â„ synopsis â making a flower crown for xiao <33
a/n â i havenât written in the looongest time, but heâs my fav ever so i had to ;(
đâ đâ â Ëâ đŹâ Ëâ â đâ đ
âaaaaaand, itâs done!â
springing up from your place on the grass, you held out the object thatâs kept you occupied for last few hoursâa flower crown, made of qingxins and wire you had managed to pocket from an old commission. messily woven together, it looked more like a decorative birds nest than a flower crown, but nonetheless it was finished.
xiaoâs figure shifted against the tree he was sat leaning against, expression neutral as he watched over you work and weave your way into finishing the flower crown. he was silent for most of the time, switching from observing you from a distance and surveying the area around.
any monster that dared to disturb your peace would never see the light of day again.
you excitedly made your way over to him, holding it out in front of his face. some of the looser bits dangled, causing a few petals to flutter to the floor.
âhowâs it look, xiao? i think i did pretty well!â you said proudly, holding it above your head as you inspected your work with noises of approval. as dingy as it was, it wasnât too bad for a beginner.
xiao gave a curt nod in response, still not understanding the purpose of such a thing. but it made you happy, so he truly didnât mind. he still found it hard to believe that you had managed to convince him to accompany you during the whole process.
earlier in the day, the adeptus had stumbled upon the sight of you returning to wangshu inn, bundles of flowers tucked in your arms. upon further inspection, he came to the realization that they were qingxins. he found it somewhat difficult to suppress his curiosity, which led him to teleport behind you without a single warning.
"what are you doing?"
you startled as you heard a familiar voice sound behind you, dropping the bundles of flowers that you held in your arms with a squeak. you didn't have to turn around to know who it was. there was only one person who could appear out of thin air within a moment's notice--none other than adeptus xiao.
wide-eyed, you turned around to face him, holding a hand to your chest in an attempt to calm your racing heart from the slight surprise visit. his usual sharp, aloof gaze met your own, causing you to duck your head sheepishly, missing the way it softened when he noticed the fallen bundles of qingxins scattered across the ground.
"xiao, you startled me!" you said breathlessly, huffing as you crouched down to begin picking up the flowers, carefully brushing the debris off from the petals. the last thing you wanted was for the delicate white of the petals to be dirtied by the debris from the floor. he internally winced, clearly not meaning to surprise you. if anything, you really should have been more aware of your surroundings. nonetheless, he felt a bit sorry, even if he didn't admit it.
"that was not my intention," he looked away momentarily before looking back at you, kneeling down on the floor trying to collect all of the bundles, "what is the need for all of these qingxins?"
after picking them all up, you straightened up, meeting his barely-hidden gaze of curiosity with a happy one of your own.
"i'm making flower crowns! well, practicing to, at least..." you let out a breath of air, closing your eyes. "i've never really made them for anyone else, but a lot of the kids from qingce village practically begged me to make them one after they saw the one i made the other day." you gestured to your head, where a slightly wilted and messy flower crown laid atop.
xiao followed you down the path to the inn, keeping a respectful distance between the two of you as he quietly listened as you rambled about your day getting the flowers as well as your plans for what to do with them. somewhere along the way, he had moved to take the flowers from your grasp, holding them in his own arms as you continued to talk.
"like i said, i never really made them for anyone else before. i really hope they like it." you sighed, wringing your hands behind your back nervously. you were quiet for the rest of the way when suddenly you stopped in the middle of the road and turned to him excitedly, much to his surprise.
âoh, i know!â you exclaimed, âhow about i make you a flower crown? itâll be good practice for me!â reaching over to grasp a bundle of flowers from his arm, you clutched the bundles of qingxins against your chest and gave him a fervent look. xiao didn't miss a beat, continuing to walk past you with the other flowers in arm.
âi have no need for such a thing.â
xiao had initially turned you down quite bluntly, doubting the practicality of flowers woven together with a piece of wire. what use would that be, even outside of battle? it would only get in the way. however, his resolve undeniably wavered when he turned back and saw the slight pout forming on your lips, causing his heart to clench ever the slightest.
he had once claimed to have no desireâadepti had no need for such mortal ideals, he had said. yet there was a part of him that felt the need to see to your happiness, even if that meant allowing you to wiggle your way into the distance he tried to desperately to keep between anyone.
âthough if you insist,â xiao cleared his throat, averting his gaze away almost shyly when he noticed your expectant gaze, âi will accompany you while you make it.â
the adeptus then found himself standing post under a nearby tree for the next few hours, quietly observing you.
âmmâŠnot bad.â he nodded, eyes flitting over the flower crown, hesitant to say anything else. it was a bit out of place, but it still held together nonetheless.
without warning, you crouched in front of him, carefully placing the flower crown atop his head, adjusting it so that it fit soundly against his dark locks. all words of argument left his train of thought, eyes widened as he looked up at you, not daring to move as you brush a stray strand of hair away from his face. you failed to notice the way he stiffened under the administration of your gentle touch.
he wasnât used to itâthe way your fingertips danced across his head lightly as they rearranged the flower crown, nor the way that you smiled at him so warmly that he thought his heart might burst. he couldnât help but feel so vulnerable under someoneâs mercy.
however, he couldnât find it in him to mind. not when it was you.
stepping back to admire your work, you hummed happily to yourself. without a doubt, xiao was already quite handsome alone with his sharp amber gaze and his dark locks, but the flower crown gave him a look of gentleness and elegance that he didnât seem to normally have. it made him quite adorable.
âit fits you.â you beamed at him, clasping your hands together with a pleased expression. he huffed, as if he found the whole thing unbelievableâa flower crown to be fitting for adeptus like him? a killing machine? it was too absurd to be true. but when you looked at him like thatâŠ
xiao couldnât help but avert his gaze and crossing his arms against his chest, feigning indifference. he fought the urge to squirm or simply disappear into thin air under your affectionate gaze, feeling the tips of his ears grow warm with bashfulness.
he wasn't sure when or how you managed to worm your way into his defenses. he never allowed himself to grow attached to someone, much less have a human as a companion. but he knew that the bond that he had cultivated with you was too strong to sever nowânot that he'd ever dream of doing such a thing.
he let out a scoff, feeling his heart flutter at the sight of you staring at him so softly.
ââŠyou truly have no respect for the adepti.â
Genshin boys and being "that type of guy to..." P1
notes; I didn't wanna do hcs, I need to find a few characters I want to look into and do so have some silly little things!! probably not accurate but i think its cute :3
CHARS: kaveh, alhaitham, cyno, wanderer
Kaveh
Kaveh the type of guy to hold you by a small part of your outfit, either by your arm or waist.
"Hm, don't want you getting lost either." You've already turned back around when you think he's talking to you, however your 'aww' is shut down instantly by him looking at his Mehrak, refusal all over his face as he decides to silently walk ahead, gently grabbing you by your waist and leading the way as you gush over his behaviour.
Alhaitham
The type of guy to randomly place items you like to your convenience around your place.
You were currently in a rush, notepad in one hand and the other frantically waving across any surface you came across - all day, youâve been searching for items to help you and you couldnât find anything until you got to Alhaithamâs and told him about your dilemma.
Only to be scolded by him, suggesting that you should be more organised next time. Although throughout the rest of the day, you see supplies that you needed. Quickly shouting a âIll be taking this pencil for a minute! Iâll give it back later!â told him more than enough.
He didnât get the pencil back, in fact, you lost it again.
C yno
The type of guy to constantly find excuses to check up on you even while he's out doing tasks.
You were set out for multiple tasks during the day, currently in the morning you were helping Nilou with preparations for an upcoming performance, creating small props to go around the stage.
âHey, that looks heavy iâll take it from you.â You tense up before turning around and realising that it was Cyno behind you, already grabbing a box of props off of you. Cyno, who was meant to be investigating another one of his cases was instead helping you.
âHuh- Cyno-! Werenât you meant to be on another case?â You huffed out, trying to stop him as he swiftly avoids you and places the props in their designated spot.
âWell, Iâm on the way, just thought iâd stop through a quicker route..â Cyno manages to call out before he gives you a hand a quick squeeze, which you promptly squeeze back in return for confirmation.
Wanderer
The type of guy to tell you to stop doing something but in reality enjoys you doing it.
âDo you like Unagi Chazuke by chance?â You offer him your steaming bowl. âIâve already ate so i just wondered if youâd like some.â
You received a huff in response, âYeah right, whatever, whereâd you get it from anyway?â He grumbles as it takes the bowl from you having just come back from an adventure.
âOh i made it myself!â You proudly exclaimed as Wanderer looks you up and down in approval. Yet to your dismay he shrugs you off, âGo clean yourself up i donât want to be near you while you stink.â
You sigh in defeat and sulk off to get ready, stopping before you fully close the door to hear him quietly eating the food you learnt to prepare for him.
He was sure to teach you his way of making Unagi Chazuke next time.
Will buy you anything you show remote interest in.
âDid you see that adorable little earmuff set?â You gush to Childe over your tea and snacks while at home, you had invited Childe over for the small time he had before going back onto a task to who-knows-where.
He nods in agreement, âYeah youâd look amazing in it, donât you think?â He playfully winks at you with a small nudge of his foot against your leg. âNo! Itâs so expensive, and totally not for me!â You cry out, even if you wanted something like that your current pay is not enough for it. Youâd have to miss a couple meals for a week or twoâŠ
Although the next day, at your door is a small gift within the hands of what is presumably a co-worker of Childeâs. âHe told me to give this to you before he left - heâs extremely sorry he couldnât give you it in person.â
You take it and sit inside, to see the set of earmuffs you had spoken about at dinner.
Xiao
Subconsciously traces your back while you sleep.
As a Yaksha, Xiao doesnât need sleep. However, you do. And youâre always sleepy no matter what, however itâs best at night when Xiao isnât as busy. People are quiet, you are quietly snoring next to him as he lays next to you.
His hand gently brushes against your exposed back, large shirt falling as he rubs his hands up and down your back. His touch is so light, heâs barely tracing your skin, but enough for your hair to feel his touch. So scared he may hurt you one day doing this.
He can tell youâre awake when your breathing changes - so donât expect anything like this when you pretend to sleep.
Zhongli
Remembers the smaller details in everything you say.
You find yourself often talking about many things with Zhongli, unsure why as to how youâre always so drawn towards the man who is often silently observing you as you talk about another topic you are sure he isnât aware of this time.
âBut did you know what she was wearing? A golden silk dress!â You explain in detail, mumbling over the dressâs information which was apparently very important to you even if forgotten 5 minutes later.
Yet, when you end up replaying the same story to him, he sits and listens intently, âand then, from what i remember she was wearing a blue silk dress! Blue isnât even her colour! youâd think she out of everyone would know..!â You huff at the recollection.
âWasnât it a gold silk dress?â Zhongli politely interrupts and corrects you. Whining as u cover your face, you sigh in agreement. Dragging out a long fake sob.
Really though, youâre glad at least someone is listening to you - even if you donât listen.
if there was one word you could use to describe wriothesley, it would be cold.
contents. 7.4k+ wc (please give it a chance đ) f!reader, a non-canon annual animal hunting competition, furina being in her matchmaker era, cliche but thatâs kinda the point, there's a trope called the âcold duke of the northâ trope that describes a very stereotypical male lead, super similar to the âcompany ceo tropeâ! picture creds: @/ochaiit - x
notes. âon a scale from one to ten how self-indulgent was this alexisâ a ten. i need him.
being a government official under the rule of focalors, you often have to do things you donât want to do. the job description means a lot of things, including (but not limited to) enduring tedious meetings with neuvillette and rescuing stray kittens lurking outside the palais mermonia, but this really takes the cake.
âwill you be a dear and let me know how wriothesley is doing?â
you blink as furina claps her hand excitedly, leaning forward to stare gleefully at the cookies that line the plate before her.
ââŠsorry?â
âwell, i realized i actually donât know that much about the fortress of meropide,â she smiles flippantly, completely enamored by the sweet treats in front of her, âi want you to do some routine check-ups and make sure everythingâs running smoothly!â
âbut iââ
âiâm sorry but i already let him know, so iâm afraid you don't have a choice in the matter.â her eyes peer up, that cat-like quality in her iris making your eye twitch; she gives you a close-eyed smile as she pushes the tray to the middle of the table, âhere, take one as a gift! you can even give one to him if youâd like.â
âiâm alright, thank you.â you smile, waving your hands in front of you as the traitorous back of your mind wonders how you ended up with someone like her as your archon (seriously, your prospects in sumeru would fare far better), but you attempt to shush it as best as you can as your back sinks onto the plush pillows on the edge of the couch, your fingers unconsciously picking at the loose fuzz.
she studies your stature closely, barely disguising the glint of suspicion in her eyes.
âwhy do you look so flustered? does the duke make you nervous?â her grin shifts from virtuous to a more mischievous flavor as she daintily plucks a cookie off the tier, âhot and bothered, even?â
âno!â you protest quickly, shooting up from your position; her smile is teasing at best and almost evil at worst, making your face feel even more aflame as she chews on the cookie thoughtfully, patiently waiting for you to defend yourself more.
âi justâŠâ you grimace under her stare, âdonât think he likes me is all.â
her eyes widen in surprise â real surprise, from what can you tell (a rarity from your archon). âwhatever do you mean?â
âi mean, heâs always soâŠâ you pause, biting the inside of your lip as you try to think of the word, âcold? he avoids me at every event heâs forced to come to, and when i think heâs just in a bad mood or something, i see him chatting up neuvillette or clorinde five minutes later! i havenât done anything to him and he finds every excuse not to talk to me!â
âit doesn't seem like that big of a deal to me, maybe heâs just nervous?â she shrugs, her feet rocking back and forth as her heels hit the back of the couch.
you wrinkle your nose. âwhy would he be?â
your archon thinks for a moment, and for once, you think she might actually be genuine.
as soon as her mask slips, though, her playful smile is back on her face, and she bounds off her lounging position, grabbing a small cake to bring to her table.
âanyways, just check in with me once youâre done visiting down there, okay? iâll get you access and everything so you donât need to worry about that!â she sets the plate on the wooden desk â you stand up, knowing that this is her way of ushering you out.
âgoodbye now!â she waves cheerfully as you make your way to the door, âiâll have neuvillette send you the schedule later!â
you hope later means never.
(unfortunately for you, neuvillette has the schedule at your doorstep by sunset.)
I.) MUSCLES FOR DAYS (HARD-ROCK ABS, REALLY?)
âand this is where the inmates live,â wriothesley holds his hand out, helping you up the stairs, âthe dormitories are all here; every person has their own bed, room, and bathroom, and although curfew is strict, itâs not unreasonable. so, are we done here?â
you look around the hallways leading to the rooms, split off into four clusters across multiple levels. furina and her insatiable curiosity for the deep fortress of meropide will be the death of you.
âiâll be down here again if we're not,â you turn to him, showing him the crude map youâve drawn of the fortress layout, âdoes this look right to you?â
he tilts his head, his pale eyes squinting at the rough sketch youâve made before he lifts his right eyebrow, âiâm not sure why you put âgross foodâ in the cafeteria section, but other than that, it looks about right.â
you used to think wriothesley could actually be quite handsome if he talked to you more, but that was before his tactic switched from avoiding you to subtly pissing you off (the eye candy definitely helps, though).
âfor furina,â you smile noncommittally, âshe wouldnât enjoy the food down here, itâs too heavy.â
his nods in acknowledgment. âitâs good that she can have you do her dirty work every time she wants to check up on this place, then.â
your eye twitches as you fold the map back into your pocket distastefully, biting your lip as your shoes clack against the steel floor, the iron lanterns providing some very much-needed warmth to the lack of it.
he's not wrong, sheâs sent you down here multiple times for the past few weeks for âresearchâ that the warden could easily provide her, but she's been insistent on sending you instead; today and the past three days have been about her pushing you to create a personalized map for her (as if she would ever go down there willingly). wriothesleyâs comment definitely wasn't needed, but as long as you can get out of here as quickly as possible and return to where the sunlight actually shines, your day is still redeemable.
that is, until sigewinne ruins everything.
âyour grace, your grace!â she runs up the other side of the steps as the two of you are making your way down â you quickly turn around at her panicked tone only to be met with wriothesley's abdomen, his ruffled black dress shirt tucked into his pants and his startled expression only a single step behind you.
you make a noise and take a step back out of surprise, only to have your foot trip on the step below you.
it all happens too fast for you to perceive, because one moment your heart drops in preparation for some inevitable head injury from the metal that makes up the damned place, and in the next, you feel someone's arm pull yours back, harshly stalling your fall as a blur of black and red envelops your body; your chin bumps painfully against his as you crash onto the floor, the pricking stinging at your skin and fuck, did you justâ
wriothesleyâs eyes are screwed shut in pain as his shoulder rams into the floor, a soft groan leaving his lips as you feel your face heat up, too flustered to move â his adamâs apple bobs as your warm exhales fan his neck, and archons, it feels like youâre lying against a wall. a soft wall, but a wall nonetheless; your arms grip at his biceps as you push yourself off of him after half a minute, his forearms sliding lax off of your back, grimacing. did he just take the brunt of the fall for you?
you stare down at him in horror, the heat from your hands contrasting the cold metal, the faint red on his lips contrasting his pale skin; his eyes open, dazedly staring at the ceiling instead of you.
itâs almost funny how he still somehow manages to avoid your gaze even when heâs injured.
you scramble off of him in the next moment, moving to extend a hand to his, helping him up with as much strength as you can muster (it is your fault anyway), trying to cover up the faltering mess you are.
it doesnât help that you hang your face down low, avoiding eye contact as the heat creeps into your ears.
his lips are parted ever so slightly, a shaky breath escaping them before he heaves out a heavy sigh. âwhat hit me?â his fingers gingerly touch his chin as sigewinne bounds over to his side, calling his name out worriedly.
he didnât feel your lips on hisâ? âmy forehead,â you blurt out quickly, swallowing, patting your forehead, âi mustâve bumped your chin, iâm sorry.â
he blinks in confusion before he sighs for the umpteenth time (it really does seem like he's always sighing when you're around), straightening his back.
âbe more aware of your surroundings next time,â he says stiffly, âi'll have deakin escort you back up, i apologize for not doing it myself.â
your expression sours at the thought of deakin before you remember that the warden is in front of you, and you flash a fake smile. âi'll see him up there, then,â your eyes flit to the melusine who stares innocently at you, biting the inside of your lip, âit was nice running into you, sigewinne.â
she offers to give you a small check-up with apologetic eyes but you refuse quickly; you canât be down here for another second, not the way wriothesleyâs pale eyes burn holes into the back of your head as you leave.
deakin is as rude and boring as ever, your interaction with wriothesley has rendered any ability to ever make eye contact with him again useless, and youâre a little bit more than pissed at furina for sending you down there in the first place, so when you see her waiting with hearts in her eyes and an excited grin on her face when you step out of the elevator, you have to mentally prepare yourself.
âso,â furina smiles innocently, âhow did it go?â
you swallow, your cheeks warm under her gaze.
ââŠi think i accidentally kissed him,â your chin throbs, but not as fast as your heart is, âand i don't think he noticed.â
II.) THAT SPECIFIC HAIRSTYLE (WHY DOES HIS NEW HAIRCUT LOOK THE SAME?)
despite how incessantly you plead, furina insists on sending you back. you think she's been reading too many isekai novels that yaeâs publishing house has been pushing out recently â not that they're bad, but because it's impossible to be blind to her motives.
âlet me guess,â you shoot him a playful look, âthey call you a demon on the battlefield.â
wriothesley raises an eyebrow. âiâve never touched a battlefield in my life.â
to your surprise, the man didn't mention your embarrassing mishap that occurred on that very first day, which either means that he's just as mortified as you are or that youâd misjudged his character from the beginning, and he's actually a saint in disguise.
you think it might be the latter because even with your constant badgering over these past few weeks, he's never once complained; he just hangs back, letting you explore the nooks and crannies in the fortress without much grievance.
the excuse is a safety check this time, which is infinitely worse than the past days because you actually don't have many qualifications to decide what is safe and what isn't.
âare you good with a sword?â
âi prefer my fists.â
âi think swords are cooler.â
âkeep talking and i can show you first-hand just how much cooler my gauntlets are.â
you laugh to yourself, your fingers trailing against the rusty pipes of the fortress and your snickers echoing against the hollow copper.
you glance at the man next to you as sneakily as you can, taking a moment to admire his stoic features. his words may have seemed to be mean-spirited, but he remains as aloof as heâs always been; his eyes shift to yours before you immediately turn away, staring up at the screws and bolts that line the area. you swallow, feeling your face heat up in embarrassment.
you and wriothesley aren't particularly best friends, no, but there are times â certain hours of the day and depth carved into your short allotments with him â when you feel a small connection buzzing between your fingertips and his, or when you catch him looking at you just a little bit longer than heâs supposed to. it gives you a childish sense of hope, the kind that lights giddy fires in your heart when he turns his head in your direction.
âso whatâs up there?â
âhm?â wriothesley stops in his tracks at the sound of your voice, following your finger to the dark edges of the hallway. the tube you stand in is supposed to be empty, save for the random crab that stumbles its way in through the large pipes or overgrown flora covering certain areas, but youâre not lying, something is sparkling in the distance up ahead from you.
itâs dim enough that he canât make it out until the two of you get closer, and through tentative steps, the two of you slowly approach it.
itâs a pool, he realizes, stopping no more than a few centimeters away from the platform's edge, barely inches above the still water that lies flat below him. youâre right behind him, peeking shyly from behind his shoulder to the clear blue under you (he feels your breath on his jacket for just a moment, your eyes peering at the water as if you're staring right past his skin).
ââŠthis doesnât bode well.â his voice doesnât echo as much as it should, not with the swamped area and the sound of the fortressâs money practically going down the flooded pipe drain in front of him.
âwait, what do you mean?â you come up from behind him, kneeling down on the pavement. the loose rock digs into your knees and your hands grip the edges as you lean down as far as you can, practically bringing your chin to the waterâs surface â you canât help the wide smile that appears on your face as you turn to peer up at the man; from this angle, itâs beautiful, with seaweed and sand caved into the pool just a few feet away with shells and crustaceans alike, âcanât you use this to swim or something? iâm sure the inmates would love to stretch their limbs!â
âunlikely.â his face is grim, âthis was supposed to be a drainage tube that also blocked water from entering, the fact that itâs broken down this much and for this longâŠi canât even imagine the damage itâs done to the metal surrounding the area. it's already surprising enough that the left wing of the fortress hasn't been affected yet.â
itâs around this moment that you realize that you donât like this expression on wriothesleyâs face.
it's too similar to the cold and unfeeling appearance he used to parade around you, but it's worse because the way his eyebrows furrow and the way he bites his bottom lip shows something unnatural for wriothesley, something you've never quite noticed.
you know that realistically, he's probably worn âworryâ before from deep within the shadows of his office and far from the blue sky that you know, but in all your years of knowing him, you've never seen it, the sullen gray that pools in his iris, the tense in his shoulders. it doesn't feel like him â a powerful and handsome warden such as himself should be gallivanting around with sly grins and open arms, not beating himself up over a mistake that no one's noticed before this.
âhey, did you get a haircut?â you ask randomly, swinging your fingers mindlessly across the still water.
he seems to shake out of his brooding stupor at your words, shifting his eyes to look down at you. âyouâve noticed?â
no.
âof course i did!â you lie through your teeth, creating ripples around your skin as you stare up at him. he nods in acknowledgment, his small frown still pulling at his lips as he contemplates his new problem.
there's much to do after all, the plumbers, builders, and conservationists will all cost a hefty amount of mora he doesn't know he can spare, not with the leaks in the right wing and the upgraded dorm construction that's already underway (it's not as if this isn't urgent, though, it's most certainly one of the more dire cases, however time-sensitive it is). it's been a while since he's applied for a loan, but maybe neuvillette could help him out, or maybe furina would even give him a free pass and tap into the treasuryâ
a splash.
âwrio?â his head quirks up again, this time because of the sudden nickname (unexpected, but not unwelcome), only to be met with the sound of a flick and something wet and salty on his face. he closes his eyes out of instinct, letting out a noise akin to a strangled gasp, spluttering on the water that sits on his skin as he hears you practically snort next to him.
your head is leaning against your free hand, brazenly smiling at the shocked look on his face â not the normal guilty look of a prankster, but the fact that your other hand still has water dripping off of it and that no playful seals are rippling underneath the blue leads him to the simplest conclusion he can think of.
âwhat was that for?â
to distract you, to make you feel better, because i wanted to â the explanations flood your head, but you respond by flicking him again, spraying small drops of saltwater back onto his face.
âyour hair was just a bit messy, new haircuts tend to do that,â you stand up, reaching your hands up to fix his hair, ruffling your fingers where the black roots part on his scalp, swiping his cheek with the dry part of your wrist afterwards. your palm feels warm, despite how cold the water that settled on his skin felt, your nails grazing ever so softly against his temple, brushing one last time against the damp hair that lies on his forehead.
you step back, happy to see that his frown is indeed turned upside down (more like in complete shock, but you still count it), gently tapping his shoulder before you begin to make your way back through the hallway. âcâmon, letâs go talk to furina and neuvillette about this, i'm sure they'll get it fixed in no time if i'm there!â
his heart thumps loudly against his chest.
âwhy would it matter if you were there?â
the golden light from the lanterns reflects off of your jewelry as you turn back, a playful smile on your face. âthey like me more, obviously.â
you lead the way, and after a moment of hesitation, he follows.
(he's not sure why, but in that moment, he thinks he might follow you anywhere you go.)
III.) COMMUNICATION ISSUES (SERIOUSLY, IS HIS FACE STUCK ON THE SAME SETTING?)
if there was one word you have to describe wriothesley, it'd be cold.
âhey, are you sure youâre not talking about yourself?â
his prison is far deep down in the sea where the sunlight doesn't touch, to say his personality is mysterious would be an understatement, and his cryo vision only seems to be a physical representation of his attitude.
âi feel like i could freeze in these temperatures myself.â
your nail leaves your mouth after the girl oh-so-rudely interrupts your musing â you turn your head to look at her â sheâs being rather sarcastic for being someone whoâs supposed to be here and comfort you, but you suppose thatâs always been the way furinaâs acted.
âyouâre an archon,â the words escape your lips unceremoniously, âitâd be rather disappointing if you froze by a humble mortalâs stare.â
she both looks and behaves the same way youâve known her ever since you walked into her palace at five years old, your eyes filled with wonderment at the destiny that awaited you if you chose to serve the archon the same way your parents and theirs had.
she has the decency to look worried, though, with her eyebrows furrowed in distress and the cerulean mixing with teal in both of her irises widening in concern. wriothesleyâs eyes donât look like hers, you think, hers are prettier by far, who would ever thinkâ
âhumble mortalâs glare.â she gives you a pointed look; you stick out your tongue before turning your head to face the copper thatâs on your right.
you really wish you were looking out a window right now, perhaps a flower pot would be on the windowsill, with navy blue curtains tied neatly on the side? perhaps a bird would come to feed on the seed that lies outside, or a pretty nurse would be here to help tend to your wounds, but as much as you try to imagine it, the ugly red-orange of the metal stands out like a freak of nature in your eyes, reminding you just where you are.
âwriothesley and sigewinne should be here any moment,â furina places a hand on your shoulder, her gloves daintily patting it, âi think iâll see myself around here â to check if your map is as correct as it couldâve been. i could fire you if itâs wrong, yâknow!â
âdonât go near the cafeteria,â you sigh, staring forlornly at the wall, âyouâd hate it.â
she blows a raspberry in your face, and you manage a snort, as much as you can without your stomach killing you.
knock knock.
your laughter halts immediately, and furina glances momentarily at the door; it swings open (rather rudely, you think, without much delay nor care) as wriothesley and sigewinne step through. his hair has grown ever so slightly since the last time you saw him, and the eyebags under his eyes are more prominent than usual, but still, he looks as handsome as ever.
âfocalors,â wriothesley bows slightly in respect at his archon, sigewinne following his lead as furina curtsies back. the man spares a glance at you, only to be met with a bone-chilling glare that sends him facing furina immediately, a hospitable smile on his face.
âiâll have deakin â not deakinââ he immediately corrects himself, âiâll have chambodouc escort you through the fortress; sigewinne, i have something to discuss with the patient, are you free to take furina to the shop? wait outside when youâre done.â
sigewinne agrees happily, none the wiser to the daggers you pierce into wriothesleyâs back with your eyes (either that, or she doesnât care), skipping her merry way to chambodouc as your archon abandons you, trailing not too far behind. wriothesley sighs as he closes the door after them â your eyes watch consciously as he drags his body to pull the chair next to you out to sit down.
âare you alright?â he doesn't take the time to get comfortable, immediately on the edge of the seat with his back hunched, âdo you feel too hurt anywhere?â
the stingrays that attacked you are far more forgiving than he is.
âno,â you say simply, âit aches, but sigewinne is masterful at her craft.â
he nods, rubbing his thumb against the ring on his pointer finger. thereâs a second of silence that passes through, and for once, you think you might be able to enjoy a moment of peace to yourself, but the hunk of black and red decides to open his mouth again.
ââŠyou really shouldnât have been out thereââ
you groan. âoh my godââ
âdiving near here has always been known to be dangerous, something worse couldâve happened.â
âreally? itâs almost like i was willing to take the risk, have you ever thought about that?â
he bristles. âyou are in no position to be satirical right nowââ
âand you are in no position to be here right now!â
the beat of silence comes again, but itâs heavier this time, too heavy for you to pretend that you could ever be at peace in your tawdry hospital bed in the fortress of meropide. you exhale, fluttering your eyelids closed as you muster up as much courage as you can before you ask him, âwhy are you here?â
at first, you thought you mightâve been looking into it too much â your ability to overthink is one of the reasons that furina hired you after all â and it honestly seemed like your relationship was fine before furina changed your schedule to something useful (in fact, it felt like you might even get closer to him), but he had gone radio silent ever since you stopped coming to the fortress regularly.
thatâs why youâre surprised, you think.
you find yourself wondering if heâll actually respond to your question, but by the way he remains silent, youâre afraid he might just get up from his seat and walk out. you shift, tilting your head down so that you meet his eyes; he almost jumps at the sudden movement, but he remains seated.
what kind of person do you have to be to ignore someoneâs letters for weeks and show up at their injured bedside in the same breath?
how can he sit next to you with furrowed brows and concerned eyes when he asked neuvillette for your timetable so that you wouldnât be in the palace when he went up there, not knowing you were just outside the office?
how could he practically reduce your relationship to what it was before furina assigned you down here?
âhey, did i do something to you?â you ask him bluntly, and his face falls in horror, âdid i say something wrong? because if i did, you really shouldâve just told me instead ofââ
âno, no!â he waves his hands in a sort of protest, and he pauses, his lips wringing in hesitation, âyou havenât done anything wrong.â
âso whatâs going on?â
the duke looks like heâd rather be anywhere but here, but he stays anyways. âiâm not avoiding you because of anything you did,â he utters his words slowly and meticulously, as if his entire reputation depends on them, âitâs my own shortcomings that are at fault.â
you blink.
âi don't have manyâŠacquaintances outside the fortress, so i'm not exactly sure how to keep up with others,â his tone sounds strange â timid, even, âso when i got your letters, i kept holding it off because i wasn't confident i could say what i wanted to correctly.â
he continues, his posture unfitting of a duke, his shoulders hunched with shame. âit'd always be at the back of my mind as i did my duties, but it'd be far too late at that point to send one back without an excuse, which i didn't have. i never meant to make you wait for so long, it was just difficult for me to reply.â
your eye twitches. how has anything ever gotten done in the prison?
âso you thought it'd be better to just avoid me altogether?â
âi knew you'd be angry, rightfully, of course.â he tacks that last part as an offering of peace, a point of understanding he hopes you can connect.
âyou do understand that i'd actually get angrier as you went longer with no reply, right?â you cross your arms, leaning back on the metal headboard of the hospital bed.
the man cocks his head to the side. âwell, it makes sense now that you've said it.â
âŠokay, well now you feel bad. the cold warden of an even more unforgiving prison more resembles a man kicked to the side of the road, a solemn pout unconsciously playing on his lips as he practically sulks in his seat, and your heart melts for him just a little bit.
âso you were actually worried?â
âyes.â
âabout me?â
âyes.â
âand you weren't avoiding me because you despise my presence?â
âof course not.â his answer is firm and definitive before he quickly adds, âbut that doesn't mean you must forgive me, truly, i completely understand if you feel uncomfortable here, and we'll be sure to get you out as soon asââ
âit's okay, you don't have to keep apologizing.â the words escape your lips as you sigh in consolation, the relief washing over your body as you shift forward.
he nods, ââŠi really am sorryââ
âoh,â you joke, âbe quiet.â
what you don't expect is for him to do exactly that, closing his mouth immediately as he stares at you in earnest.
if you weren't already so smitten with his eyes, you might find it creepy how bright they are â the wholeheartedness practically seeping into the pale hues. you feel heat crawl to the back of your neck, a heat that really only makes it's appearance when wriothesley gets close to you.
âletâs just start over and completely reset everything,â you fight back the incessant warmth, pulling your lips back into a tight smile, âclean slates.â
ââŠeverything?â he echoes blankly, his eyes blinking in some sort of astonishment. he doesnât want to reset everything, but he supposes heâs in no position to refuse if you want to, so he straightens his back, attempting to fix the frown that pulls from his lips. âalright, if thatâs what you want.â
the seriousness in his expression makes your heart melt again, punching through it as if the past couple of minutes of your messy attempt to build your walls up again were mere seconds with toy blocks.Â
yeah, you think, maybe gauntlets are better.
ââŠare you going to the chasse this year?â you tilt your head.
his eyebrows furrow. âi typically don't attend those types of events.â
âit would be wonderful if you did,â you smile; you've only been this close to wriothesley once, but his face shrouded by the dark lighting of the broken-down corridor could hardly compete with the sight you see before you, ârumor has it that a rather lonely official would appreciate your presence.â
âoh?â a hesitant, faint smile appears on his lips (you wonder just how wide his grin could beâif it's a toothy smile you can imagine in your head, if his canines are as sharp as you think they might be), and he glances up at your eyes again, âand would you consider this rumor to be true?â
âyou'd have to be there to validate my answer anyways, wouldn't you?â
his expression cracks again, his mouth curving up as a chuckle escapes his lips. âi guess i would.â his head naturally tilts as he laughs, but you can barely think of a response to the sound of his laughter echoing in your ear, your face surely hot enough to boil the ocean around you.
his laugh is so cute.
âyour smile suits you well, monsieur.â you end up blurting out the words without thinking, a wavering lilt in your tone as you gaze up at him in some awestruck stupor.
his lips are so cute.
he seems to freeze at the compliment for just a moment, before he bows his head. âthank you.â
heâs so cute.
the man suddenly gets out of his chair, keeping his head low before he turns around, practically making a beeline for the door, âi think i hear sigewinne outside, actually, so i probably shouldn't keep her waiting â i'll see you at the chasse!â
with that, he slams the door behind him, leaving you staring wide-eyed in the empty room.
âŠdid you offend him somehow? you blink back your confusion, hesitating for just a moment before you clear your throat in the silent air, deciding that waiting for the fortressâs nurse to tend to your wounds is probably the best course of action. your face is hot and your fingers burn as you move to smooth out the wrinkled sheets that lie on top of you before folding the edges back neatly, leaning back onto your pillows with a strangled sigh.
how embarrassing.
on the other side of the door, sigewinne curiously peers up at her duke. he hasn't moved since he barged out of the room, his back as stiff as a line, one of his hands still on the metal handle and the other attempting to cover the lower half of his face.
âwriothesley,â she asks innocently, âwhy are you so red?â
IV. ASSET JEWELRY (OH, A BROOCH? FOR ME?)
out of all of fontaine's cultural festivals, the chasse is probably your least favorite. you don't really find hunting all that appealing nor do you like fraternizing with rich nobles whoâve never worked a day in their life, so the entire event is pretty boring for the most part.
âare you looking for somebody?â
neuvillette peers curiously at you as you sigh, flopping back into the seat next to him.
âno,â you grumble delicately, the dejected pout on your face a clear indicator that youâre lying, âiâm just bored is all.â
âwell, please let me know if thereâs anything i can do to pique your interest,â the man smiles softly as he rests his head back on the seat, somewhat of a knowing glint in the purple of his eyes, âor if thereâs somebody that i can point to help you out.â
your eye twitches.
you make an embarrassed noise at his comment, and he continues to smile as the two of you overlook the stragglers that trickle into the open forest.
there are lot of familiar faces that you can see socializing with each other amongst the crowd; lynette and emilie, for example, are sipping on tea on the east side with many of the other ladies, conversing amongst the buttered biscuits and board games.
navia and clorinde are in a different corner, dressed in pantsuits and equipping their hunting gear as they talk, and you can even see charlotte bouncing around lyney and the rest of the crowd with her trusty camera at her side â all of these familiar faces, and still, the one that had promised to show up hasnât yet.
âiâll be right back,â you announce as you stand up again, and your head swivels to the man sitting beside you, âyouâre fine to announce the event without me, right?â
âplease, go ahead,â neuvillette gives you a close-eyed smile (itâs almost suspicious how agreeable heâs being), taking another sip of his tea, âfurina will be here any moment, so weâll be fine without you.â
the sun glares in your eyes and the leaves from the trees barely make enough shadow to provide shade against the relentless heat, but there are less people back here, so youâre quite positive that no one will disturb you on your quick breakâ
you give him a swift nod before you make your way down the steps before immediately turning to head back towards the exit.
you contemplate making an honest run for the gate and leaving before anyone can stop you, but your duty to fontaine is important, even if it caters to a hunting competition youâve never appreciated since your youth. so, you branch off, turning to an open clearing nearby instead.
a hand grabs your arm, pulling you back.
a barely disguised shriek leaves your lips as your elbow hits the chest of your attacker, and they let out a grunt in response. you come to a horrifying conclusion that that particular wall of a chest feels far more familiar than youâd like to admit.
âwriothesley?â you quickly turn around, your feet tangling themselves against the soft dirt, and he catches your shoulder quickly, your body steadying against his palm. you look up, and your eyes sparkle.
âhi,â he gives you a wry smile, âfancy seeing you here.â
the suit he wears is far more fitting for a rich duke than his usual dress uniform â a long hunting coat drapes over his broad shoulders, buckled at the very middle with gold accents, a red dress shirt peeking out from behind the fur. his hair is styled differently too, swept back to reveal his forehead, a few rebellious strands sitting near his eyebrow.
you feel warm, and you're acutely aware that it's not because of the sun.
your eyes make the mistake of darting to his palm, zeroing in on the rings that line his knuckles, the veins that run on his skin, his fingertips on the edge of your shoulder. he seems to notice, because he quickly releases you from his grasp.
âum,â you clear your throat, ducking your head down just a bit, âyeah, you too! i honestly didnât think youâd show up.â
his eyes dart to the side. âof course i did,â he says casually, âyou asked me to come, didn't you?â
your cheeks flush.
âi'm glad you did.â you bite the inside of your cheek, and your eyes fall on the sword by his hip. âwill you be competing?â
âi will,â he nods, his hand resting on the hilt; it looks new sheathed behind itâs cover, like itâs never been used before, âare you?â
you laugh, the smile breaking through your lips, âno, iâll just be spectating today. iâve never been into hunting, even if they are just robots.â
his eyebrows raise in surprise, and he falters, shifting with something in the pocket beside his sword. âa-ah, well,â he almost looks embarrassed underneath the sweltering sun, a sheepish grin on his face, âi guess that makes this useless, then.â
he pulls a small jewelry box from his pocket before carefully clicking it open, revealing a beautiful brooch in the middle. itâs the same deep red thatâs the color of his suit, cut and polished, pinned and soldered to a golden casing, an intricate floral pattern fanning out past the gem. âi had hoped to wish you luck,â he admits, âi hope you still accept it.â
if you werenât warm before, you surely are now.
giving jewelry to someone during the chasse was never just a tradition of good luck, no, it signified interest too. the novels that furina reads flood back into your head ăŒ multiple women begging the crown prince to accept their charms, one girl accepting her loverâs and going on to win ăŒ the flush on your face gets deeper, itâs so hot you might burn.
âthis is how i know that youâre supposed to go outside more,â your voice comes out unnaturally high-pitched, ânobody has been trading jewelry for many years now.â
he hums. âi know,â he delicately takes the brooch out, clicking the box shut. he puts it back in his pocket, before he delicately grabs your hand, placing the jewel on your palm. itâs cool against the fire you feel on your skin at his touch, and he gently closes your fingers over it, making a fist. âiâm a romantic at heart. and, furinaâs recommended your favorite books to me.â
of course furina is behind this.
you can hear a horn blaring from a distance, a sign that the event is about to start.
âcan i confess something?â
you blink, and you look at him curiously. âsure?â
it blares again.
with the swift rush of the breeze that wafts past you, he leans down, his lips right next to your ear, his jaw tilted towards yours. âiâm only competing because i thought you would be as well,â his tone is soft and deep, âsecretly, i hoped that iâd be receiving a piece of jewelry from you too.â
he steps back, and he gives you another smile. thatâs two, you think. âsince iâm not, though, please take care of that for me â if you cheer me on, iâll be sure to win!â
with that, he walks away, the horn sounding a final time with a thunderous roar of applause. thereâs a faint sound of neuvillette welcoming the diplomats, but if youâre being completely honest, you canât hear a single thing behind the hot ringing in your ears. as wriothesley walks away, your thumb brushes against the jewel.
the forests of fontaine have always been beautiful, despite the random treasure hunter group or fatui members here or there, so youâre glad to be able to reconnect with the greenery after spending so much time in the city.
you think he might be prettier.
V.) A SOFT SPOT FOR THE FEMALE LEAD (WAIT, WHAT?)
if there was one word you could use to describe wriothesley, itâd be cold.
heâs aloof on good days and almost mean on bad days, his reputation is lower than the ground where the fortress of meropide resides, and his undoubtedly dark past leaves him closed off from the rest of the world.
he isâŠsweet, though.
âmadame,â he taps on your shoulder, and youâre greeted with a different suit than the one he bore during the competition. it still looks exquisite on him, the long cape trailing past his tall legs, a tight navy vest hugging his chest, âwhat are you doing out here?â
âmonsieur,â you smile teasingly as you set your wine glass down on the edge of the balcony. the moon is high in the sky now, the cold chill of fontaineâs atmosphere clear against the breeze, âi just needed a break from the festivities is all.â
he nods. âitâs pretty hectic in there, you made a good decision coming out here.â he exhales softly, closing his eyes, â...it did make it harder to find you, though. i was looking for you all night.â
when did wriothesley become such a natural flirt?
âi apologize,â you smile sheepishly, shifting your body to the side to allow more space, âhere, feel free to join me!â
he accepts your invitation with a small smile, resting his arms against the stone, his head lying close to yours.
âcongratulations on winning the hunt, by the way,â you play with your fingers, âseriously, i donât think anyone stood a chance against you.â
âi admit that the sword was pretty cool.â his smile grows wider as he stares at the trees in the garden of the palais mermonia.
âi knew it!â you exclaim, nudging his shoulder in excitement, âgauntlets couldnât have scored half of the points you got with a sword.â
âhalf is pushing it,â he snorts, and he looks down, his arm moving just a bit closer to yours, âbesides, i had some motivation.â
you flush, becoming increasingly hyperaware of the brooch that you wear proudly on your dress. âiâm pretty good with a sword, yâknow,â you inhale, âi could always teach you more sometime.â
âiâd like that,â he glances up at you, his blue eyes staring holes into you, half-lidded against the brightness of the moon, âitâd be nice to meet with you outside of official business.â
âwe can call it non-official, then,â you smile innocently, âas long as furina doesnât know.â
he chuckles lowly, and you canât help but follow him, copying his movements.Â
itâs silent for a moment with both of your heads rested on your arms, a cool breeze ruffling through your clothing as the party rages on inside. your voice comes out soft, almost a whisper that gets carried on with the rest of the night, âcan i confess something?â
he perks up. âsure.â
âi wouldâve accepted your brooch in a heartbeat if i wasnât so shocked,â the embarrassment crawls up your neck, onto the tips of your nose, âeven so, the only thing that i was thinking about was rushing back home and finding one to give to you.â
itâs like the atmosphere warms up with the way his eyes light up, and if you look closely, you can see a faint red that brushes against his cheeks.Â
âiâm happy that you reciprocate,â his smile is smug, despite the blush that threatens fire on his body as he leans in closer, a teasing look in his eyes, âif youâd like, we can rush right back to your home right now.â
âwhy, youăŒ!â you gasp in mock offense, hitting his shoulder. he practically cackles at his joke, and you glower, âyouâre dangerous.â
âfor you, iâll try not to be.âÂ
his finger interlocks with yours absentmindedly, and he grins as the music begins again, âwould you spare a dance with me tonight?â
the live orchestra plays live in the background warms up their instruments as guests begin to get into their places in the middle ăŒ he leads you easily from your spot on the balcony, one hand on your shoulder, the other on your waist.Â
the duke may be cold, but he makes you feel a fervor unknown to anybody else.
 âit would be my honor.â
wriothesley grew up around danger; his childhood was constantly filled with the fear of people who lurked behind dark corners, his teenage years spent fighting to reverse the system that was once used to punish him. heâll try to be the least dangerous that he can be (although heâs pretty sure thatâs not the danger you were talking about), and for you, heâll endeavor to do his best.
much like the letters that heâll continue to send you, he seals his pledge it with a kiss.
SIGHS. thank u for reading if youve made it this far!! wriothesley responding to letters is me w/ my texts đđ fuck online communication that shit is unnatural
At first, XIAO doesnât understand that his words have cut you.Â
He was always one with a blunt, yet sharp tongue, never afraid to speak his mind or to criticize your actions on the slightest whim. After all, why should he be hesitant? His power is common knowledge - as an illuminated adepti, thereâs few who can rival his dexterity.
But he never expected his words to hurt you. Xiao has never fully understood human emotion. Heâs always isolated himself from the foreign concept, determined to separate him and such⊠frivolities. Emotions are for mortals, and he is not one of man. In his manner of thinking, heâs just helping you improve yourself, so why are youâŠ
âArchons, Xiao. Itâs always about my mistakes. My mistakes, over and over andâŠâ Then your wavering voice cuts off as you swallow, hard. What did he do wrong? Why were you acting this way?
Thatâs when the aloof yaksha notices the crystal teardrops spilling from your eyes, running down your cheeks and staining the skin it trails. The slight hitch in your shallowed breath and the way you stray from his touch, trembling, anxiously wiping at your tears.
â...Love?â He isnât accustomed to seeing you like this, avoidant of his gaze and so⊠vulnerable. âWait, please-â
âArchons, love. Please, look at me.â Xiao takes your wrist in his gloved hand, his grasp cautious yet firm. His voice is pleading, quiet, strained with desperation.
âNo, I⊠I didnât mean to hurt you.â His voice shakes as he tries to meet your eye.
âLove, you are perfect. I never meant to say otherwise.â Please, believe me.
âIâm sorry. So pleaseâŠâ He detests the way heâs acting, heart racing so shamefully, yet still embraces you tightly, skin cold to the touch.
âStay by my side.â â„
KAZUHAâs eloquent wording is one that never ceases to amaze, so itâs only a twinge of misfortune that causes a misunderstanding to form.
As a poet, the way he speaks is quite ornate, a manner in which people may not comprehend. However, thatâs never exactly been a problem when it comes to the communication of the two of you. You understand Kazuha, and that translates to his speech as well, so in a way, itâs only natural.
YetâŠ
âThe show was incredible, wasnât it?â You take Kazuhaâs hand, and follow his gentle tug on yours as he leads you out of the crowd, smiling back at you. The white haired male, being the traveler he was, decided to take you for a night out in Liyue Harbor, where the two of you first ate a fine dinner, and just finished viewing a performance from the Liyue Theatre. Your heart still raced from the nightâs breathtaking sights and wonders.
âIndeed it was.â He closes his eyes, a sign that heâs content, and you canât help but widen your grin. âThe main casting role, the lady with the flowing dress, was exceptionally talented. Just from the way she glided about the stage⊠you can tell sheâs experienced, and blessed with bountiful potential.â
You nod along, albeit a little awkwardly. Thereâs nothing out of the ordinary for the two of you to discuss such topics, but for some reason, the way heâs speaking about her just makes your insides want to crawl.
Heâs still droning on, eyes sparkling. â...Then, at the final scene, when she began to sing⊠say, Love, why donât you try theater? It might suit you well. Maybe one day youâd be on a stage, just like her.â
What the male meant was: try theater out, youâd do well.
But what you heard, instead, was: you should do theater too. then you could be as brilliant as her.
You hated the way it felt like he was comparing the two of you, weighing which one held more worth.
âI know! Weâll be staying here for a while, so why donât I sign you up forâŠâ His voice trails off as he lets go of your hand, aware of the tears that are starting to form in your wells. âLove, what⊠whatâs wrong?â
âKazuha⊠please, stop.â
â...What?â He seems genuinely clueless, but clasps but your hands in his, a worried gaze written all over his face. âNo, IâŠâ
âPlease stop comparing me to her. I already know I donât deserve you⊠itâs justâŠâ Fuck, now you really couldnât stop the way the droplets started rolling down your cheeks, stray tears falling from your eyes and splattering onto the wooden planks below. All of your discomfort seemed to infuse themselves into the shameful adrenaline that was coursing through your veins, because you had worried if you werenât good enough for Kazuha. Someone as lackluster as yourself, going out with a handsome young swordsman, intelligent, kind⊠he was loved by many, and youâŠ
â...Love, please!âÂ
When did he get so close? Heâs leaned in, concerned, crimson-eyed gaze trained onto your every movement. âWhat are you even thinking about, to be breathing so heavily⊠no, câmon love, look at me.â And when you do, eyes meeting his, his mouth morphs into a somewhat smile. âThere mustâve been a misunderstanding.â
âBecause you are most certainly superior to any other person in Teyvat.â
âAnd of all people, youâŠâ
âI am the one not worthy of your love,
so donât ever say that again.â â„
SCARAMOUCHE doesnât care at all, why should he?
He said some stuff that you took too close to heart, so what? If he hurt you, why should he fret over it? Youâre strong enough to take it. All he said was one or two harsh words that merely came to mind, so thereâs no need for you to be all wounded over it, either.
âYeah, youâre pathetic.â Scaramouche scoffs at you, one hand on his waist while the free one makes sarcastic motions in the air. âYou canât even get one thing right, can you?â
The âthingâ in question, in fact, was making Scaramouche dinner. You added a pinch too much salt, and now the male seemed to act like youâd committed a grave offense upon humanity⊠but then again, he was always dramatic, so this time shouldnât be any different, right?
âI⊠I tried my bestâŠâ Your voice trails off as you cringe under his undermining glare.
âClearly, your âbestâ wasnât enough.â His jeering tone is enough to make your heart shatter as you glance up at him, eyes wide. You donât realize youâve begun crying until you feel the sensation of tears spilling down your cheeks, falling from your eyes with silent melancholy as you seem to choke on your own words.
âWhy are you⊠why are you crying?â Youâre scared to look up at him, whatever expression heâs making, so you keep your head down, pitifully wiping your tears away.
âIâm not.â
âSure you arenât.â His voice is airy as he rolls his eyes, frowning at you. What, now you get to act all disheartened? What did he even do to upset you?
âIâm not crying.â
âCâmon, Kuni. Itâs okay to say if youâre sad. Here, cheer up, and Iâll give you this flower, okay?â
A voice echoed in his head.
â...Huh?â
And itâs strange, really, how the sight before him mirrors one from long before. The way your eyes hold so much sorrowful desperation, the way you seem so broken inside, and most of all, the way the tears that run down your face seem achingly familiar.
âShit.â His voice seems small, too small. âWait, love, I-â His voice cuts off as he sighs, unsure of what to say. The beating of his anxious heart overpowers all noise.
âLove, I was⊠joking. I donât mean any of it.â
âYou being here is a blessing of itself.â
âArchons, please know how much I love you.â â„
(a/n) i accidentally made xiao's part the shortest i am a disgrace to humanity
premise. in which entails your daily life being in a relationship with the one and only eccentric wanderer. (alternatively: wanderer's love for you comes in many forms. you welcome them all the same.)
warnings: established relationship, hurt-comfort, slice of life, wanderer is called kuni. jealousy (wanderer), angst. FLUFF fluff fluff. wanhida family goals
a/n: ITS SCARAMOUCHE WANDERER SEASON his event broke me btw [in tears]
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# observation one: unconventionally clingy
early on in your relationship, this side of the wanderer remains quite privy to himself alone. this is because he has a very, very uncanny similarity to an aggressive and guarded cat that hisses when given an ounce of affection.
this does not mean he doesn't like your outlandish and grand displays of affection, though; its actually the opposite. (LOL)
the true crux of the matter lies in his inability to let down his guarded pride to admit that he thinks your affection is his lifeblood. (basically, âew, affection... do it againâ)
he's a menace (affectionate), and if you were one for critiquing that aspect of his character, you wouldn't have been in a relationship with him by now, anyway.
howeverâthere is always a however when it comes to himâthis does not mean that wanderer doesn't come across points of anxiousness over the fact that his less than affable personality may be something you will grow sick of one day.
he knows he isn't the best choice of a romantic partner; seriously, what were you even thinking... but when he establishes that you are indeed now an irreplaceable part of his life (which will take a long time, good luck), he clings to you with a fierce desperation underneath all that thorn and bristle.
this is part of his visceral fear of abandonmentâyou are the one thing that he adores, cares for with his entire being (nahida as a close second), and to watch you slip away from him due to his own misgivings will spell out a death sentence for him.
(so please, treat him gently; cradle his cracked palms and broken psyche, and slowly, emphasis on slowly, but surely, he will learn to return in kind.)
this âclinginessâ comes forth in his proximity to you. once he has felt comfortable with your relationship, wanderer is quite unafraid to show how touchy he is in his own way.
whether that is to get groceries in your shared home, following after you like a second shadow when you go to the grand bazaar, or even shooing away people that harass you (tba), the wanderer's gaze and all his efforts are always directed to your will.
(you dubbed this as âscary cat boyfriend privilegeââand are rewarded with a painful flick to the forehead. ouch.)
âââ ââ
âwhere are you going?â the slender hand that stops you from leaving your comfy bed does little to help your need to fall back into the blissful arms of sleep.
âjust going to go get some water, kuni.â
waking up to the sight of the wanderer in all his divine glory certainly isn't one of the things you expected in your life, but you welcome it all the same. leaving a simple kiss to his forehead, you pry your hand away with a gentleness you reserve only for him.
he flushes, a lovely red adorning cheeks, to the span of his neck. oh, how you love seeing him melt.
âyou won't take too long?â
he doesn't need to breathe, but he sucks in a breath anyway, face twisting to a deep set frownâyour telltale sign that your kunikuzushi had a nightmare.
an unanswered question. you won't leave?
your hand caresses the silky soft strands of his purple hair, that in which wanderer nuzzles into. he doesn't seem keen on telling you, and you respect that. you'd wait for him as long as he'd like.
âof course i will. not going anywhere, silly.â
why would i? you convey in that same gesture. i love you.
the tightness of his face relaxes, his grip grip on your hand loosening. rightâyou weren't. (you were not going to abandon him.)
âhurry up and come back, then. it's far too early.â his voice is still thick with sleep, though that doesn't temper his signature sass at all.
i love you too. goes unsaid.
your grin sharpens, teasing. âaww, don't miss me too much, okay?â
anddd there's the signature scowl. â...never mind, don't come back.â
âhey!â
shuffling to hide his face from you, wanderer sports a genuine smile, hidden from your sight.
because in your presence, the wanderer stills, and all thoughts of a doomed eternity fall short of how he commits himself to youâwanderer loves and loves, loves you, for you nestle in the space his heart was meant to be, holding onto the mere wisps of your identity and weaving it into the mosaic of his soul.
it's silent save for when you plop yourself back to the bed, bearhugging wanderer and complaining about waking up early again because you stayed up all night playing tcg with him. (he's at 10 wins and 5 losses and he was not going to be caught lacking).
âyou do realize that's entirely your fault, right?â he gloats. âit's not my fault my card bested that lawachurl of yours.â
âwhat?! no way, mister! my all geo team is still superior, mind you-â
once, wanderer wondered about the concept of infinity.
everlasting devotion. of unabashed care and trust. as he listens to your ramblings as the night falls to day, he figures that what you currently share fits that concept just fine.
# observation two: (very) jealous tendencies
it isn't in wanderer's intention to be jealous. well, so he says.
really, he isn't! after all, what was there to be jealous of? absurd! looks, intellect, an extensive range of vocabulary not limited to insults and creative verbal attacks; wanderer boasts quite the sizable number of pros that get most people falling at his feet. (his outward personality leaves much to be desired, however, but his snark does have a certain charm. probably).
and of all the bashful akademiya seniors and well-intentioned young women (and men), you managed to get into a relationship with this black cat of a derisive puppet. this is an achievement worthy of celebration, for not just anyone can take the wanderer and burrow into his many, many guarded walls and claim the title of being his lover.
yet, wanderer is the more jealous one in the relationship.
he knows that you won't cheat on him, and trusts that you won't look at others in such a way. but still, your boyfriend can't help but doubt. be patient when working out his jealousy, for it is a double edged swordâon one hand, wanderer was so adorable when he was jealous; sulky, clingy, hot you name it! and it was very flattering, knowing that he loved you enough to want to keep you all to himself.
but, the other side was quite... a piece of work. should you attempt to tease him about such a thing, it ends in three ways. one, him flying off to god knows where and leaving you alone (đ), two, restricting you from hugging and giving him affection (đ), and worse, giving you the silent treatment (đš). choose your ammunition wisely.
and from this, be prepared for the wanderer to monopolize your attention all to himselfâ with said admirers mysteriously off the grid or too afraid to approach you for fear of his wrath. i'll say it once: a jealous wanderer is a force to be reckoned with. (and we love him for it)
(he was chided endlessly by nahida for this; âyou're scaring all the researchers that want to do a thesis review with [name]!â she says. a sly smirk his only reply).
âââ ââ
âwhat, and here i thought he had more bark left in him.â wanderer huffs haughtily, with the researcher dashing away as if his life depended on it.
âyou'll get scolded by nahida again, you know. i don't think the dendro archon's trusted aide should boast a terrifying reputation.â
he snorts. âlesser lord kusanali has better things to do than chide me for harassment.â
âbut you don't have better things to do than scaring away poor kimiya?â
that gets you an eye roll that could reach massive highs of âwhat about it?â from your boyfriend. âyou're overthinking.â (translation: you're right).
âuh huh, sure i am.â
âwhatever. who you talk to and interact with is none of my concern. it's not like i care about such things anyway.â he retorts. âi'm not possessive.â
so he says. âby the way, his pickup line was patheticââare you anemo because your beauty blows me awayâ? atrocious.â
your eyebrow raises in return. really, who was speaking about ânot caringâ and then judging right after. well, it's fine because he was kinda right.... cyno would definitely get along with that guy.
âit was sincere! i think he has to be commended for his efforts, no?â
âyou call that effort?â his face scrunches to a dissatisfied frown.
kinoya, kimiyaâhe doesn't even remember his name anymore. wanderer doesn't care for those that waste his time, and more especially to those that attempt to get close to you in particular. honestly, what a cheap trick.
and you! you were seriously humoring that moony researcher earlier. you even smiled at him! wanderer seethes, crossing his arms. âits quite irritating, knowing that they flock to you under the guise ofâwhat was it he said? right, âshared academic pursuits.â it was too obvious.â
âfirst of all: that's rude, second, he really needed help! anyone would feel sorry for him.â you tut, pinching the smooth of wanderer's palm. you wisely decide not to comment on how he immediately interlocks hands with you.
you snicker. âand he was only asking for advice on his research topic, silly.â
âhah! how nice. you're defending him now.â it is quite incredible how wanderer has the ability to be just like an annoyed cat that dunked itself into a bucket of cold water; and the way he frowns at you only makes you let out an even worse fit of laughter.
wanderer drinks in the sound, resonating it with the beat of his soul, your laugh the heartbeat echoing deep within his veins. he is reduced to nothing with youâwith you, his face relaxes; wanderer may be indifferent to humans, but with you, your mere existence is enough for him to falter like a human, weaken like a human.
and weakly, perhaps in an attempt to save face, he speaks, âyou didn't deny it.â
âdeny what?â
â...defending him.â (if he were a cat, his ears would definitely fall flat right now).
you let out another light laugh, but sparing your lover the torment, you cling to the side of his arm instead.
âi never had such intentions.â stating it quite firmly, âi'm only saying that there's no competition to be made, darling.â
he gives you a skeptical look in return. âwas there even any?â
ânone at all.â you lean closer to him, and the wanderer leans into the touch of your hand on his cheek. âsince you're winning.â
the flustered blush you receive and the subconscious squeeze of his hand in yours conveys all you need to say.
that did the trick. wanderer's smile is satisfiedâsmug. âclearly, you managed to make the right call for once.â
âwell, i could hardly resist you.â
afterwards, you note that the wanderer's pace doesn't seem as fast as usual anymore. no matter the jaw dropped stares of others at the two of you cozying up together, he never let go of your hand once.
(the next day, kimiya comes to you with a sheepish smile saying that he'd like to focus on his own without your help.
âwas it your doing?â you look at the wanderer by your bedside table fastening his vision in pace, voice deadpanning.
âwouldn't dream of it.â he replies, but as he's putting on his hat, you see him smile to himself.
if you ask anyone who knows the wanderer on a personal note, you'd find out that he is, indeed, quite considerateâhidden underneath alllll that snark and aloofness and haughtiness, the wanderer cares for those who have helped him in some way, and with you as his partner (romantic), that care is multiplied tenfold hundredfold.
this quality of his, despite being endearing on paper and practice, is reminiscent of that of an aggressive mother hen; if you count wanderer as a hen that pecks someone incessently to show his care.
he chides you like an exasperated young maiden, but the soft way he handles your bruised arm littered with injuries from your recent run in with some strange fontainian seahorse contradicts his harsh scoldings.
(âbested by a fish? are you serious?â
âexcuse you, i needed to get it's horns for materials, okay?!â
â...remind me why i'm stuck with an idiot for a companion.â
âuh, because i have a great personality, and you love me?â
âa decision i've made that's quite hard to defend, honestly.â
you stick your tongue out at him. yes, his habits also become yours.)
or how he tells you you're hopeless at cooking, but always manages to excuse himself to cook for you the moment he notices even the slightest decline in your health. one concern though; he throws the bento towards your headâso minus points for domesticity. (...he has cut heart shapes into the vegetables before and has never been the same since.)
if there's anything you can count wanderer for, he will do it. you could ask him to attempt to pluck the very fabric of reality for you, string together the stars and leave them at your feet, and he will do so, huffing all the while (he never means it). he's just smitten like that; not that he would ever verbalize itâyet. his hushed and vulnerable whispers of asking you to let him stay by your side are your closest road to his admittance.
he will not serenade you with âshallow declarations of love,â as he tells you, but you know that he will always be there for you, for better or for worse.
âââ ââ
fury is an emotion wanderer was once very accustomed toâit reminds him of electric violet, of three betrayals and of yearning for a constitution he was never fated to reach.
and fury tugs at the strings of his being the moment he sees the droplets of tears fall from your eyes, blurring your vision.
âwho did it?â something bitter and violent manifests in his countenance, his vision pulsing angrily with gales threatening to harm. (it does not harm you, though. it never does.) âwho did this to you?â
his grip on your shoulders tightens the more you refuse to answer, both from anger and fear. you're never this silent; and his panic increases when you opt to bury yourself in his neck. wanderer sighs.
âhey. i'm asking who made you cry like this, idiot.â
â...â
âfine, i won't call you an idiot, then.â but impatient way he speaks the syllables that make your name betrays his worry. âjust talk to me.â
â...can we just stay here like this?â
â....â
âsorry, that was a little-â you say, voice strained, pulling away; but the wanderer tugs you close, allowing you to hide from the world that seems so out to get you. (he knows that feeling well, after all.)
it's he who entangles himself with you, listening to the steady rise of your heartbeat, wiping away your tears.
âi didn't say you couldn't hug me, stupid. it's fine. do as you like.â
if it were a person that did this to you, that would've been better murder was never really out of the table with him, but when faced with something he is unable to solve for you; whether it be a bad day, bad luck, or even something he cannot control, wanderer finds himself at a loss.
because the concept of love, with you, is foreignâterrifying, even. betrayal and scorn were his guiding compass, and to be rid of it and to be seen by you, held by you, and to know that you were not going to follow in the footsteps of those he once clung to was far too good to believe. (yet he tries. for you.)
returning your embrace only passively, he tries to scramble for words of comfortâand when he fails to find the nerve to do so, he does the only thing he can allow himself to do.
with the kindness and gentleness he fostered (still fosters, thanks to you) from his memories as the kabukimono, the wanderer holds you, if only to remind himself of his place by your side, unchanging and adamantâas you remind him of his place beside yours.
i'm here, it goes unsaid. wanderer knows you'd pick up on it anyway. please talk to me.
(âif i die from this, i'll come haunt you as a ghost.â you shake like a leaf in his arms, clutched tight and staring at anywhere but the ground. who comforts someone by putting them almost 80 feet up in the air? heights are so not your thing.
âlike i'd let you.â wanderer says, rolling his eyes. âand you're shaking too much. just keep your eyes on me, will you?â
â...was that flirting?â
âi will drop you.â
âwait, i'm kidding!â a particular breeze leaves you in goosebumps, with wanderer tightening his grip on you. âdon't let me fall, please?â
âare you stupid?â he snaps, but urges you to look at the sight of the sunset on the horizon. hi hold is more gentle this time, too. âwhy would i let you fall? now stop shaking and hold on to me.â
you think you fell just a little harder for him that day.)
âand if you decide to press a kiss to the back of his nape as a way of thanks, you're rewarded with a playful gale and a little zap to deter you in response.
âwatch it, [name].â he says, but the shifty eyed way he doesn't meet your eyes isn't fooling anyone here; neither is the red on his cheeks. âyou're too close.â
âhehe, sorry, sorry, couldn't resist.â
nonetheless. he supposes the growing smile on your face in place of your tears are sufficient payment for wanderer's efforts. hmph.
he'll let it slide for today.
(he does a lot of that when it comes to you.)
# deciding conclusion: totally in love with you (real not clickbait)
saying it outright: being with the wanderer is not a smooth road. it is full of hardships, hurt, and learning. there will be many times when his built in self destruction (read: abandonment issues) will kick in, hurting you in the process.
getting him to say âi love youâ will seem impossible at first, and there will be times when his doubt pierces your heart and renders it tattered to pieces. he's doing his best chat, pls help him
he will not be able to utter sweet words of adoration like you do, or return your embrace as easily as you would with himâand there will be many moments when he will feel as if he's not enough.
but nourish your affections, stay consistently by his side, show him that he is worth loving, worth staying for, and like the foundations of a steadily built tower, his trust and love for you too will grow.
(it will sometimes feel tiring, it will feel hopeless, and it's more than what you've bargained for, but it will all be worth it in the end.)
because you know he cares; it's in the way his expression morphs into helplessness when he sees your face fall in an argument, how he doesn't push you away when you kiss him and shower him with hugs, and when his hands lock tightly in yours in a sea of people, with you only in his sights. how his eyes betray him to look at you with fondness and warmth.
(it's wordless whenever wanderer decides to hold you tight at night, hugging you like his last lifeline. especially after a disagreement, with only the quietude of the night to observe.
he said some hurtful words today. that much he knows.
âare you asleep?â his voice is muffled against your shirt, and he may not need to breathe, but he inhales your scent anyway, memorizing the sight of you in his arms like a promise. â...you probably are.â
silence. âi'm sorry.â
â.....â
his lip trembles, his grasp on your arms bruising if not for your non-awareness. there's a wetness growing against your shirt, and small sniffles.
âi'm sorry.â and gently, so gently, wanderer presses his forehead against your shoulder, feeling the rise and fall of your body. âi shouldn't have snapped at you and told you those sorts of things.â
i'm sorry i hurt you.
please stay.
please don't let go of me.
i need you.
i love you.
when morning comes, you wake up to the sight of the wanderer in your bed, face nuzzled in your chest.
there are tearstains on his face.)
getting him to be open and vulnerable is akin to keeping a rusty, torn boat afloat; it will not be easy, no, but you know that he tries, (so very hard) to make it work. that he fights desperately against his own clumsily strung tethers and rebuilds himself anew, if only to understand and perceive youâto love you as you deserve.
and when that time comes, wanderer will cling to you, desperately, completely, and make sure your efforts will never ever make you regret giving him the chance to open up and be with you.
âââ ââ
âwhat would happen if we ever broke up?â
dropping such a bombshell in the middle of having the wanderer on your lap was not how he thought things would go to, granted how pleasant the atmosphere wasâhe'd agreed to going on a much needed date (your words) with you after lesser lord kusanali had just graded him on one of his essay papers. (he got an a, obviously)
you don't think you've ever seen such a distraught look cross wanderer's faceâaside from the time you finally beat him at tcg (5 out of 4); and you've never seen him look so angry either.
rather, he looked scared.
âwhat brought this idea on?â he tries to lodge out the words, trying to act coherent. but underneath, a storm brewsâhis hands are shaking. wanderer feels like he's swallowed a bag full of needles.
am i not doing enough? was i too harsh on them when i scolded them for fighting that damn mechanical desert robot? he's scared. or... do they really....
the mere idea of you being tired of himâsick of him, and ready to leave him behind leaves an ugly, disgusting feeling. like acid on his skin.
perhaps, you don't love him anymore? wanderer panics, senses going overdrive. was it that argument months ago when he hurt your feelings? he knows you know he apologized, and he's doing everything in his power to make sure he wasn't repeating that mistake anymoreâbut why would you say this out of nowhere?
or maybe it's because he didn't notice you feeling uncomfortable in your relationship? no, you would have definitely told him if so. then what is it? you don't just say things like this out of nowhere so seriously-
âi mean... at this point, i think i wouldn't ever want to break up with you.â
â...what?â wanderer blinks.
âyou heard me.â cupping the sides of his face with your hands, you restate your words with more vigor. eyes determined. âi don't think i've ever loved someone so much as i love you. heck, not even close! kuni, if we break up, i might actually never recover.â
and the wanderer falls. how could you even say such a thing?
âthat's... you're shameless.â he states it like an insult, but his hands go up to hide his eyes, hiding his embarrassment from your romantic words. âwhy would you even say something so out of pocket like that? you utter fool. you almost made me think i-â
- would lose you. he thinks. even thinking it made him feel nauseous.
âwhy are we still dating then? but really, i mean it. i love you too much.â you coo, and that, in return, leads the wanderer to release an exasperated, weary sigh.
but contrary to his attitude, he relaxes his face and allows you to hold him. lightens up, even. you continue, rambling on, âbe honest, you know you love me.â
âunfortunately.â
and that brings out such a bright and dazzling smile on your face that the puppets sarcastic smile is replaced by a real one when you huff and smack at his head. (all is well.)
âyou're so unromantic.â
indeed, being with this strange, eccentric puppet was certainly a challenge in more ways than one. nonetheless, you know he cherishes youâbecause with you, the wanderer is different. he's bristly, infuriating, and honestly a pain (lovingly), but he cares for you.
he tells you to stop ogling at his pretty face and do the dishes, yet he never minds the attention at all. he tells you that you were a fool for accidentally getting yourself injured by eremites because you wanted to save some fungi, but follows you anyway and makes sure no one messes with you.
he says he probably wouldn't miss you while you're gone, but is always the first person you see when you return to sumeru city. it's these little things that make you love him, and you know the feeling is mutualâeven if he'll act indifferent about it in the meantime.
âhey, kuni?â
wanderer's eyes are closed, serene. once he knew that you were not, in fact, going to break up with him, he relishes the feeling of his head resting on your lap. it was safe, warm, and everything to him; but he'd rather let the world burn before he tells you. âwhat?â
âthank you for letting me love you.â
....
â...idiot.â is all he says. you can feel him shift to the side so you won't see his face. âyou don't have to thank me for that. that's so sappy...â
(and if you ever saw the slight sheen of glossiness in his eyes, you keep it to yourself.)
i should be thanking you. he thinks instead. i'm glad you love me.
so many things pop up in his head for this, so many unspoken wordsâand he may not be able to convey such things to you; he might never be able to, but you know that he loves, loves, and adores you.
because you accepted his past, his sins and his imperfections and treated him with tenderness and care. and you know that no matter how many sides of the wanderer you have yet to explore, you will love each one.
and that is enough for him to never let go.
a/n: IM CRYING I FINISHED THIS RIGHT ON TIME AFTER HIS EVENT and his growth has come so far,,, so proud of him đ„č
