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#down the anchor! | ( ooc )
endawn · 2 months
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oblivion/deadlands = the fade
oblivion gates = rifts
sigil stones = foci/orbs
mythic dawn = venatori
mankar camoran = cory dory
mehrunes dagon = powerful demon lord
do you see where im going with this for reworking his da verse
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rogaire · 9 months
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How it feels like waking up in the middle of this heatwave:
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retired-yowane · 8 months
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Eleanor Forte Showcase
Wanted to spread some love for my favourite vocal synth! So here are some of my favourite songs and covers sung by Eleanor Forte!
ANCHOR - original - my favourite Eleanor song
youtube
You spin me right round (like a record) - Cover
youtube
OUT OF TOUCH THURSDAY
youtube
Shifting - Original
youtube
There is a light and it never goes out - Cover
youtube
Goodbye Miss Flower Thief - Cover
youtube
Schrödinger's Case - Original
youtube
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pluviacuratio-a · 9 months
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♣ MMMMMM
farmer au making a comeback maybe?
👀 coral island/stardew valley... maybe even animal crossing... hmmmm.
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rogaire-a · 2 years
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Honestly, to take Shay's loyality for granted is the biggest mistake someone could ever make. This man has got his own morals, and he will always follow them; no matter what. You will never find Shay fully devoted on something/someone. If he is; then it means that his goals are aligned with said person/organisation.
#DOWN THE ANCHOR // OOC#once his goals/morals don't align with this person anymore; don't be surprised if he turns his back on you#this is what happened with the assassins / he saw how the assassins preached about protecting the lives of the innocent#but it took him Lisbon to realise that they will literally do anything to reach their ends / even breaking their own creed /#now; about the Templars / Shay found out that his goals align with those of the templars because of Monro / because it wasn't even remotely#in Shay's mind to join the Templars#when he meets Monro he thinks him of nothing more but a landlord who wants to take profit from the colonies and its people#but Monro tells him that his purpose is to keep people safe-thing that Shay will never cease of doing no matter his affilations#now I know there was some corruption / because the Templars aren't saints and we all know that#but Monro showed Shay plenty of times that he fully meant what he said / because words are a thing but actions are what really bring change#and most important of all- he gave Shay the free will to choose#He didn't immediately introduce himself as a member of the Templar Order because of Shay's former affilations#but when he did reveal himself to Shay ( tho I believe Shay realised that already- he's a himbo but not tHAT MUCH hbfr ) that was when Shay#realised that his goals align with the templars#or Monro; in that matter; but Monro is a templar#and this was when he also realised that not all templars are the same.#again I think it's all a matter of idealsand how you decided to preach your 'creed'#because it's always easy to say that ' the assassins are the good guys ' but if you think about it#their methods aren't that much  different from the Templars#there are actually templars that TRULY care about the lives of the people#regardless of their affilations#that's why you might always find Shay in conflict because not all templars are like Monro#so if you want to have Shay's trust you have to make sure that his goals align with yours#just because you're a templar that doesn't automatically mean that Shay trusts you
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thedevilssinner · 6 months
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I wanna share something because I don't want to suffer alone with my thoughts 😅
It's one of the scenarios where Tav knew Astarion before he was turned, but I've never read anything where it played out like this.
I apologize if something is wrong, English is not my native language.
Imagine that Tav is an elf and Astarion's lover before he was turned.
They're devastated when they finds out that Astarion has been killed. Mourning his death for a very long time and even moving away from Baldur's gate because everything reminds them too much of Astarion.
They know that all their happiness and love are gone. No one can fill the void that Astarion's death has brought them.
And now, two hundred years later, they stand on the beach, the sun beating down on their head, the burning Nautiloid at their back and before them... Astarion?
Only it's all wrong, his eyes are red and he's pale... paler than he's ever been.
Anger rises up in Tav. How dare some shapeshifter even take on Astarion's form after their beloved has been dead for 200 years?
And do a bad job at it!
Before the pale creature could even call for help again, Tav lunged at him with an angry cry, surprising the imitation and truckling it to the ground, dagger pressed to it's throat while they straddled his body. "How dare you?! How dare you to take his form?! Show me who you really are... now!" They command, surprising even themselves with their actions. But they couldn't stop... not when someone is using Astarion's face for gods knows what.
"Darling, there seems to have been a little misunderstanding. I don't know what you're talking about, and I'd appreciate it if you'd remove the dagger from my neck." The shapeshifter replies, his voice smooth and flirtatious and so unmistakably Astarion's that it hurts, and Tav presses the dagger a little harder against his neck.
"Shut up, shapeshifter!" Tav shouts at him, gaze anchored on that so familiar yet different face. "Where did you even get his face?! His voice?!" They ask angrily, the hand holding the dagger starting to shake. "You have no rights to pretend you're Astarion when he's... when he's gone. And to do it badly!" They continue, still angry but deep seated sadness linger behind.
The shapeshifter's eyes widen, opening his mouth as if he wants to say something, Tav noticing the fangs there and even worse idea that him being a shapeshifter, starts to creep into their mind.
"Tav?" Fake Astarion finally speaks, saying their name as if he were saying it for the first time in a long time, tasting it on his lips. The previous flirting gone. Instead he looked confused and as if just now he remembered something that was hidden in his mind. "You are them, aren't you? Gods, how could I forget... so beautiful." His red eyes glide along Tav's face, his voice nothing than a whisper. He's clearly lost in his head and Tav swallows thickly, realisation slowly grasping their mind but they fight against it.
"No, stop! Stop it! You can't be him. You can't... he's dead and your eyes are wrong. You're wrong." Tav says, their body starting to shake all over, threatening to cut him by mistake with the dagger still against his neck.
But now it's easy for 'the shapeshifter' to take Tav's wrist and move their hand away from his neck, easily wrenching the dagger from their fingers and tossing it aside. His lips stretch into a sad smile.
"That's what vampirism do to you, my love." Astarion says ever so softly, the deepest pain and sadness etched in his voice and Tav knows, feels it in their soul, that he is telling the truth.
So that's how Tav meets Astarion again, this encounter more painful and bittersweet than anything else.
They stay on the beach for a little while, Tav crying their heart out and Astarion trying to hold back his own tears. Both of them not expecting something like this to happen.
(Sorry if Astarion seems ooc.)
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xo-cod · 3 months
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would you write something about casual intimacy with simon please??🥹🫠
i'm in love with casual intimacy :") hope you enjoy babe <33 i couldn't pick one so i did a bunch but lmk if you'd like a specific scenario 🤍
rushed/ooc as usual.
affection and attention had been something the masked soldier had struggled with for years. he naturally had been closed off and reserved at the start, he didn't care much for intimacy having never truly finding it in his life. but when you entered his life, it'd all changed him completely
simon riley who disliked being caught in hugs and being squeezed, who grew to become incredibly uncomfortable and awkward around hugs and physical touch now came home from a long and hard day of work to actively seek you out and just collapse onto you in a heap, cuddling you close to his chest falling asleep on you. feeling as safe as ever between your arms
simon riley who was an incredibly observant man, who was known on picking up on the small habits others around him did even if they weren't aware of it casually and silently handing you glasses of water or food throughout the day because he knows you might tend to forget or you didn't have a good habit of remembering when to do so.
simon riley who had an intelligent yet busy mind, filled to the brim of placements on how to take down the target as efficiently as possible and how better to inflict the worst torture on his enemy carried space to memorise your coffee/tea order, making sure it was just the right temperature for you to drink and the correct amount of sweetener (or none) so you didn't have to top up
simon riley who everytime you both spoke couldn't help but fidget slightly with you purely out of love. who noticed everytime a strand had been out of place and delicately brushing it back as you spoke to him, continuing to listen intently but making sure your hair remained as perfect as ever
simon riley who was a natural born leader and protector, who lead his team along with price through countless battles and ensuring every last of his men came back to safety now couldn't stop protecting you no matter what. holding your hand securely with his fingers toying with yours or a gentle hand on the small of your back guiding you through the crowd of the streets, keeping you safe and close by at all times
simon riley who didn't laugh much through his youth or a fair share of his adulthood, never being able to find that connection and keeping to himself now gently nudged your calf with his foot under the table everytime soap and gaz did something stupid knowing it was funny but wouldn't give them the ego boost so he kept it to you solely. or his linking his foot with yours from the opposite side even if it was unknowingly because his body craved your warmth, some part of him having to touch you no matter what
or simon riley who was incredibly strong and who scoffed at the sight of couples, who thought he didn't need someone else now enjoyed resting his head gently on your lap whenever he had the chance. his fingers laced with yours as he brought the back of your palm for a soft kiss, still not used to the fact that you were his and he was yours.
simon riley loved different than most, initially he had been too worried to even reciprocate any feelings because he was damaged. some parts of his past couldn't be healed and he swore up and down he could never do to uou what his father did to his mother. some days were easy and others were hard, some days he sought out your touch other days he needed to be alone for a while to decompress.
but even in those silent moments, there was love.
he learnt that perhaps love itself didn't have to be made of grand gestures or explosive displays. it didn't have to be chaotic and mind numbing, it didn't have to be so terrifying and confusing. you were the anchor keeping him steady and grounded
love was made up of the little things and simon was so full of them, he might've not been the most romantic person in the whole world but he was always there and he cared for you in ways that couldn't fully explain himself. it took months of him adjusting around you, it took time to fully trust and let you in, to break down the walls that guarded his heart so fiercely but your life had intertwined so deeply with his, his heart was yours simply all along.
he thanked his lucky stars everyday when it came to you because he didn't have to pretend or make a charade, this love came easy. your love came easy and it wasn't for a price it wasn't something you snatched and dangled in front of him only to watch him fall and break. you kept him steady and in return, he cherished you well.
you truly were the other half to his soul <3
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How to hug your Hunting Dog
Self-Aware! Hunting Dogs x GN! Reader
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Description: You never expected, that living with BSD Cast will unravel the hidden truth about you. The truth is, that, apperently, you are a total cuddlebug. And no one complain about it.
Fluff.
Warning: OOC. English is my second language
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You were sitting on the floor, looking at the fire, that was burning in the fireplace.
You were sitting between Tetchou's legs. Your head was resting against his chest. Tetchou took a blanket from the couch and lifted it over you two. Then, one of his arms shakes around your midsection. The second arm shakes around your chest.
If someone asked you to describe, how it feels to hug Tetchou Suehiro, you would offer them to make a statue from wood and stone and hug it. And don't forget to make the statue to have a built-in heater, that is always on max temperature.
While, you do exaggerate, it was partly true.
Tetchou was all mussels. There were not a single strap of loose flesh in his body. Bodybuilders in this world will give up everything, to have a body, similar to Tetchou's. His 'normal training routine' would be considered an over the top obsessive training regiment by all others.
But, despite everything, he still feels soft enough. He was a living, breathing person, of course his body would be soft.
And he made you feel safe in his embrace.
His arms, that you knew, could crush stone, were holding you close to his chest. His hold, while firm, was gentle. Like you were the most important treasure in the world.
When you two cuddle at night, he always intertwined his legs with yours. He said that that way no one would be able to steal you.
Tetchou Suehiro is warm. Extremely warm. You don't need a blanket, when you are cuddling with him. His body heat engulf your body, calming you. Making you feel safe.
Tetchou, after giving you a little squeeze, rubs his cheek against the top of your head.
Tetchou loves to rub his cheek or nose against the top of your head, your temples or your cheeks. Sometimes your sleep is interrupted by Tetchou, rubbing his nose against your temple, or rubbing his cheek against your neck. Because, according to Tetchou, you looked lonely in your sleep, so he decided to send you his love in your dream.
After rubbing his cheek against your head for a few more moments, Tetchou put his chin on the top of your head. He squeezed you one more time.
The warmth and coziness makes you feel sleepy. Tetchou's presence makes you feel safe.
And reminds you, that you aren't alone.
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You lay on your bed. On your stomach. Both of your eyes are closed.
Saigiku Jouno laying down next to you, his head is resting against your shoulder blades.
Your phone with dual headphone jack lay next to your pillow. Jouno and you listen to audiobook. You often do it while cuddling.
Jouno change his pose a little and pull you closer to him.
If someone asked you to describe, how it feels to hug Saigiku Jouno, you would tell about warmth and firmness, about steady heartbeat and calm breath, about aroma of apples and coffee. But, you won't tell about colors.
Because you keep your eyes closed, when you cuddle with Jouno.
It seems right.
His senses help him, when he cuddles you.
Your heartbeat shows him, what to do next. Squeeze you, play with your hair, pet your back or kiss your nose.
You don't have senses as sharp as his. You simply listen to his heartbeat, tracing your fingertips up and down his arm or back.
Jouno changes his position again.
Now he is spooning you. His body pressed against yours. His arms start massaging your shoulders. He nuzzles the back of your neck.
You smile and grab his left arm, giving it a squeeze. Jouno chukles and intertwine his fingers with yours.
Hugging Jouno Saigiku feels like having an anchor, that will always be with you, even in complete darkness.
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Your room is dark. The only source of light is your laptop, that you're using now to play a game.
Right now, you are laying in the middle of the pillow fort you and Tachihara made. He is laying next to you, both of your bodies are pressed tightly against each other.
The Fort isn't very spacious. You and Tachihara had to snug very close to each other. You two resemble newborn kittens, that snuggle to each other for warmth.
Michizou Tachihara observes, how you're playing, nuzzling your neck from time to time, closing his eyes in a bliss.
You don't pay much attention to him, lost in a game.
Tachihara wiggles a little and place his hands on top of yours, not letting you push control buttons anymore. You turn your neck, so one eye faces him.
He grins and maneuver his body to lay on top of yours. He moved his arm only to shut your laptop down.
Now the room was completely dark. Sighing in defeat, you lay your head down.
You feel Tachihara's breath on the back of your neck, when he nuzzles it one last time, before closing his eyes.
Hugging Tachihara feels like hugging the embodiment of care. Someone, that reminds you to take care of yourself.
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You're still not sure, how Teruko manage to convince you to go to a small camping trip.
But, you are pretty sure, that she didn't expect that night will be that cold, so you two have to share both tent and sleeping bag.
Teruko Okura lays face to face with you. She presses the tip of her nose against yours, forces you to look into her reddish pink eyes.
With a sly smile on her lips, Teruko pull you closer to her. Now your face pressed against her chest, her arms wrapped around your chest and her legs intertwined with hers.
Teruko loves to spoon you. She admitted, that that way she makes sure, that you are safe and sound. That you are here.
Teruko tilt her head a little and her hair fall down on your face. You feel a scent of raspberry.
You wrapped your arms around Teruko's midsection.
Both of you are warm. Both of you are safe.
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Hugging Teruko Okura feels like being surrounded by a protective presence. Like be in a place, that will never let any worries come and get you.
The movie was on. And you, wrapped in a blanket, was cuddling with Fukuchi.
Fukuchi Ouchi lay on his side behind you. With one hand draped over your shoulders, he pressed his chest against your back.
Your head is laying on Fukuchi's second hand, that is outstretched towards the TV.
Fukuchi pressed his nose behind your ear and softly nuzzles you. His hand, that he was hugging you with, slowly moved towards your face and playfully pinched your nose.
You pout and try to move your face away. Fukuchi's laughter fill your ears. While it's not his normal booming laughter, it's still a little bit loud.
Fukuchi moved his face closer to your cheek, nuzzling it. His mustache tickles.
His arm is now stroking your side.
For a few minutes, Fukuchi continue nuzzling your face and caress your side.
Then he put his chin back on the top of your head.
You rubbed your head under his chin. Fukuchi let out a sigh and hold you closer to him. After some movement, he is laying on his back, and you are laying on top of him.
The gaze of his vibrant purple eyes is soft.
His hands start caressing your face.
He is scratching behind your ears, running his hands down your head and neck. He squishes your cheeks a few times.
It's a miracle, that Fukuchi Ouchi can be that soft.
It might look silly from the outside, but, it Fukuchi's way to remind you, that you are loved. That you are needed. That he is there for you.
Hugging Fukuchi Ouchi feels like hugging a force of nature, that will do anything, to show you, that you are loved.
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zepp-l1n · 10 months
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His Anchor
Pairing: Kaz Brekker x Fem!reader
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summary: sometimes Kaz needs a comforting presence. fic type - angst, hurt/comfort, established relationship warning - Kaz's haphephobia and trauma :(, also a little ooc Kaz at the end?? word count - 1,494 a/n: hiii! hope you guys enjoy!
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It wasn't unusual for Kaz to get overwhelmed and slip into one of his episodes. Too much time spent in interactions, physical or not, would cause him to feel the water rise up his spine and start to consume him. In the past during times like these, Kaz would run off and lock himself into his room. No one was to come in, and no one was to go out. Now things were different. Now he had (Y/N).
The girl had become apart of his team of Crows early on, but it wasn't until a little while ago that the two crossed into a relationship status past friends (one that Kaz refused to call "lovers" due to his hatred for visible weaknesses). Since they had reached this point, the two had been working on trying to break down Kaz's walls. Understandably, the couple had been taking it slow, and didn't try to go to far out of Kaz's comfort zone.
So far, they had managed to make some progress. The first step had been hand holding in short time frames - which was okay, with or without gloves.
Next had been opening up about Kaz's childhood. (Y/N) still didn't know much, due to the fact that she didn't want to push him to far to fast, but it was enough for her to understand where he was coming from. Now, when he had the episodes, she was right there with him - staying far enough away so to not make it worse, but close enough that he wouldn't have to go through it alone. She was now his savior, pulling him back to shore when the waters threatened to drown him. And he needed that safety, especially in moments like these.
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Kaz was crouched in the corner of his room. His goal had been to huddle up on his bed where he would be more comfortable, but the waves had become to much for him to go any farther. All he could see was Jordie. All he could see was Jordie. There was no escaping him. He could feel the cold hands of Jordie and the others gripping at his body.
Kaz had been alone in his study when the attack hit him, so he didn't have far to go to hide away. Unbeknownst to him, (Y/N) had seen his shaken form enter his room. She subtly excused herself from the conversation she was having with Nina and Matthias, and calmly made her way to the room. Inside, her brain was running a mile a minuet. She knew how bad Kaz could get sometimes, and she could only hope that he was alright.
Inside the room, the boy had curled into himself farther, trying to get any slight piece of relief. He was too far into his own head that he didn't notice (Y/N)'s knock on his door, nor did he notice her enter the room.
"Kaz?" she quietly called out. Her gaze drifted to the boy on the ground - the boy she had grown to truly care about. She could tell he was hyperventilating, a common occurrence during these episodes, but his breathing was far more erratic than usual. "Kaz, sweetheart?" (Y/N) closed in on the boy, arms cautiously open and outstretched. Kaz still didn't notice her. Once more, she stepped towards him. "Kaz, I need you to listen to me, okay?"
His gloved hands were painfully clasped around his shoulders. He couldn't take in anything other than the water and Jordie. Nothing else seemed to be real.
(Y/N)'s hands reached for Kaz's. She didn't know what she was planning on doing, but she knew that she needed to bring him out of the episode fast, for his sanity and hers. "I'm here Kaz." she mumbled, soft hands winding around the leather she had become happily accustomed to. "You're safe. You're here with me." Her words and movements were gradually becoming more frantic. While keeping one hand on his, she brought the other back to herself for a moment. She knew that holding him anywhere else was way past the boundaries they had broken, and although it could possibly help, she wasn't sure if it would make things off between them afterwards.
A broken gasp brought (Y/N)'s attention back to the boy in front of her. Kaz's chest was rapidly heaving, trying to take in unnecessary amounts of air. His already shaking body seemed to increase in speed. She needed to do something, and fast.
(Y/N) knew that even the slightest bit of cold flesh may send him farther into his episode, so she quickly pulled both hands away and started rubbing them together to get some friction. Once they were as warm as she could get them, (Y/N) placed her hands onto his body - the left cradling his neck, and the right caressing his face. She pulled his body tight against hers, resting his head on her clothed chest. From this angle he would be able to hear her madly-paced heartbeat. "Kaz, darling, please." she loudly begged.
In Kaz's head, and behind Jordie's angry yells, he started to hear a steady 'thump'. Warmth enveloped his face and neck, pushing away some of the violent waves.
Soft cries started to leave the girls mouth. She couldn't help the frustrated and scared tears misting over her eyes, or the overly panicked thoughts rushing through her head.
Kaz could feel the waves dying down, but he still couldn't get away from the cold and damp feeling of the death he experienced. The thumping was still a steady tune, pulsing through the back of his conscience. He knew something or someone was there, but he couldn't get away.
"I'm here." her choked words returned to their former softness, but still repeated rapidly, as if speaking them over and over would bring him out of his trance. "Please..."
The thumping grew louder, and faster in pace. Whatever it was, Kaz was sure would burst in minuets. It echoed in his mind, blocking out Jordie's yells - blocking out the smell of sea water and the feeling of water filling his lungs. Then came the call of a soft a familiar voice - one that he could recognize and point out within all of the crowds in Ketterdam. (Y/N). The dark haze started to clear from his mind, letting him take in the sight of the girl holding him.
For a moment everything stopped. It was as if Kaz was someone else - as if he hadn't lost Jordie, or been dumped with the other bodies, or as if he could freely touch anything and anyone he wanted. He felt the soft skin pressing on his neck and face, and subconsciously leaned into it. Fresh tears streamed from his eyes, coming into contact with the soft skin he now adored, and he couldn't help but let out matching whimpers and cries of his own.
A soft gasp sounded from about him, "Kaz!" He could feel the girl start to pull away, the feeling of her warmth leaving his cold body, and he swiftly pulled her back.
"Stay." his broken voice whispered. "I'm sorry." Her heartbeat rang in his ears, proving to him that she was real, not some body he was forcefully sat beside.
"Don't be," she hoarsely muttered. "You have nothing to apologize for. Not to me." Her right hand ran over the rough skin of his cheek, brushing against the small scars that littered the area.
"I do." his voice vibrated against her shoulder. "You shouldn't have to deal with this."
(Y/N) pulled his face away from her, and used her hands to force his stare back in her direction. "Kaz Brekker, don't start with that. I am here - to help, to hold, to get you through the unnecessary suffering. I will be here every step of the way." Her voice never raised above a whisper.
"But-" he started, but (Y/N) cut him off.
"No. I will be here. I will be your tether back to reality, whenever I am needed. I will bring you back to me - back to the crows - back to yourself. We will get through this. One day, things will get better. One day, I will have you, without your armor. But until then, I will be with you every step of the way." (Y/N)'s eyes pierced into his own throughout her entire speech. Her words and look were enough to render Kaz, for the first time, speechless.
Kaz leaned forward, securing himself back into her arms. He didn't know how much longer this moment would last, or how much longer he'd be able to hold her without feeling the need to throw up, but he knew she would wait as long as it took for him to be free of his fears and hold her like this always. He knew that he had her. he finally had his anchor, and he wasn't letting it go.
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lovercomeback · 4 months
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nightmares | lucy gray baird
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summary; the hunger games haunts lucy gray at night. you’ve made it your mission to keep those dreams away
warnings; angst with comfort, probably ooc!lucy gray tbh
a/n; i accidentally deleted this and had to rewrite it so it’s a little bad cause i was getting frustrated tbh 😭
word count; 0.7k
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when lucy gray came back to district twelve, it had been the best day of your life. the memory of her running towards you and embracing you tightly has stayed with you every night since.
you were sick of waking up in the middle of the night, craving the warmth of her body next to yours. the uncertainty of not knowing whether she would come back home felt like a heavy weight on your shoulders.
so, on the first night back, when lucy gray had shared your bed, you were wide awake. you wanted to soak in the moment as you gazed at the delicate curve of her nose, her sharp jawline, and her soft lips.
your arms were around her waist, her chest pressed against yours. it was a chilly night, and you could feel the breeze coming in through the small gap in your open window.
lucy gray shifted, and you watched her for a moment, but she remained asleep. after another few minutes, you decided that you should try and get at least a few hours of sleep, otherwise you’d be exhausted in the morning.
closing your eyes, you relaxed against lucy gray. your body was already growing heavy as you laid there, and you knew it wouldn’t be long before you fell asleep.
you weren’t sure how much time had passed when you began to hear a quiet whimpering near your ear. the sound of lucy gray’s quiet murmurs disturbed your peaceful sleep. your eyes slowly fluttered open, squinting as they tried to make out her face in the dark.
you watched lucy gray, concern replacing any vestiges of sleep. you placed your hand against her face, your thumb lightly stroking jaw.
“no…please…” lucy gray mumbled, her eyebrows scrunched together and her hands gripping at your shirt. her body was trembling, her breaths coming out in uneven bursts.
“lucy gray,” you whispered, “wake up, please.” shaking her shoulder, lucy gray let out a sharp gasp, her eyes flying open.
the soft glow of the moonlight lit her face. her eyes, wide with fear, met yours. your hand reached for one of hers, prying her fingers away from your shirt. you intertwined your fingers, trying to anchor her back to reality as you whispered soothing words.
“lucy gray,” you repeated with a gentle voice, a relief against the the terror she had just felt. “you’re okay. you’re safe with me,” you reminded her, your other hand reaching up to push her hair away from her face.
she nodded slowly, the remnants of her nightmare fading. she leaned into you, soaking in your warmth as she tried to forget about the images that had painted her mind.
“yeah,” she whispered. her breathing had slowed down to its regular pace, and the hand that gripped your shirt had moved to wrap around your waist. “i’m…im alright.”
“do you want to go back to sleep?” you asked, your tone still worried though you tried to mask it. she remained silent for a few seconds, as if trying to decided.
finally, she whispered quietly, “will you stay?” her dark eyes searched your face, almost pleading for a ‘yes’.
no need to ask. you’d stay with her even if the world was ending.
“of course. i’ll be right here when you wake up.” you pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, and her eyes slowly fluttered closed.
she melted against you, mumbling a quiet “thank you.” you held her close, your hand rubbing her back slowly until you were positive she was no longer awake. you stayed up for a few more minutes, but you knew you wouldn’t be able to resist the temptation of sleep.
as you laid next to lucy gray, her breaths coming in soft, rhythmic patterns, there was no other place in the world you'd rather be. the tranquility of the scene, the peace that enveloped both of you, it was something you wanted to keep forever.
from that moment on, you made a commitment. you decided that you would do everything in your power to ensure that she always had the most peaceful sleep. no matter what it took, no matter how long it took, you would be there to provide her with the comfort and security she needed to drift off into her dreams. and if she did have another nightmare, you’d be there to make her feel better.
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anystalker707 · 1 year
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Little secrets
Pairing: Roronoa Zoro x [gender neutral] Reader Words: ~ 3 800 Summary: Zoro always insists a little too much that they stop by a specific island then disappears until they need to leave again. What's going on? Tags: Sub! zoro, dom! reader, embarrassed zoro, pet names, very fluffy Somewhat inspired by @sinsterdarling 's fanfic Not proofread Probably ooc characters, bc im also very dumb MASTERLIST
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          Zoro's eyes narrowed a little as he finally saw the island in the distance and, as much as he could feel certain relief, something also twisted inside his chest because the ship just couldn’t meet the shore soon enough. His grip around his swords was almost too tight, hurting his palm a little until he was forced to let go and find something to do until they reached the island, but it still felt like an eternity until it was finally time to toss the anchor down in the water.
It felt good to finally be on land for once in a while, to have firm ground under your feet. A quiet sigh of relief escaped Zoro's nose as he looked around, tucking his hands into his pockets.
Zoro yawned, watching the others stretch, and check their surroundings. It wasn't much different than the last time they'd been there. The stands near the shore sold fresh seafood, the reason of the incessant shouting of prices and products to attract the high volume of people that walked by. The island wasn't just the Strawhat's usual destination. A few other ships had docked there, being loaded or already leaving to the open sea without the worry of being stopped by the marine. Truly a paradise if it weren't so offhand because of their new routes. Zoro almost had to insist a suspicious amount for them to make a stop there.
The weather was quite nice. It was hot enough to take a bath in the warm sea water, but not too hot that you'd feel like in hell after standing under the sun for longer than five minutes, with a heat that was soothed by the soft breeze. Soft white clouds adorned the blue sky, once in a while blocking the sunlight for a few minutes. It felt perfect. Almost like a home.
"Hey." Zoro attracted their attention. "We are leaving just tomorrow, right?"
"Most likely." Robin hummed and nodded along with Luffy after the two shared a look.
"Right," Zoro exhaled. "I'll meet you tomorrow. Don't bother looking for me or anything, I know my way around."
“Are you sure? You don’t even know left from right.” Sanji clicked his tongue as he shook his head.
“And you don’t even know your own name the moment you see a woman!” Zoto shouted, his hands balling into fists by his sides.
Sanji groaned, eye twitching, and sucked in a breath just to interrupt himself the moment Luffy steps in between the two. “Ohh, look at that! Sanji, do you think you can prepare me something with that?” Everyone followed the direction he pointed at to see a proud man selling octopus that looked better than most of what they saw around.
“Tch.” Sanji sighed. “Of course. Let’s go.”
Zoro turned on his heels to start his own little journey, but stopped when he heard his name being called. Nami stood there with some papers in hands, raising an eyebrow at him. “Are you sure you’ll be fine, Zoro? Where are you even going?”
He rolled his eyes with a soft sigh, though all he bothered doing was to glance back at her. “I will be fine. Let me go, I don’t want to lose any more time.” 
“Ohh, Zoro is full of secrets!” Usopp told Chopper, who giggled along with him. As much as these comments had Zoro’s muscles twitching for him to hit their heads so they’d shut up already, he didn’t want to waste more of his precious time on the island. He closed his eyes for a moment and took in a deep breath so he could focus again.
Right. He was supposed to walk to the right until he saw a sorta alligator–shaped rock, then turn left and follow up to the woods. There was a red ribbon attached to the tree next to the way he should follow—a red ribbon along with some carvings, which sight already almost had him blushing. Swallowing thickly, he glanced around to make sure no one had followed him. There truly wasn’t anyone, but he still held his breath as making his way further down the trail into the woods.
Everything was fine until the way divided itself in two. Zoro didn’t remember whether he was told to go down the way with the tall tree or to avoid it. He stood there for a long moment, just staring at the tree while trying to remember what he had been told. First, alligator rock, then red ribbon, then... tall tree or not tall tree? Fuck off, why was it so difficult to remember? Well, it must’ve been tall tree, right? Or else he would’ve been told to follow the pebbles’ side.
With a shrug, Zoro took the right side and just kept walking, but... Something felt a little off. The ground was muddy, and he was sure it wasn’t supposed to be like that.
“Fuck...” Zoro clicked his tongue, turning around to follow the way back to that intersection. Maybe it really was about avoiding the tall tree direction. Who knew, huh. Now, he just needed to find that intersection and... No way he had walked that much away from it, so why did it never come?
Okay, it didn't seem good. Zoro stopped and scratched the back of his neck as he observed his surroundings. He couldn't see anything after a certain distance because of how the trees embraced the area, so returning to his starting point seemed a little out of question at the moment. The view was beautiful, either way, with the sun poking in through the leaves of the trees, but it was difficult to appreciate it with all the thoughts rushing through his head. Maybe he could set a direction and just walk because he would certainly reach somewhere at some point. Either way, he continued looking for something familiar on his way, walking a little slower than the last time, paying attention to every single sound and detail.
"Oh, what a good surprise!" The sudden voice had Zoro jumping, turning around abruptly, just for the tension to wear out at the moment he saw a familiar face there, giving place to a nice sensation as he felt his heart flutter. It was as if his body had its own mind, taking Zoro to them in swift steps. "Hi! How are you?"
No response came, instead only a warm hug that had both of them content. The world seemed to fall quieter once Zoro found them. His cheeks felt warm when he pulled away and looked at you, eyes flickering over each inch of your figure to take in the sight he had missed so much. His hands held onto your upper arms maybe a little tighter than needed, but he couldn’t risk letting any second near you go unused.
“How are you doing, pretty boy?” You repeated yourself with a soft smile as you gazed at Zoro—he always loved the way you looked at him, as if he was worth something. “I missed you.”
Zoro hummed almost inaudibly, finally nodding. “Doing well, yes. What about you?” As much as you knew it, he wanted to say that he missed you as well, to tell how much he had insisted for his friends to stop by at the island again, but the words just stopped at his throat and left him with an embarrassment and guilt that barely let Zoro look at you in the eyes.
“Fine, yes, but better now that my pretty boy is here with me.” You had a soft smile on your features. Your hand cupped Zoro's cheek softly so you could press a kiss to his face, which made him press his eyes shut for a moment as his cheeks burned hotter. "Come on, I will prepare you something to eat. You must be tired." Your hand fit just right around Zoro's, warm and protective.
Zoro hummed softly, ignoring the fact he had been walking in a completely different direction the whole time. His eyes fell to your other hand, seeing a large shopping bag. "Do you want help?"
"No, darling, it's fine." You smiled softly. "We're almost there, either way."
The place you lived in wasn't too modest nor too luxurious, with enough space for your whims and very well kept. It was almost a cottage, both for its aesthetic and also the way it was situated in a nice clearing with a lake near it, in the middle of the woods, a good distance away from anyone else. You also cultivated a few plants, so there was a beautiful flower garden by the front and a small vegetable one by the back. It was one of the most beautiful sightings for Zoro.
The house still smelled just like he remembered. Not much had changed either since the last time he'd been there, saving for a few of the furniture that changed place and the new decoration.
Inside that bag, you had food, which you carefully put away while Zoro made himself home. He couldn't help but to spot some ingredients for his favorite dish. It was almost as if you knew he was coming, and he wouldn't be surprised if you really did.
There, surprisingly, was a place where he could feel comfortable without his swords hanging from his waist. Not only did he know that you were strong enough to face any threat that attacked the island, but he was also sure he would be one of your priorities when it came to protection.
Zoro didn't really know what to do with his hands as he sat on the kitchen table, watching you assemble ingredients and stir pans until a few plates were set in front of him. There were pancakes, toasts, fruits, honey, hot chocolate, coffee, milk...
"Thank you." His voice was small and quiet, but still made it to your ears and snatched a soft smile from you that made something bubble up inside his chest. Zoro was quick to start eating, balancing it between eating it all at once because of how hungry he was and savoring each bit because he didn’t have the opportunity of eating your food everyday. Fingers touched the hair on the base of his neck, running through the short green strands in a soothing motion that had him closing his eyes for a moment whilst leaning into the touch. His eyes parted open to meet yours—you had a cup in hand while observing him quite adoringly. It somehow made him feel small, though not small as in when he met with an enemy who was resistant to his swords, but as in a way he could be held in someone’s palm knowing he wouldn’t be crushed.
“Is it good, honey?”
He swallowed. “Yes. Thank you so much.”
The constant rush Zoro’s life was in seemed to take an eventual pause when he was there, that small house in a little island making him feel so loved and protected as if it were a palace filled with gold and protected by a thousand gods; so being with you was something like finally allowing himself to rest and feel the weight on his back and chest without feeling guilty that he was somehow losing time.
A soft crack came from Zoro’s back as he groaned while throwing his intertwined hands above his head to stretch. The couch was way too comfortable, but he couldn’t sleep, not right now. He wanted to enjoy every little second with you, more and more, and just being pressed to you didn’t work. A whine almost escaped his throat with it. Almost. Instead, it was a soft him of appreciation because of how your lips met his.
The kiss was slow, but still very intense; the reason and the reward for escaping every adventure alive and in a whole piece, even if the times Zoro showed up to see you had more and more time between each other. He deepened the kiss at that thought, feeling a shiver run down his spine at how your hand met the side of his neck, letting your thumb run against his jaw soothingly.
“Tell me, honey,” you whispered against his lips before kissing your way down to his jaw. “Tell me where you’ve been and what you’ve done.”
A breath caught in his throat until he could finally get used to the soft touches. “I’ve been to somewhere called Skypiea and— And we met another god,” he told.
          “I don’t know if you have ever noticed this...” Usopp attracted everyone’s attention, or at least had Nami, Robin, Sanji, and Chopper looking at him while Luffy wolfed down all the food they’d ordered from a local restaurant. “...but Zoro disappears every single time we come here. What do you think he is up to?”
Because Nami had insisted they ate some of the local cuisine, they ended up looking for a restaurant where they could take a break from their shopping and goods-hunting and sit down to eat, checking what they’d gotten already and what was still to be found. Sanji didn’t seem exactly pleased with it, but ended up going along with it. 
“He is running away from working! He didn’t even take the list of stuff we need to find!” Nami slammed a fist against the table, having Chopper lean away a little with wide eyes, an opposite to how Robin just chuckled.
“Secret mission!” Chopper spoke up, raising an arm. “Or he just goes off somewhere to sleep!”
“Or maybe he sees someone. Or avoids someone.” Robin smiled. “He wouldn’t insist for us to come here just so he could sleep, don’t you think?”
Chopper gasped. “You’re smart, Robin!” He snatched another chuckle from her.
“Of course she is! Only she could think so reasonably!” Sanji nodded frantically.
“I suggest we confirm it,” Usopp chuckled as he rubbed his palms together. “We should follow him!”
“I’m in!” Chopper raised an arm again, almost jumping on the chair, whilst Sanji shrugged.
Nami stared at Usopp for a moment, lips pressed together as she contemplated whether she agreed with it or not. It wasn’t much of her interest what Zoro was doing since he always came back when it was time to leave, but now that Usopp had brought it up and they started making theories... She would be pleased to kick his ass once she found him sleeping somewhere to avoid the job all of them had to do. Or even annoy him for any embarrassing hobby.
“Okay...” Nami nodded.
They had to find Zoro first, that was the hard part. He didn’t come back to the ship at night, so maybe he would come back the following day to make sure they’d leave or stay for a little longer. They needed to keep their eyes wide open for any moss-head.
Luffy was intrigued, an arm over his chest and a finger under his chin while observing whatever food some random old man prepared in front of him, promising it was the best meal in the world. Maybe Sanji could do it if Luffy memorized all of the steps. There were tomatoes, a random fruit, some seasoning...
"Hey, Luffy."
"Hi, Zoro," he replied, voice distant.
"Are we returning today for real?" Usually, they never returned on the day they decided at first because there was always something missing, but Zoro better confirm if he didn't want Nami complaining the whole time and intereupting his precious naps.
"Hmmm... no," Luffy mumbled, "Usopp mentioned something about finding someone..."
Zoro raised an eyebrow, but settled down for not asking anything, only humming with a nod. Luffy barely paid attention to anything normally, so now it would be impossible—he gasped as the man finally handed him the food and started wolfing it down immediately, so Zoro just didn’t even try and started walking away. He wouldn't get lost his time, hopefully. You had given him a paper with the directions.
Luffy had finished eating when Nami approached him, sighing. "Hey, did you see anything?"
"Uh, yeah. Zoro was just here asking if we will really leave today, but I told him not yet," Luffy explained with his hands on his hips.
"Zoro?!!" Nami gasped as she threw her hands in the air, frantically waving for the rest of the group to come by. "And you didn't even call us?! How long has it been?!"
Luffy shrugged. "A couple of minutes."
"There's still time!"
The group left, ignoring the old man madly shouting at Luffy for not paying a thing, but they were already too far and too worried to care about it. The shouting mess tudned quiet at the moment they caught on Zoro's track, standing all together and following him in small steps to make sure he didn't notice he was being followed. Either way, it didn't seem like he would notice them that easily, no—he would eventually pause and rub the back of his neck, muttering to himself and the piece of paper that he held in hand.
"Why does he have that bag? Where did it even come from?" Nami narrowed her eyes, balancing on her toes with Chopper on her back. The six of them crouched behind a bush in a poor excuse of hiding.
A light brown bag hung from Zoro’s back, one that couldn't be theirs. They'd never bought that thing.
"He has a map in hand, I believe," Usopp hummed, rubbing his chin. "Do you think he is delivering something?"
"Looks like it," Chopper muttered, and looked at the others. Robin just gazed at each of them with a light entertained smile on her lips. Sanji, on the other hand, never let his gaze leave Zoro; Chopper could faintly hear him grumbling under his breath about how Zoro preferred to work for others rather than helping them and not even share the berries he earned.
Robin chuckled a little. “Well, let’s hope he really doesn’t lose himself, don’t you think?”
“He must be already lost!” Sanji clicked his tongue.
The way was a little agonizing. The destination never came and they almost had heart attacks whenever Zoro turned around to remake his way because he’d taken a wrong turn—it was hard to know if he even knew where he was going.
Now, Zoro had been stopped for over five minutes already and had no sign of going anywhere so soon. Nami broke the silence with a groan, “we should just confront him already! Z—”
“Zoro!” A voice called, having the six of them jumping and shutting up while they looked around for its source in the direction Zoro turned to. “Over here, honey! I knew you’d get lost!”
“Sorry!” Zoro clicked his tongue, folding the map to shove it in his pocket as he finally started walking again. “I did get everything, though! Check if it’s exactly what you wanted, or else I’ll go back!”
“I knew it!” Sanji shook his head, exhaling.
Once Zoro was a good distance away, they decided to follow him, stopping by the last bushes and trees around the clearing. Their chins fell simultaneously at the sight of the cottage—vines with light purple flowers crawled up the creamy walls, but the ones on the garden could almost be found in all colors, and Luffy already licked his lips at the sight of watermelons growing strong around the side of the cottage.
“Wait... who is that?” Usopp narrowed his eyes as he lowered his binocles, taking a closer look at you. He pressed his lips together, trying to figure out whether you were someone familiar or not.
All of them gasped in unison, however, at the sight of Zoro throwing his arms around your neck while you held onto his hips, pressing a kiss to his cheek before your lips met in a soft kiss. “Thank you,” you said softly. “Do you wish to prepare a cake with me? I would appreciate your help, it seems like we are going to need more food today.”
Zoro furrowed his eyebrows as he looked at you, pulling away a little. “What do you mean?”
“Well, it seems like your friends have found their way after you.” You smiled, tilting your head so you could look past Zoro at the group poorly hidden there. Zoro’s eyes widened at the same moment he whipped his head around, cheeks burning crimson at the sight of his six followers, who sweatdropped, mumbling incoherent excuses.
“What the fuck are you doing here, you idiots?!” He shouted, making you laugh.
“Aw, c’mon, it’s not bad to have visits once in a while!” You pressed a soothing kiss to Zoro’s cheek. “C’mon! Don’t be ashamed, come in!” Waving, you invited them to approach so you could make it into your place.
Weird was an understatement. Who could even imagine they would see Zoro stand there in an apron with you standing behind him, guiding his hands through kneading the dough. Whatever was going on among the others, was just white noise in the back of his mind since time with you was more worth it than whatever the six idiots would tease him for, he could deal with that later.
Everything was already in the oven when you served them more of the tea and biscuits to distract their hunger while the food was still being prepared. “Make yourself home,” you reminded them while serving Robin.
“Your tea tastes very good, (y/n), thank you for it!” Robin smiled before she took another sip of it.
“Why, thank you!”
“But who are you?” Chopper still seemed a little scared, feeling extra small as he sat between Sanji and Usopp for safety reasons. “Wh—Why haven’t we seen you before?”
You shrugged a little, humming. “I’m not sure, but I remember meeting my pretty boy when he got lost around here.” Your fingers ran through the short green strands, worsening the almost permanent blush Zoro already had.
“Pretty boy, hm?” Sanji smirked.
“You’re just jealous you have no one, you perverted cook!” Zoro shouted, standing up and leaning across the table in Sanji’s direction.
“Jealous? With Nami and Robin?” Sanji shouted with a scoff, mirroring Zoro’s position.
Nami rolled her eyes, not even trying to say anything because she wasn’t the one embarrassing herself in someone else’s house, either way.
“Well, it is nice to meet all of you!” You smiled, pouring more tea into the cup that Luffy extended to you. “I have heard a lot.”
“I hope he actually said something good!” Nami gave Zoro a side eye, though it was more of a glare that had him growling.
“Of course!” You chuckled with a nod.
“Hey, Zoro,” Luffy spoke up, “what’s that on your neck? Did a mosquito bite you or something?”
Zoro seemed confused until his eyes widened and converted his neck immediately, blushing profusely. “You idiot!!!”
.𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟.
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xx-lemon-drop-xx · 6 months
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.ೃ꙳࿐𝕶𝖎𝖓𝖐𝖙𝖔𝖇𝖊𝖗- 𝔻𝕒𝕪 𝔽𝕚𝕧𝕖
𝓩𝓱𝓸𝓷𝓰𝓵𝓲 (𝓒𝓸𝓬𝓴𝔀𝓪𝓻𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓰)
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Warnings: Cockwarming, gn, probably ooc, use of the word sir, lots of pet names he calls you a whore once.
Words: 562.
≿━━━━༺❀༻━━━━≾
“Darling..” Zhongli drawled out, hands settling on your hips to still your movements. “What did I say about being still?” His cock bobbed inside of you, and Zhongli chuckled at your whine, letting go of your hips to continue working diligently on the stack of papers sitting on his desk.
“Next time I catch you, You’ll be sitting there for even longer. Got it?” 
He tapped on your hip with his free hand when you didn't answer- a warning. “Y-Yes sir.” You muttered out, a hum rumbling through his chest at your compliance. 
“There we go love. Be good for me.” Zhongli murmured into your ear, pressing a soft kiss to the side of your neck afterwards before placing a paper aside, getting started on the next. He glanced at the clock hanging on the wall above the door. “My shift ends in thirty minutes. Do you think you could wait that long?”
It wouldn't matter what your answer was. He would make you wait either way. And if you had enough self control to be good the rewards would be great. But if you didn’t it was likely he would overstimulate you, but wouldn’t let you cum for the rest of the day. 
“B-But Zhongli it’s already been two hours-” You tried to reason, grinding your hips back against him and feeling his cock throb and twitch from its place nestled inside of you. The feeling made you whimper out, your hips repeating the motion until he grabbed them again.
“Thirty more minutes.” Zhongli stated firmly, “Thirty minutes, and then I will fuck you like the pretty whore you are.” 
You settled back down against him in defeat, tears of frustration bubbling to the surface as he left you sulking with his cock buried inside of you on his lap. At times he would shift, making goosebumps raise on your body and a sigh fall from your pretty lips that had his gaze flickering over to you for a few seconds. 
Time passed by agonizingly slowly, making you more restless as the minutes counted down. 
Twenty-five, twenty, fifteen, ten. 
You were so close. 
“(Y/n), stop rocking.” Zhongli murmured out, looking over into your hazy zoned out eyes. He nodded in satisfaction when you faltered and stopped grinding against him, pen scraping across the paper on his desk in neat hypnotizing handwriting. 
“Only a few more minutes, my love. Then you can have however much of me you want.” He promised, pressing another kiss against your flushed skin. Your hands rested overtop of the one across your belly, anchoring you in place. Zhongli felt you fumble with the ring on his thumb and rubbed across the top of your hand with his fingers absentmindedly before moving another page to the pile he had that was finished. 
Finally, he looked up at the clock and thirty minutes had passed. You where free from your torture. Zhongli tapped on your thigh twice. “Up darling.” You quickly slipped out of his lap, his cock throbbing and twitching to the exposure of cool air before he stood and walked across the room, locking his door.
Zhongli turned towards you and made a motion with his hand. 
“On the desk, my dear. Legs spread.” 
He pulled off his overcoat and draped it over the nearest chair, walking over towards you with eyes that seemed to glow.
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rogaire · 7 months
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If you ever think Shay is slow just remember he managed to outrun an earthquake.
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tamayakii · 7 months
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Tourney of Blood
warnings: canon-typical violence, OOC-ish Otto but i mean, they're all OOC cause they're yanderes, yanderes but it's not super explicit as u can read this as a stand-alone piece. pairings: all platonic, though i wrote this heavily biased towards Otto x reader and because of that, has been tagged as such. notes: this has been in drafts for awhile, please i beg of ALL my readers i want to hear feedback, i want to actually hear that you enjoyed it(if you did), whether in comments or inbox. Notes are no longer what they were before. Series: This is officially a part of my "Their Angel" series which is a yandere hotd AU series which can be categorized as a y/nbowl (where all characters go after one), but don't worry i can write individual x readers for this au upon request &lt;3
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The day of the first Tourney was here, Queen Aemma has started her labours, and King Viserys happily watched the jousting match for his soon-to-be son.
You sat beside Otto, and beside him is Viserys. You’re white clothing stuck out like a thumb, almost reflecting the neighbouring colours around you. Your crown sits upon your head, Targaryen gems decorating it, your veil tucked back for better viewing.
Anxiously you spin the ring upon your left thumb, Aemma’s labour left you worried but you held it in, for Viserys and Rhaenrya, they relied upon you with their personal worries. Sliding your own fingers across your lip as you chew, flinching when the knight flies off of his horse, jousting stick sent through his shield.
“Stop it.” Otto demands, quietly as he leans towards you, taking your hand from your mouth. Before he could pull it away, you grip it, rubbing your thumb across his aged fingers.
“I do not see the point of beating each other senseless, Ser Otto.” Turning your body closer to the man, sneering as two knights begin to fight. “We could be doing better things. I could be doing better things.” Huffing as you look at Otto, he gives a weak smile.
“It’s all for your soon-to-be brother, my princess.” He answers, he brings your hand to his lips and kisses it, something that doesn’t go unnoticed by the king. The Targaryens, Hightowers and Velaryons have fought over you since your first step into the red keep.
“blood shed for a babe? odd.” you shoot back, “i could be with the queen now. Helping her.” It is no secret in the castle of Queen Aemmas decade-long past with pregnancies, only having one living child. Princess Rhaenrya.
“That is something you shouldn’t worry yourself over.” Otto grips your hand tighter, making you look at him. Worry. Something that has driven you to near madness, has made you starve and harm yourself. Maesters have told you many things, some losing their tongues for such words that the king did not like being used when addressing you.
“How can I not.” you lean closer to him, “it is my own mother who lay in bed, in pain, she might as well have pushed me out of her own womb. I feel her pain as if it is my own.” You quickly turn back to the jousting, still holding Otto's hand. Who has now signed leaning back in his chair, looking over and giving Viserys a tense look.
Daemon is up, he scans the knights one by one, before landing on Otto's eldest son. Otto instinctively straightens his bad, puffing his chest out, knowing Daemon did this to offend him. You place your other hand on top of your intertwined ones, as extra comfort.
Daemon, your crass and violent uncle, would do anything to piss Ser Otto Hightower off, This- just about everyone knew. You could only pray for the eldest Hightower son, for now, his life is within the prince's hand.
Horses run at each other, green and black, they point their jousting sticks. Suddenly, Daemon dips his own down, tripping Ser Gwayne’s horse. You quickly turn your head away whilst Gwaynes body was in the air, and Otto's hand tightens around yours.
You are deafened by the roar of the crowd, your only anchor being the old man’s hand. Seconds pass by, and Gwaynes unconscious body is dragged away.
“At least he lives.” You whisper, patting Otto's hand, optimistic that Gwayne shall pull through such a brutal defeat and bruised ego. The sound of hurried steps catches your attention, looking back you’re met with one of the maesters leaning over to your father's ear.
Viserys nods, gets up quickly and walks off, but not without soothing your worries as you watch him. Caressing your chin with a finger as he lets out a soothing “do not fret, dragonling” before he’s gone.
You turn back to the jousting matches, the surrounding sound drowned out by a hum. A low dragon's song, fish swim in your head, at some point, Otto’s hand left yours and he was gone. You do not know if what you saw before you was a painting in motion or from your own vision. Bile rises in your throat as worries stir in your head, the maesters face seemed ashen. With no hand to hold, you begin to chew on your fingernails. 
The hum stops as the crowd erupts once more, like the tide washing away blood, it is like your vision came back. You see your uncle on dirt, the opponent stepping on his chest and holding a weapon, your eyes widen as you almost leap out of your seat.
Daemon yields and lives, you feel your heart palpate, gripping your seat arm. Perhaps you should have stayed with Mother, you think, unaware of Otto's return. You see the council around you begin to leave, Rhaenys leans forward and whispers in her children's ears. 
Otto approaches you, with a melancholy expression, your chest tightens as you realize what is happening. You can only mouth the words no, shaking your head. He refuses to meet your eye, before his hand meets your shoulder you stand up from your seat. Picking up your skirt and running out of the balcony, tears blurring your vision as you run through the keep.
The day has changed for all within the red-keep. 
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jessamine-rose · 2 years
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˚ ༻✿ Herbarium ✿༺ ˚
I would like to blame @bye-bye-sunbird​ and @yandere-romanticaa​ for my descent into Capitano hell. All I could do was write my longest fic in hopes of purging the brainrot……yeahh so pls enjoy my humble contribution to the Capitano agenda ;-;
Thank you so much to my dear friend @diodellet​ for peer reviewing this and helping me out with the Genshin lore!! I delighted in watching you suffer  ପ(๑•ᴗ•๑)ଓ ♡
Tw:: YANDERE, unhealthy relationships, kidnapping, violence, blood, murder, psychological trauma, mention of child abuse, spice, mention of nsfw, MINORS DNI
Note:: Female reader described as physically weak and smaller than Capitano, this fic will most likely be considered OOC in a few years
♡ 10.1k words under the cut ♡
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i. dandelion
You adore dandelions for the same reason that you despise them.
A tiny flower symbolic of love and freedom. The ethereal ghosts of golden petals adored even—or perhaps only—after losing their vibrant, sunlike forms. A soft blow is all it takes to breathe new life into the flower, for the seeds to embark on new journeys in a scatter of liberated parachutes and hopeful wishes.
Not all dandelions have the fortune of finding new homes, however. Some are plucked for human purposes and imbued with new value as sentimental gifts. Many are transformed into entirely different products such as food and wine. Others are simply forgotten, doomed to remain in their original area until death finally claims them. Regardless, dandelions are transient like any other flower and will eventually disappear from the world.
Your flowers are deprived of that fate.
The meadow is deserted again. Most of the dandelions are gone, either plucked or dispersed, but you are able to find an untouched patch of puffy white clouds. The seeds shift ever so slightly in the wind but remain anchored to their florets.
You choose two promising puffs and snip the stems.
The dandelions land on the pages of your notebook. You cover the flowers in parchment paper and slam the book shut.
A twig snaps.
Your first instinct is to protect your notebook. You hug it to your chest and turn around, preparing for the worst.
The source of the noise is easy to spot. At the edge of the meadow, just a few feet away from you, stands a tall, imposing figure. His face is completely imperceptible within the black void of his mask. The only physical feature you can deduce is long black hair. He has a Vision.
He doesn’t say anything. But the nod in your direction is proof that he has seen you.
His menacing appearance…have the Knights of Favonius introduced new uniforms? No, his armor does not bear any familiar crests or designs. A foreigner, perhaps?
You clear your throat. Your voice is barely above a whisper.
“Are you here for the Windblume Festival? The festival ended yesterday.”
“I have other business in Mondstadt.”
Definitely a foreigner. He has a somber voice.
“You chose a good time to visit this meadow,” you tell him. “It becomes a popular place for flower-picking during Windblume. I had to wait for the festivities to end before I could revisit.”
He doesn’t enter the meadow. “You did not pick flowers for the festival?”
“No.” You glance down at your notebook. “I have no one to offer flowers to.”
“Not even to the Anemo Archon?”
“Not even to Barbatos. I don’t make offerings to any gods, for that matter.”
What difference would it make?
The stranger is silent. Either he is caught off guard by your sudden curtness or he is the type to avoid meaningless chatter.
You sit down and face the dandelions, effectively ending the conversation. The stranger walks away and peace is restored in the meadow.
ii. windwheel aster
The stranger is standing in your meadow.
The meadow, you correct yourself when you first see him. It is not your private garden.
He is a dark shadow against the colorful flowers. If he were less considerate, he could easily stomp on them and leave crushed petals in his wake.
He has a companion, a masked person of average height. Judging by their lowered head and the nervous Sir’s leaving their mouth, they must be a subordinate.
The subordinate’s Vision flares as soon as they notice you. But one nod from your acquaintance convinces them to let you enter.
You walk past them and sit under your favorite tree, whispering a hello as the barest of acknowledgements.
Neither of them approach you.
You open your bag and take out your library book. Lisa had recommended a collection of dark fairytales, perhaps as a last-ditch effort to socialize with her coworker. You have to give her credit for taking note of your favorite genre.
One of the pages is torn.
You read it anyway.
You hear two sets of footsteps. The noise gradually softens until it is completely muted by the rustling of leaves.
You look up from your book. The strangers have left.
✿ ⚘  
Growing up, you had been partial to parallel play. It was the most efficient way to share space with your roommates after too many failed attempts at bonding and sharing toys. None of you could have been judged given your limited personal belongings.
You and your mysterious acquaintance have wordlessly entered a similar agreement.
You continue your daily routine of reading in the meadow after work. Every few days, the stranger walks past the meadow and stays there for a few minutes. Neither of you approach each other.
A week after your first meeting, you find a windwheel aster with only four petals.
You take out your notebook and add the flower to your personal collection. The stranger arrives.
Why is he here?
Until now, you haven’t been able to discern his identity nor the purpose of his visit. If he is in Mondstadt for suspicious reasons, you likely would have been eliminated during your first or second meeting. And neither has he attempted any form of interaction which could have made a convincing alibi out of you.
His presence doesn’t bother you at all, though.
You glance at the other flowers. There are no more unique plant mutations, so you instead pick a small bunch of ordinary windwheel asters and approach the stranger.
“Would you like one? These are windwheel asters. They only grow in Mondstadt.”
He accepts them. “You come here almost everyday. Are you fond of flowers?”
“You could say that.” You turn around to overlook the meadow with him. “Wildflowers are beautiful and diverse. But you can’t keep them as you do with normal belongings—they die quickly and there is no way to put your name on them. So I try to preserve them as naturally as possible.”
“How so?”
No change in demeanor. But the fact that he asked means his interest could be genuine.
“Here.” You walk closer to his side and open your notebook. “My own personal collection. I just press the flowers in my notebook and label them.”
Your acquaintance leans down to read over your shoulder. The chains of his helmet make soft clinking sounds.
You flip through the pages and provide brief descriptions for each flower. Dandelions, Sweet Flowers, Cecilia, Dragonspine mint. Your collection is small, limited only to the local flora of Mondstadt. By the time you reach the four-petaled windwheel aster, you belatedly realize that you had forgotten to cover the front page.
You had written “Property of ______” in bold letters.
Well, introductions are long overdue.
“It is a peaceful and appreciative hobby,” he finally comments. “Are you interested in gardening or botany?”
“No. I just like to own flowers.”
His tresses brush against your cheek.
“My name is ______,” you whisper. You look up expectantly.
Even up close, his face is perfectly concealed by his mask.
“You may call me Capitano,” he replies.
“All right.” You lower your head. From the corner of your peripheral vision, you notice that he is still holding the windwheel asters. “It is nice to make your acquaintance, Capitano.”
iii. cecilia
Your meetings with Capitano continue. Not much has changed—you still devote time to reading and Capitano leaves when he feels like it. But his company is pleasant. He doesn’t demand much from you and he seems genuinely interested in your flimsy hobbies.
His answers to your questions are vague. But he does inform you that he is based in Snezhnaya and that he is scheduled to leave Mondstadt in a few weeks. That piece of information immediately sparks your curiosity about his region’s local flora and literature.
“I learned how to read in Snezhnayan by myself,” you tell him, “but it is still difficult for me to read the original literature. If it doesn’t bother you, can I please request your help in translating a few pages?”
“It would not be an inconvenience,” he replies.
The next day, you borrow two Snezhnayan classics from the library. Capitano’s manner of speaking is too serious for emotional dialogue and flowery language, but it is still better than your own reading voice.
✿ ⚘    
Given Capitano’s seeming disinterest in tourism, you regularly give him pressed flowers to bring home as souvenirs. Mondstadt specialties ranging from dandelions to Small Lamp Grass to Cecilias which you had picked on your day off from work.
“Cecilias grow on Starsnatch Cliff,” he notes during one exchange. His grip on the pointy white flowers is loose, as though exerting any more force would crush your carefully preserved gift.
No, it actually would.
“You need not put yourself in harm’s way for my sake.”
You only shake your head. “I’ve been to Starsnatch Cliff a few times. It is a nice change to my schedule. Besides, I only got attacked by a Whopperflower once.”
“...Your dedication is worthy of admiration.”
✿ ⚘ 
His silence is more appreciated on your bad days.
During one of your library shifts, your former foster brother visits you to announce the news of his parents’ deaths. Any glee, satisfaction, or indifference is overtaken by the terror of his arrival.
Lisa states that you look “unwell” and allows you to leave work early. But the well-meaning gesture only results in you getting cornered by your gossipy neighbors and falling off your bed from a vivid nightmare.
In the end, you stick to your schedule and go to the meadow.
If Capitano has noticed your gloomy behavior, he is kind enough to not ask about it. Instead, he breaks the silence in your place.
“During our first meeting, you informed me that you do not make offerings to the Anemo Archon and other gods. May I ask why?”
The dandelion patch is empty. How long until the new flowers start growing?
“The gods have never responded to my prayers,” you reply. “No matter how many wishes I made, my life didn’t change the way I wanted it to. So I stopped hoping.”
You glance at Capitano’s Vision. A powerful gift for those worthy of the gods’ recognition.
“Your region worships the Cryo Archon. Are you religious? Has she granted any of your prayers?”
“I fulfill the wishes of the Tsaritsa,” is his cryptic response. “That is my mission.”
“Okay. If that makes you happy.”
Different regions have different relationships between Archon and follower. Perhaps if you had been left in the care of another region, your hope would have persisted.
“Would you like to visit Snezhnaya?”
That question draws you out of your stupor. “What?”
Capitano continues speaking. “Snezhnaya is a land of perpetual winter but there is a certain charm to it. I believe that you would take kindly to the local flora.”
Snezhnayan flowers. You only know a few species from the library books and what Capitano has told you. They are supposed to be resilient plants capable of withstanding cold temperature and harsh weather.
So unlike the flowers of Mondstadt.
You look around the meadow. “I doubt that I would ever get the chance to visit. But if that ever happens, can I depend on you to be my tour guide?”
“The honor is mine.”
iv. calla lily
You almost forget that your time with Capitano is limited. After two months of conversations in the meadow, he suddenly announces his departure.
“My business in Mondstadt is over. I shall leave for Snezhnaya tonight.”
It sounds like a formal announcement coming from him.
“...I see.”
You stare at your bag. You had preserved calla lilies this time. Only the prettiest ones with bright orange petals.
Did you preserve them properly? Will he take care of your gifts?
Capitano is looking at you. Until now, the face beneath his mask remains a mystery to you. If he is saddened by his upcoming departure, you wouldn’t be able to tell.
Would he feel sad about going home, though?
“Here.” You take out the parcel of pressed calla lilies and present it to him with a halfhearted flourish. “I guess this is my final gift to you. Do take good care of it.”
“Thank you.” His hand brushes against yours. His touch is cold. “Your hospitality has been greatly appreciated.”
You only shrug. “There is no need to thank me.”
“I shall do my best to return the favor.”
Capitano’s hand encloses around your wrist.
Tight. His grip is too tight.
The calla lilies fall to the ground.
“Ca…Capitano?” you whisper. “The flowers…I dropped them.”
He is holding your wrist. One wrong move and he could easily dislocate it.
“Could…could you please let go?”
His grip only tightens.
“Your wrist is as fragile as it looks,” he tells you. “So small and delicate. If someone or something were to attack you, I doubt that you would be able to defend yourself.”
Let go. Please let go. Why isn’t he letting go of you?!
“Even mentally speaking, you have a weak disposition. The joy and freedom so valued in Mondstadt is lost on you. If my division were to raid your city, you would be one of the first to accept defeat. I doubt that you would make yourself useful to any resistance.”
Stop talking.
Capitano pulls you forward. It is only a light tug but with enough force to have you crash into his chest. His free hand caresses your face.
“Though it cannot be helped, given your circumstances. And you are far too precious for me to allow any more harm to befall you.”
Just stop.
You slap his hand away from your face.
“Stop! Get away from me!”
Your throat hurts. When was the last time you raised your voice?
He doesn’t even flinch. “I would be careful if I were you, darling.”
“Just shut up! What could you possibly know about me?” you snap.
“Enough to know that you must be handled with extreme care.” At that, Capitano raises your captive wrist and presses down on your pulse. “After all, the Maier family and the Mondstadt Orphanage are to blame for your melancholy.”
Your blood runs cold.
You had never told him about your past. The adoption records should have been burned after you were sent back.
Capitano…who is he? How long has he been collecting information about you?
“This is the first time I have seen you so expressive,” he muses. He sounds almost awed. “It is reassuring to see that you still have an iota of self-preservation left in you, ______.”
“Capitano.” Your voice comes out small. “What…what are you going to do with me?”
He pulls your wrist into his mask. Something soft and warm presses against the back of your hand. A kiss.
“I shall do everything in my power to protect you. And in line with the Tsaritsa’s mission, I vow to create a peaceful world which you may thrive in.”
✿ ⚘  
A Fatui Harbinger. You have been associating with a Fatui Harbinger this whole time.
Forget Capitano’s insane profession of love. That revelation was all it took for you to completely give up on refusing him.
A secret mission. His suspicious attire. The subordinate who was ready to eliminate you for merely being in the same space as them. His inhumane strength.
How could you have been so naive?
He only lets go of your wrist once you enter the carriage. The masked subordinates do not acknowledge you; they just bow to Capitano and inform him that your belongings have already been packed.
He knows where you live. Did he follow you to your dormitory? Or was it his spies?
The carriage begins moving. You stare at the empty seat in front of you. You don’t want to acknowledge the presence to your left or the dull ache in your wrist.
Your former foster parents. How did they die again? Their son said that he came home to find the house completely trashed and their bodies lacerated beyond recognition. The Knights of Favonius still haven’t found the murderer. Was it him?
Capitano is completely silent. Giving you time to process your thoughts, maybe. How kind of him.
Capitano is a Fatui Harbinger. He can easily cover up your disappearance. No one will come looking for you.
Through the window, you can see the passing scenery of Mondstadt. The sky is turning dark. The Small Lamp Grass is already in full glow. Will you ever see those flowers again?
He could hurt you if you disobey.
The carriage stops.
Dornman Port is completely deserted. The cheerful sailors and travelers are nowhere to be seen. What you see instead are more Fatui agents surrounding a large ship.
“______. It is time to leave.”
Capitano taps your wrist. The mere action triggers a sharp sting of pain. You can already feel a bruise forming.
Be good. That is all you need to do to survive.
You follow him out of the carriage.
v. sweet flowers
Snezhnaya is too cold.
The region is even more frigid than Dragonspine. Your new coat is practically useless. You are surprised that you haven’t frozen to death yet.
The view from the carriage is just as unwelcoming. You can’t tell the difference between the sky and the ground. All you can see is swirling snow.
“______. If you cannot bear the cold, you should inform me immediately.”
Capitano’s hand rubs your back. The gesture only makes you shiver.
“I’m fine.” You give up on the window view and turn to face him. “Snezhnaya is just colder than I had expected.”
There is barely any space between the two of you. You could easily move to the other seat but Capitano had stopped you. At least it is warmer by his side.
“Mondstadt is blessed with a gentle climate, but Snezhnaya is not as forgiving,” he replies. “You are already in frail condition from the voyage. A steady recovery is preferable.”
Ah, yes. For the majority of the trip to Snezhnaya, you had been bedridden due to a cold and seasickness. Your only consolation was that it gave you an excuse to rest and ignore your captor. You had more time to process your situation and prepare for the worst.
The carriage stops.
“We have arrived. Get up.”
You are quick to leave the carriage this time.
A manor located in the middle of the woods. If not for your situation, you would have been thrilled by the sense of privacy.
You turn to Capitano. “This is…your home?”
“Ours,” he clarifies. You can vaguely make out the puffs of air leaving his mask. “Your belongings shall be delivered shortly. But until then, you must rest.”
No neighbors. No noise. And no chance of escape.
✿ ⚘  
For the home of a Fatui Harbinger, the manor is surprisingly ordinary.
You are quick to leave Capitano’s side as soon as you step through the front door. The manor is furnished with only the barest of necessities. Considering your captor’s livelihood, he probably doesn’t spend much time at home to begin with.
But it is warm. Someone must have lit the fireplace before you arrived.
“Capitano?” You turn around, coat in hand. “Can I…?”
He took off his mask.
Capitano simply stares back at you. “Do you need anything?”
He has a human face.
That revelation shocks you more than anything. After weeks of viewing Capitano as a faceless helmet on a strong physique, you had forgotten that he was…likely a human.
The scars are not a surprise. What actually scares you is the look in his eyes.
If looks could kill, it would have been death at first sight for you.
You look away. “I would like to look around the manor. Are there any rooms I shouldn’t enter?”
“All of the doors are open to you.” He hangs his coat and walks past you. It is his next words that make you flinch. “Going outside is forbidden.”
“O…Okay.” You hang your coat and rush to the staircase.
✿ ⚘  
The first thing you check are the doors.
All of the doors lock from the inside. To keep people out.
You breathe a sigh of relief and continue your self-guided tour.
A closet at the end of the hall. A few armories. Bathroom. Office. Empty guest rooms. Locked doors. Bedroom.
The bed is big enough for two. One of the closets is empty.
You inspect the desk instead. There is a tall stack of hardcover books, a set of fountain pens, and—most out of place—a single Sweet Flower tied to a glass vial.
Wait, those books…you’ve read them before.
As a matter of fact, you had borrowed all of those titles from Mondstadt Library.
You pick up the heaviest book. Sure enough, it is the dark fairytale collection you had been reading during your second meeting with Capitano. The pages are perfectly pristine.
The contents of the vial are easy to recognize. Sweet Flower cough syrup for your cold. The fresh flower is an unnecessary accompaniment.
You shake your head. They were just as kind to you when you first moved in.
Regardless, you open all of the books and scribble “Property of ______” on the front pages. The cough syrup is treated with more suspicion; you take a sip and wait for any strange effects before you finish the vial.
Lastly, you take your notebook out of your bag and press the Sweet Flower between its pages.
vi. rose
You eventually develop a new daily routine in Snezhnaya.
You wake up early at around the same time as your captor. The two of you eat a silent breakfast in the dining room. Then Capitano puts on his mask and you accompany him to his workplace.
The carriage rides to Zapolyarny Palace are always quiet. To pass the time, you stare out of the window and do your best to hide your shivers, if only to deny Capitano the chance to share body heat. You only speak when you are asking brief questions or responding to him.
You’ve essentially returned to your old dynamic.
As soon as you enter his office, you rush to the window seat and turn to your books. At that point, Capitano leaves you alone so he can sign papers at his desk, deal with subordinates, or train his soldiers in another room. You retreat into the books—either your own labeled gifts or those borrowed from the Fatui private library—and transport yourself to imaginary worlds far beyond your reality.
If Capitano is bothered by your attitude, he is doing an excellent job at hiding it.
✿ ⚘  
As it turns out, there is a limit to his patience. You quickly learn that on the day he walks over to your window seat and seizes your book.
“Hey!” You react instantly, standing up to retrieve it. “What do you want?”
“Your bibliophilia has become severe as of late.” Capitano lifts the book high above your head, rendering it irretrievable for you. “Your eyes require sufficient rest.”
That’s mine. “I was already an avid reader before I met you.”
“There is a difference between reading for your personal enjoyment and reading as a means to avoid me.”
Stupid child.
He stares down at you. Despite his mask, you can feel the piercing glare directed at you.
What makes you think that he would just want you to listen and be quiet?
You lower your head. You don’t want him to look at you like that. You shouldn’t provoke him any further. “I’m sorry.”
“The fault lies with me for failing to adequately reciprocate your hospitality in Mondstadt. Forgive me.” Capitano tilts your face upwards. His touch is gentle. “Tomorrow, we may visit the capital of Snezhnaya.”
You blink at him. “Really? I…we can go out?”
“Humans require sunlight and fresh air for nourishment, similar to flowers,” he replies. “Locking you up would have an adverse effect on your physical state.”
✿ ⚘    
Your promised tour is nothing special. You can’t tell if it is due to Capitano’s status as a Harbinger, the fact that you aren’t the touristy type to begin with, or the awkwardness between the two of you.
There are also the whispers.
“Is that…?”
“Yes, that is Il Capitano and his wife.”
“They make an odd couple.”
“...pretty…downcast eyes—shh, he looked at us!”
Back in Mondstadt, some had already taken note of your despondency and asocial tendencies. But these observers were limited to your coworkers and neighbors. Despite their noise, they had approached you with nothing but friendliness and concern.
The curiosity of the Snezhnayans is a different matter. To them, you are a mysterious outsider whose frail, melancholy countenance invites rumors of the Captain’s preferences.
And you are to be viewed from a distance, lest they incur the wrath of a Harbinger.
Their fear is not a problem. You just wish that they weren’t so noisy.
The final part of your tour makes up for it, however. The one benefit of living in seclusion is that the woods practically belong to you. The Snezhnayan flowers are bright spots of color in an otherwise dreary snowscape.
“I didn’t know that roses could be found in this region. Or that they can bloom in the winter, for that matter.”
This is your first time to see a real rosebush. The flowers are in full bloom, pure white petals preserved under a layer of glittery frost. Did the encyclopedias say anything about roses growing in Snezhnaya? Could it be artificially planted?
You turn to Capitano, waiting for his explanation. He had let go of your hand as soon as you entered the forest. Perhaps he is confident that you wouldn’t be able to escape.
At any rate, you are grateful for the chance to roam freely and approach the flowers.
He is still standing a few feet away from you. “You told me that you have never seen roses before. How does the real flower compare to the pictures and descriptions?”
“They’re beautiful. The imitations don’t do them justice.”
Mondstadt Library used to be the only place where you could see roses. The illustrations and Lisa’s sculpted accessories had only copied their surface-level appearance.
The petals are too frosty for you to feel their natural texture, but you do feel the sharp thorns through your gloves. You snip three roses, thorns included.
You can hear Capitano’s footsteps. “There are flower species which grow only in remote parts of Snezhnaya. We may visit those places some other time.”
“That would be pleasant.” You can’t help the small smile on your face. “Thank you.”
Smiling has always been difficult for you. But it is easier when books and flowers are involved.
“Does Snezhnaya live up to your initial impression?”
“The flowers are lovely. I just need to adjust to the climate, I guess.”
“Is that all?”
Capitano is standing right beside you.
You look at the roses in your hands. “Yes. You…you saved the best for last.”
The sky is already turning dark. Your tour will be over soon.
You look ahead and continue walking. The road ahead of you is practically infinite; how long would it take to reach the end of the woods? How many flowers are still waiting for you?
Capitano grabs your arm.
The rose thorns dig into your skin.
What did you do this time?
“This is the farthest you can go,” he tells you. His tone has completely changed.
His hand is so cold.
“I’m sorry!” you stutter immediately. “I just wanted to look for more flowers. I didn’t…”
He only sighs. The sound echoes within his helmet.
“You are only allowed to roam the woods under supervision. That is unnegotiable.”
The thorns have ripped through your gloves. Your grip on the roses tightens and another stab of pain shoots through your hands. But it feels better than the sensation on your arm.
“And do not think of running away,” he adds sternly. “There are many dangers in the woods. You would freeze to death before you find your way out.”
“I understand.” You turn around, legs shaking.
His other hand catches your wrist.
The action is even more sudden. A pathetic whimper escapes your throat as you drop the roses, a new wave of apologies on the tip of your tongue.
“You should be more careful when handling the roses.”
Huh?
Capitano lets go of your arm and carefully removes your glove. The blood has already flowed out of your hand and seeped into the fabric.
“Does it hurt?” His voice is softer.
What does his face look like right now?
“Don’t worry. It doesn’t hurt that much,” you lie.
“You could get an infection. Your wounds must be treated immediately.” Capitano picks up your fallen roses and puts two in the pocket of his coat. He holds up the last one. “Do you still want this?”
The petals are tinged with scarlet. One could mistake it for a natural red rose.
For a few seconds, you just stare at the ruined rose in his hand. Then you nod.
It is simply a more extreme display of ownership. You just need to be careful when you add it to your notebook.
vii. mint
After four months in Snezhnaya, Capitano leaves for another mission.
“I have business in Inazuma. The mission will last a minimum of two weeks.”
“I see. Good luck.”
What kind of business? At least two weeks?
You stop yourself from asking.
Your captor is in charge of the Fatui’s military division. While his business in Mondstadt was relatively diplomatic, he will most likely be fighting in Inazuma. You don’t need to know about the many ways he could end a life with his bare hands.
Capitano is packing his bags. He isn’t bringing much aside from clothes and weapons. “I assigned a guard to watch over you. She will be in the manor at all times.”
So much for two weeks of privacy.
He looks up from his luggage. Examining your face for any reaction, most likely.
Stop complaining.
Having a supervisor is nothing. He could keep you locked up in the bedroom with only basic necessities. He could bring you to Inazuma and the company of the Fatui soldiers. He could do worse.
It is a good thing that you had given up on escape. If not, your disappointment would have been too obvious.
“Would you like anything from Inazuma?” he finally says. “They have an impressive selection of souvenirs.”
You glance at your desk.
Earlier this morning, you had rearranged your books—by color, your preferred system of classification—after new reading material was delivered to the manor. Your notebook is open to a page filled with newly-pressed flowers.
He is always giving you gifts. Even if it is his way of showing affection, you don’t want it. You aren’t used to owning so many wonderful things.
You hug your pillow to your chest. “Flowers. You don’t need to go out of your way to purchase any. Just pick any flowers growing in your workplace.”
You can hear the clink of chains. Is he nodding? “I shall pick only the best for you.”
Two weeks. Two weeks away from your captor. It has been so long since you last had a full day to yourself. A part of you feels anxious about the return to your old routine.
“Will you miss me?”
He pauses.
Huh, you are still capable of speaking out loud at the worst times.
The pillow suddenly looks extremely appetizing. But before you can lower your face and muffle your screams, your head is tilted upwards.
You and Capitano are at eye level. The hand on your cheek feels warm.
He is still wearing his mask. You actually prefer seeing him wear it. When his face is concealed, the way he looks at you is a well-kept secret.
But now, sitting on the edge of the bed with Capitano kneeling before you, you can’t help but wonder. What kind of expression is on his face? Is he shocked? Annoyed?
“There is not a single moment when I do not think of you or your safety,” he tells you. He reaches for your hand and intertwines your fingers. “Let these be your words of comfort until I return to you.”
✿ ⚘    
Your guard is absolutely unbearable. Because of her, you actually find yourself looking forward to Capitano’s return.
“My lady, it is almost midnight. Is it difficult to sleep when your husband is away?”
You ignore her. Ceres repeats her question.
How did she get assigned to this job?
The Fatui are only marginally better than the Snezhnayans. They rarely approach you or even look at you. Such convenience had been attained the hard way, unfortunately.
-
On your first day in Zapolyarny Palace, you bumped into a soldier in the corridor. Despite you being the one who fell from the impact, they got angry and questioned how “a clumsy weakling like you” was allowed inside Fatui headquarters.
In the middle of their tirade, Capitano left the adjacent room.
It was later rumored that a soldier had passed out in the middle of training. Something about the Captain using them as a live dummy for combat demonstration.
-
Then there was the Eleventh Harbinger. Capitano had attended an appointment with his fellow Harbingers—a rare gathering, apparently—so you had to wait outside their meeting place. When the door finally opened, Tartaglia was the first to leave.
“Oh? You don’t look like you work here,” he said, walking over to you. The smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Were you listening in on our conversation, little mouse?”
“Um…” You took a step backwards. Were you allowed to speak to him?
“Tartaglia.”
Capitano had exited the room. His hand was on Tartaglia’s shoulder. “For what reason are you troubling my wife?”
“Oh? Is that who you are?” Tartaglia’s eyes lit up. “My apologies! You are different from what I had imagined.”
Capitano’s hand was still on his shoulder. His fingers sunk into the black fur of Tartaglia’s coat. “______, we are leaving.”
He walked away. You followed him.
Tartaglia’s voice echoed into the hallway. “I hope to see you again soon, Capitano! And you too, ______.”
Capitano put his arm around your shoulder. You didn’t resist.
-
The worst case was those two petty recruits. You had just wanted to read peacefully in the library, but they were chatting so loudly that you could hear them all the way from your secluded corner. And their table was a mess of half-opened books.
On instinct, you shushed them and told them to return the books properly.
That sealed your fate. They thought you were the librarian’s assistant and began visiting your spot in the library just to ruin your reading time. You only put up with their behavior because it was still better than reading in Capitano’s office.
One of them put their hand on your shoulder and laughed when you immediately flinched. The next day, Capitano told you that you were staying in the manor.
A nervous guard kept watch over you. When Capitano came back from work, there was blood on his clothes. But the ensuing interrogation was even scarier.
You were no longer allowed to read in the library after that.
-
“My lady, can you hear me? Hello?”
Could Ceres be a spy of some sort? Is she attempting to gain your trust and secrets? Or is she supposed to keep you too preoccupied to think of an escape plan?
You look up from your notebook. “Ceres, is it bothersome living away from home to watch over me?”
“Hmm, not at all. It’s just that my family misses me.” She adjusts her mask and smiles at you. “My parents are always sending letters and packages from home.”
“That must be nice.”
You return to your notebook. Your collection of mint flowers fills the two pages, light blue flowers and green leaves pressed perfectly flat. You try to ignore the ones with yellow leaves.
What is Capitano doing right now?
He could be fighting a battle at this very moment. The thought of him in action, covered in blood, completely unrestrained…you don’t want to visualize that.
At least his violence serves a larger purpose ironically associated with peace. You should be thankful that it isn’t mindlessly directed towards you.
Ceres is not satisfied with your brief acknowledgement, unfortunately.
“Everyone is curious, my lady. How did you end up with the Captain? No offense but considering the contrast between the two of you…what did he see in you?”
What was it, anyway?
“None taken. I don’t know, either.”
What does he gain from you, anyway? A trophy wife? A bed-warmer? A babymaker?
No, if he had wanted an empty marriage from the beginning, he wouldn’t be hiding you from the world. Protective moments aside, he scarcely touches you.
Maybe he just pities you. Maybe he wants something to protect.
In that case, he will tire of you eventually. Judging by his trip to Mondstadt, he could have all the time in the world to meet an unfortunate Inazuman and forget about his despondent little wife.
Then what would happen to you?
Best-case scenario, he sends you back to Mondstadt and you go back to your days of barely living. Or he could simply leave you to the cruelty of the Snezhnayan blizzards. Or dispose of you entirely. The world would not give you a second chance.
Ceres is still speaking. Something about love and home and family and aren’t those such wonderful things to have?
No, Capitano is nothing like them. He doesn’t hurt you. He said that he thinks about you often. Despite your refusal to return his feelings, he remains patient.
But it is for those same reasons that he couldn’t possibly be satisfied with a mere decorative flower.
✿ ⚘    
You have a new roommate. Another adorable little brat who catches the eyes of all the prospective parents.
She takes over the garden behind the building. Your garden, the flowers you had planted and nurtured for as long as you could remember. She plucks the dandelions and blows away the seeds, turning your garden into a barren patch of soil.
The matron doesn’t help you. “It is not your private garden, ______. Can’t you share?”
Share your room. Share your toys. Share the flowers you had poured all of your hope and wishes into.
The ground collapses beneath you. You fall into a bottomless pit and the matron only watches.
-
You wake up in cold sweat.
The room is still dark. You can hear Ceres humming in the hallway.
The first thing you check is your notebook.
Your flowers are all safe.
You breathe a sigh of relief and return to the bed.
The mattress feels too big. You are used to seeing Capitano’s side of the bed empty—he always sleeps later than you and wakes up before you. But somehow, it feels wrong when the empty space next to you is cold.
viii. dendrobium
“My lady, the Captain has returned!”
You look up from your book. Ceres kneels before the front door.
“My lord!”
So she does know how to be professional.
You remain on the sofa and stare at your book.
Familiar footsteps. The clink of chains against metal.
“______. Have you been well?” He is standing in front of you.
You keep your head lowered. “Yes. Was the mission successful?”
Capitano kneels in front of you and takes your hand. “I would not have returned until we achieved victory. Did you miss my company?”
His glove is cold from the snow.
“I guess.” You look up from your interlocked hands. “How was Inazuma?”
There is a dent on the side of his helmet. But other than that, he looks perfectly fine.
“Inazuma has changed since the abolishment of the Vision Hunt Decree. You would have enjoyed the region.” He turns to Ceres.
She is still kneeling on the floor. It vaguely occurs to you that she will have new questions and gossip material after this.
“Sergeant Fames, you are dismissed.”
“Yes, sir!” She stands up and leaves.
Just the two of you again.
“I have your souvenir.” Capitano lets go of your hand and gestures to the table.
There are three wooden boxes. You open one and carefully pull out the fabric wrapped inside.
Dendrobium. Three perfect dendrobiums with blood red petals.
“Thank you!” You pick up one of the flowers and twirl it in your hands. The petals and leaves are a vibrant shade of scarlet. You have no doubt that Capitano had an easy time procuring them and you don’t want to ruin the mood by asking. “They’re even fresh.”
“You can preserve them on your own.” Capitano is already taking out the other flowers. “Is my gift to your liking?”
He had even gotten fresh Naku Weed and Sakura Bloom for you. None of them look wilted nor damaged from travel.
“I love it.” You twirl the dendrobium again. You can feel the small smile on your face. “It is absolutely beautiful.”
“I agree.”
Capitano is still kneeling in front of you. You take a deep breath and return the flowers to their boxes.
“Thank you again. Capitano…could you please remove your mask?”
“Pardon?”
You keep your eyes on the table. “You don’t have to. I just want to see your face.”
This is just a way to thank him and show your gratitude.
There is the sound of chains clinking again. His mask joins your flowers on the table.
You look up.
His face is as stoic as ever. You feel small under the weight of his gaze. Perhaps you should’ve gone for his mask instead.
It shouldn’t be difficult.
Warm. His lips are warm.
You are quick to break off the kiss. You try to stand up, only for Capitano to quickly pull you towards him.
“You…” His hands are still cold. But at least his grip is light.
“I’m sorry!” You close your eyes. You don’t want to see his face. “I…I just—”
His hand caresses your cheek, preventing you from turning away.
“Open your eyes, ______.” His voice is still calm. That is a good sign, right?
He isn’t angry.
That confirmation alone is enough to make you relax. He cages you in his arms, a gentle look in his eyes.
“If you desire a kiss,” he tells you, “you need only ask for it.”
With that, it is Capitano’s turn to press his lips against yours.
...It doesn’t hurt. Not at all.
You look away as soon as the kiss is over. Your mouth burns. You want nothing more than to pick up your flowers and press them in your notebook.
But will this be enough?
“Capitano.” You have to force the words out of your mouth. “Would you…like to go upstairs?”
Just tolerate it for one night. For your sake.
That is all it takes for Capitano to stand up and scoop you into his arms. You spot the faintest of smiles on his face.
“As you wish.”
✿ ⚘  
There are bruises on your hips.
You poke the purplish marks on your skin and wince. Definitely bruises.
How long will these last?
“Does it hurt?” Capitano speaks directly into your ear.
“I’m fine,” you reply quickly. “It doesn’t hurt that much.”
The bed is warmer with him in it.
You try not to squirm in Capitano’s arms. He is too close.
“Shouldn’t we get out of bed? You will be late for work.”
“Zapolyarny Palace does not require my presence today.”
So much for escaping The Morning After.
You sigh and flip your body to rest on your right side. You might as well process the full reality of what happened last night.
Capitano has a different look on his face. He looks…relaxed. Peaceful. His gaze is soft.
You glance at his neck. That is when your eyes widen.
Love bites. You didn’t expect your kisses to leave a mark.
His tresses are also tangled. Is it just his usual bedhead or from when you pulled his hair?
You had left your marks on him.
“We should get up.” You sit up, wincing at the chafing sensation in your thighs. “I have to preserve the flowers while they are still fresh.”
“______.” His arm is still wrapped around your waist. “I appreciate the warm welcome.”
No, no, no.
It would have been easier if he was like your previous flings. They didn’t ask you to stay. They didn’t initiate cuddles after the deed was done. They didn’t treat you like glass on a daily basis only to surprise you in the act of lovemaking.
Could you call it that?
You leave the bed and look for your dress. You find it near the door alongside Capitano’s discarded coat. A flash of bright orange catches your eye.
Strange. Capitano doesn’t wear that color.
You put on your dress and glance at him. He is standing in front of his closet, back turned to you. You look away as soon as you see the scratches on his back.
The orange item is tucked into the pocket of his coat. It shouldn’t be confidential if Capitano had just left it there. Upon closer inspection…is that a flower?
You pull it out of the pocket. The flower has been pressed onto a piece of cardstock. It doesn’t look like a flower from Inazuma.
As a matter of fact, it resembles a calla lily.
“______. What are you doing?”
Capitano’s shadow looms over you.
Didn’t you drop it on the day he kidnapped you? Did he ask someone to retrieve it?
“You took good care of your gift," is all you can say.
ix. whopperflower 
It has been colder in Snezhnaya lately.
“My lord, I—oh! Um…I have a report from the Jester regarding your next course of action in Fontaine!”
You don’t blame the secretary for staring. You are sitting on their superior’s lap, after all.
As it turns out, parallel play can be performed even with your new seating arrangement. While you read your books and try to be as still as possible, Capitano has no problem with continuing his desk work.
He has been more physically affectionate since that dearly regretted night. There are new marks over your old scars.
The secretary reads out loud from their report. You open your book.
You are reading a collection of subverted fairytales this time. A twisted assemblage of tragic happy endings and heroic villains and damsels finding love within their so-called prisons. The first story is based on one from the dark fairytale collection Lisa had recommended to you.
She invited you to the Angel’s Share on your last day in Mondstadt. How would your life have played out if you had finally accepted her invitations?
You can feel the rise and fall of Capitano’s chest. His hair tickles your cheek.
Stop pondering on those what-ifs. She would have left you alone eventually. Mondstadt was your own personal tower.
You can still feel the secretary’s gaze on you. You flip to the next page.
Would that make Capitano your knight in shining armor?
That is a horrible analogy. You continue reading.
The room becomes silent.
Capitano feels tense. His hand is gripping the armrest so tightly that you expect the wood to splinter. You look up from your book and the secretary immediately averts their eyes.
Did he catch them looking at you?
The tension in the room is unbearable. Even with Capitano’s face concealed, anyone could tell that he is not merely looking in the secretary’s direction.
“Capitano,” you whisper, tapping his hand. You move to stand up. “I’ll go to the library.”
His arm wraps around your waist and pushes you back down onto his lap. You look up in shock, but he is still facing the speechless secretary.
“Did I command you to stop speaking?” he asks them.
They practically jump. “N-No! Forgive me, my lord!”
They continue speaking. You sigh and return to your fairytales.
✿ ⚘    
“Where have you been?”
The air becomes cold. You flinch and close the door behind you.
Your brother is standing in the foyer. “Were you at the library all day again?”
“Yes,” you answer quickly. You lower your head. “Is there a problem with that?”
He glares at you. “I had to do the laundry because you weren’t around. And do you know what Mother said? She told me to redo all of it!”
“And how is that my fault?”
The room spins.
The first thing you register is your brother’s disappearance.
You are inside the closet again. Black ink leaks out of your bandaged wrist and floods the tiny room.
“Brother?” You look around. The door has disappeared.
The ink reaches your waist.
You begin banging on the walls. “I’m sorry! Please let me out.”
The walls close in on you. The ink solidifies.
You are trapped.
Your screams are unanswered.
-
“______? ______.”
The closet disappears. Capitano’s face comes into view.
You sit up, blearily registering the hands on your shoulders. “What…?”
“You were dreaming,” he tells you. “I could hear you talking in your sleep.”
Another nightmare. You must have been loud for Capitano to free you from your dreamscape.
Your hands are still shaking. You close your eyes and take deep breaths.
Just a dream. He can’t hurt you anymore.
“The Maier son is dead.”
What?
You stare at Capitano. His face is completely devoid of emotion.
“Following your disappearance, he suspected you of his parents’ murder,” he explains. “The Knights of Favonius are no longer investigating his family’s case.”
He is still holding you.
What are you supposed to feel in times like these? Joy? Grief? Fear?
“…I see.” You lie down and face the wall. “I’m going back to sleep.”
He just casually admitted to killing someone. Is that supposed to make you feel any better? Does he expect you to thank him?
Your sleep is dreamless.
✿ ⚘    
“______.” Capitano taps your arm. “Are you listening to me?”
You focus on your book.
You don’t want to talk to him. Not after your last nightmare.
He taps his fingers against his desk. “You have been more immersed in your books lately. One may assume that you are using your hobby as a shield once again.”
Just how many people are dead because of you?
“I am not,” you reply curtly. You flip to the next page. “Could you please talk to me later? I am on an important scene right now.”
Your book is confiscated again.
“My—!”
You turn around in his lap. But before you can reach for your book, you are subdued by the light pressure on your waist.
His hand is gripping your waist.
“You are lying,” he accuses, holding up your book. His fingers dig into your flesh. “Chapter III is only the princess’s soliloquy. She does not meet the dragon until Chapter V.”
Your eyes widen.
Has he been…?
You sit properly on his lap this time. Your book is left forgotten on the far corner of the desk.
✿ ⚘    
Six months. Two missions. A floor-to-ceiling bookcase, each book labeled with your own name. Glaze Lilies, Qingxin, Silk Flowers, Violetgrass, purple roses, the petals of a Cryo Whopperflower.
“You even asked for a Whopperflower? My lady, your taste in flowers is truly divine.”
Ceres stands closer to you, one hand hovering over your newly-pressed flower. You slam your notebook shut.
“I didn’t even ask for it. He just gave it to me,” you mutter.
Ceres is undeterred. “Even so, Lord Capitano really goes out of his way to pick flowers for you. I can only imagine the ones he will bring back from Fontaine!”
A mission in Fontaine. Another month trapped in the manor with Ceres.
Hopefully, Capitano returns on time.
“Oh, that’s right! My lady, you came from Mondstadt, right?” she asks you.
“Yes.”
“What is it like? One of my comrades has recently returned from the region; he said that the Windblume Festival is ongoing. It has something to do with flowers, right?”
Has it been that long?
“That is correct. We offer flowers to Barbatos and our loved ones,” you explain. “You can choose any type of flower as your Windblume. Most people choose dandelions.”
“What about you?”
“I have never participated in the festival.”
Ceres grins at you. “Well, you are with the Captain now! You could always celebrate the festival with him next year if he has time for a vacation.”
As if Capitano would allow you.
“There is no need,” you reply. “I wouldn’t want to inconvenience him any further.”
“For once, I can agree with you.”
Cold. You feel so cold.
You collapse onto the floor. Ice spreads across your skin.
What just…
You try to get up, only for a heavy boot to stomp on your back.
“I didn’t expect you to be this weak. This temperature isn’t even fatal.”
Ceres? She…
Ceres crouches down in front of you, Delusion in hand. The warmth has left her face.
“You know, I was really surprised when I first met you. I was expecting—no, hoping—that you would be different. Someone strong. Someone loyal to the Tsaritsa. Even a simple, happy-go-lucky Mondstadter could have been a good source of motivation. But you…what did the Captain see in you?”
Your notebook is on the floor. Ceres picks it up.
No. Don’t take it.
She rolls her eyes as she flips through the pages. “Preserving useless flowers, reading those fantastical books, staring blankly with the saddest eyes one could ever imagine, causing so much trouble for us.”
It’s mine!
Ceres stands up and throws your notebook aside.
“The Captain does not need someone who will make him weak.”
x. windblume
Your prison is too cramped.
Your head hurts. The restraints are too tight. You can’t see anything in the dark.
They didn’t even bother to use a soundproof cell. You can perfectly hear their conversation.
“Are you crazy?! You did what to the Captain’s wife?!”
Ceres’s voice is deathly calm. “Don’t worry. Lord Capitano has only been in Fontaine for two days. By the time he returns, she will be gone.”
“And if he finds out?!”
“Well, our group is only a small number compared to her previous offenders.” Ceres raises her voice. “How many of our comrades have been reprimanded for simply talking about her? How many were punished for ‘crossing the line?’”
There is barely any space inside this room.
“You should have seen him! Il Capitano kneeling before her as though she were more divine than the Tsaritsa herself. I don’t know how I was able to put up with that sight.”
“Don’t kill her yet.” Her companion sounds desperate. “At least think of a convincing autopsy! Why couldn’t you have just staged a common accident inside the manor?”
Please don’t hurt me.
“Well, that wouldn’t be fun.” You can hear the glee in Ceres’s voice. “You should have seen her face earlier. It was the first time I saw her with an expression that wasn’t so downcast or apathetic. She actually looked alive.”
You hear the sound of receding footsteps. Then silence.
The room is too small.
They will most likely make you suffer through your death.
You are alone.
You bang your head against the door but the action only worsens your dizziness.
Capitano won’t be here to rescue you.
You curl into a ball and close your eyes. The only thing you can do is to block out the world and wait for sleep to claim you.
✿ ⚘    
The meadow is ruined.
Everywhere you look, faceless figures are uprooting the flowers and digging up the soil. They wish upon the dandelions, voices merging into a shrill cacophony of prayers and proclamations. The world becomes a blizzard of swirling seeds.
Stop.
They ignore you. The meadow decays.
You cover your eyes.
Please, this is all I have left.
Quiet. The meadow is suddenly quiet.
You look up.
Dead. They are all dead. Flowers rise from the bloody corpses and burst into full bloom.
The sight is absolutely beautiful.
A twig snaps.
You turn around.
Capitano is standing at the edge of the meadow, covered in blood.
-
The screams are what wake you up.
So much screaming. The sounds of weapons and Visions being used. The door shakes with a deafening crash.
You drag your body to the deepest corner of the cell.
What is happening?
Another scream.
“Lord Capitano! What about your mission? Have you forgotten your oath to the Tsaritsa?!”
Capitano?
Ceres is still speaking. You can hear her frantic footsteps and the sound of her activated Delusion. Another direct crash against the door.
A loud crack.
Blood seeps through the crack under the door and into your clothes. The smell of iron is nauseating.
The door opens.
“______!”
Warm. So warm.
The light is almost blinding but it is quickly blocked out by Capitano’s figure in the doorway.
His arms are wrapped around you. More blood sticks to your clothes but you ignore it.
“You came back for me,” you whisper weakly.
He holds you at arm’s length, checking you for injuries. His voice shakes with barely-restrained anger. “Where did they hurt you?”
His touch is so light.
As if he is careful to avoid hurting you. As if he is afraid that just the slightest additional force could spell your ultimate demise at his hands.
“______, can you understand what I am saying?” He tilts your face upwards.
You really can’t see anything beneath his mask.
Your vision blurs.
The tears won’t stop.
You almost can’t recognize your own voice. The sounds leaving your mouth are too loud and you have no idea what you are saying. So noisy.
But Capitano’s response is to hug you and carry you out of the room.
You bury your face into his coat and continue crying.
✿ ⚘    
An Anemo healer treats your wounds. They confirm that none of your injuries will become permanent scars.
Capitano hasn’t let go of you ever since he found you.
You don’t say anything to him during the medical examination. Your throat hurts from overuse and any little remark could raise questions which you don’t have the energy to answer.
The walk from the medical tent to the carriage is completely silent. The Fatui soldiers avoid your gaze and Capitano has nothing to say.
He is still carrying you. You can’t tell if he is doing it for your personal comfort or to send a clear message to his soldiers. Maybe both.
“Capitano?” You poke his helmet.
The chains sway as he turns to face you. “Yes?”
“How did you find me?” you ask quietly. “I thought you were in Fontaine.”
He continues walking. “I enlisted spies to check on you whenever I am away. Sergeant Fames was not informed, in the event that you convince her to assist in your escape.”
The pain in your throat returns.
Laughter this time. Your cheeks hurt; are you smiling? You feel absolutely euphoric.
Capitano stops in front of the carriage. He waits for you to calm down.
You take a deep breath and look up again, staring into the black void of his mask. “Could you please put me down?”
“...If you run away, I shall capture you immediately.”
“I know.”
The world around you is completely covered in snow. There are no flowers in this area.
You lie on the ground. The cold is less unbearable nowadays. You think you could thrive in it.
The gods have a twisted way of granting wishes. But so be it.
“Capitano.” You stand up, catching yourself before you trip. “I have something for you. Could you lean down for a bit?”
He relents. “Understood.”
You press your lips against his helmet. The metal is cold but the chilling sensation is soon overtaken by the warmth on your wrist.
You have never felt more safe in his grasp.
“...We should depart.” Capitano straightens his posture and holds your hand. “I was successful in procuring two wildflowers from Fontaine before I was notified of your situation. You can add them to your collection later.”
“Thank you.” You intertwine your fingers and look up again.
The smile on your face is reflected in his mask.
“Let’s go home.”
Author’s Note  ๑ Side Story ๑ Epilogue 1 Epilogue 2
Afkdfkdendkwdnwka it took me a whole week to write this and I am so glad that this fic is finally done!! I rlly wanted to write something twistedly wholesome about yandere Capitano with a broken darling, hence having to write this long af fic in order to explain Darling’s character and illustrate her descent into complete dependence on Capitano <3
Anyway, I had a lot of fun writing this fic despite the brainrot and suffering. I hope you all enjoyed this, too  (ღ˘⌣˘ღ)
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rogaire-a · 2 years
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Btw Happy pride months lads remember that no sailor is straight.
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