone to lead you home.
Plus, wouldn't it reflect badly on him, to have a wife who didn't even know how to return home? But you supposed, if it didn't matter to him, then it shouldn't matter to you.
"I'll see you at home, then," you murmur, turning on your heel to leave.
It was the last thing you wanted to do at the moment. The rain seemed to be coming down even harder, you could hear the thunderous roar of rain against the roof as you went to the main door.
A little more rain wouldn't hurt, and you were pretty sure you knew the way home from here.
You step out into the rain, but surprisingly, you don't get any wetter than before. The rain hits something above you, and you glance up to see an umbrella.
Neuvillette stands slightly behind you, umbrella extended over you. You still hadn't stopped shivering, teeth clattering together. Neuvillette almost looks pained as he looks down at you.
"You'll catch your death out here," he says, as though that explains everything.
And then, in true Fontaine fashion, he extends his arm out to you to link your own through, a true and proper escort.
You take it, if only for the stability. And maybe the warmth. And also the umbrella is hardly big enough for two, if you don't stand close, then Neuvillette would get wet as well.
That's the only reason.
He makes quick work of the walk home, and you were almost dismayed by how close you had been the entire time. By the time you walk up the steps, still shivering from  the cold, the rain had finally stopped, the sky clearing to reveal the stars.
"I shall make you something to eat while you dry off," he says, as though it is the law of the land.
You wonder if that is how he sounds in court, when he's trying the cases. You almost want to argue just for the sake of it.
But being dry and having a warm meal sounds much too good to ignore, so you only nod, and go to change your clothes. You debate on taking a bath, the call of the warm water ends up being much too tempting for you.
You emerge feeling like a new person. The water washes away the feelings of the day, and the coldness in your bones. You emerge feeling like a new person, if not a bit more tired and ready for bed than before.
Neuvillette is true to his words. Your hair drips with water as you peek into the kitchen, only to find him sitting at the table, waiting, with two bowls of soup in front of him.
"Come," he says when you don't move forward. You do as asked, sitting beside him and inhaling the rich aroma of the soup.
You had found here that the food varied greatly from what you were used to in Liyue. It certainly wasn't bad, but it was an adjustment. Even the soup was a bit creamier than you were used to, but you ate it eagerly, allowing it to chase away whatever lingering chills the bath hadn't rid you of.
"I'd like to apologize," Neuvillette starts, his own food barely touched, like it's an afterthought for him.
You tilt your head, exhaustion falling over you from the soup and warmth. "For what?"
He looks embarrassed. It's a rather cute look on the normally stoic man. Neuvillette struggles for words, almost seeming to give the words spoken to you the same value that he gives to the court.
"I was not aware that you were struggling to adjust here, I should have foreseen such an event occurring."
He almost looks upset, suddenly. You understand, at least you think you understand. It must be hard having a wife who couldn't even navigate the city of your home.
"It's okay, I'll do better in the future," you reassure, reaching out to place a hand on his shoulder as you stand.
It's the first bit of contact you've had since you were married and he placed a kiss upon your cheek at your parents badgering. He looks a bit annoyed though, so you retract your hand to not make him more uncomfortable.
"That's not what I meant. I meant that I should have been here to help you adjust."
"Oh," you say, honestly confused. "it's alright. You're very important here, I don't want to be a bother when you're so busy."
Your words seem to have the opposite of your intended desire. If anything, he looks more upset, leaving you with a rather sour taste in your mouth.
You seemed to be more of an inconvenience than you had even considered.
You hoped this wouldn't turn into an argument. You were tired from wandering and walking for hours, from being caught out in the rain. You rested your head on your hand, trying to think of something to say.
Before your tired mind could think of anything, Neuvillette sighed, a long suffering thing that sounded much older than he must be.
"You should go to bed."
You don't need to be told twice. You take your dish to the sink, leaving it there to be washed by you in the morning. Neuvillette rises, though it seems more to see you off than to actually leave.
"Good night, y/n," he says quietly, still as upset as before.
"Good night, monsieur Neuvillette."
You fall asleep as soon as you're tucked underneath the covers of your bed. You wonder if it's the bed that you're meant to share with your husband, but he never joins you.
And that's fine with you.
-x-x-x-x-
He's still there, in the morning.
It's a sight that makes you freeze coming out of your bedroom, just able enough to peek down the hall and see him in the same place as last night, at the kitchen table. He holds the paper in his hands, the same one that you've seen just about everyone in Fontaine obsessed with.
Did you wake up early? A quick glance at the time told you no, that in fact you had woken up later than normal. Neuvillette was meant to be long gone by now, off to court.
As though sensing your stare, the paper falls, and startling purple eyes lock onto you.
"Ah, you're awake."
You nod, because what else are you going to do? Neuvillette folds the paper back into its  original shape.
"Let me know when you are ready to leave."
Well, you couldn't say you expected that to happen. You nod after a second, before disappearing to get yourself ready.
While you don't look your best, at least you aren't soaked and shaking. Really, the amount of time that you've spent with Neuvillette could be counted on one hand, and you did not like the thought of one of those times being when you were in such a sorry state.
A little bit later, you were back by Neuvillette, looking at him with nothing short of confusion as he prepares to leave.
Oh, the disappointment aches for a moment. Like a child being promised a treat only to have it taken away.
"Well? Come along then."
His voice snaps you out of your thoughts. You take a few, tentative steps forward, until he offers you his hand.
You take it, after a moment, brows furrowed with confusion.
"Don't you have court to attend to?" you ask, as he leads you outside.
"I have sent notice that I will be taking today off. I have recently become aware that my wife needs a tour of Fontaine, and I consider that a much more pressing item on my agenda."
Your cheeks color. You can't tell if it's at being called Neuvillette's wife, or from how he doesn't let go of your hand even when you walk outside.
Before you can ask him if he's sure, if he can really take time off, Neuvillette gestures down the street, and begins what has to be one of the most in depth tours of Fontaine to exist.
This time, getting lost in the sights and sounds is fun. Neuvillette explains every building you pass, the history behind it, and what is happening there now. He lets you pull him in random directions when something catches your eye, and answers every question that you can even think of.
It's fun. Neuvillette is well liked by the people, and suddenly that seems to mean you're well liked as well. The food vendors give you free samples, pressing them into your palm and insisting that you take it despite your protests.
Even the Melusine's stop, chatting with you more than Neuvilllette, much to his surprise. He even comments that you know their names, and seems very ashamed when you point out that you've spent more  time with them instead of him.
You feel like you can actually navigate the city, by the time the sun is setting. Your bones ache from the exhaustion that the excitement has left you with. When Neuvillette notices, he starts herding you home, despite your protests.
The last thing you want is for the day to end. Going back to how it was before seems unbearable now that you know how it could be. If Neuvillette knows of your plight, he says nothing of it.
He simply wishes you a good night, and lets you head to bed.
If it's a dream, you hope that you will remember every detail of it.
-x-x-x-x-
Things don't change after that, much to your relief.
Neuvillette stays in the morning, talking with you sometimes. Most of the time he reads, while you make coffee for yourself, and subsequently him. He likes it with two sugars, no milk.
The information feels nice to have. Especially when, on the very, very rare occasions you wake up before him, you can have a hot cup of coffee waiting for him.
The little things before you grow before anything else. Conversations in the morning. Coffee. Neuvillette bringing you home treats that you love, especially the conch madeleines.
There are other things, as well. When you mention missing a certain dish from Liyue, Neuvillette goes out of his way to procure it for you. You're not sure how he manages to do it, but if it means you can get slow cooked bamboo shoot soup whenever you like, then you're happy not to know.
He comes home earlier, as well. As soon as the case is done for the day, it feels like he's on his way to find you. You're happy to do just that, telling him of everything you managed to do during the day, or whatever else is going on in your head that you want to share.
Neuvillette always listens. And he remembers. You mention once, in an off handed comment, about how beautiful you thought the rainbow roses of Fontaine were.
The next day, you woke up to a bouquet of them at your bedside.
You do your best to return the favor, going to collect him at the Opera house when his day is finished.
When you were younger, you read stories of people falling in love instantly, with a single look and it was easy from there.
You think now, as a married woman, that the stories are wrong. Love comes in the small gestures, in the moments spent together.
-x-x-x-x-
It's pouring rain outside. A heavy downpour that has been going on for the last hour.
It's also the time Neuvillette normally comes home, but it doesn't seem that way today. The change in routine throws you off more than you'd like to admit.
You wait another half hour before you grab your cloak, a heavy thing that Neuvillette insisted on buying you so you wouldn't get soaked in the rain any longer, and head out to the Opera House.
You're not too fond of the aquabuses here. They're faster than walking, but something about them feels so awkwardly slow. But with a bit of tension in your shoulders, you bite down the complaints and make small talk with the Melusine piloting the aquabus as you arrive.
Neuvillette only took you over here once, to show you the Fountain of Lucine. You suppose, on another level, it was also to make sure that you knew where the Opera House was in case you needed him and didn't want to get lost.
You're thankful for his planning.
Everyone else has already left, except for a very dedicated couple by the fountain, praying for blessings upon their child. You wonder if someday that will be you, but dismiss the thought with a blush.
It takes you much too long to find Neuvillette. For a man who cuts such an imposing figure, you wander around in the rain looking for him for much longer than needed. Eventually though, you find him at the back of the Opera House, standing in the rain as though he doesn't notice it.
"Neuvillette?" you call, quiet, as to not startle him. It seems you do so anyways, from how he jumps. "Are you alright?"
He nods, but doesn't speak. You reach out to take a gloved hand, everything about him feels cold.
You lead him back home, and he follows you as though he has no mind for anything else. It takes too long to get home but also not enough time. You hold his hand the entire way.
"Was court today rough?" you finally ask, when you're in the security of your shared home. Neuvillette lets out a hum, not agreeing but not disagreeing either.
You usher him to the bathroom to clean himself up, and go to make something warm, when the irony of the situation hits you all at once, because it must have only been a few months ago that Neuvillette did the same thing for you.
It felt nice to have the roles  switched.
 Neuvillette doesn't seem hungry, so you usher him into your own bed, since truthfully you've been suspicious that he's been sleeping on the couch or at his desk in his office to prevent you from feeling uncomfortable.
You sit down, and urge him to lay his head in your lap. You brush your fingers through his slightly damp hair, and you hum a Liyuen lullaby your mother used to sing to you.
Neuvillette never talks about court. You asked him once and only once about it, curious since everyone in Fontaine seemed to think that the cases were some kind of show. But Neuvillette had simply said that it was very usual, and not worth discussing.
At the time, you took him at his word. Now though, you wonder if it's something more.
"I believe an innocent man was sentenced today," Neuvillette says, after a moment. His voice is so soft, you almost can't hear it under the pouring rain outside.
"Is that so?" you ask, a silent prompt. Does he want to continue? Or leave it there?
He sighs after only a second, pressing further against your hand in his hair. Like a cat seeing attention.
"I'm sure it will be resolved soon, I simply need to investigate things more."
You nod, remaining silent. Neuvillette doesn't explain more, but eventually, as his breathing evens out, the rain comes to a stop outside.
You can't bring yourself to move. It would no doubt wake up Neuvillette, and that seemed like the last thing anyone needed. So you settled amongst the pillows, and close your eyes.
If you wake up tomorrow, still close to another and sleepy limbs tangled together, you said nothing of it. Neither does Neuvillette.
After that though, your bed becomes just the bed, and you're not opposed to that at all.
-x-x-x-x-
The Fountain of Lucine ends up being one of your favorite places in Fontaine. Not for any particular reason, you tell yourself, it's simply pretty to look at.
And that's not a lie. It is pretty to look at, and it's fun to visit and listen to expecting parents wish for good things for their children. It was nice to see the sights and sounds without the hustle and bustle of the city.
The first time you end up going out though, you can't say you had the most pleasant experience.
You had gotten the idea in your head, perhaps you were too bored lately, that you should visit Neuvillette at work and bring him lunch. So you packed a small bag, and made the journey.
Only to be stopped at the entrance of the Opera House by one of the gardes.
"Court is in session, no one is allowed in, miss, without a ticket."
Your head tilts to the side, truly puzzled. A ticket? People bought tickets to court, as though it was a show?
"I'm not going to see the court, I came to drop something off for Neuvillette," you explain to the man, holding up the small box.
The man eyes it with a bit of suspicion, and part of you almost wants to ask if he really thinks you've poisoned it. Another part of you is sure that if you ask, you will absolutely get accused of that.
"That's nice, miss, but you still can't go in. I'm sure you know monsieur Neuvillette has many admirers, and we can't stop court simply because you wish to give him a gift."
Wow. You weren't even sure how to unpack that. You crossed your arms over your chest, not budging.
"I am his wife, here to bring him lunch. Do you want to explain to Neuvillette tomorrow about how you banned his wife from visiting him.?"
The man, you still haven't even gotten his name yet, isn't looking at you any more. He's looking behind you, a look of mild panic on his face.
Oh, this was going to be just like one of those soap operas back in Liyue, wasn't it? You knew without looking who was going to be there.
"Monsieur Neuvillette!" he said, giving the salute of Fontaine. "I was just telling this young woman that we do not allow visitors during court."
"That is true," Neuvillette says, you can almost hear a bit of smile in his voice. "However, I think I can make an exception for my wife. Thank you though, I will handle it from here."
The man scurries away before you can say anything. If he had a tail, it would have been between his legs.
"I think you scared him," you said, turning to your husband.
You ignore your racing heart at hearing Neuvillette call you his wife for the first time. You couldn't stop the smile from spreading on your face though.
"I think if anyone scared him between the two of us, my dear, it was you," he muses, and yes, it is amusement you can hear in his voice.
You two stand there, smiling at each other for a moment before you remember just why you made the journey out here.
"Oh, I brought you lunch." You place the small package in his hand. "I'm sure you're busy here and I wanted to make sure you were eating. I didn't know I needed a ticket to get inside. How did you know I was here?"
"Ah, Aeife told me you had arrive, and I suspected that you would encounter a problem."
He gestures to the side, and sure enough, the small Melusine is there. She gives you a wave before going back to skipping and offering help to those who need it
"She's sweet."
"She is," Neuvillette agrees. "I think most of them like you more than me."
"Who wouldn't like me?"
The smile Neuvillette gives you almost makes you blush, but you barely manage to get a hold of yourself.
"Yes, they'd be fools not to like you."
And now you were blushing. You gently swatted Neuvillette's arm, and only received a chuckle for your antics.
"Thank you," Neuvillette says, genuinely. "I must return now, but I appreciate the thought."
A tiny sliver of disappointment ran through you, but you pushed it down, nodding your head. "Of course, of course. Don't let me keep you. Off you go now."
You made a little shooing motion, the smile on your face letting him know you were simply teasing. But he didn't leave.
"Any time you wish to come and see me, there will always be a ticket waiting for you at the booth." He gestures to the sales booth, which very much looked closed, but you didn't say that. "I'll be sure to tell you the next time Lyney and Lynette do their show."
You visibly perked up, which gained you a small chuckle. You hadn't been shy about saying you wanted to see the show, though apparently it was impossible to find tickets to it.
"Thank you, I'll be sure to take you up on that."
You stood up on your tip toes, pressing a brief kiss to his cheek. He seems surprised at the touch, but after a moment manages to compose himself, saying a quick goodbye before returning to work.
Aefie tugged at your skirt, a gentle motion almost as soft as a breeze. You knelt down to her level, allowing her to whisper in your ear.
"Thank you for making Neuvillette so happy."
-x-x-x-x-
You fell a lot, as a child, as all children do.
Scraped knees and bruised elbows. What is childhood without a few injuries? Without those precious moments that make them realize oh, sometimes life has pain.
The first time you heard of the concept of "falling in love" you had thought it was like that. Falling on the ground and bruising your knees.
Now though, you think it is something else. Like the feeling of falling into a warm bed at the end of a long day.
Neuvillette is already in bed tonight, laying on his side facing where you normally lay. You tip toe over to the bed, just in case he's already fallen asleep.
He hasn't though, and your eyes meet his vivid purple ones as you lay down, facing him as well.
"I thought you were asleep," you murmur. Tentatively, you reached for him, only to have him meet you halfway. Your fingers laced together with his.
"I was waiting for you."
Such a simple declaration is enough to make you blush. A year of marriage and he still managed to make you blush.
"I'm here now."
Something changes in his eyes, and he looks at you, so, so, fond. "You are here."
You both lay there, either unwilling or unable to fall asleep, feeling so close but somehow still so far away. It's one of the nights when the rain isn't falling. When you first came to Fontaine, it felt as though the rain never stopped, but now it's only occasionally.
"You never answered my question, you know."
Neuvillette frowns for a moment, thinking. You take pity on him before he can worry if he made you upset.
"I asked if you were kind," you murmur, gentle.
It felt like ages ago, talking to a stranger without knowing who they were. Neuvillette looks at you, waiting, knowing you weren't finished.
You had been so worried about everything. And though Sedene had told you, you didn't know if you could believe it or not.
"And what have you found?" Neuvillette asks. His voice is small, as though he's actually afraid of how you might answer.
You don't hesitate.
"You are," you whisper. You inch closer, knees brushing against his own. "You are so, so kind."
He kisses you. Lips sliding against your own, slotting there as though they were meant to be there. And desperately, with almost a full year of longing in you, you kiss back.
You're breathless by the time that he pulls back. He looks the same, and for the first time you see a small blush on his cheeks.
"I love you," he whispers, a reverent noise just for you.
You smile, leaning in to kiss him again.
"I love you too."
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rhas-writes · 8 months
Text
my lover, my life, my shawty, my wife
summary: Ushijima x f!Reader. snapshots of eternal youth.
word count: 1.3k
cw: lighthearted manhandling, longterm established relationship ups (and one down), marriage talk and mention of toshi’s parents’ divorce. it’s basically all fluffy and silly tho
a/n: nobody @ me i wrote literally 99% of this a couple weeks ago and just remembered it was in the drafts today i’m working on the promised fics!!! it will just be A While i’m slow okayyy 💘 anyway enjoy some pure ushijima fluff
“Ushiwaka!!!” You shriek, voice breaking with laughter as you slam your hands against his backside. “Put me down, you—you barbarian! Kidnapper! Plunderer!”
He doesn’t say anything, just jostles you gently so your top half (currently upside-down over his broad shoulder) sways while your legs stay firmly in the grip of his arms. You know it’s as close as he’s going to get to a verbal admonishment, your current position already more than enough of an indication that he is fed up with you acting up in a public setting.
“Fine,” you scrunch up your face, sure that he can envision it just the same as you can see in your mind’s eye the near-invisible traces of amusement on his face. “Ugh, you’re going to make me sick. You are so bossy. I can’t believe you think that you can just pick me up and carry me around and tell me what to do. You don’t even say please, you know that?”
He probably gets the idea that he can just pick you up and carry you around and tell you what to do from the ten years that he's been doing all those things, since high school.
You've never gotten sick from being carried like this, either.
“You are bossy,” he says simply in rebuttal. "You say please but you know I'll do whatever it is you want. Even unreasonable things."
"I'm always reasonable," you say. He pats your butt in a way that isn't supposed to be condescending but is. You smack his in return and enjoy the way his back muscles tense up. "Ooh, you've been training your glutes."
He's been doing it in your home gym. You've always been loud about obvious things like this; he doesn't understand it, especially, but he likes it. At first, that had been much of your relationship. You were loud and obvious about your feelings for the up-and-coming teenage ace, and he didn't understand you, but he liked you.
He considers, and then revises his previous thought. He understands you better now. You talk through even things you and he know well because it helps you to process your thoughts, and you are determined to be shocked and delighted by all small things in the world.
"Hello, Bo-kun!" you wave to his teammate. Bokuto, bless him, attempts to bend over upside down to mimic you.
"Hey, Ushijima-san!" Ushijima is lucky that everyone in the facility knows you and you don't have to clarify to any security guards that you aren't in danger, for real. You take offense to the idea that you couldn't win in a fight against him, anyway.
You had been asserting this particular belief, actually, to the rest of the Japanese men’s volleyball team while they stretched post-practice and friends and family were allowed on court to distract them. Atsumu had been egging you on, urging you to try fighting another of the players since he didn’t trust Wakatoshi not to let you win currently. You had rolled up your shirtsleeves when the ace scooped you up and you had, already protesting, waved goodbye to the blond, a huge grin on your face. He had saluted you as you went.
“We’re not married yet,” you say, bonking your forehead into Wakatoshi as he stops short. “You all don't have to keep saying that. Please, call me—”
"Oh, Waka-kun said," Bokuto starts before being cut off.
“We may as well be," Wakatoshi says, turning to face Bokuto (At least turn sideways so I can see, you complain). "It'll happen eventually, so we can start practicing by calling her my wife now."
"What?!" You say. "Don't say things like that. You sound like you like me. Do you like me? Do you want to be more than friends?"
People have always talked about your relationship in begrudging terms. "Oh, opposites attract, I guess..." spoken in a disbelieving and reluctant tone. He understands. Most high school relationships didn't work out. Most people would get frustrated with him and his communication style. Then most long-distance relationships didn't work out. Most young professional athletes wanted to try new things, new people.
Wakatoshi doesn't understand why he would want to try something new when he had something perfectly fine with you. He had said that to you, once, when you were in Sapporo and he in Koganei. You had gotten very quiet for the rest of the call and then remained quiet for two weeks, sending all of his messages to read and calls to voicemail. It had taken a short flight and a shy, quiet apology to right his wrongs. He had known that he would spend the rest of his life with you, he said, forgetting to blink even as you furiously swiped away tears, a month in when you were fifteen. Barely longer than this terrible time you had stopped even fighting with him, just giving up on him. Why would he try anything else when he had never deviated from this path?
But what if you're just not seeing that there might be something better out there for you, you had said, voice angry but face already forgiving. Worse, what if you do see that someday? You’ll get tired of settling.
He had shaken his head. There isn't something better. Please, continue to be patient with me. Your breath had burst out of you in a single sob, and then you were yanking him toward you, ordering him to kiss you so you'd stop crying in front of all the neighbors.
Considering his parents' marriage, one might have thought that he would have more qualms about the concept than he did. You didn't seem interested in pressuring him there, though, and when asked just reminded him that living together long enough would result in common-law marriage anyway, so he just had to tell you if he ever wanted to stop living together. After several years separated and more reunited, he hadn't yet found any desire to do so. He definitely had strong negative feelings about being away from you for extended periods.
He was very lucky that you had chosen a career path which would allow you to travel essentially anywhere with him, find lucrative work anywhere with him. The home gym had actually been your gift to him, from the bank account you didn't share. It was the most thoughtful and horrifyingly expensive gift he had ever received. He had retaliated by hiring your most favored interior designer to rework your apartment into something both sentimentally familiar and not decorated entirely on the whim of two mid-twenty-year-olds. While they worked, he took you on vacation.
"We have to go," Wakatoshi adjusts you in his hold, nodding to his teammate. You’re quiet for a bit, so he puts you down, steadying you by your waist until your head stops swimming.
“You know we have to talk about these things,” you say, looking steadily at him.
“Yes,” he rumbles, considering his words for a moment. “I’ve been thinking about it more often recently. I still don’t feel strongly about the idea of a wedding, but I want you to be my wife. If you want to be.”
Insecurity sparks in him. You enjoyed your friend’s weddings, but perhaps you didn’t want one of your own, or one to him. Perhaps he had crossed a boundary.
“I don’t know,” you tap your lips with a finger, and a weight lifts off his chest when you smile at him. “I’ll see when you ask me. But I want it to be sometime in the future, somewhere more scenic than your athletic facility, okay? With a ring and a sappy speech.”
He smiles, then, his teeth showing. An explosive and momentous display of emotion.
“I’ll be sure to say please.”
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rhas-writes · 1 year
Text
The power of a name
Childe x gn reader
warning: use of Childe’s real name, this is basically a monologue.
summary: Childe has many names, people refer to him depending on which side of himself he shows to them. Tartaglia is for those who fear him. Childe is for those brave enough to try and get to know him.  Ajax is way more complicated, but usually it’s for his family. 
He doesn’t know in which category he should put you.
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~
It takes a long while before Childe tells you his real name. The main reason is because it could put his family at risk, he has to make sure that you are trustworthy before telling you any personal information about him that could endanger his family. But, the other reason is because he isn’t ‘Ajax’ anymore. Ajax was a good person, he was energetic and innocent, he dreamed of becoming a legendary hero. Tartaglia was not a hero, he was in no way innocent and definitely not a good person.
Keep reading
358 notes · View notes
rhas-writes · 1 year
Text
┣[̲̅:̲̅❥:̲̅❥ Chemistry :̲̅:̲̅]═─
Well, would you look at that……I wrote smth for Dottore. To think that @diodellet was right when she read his scene in my Pantalone fic and joked that it was “totally not a reference to what [my] next fatui fique will be” ;-;
For Dottore’s twisted love story, I took a darker different approach for the yandere’s methods and Darling’s personality!! This was quite fun to write, so I hope you all enjoy reading this. And thank you again to Diodellet for your excellent feedback  ⸜(。˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝
Tw:: YANDERE, unhealthy relationships, kidnapping, stalking, blood, violence, death, medical malpractice, drugging, needles, Dottore being himself, spice, mention of nsfw, MINORS DNI
Note:: Female reader, characterization is based on both Webttore and Primettore
♡ 13.5k words under the cut ♡
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i. endorphins
The Nilotpala lotuses are in full glow.
You examine their shadows. It won’t take long for the flowers to close.
Over the past hour, the world has gradually responded to the sun’s arrival. The stars disappeared. The night sky was repainted with pastel colors. The Nilotpala lotuses ceased to be your only source of light.
Concentrate. You can’t miss this.
You hold up your pocketwatch and continue staring at the flowers.
The sunlight reaches the swamp. The Nilotpala lotuses react immediately, gold centers dimming and blue petals closing. One by one, each flower is put to sleep by the sun’s kiss.
You wade past the lilypads and return to dry ground. Your first course of action is to document the observation in your journal.
-
Time: 5:20:11.
Location: Devantaka Mountain, western swamp.
Notes: Photonasty triggered two seconds after direct exposure to sunlight. No variations in individual speed, light intensity, and overall process.
-
About time. Picking up your lantern, you leave the swamp and return to the mountain trail. Halfway down, a strange noise alerts you.
Metal. Sparks. Has a Ruin Machine been activated?
The mechanical sounds are followed by excited murmurs.
Is someone there?
Keep reading
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rhas-writes · 1 year
Text
IN YOUR ARMS.
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— you dressed up for your date with them, but your shoes hurt.
characters: xiao, scaramouche / wanderer, albedo, tighnari, cyno, gn! reader.
tags: fluff, female leaning pet-names (princess), reader wears heels and a skirt, mentions of mild injury.
author’s note: my christmas present for @alatusprinz <3 i hope you enjoy it, love !
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XIAO.
the softie.
xiao swears he doesn’t understand mortals.
by the looks of it, it is quite obvious you don’t know how to properly walk in those things you call heels. granted, you look really cute in your pink skirt and sweater, and the shoes you’ve chosen are certainly pretty and match your outfit, but why would you subject yourself to such torture, the yaksha wonders?
a squeeze to his arm pulls the adeptus out of his rumination. you’re holding onto him for dear life, your ankles almost trembling over the cobblestones of liyue harbor.
a shadow of concern ghosts over xiao’s features. taking your hand in his, he helps you regain balance, and, positioning his other hand around your waist, he leans your body against his.
“qingxin,” golden irises focus on you. “are you okay? did something happen?”
you look at him, the smile on your face looking more like a grimace. xiao is getting more worried by the moment, are you hurt? do you feel unwell? did he do something wrong?
noticing this, you squeeze his hand, in a reassuring manner.
“i’m fine, xiao.” you flinch, shifting your weight from one leg to another.
xiao’s gaze follows your movements and then he realizes: the skin around your heels looks raw, as if something had been grazing against it for a long time.
“you should be more careful, [name].” xiao utters, hooking one arm under your thighs, while the other wraps around your back, lifting you up with ease.
“xiao! but it’s full of people in here!” you exclaim, heat rising to your cheeks, heartbeat loud on your ears.
“i’m not letting you get more hurt.” your yaksha murmurs, voice filled with the same sweetness as the tofu he so adores. “i’ll protect you.” he leaves a kiss on your temple, and resumes your walk, with you in his arms.
SCARAMOUCHE.
the tsundere.
scaramouche warned you.
“why are you wearing that?” he asked, face a deep shade of red, violet eyes looking to the side after regarding your choice of clothes.
it’s unfair, he thinks, that you look so cute in that soft blue dress, your white jacket and pink scarf matching so well with the silver hued high heeled boots you’re wearing.
“oh,” your face falls. “you don’t like it.”
“it’s not that, idiot.” he huffs, losing patience. “but don’t come complaining if your feet hurt after a while of walking.” he finishes, as he grabs your wrist and tugs you along.
scaramouche was right, you admit to yourself, bitterly.
not after much long walking around sumeru city’s streets, your feet start hurting, your ankles almost spraining when the terrain has the minimum roughness to it. you just wanted to look cute for your date with him, but now you’re starting to regret it.
the wanderer’s hand, however, doesn’t let go of yours once. with fingers laced and a firm but gentle grip, he’s already prevented you from tripping more than once. you’re grateful for that, even if right now he seems a little annoyed at you for slowing him down.
“kuni! please, i need to sit down.” you finally cave in, pleading with him to take a break.
turning around, he regards you, frown painted on his features, dark iridescent amethyst eyes serious.
“i told you, didn’t i?” he scolds you, his tone more laced with tiredness than with malice. picking you up, he starts walking to the nearest bench, your aching feet finally resting. “you don’t need to dress up for dates, you know…” the wanderer trails off. “to me, you always look very pretty.” he mumbles that last part, but you hear him anyway, your lips reaching up to kiss him on the cheek.
ALBEDO.
prince charming.
walking around mondstadt’s cobblestone streets in high heels is certainly less than ideal.
see, you wanted to dress up for your christmas date with albedo, but you definitely did not consider comfort.
you are thankful for the chief alchemist’s hold around the small of your back, having already prevented you from falling on several occasions, but the way your feet are hurting and your ankles aching from trying to maintain your balance certainly do not pay off.
“my princess,” your lover says, your hand in his. “i dare to say you do not seem to be quite alright.” his teal eyes that could become a sunny sky or a stormy ocean regard you, inquisitive, thoughts most definitely crossing that beautiful mind of his. “could this have something to do with the fact you keep losing your balance?���
you start. perceptive as ever, isn’t he? nothing gets past him.
resigned, you let out a sigh, your eyes downcast.
“it’s just… my feet hurt… these shoes…” you indicate, moving one of your feet, “i’m not used to them… sorry…”
“i assumed as much.” albedo offers, smirk gracing his pink lips. “and i have the solution for it, my love.”
before you can let out another word, albedo has already picked you up, and you find yourself resting in his arms, one of your hands over his heart, the other instinctively wrapped around his shoulders.
“isn’t this better, my dear?” albedo asks, with a soft brush of his lips against yours.
“it certainly is…” you answer, reaching up to plant a kiss to his jawline. “my prince.”
TIGHNARI.
the one who comes prepared.
having tighnari tend to you was not what you expected today’s date to look like.
yet here you are, sitting on a bench as your boyfriend softly puts a bandaid to the area where your shoes hurt your feet.
“‘nari, it’s fine, i’m fine.” you try to convince him, even if you keep grimacing and flinching. “please, don’t worry about this, love.”
“nonsense,” the fennec fox replies in a tone that does not leave room for further discussion. “i will not let yourself be in pain when i can treat this easily.” he finishes, standing up from his crouched position. “does it not feel better now, my rose?”
your face heats up at the nickname. it’s a little unfair, you think, how he can make you flustered with such simple words, when he looks completely at ease, smug even, seeing your flushed state.
“yeah, it does, but you needn’t…”
“shhh…” tighnari silences you effectively, his index finger coming to rest over the curve of your lip. “your comfort will always be priority to me, darling.” his lips move to peck your forehead, any words you might have wanted to let out dying in your throat.
after resting together for a while, you try to stand up, the way you cringe not unnoticed by tighnari.
“i’ll carry you back.” he states, without more preamble.
maybe uncomfortable shoes are not so bad, you would think afterwards, if you get a piggyback ride from your boyfriend, his long ears perking up and twitching every time you pet them or leave little kisses at their base.
CYNO.
the gentleman.
why did you decide to come to aaru village in high heels and dressed to the nines, you’ll never know.
perhaps you wanted to have fun dressing up for once, maybe you just wanted to look your best for your date with cyno.
what you do know, however, is that walking in the desert sand in such fancy and impractical shoes hurts. quite literally, your feet are begging you to sit down and rest.
but cyno has taken the day off from work today… and you would feel awful ruining this date for him… so with your best smile plastered to your face, you are determined to pull through. for your boyfriend.
cyno’s hand feels warm in yours, the contact a welcome sensation that manages to distract you from the pain, if you focus hard enough.
but, alas, nothing gold can stay, as they say.
spraining your ankle on one of the bumps in the terrain throws your whole act out the window.
“[name]!” cyno’s arms wrap around your waist, stabilizing you. “are you hurt anywhere?”
you try to smile, but as soon as you attempt taking a few steps it’s pretty obvious you’re limping.
“i… i’ll be fine!” you do your best to sound optimistic, but cyno is too concerned to bring himself to believe your constructed cheerfulness right now.
“regardless,” he begins, his voice deep and sultry. “allow me to do this for you, love?” he asks, at the same time he hoists you up, flush against his bare chest, his bronze skin so warm and smooth against your cheek, the desert sun painting him in golden rays, like an ancient god.
“okay.” is all you can manage, your thoughts too muddled and your heart racing too much for you to form more words.
for a while, you proceed in comfortable silence. then:
“cyno?” you call him, gaze downturned, voice small.
“yes, my love?” warm scarlet eyes focus on you, so tender, so warm.
“i’m sorry… because i ruined our date…” you mumble.
“none of it, angel.” a kiss to your nose. “any moment i spend with you is always my favorite, truly.” he reassures, as your eyes close and you bask in his protective embrace.
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rhas-writes · 1 year
Note
Hello idk if I'm late but I heard u needed inspo aka smth to write and I was thinkingggggg maybe u could write jelousy headcanons with scaramouche, kazuha, xiao pretty please...
I'm desperate
I’m desperate for it too, don’t worry. I shall provide.
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Jealous Genshin Men Headcanons
Genre: fluff, a tad bit of hurt/comfort?
Warnings: possessive behavior but nothing toxic (okay maybe some in scaras but thats just who he is), a tad bit suggestive in Kazuhas
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Kazuha
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He rarely, and I mean RARELY, ever get jealous. He sees no reason to. He’s confident in himself, in you, and your relationship. Jealousy is a foreign feeling to him
So he was surprised when he felt an irritating amount of annoyance deep within his chest as he saw some guy chatting it up with you
He trusted you. If he trusts you, why is he feeling this way?
Kazuha didn’t realize that he stood up from his seat and started walking towards you when he saw the guy place a hand on your arm. Not until his arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you closer to his chest. His head nestled into your neck, his eyes narrowing at the guy in front of you that had the nerve to lay his hands on you
He relaxed a little when he felt your hand come up to bury itself in his hair. He put on a plastic smile. His voice was laced with false curiosity, holding a sharp edge to it. “Who’s this my dove?”
The guy seemed taken aback by Kazuhas sudden appearance. Which Kazuha was proud of. But that was quickly stripped away when the guy continued to talk to you. Not just talking to you, flirting with you. And that honestly pissed Kazuha off more. How dare he blatantly flirt with you in front of him, the person who is obviously your lover?
It doesn’t help that you’re just finding the situation amusing. Glancing between the guy and the anemo user. You hear him let out an annoyed huff into your ear.
“So, I was thinking….you, me, dinner at five this weekend? I mean, you’re just really cute and funny-“
Your eyes widen when you felt Kazuha nip at your pulse point, kissing up the side of your neck, along your jawline, before forcing your head to turn to kiss you on the lips.
It seemed innocent at first until you tried to pull away. His hand entangled itself into the back of your head, keeping you still and stuck in place. Each second his kiss got longer, rougher, and damn near proprietary. Your hands clenched onto his chest, letting out a small whimper from the lack of oxygen, feeling your lungs burn with the need for it
The whole time Kazuha’s eyes were half-lidded, glaring at the guy who was now growing uncomfortable the longer it went on
He only stopped when the guy awkwardly walked away from the two of you
A smirk landed on his face as he saw you panting heavily, feeling your skin heat up under his touch
It was after you caught your breath that you laughed, cupping his face with your gentle hand, “I was waiting to see how long it would take you to do something Kazu. It was fairly entertaining.”
He only let out a breathy chuckle, his hand overlapping with yours. He leaned in, lips brushing against your own as he talked, “I’m not done yet dove. I’ll show you just how much you belong to me,”
His words surprised him more than you, but the look on your face was worth it. He gave you a quick peck on the lips before leading you back to your room on the ship
Scaramouche
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Unlike Kazuha, this man gets jealous constantly. All the time. 24/7. His abandonment issues come into play every time you look at someone.
Nevertheless, he’s learned to get a handle on it. He wants you two to last, and he knows that his jealousy is his problem to deal with. The last thing he wants is to make your relationship toxic and unhealthy. In full honesty, he’s been handling it well. He’s even been feeling less jealous as of late.
Hence why he was genuinely surprised when he felt the all too familiar feeling crawling up his skin and into his anger issues.
All because a fatui agent, under his jurisdiction to add salt to the wound, was flirting with you.
So maybe it was justified. Maybe it was rational. Perhaps, maybe, it was worth striking him with a blast of electro and sending him flying into the wall, knocking him out cold.
You stood there, baffled. You didn’t know if you should be scared and concerned for the possibly dead agent a few feet away from you. Or, if you should laugh because of how nonchalant your boyfriend was standing after striking down a person for flirting with you.
You decided on being concerned now and laugh later. You rushed over to the agent, kneeling beside him to look for any sign of life, scolding Scara, “Was that necessary babe?”
He let out a strained ‘tch’ before walking towards you, his jealousy only being fueled by your concern for, who in his eyes, was nothing but scum at the bottom of his shoe. “He’s fine. His chest is moving. He’s lucky I didn’t kill him for flirting with you like that. An agent, that works for me, having the nerve to flirt with the person that I make very clear is dating me, deserves to be six feet under.”
“I think that’s a little excessive but you know what? I love your spirit,” You stand up once you confirm that the agent was indeed breathing. Before you had the chance to do anything else, Scaramouche was snatching your wrist into his hand, forcing you to be dragged behind him as he speed-walks down the corridor. It’s tight, effectively keeping you trapped. But the way his thumb glides across your skin makes you relax and smile a bit, allowing him to take you wherever he wishes.
“Where are we going?”
“I have a check up with Dottore. You’re coming with me.”
“Oh cool. Is he going to fix your anger issues?”
“Please. He can barely fix his own.”
Xiao
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He lies somewhere between Kazuha and Scaramouche on the jealousy scale.
He’s not jealous of any ‘mortals’. He finds that it’s useless to be jealous of someone that has little significance to you.
The Adeptus has gotten jealous of Zhongli a couple of times. Mostly when you were working under him at the funeral parlor and spent all your time there.
It only made him angry at himself for being jealous of someone he owes his existence to.
But Zhongli just found it amusing and reassured him that feelings of jealousy here and there were normal.
That was the only time Xiao recalls being truly jealous of a living being.
So he’s standing in the corner of your shared room, staring in wonder as to why…he’s jealous at a stack of paper.
A stack of paper that has all of your undivided attention. You haven’t even spared him a glance since he appeared. Only throwing him a haphazard “hello” before going back to your work.
His jealousy is also mixed with concern for your health cause two hours of nonstop work has to be unhealthy for you.
His footsteps were nonexistent as he made his way over to your hunched-over form. His eyes scanned over you. Tense muscles, quick and sloppy handwriting, fidgeting leg. All signs of stress and exhaustion.
Xiao stood next to you, putting a hand on your wrist to stop you from writing. His jealousy surged when you still didn’t glance at him, only scanning over your words so far before speaking weakly, “Let go please, I need to get this report in by tomorrow,”
“No. Stop. I think it’s time you took a break.” He was short and straight to the point like always.
“Xiao, this paper needs-“
He huffed, his voice sounding pushed to the limit, “Enough about the idiotic paper already.”
For the first time since he’s arrived, your eyes met his. But it wasn’t with love or admiration like they usually are. No, it was amusement.
“Are you-…Are you jealous of my paperwork?”
The laugh that followed was both heaven and hell to his ears. His cheeks were tinted a light pink at your correct observation. He didn’t make a move to deny that yes, he was jealous you were putting more time into some stupid papers than with him.
His hands only held onto yours as you were still snickering, “Just- just come to bed!”
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rhas-writes · 1 year
Text
prompt ✧ their love languages
characters ✧ scaramouche, zhongli, venti, xiao, aether, kazuha
warnings ✧ gn!reader, none!
a/n ✧ i may do this with haikyuu characters too
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SCARAMOUCHE
giving
✧ quality time.
he really knows no other way to show his love and affection for you other than spending time with you. he enjoys your presence and constantly seeks it out, this lets you know how much he likes you. you know he hates spending unnecessary time with people he doesn’t like (which is everyone but you) , so whenever he asks for your company, it makes you smile.
“there you are, i was looking for you.”
receiving
✧ words of affirmation + physical touch.
whenever you compliment him on absolutely anything, it never fails to make a bright blush spread to his cheeks. the same goes for whenever you hug or kiss him unexpectedly. he always says something snarky when you touch him in a loving way, but never makes a move to pull away or move you. eventually he’ll even lean in further to the warmth and comfort you bring him.
“archons, you can’t go one minute without throwing yourself back into my arms again, can you?”
ZHONGLI
giving
✧ gift giving + words of affirmation.
whenever the two of you go on dates, you’re always met with some sort of gift (not too expensive) and a sincere compliment. he always praises you when you do well on something, no matter how little it is, and smiles warmly at you. his words and gifts always make you blush, and you repay him with a chaste kiss.
“here love, this is for you. you look beautiful, as always.”
receiving
✧ quality time.
he loves spending time with you, but he loves it more when you seek out his company or make plans for the two of you. he finds it so utterly charming whenever you walk around town, going to all his usual hang outs, just to find him and spend the day with him. it makes his heart flutter and his stomach twist.
“you were looking for me? oh, i’m sorry dear, i didn’t realize.”
VENTI
giving
✧ physical touch.
cannot get enough of snuggling into your arms, or wrapping himself around you. he finds so much comfort in the warmness you bring and constantly has to have his skin touching yours. is totally clingy, and isn’t ashamed about it. he’ll shamelessly hang on you in public, kissing you and mumbling something about not caring if anyone sees.
“so what if they’re staring? i’m not ashamed. i’ll shout how much i love you to the sky’s if i have to.”
receiving
✧ physical touch.
he’ll love it if you’re just as clingy as he is. you two are basically inseparable, you’re always right there next to him wherever he is. you can’t count the amount of times you’ve gotten him out of trouble or dragged him home drunk.
“cmon venti, let’s go home now.”
XIAO
giving
✧ acts of service + quality time.
he isn’t very good at expressing his emotions with words, so he does it with his actions. he’s constantly helping you with whatever you need, just say the word and he’s on it. with the need to be there to help or protect you, it means he’s almost always with you. he finds extreme comfort in your presence, and always makes a point to be with you multiple hours a day.
“do you need help? hold on, i’ve got it.”
receiving
✧ physical touch.
he adores when you sleepily wrap your arms around his waist or wrist, stopping him from leaving. he usually stays with you till you fall asleep, but sometimes you get clingy and ask if he’ll stay the whole night with you. when he agrees, which he always does, you’ll wrap your arms around him and snuggle your face into his shoulder. his arms hesitantly wrap back around you once he’s sure you’re asleep.
“wait xiao, please stay.”
AETHER
giving
✧ acts of service + quality time.
he likes to show off a bit and save you from monsters, so he usually lets you join him on his adventures. he makes sure you never get hurt, and if you ever do, he has a bag full of medical supplies at all times. he enjoys your company and likes being relied on.
“hey, wanna come with me on some commissions today?”
receiving
✧ gifts.
he loves when you give him gifts, especially clothes or little trinkets he can hook on bags or belts. he likes to show them off and have them visible. you usually have to end up getting something for paimon too, otherwise she’ll get jealous. and it’ll get even worse if aether were to brag about the gift to her when she didn’t get one.
“you didn’t get a gift? hah, i did. look, isn’t it the cutest? i can hook it on my belt and everything.”
KAZUHA
giving
✧ words of affirmation + physical touch.
he’s constantly writing you poems and reciting them to you with a fond smile on his face. the verses always have a series of compliments and things he likes about you in them. his words always make you blush, butterflies filling your stomach. he thinks it’s cute when you shy away from his gentle and loving touches. avoiding eye contact when he kisses your hand, just so he can grab your chin with his other and make you look at him once more.
“what’s that look for? did i fluster you?”
receiving
✧ quality time.
he likes watching your reactions to things, anything, so it’s nice when he gets to spend time with you. he teases a lot, always trying to gauge a cute expression from you (which is all of them in his eyes)
“you do know you’re the most beautiful being i’ve ever laid my eyes on, don’t you?”
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rhas-writes · 1 year
Text
fluff ⊹ college au
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as much as he hates to admit it to himself, osamu is struggling. 
he wants to be strong — someone you could depend on, someone you could run to when life’s wearing you down, someone you could simply feel content and safe with. his thoughts were plagued with the notion that he was anything but that someone to you. 
and that’s why he does everything in his ability to bring that radiant smile — the one he finds himself daydreaming about — to the curve of your lips. 
while his friends go out to dingy frat houses, singing at the top of their lungs as they celebrate their freedom and youth, osamu picks up the night shift at the diner by his apartment. he started working there his first year, hoping to make some extra money so his mom wouldn’t have to worry about him from miles and miles away. the owner was a sweet man, roughly in his 60s, often humming an incomprehensible tune as he chopped vegetables and meat. truthfully, osamu didn’t mind working extra shifts while his friends went out (they’d call him boring and a workaholic, but he didn’t care). in fact, he was happy to make extra money if it meant that he could take you out to a fancy dinner (a local ramen restaurant), buy you dessert afterward (a quick stop to the convenience store with a smile on his face as he watches the light from the freezer section reflect in your eyes), and surprise you with flowers to end the night (hand-picked from the field a couple miles off campus). 
perhaps he should be living like the rest — either catching up on assignments in the library or coming back home stumbling and slurring his words. perhaps he should start saving his money like you always tell him to, but he’s only twenty and feels no reason to. 
he’d much rather be here, at the silver counter at the back of the diner kitchen, experimenting with different sauces while the man next to him hums the same usual love song. this time, the aura’s a bit different. the man has a smile on his face, he’s chopping the green onion at a slow beat as if there’s a metronome playing in his head. 
“son, ya like cookin’, don’t ya?” 
“i do, sir,” osamu continues to add garlic to the simmering sauce in his pan, a sugary sheen glazing over it. 
“why not cook at home? bring that special someone ya keep thinkin’ about,” he jerks his elbow towards osamu’s arm. 
“i like working here. i like the people, and the food, and the sounds.” 
osamu also likes how you visit him every friday when your classes end. without a doubt, rain or shine, you’ll glide into the diner with a soft smile on your lips. he likes how you walk over to the counter and ask him if there’s a ‘samu around. he also likes how you look behind him, checking on the man who’s too busy tapping his wooden spoon against the pot to notice, before placing a gentle kiss to his lips. and in that moment, he lets himself close his eyes, relax a little, melt into it like softened butter. 
and when you pull away, you see the sleepiness in his eyes. you always wonder how he goes to class, comes to work, goes to the library to work on assignments, and then rushes back to the diner after he eats so he can work another shift. bringing your hand up to cradle his cheek, you ask if he’s okay. he leans into the warmth of your skin for a second before giving you a quick nod. 
“i’m almost done with my shift. wanna go out for somethin’ in a bit?” 
“we don’t have to eat out today,” you tell him, tugging on his sleeve like you always do when you insist on staying in. 
“not even ice cream? ya said ya wanted to try that shit-lookin' chocolate one.” 
“if your shit looks like that i’m a bit concerned for you,” you tell him, twirling his sleeve around your fingers. his teeth peek out from his lips in a dimply smile, one that has you swooning. "no shit-lookin' ice cream today."
"then what do ya wanna do? it's friday night, ya should do something fun." you notice the way he excludes himself from his words.
"how about we just chill at my place tonight? watch a movie or something? i still have those chips you like," you insist. "and my roommates aren't home. stay as long as you want?"
oh, how 'samu loves your place — the comfort of your bed, your sheets that smell like you. he can't help but nod a bit too eagerly, catching your hand in his larger ones.
he gets back to work as quick as he can, not wanting you to leave you waiting, but truthfully, you don't mind. you watch his back flex in his black uniform as he wipes down the counter. osamu can feel your eyes on him, and suddenly he has love songs blooming in his mind, wisps of a sweet melody coursing through his veins.
you're too good for him, he thinks. you don't mind his chaste kisses when he's in a rush, or when he decides to nap on your shoulder between classes.
he throws his boss a quick wave before throwing on his jacket, shoving his arm into the sleeve as he stumbles towards the front of the diner to see you again. you look up at him with something like ardor and solace swimming in your eyes. placing a quick kiss to the top of your head, osamu slips his hand into yours.
"sorry, babe, took me longer than usual to check inventory," he apologizes, squeezing your hand a couple times as the brisk air touches your skin.
"'s all good. i like watching you work. you're all focused in there."
"gotta be or that man's gonna throw me out. how else am i gonna pay for your expensive ass drinks?"
"all that for a matcha with sweet cream cold foam," you squeeze his hand back in appreciation.
"yeah, well, don't wan' anyone else buyin' those for ya."
osamu's cute like this — nose all red from the cold, a wrinkle in his brow at the thought of someone else surprising you with your favorite drink every morning. atsumu thinks his brother has it bad for you ("down so fuckin' bad, dude," he'd say), and honestly, osamu agrees. he never thought he'd be excited to wake up at the crack of dawn to pick up your favorite coffee before your 8 am, or watch you get distracted by online shopping when you should've been doing your assignment. if love is seeing you at the end of each day, kissing your lips even when he's covered in condiments and oil, holding your backpack for you after a long day, then osamu wants it all.
because even when he should be worrying about the quiz he has tomorrow and the fact that he hasn't slept properly in the past four weeks, he starts to hum that familiar love song when you unlock the door to your apartment (it's become familiar to you, too, because that tune escapes his lips whenever you're by his side).
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reblogs n interactions are appreciated!
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rhas-writes · 1 year
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Could you please write about the Harbingers and their voice lines for the reader? Like them telling the traveler about you and stuff :)
♡𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮 ♡
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synopsis: The Traveler expected the Harbingers to be cold and ruthless in pursuing whatever the Fatui's goals were. Hearing their loving voice lines on you was certainly the opposite of what they predicted.
includes: all harbingers (platonic pulcinella) w/ gn! reader
notes: I've wanted to do something like this for a while. It was rather cute and fun to write! Includes five voice lines about you for each Harbinger.
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Pierro:
About You - His Lover:
“So you’ve already met [Name], Traveler? I’m not surprised, they like to talk to people, especially when they see me speaking to others. They’re quite energetic and bouncy, aren’t they? But I can’t say I dislike that about them. They are a bright light in my life.”
Chat - Walks:
“Much of our time spent together is on walks outside in Sneznhaya, with the snow gently melting on us. It’s a rather simple activity to most, but irreplaceable to both of us. I hope, after everything is said and done, I can take them on walks in other places.”
About Your Patience:
“They never comment on it, but I know they get lonely without me. For most of the day, they do not see me due to my work, and even when they try to stay up late for my return, they end up falling asleep sometimes. I truly wish I could spend more time with them. But I know, after fulfilling the Tsaritsa’s dream, I will give them everything and more.”
Something To Share - Meals:
“I don’t think about what I eat or when I do very often. It doesn’t matter much to me, but [Name] clearly disagrees. Instead of the maids preparing my meals, they started cooking everything for me and adding little notes too. It’s very endearing of them, but I don’t think I’ll ever live it down when the other soldiers saw me eating heart-shaped cookies with smiley faces on them…”
About You - A Second Home:
“I remember the destruction of my homeland clearly. It is something I will never forget. But even though I have only a small portion of time with them, they never fail to make me feel… content. With them, I can forget about everything, even if it is just for a few minutes. Heh, sometimes I foolishly wish they lived in Khaenri’ah with me for a bit, if only to experience a normal life with them.”
Capitano:
About You - His Lover:
“There is nothing I cherish more than [Name]. Many people often comment on our relationship, after all, we are quite different in all aspects. But I have them to thank for many things. They have taught me many things I could have never learned on my own.
Chat - Souvenirs:
“Traveler, you have been to many nations for extended periods of time. Would you share some items that would make good souvenirs? I always make sure to bring something back for them. If you have any recipes to share, that would be greatly appreciated as well. Whenever I am back home, [Name] always insists on having all of our meals together.”
A Special Item - The Kamera:
“You must be wondering why someone like me carries around something like this. I never cared for the device until [Name] told me about it and asked me to take photos on my expeditions. I guess I’ve unintentionally become a master without knowing it because they always praise the pictures I take when they organize them in their scrapbook.”
Something To Share - Smiles:
“I am not adept at smiling at all, or very expressive in general, something [Name] has an issue with. Oftentimes, they sit on my lap and try to get me to show some emotion on my face. Reading stories, telling jokes… they try it all quite frequently. While I don’t think it’s working very well, I enjoy their antics.”
About You - Reminiscing:
“I remember once I walked in on them trying on my helmet and coat. They hadn’t noticed me yet, and I couldn’t help but notice how small they looked buried under my clothes. But quickly I worried about whether their head could take the weight of my helmet. Before I could say anything, they saw me and scurried away in embarrassment. I never brought it up again, but it was rather cute.”
“Huh… Paimon would have never guessed Capitano was like this. When we go to Snezhnaya, we have to find this guy’s mansion somehow! Paimon wants to meet [Name]!”
Columbina:
About You - Her Lover:
“Hmm~hmm~♫ Oh, hello there, Traveler. Ah, I see you’ve brought [Name] with you too, come here, my dear. Hmm? Oh, I guess I forgot to tell you. They are my partner in love, music, in everything. Perhaps you should come to one of our shows one day. I’d say we are quite good.”
About You - Favorite Pastimes:
“I love going to watch plays with them. The theater is one of the places where we spend a lot of time. I always end up humming along to the songs. Sometimes, when the theater is unoccupied, we act out certain scenes together. Say, Traveler, have you ever heard of Romeo and Juliet?”
Chat - Naps:
“Hmm… what time is it? The weather just feels perfect for a midday nap. [Name] always indulges me whenever I want when I want to doze off. This surface is no match for their pillowy softness, but it’ll have to do for now…”
“Hey, you can’t just fall asleep in the middle of- oh… Paimon doesn’t know how she can knock out that quickly.”
Secret Hobby - Poems About You:
“Your bright smile that can go on for a mile,
Unmatchable style with a laugh that never ends for a while.
Sweet lips that I want to savor,
Ah, I am so glad I am in your favor.
Or should I say “For you make me ever the more braver”...? What do you think, Traveler?”
Something Interesting - Liyue Opera:
“Traveler, I hear that there is a talented opera troupe in Liyue with beautiful music and songs. Oh, you’ve met them yourself? I would love to attend it with [Name]. They love listening to music from around Teyvat, and I have to agree with them. Haha… I can’t wait to take them out of Snezhnaya for a bit.”
Dottore:
About You - His Lover:
“Hmph, you wish to know about [Name], I hear?”
“Yeah! Paimon wants to know what kind of person would stay with a madman- I mean! A Fatui Harbinger! You know, since that’s quite dangerous and all.”
“Hehe, is that so? Too bad, because I have no obligation to tell you. But they are truly… ah, never mind.”
“Aww… Paimon really wanted to know what he was going to say.”
About You And The Segments:
“Some of the segments are quite fond of them, while some do not know them very well. After all, they were cloned at different parts of my life, before and after I met them. I must say… it’s can be hard to get some of the other segments away from them. I didn’t think they would hoard [Name]’s attention so much…”
“Is it just Paimon, or does Dottore’s attentiveness towards them grow as each clone gets older? And hey, is Dottore jealous-”
“Shush Paimon, before he hears you!”
About You - Whereabouts:
"It's time for their medicine... Hmm, have you seen them, Traveler? You saw them leave and go into the city? And you didn't stop them? Tch, useless. I must simply go and find them myself... Now that I think about it, I wouldn't want you talking to [Name], anyway."
About You - Health Concerns:
“Ever since our Akademiya days, [Name] has been plagued with an unknown and virtually incurable disease. It is essential that they take their medicine every day, but they often try to avoid it, after doing it for so long. This is why I and the clones always keep an eye on them.”
“Aw, so that’s why [Name] always looks so tired whenever Paimon sees them… That must be so hard.”
“… I don’t care what methods or tactics I have to employ, or if the Gods or even you, Traveler, get in my way. I will cure them of their sickness. Nothing will stop me.”
When The Sun Is Out:
“Hm, it’s a perfect day for [Name] to take a walk. The fresh air is always good for their health. Perhaps a boat ride is in order as well.”
“Oooh, Paimon loves the sound of that! Maybe we can fish and eat it too!”
“Why would I ever invite you to be with us? I’m sure your very existence would give them a headache.”
“Hey, how rude!!”
Pulcinella:
About You - Relationship:
“You were fighting some hilichurls when someone called [Name] joined you? And they ended up lighting an explosive barrel? Wherever that child goes, they always bring trouble with them. But don’t hold it against them. They are a lovely person to be around.”
Stories To Tell:
“They always pester me to tell them stories. Though, this is not a bad thing at all. Not many are willing to listen to this old man ramble on willingly. Ah, youth is a wonderful thing. Would you like to join us next time, Traveler?”
Chat - New Things:
“Indeed, they have taught me many things. The latest trends, songs, books, and more that their generation is into. Sometimes I struggle to understand some of what they say too… the world is changing so quickly.”
About You - Baking:
“We bake together quite often. Most of the time, I have to direct them, otherwise, they will burn down the kitchen which has happened multiple times before. Pantalone was not happy. I have never seen a youngster with such little aptitude for cooking, but surprisingly, it is great fun.”
About You - Family:
“Ever since they were young, they were quite rebellious. Running away from the castle, pretending to be asleep after bedtime, beating up all the Fatui soldiers during sparring without hesitance. If anyone else besides me had to take care of them, it would not have ended well. But, I am truly glad they are in my care. I have thought of them as my own child for a long time. If it wasn’t for the possible danger, I’d have officially adopted them long ago.”
Scaramouche:
About You - His Lover:
“Huh? How do you know about [Name]?”
“Well, we just happened to see them with you once. You were actually smiling! And later we went up and spoke to them for a bit, and they were really nice! They told us that they were your-”
“Ugh, that idiot! Always trusting people so blindly… Anyway, I don’t need you to know anything else. It isn’t your business.” 
A Little Secret:
“I wonder if they could make dango for me again… it’s been a long time since I’ve had it. But how do I get them to make it without directly asking? How bothersome… huh? How long have you been there, Traveler? You didn’t hear anything, did you?!”
Something To Share - Burdened Feelings:
“I once tried to wipe my emotions and feelings of them away into nothingness. It felt preposterous to me that I could feel something for a human, one that could barely fight nonetheless. But when I lost the Gnosis, when I lost everything, as I fell down, the only thing that I saw in my mind was their stupid smile…”
When It Rains:
“Whenever it rained, they would always huddle themselves close to me under my hat. At first, I pushed them away, but the look on their face made me allow them to continue. Sometimes, I make sure to take them out on a day that’s expected to rain just to see them do that. Don’t you dare tell them that though, Traveler.”
About Beelzebul:
“[Name] is always telling me to reconcile with her, but what would she think of me, or of them? How would she act toward me? Would she even remember me? There’s that irritating shrine maiden too… Hmm? It’s nothing. Let’s keep moving.”
Arlecchino:
About You - Her Lover:
“[Name]? Yes, they are my partner. I suppose those Fatui recruits can’t keep their mouths shut about other people’s business for very long. Hmm? You’re surprised that I was so direct about it? Well, there’s no reason to hide it. But I would prefer that this discussion ends here. I like to keep my time with them private.”
When It’s Sunny:
“This weather is not my favorite. I prefer the cold much more than this blistering heat. But I did hear [Name] say that they would like to visit a beach someday. Hmm… say, Traveler, is Yaoguang Shoal a good spot?”
Something To Share - Quietly Loving:
“I’m sure you have realized by now that I am not very good with words or emotions. These things are far from my expertise. However, they seem to not mind my behavior, talking enough for both of us. But if they ever requested anything from me, I would do it without hesitance. No one else comes close.”
Chat - Coffee:
“One cup of coffee, with whipped cream, syrup, and sugar please.”
“…Eh?!! Arlecchino, what are you saying? You always order your coffee black!”
“I know. To be honest, I could not care less about all these extra ingredients. But… they always used to try and add things to sweeten the drink behind my back. I suppose I… miss them. This reminds me of them, a bit.”
“Aww… Paimon guesses that even the scariest and coldest of people can have someone special to them.”
About You - The Orphanage:
“They often spend their time with the orphans. I was initially surprised at first, and so were the other soldiers, but it worked out in our favor. The children love them far more than they will for me or the recruits. [Name] is a gentle and patient soul, after all. Reading stories, putting the kids to sleep… they are quite hard working despite having no need to.”
La Signora:
About You - Her Lover:
“My darling [Name] is the most perfect lover one could ask for. They are beautiful, inside and out. How I love to pamper them so… actually, there are a couple of new outfits I want them to try on. I can’t wait to see how they look. They are all mine.”
When It’s Windy:
“Tch, this wind is messing up my hair and clothes. [Name] used to always brush and take care of my hair after a long day, after I showed them how to do it correctly of course. Traveler, I’m afraid I have to go now. I must see them again.”
About You - Letters:
“Hmm, hmm, hmm… and it’s done.”
“Hey Signora, what are you writing?”
“Just a letter to my dearest. They are expecting something from me soon.”
“Wow, so you can send letters with your fire moths? That’s resourceful!”
“Of course. I always let a few stay around [Name] as well. If any of them happen to be extinguished, I’ll know if anything happened to them.”
About You - Favorite Pastimes:
“There’s nothing that pleases me more than seeing them all dolled up in the latest fashion. They look simply exquisite, especially when we do each other’s makeup. But I also adore seeing them lounge around in their favorite hoodies. They look great in anything, really.”
Something To Share - Past Grief, New Happiness:
“Sometimes, it feels just like yesterday when I lost him. Grief and bitterness wrapped around my heart like a cocoon that would never hatch. But when I fell in love with them, I felt something that I had not felt in far too long. That cocoon started to shatter little by little, as I started to remember how to love again. I truly love them wholly with whatever’s remaining of my heart.”
Pantalone:
About You - His Lover:
“So, you’ve met [Name], I hear. What do you think of them? Beautiful, am I right? Of course, they are nothing short of perfection to me. Hardworking, determined, helpful… I could go on about them. Say, Traveler, would you be so kind to direct me to some of the best shops around here? I would like to find some gifts to send to them while we’re here.”
Worries - Financial Concerns:
“Traveler, I have a great issue on my hands. [Name] has apparently forbidden me from spending any more Mora on them. They keep saying that they do not need anything else, but how can I restrain myself from spoiling my darling?”
About You - Favorite Pastimes:
“Oftentimes, we like to end off the day with some leisurely reading. The feeling of them laying against my chest, legs intertwined, as I whisper certain parts of the book softly into their ear, delighting as they turn warm- oho, your face is all red. Did I make you embarrassed? Apologies, I get carried away when talking about them.”
About You - First Meeting:
“My childhood is not something that I like to remember. But, despite everything, it is pleasant to think about the first time I met them. They were poor, just like me, barely scraping by, though they never failed to greet me every day with a big smile. [Name] would take over the grueling working shifts for me and the younger kids sometimes, and sneak bits of food out the window to me. Even with the fact that I was surrounded by poverty, I couldn’t help but think I had a true gem right in front of me. ”
When It’s Cold:
“I confess, I do enjoy the cold, but most of it is due to how adorable [Name] looks all bundled up in my fur coats. Or how they always dive under the covers and refuse to get up for anything. It is always a struggle for even me to get up from bed when they are so warm, too.”
Sandrone:
About You - Her Lover:
“They are my loyal assistant and lover, always willing to help out with any experiment I ask. I have known them for a very long time. They have always been the one to drag me out of the lab to get some fresh air… as a matter of fact, I think it’s about this time when they come to harass me. Somehow they’ve gotten half the robots on their side, too.”
When It’s Raining:
“This weather is good for testing how waterproof my robots are and the joints of my Automatons. A long time ago, I built a feature for an umbrella into some of my creations so whenever [Name] and I went for walks and it rained, we would be fine. Huh, you’re asking if you can use it? No, you can’t.”
About You - Favorite Pastimes:
“Eh? Sandrone, what is all this? You’re all dressed up!”
“Oh, it’s you. I’m simply preparing for my favorite event with my dear lover. We’ve just finished repairing an ancient Automaton, and they’ve decided a tea party is in order.”
“Wow! Even the robots have spiffy suits on! It smells so good here too, hehe, Paimon wants a taste of the tea and cookies too- w-woah! Where’d all these big robots come from?! Hey, let Paimon down!”
“This is for [Name] and I only. Now shoo. The tea party is set to begin soon, and I must welcome my honored guest…”
Inspiration - New Creations:
“Before I met them, I had never thought of using my skills to create mundane things that weren’t war machines or destructive Automatons. I thought anything else would be a waste of time, but surprisingly, it is not too bad. It’s quite nice to feel their fascinated face in the crook of my neck while I work. I usually gift these creations to them, anyway. They’re not much use to me, but [Name] likes these kinds of things.”
The Future - Fontaine Frenzy:
“I hear that I am set to head out to Fontaine soon. I would love to see the faces of those poor souls when they realize their technology is nothing compared to what the Fatui has created. Ah, I guess that means I’ll be seeing you there too. Will you be able to keep up with [Name] and I, Traveler? I must warn you, they are a formidable foe, with their refined skill and raw power from my mechanical attachments. Now that I think about there, there were some new weapons we wanted to try out… hehe, I can’t wait.” 
Childe:
About You - His Lover:
“Oho, interested in [Name] are you? I don’t blame you - they are truly an amazing person. Sweet, kind, and caring, not to mention, they are incredibly strong as well. Teucer loves them too, always wanting piggyback rides. I can’t wait to introduce them to the rest of my family.”
About You - First Meeting:
“I clearly remember the first time I laid eyes on them. I was passing through Liyue when I heard of an archery competition, and naturally, I was eager to test my skills. I was sure that I would win first place, but what did you know! Someone called [Name] had stolen that spot from me. Long story short, I pestered them until they fought me, and they really did beat me down. Haha, it feels so long ago, now that I look back on it.”
When It Snows:
“I once took [Name] to Dragonspine, because they wanted to see the snow as it was a rare occurrence in Liyue. You should have seen them, hah! Shaking and sniffling like it was the end of the world. And it wasn’t even that cold, as least compared to my homeland. Why didn’t I take them to Snezhnaya? Don’t worry, I plan to, very, very soon…
About You - Whereabouts:
"Have you seen them, Traveler? No? Haha, they must be hiding from me again. I guess I’ve asked them to spar too many times. Comrade, if you happen to see [Name], tell them I’m waiting at Northland Bank for them. Xinyue Kiosk, my treat.”
About You - Safety:
“Heh, I wonder what they’re doing right now. I hope they haven’t been roped into any strange commissions again. They are too helpful for their own good. If anything happened to them while I’m gone… Traveler, if you happen to be around, please help them. I’ll owe you, comrade.”
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rhas-writes · 1 year
Text
small amnesia drabble ft osamu based on this 9yr old video that still makes me giggle. cw: little violence mention but that’s it.
The hell’s that beeping coming from…
There’s a noticeable restriction in his movement when he slowly begins to stir, lethargy sitting heavy on his limbs as his eyelids pull with visible tension.
Osamu immediately winces. “…Fuckin’ bright…”
Someone gasps at the foot of his bed.
It’s an effort to crane his neck and peek over the footing of his bed, more of an uncomfortable strain than the headache he should expect but what he finds there might just be worth it.
There’s… a cottony to the woman standing before his bed unreserved for anybody else in that typical stark hospital lighting. A fuzzy glow, unburdened by the mussed hairs that stick out of your done up hair or that blue tinge of worry that melts into relief the moment you realize he’s returning eye contact. There’s a few vending machine snacks in your hand that he watches you discard as you step closer to him, and he’s not too shy to blatantly ogle as you take a comfortable seat at his bedside.
That beeping’s gotten a little faster. “You’re up. How do you feel?”
“Dunno…” Though charmed would’a been his second answer.
“Dunno’ s a good answer.” You reply. “Better than what the other guy’s probably saying.”
“The other guy?” There’s not a lot he remembers aside the basic stuff, and you’re definitely not one of ‘em.
“The blow job that tried to hold up your shop last night. Came in swinging this big ass metal bat like you wouldn’t knock his lights out a moment later.” Your smile sparkles as you hum fondly. “Although he did knick you a few times before you could actually get at him.”
Which would explain the thick casting on his arm and the way your fingers softly graze the wrapped gauze on the side of his face. Which in turn makes him blush a little like an overgrown schoolboy.
Although the way your thumb starts to rub circles in his cheek has him breaking out in a sweat. “You saved a lot of people, ‘Samu, me including,” You coo. “But more than anything I’m just glad you’re okay.”
‘S-Samu…?
Your eyes quickly flicker to the quickening heart monitor.
Though when you glance down his face is neutral as ever. “Are you feeling okay?”
“Yeah, just…” Osamu swallows. “Just havin’ a hard time connectin’ the dots.”
“Hm? Oh, has the anesthesia not worn off completely yet?”
“Don’t seem like it.”
You nod a little understandingly, straightening your back until you’re fastening your hand in his. “Hmm, that makes sense. I mean, I can’t imagine what they’re pumping you up with after a broken elbow and a few fractured knuckles. - For your sake, they don’t stop too soon,”
Osamu watches you pull his good arm into your lap and hold it there like it belongs to you, and he’s definitely not gonna tell you otherwise. “Although, the quicker we get home the better. At the very least, for some proper rest-“
“Home?”
You tilt your head a bit. “Yeah home? You know, our cozy little shoebox apartment? The one your brother’s definitely not raiding for snacks while you’re gone?”
“Wait, are - we’re…?”
“Baby?”
“Baby.” Ohhkay,” Osamu blows out a disbelieving breath. “Oh, wow. I’m definitely missin’ some important information.”
You furrow as he tilts his head to scan you over a little more. “I hope I’m not misreadin’ this. An’ I hope to god I’m not. - But are we…?”
“Do you not… remember me?”
“I’m pretty beat up about it too, angel.”
“Oh.” You glance at the I.V. still hooked in his wrist. “Yeeaah, that anesthesia has not worn off yet.”
“I’m not misreadin this, right?”
“No. No, you’re not, honey. You’re not.”
“Aye so,” He lifts himself more properly on the hospital bed. “What… the hell does a scrub like me gotta pull off to bag a dime like you, angel? Askin’ that honestly.”
And it looks like an effort not to full out laugh at the genuine confusion on his face. “Straight to the point, huh?”
“I mean, when a guy wakes up to a girlfriend like-“
“Wife.”
“Wi-“ The way he all but gasps to himself has you full out giggling before you can stop yourself. “Yer lyin! Ma wife?!”
The little (see: not little) rock you wave on your ring finger is enough to turn him all but blue, especially when you reach forward to gingerly unveil the matching wedding band hanging from a chain under his hospital gown. “Your wife, baby. Made me a Miya not even a year ago.”
Osamu quietly repeats the admission under his breath as he takes a moment to digest that.
And then he’s turning to you fast enough to break the sound barrier. “Can I kiss ya’?”
You chortle as you lean in, gentle mint pervading his nose. “You’ve been kissing me, baby.”
Osamu’s putty when your lips meet.
Yeah, there’s no way he didn’t die and go to heaven.
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reblog for a warm bowl of soup 🍲
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rhas-writes · 1 year
Text
{ time is money }
Pairing: Yandere!Pantalone x F!reader
Type: oneshot
(unedited)
A certain love struck harbinger would be willing to go any length simply to spend more time with you - even if it meant bribing and manipulating his way through your friends.
“10,000 mora.” The harbinger’s voice was cold, ringing crisply in the damp cathedral. The poor Snezhnayan villager was knelt at his feet, shivering - if not in cold, then in fear.
“10,000 mora to cancel all your plans with her. I’ll sweeten the deal even more - 50,000 mora to cut all contact and move regions. I’ll even fund your emigration.” Pantalone laced his hands together, and watched as the confused villager struggled to find words.
“I- of course, I’ll do it. P-please don’t hurt my family…”
Pantalone smirked, bringing out a contract and watching meticulously as the person before him signed it. Once his fatui underlings ushered the terrified civilian away, the harbinger was once again alone in the cathedral - or at least, he was, until a skirmisher burst in.
“Your orders have been carried out, sir. All parties agreed to cut contact with her.”
“Good.” Pantalone crossed out the list he’d compiled of every person you’d interacted heavily with - a rare smile gracing his face. It had always seemed as though you were too busy to meet him. Everyone said that money couldn’t buy happiness, but it could buy time - and what greater joy was there than to spend time with you? Now that all the distractions were out of the way, Pantalone mused, there was nothing for you to do but crawl into his awaiting arms.
-
“I’m sorry, I don’t think I can make it. I-I have to go.” Your friend turned as paler than the snow of Dragonspine when they saw you at the door of their cottage, backing away.
“It’s just fishing! We haven’t talked in ages!” You stuck your foot in the door as your friend attempted to close it, fingers tightening on the frame.
“I’m sorry, I really can’t. Something came up, thanks for understanding - bye!”
The door slammed shut with a staccato thud, a sense of finality that bore its weight into you. Why did it feel like everyone was avoiding you these days? Did they truly tire of you already?
It hadn’t been long since you’d moved to Snezhnaya and joined the fatui. You’d quickly made new friends - including one who went by the name of Pantalone. He was sweet, and down to earth, whilst being the most polite person you’d ever met. Even after revealing that he was a harbinger, he still insisted that you continue to visit him - which you happily did so, always taking care to stop by his office for a chat at least once a week.
That’s right. Pantalone. He hadn’t left you yet, had he? It seemed that lately, everyone had been going out of their way to avoid coming into contact with you. But not him. He was as kind and as understanding as ever. The one constant in your life amidst a flurry of people leaving. The one you could trust.
Before you’d even realised what you were doing, you had come to a stop outside his office. Your feet had taken you there of their own accord - perhaps it was just your natural inclination to seek comfort from the one person who’d stayed. You knocked on the door, and to no avail.
There was no answer from inside the harbinger’s office.
That was the last straw, for you - was Pantalone ignoring you as well? Tears pricked your eyes, making the floorboards swim in your vision as you sank down to the ground in dismay.
What was going on? Were you really that dislikable…?
Suddenly, a pair of black boots appeared in your vision. It felt as though those boots were the only thing you needed to see - in that moment, just the idea of having a reprieve from constant social rejection was enough to send serotonin rushing through your veins.
“Why are you crying?” Pantalone’s voice was soft and warm as he knelt down, taking off his glove to gently tilt your chin up. His hair was windswept, and dusted with a light coating of snow - he’d probably just gotten back from an errand. Exactly, it was just an errand - he would never leave you. The thought comforted you, as you sank into his touch.
“It feels like everyone hates me.” You mumbled as Pantalone sat down and pulled you into his lap, gently thumbing away your tears.
“Why so? I can’t see a single reason why anybody could dislike you. You’re so perfect, you know.”
“Everyone’s been avoiding me, and they’re all… leaving me.”
“Do you want to know something, dear?” Pantalone paused to discard his harbinger coat and drape it over your shoulders, tenderly doing up the clips beneath your chin.
“What?”
“The kinds of people who leave you are the people who you were better off without in the first place. I’ve learned that myself as well… And one thing you should remember is that I will never, ever leave your side.” The harbinger pulled you closer as you sniffled, your eyes clearing.
“Thank you, Pantalone… I… You’re really the only one I have.” A surge of warmth bloomed in your chest as you wrapped your arms around his neck and leaned into him - feeling him hug you back in response.
What you didn’t see, however, was the grin spread across Pantalone’s face as he murmured sweet nothings into your hair. What you didn’t know was the feeling of victory that permeated his veins.
Time really was money, and Pantalone had just bought yours.
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rhas-writes · 1 year
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hiyas!!! just wanted to say i really enjoy your Archon!Reader series! the way you write angst is so (mwah) chef’s kiss <333 looking forward to the next installment (if there will be one, which i hope there will be. but also don’t feel pressured to make one just because of this ask HAHAHSG)
have a wonderful rest of your day ! keep it up!!! <3
Ah thank you so much! I prefer writing more hurt/comfort (it's my fav type to read) but angst truly calls my name sometimes.
There will definitely be more updates to my Fallen Archon Series. If you or anyone else has any suggestions to add, feel free to let me know!
Thank you again for the message, it really lifts my mood!
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rhas-writes · 1 year
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Currently loving your fallen Archon reader series! The writing and the plot are so good 😫 can't wait for the next update ❤️❤️❤️
This ask was sent so long ago, I'm so sorry I died but I'm hopefully back now. Sumeru has given me so many ideas but I'm so scared of writing stores connected to lore cause it practically becomes void if it's wrong. I'm trying to get over this thinking, so I can write more frequently but it's a slow processes. Anyways thanks for sending the love! It seriously does so much for my heart.
Anyways a new update: Il Dottore x Reader
I hope you like it!
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rhas-writes · 1 year
Text
Intelligent Encounters - Il Dottore x Reader
Possible Spoilers! for 3.0 Ardravi Valley - Zandik's Legacy
Warning! Dottore and his disregard for human life
| Content? Fluff, hurt/comfort, reverse hurt/comfort, slight angst. | Format? A long drabble? I never know how to categorize these. | Pronouns? You/Your. | Relationship? Up to you. |
Context: Fallen Archon Reader - Tldr; Reader is very smart and has seen lots of Teyvat's history but has forgotten most of it.
Context: Assumes Dottore is Zandik (link to fandom wiki on his character summary).
---
Young!Dottore who crumples paper after paper, ruby eyes narrowing at the walls as he curses the Sages for their insolence.
Rejecting his thesis purely on the notion of it being longer than a thousand words is absurd. How is he supposed to put a cap on such genius?
In the midst of spouting ruthless threats to the Grand Sage for enforcing such a ridiculous rule, precise knocks sound from his door. He grimaces opening it, far too many insults readied on the tip of tongue. However, he clams up a little at the senior greeting him from the other side.
"Sharnama."
The older man politely nods in greeting, eyes far too tired to be open at this hour of night.
"Wh-"
"The Group of Daeva. You have heard of them, yes?"
The young scholar nods with pinched brows. The Group of Daeva is a supposed group of scholars that anonymously submit research to the Sages. But they're only an urban legend, so why bring them up?
"I am in contact with a few of their members and passed along your recent thesis proposal."
Before Dottore could spew his thoughts on carelessly sharing his work, the worn out man holds out a rolled parchment.
"There has yet to be a Daeva paper rejected by the Sages. I suggest you accept their revisions."
Sharnama leaves Dottore without another word, simultaneously solving the scholar's problem while creating a dozen more.
-
It takes Young!Dottore an obscene amount of time to track down his mentor's contact.
First it was Sharnama refusing to share any confirmed information about the Group of Daeva. Then it was finding and meeting many scholars who claim to be part of the group but after one conversation it's clear they do not have such academic prowess. Then it was getting railroaded by his teachers because they thought "he wasn't spending enough time on his research." The list goes on.
But he's finally managed to secure a line of communication with the group. Best of all, he's meeting one of their members tonight.
Young!Dottore who waits bouncing on the balls of his feet in anticipation. Oh the amount of questions he has for this unprepared individual. How many of you are there? Why publish anonymously? How do you publish anonymously while wearing an Akasha Terminal? Why do the Sages allow the group to exist?
His whirling thoughts come to a halt as a shadow falls across his shoes. A traveler, one that couldn't be any older than him - perhaps a few years younger, meets his imploring gaze.
-
Young!Dottore who perks up as his name falls from your lips. The unfamiliar cluster of butterflies he's slowly becoming accustomed to bristles at your fleeting touches. Research no longer takes up all of his mind for it has made room for you.
If someone had told him he'd experience such feelings he'd think them madder than himself. He's only ever felt something while pursuing knowledge.
His ecstatic cheers and grins were reserved for breakthroughs in his research. They aren't shared over other accomplishments or with other people. His ceaseless thoughts were filled with what ifs and what could be. They don't wander aimlessly about your likes and dislikes. He's soon to complete his first thesis paper, his feelings should be trivial compared to such an achievement.
Yet...they're not.
You're not.
-
Young!Dottore who you know as the slightly off the rails scholar Zandik. He is unique in every sense of the word. His crazed and often blasphemous spewings push people away but you can't help but be drawn in.
Like a moth to a flame, his ambition shines bright. His intellect is sharper than his piercing scarlet gaze. In all your recollection, you have never met someone quite like him.
There is an immediate bond when you first meet, one only made between like minds. A bond you haven't had since the betrayal that cost your life as an archon. But even then, Zandik understands you. He gets you in a way no other being has.
When you accidentally fall into a long tangent criticizing a Vahumana article on the many evildoings of the Scarlet King based on recently discovered ruins, Zandik doesn't listen just to placate your feelings, he listens because he sees you're making a valid point. He builds off your argument, poking and prodding at possible holes and the two of you spend the night debating the authenticity of scholarly conclusions on past civilizations.
Something dark and sinister brews within Zandik. He's swift to reel in its rare occurrence, but you know it's there. Even before meeting him, you knew it was there. His rejected thesis easily gave it away. He cares little for anything outside of himself. Everything is just a means to and end for his research. He desires only the answers to his endless questions.
But who are you to chastise him? After all, don't you desire the same?
-
Young!Dottore who bares all of himself to you in the light of the rising sun. It comes after weeks of not seeing him and days of him not sleeping.
He barges into your quaint abode, almost receiving a knife to the chest if not for his familiar ramblings. Ah, that's right. You had given him a key - should he need anything, he can find help in you.
He drags you through the forest by the wrist, hushing any protest from you with an excited grin. It's an easy but out of the way path, one that he's walked a countless number of times.
It's at a disguised entrance at the end of a shallow cave where he stops. Caught in the rush of finally overcoming his most difficult project yet, he didn't think about what he was doing. Not once did he question why he was running to find you. The want. The need. To show you his success was a far too natural instinct for him to ignore.
For the first time in his life, Zandik feels the crippling pressure of fear root him to the ground. What if you report him to the Sages for this? What if this goes beyond your morals? What if you want nothing to do with him after this?
Darkness creeps to the edges of his vision, thoughts tunneling in a way they've never done before. He doesn't want to lose you. He can't lose you.
"-ik? Zandik?"
Your free hand clasps around his while the other stays in his tight grip.
"Zandik, you look awful. Is this where you've been? You need to take better care of yourself, at least the bare minimum."
Anyone else's voice would have been nails on a chalk board. But yours is an exception. Perhaps that's what it's always been. You as the exception. The uncontrollable variable.
Wordlessly his fingers intertwine with yours and he leads you to his biggest secret.
A barely lit cave with only the bare minimum to call it a lab. Papers and chalk boards haphazardly strewn about. The odd combination of damp soil and artificial cleaner wrinkles your nose. But at the center of it all is a child scribbling with crayons.
The matching hues of blue hair, pale skin, and scarlet eyes is unmistakable. You've heard Zandik complain about how he wishes there were more of him, how he could get so much more done. But it was never more than that.
"Is this...what I think it is?"
His hand grips yours, afraid that you'll run.
"This is just the beginning. The replication of human beings is a mere stepping stone to what I truly think is possible."
He turns to you, eyes burning into yours with fervor.
"Think about it, the sanctity of the gods because they hold some great power is foolish. Humans are adaptable. They can have endless potential given the right circumstances. I believe one can become a god, perhaps even greater than. And I know I will achieve this in the future, today is proof of that."
You can feel the rapid thrums of his heartbeat, the blood rushing through his veins. You can feel the determination in every word he speaks. It's familiar. It's exhilarating. It's ambition.
Pure uninhibited ambition radiates from him in tidal waves. It cradles you with blazing flames that sears your skin. The sensation was once forgotten but it reaches your chest and blooms the memories from long ago.
Home. Everything in this moment reminds you of the home you built upon the cruelest lands the earth had to offer.
His skin is cool to the touch as you cup his face.
"Then do it. If this is your goal, reach it."
-
It's been a few months since he's shown you his true self and Young!Dottore could not be happier about the outcome.
He didn't think it was possible to grow so close to a person, to need someone so desperately. He works so much better with you around - he has a chart on it and everything. His efficiency, productivity, everything goes up when he's with you.
Life is smooth sailing for him. His experiments are progressing accordingly. He's on the last parts of his second thesis and he's sure it will pass the academic review. Even his body is in reasonable health, thanks to your constant reminders.
Oh, but how quickly the winds change and the tides turn.
It's in his little slice of heaven that your hell appears.
-
Young!Dottore who plans a stargazing picnic and comes prepared to debate its celestial existence. Truth be told, he's noticed you've been a little off lately and hopes this will prove a helpful distraction.
Dinner is unusually quiet as Zandik tries to fill the empty space for two. You're distant and hardly touch the food.
"What's wrong with you?"
The words themselves seem harsh but his tone is soft and laced with concern. He's never been good or decent with emotions but he's trying.
"I-"
A somber torrent of conflict fills your eyes as your mouth opens and closes. Zandik waits with bated breath, his hand reaching yours, imploring you to continue.
"It was tonight."
Every instinct of self-preservation tells you to stop. Celestia erased your existence. Even the Irminsul has forgotten you. But you can't. You can't keep it in anymore. A hundred years of masquerading, of secrecy, of acting ignorant and trying to find so many answers.
It's all too much. And finally, finally, there's someone who has understood everything else about you. So maybe, just maybe, he'll believe what you have to say.
"They killed me this very night."
Layers upon layers of walls come tumbling down as you spill your true identity. Zandik listens intently, his arms holding your shaking body.
Everything you say should be music to his ears. Once you regain all your memories, you'll be an endless pool of knowledge - one far easier to deal with than the Akasha System. Archaic relics, automatons, long lost languages, surely you must hold even the thinnest sliver of information on them. Beyond all this, you're a perfect specimen to dissect.
And yet.
The thought of slicing your flesh raises bile in his throat. He feels an anger with cruel intensity course through his veins. His ice cold heart squeezes as your tears coat soak past his shirt. He couldn't care less about people's feelings but seeing your pain awakens an unruly beast in him.
Zandik pulls you impossibly closer, teeth gritting against each other. His breath is hot against your neck as he speaks so lowly you're not sure you were supposed to hear it.
"Those cretin had no forethought in disposing of such an intelligent and exquisite creature. Together, we will find every answer we seek. No knowledge shall be out of our grasps."
-
If only either of you knew what the words each of you spoke would lead to.
---
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Published: 09 October 2022
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rhas-writes · 1 year
Text
little star — diluc 。
synopsis!! a twist on Diluc never coming home so you have to manually get him yourself and spoil him. sagau themes. isekai reader.
cw !! gn reader, reader is peak diluc simp 😐 somewhat self-aware characters, mild sagau themes (not too much), reader is recognized as the player, reader is a little shy at first. angst with reverse comfort!
note !! the plot feels a little everywhere but i tried to organize it as best as i can, i think i got carried away eheh honestly doesn't feel up to my standards but it was pretty enjoyable to write
word count !! 2.8k something
"No, it's definitely Outrider Amber, she was the first to ever be favored."
"Are you kidding me? Outrider Amber may be the first, but sir Kaeya was definitely loved. Have you seen the sword he was gifted with?" One growls.
"It's the Acting Grand Master Jean!" Someone slams the table with his beer mug, "Twice was she bestowed with fallen stars of gold."
"I'd say that wolf boy in the woods seem lucky."
"It has to be Bennett. I don't know why but that kid has two crowns! Two!"
"You're all missing out on Miss Lisa!"
"Stop, stop! You rowdy drunks! Every vision holder in Mond has been granted favor, this is just impossible to decide!"
There was a pause. "Well. . . not every." Someone mumbles under their breath.
"Not every? Who's the poor allogene that couldn't even get the Player's favo—" Shushing sounds break his sentence, the men glare at their companion, pointing to the redhead behind the bar.
It's useless, really.
Diluc has been listening in the entire time. He can't really help it when their voices were loud enough to reach where he stood. Still, he was merciful and pretended not to hear. He's not exactly bothered by what they're saying. It was the truth, after all.
For two years, vision holders all around Teyvat were being granted favor.
It often begins with a meteor shower gracing the sky.
A star gently falling into the hands of a vision holder, embracing them in warm light.
They call the ethereal sensation as something akin to "coming home".
The favored would then be given different things; quality weapons, enhanced abilities, beautiful crowns— Some allogenes were even gifted summer apparel (Mondstadt is proud that their Gunnhildr sisters were one of the very first). Even their equipped wings would change into ornamented works of art!
It's been two years, and it seems like every allogene he knows of has received the Player's grace.
He supposed he just wasn't favored. It isn't too difficult to believe that he isn't likable.
He convinces himself it's fine.
It's fine if his summoned weapon is a cheap claymore made of scrap metal. It's still efficient to have the extra blade while he manually carries around another claymore (commissioned from Wagner as the best money could buy). Or that his abilities can only be improved through hardwork, unlike the many who broke the limits of their power through your favor.
It's fine.
As the bar goers leave for the night, as Venti and Kaeya wave around their almost divine-looking five-star weapons to show the crowd, and as he's closing up the tavern and retreating to his upstair quarters for comfort, he convinces himself that the he'll be okay on his own.
The arrival of the Creator was festive and grand; The day the sky parted itself and glowed as the brightest of all stars fell with grace into Mondstadt's very own Windrise.
Teyvat rejoices in the ecstatic ideal of being loved.
A meeting of vision holders was quickly held in the Cathedral, discussing immediate plans as some of the most favored (Venti, Jean, Kaeya, Albedo to name a few) went ahead to fetch the Creator from the large tree.
While Diluc was often the center of any other meeting due to his authority and influence, this was something he chose to step back from. Standing by the windows, away from the meeting, he watched on as Eula and the rest conversed around the circular table.
He isn't even sure why he's invited. Perhaps they felt it was obligatory for vision holders, regardless of favorability? Then again, he could always offer a fraction of his mountain-loads of wealth to help with the festivities.
At least he's competent at being a wallet.
As the others pull out their crowns and stars, weapons and artifacts, eager to thank the one responsible for the gifts, an unknown emotion bubbles in his stomach. It's faint, but it's there.
He tries to look away.
"Everyone, everyone! They're entering the gates!" Fischl announces uncharacteristically to the room as her eye glows brightly, undoubtedly looking through Oz's eyes from the sky.
"We should wait by the statue to welcome them, right?" Barbara chirps in, hands clasped and wavy hair bouncing with every step.
Diluc watches as people steadily leave the room, following last as they walk down the steps to greet the approaching group. Some civilians gathered to see the scene, others didn't really understand what a Player or Creator was to a vision holder, while Diluc—
Diluc stood by the steps to see them crowd around you.
You, surrounded with words of gratitude and cheerful squeals. He sees the smile on your face and feels relief that you don't seem too overwhelmed.
He leaves the area without a second thought.
He doesn't exactly see you around the next few days. With Mondstadt celebrating a new festival, the taverns were always full and busy with customers (both local and foreign). You were probably busy too, spending time with the different allogenes and entertaining those who came from Liyue to meet you. He's heard of a funeral consultant with three crowns (are consultants that admirable of a job to you?) and an adeptus gifted with various five-star polearms (this was understandable for the adepti, unlike the consultant).
He doesn't expect to see you at all until you leave for the next nation, honestly.
That is, until the tavern settles into a more peaceful atmosphere and Jean rushes in with several other allogenes. It's unusual to see his childhood friend in the tavern; still, he greets her amicably and asks what brings her here.
"(Name) will be coming here soon with Kaeya and a few others. It's a little impromptu, but we were hoping for a place to settle in with drinks. Perhaps try some apple cider." She smiles, taking a seat by the bar.
(Name)? Jean was already on a first name basis with the Creator?
Diluc thinks perhaps Jean truly is the favorite, she does have a few golden stars in her home.
Somehow, it's not surprising at all to know that his apple cider was famous enough to drag you in. At least there's something about the Dawn Winery in your favor. He promptly gets his employees to work, clearing a few tables near the bar, rearranging the furniture to give space good enough for a group.
Your entrance into the bar was just as lively; with your favored allogenes chatting away with you, everyone falling into place at different parts of the tavern, ordering drinks and meals.
He's glad you enjoy apple cider.
You're trying to play it cool, really. Trying your best not to get overexcited and glomp everyone and everything.
You're taking things step by step as you converse with Jean, Lisa, and Albedo; as you share meals with Barbara and Sucrose; as you play with Klee and Diona; tour the city with Fischl and Bennett. There's plenty of time to meet everyone and your schedule has been filled to the brim with all the fun your having.
You'll see that glimpse of red hair again— one that was lingering by the Cathedral staircase. Diluc doesn't like crowds, so it's fine that he isn't approaching you. It's also fine that he hasn't visited at least once, unlike the several raging from Liyue to Sumeru who took the journey to meet you early.
Diluc is too busy a person to meet you; whether it's because of the winery or his darknight hero duties, you wouldn't dare take his time.
— but when are you supposed to give him all the gifts you've brought for him???
Your determination to build him up in one go, from Talent levels to Constellations to Artifacts and Weaponry, all came down to this moment — and the man was simply nowhere to be seen!
An unknowingly loud sigh escapes your lips, catching the attention of the Cavalry Captain next to you.
"Now, what's got our (Name) so down in the dumps?" Kaeya hums, glancing at your face as you stutter a response.
"Aah it's not that, it's just. . ."
Your brother is too busy, I just want to meet him!!
"I'm thirsty." You deflect, looking around for a stall. The streets of Mond were nothing like the minimized version you see in the game; with the city being ten times larger than what you remembered it to be.
"Oh! Oh! Klee suggests apple cider!" The little girl giggles, running around your legs in excitement, "Angel's Share is nearby and big brother Albedo alwaaays takes me there for apple cider!"
Angel's Share. Bartender. A great idea has appeared!
At the excited look on your face, Jean walks up ahead of you.
"Why don't I go and inform the tavern to prepare us a space first, it would save us the waiting time."
"That would be great, Jean!"
You hope you aren't being too obvious.
With the way your eyes would linger on him, casting side glances and hoping he would greet you to strike up a conversation, the way most allogenes do. You didn't want to abruptly disturb his work, nor do you want seem desperate, so you waited for his initiative.
Yet, Diluc lingers just a little outside your group's circle. Your food and drinks were refilled by Charles, you've talked with nearly everyone but the person you want to talk to.
"It's getting pretty late, we should head home for the night." Someone suggests.
What?
No!
"Hm? Do you still have something in mind?" Kaeya asks. You realized you said it out loud, catching the attention of nearby patrons.
With a frantic glance around the tavern, your eyes make contact with Diluc's. He pauses as well, wondering what caused your little outburst.
You are definitely not leaving, not when you don't know when you could catch Diluc in his free time again! You'd be leaving for Liyue by then!
Hands slamming the table to stand up and with a small burst of courage, you approach the bartender who turns away from Charles. He raises an eyebrow at your approach. It's odd the way you feel flustered and nervous, finally facing him.
Pausing just in front of him, he looks on curiously.
"Would you like a refill?" He asks.
"A-ah no, I mean, yes but that's not why I'm here. I. . ." You stutter, stumbling over your words as you try not to behave awkwardly. Should you start with a casual topic?
"You seem to be quite busy." You say.
Diluc blinks. He isn't sure what you're implying. Neither is Kaeya or Jean, who stopped to look at the exchange of words.
"I suppose. . . but as a winery, we do thrive in impromptu festivities." He replies curtly before realizing, was it rude that he never visited the Creator?
"Ah, is it my lack of visit? I apologize, I would have visited but it seems that you were quite satisfied with your favorites and-"
"No, no, no," You wave your hand, cutting him off, "I understand you're busy. You don't have to visit at all! How could I take your time— wait," You pause, recalling his words.
"Favorites?" You tilt your head, "What do you mean I seemed satisfied with my favorites? What do you mean by favorites?"
"Your favorites... allogenes who received your favor. Those you have granted gifts."
Your jaw laxes. Favorites? They decided you play favorites based on how much you've built them?
"You think. . ." You say carefully, not wanting to hurt anyone's feelings, "That I offer gifts to my favorites?"
Diluc nods slowly, unsure of your questioning.
Although it would be a lie to say you didn't have your personal favorites, it would still be inaccurate that it's based on gifts. After all, you built everyone who came home by chance. As an avid player, you did your best to farm and push everyone to their full potential.
Diluc, however, never came home no matter how much you wanted him to. It can't be possible that he doesn't know how much he is loved, right?
"Then what about you?" You blurt out, "How do you think I view you?"
He stares at you oddly. At this point, many around you had stopped to tune in. Everyone knew Master Diluc never received your favor, so why are you conversing with him?
Meanwhile, Diluc wonders if you want him to admit it. Must he say it in front of everyone how he never received gifts?
"I suppose. . . I'm not one of them. It's quite understandable. I don't intend to question your judgement—"
"What?" You exclaim, a look of shock crosses your face, "You think I don't like you?" Voice raised in disbelief, you feel the eyes of many turning to watch the scene.
Diluc mirrors your confusion.
"I can't believe you would– no, that isn't it at all!" You stutter over your words, a frantic need to prove him wrong goes through you, "You— you of all people!"
"Me?" He repeats.
"I've always wanted you!"
A silence settles over the tavern. Did you have to put it so bluntly? You freeze in shock at your own words. Diluc's expression of disbelief turns flustered, face turning as red as his hair.
Explain yourself.
"I- I mean, I've always wanted you to come home. Ever since the start, really! It's just that you never did-"
"Hmm... so it implies that it's out of your control, correct?" Kaeya piqued, looking on curiously. He's been listening in the entire time. You nod your head.
"Yes! It's a game of chance for me as well. It's not to say that favor is an accident, I truly wanted everyone to come home! It's just that—" You turn to Diluc, "You never did, no matter how much I wanted you to. How was I supposed to give you your gifts?"
Diluc snaps out of his shock, blinking at you, "Gifts?"
"Yes, gifts! I've been saving them up for you, ever since the start." You pause, shyly looking away, "When I said I wanted you since the beginning I meant it. I came here for you, after all."
He looks at you in disbelief, and probably half the tavern as well. You can't help the small chuckle from your lips. With an outstretched hand, something materializes between you. It glows a blinding golden light, before settling to reveal–
"Wolf's Gravestone. It's a weapon for you."
You didn't have to say it— anyone with eyes could see how it was practically made for Diluc. With large handles and a color scheme that matches his own, Wolf's gravestone doesn't look as divine or ethereal as the other weapons you've gifted, but it looked just as powerful, if not menacing.
With a gesture, Diluc grips the handle.
"Fits like a glove." Kaeya whistles, impressed. As does the rest of the tavern who stopped to stare.
Suddenly, flames burst forth from the weapon. It sears and glows red. Unlike the common claymore that can't handle the the prowess of Diluc's flames, Wolf's Gravestone embraces it. Like an extension of his own hand.
He breaks his gaze away from the weapon to look at you.
"Thank you. . ." He mutters softly, but it's genuine. You smile.
"That's not the last of it, you know."
"What?"
With another flick of your hand, artifacts and talent books materialize. They flow around him like a dance as more and more begin to appear, lighting up the tavern like the night sky.
"I told you I brought gifts!"
All the days spent farming for him and other pyro characters finally paid off. The glimmering artifacts reflected in his own red eyes as he stares, entranced.
Favor did not come to him in meteor showers like it did to the other allogenes; rather, it came to him in your form. Proof of him being loved. The spectacle continued— after the artifacts and talent levels were the constellation (the crowd ooh'ed and aah'ed at the sight), then came the five star apparel (a nostalgic sight to him, and it changed his flames to a darker red), and the ascension materials you passed off as trinkets.
By the end of it, he had a hand over his lower face, his red bangs hid just the ends of his eyes. "I just thought I wasn't that favorable. . ." He muttered and you leaned in to peek at his covered face, wondering why he was shying away.
But it was evident to the tavern— the pink dusted ears, the flushed cheeks, and the overwhelming emotion in his eyes. Diluc Ragnvindr was flustered, and it's a sight enough to make even the drunks place down their beers for a closer look.
You bit your lip, trying to prevent the widest of smiles, "Do you believe yourself loved now?" You ask and he gives the faintest of nods.
"Thank you," He says, "For favoring me."
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note !! THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE a very short brainrot that became a fic huhuhuhu
I don't often write creator sagau themes but here we are! this is like peak diluc simpery idk ive never been this down for a man. i wrote this immediately after getting his skin i just got so excited 😅 I wanted to spoil him so bad (but i gave all his mats to thoma before he came home :< )
taglist !! @absolut-wildflower @boundedbyfate @sadlonelybagel @eissaaaa @ladycoleigh @nejibot @milkypompon @bloodreaper08 @irethepotato @x-zho @roriver @mich-cola @mxsomn @ackrylik @nicebonescomrade @starforecasts @stygianoir @yuminako @eccedentesiast-sapphic @nebulaera @nuttytani @klutzkat @shizunxie
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